Nagalim.NL News

Wednesday, February 28th

NSCN (IM) holds Delhi, Rangoon liable for bloodshed The Morung Express


NSCN (IM) holds Delhi, Rangoon liable for bloodshed The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 27 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) explaining the root causes of division among the Nagas pointed out that their peaceful existence was shattered the day “Indian occupation forces invaded on their land” and termed this as the “genesis of fighting and killing in Nagalim”. The Peace and Reconciliation Committee of the NSCN (IM) in a press communiqué while mentioning among others, the 16 point agreement, Shillong Accord, Military coupe d’ etat staged in 1978 and the other abortive coupe by SS Khaplang however stated that “when one dig deep into the heart of the matter”, it was Delhi and Rangoon who are the authors of all these bloodshed in “Nagalim”.
“They are the culprits. Our political battle or military battle is in Delhi and Rangoon. Our fighting strategy should therefore, be directed against those aggressors, not among ourselves. The Nagas realized the curse and shame of chopping the heads of their own brothers for status, money and tinsel medals from their enemies”, the statement pointed out.
While stating that the message of peace should be preached to the aggressors and ‘their allies’, the NSCN (IM) Peace Committee also maintained that it was the ‘collaborators of the enemies’ who betrayed the cause for ‘status and money’. “It is they who magnified fighting in Nagalim. It is they who made the stay of the occupation forces prolong this far. And that Nagas they are the innocent victims of those demons”, the Peace Committee maintained.
Making it clear that the Nagas are the aggrieved party, not the aggressor, the NSCN (IM) stated that it was imperative to know the causes of war and the roots of peace if Nagas are to eliminate war and restore peace in the land. Besides the occupational forces, which it stated was the genesis of fighting and killing, the NSCN (IM) Peace and Reconciliation Committee stated that the 16 point agreement was an attempt to legitimize the occupation of Nagalim by India. “It is never a boon as claimed by a few demagogues. It is only political bait to trap and murder the right of the Nagas”, it stated and further termed the Shillong Accord as another diabolic attempt on the life of the Naga nation, which had claimed thousands of lives.
On the military coupe d’ etat staged in 1978, it termed the move as a conspiracy hatched by the Indian intelligent agency, which had taken a heavy toll and went to state that the wounds of the Naga people were further widened by another coupe attempt of SS Khaplang, who butchered hundreds of fellow workers on ‘fabricated grounds’.
‘Right time to reconcile, unite’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 28 (MExN): Reaffirming the earlier proclamation made by its Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and also stating that it was the right time to reconcile, the NSCN (IM) Peace and Reconciliation Committee has stated that it was a message “to rebuild the relationship damaged by hatred, jealousy, tribalism, misinformation and venom of the enemies”. “We must love one another because that is the commandment. We must unite into one because that is law. We must rediscover peace because that is the will of God as well as that of mankind”, a press communiqué issued by the Committee stated while also affirming that Nagas must bury the past, heal the wounds, rebuild the damage and renew our trust and faith. “The causes of the conflagration must be removed. We must live together for a higher mission, a mission we are born for. And now is the right time”, the Committee stated.
Pointing out that it has been the practice from time immemorial that any dispute that arises between two villages, clans, families or individuals is settled through the mediation of a third party and “by sharing smoke pipe or food and drinks in the presence of the elders as a sign of reconciliation between the contending parties”. “And when it is settled in this way, both parties strictly abide by that, violator of which earns the wrath of the whole community or village”.
Stating that Nagas have been struggling for peace for more than six decades, the NSCN (IM) Peace Committee pointed out that “peace and progress of Nagalim hangs on the pendulum of a solution based on mutual respect and recognition of rights on the one hand and reconciliation and reunification of the long departed Naga brothers and sisters on the other”. The Peace Committee however stated that there is no logic in peace or unity move if it is not meant for “our higher cause”. “Peace and unity should be built upon the rock of freedom, truth and justice”, it stated adding that “free Nagalim for Christ is our rallying point and uniting point, fighting point and negotiating point” and that it was the political message to the people and the world as well. “It is where we stand and invest our labor and time. This is the unshakable stand of NSCN”, the Peace Committee stated.
NSCN (K) man killed in factional clash Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 27 (NPN): One cadre of the NSCN (K) was killed and another injured in a factional clash with NSCN (I-M) at Khukiye-Lukhaiyi Village, about one km away from Satakha town, in Zunheboto district on Tuesday morning. The clash took place when a 60-member NSCN(K)cadre attacked the rival numbering around 40 in the village after which there was heavy exchange of fire from 6.20 a.m. till 9 a.m. Intervention by village headmen,public and NGOs halted further clash after which both factions vacated the place.
However, the NSCN(K) returned and resorted to another attack at around 11 a.m. which was again stopped through the intervention of the public. The slain NSCN(K)activist was later identified as Uewrethong of Tisari village. However, the identity of the injured could not be ascertained. Casaulty if any, on the side of the NSCN(I-M)was not known.
The inured was later shifted to Zunheboto Town by the public for medical treatment. One NSCN (K) man died and two others sustained injuries in the gun battle that took place from 6.10 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. of the day, they said. Meanwhile, GBs of Satakha Town, leaders of Sumi Totomi Hoho and elders of Khukiye Lukhai Village have expressed gratitude to both factions for heeding to their plea and restoring normalcy in the area.
The culture of sharing smoke pipe- Nagaland Post Opninion
It has been our culture, prac-ticed since time immemorial that any dispute that arises between two villages, clans, families or individuals is settled through the mediation of a third party by sharing smoke pipe or food and drinks in the presence of elders as a sign of reconciliation between the contending parties. And when it is settled in this way, both the parties strictly abide by that, violator of which earns the wrath of the whole community or village.
Peace and conciliation is a divine language. Peace on earth is the wish of the Lord. All the living beings are created to exist in harmony with the law of creation. In the event of violation of that law, commotion and violence occur in that particular land. It is all because peaceful co-existence among all living beings and nations is the law.
According to the Scripture, man is created for love, which means love for God and man. Love for God is a divine longing in man for his creator and sustainer like that of a child for each other. Love for man is not only a natural born among brethren, but it is also a social necessity. It is so because no one is created to be an island. And that peace is the product of love. We cannot imagine of peace without love among humankind. Every one of us longs for peace and talks of peace everywhere and every time, but we are placed in war situation most of the time. Why? War is the artificial creation of human beings. It is made by the demons of dictators, power-mongers, imperialists, capitalists, communalists, tribal lords, dominant classes and nations.
Peace has been the message of every preacher, social activist, politicians, philosopher, writer and ruler in every generation. We are witnessing how the leaders of the world have been striving to re-discover peace on earth. In every stage of history we find people and nations struggling for peace and for the sake of peace even wars were fought among them.
The Nagas too have been struggling for peace for more than 6 decades. Where is that long cherished peace? Peace is indispensable for the growth of life and progress of society. But the reality is that peace does not exist by itself. It naturally goes along with somebody else. Basically peace is rooted in the solid ground of divine will. It blooms with freedom. It is built upon the foundations of truth and justice. It grows in the fertile soil of common will of a people. It is born of mutual trust and recognition of right. In the absence of these truths we cannot expect peace nor have peace anywhere on earth.
It is imperative for us to know the causes of war and the roots of peace if we are to eliminate war and restore peace in the land. In the case of the Nagas, they are the aggrieved party, not the aggressor. Their peaceful existence was shattered the day Indian occupation forces invaded on their land. That is the genesis of fighting and killing in Nagalim. 16 point agreement was an attempt to legitimize the occupation of Nagalim by India. It is never a boon as claimed by a few demagogues. It is only political bait to trap and murder the right of the Nagas. The Shillong Accord was also another diabolic attempt on the life of the Naga nation, which had claimed thousands of lives. The military coupe d'etat staged in 1978 was the manifestation of a conspiracy hatched by the Indian intelligent agency and those signatories of the accord of treason against the legitimate leadership of the people. It has also taken a heavy toll.
The wounds of the Naga people were further widened by another abortive coupe attempt of S.S Khaplang, who butchered hundreds of fellow workers on fabricated grounds. But when we dig deep into the heart of the matter we find that Delhi and Rangoon are the authors of all these bloodshed in Nagalim. They are the culprits. Our political battle or military battle is in Delhi and Rangoon. Our fighters strategy should therefore, be directed against those aggressors, not among ourselves. The Nagas realized the curse and shame of chopping the heads of their own brothers for status, money and tinsel medals from their enemies. The message of peace should be preached to the aggressors and their allies. It is the collaborations of the enemies, the power-mongers and the opportunist traitors who betrayed the cause for status and money. It is they who magnified fighting in Nagalim. It is they who made the stay of the occupation forces prolong this far. And that Nagas they are the innocent victims of those demons.
Now the questions is-where will we go from here and what is to become? Since the fate of a people cannot be placed in the hands of the aggressors or the opportunists traitors, policy and strategy have to be worked out so that it is rescued and redeemed. Peace and progress of Nagalim hangs on the pendulum of a solution based on mutual respect and recognition of rights on the one 3 hands and reconciliation and reunification of the long departed Naga brothers and sisters on the other. But we see no logic in peace or unity move if it is not meant for our higher caused. Peace and unity should be built upon the rock of freedom, truth and justice. Free Nagalim for Christ is our rallying point and uniting point. It is our fighting point and negotiating point. It is our political message to our people and the world as well. It is where we stand and invest our labor and time. This is the unshakable stand of NSCN.The spirit of the proclamation of our most honorable Yaruiwo is a tender call to all brothers and sisters for family reunion in his name. it is a healing touch to the wounded. It is a message to rebuild the relationship damaged by hatred, jealousy, tribalism, misinformation, disinformation and venom of the enemies.
We must love one another because that is commandment. We must unite into one because that is law. We must rediscover peace because that the will of God as well as that of mankind. We must bury the past, heal the wounds, rebuild the damaged and renew our trust and faith. The causes of the conflagration must be removed. We must live together for a higher mission, a mission we are born for. And now is the right time Peace and Reconciliation Committee, NSCN (IM).
Nagaland, the Land of the Nagas and not the Animals Centurion The Morung Express In Focus
Human beings and indisciplined wild animals cannot live together in a small state like Nagaland. Wild animals like Elephants and Rhinos cannot accommodate along with the farmers in a place like Nagaland, where there is no Government Reserved Forest. To preserve wild animals as centurion, sufficient area of land at least 1,000 sq. miles of Government Reserved Forest is needed. In a State like Nagaland, Bangladeshi terrorists and wild animals like Elephants and Rhinos that were harmful to innocent public cannot live where there are no sufficient hideouts.
It is to state that the Government of Nagaland allowed DHEP Development within the border areas of Zunheboto District and Wokha District and acquired 14,000 acres of Jhuming land that reduced our cultivable land by 50%. The effect was so serious for the survival of the farmers in these infected areas. While struggling for the shortage of cultivable land, wild Elephants in several groups penetrated into the area of DHEP surroundings and damaged all the agricultural crops and forest plantations. Further, the wild animals dismantled all the farm houses (including buildings). The animals are so furious that the villagers can no longer go to that area and cultivate their field where the wild animals are roaming.
It is our last and sincere appeal to owners of those animals, if any, to take them away to your reserved forest or eliminate them as you decide. Otherwise, to compensate the loss of the properties and the cost of abandoned whole areas for years by many villages may not be possible to compensate in terms of rupees for the owners (be it Govt. or private).
The public of the areas might demand alternative “exact size” of the areas for shifting the villages from our ancestral villages to the exchanged alternative sites, if no action is taken from the owners of the animals within March 2007, we shall consider those animals as our forest resource and take the action as per the Naga Customary Law and the Naga Tradition on indisciplined animals. This is in compliance to the Tribal Bill passed in Lok Sabha on 15th December 2006 and published in Nagaland Post on 16th December 2006 and 31st December 2006, that authorized forest resources ownership right to the tribals, who lived many generations in the said land. Because, anything that are existing in our ancestral lands are our forest resources.
I Vitokhe Sema Senior Citizen Littami Village, Zunheboto
Assam to end ‘land grab’ A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, Feb. 27: Dispur today sought the co-operation of all political parties to stop the rampant encroachment of Assam’s land by neighbouring states, particularly Nagaland.
Responding to the concerns expressed by the legislators over territorial aggression by neighbouring states, revenue minister Bhumidhar Barman said the state government would sit down with Opposition leaders to draw up an action plan to stop the “land grabbing”.
In a written reply to a question by former chief minister and Asom Gana Parishad (Pragatisheel) legislator Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, Barman said Nagaland has encroached upon 19,819 hectares of land in Assam since May 2001. During the same period, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have allegedly encroached upon 5,756 and 65.62 hectares of land respectively.
Assam shares 434 km of its boundary with Nagaland, 704 km with Arunachal Pradesh and 723 km with Meghalaya. Mahanta and other opposition leaders alleged that the state government was doing practically nothing to stop encroachment by neighbouring states, particularly Nagaland, which has even set up government institutions and subdivisions within the territory of Assam.
Congress legislator Akon Bora pointed out that Meghalaya has set up a public works department office in his Dispur Assembly constituency. Barman, however, said no new subdivision of Nagaland has encroached upon the Assam border. Countering the minister, AGP legislator Binod Goala said that Nagaland has recently set up a new subdivision called Uriamghat, part of which has encroached upon land in Assam’s Golaghat district.
The Nagaland government recently said it would furnish maps to the boundary commission, which has been set up to look into the dispute. The maps reportedly show areas thathad originally formed part of Nagaland and should be returned to it, said Barman. “The validity of Nagaland’s claim, however, will be established only after the maps are filed before the commission,” he added. The Assam government has been insisting on the identification of the boundary on the basis of the government notification dated November 25, 1925, the Naga Hills Tuensang Area Act, 1957 and the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. Nagaland, however, told the commission that the identification of the boundary could not be done only on the basis of constitutional provisions.
Barman asserted that the state government had put forward its views before the boundary commission on November 27 in Guwahati and from January 8 to 10 at Dimapur last year. As members insisted that before settling the dispute, steps should be taken to prevent the “ongoing encroachment,” Barman assured that he would discuss the matter with Opposition leaders.
Assam wants Nagaland to return 'encroached' area By Indian Express
The Assam government has demanded that the 19,819.60-hectare land, which the neighbouring state of Nagaland encroached in May 2001, be returned. Assam also expressed that it would not, under any circumstances, accept claims made by Nagaland over the area. Revealing this, Assam Revenue Minister Bhumidhar Barman told the state Assembly here on Tuesday that although Nagaland had encroached 19,189.61 hectares of the area belonging to Assam in May 2001, the Assam government wants the boundary dispute settled based on the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. "The government of Assam told the committee appointed by the Supreme Court on November 27, 2006 and also in January this year and insisted on identification of the boundary in terms of the notification dated November 25, 1925, the Naga Hills Tuensang Area Act of 1957 and the State of Nagaland Act of 1962," the minister said. The minister said that the Nagaland government too had told the Committee that it would submit copies of maps showing what according to it were the territories which originally formed part of Nagaland and which areas should be returned to the state. "The extent of Nagaland's claim will become clear only after submission of those maps," Barman said. He said in reply to a question by former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta of the AGP(P). Barman said the Nagaland government had submitted before the committee that identification of the boundary would not be only on the basis of constitutional provisions. "The Assam government cannot accept such conditions and we have insisted that the boundary should be demarcated only on the basis of the State of Nagaland Act of 1962 and earlier relevant Acts," he said. The minister also informed the House that apart from the 19,819.61 hectares of Assam land under 'encroachment' of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya too had 'encroached' upon Assam's area. "While about 5,756 hectares of Assam area is under encroachment of Arunachal Pradesh, about 65.6 hectares is with Meghalaya," he said.
6 UNC-backed candidates win Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, Feb 27 (NPN): Six of the eleven candidates, who were sponsored by the United Naga Council (UNC), have won in Manipur assembly elections. The candidates contested from the four Naga-dominated hill districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel.
The winners included K Wungnaoshing (Phungyar), Danny Shaiza (Ukhrul), Dr. Khashim Ruivah (Chingami), K .Raina (Tadubi), Awangbu Newmai (Tamei) and Morung Mokunga (Tenuogpal), all contested as Independent.
The other winners were M Thorii (Independent) contesting from Mao; Khanthuanang Panmei (Independent) contesting from Tamenglong; D.D Thaisii of Congress (Karong); Gaikhangam, also of Congress (Nungba) and Thangkhulun Haokip of RJD (Chandel). In Mao, Thorii (Ind) defeated his nearest rival Woba Joram (Ind) by about 5,500 votes.
In Karong, DD Thaisii (Cong) defeated his nearest rival L Jonathan (Ind) by about 1,300 votes. In Tadubi, K Raina (Ind) defeated sitting minister Francias Nkagjopa (Cong) by about 600 votes. In Phungyar, K Wungnaoshing (Ind) defeated Victor Keishing of Congress, son of former chief minister Rishang Keishing. In UKhrul, Danny Shaiza (Ind) retained the seat by defeating his nearest rival A.S Arthur of Congress by about 1,000 votes.
In Chingai, Dr. Khashim Ruivah (Ind) defeated his nearest rival A Aza by 8,000 votes. In Nungba, Manipur Congress chief Gaikhangam defeated his nearest rival Gangmumei Kamei (Ind) by over 4,000 votes. In Tamei, Awangbu Newmai won. In Tamenglong, Khanthuanang Panmei defeated Samuel Jendai (Ind) by 1,301 votes. Khangthuanang was kidnapped by gunmen in the run up to the polls. In Tengnouapal, Morung Mokunga (Ind) defeated Chungsei of RJD by over 2,000 votes. In Chandel, Thangkhulun Haokip of RJD defeated L. Benjamin (Independent).
UNC ecstatic with debut show By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 27: Asserting that securing six seats out of eleven nominees in the just concluded election to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly is a flying start, United Naga Council (UNC) is hoping that its victorious candidates would serve the aspirations of the Naga people.
Talking to The Sangai Express, publicity secretary of UNC Milan said securing six seats out of eleven is a great leap as UNC and other Naga apex bodies entered the electoral process for the first time only to fulfil the aspirations of the Nagas.
“We have won over 65 percent of what we have fielded and this is a flying start. This has also shown that the Nagas in general have endorsed the collective aspirations,” Milan said.
The elected UNC sponsored candidates are W Keishing (Phungyar), Ma-rung Makunga (Teng- noupal ), Danny Shaiza (Ukhrul ), Khasim Ruivah (Chingai), Awangbow Newmei (Tamei ) and K Raina (Tadubi).
Referring to the declaration made on January 16 by all intending Naga candidates at Taphou in Senapati, Milan said, “We are looking forward that two independent candidates- M Thohrii (Mao AC) and Khangthuanang Panmei (Tamenglong AC) would also came to our fold’, he added.
A joint meeting of UNC, other Naga civil organisations and the elected Naga candidates would convene a meeting to discuss the future plans to strengthen the collective resolutions of the Nagas, he informed.

Kalam to attend convocation OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 27: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is likely to attend the second convocation of Nagaland University on March 15. Announcing this, Prof. K. Kannan, vice-chancellor of the university, said Kalam has consented to grace the convocation. Kalam is also scheduled to inaugurate the newly- constructed state Assembly hall and is expected to address the legislators on the occasion. The state government is, however, trying to reschedule the President’s visit and has sought some more time for preparation. Kannan today held an emergency meeting with the heads of departments and deans of the university to take stock of the situation. After the meeting, he said they would be ready to organise the convocation on March 15.
This will be Kalam’s second visit to the state. He had visited the state in October 2002. “Kalam is keen to visit the state again,” Kannan said, adding that the President has expressed his eagerness to interact with Nagaland University students. Kannan also highlighted some of the major achievements and focus of the university. Nagaland University will tie up with Oxford University to start MSc course in anthropology. The university is also trying to tie up with a reputed university in Norway. The School of Agricultural Sciences at Medziphema has been incorporated in the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, he added.
The university is expected to start an engineering college by August, while a medical college is in the offing. The department at Tenydie would be renamed the School of Naga Tribal Dialects.
The vice-chancellor announced that the university headquarters at Lumami would soon become fully functional. The campus will be turned into a township with modern facilities. The three campuses of the university at Medziphema, Kohima and Lumami will be connected by hotlines. The university has been rocked by agitation and protests since it was established 13 years’ ago.
Red Fort attack case takes a quirky turn Gyan Varma DNA Daily News


NEW DELHI: The defence counsel of Arif, the main accused in the Red Fort attack case, told the court on Tuesday that the mobile phone which was found on the suspect showed records of calls made to the Delhi Police and the then chief secretary of Nagaland, among others. The court of justices RS Sodhi and PK Bhasin was told that Arif was never carrying a mobile phone when he was arrested in December 22, 2000 and it was planted later to frame him.
“The mobile phone theory of the police is a farce because if Arif is a terrorist then he would not have spoken to policemen who had carried out the investigations,” said the defence advocate. Arif, who is a suspected Lashkar-e-Toiba militant, has been given death sentence by a lower court. The defence said the prosecution claim that police recovered the phone from Arif is false. Police had claimed that they had traced the mobile number through surveillance and had arrested Arif on the basis of the phone found on him.
Congress set to lead next ministry in Manipur The Morung Express
Imphal, Feb 27 (PTI): Congress today won 29 of the 60 seats in the Manipur assembly elections, just two short of absolute majority, and looked set to form the next government in the State. Sources in the party said CPI, which was a junior partner in the out-going Secular Progressive Front Ministry and secured four seats this time, was likely to join a coalition government led by it. Sources said the Steering Committee of the SPF Ministry held a meeting yesterday during which the CPI offered to join the next ministry if the Congress and CPI received absolute majority. It was not yet known whether the NCP and RJD, partners of the UPA government in Delhi, would join the new ministry.
State RJD president and former Chief Minister, W Nipamacha Singh, who lost to NCP nominee, S Joy Singh in Wangoi, had said his party would strictly abide by the decision of RJD central leaders. While NCP bagged 6 seats, RJD secured 3.
Newmai News Network adds
Prominent losers include MPP president Dr. L. Chandramani, another MPP leader Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, ex-Chief minister and RJD leader W. Nipamacha and Independent candidate Prof. Gangmumei Kamei. Altogether 10 Independent candidates have won including the 6 UNC sponsored ‘consensus candidates’.
6 from UNC kitty emerge victors

One seat each from Tamenglong, Senapati and Chandel districts have been won by United Naga Council (UNC) sponsored candidates while all the three Assembly Constituencies in Ukhrul district have been swept by the UNC’s ‘consensus candidates’. 5 of the other UNC-backed candidates lost to their rivals. In Nungba A/C under Tamenglong district, Sangamlung alias Sebestian, a UNC consensus candidate, secured only 438 votes.

UNC’s winners
Awangbow Newmei from Tamei A/C under Tamenglong district beat Z. Mangaibou of the Congress by a margin of 396 votes.
K. Raina won in the Tadubi A/C under Senapati district by beat N. Kayisii with a margin of 614 votes.
Morung Makunga won over his nearest rival Chungsei of the RJD by a margin of 2087 votes in the Tengnoupal A/C under Chandel district.
K. Wungnaoshang from Phungyar A/C under Ukhrul District beat Victor Keishing of the Congress party by a margin of 123 votes
Dr Khashim Ruivah of Chingai A/C under Ukhrul District beat A Aza of the Congress by 8067 votes.
Danny Shaiza of the UNC beat AS Arthur of the Congress by 1868 votes.
Newmai News Network
Results not a referendum on the Centre: PM
NEW DELHI, FEB 27 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that the elections in Punjab and Uttrakhand, where the Congress was voted out of power, were not a vote against the central government. The prime minister, making a rare appearance outside his office in Parliament House, said, “No, this is not a referendum on the central government. Of course there would be some fallout of the elections.”
He expressed concern over the rising prices and said that his government was trying to control the spiral. “We are trying to control the prices and inflation. It is a matter of concern to us,” he said.
Dr Singh also said the government has done nothing wrong in the Quattrocchi issue and offered to discuss each and every issue with those seeking to raise the matter.
“The law would take its own course,” the prime minister said, rejecting the charge that the government was indirectly helping the accused Ottavio Quattrocchi.
Cong readies to form next Govt By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 27 : With the Congress emerging as the single largest party with 30 MLAs out of the total 60 seats, MPCC president Gaikhangam has informed that Congress will soon claim to form the next Government.
Talking to The Sangai Express at Congress Bhawan today, Gai-khangam who retained his seat at Nungba AC, maintained that the verdict of the election shows that the people of Manipur want Congress party to remain in power. In accordance with the aspirations of the people, Congress party would pay special attention for restoring peace and bring more development in Manipur, he said. However, Gaikhangam shied away from commenting on whether Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh will be the next Chief Minister or there would be a change in leadership stating “Let it be decided by the newly elected members of the Congress.”
Nonetheless, he hoped there would not be any difference of opinion on the leadership of CLP.
Being a National party, a consensus leader would be chosen very soon so as to complete the process for formation of a new Govt led by Congress within the first week of March , he added.
Even after declaration of the all results of the election, the State unit Congress president was seen remaining at Congress Bhavan discussing matters related to formation of the next Government with the AICC officials who are presently campaigning at Imphal in connection with the election. Some of the successful party candidates were also seen arriving at Congress Bhavan, but Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh was conspicuous by his absen-ce. Out of 59 candidates fielded to contest in the election to the 60-member Assembly, Congress party secured 30 seats and from among the successful candidates 18 of them are sitting MLAs, six of them are ex-MLAs and six others are new entrants. Meanwhile, Chairman of CPI Control Commission M Ibohal has expressed hope that the Congress-CPI coalition SPF Government would be reinstated. A joint meeting of elected candidates of both the parties including the Chief Minister is scheduled to be held tomorrow, he disclosed.
The Indo-Manipur political conflict — II — Exploring new ways for solution —
By Sanatomba Kangujam Sangai Express
Various forms of antagonized relations, which have developed among the armed opposition groups in the North East, carry evidences to the negative ramifications of ceasefire. The post-1997 period has witnessed ruptures in the operational pattern of various insurgent groups in the North East, thereby manifesting incongruence among the insurgent groups. One can see a trend of factional clashes and this trend incites various points of polarization among the insurgent groups with an immense effect that often presents splitting of groups as anti-talk and pro-talk factions. The NLFT, UPDS and DHD got split on this pattern. One significant fall-out of the politics of ceasefire introduced by the Government of India is the emergence of new forms of conflict and also intensification of this conflict among various communities in the North East on the line of ethnicity. Consequently, there is an intense ‘Ethnic Cold War’ growing up in the region due to the naivety of the Government of India. Or rather in this context it can be placed that the Government of India becomes an unwelcome agent that is always preoccupied with ‘fetishism’ in its effort to enter the complexity of reality in the North East. Ceasefire with one group while leaving others advertently on the part of the Government has today produced the fetishism in its inordinate outcomes that have largely taken the shape of deepening antagonism among various communities in the region as in the case of Manipur where the military has entered into ‘ceasefire’ exclusively with some armed groups of a particular community. In this regard, the “Great June Uprising” which took place in 2001 following the infamous “Bangkok Declaration” can also be cited as a vivid reminder of how the politics of ceasefire had sparked off the inferno that razed the Manipur State Assembly to the ground. Therefore, facticity of the peace talk between any insurgent group and the Government of India with ceasefire as the pre-condition is directly linked with the growing internal strife, factional fight and communal cleavage as can be witnessed today in different parts of the North East.
The allegation that ceasefire is only a ploy designed by the Government of India to enhance its strategic upper hand vis-à-vis the armed groups also smacks out another fact that the Indian approach in dealing with insurgency in the North East is an attempt to smash the insurgent organizations without actually resolving the basic incompatibility. Besides, the Government has a history of utter disregard for any accord concluded with the dissenting groups. These are precisely the reasons why the major armed opposition groups of Manipur mainly the UNLF and the RPF are highly skeptical about any peace process with the Government of India.
Re-enacting the conflict:
The genesis of the Indo -Manipur political conflict can be harken back to the infamous Manipur Merger Agreement reached between the Government of India and Maharaj Bodh Chandra on September 21, 1949 at Shillong and subsequent annexation of Manipur by India on October 15, 1949 in contravention to all established norms of international conventions and constitutional laws. The opposition to this agreement marked the origin of armed resistance movement in Manipur. Therefore, it will not be out of place to assert that the Manipur Merger Agreement, 1949 is the crux of the ongoing Indo-Manipur political conflict.
It is pertinent to recount that with the lapse of British paramountcy and the passing of the Indian Independence Act in 1947 Manipur regained the ‘sovereign status’ through enactment of the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947. It became the first country in South Asia to have adopted a democratically elected State Assembly with the king as a constitutional head. Manipur then became truly an independent state, legally and technically free from the British Parliament and the British India in every aspect. Previous agreements like the Standstill Agreement and the Instrument of Accession entered into between Manipur and the British India could not infringe upon the sovereignty of Manipur as nothing in either of these agreements included the exercise of any paramountcy function or commitment in any way to acceptance of any future constitution of India. Above all, the same were superseded by the Indian Independence Act, 1947.
The armed-opposition groups of Manipur contested the Manipur Merger Agreement 1949 on the ground that it was executed under ‘duress’ and ‘coercion’. Various claims point to the fact that the king was kept virtually under house arrest thereby putting him under tremendous psychological pressure. It is also alleged that the Maharaja did not have the constitutional authority to enter into such an agreement as he was during the moment of the signature merely a titular head of the state as per the provisions of the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947. The agreement was, the allegation continues, neither approved by his Council of Minister nor ratified by the Manipur State Assembly, which had existed prior to the agreement.
A significant aspect of the whole drama of merger was that the nature of the said agreement was in the form of a ‘personal contract’ between the king and the Government of India and therefore the agreement does not reflect any imprint of having reached between two states. The king did not sign the agreement on behalf of the people of Manipur but only on behalf of himself, his heirs and his successors. The weakness of the agreement lies also in the fact that the people of Manipur did not give consent in any form to the Merger Agreement as no referendum was held on that issue. Therefore, the Manipur Merger Agreement of 1949 does not carry any mandate of the people of Manipur. One can bring it to the notice that Manipur did not participate in the making of the Indian Constitution, as Manipur did not send its representatives to the Constituent Assembly. — to be contd
Surprise package Sangai Express Editorial
Despite their earlier claims that it would be able to form the Government on its own, we are more than inclined to believe that the results of the election to the 9th Assembly election must have surprised even the Congress party. As things stand today, the party is just one short of the magical figure of 31 and the only question that has to be resolved is the leadership issue, that is who is going to be the next Chief Minister. The answer will emerge in the next few days and while the extremely good showing of the Congress must have taken everyone by surprise, equally surprising too was the flop show of the MPP, which was able to win only five seats. This is a far cry from the pre-poll calculations, when the MPP was under the belief that it would emerge as the single largest party with anywhere between 22 to 24 MLAs. This has not happened and while the keen political watchers were not ready to agree with the figure speculated by the MPP, no one would have thought that it would fare so poorly in the election. The MPP came back strongly in the reckoning with different regional political parties including the FPM and DRPP coming under a common roof. The calling card of the MPP was regionalism and it rode on the popular anti-AFSPA wave to woo the voters, even going to the extent of promising that if voted to power, it would repeal the controversial Act. The question then is, is AFSPA no longer a public issue ? We are of the opinion that AFSPA is still very much a public issue. However the message that has been rung out is that the people are not ready to buy whatever the politicians promise during election campaigns. This is the point that all the other political parties should take note of. The fall of a number of political heavy weights including former Chief Minister RK Dorendra, former Deputy Chief Ministers Dr L Chandramani and Th Chaoba, sitting MLA from Wangkhem AC Dr Nimaichand Luwang and another former Chief Minister W Nipamacha were the other shockers in the election results. It is also significant that except for W Nipamacha of the RJD, the other named political heavy weights were all MPP candidates. In fact, the only political heavy weight to emerge successful, outside the Congress party, was former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam of the NCP. The surprise elements thrown up by the results of the election have a story to tell.
In the hill districts, especially the Naga dominated district, the result was a mixed bag for the UNC. Out of the 11 candidates named by the UNC, six emerged successful and Ukhrul was the only district where its candidates made a clean sweep in the three ACs. The role and conduct of the six UNC sponsored candidates will be interesting to watch. Despite the many unsavoury incidents that marked the run up to the election, especially in the third and final phase of the election, one particular result that instils hope in democracy was the victory of Independent candidate K Panmei from Tamenglong Assembly Constituency. This particular candidate was abducted by NSCN (IM) cadres days before the election and was literally forced to announce that he had withdrawn from the election. His victory is a victory of the people, who believe in a free and fair election and it is instances like this that re-inforce our trust and faith in democracy. The fruits of the peace rallies at Chandel and Tamenglong are there for all to see. The point to be noted is that there is a limit to which people will tolerate the imposition of force and diktats and the result at Tamenglong AC and the success of only six out of the 11 candidates named by the UNC as consensus candidates of the Naga people is a telling commentary that defining what is people's choice and what is people's interest is not the monopoly of any single organisation, how powerful it may be.
Will defend territorial integrity: Gaikhangam The Imphal Free Press

imphal, feb 28: The Manipur Pradesh Committee president Gaikhangam, who was re-elected as Nungba A/C MLA in the teeth of opposition from the UNC and its backers, has pledged to defend Manipur`s territorial integrity and meet all challenges to it. Gaikhangam, whose results were among the earliest declared, made the pledge in front of the Kangla gate this morning.

The senior Congress leader, also expressed strong concern over the way in which underground groups had disrupted the elections in some assembly segments.
He however said the efforts of these underground groups cannot succeed in weakening the party.

The people`s desires cannot be suppressed at the point of a gun, he declared. Gaikhangam also said he had always expected the Congress to get a majority in these elections. He further informed that a clp meeting would be held to take necessary decisions for formation of the government. He however begged off making a comment on which parties would be inducted into the ruling alliance, stating that no decision has been taken in this regard as yet.
Regarding the election of a legislative party leader, he made it clear this would be done through consensus. There is no question of camps being set up, he said. He also attributed the Congress`s success to the the people`s faith in the party, and the courageous efforts of the Congress workers.

THE FINAL TALLY
Final party position in the 9th Manipur Assembly Elections 2007
Indian National Congress 30
Communist Party of India 4
Nationalist Congress Party 5
Manipur People`s Party 5
Nationalist People`s Party 3
Rashtriya Janata Dal 3
Independents 10
lists of the winner candidates
Constituency Candidate Party
1-Khundrakpam Thokchom Navakumar NCP
2-Heingang Nongthombam Biren INC
3-Khurai Dr Ngairangbam Bijoy MPP
4-Kshetrigao Thangjam Nandakishwor NCP
5-Thongju Bijoy Koijam INC
6-Keirao Md Alauddin Khan INC
7-Andro Th Shyamkumar MPP
8-Lamlai Pheiroijam Parijat CPI
9-Thangmeiband Radhabinod Koijam NCP
10-Uripok Laishram Nandakumar INC
11-Sagolband Dr Khwairakpam Loken INC
12-Keisamthong L Jayentakumar INC
13-Singjamei Irengbam Hemochandra INC
14-Yaiskul Elangbam Kunjeshwor INC
15-Wangkhei Yumnam Erabot INC
16-Sekmai (SC) Dr Heikham Borajao CPI
17-Lamsang W Brajabidhu INC
18-Konthoujam Dr S Budhichandra INC
19-Patsoi Sapam Kunjakeswor IND
20-Langthabal Okram Joy Singh MPP
21-Naoriya RK Anand MPP

Pakhanglakpa
22-Wangoi Salam Joy Singh NCP
23-Mayang Dr Kh Ratankumar INC

Imphal
24-Nambol Nameirakpam Loken INC
25-Oinam Irengbam Ibohalbi MPP
26-Bishnupur Konthoujam Govindas INC
27-Moirang M Manindra INC
28-Thanga Tongbram Mangibabu INC
29-Kumbi Ningthoujam Mangi CPI
30-Lilong Md Helaluddin Khan RJD
31-Thoubal Okram Ibobi Singh INC
32-Wangkhem Keisham Meghachandra INC
33-Heirok Moirangthem Okendro INC
34-Wangjing Moirangthem Hemanta INC

Tentha
35-Khangabok Okram Ibobi INC
36-Wabgai Dr Usham Deben CPI
37-Kakching Yengkhom Surchandra INC
38-Hiyanglam Elangbam Dwijamani INC
39-Sugnu Kangujam Ranjit INC
43-Phungyar K Wungnaoshang IND
44-Ukhrul D Shaiza IND
45-Chingai Dr Kashim Ruivah IND
46-Saikul Doukhomang Kipgen NCP
47-Karong DD Thaisii INC
48-Mao M Thorii IND
49-Tadubi K Raina IND
50-Kangpokpi Thangminlen Kipgen NPP
51-Saitu Haokholet Kipgen IND
52-Tamei Awangbow Newmei IND
53-Tamenglong Kh Panmei IND
54-Nungba Gaikhangam INC
55-Tipaimukh Ngursanglur RJD
56-Thanlon V Hangkhanlian NPP
57-Henglep T Manga Vaiphei INC
58-CCpur Phungzathang Tonsing INC
59-Saikot TN Haokip INC
60-Singhat T Hangkhanpao NPP
People`s verdict beyond expectations: chief minister The Imphal Free Press

imphal, feb 28: A jubilant O Ibobi Singh, who led the SPF alliance to victory in the 9th Assembly elections,said today the people have made clear their preference for Congress rule with their verdict. The CM, who won in both Thoubal and Khangabok A/Cs admitted that he did not expect the Congress to perform so well, but said it is what the people want. The chief minister indicated that the alliance with the CPI would continue and also mentioned the possibility of bringing in other parties into the ruling alliance. He however said no decision in this regard has been taken as yet. He informed that newly formed clp would meet soon to decide on formation of the new government. He thanked the people of Thoubal and Khangabok kendras for electing him, stating he owned them a huge debt and pledged to make every effort to work for their welfare.
The chief minister also admitted that these elections were expected to be difficult, but they went off peacefully except for stray incidents of violence.

Frans on 02.28.07 @ 01:33 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, February 27th

Peace Crusaders appeals for permanent peace The Morung Express


Peace Crusaders appeals for permanent peace The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, FEB 26 (MExN): The Pekreila and Tangkhul Peace Crusaders have appealed to NSCN (K), NSCN (IM) and NNC to restore permanent peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ through Love and Forgiveness. Calling for peace and reconciliation in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Crusaders rued that the Naga Nationalists have forgotten God’s promise of Naga Nationhood building and are instead killing one another for supremacy. The press note said that all must repent and sought the Almighty’s forgiveness in order to attain the goal of achieving Naga Nationhood and Sovereingty,
It stated that the present generation acknowledges and praises Almighty God for sustaining and upholding the Naga Political struggle. It further added that the dialogue between the GOI and NSCN (IM) can never be materialized as long as the three warring factions keep on fighting to gain supremacy, thereby widening the gap for unity and reconciliation. They must adopt ‘give and take’ policy with flexible spirit as one happy family in the name of the Almighty God.
The ‘Pukhrelia (Tangkhul women married to other tribes) and Tangkhul Peace Crusaders’ was inspired by the Holy Spirit when they observed fasting prayers and sought God’s intervention that peace and unity among the Nagas may be restored. The Crusaders contacted 7 Church women leaders from Kohima and sought their wisdom, advices and suggestions. On their advise they had a chain of prayers for 24 hours. Thereafter, the crusaders selected 4 Pukhreilas to seek the help of Sumi Hoho president, Zunheboto to organize a meeting with Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, whom they met on January 4. The Crusaders admitted that they found the Ato Kilonser to be very humble, kind and a God fearing person. They appealed to him to revoke the ‘Quit notice’ served to the Tangkhul community and also requested him to let the Naga students from Manipur to appear their matriculation exam without any disturbance. Kitovi assured them that he would help in whatever possible way he can. He also gave 14 points to NSCN (IM) representatives of Tangkhuls namely, Atem, Raising, angelus, Hangshi, Khayao and Phungthing.
Accordingly, the Crusaders conveyed the message to the NSCN (IM) leaders on January 16 and also made an appointment with Th. Muivah where they passed on the message to him at Hebron Hq. on January 22 and in return, Muivah also gave 3 points to them to be conveyed to Kitovi, the press note informed. In order to prevent any untoward incidents, the Crusaders approached the Western Sumi Hoho for immediate intervention in regard to the final ‘quit notice’ served on Tangkhuls as fixed on February 5’ 2007. Accordingly, the Sumi Hoho, Totomi Hoho, Students’ union and Sporting Associations met them on February 4 and assured that they would extend all possible help to safeguard the innocent Tangkhuls.
The Crusaders expressed happiness over the peaceful atmosphere and thanked all the factions for maintaining great restraint. In conclusion, the note optimistically stated that the present temporary peace can be made permanent through repentance and surrendering oneself to the Almighty.
NNC condemns Myanmar army Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Feb 26 (NPN): The NNC Monday strongly condemned the military junta of Myanmar for the ongoing offensive against Eastern Nagas. NNC IPR official Mhasi Angami in a statement alleged the operation was launched in "complete violation of international laws" and at the behest of Government of India to wipe out the Nagas and occupy their "free land".The NNC also alleged that India and Myanmar reached a secret military understanding prior to launching the offensive for their military and economic interests in south-east Asia. The NNC appealed to the international communities to condemn the offensive and intervene in the matter. Further, it made it clear that Eastern Nagas were still free people and that they would never join the Union of Myanmar.

FGN welcomes 8 NSCN (I-M) men Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 26 (NPN): The FGN Sumi Region has welcomed eight NSCN (I-M) men led by 'captain' Obed Awomi who joined the FGN on January 4, 2007.
Commander 6th Brigade and supervisor, FGN Sumi Region, brig. TS Zhimo in a press release said the eight former NSCN(I-M) men also deposited three AK-47 rifles, two M20 pistols, one M16 rifle, one M21 rifle, four Chinese grenades and a large quantity of ammunition to the FGN armoury. Zhimo also informed that 'capt' Awomi has been given full authority over finance and taxation of the FGN Sumi Region with effect from February 3.
Meanwhile brig. TS Zhimo also revealed that he alongwith three of his bodyguards were captured by the NSCN(I-M) on December 15, 2006 and confined for fifteen days at the NSCN (I-M) camp at Pfutsero. Zhimo said they were then , shifted to the Hebron Camp. However, through divine intervention and of some NGOs and God, they were released on December 26, 2006, the release added. After his release, Zhimo said he re-joined the FGN "for the safety of Nagas."
‘No settlement sans Angamis’ consent’ Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 26 (NPN): Giving a sketch of the "Western line of the Angami boundary" dating back to the 1530s, the Angami Public Organization (APO) has said since there was no other community living between the "border of Angami people and Assamese" during those period, no settlement in these areas can be taken without the consent of the Angamis.
APO said "the Western line of the Angami boundary in the south west starts with the Zeliang Naga tribe and then extends to Karbi Anglong (Mikhir Hill) border and then from Mohung Dijooa agreement of which was made with British India government during 1840-41 and then toward north along Jamuna river-Kalapahar range and then join Doyang river bank at north point border with the Lothas near Golaghat." APO vice president T.L Angami, press secretary Kekhriengulie Linyu and Chakhro Public Organization (CPO) president T. Shiiya on behalf of the APO, in a joint representation to the chairperson, Local Commission on Nagaland-Assam Boundary, hoped that the chairperson would be able "to convince the Government of India the need to take immediate step for redressal of our legitimate demand."
Maintaining that the Angami settlers came to the plain in and around Dimapur many centuries before the British first came to Angami country in 1832, the representation said "at that time Angami country covered all lands in Hotizha (Niuland as it is presently called) Dimapur (Kuda, as we call it) was once occupied by the Dima Raja, a Kachari pretender to the throne."
It also said the Kacharis left Dimapur area for Maibong in 1936 after their attempts to drive away the Angamis who had come down to the foothill, were "decisively destroyed" while attempting to invade Chiepama village during 1530s. After the Kacharis left, the Ahoms never came to settle in the area and thus the Nagas slowly established their dominance over the entire area stretching from the foothills to the areas bordering with the Khasi and Jaintia hills, Nowgong and Sibsagar district, the APO representation stated. APO said this this fact was clearly acknowledged by the British government of India when they first came to this part of the country in 1832 and subsequent notification of creation of the Naga hill district in 1867.
However, after many centuries the British government began to extend its administration toward the Naga country and, side by side with the British conquest of the Naga territory, the Naga areas were systematically sliced out and added to the better administered district of Assam in the name of administrative convenience, APO in the representation said. "In this way large track of Naga forest have been progressively detached from the dominance of the Nagas. For all such detachment, Nagas had made various agreements with the Government of India,"
the representation said while pointing out that the present boundary conflict between Assam and Nagaland was due to failure of the Government of India to implement the said agreements.
‘School issue’, Manipur elections all initiatives for people, says NSCN-IM The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 26 (MExN): The “school imbroglio” and the recent elections in the hill districts of Manipur where the United Naga Council are involved in efforts are all initiatives in the interest of the Naga people and not as speculated by some, the NSCN-IM says and extends support to defend the people’s interest.
“The recent school imbroglio is the concern and initiatives of the Naga students community and not as speculated by some. The recent elections in Southern Nagalim are also initiatives by the United Naga Council and NGOs in support of the Naga people’s interest and not as supposed” an NSCN-IM MIP note stated and to this expressed solidarity to defend the interest of the Nagas “be it East, West, North or South but does not recognize the Indian constitution”. Stating that “misled minds may misinterpret everything negatively to achieve their foolish ambitions”, the NSCN-IM assured to fight against all adverse and inimical forces or individuals who are against ‘national principles’ and nation, at all costs. “For straightening the records, the NSCN is for the sovereignty and integrity of our nation, and the freedom of the Nagas. We will continue to fight at any cost for our inalienable rights unit it is restored” it asserted assuring commitment to the people.
The NSCN-IM also took note that ‘immature efforts’ are on to ‘falsify facts’ and for this clarifications are being made “though media wars are detested today”. On the Naga movement, the NSCN-IM stated it commenced before the inception of the statehoods of states like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland. For this, the plebiscite on May 16, 1951, registered “99.9 %” in favor of independence and the mandate was entrusted on the NNC/FGN. However, this mandate was betrayed with the signing of the Shillong Accord in 1975. The failure to condemn this accord and subsequent killing of Naga patriots led to the birth of the NSCN “to resuscitate the Naga people’s aspiration”, it stated.
“Today the NNC/FGN may clarify why they had remained mum and immobile all these years, instead of casting divisive criticisms or proclaiming their undying spirit of nationalism now” the MIP note stated. The banner of “Nagalim for Christ” is a banner the Nagas chose for their land and its usage is the decision of the people and “not decided by Mr. Chungbui Newmai”. In a Christian church there may be firm Christian believers and non-Christian believers attending it together but the cross symbol of the Church cannot be removed or altered for the sake of a few non-believers and in any revolution mistakes occur “beyond our reach” but the nation cannot perish for the sake of some, it stated.
Highlighting several points stated as allegations by the NSCN-K against the NSCN-IM, the note asserted that they (rivals)are only falling prey to India’s designs.
No problems’ in DAN, says Rio OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 26: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio today ruled out any misunderstanding among the partners of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government over the March 8 byelection to the Assembly constituencies of Tuensang Sardar-II and Dimapur-I.
Asserting that the contest would be a friendly one, Rio expressed confidence that his party, the Nagaland People’s Front, would win both seats.
“We have no problems on this. We will go for a friendly contest,” Rio said, stating that the DAN coalition partners have reached an understanding on this arrangement. The chief minister’s sympathies, however, lie with the NPF. “I belong to the NPF party and so I will campaign for the party candidate. I don’t know about the other party,” Rio said.
With D-Day drawing near, all major political parties have been resorting to heavy politicking in both constituencies.
In Tuensang, the BJP’s candidature was earlier rejected by the returning officer on technical grounds, while their party observer went missing on the day of scrutiny. The party alleged that the observer was made to sign a “bond” under duress by gunmen. BJP candidate Wongto Chang who was permitted to contest as an Independent candidate was forced out by suspected Naga militants.
Calling factional clashes a part and parcel of politics, Rio said it was the combined duty of the Centre and the state to tackle it. “To deal with the militants under the ceasefire ground rule is not easy,” the chief minister said, claiming that the state government had adequate force to stop factional clashes in the civilian areas. He, however, said his government preferred a more patient approach to preclude unwanted situations. “They are not unlawful organisations any more, so we cannot deal with them like unlawful units,” Rio said, referring to clashes between the NSCN factions, which the Opposition Congress termed as a law and order problem. “We need to be patient,” he said, in reply to the Opposition’s charge that the government has failed to contain such clashes.
Therie’s formula for free & fair elections The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 26 (MExN): MLA K Therie, strongly reminding that “poverty of courage of the electorate will only fail free and fair elections,” puts forward a number of suggestions how the oncoming bye-elections to the Dimapur-1 and Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituency seats may be made free and fair. He is of the view that utilizing one’s vote can change the future of the state and even the nation.
The MLA, in a press communiqué, pointed out that VCC and GBs of respective polling station concerned should have a meeting with voters ‘to decide to vote without fail.’

Any voter having abstained from voting without valid reasons (like in the case of sickness or otherwise justified by the law) may be penalized by the ward or colony concerned as per customary laws or as the local self-government deems fit. Magistrate, DBs, GBs, VCC members and DMC members with women representatives should identify voters before they are allowed to enter the perimeters of the polling stations. Further, polling agents should be aware of their voters one by one” prior. Group transportation should be banned with the close of campaign hour (48 hours). Any “new person” or group found in the colony or ward without valid reason should be reported to the administration immediately and they should be arrested and detained as per law ‘for trespassing with ill-intention to disturb the polling’. Any person or group, trespassing into the perimeter of the polling station without authority should be penalized according to law, MLA Therie stated. He also had a word for polling officials: “Presiding and Polling Officers should follow rules and regulations strictly without making any compromises”. Also, proper protection must be given to identifying local authorities while unauthorized weapons should be “sanitized”, he suggested. While acknowledging that free and fair election is what the people desires to see for the two constituencies, the MLA also lamented that “past and present elections have taught us that barely 30% of votes are based on issues” as against “100% of the votes based on issues” in civilized nations.
DAN’s equi-closeness policy creating more division: Z. Lohe The Morung Express
Congress kick starts its Bye-Election campaign with positive note
Dimapur, Feb 26 (MExN): Kicking off its Bye-Election campaign with a positive note today, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) proudly declared that it is coming to power in the next General Election. Dimapur-I, which was and is still a stronghold of the Congress has the sympathy of the people, said former DDC Chairman Yanger while urging the members to go ahead with principles maintaining the solidarity and unity of the party.
Former Speaker Z. Lohe also speaking at the campaign called upon the members and the people to forgive the past mistakes, to unite and to move ahead to bring peace in the state. Brushing aside all the allegations of Congress being anti-Naga, Lohe reminded that both the NSCN factions were brought to the negotiating table by the Congress and that peace dialogue between the GoI and the NSCN was upgraded to Prime-ministerial level after the Congress came to power at the centre.
Lohe, on the other hand, has accused the DAN’s policy of equi-closeness, which he alleged has brought more division between the different tribes and also more factional feuds among the factions than unity. Z. Lohe, while maintaining that people will suffer without Congress, has assured that Congress, if it comes to power, will mend all abnormal situation created by the present DAN government. Hokheto Sumi, President NPCC coming out clearly, called upon the people not to vote for other parties who, he alleged, have failed to bring any development despite being in power for more than 4 years. Nielo Rengma, former minister while asserting that people are tired of the present DAN Government and that the coalition government failed to bring out a common consensus candidate, urged the members to take advantage of the divided house. Meanwhile, Congress who kick started its Bye-Election campaign today at 4 pm at NST will cover the whole of Dimapur by March 2.
EC to check bogus voting Electoral Rolls for Dimapur-I, Tuensang II to be revised The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 26 (MExN): Offering a new twist to the hectic bye-election campaigns for the all-important Dimapur-1 Assembly Constituency and 54 Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituency seats, the Election Commission has decided to go in for revision of electoral rolls in both the constituencies to thwart rigging of polls and “influx” of bogus voters.
Chief Election Officer (CEO) CJ Ponraj today convened a meeting at Kohima with the Deputy Commissioners of Dimapur and Tuensang districts where the conduct of the bye-elections and review of electoral rolls in both the constituencies figured as the main agenda. The decision to go in for revision of electorate’s rolls was necessitated by the fears that non-constituency electorate would be brought in “in truckloads” to hold weight for candidates’ ballot bag. The date for the revision of electoral rolls is expected within the coming few days, sources informed. However, additional sources in the know-of-matters said the decision to go for revision of electoral lists for both the constituencies, was more influenced by the concern that rolls from previous elections would be either clubbed in with the rolls for 2006 or that ‘new entrants’ (bogus voters from other constituencies) would be added to existing ones. This would mean the list for Dimapur, particularly, would be doubled i.e., a ration of 5-15. The concern that polls would be rigged is being accentuated in particular to the crucial Dimapur-1 seat, where the NPF is expected to make a win. Dimapur Deputy Commissioner K Nzimongo Ngullie assures the administration’s best effort for free and fair bye-elections. The polling would be scrutinized by General Observer and Expenditure Observer from the Center, besides observers from the political parties in the fray.
Meanwhile, all the candidates in the fray from Dimapur-1 are expressing concern that the other contesting parties would resort to “influx” of bogus voters from outside to secure a win. The worry for them is that the other candidates would file in bogus voters but “whether or not there would be any genuine voters.” For the BJP for instance, Nagas being Christians should go in for a fair fight: “This is my honest appeal to all the voters that there should be no rigging or bogus voters in the true spirit of Christianity” Ato Yepthomi, chief of Nagaland BJP said. The right choice for the right candidate should be made and not otherwise with undesirable ways and means, he said. BJP candidate for Dimapur-1 Kevise Angami shared a related line of thought: “Proxy voting is a shame” he said simply. For JD (U) candidate Limatemjen the question is no as much whether there will be bogus voters: “will there be any genuine voters” he wondered over telephone. Independent candidate Dr Roland Lotha also toed the JD U)’s thought: “As far as the polling is concerned all the candidates are worried about proxy voting” he said with the assertion that if such is allowed to take place, “democracy will be murdered”. Most functionaries from various parties expressed underhand concern that major parties like the NPF and the Congress would resort to the services of fake voters since ‘they have nothing to lose by winning’. Interestingly, when attempts were made to contact the NPF and the Congress for comments on poll-rigging and bogus voting, calls made were not received.
Rigging complaints being looked into Correspondent The Hindu
IMPHAL: Complaints of rigging at Kangshung A, Kangshung B and another polling station in a school in Chandel district, where repolls were held on Sunday, are being examined by the Election Commission. Imphal-based journalists who visited the polling stations saw that only agents of one particular independent candidate were inside the booths.
Supporters of the candidate did not allow other agents to enter. Besides only those who would vote for the candidate were allowed to cast their votes.
Gunned down Pureilomba Khan, the "chief project officer" of the proscribed Muslim outfit, the People's United Liberation Front (PULP), was gunned down in a hotel at Dimapur, Nagaland, on Monday, the police said.
Misleading campaigns- Nagaland Post Opinion
Immature efforts to mislead and confuse the Naga people with falsifications of facts have been going on in vain. Though media wars are detested today, it becomes necessary to clarify to wrong notions for it may mislead the uninformed.
Much has been debated and clarified in the past on the history of Naga National struggle. But some quarters have inflexibly negated facts and continued to adamantly propagate incorrect accounts not realizing the negative impacts it may bear upon us. The Naga national movement began prior to the Indian independence.
This movement started before the inception of Indian statehood of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland etc. In reassertion of our determination for sovereignty, the Naga people through the plebiscite on May 16, 1951 voted 99.9% in favor of independence. This solidarity and mandate trusted upon the NNC/FGN was betrayed with the signing of the infamous Shillong Accord in 1975; an un-conditional surrender into the hands of India bounded under their constitution.
The failure to condemn this treacherous accord and the killing of Naga patriots who went against this sell-out accord led to the birth of the NSCN, to resuscitate the Naga people's aspiration. Today, NNC/FGN may clarify why they had remained mum and immobile all these years, instead of casting divisive criticisms or proclaiming their undying spirits of nationalism now. As the saying goes "If you do not prevent a crime from taking place right in front of your face, you your-self becomes a part of the crime".
The banner "Nagalim for Christ" is a banner the Naga people had chosen for our land and people, and hence its usage is the decision of all the Nagas and not to be decided by Mr. Chungbui Newmai. In a Christian church there may be firm Christian believers and non-Christian believers attending it together, but the cross symbol of the church cannot be removed or altered for the sake of a few non-believers. In our revolution, mistakes have taken place in the past beyond our reach, but for the sake of some the nation cannot perish and our faith and strength in God will continue to grow, for is our only salvation.
As for the Khaplang group's version on how the 1988 crisis in the NSCN took place, they keep changing their misleading allegations time and again that Isak and Muivah took huge sums of money from the Indian government to surrender; Isak and Muivah had constructed palatial buildings at Arunachal, Jorhat, Golaghat, etc,; Isak had gone to Delhi to surrender to India; Muivah tried to form autonomous Wung Tankhul state etc, etc, to continue their sinister game of playing into the hands of our adversaries; to divide the Naga family.
They in fact, became victims of the Indian government's ploy to create division within the Nagas by falsely implicating that the leaders were preparing surrender to India. Their short-sightedness, infirm principles and impulsive natures took the toll that led to their treacherous attach on the Council Head Quarters of the Naga Army.
The beginning of the assault by Khaplang's men upon Naga patriots started with the killing of the Dy. Commander-in-Chief and his child on his back while he was trying to stop them from committing the heinous mistake.
Following the sense-less killing of Nagas by the Khaplang men, the Naga Army personnel wanted to retaliate but was stopped by the General Secretary Th Muivah, saying that they (Khaplang cadres) were wrong and will regret killing ones own brother some day.
This ensued with the random spree of killing of more than a hundred innocent Naga patriots. Today with their blood stained hands and minds, instead of seeking for forgiveness and reconciliation, justifying one self or projecting a Good Samaritan image is quite ridiculous. They are trying to also sow divisive seeds within the NSCN in all earnest but in vain, for the Nagas know who is who and can differentiate black from white.
The recent school imbroglio is the concern and initiatives of the Naga students community and not as speculated by some. The recent elections in Southern Nagalim are also initiatives by the United Naga Council and NGOs in support of the Naga people's interest and not as supposed. The NSCN/GPRN will extend our support and solidarity to defend the interests of the Nagas, be in East, West, North or South but does not recognize the Indian constitution.
The NSCN/GPRN will fight against all adverse and inimical forces or individuals against our national principles and nation at all costs, for none is above the nation. Misled minds may try to wrongly misinterpret every thing negatively to achieve their foolish ambitions but cannot sway the Nagas, for our goals are crystal clear to one and all.
For straightening records, the NSCN is for the sovereignty and integrity of our nation, and the freedom of the Nagas. We will continue to fight at any cost for our inalienable rights, until it is restored. The NSCN/GPRN remains committed to our people and our cause.
Issued by: MIP: GPRN/NSCN(I-M)
Response to Rev. Seksim Kasar, general secretary, CNC, GPRN/NSCN (IM)- Nagaland Post Opinion
Reverend Seksim Kasar, General Secretary, CNC, GPRN/NSCN (IM) has written about the Peace March in Kohima on January 27, 2007 under the caption, 'Hypocrisy and prejudice must be shaken off if one is to correct others". The march was organised by the Pastors Fellowship of the capital. I was one of those who took part in that march.
Amongst those who took part in the Peace March, I saw some who were relatives of some victims of factional fighting. Unlike the others who preferred to safely stay home, they marched for a purpose all across Kohima town with a desire in their hearts that peace must prevail in our land. To them, it was not a joke. To suggest there was hypocrisy in what they did was insensitive of Rev. Seksim. He said those people's minds were poisoned by the speakers and they went home with fires in their heart. I went home with a feeling that there is still hope for peace and reconciliation of our people. I believe that others also went home with the same feeling strengthened in their hearts.
Some of the speakers spoke against the misuse of Nagaland for Christ. It should be stated they did not speak against the idea. Judging by what he has written about "Nagaland for Christ" it seems Rev. Seksim has not understood why many Nagas are shocked that the sacred idea has been so misused. But if Rev. Seksim thinks Jesus Christ is happy with his argument who am I to say anything although I am amazed? It is said all of us tend to judge ourselves by our high ideals and slogans. But others judge us by our actions, by what we actually do which hurt them.
The phrase, "Satan's hand" in our land was cited that day. A Reverend would know best what it implies as evil is labeled as Satan in Christian term. It is not necessary for somebody to enlighten us whether killing one's own brother is God's hand or Satan's hand at work. It is nothing but thoughtless transgression of God's sanctified law to rationalize one's killings using Christ's name.
Our Church leaders that day genuinely articulated what they ought to say and what the public expects to hear from them. None of the speakers said that black is white or white is black. What they said was that wrong is wrong. Is this poisonous as mentioned by the Reverend? Their honest expression cannot be considered as unwise and unrestrained tongue. To consider so would be hypocritical on our part. It was a day when some of our Church leaders were being candid and honest to themselves for the sakes of all of us. We should thank them.
We all know there are many hypocritical Nagas. Some of them may be Reverends. However, the peace march can never be christened as a hypocritical measure. The Church leaders or Rev Seksim may be hypocritical but that is not the subject. The subject is about Naga peace. What counts is the subject of the matter. The peace march may be having its own flaws but the intention and the people's desire and longing for peace is more important. No force on earth, however strong it may be, cannot dictate upon this. To me, the peace march represents an attempt by some of us wretched Naga sinners striving to reform our wretched society. And as a matter of fact, among them are some good men who would do something so that evil shall not triumph. The intention of the peace march is focused on just peace for the Nagas and what they said that day are not lies or propaganda of any sort. In fact they said what the general public fears to say.
It is a known fact that apart from making appeals, all other Naga NGOs, institutions, tribal organizations, etc., are in a lukewarm state today. It's a beautiful thing that the Church is establishing itself in view of the desire of our people in the most challenging task confronting our society. Their search for where we have wronged each other with an intention of peace and forgiveness illuminates a ray of hope and perspective. The past and the root causes are not overlooked and these are clearly established in their booklet launched in Dimapur at the end of last Serptember.
The popular view of our people today is unreservedly an honourable, acceptable settlement through healing and reconciliation. And the people are waiting for the end results of what would transpire from their discussions and consultations with our factional leaders. Hence, to a layman, the idea of the Church poisoning or setting fire to the hearts of the people does not at all arise. If their intention is to poison, they could have done it long ago in their local Churches. This notion is a cynical judgment which demoralizes the thinking of our people.
In conclusion, we cannot blame the past alone without doing anything what we ought to do today in our present situation. We are the problem if we failed to do that. The solution for our peace only lies in addressing our problems. Whatever reservation or consideration one may have, let us not make the initiators of peace victims. The Church leaders must not get disheartened as the people are holding fast with hope. Let peace march on. Zakie Khate.
Assam Rifles gets NSCN (IM) camp vacated From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 26 – Troops of 13 Battalion of the Assam Rifles have got vacated a camp of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaac-Muivah) in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, the native place of the outfit’s supremo Thuingaleng Muivah. Sources in the office of Public Relations Officer of Assam Riles said the troops raided and got vacated a camp of the outfit near the Shirui village in Manipur’s hill district Ukhrul. It said that the operation to over-run the camp was started on February 5 and ended on February 16. The AR troops cordoned off the complete camp for 12 days which comprised approximately 20 hutments along with about 60 to 70 armed cadres of the outfit. Since all supply and movement routes were cut off, the NSCN (IM) cadres had no option but to vacate the camp, claimed the PRO and added the cadres left behind their rations and administration material. The camp was cleared and destroyed except the Church.
Nagaland in Myanmar - A military sponsored Festival Nagaland Post Lahe, Nagaland, Myanmar: Once a year in January Myanmar's part of Nagaland can be visited by foreigners who have the funds to pay for flights and are not scared to travel over hazardous mountain trails. The rest of the year this part of Myanmar is sealed of from the outside world. For reasons unknown the military junta through a subsidiary travel, agency organizes a trip for foreigners and well to do citizens of Myanmar to attend the Naga harvest festival in January. Advertised as a highlight of culture the caravan of pick up trucks laden with excited visitors from all over the world arrived in the especially for the purpose built bamboo quarters. Relatively luxurious these quarters are due to the single rooms with mosquito nets and every day room cleaning with a battery of toilets and wash rooms, pails of hot water available too. The compound, slightly away out of the village of Lahe, was off limits for Nagas themselves. I experienced one day after a shoot in the village with members of a tribal group as I wanted to show them some digital photos on my laptop. The reception, manned by personnel of Diamond travel agency and military stopped those Nagas and I had to bring the laptop out. Their reason?
"Well Sir, this is for your own protection. We do not know what could happen in the camp, so no others than our visitors are allowed inside; orders of the high command Sir!", came as a recurrent answer. I quote this standard answer for it was used for anything aside the festival. Lahe has a military camp overlooking the village and on the festival ground armed soldiers with were around all the time.
The festival itself, due to the well expressing Nagas of some six different tribes was astonishingly impressive, yet equally undoubtedly, orchestrated by the travel agency led by the military. High military commanders were present and the Minister of Hotels and Tourism were received like celebrities. Decorated first by lovely and traditionally dressed Naga ladies they gave the signal to for the opening procedures of the festival. They were seated center stage and announced the good policies they had promulgated for the Nagas; samples of their well meant intentions were lined up beside the stage. Guarded by soldiers on display were different goods; sacks of rice, television sets, communication devices and much more. As they received a warm applause for their efforts with pride the military presented these good to assembled Nagas.
"Quite ironical," said a Naga in the group who invited me for a meal inside the home they were temporarily housed, "it is very difficult to talk here. The walls have ears you know! Here the military control everything, or do you think we wanted a festival organized by them? We are not free to celebrate, they arrange it all. They show off to you people, but in the villages their soldiers coerce, subdue, suppress and forcibly recruit young men for their army. They post Buddhist missionaries among us; they have this policy to make us Buddhists. I will show you a small thing about their ways, small but significant," he whispers as the others were standing by listening but moved closer to check on what he said and showed a few pairs of black shorts. The Naga smiled and continued:
"You see these shorts were given to us by the organization. This does not belong to our traditional attire. It is alien to us, but we were asked to wear it. Can we refuse?", he asked rhetorically, just to make sure I understood its importance. Talking to several Nagas in Lahe while sharing rice beer with the villagers, more and more it became apparent this Naga Festival was a show for tourists, a show for the military junta to impress the outside world,. Rather than a genuine harvest celebration, to an extent still the case, it was the military who once a year offered foreigners a glimpse of Naga life in Myanmar.
Though heavily guarded by soldiers this military organization could not prevent the foreigners to ask questions too, questions they actually could not answer for they essentially had little or no knowledge of Naga culture; they only wanted the visitors to see what they wanted them to see. Consequently going to other villages was only possible by spending extra money on the cars which had brought us to Lahe. Since the program provided four full days at Lahe it was obvious that it was next to impossible to go around on ones own; going by car with a group of eight people was not option for me either. To me that was like a hit and run visit, without their prior knowledge it was like intruding on them.
Going on foot was impossible too for provided there were willing guides available it would take a minimum of three hours to walk to the nearest one and three hours back. Instead I stayed in Lahe and witnessed the spectacle of tribes doing their dances.
Despite the efforts of the military to come across as very friendly, the minister addressed several foreigners like they were his friends, it was easy to see through it all. If one was aware of the history of the Naga peoples and their aspirations to be free of both India and Myanmar, to my chagrin very few foreigners had any knowledge of that, one would wonder why there were so many soldiers on the way to Lahe and in the village itself. "For your own protection!", the standard answer came again. Instead we were led to believe the Nagas were wonderfully peaceful and did not have a worry in the world. In the village when talking about the Nagas of India and the relation of the people here another reality unfolded. Mouths opened up to reveal a litany of severe complaints. These complaints revolved around suppression, forced labor, forced recruiting, militarization. I was struck by the policy of the military to turn the Nagas into Buddhists. When strolling through the village I met some young missionaries who when I asked about their purpose openly told me they were assigned to turn the Nagas into Buddhists:
"I studied at the university and this way I will have a better life later," the man said, I have to do it. It is too hard to refuse what the military orders you what to do."
Practically sealed from the outside world this was not what Lahe and the Nagas looked like, but for most of the foreigners who had embarked on this precarious journey it must have been. As they had nothing to compare they could only see what happened in front of them. They had come along for the adventure and for culture, they did not know about the five decades old conflict which, it was obvious to me now, the military junta had given some priority; they wanted the Nagas to become Burmese. Serious business for them because of the agreement with India to get rid of the Naga bases of the NSCN-Khaplang there. Was it because of the NSCN-Khaplang the soldiers were there for our own protection? For more information visit our website www.nagalim.nl or email us nisc@nagalim.nl">nisc@nagalim.nl
Naga International Support Center, NISC www.nagalim.nl A human rights organization Amsterdam.
The Indo-Manipur political conflict — I — Exploring new ways for solution —
By Sanatomba Kangujam Sangai Express
Initiating a dialogue:
The decades old Indo-Manipur conflict, which remained shut off from the gaze of international community has finally come to be exposed by the CNN-IBN in its recent series India’s Hidden War in the North East. The exposure offers two significant openings. One, it has brought to the notice of the world that there has been a political conflict involving India on the one hand and Manipur on the other on the issue of ‘national self-determination’ for Manipur. Two, it also aired the willingness on the part of a major armed-opposition group, namely the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), to resolve the existing conflict on the basis of certain principles. The UNLF has come forward with a four-point proposal for resolving the politico-military conflict between Manipur and India once and for all. The four-point proposal is:
1. A plebiscite to be held under UN supervision to determine whether Manipur shall remain independent or remain ‘subjugated’ under the ‘Indian colonial regime’.
2. Deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Manipur to ensure the process free and fair.
3. Deposit of arms by the UNLF to the UN authority on a date fixed by the UN prior to the date of plebiscite, matched with the withdrawal of Indian troops.
4. Handing over of political power by the UN in accordance with the results of the plebiscite.
The UNLF while reiterating its firmness on the principle of ‘national independence and sovereignty’ had on previous occasion declared its readiness to accept the democratic verdict of the people by asserting that the ultimate sovereignty lies with the masses. Nevertheless, the UNLF has ruled out any possibility of holding peace talk with the Government of India (GOI) alleging that peace talk is a death trap.
Earlier, the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), another powerful armed-opposition group of Manipur had indicated that it was keen for a settlement of the future of Manipur through negotiation with the Government of India, provided sovereignty is on the agenda. The RPF also announced that it would wait and watch the GoI’s response to the proposal raised by the UNLF. However, unlike the UNLF, the RPF declared that its military wing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would neither abandon its arms nor deposit them with anyone even if there is a ceasefire with the Government of India. It reaffirmed that it would never settle anything less than total sovereignty. Recently, the chairman of the RPF, Irengbam Chaoren asserted that independence is the first priority while adding that it has to be achieved through revolutionary struggle and not simply through peace talk.
Unmasking the politics of ceasefire:
Looking at the various moves initiated by different quarters of concern involved in the search for a peaceful resolution of the current conflict, one can draw on certain measures that would be appropriate for a substantive project of bringing peace in the center of engagement. It is quite understandable that the distrust of the armed opposition groups on holding any talks with the Government of India is justified if one examines the experience of the Naga peace process, which has been going on for many years. The peace process has not led to any substantive progress so far and this intensifies the belief of the armed opposition groups that any kind of peace process founded on the principle of ceasefire to be the prior condition of holding talks will eventually lead to a total capitulation of the National Liberation Movement (NLM) as happened in the case of the Mizo National Front. The distrust on any attempt to share the negotiation table with the Government of India is also strengthened by the fact that it would certainly give privilege to ceasefire as the prior condition of the talk. It is significant because any modality of peace talks presented by the Government of India generally gives focus on signing a ceasefire agreement. However, contrary to the common assumption that such an agreement would take the peace process to a substantive level, it has generally led to intensification of factionalism among the co-partners of the National Liberation Movement. It is clearly exemplified by the experiences from the Indo-Naga peace talk that has now resulted into a weakening of the Naga resistance movement. Thus, one can safely assume that the rationale and the strength of the National Liberation Movement itself would be deeply affected in the long run.
The Shillong Accord of 1975, which has now become history of contestation and a ground for the rise of factionalism within the NNC, can serve as a background here. The Accord led to a discord within the NNC that gradually got culminated into the formation of the NSCN in 1980 under the leadership of Isaac and Muivah. In 1988 the Indian state intelligence allegedly engineered into causing a vertical split within the NSCN that has produced the two factions of the NSCN with two different leaderships, one under Isaac-Muivah and the other under Khaplang. It is pertinent to recall the fact that the split of the NSCN was centered on the issue of coming to terms of negotiation with the Government of India. Thus the Government of India successfully secured the birth of three Naga insurgent factions – NNC, NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K) – through a series of caesarian operations with the intelligence agency officiating as the mid-wife. Even today, the Naga movement is witness to intensified internal feuds following the ceasefire with the Indian Govt. — To be contd
(The writer is a Research Scholar at Dept. of Pol. Sc., Manipur University)

Tribal reservation in Manipur: A boon or a bane — II By John H. Pulamte
Contd from previous issue Sangai Express
Over and above, one section discretely mentioned that, “there will be no ‘reservation’ (for tribals) in appointments made on ‘contract’ basis” which is the common norms in the present days.
The present position
With no effective watchdog to oversee the rights and privileges of the tribal peoples, they are continuously marginalized and exploited in matters of recruitment for services, admission in Government institutions and seats in Government sponsored courses such as medical, engineering and other technical courses.
For instance, had the one-third reservation for SC/STs in all Government jobs is followed in letter and spirit, there will definitely be at least 10,000 more tribal employees in the state at present. Education (S), the department that haves maximum employees after Home department and the one that gives maximum room of employment to tribals, has just 3037 STs out of the total 12140 employees, a shortage of more than 700 posts. The State’s Legislative Assembly secretariat, which is the centre of a democratic system, has only 24 tribals out of the total 305 regular employees – a clear shortage of some 70 posts.
As per the Brochure issued by the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, “Direct recruitment to Group C and Group D posts normally attracting candidates from a locality or region, reservation percentage has to be in proportion to the population of SC & ST in the respective States/Territories”. But, this guideline was mischievously circumvented to benefit one particular section of the population of the state. That is why Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), located in Imphal that has more than 2000 group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employee under its payroll has a little more than 100 tribals. It may be also noted that, there are only 7 tribal faculty members out of the total 220 teaching faculty members in this prestigious institution.
Manipur University was recently converted into a Central University. By all means, the University was bound to follow the State’s reservation norm till its conversion into a Central University. However, at present there are only two tribals out of the total 120 full-time teaching faculty members in the whole departments. In non-gazette teaching staffs, there are also just 48 tribals out of the total 305 employees, which is a shortage of some 46 posts.
Reservation policy that was supposed to benefit the SC/Ss has been cleverly exploited in Manipur first by dividing the groups into different cadres and then ignoring with intent the 100-point roster system. For example, group ‘D’ posts are segregated into Drivers, Chowkidars, Gardener, Ward Boy, Mason, Helper, Peon, etc and are recruited one by one so that most of the posts goes to the major communities. Unlike other states of the country, the state of Manipur has also been cleverly using the term ‘general’ in place of ‘unreserved’ so that only the majority community of the state occupies the ‘open’ seats.
On reservation matter, tribals of Manipur are disappointed for two big reasons - One, their representation in government jobs and government sponsored institution is meager and is not in proportion with their population. Two, the general community (the Meiteis to be specific) who constitute a little more than half of the state total population are getting more than 80% of all the government jobs and seats. The fact that RIMS that was suppose to have more than one-third tribals (particularly in the non-teaching section) is constituted of more than 90 percent Meiteis, tells it all.
Besides, minor modifications and additions are made with departmental rules by selfishly adopting procedures that is in the best selfish interest of some peoples. The one for selection of nominees for MBBS/BDS course in 2003 is a clear example of such exploitation. Thanks to the united voice shown by the peoples who hardly comes together for a common cause in the past, the tribals overcome that hard fought issue in the street, in the corridors of powers and finally in the Supreme Court.
When one looked back, that needless crisis could have been averted had not some unscrupulous officers twisted some rules and regulations with selfish motives and interest. In the mean time, it came to light that careless and doubtable tribal legislators and high-ranking officers were also knowingly or unknowingly encouraging such a sinister move initiated by some individual officers. Instances may be cited here that, tribals are intentionally denied a minimum of 18 Post Graduate seats (a minimum 2 out of 7 annually) in Medical department as the Rules of Reservation prepared by the department in 1995, that is to be enforced ‘as soon as it is published in the state government Gazette’ was deliberately delayed till 2005.
Conclusion
Some pertinent questions that arises here are – Does merit really count in Manipur? Or, is merit the sole criteria for all appointments (including contract, substitutes, part-time, casual, etc) in all government departments and institutions? The answer is a big NO. Most of the current employees of the state government got through the process of recruitment not by merit but purely from connections and influences and sometimes through bribes. It is now not clear whether the aforementioned Manipur Reservation Bill will be re-introduce in the next Assembly session or not. It may have a safe-passage if it is re-introduce. But, it is unlikely that the woes of the tribal with matters of reservation that has been borne by them for the last 30 years will be redressed. When they are aware and conscious of their rights and share, their opposites are also doing the same like, ‘every action has the same reaction’. Chances of the state government going for a special recruitment drive only for the tribal is also a distant dream. — Concluded

Frans on 02.27.07 @ 01:10 PM CST [link]


Monday, February 26th

Rio confident of NPF winning both seats Karaiba Chawang The Morung Express


Rio confident of NPF winning both seats Karaiba Chawang The Morung Express

Touphema State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today ruled out any misunderstanding amongst the DAN coalition partners with regard to the forthcoming bye-election in two assembly constituencies of the state, Tuensang Sardar-II and Dimapur-1. He however expressed confidence that the NPF party would win the two seats. Rio, in a tête-à-tête with pressmen on the sidelines of Sekhrenyi festival at Touphema, said that the NPF and its allies have no problem as far as the bye-election is concerned and further reiterated on going in for friendly contests.
“We have no problem on this. We will go for a friendly contest”, Rio said, stating that the DAN coalition partners have an understanding on this arrangement and will go ahead with it.
Asked about the modus operandi of the elections, Rio said that he belonged to the NPF party and will campaign only for his party candidate. “I belong to the NPF party so I will campaign for the party candidate. I don’t know about the other party”, Rio added.
Bye-election in the two assembly constituencies is slated to be held March 8 next.
With the countdown to the bye-election drawing near, all major political parties are reported to have been resorting to heavy politicking in both the constituencies. In Tuensang, BJP candidature was earlier rejected by the Returning Officer on technical ground, while their party observer went missing on the day of scrutiny, and alleged that the later was made to sign a ‘bond’ under duress by gunmen.
Meanwhile, Rio once again reiterated that factional clashes was part of the political problem and said that it should be the combined duty of the Government of India and the state government to contain such law and order problem arising out of the factional clash.
“To deal with the undergrounds under the ceasefire ground rule is not easy”, Chief Minister said. He said that the state government had sufficient force to stop factional clash in the civilian areas, if force have to be applied, but, the state government is using a patient approach as the use of force will create unwanted situations further. “They are no more unlawful organizations, so we cannot deal with them like the unlawful”, Rio maintained, while asserting that the state government is only looking at how to stop the warring factions from fighting.
“We need to be patient”, he said, and rubbished the Opposition’s charge that factional clashes are a law and order problem and the present government has failed to contain to it.
NNC questions NSCN-IM’s use of the term ‘Nagaland for Christ’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 25 (MExN): Highlighting what it stated as NSCN-IM leaders Isak and Th Muivah’s failure to quote Bible verses as to where they have the right to level false allegation against innocent Nagas and to kill them without fear of God, Major Winchanlungbo, chaplain Naga Army, FGN in a press release stated that they have no right to use the term ‘Nagaland for Christ’. When church leaders warned them not to use the term, they reprimanded them in a letter by quoting many Bible verses, but they failed to refer the Bible verse from which they can say that killings and telling lies are not an act of Satan it was stated. “From which Bible verses they have the right to use ‘Nagaland for Christ’ in vain or tell lies that the Nagas had accepted the Indian Constitution?” the release added.
Quoting Imsu Jamir, Mokokchung (November 22, 1998) in God’s sayings as “You shall not use Nagaland for Christ in vain. You should ask His forgiveness for taking His name in vain, lest His curse will be upon you forever”, the release stated that the happenings in Nagaland after 1980 are the product of the formation of Isak-Muivah’s socialist organisation and therefore they have no one to blame or show anger for the consequences of their own wrong actions and that unless they admit their mistake, they will surely face the wrath of the Naga people as to what happened in Phek town recently. Stating God’s non failure to lead and protect the Nagas under the leadership of the Naga National Council (NNC) ever since its inception, the release also stated that “if Isak and Muivah said the NNC/FGN was defeated by India through signing an accord in 1975, then the word of God become untrue” and even if the Nagas formed a new political organisation after the accord, it would become only a mere secessionist group as to which he states that the Nagas never reduced to such group in the history but believe that through God’s protection Nagas will surely achieve their goal which Nagas are defending their sovereignty at all cost till date. Furthermore the release added that “they will never co-operate with the renegade leaders Isak and Muivah who are misleading the Nagas to demand for integration or greater autonomy from India, because the Nagas cannot sell out God given sovereignty”.
Search for rebels after 16 police die in ambush AP Gulf News
Guwahati: Security forces started combing the heavily forested mountain areas of northeastern India's troubled Manipur state yesterday, a day after 16 policemen were killed in a rebel ambush, an official said. Army, police and paramilitary soldiers were combing the area where the attack took place and have recovered a cache of weapons, the state's police chief A. K. Parashar said.
He did not give any details about the kind of weapons found. The attack involved 40 to 50 heavily armed rebels, Parashar added.
Convoy Sixty armed police officers who had been supervising elections in Bishenpur district were travelling in a six-vehicle convoy back to their district headquarters in Bishenpur town when rebels fired on them with automatic weapons on Saturday. Police retaliated and a fierce gunbattle ensued in which 14 policemen were killed on the spot and another eight were critically wounded, two of whom later succumbed to injuries in a hospital in Imphal.
Voting It was the worst incident of violence since the elections began on February 8. Voting is staggered in the insurgency-wracked region to help security forces prevent rebel attacks.
Parashar said it was unclear which rebel group was behind the attack. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the Manipur People's Liberation Front are among several rebel groups that have been fighting for decades for independent homelands in Manipur and the neighbouring state of Nagaland.
NNC to defend ‘God-given sovereignty’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 25 (MExN): Pointing out the misadventures of NSCN (IM), the Naga National Council (NNC) called the Naga youths to abstain from supporting the NSCN (IM) and work for the right cause of Naga nation in joining hands with the NNC. In a press release issued by Chungbui Newmai, Youth President Nagaland Youth Movement, NNC it stated that the youths should not serve the Indian nation only for the interest of money, but should know their bounden duty to serve for “our own Naga nation” and “sacrifice for our people”. “We have to defend God-given sovereignty at all cost” it added.
Asserting that the actions of their (NSCN-IM) actions reveal their “hidden agenda” it stated that “they are fighting against the Nagas in the interest of India uncovered” and pointed out that the two leaders Isak and Th Muivah had “given up the sovereignty” and they demanded “integration or greater autonomy” from Delhi Government. But when the Government of India did not grant their demand, “they demanded for affiliation with the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and then giving aside their demand for integration, they set up their own Manipur State political party (United Naga Democratic Front/UNDF)” it stated. It also asserted that the NSCN (IM) are now “notoriously involving” in the Indian State elections by threatening and forcing the Southern Naga people to vote for their UNDF candidates, whereby abducting public leaders from various regions for refusing “to support their (so called NSCN-IM) candidates.”
The NNC stating that “if the NSCN (IM) are not for the Indian constitution they would not involve in the Indian elections and if they are not for the Manipur state integration, they would not set up political party under the Manipur State” and validated that the NSCN (IM) are for the Indian constitution and for the integration of the so called Manipur state. Affirming that many youths had been led to involve in “anti-social and anti-national activities by the renegade Isak and Th Muivah” and lost their lives in vain it therefore called youths to unite and also pray to God to use the Naga Youths to defend the sovereignty of Nagaland and henceforth guide them in the right path.
Forget the bad past for better future: Rio Correspondent Bagaland Post
TUOPHEMA, FEB 25 (NPN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio Sunday urged the people to preserve and promote their rich age-old culture and tradition while asking them to forget all the bad things for their better future. Rio was participating in the Sekrenyi or Phousanyi festival celebrated by the Nothern Angami tribe at the Tourist Village Tuophema, hometown of the Chief Minister.
The occasion, called festival of purification organized by the Nothern Angamis, followed the main Sekrenyi festival held at local ground, Kohima Saturday. The celebrations at Tuophema began amidst booming of guns, bursting of fire-crackers and the unique festive cry of the Angamis as the people received their guest chief and other dignitaries at the festival venue.
The main attractions of the day's celebration were traditional fire making and live demonstration of the rituals of killing cocks and dressing them on the freshly-made fire, which drew applause from the spectators, including more than 30 international tourists and also several other domestic ones. The celebration was followed by a grand Sekenyi feast.
The theme of this year's Sekrenyi festival was "Blending Hues into Oneness". The celebration of the most popular festival of "purification" of the Angami tribe witnessed a mixture of tradition and modernity. The marked difference was seen when traditional rituals had been replaced with prayer by Christian Reverend or Pastor.
Sankaranarayanan stresses on peace building at Sekrenyi The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 25 (MExN): Governor of Nagaland K. Sankaranarayanan while attending his maiden Sekrenyi festival at Kohima on Saturday said that the Naga forefathers’ emphasis on purification had become even more important in today’s world and that “we need to purify our bodies, both physically and spiritually.”
Governor of Nagaland, K. Sankaranarayanan addressing the public on the occasion of the Angami Sekrenyi Festival at Khuochiezie (Local Ground) Kohima, on February 24. (DIPR)
“This is relevant for all of us in Nagaland”, he said in his address while pointing out that through purification one can become free of animosity and hatred borne out of narrow vision. “This will allow us to be at peace with ourselves. If we experience peace within, to strive for peace outside will not be difficult”, he said. Sankaranarayanan said that Sekrenyi was also an occasion to visit each other and feast together “to reaffirm old friendship and build new ones”. “This wisdom is important in today’s urbanizing and globalizing world”. He said that people’s vision must extend to other states in the country and also to other countries. “It is in our mutual interest to develop and maintain good relations with them”.
Everybody's doing it Editorial Nagaland Post
When BJP minister in the DAN coalition in Nagaland, Dr. T.M.Lotha expressed fears that the by election on March 8 would witness voter impersonation in the prestigious Dimapur-I assembly constituency, it was an admittance of the fact that such malpractices are rampant in the state as that of booth capturing. Needless to say, threats,intimidation and kidnappings add to the abnoxious essence of the unique way through which farcical democracy is being practised. With a total of 21,716 voters as per the 2003 electoral roll, the Dimapur-I assembly seat was earlier held by noted public figures such as Gobind Paira, Anwar Hussain, Mhale Peseyie, I.Vikheshe and Dr Hokishe-all who passed away.The opponents were no less notable public figures such as Chalie Kevichusa, and Crellan Peseyie both who passed away,besides Manik Bhattacharjee and S.K.Dutta. Following the death of the then sitting legislator late (Dr) Hokishe Sema, the by election will be held on March 8 this year. The March 8 byelections to the Dimapur-I assembly constituency would be contested for the first time by all political parties-national such as Congress, BJP,JD(U) and the regional NPF. Majority of the voters in the constituency are non-Naga citizens who have lived in Dimapur for generations, perhaps even longer than most Nagas many of who migrated to Dimapur only after 1980-90.The fears expressed by Dr.Lotha is well founded and it is undeniable. Electoral malpractices in Nagaland have surpassed concern as it has become a potentially harmful and dangerous syndrome.An overwhelming number of electorate do not cast votes as it involves a great deal of waiting in queue for long hours. This is because bogus voters stand in queue much before the break of dawn and cast votes by impersonating those in the electoral roll. All agents of political parties hardly bother to protest or challenge the identity since everyone is involved in this great farce. It is an unwritten agreement that every political party gets its own people to cast votes in the name of anyone and therefore, no one raises a voice against voter impersonation. However, it does not mean that this should be accepted. In fact, since a senior cabinet minister himself has gone on record expressing apprehension over voter impersonation, the state election department should ensure that the electoral process is not allowed to be hijacked. It is now more than ten years after voter identity cards were issued but all the efforts as well as large sum of money spent have come to nought. In general, electoral malpractices have become an accepted phenomenon in Nagaland and no political party or politician can feign innocence. The by election on March 8 will be watched with keen interest as it poses a challenge on the Election Commission of India as well as the state Election department and the law enforcement to check various malpractices. The electorate have to make a united stand against electoral malpractices but the authorities have to complement these efforts if democracy is to survive in this part of the country.
A thought for Kughalu Mulatonu- Nagaland Post Opinion
Of all Kughalu Mulatonu's toilet-paper imaginations rolling out for over a decade, the one which appeared in the local daily on February 20' 2007 under the caption "NSCN (K) says rival in no-win situation" needs to be corrected for I see in it the persona of a man bereft of any moral, ethical and political integrity. I see it as an ultimate insult to not only the two most elderly and respected national leaders namely, NSCN chairman Isak Chishi Swu and vice chairman Khadao Yanthan, but also an outrageous attempt to inject defeatist to the Nagas from a politically deranged mind. I bear no malice towards you Mulatonu yet how, in the name of heaven, did you conceive the idea that NSCN chairman uncle Swu and vice chairman uncle Yanthan would join your gang? Your SMS to the media proved yet again how isolated you are from reality. I hope your mind is not as crooked as you write. Your irrepressible urge to feed your egocentric mind with lies and deceits are well known. Your attempt to club yourself along with the two legendary figures evoked in me a sense of pity and shame. You talk of luck but unlike you, in their long struggle for their homeland they have never depended on luck. It is the firm determination, astute statesmanship and their faith in the Almighty God which has seen them through all obstacles. Your reckless political monologue to malign the just struggle of the Nagas has astonished me no end and sadly you grow smaller by the day in the eyes of many Nagas, including mine.
Frankly, your idea of nationalism stems from the fact that you have never been a true patriot. When have you really written a line or a sentence endearing yourself to the people? Every outburst of yours is a display of intense hatred for your own people. You have proven yourself a political lunatic incapable of absorbing even a grain of truth from your elders and well wishers. Know that the greatness of our people dwells in fraternity and brotherhood practiced by our forefathers. Don't be a cactus plant Mulatonu, they grow only in deserts and Nagalim is not one. Even a school bully knows his limitation against terrorizing fellow students. You know you'll never earn a standing ovation for your theatrical dialogues. I am afraid Nagas cannot be taken for a ride. They can very much appreciate the good and ridicule the fools as well. Why do you have to be such a loudmouth?
Remember, Naga nationalism is not your cup of tea nor is it about going hammer and tongs against a particular community, tribe, Hoho or a civil society. A leader you are? Where is your leadership quality Mulatonu? Equating yourself with uncle Isak Chishi Swu or uncle Khodao Yanthan doesn't make you a leader. For nearly 50 years they have proven to the world the stuff they're made of by leading the Nagas with vision and determination. Please clam down and see what you have done for the Nagas in the past decade or so since your joining your gang. Perhaps it was with good intention then, but today I read nothing sensible but only sheer display of inconsolable cry of banishment of fellow Nagas from their own soil. I do know that you do this simply to please the monster of a shadow standing behind you.
The words 'terrorist', 'terrorism', 'sovereignty', 'independence' is now etched deep into your soul and only the good Lord knows what they imply to you. Please allow these facts to filter into your chaotic brain. I have just a couple of points for you. Firstly, the political talks between the government of India and the NSCN is unconditional and held at the highest level i.e. at the Prime Ministerial level, as two separate entities recognizing each others history and rights. Now Mulatonu, you know very well that in your so called ceasefire agreement, you agreed to "Protect and safeguard the law of the land" i.e. India, unconditionally. This is not at all a political dialogue, let alone the issue sovereignty. Why, do you know the fact that any issue tackled by Indian home ministry is nothing but the law and order problem? Why do you harp on sovereignty for Nagas when it is clear that your gang is a mere law and order problem for India? We do know that you sneak into Jorhat guarded by Assam Rifles, and then taken to Delhi by Indian army helicopter to brief the home ministry officials on the prevailing law and order issues and get more intelligence inputs against the people. Where is your sovereignty? Sovereignty of the Naga people do not reside in Assam Rifles camps, it cannot be had by collaborating with Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) or any intelligence agency of India. Accepting arms and ammunitions, money and logistic support from India is your idea of sovereign Nagalim?
Secondly, the NSCN and government of India hold political talks in the third country under the glare of world media. The world recognizes the right and history of the Nagas, come to think of it; we struggle for all Nagas, including your family. Call up UNO or GOI or any organization and ask them if Nagas are terrorists. Trust me; you'll go red in the face!
Your serving quit notice to a particular community is a blatant violation of the deeply ingrained age old harmony among the Naga family. Where did you derive the authority to claim or disown a part of Naga territory or a community? If you insist that the Tangkhul brothers are not Nagas, I must also have the right to say that you are not a Sumi. You see Mulatonu, preaching nationalism bereft of moral, ethical values and integrity, the same will be heaped twofold upon you. Perhaps, your collaboration with Indian army and intelligence and the financial and logistic support you enjoy have inflated your ego to such an extent that it has made you a rogue and not a leader. Is your patriotism confined to the present state of the so called Nagaland? Perhaps your spirit of nationalism burns brightly in some Assam Rifle camp. I urge you to do away with that wanton boy attitude and be sober and rational with the Nagas because the institution of the Nagas is much, much dearer than you or me. If this piece hurt your sentiment in any manner then you'd probably realize how merciless you've been with your pen over the years.
T.G Jimo, PS to Yaruiwo, GPRN, NSCN (IM).
Family tree of Kughalu (Mulatonu)- Nagaland Post Opinion
History of all living beings has its own beginning or it has to be a mystery or a miracle to have existence in any form within itself. When we talk about creation of mankind or the evolution of men, every theory relies on certain thesis upon which antithesis is derived to ascertain the relationship of the historical or biological facts with regard to the subject under consideration.
Every Naga family has its own story to tell orally or written (in modern days) and in every tribe this oral tradition have survived the test of time enabling us to bridge the paradigm shift from hearth to class room whereby every known facts comes to life as we are today.
Family tree of Mr. Kughalu (Mulatonu) can be traced back to the time whence, yet for the sake of relevance we wish to highlight only the seven generations of his family tree. The great great-grandfathers of Kughalu till the time of settling in Khrumcho Village are, Late. Sahupu who sired Yangtongkiu who latter migrated to Yimchung Awun near Chessore Village and begoted a son Sofuyim whose son was Hangkhum who had three sons, among them Langakiu migrated to Hukir Village. Luyan was born to Langakiu who again migrated to Tsuko village and lived under the guardianship of Late.Ghuvishe of Tsukomi village where Kamjimong was born who in turn migrated to Phisami village and settled there as a subject of Mr. Zhukishe Hd.G.B.of Phisami.Kamjimong upon settling in Phisami he fathered a son and named him Satokhu (Typical Sumi name ). It was from here the dramatic scene of the family tree of Mr. Kughalu took place.ln 1970-71 the elders of Phisami village allowed certain members of the village to alter their names to assimilate as well as to allow them to have names suitably preferred in modem society, accordingly Satokhu changed his name to Mulato who is apparently the father of Kughalu. For the understanding of other Naga family the suffix 'nu' means "son of' in Sumi dialect as such Mulatonu means son of Mulato.
Points of observation:
1. Since time immemorial the Sumi tribe have only two clans ie,Tuccu and Swu.
2.From Tuccu and Swu sub-clans there is no mention or history about 'Mulatonu' sub-clan.
3. We do not know whether 'Mulatonu' falls under Tuccu or Swu sub-clan.
4. Sumi Hoho and Sumi Kukami (G.B) HOHO has never approved the creation of such sub-clan among the Sumi community at any point of time.
5. Has any Sumi come across such sub-clan among us?
6. Whatever write-up or statement of Kughalu given at any point of time and under any circumstances does not reflect the views and opinion of Sumi Tribe as such it should be taken as of its own creation.
Isuued by Sumi National, Workers, NSCN (IM).
Army launches operations in Manipur The Morung Express
GUWAHATI, Feb 25 (Reuters): A massive manhunt is underway in the dense jungles of India’s troubled northeastern state of Manipur after 16 policemen were killed in a militant ambush, a top military commander said on Sunday. In the deadliest attack in the state for at least two years, more than 30 heavily armed militants threw grenades and fired from hilltops at a police patrol vehicle in Tamenglong district, about 85 km northwest of the state capital, Imphal.
The attack on Saturday came a day after provincial elections were held in Manipur, which borders Myanmar. Twelve policemen died on the spot and four in hospital. Five others were critically wounded. No militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
“The militants meticulously planned their ambush in an isolated place from where they could easily escape,” the senior officer supervising the search said, requesting anonymity. He said soldiers on foot, backed by helicopters, were combing the jungles where the guerrillas are believed to hiding. “They will not be allowed to go off so easily after killing so many of our boys,” he added. More than 20,000 people have been killed in decades of insurgency in Manipur, triggered in the 1960s after Manipuris complained their province was being neglected by the far-away federal government in New Delhi.
Doors for talks open despite negative response from ULFA: Governor--- PTI
Guwahati, Feb 26: Assam Governor Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh today said that the doors for negotiation with the ULFA was still open despite the outfit's negative response to the government's offer for talks.

"ULFA has not responded postively to the government's initiatives for direct talks... Nevertheless, the prime minister has reiterated that the doors for direct talks are still open provided the ULFA eschews violence," Singh said at the budget session of the state assembly here. ULFA had expressed its willingness (for talks) initially by forming the Peoples Consultative Group. They have, however, not shown sincerity and instead regrouped to continue with their activities, Singh said. There was general improvement of the law and order situation in the state compared to the situation six years ago, he said while regretting at the same time last month's "dastardly killing of innocent people, most of whom were Hindi speaking but living in the state for generations." "My government has responded to the situation on a war footing and succeeded in controlling the violence within 72 hours," he added.
CRPF man dies in bomb attack; Manipur cauldron: ‘Probe into Jouzangtek attack on’ Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, FEB 25: Manipur continued to reel under poll-related violence with a CRPF personnel suffering injuries in a bomb blast triggered by rebels at Sekmai on National Highway-39 Sunday. The bomb attack followed the massacre of 16 IRB personnel in one of the deadliest strikes on security forces by militants in recent years, at Jouzangtek in Bishenpur district Saturday. The CRPF jawan, identified as Naresh Kumar Sania of the 125 Bn, was wounded today when a bomb planted on a tree hanging down on NH-39 exploded on the roof of a vehicle of CRPF convoy at around 11.45 a.m, official sources said.
The CRPF convoy, along with other vehicles, was leaving Imphal for Dimapur on its way to the CRPF headquarters after performing election duty in Manipur. Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh has strongly condemned the Jouzangtek attack in which 16 IRB men were killed Saturday and termed it as "most unfortunate" and "an act of coward people."
"Investigation is on to determine which group was responsible for the attack," Ibobi told mediaperpersons. The Chief Minister was leading the state in paying floral tributes as state honours to the 16 slain IRB personnel at a function at Imphal today. High-ranking officials of the state police, DGP, CRPF, and those from other forces paid homage to the deceased IRB jawans.
UNLF counters AR ‘propaganda’ By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 25 : Asserting that the people are now aware of the excesses committed by Assam Rifles in the remote areas of Dingpi and Khenjoi under Chandel district, UNLF asserted that the facts can no longer be kept concealed despite the alleged fabricated and misleading propaganda being floated consistently by the PRO of Assam Rifles. A statement issued by the Senior Publicity Officer of UNLF Ksh Yoiheiba remarked that Assam Rifles troops who marched into Dingpi and Khenjoi areas with delusions of driving out the MPA cadres were dejected and frustrated with the repeated defeats suffered at the hands of MPA cadres. Unable to face their adversaries, the AR troops have been pouring their wrath on the innocent villagers of Tuyang, Tol-bung, Hengshi, Holenjang and Joupi. Consequent upon the PIL filed at the Gauhati High Court by the village chief of Tuyang, an enquiry team was sent to the spot to verify the charges. The enquiry report has confirmed the atrocities committed by AR personnel against the villagers, observed the outfit. In addition, a team of reporters who went to these remote villages to ascertain the charges of excesses committed by AR personnel have also confirmed that the allegations were all true, it said. Quoting media reports, Yoiheiba said that many villagers injured in the severe assault by AR personnel were prohibited from seeking medical aid outside their village. Moreover, deadly traps of landmines have been laid all around the village to prevent any one venturing outside. Taking into account all such anti-people activities, it came as no surprise when AR PRO claimed that UNLF cadres have been driven off into Myanmarese territory. The allegation that the villagers were forced to grow poppy by UNLF and that all the charges made against AR were instigated by UNLF are all manifestations of their (security forces) utter frustration, Yoiheiba claimed. Remarking that security forces have been indulging in such false and fabricated propaganda for a long time, UNLF claimed that MPA cadres have proved repeatedly by deeds that they can launch assault on security forces at any time anywhere.
The farcical judicial system of the existing Government has been reduced to nought by its own security forces by dismissing the spot enquiry report conducted under direction of the Gauhati High Court. The security forces even went on to say that the enquiry report showed rhetoric of UNLF. Such irresponsible and high handed conduct of security forces is a bitter lesson to the people that they are being subjugated under military rule, Yoiheiba added.
ULFA funding to Bangla political parties worth $6 m Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 25 — Already under pressure, the top ULFA leadership may find itself in a soup after a reputed US-based private intelligence agency exposed it of funding both the major national political parties in Bangladesh to the tune of $6 million, while commander-in-chief Paresh Barua’s net worth has been estimated at $110 million. The report by Strategic Foresight Inc, better known as Stratfor, released on January 31 comes close on the heels of a report by Indian intelligence agencies, which exposed the militant outfit’s close links with Bangladesh-based fundamentalist forces. ULFA leaders might find itself on a sticky wicket because the same Stratfor quoted senior State Department officials in Washington, in an earlier report, of keeping a close watch on ULFA’s activities in Bangladesh.

The Stratfor report said, besides the Islamist parties, the Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party also are receiving substantial support from one of India’s most prominent indigenous militant groups, ULFA. ULFA has developed into a powerful, moneymaking machine that relies on Bangladesh for its protection, making it all the more important for ULFA to ensure that its interests are satisfied in the upcoming elections. ULFA reportedly has pumped more than $6 million into Bangladesh’s elections, with funds going to at least 15 candidates belonging to both the AL and BNP. By supporting both parties, ULFA is hedging its bets in order to protect its militant and business operations in Bangladesh should either party win.

“ULFA’s core leadership is believed to have been living in luxury in Bangladesh for 15 years under the protection of political allies in Dhaka. As long as ULFA can continue funding the appropriate candidates, it can ensure that the Bangladesh government will resist caving into Indian demands to crack down on the militant group,” the report said. Clearly $6 million is a handsome contribution to be coming from an indigenous Indian militant group, but ULFA is no ordinary organisation. ULFA’s leader is Paresh Barua, an enormously wealthy racketeer worth approximately $110 million. Barua has business operations throughout India, Bangladesh and the Persian Gulf, including hotels, consulting firms, driving schools, tanneries, department stores, textile factories, travel agencies, investment companies, shrimp trawlers and soft drink factories.

A senior government official in Dhaka allegedly handles Barua’s business interests in Bangladesh. The report that ULFA has turned itself into a money-minting machine assumes significance because of recent reports of the rebel outfit allegedly entering into compromise deal with State Government ahead of the National Games.
Along with Barua’s business empire, ULFA funds its militant activities through a sophisticated extortion network. Assamese tea companies and tea garden owners are continually faced with “pay up or die” threats from ULFA, yet the companies have preferred to stay quiet about ULFA’s operations out of both fear and business interest, since tea prices have been on the rise.

ULFA is well aware that New Delhi will not budge in its refusal to give into ULFA demands, so the group has focused its militant operations on bleeding Indian security forces in order to strengthen its negotiating position. The group has stepped up attacks in recent months by targeting Hindi-speaking citizens in Assam in order to force the Indian government to come to the negotiating table after a deal to release five of ULFA’s jailed leaders fell through.

ULFA and the Bangladeshi Islamist groups are not the only players with stakes in Bangladesh’s elections, however. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency is heavily involved in supplying, funding and training an array of regional militant groups, including ULFA, Kashmiri militant outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed and Sri Lanka’s Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, all of which are known to cooperate with each other in weapons training and funding in spite of their varied ideologies. Though ULFA is likely to deny the report, it should be noted that Stratfor reports are well researched and, is rarely known to be influenced by external sources let alone foreign governments and intelligence agencies. Its impressive clientele is testimony to that. Significantly, a report by the Indian intelligence agencies weeks earlier said that ULFA has been further strengthening its links with Islamic radical organisation in Assam like the MULTA (Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam). The MULTA has contacts with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) of Bangladesh. The ULFA headquarters in Bangladesh has been working not only with intelligence agencies of Bangladesh, Pakistan and China but also with Islamic extremists forces. There are confirmed reports that weapons were procured by ULFA from China’s Kunming province bordering Myanmar . The usual route was through the Kachin state of Myanmar. Arms also come through the Arakan areas of Myanmar and from the sea off Cox’s Bazaar, to Chittagong . The ULFA sells their illegally imported arms to the smaller insurgent groups for a profit, reports indicate. The options for ULFA are getting limited day by day. If the ULFA leaders surrender to the Indian authorities, both Pakistan and Bangladesh’s previous BNP government will be exposed as sponsors of international terrorism, the report said.
Tribal reservation in Manipur: A boon or a bane — I By John H. Pulamte
Sangai Express Introduction
The Constitution of India that came into effect from 26 January 1950 prohibits any discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex and place of birth. But, while providing equality of opportunity for all citizens, the Constitution also contains special clauses to ensure reservation ‘for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes’. With a view to provide and safeguards these communities against exploitation and to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interest, special provisions were also made in the constitution. For effective implementation of various safeguards provided to them in the Constitution and other protective legislations, a Special Officer, designated as ‘Commissioner for SCs/STs’ was also appointed under Article 338 of the Constitution. Although originally supposed to last only for 10 years, the Indian reservation system has continued till date, and applies to higher education and legislative office. Currently, 22.5% (15 for SCs & 7.5 for STs) in all government jobs and seats in higher education institutions under the Central government are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Reservation is intended to increase the social diversity in campuses and workplaces by lowering the entry criteria for certain identifiable groups who are grossly under-represented in proportion to their numbers in general population. Inspite of reservation being implemented as a tool to improve the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes or the Other Backward Classes, it becomes just a compensation that needs to be in place for the well-being of these peoples since they are not at par with the rest of the country. As long as such improvement is not achieved, reservation will be mandated to keep these underprivileged peoples to be able to compete with the rest of the country.
In August 2006, based on the recommendations of an independent panel, the UPA Government at the centre proposed to implement quota system for Scheduled Castes, Schedule Tribes, Other Backward Classes (OBC) and other minority communities in IITs and IIMs (for both students and faculty). This led to sharp reactions from the unreserved category students in the institutes concerned especially students from the Medical fraternity.
Reservation in Manipur
Before Manipur became a part of India in 1949 the king governed the plain areas whereas the Village Chief traditionally administered the hill areas, which constitutes a little more than 90% of the total geographical area of the state. Manipur was included in the re-organisation of North east India Act, 1971 to become a full-fledged state. While a Bill was introduced in the Parliament for creation of statehood for Manipur, the tribal people urged for a separate administrative unit or creation of Hill Secretariat in the state. Consequently, the creation of statehood for Manipur was delayed for a year.
In the interest of the integrity of the state of Manipur that saw statehood in 1972 - the unwritten ‘social contract’ between tribals and the valley dwellers states that the general population could have access to the produce of the land while in matters of employment, tribals would share in the development of the state by ‘representation’ of one-third of the work force as a corollary to the principle of democracy. This agreement was never fulfilled, and has contributed much to tribal youth to assert their own identity at the cost of impending integrity. As per the unofficial 2001 census, the population of the tribal peoples has increased to about 37%. However, reciprocal increase in reservation percentage is a far cry when even the present reserved percentage has also been under constant manipulation and is at stake from time to time.
A Bill known as ‘Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts & Services (for SC and ST) 1976’ was passed by the state’s Legislative Assembly on December 12, 1976 and assented by the Governor on February 21, 1977 but, the same is inoperative till date in the absence of Rules under the Act. The Rules framed and published by the then Commissioner of Tribal Welfare Department in Gazette No. 474 (B) on December 10, 1990 ‘for immediate enforcement’ was rescinded by Gazette No. 618 published by the Chief Secretary on February 2, 1991 ‘with immediate effect’ and reinforced by another Gazette No. 639 published on February 5, 1991 rescinding once again and stating that, ‘the same shall be treated as to have not been issued and existed’. The main reason cited by the government for this cancellation is that no proper channel and mandatory state’s Cabinet approval is sought and obtained by the Tribal Development (TD) department before going ahead for pu-blication in the Gazette.
Rather than the validity of the reason and circumstances for such cancellations of one government Gazette by another, what is more mystifying and that ire the tribal peoples of Manipur is – why does it take such a long 15 years to make the first attempt to frame the RULES in order to make the said ACT operational? To make the matter worse, after the failed attempt in 1991, no new step is being taken for another 15 years to have a specific and legally binding reservation policy in Manipur. Due to relentless pressure from All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM), ‘Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts & Services (for SC and ST) Amendment Bill 2006’ was introduced in the state’s Legislative Assembly on September 15, 2006 and was passed on September 18, 2006. Before that, the Bill was referred to the Manipur Hill Areas Committee (HAC) constituted by all tribal MLAs (20 in number) for their observation, comment and opinions. It may be noted that the HAC has the power to reject, rectify or nullify any such Bill that concern the tribal peoples and their areas. But, may be due to an oversight or callous approach of these elected people’s representatives, the Bill was approved without any comments or modifications. On seeing that there are some misleading sections and clauses that can be misinterpreted to the disadvantage of the tribal peoples, ATSUM immediately approached the Governor and request him not to give his assent to the Bill in its present form. The Governor on his part uses his wisdom and sent back the Bill to be deliberately discussed once again in the Assembly. It was also learnt that the Governor also rejected the request of the state Cabinet to pass an Ordinance so as to make the Bill operational as he consider that the issue was of great importance, serious and sensitive in all respect. Had that Bill received the Governor’s assent or the state government passed an Ordinance, the very law that tries to promote and help the tribal people of the state is sure to bring more problem to the tribal peoples than solving it.
It may be noted that, the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts & Services (for SC and ST) Amendment Bill 2006, does not mention anything on the penalty to be given to those who do not abide by the said law. Besides, the percentage to be reserved for SC/STs was more or less fixed with no room for determining it as per the state’s population. The Bill also almost completely close rooms for promotion of tribal Class II officers to Class I officer in departments such as, PWD, IFCD, Power, PHED, V&AH, Agriculture, etc. Hence, chance of technical Section Officers (class III) getting promotion to class I in these departments is almost nil. — To be contd
Myanmar team on NE visit to boost trade ties Surajit Khaund Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 25 – In a bid to give a fresh impetus to the ongoing border trade between North East India and Myanmar, a 34-member delegation of Myanmar is visiting Assam, Manipur and Mizoram from February 28. The delegation comprising Thaung Kyaw, deputy director of Border Trade, Aung Min, director, Livestock Breeding and Fisheries, Tha Ra, deputy general manager, Myanmar Economic Bank (MEB) and senior members of the leading trade bodies will meet the ministers and the senior officials of these States. They are planning to sign a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the trade bodies of the North East.

During their seven-day stay in Assam , Manipur and Mizoram, the delegation would visit tea gardens, textile units, agro-based industries and fisheries to explore import of technology to their country. The visit initiated by the Myanmar Government is aimed at improving bilateral trade between Myanmar and North East, besides importing tea technology from the region. The delegation will also make a series of presentations in Guwahati about the opportunities in the Myanmar market to woo traders of the region.

The Indo-Myanmar trade pact was signed in 1994 and it was made operational in 1995. Since then the volume of trade between North East and Myanmar has not been encouraging. The export growth is around 7% against the import of 32%. The poor trade is apparently due to lack of available information about the market and and currency problem in Myanmar. To overcome the existing problem, the Myanmar Government has taken a slew of measures to disseminate information so that the North East traders can explore the market. Moreover, the Indian Commerce Ministry has of late initiated several measures keeping in view the market potential in Myanmar. To reciprocate the move, the Junta has sent the delegation to have direct interaction with with the North East traders in order to cement bilateral trade ties.

Upbeat over the visit, Yumnam Ch Dilipkumar, chairman of PIC, Indo-Myanmar Border Traders’ Union, said that the visit would further enhance bilateral trade between North East India and Myanmar. “We have two border trade points-Moreh and Champhai with Myanmar, but we have not been able to reap the benefits and therefore the traders of the North East and the Myanmar will be able to share their plans together”, he added. The Industries Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA) has hailed the visit of Myanmar officials and the traders saying that it would further enhance the trade ties. “We are organizing an interactive session among the traders of North East and Myanmar to exchange their business plans”, Rajesh Das of ITFAA said.
Arunachal Pradesh demands ‘peace bonus’ from Centre Assam Tribune
ITANAGAR, Feb 25 – Arunachal Pradesh has demanded “peace bonus” from the Centre in the form of special package to speed up the economic development of the State. Chief Minister Geogong Apang said it is indeed a paradox that the country spends thousands of crore of rupees every year to control insurgency but it neglects Arunachal Pradesh which has remained peaceful.

He was addressing the 21st Statehood day rally here yesterday which was attended by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil as the chief guest. Turning to Patil, Apang said “I fervently appeal to you to announce a peace bonus for states that maintained absolute peace and social and communal harmony.” “The bonus could be in the form of special development package and a beginning can be made with Arunachal for its impeccable record in law and order front.

“This will provide incentive to the people to remain peaceful elsewhere in the country,” he said.
Apang said Arunachal Pradesh may be having a small population but the fact that the State shares long sensitive borders with China, Maynmar and Bhutan places great responsibility on the inhabitants of the State. The Chief Minister said that the hilly State bestowed with huge natural resources is a sleeping giant and has begun to wake up from deep slumber. – PTI
PREPAK to execute extortionist The Imphal Free Press

imphal, Feb 25: The underground prepak has announced that the death penalty has been awarded to a youth who was caught committing extortion in the name of the outfit in the Imphal east area.

The youth, identified as Ningthoujam Malemkhomba 20, hailing from Iroisemba was produced before mediapersons somewhere in Imphal east today.
A spokesperson of the PREPAK, briefing mediapersons said Malemkhomba had been working under one Loya hailing from Uripok, and added that his accomplices have been identified.

The spokesperson said such accomplices should surrender to the party at the earliest, failing which they would face a similar penalty.
The spokesperson also urged the public not to cooperate with any financial demands made in the name of the party without sanction by Chinglemba Mangang of the prepak`s finance section.

In another development, the Kangleipak Communist Party, kcp, has also caught one youth who allegedly attempted to extort money from a cement dealer at Khoyathong in the name of the outfit. Producing the youth before mediapersons somewhere in Imphal east, a spokesperson of the outfit said the youth, identified as Elangbam Premjit, 25, of Yaripok Nungsum, was caught while he was attempting to extort a sum of Rs 10,000 from the cement dealer. The KCP spokesperson added that one A Bikram was behind the extortion bid. He added that earlier this month, they had also collected an amount of Rs. 8,500 from several shops located at Khoyathong. The spokesperson said Premjit was found to have been duped and used by Bikram, and therefore he has been handed over to his family with a stern warning. He however demanded that a bikram should surrender within a week, failing which he would be given the extreme punishment.

Repolls possible only in 14 out of 15 polling stations The Imphal Free Press

imphal, Feb 25: Voting in 14 out of 15 polling stations in Tamenglong and Chandel districts where repolls were ordered took place peacefully today, but repoll could not be held in 52/5-Kadi polling station of Tamei A/C as the polling officers failed to reach the spot in time. Election authorities said a high turnout of more than 80% was recorded in the repolls, though media persons on their rounds did not see that many voters. According to offical sources, repolls at 52/5-Kadi under Tamei A/C could not take place as the assigned polling officers could not arrive in time. Repoll has been recommended at this polling station tomorrow, from 7 am to 3:30 pm.

In the rest, official sources said, polling was held peacefully amidst heavy deployment of security forces with executive magistrates posted at each polling station. Mediapersons, however found that this was not the case at all polling stations during their rounds today.

At 41/12 polling station in Chandel A/C, mediapersons who attempted to enter the polling station were stopped outside by a youth who claimed to belong to an underground group. The youth prevented the mediapersons from entering, until after 30 or 40 people, both men and women, had emerged from the polling station and left. Inside the polling station, the mediapersons found things at the point of being wound up though it was only 2:12 pm

The EVM showed that 723 out of 740 electorate under the polling station had voted. The presiding officer also said voting took place peacefully The mediapersons found two agents of one particular candidate present, though this is against the rules. The agents of the other candidates had left earlier, they were informed. In the meantime official sources informed that 81% turnout was recorded at 53/2-Tharon, 90% at 53/4-Thingra, 81% at 53/14-Kabui Khullen, and 84% at 53/21-Khebuching polling stations of Tamenglong A/C/

In Chandel A/C,.official sources said turnout in the repolls was around 97%. According to the district electoral officer Chandel, all EVMs used in repoll except that of 42/10 Khulsaibung reached the district headquarters today. 41/2 Angparal recorded 95% turnout, 97.7% at 41/11 Japhou bazar part IB, and 97% at 41/14-Monsang Pantha. In the seven polling stations of 42-Tengnoupal, 98.6% was recorded at 42/5-Khangshin, 97% at 42/6 Kangsang (A), 97.2% at 42/7 Kangsang (B), 95.09% at 42/10 Khulsaibung, 97% at 42/14 Langol A, 98% at 42/15 Langol B and 97.5% at 42/24-Phunam Sambam. On the other hand, rjd candidate Thangkhulun Haokip,

41-Chandel A/C has opposed the repolls held today, saying they were unjustified. Repolls should be held only when evms are lost or destroyed, he said, alleging that the repolls had been held at gunpoint at the instigation of Independent candidate Francis Huten. He said attempts to make complaint in this regard to the election authorities, including ceo, dc chandel and the concerned RO, have been disregarded.

Contest for meanest chilli was a scorcher Nagarealm.com
WASHINGTON : As fiery spats go, nothing like this had ever happened between the United States and India. While ties between the two countries have lately been warm, fuzzy and full of saccharine sentiments, away from the public glare and diplomatic canoodling, a scorching confrontation brewed in the background. At the heart of this flaming row: which is the hotter chilly - Assam's little-known and mysterious Naga Jolokia or California's reigning champ Red Savina.

After months of heated debate and measured tests, the verdict is in: Jolokia has booted out Savina from the hottest spot by a big margin - 1,001,304 SHUs to Red Savina's highest 577,000 SHUs. SHU is acronym for Scoville Heat Unit, a dilution measure invented by American chemist William Scoville to quantify spice heat. Naga Jolokia's score means for it to be rendered neutral or tasteless, one measure of it has to be diluted 1.001 million times.

Jolokia, which means chilli in India's northeastern regions, is the first natural pepper to breach the 1 million SHU mark. Most people are reduced to tears at 300,000 SHUs, the standard for the hotter varieties including Mexico's famed habanero. A bell pepper (Shimla mirch) is typically measured at nil. Just how hot are Jolokias is evident from the prefixes it has earned - Bhut means ghost, for that is what it reduces anyone who bites into it, it is said. Naga, the alternate prefix, was given because it is said to reflect the tribe's fiery temperament. "It is a very intense chilli with a delayed heat that is quite phenomenal," says Paul Bosland, Director of the Chilli Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University who came out smoking after the his first bite of jolokia five years ago and knew immediately that he was on to something very hot. Very, very hot.

The story of the sizzling spat between Naga Jolokia and Red Savina goes back to the year 2000 when some American growers first read a claim from India, reported in Current Science magazine and attributed to an official of the Defense Research Laboratory in Tezpur, that an Assamese chilli had broken all records for spice heat at 855,000 Scoville Heat Units.

The news was greeted with scepticism. Frank Garcia of GNS Spices, a Californian developer and grower of the 'Red Savina', thought it highly unusual for Jolokia, said to belong to the family Capsicum frutescens, to be so hot. His own Red Savina belonged to Capsicum chinense, which was typically thought to produce more scalding chillies, such as the Habanero.

Garcia took the report to Paul Bosland, head of the Chili Pepper Institute, founded in 1991. One doesn't associate U.S with chillies (peppers, in Americanese) but Bosland says it is a well-kept secret. "In New Mexico, it is a $ 400 million industry," the mild-spoken director told ToI. "When it comes to chillies, we are the centre of the universe." Indeed, located at Les Cruces, about 50 miles from the border town of El Paso, Bosland's CPI is the crucible of some of the hottest experiments involving chillies. Like Garcia, Bosland too had his doubts. Did the Indian test stick to the standards? Were the seeds, pericarp, and placenta of the chilli ground together, or did they just pick the hot parts? Meanwhile, Garcia issued a Bush-like challenge to Jolokia: Bring it on!

That was easier said than done. Emails and faxes to Indian authorities went unanswered for months. Friends who went to the region were unable to bring back quality seeds. When Bosland finally got his hands on the right stuff, it took two years of careful breeding to grow Jolokia in New Mexico. By 2005, Bosland had grown and lined up enough Bhut Jolokia, Red Savina and Orange Habanero to conduct what he called the Great Heat Test. The results were stunning: BJ scorched the competition at 1.04 million SHUs. What's more, even Orange Habanero, at a mean heat level of 357,729 SHU huffed past Red Savina.
"So much for the world's current hottest chilli pepper," noted the website fieryfoods.com, which chronicled the epic, if not epicurean, battle. Last week, the results from the Chile Pepper Institute test, validated by two peer outfits, was recognized by the Guinness World Record organisation. Interrupted for an interview for this story while fixing dinner for his family, Bosland had a hearty laugh when asked if Bhut Jolokia was now part of his spice rack. "No way," he said. [Chidanand Rajghatta, TNN]

Frans on 02.26.07 @ 02:49 PM CST [link]


Sunday, February 25th

Nagaland in Myanmar – A military sponsored Festival The military junta shows off to foreigners


Naga International Support Center, NISC www.nagalim.nl
A human rights organization

Press Release

Amsterdam, February 25 2007

Nagaland in Myanmar – A military sponsored Festival

The military junta shows off to foreigners

Lahe, Nagaland, Myanmar: Once a year in January Myanmar’s part of Nagaland can be visited by foreigners who have the funds to pay for flights and are not scared to travel over hazardous mountain trails. The rest of the year this part of Myanmar is sealed of from the outside world. For reasons unknown the military junta through a subsidiary travel, agency organizes a trip for foreigners and well to do citizens of Myanmar to attend the Naga harvest festival in January. Advertised as a highlight of culture the caravan of pick up trucks laden with excited visitors from all over the world arrived in the especially for the purpose built bamboo quarters. Relatively luxurious these quarters are due to the single rooms with mosquito nets and every day room cleaning with a battery of toilets and wash rooms, pails of hot water available too. The compound, slightly away out of the village of Lahe, was off limits for Nagas themselves. I experienced one day after a shoot in the village with members of a tribal group as I wanted to show them some digital photos on my laptop. The reception, manned by personnel of Diamond travel agency and military stopped those Nagas and I had to bring the laptop out. Their reason?
“Well Sir, this is for your own protection. We do not know what could happen in the camp, so no others than our visitors are allowed inside; orders of the high command Sir!”, came as a recurrent answer. I quote this standard answer for it was used for anything aside the festival. Lahe has a military camp overlooking the village and on the festival ground armed soldiers with were around all the time.
The festival itself, due to the well expressing Nagas of some six different tribes was astonishingly impressive, yet equally undoubtedly, orchestrated by the travel agency led by the military. High military commanders were present and the Minister of Hotels and Tourism were received like celebrities. Decorated first by lovely and traditionally dressed Naga ladies they gave the signal to for the opening procedures of the festival. They were seated center stage and announced the good policies they had promulgated for the Nagas; samples of their well meant intentions were lined up beside the stage. Guarded by soldiers on display were different goods; sacks of rice, television sets, communication devices and much more. As they received a warm applause for their efforts with pride the military presented these good to assembled Nagas.
“Quite ironical,” said a Naga in the group who invited me for a meal inside the home they were temporarily housed, “it is very difficult to talk here. The walls have ears you know! Here the military control everything, or do you think we wanted a festival organized by them? We are not free to celebrate, they arrange it all. They show off to you people, but in the villages their soldiers coerce, subdue, suppress and forcibly recruit young men for their army. They post Buddhist missionaries among us; they have this policy to make us Buddhists. I will show you a small thing about their ways, small but significant,” he whispers as the others were standing by listening but moved closer to check on what he said and showed a few pairs of black shorts. The Naga smiled and continued:
“You see these shorts were given to us by the organization. This does not belong to our traditional attire. It is alien to us, but we were asked to wear it. Can we refuse?”, he asked rhetorically, just to make sure I understood its importance. Talking to several Nagas in Lahe while sharing rice beer with the villagers, more and more it became apparent this Naga Festival was a show for tourists, a show for the military junta to impress the outside world,. Rather than a genuine harvest celebration, to an extent still the case, it was the military who once a year offered foreigners a glimpse of Naga life in Myanmar. Though heavily guarded by soldiers this military organization could not prevent the foreigners to ask questions too, questions they actually could not answer for they essentially had little or no knowledge of Naga culture; they only wanted the visitors to see what they wanted them to see. Consequently going to other villages was only possible by spending extra money on the cars which had brought us to Lahe. Since the program provided four full days at Lahe it was obvious that it was next to impossible to go around on ones own; going by car with a group of eight people was not option for me either. To me that was like a hit and run visit, without their prior knowledge it was like intruding on them. Going on foot was impossible too for provided there were willing guides available it would take a minimum of three hours to walk to the nearest one and three hours back. Instead I stayed in Lahe and witnessed the spectacle of tribes doing their dances. Despite the efforts of the military to come across as very friendly, the minister addressed several foreigners like they were his friends, it was easy to see through it all. If one was aware of the history of the Naga peoples and their aspirations to be free of both India and Myanmar, to my chagrin very few foreigners had any knowledge of that, one would wonder why there were so many soldiers on the way to Lahe and in the village itself. “For your own protection!”, the standard answer came again. Instead we were led to believe the Nagas were wonderfully peaceful and did not have a worry in the world. In the village when talking about the Nagas of India and the relation of the people here another reality unfolded. Mouths opened up to reveal a litany of severe complaints. These complaints revolved around suppression, forced labor, forced recruiting, militarization. I was struck by the policy of the military to turn the Nagas into Buddhists. When strolling through the village I met some young missionaries who when I asked about their purpose openly told me they were assigned to turn the Nagas into Buddhists:
“I studied at the university and this way I will have a better life later,” the man said, I have to do it. It is too hard to refuse what the military orders you what to do.”
Practically sealed from the outside world this was not what Lahe and the Nagas looked like, but for most of the foreigners who had embarked on this precarious journey it must have been. As they had nothing to compare they could only see what happened in front of them. They had come along for the adventure and for culture, they did not know about the five decades old conflict which, it was obvious to me now, the military junta had given some priority; they wanted the Nagas to become Burmese. Serious business for them because of the agreement with India to get rid of the Naga bases of the NSCN-Khaplang there. Was it because of the NSCN-Khaplang the soldiers were there for our own protection?
For more information visit our website www.nagalim.nl or email us nisc@nagalim.nl">nisc@nagalim.nl

An extensive report on the Myanmar Naga Festival will be published soon.


Frans on 02.25.07 @ 06:01 PM CST [link]



NSCN-K to remain neutral in tribal conflicts The Morung Express


NSCN-K to remain neutral in tribal conflicts The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 24 (MExN): The NSCN-K has decided to remain neutral in the tribal/communal conflicts and would not support one party against the other “until forced upon to do it”.
The decision was taken at a joint meeting of Council of Kilonsers, CCMs and ‘secretaries’ on February 22, informed Nitovi Aye ‘Cabinet secretary’ in a press note. It highlighted the outfit’s commitment to say clear of the Tobu dispute between the Konyaks and the Changs as well as between the Yimchungers and Tikhirs over the tribal identity issue. All NSCN-K authorities and cadres who involve in such conflicts will be dealt with “without reservations” it stated adding that rather, it would encourage amicable solution to disputes “in the interest of peace and brotherhood”.
The NSCN-K also advises all its functionaries to be cautious on NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Swu’s ‘peace and forgiveness proclamation’. “From past unmistakable experiences, we must understand that when I-K terrorists talk about peace and unity, more killings would certainly follow” it asserted, adding that Isak and (NSCN-IM General Secretary) Th. Muivah came to Nagaland “to monitor the Manipur state election of this month in which they were deeply involved through the so called UNC.”
Further in regard to a news item on February 23, reporting on two of its cadres joining the NSCN-IM fold, the note clarified that the two, Kitoho Sumi and Vitolu Sumi, were recruited into the NSCN-K without knowledge of the authorities concerned. “That, they are heavy drug addicts. After undergoing basic training they were appointed to different office. But, because of their addiction they could not be used by the concerned department of the GPRN, leading to the issuance of suspension order for six months on the January 10 asking them to reform themselves, it stated. However, no sign of change was witnessed so they were asked to resign “on compassionate ground instead of awarding forced discharge”. The same was published in all the local dailies on February 13. “But, in spite of getting the information, the I-K terrorists accepted them and are boasting for them by giving wide publication. All such drug addicts, alcoholics and criminals discharged by the NSCN/GPRN are all accepted by the I-K terrorists, because the organization is a conspicuous dustbin and on the verge of dissolution” it added.
Army act gets campaign peg OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 24: In the run- up to the byelections to two Nagaland Assembly constituencies, scheduled for March 8, the state unit of the BJP said it would campaign for the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and other draconian laws.
Tuensang Sadar-II and Dimapur-I constituencies fell vacant following the death of two BJP MLAs — Lakiumong and Hokishe Sema. However, the party candidate from Tuensang Sadar-II was forced to pull out after receiving thr-eats from suspected militants.
Ato Yepthomi, state unit president of the BJP, said his party was committed to working “sincerely” for a peaceful and permanent solution to the Naga political issue. The party affirmed its stand for all-round development in restructuring and rebuilding infrastructure.
It urged the Centre to release development funds earmarked for the state. Minister for health and family welfare T. M. Lotha said he had directed his partymen to vote for the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) candidate in Tuensang Sadar-II constituency. Party chief Yepthomi expressed his resentment against the returning officer’s inaction in Tuensang Sadar-II and alleged a “deep-rooted conspiracy” against his party.
NSCN (K) points to rival’s ‘misadventures’The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 24 (MExN): In process of Naga’s struggle for sovereignty under the NSCN banner, the NSCN (K) press release issued by Joseph, Revenue Kilonser stated that NSCN (IM) “so-called leaders” engaged in peace talk with the Government of India is futile, contradictory to their “puppet Nagaland Chief Minister’s claims since 2003” where it says that the proceedings are fruitful and in the right direction.
It also asserted that “NSCN (IM) is directly taking part in Indian election through the services of NGOs of Manipur and Nagaland States under the banner of Naga Sovereignty”, resulting to students careers being jeopardized and the NGO leaders both in Nagaland and Manipur are put at ransom. In regard to the NSCN (IM) involvement in the Manipur state election, the NSCN (K) stated that they are “agent of AICC President Sonia Gandhi and BJP leader L K Advani” and they were given “free hand to suppress the Freedom of Rights of the people and made the voters cast their vote against their will”.
It also stated that the Naga people should retrospect and stand for their own rights against the “misadventure” of the NSCN (IM) and not to feel intimidated. It further stated that the “NSCN (K) will not remain a silent spectator while the NSCN (IM) or the money mongers are keeping the general public at ransom and suppressing their freedom of rights and expression in the name of Naga Sovereignty”.
Army launches hunt for killers of 16 policemen By Reuters
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A massive manhunt is underway in the dense jungles of Manipur after 16 policemen were killed in a militant ambush, a top military commander said on Sunday.
In the deadliest attack in the state for at least two years, more than 30 heavily armed militants threw grenades and fired from hilltops at a police patrol vehicle in Tamenglong district, about 85 km northwest of the capital, Imphal. The attack on Saturday came a day after provincial elections were held in Manipur, which borders Myanmar. Twelve policemen died on the spot and four in hospital. Five others were critically wounded. No militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
"The militants meticulously planned their ambush in an isolated place from where they could easily escape," the senior officer supervising the search said, requesting anonymity. He said soldiers on foot, backed by helicopters, were combing the jungles where the guerrillas are believed to hiding.
"They will not be allowed to go off so easily after killing so many of our boys," he added.
More than 20,000 people have been killed in decades of insurgency in Manipur, triggered in the 1960s after Manipuris complained their province was being neglected by the far-away federal government in New Delhi.
16 IRB personnel killed in ambush The Morung Express
IMPHAL, FEB 24 (AGENCIES): In a major strike by insurgents, 16 security personnel on poll duty were killed and six others were injured in an ambush on a security convoy in Manipur’s Bishenpur district today. The incident occurred at a place called Upper Laimaton of Ngarian hill along Old Cachar Road which is under Bishenpur Police Station. The spot is 50 km away from Imphal. Official sources said 14 security personnel were killed on the spot when about 20 insurgents of an unidentified outfit, hiding on a hill top threw powerful grenades and fired upon a party of the 1st and 4th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel at Joujangtek area of the district, about 35 km south of here, at around 10 a.m.
Seven other security personnel were injured by splinters in a heavy exchange of fire between the two sides that lasted for two hours. One of injured later succumbed at a hospital here.
The security personnel led by Commandant D Dhiren were returning in six vehicles to their camps to Churachandpur district after their poll duty at Khoupum polling station in Tamenglong district, the sources said. Two of the dead personnel were identified as havildars Jhaljit Singh and Kholi Mao, the sources said. The polling personnel posted at Khoupum polling station had left for Tamenglong district headquarters with election materials, including EVMs by another road. The EVMs and the election materials were being taken to the office of the deputy commissioner.
Earlier reports said the IRB personnel were escorting polling personnel.
The insurgents were reported to have snatched some automatic rifles from the security personnel.
1988 eastern naga public uprising against tangkhul atrocities caused nscn split- Nagaland Post Opinion
Since the unfortunate split of NSCN way back in 1988 hitherto, meticulously designed propagandas and fabricated documentaries of events and circumstances preceding the split and resultant blood letting has been systematically instilled particularly over Western Nagas inorder to whitewash their crimes. Truth has been buried for long and justice evaded, criminals are still at large and their atrocious tentacles entrenched deeper in their new conquered kingdom (Nagaland) in the form of NSCN-IM. Naga struggle is not only political but the struggle of suffering humanity, humane ideals is therefore inalienable in our quest for freedom.
However, extremist ideology and mis-interpreted communism were imported to Naga country by Tangkhuls led by Muivah and this arrogant despotic diktats were forcibly imposed on the democratic and freedom loving Nagas. Eastern Nagas who were illiterate and ignorant of the outside world those days but undoubtedly patriotic and innocent were inhumanly exploited to the extent of murder at will, for instance the then Sgt. Jacob Tangkhul hacked to death one local porter merely because the potter failed to keep pace due to overloaded baggage, Tangkhul workers treated Eastern Nagas as slaves and were subjected to unthinkable forms of humiliation stating that primates can be tamed only through violence and enslavement.
On the pretext of spreading Christianity and Education, these Tangkhuls who were comparatively far advanced exacted extreme hardships and humiliation upon the Eastern nagas. All these acts of savagery failed to dampen the spirit of Eastern Naga brothers and finally they rose in public revolt against Tangkhul's atrocities. In the meantime, Muivah and his Tangkhul coterie apprehending end of their survival in the East began plotting surrender to Indian Government by creating autonomous Wung Tangkhul State within India. This plot was exposed and Muivah was summoned to give explanation to the Council but he failed to convince the councilors.
Trouble was brewing, tension and suspicions were running high, but internal politics was not the main subject that led to split. The outburst of violent public anger resulted unfortunate loss of several Tangkhul lives, NSCN members were alleged of having carried out discriminate killings against Tangkhuls, on the contrary hundreds of Tangkhul workers were given given shelter and escorted safely to Nagaland from the hands of irate public by NSCN, except few cases of execution of proclaimed traitors. There were several dozen Tangkhuls including women in the same command where I was posted during the time of incident, surviving witness in the person of Maj. Tokiho's wife (a Tangkhul lady) can relate as to the extent of decent and protective treatment accorded to those Tangkhuls in the custody of NSCN. I still remember one eventful night at Taka near Chindwin river on March 1987 around mid-night- NSCN Chairman Isak Chishi Swu called me and N. Kitovi Zhimomi the then SO and presently our Ato Kilonser to his bedroom and told us that Tangkhul brothers are plotting violent secession, therefore don't loose even a single Sema sons until I return from foreign trip (Ten Days Commandment).
Since then Isak Chishi Swu didn't rejoin and we are still awaiting him patiently and expectantly with Sema sons as in compliance of his advice. But how many Nagas’ sons of soils including Semas have perished and exterminated by your co-worker Muivah while you are still on your foreign trip? would you ever rejoin us with those lost sons, Is thousands of Naga lives still not enough to recover self-invited death of several Tangkhuls in 1988?
How many more Naga lives would you allow to be wasted in Tangkhuls vengeful backlash? Are you still being misled and forced to lead Tangkhul movement as you were way back in 1988?
"Generation will come and generation will go and so the bloody carnage left behind your every footsteps shall pass on to succeeding generations in bleak testimony of the dark age in the history of Naga struggle endowed by your strayed leadership"
Hence forth,1988 uprising of Eastern Naga people against Tangkhul's atrocities should never be attributed to NSCN and the reign of terror over the Nagas in a similar fashion as perpetrated upon the Eastern Nagas should not be recreated and repeated in Nagaland.
Brig. Niki Sumi, Commander OBL, People's Army of Nagaland, NSCN (K).
Billy Graham wants to visit Nagaland Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, Feb 24:: World renowned evangelist preacher Billy Graham loves the Nagas and wish to travel back to Nagaland, India if possible said Dr. R Robert Cunville, associate evangelist of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) on Saturday. Dr. Robert is here in town as speaker of the three-day "revival hour" of the Western Sumi Baptist Akukkuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) which is being held at Diphupar local ground from February 23 to 25 on the theme 'revive us again', he arrived Dimapur from Shillong on Friday accompanied by Rev Terrence.

Dr. Robert disclosed that Dr. Billy Graham who now "cannot see, hear and walk very well," when recently asked by his daughter, "Daddy, if you were able to travel again where would you go?"

The reverend said that Dr. Billy Graham's immediate responds was "India. "The reverend also said that he brought greetings on behalf of Dr. Billy Graham.

It might be mention that Dr. Billy Graham had visited Nagaland for a crusade in 1972 at Kohima. Referring to the book of Genesis chapter 3, the reverend spoke on the topic 'God looking for man.' Earlier, Rev. Terrence presented the gospel in song which included the fame hymnal 'amazing grace'. The Sumi Sheshu also presented some special numbers, Ms. Esther, women secretary, WSBAK chaired the programme. The speakers for the crusade also included Rev. Hevekhü Achumi, secretary Sumi Baptist Churches Convention and Rev S Vitoshe Swu, executive secretary WSBAK. About 5000 delegates from 146 churches under WSBAK are attending the three-day crusade which will culminate on Sunday. (NPN)

15 police die in rebel ambush in remote northeast India By Wasbir Hussain ASSOCIATED PRESS
GAUHATI, India – Fifteen police officers were killed Saturday when suspected rebels ambushed their patrol in India's remote northeast, officials said.
Sixty armed police officers who had been supervising elections in Bishenpur district were traveling in six vehicles back to their headquarters when rebels fired on them with automatic weapons, said local police chief Jayanta Singh.
A fierce gunbattle ensued, Singh said, adding that the rebels then fled into a nearby dense forest.
Fourteen policemen died at the scene and another officer died later at a hospital. “The death toll may rise as seven others are critically wounded,” Singh said. It was the worst attack since the election began on Feb. 8. Voting is staggered in the insurgency-wracked region to help security forces prevent attacks. Singh blamed rebels for the attack, but did not name a specific group.
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland and Manipur People's Liberation Front are among several rebel groups that have been fighting for decades for independent homelands in Manipur and the neighboring state of Nagaland. The militants say the central government in New Delhi – 1,000 miles to the west – exploits the northeast's rich natural resources while doing little for the indigenous people, most of whom are ethnically closer to Burma and China than to the rest of India. The northeast has poor infrastructure, widespread unemployment and a bitterness toward the national government that has nurtured dozens of militant groups.
NSF happy over peaceful conducts of exam Nagarealm.com
Dimapur, FEB24 [NPN] : The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) expressed happiness over the successful completion of the recent HSLC examination conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). he Federation extended gratitude to the State government for the steps taken to allow the students from the four hills district of Manipur to appear their exams under NBSE. The students thanked both the NBSE and the Department of School Education for making special arrangements as "external private candidates" for the students, and also thanked the District Administration and the State Police for ensuring all security measures for the students. It also extended appreciation to the Viswema Village Council, Tribal Hohos, Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers' Association, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, Mao Students' Union, Dimapur Naga Students' Union, Dimapur citizens, school authorities, well wishers and the general public for rendering their services to the students, and for their support and contribution. The Federation also thanked the NBCC and all the churches for their constant prayer support. The Federation also extended its gratitude to all the National Workers for safe guarding the wishes and interests of the students.
Prices of world's hottest chilli shoots up By IANS
Titabor (Assam), Feb 25 (IANS) Prices of Bhut Jolokia, a chilli native to India's northeastern state of Assam, have shot up in markets after the Guinness World Records recognised it as the world's hottest chilli pepper. The discovery by Paul Bosland, a Regents Professor in horticulture at New Mexico State University, was recognised by the Guinness World Records in a testimony earlier this month saying Bhut Jolokia, belonging to the Capsicum Chinese family and native to Assam, was the hottest of all spices. The hotness of the Bhut Jolokia, measured in Scoville heat units at two independent laboratories by Bosland, was 1,001,304. It's nearly twice as hot as Red Savina (577,000), the variety it replaces as the hottest. By comparison, a New Mexico green chilli contains about 1,500 Scoville units, while an average jalapeno measures at about 10,000.
'We never thought Bhut Jolokia was so hot until news came in that this is the world's hottest chilli. Now we have hiked the prices by Rs.50 a kg and people are buying it like hot cakes,' said Nalini Ram Thakuria, a vegetable vendor in Guwahati. A kilogram of Bhut Jolokia, the name translates as the 'ghost chilli', sells at about Rs.250.
'Such is the hotness of this chilli that it can drive away the ghost, and hence the name Bhut Jolokia,' Anandita Dutta Tamuly, a 26-year-old Assamese woman, known for her singular fiery habit of gobbling red hot chillies, told IANS. And her bizarre habit of eating Bhut Jolokia could earn her fame as she prepares to leave for London on an invitation by the Guinness World Records to create history.
'I have applied for visa and very soon hope to get all my papers ready for going to London,' the demure mother of a 15-month-old baby boy said. The reigning chilli champ is South Africa's Anita Crafford, who in 2002 gobbled eight jalapenos in a minute.
'Jalapenos are not as hot as Bhut Jolokia's and I have already created history on Indian television by munching 60 of the chillies in two minutes. I am more than confident of creating a record once I reach London,' Tamuly said at her home in Titabor, a village 325 km east of Guwahati. The Assam government has announced financial support for Tamuly's trip to London. 'I have been eating Bhut Jolokia since my childhood and never felt the hotness in my mouth,' she said.
She got hooked on to the hot pepper when she was just five years old. 'I had a sore tongue and my mother applied a chilli paste to cure the infection when I was five. Since then I developed a penchant for chillies,' Tamuly said.'I can even break the chilli and splash it on my eyes. I tried this on TV and had no problems whatsoever.' The local variety of the chilli is grown mostly in the hilly terrain and is considered a staple menu in every meal among the northeastern people. India exports 35 tonnes of all varieties of chilli, annually earning a considerable amount of revenue for the country.
Repoll ordered in 15 centres by our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 24: Based on inputs of Returning Officers and observers of Elec- tion Commission of India as well as taking into account material circumstances re-poll has been ordered in 15 polling stations of four assembly constituencies. repoll in the polling stations falling under Chandel, Tengnoupal, Tamei and Ta-menglong ACs would be held tomorrow (Feb 25) from 7 am till 3.30 pm, said a statement released by the Chief electoral Officer, manipur.
Out of the polling stations where the electorates would repeat their franchise rights seven falls under Tengnoupal AC, four in Ta-menglong, Chandel accou- nting for three and one in Tamei AC. The Tengnoupal polling stations are 42/5 Khangsim, 42/6 Kangsang (A), 42/7 Kangsang (B), 42/10 Khul-saibung, 42/14 Langol (A), 42/15 Langol (B) and 42/24 Phunal Maring.
In Tamenglong AC re-polling would be held in 53/02 Tharon, 53/04 Thingra, 53/14 Kabui Khullen and 53/21 Khebuching while 41/2 Wangparel, 41/12 Japhou Bazar Pt-I and 41/14 Mong-sang Pantha of Chandel AC are the polling centres that would witness repoll.
The lone polling station where repolling would be held in Tamei AC concerns 52/5 Kadi.
While repoll had been ordered in majority of the polling stations due to cases of EVM snatching, Kangsang A&B polling stations would go to repoll after complaints of electoral irregularities were lodged that police commandos escorted a voter into the polling booth.
Sub-Inspector N Tiken of Thoubal police comman-do, under whose command a bullet proof vehicle bar-ged into the polling station premise in Kangsang centre has been placed under suspension with immediate effect. In Langol (B) polling stations complaint of bogus voting by security personnel were raised while in the case of Phunal Maring polling station the voters dis- persed and failed to return after BSF personnel deployed there resorted to blank firing to foil attempt of some miscreants to snatch EVMs. one company of security force personnel would be deployed in each of these polling stations.
Yandaboo deal remembered By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 24: In commemoration of the signing of Treaty of Yandaboo which recognised the independence of Manipur, Ereibak Kanba Numit was observed today.
The said Treaty was signed after the invading Burmese were chased out of Manipur's soil with the help of the British soldiers putting an end to one of the darkest episodes in the historical annals of Manipur which came to be known as the infamous ‘Seven Years Desertation (1819 to 1825).
The Treaty was signed on February 24, 1826 at the present day city of Yan-daboo in Burma now Myanmar and it recognised the independence of the erstwhile kingdom of Manipur.
The observance function was held under the joint aegis of UPF, IPSA and HERI- COUN at MDU Hall here with titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba as chief guest and HERICOUN president Rev Renghang Chothe, IPSA president Ibotombi Khuman and UPF president Thingom Mangi as presidium members. Speaking at the occasion, Leishemba Sanajaoba recalled that during the Burmese occupation of Mani- pur from 1819 to 1825, many Manipuri patriots like Hera-chandra waged war to regain the lost independent of the then Manipur kingdom even as King Gambhir Singh (Chinglen Nongdren-khomba) and his younger brother Nar Singh mobilised the people at Cachar and working out strategies to expel the invaders from the sacred soil of Manipur. After Manipur succeeded in chasing out the invading Burmese, the Treaty of Yan-daboo was signed between the Burmese and the Mani-puris on February 24, 1826 and recognising both the nations as independent enti- ties, he said.
However, before the lost independent could be consolidated completely, infi- ghting among the royal princes for power gave a chance to the British imperialists to interfere in the inter- nal affairs of Manipur and subsequently Manipur lost its sovereignty once again in 1891, Sanajaoba said. So the younger generation should not forget that lack of unity among the people has led to lost of sover- eignty of Manipur and it is high time for the people to think over what they can do for the cause of Manipur, the titular king added.
Govt, ULFA urged to resume talks By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 24 — A citizens’ meeting held at the Latasil Bishnu-Nirmala Trust Bhawan here today called upon the Governments in the State and at the Centre and the militant organization United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to resolve the contentious issues through direct negotiations. The 12-party Political Conference organized the meeting. The State today needs an end to the reign of terror, which has been shattering its society, economy and polity, observed the participants of the meeting in their resolution and made an appeal to the Union Government to re-initiate the process of negotiation as the guardian. They pleaded that the Government should free the five detained leaders of the militant outfit and it should not allow the issue of sovereignty to obstruct the negotiation process. The participants of the meeting laid stress also on the need of a transparent approach on the part of the Government towards resolution of the ULFA tangle through negotiation. On the other hand, they said, the ULFA response to such Government moves should also be credible. The Government should reciprocate to the positive gesture demonstrated by the ULFA by withdrawing the call to boycott the latest edition of the National Games, with steps to resume the process of negotiation. In keeping with the appeal made by the Prime Minister recently to the ULFA to come forward for a negotiated settlement of the issues, the issue of sovereignty should not be allowed to hamper the talks, said the participants in their resolution. Reminding the Central Government of its assurance to the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) members to release five detained leaders of the ULFA in its sitting with the Group on June 22, 2006, the meeting called upon the Centre to start direct talks with the ULFA taking the decision of the said sitting as the starting point. The ULFA should also refrain from slapping any pre-condition for its participation in the negotiation process and come forward to resolve the issues through dialogue, said the participants of the meeting.

They also made an appeal to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), CPI-M, CPI and the Trinamool Gana Parishad (TGP) to take part in the process initiated by the 12-Party Conference to mobilize public opinion for restoration of normalcy and peace in the State. The meeting was presided over by a presidium comprising former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, senior politicians Harendra Dev Goswami, Ambu Bora, Paresh Baruah and Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury.
It was addressed, among others, by former Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University Deba Prasad Barooah, veteran freedom fighter Shiva Prasad Baruah, Jagannath Goswami, noted music director Ramen Baruah, senior advocates Parama Choudhury, Pranab Pathak and Satyendraprasad Deka, academicians Dr Ramesh Pathak, Abdul Mannan and Dr Prafulla Mahanta, political leaders Hemen Das, Uddhav Barman, David Ledger and Conference’s convenors Pabindra Deka and Dhirendra Dev Adhikary. The decision of the 12-Party Conference to hold an all-party meeting on the issue in New Delhi during the current session of the Parliament was also announced in the meeting by Pabindra Deka.
Hmar group’s hand in murder suspected Assam Tribune
AIZAWL, Feb 24 – Mizoram Police today said militants of Manipur’s Hmar People’s Convention-Democrats (HPC-D) were the main suspect in the murder of the son of a prominent Hmar scholar near here last year.
A police statement said the suspects could not be apprehended as they were operating from the neighbouring State. It said it was very dificult to unearth details about the murder and arrest the suspects as they were “underground personnel” operating in Manipur. Isaac L Hmar, the son of Laldena, was found murdered near Berawtlang tourist centre on April 20 last year. The motive for the murder was suspected to be the factional feud among Hmar groups as Isaac’s uncle is a top leader of the Hmar National Army, which is a strong critic of the HPC-D.

The HPC-D, led by Lalhmingthanga Sanate, was formed soon after the HPC, then led by Hmingchungnunga, surrendered to the Mizoram Government after a peace accord was signed in 1994. – PTI
AR prevents tragedy The Imphal Free Press

imphal, feb 24: The Assam Rifles claims to have averted a tragedy on polling day yesterday after troops of the 3 ar nabbed a self-styled sergeant major of the UNLF along with a powerful IED.

The apprehended cadre, identified as Okendra, alias Khambaton alias Joy was tasked to come to Churachandpur from Chandel and plant the ied to cause large scale civilian casualties during polling in Churachandpur town, according to a PIB (Defence Wing) statement.

The IED recovered from the militant weighed approximately 10 kilos and had a sophisticated detonator and a timer device, it said. Interrogation of the cadre revealed that he had been tasked to place the IED near a polling booth close to Tuibong, yesterday.

The blast was to prove a point that the general area of Tuibong is unsafe, the statement said.

It also noted that the new district headquarters complex is earmarked to come up in Tuibong and there has been a lot of resistance to its siting from certain quarters.The IED blast would have strengthened the lobby which is against siting of the district headquarters at Tuibong, it said.
Ethnic dances mark Karbi Anglong Fest Sentinel our Correspondent
Kuki youths performing their traditional dance at the Karbi Anglong Utsav-2007 at Diphu Stadium on Saturday. Sentinel photo by Rajib Bhattacharjee.
DIPHU, Feb 24: Soon after its formal inauguration by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today, the KASA Stadium at Diphu, venue of the Karbi Anglong Utsav-2007, turned out to be a perfect ground to showcase the rich culture of the hill district’s various ethnic groups, the members of which, attired in their traditional dresses, kept the audience including Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) CEM Mangal Sing Ingti, Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner Dr Angamathu, MP Biren Sigh Ingti and others mesmerised by performing their traditional dances. During his inaugural speech, Gogoi thanked local MP Biren Sing Ingti, KAAC CEM Mangal Sing and Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner Dr Angamathu for their efforts to make the festival a success. Gogoi said that this sort of festival would definitely boost the level of understanding among various ethnic communities living in the hill district and help propagate their cultures. He expressed his hope that people from all walks of life from all parts of the district would take part in the festival and make it a success. He released a souvenir on the occasion and a booklet on medicinal plants published by the reception committee of the festival in the inaugural function. Gogoi also visited the ethnic villages and stalls of various communities set up in the festival. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister felicitated Sanjeeva Rongpi, who had led the Asom football team in the recently-held National Games.
Various dances of ethnic communities like Karbi, Dimasa, Hmar, Kuki, Bodo, Rengma, Paite, Tiwa, Syam, Mizo, Asomiya and others were the major attraction in the function. The Army also made its presence felt in the hill district when personnel of J & K Regiment presented a Bangra dance much to the applause from the audience. Earlier in the day, Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner welcomed the guests and dignitaries present in the function.

Frans on 02.25.07 @ 03:16 PM CST [link]


Saturday, February 24th

NSCN-IM responds to tirade The Morung Express


NSCN-IM responds to tirade The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 23 (MExN): Deploring that NSCN-K CMSB member Kughalo Mulatonu could conceive the idea that NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and Vice Chairman K Yanthan would join the rival faction, PS to Swu, TG Jimo has asserted points in regard to the Naga political talks. Criticizing the CMSB member’s tirade as appeared in a section of the local media on February 20 last, the release stated that the political talks between the government and the NSCN-IM is unconditional and held at the highest level i.e., at the Prime Minister level. The two separate entities recognize each other’s history and rights. However, Mulatonu had agreed in the ceasefire agreement to “’protect and safeguard the law of the land i.e., India unconditionally’”. This is not at all a political dialogue, let alone the issue of sovereignty, stated the NSCN-IM and wondered if the NSCN-K leader is aware of the matter that any issue tackled by the Indian Home Ministry is nothing but law and order problem. It charged him of sneaking into Jorhat “guarded by Assam Rifles and then taken to Delhi by Indian Army helicopter to brief the Home Ministry officials on the prevailing law and order issues and get more intelligence inputs against the people”. Nagas’ sovereignty is not in Assam and cannot be had in collaboration with Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), the NSCN-IM stated querying if accepting arms and ammunitions or logistic support from India is the NSCN-K’s idea of sovereignty. Also, the release also maintained that the Government of India-NSCN (IM) talks are being held in third country under the glare of “world media” and the world recognizes the right and history of the Nagas. “…come to think of it we struggle for all Nagas including your family” it stated even while advising to “call up UNO or GOI or any organization and ask them if Nagas are terrorists, trust me, you will go red in the face”.
The NSCN-IM also took note of the NSCN-K serving a ‘Quit Notice’ to a particular community and termed it as a blatant violation of “the deeply ingrained age-old harmony among the Naga family”. Asking where Mulatonu derived the authority to claim or disown a part of Naga territory or a community, the NSCN-IM strongly held forth that “if you insist that the Tangkhul brothers are not Nagas, I must also have the right to say that you are not a Sumi”. Cautioning that preaching nationalism bereft of moral, ethical values and integrity would later be “heaped twofold upon you”, the NSCN-IM held opinion that receiving all possible help from the Indian agencies has inflated your ego to such an extent that it has made you a rogue and not a leader”. “Perhaps your spirit of nationalism burns brightly in some Assam Rifle camp. I urge you to do away with that wanton boy attitude and be sober and rational with the Nagas because the institution of the Nagas is much dearer than you or me. If this piece hurt your sentiment in any manner, then you’d probably realize how merciless you’ve been with your pen over the years” the statement added.
Uprising against atrocities caused NSCN split The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (MExN): The NSCN (K) has clarified on what it termed as “the unfortunate split of NSCN way back in 1988”. “Hitherto, meticulously designed propagandas and fabricated documentaries of events and circumstances preceding the split and resultant blood letting has been systematically instilled particularly over Western Nagas in order to whitewash their crimes”, stated Brig. Niki Sumi Commander OBL. Stating that truth has been buried for long and justice evaded, Brig. Niki pointed out that criminals were still at large and their atrocious tentacles entrenched deeper in their new conquered kingdom (Nagaland) in the form of NSCN-IM.
While terming the Naga struggle as not only political but also the struggle of suffering humanity and that humane ideals is therefore inalienable in the quest for freedom, the Brig lamented on the “extremist ideology and misinterpreted communism” imported to Naga country. The NSCN (K) stated that this “arrogant despotic diktats were forcibly imposed on the democratic and freedom loving Nagas”.
Recalling that the Eastern Nagas who were illiterate and ignorant of the outside world those days but undoubtedly patriotic and innocent “were inhumanly exploited to the extent of murder at will”. “For instance the then Sgt. Jacob Tangkhul hacked to death one local porter merely because the porter failed to keep pace due to overloaded baggage”, it alleged and mentioned that Tangkhul workers treated Eastern Nagas as slaves and were subjected to unthinkable forms of humiliation stating that primates can be tamed only through violence and enslavement. “On the pretext of spreading Christianity and Education, these Tangkhuls who were comparatively far advanced exacted extreme hardships and humiliation upon the Eastern Nagas”, the NSCN (K) Brig stated.
Pointing out that all these acts of savagery failed to dampen the spirit of Eastern Naga brothers, the NSCN (K) stated that “finally they rose in public revolt against Tangkhul’s atrocities. Further it was alleged that Muivah and his Tangkhul coterie apprehending end of their survival in the East began plotting surrender to Indian Government by creating autonomous Wung Tangkhul State within India. “This plot was exposed and Muivah was summoned to give explanation to the Council but he failed to convince the councilors”.
While stating that trouble was brewing, tension and suspicions were running high, “but internal politics was not the main subject that led to split”, the NSCN (K) clarified. Describing the aftermath, Brig Niki stated that the outburst of violent public anger resulted in the unfortunate loss of several Tangkhul lives. “NSCN members were alleged of having carried out discriminate killings against Tangkhuls, on the contrary hundreds of Tangkhul workers were given shelter and escorted safely to Nagaland from the hands of irate public by NSCN, except few cases of execution of proclaimed traitors”, the statement maintained. The NSCN (K) informed that there were several dozen Tangkhuls including women in the same command during the time of incident, “surviving witness in the person of Maj. Tokiho’s wife (a Tangkhul lady) can relate as to the extent of decent and protective treatment accorded to those Tangkhuls in the custody of NSCN”. Brig Niki also recalled what he described as an “eventful night” at Taka near Chindwin River on March 1987. “Around midnight- NSCN Chairman Isak Chishi Swu called me and N. Kitovi Zhimomi the then SO and presently our Ato Kilonser to his bedroom and told us that Tangkhul brothers are plotting violent secession , therefore don’t loose even a single Sema sons until I return from foreign trip (Ten Days Commandment). Since then Isak Chishi Swu didn’t rejoin and we are still awaiting him patiently and expectantly with Sema sons as in compliance of his advice. But how many Naga’s sons of soils including Semas have perished and exterminated by your co-worker Muivah while you are still on your foreign trip? would you ever rejoin us with those lost sons, Is thousands of Naga lives still not enough to recover self-invited death of several Tangkhuls in 1988?” Brig Niki stated. Further the questions raised to Swu were: “How many more Naga lives would you allow to be wasted in Tangkhuls vengeful backlash? Are you still being misled and forced to lead Tangkhul movement as you were way back in 1988?”
“Generation will come and generation will go and so the bloody carnage left behind your every footsteps shall pass on to succeeding generations in bleak testimony of the dark age in the history of Naga struggle endowed by your strayed leadership”, Brig Niki stated. In conclusion, it was stated that “henceforth, the 1988 uprising of Eastern Naga people against Tangkhul’s atrocities should never be attributed to NSCN and the reign of terror over the Nagas in a similar fashion as perpetrated upon the Eastern Nagas should not be recreated and repeated in Nagaland”.
Nagaland Governor to work for education, transport The Morung Express
New Delhi, Feb 23 (AGENCIES): Newly appointed Governor K Sankaranarayanan wants Nagaland to be developed by establishing professional institutions and improving road, rail and air connectivity to allow the Naga people to showcase their diverse talents. “There are no medical and engineering colleges in the state. It is surprising. I want to contribute as much as I can to change the face of Nagaland,” he told here. “There is no railway connectivity from the state to any part of North India. The state has only seven kilometers of railway tracks. We will have to improve this,” he said. Sankaranarayanan, who met President A P J Abdul Kalam, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Defence Minister A K Antony in the capital, said education and connectivity were key to the development of Nagaland.
He also met Home Minister Shivraj Patil yesterday and discussed various issues related to the state’s development and security situation. “It is highly essential to establish a medical college, an engineering college and a nursing college in the state without any delay. I have taken up the matter with Central ministers and they extended total support for it,” he said. “I will urge the centre to give priority to education as job-oriented courses are a must for the state,” he said.
Sankaranarayanan, who was sworn in as Governor on February 3, said he would also work to ensure better connectivity to all corners of Nagaland. Sankaranarayanan, the first politician to be appointed as Nagaland’s Governor in the past two decades, said the centre has decided to invest Rs 50,000 crore for the development of surface transport infrastructure in the northeast in the 11th plan period. “This will change the face of road connectivity in the region,” he said.
Sankaranarayanan said he would also meet Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel to discuss the establishment of an airport in Nagaland. Asked about his meeting with Kalam, he said the President emphasized the need for developmental activities in Nagaland and agreed to visit the state next month. All the central ministers he met had assured they would give total support to developmental activities in the state, he said. Asked whether he had taken up security-related matters with Antony in light of reports of factional clashes between the NSCN-IM and its rival NSCN-K, he said, “there is a system for all these matters and they will take care of them.”
Asked whether development is possible in the state if the peace talks with the NSCN-IM failed, he said, “everybody, including the Naga insurgents, want peace in the state. “People want peace and development and that is the only way, and I am confident that the peace talks will succeed,” the former Kerala minister said. Sankaranarayanan said he had not received any request for a meeting from NSCN-IM leaders Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu, who are currently in Nagaland. However, Sankaranarayanan, who succeeded former Intelligence Bureau Chief Shyamal Dutta as Governor, said he was confident a solution to the decades-old problem of insurgency in Nagaland will be found.
Sekrenyi celebration in Kohima today Morung Express News
Kohima The premier festival of Angamis – Sekrenyi will be celebrated on February 24 at Kohima Local Ground from 11 am under the aegis of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) with the theme “Blending hues into oneness.”
Governor K. Sankaranarayan will grace the occasion as the chief guest while chief minister Neiphiu Rio will deliver greeting message.
Medoselhou Keretsu, APO Sekrenyi, convenor will chair the programme while APO president Mhiesizokho Zinyu will deliver welcome address.
Significance of Sekrenyi will be highlighted by MLA Rokonicha.
Folk song, folk dance, traditional ‘Tati’ folk song, wrestling display and Sekrenyi feast will mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, the organizer informed that Southern Angamis will gather at Police headquarters junction and walk in procession to the Local Ground. The Western and Chakhro Angamis will gather at Kohima Civil Hospital junction and join the Sekrenyi procession from TCP gate junction. Northern Angamis will gather at Pezielietsie (Teenpati junction) from the High School road and walk in procession to the local and enter Khuochiezie from the north gate.
All the Angamis from the respective areas have been requested to reach their designated starting points latest by 9 am so as to be seated inside the Khuochiezie by 10:45 AM before the chief guest arrives.
“It is for the information of the public that no one will be allowed to cross or disturb the procession as per tradition,” said R. Dzuvichu, secretary media and publicity sub committee in a release. The Angami Youth Organisation will stand as guard of honour on both sides of the road, dressed in full traditional warrior attire, from the southern gate “Kezekevi kharu” and will receive the converging Angamis from the four areas and the chief guest. They will enter the Khuochiezie only after the chief guest is seated, the release said.
“The Sekrenyi celebration being hosted by the Angami Public Organisation this year under the theme “Blending hues into oneness” will see the biggest gathering of Angamis from all the four areas,” the release said adding that the programme will display the rich Angami culture of folk songs and dances, traditional style of wrestling by the best wrestlers of the tribe as well as the choicest selection of Angami delicacies for the honoured guest. Invitation has been sent to all ministers, legislators, bureaucrats, leaders from different Naga tribes, representatives from other communities, civil societies and organizations and media guests from outside the state area also expected for the celebration, it added.
‘When we hate… rationality all but dissipates’ David P. Ward Perspective The Morung Express Pastor Neimoller’s poem “First they came for the Jews” from the Nazi death camps springs to mind when considering the present lack of clarity regarding “Quit Notice”. He went on to state “I did not stand up because I was not a Jew”. Nor did he in the subsequent verses when they came for the trade unionists and communists. The final verse states “When they came for me there was nobody left to stand up for me”.
Many have chosen to remain silent spectators whilst this scenario has unfolded and I myself was only prompted after reading the recent appeal made by the Pastor of the Tangkhul Baptist Church in Kohima. In a way I felt sorry for him as I envisage a lamb bleating plaintively in the wind where his cries and scent may be picked up by wolves and pity little else. Many consider there to be no such thing as an innocent bystander in our conflict. We are all too painfully aware of the internecine blood letting of the past that set the stage for the present and future bloodbaths. We have made a profession of licking our self-inflicted wounds and wallowing in our own despair. We are the laughing stock of our adversaries and no right thinking person would like to express their solidarity or support with the present cause of the Nagas. Let us be frank at least with one another, the present anarchy in our society is a legacy of our own larceny.
In 1989 the Naga Vigil was founded in the memory of Rose Machuila of Ngaprum village in Tangkhul Region of southern Nagaland. It may be recalled that she was the victim of multiple rape at the hands of two army officers of the 95th BSF on March the 4th 1974. A few days later she subsequently committed suicide at the tender age of 18 short years.
The Tangkhuls are Nagas as good or bad as any other region of Nagaland. However, dear Pastor and Tangkhul Long, the confusion arises when one automatically assumes, quite wrongly as it transpires, that the whole tribe are followers of Thingaleng Muivah or the NSCN-IM for that matter. There are on record scores upon scores of Tangkhuls killed by the NSCN-IM during the 1980’s. Tangkhul baiting is an anti-national activity and how we expect to march ahead for the nation after amputating one of our own legs is a bit obscure. It is not the first time during contemporary history that blanket quit notices have been issued to the Tangkhul community. Firstly, by the Konyak region and then the Chakhesang region following the murder of General Povezo amongst others. This form of ethnic cleansing has riven great gashes across both communities who are neighbours and interlinked through matrimony in the case of the latter. These ugly scars do not heal easily. Thus we can be aware of local, regional and national perspectives that come into play.
It would behove the politicised Tangkhul elite well, to note some of the animosity that has been allowed to ferment and exercise a little humility. It is a fact that Wung region was not in the vanguard of the nationalist movement until the cease-fire of 1964. They were thus able to study and develop their region whilst the rest of Nagaland was laid waste to a scorched earth policy on a full-scale war footing that consumed the lives of 100,000 Nagas. It is in this context that people are saying that the NSCN-IM is harvesting fruit that it has not sown.
Dear Pastor, if you say that three of your parishioners had no link to any faction we must take you at your word and condole the senseless loss of their souls. I would however, urge you to venture to the village of Thingniungan among the eastern Khiamniungan where you will find another 301 souls who so needlessly perished at the hands of three Tangkhul leaders and their men. There is no shortage of other villages and churches burned down by this group. Other regions of Nagaland have been subjected to the very bowels of man’s inhumanity to man where the names of several Tangkhul leaders amongst others are abhorred and reviled. To say nothing of the dozens of Naga girls raped by their cadres. When the situation has plunged to those depths of depravity, logic has quite frankly long since departed. It would be naïve to expect any Naga region faced by such marauders to sit placidly by. Fewer still would disagree with the premise that we work from our own base areas instead of inflicting our hegemony over other regions of Nagaland. That simply means Chang commanders in Tuensang, Ao in Mokokchung, Angami in Kohima, Konyak in Mon, Tangkhul in Ukrhul and so on. Anything short of that amounts to neo-colonialism at best. It may not be right but it is certainly understandable why other Tangkhuls are thus maligned, misunderstood and mistrusted. Furthermore if I have not made my own position clear that these particular tyrants are not my ambassadors then I bring suspicion to bear upon myself. The aforementioned perpetrators have chosen their methods of attack and have their means of defence, so they are in the fray come what may. The grey area arises with secondary sympathisers and extended family to the combatants. Where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion a fair hearing ought to be given before banishment is resorted to. Even in customary Naga law, exile has played an integral part when faced by extreme circumstances. Therefore many are not against the “Quit Notice” per se, merely the methods and criteria by which it is applied. The Tangkhul public, for example villagers with no particular axe to grind, are not legitimate targets for anyone anywhere. Therefore in the present scenario, the Geneva Convention and the rules of military engagement, which require us to differentiate between civilians and combatants, bind us all.
You know when you mentioned the Solomon Islands in your appeal Pastor; I wish you had mentioned the wisdom of King Solomon. Are we not facing the very same political predicament in the biblical sense? When we have finished with the Tangkhuls who shall we start on next. The little Tikhir Region has found its voice today sandwiched between the Khiamniungan and the Yimchungru. I have stayed in the Thonokniu Town area and ventured beyond the Limisol and seen the reflection in eyes weary from carnage on both sides. There it is nothing to chop and throw away the carcass for even wearing the wrong colours. Is she not symbolic of the infant child being argued over by two mothers? Array dao lobi na, tik katibi, aro ada ada deibi, ki ase? (Why not take dao and chop it in half and distribute to the two)? Alternatively, why not err on the side of magnanimity and let them have their region, as many villages as they consider themselves to be Tikhir? Yimchungru and Khiamniungan you are the elder brothers no doubt of the same mother, so let them be? We know there are other extenuating factors on the ground and I am not trying to be obtuse or over simplistic. And where the learned pastors and leaders might be at their particular hour of need one wonders?
And after the Tangkhuls and the Tikhirs we can start on the Semas or the Angamis and the Aos and so on and so forth! Why leave it at that? We could also finish the foreigners as well and go merrily off to hell together! Ash! Pau Ishwor Apuni kot jaise? Naga batcha-kan eman douk paise. In closing, remember when we hate, we become irate and rationality all but dissipates.

Kuknalim David P. Ward Naga Vigil HRG Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
Violence hits Manipur polls; 80% votes cast; NSCNs clash at Makoinung Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, Feb 23: Snatching of EVMs, underground factional conflicts, skirmishes among supporters of different candidates, attack on an Independent candidate and arrest of militants marked the final leg of the three-phase elections to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly Friday. At least 80 per cent votes were polled in 12 Assembly segments of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel districts and Jiribam sub-division of Imphal East district. Eighty five per cent votes were cast in Tamenglong and Chandel districts while Churachandpur district and Jiribam Assembly seat in Imphal East district recorded 80 and about 70 per cent voter turnouts respectively. Cases of EVM capturing were reported in various polling stations during the elections which came to an end at 3.30 p. m. Friday.
A man suffered bullet injuries in police firing when he tried to snatch an EVM in Tengnoupal assembly constituency. Security personnel resorted to firing to disperse mobs and to foil their attempts to snatch EVMs at various polling stations in the three districts of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel. However, the voting passed off peacefully in Jiribam Assembly seat. Three EVMs were also damaged by workers of rival candidates at various polling stations in Khangsang, Korungthel and Churachandpur.
Naga underground factions NSCN-K and NSCN (I-M) exchanged fire at Makoinung polling station area.
It may be noted here that the NSCN-K had announced ban on elections in Tamenglong assembly segment while NSCN-IM imposed 'curfew' in Tamenglong constituency during the day. There were also reports from Tamenglong of a gun battle between NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) men at Makoingang polling station forcing voters to stay away from the polling afterwards. Armed militants reportedly directed voters to cast their votes for a particular candidate at Tharon polling station under Tamenglong constituency. Unknown armed ultras also opened several rounds and threw grenades at the house of Ajit Singh, a candidate from Thongju Assembly constituency. At least four activists of different militant outfits were arrested by security forces today. One NSCN (IM) cadre was nabbed by police commandos on mobile duty along with one 9mm pistol at Tamenglong district headquarters. Two KNF rebels and one KNA militant were also arrested by the police and BSF in Churachandpur district early this morning. Armed miscreants created trouble at Karongthel of Tengnoupal Assembly constituency where CRPF personnel had to fire some rounds. The EVM there was also totally destroyed in the process.
In Tamenglong and Churachnadpur districts security men also resorted to firing to control mob fury against alleged proxy voting. Polling in many stations was disturbed due to quarrels among workers of different candidates amid allegations and counter-allegations of proxy voting.
The fate of altogether 76 candidates, including Manipur Congress chief Gaikhangam and three ministers in the SPF Government, was decided in today's polls.
Heavy polling in largely peaceful Manipur elections Indo Asian News Service
Tamenglong (Manipur), Feb 23 Polling for the last of the three-phased elections in Manipur ended Friday with people in large numbers casting their votes with stray incidents of violence, officials said. An election official said voting ended in 12 of Manipur's total 60 assembly constituencies. 'Preliminary reports indicate about 75 to 80 percent voting although we are awaiting final figures to come in from many interior locations,' an election official said.
'Voting passed off rather peacefully, barring a few incidents of group clashes.'
A police official said rival factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) opened fire near a polling booth in Tamenglong district, but there were no reports of any casualties.
The S.S. Khaplang faction of the NSCN had given an election boycott call in Tamenglong district, while the rival group headed by guerrilla leader Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah had enforced a 'curfew' in the same district Friday.
'Despite threats, people in Tamenglong district voted in the elections,' the election official said.
Friday's vote would decide the electoral fate of 76 candidates in the insurgency-hit districts of Churachandpur, Tamenglong, and Chandel. The total number of voters in Manipur is 1.7 million out of nearly 2.4 million people.
Election authorities have declared 516 polling stations in the three districts as 'sensitive' as several separatist groups operate in the region. Some 100 polling stations are located in inaccessible terrain and require walking around 30 km to reach them.
'We deployed adequate number of police and paramilitary troopers for the polling,' a police official said.
An estimated 72 percent votes were cast in the first phase on Feb 8, while a record 85 percent polling took place in the second stage Feb 14. Counting of votes begins Feb 27.
At least four people were killed in separate incidents of violence Thursday.
A police official said unidentified militants attacked troopers of the Assam Rifles near village Gomni in Chandel district Thursday. (c) Indo-Asian News Service
Electioneering ends in Manipur Iboyaima Laithangbam The Hindu
IMPHAL: Electioneering for the third and final phase of Assembly elections in Manipur, covering 12 constituencies, ended on Wednesday evening. Polling will take place on Friday in one constituency in Imphal East, three in Tamenglong district, two in Chandel and six in Churachandpur.
The United Naga Council (UNC) has sponsored 11 Naga candidates in the Naga dominated areas. It is alleged that militants forced at least three candidates — an independent in Tamenglong and two CPI nominees in Chandel and Tengnoupal — to retire from the contest as they posed a threat to the sponsored candidates. In retaliation to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) "selecting" candidates in the Naga areas, the rival faction, NSCN(Khaplang) has banned all election-related works in the Tamenglong constituency.
ANSAM thanks Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, February 23: The All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all who their wholehearted support to Naga students from four hill district of Manipur who ‘voluntarily elected to merge’ with Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), for the purpose of doing their HSLC Examination 2007 which was conducted at Kohima and Dimapur from February 7 to 19. It also expressed its gratitude to the civil societies such as the Naga Hoho and its federation tribes-hohos, the NSF and its federation units and other Naga bodies.
“The ANSAM extends its gratitude to Medical Department, Tadubi, and Mao for the unstinted services to the students, vehicle owners and drivers for their help in transportation of students.

It further said that the ANSAM is indebted to school proprietors and the MIDA complex management board for their generous offer of free accommodation to the students, Our heartfelt thanks also to the Chief Minister , Nagaland , The security forces (IRB) of Nagaland Govt. The ministers, MLAs of Nagaland, village chiefs for their display of solidarity throughout the entire duration of exam to numerous churches all over Nagalim.
Rebels ambush Indian police, killing 15 Wasbir Hussain, Associated Press Writer Boston News
GAUHATI, India --Fifteen police officers were killed Saturday when suspected rebels ambushed their patrol in India's remote northeast, officials said.
Sixty armed police officers who had been supervising elections in Bishenpur district were traveling in six vehicles back to their headquarters when rebels fired on them with automatic weapons, said local police chief Jayanta Singh. A fierce gunbattle ensued, Singh said, adding that the rebels then fled into a nearby dense forest. Fourteen policemen died at the scene and another officer died later at a hospital. "The death toll may rise as seven others are critically wounded," Singh said. It was the worst attack since the election began on Feb. 8. Voting is staggered in the insurgency-wracked region to help security forces prevent attacks.
Singh blamed rebels for the attack, but did not name a specific group.
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland and Manipur People's Liberation Front are among several rebel groups that have been fighting for decades for independent homelands in Manipur and the neighboring state of Nagaland. The militants say the central government in New Delhi -- 1,000 miles to the west -- exploits the northeast's rich natural resources while doing little for the indigenous people, most of whom are ethnically closer to Burma and China than to the rest of India. The northeast has poor infrastructure, widespread unemployment and a bitterness toward the national government that has nurtured dozens of militant groups.
© Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fourteen police killed in militant attack in Manipur By Reuters
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - At least 14 policemen were killed on Saturday in an ambush by suspected militants in Manipur, a day after provincial elections were held there, a police officer said. Personnel of the India Reserve Battalion were patrolling in a vehicle in the mountainous district of Tamenglong, about 85 km northwest of the capital, Imphal, when grenades were thrown at them and they came under fire.
"Twelve people died on the spot and two others succumbed to their injuries later," the officer, who declined to be identified, told Reuters by telephone.
Seven others were wounded in the attack, he said. Manipur is plagued by a decades-old insurgency seeking a separate homeland for its ethnic and tribal population. Police said the rebels hid in the jungle and opened fire with their automatic weapons.
After the ambush, they took several automatic weapons and a large amount of ammunition from the dead policemen, the officer said, adding that the wounded and the dead had been airlifted by army helicopters to a hospital in Imphal. Security reinforcements have rushed to the area and have launched a massive manhunt for the guerrillas, he said.
Indian tea production touches record high, jump in exports By IANS
Guwahati, Feb 24 (IANS) India's beleaguered tea industry is showing signs of resurgence with record production and a jump in exports, besides prices firming up in the weekly auctions.
'The production last year was a record high of 955 million kg, up by 27 million kg compared to 2005, while exports have gone up by about eight million kg to 200 million kg in the same period,' said Dhiraj Kakaty, secretary of the Assam chapter of the Indian Tea Association (ITA), the country's apex tea administration body. India's $1.5 billion tea industry was facing a crisis with prices dropping in the weekly auctions since 1998 and exports plummeting as well.
'The overall mood is vibrant with the Indian tea industry now beginning to look up with overseas demand on the increase mainly due to very good quality teas produced by us,' Kakaty told IANS.
Countries like Pakistan, Egypt, Iran and Iraq figured prominently in the export list with the ITA setting up a marketing bureau in Tehran as part of an aggressive campaign to boost sales of the beverage. A kilogram of good quality Assam tea sold at Rs.73 in the auctions last week. Last year, the average price in the auctions was Rs.65 a kg. 'The gain in production and exports apart, what is heartening is the fact that we are fetching reasonably good prices in the auctions. There is no glut in the market now unlike in previous years,' the tea official said.
India is the world's largest tea producer followed by China. The northeastern state of Assam is considered the heart of India's tea industry with the state accounting for about 55 percent of the country's total annual tea production. India's domestic tea consumption that remained stagnant for over a decade had shot up from 620 million kg three years ago to 805 million kg last year.
The slump in prices and exports in the past few years was largely attributed to cheap and inferior quality teas produced by many new tea-growing countries, thereby pushing premium quality Indian teas to facing stiffer competition in the global market. Faced with crashing prices, a glut in the market and falling exports, the Indian government last year announced a whopping Rs.50 billion package to boost the sagging tea industry. Up to 70 plantations in Assam had closed down in recent years unable to sell their produce with exports dropping and domestic consumption remaining stagnant.
Polling chaotic but turnout high; four UGs nabbed The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 23: Snatching of EVMs and disputes among the supporters of candidates in the fray despite best efforts of the election authorities for smooth conduct of the polls marked the final leg of the three phase elections to the 9th Manipur legislative Assembly which took place on Friday. Amidst the chaotic situation at various polling stations the overall turnout percentage was 85 as per official reports. Tamenglong district recorded 88 percent, Chandel 85 percent, Churachandpur 83 percent while 70 percent turnout of voters was recorded at the only constituency of Jiribam sub-division of Imphal east district. The prior security measures to prevent disturbance by the underground elements also yielded at least four cadres of different outfits in Churachandpur and Tamenglong district.

An NSCN(IM) cadre was reportedly nabbed by police commandos on mobile duty with an 9mm pistol at Tamenglong district headquarters last night. In Churachandpur district also at least three militants of different groups were apprehended by the police commandos and BSF separately early this morning, reports said. Weapons were also reportedly seized from the cadres.

Security forces fired to disperse mobs and to prevent snatching away of EVMs and to control confrontations at various polling stations located in the three districts of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel today. There were no reports of violence in the only constituency of Imphal east, 40-Jiribam A/C, which went to the polls along with the three hill districts today.

Armed miscreants abducted election agents of the candidates at polling station no. 36 and 37 of 41-Chandel A/C in the early hours of the voting. The CPMF personnel also resorted to firing at a polling station at Karongthel in Tengnoupal A/C. An EVM was also totally destroyed here, reports said. In Tamenglong and Churachnadpur district also firing to control mobs protesting against alleged proxy voting took place. Casting of votes at many polling stations was disturbed due to confrontation between workers of the candidates over allegations of proxy voting.

The poll percentage was reported to be very low, 5 percent in some of the polling stations, till 11 am but it increased to around 40 to 45 at around 1 pm. Official reports said that minor group clashes were reported in 12 polling stations, out of which 10 were in polling stations located in 41-Chandel and 42-Tengnoupal A/C while the remaining two at 58-Saikot A/C. The mob at Saikot damaged the EVMs in the said stations, the report added. One EVM at one of the polling stations in 41-Chandel and two in 57-Henglep were replaced due to mechanical failure of the EVMs. Manipur CEO, RR Rashmi had earlier termed the third phase as "the most difficult phase". Polling in 12 Assembly segments covering the three district of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel district and Jiribam sub-division of Imphal east concluded more or less peacefully at 3.30 pm officially on Friday. Polling took place at Sajik Tampak also which was once known as a "liberated zone" as the area was dominated by the insurgents and the Khenjoi range where the Indian security is still fighting with insurgents.

In some of the polling stations casting of votes concluded ahead of the end of the polling hours while in some stations polling reportedly went on till the poll hours were over. The fate of altogether 76 candidates including Congress president Gaikhangam, three Congress ministers Phungjathang Tonsing, Th Debendra and D Korungthang will be decided in today`s polls.

With the conclusion of today`s third leg poll in three districts and one sub-division, the elections to the 60 member 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly are over and the counting will be held on February 27. A total of 308 candidates were in the fray in the state Assembly elections. The Congress fielded the highest number of candidates in 59 constituencies. For the smooth conduct of the poll, the state authorities in collaboration with the election authorities had deployed maximum security in all the sensitive areas apart from the polling stations. Additional forces were detailed in all the polling stations, officials said. Five choppers were used at eleven airlifting points, out of which two were in the remote areas of Chandel district while the remaining nine were in Tamenglong district. Three choppers conducted the airlifting operation and 61 EVMs for the polling stations in the remote areas of Tamenglong district and Chandel district.

Meanwhile, the chief electoral officer rr rashmi, said the third phase elections were held peacefully, barring some violent incidents at a few places. Briefing mediapersons this evening, Rashmi said group clashes and other acts of violence were reported at some places. Group clashes took place at at least two places in Tamenglong district, but the returning officer concerned has not provided details, he said. Adding that some similar incidents had taken place in Chandel, he informed that an attempt was made to destroy the EVM at a polling station in Tamenglong A/C, but it was prevented in time by security personnel.

In Churachandpur also, an attempt was made to destroy an EVM, but this was also foiled. He indicated that no decision has been taken yet on holding of repolls, if any. According to the CEO, voter turnout was reported to be around 85 percent in Chandel and Tamenglong, while in Churachandpur it is estimated to be between 82 to 85 per cent. 70 per cent of the electorate voted in Jiribam, he said. He also informed that the displaced villagers of the Khengjoi range were allowed to vote at two designated polling stations, and were provided transport by the district administration. He said 65 to 70 per cent polling took place at these two polling stations.

Regarding counting of votes, which is scheduled to take place on February 27, the CEO said 12 counting centres have been set up for the purpose. Counting will begin at 8 am and results can be expected to be declared by 4 pm the same day, he said. He also informed that there would be three cordons of security at the counting centres to ensure that there is no untoward interference in the counter process. He added that counting trends and results would be put up on the Election Commission of India`s website. In the meantime, the Gauhati High Court, Imphal bench, has dismissed a writ petition filed seeking repoll in four polling stations of 48-Mao A/C on the grounds that villagers had not turned out to cast their votes in the election held on February 8.

According to a statement issued seperately by the CEO, the High Court dismissed the petition on the ground of non-maintainability, observing that all matters relating to elections fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Election Commission of India, and consideration of such matters by any other forum are clearly barred in view of the provisions of Article 329 of the constitution, and several other rulings laid down by the Supreme Court in relevant cases.
Healing touch in NE to continue From Our Spl Correspondent Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Feb 23 – President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has pledged continuance of the healing touch policy in trouble-torn north-eastern region (NER) and Jammu and Kashmir, with the Government remaining focused on social, economic and cultural development. The President’s address at the joint session of the Parliament, marking the beginning of the three-month-long Budget Session, however, failed to enthuse the MPs of the north-eastern States.

The President made a passing reference to the killings in Asom, without going into details. Neither did the Central Government thought it fit to acknowledge the successful hosting of the 33rd National Games by Assam Government against all odds.

The President said that while ensuring law and order and internal security in the North- east, Jammu and Kashmir and Naxalite-affected regions, the government would remain focused on the overall social, economic and cultural development of these parts of the country, aimed at ensuring the active participation of all sections of our society in the national mainstream.
Making a mention of the recent incidents of violence in the country, Dr Kalam said his government recognised the challenge posed by terrorism and extremism and had been resolute in dealing with it. “While our security and intelligence agencies have successfully foiled many attempts by terrorist groups to strike terror, there have been tragic, dastardly and cowardly acts of terrorism, as in Mumbai and Assam and, most recently, in the attack on Samjhauta Express,” was all he said. “My Government would continue to impart a healing touch both in Jammu and Kashmir and in the North-east, while maintaining utmost vigil against terrorist and extremist forces. The government attaches the highest importance to ensuring that all agencies respect basic human rights, even in the most trying circumstances,” he said.

Dr Kalam further mentioned that government had been paying special attention to the modernisation of the police forces, security forces and intelligence agencies. A focused and holistic attempt to deal with the challenges of internal security in the north-eastern region, in Jammu and Kashmir and in regions affected by Naxalite activity is yielding dividends, he said.
About the development activities in the North-east, the President said Government was implementing the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-east, keeping in view the urgent need to improve connectivity to the region.

Dr Kalam also mentioned about the multi-purpose identity card project, saying that Government would take forward the National Identity Card Project under the National e-Governance Plan for nationwide rollout in a phased manner so as to ensure better delivery of services to the citizens.

India’s “Look East Policy” has contributed to increasing engagement with ASEAN and East Asian neighbourhood. India’s participation in the East Asian and India-ASEAN Summits has rejuvenated our ancient links with the region and strengthened economic ties, the President said.

Dr Kalam also touched on the recent signing of the new India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty in place of the earlier one of 1949. The new treaty updates the legal basis of our bilateral relations to reflect the contemporary reality. It would enable us to further strengthen and enhance our relationship to a higher level to meet the aspirations of our two peoples, he said. About Bangladesh, he said as a friend and neighbour, India is interested in a democratic, stable and prosperous Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Congress and Opposition MPs of the region, alike felt that the address left much to be desired.

Reacting to the address, Kirip Chaliha said due emphasis has been given to the region. “We are optimistic that what he said in his address would get reflected in the general Budget and the 11th Five Year Plan,” he said. Tapir Gaon of BJP said the president’s address mentioned all the unfulfilled promises of the UPA Government. “Today we do not need assurances,” he said.

Dr Kalam did not make any mention of the massacre of Hindi-speaking people in Assam, as neither did he mention about the law-and-order situation in the north-eastern region that is deteriorating day by day, he claimed. About the Look East Policy, the BJP MP said whatever the UPA Government had promised to the north-eastern States about connecting the region with South East Asia, has not been reflected in the address. Dwijen Sarma, Congress MP said they were satisfied with the address and hoped that the assurances made would be reflected in the 11th Five Year Plan.
AFSPA: The Question to Democracy Nagarealm.com
The Armed Forces Special Power Act, AFSPA, popularly called the “draconian law” has, once again, become the favourite toy in the politicians’ cradle. As the fever of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly election grips, AFSPA becomes the catchword. As if it is the soul of their political salvation, politicians swear on it without any hesitation. AFSPA becomes the shared agenda for the contesting candidates.
As “democratic election” gears up in Manipur, the operation of AFSPA poses a big question to the kind of democracy we are living with. Is free and fair democratic election really valid under such circumstances, when “inhumane” law prevails with unbridled power given to the Armed Forces? If the conduct of election is seen as a continuity of democracy, we are not far from accepting the continuity of AFSPA as democratic. The election, which is supposed to be a democratic means of empowering the people, is, however, a big contradiction as the secret ballot hangs on the draconian law. The whole drama is a face saving exercise for the mysterious democracy, whose face we have not yet seen. The “concert for democracy” swings without any democracy. If today democracy is seen as following formal procedures to allow dissent and multi-party election, democracy is, then, alive without its heart and soul. India as a flawed democracy is rightly said. The flaw being the inability of its institutions to be accountable and efficient in its operation. What we see in Manipur and in different parts of the North East is a deficit of trust in everything. What not?

The party politics or say the electoral politics has stirred with a temper and tone to repeal AFSPA after the election forms its own house. But with a condition, if they are elected to power. AFSPA has posed a big political challenge not only for the politicians but also for the authorities as well as several NGOs. As everyone battles with what comes first, peace and development or AFSPA, the tone and tenor becomes promising in the ambiguity. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh belongs to the tribe who believed in the return of peace as the condition for repealing the Act. AFSPA is hidden in the most ambiguous excuse of the absence of peace, when it is already clogged in the spiral from the offshoot that gripped the entire North-East. When that becomes evident, one cannot, but wonder whether the meaning would be delivered with the politicians poking a small but sensitive constituency. When the killing spree in Assam could have a spillover effect on the prospect of AFSPA in Manipur, the campaigning chorus will face more orchestration even if everyone sits with power. The politicians’ race for mileage would turn out to be a mute tirade when none of them has a concrete design to repeal the Act.

That, once again, proved that the AFSPA chorus is situation created. It has to be when they failed to provide regular electricity, road and connectivity, safe drinking water, healthcare, institutions, playgrounds and what not. I was told only about 15.1 percent household in Manipur get access to safe drinking water. Nature is good to the rest. Imagine two hours of power supply in forty-eight hours. Imagine also the spine chilling record of over 400 cases of bloody violence in Manipur in the last four years. In the year 2006, there was a record of 418 cases of violence by undergrounds accounting for death of 73 civilians and 27 security personnel.

The question is what and where is the leverage? There is a need to test and run in every situation, which should be the alternative. A realist approach should substitute the soft stand that has been representing the region with AFSPA hatching no change at all. That would eventually allow any change a chance to take place in the space clogged with inhumane colonial Act stagnating the prospect for democracy and development. Fifty-seven years of swaying to merely fit into the political game of power quest has delivered nothing. The Act seems to be taken as a dead end in itself. One thing very clear is that peace or stability would not be established by strengthening the Armed Forces. But the land has been militarised. The rest is supposedly seen as militants if not victims of that. The unbridge gap of distrust grows evidently bigger. The only progress actually.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had earlier expressed his desire to relief the draconian act by giving a humane touch to it. AFSPA is the new untouchable item in the democratic space. Even though the authorities had shown compelled concern to touch the seemingly untouchable Act, the concern and motives are always suppressed. BP Jeevan Reddy Report as well as the numerous movements from the civil society for its repeal has been putting reasonable pressure. The protest is moving promisingly from Irom Sharmila Chanu to the United Nations. But will it be what it will be. Or is this what it really ought to be? So far a lukewarm response seems to be what it begets as “democracy” is cast once again into the ballot. One thing very popular with the general public in Manipur is the often-asked question, whether things, as they are, are real or not. Right now, politicians battling for power are baking their cake with AFSPA. As the ballot inked the finger of the right hand, AFSPA also wave on the left hand. A big reminder that right is not right. The question remains, is this democracy real or not? [David Buhril, KOL]

Chin people demand political dialogue with Military Junta Sentinel
Aizawl, Feb 23: Mizo origin Myanmarese and 25 other Chin communities under the banner Chine National Council (CNC) have urged Burmese military regime to release Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and start a political dialogue with the opposition.
They also demanded release of other ethnic and political prisoners in Myanmar. In a statement to mark the 59th anniversary of Chin National Day, the CNC said, “Since the issue is political in nature, the regime would have to solve it in a political way to halt it’s ongoing military offensives against ethnic minority groups”.
It has also appealed to the Chin people to be unified and work for solidarity among Chins, regardless of clans and regions in interest of national movement against military Junta.
The statement claimed the Chin communities across the globe have raised their voices against the military government in Myanmar for its alleged discrimination against the Chin people.
The CNC urged the military Junta to find a political solution to end the impasse through tripartite dialogues with the wining political parties of 1990 elections as well as the leaders of ethnic nationalities.
Myanmar military Junta has allegedly disallowed Chin community in the country to celebrate the Chin National Day.
About 50,000 Chin people had left their homeland and took refuge in foreign countries to escape unabated oppression of military in Myanmar, CNC stated, adding that a large number of Chin people were engaged as domestic help, while the males do odd jobs in Mizoram. UNI

Frans on 02.24.07 @ 05:48 PM CST [link]


Friday, February 23rd

Burma captures Indian rebel base By Subir Bhaumik BBC News,


Burma captures Indian rebel base By Subir Bhaumik BBC News,

Calcutta Troops in western Burma have captured a base used by separatists from neighbouring India after a week of fighting, a rebel spokesman has said.
He said that 12 rebel fighters from India's Nagaland state had been killed. Burma shares a 4,000km (2,486-mile) border with north-eastern India. The region has been the centre of insurgent activity for more than three decades. In recent times, Burma faced Indian pressure to push out the separatists from its eastern Sagaing Division. The spokesman for the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) said that Burmese troops had also suffered casualties, but could not specify how many. Indian military intelligence says there is indeed some fighting across the border from Nagaland but could not provide details.
The NSCN is a divided organization
Selected targets The bases of the NCSN's breakaway faction headed by Burmese-Naga leader, SS Khaplang, have been under attack from Burmese troops for about a week. But it was only on Thursday that the rebels first admitted to having lost a major base. The spokesman of the NSCN's Khaplang faction, Kughalo Mulatonu, told the BBC that their base near the Naga village of Chuiyang Noknu had fallen to the Burmese troops. He said at least 12 Naga guerrillas had been killed in a week of fighting before they had to retreat from Chuiyang Noknu. Mr Mulatonu said two of their other bases in the same area were also being bombarded by mortars.
"We expect a Burmese infantry assault on those bases any time now," he said. Mr Mulatonu said the Assamese separatists who were staying in their camps had already pulled out towards the border with India and had not got involved in the fighting. Burma has faced huge Indian pressure in recent months to push out north-east Indian separatists from Sagaing Division.
Delhi has been providing Rangoon with substantial supplies of military hardware ever since Burma's military rulers promised to attack the separatists.

Rare protest in military-ruled Myanmar
Thu Feb 22, 8:28 AM ET
YANGON, Myanmar - A group of protesters carrying placards and chanting slogans staged a rare demonstration Thursday in downtown Yangon, calling for lower prices and improved health and education. The protest ended peacefully after about 30 minutes, but at least one demonstrator was taken away by police, as were three local journalists, two of whom work for foreign media, and one for a Myanmar publication. It could not immediately be determined if they were arrested n criminal charges. About 15 protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Down with consumer prices," and "This is the people's cause." They also called on Myanmar's military-run government for improved health and education as well as better benefits for pensioners.
The junta tolerates little dissent, and strictly curbs freedom of the press. The infrequent public demonstrations that have previously taken place in Yangon have usually targeted the legitimacy of the military government, and have been associated with the opposition party of detained Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, or other political activists. Thursday's protest was one of the first to challenge the junta's competence. By targeting economic issues, it was likely to win the sympathy of many Yangon residents, who are facing strained financial circumstances as incomes fail to keep pace with inflation in what is already one of Asia's poorest countries. One slogan shouted by the protesters, "24-hour electricity is our cause," was a reference to the scheduled brownouts and blackouts affecting most areas of the city due to the government's inability to generate enough power. The group marched and urged bystanders to clap if they agreed with their demands, and shouting that their action was "the peaceful expression of the people's desire." More than two dozen police arrived after 15-20 minutes, but made no immediate move to end the protest.
Only when the demonstrators looked as if they would cross the street to Sule Pagoda, a famous Buddhist temple that is one of the city's landmarks, did police intervene, with a senior officer asking that they stop. Some bystanders expressed agreement with the protest, while many vendors on the busy street packed up their goods, fearing there would be trouble. Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962, and the current junta was installed in 1988 after quashing mass pro-democracy demonstrations. A general election was held in 1990, but the military refused to hand over power after Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory.

On a mission with proverb on lips - New Nagaland governor believes the state needs a dose of optimism NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
Aaharam kitiyal vishakilla, vishannillel deshyavumilla (If there is food, there will be no hunger and, so, no anger) — Malayalam proverb New Delhi, Feb. 22: K. Sankaranarayanan has adopted native Malayali philosophy as his guiding principle for a challenging gubernatorial stint in insurgency-plagued Nagaland. In essence, what he intends to do is use development as a tool for restoration of peace in a state that has witnessed decades of turmoil. A United Democratic Front convenor for more than 15 years, the former Kerala politician says he will bring more than just a dose of optimism to his new port of call. Sankaranarayanan has not forgotten his migrant southern brethren either. One of his first requests to Delhi is to start a direct train service from Dimapur to the south, preferably Kerala, for the benefit of thousands of Malayalees and Tamils residing in Nagaland and the neighbouring hill states. The governor said yesterday that he would meet railway minister Lalu Prasad during his next visit to the capital. He met vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and defence minister A.K. Antony on Tuesday and called on President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam yesterday morning.
Sankaranarayanan, who was finance minister during A.K. Antony’s tenure as Kerala chief minister, is known to share a special rapport with Kalam. Their relationship goes back to the time when the scientist President was based in Kerala.
Apparently, it is not just philosophy from “God’s own country” that Sankaranarayanan has brought with him to Nagaland. “I have invited Kerala chief minister (V.S.) Achuthanandan to visit Nagaland. He will come,” he said, switching from English to Malayalam while attempting to describe the Nagas as a hospitable community. The governor believes Nagaland has its “own distinctive charm”, which it can use to lure tourists just the way Kerala does. And what about the many problems confronting the state?
“The state needs medical, nursing and engineering colleges and the best of healthcare facilities,” said the governor, who replaced former Intelligence Bureau chief Shyamal Datta. It is actually after a long time that Raj Bhavan in Kohima has got someone who is neither a former intelligence honcho or a police bigwig. Sankaranarayanan’s sense of humour shone through when he described himself as a former politician “who does not criticise”.
The seriousness, however, returned when the conversation veered to the subject of Naga insurgency. The governor said Nagaland’s long tryst with insurgency would end soon because the people were desperate for peace. On the stalemate in peace talks and the restiveness of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), he said the process must continue despite everything.
“They (the rebels) should not be forced to (return to) the jungle. They will not be pushed to the wall — there will be no wall, there will be no push,” he said.That could be music to the ears of the NSCN (I-M), if not every other group in Nagaland
NSCN (K) slams IM group Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 21: Accusing the IM faction of the NSCN of selling away the rights and aspirations of the Naga people, the NSCN (K) today said that after the Shillong Accord fiasco, the NSCN continued with the genuine struggle for the sovereignty of the Naga people.

However some vested interest people have misused the name of the NSCN and engaged in a peace talk with the Government of India for the past ten years, making a scapegoat of the Naga people. Terming the peace talk between the IM group and the GoI as a farce, the NSCN (K) in a statement today said that contradictory to the claims of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, the peace talk is heading nowhere and on the contrary it has jeopardised the future of thousands of students.

This same group of self professed leaders are directly taking part in the Indian election, through NGOs in Manipur and Na-galand, it charged adding that their involvement in the election shows that they are agents of the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP leader LK Advani.

This is why the IM group has been given a free hand to suppress the rights of the Naga people and making them to vote for the candidates of their choice. Sounding a stern warning, the outfit said that NSCN will not remain silent spectators to the terror tactics of the IM group.
Nagaland to get high court OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, Feb. 22: Nagaland will soon have a full-fledged high court, the foundation stone of which will be laid by Supreme Court Chief Justice K.G Balakrishnan on April 7. Sources said the 20-acre complex will come up near Tsiesama village, less than 10 km from Kohima.
The court will initially comprise five judges. Cases from the state are now being handled by the Kohima bench of Gauhati High Court. The law ministry has cleared the proposal, though the number of litigants in Nagaland is less than in other regions with an almost equal population. This will be the third high court in the Northeast after Assam and Sikkim. A majority of cases from the region are being heard at Gauhati High Court. Sikkim has a high court with three judges.“In principle, the law ministry has agreed to have high courts in all the northeastern states,” Nagaland’s law and justice parliamentary secretary Yitachu said.
Nagaland`s new Governor to work for education, transport links Zee News
New Delhi, Feb 23: Newly appointed Nagaland Governor K Sankaranarayanan wants the insurgency-affected state to be developed by establishing professional institutions and improving road, rail and air connectivity to allow the Naga people to showcase their diverse talents.

"There are no medical and engineering colleges in the state. It is surprising. I want to contribute as much as I can to change the face of Nagaland," he told here. "There is no railway connectivity from the state to any part of North India. The state has only seven kilometers of railway tracks. We will have to improve this," he said. Sankaranarayanan, who met President A P J Abdul Kalam, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Defence Minister A K Antony in the capital, said education and connectivity were key to the development of Nagaland.

He also met Home Minister Shivraj Patil yesterday and discussed various issues related to the state's development and security situation. "It is highly essential to establish a medical college, an engineering college and a nursing college in the state without any delay. I have taken up the matter with Central ministers and they extended total support for it," he said. Nagaland, which has witnessed decades of insurgency, has young talents and professional courses including it education have to be introduced in the state without any delay.

"I will urge the centre to give priority to education as job-oriented courses are a must for the state," he said. Sankaranarayanan, who was sworn in as Governor on February 3, said he would also work to ensure better connectivity to all corners of Nagaland. Sankaranarayanan, the first politician to be appointed as Nagaland's Governor in the past two decades, said the centre has decided to invest Rs 50,000 crore for the development of surface transport infrastructure in the northeast in the 11th plan period.

"This will change the face of road connectivity in the region," he said. Sankaranarayanan said he would also meet Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel to discuss the establishment of an airport in Nagaland. Asked about his meeting with Kalam, he said the President emphasized the need for developmental activities in Nagaland and agreed to visit the state next month. All the central ministers he met had assured they would give total support to developmental activities in the state, he said. Asked whether he had taken up security-related matters with Antony in light of reports of factional clashes between the NSCN-IM and its rival NSCN-K, he said, "there is a system for all these matters and they will take care of them."

Asked whether development is possible in the state if the peace talks with the NSCN-IM failed, he said, "everybody, including the Naga insurgents, want peace in the state. "People want peace and development and that is the only way, and I am confident that the peace talks will succeed," the former Kerala minister said. Sankaranarayanan said he had not received any request for a meeting from NSCN-IM leaders Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu, who are currently in Nagaland. However, Sankaranarayanan, who succeeded former Intelligence Bureau Chief Shyamal Dutta as Governor, said he was confident a solution to the decades-old problem of insurgency in Nagaland will be found. Bureau Report
Gunmen threaten BJP to stay off Tuensang polls The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 22 (MExN): Following the decision of the Returning Officer to reject the candidature of the BJP on ‘technical grounds’ for the 54 Tuensang Sadar-II Bye-Election slated for March 8, the State unit of the BJP has decided not to contest the ensuing elections from Tuensang despite its official candidate Y. Wongto getting the opportunity to contest as an Independent candidate. This decision of the BJP not to involve itself in the Tuensang Bye-Election comes in the backdrop of serious allegations that the party’s observer, Kughavi Achumi who reportedly went missing on the day of scrutiny of nominations, was made to sign a bond at gunpoint by unidentified gunmen numbering around seven at a place called Halipong, a few kilometers away from Tuensang town. Earlier, Achumi who is the BJP Morcha (ST) President, had mysteriously disappeared and his whereabouts unknown till today morning. BJP sources informed that Achumi returned home to Dimapur today after going through a harrowing experience including his abduction at the hands of unidentified gunmen. It was informed that Achumi was made to sign a bond wherein the BJP was told to stay off the election in Tuensang and that the party should not send its candidate for the bye-election. Top brass of the BJP told The Morung Express that the entire episode was extremely unfortunate and the party suspected a deep rooted conspiracy and the involvement of outside elements. It was informed that the party will be discussing the next course of action at an executive meeting tomorrow.
Women protestors injured in police firing Police personnel firing tear gas toward the protestors for disperse The Morung Express
Imphal, feb 22 (NNN):As part of the first phase agitation, several women organizations, organized under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), staged sit-in-protest in different parts of Imphal and greater Imphal today against the suspicious death of Sangkhu Maring besides submitting a memorandum to Governor SS. Sidhu and North East Council (NEC) this afternoon. The organizations will also observe a 24 hours general strike today beginning from 5 am.
Meanwhile, 4 women protestors were injured when tear gas and rubber bullets were fired upon the protestors by the police. The protestors were on their way to Governor’s office to submit the memorandum.
In the memorandum, the organizations demanded initiating of judicial inquiry into the circumstances leading to the death of Sangkhu, to pursue the guilty doctors with befitting punishment for their failure in duty and to take up necessary action not to cause such incident in near future and to award ex-gratia of Rs.3 lakhs to the bereaved family.
In the third part of agitation, the JAC along with civil societies will imposed 7 days economic blockade beginning from February 25 onward on both the National Highways.
The Joint Action Committee against the suspicious dead of Sangkhu Maring had been formed comprising of All manipur Student Union (AMSU), United People Front (UPF), Nupi Samaj, Tammi Chingmi Apunba Ima Lup, Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF), Maring Students Union (MSU),Kabui Mother Association (KMA), National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) and Sadangsenba village authority.
Meanwhile, the RIMS authority had released the incident report of alleged dead of the woman due to medical negligence. The Departmental Enquiry Committee has come out with 4 conclusions stating that Sangkhu (30) with obscure obstetrics history was admitted on February16 and kept on the floor of ante-natal ward due to scarcity of bed, but was found absent for 3 consecutive days during the doctor’s round. Secondly, on physical verification from co-patients (floor patients) it was found that the doctors actually called all the patients by name for examination and treatment as a routine. Thirdly the patient expired at 8 am on February19, following which the patient party assaulted the doctors on duty and security staff and also damaged hospital properties. While the Fourth conclusion said that the incident took place without any provocation from the hospital side. In view of the reasons given, the authority and the employees of RIMS appealed the public to judge for themselves the truth behind the incident.
Where do we go? Editorial Morung Express
We live in a time where insanity has become the ruling norm. Though there is an air of complacency and indifference, it will be fair to say that people are tired and quite fed up with the direction that Naga society is headed. The rich get richer while the poor, poorer; there is lack of democratic accountability, complete absence of self-governance and hence good governance does not figure in and the ongoing political conflict, which is taking its toll on people. Then there are the every day headaches of having to face power shortages, corruption at every level of society and the tragic consequences on human life caused by the political chasm which has so affected the patterns of relationship and understanding.
Where do we go? Or Where are we going? These are questions that keep burdening the heart, a heart that yearns to see Nagas live together in dignity, exercising their independence with confidence and respect for others. The heart is anxious because Nagas seem to be in a vicious cycle in which the principalities of what constitutes evil is causing the break down of society. By principalities of evil, it implies the everyday happenings such as suspicion, distrust, hate, jealousy, disrespect and so on. In a time where majority of the people are just so caught up with survival issues, while those leading seem to only care for themselves, we must seriously ponder, where are we going as a people?
Naga history is embedded with a rich legacy and yet the rich history in itself is not sufficient for the building of the future. It does help lay the foundation and it needs to do so in a way that will build an understanding, an understanding in which our future is guided by a value-based vision. Similarly, the histories of the different peoples that constitute the Naga nation is filled with stories of many ordinary men and women who strived for the well being of the people in extra-ordinary ways; and yet today, we do not see those men and women. Where are they? And where are we going?
The present generation of Nagas needs to start assessing and taking initiatives that involves a commitment to truth. It is time that we renounce the course of negativity and embraces the earnest and practice commitment of straight honest talk through dialogue. This process must keep at its center the greater public good and interest, which means ending the influence of narrow interest representing the powers that be. The dialogue should lead to the articulation of Naga values with an emphasis on a return to ethical values and willingness to question right from wrong as well as to act selflessly by giving up narrow self-interest. It implies transcending parochial institutions and civil religion with the view of getting truthful about the issues that affect our lives. Our self-realization calls for a conscious move away from the adversarial and conceited politics that needs to be replaced with a commitment for statesmanship, which at its core has the will to listen act upon the issues and aspirations of the people. If present Nagas are to have a future of hope, the responsibility lies on us not to just live quietly, but to actively pursue the values that will make us live!
Community Conservation in Nagaland Neema Pathak The Morung Express Perspective An Introduction:
Nagaland state of India bordering Burma, is occupied by about 15 different tribal communities. Each of these communities is culturally distinct from the other and occupy different parts of the state. Nearly 90% of land is under community ownership (unlike in other parts of the country). About 85% of the state is still under forest cover. Originally hunter-gatherers, these communities have intricate land use system, with land distributed between shifting cultivation (communal ownership of land), settled agriculture (private land ownership), and forest reserves (could be family, clan or community owned) to meet food, fruit, fuel, timber and other requirements. Wild meat is an integral part of tribal culture here. Most families own guns and go hunting nearly every day. Easy availability of guns (because of a few decades of insurgency in the state) and non-implementation of wildlife protection laws has led to rampant hunting. Increasing population and heavy dependence for on timber and forest produce for livelihood is also impacting the quality of forests. A combined effect of degrading forests and a high rate of hunting have led to a quick decline in wildlife populations, particularly, wild animals. Towards late 1980s and early 1990s some realisation about the degraded state of forests began to hit people. Drying up of water resources, declining availability of wild vegetables, declining population of wild animals, were among some of the reasons that created debates among many tribal communities, independently. As a result a silent movement led to village council after village council declaring areas strictly protected for wildlife protection or forests reserves declared as protected water sheds.
In 1988, the Khonoma Village Council in Kohima district declared 20 sq. km. of forest and grassland area as the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary. Rules were formulated to strictly ban hunting (not only here but over the whole of Khonoma’s 135 sq.km. territory), to stop all resource uses in the Sanctuary area, and to allow only a few benign uses in the surrounding buffer area. A Trust was set up for management. A proposal is currently under discussion to extend the Sanctuary area to several sq. km. more of adjoining forest. The villagers are also in discussions with neighbouring villages, which if successful would conserve 200 sq.km. of unique habitat, with several endemic and threatened species. The village council of Sendenui resolved to set aside an area of about 1000 hectares (10 sq.km), after some discussions initiated by the village youth concerning the decline wild animal populations. The village has issued its own wildlife protection act, with rules and regulations for the management of the sanctuary. In 1983, the Luzaphuhu village Student’s Union resolved to conserve a 500 ha (5 sq.km) patch of forest land above the village as a watershed. In 1990, they declared another 2.5 sq.km. patch of forest as a wildlife reserve. Hunting is strictly prohibited in the wildlife reserve. Similarly, Kikruma village is regenerating and protecting 70 ha. Several villages centred around Runguzu are protecting an entire range with perhaps several thousand ha. of forest and 6 villages led by Chizami are reviving traditional protection of a few hundred hectares. Along many roads in the state sign posts are put up by village youth associations, warning readers that the area is under strict protection. According to wild life enthusiasts, who visit the state regularly claim that these sign-boards are effective enough to deter even outsiders. Different villages have different ways of dealing with violations, a simple fine being the most common. Some more sophisticated, with a higher fine for more endangered species.
A number of endemic and threatened species are likely being conserved in these areas. The community protected forests in Phek district may have some of India’s last populations of the Grey peacock pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum, and of Mrs. Hume’s pheasant Syrmaticus humiae, apart from the Blyth’s tragopan. Sites like Khonoma, Zanibu, and Chizami have been identified as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) as part of a global process coordinated by Birdlife International. Serow Naemorhedus sumatraensis, Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus, and perhaps Clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa, are other important species that are still found or recovering in these areas. Leopard Panthera pardus is reported from most of these sites. In the absence of any extensive surveys, the floral diversity of such sites can be indicated by about 40 species of orchids reported just from Khonoma Sanctuary. For more details on individual sites contact: Neema Pathak at natrails@vsnl.com">natrails@vsnl.com
Three killed in Manipur ahead of poll By Reuters
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - Three people, including a soldier, were killed in Manipur on Thursday, in poll-related violence on the eve of the last stage of assembly elections, police said.
Unidentified rebels ambushed a vehicle carrying soldiers, killing one and wounding another, in the state's southern district of Chandel, they said. Elsewhere, workers of the ruling Congress party, which also heads the national coalition, clashed with supporters of a regional party in the neighbouring Churachandpur district. One worker from each party was killed.
Manipur has battled separatist violence since the 1960s and more than 20,000 people have been killed. Tens of thousands of troops have been deployed in the small state to protect election officials and its 1.7 million voters during the three-phase ballot.
Women discouraging Women’s Empowerment. Filip Sumi Kuknalim.com article

Like a man that is human capable of thinking, feeling and doing things, a woman is also a human being having her own ability to think, feel and do certain things with no amount of inferiority in her, except for physical vigor. Indeed, women are stronger biologically because of their procreating ability. However, in spite of the male's physical superiority he too needs the same food that women consumes for survival. There is no way that he can survive by smoking or because he is stronger. Like wise, a woman can't stay alive just because she is pretty and beautiful. Then, given their equal existence and this is what a person fighting for equality shall think, needs none becomes superior over the other for their robust nature or soft nature. Both have equal rights and privileges in being a part of the society. So why are women not allowed to be equal with men? Why are they always associated with inferiority?

In an earthly manner, safe for our original parents which was a Godly way, every man comes out of a woman and this is where the larger gratitude and respect for woman should exist at all costs. In this rational world, a woman should no longer be considered impure for her monthly stress. In fact some optimists would view that as a cleansing cycle both physically and spiritually, for it actually cleanses and relieves the feminine body and because our creator willed so.

There are thousands who regard woman as a mere tool and commodity in the kitchen and in the bedroom. Incidentally, in some society, a woman does all the works that requires male energy while man lazes, drink and sleep. The greater number of the people that regard woman as a commodity comprises of these lazy men. These are the people who think that woman are far privileged because they also walk on the same earth that men walk and for breathing in the common air But unlike the past where almost every woman was confined to the four parameters of their kitchen, these days the presence of women in public affairs is being felt at a reasonable level though not enough. They are proving their administrative ability in various areas which men thought they would never be capable.

More women are coming to the forefront in decision making. A women becoming a Gaon Bura is a great jump towards the upliftment of the status of woman in our society. There should still be bigger moves to push woman forward. No doubt, women has been labeled as the weaker section of the society but in a cultured society where the stress of equality is more and strong, people, instead of taking advantage of women's weaknesses should adopt policies which can make the label a little lighter. For that, a committed society should find it easy to reserve some seats absolutely for women where only a woman candidate will contest against woman. That would be the absolute way of empowering woman and it will take women forward with greater speed. Otherwise, the staunch talk about empowering woman would always remain a staunch talk and nothing more But the most discouraging factor is that even the legislators who speak of giving opportunities to woman are not willing to sacrifice their seat or constituency to be solely reserved for woman. Maybe that's the inner reason; the bill for 33% reservation is still sucked in the parliament. But it is speculated that the Women's Bill is likely to be discussed this session. So if we don't make way for such moves then, the talk about pushing women forward may be wrongly pushed by the road side. Therefore, some grand steps and sacrifices should be made to make women empowerment a reality
However, in the midst of all these talks, people advocating such measures also have their reservations about the appearance of woman in society especially these days. The Naga society in the past rarely saw offences in the form of dress by females in public with the exception of our forefathers for their unawareness of decency or rather because civilization and modernization was still far behind for which they were not able even to cover themselves appropriately in those jungle leaves and animal skins. But at this stage where proper dressing should be an old learned lesson there are still some learning to evolve as proper human being to be able to present themselves decently in society.
While some strive for the upliftment of the status of woman and try to do away with the notion of women being as a commodity, there are still a large number of females who themselves make their counterparts regard that they are a commodity which can be sold and bought.

Indecency in the dress habit of modern girls is on the rise day by day. Transparency, skimpiness, less clothes on the body seems a grand fashion especially in summer. Some even say summer is a 'shameless season'. Thin, super tight fitting garments are not out of the scene and the shapes and sizes can easily be measured by a causal observer where even a protruding pimple inside can be noticed. It's perfectly fine for them that they feel comfortable and they may look pretty but it embarrasses the public eye. How can a society ignore those scenes and not call them commodities? They can't be ostracized for that reason because like mentioned earlier, they are also human beings and every human being is a social animal requiring one another. People come into contact with one another, communicate, observe and mingle together. Though it's not the reason, it's difficult not to look down women in such a society especially when they project themselves in such a cheap manner One popular view that justifies the prostitution of women is that they are starved and so they become helpless and are forced. But the reality which is on the rise that a sufficient section of sex workers especially in Nagaland now are not underprivileged women forced to the profession for want of money but people with enough income and even well to do girls are into it because they are after some quick bucks.
Now if, the women themselves are allowing the society to look down on them by way of their indecency and inappropriate living, then, all kinds of moves and progresses to uplift them are hampered. Their empowerment gets highly discouraged. Some say that women's position will change if only men change but the grass root changers should be women themselves because the change in question concerns them the most. But it's not totally false that women in society would begin to change with the change in man. Man's liberal and relaxing attitudes towards women can be of enormous leap in their status. That can be a small way to discover women's potentiality, a gender that thinks as an outcast. A suppressed gender. After all they are the reflection of society as of men.
5 killed on eve of final phase of Manipur polls From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 22 – At least five persons lost their lives today in four different incidents on the eve of the final and third phase of the Manipur election. One Assam Rifles jawan sustained serious injury in a militant attack in Chandel district on Thursday morning. The incident took place near Khoibu village under Tengnoupal police station.The injured jawan Anup Deka of 18 Assam Rifles has been evacuated to the ICU of Leimakhong army hospital.

In another poll related violence, two civilians reported to be political workers were shot dead by suspected militants near Singhat village under Manipur’s Churachandpur district late Wednesday night. The bodies of the deceased were recovered by the police on Thursday morning. In another incident, a civilian was killed at Kiyamgei Awang Leikar Leirak under Iribung police station late Wednesday night after being abducted from his Langthabal Kunja residence in Imphal West district. Though the reason behind all these killings are yet to be established, police stationed in Churachandpur district suspect killing in the district may have connection with the ensuing third phase polll. The bodies of two polling personnel including a jawan of 521 Bn CRPF Pramod Mishra and a villager who had been missing after they were capsized in Barak river on their way to Langjon, since Wednesday afternoon, was recovered on Thursday morning, reports said.

Earlier, former MLA and independent candidate contesting in Tamenglong constituency, Samuel Zendai had a narrow escape after his convoy was fired upon by unidentified gunmen at Wairangba village under Tamenglong district. Meanwhile, despite the boycott called by NSCN-Khaplang faction, the State authority is all set to conduct the most “difficult” final phase of the Manipur election tomorrow. According to Chief Election Officer R R Rashmi, additional 140 companies of security forces, army personnel would be pressed into patrolling duty in sensitive areas. On the day of election, a helicopter each would be stationed in all the district headquarters, Rashmi said. Helicopters would ferry EVMs and presiding officers of 120 polling stations.

RIMS death protest rally dispersed by police The Imphal Free Press

imphal, feb 22: police foiled an attempt by protestors numbering about 400 who were trying to stage a rally from New Checkon road upto the Raj Bhavan in a bid to submit a memorandum to the Governor this afternoon around 2 pm in connection with the unexplained death of M Sangkhu Maring, at RIMS hospital on February 19 morning. Initially, the protestors participated in a sit-in demonstration organised by the JAC against the death of M Sangkhu Maring at New Checkon from 10 am, which was attended by various representatives of tribal and other social organisations.

Later, following a snap decision during the demonstration, the protestors attempted to stage a silent rally up to the Raj Bhavan in order to submit a memorandum to the state Governor in connection with the incident. Police however dispersed the protestors by firing in the air and lobbing tear gas shells. In the meantime, JAC representatives have said that with no positive response from the government, they would go ahead with their proposed general strike from 6 am tomorrow. It may be mentioned that 37-year old Sangkhu Maring died on February 19 morning after being admitted as a delivery case three days earlier. The death led to violence by patient party against doctors, which subsequently caused the closure of the RIMS emergency casualty and OPD blocks till date.

Samuel Jendai escapes life attempt The Imphal Free Press
imphal, feb 21: Former mla, and independent candidate contesting in 53-Tamenglong A/C, Samuel Jendai, had a narrow escape after his convoy was fired upon by unidentified gunmen at Wairangba village, in Tamenglong district yesterday evening around 2:30 pm. According to official sources, the candidate, along with his MR escort party, was returning towards Tamenglong headquarters yesterday afternoon after conducting election campaign when the incident occurred. Jendai`s convoy came under heavy lethode bombs and LMGs attacks at Wairangba, the sources informed.
The security guards also retaliated, and the exchange of fire lasted for about five minutes. There were no casualties in the attack but Samuel Jendai had a narrow escape as the vehicle on which he was riding was hit by multiple bullets, the sources informed. Jendai finally reached Tamenglong unhurt after heavy security reinforcements were sent from Tamenglong headquarters

Newmai News Network adds: Samuel Jendai when contacted by Newmai News Network, has said that he alongwith his supporters and security guards had gone to a village called Wairangba and Bhalok, some 27 km away from the Tamenglong headquarters, some underground elements came out at the gate of the village and started opened fire in which the candidate`s security guards retaliated by firing back.

The candidate said that the gunmen fired about 200 rounds of gun-fire while attempting to assasinate him. Samuel Jendai, however, did not say which group or outfit could have been behind the act.The incident occurred at 2:30 pm on Tuesday,according to the candidate. He also said that the unidentified gunmen used a bomb and LMG guns while attempting on his life.

Samuel Jendai is endeavouring to retain his seat from the Tamenglong A/C for the fourth consecutive term.This time he is contesting as the United Naga Council (UNC)`s `consensus candidate`.Interestingly, the Tuesday`s firing incident occurred at the native village of his rival candidate Khangthuanang Panmei who was abducted and released by the NSCN-IM just recently.

On the other hand, NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has alleged that the candidate had ordered his own security guards to open blank fire in order to procure more bullets for the NSCN-IM. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region maintained that the Tuesday`s Wairangba incident was nothing but a foolish tactic to supply new bullets for the NSCN-IM. The outfit said that Samuel Jendai had ordered his security guards to open fire in the air and painted as attacking the candidate and in return the security guards candidate would demand for more bullets and tighter security to which the bullets will go to the NSCN-IM. The outfit further accused that Samuel Jendai could no longer stay in the valley so he has left for the hill areas and now the candidate has tied up with the NSCN-IM.

Rani Gaidinliu in the context of modern Naga society Nagarealm.com
Invasion by foreign religion and foreign culture will pose danger to Naga identity. Beware of this danger”. Rani Gaidinliu had said.

Rani Ma was kept in Yimrup village of Tuensang district nearly 300 km away from her people. See the fate that our own Zeliangrong persons who had been converted to Christianity spied against her and helped British army to arrest her from Poilwa village near Khonoma. They hatched a plan to kill her. Several of her Naga army sepoy were killed in the fierce battle. What was the guilt of Rani Ma? The only “crime” Rani Ma did was that she pioneered her forefathers’ religion, eternal culture, customary laws and traditional village institutions.

The day of January 26 is of national significance because it is the Republic Day of our country. This day has an additional importance for the Naga society because this is also the birthday of legendary Naga lady, Padma Bhushan Rani Gaidinliu.

Rani Gaidinliu, popularly know as Rani Ma, is the highly revered Naga lady for her selfless services to Naga society and fight for freedom of the country. She was a committed lady for the preservation, protection and promotion of her forefather’s religion, eternal culture, customary laws and traditional village institutions. She organised Naga army and challenged British empire. British Government declared her as “terror of north east” and had awarded life imprisonment to her. When Pt. Nehru approached the British government to free her, they refused to oblige on the plea that if Rani Gaidinliu was freed, the revolt against British empire would spread like wildfire. She came out of Shillong prison when the country got Independence on August 15, 1947. But the travesty is that she was not allowed to visit her people for whose freedom, religion and culture she sacrificed her prime of youth. Same reason was given that if she was allowed to return to her Heraka people, the movement for preservation, protection and promotion of her forefather’s religion and eternal culture would catch-up momentum.

A section of our own Naga society who was under deep influence of church, was opposed to Heraka movement and Rani Gaidinliu. Rani Ma was kept in Yimrup village of Tuensang district nearly 300 km away from her people. See the fate that our own Zeliangrong persons who had been converted to Christianity spied against her and helped British army to arrest her from Poilwa village near Khonoma. They hatched a plan to kill her. Several of her Naga army sepoy were killed in the fierce battle. What was the guilt of Rani Ma? The only “crime” Rani Ma did was that she pioneered her forefathers’ religion, eternal culture, customary laws and traditional village institutions. She advocated in no uncertain terms that the fate of Nagas lied with India. She demanded the integration of all Zeliangrong areas in one administrative unit on the plea that this integration would accelerate the economic development of Zeliangrong people and fulfil their political aspiration.

The files in Union Home Ministry started moving in favour of integration of whole Zeliangrong areas with Nagaland. Rani Ma, Pau N.C. Zeliang and Prof. Gangmumei Kamei of Imphal were toiling hard to ensure that aspiration of Zeliangrong Nagas for integration was fulfilled. But this success was turned into failure by our own people on the plea that neither Rani Ma nor Pau N.C. Zeliang nor Prof. Gongmumei Kamei was Christian and the credit of achieving this integration should not and must not go to any person other than a Christian. And it should never, never go to a person like Rani Gaidinliu.

She clearly and fearlessly preached among her people that a society whose forefather’s religion, culture, tradition, village institution and customary laws are destroyed, becomes weak and vigourless. In due course of time indiscipline and chaotic situation prevailed in that society. Rani Ma and Pau N.C. Zeliang reverberated this doctrine repeatedly. Unfortunately, Naga leaders—political, social or of church, preferred to ingnore.

The Naga society has been led on wrong path. As a result, we are killing each other. This killing is justified in the name of “Nagaland for Christ.”

I, once, read an article written by an ISKCON sanyasin of American origin. The title of the article was—“How I was saved from being saved”. The author, herself had narrated in that article how she protected herself from being converted to Christianity by saviours of the soul. “I pray Lord Tingwang, O Lord Tingwang! Please save our Nagaland from (the so-called) saviours of Nagaland.”

The volcanic situation created by our own Christian brothers in the early sixties against the Naga’s religion and culture in Zeliangrong areas compelled Rani Gaidinliu to hold gun again in her hands and adopt the jungle path to protect her people from forcible conversion at gun point. The second resumption of guerrilla warfare was not directly against foreign forces but against those who were destroying the Naga traditions and values and also against those who were preventing the Naga youths from following the values set-forth by our forefathers and who were breaking the traditional control of village elders over village community particularly youths.

The image of the Naga society in length and breath of the country was (i) that cent-per-cent Nagas have converted to Christianity (ii) that all Nagas were anti-Hindu and anti-India and (iii) that all Nagas were wild, savage and raw meat eaters.

In America, Britain and other Christian countries, Nagas were described as wild, savage, naked, head-hunters and with no religion. I have visited several mega cities in the country and have lived with several Hindu families. When Hindu hosts came to know that I was a Naga girl, they whispered. They could not believe that a Naga person could be so refined in all respects. It was not the mistake of the Hindu hosts. It was the mistake of our own since we allowed foreign Christian missionaries to propagate that we Nagas were wild, savage, heathen, naked, head-hunters and raw-meat eaters. This propaganda is still made in foreign countries.

Rani Gaidinliu and later, Pau N.C.Zeliang opposed this malicious propaganda against the Naga society. For this deed, both of them were cursed and victimised. Rani Ma toured the country, established close contacts with the Hindu organisations and cleared the cloud of misconception against the Nagas from the mind of the Hindus.

Earlier Rani Ma, later Pau N.C. Zeliang and now Shri Ramkui Wangbe Newme, President of Zeliangrong Haraka Association, have been telling us that any Naga who is neither Christian nor Muslim, falls under the category of Hindu religion. Due to their untiring efforts, the image of Naga society is improved and brightened in the country. The ‘terrorist’ image of the Nagas dampening and fading away and prudent and prowess image of the Nagas is emerging fast.

If the current events in Naga society pertaining to revival of their religion and eternal culture, the war of supremacy in different factions of underground organisation and unbecoming behaviour of some church leaders are any pointer, the doctrine of life for Nagas propounded by Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu and advanced by Pau N.C. Zeliang appears to be the best in modern context. Alas! the Naga youths could understand this and save retrograde Naga society from kissing its doom and decadence. [Tasile N. Zeliang, Organiser] [ The author can be contacted at Org. Secy. Zeliangrong Heraka, Pailei Baudi, Nagaland Tening ]
Manipur goes to final phase of polling today Sentinel
Imphal, Feb 22: Stage is set for Manipur’s third and final phase of polling as about 3,63,345 voters including 1,85,598 females are expected to cast ballots to elect 12 Assembly members in three districts and a subdivision tomorrow. Massive security arrangements have been made to ensure incident free voting as poll personnel in many sensitive booths were being escorted by the policemen. Manipur has already witnessed two phased peaceful polling on February 8 and 17 for 48 Assembly constituencies of the state’s 60-member Legislative Assembly.
Manipur’s Chief Electoral Officer RR Rashmi said the third phase of election would be held at Tamenglong, Chandel and Churachandpur districts and the Jiribam subdivision.
He said the last phase polling has comparatively some difficulties as over 100 centres have no proper roads to lead the polling booths. Every polling centre would be guarded with armed security personnel, he added. Boats and helicopters were pressed into service to move the election materials to the polling stations. Meanwhile, the outlawed NSCN-K has banned all candidates in Tamenglong Assembly Constituency from contesting the election alleging interference by its rival faction NSCN-IM. The fates of Congress president Gaikhangam, Tribal development minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Information Minister TN Haokip, and Th Devendra—the number two man in the O.Ibobi government, will be decided tomorrow.
There are also two women candidates among the contestants. Chandel has the maximum of ten candidates while Singhat has only three. Indian National Congress is contesting in 11 seats. LJSP-9, RJD-6 National Congress Party in 5 and Samajwadi Party-5. The Bharatiya Janta Party has three candidates, Communist Party of India- 4, Manipur People's Party (MPP)- 3, NPP-3, SAP-2, JD (U)-1, PDA-1 and Independents-23. UNI
Poor economy, ethnic conflicts make NE HIV prone Sentinel
Aizawl, Feb 22: Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has suggested to initiate an interstate collaborative intervention to reduce the risk of flesh trade across North East as well as to arrest growing threat of HIV/AIDS in the region.
A joint report of AusAID and National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) revealed that long due modification of school AIDS Education Programme and lack of motivation in designing awareness initiatives as well as inadequate provision for women friendly HIV testing are main reasons for the spread of AIDS among backward communities in the region.
Economic insecurity and ethnic conflicts have also been identified as major factors for high incidence of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) in Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Asom.
The report expressed concern over the reach of AIDS awareness activities, and stated inspite of all out efforts of the authorities, it was still limited to district headquarters and capital cities. Though NE states together account for less than three per cent of India's population, the states are home to about 30 per cent of the Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs) in the country.
“NE states still continue to be troubled by secessionist movements and inter-ethnic rivalry, seeking more autonomy and the sporadic conflicts have not only plagued the overall development of the states but have increased the vulnerability to the diseases by causing dislocation of women and forced many to resort to sex work”, the report stated. The conflicts have also negatively impacted upon HIV/AIDS program by disrupting ongoing intervention.
The number of females per 1000 males in Mizoram and Asom is 933 while in Nagaland it is 909. This difference has also been responsible for irregulating sex activities among the male population, report added. On the other, all the five states have characteristic tribal inhabitant composition with distinct social traditions and having poor economy despite a variety of economic concessions given by the Union Government. It has failed to fuel development, the report underlined.
The low level of agricultural productivity, poor infrastructure and lack of opportunities for employment leading to poverty had increased the vulnerability of local populace to HIV/AIDS. The vulnerability of women and children largely seemed to centre on food, security and health care. The large scale influx from Bangladesh and Myanmar to northeastern states has added to the complexity due to interface between poverty, migration and sex trade.
The report suggested a comprehensive HIV intervention at the inter state and international borders like Moreh in Manipur, Champhai in Mizoram, Dimapur and Tuensang in Nagaland, Silchar in South Asom and Agartala and Sonamura in Tripura was needed, as these were the hot-spots of narcotic business and cross border movements. UNI

Frans on 02.23.07 @ 11:42 AM CST [link]


Thursday, February 22nd

Manipuris protest against abduction of local leaders Daily News


Manipuris protest against abduction of local leaders Daily News

Imphal, Feb 21 (ANI): Hundreds of women protested against the abductions of their leaders by some unidentified armed men, here on Wednesday. The protestors blocked Imphal to Chandel road, demanding safe release of nine persons including three women leaders, who were abducted on Tuesday evening. The local leaders belonged to National Socialist Council of Nagalim's Isaac-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and a Women's group, and have sponsored their candidates to contest in the ongoing assembly elections in Manipur in the Naga dominated Hill districts of the State.

"They (rebels) have kidnapped our women leaders and some other leaders. They were approximately about nine, we are not exactly sure of that. In order to release them, we have posed these kinds of agitations like that of blocking of roads as well as dharnas. And all the people of Chandel district have come together in agitation until and unless our leaders are released," said Khiloni, member of the Women's Union.

The Women's Union activists alleged, the Naga rebels abducted their leaders for raising their voice against such atrocities. The local administration said they are still investigating the matter and the probe so far has not thrown up any substantial leads.

"We are in touch with the civil society leaders, whoever can be useful and instrumental in helping to resolve this problem and secure the early release of those persons. So far, we have no official hint or intimation of where they are and who have done it," said Lornorvert Dishinang, District Magistrate of Chandel district. The third and the final phase of elections to Manipur Legislative Assembly is scheduled on February 23. Altogether 16 candidates are in the fray in the two Assembly constituencies of Chandel district, which go to the polls. (ANI)
IED found in Assam; police fire on Naga encroachers The Hindu
Sibsagar: A powerful IED was recovered in upper Assam's Sibsagar district on Wednesday. The IED was found by the Army concealed in a bag and kept in a bus travelling from here to Sonari, the police said. The Army also found an AK-47 rifle and some ammunition and arrested two suspected United Liberation Front of Asom militants. — PTI
In another incident encroachers from Nagaland who were felling trees and trying to take possession of a portion of the Geleki reserve forest on the Assam-Nagaland border were fired on by the police. The encroachers were first asked to desist but when they fired, the police retaliated.
NSCN (K) slams IM group Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 21: Accusing the IM faction of the NSCN of selling away the rights and aspirations of the Naga people, the NSCN (K) today said that after the Shillong Accord fiasco, the NSCN continued with the genuine struggle for the sovereignty of the Naga people.

However some vested interest people have misused the name of the NSCN and engaged in a peace talk with the Government of India for the past ten years, making a scapegoat of the Naga people.

Terming the peace talk between the IM group and the GoI as a farce, the NSCN (K) in a statement today said that contradictory to the claims of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, the peace talk is heading nowhere and on the contrary it has jeopardised the future of thousands of students.

This same group of self professed leaders are directly taking part in the Indian election, through NGOs in Manipur and Na-galand, it charged adding that their involvement in the election shows that they are agents of the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP leader LK Advani.

This is why the IM group has been given a free hand to suppress the rights of the Naga people and making them to vote for the candidates of their choice. Sounding a stern warning, the outfit said that NSCN will not remain silent spectators to the terror tactics of the IM group.
UNC exposes Cong on ‘territorial’ double speak Newmai News Network
Imphal Pledging to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur while speaking in the Imphal Valley but sidestepping the same while campaigning in the hills area by Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi shows the double standard of the Congress party, said the United Naga Council.
The Naga body was reacting to the Sonia’s comments in Imphal that “Congress party is committed to maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur and that this commitment has been kept as a firm policy of the party”. The UNC claimed that the same Sonia avoided making any mention of territorial integrity in her speech during her election campaign at Nungba A/C under Tamenglong district. The UNC termed it as “volte face speeches and double standard quality of the Congress leadership”.
UNC information and publicity secretary while issuing a statement to Newmai News Network said, “The UNC seriously takes note on Sonia Gandhi’s volte face speeches committed to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur while speaking in the valley to please the valley peoples’ voters and skipping the same at Nungba A/C under Tamenglong district to woo the Naga voters for the Congress to return to power which had directly insulted the Naga people, “ said the Naga body adding, “ their mindset is clear enough that they love our land and our votes but failed to honour our aspiration and sentiments of the Nagas”. The UNC then urged the Nagas not to vote for the Congress party.
The UNC statement warned against ‘believing any form of rumours, false propagandist pamphlets and related articles with regard to the ensuing Manipur assembly election. It then clarified that the UNC had never intimidated or threatened any Naga candidate but appealed to the Naga candidates who had not been nominated by the Naga people represented by the UNC to refrain from contesting the ensuing Assembly election. The UNC then expressed its gratitude to the GPRN/NSCN-IM for releasing Khangthuanang Panmei safe and sound.
UNC candidate escapes bid on life Newmai News Network
Imphal Independent candidate from Tamenglong Assembly Constituency Samuel Jendai escaped a bid on his life when unidentified gunmen ambushed him with sophisticated weapons but the NSCN-K Zeliangrong Region alleged that the candidate had ordered his own security guards to open blank fire in order to procure more bullets for the NSCN-IM.
Samuel Jendai when contacted by Newmai News Network, said that he alongwith his supporters and security guards had gone to a village called Wairangba and Bhalok, some 27 km away from Tamenglong headquarters, when some underground elements came out at the gate of the village and started opening gun-fire in which the candidate’s security guards retaliated by firing back.
The candidate narrated that the gunmen opened about 200 rounds of gun-fire while attempting to assassinate him. Samuel Jendai, however, did not say which group or outfit could have been behind the act. The incident occurred at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, according to the candidate. He also said that the unidentified gunmen used a bomb and LMG guns while making an attempt on his life.Samuel Jendai is endeavoring to retain his seat from the Tamenglong A/C for the fourth consecutive term. This time he is contesting as the United Naga Council (UNC)’s ‘consensus candidate’. Interestingly, Tuesday’s firing incident occurred at the native village of his rival candidate Khangthuanang Panmei who was abducted and released by the NSCN-IM just recently.
Meanwhile, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has said that Samuel Jendai has accused the outfit for the incident. The Khaplang faction of the NSCN alleged that it was the typical tactics of Samuel Jendai saying that Tuesday’s incident was not the first time where the candidate had ‘practised’.
The outfit while talking to NNN said that earlier when Samuel Jendai was a Tribal Development minister, he had fitted some powerful crackers and burst them in his residence and later complained that the proscribed KCP had attacked him. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region further alleged that the Tuesday’s Wairangba incident was nothing but a foolish tactic to supply new bullets for the NSCN-IM. The outfit said that Samuel Jendai had ordered his security guards to open fire in the air and painted as attacking the candidate and in return the security guards candidate would demand for more bullets and tighter security to which the bullets will go to the NSCN-IM. The outfit further accused that Samuel Jendai could no longer stay in the valley so he has left for the hill areas and now the candidate has tied up with the NSCN-IM.
NBCC lauds NSCN (K) ‘restraint’ Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 21 (NPN): Despite the non-withdrawal of the 'quit notice' served to the Tangkhul community by the NSCN (K), the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has appreciated the NSCN (K) leadership for the "outmost restraint and patience demonstrated" and hoped that the latter would continue to maintain the same spirit of tolerance.
Director, peace affairs, NBCC, Rev. Kari Longchar in a press release said a nine-member NBCC peace delegation had earlier met the NSCN (K) council of kilonsers on February 4 at Mon and appealed to review the quit notice. Though the appeal was not accepted, the delegation had urged the NSCN (K) "never to touch the lives of innocent people who cannot discern their right hand and their left hand (Jonah 4:11)." The NBCC also acknowledged other NGOs and church bodies who had made fervent appeals with regard to the 'quit notice.'
The Khonoma Magic: A Nagaland Village Leads the Way Ashish Kothari
Over a hundred years back, advancing British troops found themselves facing a determined warrior tribe in the highlands of Nagaland. The Angami men of Khonoma, famed for their prowess and strategic skills, fought a resolute battle to safeguard their territory, inflicting heavy casualties on the foreign soldiers. Finally a truce between the two stopped further bloodshed, but meanwhile Khonoma village had etched its name into the history of Indian resistance to the colonial invasion. Today, Khonoma is witnessing another historic struggle. In an incident reminiscent of the British invasion, in the mid-1990s the villagers had to physically resist timber merchants who came with several dozen elephants to carry out logging, unfortunately aided by some insiders. Over the last decade Khonoma, inhabited by Angami’s, one of Nagaland’s 18 tribes, has made giant strides in establishing or strengthening systems of natural resource management, conflict resolution, village administration, and appropriate development…all coupled with a resolute will to conserve biodiversity and wildlife. And all embedded in the traditional ethos of the village, without fighting shy of experimenting with new technologies and thoughts from outside. The results are impressive enough to warrant yet another key historic place for this village, this time in the annals of India’s environmental movement.

NBCC appreciates NSCN (K) The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, FEB 21 (MExN): A NBCC peace delegation consisting of nine members met with the NSCN (K) Council of Kilonsers at Mon on February 4 and passionately appealed to review the Quit Notice to the Tangkhuls, informed Rev Kari Longchar, Director, Peace Affairs, NBCC. Although the appeal was not accepted, the NBCC peace delegation had urged the NSCN (K) never to touch the lives of innocent people ‘who cannot discern their right hand and their left hand’ (Jonah 4:11), it stated while also pointing out that the NBCC was also aware of other NGOs and church bodies who have made fervent plea in this regard. The NBCC in particular appreciated the ‘utmost restrain and patience demonstrated by the NSCN (K) leadership and hoped that they will continue to maintain the same spirit of tolerance.
NPMHR slams attempt to malign just peace Naga Nation
DIMAPUR, FEB 18: The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has expressed concern over what it termed as “forces both within and without trying to vilify and limit the initiative of the civil society groups working for democratization and just peace. The NPMHR in a press communiqué following its General Assembly held from February 16-18 cautioned vested interest elements that the civil and non violent approach of human rights movement across the world and in Naga Homeland should not be taken for granted in a fast globalizing and democratizing world.

“NPMHR appeal for understanding and critical solidarity among all national struggle formations for strengthening the political negotiation process for fulfilling the aspiration of Naga people”, it stated and resolved to intensify the dialogue with the people of India as part of the civil society initiatives to ensure accountability in the ongoing political process. NPMHR also expressed deep concern over the military operation in northwest Myanmar where innocent public become victims to state policy of militarization. The General Assembly of the NPMHR was held at Dimapur from the 16th -18th February 2007 with participation from the Secretariat besides members from Delhi, Nagaland and South (Manipur state) sectors, it was informed. The Meeting reviewed the continuing lobby works and monitoring processes for drawing the attention of international community on the plight of the Nagas and their continuing struggle for self-determination. NPMHR Delhi updated the continuing campaign for repeal for AFSPA at the national capital apart from the international meetings such as Committee on World Food Security, Rome (Nov 2006), World Social Forum (WSF) 2007 in Nairobi and Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network meetings in Mali where NPMHR is participating. NPMHR Delhi and the Secretariat has been entrusted to gear up the international link through participation of various international processes within the United Nations such as the UNWGIP, UNPF, UNCHR and others process linking to national self-determination network across the Globe. The other issues discussed and resolved included the disastrous impact of the use of land mine on innocents and the need for public awareness. NPMHR will also continue campaigns for unification of Naga homeland but will maintain non involvement in electoral politics. It expressed appreciation to the Government of Nagaland for establishing the Commission on Women and expects credible works on the part of the Commission members while extending NPMHR support; acknowledged the commitment given by the Government of Nagaland to investigate and book those involved in the alleged excesses committed by the Naga IRB in Chattisgarh; condemned the recent brutal mass killings of 7 Yimchunger community members and demanded serious investigation from the state government to ensure justice to the victims’ family and to restraint further occurrences of such senseless massacre; appealed for renewing the spirit of Naga brotherhood and restrain from intolerant attitudes and targeting of any particular community (ies). NPMHR put on record appreciating the reconciliation process taken forward by NBCC amongst the Naga people besides expressing the need for an inclusive approach and broader involvement of different Churches in Naga Homeland; Strengthening Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact through proactive participation of NPMHR; Improve coordination amongst NPMHR members spread across the world; NPMHR to follow up Youth Dialogue process in Asia and concerns over children welfare. It also expressed immense gratitude to the NEZCC and Arts & Culture department of Nagaland for their grant support which enable NPMHR to facilitate the peoples to people’s dialogue in the Northeast region through the program ‘Harmony through Culture’; which enabled NPMHR to reaffirm its commitment towards just and accountable process of Development, Health concerns such as the HIV + and AIDS, Women participation, environmental degradation and depletion of the rich ecosystem, and sustainable resource management and equity in benefit sharing to avert conflict generated by natural resource exploitation. MExN
More dirt on Naga donation scandal Nagarealm.com
Kohima, FEB21 : The NSCN (Khaplang)’s voluntary disclosure of a “donation” from the Congress has prompted the Isak-Muivah group to reveal more about its rival’s alleged dealings with politicians. The NSCN (I-M) today claimed to have information that the Khaplang faction got Rs 25 lakh from commerce and industry minister Khekiho Zhimomi recently. The money, it said, was handed over to NSCN (K) functionaries at Amiphoto Colony in Zunheboto.

Kitovi Zhimomi, general secretary of the NSCN (K), is reportedly in Zunheboto. The Isak-Muivah group’s revelation came days after the NSCN (K) caused a flutter by thanking the Congress for a donation of Rs 5 lakh through the leader of the Opposition, I. Imkong Ao. Kughalu Mulatonu, the outfit’s chaplee kilonser (finance minister), said the donation might have been made in expectation of “help” in winning the Assembly elections, slated for early next year. “The money could be to play the buy-and-win game for the coming elections,” Mulatonu said.

The NSCN (I-M) added to the scandal by claiming that the commerce and industry minister negotiated a deal with the Khaplang group and paid Rs 25 lakh, as against the Rs 90 lakh demanded of him earlier. The NSCN (K) had written to legislators from Mokokchung district last year, seeking Rs 1 lakh each to “reorganise our Ao region”, disbanded after the 2003 public uprising against the outfit. Accusing its rival of even hobnobbing with politicians in neighbouring Manipur, the Isak-Muivah group said the NSCN (K) had issued acknowledgements for cash transactions with the Okram Ibobi Singh government. “This shows that our rival has a price tag for its involvement in elections.”

It also criticised the “alliance” between the NSCN (K) and Manipur-based outfits that were “against the aspiration of the Nagas”. The Isak-Muivah group said it was “unprincipled” to join forces with outfits trying to impede the campaign for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast with Nagaland. “Taking lakhs of rupees from Nagaland politicians to assist them in Indian elections and accusing others of diverting attention from their nefarious deprivation of Naga people’s democratic rights reflect their anti-people motives,” it said.
UNC hits out at Sonia’s ‘double standard’ Newmai News Network
Imphal, Feb 21: Pledging to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur while speaking in the Manipur valley but skipped the same while in the hills area by AICC chief Sonia Gandhi during her recent election campaigns in Manipur showed the double standard of the Congress party, said the United Naga Council (UNC). The Naga body was reacting to the AICC chief's comments who said in Imphal that "Congress party is committed to maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur and that this commit- ment has been kept as a firon policy of the party" but nothing such was mention-ed in her speech during her election campaign at Nung-ba Assembly Constituency under Tamenglong district. The UNC termed it as the "volte face speeches and double standard quality of the Congress leadership".
UNC information and publicity secretary while issuing a statement to Newmai News Network said, "The UNC seriously takes note on Sonia Gandhi's volte face speeches committed to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur while speaking in the valley to please the valley peoples' voters and skipping the same at Nungba Assembly Constituency under Tamenglong district to woo the Naga voters for the Congress to return to power which had directly insulted the Naga people,".
The UNC statement further added, "their mindset is clear enough that they love our land and our votes but failed to honour our aspiration and sentiments of the Nagas".
The UNC then urged the Nagas not to vote for the Congress party.
The UNC statement warned against 'believing any form of rumours, false propagandist pamphlets and related articles with regard to the ensuing Manipur assembly election.
The statment also clarified that the UNC had never intimidated or threatened any Naga candidate but appealed to the Naga candidates who had not been nominated by the Naga people represented by the UNC to refrain from constesting the ensuing Assembly election. The UNC then expressed its gratitude to the GPRN/NSCN-IM for releasing safe and sound of Khangthu-anang Panmei.
A People’s Sanctuary Column The Morung Express
In 1998, the Khonoma Village Council declared its intention to notify about 2000 hectares (20 sq.km) as a Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS). This was motivated by some of the village elders, notably Tsilie Sakhrie, who in the 1980s had been a contractor dealing with the Forest Department. During this time he had been having discussions with forest officer T. Angami, who motivated him to consider dedicating a part of the village forests to wildlife conservation. In the 1980s, Tsilie proposed that the village do something to this effect, but could not achieve a consensus. In 1995, when he became a member of the Village Council, Tsilie again broached the subject. A number of villagers were opposed to the idea, since hunting was so much a part of their culture. But over the next 3 years, through extensive discussions in the village, the majority was convinced. The Sanctuary’s foundation stone was laid in December 1998; it was also decided to ban hunting in the entire village, not only the Sanctuary area. Not content with simple declaration, the village set up a KNCTS Trust, with a formal set of rules and regulations. Office bearers were chosen from amongst the villagers; Tsilie was chosen the Chief Managing Director. Rules were laid down for the management of the Sanctuary, including penalties for violations ranging from Rs. 300 to 3000 depending on the seriousness of the violation. The village youth were requested to carry out monitoring, and to levy fines, which they could then use for their own village-based activities. Our young guides to the sanctuary, Megonilhu Viyie and Vivoselie Meyase, were highly motivated and enthusiastic; the latter was a warden appointed by the KNCTS Trust, to periodically check on the sanctuary.
The area included in the KNCTS is of outstanding value, from a biodiversity, water security, and aesthetic point of view. On the map it is about 20 sq. km, but if the contours are accounted for, the area may be 70 sq.km, comprising exquisite broad-leaved forests and dwarf bamboo grasslands. It is part of the Dzuku valley, which, though not many people would know this, was immortalised by Vikram Seth in his poem “The Elephant and the Tragopan”. The poem is about how the wild animals of the valley try to stop a proposed dam that would drown out their valley, reflecting an actual movement by NGOs in Nagaland against such a proposal in the 1990s. The idea of the dam has been replaced by a pipeline proposal, to take water from here to Kohima, a project that would hopefully have little ecological impact.
Dzuku is home to a healthy population of the severely endangered state bird, the Blyth’s tragopan (a pheasant). For this and other reasons, the Bombay Natural History Society considers it one of India’s Important Bird Areas. Dzuku and surrounding forests also contain considerable other wildlife, including Himalayan black bear, over 40 species of orchids apart from hundreds of other plant species, the endemic Dzuku lily, Serow, Sambar, Leopard, and so on. Once not so long back, all these species had dwindled alarmingly due to hunting and habitat pressures. Villagers assert that they are now again increasing due to their conservation efforts; in fact crop damage by wild pigs has become a menace! The hunting ban seems to be highly effective; less than 10 violations have been reported in the last few years.
Tsilie and others are now proposing an extension of the sanctuary to neighboring forests that are currently seen as a ‘buffer zone’. Currently no hunting or extraction of timber is allowed in the buffer. If accepted by the Council, the area (on map) would increase to over 3000 hectares (30 sq.km), on the ground over 10,000 hectares (100 sq.km) and Tsilie in his capacity as the President of the Western Angami Public Organisation (an institution that contains the entire western Angami tribal population) is already discussing with the Southern Angami Public Organisation to declare their areas also protected. Work could also be done to convince Naga tribes in adjoining Manipur, since the Khonoma citizens have relations extending into those villages. If successful, the entire Dzuku and Japfu area could be declared a community protected area, extending to perhaps several hundred square kilometers.

A Social Transformation Conservation is only one of the elements of social transformation at Khonoma. Visitors to the village will be confronted with a bewildering number of activities and processes that its residents seem to be engaged in. Some of these are new, some age-old. Khonoma may well be the only village in India that has a global citizenry with an active self-identity; every year, 1st September is celebrated as the village’s ‘birthday’, with Khonomaians from far and wide coming to the village to celebrate, or carrying out celebrations where-ever they are. There are even Khonoma Students Unions in Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi!
Given its historic past, Khonoma also plays host to many tourists; it is on the tourist circuit of those who visit Kohima. Some years back the Government of India recognised the potential of the village to organize itself, and granted it a substantial Green Village fund through the Tourism Department of the state government. The money is being used to provide basic civic amenities and hygiene measures, reinforce community infrastructure, and prepare the village to receive and show visitors it’s past and present. NGOs like EQUATIONS have helped the local Khonoma Tourism Development Board to carry out an Environment Impact Assessment of tourism, in case the village goes in for much larger visitor influx.
Khonoma is also well-known in agricultural circles, for its sophisticated cultivation techniques. In shifting cultivation, farmers use Alder (Alnus nepalensis) trees interspersed with the crops. These trees return nitrogen to the soil, thereby helping the land to rapidly regain fertility when farmers abandon it to move onto the next plot. The village overlooks a wide valley that has been converted into terraced fields, made with such precision that apparently their productivity has remained stable over centuries. Khonoma is also home to over 60 varieties of rice, and a diversity of millets, maize, Job’s tears, citrus fruits, and other crops (grown without using chemical pesticides or fertilizers). All this has made the village a model for emulation in many other parts of Nagaland through the efforts of the unique inter-departmental Nagaland Empowerment of People and Economic Development (NEPED) programme. This is especially useful where shifting cultivation has become unsustainable due to shorter cycles of leaving the land fallow after cultivation.
Amongst the factors that makes all this tick, is the strong and clear ownership of land and natural resources within the village boundaries. Such ownership provides a strong stake in working out sustainable modes of land management. But this would not be enough in itself (for such ownership could also result in individuals destroying their lands), were it not coupled with very strong social and political organisations. The village is divided into 3 hamlets (khels), each with several clans, each clan comprised of several families. The clan itself is a decision-making unit, and selects members to represent itself to larger village level bodies. These include the Village Council (overall responsible for all affairs), the Village Development Board (recipient of government funds for developmental purposes), and the ruffono, a recent innovation to bring all village institutions under a common umbrella. Traditional institutions such as decision-making by the gaon burras (village elders) have been integrated into the Village Council’s decision-making. The youth are part of either a Students Union or a Youth Association, the women are members of the Khonoma Women’s Organisation. In addition, all villagers are part of an age group. Such groups are formed by boys and girls in the age group 12 to 15, and carry out social activities like construction of rest houses and village paths, and formation of singing and dancing groups. The bond lasts a lifetime; members stick together till they are into their 60s and 70s!
Khonoma’s success is also dependent on the links its citizens have with the outside world. Many of its one-time residents are now in government service (though this does not seem to have helped in improving the awful road that connects Kohima to this village!).
There are, of course, blemishes aplenty. Women obviously do command a great deal of respect, and reportedly are very influential at the house-hold level, or through their own committee, but they do not occupy formal positions in most of the decisive institutions such as the Village Council. Some youth told us that while they have stopped hunting in their own village, they still occasionally hunt outside…though apparently this too is on the decline. The capacity to handle tourists seems rather limited, and there is a worry that a large-scale influx could be counter-productive….hence the importance of the tourism EIA mentioned above. Ironically, the ban on hunting has created the problem of crop damage by wild pigs and other wildlife, for which the village is contemplating selective lifting of the ban….but residents are worried about whether this may have other negative consequences. An increasing tendency to plant cash crops in the jhum (shifting cultivation) and terraced fields, is reportedly leading to loss of agricultural biodiversity. Documentation of the area’s biodiversity is rather minimal, a start having only recently been made by the biologist Firoz Ahmed in association with some of the village youth. Marvelling at the level of traditional knowledge, Firoz reports that of the 20 species of frogs and toads he found in Khonoma, 14 were already reported by villagers!

A State-wide Revolution Khonoma’s conservation initiative is all the more noteworthy if one looks at the enormous decline of wildlife across Nagaland in the last few decades. Hunting has been rampant, according to one resident perhaps fueled by the jump in fire-arms availability since truce was declared between the Nagas and the Indian army in the early 1980s. The tribes here eat virtually everything, and though this may not have earlier damaged wildlife populations due to limited hunting technologies, it had of late assumed severely destructive proportions.
Khonoma’s story assumes even greater significance because it is only one of dozens of similar initiatives across Nagaland. Our visit took us to 8-10 settlements in Phek and Kohima districts, and virtually everywhere we saw notice boards warning would-be hunters with severe penalties, declaring community forest reserves with stringent restrictions on resource use, and so on. Slowly but surely, wild animals are making a come-back, a phenomenon that even a decade back seemed virtually impossible.
Kidnapping and UNC diktat lead to tension in Chandel Sentinel
CHANDEL, Feb 21: Tension ran high in Chandel today following the abduction of 15 persons, including Anal Women Union leader Dr Sameri Anal and social worker Morhing Lamkang by unidentified armed persons in the early hours last morning apparently in connection with the ongonig elections. Protesting against the abduction, several hundred womenfolk blockaded roads and staged a demonstration at Chandel district headquarters near the DC office demanding safe release of the abducted the women. The women who expressed strong objections to the diktat of the unc to various candidate and the public to support their sponsored candidate, submitted a memorandum to the DC, Chandel, urging to provide adequate security and to take steps to ensure the release of the abducted persons. The womenfolk reiterated their desire for free and fair elections, maintainng that no one can deprive them of their right to vote. They said they are not going to follow the diktat of the unc to support their sponsored candidates stating that unc has no authority to intervene in the polls. The 15, including several tribal leaders were abducted from their respective houses at Chandel headquarters, and from Mantripantha village by the unidentified gunmen believed to be UGs at around 1:30 am this morning, apparently for failing to support the UNC-sponsored candidate, Francis Huten.
The protesting womenfolk also met Mani Charenamei, MP who visited Chandel headquarters this morning over the abductions, demanding his intervention for the release of the abducted persons.
The women briefly gheraoed Charenamei at the crossing near the Chandel DC`s office and blamed him for encouraging the violation of voting rights after the public had elected him as MP to look after the interests of the Naga people. The women, who stressed the need for the public to raise their voice to prevent any form of diktat from any organisation said they will intensify their agitation if the abducted persons are not released soon. Chandel DC Norbert Disinang, talking to mediapersons, said the demands raised by the womenfolk were genuine and said the district administration was taking serious efforts to ensure free and fair elections. While he disclosed that there is no formal report or complaints of abduction or threatening of candidates, he admitted that the administration is aware of informal reports of diktats imposed on several candidates by the UNC. In another development, the womenfolk who were who were kidnapped by the miscreants on their way while proceeding from Tengnoupal for participating in yesterday`s peace rally were released early today un-harmed, according to official sources.
The Political Mess of Nagaland Today and the Causes from Yesterday’s Irresponsibility Kaka.D.Iralu The Morung Express Perspective
What would have become the fate of countries like Poland, Czechoslovakia, France, Norway, etc, if they had quietly surrendered to Germany’s invasion of their lands in 1939 and 1940? Where would England be today if the British had not fought back against the German Blitzkreig that overran all of Europe and even threatened Britain’s sovereignty and independence in 1940? The answer would have been a simple German Nazi rule of the whole of Europe from 1939 onwards.
In their hour of attack, though initially overwhelmed, all these countries fought back for six years until by the end of 1945, all the Axis powers were defeated and the sovereign democracies of Europe were again restored. In this bitter war of defending their own histories, cultures and democracies, every young man and woman of Europe, irrespective of their various professions, collectively fought back until their own independence and sovereignties were saved. This was not a fight where their educated class fled to other countries and returned only when their soldiers had fought and won the victories for them. Far from it, doctors, engineers, architects, scholars and scientists all fought shoulder to shoulder with peasants and farmers in bloody battlefields not only in Europe but all over the world in order to destroy the evil intentions of the leaders of the Axis alliance. Had they not fought back against this invasion, Nazism and Fascism would have ruled Europe and even parts of Asia, Africa and the Americas. Today there is a vibrant Europe playing its vital role in international politics because yesterday they fought back and did not surrender.
Now, coming to our own context, despite our declared independence on 14th August 1947, when massive Indian troops invaded our country in 1954 - 1955, where did our educated Nagas disappear when our villagers and farmers rose up to defend our sovereignty and our independence? Where were these people when our villages were razed to the ground and our womenfolk and children were hiding in the jungles dying from starvation and disease? With the exception of a few patriotic and partially educated Nagas, all the rest of our educated people stayed back in our towns, indifferent to the plight of our political future or even worse, actively participating with the occupational forces in our land. They simply surrendered their rights without a fight and then threw in all their efforts into building the enemy’s political infrastructure over our lands and our people.
After the invasion, what did our pathetic villagers do when they came back from their jungles and were herded into concentration camps? Despite their broken lives and their blinding tears, they rebuild our villages, re-cultivated their fields and went on supplying rations for those of our soldiers who have continued to wage a guerilla war up to date. But where were our educated and intellectual Nagas throughout this invasion of our lands and the protracted conflict in our lands that has devastated our polity, our economy and our political future? Well, they simply went on building their own careers and their own wealth without any regard or concern for the common good of the nation to which they also belonged. In the end, many retired as high Indian government officials only to close the chapters of their lives with a stint in Nagaland state politics ending up as MLAs, Ministers and even Governors.
When two generations of educated Nagas have betrayed their history and their country like this, can we Nagas (or any outsiders) expect a vibrant Nagaland to be in existence today - a Nagaland throbbing with economic prosperity, peace and social harmony? Only the fool and the dreamer can expect such an utopia in Nagaland when in the first place our educated Nagas had sacrificed almost nothing for the freedom and prosperity of our nation and our land. We should also not be too surprised to see lawlessness and chaos reigning in our lands today because these educated Nagas have given their life’s services to the foreign occupational government instead of our own government. Now, whether one likes it or not, it is a universal fact of life that we always reap what we have sown. This business of sowing the right seeds in order to reap the right harvest is not a game of life that can be played as a pleasant pastime. In fact, one cannot sow seeds of irresponsibility and expect a harvest of peace, prosperity and social harmony to dawn in one’s land. Without sacrifices of courage, sweat and toil, there cannot be harvests of prosperity and tranquility. For example, a farmer cannot expect to harvest a bounty of crops without first going to his fields to sow the seeds and weed the plants until harvest time comes. Now, sowing of seeds and weeding of plants is not at all a pleasant pastime. In fact, it is back breaking work involving sweat and toil. But however unpleasant these activities may be, these activities are the absolute pre-requisite for reaping a bountiful crop.
This same economic principle applies to other areas of our lives whether it is in the moral dimension or the social and political dimensions. In the political field, without first doing the right moral and political things we cannot expect to harvest a rich return of political peace and harmony in our society. Now, doing the right moral and political thing involves both physical as well as mental sacrifices. In the case of Europe, it was six years of physical sacrifices that secured back Europe’s political and economic prosperity of today. Without sacrifices like this we cannot expect political freedom, social harmony or economic prosperity in our lands. To sum it up, discharging human moral, political or economic responsibilities is not at all a pleasant activity. However if we fail to discharge these responsibilities, we end up with very unpleasant consequences. Here I want to emphasize the word WE because the social and political problems that we are facing in our society today is not somebody else’s problem but OUR own problem.
Now a problem can never be solved by ignoring it or running away from it. In fact, if we try to ignore a problem or run away from it, the problem does not automatically solve itself but only gets multiplied. In our Naga political context too, our problem is not getting solved on its own accord over the years. It is in fact getting worse and worse.
Yesterday the problem was an invasion issue. And that issue still remains to be tackled and settled. But because we educated people tried to ignore and run away from that problem, today that first problem has multiplied into another additional problem called fratricidal killing among ourselves. This is how problems multiply when we try to ignore them or try to run away from them. These two problems could still further multiply into another three problems called The Southern Nagaland problem, The Western Nagaland problem and The Eastern Nagaland problem. As indications show today, instead of a united free and independent Nagaland, we might instead disintegrate into a broken and fragmented Nagaland at war with itself.

Is this what our half a century struggle is all about? Like any other nations on earth we Nagas also have social, religious and economic problems. However let us remember that the primary problem in Nagaland is a political problem. Let us also remember that all these other problems like economy, religion, social, etc, has its existence under a political umbrella of any modern nation state in the world. When the political umbrella is leaking, it affects all these other areas of our lives because they all function (or dysfunction) under a political umbrella.
As just stated we have religious problems among ourselves. But we must remember that we do not have a national religious problem. After all, that is to say no Nagas are persecuting or are killing fellow Nagas over religious issues. Our religious problems are but personal problems and not national problems. In the economic dimension too, we also have economic problems like disparities between the rich and the poor with the rich getting richer while the economic condition of the poor is becoming pathetic. However, we are not having riots in Nagaland because of starvation and poverty. In fact, if we are not lazy we have many economic opportunities where we can become even richer than our bureaucrats and ministers. Our economic problems like our religious problems are therefore again mostly personal problems and not national problems.
Therefore in the light of all these facts, let every Naga, especially the educated ones, wake up to this political problem that has killed over two hundred thousand Naga lives and has also devastated our economy and polity. Let us also wake up to the fact that fratricidal killings have already taken a toll of more than 2500 Naga lives. This fratricidal killing is today the greatest threat to Naga society. As such, we must tackle this problem first, before trying to tackle the political invasion issue. In this connection the Naga public must rise up en-mass and confront our national leaders with ultimatums rather than bowing down to their nefarious activities.
In conclusion, let us remember that even if we have committed political crimes of indifference and irresponsibility yesterday, it is never too late to rectify it today. If we do act today, we can still have a secure tomorrow in the future. However if we refuse to act today, our problem will not magically disappear but go on multiplying until we are all rendered futureless. Let us know this very clearly that without our active commitment and involvement, no political miracle is going to fall down from heaven or come sailing from across the seas. Fellow Nagas, the time has come for us to ACT, not WATCH. Surely, this is not the time for us to be pursuing our own small dreams and ambitions. It is rather the time to solve our common political problem so that we can pursue those dreams and ambitions under an atmosphere of peace and security. While living under political insecurity as in the present situation, how can we go on building mansions and palaces that can later come crashing down on our heads? First, under a politically stable umbrella, let us secure the land on which to build our mansions. Then, and only then will our mansions stand.
Explosives seized in Guwahati New Kerala
Guwahati, Feb 22: A huge quantity of explosives, including 400 electronic detonators and 26 kg of aluminium nitrate, was seized here and two persons arrested in this connection, police today said. A total of 600 special ordinary detonators used for blasting in stone quarries, 25 gelatine sticks and 37 bundles of fuse wire were found in the house of Radheshyam Shaw at Mikirgoli under Gorchuk police outpost last night, Additional Superintendent of Police Rajen Singh said.

Shaw and his business partner Monilal Paswan, the co-owner of a quarry, were arrested.
Though there were no immediate leads about the two being linked to the banned ULFA, Singh said the insurgency angle was also being investigated. --- PTI
Storm in tea party, Assam locks horns with New Delhi By IANS
Guwahati, Feb 22 (IANS) The Assam government has locked horns with the Indian Tea Association (ITA) and the union commerce ministry over shifting of the venue of the International Tea Convention from Guwahati to Kolkata on grounds of inadequate infrastructure.
The convention is scheduled to be held in November. 'It is absolutely unfair to shift the venue just because some ITA officials want the proposed tea convention to be held in Kolkata. We are capable of hosting an international meet and can easily provide modest accommodation to the 400 guests,' Assam's Power and Industries Minister Pradyut Bordoloi told IANS.
However, Commerce Minister Jairam Ramesh Tuesday insisted that Assam does not have the infrastructure to host an international convention. 'Where is the infrastructure in Assam?' Ramesh asked journalists while answering questions on the government's turnaround. The minister had earlier announced that the International Tea Convention, aimed at promoting Indian tea abroad, would be held in Assam. 'I have spoken to some tea delegates in Singapore, London, and Berlin and they told me they were not looking for jacuzzi or a sauna in a five star hotel here. They want decent accommodation and proper conference halls for the confabulations and we are capable of providing these facilities,' Bordoloi said, rebutting the commerce minister's statement.
The northeastern state of Assam is considered the heart of India's tea industry with the state accounting for about 55 percent of the country's total annual tea production of 928 million kg last year. India's $1.5-billion tea industry has been facing a crisis with prices dropping in the weekly auctions since 1998 and exports plummeting as well.
'At a time when we are trying to project Assam as the trading hub of the northeast and the gateway to Southeast Asia, it would be unfortunate if the tea convention is shifted out of Guwahati citing poor infrastructure,' the Assam minister said. The Assam government has once again urged the commerce minister to reconsider Guwahati as the venue for the tea meet.
Several prominent groups like the Assam Tea Planters Association and the Chah Mazdoor Sangha have opposed the move to shift the venue of the grand tea party. 'We strongly oppose the move. This would create a serious rift and misgivings in the mind of the locals here and would only vindicate the oft repeated sentiment that Assam's natural resources are being exploited by New Delhi,' a senior planter said, requesting not to be named.
UNLF frees PHED officials By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express

The PHED officials who were released by UNLF Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 21: Seven abducted officers and a driver of the State PHE Department were set free by the UNLF late evening today. The employees abducted on February 7 and 8 are SE H Suni, M Ibomcha, EE O Kullachandra, AE N Nobin, SO Arun, Naba-kumar, Somo and driver S Chinglen. Before the employees were set free, they were produced before media per- sons at a place in Bishnupur district.
It was reported in the media earlier that the employees were abducted in connection with former PHED Minister Govindas Konthoujam and present Minister of the same Department TN Haokip swindling Rs 80 lakhs (approximately) by asking the engineers to deduct 6 percent from the bills of all the contract works during the last two financial years.However, the outfit did not disclose any reason for abducting the employees and their subsequent release. Earlier, UNLF had claimed that Chief Minister O Ibobi and former PHED Minister Govindas Konthoujam paid Rs 6 crores to the outfit which the duo collected through fraudulent means.

Gogoi renews ULFA talks offer From Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 21 – After having successfully hosted the 33rd National Games, Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi today again made peace overtures to ULFA by asserting doors were open for negotiations. The Chief Minister received accolades at the pre-conference of the Fourth International Conference on Federalism held at Vigyan Bhavan here this afternoon, when Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi congratulated Gogoi for successfully hoisting the Games, describing it as victory against all odds.

The pre-conference of the international conference was presided over Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil and attended among others by Union Panchayati Raj Minister, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Minister of Water Resources, Prof Saifuddin Soz, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia besides at host of ministers representing various Central ministries and international experts.

An elated Gogoi later addressing the conference said that armed revolution could be solved through democratic process. The Chief Minister then briefly gave the background of insurgency in Assam and the problems of the North Eastern Region.

However, he was quick to assert that the State Government was not keen on following a policy of confrontation to resolve the problem of insurgency. “We are committed to safeguard the life of citizens,” he said. “We will provide security to all and at the same time keeping the doors for negotiations open,” he said. The Chief Minister, however, added that the militant outfit has to abjure violence because it is only through democratic means can the problems be solved.

Gogoi then referred to the BLT, pointing out that the outfit had taken up arms against the State Government demanding Bodoland. But decentralisation of power and extension of the Sixth Schedule status resolved their problems. “The same people are now running the Bodo Territorial Council and are also part of my Government,” he said. The Chief Minister, however, made a strong case for fulfilment of hopes and aspiration of the people. Equal justice and respectability and honour are what are desired. “Unless we provide justice, respectability and give due recognition to custom and culture, federalism won’t work.”
A State may be small in terms of political identity but it must be given due recognition, he added.
The Chief Minister further added that sense of alienation prevailed owing to geographical isolation and lack of development. Addressing the conference, Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling said that his State wants to work more closely with the States in the North East to address disparity both in thinking and development.

Abducted persons released, Chandel polls back on track The Imphal Free Press

imphal, feb 21: The proposed indefinite Chandel district bandh and election boycott threat has been withdrawn following the unconditional release of all those who were abducted in the early hours yesterday by unknown gunmen apparently in connection with the ensuing elections. According to reliable sources, all those who were taken away from their respective homes yesterday, including Anal Women`s Union president Dr Sameri, ex-president L Rhinglun Anal and Lamkang tribe leader Morhing Lamkang were released unhurt today due to heavy pressure from the public. On the other hand, a sullen mood still prevails in Chandel over the reported diktat to the public by the NSCN(IM) to extend their support to the UNC-sponsored candidate.

Also, even as campaigning for the third phase of the polls ended this afternoon, no candidate other than the UNC-sponsored Francis Huten was reportedly allowed to campaign today. On the other hand, the state government is reportedly planning to send additional security forces, including IRB and police commandos to Chandel in addition to the central paramilitary forces stationed there in order to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for successfully holding the third phase of the elections.

Campaigning for third phase ends with three forced `retirements` Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 21: The campaigning for the third and final phase of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections came to an end this afternoon at 3.30 pm. The third phase elections will be markedly different from the two phases which have concluded as three candidates have taken forced `retirements` after hard pressure from the underground elements and no apparent action from the election authorities seen so far. There were official reports that the authorities would leave no stone unturned to prevent violence on the poll day but the state as well as the election authorities seem to be paying less attention toward pre-poll violence like threatening of candidates, attacks on candidates and their vehicles etc. Out of the twelve Assembly constituencies which will go to the polls on Friday one is in Imphal east district, two in Chandel district, and three in Tamenglong district while the remaining 6 are in Churachandpur district.

The only constituency of the Imphal east is 40-Jiribam A/C of Jiribam sub-division. The two constituencies in Chadel district are 41-Chandel A/C and 42-Tengnoupal, for Tamenglong district the constituencies are 52-Tamei,53-Tamenglong, 53-Nungba and the constituencies located within the Churachandpur district are 55-Tipaimukh, 56 Thanlon, 57-Henglep, 58-Churachandpur, 59-Saikot and 60-Singhat. Polling personnel deputed at the farthest polling stations from the district headquarters have already started leaving for poll duty since yesterday. Some of the polling stations are located in the places where the personnel on duty have to trek on foot, by boat etc. Apart from "forced retirement" of three candidates - one independent contesting at Tamenglong A/C and two CPI candidates at Chandel and Tengnuopal A/C, the house of a BJP candidate was ransacked by miscreants in pre-poll violence. Two vehicles of Congress candidates Gaikhangam were also pushed into hill gorges by miscreants.

Two candidates, both from CPI, who were in the fray in the third phase poll in Chandel district have "retired" from candidature as they were forced to do so by some underground elements. Their retirement came after an independent candidate at Tamenglong A/C was also forced to `retire` by the NCSN (IM) in the last couple of days.
"Two of our candidates, Onjamang Haokip from Tengnoupal constituency and Nehkhothang of Chandel constituency, have taken `forced retirement` as they were threatened of dire consequencies by some insurgent groups even as the repeated appeals of the village elders to allow free and fair election went unheeded," said CPI state secretary B Sharma.

Police have information on the matter of forced retirements of the two CPI candidates but no action has so far been taken or any investigation initiated into the matter as no complaints have been put up from the candidates in question, a senior officer of the state police department said.
Enraged over the underground elements targeting its candidates the Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council submitted a ten-point representation to the Manipur Governor Dr SS Sidhu with copies to CEC, Delhi and CEO, Manipur.
The representation urged the authorities to check and control the alarmingly increasing pre-poll and post-poll violence so that democratic values and normalcy in the society could be restored.

In the wake of increasing pre-poll violence and kidnappings, the district election authority has decided to use maximum security. The district magistrate also promulgated restrictions on the gathering of five or more persons and bearing of deadly weapons within 100 metres of the all the polling stations in Chandel district. Meanwhile, the chief electoral officer, received formal complaints from at least three independent candidates contesting in the the forthcoming elections, including two in Tamenglong and one in Chandel, of `enforced retirement` from the polls, according to official sources. The complaints were received from the concerned agents of the candidates today, according to the sources.
The sources however made it clear that there would be no official cognizance of such `retirement`, as candidates who were cleared for contesting after scrutiny and who did not withdraw their candidatures within the allowed time will be counted as contesting candidates.

NO MEITEI-NAGA CONVERGENCE Nagarealm.com
Nagas want the unification of the Naga-majority hill districts in Manipur. Meities, Kukis and others oppose any such move. But everyone in the state agrees the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has to go.

The divide in the Manipur society is likely to be reflected in the outcome of the ongoing Assembly elections in the state. On the one hand is the Naga agenda of unification of all the Naga-dominated areas in Manipur into an “integrated homeland”, on the other is the Manipur valley’s Meitei population’s steadfast opposition to compromise on the state’s “territorial integrity”.
Meitei’s — who are predominantly Hindus — constitute a majority in Manipur, but five out of its nine districts, namely Senapati, Tamenglong, Churachandpur, Chandel and Ukhrul, have a large concentration of tribal population which includes the Nagas.
The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Nagas in the state, which is spearheading the campaign for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas, has fielded 11 independent candidates in the four-Naga dominated districts of Manipur — Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong. The 11 candidates have come together under the United Naga Democratic Front with the twin objectives of intensifying their agitation for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative unit and mobilising support for talks between the Centre and the Isaac - Muivah faction of the militant separatist National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN I-M). “After a series of discussions on the ongoing peace process with people from all walks of life, we decided to take a proactive role in the ninth general elections… We decided not to support any national or regional political party as they have taken no resolution in support of the peace process,” said KS Paul Leo, President, UNC.

NSCN (K), the Khaplang faction of the separatist group, has different views on the unification of Naga dominated hill districts of Manipur. Kughalu Mulatonu, supervisor of the ceasefire supervisory board of NSCN (K) told Tehelka that his group will not participate in the Manipur elections. “Our rival group NSCN (I-M) had set up the Neiphiu Rio government with 60 seats in Nagaland but they could make no headway with the peace process. What will they now do with 11 seats in the hill districts of Manipur? We are not an organisation for unification or integration. Our first priority is sovereignty and the rest will follow.”

Brigadier Phungthing, convenor of the ceasefire monitoring committee of the NSCN (I-M) told Tehelka, “Our views are very clear on the issue of the greater Naga homeland. We are fighting for what is rightfully ours.” Last year, over 3,000 Naga students from the hill districts of Manipur opted to affiliate with the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE). The Union Human Resource Development Ministry remained silent on the issue. However, NSCN (K) is opposed the Nagaland government’s decision to allow the students to affiliate to the NBSE and warned that it will not allow the pupils to appear in the High School Leaving Certificate Examination. “The NSCN (K) feels that the syllabus issue is not related to the Naga sovereignty issue,” says Paul Leo. Kughalu Mulatonu, supervisor of the ceasefire supervisory board of NSCN (K) called the shifting of affiliation as an “anti-Naga virus”. “If they want the support and blessings of the Naga people, they should go ahead with a rightful approach,” he said.

The first phase of Assembly polls in Manipur held on February 8 went off peacefully, barring some minor incidents. Polls were held in Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal districts for 19 of the 60 seats in the Assembly and close to 70 percent of the six-lakh-strong electorate cast its votes.

The second and third phase are scheduled for February 14 and 23. The Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government has been the first one in Manipur to last its full-five year term. In view of the prevailing law and order situation, at least two units of central paramilitary forces have been deployed in each polling booth. One issue on which all political parties in the state, including the ruling Congress party, have a unanimous stand is the repeal of the detested Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. The death of a man in what is widely believed here to be a fake encounter in Lamlai in Imphal East, hours after the first phase of polling ended has shifted the focus back to the Act. A 24-hour bandh was observed on February 11 all over Manipur.

The Manipur People’s Party (MPP), the oldest regional party in the state, has the repeal of afspa as its main poll plank. RK Shivachandra, General Secretary, mpp, told Tehelka, “We want the repeal of the act. We want to emphasise that the insurgency problem is not a law and order problem. Its an armed conflict which has to be resolved politically.” He also stressed the need to not tinker with the hill districts’ current status. “We are not against the issue of Naga unification but we want the age-old territorial integrity of Manipur to be kept intact,” he says.

Politicians cutting across party lines have been visiting the homes of two women who epitomise the fight to repeal the afspa — Irom Sharmila Thanu, who has been on a fast-unto-death for six years now — and Thangjam Manorama Devi, who was allegedly raped before being shot dead while she was in the custody of Assam Rifles in July 2004. Members of Irom Sharmila’s family have not exercised their right to franchise since 2000. Her brother, Irom Singhajit, currently at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi keeping a vigil over his sister says, “I asked my family members not to cast their vote since we did not like the political atmosphere and no political parties can fulfill our expectations.” Sapancha Kangleipal, a member of Apunba Lup, a joint front of 32 civil society bodies, is camping at Delhi with Sharmila. He is critical of the role of the political parties. “It is very unfortunate that the political parties are using this issue to their advantage. We don’t adhere to any regional or national political party who have double faces and try to gain sympathy from the innocent Manipuri people,” he says. The non-Naga tribes who reside in the four hill-districts, including a majority among the Kuki tribe, refute the Nagas’ claims that they are the dominant tribe there, and are likely to oppose the UNC. Buried under these politically charged and emotionally volatile issues, common everyday civic issues like water, electricity, health and education have taken a backseat in the electoral manifesto of the political parties. [Teresa Rehman, tehelka]



Frans on 02.22.07 @ 01:13 PM CST [link]


Wednesday, February 21st

Naga tribes flex muscle in Indian state election FEATURE Reuters By Y.P. Rajesh


Naga tribes flex muscle in Indian state election FEATURE Reuters By Y.P. Rajesh
SENAPATI, India, Feb 7 (Reuters) - A powerful rebel group in India's troubled northeast is using its muscle to influence state elections this month, in an attempt to boost its campaign for a separate homeland for the Naga tribes. The United Naga Council (UNC), widely seen as a mouthpiece for the rebels, has ordered Nagas not to affiliate themselves with any political parties in elections in the remote state of Manipur, accusing the parties of ignoring the "Naga cause". The result is a slew of independent and often pro-rebel candidates in Naga-dominated parts of the state, in what is seen as a victory for the rebels and a fresh threat to the stability of the region.
"The fact that very few candidates sought party nominations shows that there was voluntary acceptance of the UNC wish," said Prem Singh, the top election official in Senapati district, the hub of Naga politics in the hills of Manipur. "Or perhaps, it was due to fear or coercion."

Ahead of the three-stage vote which begins on Thursday, the council also ran advertisements in local newspapers indicating who Nagas should vote for. A few Nagas who dared seek mainstream party nominations were prevented from campaigning and their workers threatened with violence, authorities and candidates said. The UNC's aim: to generate fresh momentum in support of a decades-old demand for a new state comprising all Naga-dominated areas in the northeast, a so-called "Greater Nagaland" to include the present Nagaland and large swathes of other states. A third of the 3-million-strong tribe live in neighbouring Manipur, mostly in its hills, and two other northeastern states.
But Manipuris in the plains strongly oppose losing territory to a "Greater Nagaland" and the conflict provoked bloody riots in the state in 2002. Land disputes also led to clashes between Nagas and the Kuki tribe in the 1990s. "The UNC has taken charge of the vote in the hills," said Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of Manipur's Imphal Free Press daily. "They are not a political party and they are setting up proxies to do their bidding in the assembly, and that can create havoc."

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) NSCN (I-M) rebel group refused to speak on record. But a top leader said they were hoping their candidates -- standing as independents -- would win 11 seats in the 60-member Manipur assembly and "play a major role". The Naga rebellion is India's oldest insurgency, a 60-year revolt in which tens of thousands were killed in Nagaland before a truce was declared in 1997. Negotiations with New Delhi have made little progress since then.
FEAR OF CHAOS In the plains of Manipur, protecting the state's "territorial integrity" has become a catch-phrase in this month's election campaign. Analysts say that any new attempt by Naga legislators to raise their demands in the state assembly would inflame passions. Peace in Manipur -- a revolt-torn state of 2.6 million people far removed from India's mainstream -- is considered crucial to boost development and unlock the potential of the country's northeast, New Delhi's gateway to ASEAN. Attempts to reach UNC leaders proved futile as the group's main office in Senapati had been shut down and its chief, Paul Leo, was incommunicado.

Workers of mainstream political parties in Manipur's hills said there was widespread fear in a region where every third Naga is suspected of owning an AK-47 rifle. "The situation is very tense," says Dominic, a member of India's ruling Congress party in Senapati who refused to give his second name due to fear of the UNC. "There are very clear instructions from them on whom to vote and very clear threats of what will happen if disobeyed," he said before disappearing into a narrow alley in the dusty hill town. Thousands of troops have been deployed to ensure a fair vote. But that has failed to discourage the rebels. "We are going to push our agenda more strongly than ever," the top NSCN (I-M) leader said. "Our silence itself is a message to the electorate." (Additional reporting by Biswajyoti Das in Guwahati)
NSCN (K) bans candidates from contesting Newmai News Network
Imphal The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has banned all the candidates in the Tamenglong Assembly Constituency from contesting in the ensuing Manipur Legislative Assembly Election.
The Zeliangrong Region of the NSCN-K has said that it has decided to boycott the Assembly election in the Tamenglong A/C alone because the rival NSCN-IM has ruled the roost in the constituency by carrying out all sort of dictatorial activities. It urged all the voters not to turn out on Election Day. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region while giving reasons for its latest move, has said that Independent candidate Khangthuanang Pammei was made to sign under duress with regard to its alleged apology done before the NSCN-IM kilo-kilonser. It added that the purported apology note of Khangthuanang appeared in the local newspapers issued by the NSCN-IM was nothing but apology note made by the NSCN-IM and forced the candidate in question to sign on it under the barrel of guns.
“Who is a Zeliangrong and who is not a Zeliangrong?” question the NSCN-K statement adding, “Is Samuel Jendai alone a Zeliangrong and not the rest of the candidates in the Tamenglong A/C?”. The NSCN-K Zeliangrong Region questioned as to why the NSCN-IM and the UNC campaign only for Samuel Jendai. Adding that if at all to ban then ask all the candidates to withdraw from their candidatures but singling out a candidate to stop from the fray is not acceptable to the Zeliangrong people. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region also ridiculed the commonly used term of “ blessing of the UNC or the NSCN-IM”.
It said that only God can bestow blessings and curses and no one else. “If the NSCN-(IM) and the UNC can give the blessings, point out the person in the NSCN-IM and the UNC and we will not hesitate to go and start worshipping right away”, said the statement. The statement of the Khaplang faction of the NSCN, Zeliangrong Region also accused Samuel Jendai, a consensus candidate of the UNC of bribing the NSCN-IM and the UNC leaders with lakhs of rupees. Further lambasting the rival faction, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region alleged that several NSCN-IM kilonsers and its military leaders are now camping in the Tamei Assembly Constituency intimidating and threatening the public under the barrels of AK-47s to vote only for N. Awangbow.
The NSCN-K also said that the govt. of India and the NSCN-IM are now openly working together “which is why the Indian security forces failed to do anything even as the NSCN-IM cadres are carrying out unlawful activities right under the nose of the Indian security forces”.
The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region further alleged that the govt. of India has been supplying rejected bullets to its security forces if the latter is to be posted in the area where NSCN-IM cadres operate. “Seeing all these pretentious activities of the NSCN-IM and the security forces, we do not want the activities of any Indian agency in the Zeliangrong Region and we want to live as before where the Zeliangrong community lived happily with extreme cordiality among the community”, said the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region. Adding that “We do not want MLAs, MPs or DCs in our land, we just want to live as Zeliangrong people”
NSCN-IM for positive debate, reconciliation and forgiveness The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 20 (MExN): The NSCN-IM is of the view that ‘non-issues’ should not be given attention but rather “healthy debate” related to the Nagas’ political agenda.
“We should not continue negative deliberations on non-issues but promote healthy positive debates related to the Naga national political agenda through which beneficial results for all of us can be expedited” stated a MIP note from the NSCN-IM. “Unless we erase the negative apprehensions but continue to foment hatred in-within by permeating communalism and negative criticisms, all reconciliation, unity and peace efforts will be futile” it reminded. “If we continue to prevail in internal strife of tribalism, factionalism, dissent and other divisive tendencies, we and our future generations will be bogged down in the chasm of deprivations and obstructions of live” the NSCN-IM stated and reminded that this “will all be due to our insanity”. The NSCN-IM on these called to “realize our mistakes” and take the “right path” with reconciliation and forgiveness “instead of languishing in our narrow egotisms”.
However, it also a word for the NSCN-K – namely the recent “thanking of Imkong” for a “contribution” of Rs 5 lakhs made by the CLP chief. The MIP termed this as ‘travesty’. The note also mentioned “sponsoring Rs 50 lakhs to the Meiteis, Mr Okram Ibobi Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, towards the formation of his government”, the demand of Rs 90 Lakhs made on Minister Khekiho Zhimomi and “consequent payment of Rs 25 lakhs” at Zunheboto. These are instances which “fits their freedom coffers” the NSCN-IM said of the rival group. While self-contradictory allegations are heaped on the NSCN-IM, such instances are the demands made are the NSCN-K’s “cheap manifested price tags” it asserted but also added that “unless we uptake sincere approaches of peace pragmatically but continue to dwell on evasive policies, unity and peace will remain far-fetched”.
It also took note that the recent “good-will communiqué” of Education Kilonser Tongmeth Wangnou was misinterpreted. He is a man of principle and a conscious leader from the Konyak community, the NSCN-IM stated.
No takers for forgiveness & reconciliation – NSCN-K The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 20 (MExN): The NSCN-K is certain that there are “no takers” for the NSCN-IM’s calling for forgiveness and reconciliation as much as the GOI-NSCN (IM) talks have “almost” failed. Now that NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Swu and General Secretary Th. Muivah have ‘flown so high, they are finding difficulty in landing’ so they are now seeking ‘exit-routes’, a note from NSCN-K Deputy Kilonser Seochem Sangtam asserted. “The so-called peace process between the Government of India and the I-K terrorists is almost failed. The duo’s proclamation for forgiveness and reconciliation finds no takers; their unity and reconciliation offer to the NSCN/GPRN has been rejected by the latter because they spurned and rejected the peace ventures of the NSCN during the past eleven years; the duo have flown up so high that they now find it difficult for landing” the NSCN-K noted. Th. Muivah has now come to fully understand that his agenda of integration of Naga area has proved fruitless and integration is a by-product of sovereignty and so if he and Isak could not bring about sovereignty, how could the Naga areas be easily integrated, the Kilonser queried. Due to these, the two NSCN-IM leaders are desperately seeking exit-routes to ‘Eastern Nagaland’ and then to Myanmar; the joint forces of the Indian army and the NSCN-IM had brought them to Dimapur and now they are planning to be in Tuensang to sneak into eastern Nagaland with the help of the Assam Rifles, the NSCN-K asserted. The note highlighted the “exit plan” of the two leaders to ‘escape’: After reaching Tuensang, they will go through Tobu and sneak into eastern Naga areas. And once they cross the so-called international boundary, Th. Muivah will abrogate the ceasefire between them and the Government of India. This is the last resort and exit plan of Th. Muivah” it added even while asserting that they will hardly get any refuge in the eastern areas due to massacres committed in the past.
An Appeal For Truce Among Naga Political Factions Xavier P Mao The Morung Express Column
21st century is known as the century of Dialogue and Negotiation. Therefore, I propose a dialogue among all the Four Naga factions namely the 2-NNC and the 2-NSCN to be mediated by two representatives each from Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, United Naga Council, All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur, Naga Women’s Union Manipur, Naga Baptist Church Council, one representative each from each Naga Tribal Hoho and five nominees each from each Naga Political faction and about 10-15 Naga intellectuals from different walks of life having integrity and honesty to be selected by each Naga political faction. This proposed multilateral negotiation among the four Naga political factions to be mediated by different prominent Naga NGOs and Social activists shall sit together for a series of consultations to thrash out the serious differences existing among the Nagas once and for all; for the general good and development of the Nagas. So far we Nagas have been relying almost exclusively on the use of physical force in our struggle for sovereignty and in the internal struggle for power and economic interest. If we continue to rely on brutal, senseless physical force, we will be condemned to live a marginalized existence with a primitive mind-set. As modern education spreads within the Naga society we should also adopt the more powerful, civilized and effective method of struggle, that is, relying on ethical rational and emotional forces; in other words, truth-force and soul-force as our weapon of struggle against any form of injustice, oppression and exploitation. It is high time for the Nagas to engage in the pursuit of the goal of development, iron out internal differences through dialogue and uphold a policy of “Live and let live”. We have been wandering aimlessly for too long and having blood bath among ourselves since the 1975 Shillong Accord and the 1988 split of NSCN. If some of the far more pluralistic and culturally diverse societies of the world can live in peace, why can’t a much less diverse society like that of the Nagas do the same?
The present trend in which the infighting is proceeding is seriously detrimental and counter-productive for the society. There is no disagreement among the great human beings that the least coercive type of influence is the best. Of course, this would be true only if freedom could be regarded as an absolute value. Freedom is valued and cherished by all great and small. Reason and rationality cannot be developed truly and fully if they are under any control or restraints, physical or psychic. We have learnt from history that absolute intellectual freedom is achieved by only a few great minds in the world. The average human mind is molded by a so-called free educational process, only accepts certain prevailing assumptions and view points rather than the alternative view point which might be inculcated by an older or newer political or religious idealism. Psychic coercion has far reaching deleterious consequences, as all coercion is. Its ultimate value depends upon the specific social purpose for which it is recommended.
As almost all Nagas profess to be Christians, at least we must try to imbibe that essential message of Christianity, i.e. the ideal of love, the spirit of good will, self-sacrifice and forgiveness. This involves for a Christian, freedom from personal resentments, and a moral purpose, free of selfish ambition. It is the temper and spirit in which a political policy is carried out, which a Christian is truly designated rather than a particular political technique. It can be strongly argued that the social and moral effects of moral good will are tremendous in any conflict situation. In the case of the Nagas, the factional fighting is so intense that each faction is so obsessed with the wrongs and guilt which the other faction commits against it, that it is unable to see its own wrong-doing. In such a situation, a non-violent temper will surely reduce these animosities to a minimum and therefore preserve certain objectivity in analyzing the issues of the dispute.
Resistance to aggression and attacks easily makes aggression more stubborn and intensified conflict easily arouses dormant passions, which completely obscure the real issues of a conflict. Many a times, the real objective of the goal of the Naga struggle is completely destroyed consciously or unconsciously. In this context, non-violence will reduce these dangers to a minimum. Non-violent method preserves moral, rational and co-operative attitudes within an area of conflict and thus adds the moral forces without destroying the goal. The moral resources and spiritual caliber/character /capacity of the leaders can make a big difference in the society. But unfortunately this is not visible at present in our society. Rational and moral forces should be increased for the improvement of the relations among the four factions, and the society as a whole.
It is a time-tested principle that hate cannot drive out hate and violence cannot drive out violence for good. Therefore, if any attempt to wipe out the other factions will accentuate the animosities and prejudices of the other faction and their supporters. So if the present path of coercive weapons is continued this will bring forth the most violent passion of which ignorant men are capable. The attitude of repentance and forgiveness, which recognize that the evil in the opponent is also in the self, and the impulses of love and empathy, which claim kinship with all human beings in spite of intense social conflict, are the peculiar gifts of Christianity to the human spirit. If the continuous factional fighting is put to a stop somewhere, the Naga society may drift toward catastrophe. In other words, whatever achievement we have made till now as we are just stepping out of the pre-literate society, may gradually be destroyed. We will continue to suffer from cruelties and be harassed by animosities, which destroy the beauty of human life. There are both spiritual and brutal elements in human life. The perennial tragedy of human history is that those who cultivate the spiritual elements usually do so by isolating themselves from or misunderstanding the problems of collective men, where the brutal elements are prominently evident. These problems, therefore, remain unsolved, and force clashes with force, hate clashes with hate, blood clashes with blood, with nothing to of mitigate the cruelties or remove the futilities of the social struggle.
The unutterable violence and hatred by Nagas against Nagas and the barbaric factional killing do not give us hope for decent politics in Naga society. Peace making ideas are lost in the overall discourse in the Naga society; even the noble ideas of freedom struggle are lost. What apparently remain are the vanity of physical prowess, vengeance, selfish economic interest and indiscipline at the expense of the masses, without leaving a clear demarcation line from mafia or any criminal organization. These are the strong feelings echoed by many Nagas today. Naga population is a little more than 3 million. In the context of globalization where free flow of people is on the increase, our people can easily become extinct when we no longer have creative capacity and do not allow constructive criticism. To reverse the Naga situation, intense negotiation among various Naga groups and primarily the four factions are imperative. Dialogue should be conducted as many times as possible meaningfully. Then only the human spirit will triumph over the dark forces of ignorance, ill will and prejudices. If and only if dialogue is successful among the four factions of NNC (I & II) and NSCN (I & II), a progressively higher justice and more stable peace can be achieved within the Naga society. With such social milieu, we can build a future for flourishing and prosperity of Naga civilization along with the rest of human kind, a future which is worthy of our pursuit.
Nailing At Naga Tribalism K.C. Angami The Morung Express Perspective
Kohima The contours of Tribalism are appearing among the Nagas, the seeds scattered by unscrupulous public leaders/selfish individuals/communities, tribe excesses in opposition to bear/tolerate the activities violating the traditional and customaries of tribalwise statute adaptations earning enemies and degrading self tribe. Most commonly in greediness for worldly material gains by educated/uneducated/unemployed/employed/Governments servants/public leaders in jolt-headed actions thrashing the well knitted existing adaptations and amiable manners of the natives villages of Nagaland without any hesitation and respect in the reverse order of “When I am in Rome, you Romans behave like me.”
The epicenter of tribalism is considered initiating from the commercial hub of Nagaland, Dimapur and its surroundings roughly with equal halves population of Nagas of all tribes and non-Nagas finally expected to be in category of “The River of no return” to both ends of generations in frustration. The spreading of tribalism can well be cited penetrating into inner areas of districts like Zunheboto District, serving “Quit notice to Tangkhuls” after factional fight and killing at Zunheboto, a clear case of Tribal excesses creating “Tit for Tat”, not only tribalism, but also unmistakably inviting further challenges among the factions, very difficult to defuse on humanitarian ground/religious approaches as the excesses gravely hurt the sentiments of a community beyond human negotiations. A wise saying in Naga tradition, an intentional mistake committed does not taste like a chilli conforming to “look before you leap”. The historic continuing mythology of the Nagas, revenge is the first step and intrinsic character from the times of head hunting. Head hunting was valour and bravery existing till today termed as coward in civilized societies, creating orphans, families in shedding tears for their killed beloved ones in aims and objectives of Independent/Integration with factional fight appearing almost daily in News media. The furies of initiating waves of tribalism is more or less single sided and animated approach overriding the peaceful living civilians finding difficult to attend to their daily works for earning their livelihood, “all the Negroes are black but all the blacks are not Negroes” is a meaningful thrushing theme in proof and reality requiring no explanation, not only for the Nagas but also true to all human races of the world. The open fact is that the Nagas of Nagaland are sincerely and gracefully conceding in many respects for early Indo-Naga solution and on its contrary, further advantageous steps or claims may out balance the human ethic of toleration beyond control reaching tools and plants in parallel of tribalism moulding the proposed administration under the same umbrella meaningless. In cognito of being Nagas the Government of India may not initiate any intermediate solution in continuing process of factional fightings. In fact the present situation prevailing among the Nagas is the Golden mirror to the Central Government baiting Nagas to bite to prove originality and strata spectrum for setting sound foundation to the loyal generations for all times to come in tradition and in National defence avoiding exploitation of the North East Tribals. The Statehood of Nagaland was accorded conforming to the Constitution of India specified in sub-section (1) of Section (3) of Nagaland Act 1962 as 16th State, Manipur 19th State immediately before the commencement of the Constitution under Chief Commissioner’s Province dated 21.1.1972, Tripura 20th State dated 21.1.1972, Meghalaya 21st State dated 21.1.1972, Sikkim 22nd State dated 21.4.1975, Mizoram 23rd State dated 14.6.1986 and Arunachal Pradesh 24th State dated 20.2.1987, later 5 States created under North Eastern Areas (Re-organisation) Act 1971. Many States in dominion of India came into existence after Nagaland and many years of development from grass root level by the native inhabitants in respective areas of 16th Major tribes in 11 Districts, leniently conceding many facilities to other States Nagas and non-Nagas without any gratitudes treating Nagaland as step-fatherly to the denizens/Government of Nagaland cannot/should not be tolerated in any forum. The so-called Nagas of adjacent States in self sufficient primitive in slumber ignorance of politics, presently becoming more conscious tending to over-ride or dictate the Nagas of Nagaland into the vicinity and taking control under the common nomenclatural name of Naked Nagas besides having well-designated tribal name like Angami, Serna, Mao, Tangkhul, Yimchunger, etc, is a pathetic approach to the Government of Nagaland. In repercussion of tribal excesses and failure to control by respective tribes will land-up to Free Naga Nagaland, Free Naga Manipur, Free Naga Assam, Free Naga Myanmar in the days of yore. The early attainment of Nagaland Statehood and its acquired developments cannot be divided or shared to other States Nagas avoiding her generation benefiries. Developments and improvements of societies and organizations in self district is the first and foremost priority instead of showing or boasting around in others’ district/districts/states as even species of animals care for their offspring.
The various developments so far strictly acquired and ecology strictly maintained by the Nagas of 16 Tribes in 11 Districts of Nagaland is an open knowledge of the elite Nagas and at their fingers ends of every tribes. If at all, any complaint arises, blame your representatives, not the Government of Nagaland or Chief Minister as per mythology of Angamis, inhabitants of Kohima District. The receiving end is the constituency, district share for development in thy areas.
Goitres strengthening the necks should not be laughed at including selves goitres.
Assam cops spark tension in Nagaland OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 20: Tension is brewing along the Nagaland-Assam border in Sector C, under Mokokchung district of Nagaland, some 300 km from here. The Nagaland government complained of incursions by Assam police into Nagaland territory yesterday. The policemen allegedly arrested four Nagas from Anaki-C village and set ablaze four houses and destroyed a tea garden. Officials of the district administrations of Mokokchung and Sivasagar are meeting at Mokokchung to resolve the problem. The Nagaland government has rushed additional security forces to the locality to control the situation.
Nagaland commissioner T.N. Mannen said Assam police arrested four persons while a local villager told The Telegraph over telephone that in retaliation, his group has taken 60 Assamese people hostage. However, 40 of them were later released.
Mannen said around Sunday noon, Assam police personnel entered Anaki-C village and arrested six persons. They returned around 4 pm with arms and harassed villagers. He alleged that the jawans threatened the villagers, sparking panic. Mannen said he had spoken to his Assamese counterpart to immediately release the arrested persons and stop further incursions into Nagaland.
The commissioner revealed that ever since the Assam-Nagaland border dispute erupted, Dispur has not been co-operating with the Nagaland government and has always been trying to create problems in the border areas. He claimed that Assam had an ulterior motive in claiming land of the Nagas as its own and was trying to push its forces into Nagaland territory. He termed Dispur’s move a “well-planned kind of action”.
Mannen said in a similar incident a few months ago, Assam police had picked up some workers and local villagers from Yajang village under Tuli subdivision. The arrested persons were released followed the intervention of the district administration.
“There is another dispute at Ralan range (in Wokha district) over the construction of a water pump on land which the Assam government claims to be its own,” he added. Alleging that there have been repeated incursions from Assam, Mannen said the area was definitely under the grip of tension. He said Assam has always adopted an aggressive attitude. “We cannot allow Assam to take aggressive action,” he said. The commissioner said a team of the local boundary commission had arrived here to study the problem and Nagaland would present its case before the commission. He underscored the need for appropriate measures to resolve the long-pending issue.
Twelve, including a woman file papers for bypolls Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Feb 20:: Altogether 12 candidates, including a woman, have filed nomination papers for the ensuing by-election to Dimapur-1 and Tuensang Sadar-II assembly constituencies, scheduled to held on March 8...

A total of six candidates have filed their papers from Dimapur-1 and an equal number from the Tuensang Sadar-II assembly constituencies. Candidates, who will contest from Dimapur-1, include Atomi Zhimomi (NPF), Kevise Angami (BJP), Aheto V. Yepthomi (Congress), and Raj Kumar Paira, also of Congress, who has been kept as standby, S Limatemjen (JD(U) and Roland Lotha (Nagaland Democratic Party). The constituency has a total number of 17,155 voters.

Candidates in the fray in Tuensang Sadar-II include H Wongto Chang (NPF), Y Wongto Chang (BJP), C Kejong Chang (Congress), N Mosha (also of Congress kept as standby), and two Independent candidates - Mrs Rhakila and N Kaimang Chang. The Tuensang Sadar-II seat has an electorate of 18,304. According to official sources, the scrutiny of the nomination papers would be over by late Tuesday while the last date for withdrawal of nomination is February 22. The by-elections were necssitated following the deaths of two BJP MLAs including Dr Hokishe Sema and Lakiumong. (UNI)
Asom-Nagaland agreement on border disputes Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Feb 20:: The Asom and Nagaland governments on Tuesday resolved to coordinate with each other whenever there is any allegation or report of encroachment of land in Asom-Nagaland border areas. The resolution was adopted by senior officials of the Sivasagar (Asom) and Mokokchung (Nagaland) district administrations following Sunday’s incident in which a team of Asom Police intruded the Anaki village, purportedly inside Nagaland, and burnt down some houses besides arresting six villagers on allegation of encroachment of land belonging to Asom. Reports said the police personnel intruded the village in the morning hours when the villagers were attending church services and took the six villagers in their custody before retreating. However, they returned again at around 4 p.m. and threatened the villagers with dire consequences before setting fire to the houses. Following this incident, government officials of the two States met at Mokokchung on Tuesday and adopted a few resolutions.

The two sides resolved that in cases of encroachment, the concerned administration/police/forest officer would inform his counterpart within 24 hours about the development for joint verification and that no arrest or unilateral action would be taken before the joint verification. The meeting also resolved that arrest of the citizens of Nagaland will be done by the authorities of Nagaland and citizens of Asom by the authorities of Asom. However, these provisions will apply only in case of allegations regarding encroachment of border lands and not for heinous crimes.

Further, in case of issues which cannot be resolved at the ADC and SDO levels, the matter will be taken up at the DC’s level. The meeting further resolved that villagers must inform their local counterpart about the areas proposed to be covered, whenever they go for fresh jhum cultivation and that status quo should be maintained as far as the existing jhum fields are concerned. Further, it resolved that regular border level meetings would be held and efforts would be made to constitute a border peace committee involving villagers of both sides. Finally, the meeting resolved to ensure peace and tranquility in border areas and ensure amicable resolution of issues, till the border issue was resolved by the Local Commission on Border, constituted by the Supreme Court. (NNN)
NSCN (I-M) ridicules rival Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): Drawing attention to news reports over the disclosures by the NSCN (K) on money transactions with various political leaders, the NSCN (I-M) has ridiculed the rival and described the activities as "a few examples that fit their freedom coffers."
A release issued by the NSCN (I-M) said "the recent thanking of Imkong by Khaplang (NSCN-K) for contributing Rs.5 lakh to it and denial of its claim by the former, is a travesty and a ridiculous characteristic well associated with them that are confirmed through their earlier claims on sponsoring Rs.50 lakh to the Meiteis, Mr Okran Ibobi chief minister of Manipur towards the formation of his government."
The NSCN (I-M) further said that the demand made on Mr. Khekiho, Industries and Commerce Minister, for Rs. 90 lakh and subsequent "payment of Rs. 25 lakh to the Khaplangs recently at Amiphoto Colony, Zunheboto" were some of the examples. Further, it said the demand for Rs. 12 lakh from Ao legislators which was also confirmed by some "adds to their ventures, besides numerous other misadventures in the name of their sovereign nationalism."
Referring to the "ambiguous and self-contradictory allegations regularly" leveled against it, the NSCN (I-M) said, on the other hand, the NSCN (K) implicated itself of involvement in the "Indian elections" by issuing acknowledgements of cash transactions to fund elections in Manipur for the formation of the government in Manipur and also being bought by Nagaland state politicians for their support in the elections. It said all these showed the rival had its price tag for involvement in elections. On the other hand, the NSCN (I-M) asserted that "unless we uptake sincere and pragmatic approaches for peace but continue to dwell on evasive policies, unity and peace will remain far-fetched". It said branding Nagas as terrorists would also "imply including one's self to the same brand, unless he is a non-Naga."
It also criticized alliance of the rival with Meitei outfits the latter of which were against the aspiration of the Nagas and termed it as "an exercise of unprincipled ethics of Naga nationalism." "Taking lakhs of rupees from Nagaland sate politicians to assist them in Indian elections and accusing others to divert the attention of their nefarious deprivation of Naga people's democratic rights also reflects their anti-people motives," it said. The NSCN (I-M) also flayed what it described as misinterpretation "on negative sidelines" over its kilonser Tongmeth Wangnao's recent "good-will communiqué". It described Tongmeth as "a man of principle dedicated to the Naga nation and one of the foremost conscious leaders belonging to Konyak tribe, having concern for welfare of his tribe in particular and the Nagas in general."
The NSCN (I-M) said it was "the conscious logic conclusion of one and all to assume why one of the seniormost Kilo (Home) Kilonser in the Khaplang organization decided to join the Naga national mainstream." It also stressed on building "a process where understanding, forgiveness, reconciliation and acceptance of one and another can develop." "Unless we erase the negative apprehensions that foments hatred within by permeating communalism and negative criticism, all efforts for reconciliation, unity and peace will be futile," it added.
Integration by-product of sovereignty: NSCN-K Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Feb 20 (NPN): Describing integration as a "by-product of sovereignty", the NSCN (K) Tuesday questioned as to how NSCN (I-M) leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah would integrate the contiguous Naga areas so easily when they had failed to bring sovereignty. In a statement, NSCN (K) deputy kilonser, MIP, Seochem Sangtam described the talks between the Government of India and the NSCN(I-M)as a failure while the proclamation of Swu and Muivah that they have forgiven all those who committed wrong against their faction and to achieve reconciliation "found no takers." The NSCN (K) said it had rejected the unity and reconciliation offer of NSCN (I-M) as the latter had spurned its peace overtures during the last eleven years.
The NSCN (K) claimed that after Swu and Muivah were safely brought to Dimapur under the joint protection force of the Indian Army and the NSCN (I-M), both were now "desperately trying" to find out an exit route to Eastern Nagaland and then to Myanmar.
"They are planning to come to Tuensang under some pretext to sneak into Eastern Nagaland with the help of Assam Rifles and some Lainung cadres who are under the NSCN (I-M)'s payroll at Dimapur," the NSCN (K) claimed. However, the NSCN (K) said Swu and Muivah would hardly get any refuge in Eastern Nagaland as they had "massacred hundreds of villagers here without rhymes or reasons" earlier. The NSCN (K) also claimed that once Swu and Muivah sneak into Eastern Nagaland through Tobu via Tuensang, they plan to abrogate the ceasefire agreement with Government of India as "this is the last resort and exit plan of Muivah".
The I-K groups’ misadventure/folly- © Nagaland Post Column
In 11th Nov, 1975 Shillong Accord was signed to the dismay of the General Public of the Nagas. However, in tune with the 1951 Naga Plebiscite, the Naga's struggle for Sovereignty continued under the banner of NSCN which exist till today. But the general Public are being made a scapegoat and rendered to a state of dilemma by some vested interested people in guise of Naga Sovereignty, misusing the name of the NSCN in the long run. In the process, these so-called leaders engaged in peace talk with the Government of India to continue with their own kind of businesses at the expense of the Naga general public. But, their ten years of the so-called peace talk has become fruitless contradictory to their puppet Nagaland Chief Minister's claims since 2003, that the proceedings are fruitful and in the right direction. As a result, thousands of students' careers have been jeopardized and the present NGO leaders lives in both the Manipur and Nagaland state have been put at ransom.
Why? This same group of the so-called leaders in the I-K group is directly taking part in Indian election through the services of NGOs of Manipur and Nagaland state under the banner of Naga Sovereignty. Their involvement in the Manipur state election clearly shows that they are an agent of AICC President Sonia Gandhi and BJP Leader LK Advani, because they (I-K group) were giving a free hand to suppress the 'Freedom of Rights' of the people and made the voters to cast their vote against their will. And with the outcome of all these years of enjoyments in luxurious life styles in different foreign countries they are trying to go back to the place where they learnt their terrorists' activities via Tuensang with the protection of Assam Rifles and his cohorts.
The Naga people should retrospect all the misadventure of the I-K groups' so as not to be cowed down themselves by their threat, but stand for their own rights. And at the same time, the NSCN will not remain a silent spectator while the I-K group or the money mongers are keeping the general public at ransom and suppressing their freedom of rights and expression in the name of Naga Sovereignty. Joseph, Revenue Kilonser
NSCN-K bans Manipur poll - Tamenglong situation ‘worries’ outfit Nagarealm.com
Imphal, FEB20 : The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland today imposed a ban on polling in Tamenglong Assembly constituency of Manipur, expressing concern over the “deteriorating” law and order situation in the district headquarters during the election campaign there. Tamenglong, along with two other constituencies of this Naga-dominated district, go to the hustings in the third and final phase on Friday. The outfit, however, did not impose any restrictions on polling in the two other constituencies of Tamei and Nungba in the district. “The Indian election has created many problems. If the process is going to disturb peace and spawn enmity among the people in the constituency, it is better that no election is held here. We do not want any MLA or MP. That is why we have imposed a ban on the election so that people can live in peace,” the outfit’s information and publicity secretary in-charge (Zeliangrong region) said in a communiqué here today.

The development came after activists of the NSCN (I-M) abducted an Independent candidate, identified as Khangthuanag Panmei, on Saturday morning. The candidate was freed unharmed a couple of days later. But the NSCN (I-M) claimed that the candidate had agreed to withdraw from the contest. Accusing the Assam Rifles and security forces deployed in the district headquarters of turning a blind eye to the abduction, the NSCN (K) spokesman alleged that the NSCN (I-M) extracted a declaration at gunpoint from the candidate while in captivity saying he would withdraw from the contest. A new chapter was added to the turmoil over the polls today. Women in the district headquarters of Chandel today called a district-wide bandh in protest against the abduction of nine persons, including three women, by unidentified gunmen from their homes late last night. All the nine hostages, including Anal Women’s Union president Sarei Anal, participated in a rally at the district headquarters yesterday. Hundreds of women carried out a procession yesterday demanding free and fair polling in the district. The women protesters warned that the bandh would continue if the hostages were not released unharmed. In another development, the CPI today informed Governor S.S. Sidhu that two of the party’s candidates in Chandel and Tengnoupal seats in Chandel district were forced to withdraw their candidature by militants of two armed groups at gunpoint. The CPI, however, did not name the outfits.

In a memorandum, CPI state secretary B. Sharma said party candidates Onjamang Haokip and D.N. Haokip resigned after receiving threats from two armed groups. “We have apprehensions that more violence will break out in the third phase. So, we request both the state government and the Election Commission to take necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections,” Sharma told mediapersons. [telegraphindia]
‘Countermand Tuensang bye-polls’ BJP candidature rejected, party suspects foul play of Tuensang DC Morung Express News
Dimapur Following the filing of nominations on Monday by six candidates at Tuensang for the ensuing bye-elections to the 54th Tuensang Sadar II Assembly Constituency to fill the vacancy caused by the death of MLA Lakiumong (BJP), the Deputy Commissioner who is also the Returning Officer, has reportedly rejected the candidature of the BJP, Y. Wongto. It may be mentioned that as per the Election Commission schedule, scrutiny of nominations was held today.
Taking a serious note on the part of the DC rejecting its party’s official candidate, an angry State BJP President Ato Yepthomi, while alleging of a ‘deep rooted’ conspiracy, today demanded countermanding of the bye-elections to the Tuensang-II seat and informed that the party was taking the issue very seriously. “This is a deep rooted conspiracy of the Deputy Commissioner without giving us any reasons and we are not take this lying down”, the party President said while informing that they will be writing to the Election Commission of India through the State Chief Electoral Officer. It was alleged that the BJP candidature was rejected by the DC despite the fact that the Election Observers present there did not raise any objections. Ato alleged that during the scrutiny of papers, the party observer Kughavi Achumi who is the State BJP (ST) Morcha President had requested the DC to consider the case but was instead told to leave the office immediately. According to the State BJP President, Achumi wanted that the DC give in black and white, the reason for disallowing the nomination of its candidate. Instead, it was alleged that the DC called for his bodyguard who then manhandled Achumi before taking him away. The party president complained that his Morcha president was untraceable till the time of filing this report. Further according to the BJP President, interestingly, yesterday while filing his nomination, the BJP candidate Y. Wongto was told by the DC to file his form as an independent candidate. “No Returning Officer can tell a candidate to file as an independent candidate when he is on a party ticket”, Ato complained.
NNC ridicules NSCN(IM) stance By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 20: Accusing to NSCN (IM) of getting directly involved in the election process being held under the Constitution of India, the Naga National Council charged the IM leaderships of shirking their responsibility owed to the Naga nation and its people. A statement issued by youth president of Naga-land Youth Movement, Na- ga National Council Chong-bui Newmai claimed that having failed to take the Naga cause towards the right direction, Isak Chisi Swu and Th Muivah have begun to embrace the Indian Constitution as illus- trated vividly by NSCN (IM) cadres’ indulgence in election matters. Observing that after giving up struggle for soverei- gnty of the nagas, the NSCN (IM) had softened its stand redirecting their energy and resources towards integration of Naga inhabited land through various sojourns including the issue of demanding affiliation to Nagaland Board of Education, Chongbui also refle- cted that formation of ‘Uni-ted Naga Democratic Front’ in early part of feb-ruary this year was at the behest of the IM leaderships. Stating that ‘the reality they have shown to the youths of all Nagas is they are for the Indian Constitution and for the integration of the so-called Manipur State’, the youth president further expressed awe on the IM stand.
Explaining on it, Chong-bui said, “In fact, if they are not for the Indian Constitution they would not involve in the Indian elections and of they are not for the Manipur State integration they would not set up a political party under the Manipur State”.
Construing the IM leaderships’ actions as revela- tion of their hidden agenda and fighting against the Nagas in the interest of India, the youth president called upon the Naga you-th to work for the right cause of the Naga Nation by joining hands with the Naga National Council.
Illustrating NNC’s contention that NSCN (IM) cadres have been heavily involved in the election process, Chongbui alleged that not only are the southern Naga people threatened and forced to vote for the UNDF candidates but the IM cadres had been abducting public leaders from Tamenglong and Ukhrul district areas for raising objections to the NSCN (IM) diktats.

Phek public action and its ramification- Nagaland Post Opinion
The events of the past sev-eral days have proved be-yond doubt the power of the people when citizens of any place, state or country unite for a common cause as has happened in the case of Phek town. Armed with only stones, the citizens including daring women carried out a remarkable deed by forcibly chasing out cadres of NSCN (IM) and combined rivals NSCN (K) and NNC who possessed sophisticated weapons, from where they had been camping within civilian populated colonies in the town. This has been highly appreciated by all peace loving citizens all over the state. To proceed against armed cadres might have been sheer suicide but for the solidarity and grim determination of the citizens Being the district headquarters, people from the villages of the district, other parts of the state and the country reside in Phek town due to posting while in government service or business or being locals. In such a scenario, the cadres of the various factions discovered it to be more lucrative living off the people while indulging in unauthorized collections of money as much as five times a day from certain shops, and even staying in particular houses without invitation but inviting risks to life and property of the owners. With the Indian security forces and the Naga IRB forces being restrained from directly intervening during factional clashes, it is no wonder the citizens decided to take matters into their own hands That the cadres of the rival groups also refrained from firing directly upon the citizens (although they fired some shots in the air) speaks a lot for their common sense. Otherwise, things might have gone from bad to worse. When the citizens put up a united front and if this unity continues, then it will lead to peace, prosperity through thriving economy, stable administrative machinery, happy social life, encouraging education and freedom even in religion
Unfortunately, in spite of this magnificent deed, our image has been tarnished because of the vandalism of some miscreant who, no doubt, were instigated by vested interested people in an attempt to ensure that the people of Phek town continues to live in the grip of terror. The problem here is not that of the ruling government alone to solve but is a general one that goes beyond politcizations. Damaging the DC's office and then attempting to physically assault him in his official residence while hurling personal abuses and also injuring the SP-these are heinous offences. The civil administration and its police force are the symbols of our government (whichever party may be ruling) and to attack such institutions has damaged our reputation as a whole although only some misguided youths were involved. The DC and SP had to exercise utmost restraint upon the police personnel and thus prevented them from opening fire. I would like to mention here that during the height of Indian security forces operations, the civil administration aided by the local state police did their level best to prevent Indian army excesses on the civilian population. Also, on behalf of NPF Phek division I request the DC and SP to kindly forgive the excesses meted out to them by misguided youths.
As for the rival factions who have tried to use Phek town and other places in the state for their various activities, they must answer a few basic questions. Firstly, when the Nagaland police forces have been deployed to ensure that students from the four Naga districts of Manipur also appear for their matriculation and class XII exams, why has the NSCN (IM) been trying to vitiate the atmosphere particularly in Phek? And, why did the NNC and NSCN (K) together try to provoke their rival cadres especially at this crucial juncture in the lives of our Naga students? You all say that you are fighting for the Naga nation and fulfillment of Naga political aspirations. But are you really doing so? All your recent actions and activities give the impression that you really don't care for your Naga homeland and its future. If you continue like this do not be surprised when the entire Naga civil population will rise up against you irrespective of which group you belong to I would also like to mention here that during the years when Indian army operations were in full swing, and when (the then undivided) Naga army men had the chance to shoot at them, they hesitated to open fire because they did not wish to cause innocent civilian casualties. In fact, they exercised utmost restraint. Our ancient Naga tradition included fighting face to face and not taking refuge among populated civilian areas. You (all factions) keep talking of reconciliation and unity but where is your so called unity? Because of your constant clashes and killings of your own brothers and harassment of the general public, the Nagas have become a laughing stock of the world. Moving about in civilian populated areas in uniform with arms and ammunition are clear violations of the cease-fire ground rules that were included in the agreements reached between government of India and both the NSCN factions separately. In a bid to avoid further bloodshed among Naga brethren and also to ensure security to lives and properties of the citizens of the state, our Home Minister Thenucho went to New Delhi to seek the intervention of the central security forces since the common chairman of both the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) vis-à-vis NSCN (IM) and Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) vis-à-vis NSCN (K) does not have the requisite authority to enforce the cease-fire ground rules. The home minister was made to understand that he had at his command, adequate Naga IRB Battalions to ensure this. But how can the state government which is only a "facilitator" enforce ground rules when the agreements are between the government of India and the two factions of NSCN? Also, the state government is fully aware that some cadres of both rival factions tend to use populated areas as shield for their violent activities. Do not be misled. For, the government of India apparently is exercising double standards so that Nagas will go on killing their Naga brethren During the 1960s and 1970s, the forerunner of the Congress, namely the Naga Nationalist Organization (NNO) which was ruling Nagaland tried its level best to suppress the movement of the NNC/FGN by imposing national emergency and invoking various black laws. However, such efforts were unsuccessful. Therefore, the Naga public in general is hereby reminded that we all must learn from the lessons of the past. The attainment of Naga political aspiration can only be achieved through oneness, one voice resulting in dialogue accordingly. In this connection, the regional party is in a better position to deliver the goods if given sufficient encouragement and time So, my brothers, if you are really Naga national workers, united forthwith and stop all this bloodshed and harassment of the general public who only wish to go about their daily lives in peace. If you still persist in hunting and fighting each other, at least have the decency and humanity to go to the jungles although how such action will help bring about Naga national fulfillment is beyond comprehension. Further, I call upon the two NNC factions to reconcile and re-unite and then go for overall unification with the other groups. Otherwise, you are only losing the trust and faith of the Nagas in general and Chakhesang in particular. Chivotso Nienu, NPF, Phek Division, Phek.
Kidnapping and UNC diktat lead to tension in Chandel The Imphal Free Press
CHANDEL, feb 20: Tension ran high in Chandel today following the abduction of 15 persons, including Anal Women Union leader Dr Sameri Anal and social worker Morhing Lamkang by unidentified armed persons in the early hours this morning apparently in connection with the ongonig elections. Protesting against the abduction, several hundred womenfolk blockaded roads and staged a demonstration at Chandel district headquarters near the DC office demanding safe release of the abducted the women.
The women who expressed strong objections to the diktat of the unc to various candidate and the public to support their sponsored candidate, submitted a memorandum to the DC, Chandel, urging to provide adequate security and to take steps to ensure the release of the abducted persons.
The womenfolk reiterated their desire for free and fair elections, maintainng that no one can deprive them of their right to vote. They said they are not going to follow the diktat of the unc to support their sponsored candidates stating that unc has no authority to intervene in the polls.

The 15, including several tribal leaders were abducted from their respective houses at Chandel headquarters, and from Mantripantha village by the unidentified gunmen believed to be UGs at around 1:30 am this morning, apparently for failing to support the UNC-sponsored candidate, Francis Huten. The protesting womenfolk also met Mani Charenamei, MP who visited Chandel headquarters this morning over the abductions, demanding his intervention for the release of the abducted persons. The women briefly gheraoed Charenamei at the crossing near the Chandel DC`s office and blamed him for encouraging the violation of voting rights after the public had elected him as MP to look after the interests of the Naga people. The women, who stressed the need for the public to raise their voice to prevent any form of diktat from any organisation said they will intensify their agitation if the abducted persons are not released soon. Chandel DC, Norbert Disinang, talking to mediapersons, said the demands raised by the womenfolk were genuine and said the district administration was taking serious efforts to ensure free and fair elections. While he disclosed that there is no formal report or complaints of abduction or threatening of candidates, he admitted that the administration is aware of informal reports of diktats imposed on several candidates by the UNC. In another development, the womenfolk who were who were kidnapped by the miscreants on their way while proceeding from Tengnoupal for participating in yesterday`s peace rally were released early today un-harmed, according to official sources.
Abductions, diktats, intimidations mar run up to final phase poll, K bans all candidates in Tamenglong AC Newmai News Network
Imphal, Feb 20 : The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has banned all the candidates in Tamenglong Assembly Constituency from contesting in the third and final phase poll of the 9th State Assembly. The Zeliangrong Region of the NSCN-K has said that it has decided to boycott the Assembly election in the Tamenglong A/C alone because the rival NSCN-IM has imposed its diktats on the people of the Constituency. It urged all the voters not to turn out on election day.
The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region while furnishing reasons for its latest move, said that Independent candidate Khangthuanang Panmei was made to apologise under duress before the NSCN-IM Kilo-Kilonser. It added that the purported apology Khangthuanang which appeared in the local newspapers and was issued by the NSCN-IM was nothing but and apology note scripted by the NSCN-IM. Panmei was forced to sign it under the barrel of the guns. “Who is a Zeliangrong and who is not a Zeliangrong ?” questioned the NSCN-K statement adding, “Is Samuel Jendai alone a Zeliangrong and not the rest of the candidates in Tamenglong AC ?”.
Raising more questions, the NSCN-K Zeliangrong Region questioned as to why the NSCN-IM and the UNC campaigned only for Samuel Jendai. It added that if at all there is to be a ban then all the candidates should be asked to withdraw from the election. Singling out a candidate and forcing him to opt out of the fray is not acceptable to the Zeliangrong people.
The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region aslo ridiculed the commonly used term of “blessing of the UNC or the NSCN-IM”.
It said that only God can bestow blessings and curses and no one else. “If the NSCN-IM and the UNC can give the blessings, tell us the person in the NSCN-IM and the UNC, we will not hesitate to go and start worshipping them right away”, said the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region.
The Khaplang faction of the NSCN, Zeliangrong Region also accused Samuel Jendai, a consensus candidate of the UNC, as bribing the NSCN-IM and the UNC leaders with lakhs of rupees. Further lambasting the rival faction, the NSCN-K alleged that several NSCN-IM kilonsers and its military leaders are now camping in Tamei Assembly Constituency intimidating and threatening the public under the barrels of AK-47s to vote only for N. Awangbow.
The NSCN-K also alleged that the Government of India and the NSCN-IM are now openly working together “which is why the Indian security forces failed to do anything even though the NSCN-IM cadres are carrying out unlawful activities right under the nose of the Indian security forces”.
The statement further alleged that the Govt of India has been supplying rejected bullets to its security forces if the latter are to be posted in the area where NSCN-IM cadres operate.
“Seing all these activities of the NSCN-IM and the security forces, we do not want the activities of any Indian agency in Zeliangrong Region and we want to live as before where the Zeliangrong community lived happily with extreme cordiality among the the people”, said the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region adding, “we do not want MLAs, MPs or DCs in our land, we just want to live as Zeliangrong people”. A few days back, cadres of the NSCN (IM) had abducted Independent candidate in Tamenglong Assembly Constituency, Khang-thuanang Panmei from his residence and decamped with arms issued to the security escort besides damaging some vehicles. The candidate has since been released, but has allegedly withdrawn from the election after tendering an apology to the NSCN (IM).
Manipur - would you be in safe hands By S Kunjabihari Singh Contd from previous issue Sangai Express
Presently the Act stands withdrawn from seven Assembly constituencies of the Imphal Municipality area being shy of withdrawing from the rest of the State considering the enormous impossibi-lities that would crop up in containing the vexed issue of law and order. Not to be out-beaten, even national parties like the BJP the SP are banking on this plank to woo votes. The BJP desperate to regain its lost stature and secure a foothold in the political arena in the State, even considered it wise to accord second highest priority to this issue in their 28-point poll manifesto. The INC holding the reigns of governance in the State and the Centre, is conspicuous, by their doubly-guarded proclamation that there is imperative need for providing a human touch in the Act, carefully short of assuring total repeal of the Act and asserting that they are in the process of reading between the lines, the recommendations of Justice Reddy Committee constituted to review the Act in July 2004, the report of which was handed over to the Centre in July 2006. This sounds ambiguous, obviously. The iron lady of the Congress Government, in the person of Sonia Gandhi shook off all assignments in New Delhi to visit the State twice in a matter of a week, on the 5th and the 11th of Feb. In the first visit prior to the first leg of poll on 8 February, while addressing voters in the valley, she was in her usual diplomacy to play the territorial integrity card, by emphasising that the boundary of the state would not be disturbed, a clause very sweet to the heart of the Meities and would spill hearts for the cause of the lady. She, however, was conspicuous in skipping reference to integrity, an issue not to the taste of the tribals in their demand for a united Nagaland, while addressing voters in two hill districts of Tamenglong and Churachandpur on 11 February. On both days when she addressed voters first in the valley and second in the hills, she thought it wise to use almost the same script minus territorial integrity while addressing voters in the hills. Political analysts could term it as some kind of somersault playing the politics of convenience. The Congress has reasons to worry in the hills in the emerging context. The PM addressed a few meetings on 18 Feb in the hills prior to the 3rd and last leg slated for 23 Feb when Tamenglong, Chura- chandpur and Chandel districts will go to poll..Ironically, the RJD party chaired by the crowd-puller big time politician Lalu Prasad Yadav with the state unit headed by W. Nipamacha Singh, a former Chief Minister, is quite candid in admitting that they, even when returned to power, which likelihood is remote in any case, wound not be able to scrape the Act. Despite the popular demand of the masses cutting across party lines, they have not picked AFSPA as a poll agenda in the run up to the ninth assembly elections. There perhaps, is logic, in this assertion. The point in focus is - while for some fronts the Act emerges as a core campaign plank, for a few, it is not. Well, one man’s meat is another man’s poison.
A sweeping look at the core of the Act would reveal how formidable a task it would be for any Government to totally scrape the Act from the State, notwithstanding the utterances by some heavy-weights... The Act initially was imposed in the hill districts of the State in the early sixties to rein in erstwhile Naga insurgents. The emergence of NSCN in the hills and Meitei insurgents in the valley (around a whooping, 19 of them, as on now) led to the Act being extended to the whole State as early as September, 1980. The ruling SPF Government led by the Congress, just managed to scrape it from the Imphal municipality area in August, 2004, under enormous pressure and outcry from public on the aftermath of the Manorama Chanu episode when the Assam Rifles was condemned as causing the arrest, alleged torture, rape and subsequent assassination of the girl in July, 2004. In addition, the great Malom massacre when the Assam Rifles armed with the provisions of the Act, trooped innocent civilians inside a make-shift bus stand and emptied their guns in retaliation to an underground ambush inflicted on a column of the paramilitary force that occurred seconds before, passed off without any prosecution, triggered the fast-unto death mission undertaken by a petite Manipuri girl Sharmila Chanu, a vow which has already crossed an unimaginable long spell of six years. Though, understandably, the political bosses are inclined to repeal the Act, given the ground realities obtaining in this trouble-torn state, the army are adamant in asserting that the success of keeping at bay the rampant insurgency activities in the interior areas or the state hinge largely on the provisions of the Act, which, inter-alias, provides:
i) Extra-ordinary powers to any officer of the armed forces except for the Jawans;
ii) They can shoot to kill and the officer need only be of the opinion that it is necessary;
iii) They can arrest anyone, enter and search without warrant on suspicion;
iv) No legal proceedings can be brought against any member except with the approval of the Centre. The MPP, one of the oldest regional front launched in the early seventies formed Government in 1974 riding the waves of intra-state issues. It was short-lived however and had the ignominy of a downward slide to hit the rock bottom and had to rest satisfied with two MLAs in a house of sixty members in the last Government. This time around, the party got a jolt and the stalwarts are already fuming with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Political heavyweights that include former Chief Minister RK Dorendra, former Deputy CM and former Union Minister Th. Chaoba, and another all-time big name Dr. L. Chandramani who had held a number of important ministerial portfolios in several Ministries including that of a Deputy Chief Minister have joined. Quite a new prominent personalities have joined hands in this party. On paper the party looks formidable next to the Congress and all varieties of manoeuvrings are expected to form the next Government. On the eve of the first leg of poll on the 8th, the party exudes confidence. Once again they are riding the local plank of AFSPA and territorial integrity to solicit public sympathy. In the valley, and part of the hills, the INC is, at least, theoretically, going strong striking a chord on the many achievements during the full term of five years in governance, a feat, indeed, rarely succeeded by any political force in the recent past? The NCP of Sharad Pawar, is in terms of propaganda not far behind, headed by another one-time strong man Radhabinod Koijam who had once headed the ministry, though short-lived, apart from holding several ministerial positions. The other fronts have to show their might in wresting popular support, a venture not easy to accomplish, by any standard. In the hills, the independents sponsored by the UNC would have an edge over the others, for obvious reasons. Already the fate of 19 MLAs is sealed on the 8th with another 29 to be decided in the poll on the 14th, while that of 12 MLAs to be completed by 23, February. Several institutional safeguards in the form of introducing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) which does away with the use of traditional paper slips, manning of the polling stations exclusively by the Para-military forces largely BSF and CRPF, as against the usual State police and home guards while the task of, area-domination and sensitising the security cordon assigned with the BSF aided by the State force have improved the scenario considerably. In addition providing adequate security coverage to each candidate, banning of using more then three vehicles per candidate, restriction in pulling up fag-pols, limiting the expenses to Rs 5 lakhs etc are laudable towards ensuring a healthy atmosphere for a free and fair voting.
Nevertheless, incidents of malpractices do happen necessitating re-poll in the polling stations in Thoubal and Senapati districts where around 70 to 80% voting took place on the 8th and even a little more in the second leg on the 14th. What is alarming is the reported non-participation in the democratic exercise in parts of Senapati and Ukhrul and suspected UGs disturbing poll-process in parts of Sadar Hills amidst report of brisk polling even braving the element weather and rains in the hills. The updated technology employed by the ECI, the stringent security deployment and strict supervision in this election has been lauded far and wide. In Ukhrul, a predominantly Tangkhul-Naga dominated district, it is felt that perhaps for the first time polling day belonged to the voters. One can surmise what would be the scenario in the past! In Senapati district the district Hqs of the integration movement in Manipur, not a single voter turned out on the day of repolling in three polling stations in Mao constituency reportedly in response to the dictum of the UGs. In the valley, cases or killing of workers or contesting candidates at least in Jiribam and Keishamthong constituencies over and above the usual skirmishes do take place, hinting at rampant exercise or muscle and money power and other such malpractices.
While preparing this note, a kind of a joke by the prolific writer Khushwant Singh, intrigued me repeatedly. He was one day invited by a close friend to a function to decide the profession of his Harvard-educated son. The methodology was plain. On the D-day, Khushwant and the friend would conduct the boy into a room where 4 conspicuous looking items - a bottle of remi-martin, a pack of 1000 -rupee notes, a colts revolver and a religious book were laid. Thereafter, each would quickly retreat and take positions at two corners of the room wherein one hole each is in position. Both have nothing to do except looking through their respective holes to observe which of the four, the young man, fresh from an institution of the reputation of Harvard, would choose.
According to the father, if the colts attract the young man he would, in all probability, be a muscle man, a dada-giri type; if on the other hand, he chooses the whisky, well, he would end up being a drunkard. If, however, by sheer luck, he prefers the wade of money, he would go for business. In the event of his picking the religious book, the boy would be a saintly, religious person! An immensely bemused Khushwant was anxiously waiting for the opportune moment when the boy would be led into the room. Sooner then later, the boy appeared on the scene and the two counsellors lost no time in wishing the boy best of luck and religiously conducted him into the room. Having accomplished the solemn job, both rushed to their respective posts to cover the proceedings. — to be contd
Infeasibility of plebiscite in Manipur By Dr Mohendra Irengbam Contd from previous issue Sangai Express
The injection of a few crores of rupees in consecutive 5 year plans was mere pocket money for the bureaucrats and Ministers. They were never kitted out to the grass roots. There has always been a lot of dexterous stage-setting in Delhi’s federal policy towards Manipur. Meanwhile there has been a warm climate change in the educational status of the young people. Mushrooming colleges, growth of university faculties have mass produced graduates chasing fewer and fewer jobs. Every other youngster has been an unemployed university graduate. The discrepancy in the supply and demand of jobs has breached the fundamental principle of fair game. Corruption has become rampant. Unemployment has thus rocketed sky high. The socio-economic deprivation in general has forced young people to join insurgency for survival. The policy of the Government of mainstream Indians in Delhi is absolutely central to what has been the policy of the British Government in pre-independent Manipur: ‘leave them alone in their wildness; they will know no better.’ The British did not want Manipuris to advance by educating them and providing infrastructure required for Manipur’s economic foundation. In 1967, I along with my girl friend (now wife Margaret) went to see Christopher Gimson, the penultimate Political Agent in Manipur at his sister’s house at Leicester. He knew my father (Irengbam Gulamjat Singh) very well as the electrical engineer who built the first Hydro-electric power house at Leimakhong.
Hoping that he might want to see a better Imphal I showed him a Manipuri picture calendar. When he saw the page of the tarmac road in the area between Johnstone High School and the gate of the 4th Assam Rifles he remarked that in his time the cost of making a mile of that road would have done for the whole Imphal (with earth and chips of stone and water).
The knock-on effect is a dodgy spontaneous plotting of a course in lawlessness where angels fear to tread. Manipur is a war zone like Baghdad, with the application of AFSPA. There are more than 60,000 Indian troops in Manipur; the 59th Mountain Brigade; recently formed 73rd and 44th Mtn Bgds; a number of Special Forces Para Battalions along with Paramilitary forces such as CPME, CRPF, BSF, IRB, ten Battalions of Assam Rifles, ten battalions of Manipuri Rifles and so on. That means 1 soldier for every 16 Manipuris.
Naga demand for a Nagalim or Nagaland in Manipuri, by carving out four districts of Manipur (apart from bits from Assam and Arunachal) is just hot-air. It is like chasing a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. The British created the district of Naga Hills in 1866. Kohima became the administrative centre after the British wrenched it out of Meitei Chandra Kirti Maharaja at what is known as Jila Durbar. By the beginning of the twentieth century the British annexed Naga territories under one administrative control. India inherited it from British India in 1947. The Naga territories were demarcated and Manipur’s boundaries were clearly drawn.
On November 25, 1949 one day before the assembly wound up its proceedings, Ambedkar gave a moving speech. He said “...the provinces were in no way dependent on the union and the centre could not alter the boundary of this partition.”
The June 18, 2001 uprising in Manipur which produced 18 martyrs should serve as an eye opener for Nagas and New Delhi alike that there will always be a Manipur.
The Delhi Government is painfully aware of the pitfalls of the past history of divided India and how the independent principalities became enslaved one by one by the East India Company. The best legacy of the British Raj is a united India. Delhi will do anything and everything in its ability to keep the integrity of India intact either by power politics or military strength.
I have given my logical if not legal arguments as to the improbability of a plebiscite in the composite Manipur, let alone in the valley. However, this is not an attempt to pour cold water on someone’s aspiration for a plebiscite. We are theoretically in a free democratic country and as such we are free to think and think differently. I have not included references for the sake of brevity. Please do contribute to the debate. Concluded
Violence under pol agenda Sangai Express Editorial
The question before the Election Commission of India and the State Election office is whether the Naga dominated districts of Tamenglong and Chandel are ready to go to polls for the third and final phase of the election on February 23. No election held in India has ever been free of violence and the mayhem at Meham in Haryana in the early 90s and the incidents of large booth capturing in Bihar that were exposed on TV by journalist Nalini Singh are enough indications of the general climate in which elections are conducted in the largest democracy in the world. However there is a significant difference between skirmishes and violence that break out between supporters of rival candidates and violence unleased under a premeditated political agenda. It is this latter case of violence that we are witnessing in Tamenglong and Chandel districts today. The peace rally that was first organised at Tamenglong district some days back, demanding that the people be given the liberty to exercise their franchise rights without fear and intimidation and the criticism levelled against the United Naga Council for trying to brow beat the candidates not sponsored by them can be said to be the precursor of things to come at the two said districts. What followed is there for all to see. One Independent candidate from Tamenglong Assembly Constituency was abducted from his house by NSCN (IM) cadres and was literally forced to opt out of the election. This is not all. Women folk who were planning to take out a peace rally demanding their rights to vote freely at Pallel were rounded up and detained by NSCN (IM) cadres. The vehicle in which they were travelling was also reportedly damaged by the armed cadres. The latest report that has come in say that the women folk who took part in the peace rally at Chandel on February 19 have also been rounded up by armed persons. These developments more than make it clear that if election is held under the prevailing conditions, then the very ethos of democracy will stand defeated. Going to the polls with the gun pressed against the head of the voters cannot be termed election, but selection and what is worrying is all these are being taken up under a premeditated political agenda. The difference between the election held in the first phase of the polling and the election to be held in the third phase polling is palpable. Senapati and Ukhrul districts which went to the polls in the first phase had UNC sponsored candidates as well as candidates not sponsored by them, especially Congress candidates. Despite this there was no major hiccup in the first phase polling. What does this signify ? Maybe the first phase poll passed off relatively peacefully because there was least resistance to the diktats and dos and don'ts issued by the UNC. If this was the case, then the purpose of holding the election in the first phase already stands defeated. On the other hand it could mean that UNC and by extension the NSCN (IM) thought it more politically prudent not to rub the people of these two districts the wrong way. Whichever way one looks at it, a political agenda is being sought to be enforced at the said four hill districts and given the reality and the developments in the last few days, the Election Commission of India and the State Election office need to seriously study whether the time is appropriate to hold elections at Tamenglong and Chandel districts as scheduled.
Myanmar, India to launch joint action By R Dutta Choudhury Nagaland Post
GUWAHATI, Feb 20 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and other Northeast-based militant groups may soon face major problems as the Government of Myanmar has agreed to launch joint offensive with the Indian Army against the militants using the territory of the country as safe haven. Highly placed official sources said that the Indian delegation headed by the Union Home Secretary, VK Duggal had detailed discussion on the activities of the militant groups with senior officials of the Government of Myanmar recently and submitted a list of camps of Indian militant outfits in the territory of Myanmar. The list was prepared on the basis of intelligence inputs and confessional statements of the arrested militants.

Sources said that the Indian delegation managed to impress upon the Government of Myanmar about the need for launching joint operations against the militant groups using the territory of the neighbouring country as their safe sanctuaries. The Minister of Home Affairs of the Government of Myanmar, Major General Maung Oo also attended the meeting and agreed to launch a joint offensive against the militant groups. Sources revealed that the date for launching the joint offensive is yet to be finalized and the Minister of Home Affairs of Myanmar would finalize the modalities of the joint offensive in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India. Sources also revealed that as per the tentative plan, the Army personnel of India and Myanmar would launch simultaneous operation on both sides of the international border to trap the militants. India also agreed to extend all possible help to the Government of Myanmar for launching such an operation.

Sources revealed that the operation would be more vigorous than the one launched by the Government of Bhutan to flush out the militants belonging to the ULFA, National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) and the Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO) in December, 2003. However, sources admitted that it would be difficult to completely flush out the militants from the territory of Myanmar because of tough terrain and also because of the fact that the militants are using the vastly unused jungle areas of the neighbouring country, which has very little presence of the administrative machinery of Myanmar. “The basic idea of the proposed joint offensive is to reduce the comfort level of the militant groups as both the Governments are fully aware of the fact that it would be difficult to completely flush out the militants from the jungle areas of Myanmar, but the Army offensive on both sides of the international border would definitely keep the militants on the run,” sources pointed out. Official sources also pointed out that the economy of Myanmar is in bad shape and the country needs the support of India to revive its economy. India is also extending help to Myanmar in several development projects including road construction schemes and construction of a mega power project. To get India’s help in reviving its economy, the Government of Myanmar is keen to maintain good relations with the Government of India and this time, Myanmar was very positive on the Indian delegation’s concerns about the presence of Indian militant groups in the territory of the neighbouring country.

According to information available with the Indian security agencies, the ULFA has about 250 to 300 militants in the camps located in Myanmar and the headquarters of the 28 battalion of the outfit is located in the territory of the neighbouring country. As per the estimates, the Manipur based militant groups including the UNLF and the PLA also have almost same number of militants in Myanmar. However, the Government of India does not have any estimate of the number of militants belonging to the Khaplang faction of the NSCN taking shelter in Myanmar. However, it is a fact that the NSCN(K)”s headquarter is located in Myanmar and the chief of the outfit spends most of his time in that country. Sources also said that the ULFA launches most of its operations in the Upper Assam districts from its bases in Myanmar as the militants manage to sneak into India through either Nagaland or Arunachal Pradesh by taking advantage of the terrain. Though the Assam Rifles has been entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the international border, the force is raising new battalions to seal the border and it would take some time to complete deployment of force all along the border.

Frans on 02.21.07 @ 04:51 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, February 20th

NSCN(IM) leaders meeting masses Assam Tribune


NSCN(IM) leaders meeting masses Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 19 – With fresh parleys between the NSCN-IM and the Centre likely to begin next month, visiting rebel leaders Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu are consulting civil society and church leaders in Nagaland on the contentious issue of creating a “Greater Nagaland”, reports PTI. “Both of them are holding a series of consultations with civil society, political and church leaders and common people on various issues to garner support for our cause for one political territorial entity for Nagas,” senior NSCN-IM leader Kraibo Chawang told PTI over phone from Nagaland.

Union Minister Oscar Fernadez, who heads the group of Central ministers engaged in parleys with the NSCN-IM, said last month that the peace talks could resume only after the Manipur assembly polls end. According to a home ministry source, the talks are likely to begin in the first week of March as results of the Manipur elections will be announced on February 27.

Refusing to comment on steps the group may take if the talks fail, Chawang said, “the NSCN-IM is hoping that the Centre concedes to our demands as early as possible. But right now, it’s not the time to comment on presumptions.” Another NSCN-IM leader Rh Raising said the group wanted to make its stand clear. “There have been assurances and commitments. The Centre has been buying time but we cannot be taken for granted,” he said, adding the ball is in New Delhi’s court.

“Our leaders have not come all the way to Nagaland for nothing. They are here with a certain purpose,” Raising said. Muivah and Swu came to India in December last year. The NSCN-IM wants the creation of a Greater Nagaland by incorporating Naga-inhabited areas of Asom, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur with Nagaland. The other states have strongly opposed this.

On media reports that the NSCN-IM has been asking Manipuris to “vote out the Congress government” in that state, Raising said it has informed the electorate and now it was for them to act. “We have not issued any diktat. The government is acting as a hurdle to our demand for integration and the people must not support this,” he said. The NSCN-IM has held over 50 rounds of talks with the Centre since it agreed to a ceasefire in 1997.

Raising said the group has no pre-conditions on the venue for the upcoming talks. “It can be held anywhere - New Delhi, Naga areas or abroad. The only thing is that talks must go on.”
NSCN-K puts Cong in a spot - ‘Imkong paid us Rs 5 lakh’ H. CHISHI The Telegraph Kohima, Feb. 19: Nagaland’s worst-kept secret tumbled out today when the NSCN (Khaplang) claimed to have received a “donation” from the Congress, thanked it for being generous and conjectured that the party was courting it with an eye on the elections next year. The Khaplang group’s “ministry of finance” issued a statement conveying its gratitude to the Congress for the Rs 5 lakh received through the leader of the Opposition, I. Imkong Ao. It did not mention any date. Kughalu Mulatonu, the outfit’s chaplee kilonser (finance minister), then made an even more sensational statement. He said the donation might have been made in anticipation of “help” in winning the Assembly elections, slated for early next year.
“The money could be to play the buy-and-win game for the coming elections,” Mulatonu said. He claimed that Imkong was trying to court the Khaplang faction to “consolidate” his position. “The chaplee ministry is grateful to I. Imkong Ao for assisting the Ao region (unit of the outfit) with Rs 5 lakh,” the militant leader added. The leader of the Opposition could not be reached for his comment on the NSCN (K)’s claim. For the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, it is most certainly payback time. Accused by the Congress of being partial towards the NSCN (Isak-Muivah), chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his colleagues can be expected to use the NSCN (K)’s statement as political ammunition against the party.
The NSCN (K) had written to legislators from Mokokchung district last year, seeking Rs 1 lakh each. One of the legislators later leaked a copy of the letter to the media. The letter explained that the money collected from the legislators would be used to “reorganise our Ao region”, disbanded after the 2003 public uprising against the outfit. Several leaders from the Ao region defected to the NSCN (I-M) in the wake of the uprising in Mokokchung. Since then, the Khaplang group’s relationship with the Ao community has been tenuous at best.
More recently, the NSCN (K) accused industries and commerce minister Khekiho Zhimomi of pocketing a huge amount of money meant for its coffers. It said the minister embezzled money from the Transport Subsidy and Industry Development Fund. Zhimomi refuted the allegation.
Dr Lotha asks State Congress to clean their eyes first North East Press Service

Kohima, Feb 19 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr TM Lotha has ridiculed the NPCC’s demand to remove him from office for violation of the Election Model Code of Conduct and further asked them to “clean their eyes first before attempting to clear others.” It may be mentioned that the NPCC has in an Open Letter to the Election Commission India demanded for removal of Dr TM Lotha, Minister for Health and family Welfare, from his office for violation of Election Model Code of Conduct. The Congress party charged that the Minister, while attending as a chief guest in one of the Medical department functions at Dimapur on February 16 had violated Election Model Code of Conduct by promising to “create post in a short time.”

In a rejoinder issued here on Monday, the Minister who is also senior BJP leader had rather asked the Congress leaders in Nagaland to see how their Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had promised slew of schemes while campaigning for Congress candidates in Manipur’s Tamenglong district on February 18.
He further asked the Congress leaders in the State to “clean their eyes first before attempting to clean others.” “Otherwise such childish, hasty and blind misinformation will only do more harm to their position,” he warned.

Dr Lotha further surprised how the Congress had misconstrued as violation of the Election Model Code of Conduct about his attending of the normal annual affairs of the Nagaland Branch of the Indian Dental Association and his sharing of the Government’s contemplating to at least give a dentist each to all the district hospitals and also CHCs in the State during such meeting.

“It is a routine affair of the Association and has no connection whatsoever either with the ensuing by-elections in the State,” he said. “In fact, I have never mentioned about the BJP, to which I belong, throughout my speech either nor did I ask to vote for the BJP or for that matter the ruling DAN coalition Government as it had no connection with the by-polls.”

Terming as “uncalled for” the Congress allegation, Dr Lotha said the entire action of the Congress appeared that they would unlikely change their “old tricks of criticizing other parties.” He further cautioned the electorates to be ever guarded as the “Congress will continue to use the same old tricks to criticize the BJP, NPF and the DAN Government as they have no any other agenda for the people as usual.” Such actions of the Congress party also clearly showed that they were “panicky” and fear psychosis had already crept into the “rank and file of the party (Congress) as they had already been rejected by the people and they are going to be rejected in this coming by-elections too,” the Minister stated.
Dr. Lotha refutes Cong allegation The Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 19 (NPN): Minister for Health & Family Welfare Dr. TM Lotha today expressed shock at the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee's (NPCC) demand for his removal from office for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct and asked the Congressmen to 'clean their eyes first before attempting to clear others."
The state Congress had demanded the Election Commission India to remove Dr TM Lotha from his office, accusing the minister of violating the code of conduct by assuring creation of more posts in the medical department and upgradation of dental branch, during an annual meeting of the Indian Dental Association, Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB), held recently at Dimapur.
Reacting to NPCC charges, the minister and senior BJP leader in a press release said the function he attended was a routine affair of the Association and had no connection whatsoever with the ensuing by-elections in the state. "In fact, I have never mentioned about the BJP, to which I belong, throughout my speech either nor did I ask to vote for the BJP or for that matter the ruling DAN coalition Government as it had no connection with the by-polls," the minister added.
Hitting back at the Congress, Dr. Lotha said "It will be wise for them to see what their Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh promised a slew of schemes during his election campaign at Tamenglong in Manipur on February 18, 2007." Terming as "uncalled for" the Congress statement, Dr. Lotha said the entire action of the Congress appeared that they were unlikely to change their "old tricks of criticizing other parties." He further cautioned the electorate that the "Congress will continue to use the same old tricks to criticize the BJP, NPF and the DAN Government as they have no any other agenda for the people as usual."
Meanwhile, ridiculing the Congress demand, the State BJP president Ato Yepthomi said the Congress was once again resorting to giving "very immature statements to gain cheap political advantage." Ato said Dr. Lotha had attended the IDANSB function in the capacity of H&FW minister and as chief guest and not as a BJP leader. Maintaining that during the entire programme, the minister had at no point of time talked about party politics or the coming by-elections, Ato also said the venue of the meeting was under Dimapur-III and not Dimapur-I jurisdiction where by-polls was slated. He further said the IDANSB state branch should clarify whether the function was "public or solely departmental."
IDANSB clarifies
The Indian Dental Association, Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB) has clarified that its function held on February 16 at Highway 39, Dimapur, and inaugurated by H&FW minister Dr. TM Lotha, was a "purely professional scientific session" organized by the Association to update the members with the latest scientific development of the profession. IDANSB president Dr. Imna Longchar and Hon. Secretary Dr. Alex Kithan in a press release said "Dr. TM Lotha replied to the query of presidential address in connection to our representation submitted to the Government of Nagaland dated 26th Oct 2006, which was an ongoing departmental process, but never an election assurance or commitment as reported."The association also clarified that the function was "purely professional and does not have any political affiliation in any form."
Tension runs high along border Corespondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, Feb 19 (NPN): Tension was running high at Anaki village along Assam-Nagaland border since Sunday after a team of Assam Police personnel burnt down a few houses in the village and detained six villagers. The police personnel intruded the village in the morning hours when the villagers were attending church services and took the six villagers in their custody before retreating. However, they returned again at around 4 pm and threatened the villagers with dire consequences before setting fire to the houses.
Sources said the Assam Police team was not accompanied by any border magistrates. The fate of the six villagers detained by the personnel was not known till filling of this report. Nagaland claims that the village falls well within its territory in Mokokchung district. Meanwhile, sources said DC, Mokokchung, had sent a strong protest note to his Sibsagar district counterpart and invited him along with SP, Sibsagar, to Mokokchung for a discussion on the incident on Tuesday.
State Commissioner in-charge of border T N Mannen, who is also the Additional Chief Secretary, has described the incident as "illegal intrusion" and a "unilateral act of aggressive provocation which is intolerable". Mannen warned that the incident could have far-reaching and dangerous repercussion. "This is not the first such incident. In recent times they (Assam) have become aggressive to claim some of the established villages of Nagaland as their land," the Commissioner alleged. He also said the incidents of incursion were motivated and pre-planned to prove allegations before the Local Commission on Border that Nagas were encroaching upon the land of Assam "rampantly".
Mannen alleged Assam had been indulging in such "provocative actions" for quite sometime now and cited the incidents of intrusion at Rengmapani in Wokha district where the Assam government had constructed a water pump project well inside the border of Nagaland and the arrest of eight persons from Yajang village on February 13. The Commissioner regretted that despite strong protests from Nagaland the Assam government continued with such activities. He warned that Nagaland government would not allow such illegal incursions by armed Assam Police personnel in future.
Political parties expecting tough contest ‘Victory’ shouts Congress as BJP set ‘Peace, Development, Weaker Section of the Society’ as their slogan The Morung Express
Congress candidate Aheto V. Yepthomi seeking God’s blessing through the prayer of Rev. Inaho G. Swu, Pastor, Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church on February 19. (MExPiX)
Dimapur, Feb 19 (MExN): Putting forth ‘Victory’ as its slogan, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) is preparing itself for the battle against the state missionaries and ruling DAN Government in the forthcoming March 8 Bye-Election. NPCC, though expecting a tough fight, is optimistic of winning the prestigious Dimapur-I constituency. “The struggle is not going to be easy as it appears” said former Chief Minister of Nagaland KL Chishi and “the forthcoming bye-election is very significant as the fate of the next general election will be decided by this election” he further added. While reminding the party members and workers that there are several factors which will lead their party to victory, Chishi also called upon the party workers to gear up their weapons and to work towards the victory of the party, which other wise will demoralize the party, he added.
Chishi, also, while reminding the party workers that they have to fight against the ‘money power and muscle power’ of other parties urged upon Aheto V Yepthomi, NPCC candidate for Dimapur-I A/C to gear up his resources, man power and determination to fight the battle. He also called upon the party members and workers to cast away all doubts and suspicion because, Chishi added, “we have to fight the battle jointly.”
CLP Leader I Imkong said that it is the time to fight the battle against the forces of the government and that they are not discouraged. He said, ‘victory will be ours despite all the opposition and competition.’
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which took the Congress by surprise to form a coalition government with the NPF in the present DAN coalition, has stepped its activities with confidence to take a shot at winning both the Dimapur-I and 54 Tuensang-II Assembly Constituencies. BJP’s candidate Kevishe Angami, who is also an ardent social worker while expressing his confidence of winning the bye-elections, said that he was not contesting for ‘the rich people but the poor and weaker section of the society.’ His priorities, said Kevishe are, ‘weaker section of the people and their rights.’ He also said that he was contesting because ‘he wants peace to prevail in Dimapur and also see development in city.’
Nagaland BJP Youth President James Vizo also expressed his confidence in Kevishe who has been recommended by the central BJP and has the blessing of Late Hokishe Sema. He said that Kevishe being a resident of Dimapur-I is an added advantage because he understood the problems and will concentrate in the given constituency. James also expressed his belief that Kevishe, once he wins, will work for the welfare of the people and the party. James Vizo further said that Kevishe will follow the foot step of their late leader Hokishe Sema and work for the peace of the state.
The BJP has also appealed the Election Commissioner to look into the matter to conduct a free and fair election, said James Vizo. Further, the BJP has intimated the Election Commissioner to provide maximum paramilitary forces for the March 8 bye-election, said Nagaland State BJP Youth President James Vizo.
Police, BSF ransacks UNC office in Chandel Newmai News Network
Imphal A Maruti gypsy belonging to the Independent candidate from Tengnoupal Marung Mokunga has been completely damaged and the election office of the candidate set up at Kangshang in Chandel has been ransacked by the Manipur police commandos and the BSF personnels, according to the United Naga Council.
UNC chief KS Paul Leo while informing this development to Newmai News Network tonight, rued that the motive of the security forces has been to hamper the movement launched by the UNC.
KS Paul Leo stated that at around 3/4 pm today the personnels of the Manipur police commandos and the BSF were loitering around the Pallel and the adjoining areas and then went to Kangshang which is some 2 km away from Pallel and ransacked the office of Marung Mokunga who is the UNC’s consensus candidate.The UNC leader also alleged that files and election posters have been torn and the vehicle of the candidate has been completely damaged. According to the UNC president, the Maruti gypsy with registration number bearing AR-O-1/4662 of which the permit issued on February 10, 2007 bearing number 001.
The UNC president further lamented that the UNC team is now campaigning in the Chandel district and now it has been noticed that the state agencies are all out to intimidate and threaten the innocent villagers to go against the UNC. The Naga body urged the Returning Officer/Deputy Commissioner of Chandel to take up the matter in the earliest time possible with regard to the incident and award appropriate action against the Manipur police commandos and the BSF personnels involved in carrying out unlawful activities.
Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland expresses gratitude The Morung Express In Focus
Sir – The Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland (THN) express its heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Govt. of Nagaland and its machineries, the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), the District Administration and the Police, Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Naga Women Hoho, all Zonal Hohos, NGOs, Naga Council Dimapur, the Dimapur Munipal Council (DMC), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) and its constituent Units, Dimapur District GBs Union, all School Authorities of Dimapur, the Security personnel of the State and the Central govt., Churches, Village Councils, Civil societies, well-wishers and the general public of Dimapur in extending all possible means and resources, prayer and moral support to the southern Naga students in the just concluded HSLC Examination-2007.
The Hoho further expresses that the bond of oneness and solidarity of the Nagas got itself distinguished, which shall undoubtedly remain ever qualified in the annals of Naga history.Joseph Shingnaisui President, THN
I-K’s misadventure for unity- Nagaland Post opinion
The I-K group once again failed in their mission to rope the NSCN leadership In fact, the use of Mr. Tongmeth, former Home Kilonser of NSCN, but who defected to I-K group, as messenger proud to be one of the main factors for failure of their mission because many of the K.U. leaders do not want to see the letter written by Mr. Tongmeth. The moment Tong-meth's letter reached K.U. office, there was dissent whisper and murmurs among the K.U. leaders who felt that he (Tongmeth) cheated and humiliated the Konyak People by defecting to I-K group.
Some of them even said that Mr. Tongmeth, who once said that he did not want to beat the soundless drum and play with stringless guitar of S.S. Khaplang and N. Khovi Zhimomi failed to play with sounding drum and stringful guitar of Isak Swu and Th. Muivah, is once again trying to beat the soundless drum which is not only funny, but also shameful.
Moreover, the assassination of many leaders both NSCN and NNC unarmed Kilonsers and particularly, the assassination of Late. Ngampam Kilonser through their pro-Islamic Holy War of 18/05/05, V.S Atem - Lt. Gen. Nanavatty Military pact of 1998 aimed at wiping out the NSCN, rejection of NSCN cease-fire offer between 1993-2004, their stage managed Grace Collin report, Isak's declaration that unification is not a must for solution, Rio's announcement of Solution within a year including his direct sponsoring of I-K group proved to be the main factors for the NSCN's rejection of their (I-K group) offer for reconciliation. The pro-Islamic plan of massacring the Naga leaders under the cloud of reconciliation is also a matter of serious concern.
The NSCN wants to know in what chapter of Naga Yehzabo empowered the I-K group to declare Holy war to murder the Naga leaders. What more else of enmity could there be to the Nagas than V.S. Atem-Gen- Nanavaty Military pact against Naga Nationalist? What kind of Peace and reconciliation is required now after the rejection of the same for the last eleven years? When Isak and Th. Muivah on 2000-2003 declared that Unification is not a must for solution, why is it necessary now? Rio's declaration of Solution within a year on 2004-2005 should not go in vain.
When I-K's talk and peace process is in the right direction for Rio and Naga NGOs, why should they (I-K) be pulled down to the wrong direction now? Mr. Keviletuo's 80% achievement must be placed before the Nagas and the NSCN will search until he (Keviletuo's) place it for deliberation and examination. Therefore, the NSCN only wants that, I-K group must have their solution and end up their terrorism in Nagaland to let the NSCN carry out the Sovereignty movement until it is achieved. However, before their exit, the I-K group should bring back the lives of the greatest Naga leaders murdered by them. Almost more than ten unarmed Naga Kilonsers of NSCN and NNC have been murdered by the I-K group. Unless the lives of those murdered Kilonsers and Generals are given back to the Nagas, there can be no excuse.
Y. Wangtin Naga, Dy. Kilonser - Home, GPRN/NSCN (K).
Counter Rejoinder- Nagaland Post Opinion
I am to react to a rejoinder issued by R. Paphino, Press Secretary, NPF which appeared in local dailies on 7.2.07 & 8.2.07 respectively to my statement published recently. I did say that 'there had been more bloodshed during the last four years than the past under Jamir's Congress Ministry' which was carried in both Nagaland Page and Nagaland Post. Yet I did not specify the 10 years rule of Congress and quoting it as such is a misnomer. NPF need not necessarily panic nor should the party be surprised to get such criticism from concerned citizens since the situation that developed under the present Govt. definitely warrants it. The comparative casualty figures given as 'official' is misleading because R. Paphino represents his party and not Govt., and only when those figures are vouched by Govt., it becomes official.
Although we belong to different political parties I never have ill-feeling against my young friend R. Paphino. I am not going to lose anything if he prospers in politics, wealth or otherwise nor will I gain anything should he face any misfortune. The language my young friend uses such as 'a desperate politician who does not have a political standing….', '…gratify their leaders…','…to restore his battered position in the Congress party', etc lack maturity and just with the sheer intent of tarnishing my humble image. At best Paphino would have been satisfied with the figures he enumerated to justify his point and not being too much subjective and personal. Such barbs are irrelevant too in the context of Naga society being in total chaos today. Rather, the concern of the leaders is how do we collectively normalize the situation at this juncture, is important but not how bad or good is the position of any individual politician. Yet, I am hardly bothered because sooner or later time will prove him either right or wrong and I am ready to face whatever comes my way. Moreover, one thing I am definite, is my young friend Paphino will not possibly decide my fate but the Almighty God. Also, those undermining languages do not disqualify me from voicing my humble concerns in the greater interest of the people of Nagaland nor am I being intimidated by such deprecated glib.
However, this is exactly the culture of NPF in handling the situations always mostly on emotional hysteria. As NPF is allergic to even constructive criticisms it should be equally sensitive to the welfare of the people, and the deeds are supposed to commensurate the degree of defensive statements. Whatever said and done, as we all claim to stand for the public welfare, once again, I continue to draw the attention of the Govt to the following concerns which we can rightly call the few 'factual state of conditions' which are directly or indirectly affecting the general public in Nagaland today are:
a) Total lawlessness under which the factions are rampantly clashing with each other in civil populated areas without any restriction from State Govt. When such confrontations are on, the concerned field officers are kept at receiving end because of the lack of directives from the Govt. Under the circumstances, so many of our capable officers are forced to face the wrath of the public and even lose the confidence of the public since they are incapacitated due to sheer lack of direction. In the midst of confusions everywhere the security of the citizens is left to private individuals resulting to further deterioration of the situation.
b) The price hike of essential commodities since 2004 remains unchecked. To provide essential commodities at reasonable cost should have been on any sensible Govt's priority even at the cost of other populism programs. Yet, the Govt. allows the prices of the basic facilities which are indispensable for the rich and poor alike to skyrocket in Nagaland. The poorer section of our people are the worst victim. The glaring example is that the cost of living in Imphal is cheaper than in Kohima Town.
c) More division has come in the underground set up during this period and the existing divisions have become sharper by this time eventually affecting the age old tribal unity of the Nagas. The trend is going to have far fetching impact on Naga unity.
d) The truth, when exposed, is irritating, yet the result of the policy of equi-closeness is found to be detrimental to the interest of the Nagas be it economy, political or social. Z. Lohe, Ex-Speaker.
Hundreds rally for free and fair polls at Cdl By Our Staff Reporter The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 19: Protesting what they termed as ‘double standard’ in the mode of selection of its ‘consensus candidates’ by the United Naga Council (UNC), hundreds of womenfolk staged a peace rally at Chandel district headquarters today.
The womenfolk were demanding free and fair conduct of the polls during the third phase election to the two Assembly segments of the district on February 23.
Chandel district will go to the polls along with Tamenglong and Chura-chandpur districts and Jiribam sub-divisions during the third and final phase of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly election on February 23.
Leaders of Anal Sinnu Ruwi (Anal Women’s Association), who organised the rally said UNC had on January 19 declared L Benjamin as its consensus independent candidate and subsequently people started campaigning for him. But the UNC had on January 29 rejected Benjamin’s candidature and recommended Francis Huten as its chosen candidate, thereby creating confusion among the people, they said.
‘Now the people are strongly against the double standard stand of the UNC and the protest rally is being taken out to ring out this message to UNC’, they explained, while informing that some people at the instigation of UNC have been issuing threats to the people.
They also appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and allow every voters in the two ACs of Chandel disttrict to exercise their democratic rights in accordance to their choice.
“ Now we want a free and fair conduct of the polls without any threat or intimidation from any quarters and that the people should decide themselves to choo-se their best candidate’’, said RD Samery, president of the Association.
While KL Khunghlung Anal, 68, a supporter of Benjamin, reacted that other candidates should respect their rivals and that they should not use any kind of muscle powers against the voters, TS Shangmani, 54 expressed her feelings to allow all electorates to enjoy their democratic rights without any restrictions from any organizations. Placards reading “ Stop suppressing our right to vote”, “ Where is our liberty of choice”, “ Give us chance to select our leader”, “ My vote, my rights”, “Stop imposing against our rights”, etc were held by the rallyists during the peace rally which began from Chandel Christian village and marched towards the district head- quarters road to submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner/ Returning Officer in this connection. The memorandum demand-ed free and fair conduct of the polls and take all out po-ssible measures to safegua- rd the people while exercising their democratic rights.
3rd phase polling Violence rocks Cdl, CCpur UNC accuses Security Forces Sangai Express
A Maruti Gypsy belonging to Independent candidate from Tengnoupal AC, Marung Mokunga has been completely damaged and the election office of the candidate set up at Kangshang in Chandel was ransacked by Manipur police commandos and the BSF personnel, according to the United Naga Council, reports NNN.
UNC chief KS Paul Leo while informing this development to Newmai News Network tonight, rued that the motive of the security forces was to hamper the movement launched by the UNC. Leo stated that at around 3/4 pm today personnel of Manipur police commandos and the BSF were loitering around Pallel and the adjoining areas and then went to Kangshang which is some 2 km away from Pallel and ransacked the office of Marung Mokunga who is the UNC’s consensus candidate. The UNC leader also alleged that files and election posters weretorn to shreds and the vehicle of the candidate has been completely damaged.
According to the UNC president, the Maruti gypsy with registration number bearing AR-O-1/4662 of which the permit issued on February 10, 2007 bearing number 001.
The UNC president further lamented that the UNC team is now campaigning in the Chandel district and now it has been noticed that the state agencies are all out to intimidate and threaten the innocent villagers to go against the UNC. The Naga body urged the Returning Officer/Deputy Commissioner of Chandel to take up the matter at the earliest time possible with regard to the incident and award appropriate action against the Manipur police commandos and the BSF personnel involved in carrying out unlawful activities.
PM calls for dev of NE Region The Morung Express
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,left, sports a traditional Assamese hat,that was presented to him as Assam state Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi holds an Assamese Sarai at the launch of ‘Backward Regions Grant Fund’ at Mandia, 90 Kilometers west of Guwahati, Monday, February 19. (AP Photo)
GUWAHATI, FEB 19 (NET): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is committed to remove the regional imbalances persisting in the country and upgrade the poor infrastructure of the neglected regions.
Calling for the removal of the regional imbalances in the neglected region while launching the Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) today, Dr Singh said, “While India has progressed rapidly on many fronts, a large segment of our population is still relatively untouched by its benefits. This is particularly true of those living in some regions which have not been able to keep pace with other advanced regions.”
Emphasising on the commitment of his government’s effort to focus common people’s welfare, he added, “The backwardness of these regions is a result of many factors but this is so mainly because of their poor infrastructure such as roads, communications, irrigation, schools and healthcare facilities.”
Terming the launch of the BRGF as a major initiative of the Central Government, which is envisaged to bridge the regional disparities, he elaborated the two unique features of the fund.
Firstly, it will be implemented totally through Panchayati Raj institutions, and secondly, it will be implemented through district plans, which are prepared at the grassroots, he said.
Speaking on the Gram Swaraj, Dr. Singh said that the country seeks to realize the vision of Mahatma Gandhi for self-reliance through Gram Swaraj and that the government is putting tireless efforts to restore Panchayati Raj to the centre of the planning process.
He also informed that there is a parallel investment in building local community capacities by promoting the training of “barefoot engineers”, “community- level agricultural extension workers” and local l specialists who can be of direct utility in each Panchayat.
He went on to say that backward regions of the country can only develop when their genuine needs are assessed by the people residing in those areas, prioritised and plans prepared by them together with the assistance of professional experts.
Expressing confidence that if the granted funds are utilised efficiently, the Prime Minister said, “The people residing in this regions will be able to participate in and benefit from the rapid growth processes going on in the rest of the country.”
The BGRF, which has been allotted Rs. 3, 750 crores, will cater to 250 Districts apart from the additional Rs. 15 crores for every Districts of the region.
Speaking about social and infrastructural development of the Assam, the state from which Dr. Singh is elected to Rajya Sabha, he said, “Assam is my state in many respects. As your representative in Parliament, it has been my endeavour to pay special attention to your problems. Over the last three years, we have been making all efforts to improve the economic conditions of the people of Assam.”
“For the first time in many years, a massive thermal power project is underway in Bongaigaon. A huge expansion of coal mines is going on in Ledo in Tinsukia. Special road programmes have been sanctioned for Assam and the North East,” added the Prime Minister.
Singh also applauded Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, by saying that the latter is providing excellent leadership with a large number of forward looking policies and programmes which will take this state to the top of the national development league. Prime Minister also informed that the Central Government is providing support and a large amount of funds for education, healthcare, rural roads, irrigation, rural electrification and drinking water. I believe that the state is on the right path. “With the BRGF we have fulfilled the prime responsibility of local development of those who are vitally affected by underdevelopment of the region,” said Dr. Singh. Stating BRGF as a pilot project in the direction of the development of the underdeveloped regions, he said, “I have no doubt in my mind that the Backward Regions Grant Fund will be a tremendous learning experience for all deeply committed to bringing prosperity to every Indian. “In Assam, the districts which come under the BRGF are Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Goalpara, Hailakhandi, Marigaon, Dhemaji, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, North Cachar Hills and North Lakhimpur.
Prime Minister launches mega development project in Assam By IANS
Barpeta (Assam), Feb 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday launched a Rs.50 billion ($1 billion) project - the Mahatma Gandhi Backward Regions Development Fund (MGBRDF) - aimed at removing regional imbalances and making the rural poor self-reliant.
'The scheme will cover 11 districts in Assam and is meant to make the people self-reliant,' the prime minister told a public rally in western Assam's Barpeta district.
The scheme is aimed at improving infrastructure and speeding up other development works in backward areas currently not covered by existing budgetary allocations.
The funds allotted under the scheme will go to the state consolidated fund, with every district getting at least Rs.100 million. Across India, the new development fund will cover 250 districts - a little less than half the total number of 604 districts in the country. The scheme will include all districts where the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme is being implemented, besides facilitating participatory planning, decision-making and implementation and monitoring.
Poll violence unabated in Manipur Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, FEB 19: Threats and assault to political party workers and supporters by gunmen continue even as the election fever for the final and third-phase polls in the Manipur legislative Assembly heightened. Alongside the threats, public also staged rallies calling for a free and fair election and following two rallies in Tamenglong district, another rally was carried out Monday in Chandel. And amid confusion over the fate of the kidnapped independent candidate Khangthuanang Panmei from Tamenglong, armed persons attempted to kidnap BJP candidate Ngamkholun in Saikot constituency of Churachandpur district. However, the Ngamkholun managed to escape and has reportedly gone into hiding, an official source said.
As many as eleven workers of the candidate were severely wounded as the miscreants assaulted and ransacked the house of Ngamkholun at Gangpizang on the night of February 17, sources said. The incident occurred when the state BJP vice-president Shantikumar along with some leaders of the party from New Delhi were staying at the house of the candidate for the election campaign.
"Miscreants armed with AK rifles in two gypsy vehicles intruded into the house of the candidate where we were staying and stated assaulting the workers and supporters at the candidate. They asked and search for the candidate who had left home as the fracas began," Shantikumar said.
Meanwhile, an army spokesperson said the 57 Mountain Division used its office in securing the release of Khangthuanang, an independent candidate from Tamenglong who was kidnapped by the NSCN (I-M) on February 17. The PRO, defense wing, said the candidate was released unharmed Sunday night at 7 p.m last and handed over to an NGO based at Tamenglong. But contrary to army claims, official reports from Tamenglong said the candidate did not arrive home till Monday. Meanwhile, in Chandel district headquarters, people in hundreds Monday took to the streets registering their voice against interference on the right to exercise franchise freely and fearlessly.
Manipur - would you be in safe hands By S Kunjabihari Singh Article Sangai Express
2007 has noticed, more then ever before, conglomeration of a large chunk of political forces - some stalwarts and quite a few political heavy weights with some minors and refuses from this party or that; in their desperate bid for a foothold in the run up to the 9th general elections. In their last minute attempt to get through some of the major national and even regional parties, they had accomplished every conceivable somersault, connived various methodologies in their sleeves, all the time reminding the masses that politics is the last refuge of the scoundrel and therefore had nothing to shy upon in catching hold of whatever means for survival, however lowly it may be.
Though a few, quite a few, indeed succeeded in securing access into, understandably, the much sought-after front, the ruling national party-the INC, many who were shown the door, unceremoniously, in the last moment, had to scour desperately for a tooth-hold in some party or, more appropriately, a sub-party as one can brand them. One such regional party, the MPP, had finally benefited by providing the much-awaited refuge to this tertiary group into its fold. The major players in the fray are, INC, BJP, MSCP, NCP, RJD, BSP, NNP, MPP, CPI, CPI (M) plus a number of Independents.
Politicians are endowed with the best of tongue with enormous lung power and the stalwarts of the party lost no time in welcoming these panic-stricken, so-called, social workers into its fold with such sugar-coated welcome notes like - a home coming in the long run and ultimate rendezvous after a while in wilderness, or reaching solace in the political yatra and the like. They are masters in attributing any added qualifications to whomsoever they choose, mostly guided by their convenience and suitability, rather then reason and principle.
Popular support for one particular party or person is complicated in nature, content and disposition. A voter may be easily swayed from one party to another, more so in the rural areas where the people are not well informed, educated or worst still, take little interest in the profile of the candidates, let alone, the issues rolled up by the parties. These categories are, more often then not, indifferent to the political campaigns and easily yield to well-orchestrated political gimmicks or constant pleads from close associates or through the oft-used, avenues of bribery. Such phenomena exist in rural, why only rural - are rampant in suburban areas as well.
In the urban set up, at least in the more educated and informed town areas, pressures serve a secondary approach, and voters are more or less immune to pulls; which situation is true even among the few four or five members that constitute a family. They go by their conscience governed by their experience in the past, the expected commitment and inherent capability of the candidates and the ideology of the political party concerned.
In the hill areas, however, the situation is peculiarly different. Group or community concerns sponsored by a few influential leaders or village chiefs often decide the candidate or the party to choose from. They are more organised, and have a strong community sense of belongingness to a common cause and more often then not, the collective decision is often the last word.
Perhaps the institution of Church services instils this rare quality of reconciling to a common undisputed wisdom of submission to a particular dictum. And there they go en-mass, in full steam in majority of the cases. This situation is what is obtaining today in at least four out of five hill districts namely Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong where the United Naga Council in connivance with the NSCN (IM), blew hot and cold with a dictum to cast votes to 11 UNC- backed independent candidates, openly sponsored in meetings held in Senapati district.
According to the Naga Hoho, the apex organisation of the Nagas, victory of these independent candidates will reinforce building up of a pressure group as part of the Opposition in the next Assembly in Manipur.
Paul Leo, president of Naga Hoho, exuding full confidence in the election of these sponsored candidates asserts that they would not join the Government. Their concern was to put up candidates who on being elected, would work for the common cause of greater Nagalim, by integrating all-Naga inhabited areas in the north east encompassing parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and more specifically Manipur.
In their patriotism for the cause of an independent Nagalim, they were scornful of other candidates under the banner of other parties, and thought it wise to intimidate such candidates not officially put up by the UNC to withdraw. To ensure return of these consensus candidates in the Naga-stronghold districts, the United Naga Democratic Front has hands in glove with the all-powerful UNC. Their command was clear and loud to the extent of causing concerns among informed persons if the approach adopted by the UNC does not attract election code of conduct for a free and fair poll. And mind you, the hills constitute 900 polling stations out of a total of 2053 stations. As it is, this is no ordinary election in the State. Even the Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio weighs full stakes on UNC and reportedly observed - this is good for the Naga people. I hope they will win and take a collective decision, which is good for us too.
The premises on which the fronts solicit votes understandably are the ones that attempt to woo popular support and sympathy of the masses. They prefer, however inconvenient, to ride the waves generated by current issues. Catchy slogans spurted out by majority of the candidates often centre on mud-slinging via personal references often tantamount to finding faults with others rather then what he or she would individually and collectively endeavour to achieve on being elected.
Almost all the political parties play the non-development cards close to their chest, rather then the development issues that confront the society. This strategy is apparent on the face of the fact that non-development issues can be made as ambiguous as possible depending on the suitability or otherwise of the person or the party and thus can be safely played whereas for development matters, one has to be location and time-specific and such other considerations and would therefore cause a backlash in the likely event of a miscarriage.
Issues like generation of employment or for that matter eradicating poverty, or industrialisation, quality education, or improving availability of power etc take the back-stage. In the State, presently hot topics like safeguarding the territorial integrity, repeal of the dreaded Army Act (AFSPA), prohibition etc are given much weightage in the valley whereas in the hills the single most popular issue of all-time importance is integrating all Naga-inhabited areas into a unified Nagalim. Poll are no longer immune to HIV/AIDS and it has finally shared space in poll manifestos along with the more discussed topics like insurgency, territorial integrity, AFSPA etc.
The MPP a strong contender for forming the Government, despite the fact that it had to lick wounds with two lone representatives in the last Assembly, kick-started its campaign largely riding the anti-AFSPA wave in valley already surcharged with emotional outbursts on the fall-out of Sharmila Chanu's six-year old fast unto death demanding repeal of the so-known draconian Army Act. Once returned to power, the MPP declared-the AFSPA would be repealed from the State. — to be contd

Kukis in Manipur ‘appreciate’ Army operations Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 19 – The Kukis have started to “appreciate” the activities of the Indian Army in connection with driving out the underground activists from their villages.

An open letter has also been sent to Dr Shivinder Singh Sidhu, Manipur Governor in this regard. “The Kuki people appreciate the help of Indian army in clearing the underground personnel from the Kuki villages in Manipur and Chandel district in particular. This office received applications from the Kuki Chiefs Association and understands the seriousness of their sufferings”, says the letter which was signed by Dr T Lunkim, chairman of Kuki Movement for Human Rights.

Claiming that the villagers are kept in grouping centres, as good as concentration camps, it said all their food provisions have been looted. What has been brought about by the army operation is that all the villagers, thousands in number, have been prevented from their jhum cultivation for one full year. Eco-Crafts Bazar: The Eco-Crafts Bazar - 2007, a ten-day-long exhibition showcasing products of talented local artisans and craftspersons began on Thursday at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung in Imphal. Creations Society for Handicrafts and Goodwill, under the sponsorship of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is organising the exhibition-cum-sale of the State products.

Abducted Tml candidate `retires` from elections after release Newmai News Network

Imphal, Feb 19: The abducted independent candidate from Tamenglong Assembly constituency Khangthuanang Panmei has "politically retired" from his candidature and has apologised to the NSCN(IM) for his "unlawful activities". Disclosing this information in a communique issued to Newmai News Network by the `home ministry secretariat` of the NSCN(IM) has said that Khangthuanang Panmei has tendered his apology before the kilo-kilonser (home minister) of the outfit that the candidate himself be held responsible "directly for the unlawful activities" of his workers by vandalising the official vehicle of the president of the Zeliangrong Union of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (ZU-AMN) on February 8 at Tamenglong Hqs.

Khangthuanang Panmei also admitted to have attacked the election office of one candidate at Tamenglong, according to the NSCN(IM), adding, the candidate in question is in the fray from Tamei A/C. The communique further said that Khangthuanang Panmei confessed that he was responsible for the "subsequent overpowering and the physical assault with attempt of life upon one honourable kilonser, secretaries of GPRN and the CAO of the Zeliangrong Region of the outfit on different dates and places at Tamenglong".

It also stated that the independent candidate from Tamenglong A/C had admitted "for the direct insult and uttered the word of open challenge to the Naga nation during the election campaign whereby inciting his workers to attack and finish off the national workers (cadres of NSCN(IM) wherever and whenever they come across and also by lending support to the anti-UNC policies of the so called peace rally". "Having realised my foolishness and brutishness, I finally declare to retire from my candidature outright. I therefore deeply regret and solemnly apologise before God and our sacred Naga nation and earnestly pray to pardon me for such unlawful and unbecoming acts and henceforth and hereby append my signature with my own volition in sound mind and body on this 18th Feb, 2007 before A Puni, the honourable kilo kilonser (home minister), GPRN in absolute agreement for any penalty for the failure on my part to honour my apology as stated above," said the apology note of Khangthuanang as per communique issued by the NSCN(IM).

It is worth noting that Khangthuanang Panmei was abducted by NSCN(IM) cadres in the wee hours of February 17 from his residence in Tamenglong Hqs.

Chandel public rally for fair polls The Imphal Free Press

imphal, feb 19: A silent rally was taken out today at Chandel district headquarters demanding restoration of peaceful atmosphere to guarantee free and fair elections in the district. Some 350 members of the public, including women, children, students and social activists participated in the rally which started around 11 am this morning from the playground of the Chandel Christian village. The rally culminated at the office of the DC Chandel after passing through Japhou bazar and the rallyists later submitted a memorandum to the DC, Chandel urging to maintain conducive atmosphere for free and fair elections. Placards bearing such messages as, `my vote, my right`, `where is our liberty of choice?`, `stop suppressing our right to vote`, `respect the voice and rights of general public`, `voice of public is the voice of God` etc. were carried by the rallyists.

Speaking to mediapersons, participants in the rally said they were demonstrating against double standards of the United Naga Council in connection with the elections, particularly in respect of 41-Chandel A/C. `The UNC is confused, and shifting of its decisionis misleading the public,` the participants said. They condemned the UNC for disrespecting the voice of the Chandel people and deliberately strangulating them from expressing their democratic rights.

The rallyists however made it clear that their democratic step has been taken to strengthen the Indo-Naga peace process and to realise the aspirations for integration of Naga homeland.

They said they reposed faith in L Benjamin, independent candidate for 41-Chandel A/C, and condemned the threats, seizure of money and mobile phones from workers of L Benjamin, on February 13 under alleged instigation by the UNC. They appealed to all concerned to maintain peace and allow voters to exercise democratic rights according to their choice.

They also declared that the unc sponsored candidate would be held responsible for any untoward incident happening to the workers of L Benjamin or the candidate himself. Meanwhile, in view of tension over reported restrictions imposed upon candidates of 41-Chandel A/C other than UNC supported candidate Francis Huten, security measures at the Chandel HQ have been beefed up, according to official sources.

Frans on 02.20.07 @ 02:54 PM CST [link]


Monday, February 19th

Naga issue: Muivah, Swu prepare for talks in March The Hindu


Naga issue: Muivah, Swu prepare for talks in March The Hindu
New Delhi, Feb. 19 (PTI): With fresh parleys between the NSCN-IM and the Centre likely to begin next month, visiting rebel leaders Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu are consulting civil society and Church leaders in Nagaland on the contentious issue of creating a "Greater Nagaland".
"Both of them are holding a series of consultations with civil society, political and Church leaders and common people on various issues to garner support for our cause for one political territorial entity for Nagas," senior NSCN-IM leader, Kraibo Chawang, said over phone from Nagaland. Union Minister Oscar Fernadez, who heads the group of Central Ministers engaged in parleys with the NSCN-IM, said last month that peace talks could resume only after the Manipur Assembly polls end. According to a Home Ministry source, the talks are likely to begin in the first week of March as results of the Manipur elections will be announced on February 27.
Refusing to comment on steps the group may take if the talks fail, Chawang said, "the NSCN-IM is hoping that the Centre concedes to our demands as early as possible. But right now, it's not the time to comment on presumptions."
Another NSCN-IM leader, Rh Raising, said the group wanted to make its stand clear. "There have been assurances and commitments. The Centre has been buying time, but we cannot be taken for granted," he said, adding the ball is in New Delhi's court.
"Our leaders have not come all the way to Nagaland for nothing. They are here with a certain purpose," Raising said.
Cong wants Dr Lotha axed; writes to EC The Morung Express Minister charged of violating poll code
DIMAPUR, FEB 18 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) General Secretary, Medokul Sophie in an open letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, through the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, has requested the CEC to remove the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, Dr. T.M Lotha from holding the office for Violation of Model Code of Conduct in the ensuing Dimapur-I A/B Bye election scheduled on March 8.
It is pertinent to note that, under Model Code of Conduct VII (vi) it is specifically mentioned that “from the time elections are announced by the Commission, Ministers and other authorities shall not – (a) announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof.
The NPCC General Secretary mentioned that the said Minister while attending as the Chief Guest in one of the Medical department function at Dimapur on February 16 had violated against the rule by promising “to create post in a short time” and promising “Dental Branch in the Medical department will be upgraded to that of a directorate from its present status of additional director” with sole motives of influencing votes to support his party candidate in the ensuing Assembly Bye-Election, after the Notification was issued by the Election Commission of India dated February 12, 2007 to fill the vacant seat in 1-Dimapur-I Assembly Constituency.
In view of the above stated facts and circumstances, the NPCC requested the CEC to kindly look into the matter and to take appropriate action at the earliest by removing the said Minister from holding office for violation of the Model Code of Conduct under the Election Commission of India in the interest of justice.
NSCN (K) snubs rival’s offer KU feels Tongmeth cheated the Konyaks: NSCN (K) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 18 (MExN): The NSCN (K) has disclosed that the NSCN (IM) failed once again in their mission to rope in the NSCN leadership, stating that using of Tongmeth, former Home Kilonser of NSCN (K) who defected to NSCN (IM) group as a messenger proved to be one of the main factor for failure of their mission, adding that many of the Konyak Union (KU) leaders did not approve the letter written by Tongmeth as the KU leaders felt that he cheated and humiliated the Konyak people by defecting to IK group.
A press note issued by Y. Wangtin Naga, Deputy Kilonser-Home, NSCN/GPRN (K) stated that some KU leaders informed that Tongmeth who once said that he did not want to beat the soundless drum and play the stringless guitar of S.S. Khaplang and N. Kitovi Zhimomi failed to play with sounding drum and stringfull guitar of Isak Swu and Th. Muivah, is once again trying to beat the soundless drum, which they termed as funny and shameful.

The note further termed the assassination of many unarmed NSCN (K) and NNC leaders particularly, the assassination of Late Ngampan Kilonser through their pro-Islamic Holy war of 18/05/05, V.S.Atem-Lt. Gen. Nanavatty Military pact of 1998 aiming at wiping out the NSCN (K), Rejection of NSCN (K) cease-fire offer between 1993-2004, their stage managed Grace Collin report, Isak’s declaration that unification is not a must for solution, Rio’s announcement of solution within a year including his direct sponsoring of NSCN (IM) proved to be the main factor for the NSCN (K)’s rejection of their (NSCN (IM)) offer for reconciliation. The pro-Islamic plan of massacring the Naga leaders under the cloud of reconciliation is also a matter of grave concern, the note added.
The NSCN (K) reasoned to know in what chapter of Naga Yehzabo the NSCN (IM) has been empowered to declare Holy war to murder the Naga leaders. What more else of enmity could there be to the Nagas than the V.S. Atem-Gen. Nanavaty Military pact against Naga Nationalist? What kind of peace and reconciliation is required now after the rejection of the same for the past 11 years? When Isak and Muivah declared in 2002-03 that unification is not a must for solution, why is it necessary now? Rio’s declaration of solution within a year on 2004-05 should not go in vain. When the NSCN (IM) talk and peace process is in the right direction for Rio and Naga NGOs’, why should I-K be pulled down to the wrong direction now? Keviletuo’s 80% achievement must be placed before the Nagas and the NSCN and the NSCN will search until he (Keviletuo) places it for deliberation and examination, the NSCN (K) stated.
“Therefore, the NSCN only wants that I-K terrorists must have their solution and end up their terrorism in Nagaland to let the NSCN carry out the Sovereignty movement until it is achieved. However, before their exit, the I-K terrorists should bring back the lives of the greatest Naga leaders murdered by them. Almost more than 10 unarmed Naga Kilonsers of NSCN and NNC have been murdered by them. Unless the lives of those murdered Kilonsers and Generals were given back to the Nagas, there can be no excuse”, the note further declared.
Return forest land, NSCN (K) tells Assam The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 18 (MExN): The NSCN (K) has dismissed the 1925 demarcation by the Assam government as “nonsense talk” saying that it was purely a demarcation of reserved forest and not boundary line between the Naga Hills on one side and Sibsagar and Nowgong, the erstwhile districts of Assam on the other.
The NSCN (K) explained that the North-East frontier railway line which was constructed at the beginning of 1900’s did not have a single Assamese village then but went through thick jungles. Then the labourers, who were mostly Nagas, had first cut the jungles for laying the rail and the said railway was accepted as boundary line by both the Assamese and Nagas. The release further added that Assam had boundary disputes with Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh etc and hence questioned them as to who was selfish and aggressive.
The NSCN (K), in a release issued by C. Lotha, caretaker Lotha Region highlighted the history of the land dispute by saying that the then British had transferred many of the reserved forests belonging to the Naga Hills, for their economic interest and administrative convenience to which records like date, place, order Menu no. and issuing authorities were still available.

Therefore the NSCN (K) stated that the government of Assam and GOI simply needed to be asked to immediately return to Nagaland all the Naga Reserved forest which had been transferred.
The release also pointed to historical records that showed that rulers of Assam took shelter in Naga Hills during adversities and likewise the present Assam political insurgents were also doing the same. It therefore advised the ULFA men not to be swayed by false claims of the Assamese leaders and authorities who had ruled Assam with “discrimination and injustice” and were now voting against the idea of the Sovereignty of Assam. The NSCN (K) also asked the ULFA to look up the “Assam Puranjee”, written by Ahom ancestors, which would reveal many truths about the Ahoms and the Nagas.
The release decried that though Wokha district had the longest boundary with Assam due to lack of a strong Lotha politician to speak for their land, Wokha district had been and would always be the soft target for these boundary disputes.
NPMHR slams attempt to malign just peace The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 18 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has expressed concern over what it termed as “forces both within and without trying to vilify and limit the initiative of the civil society groups working for democratization and just peace. The NPMHR in a press communiqué following its General Assembly held from February 16-18 cautioned vested interest elements that the civil and non violent approach of human rights movement across the world and in Naga Homeland should not be taken for granted in a fast globalizing and democratizing world.
“NPMHR appeal for understanding and critical solidarity among all national struggle formations for strengthening the political negotiation process for fulfilling the aspiration of Naga people”, it stated and resolved to intensify the dialogue with the people of India as part of the civil society initiatives to ensure accountability in the ongoing political process. NPMHR also expressed deep concern over the military operation in northwest Myanmar where innocent public become victims to state policy of militarization.
The General Assembly of the NPMHR was held at Dimapur from the 16th -18th February 2007 with participation from the Secretariat besides members from Delhi, Nagaland and South (Manipur state) sectors, it was informed.
The Meeting reviewed the continuing lobby works and monitoring processes for drawing the attention of international community on the plight of the Nagas and their continuing struggle for self-determination. NPMHR Delhi updated the continuing campaign for repeal for AFSPA at the national capital apart from the international meetings such as Committee on World Food Security, Rome (Nov 2006), World Social Forum (WSF) 2007 in Nairobi and Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network meetings in Mali where NPMHR is participating. NPMHR Delhi and the Secretariat has been entrusted to gear up the international link through participation of various international processes within the United Nations such as the UNWGIP, UNPF, UNCHR and others process linking to national self-determination network across the Globe.
The other issues discussed and resolved included the disastrous impact of the use of land mine on innocents and the need for public awareness. NPMHR will also continue campaigns for unification of Naga homeland but will maintain non involvement in electoral politics. It expressed appreciation to the Government of Nagaland for establishing the Commission on Women and expects credible works on the part of the Commission members while extending NPMHR support; acknowledged the commitment given by the Government of Nagaland to investigate and book those involved in the alleged excesses committed by the Naga IRB in Chattisgarh; condemned the recent brutal mass killings of 7 Yimchunger community members and demanded serious investigation from the state government to ensure justice to the victims’ family and to restraint further occurrences of such senseless massacre; appealed for renewing the spirit of Naga brotherhood and restrain from intolerant attitudes and targeting of any particular community (ies).
NPMHR put on record appreciating the reconciliation process taken forward by NBCC amongst the Naga people besides expressing the need for an inclusive approach and broader involvement of different Churches in Naga Homeland; Strengthening Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact through proactive participation of NPMHR; Improve coordination amongst NPMHR members spread across the world; NPMHR to follow up Youth Dialogue process in Asia and concerns over children welfare.
It also expressed immense gratitude to the NEZCC and Arts & Culture department of Nagaland for their grant support which enable NPMHR to facilitate the peoples to people’s dialogue in the Northeast region through the program ‘Harmony through Culture’; which enabled NPMHR to reaffirm its commitment towards just and accountable process of Development, Health concerns such as the HIV + and AIDS, Women participation, environmental degradation and depletion of the rich ecosystem, and sustainable resource management and equity in benefit sharing to avert conflict generated by natural resource exploitation.
Political Barometer Editorial The Morung Express
After a period of lull, the pace of political activity in the State has stepped up thanks to the bye-election for the Dimapur-I and 54 Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituency to be held on March 8. With the last date of making nomination fixed for February 19 (Monday), it was expected that the week leading up to it will have the right dose of politicking. Eventful and interesting it has been what with the DAN alliance partners coming down from its high sounding rhetoric of consensus candidate but finally having to take the embarrassing choice of friendly contests. It will be now interesting to see how the conglomeration, which is now truly dominated by the NPF, will manage the coalition itself come elections in early 2008. In that sense, the absence of veteran politician Late Hokishe Sema will be even more heartbreaking for the DAN as there appears to be no one who can hold the alliance together. Therefore a big question mark hangs over Team DAN and how the alliance can still survive the pulls and pressures expected in the near future.
As far as the Congress goes, while many would have presumed that the party would have come out unscathed, the resignation of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President did come as an unexpected development. Whatever his argument for wanting to field former Chief Minister and veteran politician KL Chishi for the prestigious Dimapur-I Assembly Constituency seat, that there exist differences in the party leadership has been thoroughly exposed. This rift in the party hierarchy does not sound promising with Assembly election less than a year away. As mentioned above with regard to the DAN alliance, the Congress in Nagaland today faces a similar dilemma ever since the exit of its leader SC Jamir. In that sense one of the biggest challenges for both the Congress and the DAN (if it decides to continue its alliance) will be on the question of leadership and more importantly whether the current leadership, especially in the Congress is acceptable to all sections of the party. Having drawn a blank in all the three Assembly Constituency under Dimapur area during the last election, a win in the Dimapur-I seat (even if it is for s short term) is extremely crucial if the Congress wants to come back to power. Whether, the Congress may have missed an opportunity by ignoring the candidature of KL Chishi, only time will tell. As far as the NPF is concerned, there is no doubt that in the post election (2003) period, it has gone from strength to strength in terms of both its numbers and power and may be tempted to go it alone in the next poll without the baggage of carrying an almost defunct JD (U) and the uncertain BJP. As such the bye-election will remain a testing ground not only for the NPF but all the other players. And when results of the election are announced, the outcome will no doubt be an indicator of how the political wind is blowing across the State. It will also be interesting to see the fortunes of the two major political parties—NPF and Congress and whether the former can still keep the wave of momentum in its favour. Both Dimapur and Tuensang present a different set of political scenario and a win in both seats for either the NPF or the Congress will boost prospects for the coming Assembly Elections. However this does not seem to be the case and both the NPF and Congress may end up sharing the spoils after the March 8 bye-election, which will essentially be a trial of strength for the two major parties ahead of the real battle early next year.
I-K’s misadventure for unity- Nagaland Post Opinion
The I-K group once again failed in their mission to rope the NSCN leadership In fact, the use of Mr. Tongmeth, former Home Kilonser of NSCN, but who defected to I-K group, as messenger proud to be one of the main factors for failure of their mission because many of the K.U. leaders do not want to see the letter written by Mr. Tongmeth. The moment Tongmeth's letter reached K.U. office, there was dissent whisper and murmurs among the K.U. leaders who felt that he (Tongmeth) cheated and humiliated the Konyak People by defecting to I-K group.
Some of them even said that Mr. Tongmeth, who once said that he did not want to beat the soundless drum and play with stringless guitar of S.S. Khaplang and N. Khovi Zhimomi failed to play with sounding drum and stringful guitar of Isak Swu and Th. Muivah, is once again trying to beat the soundless drum which is not only funny, but also shameful.
Moreover, the assassination of many leaders both NSCN and NNC unarmed Kilonsers and particularly, the assassination of Late. Ngampam Kilonser through their pro-Islamic Holy War of 18/05/05, V.S Atem - Lt. Gen. Nanavatty Military pact of 1998 aimed at wiping out the NSCN, rejection of NSCN cease-fire offer between 1993-2004, their stage managed Grace Collin report, Isak's declaration that unification is not a must for solution, Rio's announcement of Solution within a year including his direct sponsoring of I-K group proved to be the main factors for the NSCN's rejection of their (I-K group) offer for reconciliation. The pro-Islamic plan of massacring the Naga leaders under the cloud of reconciliation is also a matter of serious concern.
The NSCN wants to know in what chapter of Naga Yehzabo empowered the I-K group to declare Holy war to murder the Naga leaders. What more else of enmity could there be to the Nagas than V.S. Atem-Gen- Nanavaty Military pact against Naga Nationalist? What kind of Peace and reconciliation is required now after the rejection of the same for the last eleven years? When Isak and Th. Muivah on 2000-2003 declared that Unification is not a must for solution, why is it necessary now? Rio's declaration of Solution within a year on 2004-2005 should not go in vain.
When I-K's talk and peace process is in the right direction for Rio and Naga NGOs, why should they (I-K) be pulled down to the wrong direction now? Mr. Keviletuo's 80% achievement must be placed before the Nagas and the NSCN will search until he (Keviletuo's) place it for deliberation and examination. Therefore, the NSCN only wants that, I-K group must have their solution and end up their terrorism in Nagaland to let the NSCN carry out the Sovereignty movement until it is achieved. However, before their exit, the I-K group should bring back the lives of the greatest Naga leaders murdered by them. Almost more than ten unarmed Naga Kilonsers of NSCN and NNC have been murdered by the I-K group. Unless the lives of those murdered Kilonsers and Generals are given back to the Nagas, there can be no excuse.
Y. Wangtin Naga, Dy. Kilonser - Home, GPRN/NSCN (K).
NNP fought a good fight in the Manipur Election The Morung Express In Focus
Sir – The Naga National Party (NNP) takes the pleasure of expressing our gratitude to all those who have supported us in various forms in our struggle for protection of our Naga Identity in the true sense. We are grateful to all those friends (men and women, old and young alike) who volunteered to work with us with full dedication and high spirit, forsaking all the enjoyment money could have provided but chose to sacrifice all their time, energy and strength in order to proclaim the unique history rights and the Identity of the Nagas. The NNP is grateful to the like minded party in Nagaland, its leaders and other well-wishers for extending support both morally, financially and otherwise, without whose support, we would have been handicapped in many ways. We believe that their support to us is for Naga Unity, Unification, Peaceful Co-existence and Good Neighbourhood of all communities in NE and so on. The NNP is also grateful to all those supporters in the villages who have extended maximum help through various forms when our team went from village to village for campaigning. The NNP feels that we have done what we stood for; we fought the good fight against the mighty power of money and muscle from different angles under the aegis of different organisations and political parties. In order to save all ugly happenings amongst the Nagas, we withstood all odds and threats from various angles.
The NNP is pained to see that most of the families of Naga leaders (both overground and underground) are strong leaders and agents of the Congress who have openly announced that it is against “Naga Integration” which is the “catch word” of the Naga leaders (of all organisations). The NNP feels that by fielding a candidate in Phungyar A/C, we have been able to pass on the true message of Nationalism, Integration and Equi-relationship policy, Development and Welfare of all people. We are overwhelmed with joy to see the spontaneous response from the people during our campaign trail. The NNP is hopeful that whether we lose or win, better understanding among all people will emerge after the result of the election is known.
The result may be in favour of any group but the NNP is prepared and ready to take up constructive role in order to achieve the set agenda we placed before the people for a better future of all concerned.
S. Muinao, General Secretary, NNP Ng. Hungyo, President, NNP
Will of the people Nagaland Post Editorial
Without prejudice nor fear or favour,it must be said that the public of Phek town and in general, the Chakhesangs, have lived up to the true Naga tradition- in standing up and even having to fight for what the masses had promised to do in defence of their God-given right to live in liberty. It is not the first instance that the Chakhesangs have stood up as one. It may be pertinent to mention that the Sumis at Zunheboto district including the people of Mokokchung town, on different occasions, had made known they wanted to be left alone and in peace against the depredation inflicted on the normal life of the people by various armed factions. The public of Phek town chased away various armed factions as a consequence of the February 12 clash and also vented their ire against the failure of the state government by attacking the office of the Deputy Commissioner Phek as well as the residences of both DC and SP. The people warned they would act and this they did, because the government failed to do so. It is however, unfortunate that the mob had vandalised the office as well as pelted stones at the residences of the two top officials of the district. There can be no justification for such acts. On the other hand, there also cannot be any justification for the government in not responding to the fervent appeals of its citizens to protect them. This however does not mean that two wrongs make one right. To expect a mob not to be a mob defies rationality. The Chakhesangs under the aegis of the Chakhesang Public Organisation as well as other frontal organisations, have been making fervent appeals to all armed factions not to create unwanted situation in civilian populated areas. On several occasions, they bonded together to speak with one coherent voice and when the need arose, the fingers came together to become a fist of fury. The cease fires have resulted in cessation of hostilities between armed factions and the security forces but it has not brought the peace that people vainly hoped for as armed factions openly carry out their activities and engage in a turf war. These armed clashes have taken place in civilian populated areas and resulted in loss of lives and destruction to properties. The DAN government has been attacked not only by the opposition but even its own members over its handling of this issue. This failing has created a worst case scenario where the government has lost the political will to act without fear or favour because it appears there has been abdication of responsibility to act without haste in response to the fervent appeals of its people. If one were to take note of various opinions appearing the media in Nagaland, it is clear that the people today want that the cease fire ground rules should be enforced by whoever is supposed to do so. Political developments during the recent years have resulted in a coherent voice in favor of resolution of the conflict through peaceful negotiations. However, rival groups or coalition of tribal interests indicate that what has been bandied as a political issue has gone on a different trajectory. The Naga political issue cannot simply be about a dream but about the people and the reality of their present existence. If the people want peace who then should go against their will? Peace does not come easily just for the asking. It has to be won through difficult tests and situation.
Manmohan for peace, stability The Morung Express
Imphal, Feb 18 (Agencies): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday stressed the need for peace and stability of government in Manipur so that it could be developed into a “mini Switzerland”. Manipur needs a government that is caring and forward- looking and only the Congress can provide such a government to the state which is already on the path of development, he told an election rally at Tamenglong. Dr.Manmohan Singh flanked by Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh (left) and MPCC President Gaikhangam (right) at Tamenglong public ground, February 18. (Photos/Newmai News Network)
Referring to the achievements of the Congress-led Secular Progressive Front ministry in Manipur, Singh said the state government had done commendable work in the past five years to address its problems. Given another five years, the Congress could ensure a future where there was no poverty or illiteracy, he said. Singh said Manipur could be a major producer of fruits like oranges, lemons and apples and emerge as a major tourist centre for its natural beauty. “Its potential is unlimited,” he said. The UPA government at the Centre and the ruling Congress in the state were totally committed to the development of Manipur, particularly backward tribal regions like Tamenglong that suffered from poor connectivity. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi too cared a lot for the development of tribal people, he said. Ruing the state of road connectivity in Manipur, especially in Tamenglong, Singh said the highest priority had been given to building roads in the last five years. The national highway 53 linking Imphal, Jiribam and Silchar, the most important road for Tamenglong, had been improved and repaired. With this road back in use, he said, it had become an important route and Tamenglong was greatly benefited. The Prime Minister said the Centre had upgraded Manipur University into a Central university and the Manipur Institute of Technology was being given new facilities and buildings.
Hmar women submitted memorandum to Sonia Nagaland Post
Aizawl, Feb 18 (UNI) The Hmar Women Association(HWA) has submitted a memorandum to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi recently against the alleged incidents of molestation by the UNLF and KCP in Tipaimukh along the Mizoram-Manipur border in January 2006.
The memorandum demanded that the Rajkhowa Commission report be made public immediately while counselling and trauma camps for the rape victims be organised and financial assistance of around Rs five lakh to each victim be provided. ''Protect and safeguard the rights and dignity of women,'' the memorandum added. ''Despite investigations into the rape case by the Rajkhowa Commission, the report was not made public till date and we are surprised over continued apathy of Manipur administration'', it stated.
Earlier, all 27 molested and raped victims testified before the Rajkhowa Commission and the Manipur government promised around Rs one lakh as an interim measure. Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh had informed the matter to Election Commission too but nothing had been done so far. The memorandum mentioned that the ''biased approach of Manipur government is a threat to the peace, justice and peaceful co-existence in a multi-ethnic society'' and the attitude was a humiliation to the rape victims and a betrayal of justice.
Infeasibility of plebiscite in Manipur
By Dr Mohendra Irengbam Contd from last Saturday Sangai Express
The district of Tuen-sang was left out besides, only men were asked for their opinion as the women were considered not intelligent enough. But I have no doubt the poll would have swung in his favour in any case. I knew of Phizo. Though he was the original Naga leader he was guided by European missionaries, especially Ame-rican Baptists. One of them was Rev. Michael Scott. I met him at the home of Phizo’s niece in Kohima in 1951 or 1952 when I went to see Lungshim, the younger brother of late Yangmasho Shaiza, former-Chief minister, a very able man. At that time Phizo had gone to London via East Pakistan helped by Scott. What struck me about Scott was that he was dictating a letter addressed to the President of India as ‘Dear Mr President.’ I thought he should have addressed him as Your Excellency. It was new India when we had just stopped writing ‘Your most obedient servant’ at the end of a letter instead of ‘Yours faithfully’ or ‘Yours sincerely.’
Annexation of Junagadh Junagadh was a state on the south-western end of Gujarat, with a Muslim Nawab and over 80 percent Hindu population. Though separated by the Arabian Sea, the Nawab announced its merger with Pakistan on August 15, 1947 and Pakistan confirmed its acceptance. Patel was furious because Jinnah accepted the accession despite his usual argument that Hindus and Muslims could not live as one nation (opposite of the argument advanced in the case of Kashmir). Patel seemingly, gave Pakistan time to declare the accession null and void and hold a plebiscite. Eventually Patel forcibly annexed Junagadh. Later a plebiscite, knowing fully well which direction it would go, was held in December. Approximately 99 percent of the population chose India, as many Muslims reconverted to Hinduism. Pakistan just looked on aghast.
Annexation of Hyderabad. Some of us will remember that Hyderabad was annexed to the Indian Union by force (Operation Polo) in 1948. It was a huge state covering 82,000 square miles with a population of 16 million; right in the “stomach of India” as succinctly put by Patel. Nizam Osman Ali Khan, with a large State Army turned down the overtures of Patel. Though he looked to Pakistan for political and military support, Pakistan could do nothing but feel sorry for itself
Annexation of Kashmir Kashmir (J&K), ‘a paradise on earth’ as was first expressed by the Sanskrit poet Kalidas was indeed a paradise at the time I saw it in 1962. It is not like Manipur’s epithet, “jewel of India” as kidded by Nehru to defuse us while he handed over Kabaw valley to U Nu at the polo ground in Imphal in 1953. I was there back from Bombay during my summer holiday (another blunder of Nehru). Maharaja Hari Singh was reluctant to join India and he dithered. In the meantime he signed a standstill Agreement (preserving status quo) with Pakistan. As we know, Pakistan sent tribal warriors from North-West Frontier first and then regular troops in September 1947. At his request India sent troops but only after he signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947. Nehru sought UN arbitration despite opposition from Patel who argued that accession was justified by International law. He promised a plebiscite in due course and persuaded Hari to hand over the reigns of government to Sheikh Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference to appease the Muslim populace. (Nehru’s biggest blunder)
Not knowing which way the plebiscite would go, India has since obstructed all attempts at holding a plebiscite on the ground that a lot of water has run under the bridge since then.
The Indian part about 2/3 of Kashmir was officially integrated into the Union of India in 1957, but with special provisions under Article 370 of the Constitution. The 1/3 in the north-western portion remained in Pakistan. They named it Azad Kashmir. To confound the legality issue all the more, China occupied Aksai Chin in the northeast bordering Ladakh in 1962 (another blunder of Nehru for his Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai diplomacy). Pakistan in 2002 sent a letter to the UN Council urging it to play a role in resolving the Kashmir dispute by a plebiscite, as they claim that the accession was illegal. No response ever came from the Council. Since then General Pervez Musharaf has been trying for a plebiscite by internationalising the dispute. No riposte so far from any country. Colin Powell ruled out mandatory role for US for a plebiscite in Kashmir. India insists it is an internal matter. The Constituent Assembly (Hindusthan) was elected to write the Constitution of India. It served as its first parliament as an independent nation. The chief architect was BR Ambedkar, a dalit Barrister who later converted to Buddhism. The Constitution was modelled on India Act 1935 passed by the British Parliament, the Irish constitution and constitution of some other nations. It is divided into Parts, Chapters and Articles, providing for a quasi-federal nation consisting of a Union of States (Article 1). Earlier, the British Mission which was planning to transfer power suggested two plans. Plan 1 in May 1944, proposed a loose federation of groups of provinces based on religious majority with extensive provincial autonomy. Plan 2 in June 1946, proposed a partition of India on religious lines. Though Gandhi disapproved, Jinnah executed the plan in 1947.
Plebiscite in Manipur. To ask for a plebiscite in Manipur is legally a very serious matter. The Delhi government will no doubt think we are asking for a licence to secede the State from the Republic. Besides, lack of irrefragable legal argument and laicity on the application of International law would seem to me a futile political adventure after observing the Kashmir imbroglio.
The unstable Manipur. The territorial integrity of Manipur is now vigorously challenged by the diversity of 36 ethnic groups living in the state. The insurgents of these ethnic Nagas, kacha nagas (Zemi nagas now) and smaller units like Hmar, Paite, Gangte etc all demand regional autonomy or independence. Meiteis want Kangleipak while Kukis dream of Zalengam. Nagas prefer to form Nagalim All these insurgent groups are riddled with internecine fighting, each claiming to be the real liberation front. The decades old Naga insurgents are now broken up into two major deadly factions. One is led by Muivah, a Tangkhul from Manipur and another by Khaplang, a Hemi Naga from Myanmar. They are now at each other’s throat to the amusement of New Delhi. The recent ‘quit Nagaland’ notice served on Tangkhuls in Kohima, who the Khaplang faction does not regard as Nagas but foreigners must be very disappointing for the tribal students in the four districts of Manipur, who are claiming to be Nagas, a derogatory name coined by the British for their nakedness. — to be contd

Exposing the reality Sangai Express Editorial
The abduction of an Independent candidate in Tamenglong Assembly Constituency by cadres of the NSCN (IM) from right under the very nose of the security escorts provided to the candidate is a clear reflection of the ground reality in some parts of the hill districts which are poised to go to the polls on February 23, the last and final phase of the election to the 9th Assembly. That the IM cadres could so easily over power the security personnel, beat up the supporters of the candidate, damage a number of vehicles and then whisk away the candidate along with the arms issued to the security escorts just a day before the visit of the Prime Minister to the district headquarters make the matter all that more serious. With a person no less than the Prime Minister scheduled to visit Tamenglong district headquarters, we are sure the security arrangements must have been tight. We agree that no security measures can be foolproof, but at the same time it is a worrying thought that gun wielding militants can run over the residence of a candidate, ransack the house and then walk away with a hostage and arms, despite the security measures taken up for the Prime Minister's visit. Or is it a case of giving a long rope to the NSCN (IM) cadres ? Either way, the Government needs some serious thought on the incident, for it may well prove to be the precursor of things to come before the election date. That Tamenglong has been simmering for days was clear from some of the developments that were witnessed at this district. It was only a few days ago that a peace rally was staged in Nungba AC of the said district, demanding free and fair polling. The message that the people were trying to ring out was obvious and that is they do not want any body or any organisation to interfere in the process of the people exercising their franchise rights. That the rally was staged in a political climate of the UNC naming its consensus candidates in the four Naga dominated hill districts is significant.
The State Government has acted swiftly in placing the 12 Manipur Rifles personnel under suspension for failing to resist the armed NSCN (IM) men, but it remains to be seen how tough a line the Union Home Ministry take up in securing the weapons that have been snatched by the cadres of the rebel group. Will Delhi opt for a softer line and come up an with eye wash that the weapons have been recovered or will it act other wise is a question that only time will tell. The incident is also a dead give away of the free movements given to the NSCN (IM) cadres, which is in direct violation of the cease fire ground rules. It is more than clear that the half baked stand adopted by the Centre in its dealings with the armed outfit, has been exploited to the hilt by the IM cadres. The cease fire is not officially enforced in Manipur, and therefore, any talk of the IM cadres violating the cease fire ground rules will not be applicable here. On the other hand, however, it is clear that there is an unofficial cease fire in the State of Manipur, which makes the movements of the IM cadres, perfectly legitimate. Such a stand adopted by the Centre is one of the main factors in allowing the armed cadres to carry out their act with such impunity. A frank and honest appraisal of the election scenario in the hill districts, particularly in the four Naga dominated districts will point to the fact that the people will be voting with the guns pressed against their forehead.

Patil to attend Arunachal statehood day Assam Tribune
ITANAGAR, Feb 18 – Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil will address the 21st statehood day rally here on February 20 instead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. According to officials, Patil will also lay the foundation stone of a greenfield airport here the same day to put Arunachal Pradesh on the country’s air map. The Prime Minister, who was to make a two-day visit to the state, was unable to come due to preoccupations and has deputed Patil on his behalf, they said. – PTI

PM stresses peace, stability Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 18 – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today stressed the need for peace and stability of government in Manipur so that it could be developed into a ‘mini Switzerland’, reports PTI. Manipur needs a government that is caring and forward- looking and only the Congress can provide such a government to the state which is already on the path of development, he told an election rally at Tamenglong.

Referring to the achievements of the Congress-led SPF ministry in Manipur, Singh said the state government had done commendable work in the past five years to address its problems. Given another five years, the Congress could ensure a future where there was no poverty or illiteracy, he said. Singh said Manipur could be a major producer of fruits like oranges, lemons and apples and emerge as a major tourist centre for its natural beauty. “Its potential is unlimited,” he said.

The UPA government at the Centre and the ruling Congress in the state were totally committed to the development of Manipur, particularly backward tribal regions like Tamenglong that had poor connectivity. Ruing the state of road connectivity in Manipur, specially in Tamenglong, Singh said the highest priority had been given to building roads in the last five years. The National Highway 53 linking Imphal, Jiribam and Silchar, the most important road for Tamenglong, had been improved and repaired. With this road back in use, he said, it had become an important route and Tamenglong was greatly benefited. The Prime Minister said the Centre had upgraded Manipur University into a Central university and the Manipur Institute of Technology was being given new facilities and buildings. The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences was also being upgraded at great cost, he said, adding that crores of rupees were being invested in Manipur so that its youth could enjoy the best educational and health facilities.

PM promises bright future for state if Cong wins Nameirakpam Bishwajit
TAMENGLONG, Feb 18: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, campaigning for the Congress party for the third phase of the ongoing Assembly elections, has promised to turn the state into a veritable paradise if the Congress is returned to power. Dr Manmohan Singh, addressing a gathering today at the Tamenglong public grounds, promised that in another five years, the Congress will take the state to a future where there is no poverty, illiteracy or disease, and where people can live safe and prosperous lives. Dr Singh also said Tamenglong can be turned into a mini-Switzerland, given peace, stability and a government that is caring and forward looking. `The Congress party can give you such a government,` he told the gathered public.

The Prime Minister, who flew in by helicopter after arriving at Imphal by a special flight shortly after 11 am, spent all of 45 minutes at Tamenglong before flying off to Guwahati to attend the closing function of the ongoing National Games.

Today`s public meeting was attended by a sizeable crowd, though a substantial portion of it appeared to be composed of school children. There was also heavy deployment of security forces in the Tamenglong district headquarters and at the meeting venue. The Prime Minister, in his address, repeatedly stressed on stability and focus on development as the USPs of the Congress party, and reiterated that the UPA government in Delhi and the Congress party is totally committed to the development of Manipur, particularly its backward tribal regions such as Tamenglong.. He also stressed that the fact that there could be a stable government under one chief minister for five years was a most important contribution, because instability has been the biggest problem of Manipur whereas stability is essential for development.

The Prime Minister maintained that the Congress-led government has done commendable work in addressing the problems of the state in the last five years. Highlighting some of the development efforts undertaken in the state, the Prime Minister, who observed that poor road transport connectivity is the biggest problem faced in the state, said the highest priority has been given to building roads. National highways have been improved and repaired, and the NH-53, the most important road for Tamenglong has been brought back into use. The bridges on the Barak and Makru rivers have also been restored, and Tamenglong benefited greatly from this, he said.

He also observed that the Old Cachar road will once again link Nungba to Bishnupur which will lead to development of the Nungba area He further observed that the Jiribam-Tupul railway line, touching Nungba, Khongsang and Noneh, will bring better connectivity, more industry and more jobs to the people. He also stated that in view of the poor state of education and health, the Congress government has built new schools and colleges and improved health centres. Tamenglong will also soon get a large district hospital. Recalling the conversion of Manipur University to a Central university and the upgradation of the Manipur Institute of Technology and the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, he reiterated that hundreds of crores of rupees are being invested in Manipur so that its youth can enjoy the best education. He also observed that work will soon begin on Loktak downstream and Tipaimukh projects, which will ensure that Manipur will have a surplus in power generation. Further, under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, by 2008, all villages are to be electrified. Noting that thousands have benefited from the introduction of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme in Tamenglong, he said this is the biggest gift of Sonia Gandhi and the UPA government to the people of Manipur. Recalling Nehru and Indira`s affection for the Naga people, and reiterating that Sonia Gandhi cares a great deal for the development of the tribal people, the PM went on to observe that with this heritage, the Congress is the party best suited for the development of Tamenglong. Today`s meeting was also attended by MPCC chief Gaikhangam, chief minister O Ibobi Singh, MPs Rishang Keishing and Dr Th Meinya, and Union minister of state Oscar Fernandes. Fernandes, by the way, entertained the crowd with a performance on his harmonica while waiting for the Prime Minister to arrive at the meeting venue.

57 Mtn Div uses its influence to secure release of kidnapped Tml candidate The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 18: Amidst confusion and tension over the fate of the kidnapped independent candidate for the Tamenglong A/C, Khangthuanang Panmei, an Army spokesman said this evening that the 57 Mountain Division, used its office to have the kidnappers, NSCN(IM), release the man. The PRO, defence wing who spoke to IFP said the candidate was released unharm at 7 pm and has since been handed over to a civil organisation based at Tamenglong tonight. Surprisingly, police were in the dark of the development. When contacted they said they had no officil reports of the release of the candidate or his arrival at home till late tonight even as local reports said that the family and supporters of the candidate left in two tata trucks to bring back the freed candidate ealier in the evening. The police also said they had no official report of the the return of the weapons taken away by the kidnappers who overpowered the security personnel detailed at the candidate`s residence. Khangthuanang, an independent candidate from the 53-Tamenglong (ST) Assembly constituency was kidnapped by armed men on Saturday.Earlier, it was reported that the candidate was subsequently released by his kidnappers at the outskirts of Tamei sub-division yesterday at around 7.30 pm.

The NSCN(IM) had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. Sixteen weapons including one licensed .22 pistol and three double barrel guns of the candidate were taken away by the abductors. The other weapons which were issued to the 5th MR personnel detailed at the candidates home include eight SLRs three .303 mark three rifles and one .303 mark four rifle. The fate of the MR personnel who were detailed at the candidate`s home could not be decided even though they were left unharmed on the fateful day. They are havildar RK Acham, riflemen Abon, Pradip, Pishak, Khubonang, Soloni Mao, Mojes, Ratan, Aza, Shanti, Kabi and Tomba.

The kidnappers fled from the spot in two vehicles, a jeep bearing registration no. MN01-4565 and a Shaktiman bearing registration no. MN-04-2328. The motorcycle which was burnt down totally had registration no. MN-1B-3272 while other vehicles destroyed by the kidnappers were MNP-1422 (jeep), ML-0S-E-1137 (tata sumo), MN-0K-4607 (Gypsy), MN01-1A-0854 (jeep), MN01-A-0774 (jeep), MN-01K-8766 (jeep), MN-01-K5336 (jeep) and MN-05-2124 (shaktiman).

Comments on the article - 57 Mtn Div uses its influence to secure release of kidnapped Tml candidate
paiso :Nonesense 57 Mtn Div. You are maintaining cease-fire with the NSCN-I secretly in Manipur without the consent of Manipur people. You are one sided co-operator with them.

Insurgency will be dealt with an iron fist, says Army Chief Nagarealm.com

Thiruvanthapuram, FEB18 : Chief of the Army Staff Gen. J. J. Singh said here on Saturday that the armed forces were pursuing an "an iron fist in a velvet glove" policy in the troubled areas of the North East and Jammu and Kashmir. The "iron fist" was reserved for misguided elements and the "velvet glove" for innocent civilians caught in the "crossfire," he said.
Interacting with students at Sainik School, the General said he was seeking the best possible compensation and perks for Defence personnel so as to keep their motivation level high. He said the Army took pride in being a secular, apolitical and professional organisation. "When we go into battle, we are brothers in arms. When we fight together, no soldier asks the comrade standing next to him where he hails from." He said the Army's fight was against divisive forces threatening the country. "Our cause is just and we fight to win. In war, there is only the winner. Unlike in sports, there is no silver medal for the runner's-up place," he said.

The Army was a way of life, which offered challenges of combat leadership and scope for adventure. "It is not a 10-to-5 white-collar job. When you are an officer leading men, you are always on call," he said. It is the most satisfying job for any person who aspires to be an officer and a gentleman. The element of surprise was key to success in combat and personal life. He called upon students to shun "the stereotyped, routine and the usual" and stock pleasant surprises for their loved ones. He said discipline in personal life helped students meet taxing deadlines and ensured quality output. The General arrived at the school in an Army helicopter with his wife, Anupama Singh. He paid homage to Col. Neelakantan Jayachandran Nair, an alumnus of the Sainik School and recipient of the Keerthi Chakra and the Ashok Chakra who died fighting insurgents in Nagaland on December 20, 1993. [hindu]

Frans on 02.19.07 @ 03:45 PM CST [link]


Sunday, February 18th

Ind. candidate kidnapped; NSCN (IM) claims responsibility The Morung Express


Ind. candidate kidnapped; NSCN (IM) claims responsibility The Morung Express
IMPHAL, FEB 17 (AGENCIES): Suspected Naga militants kidnapped an independent candidate for the ongoing assembly elections in Manipur and destroyed his house and vehicle in Tamenglong district after overpowering his security personnel, official sources said today.
Over 50 armed militants stormed the house of Khangthuanang Panmei, the independent candidate, overpowered the security guards and beat up his supporters before kidnapping him, the sources said. They also snatched away eight self-loading rifles, several rounds of ammunition and two light machine guns from the security guards, the sources said, before destroying the candidate’s house and vehicle. Earlier, candidates were directed to withdraw from the fray by the United Naga Council in support of their nominees. Chief Minister, O.Ibobi Singh and election observers have rushed to Tamenglong by a special helicopter.
An aerial search was being made by army helicopters to locate the abducted candidate. The injured supporters were admitted to hospital. Reports said social organisations took out processions and submitted memoranda to the Deputy Commissioner demanding to know how Panmei could be kidnapped when security was intensified in Tamenglong for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit tomorrow.
Social organisations have been organising rallies in the district in the past few days demanding a free and fair poll. Over 4,000 women took out a rally on February 15 at Khoupu in Nungba assembly constituency in the district demanding that the UNC did not interfere in the election process. Meanwhile, the NSCN-IM has claimed responsibility in kidnapping Khangthuanang Panmei, an Independent candidate who is in the fray from Tamenglong Assembly Constituency in the ensuing Assembly Election of Manipur.

Giving reasons for the abduction, NSCN-IM MIP Deputy Kilonser Kraibo Chawang informed NNN tonight over phone that Khangthuanang Panmei had been creating law and order problems in the Tamenglong Headquarters for some time now. Kraibo Chawang alleged that a gang organised by Khangthuanang Panmei had completely damaged a vehicle belonged to the Zeliangrong Union (ZU).The NSCN-IM Kilonser further alleged that the life of some high dignitaries of the GPRN/NSCN-IM and the Zeliangrong Region had been attempted by the gang at the behest of Khangthuanang Panmei.
The NSCN stated that he was arrested for his criminal activities and had nothing to do with election, adding that he will be released if he apologizes and repent for his past criminal activities. The NSCN-IM leader further alleged that the Independent candidate had also organised an anti-people rally in Tamenglong which was also against the Naga issue. The election camp of UNC’s consensus candidate from Tamei A/C Awangbow had been attacked by the gang organised by Khangthuanang Panmei. Kraibo Chawang also lamented that numerous criminal activities had been carried out by Khangthuanang and his supporters but the district administration intentionally closed its eyes and allowed the “criminals to go scot-free who were taking the law into their hands”.
“So things have gone too far and such that the NSCN/GPRN has to act so as to keep the social atmosphere in order and hence the arrest of Khangthuanang Panmei,” reasons Kraibo Chawang.
The NSCN-IM leader further alleged that all the activities of the supporters of Khangthuanang and the candidate himself are criminal in nature. Kraibo Chawang then warned that anyone who tries to create uneasy atmosphere would be dealt with sternly.
Candidate released says DC Imphal, Feb.17 (NNN): The Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong has said that Independent candidate from Tamenglong A/C Khangthuanang has been released by his abductors but he quickly added that the candidate was yet to reach the district headquarters. When NNN contacted DC Athui Pamei, the IAS officer said that he was informed by his higher authority about the release of the candidate. However, the Deputy Commissioner added that he was also trying to get more information on the development.
NSCN (K) confirms Myanmar army action; ready for battle Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI Battle-wary NSCN (Khaplang) today said they were preparing for a drawn battle against Myanmar Army that has left over 10 of cadres dead in recent clashes. Confirming that the Army action was on, Kilonser Education, A.Z.Jami told this newspaper over telephone from somewhere in Nagaland, that they expect the current round of offensive to continue till the onset of the rainy season. The first attack was in January,” he said.
What is significant is that outlawed ULFA, which was also caught in the crossfire, has started shifting bases from Sagain Division in Chin Stat. Jami, however, declined to divulge further. “We don’t live together so I can’t say where they have shifted,” he said, replying to questions. “They have hide outs in Myanmar but we never shared our camps with them,” he claimed. Stating that attacks came in waves, the NSCN (K) leader, who is also the convener of the Kilonser alleged that the Myanmar Army was attacking them with weapons and ammo supplied by the Government of India. The militant outfit and New Delhi has a ceasefire pact in place though political dialogue is get underway.
Jami said they have retaliated and there have been casualties on both sides. He revealed that they have lost some of their outposts and about 10 of their cadres besides sustaining casualties. “As for the current status, he said there was no action going on right away, but they have placed their cadres in maximum alert. We will not counter attack and exercising maximum restraint,” he claimed. Reports with agencies, however, tell a different story. The Naga rebels were reported to have maximum damages, with their general headquarters having been blown up by the Army.
4 NNC members killed OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 17: Four activists of the Naga National Council (NNC) were killed in an ambush by suspected members of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) last night near Pfutsero town, 70 km from here in Phek district. Sources said at least four suspected NSCN (I-M) activists waylaid and fired upon the NNC team, which had more than 10 members, at a spot 4 km from Pfutsero town. The bodies of the three Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) members, all in their late twenties or early thirties, were later kept at Pfutsero police station. The bodies are yet to be identified. No weapons were recovered, police said. The NSCN (Khaplang), an ally of the NNC, disclosed that none of its own cadre was involved or slain in the ambush.
Policemen and local villagers were searching for the missing NNC activists till late this afternoon. The Pfutsero area is a stronghold of the NSCN (I-M). The NNC, supported by the NSCN (K), has been trying to oust the rival group from this area and Phek district.
Residents of Phek town met yesterday to pass a resolution. The meeting resolved that irrespective of affinity, political affiliation and personal feelings, the residents would remain loyal to the political aspirations of the Nagas. On Tuesday, members of the public forced nearly 150 NSCN (I-M) activists to leave. Afterwards, a combined team of the NSCN (K) and NNC activists from Phek town vandalised the office and residence of the deputy commissioner and the residence of the superintendent of police in protest against the Neiphiu Rio government’s policies. The chairperson of Phek Town Council yesterday apologised for the vandalism and verbal abuse of the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police.
Chishi seeks blessing from Sumis The Morung Express
Former Chief Minister KL Chishi (Right) speaks at Chekiye village on February 16 where he sought blessing and support from members of the Sumi community. (Left) A section of the gathering.
DIMAPUR, FEB 17 (MExN): In accordance with the Sumi customary law and traditional practice, a programme was organized in the residence of former Chief Minister K. L. Chishi at Chekiye village on February 16, 2007 where he sought blessing and support from members of Sumi community present to work for the welfare of Sumis and the Naga people in general.
Shikuto Zalipu, president of the Western Sumi Kukami Hoho who chaired the function introduced the Chishi family to the congregation, which comprised of members of Western Sumi Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, other frontal organizations and elders.
Speaking on the occasion K. L. Chishi dwelt on the contribution he had rendered for setting villages in Western Sumi when he was government advocate. He appealed to the members present to accept and regard him and his family as members of Western Sumi.
He made it clear that the programme was not organized with political intention nor to make declaration of his candidature for election but to get acquainted with the public and leaders of Western Sumi. Chishi gave away red blankets to 372 GBs (Chieftains) who attended the programme and donated Rs. 51,000 each to WSH and WSKH besides giving Rs. 11,000 each to Aqahuto, Aghunaqa, Khaghaboto, Niuland, Nihokhu, Sakipheto, Laghilato, Dimapur Sumi Phughi and Kuhuboto as fuel expenses.
Shikuto Zalipu said Chishi’s role in Western Sumi would definitely uplift the community in particular and Nagas in general. Others who spoke on the occasion include Hokiye Yepthomi, president, Western Sumi Hoho; H.K. Zhimomi, assembly speaker, Naga Hoho; former ministers Khukivi Awomi and Ihezhe Zhimomi and Kakugha Zhimomi, former candidate Dimapur-I A/C.
NSCN (IM) says rival betraying Naga cause The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 17 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) came out strongly against their rival NSCN (K) saying that Khaplang group has betrayed the Naga cause by confining their proclaimed struggle to the state of India-Nagaland falling under the parameters of the Indian Constitution. Adding that NSCN/GPRN does not recognize the Indian imposed state boundaries or their constitution.
A press note issued by MIP NSCN (IM) stated that they are struggling for emancipation of more than 47 Naga tribes spread across the borders of Myanmar and India and that they do not accept arbitrarily imposed artificial boundaries within Nagalim. Naga people were free people since time immemorial and the states of Manipur, Arunachal or Nagaland are a recent creations arbitrarily imposed by India, which the Nagas does not recognize, it stated. It questioned the Khaplangs’ definition of their support for Naga Integration - “sensible? If so, why are they against the Southern Nagas? Are the Khaplangs bankrupt in politics and policies which are leading them to victimize the innocents? There also seems to be incongruity and differences between Gen. Kholi, SS Khaplang and Kitovi in their manifestos since they claim that they are fighting for the state-hood of India-Nagaland, their Chairman Khaplang, a Burmese Naga is from across the international border in Myanmar. Does Kholi know about this?”
“Let us be more sensible and come out of our egoistic cocoons and admit the facts and accept one another rather than waging bad blood amongst ourselves. We shall all try to contribute to give peace a chance so that our wounds would heal…..let us all try to heal ourselves with love and reconciliation and healthily strive on ahead with the rest of the world”, it stated.
Candidate abducted later released, weapons looted, house ransacked at Tamenglong Ramkung Pamei Kangla on Line

TAMENGLONG, Feb 17: Khangthonang Panmei, an independent candidate for the forthcoming 9th Manipur Assembly election in the 53-Tamenglong (ST) Assembly constituency was kidnapped by armed men after overpowering his security personnel in the wee hours of February 17. The candidate was subsequently released by his kidnappers in the outskirts of Tamei sub-division this evening around 7.30 pm. Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner of Tamenglong has said that Khangthonang Panmei has been released by his abductors but quickly added that the candidate was yet to reach the district headquarters.

DC Athui Pamei, the IAS officer said that he was informed by his higher authorities about the release of the candidate. However, the deputy commissioner added that he was also trying to get more detailed information on the development. In the meantime, the NSCN(IM) claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of Khangthonang Panmei.

The armed men took away all the weapons belonging to the security personnel from the 5th Manipur Rifles, damaged seven vehicles which were being used for his electioneering work, burnt one motor bike and ransacked his house at Namlalong, Tamenglong-2. The weapons included eight SLRs, three .303 rifles and one carbine.

A case under sections 446, 447, 353, 325, 365, 384, 400 and 34 of the IPC and 25 (1-B) Arms Act has been registered, said a source from Tamenglong police station. However, police said that there was no report of weapons belonging to the 5th MR being taken away by the miscreants.

The incident took place at around 2 am on February 17. Prior to the incident, the armed men met with around 22 volunteers of Pou Khangthonang Panmei, the candidate in question at Model village, Tamenglong-3 at around 1 am and beat up the volunteers, according to one injured who is also hospitalized at Tamenglong district hospital.

Three of the injured were hospitalized though the total number of persons who were attended to by the hospital was recorded as 22. Most of the injured were assaulted by blunt objects and gun butts in their thighs and backs, according to the medical officer who attended to the injured.

The volunteers were on their way to confront certain persons who allegedly tried to attack one of their co-workers, when they met the armed men, said an injured. He further said that they were made to stand in line and were questioned as to who was responsible for bashing up their (the armed men) leader recently near here, raising a suspicion that the armed men were from one Naga underground group operating in the region.
"Then they randomly started beating us from behind," said an injured lying in the hospital bed adding `they also set fire to one of our motor bikes. After this, the armed men took our vehicles - two Maruti Gypsys and drove to the candidate`s house at Tamenglong-2 where the guards seeing our vehicles opened the gate for them only to be overpowered and looted of their weapons.

The house of the candidate was then ransacked and seven vehicles including gypsys, Di- 407, Shaktiman and jeeps destroyed`. The armed men also reportedly forced their way inside the house, broke the furniture and took away three licensed SBBL guns and a .22 handgun belonging to the candidate. Later, they took away the candidate himself who had slipped into the adjoining toilet, said his wife Guilungliu Panmei.

Denouncing the act of the armed men, supporters of Khangthonang Panmei numbering about 1000 took out a rally from his residence up to the office of the district magistrate, who is also the district election officer-cum-Returning Officer of Tamenglong district at 12 noon.

The rallyist holding placards submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of Tamenglong asking for peaceful conduct of the elections and demanding immediate safe and sound release of their leader. The memo was signed by MG. Guiliangpou, election agent of Khangthonang Panmei. The incident occurred even as the district is witnessing unprecedented tight security ahead of the Prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh`s visit slated for February 18.

Giving reasons for the abduction, NSCN(IM) MIP deputy kilonser Kraibo Chawang informed NNN tonight over phone that Khangthuanang Panmei had been creating law and order problems in the Tamenglong headquarters for some time now. Kraibo Chawang alleged that a gang organised by Panmei had completely damaged a vehicle belonged to the Zeliangrong Union (ZU).

The NSCN(IM) kilonser further alleged that attempts were made on the life of some high dignataries of the GPRN/NSCN(IM) and the Zeliangrong Region by the gang at the behest of Panmei. The NSCN-IM leader further alleged that the independent candidate had also organised an anti-people rally in Tamenglong which was also against the Naga issue. The election camp of UNC`s consensus candidate from Tamei A/C Awangbow had also been attacked by the gang, Kraibo Chawang said adding that numerous criminal activities had been carried out by Khangthuanang and his supporters but the district administration intentionally closed its eyes and allowed the criminals to go scot-free. The NSCN/GPRN had to act to keep the social atmosphere in order and hence the arrest of Panmei, reasoned Kraibo Chawang. Kraibo Chawang then warned that anyone who tries to create uneasy atmosphere would be dealt with sternly.
NSCN (IM) claims abduction Newmai News Network
Imphal, Feb 17: The NSCN-IM has claimed responsibility for the abduction of Khangthuanang Panmei, an Independent candidate in the fray from Tamenglong Assembly Constituency in the ensuing Assembly Election of Manipur. However, Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong said Khangthuanang has been released by his abductors but hastened to add that the candidate was yet to reach the district headquarters. When NNN contacted DC Athui Pamei, the IAS officer said that he was informed by his higher authority about the release of the candidate.the Deputy Commissioner added that he was also trying to get more details on the development.
On the otherhand, furnishing reasons for the abduction, NSCN-IM MIP Deputy Kilonser Kraibo Chawang informed that Khangthuanang had been creating law and order problems in Tamenglong headquarters for some time now. Chawang alleged that a gang organised by Khang-thuanang Panmei had completely damaged a vehicle be- longing to the Zeliangrong Union (ZU) in addition to life attempts upon some high dignitaries of GPRN/NSCN-IM and Zeliangrong Region by the gang at the behest of Khangthuanang. The NSCN-IM leader further alleged that the Independent candidate had also organised an anti-people rally in Tamenglong which was also against the Naga issue. While iterating that the abduction has no connection with election matters, he asserted that Khangthuanang would be released only after an apology on the his alleged criminal activities. The election camp of UNC’s consensus candidate from Tamei A/C Awangbow was attacked by the said gang, said Chawang who also lamented that numerous criminal activities had been carried out by Khangthua-nang and his supporters but the district administration intentionally remained silent thereby allowing the ‘criminals to go scot-free who are taking law into their hands’.
“So things have become too much and such that the NSCN/GPRN has to act to keep the social atmosphere in order and hence the arrest of Khangthuanang Panmei,” reasoned Kraibo Chawang.
He further alleged that all activities of the supporters of Khangthuanang and the candidate himself are criminal in nature. Kraibo Chawang cautioned that anyone fomenting trouble and creating uneasy atmosphere would be dealt with sternly. Meanwhile, the outfit has also refuted reports carried in some daily newspapers that a brother of MLA Z Mangaibou along with two other supporters of the MLA had been abducted by the NSCN-IM and confined in its custody.
Clarifying the reports, Cease-fire Monitoring Cell member MK Winning said that Kikhonbou alias Khang-sabou, a brother of MLA Z Mangaibou, a Congress candidate for Tamei A/C, Tadoubou and Takiubou, both Congress party workers and supporters of the MLA were “stopped and asked” some questions by the NSCN-IM but “we did not abduct nor put them into our custody as reported in some newspapers”. MK Winning also said that the NSCN-IM did not harass nor had its cadres committed any wrong doing against the three Congress workers. “It has become a matter of necessity that the NSCN needed to question the three supporters of Z. Mangaibou so we did,” claimed the NSCN-IM leader.
Naga talks to resume in March Naga Nation
NEW DELHI, FEB 16: The government has decided to resume Naga peace talks with visiting leaders of the NSCN (IM) Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah in the first week of the coming month. “The government was waiting for the Manipur Assembly elections to be over before resuming talks with the Naga leaders. Now since the results of the elections would be announced on February 27, we have decided to continue the talks in the first week of March,” a government source said. At present both the Naga leaders are having their sojourn in Nagaland and as the talks had not been possible before the Manipur elections, the government, through its interlocutor M Padmanabhaia, continued to be in touch with them, the source said. MExNNSCN
(K) refutes alleged impersonator The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 17 (MExN): Responding to the write up carried in this news daily dated February 13 issue by one Vikato Zhimomi supposedly belonging to the Sumi region of the NSCN (IM), the NSCN (K) has stated that the writer, if he professes to be a man, should give his proper name and designation. “Writing such a threatening statement on bogus name is an act of cowardice and mockery”, stated Khekivi Sumi, Office Assistant, NSCN (K) in a refutation. “Tangkhul names are like Hopson Muivah, Jobson Vashume, Gentleson Shimray, Cruelson Shimrah, Eliza Saiza, Daniel Shimrang etc. and there is no Tangkhul by the name Vikato Zhimomi on this beautiful earth”, the NSCN (K) made known.
Alleging that Tangkhuls usually stay in the land of the Nagas and enjoying their wealth, the NSCN (K) charged that “Tangkhuls usually kill their hosts and benefactors without any compunction”. Further alleging that killing is their inherent culture inherited from the “people of Manipur valley”, that is why the Nagas rightfully issued the quit notice”. “No one should get confused. If anything happens at anytime to any members of the families of N. Kitovi Zhimomi, Kughalu Mulatonu, AZ Jami and Wangtin Naga it is by Tangkhuls only and not by anyone”, the NSCN (K) stated.
“Vikato Zhimomi Tangkhul is talking about students of other communities studying in different places. Yes you are right, many students are studying in different places. But they only pursue their studies peacefully. But the Tangkhuls, to which strata of the society they belong, they are terrorists and accomplices of the terrorists. Therefore, the difference is poles apart”, the statement pointed out.
Taking up the point raised by the writer that it was SS Khaplang and N Kitovi Zhimomi who were frustrated, the NSCN (K) countered that and questioned that “if Isak and Th Muivah are not frustrated, why their politics have been turned to Indian election and school affiliation? Why they are desperately trying to meet Gen Khole C-in-C of Naga army instead of meeting NSCN political leaders?” Why they are trying to create distrust and misunderstanding among the NSCN leaders?”
“The last point, Vikato Tangkhul is talking about is international recognition of the group. Recognition, don’t worry, the world recognized your group as terrorists organizations and is going to be cornered by the world very soon. Responsible organization. Yes, responsible in all the killings and terrorist activities in Nagaland and its negihbouring areas”, the NSCN (K) stated.
NSCN (IM) refutes abduction reports Newmai News Network
Imphal The NSCN-IM has refuted to the reports carried in some daily newspapers stating that a brother of MLA Z.Mangaibou along with two other supporters of the MLA had been abducted by the outfit and put in the NSCN-IM custody. Clarifying the reports, Cease-fire Monitoring Cell member MK Winning said that Kikhonbou alias Khangsabou, a brother of MLA Z.Mangaibou, a Congress party candidate from Tamei A/C, Tadoubou and Takiubou, both Congress party workers and supporters of MLA Z.Mangaibou were stopped by the NSCN-IM to ask some questions And they did not abduct nor put them into their custody as reported in some newspapers”. MK Winning also said that the NSCN-IM did not harass nor had its cadres committed bad thing upon the three Congress party workers. “It was a matter of necessity that compelled the NSCN to question the three supporters of Z.Mangaibou,” claimed the NSCN-IM leader.
Slain FGN men identified Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Feb 17:: The bullet-riddled bodies of the three FGN members who were killed in an ambush laid by suspected NSCN (I-M) men near Pfutsero on Friday evening have been identified, police said...
The deceased were Pte.Zavikho of Sakraba village, Pte Krosoto of Ketsapo village and Pte Kuzoyi of Phek village. The bodies were later handed over to relatives. Meanwhile, a search operation carried out Saturday by several groups in and around the ambush site for more casualties yielded no results. The NSCN (Khaplang), an ally of the NNC, disclosed that none of its own cadre was involved or slain in the ambush. Policemen and local villagers were searching for the missing NNC activists till late this afternoon.
The Pfutsero area is a stronghold of the NSCN (I-M). The NNC, supported by the NSCN (K), has been trying to oust the rival group from this area and Phek district.

Residents of Phek town met yesterday to pass a resolution. The meeting resolved that irrespective of affinity, political affiliation and personal feelings, the residents would remain loyal to the political aspirations of the Nagas. On Tuesday, members of the public forced nearly 150 NSCN (I-M) activists to leave. Afterwards, a combined team of the NSCN (K) and NNC activists from Phek town vandalised the office and residence of the deputy commissioner and the residence of the superintendent of police in protest against the Neiphiu Rio government’s policies.

The chairperson of Phek Town Council yesterday apologised for the vandalism and verbal abuse of the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police. (NPN/ The Telegraph)
‘DAN govt lacks policy and direction’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 17 (MExN): 17-Chizami Assembly Constituency Congress Committee in its executive meeting on February 15 noted with deep concern the prevailing volatile situation in Phek. The members expressed deep concern for the students appearing their HSLC and HSSLC examinations, which the committee said is being held under immense tension of threat and insecurity.
The CACCC expressed their understanding over the plight of field administrative officers of Phek who are put in “precarious position due to the lack of policy and direction of the DAN Government”. The press secretary Nesahu Swuro said that because of this the officers have been sandwiched between the irate public and the underground factions. The CACCC also reminded the DAN government of its “false promises” to be more regular in paying the salary of W/C employees stating that the then Congress government used to release salaries quarterly. The house also questioned how the DAN government “could remain so senseless to the plight of the poor and downtrodden citizens of the State.”
Give peace a chance- Nagaland Post Opninion
The culmination of adverse situation at Phek owing to the callous demonstration of anti-peace elements needs some food for thought. The Nagas have been beguiled in internal strife entrenched on tribal lines as well as egoistic sturdiness, which meaninglessly have been retarding our national aspirations and deviating us away from our initial goals to that of self humiliating remorse.
Following the proclamation of the Yaruiwo for 'Peace and Reconciliation' the NSCN/GPRN maintained maximum restraint from all offensive operations, unless attacked upon. Consonant to the Yaruiwo's peace proclamation and also heeding to the Chakhesang People's Organization (CPO's) appeal, to refrain from all armed confrontations in and around Phek, the Naga army strictly maintained in abiding by the peace call. But to our utter dismay, the Khaplang outfit and NNC/FGN combined forces attacked the Naga army while observing Sunday services beginning from 11 February in contravention of the CPO's peace call. This unfortunate aggressive incident by the forces of the Khaplang outfit and NNC/FGN had led to the disenchantment of the Chakhesang public as well as rendered the innocent students to suffer especially during the ongoing examinations. Nagas should know by now that we will not gain anything for infighting amongst ourselves, but all negative confrontations will only lead to a chain of vengeance and vendettas: endowing us and generations with deep injuries.
Whatever differences may exist and may continue to exist, it is to be realized that there is no benefit in engaging in feudal wars amongst ourselves. Fratricidal confrontations or mud slinging media hype reveals to be our penultimate nemesis. Is not it inappropriate in justifying ourselves for acts committed in the name of our nationalism against our brotherhood? Our political objectives are one as well as our blood, culture and ethnic identity as a people. Whether we like it or not, neither can our identities be changed nor can our ethnic history be altered as God had created us the way we were meant to be. We are bound to accept and embrace each other some day or the other. Today we have to look beyond the short term realizations with perspectives of our political aspirations and ethnic identity's integrity firmly established, so that we are not swayed by divisive rudiments.
Public leaders should also not manipulate the Naga situation for short term political leverage nor cultivate isms or inclination. They should harness their wisdom with futuristic vision so that we are rescued from all division-isms and our political aspirations salvaged. Nagas should not let the status-quo of arbitrarily imposed boundaries and temporary economic lures hijack our protracted political issue, but defeat all detrimental elements with proud and judicious principles well associated with our unique cultural and customary identity of a people called the Nagas.
Similar to the maxim 'to err is human' we have committed mistakes in the past and may continue to make mistakes now and then. But unless we give peace a chance and continue to justify our selves by pointing fingers or blaming one another, peace will remain illusive. Why do not we give peace a chance by extending peaceful gestures in forgiveness rather than groping for justifications against it? Either good or bad, we are to collectively bear, so it is for us to choose what may be best for us than opting for self inflicting choices.
Issued by, MIP/GPRN, NSCN (IM).
They failed to quote the Bible- Nagaland Post Opinion
After Isak and Th. Muivah returned home they furiously reprimanded the church leaders through a lengthy letter, because church leaders warned them not to use 'Nagaland for Christ' for the killing or in vain. In their letter they have quoted many Bible Verses, but they failed to quote the Bible verses from where they have the right to level false allegation against the innocent Nagas and to kill them without the fear of God. Also they failed to refer the Bible verse that they can say the killings and telling lies are not an act of Satan. And from which Bible verses they have the right to use 'Nagaland for Christ' in vain or tell lies that the Nagas had accepted Indian constitution? It was the fact that as God loves the Nagas he is protecting the Nagas from the hands of aggressor and thus the Nagas are proud as an independent nation.
After 1980 what had happened and what is happening in Nagaland is by-product of the new formation of Isak-Muivah's socialist organization. And therefore, they have no one to blame or be angry for the consequences of their own wrong actions. Unless they admit their mistake, they will surely face the wrath of the Naga people like what recently happened in Phek town. God says "You shall not use Nagaland for Christ in vain. You should ask His forgiveness for taking His name in vain, lest His curse will be upon you forever", through Imsu jamir, Mokokchung on November 22, 1998. Rev. Peter Youngren (US based church leader) also said "the NSCN is terribly misusing 'Nagaland for Christ', its method counter Christ. Christian has nothing to do with violence".
God says, "I have chosen the Naga people by myself. Before the return of Jesus Christ, it is my will that the Nagas are to be free, for I have given their kingdom", through Naga army chaplain Kipfelhou on August 13' 1974. God also says "the conflict between the Nagas and the Indian rulers is a spiritual conflict, and India can never defeat the Nagas, because their power come from the Lord God", through Dessan Tagore (an Indian) in December 1982. Therefore, if Isak and Th. Muivah said the NNC/FGN was defeated by Indian through signing an accord in 1975, then the word of God would have been untrue. Even if the Nagas formed a new political organization after the Accord, it would become only a mere secessionist group. But God never failed to lead and protect the Nagas under the leadership of the Naga National Council (NNC) since its inception.
The Nagas therefore never reduce to a secessionist group in the running history of our nation. And the Nagas believe that through God's guidance and protection the Nagas will surely achieve their goal. And by good faith, the Nagas are defending their sovereignty at all cost till date. And they will never co-operate with the renegade leaders like Isak and Muivah who are misleading the Nagas to demand for integration or greater autonomy from India because the Nagas cannot sell out God-given sovereignty
Maj. Wichanlungbo Chaplain, Naga army, FGN
UNC names consensus candidates By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 17: The UNC has confirmed that K Sebastian Sanglung and Francis Huten would be its ‘consensus candidates’ in Nungba A/C and Chandel A/C.
Dismissing any room for confusion in the selection, the UNC said decision to this effect was taken in consultation with the Naga people. Some observers have been speculating that Gan-gmumei Kamei and L Ben- jamin would be its ‘consensus candidates’ in these two Assembly segments. Besides Sanglung and Huten, the other three ‘consensus candidates’ for the third phase of polling are Samuel Jendai in Tameng-long A/C, Morung Makun-ga in Tengnoupal A/C and N Awangbow in Tamei A/C. UNC president Paul said that there should be no further debate on the matter as all the intending candidates had already entered into an understanding that they would not make any complaint or objection when their candidatures are not recommended for UNC's ‘consensus candidates’. Reacting to the recent rally at Tamenglong and the rallyists' allegation that UNC has been intimidating and interfering in the electoral process, he clarified that there was no case of intimidation.
He informed that the UNC leaders are campaigning in full gear for the en- suing elections in Tameng-long and Chandel districts. UNC's general secretary Ajang Longmai and speaker Samson have gone to Ta-menglong to join poll campaign there. To a query, Paul asserted that the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmo-han Singh to address a rally is a clear indicator that the Congress party is shaky in these constituencies. Though the UNC is confident of victory for at least four of its nominees in the just concluded first phase polling, Paul reteirated that elected UNC nominees would not join in the formation of the next State Government.
He conveyed the UNC's desire for the successful candidates to sit in the opposition.
Drowning incidents return to haunt tourists at Colva beach
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, FEB 17 - Drowning deaths at the famous Colva beach has come to haunt the tourists again, with the beach recording a total of eight deaths so far this year.
A day after tragedy hit a group of youngsters from Mumbai, Saturday saw a young tourist from Ahmedabad, Ganesh Shinde (30) meeting a watery grave at Colva.
Police said the deceased along with his colleagues had ventured for a swim this evening, when the strong undercurrents pulled him inside. Shinde’s body has been preserved at Hospicio mortuary. This is the fourth drowning incident reported at the Colva beach so far this years, claiming the lives of eight youngsters, including six young students.
In fact, Colva hit the headlines on the first day of the New Year when tragedy struck a group of students from Nagaland. Three students drowned off the beach on January 1.
This incident was followed by another tragedy when three young students from Chicmangalore met a watery grave at the beach. Police officials admitted that deaths due to drowning has become a routine phenomenon, but said that the concerned authorities should step in and find a solution by earmarking certain safe swimming zones.
Manipur may better its own turnout record TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
K Sarojkumar Sharma Times of India

IMPHAL: At the ongoing National Games in Guwahati, Manipur has been leading the medal tally right from the word go. Back home, the trouble-torn state is close to either matching or bettering its own record of 90% poll turnout that it created in the 2002 assembly elections.

Despite inclement weather and insurgency, the tiny north-eastern state recorded almost 90% polling in the first two legs of the three-phase assembly elections held on February 8 and 14 respectively. The final round is slated for February 23.

"We're having such a wonderful turnout because of our long democratic tradition. We started having elections much ahead of the rest of India," CPI state council secretary B Sharma said. Manipuris elected their first assembly when the state was still a separate principality in 1948, four years before India's first general elections.

"Our people have kept their faith in democracy intact. It's highly praiseworthy," Sharma, whose party rules the state along with Congress, said. The voters have won kudos from election officials as well. Chief electoral officer R R Rashmi said, "The massive turnout is a good indicator of the people's democratic mindset. We must all welcome this."

The ruling Congress said extensive campaigning also played a key role in bringing voters to polling stations. "The people's response was extraordinary because of the campaigning. The voters also proved their high consciousness," Manipur Congress media cell chief Seram Mangi said. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, BJP chief Rajnath Singh and Janata Dal (S) leader H D Deve Gowda were among the top leaders who took part in campaigning in Manipur.

Voters too are enthusiastic. "I've never missed a single poll since I attained the voting age. On Wednesday, though it was raining, I trekked quite a distance to reach the polling station and cast my vote," said Nepram Menjor (55) from Thongju in Imphal.

But neither politicians nor government officials were ready to comment on allegations of rigging from the tribal-dominated hill districts, which have 20 seats in the 60-member assembly.

"The elections are basically fought on two highly emotive issues, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and Naga integration," said an analyst. In the Manipur valley, Meities want withdrawal of the Act and oppose the NSCN(I-M)'s demand for amalgamation of the state's Naga-dominated areas with its proposed Nagalim (Greater Nagaland). The Nagas in the hills want merger of their region with Nagalim. There are about 11 militant organisations active in the state.

Candidate abducted OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, Feb. 17: Suspected NSCN (I-M) cadre today abducted an Independent candidate from Tamenglong, a day ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to campaign in the constituency. The abducted candidate, Khangthuknang Panmei, had ignored a diktat by the United Naga Council (UNC) which the NSCN (I-M) is backing, to withdraw from the poll race. The UNC is backing 11 candidates in the state and had asked all rivals to withdraw from the poll fray in support of its nominees.
Breaching blanket security arrangements for Singh’s visit to the campaign site, a stone’s throw from the abduction spot, suspected NSCN (I-M) cadre, numbering around 20 to 30 and armed with sophisticated weapons, swooped down on Panmei’s house at Namlalong in ward two around 2 am. The Naga militants overpowered 12 Manipur Rifles personnel and snatched eight SLRs, three 303 rifles and a carbine from the guards before ransacking his house. They also damaged seven cars and a motorcycle parked at Panmei’s residence.
All the 12 security personnel were suspended and a fresh batch of Manipur Rifles personnel deployed at Panmei’s residence. Panmei’s wife Lu Guilungliu lodged a complaint with police but did not mention the snatching of weapons from the guards. Chief electoral officer R.R. Rashmi said security for candidates would be reviewed. Superintendent of police Gainairung Kabui said efforts were on to rescue Panmei. Supporters of Panmei, today took out a rally from his residence and assembled in front of the office of district magistrate. They submitted a memorandum demanding that their leader be rescued.
Our special correspondent adds from New Delhi: “The abduction has nothing to do with elections,” insisted an NSCN (I-M) leader. “He had attacked a senior kilonser (minister) of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN). How can we overlook something that goes against the interests of the people?” he said, adding that the candidate would “be released on strict conditions.”


Cordiality not reciprocated: ULFA The Morung express
GUWAHATI, FEB 17 (NET): Banned outfit, ULFA on Friday stated the cordiality shown by ULFA for the resolution of Indo-Assam political conflict by withdrawing the boycott call on the 33rd national games was not reciprocated by the government.
Large-scale operations were launched by security forces in the jungles of Arunchal Pradesh and Upper Assam to flush out ULFA militants after the violent incidents in the state in which 60 Hindi speaking people were killed in January this year.
Reports stated that military junta of Myanmar has now fired salvo on the Northeastern militant outfits NSCN (Khaplang) faction and ULFA. Both the outfits have camps there.
ULFA in its mouthpiece Freedom stated, “Indian government’s latest move to track ULFA is nothing but a planned arithmetic of genocide. People in upper Assam are fleeing away from their homes in the face of attack by jawans of Bihar Regiment and 6th Jammu & Kashmir Regiment. Assam is being transformed into a land of mass slaughter. Horrible, barbaric, inhuman and inexplicable torture is being inflicted in the name of tracking ULFA by the army,” it stated
It further said, “Army continued with their so-called operation aimed at liquidating the rank and file of ULFA vis-Ã -vis its sympathizer civilians. Combing operations are continuing in Dumduma, Talpathar, Nagaon, Majgaon, Dighlipathar, Nakathalguri,” it stated.
The ULFA mouthpiece said that ULFA called off ban on celebration of National Games showing respect to the appeal of legendary sports personalities and sport-loving people of Assam, not because of any love for Indian colonial rulers. While it withdrew the boycott, ULFA received the dead body of cadre Biplob Sangmai as a reward for regards shown to boost sports in Assam. The outfit alleged that hundreds of innocent masses were arrested and many of them were killed in fake encounters.
Sources said that Naga outfit, NSCN (Khaplang) faction and ULFA have suffered huge set-backs in Myanmar. The operation has led to killing of over 100 cadres belonging to the two militant outfits. The general headquarters of the Khaplang faction located inside Myanmar. ULFA had over 300 cadres in the camps.
He informed that police in Arunchal Pradesh have been alerted to maintain vigil as the crackdown in Myanmar may result in ULFA cadres sneaking in Arunachal.
Already the Prime minister, Manmohan Singh during his visit to Assam in January said that Myanmar government will cooperate with India in dealing with militants. The Union home secretary, V.K Duggal had secretary level talks with counterpart in Myanmar recently.
ULFA separatist group wants plebiscite
New Delhi, Feb 17, (IRNA): India’s northeast separatist group, United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has not entered into any parleys with the Central government and wants a plebiscite under international supervision on Assam’s sovereignty, its ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Barua has said.
Barua said in the latest edition of the banned group’s mouthpiece Freedom that the ULFA wanted a ‘plebiscite and not a referendum under international supervision’, said a PTI report here today.
He said there no negotiation were being conducted with the government.
“The only pre-condition that we hold now is (that the) restoration of Assam’s sovereignty should be on the agenda for talks specifically.
We will not negotiate on the issue of Assam’s sovereign independence,” he said.
Referring to the withdrawal of the ULFA’s call to boycott of the National Games hosted by Assam, Barua said, “A section is misleading the people of the state, saying that the gesture indicated ULFA’s weakness.“This section failed to appreciate our goodwill gesture and also did not raise their voice against anti-ULFA operations by occupational forces,” he alleged.

ULFA ready for plebiscite The Nagaland Post
Guwahati, Feb 17 (UNI): The ULFA today denied that there was any Track-II negotiation with the Centre and insisted that only sovereignty would be discussed in future negotiation.
''ULFA has not entered into any kind of negotiation with the Government of India. Our only specific pre-condition is that the issue of restoration of Assom's sovereignty should be on the agenda for talks,'' ULFA chief Paresh Baruah said, in a statement here. Regarding referendum or plebiscite, the ULFA leader said that ''in principle, the ULFA is ready for a plebiscite and not referendum, under international supervision.'' '' ULFA called off the ban on celebration of National Games by showing respect to the appeal of legendary sports personalities and sport-loving people of Asom, not because of any love for Indian colonial rulers,'' he reiterated.
''However, a section of people have tried to give animpression to the masses that this gesture is ULFA's weakness. Since the day ULFA banned the National Games the flatterers of India condemned ULFA.
They left no stone unturned to derive public opinion for holding the Games by stating it as a great event to uphold Asom's dignity''he said, alleging that to make the National Games a great success they ''created an awesome situation in Asom attacking Hindi-speaking people and increasing immensely the number of security forces to build up strong anti-ULFA campaign in Asom. The plan to choose Asom as a host for the Games is to strengthen the logic that the state is an indispensable part of India.''
'' The puppet government of Asom was trapped in this crafty plan and did not hesitate to victimise the masses of Asom. ULFA received the dead body of Biplob Sangmai as a reward for the regard shown to boost sports in Asom'' said Paresh Barua, himself a footballer of repute who represented the state once said. The ULFA's decision of withdrawing the boycott call was welcomed by all, irrespective of party and organizations. Notable sportsmen, sports-loving masses, various politicians, political parties, conscious citizens, and social organisations called it a 'time- honoured' decision and put forward various explanation and appealed to ULFA to take such steps of ''public interest'' in future. Meanwhile, the intelligence agencies are apprehending serious outbreak of violence from the closing ceremony of the National Games on Sunday next.
Fillip for Moreh trade By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 17: The Singapore-based Asian Clearing Unit (ACU) is informed to have approved ‘euro’ instead of letter of credit (LoC) system for border trade between India and Myanmar.
According to informed source, a daylong deliberation session held at Kolkata on February 15 discussed at length on improving trade volume between the two neighbouring countries with the prospect of expanding the Moreh-Tamu route figuring prominently in the meeting.
The session held under the theme ‘India-Myanmar Trade & Commerce: Challenges & Prospects’ was organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce in association with Indo-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce & Industries wherein Consul General U soe Paing of Consulate General of Union of Myanmar, Kolkata inaugurating the programme as the chief guest. The programme attended by representatives of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, major Indian firms and myanmarese delegates speakers strongly advocated lifting of restriction on all trade items.
In addition to the Myanmar delegates pitching for promotion of cross-border tourism, the deliberation also centred around improving infrastructures for land route transportation of commercial goods through the Moreh-Tamu section rather than the current practice of depend- ing on the arduous and expensive sea routes. On opting for ‘euro’ currency for the border trade, the source said Myanmar Government had been opposing reliance on the ‘dollar’ consequently leading to favour-ing the European Union currency. Apart from noting recent developments in the infrastructure sector between India and Myanmar, the meet also stressed on improving banking facilities in the Moreh-Tamu section of the neighbouring countries.

Frans on 02.18.07 @ 04:00 PM CST [link]


Saturday, February 17th

NSCN(K) confirms Myanmar army action Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune


NSCN(K) confirms Myanmar army action Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 16 – Battle-wary NSCN (Khaplang) today said they were preparing for a drawn battle against Myanmar Army that has left over 10 of cadres dead in recent clashes. Confirming that the Army action was on, Kilonser Education, A.Z.Jami told this newspaper over telephone from somewhere in Nagaland, that they expect the current round of offensive to continue till the onset of the rainy season. The first attack was in January,” he said.

What is significant is that outlawed ULFA, which was also caught in the crossfire, has started shifting bases from Sagain Division in Chin Stat. Jami, however, declined to divulge further. “We don’t live together so I can’t say where they have shifted,” he said, replying to questions.

“They have hide outs in Myanmar but we never shared our camps with them,” he claimed.
Stating that attacks came in waves, the NSCN (K) leader, who is also the convener of the Kilonser alleged that the Myanmar Army was attacking them with weapons and ammo supplied by the Government of India. The militant outfit and New Delhi has a ceasefire pact in place though political dialogue is get underway.
Jami said they have retaliated and there has been casualties on both sides. He revealed that they have lost some of their outposts and about 10 of their cadres besides sustaining casualties.
“As for the current status, he said there was no action going on right away, but they have placed their cadres in maximum alert. We will not counter attack and exercising maximum restraint,” he claimed. Reports with agencies, however, tell a different story. The Naga rebels were reported to have maximum damages, with their general headquarters having been blown up by Army using heavy artillery. Most of the NSCN (K) cadres have fled towards India, as has the ULFA cadres.
According to sources, there were some 300 ULFA cadres holed up in Myanmar.
Naga talks to resume in March The Morung Express
NEW DELHI, FEB 16 (AGENCIES): The government has decided to resume Naga peace talks with visiting leaders of the NSCN (IM) Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah in the first week of the coming month. “The government was waiting for the Manipur Assembly elections to be over before resuming talks with the Naga leaders. Now since the results of the elections would be announced on February 27, we have decided to continue the talks in the first week of March,” a government source said. At present both the Naga leaders are having their sojourn in Nagaland and as the talks had not been possible before the Manipur elections, the government, through its interlocutor M Padmanabhaia, continued to be in touch with them, the source said.
Phek Town public meet resolves for peace, tranquility Morung Express News
Kohima Residents of Phek town, irrespective of ethnic affinity, political affiliation and personal feelings, do acknowledge the political aspirations of the Nagas that “we belong to a race of unique entity separated and independent from any external control. Towards this objective, we remain true, loyal and committed with perseverance.”
This was among the many resolutions adopted by the general public of Phek town in its meeting held in the town today. “We strongly believe and advocate that reconciliation and unity of Naga brethren through the spirit and foundation of forgiveness alone can bring about the ultimate fruitful solution to our national cause,” a copy of the resolutions received here said.
Henceforth, it said the public shall not be held to ransom or as human shield by any group/faction. Unauthorized collection of money from shops and other business establishments in the name of any group/faction shall not be tolerated, it added. While upholding the CPO resolution, the public reiterated that no cadre of any faction or group shall be allowed to set up camps, run mess or move about in combat uniforms with arms and ammunition in any civilian populated area, it said adding that citizens of all the colonies/wards shall remain vigilant and immediately report to the nearest concern authority in case of any violations of the public’s wishes. “Practical experience of confrontations and terror caused to the peace-loving Nagas has proved beyond doubt that the presence of any faction/group in a particular territory is detrimental to the peaceful atmosphere of the society as this converts public living areas into battlefields,” the resolution reads. The public vehemently condemned the objective of groups/factions “to achieve territorial domination and subjugation, all forms of provocations to the extent of hit and run operations which vitiate the atmosphere.”
“Leadership of any human society reflects the pulse of the people it represents. Expression or utterance of any view is done so out of compulsion and sheer pressure. Therefore, targeting any individual personally or causing intimidation shall be considered as a direct challenge to the general public. This shall not be tolerated and replied to in unison and in a befitting way,” the resolution said. Henceforth, it said “any group/faction that fails to comply with the wishes and sentiments of the general public shall be seriously viewed as been inimical to our interests and shall be opposed by any means.”
Further, the resolution stated that Phek Town Council chairperson on behalf of the general public “apologize for vandalism and verbal abuse of DC in front of his official residence and also assaulting of the SP by some persons.”
3 FGN men killed Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 16 (NPN): Three FGN members were killed in an ambush laid by suspected NSCN (I-M) men Friday evening near Pfutsero town in Phek district. According to sources, around four to five suspected NSCN (I-M) men waylaid and fired upon the FGN members (Non-Accordist) numbering more than ten at a place some 3-4 kms away from Pfutsero town at around 4 p.m. Sources also said one of FGN members was reported missing.
The bodies of the three FGN members, all in their late twenties or early thirties, were later kept at Pfutsero Police Station.When contacted, Pfutsero Police said the identity of the three deceased could not be ascertained so far and added that the three were in civilian dress. Police also said they did not recover any weapons from the deceased.NSCN (K) sources said none of its men were involved or killed in the ambush. Meanwhile, a public leader told the Post over phone that public assisted by administration and police had Friday night conducted a search for the reported missing FGN man, but was unsuccessful due to darkness. He said they would resume the search Saturday morning.
Phek Cong demands DAN’s dismissal The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 16 (MExN): Phek district Congress demands dismissal of the NPF-led DAN government for what it said is for failing to protect the fundamental rights of the people as well as failure to address the ‘complete’ breakdown of law and order in the state’. The Phek Congress also demands an unconditional apology from Law and Justice Parliamentary Secretary Yitachu for his “irresponsible statements”.
The unit had an emergency meeting on the 15th at Kohima where the law and order situation in Phek was reviewed vis-à-vis the recent public outburst in Phek coming as a consequence of factional feud between the various Naga underground groups. The members expressed dismay at what the Congress said is ‘step-motherly’ treatment “with indifferent attitude” of the DAN government to students in Phek’s areas. The students are appearing for their HSLC, HSSLC and degree examinations “by risking their lives without security” the Congress stated, with strong affirmation that the blame for students securing “poor results” would have to be borne by the state government.
“The DAN’s policy of ‘equi-closeness’ has become divisive in its approach and factional clashes in Phek town is the result of the ‘divide and rule’ policy of the legislators” Phek Congress president Vekhosa Puro stated. The party maintained that ever since DAN took over the reins in Nagaland, public life has been subjected to threats, killings extortions which have been going from bad to worst.
The party also took a shot at legislators from Phek district: “The present (Legislators) from Phek district are so inactive and have the least concern for the welfare of Phek district. Mr Yitachu’s irresponsible statement appeared in local dailies is a clear indication that he does not care about the lives and property of the public and therefore he should tender his unqualified apology to the people of Phek district. Maintaining that all along DAN government had turned a deaf ear and “intentionally avoided their responsibilities” towards the plight of the people. “And that we have good reasons to doubt their (DAN’s) integrity and sincerity towards the safety of public” it stated.
“The DAN legislators had totally failed in their constitutional responsibilities and moral obligations to protect the fundamental rights of its people and that as a consequence there is complete breakdown of law and order in the state. We demand immediate dismissal of DAN government in the interest of the public” the Congress made clear.
Another fruit of Isaac’s peace proclamation- Nagaland Post Opninion
Yet another fruit of Swu Isaac's peace proclama-tion, Naga people should now open their eyes and ears to perceive. On February 6' 2007 two (2) Chang youths were killed by IK group at Tuensang town. On February 8' 2007 IK group led by Tsilumthung former CAO of IK and one Alo killed 7 (seven) members of a family at Zanger village near Pungro town. Again on February 10' 2007 a land mine planted by IK group at their earlier camp at Chalkot old village at the spot.
In this connection, it is to be noted here that the IK group had signed some years back the "Geneva Call" agreement banning anti-personnel land mines to show that they are peaceful people. But the signing of the agreement was only a mockery. The IK group will adopt any means to kill people Naga people should understand that Th. Muivah is a re-incarnation of Idi Amen of Uganda and Isaac Swu is a reincarnation of Mahummad Bin Tuglak, the fooling king who once ruled India. These two men see other man's deeds and never see their own sins and crimes Ame Konyak, U/Secretary, MIP, NSCN (K).
Rani Gaidinliu in the context of modern Naga society “Invasion by foreign religion and foreign culture will pose danger to Naga identity. Beware of this danger”. —Rani Gaidinliu had said. By Tasile N. Zeliang Organiser
Rani Ma was kept in Yimrup village of Tuensang district nearly 300 km away from her people. See the fate that our own Zeliangrong persons who had been converted to Christianity spied against her and helped British army to arrest her from Poilwa village near Khonoma. They hatched a plan to kill her. Several of her Naga army sepoy were killed in the fierce battle. What was the guilt of Rani Ma? The only “crime” Rani Ma did was that she pioneered her forefathers’ religion, eternal culture, customary laws and traditional village institutions.
The day of January 26 is of national significance because it is the Republic Day of our country. This day has an additional importance for the Naga society because this is also the birthday of legendary Naga lady, Padma Bhushan Rani Gaidinliu.

Rani Gaidinliu, popularly know as Rani Ma, is the highly revered Naga lady for her selfless services to Naga society and fight for freedom of the country. She was a committed lady for the preservation, protection and promotion of her forefather’s religion, eternal culture, customary laws and traditional village institutions. She organised Naga army and challenged British empire. British Government declared her as “terror of north east” and had awarded life imprisonment to her. When Pt. Nehru approached the British government to free her, they refused to oblige on the plea that if Rani Gaidinliu was freed, the revolt against British empire would spread like wildfire. She came out of Shillong prison when the country got Independence on August 15, 1947. But the travesty is that she was not allowed to visit her people for whose freedom, religion and culture she sacrificed her prime of youth. Same reason was given that if she was allowed to return to her Heraka people, the movement for preservation, protection and promotion of her forefather’s religion and eternal culture would catch-up momentum.

A section of our own Naga society who was under deep influence of church, was opposed to Heraka movement and Rani Gaidinliu. Rani Ma was kept in Yimrup village of Tuensang district nearly 300 km away from her people. See the fate that our own Zeliangrong persons who had been converted to Christianity spied against her and helped British army to arrest her from Poilwa village near Khonoma. They hatched a plan to kill her. Several of her Naga army sepoy were killed in the fierce battle. What was the guilt of Rani Ma? The only “crime” Rani Ma did was that she pioneered her forefathers’ religion, eternal culture, customary laws and traditional village institutions. She advocated in no uncertain terms that the fate of Nagas lied with India. She demanded the integration of all Zeliangrong areas in one administrative unit on the plea that this integration would accelerate the economic development of Zeliangrong people and fulfil their political aspiration.

The files in Union Home Ministry started moving in favour of integration of whole Zeliangrong areas with Nagaland. Rani Ma, Pau N.C. Zeliang and Prof. Gangmumei Kamei of Imphal were toiling hard to ensure that aspiration of Zeliangrong Nagas for integration was fulfilled. But this success was turned into failure by our own people on the plea that neither Rani Ma nor Pau N.C. Zeliang nor Prof. Gongmumei Kamei was Christian and the credit of achieving this integration should not and must not go to any person other than a Christian. And it should never, never go to a person like Rani Gaidinliu. She clearly and fearlessly preached among her people that a society whose forefather’s religion, culture, tradition, village institution and customary laws are destroyed, becomes weak and vigourless. In due course of time indiscipline and chaotic situation prevailed in that society. Rani Ma and Pau N.C. Zeliang reverberated this doctrine repeatedly. Unfortunately, Naga leaders—political, social or of church, preferred to ingnore.

The Naga society has been led on wrong path. As a result, we are killing each other. This killing is justified in the name of “Nagaland for Christ.”

I, once, read an article written by an ISKCON sanyasin of American origin. The title of the article was—“How I was saved from being saved”. The author, herself had narrated in that article how she protected herself from being converted to Christianity by saviours of the soul. “I pray Lord Tingwang, O Lord Tingwang! Please save our Nagaland from (the so-called) saviours of Nagaland.”

The volcanic situation created by our own Christian brothers in the early sixties against the Naga’s religion and culture in Zeliangrong areas compelled Rani Gaidinliu to hold gun again in her hands and adopt the jungle path to protect her people from forcible conversion at gun point. The second resumption of guerrilla warfare was not directly against foreign forces but against those who were destroying the Naga traditions and values and also against those who were preventing the Naga youths from following the values set-forth by our forefathers and who were breaking the traditional control of village elders over village community particularly youths.

The image of the Naga society in length and breath of the country was (i) that cent-per-cent Nagas have converted to Christianity (ii) that all Nagas were anti-Hindu and anti-India and (iii) that all Nagas were wild, savage and raw meat eaters.

In America, Britain and other Christian countries, Nagas were described as wild, savage, naked, head-hunters and with no religion. I have visited several mega cities in the country and have lived with several Hindu families. When Hindu hosts came to know that I was a Naga girl, they whispered. They could not believe that a Naga person could be so refined in all respects. It was not the mistake of the Hindu hosts. It was the mistake of our own since we allowed foreign Christian missionaries to propagate that we Nagas were wild, savage, heathen, naked, head-hunters and raw-meat eaters. This propaganda is still made in foreign countries.

Rani Gaidinliu and later, Pau N.C.Zeliang opposed this malicious propaganda against the Naga society. For this deed, both of them were cursed and victimised. Rani Ma toured the country, established close contacts with the Hindu organisations and cleared the cloud of misconception against the Nagas from the mind of the Hindus. Earlier Rani Ma, later Pau N.C. Zeliang and now Shri Ramkui Wangbe Newme, President of Zeliangrong Haraka Association, have been telling us that any Naga who is neither Christian nor Muslim, falls under the category of Hindu religion.

Due to their untiring efforts, the image of Naga society is improved and brightened in the country. The ‘terrorist’ image of the Nagas dampening and fading away and prudent and prowess image of the Nagas is emerging fast. If the current events in Naga society pertaining to revival of their religion and eternal culture, the war of supremacy in different factions of underground organisation and unbecoming behaviour of some church leaders are any pointer, the doctrine of life for Nagas propounded by Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu and advanced by Pau N.C. Zeliang appears to be the best in modern context. Alas! the Naga youths could understand this and save retrograde Naga society from kissing its doom and decadence.

(The author can be contacted at Org. Secy. Zeliangrong Heraka, Pailei Baudi, Nagaland Tening)
Sonia rejects; AICC appeals to Hokheto Morung Express News
Dimapur Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has refused to accept the resignation of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President Hokheto Sumi and requested that he continue to carry on with the activities as NPCC President. Hokheto had tendered his resignation to the party high command in New Delhi Wednesday following the decision to issue the Congress party ticket for the Dimapur-I Assembly seat to Aheto Yepthomi. “I have to appeal to you on behalf of the All India Congress Committee not to press for the resignation”, stated Oscar Fernandes, in-charge of Northeast in a letter addressed to Hokheto.
As earlier reported, the NPCC President had taken the extreme step of stepping down following differences over choice of candidate for the prestigious Dimapur-I Assembly Constituency seat. Sumi was reportedly unhappy over the choice made by the party high command and also the stand taken by some of the influential State Congress leaders for opposing the choice of senior leader KL Chishi. Meanwhile, in a separate letter addressed to the NPCC President, Fernandes officially informed of the Congress President, Sonia Gandhi’s decision to approve the candidature of Aheto Yepthomi for the Dimapur-I seat. For the Tuensang Sadar-II (ST) A/C, the party high command approved the candidature of Kijong Chang.
While there has been no official confirmation on whether Hokheto will pay heed to the appeal made by the AICC, informed sources said that the NPCC President has taken back his resignation and will abide by the decision of the party high command. Former Chief Minister KL Chishi whose name had come up as one of the three persons recommended to the AICC had reportedly turned down suggestions that he contest as an independent candidate. Chishi has reportedly expressed the need for supporting the Congress nominee at this juncture.
MANIPUR ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS NO MEITEI-NAGA CONVERGENCE Tehelka The divide Naorem Ashish Teresa Rehman
Nagas want the unification of the Naga-majority hill districts in Manipur. Meities, Kukis and others oppose any such move. But everyone in the state agrees the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has to go
Guwahati in the Manipur society is likely to be reflected in the outcome of the ongoing Assembly elections in the state. On the one hand is the Naga agenda of unification of all the Naga-dominated areas in Manipur into an “integrated homeland”, on the other is the Manipur valley’s Meitei population’s steadfast opposition to compromise on the state’s “territorial integrity”. which includes the Nagas Meitei’s — who are predominantly Hindus — constitute a majority in Manipur, but five out of its nine districts, namely Senapati, Tamenglong, Churachandpur, Chandel and Ukhrul, have a large concentration of tribal population
Last year over 3,000 Naga students from Manipur got affiliated to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education.
The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Nagas in the state, which is spearheading the campaign for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas, has fielded 11 independent candidates in the four-Naga dominated districts of Manipur — Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong. The 11 candidates have come together under the United Naga Democratic Front with the twin objectives of intensifying their agitation for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative unit and mobilising support for talks between the Centre and the Isaac - Muivah faction of the militant separatist National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN I-M). “After a series of discussions on the ongoing peace process with people from all walks of life, we decided to take a proactive role in the ninth general elections… We decided not to support any national or regional political party as they have taken no resolution in support of the peace process,” said KS Paul Leo, President, UNC.

NSCN (K), the Khaplang faction of the separatist group, has different views on the unification of Naga dominated hill districts of Manipur. Kughalu Mulatonu, supervisor of the ceasefire supervisory board of NSCN (K) told Tehelka that his group will not participate in the Manipur elections. “Our rival group NSCN (I-M) had set up the Neiphiu Rio government with 60 seats in Nagaland but they could make no headway with the peace process. What will they now do with 11 seats in the hill districts of Manipur? We are not an organisation for unification or integration. Our first priority is sovereignty and the rest will follow.”
Brigadier Phungthing, convenor of the ceasefire monitoring committee of the NSCN (I-M) told Tehelka, “Our views are very clear on the issue of the greater Naga homeland. We are fighting for what is rightfully ours.” Last year, over 3,000 Naga students from the hill districts of Manipur opted to affiliate with the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE). The Union Human Resource Development Ministry remained silent on the issue. However, NSCN (K) is opposed the Nagaland government’s decision to allow the students to affiliate to the NBSE and warned that it will not allow the pupils to appear in the High School Leaving Certificate Examination. “The NSCN (K) feels that the syllabus issue is not related to the Naga sovereignty issue,” says Paul Leo. Kughalu Mulatonu, supervisor of the ceasefire supervisory board of NSCN (K) called the shifting of affiliation as an “anti-Naga virus”. “If they want the support and blessings of the Naga people, they should go ahead with a rightful approach,” he said.
The first phase of Assembly polls in Manipur held on February 8 went off peacefully, barring some minor incidents. Polls were held in Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal districts for 19 of the 60 seats in the Assembly and close to 70 percent of the six-lakh-strong electorate cast its votes.
The second and third phase are scheduled for February 14 and 23. The Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government has been the first one in Manipur to last its full-five year term. In view of the prevailing law and order situation, at least two units of central paramilitary forces have been deployed in each polling booth.
‘We are not against Naga unification but we want the territorial integrity of Manipur to be intact,’ says MPP’s Shivachandra
One issue on which all political parties in the state, including the ruling Congress party, have a unanimous stand is the repeal of the detested Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. The death of a man in what is widely believed here to be a fake encounter in Lamlai in Imphal East, hours after the first phase of polling ended has shifted the focus back to the Act. A 24-hour bandh was observed on February 11 all over Manipur.
The Manipur People’s Party (MPP), the oldest regional party in the state, has the repeal of AFSPA as its main poll plank. RK Shivachandra, General Secretary, mpp, told Tehelka, “We want the repeal of the act. We want to emphasise that the insurgency problem is not a law and order problem. Its an armed conflict which has to be resolved politically.” He also stressed the need to not tinker with the hill districts’ current status. “We are not against the issue of Naga unification but we want the age-old territorial integrity of Manipur to be kept intact,” he says.
Politicians cutting across party lines have been visiting the homes of two women who epitomise the fight to repeal the AFSPA — Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has been on a fast-unto-death for six years now — and Thangjam Manorama Devi, who was allegedly raped before being shot dead while she was in the custody of Assam Rifles in July 2004.
Members of Irom Sharmila’s family have not exercised their right to franchise since 2000. Her brother, Irom Singhajit, currently at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi keeping a vigil over his sister says, “I asked my family members not to cast their vote since we did not like the political atmosphere and no political parties can fulfill our expectations.”
Sapancha Kangleipal, a member of Apunba Lup, a joint front of 32 civil society bodies, is camping at Delhi with Sharmila. He is critical of the role of the political parties. “It is very unfortunate that the political parties are using this issue to their advantage. We don’t adhere to any regional or national political party who have double faces and try to gain sympathy from the innocent Manipuri people,” he says. The non-Naga tribes who reside in the four hill-districts, including a majority among the Kuki tribe, refute the Nagas’ claims that they are the dominant tribe there, and are likely to oppose the UNC. Buried under these politically charged and emotionally volatile issues, common everyday civic issues like water, electricity, health and education have taken a backseat in the electoral manifesto of the political parties. rteresa@rediffmail.com">rteresa@rediffmail.com
ULFA hardcore, doctor arrested in Sibsagar Times of India

SIBSAGAR: One hardcore ULFA militant and a homeopath doctor suspected to be a contact of the outfit were arrested by the police in Sibsagar district on Friday.

The militant was arrested from Kanhubari area along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh-Nagaland border with the help of CRPF, police said. He had come from the camp of the outfit situated in Arunachal Pradesh for getting medical treatment in Assam when he was arrested. The doctor Govind Handique was picked up by the police on the suspicion that he was an ULFA contact.

Kolkata-Dimpapur flight by Air Deccan, offers Rs 1 ticket Zee News Bureau Report

Kolkata, Feb 16: As part of its strategy to expand its network in the north-eastern parts of the country, low-cost airline Air Deccan on Friday announced the launch of its Kolkata-Dimapur flight with fare starting at Re one. The daily flight to Dimapur, the commercial capital of Nagaland, would start from March 26 with a stop-over at Manipur capital, Imphal, and this would be first-ever air connectivity between the two cities, an Air Deccan release said.

The airline expects to attract good number of tourists and nature-lovers apart from the regular travellers as Dimapur is also acclaimed for its spectacular locales comprising hilly treks, abundant lakes and waterfalls. The bookings for the Kolkata-Dimpapur flight started today and the fare for the sector starts at rupees one (taxes extra), the release said.
"Low fare air connectivity is the enabler for cities to emerge as economic power houses. Air Deccan's new flight will not only provide a convenient and affordable travel option to scores of people traveling between these two cities but will also spur economic activities," Air Deccan Managing Director Capt. G R Gopinath was quoted as saying in the release.

ULFA insists on sovereignty The Morung Express
GUWAHATI, FEB 16 (AGENCIES): The United Liberation Front of Assam on Friday denied that there was any Track-II negotiation with the Centre and insisted that only sovereignty will be discussed in future negotiations. In a statement, ULFA Commander-in-Chief Paresh Baruah said, “ULFA has not entered into any kind of negotiation with the government of India. Our only specific pre-condition is that the issue of restoration of Assam’s sovereignty should be on the agenda for talks.”
Baruah’s tough stand has nipped in the bud any possible chance of fresh attempt of peace.
Regarding referendum or plebiscite, the ULFA leader said, “In principle, the ULFA is ready for a plebiscite and not referendum, under international supervision. ULFA called off the ban on National Games by showing respect to the appeal of legendary sports personalities and sport-loving people of Assam, not because of any love for Indian colonial rulers.”
“However, a section of people have tried to give impression to the masses that this gesture is ULFA’s weakness. Since the day ULFA banned the National Games, the flatterers of India condemned ULFA. They left no stone unturned to derive public opinion for holding the Games by stating it as a great event to uphold Assam’s dignity,” Baruah said. “To make the National Games a great success, they created an awesome situation in Assam, attacking Hindi-speaking people and increasing immensely the number of security forces to build up strong anti-ULFA campaign in Assam. The plan to choose Assam as a host for the Games is to strengthen the logic that the state is an indispensable part of India,” he observed. “The puppet government of Assam was trapped in this crafty plan and did not hesitate to victimise the masses of Assam. ULFA received the dead body of Biplob Sangmai as a reward for the regard shown to boost sports in Asom,” said Barua, himself a reputed footballer who in fact represented the state in his younger days. The ULFA’s decision of withdrawing the boycott call was welcomed by all irrespective of party and organizations. Notable sportsmen, sports-loving masses, various politicians, political parties, conscious citizens and social organisations called it a ‘time- honoured’ decision and put forward various explanation. Meanwhile, the intelligence agencies are apprehending serious outbreak of violence for the closing ceremony of the National Games on Sunday next. Last time too, ULFA struck in a big way within hours of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visiting Upper Assam.

Bangladesh hardens stance on rebels The Morung Express
GUWAHATI, FEB 16 (AGENCIES): Indian rebel groups, especially the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), are said to be on the defensive as the caretaker government in Bangladesh is adopting a tough stance with regard to terrorism and rebel outfits. A senior government source here said on Thursday: “Within days of taking over last month, the Chief Adviser (Fakhruddin Ahmed) declared that his government will not tolerate terrorism against India from the soil of Bangladesh. Our reports from Bangladesh say in the current crackdown by Bangladeshi security forces against corrupt politicians, most of ULFA’s local godfathers have been arrested on serious charges, including support to terrorism”. Reliable Indian government sources told IANS that ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Barua has asked his cadres in Bangladesh to lie low for sometime.
“The ULFA leadership in Bangladesh seems to be increasingly becoming jittery. Analysts are of the opinion that ULFA is trying to buy time and regroup at a later stage,” the source, who did not want to be identified, told the agency. According to the source, the ULFA’s decision to withdraw their boycott call to the National Games in Assam on the pretext of appeals from Assamese sportspersons like Monalisa Barua who represented India was a sign of a climbdown. The ULFA has also offered to hold dialogue with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi recently. According to security expert KPS Gill, the ULFA leaders, especially its commander Paresh Barua who operates the ‘command headquarters’ at Dhaka, has over the years “turned the movement into a virtual mafia industry”.
“One of their key demands in the early days was to prevent illegal immigrants from Bangladesh into Assam and deportation of such immigrants who had settled in the state. This is no longer the demand of ULFA as its leaders are guests of Bangladesh,” Gill told the agency. Sources said that of late the ULFA is also strengthening its links with Islamic radical groups in Assam like the MULTA (Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam). The MULTA has contacts with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) of Bangladesh. The ULFA headquarters in Bangladesh has been working not only with intelligence agencies of Bangladesh, Pakistan and China, but also with Islamic extremists forces, the source said. “The international conspiracies to foment dissidence in India’s Northeast are neither new nor localised. Paresh Barua has been living in Bangladesh for a decade and a half. There have been Western interests, the Chinese involvement since the 1950s starting with the Naga movement, and the Pakistani intelligence operations with the help of successive governments in Dhaka,” the source said. “This would also include the Awami League rule from 1996 to 2001. The worst period was the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) rule from 2001 to 2006 when Bangladesh’s security agencies were thrown open to Pakistan’s terrorist operations against India,” the source said. “ULFA was given a pride of place in these operations. ULFA leaders regularly visited Pakistan for consultations on Bangladeshi passports. Similarly, ULFA cadres were sent to Pakistan for training. One of passports held by Barua is in the name of Kamran Khan,” the source said. Like many revolutionary groups that start with an ideology and purpose, ULFA has veered off its cause for which it was created 27 years back. The recent senseless killings of Bihari migrants, most of them poor, in Assam have again raised questions about the agenda of ULFA, which claims to be fighting for a sovereign Assam.
Infeasibility of plebiscite in Manipur By Dr Mohendra Irengbam Sangai Express Contd from previous issue
But the Maharaja of Manipur, Bodh Chandra Singh had already signed an ‘Instrument of Accession’ with the Government of (British) India on August 11, 1947. He agreed the merger along the same clauses in the treaty of other monarchs that defence, external affairs and communications would be looked after by India after August 15, 1947. We know that prior to Indian independence, Bodh Chandra under pressure from political parties especially the Manipur State Congress set up Manipur Constitutional Making Committee (MCC) with FF Pearson, President of Manipur State Durbar as Chairman to draft a Constitution for the State. Manipur Constitution Act was passed on May 8, 1947. A democratically elected Government was formed with a Council of Ministers and late MK Priya Brata as Chief Minister. He died in 2004 at the age of 94. I knew Captain Priya Brata, a real aristocrat and gentleman. Years ago, I accompanied by Khuraijam Dhiren (IHS) and late Nongthombam Nishikanta of Moirang-khom went to his house to donate Rs 1,000 towards the erection of a stone monument for the Khongjom war of April 27, 1891. Bodh Chandra gave an emotional speech using a loud speaker from the old Telegraph office. I went to listen but I did not understand much, I still remember his reference to someone “ngaranda tai pulamba toktuna...” (only yesterday he was wearing a tie but today)
Then in October 1948 Manipur State Assembly was inaugurated with the Maharaja as the Constitutional head. In mid-1949, the Governor of Assam, Sri Prakasa sniffed trouble in the air that Manipur might not be integrating with the Union of India. He went to see Sardar Patel who was then staying in Bombay, for advice. All that he said to Prakasa was “isn’t a Brigadier stationed in Shillong?’ - meaning a Brigade of Indian troops was sufficient to bring Manipur to heel. Within a few days, true to his word Maharaja Bodh Chandra was coaxed to go to Shillong to have a discussion with representatives of the Government of India, under pressure from Akhil Manipur Hindu Sabha (its architect Atombabu Sharma made my father untouchable for a while under the mangba-sengba diktat) and the Manipur Congress party. He was also flummoxed by the Dewan (Political Agent) of Indian Government. He left for Shillong accompanied by his advisors and Private Secretary, late Sanasam Gourahari. My eldest brother, late Irengbam Gokulchandra was also among the retinue. On the first day of the meeting with Prakasa in the Government House on September, 18, 1949 the Governor and his advisor Rustomji asked the shocked Maharaja to sign on the dotted line of the pre-prepared Merger Agreement. He refused and Prakasa did not press on. He returned to his Redlands Residence, only to be ringed by Indian troops with the tacit approval of Sardar Patel. While still under house arrest and after three days Bodh Chandra signed the Agreement on September 21,1949. He was threatened with the ultimatum that if he did not sign it Manipur would be integrated either with a new ruler to replace him or with military might. He signed the Merger Agreement -worded as “HH Maharaja Bodha Chandra Singh of Manipur, on behalf of himself, his heirs and successors and Vapal Pangunni Menon, Advisor to the Government of India in the Ministry of States and Sri Prakasa, Governor of Assam of the Government of India.”
Under the provision of that Agreement Manipur became an integral part of India with effect from October 15, 1949 when it was officially announced by MK. Velody, secretary in the Ministry of States, Government of India. For various reasons the agreement was kept secret by both parties until then. In Manipur, Major General Rawal Amar announced the annexation on the same day at the 4th Assam Rifles’ parade ground in Imphal. The official ceremony to end the 2,000 year old kingdom by dissolving the elected 1948 Ministry took place in Imphal on October 15, 1949. The Manipur administration was taken over by New Delhi. All that was required was a Battalion of Gurkhas of the 4th Assam Rifles to stand by just in case of political trouble. Not even a brigade.
At that critical juncture no one among the Meiteis vehemently objected to the merger, which reduced Manipur to a shameful Part C State. Congress was over the moon. A brilliant man Athiko Daiho from Mao and a few others prominent tribal leaders objected to the merger. He formed the National Naga League in September 1946 for separate Naga inhabited areas. He got into hot water. Though ‘a rebel’ upfront, he was prevailed upon to become a minister in the then Manipur Administration. I knew of him as his brother Sibou, Waikhom Damodor, Shongkhahao Kipgen and I studied together in Darjeeling. He used to live at Paona Bazaar. The polemics of the Manipur integration impugnment is partly the aftermath of a long term neglect of Manipur by successive Indian governments and partly the emotional disintegration of Meiteis as part of the Indian nation. Many now have come to feel that the merger was forced and unconstitutional. They have begun to long for an independent pre-1891 Manipur. A socio-cultural process of dis-Indianisation has begun with a ban by the insurgents on screening Hindi films in cinemas. The young generations have discarded the pseudo-Rajput surname of Singh or Devi. Many have changed back from Hinduism to the indigenous Sanamahi religion with its custom of burial rather than cremation of dead bodies. A new Meitei identity has been brought into a sharp focus, consequent upon Naga expansionism and ‘Central colonialism. In the context of a plebiscite the Indian Government might view that Manipur was not an independent sovereign State on August 15, 1947 when India replaced British India in as much as four days before the declaration of Independence, the Maharaja signed the Accession and the Standstill Agreement (status quo) to merge with the dominion of India on August 11, 1947. And therefore it had the same status as any other princely state of India. If there was an internal political change prior to British hand over it did not matter. Even if it did, the UN Security Council could not interfere as India would proclaim that it is an internal matter, as it has been doing in the political drama in Kashmir.
Moreover, Manipur signed two agreements with the Governor of Assam on July 1 and 2, 1947 at Imphal. Among the few clauses, it was agreed that Manipur should immediately declare to join the Constituent Assembly (Hindusthan). Another argument in favour of Delhi could also be that following the brutal partition of the sub-continent by rivers of blood, engineered by Muhammad AIi Jinnah, a Gujarati from Bombay, there was no time for adroitness and adult franchise in such matters of political integration as will later be seen in the case of Junagadh, Hyderabad and Kashmir. The contention of the Government of India thereby would be that Manipur was part and parcel of Indian Dominion when the British left the undivided India. As the common man in the street is unaware of this undercurrent of franchise, it would be testing the temperature to predestine voluntarily by an opinion poll of a cross section of Manipuris as to whether how many want to live in an Independent Manipur. Angami Zapu Phizo (NNC) did such an exercise in a head count in Nagaland in May 1951 when it was reported that 90% voted for independence. But it was not a complete representation. He covered only the districts of Kohima and Mokokchung. — to be contd

Frans on 02.17.07 @ 03:26 PM CST [link]


Friday, February 16th

Naga groups back Phek ‘vandalism’ OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Naga groups back Phek ‘vandalism’ OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 15: Two days after residents of Phek vandalised the deputy commissioner’s office and pelted stones at his residence, local organisations today said they “fully endorsed” the action. The Chakhesang Public Organisation today organised a meeting with several other social groups, where they agreed that residents of Phek were compelled to take the law into their hands because of alleged failure of the administration and security forces to contain the situation.
The groups which were present at the meeting included the Phek Area Public Organisation, Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, Phek Area Mothers’ Association and Phek Town Council, among others. They decried the state government’s inaction and said the current situation in the state, especially in Phek, was a “fit case to invite President’s rule” and demanded immediate dismissal of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government. “It is not time for the government to talk about development, but the government should talk about security of life and property,” a member said. Home minister Thenucho also came under attack for allegedly turning a deaf ear to the plight of his own district and people. The meeting also questioned the wisdom of the state government in withdrawing forces from Phek and deploying them in other districts for the security of the hill students of Manipur. Civilians in several districts of Nagaland have borne the brunt of clashes between the two NSCN groups.
Phek, which is about 150 km from the state capital, is on tenterhooks with members of both NSCN factions and the Naga National Council camping in the town. The members at today’s meeting reiterated their resolution to disallow armed militants from moving about openly and in full combat uniform in civilian areas under Phek district. Parliamentary secretary, law and justice, Yitachu, had earlier termed Tuesday’s incident as “highly uncalled for”.
Former finance minister and legislator of Nagaland People’s Front, K. Therie, however, said Tuesday’s mob fury in Phek was not unexpected. While appreciating the government for providing security to students from Manipur, Therie said in a statement that the government could not afford to neglect the citizens of Nagaland. He said giving freedom to factions to vandalise public areas in “full uniform displaying unauthorised sophisticated weapons” and collect funds and house tax, only indicated that there was complete breakdown of the state law and order machinery. If the government continued to remain indifferent to the situation in Phek, the only way out would be to seek the intervention of the Union government, he added.
Is Delhi’s truce with NSCNs serving purpose? Okenjeet Sandham Kangla on line

The existing ceasefires of the Government of India with both the NSCN factions have become normal excuse for the State administrations and law enforcement agencies or for that matter Indian security forces of their frequent failures in containing the factional killings, clashes, factional build-ups in towns and civilian populated areas in Nagaland. The publics made numerous appeals to warring factions to avoid such build-up or clashes in civilian areas but without much headway. And when such fervent appeals became un-fructuous, it is natural to turn their wrath to the administration and law enforcement agencies of the state. And when the state’s lawful apparatus failed to contain, however preventable, such highly surcharged atmosphere, the civilians would usually try to take the laws into their hand.

The incident in Phek town on Tuesday where the angry public chased cadres of both NSCN factions and also Federal out of the town and also subsequent vandalism to the DC’s office, pelting stones at residences of DC and SP is because of such attitudes of the authorities. The civil societies of Chakhesang communities in Nagaland’s Phek district have been urging the cadres of NSCN-IM and the combined cadres of NSCN-K and the Federal to leave the town as their presence and frequent clashes in the civilian areas created fear psychosis, besides disturbing the students who are currently appearing HSLC and HSSLC examination. They had already warned the State government that it would be held responsible for failure to evict the armed cadres from within the civilian populated areas and that the people would be forced to chase away all armed cadres if Government failed to do the job.

Many a time, the rationality of the existing ceasefires have been questioned and the flawed grounds rules in the truce had even openly admitted by none other than the man who has been heading the Indian Ministerial team for the political negotiation with the NSCN-IM, Mr Oscar Fernandez. By no standard of truce philosophy in the world, killings do take place within such (truce) period. One may argue here that the existing ground rules do not prevent the factions from killing each other or clashing each other. Then will it be wrong to conclude that the very ceasefire of Government of India with the NSCN factions is simply giving a “license to kill each other (among the factions).”

The central premise of the ceasefire as in the present framework is to create a platform conducive for political negotiation. Now, is this ceasefire serving the purpose? The answer is “no.” In fact, the unrestrained factional violence will become one of the major factors to destroy not only the very political platform but also the very fabric of the Naga political movement.

Unlike the past when both factions did not have ceasefires with New Delhi, the general publics now somehow feel free to contact the leaderships of various Naga underground outfits. This is rather unique opportunity for the Naga people have wider consultation and also to narrow down the gap. Unfortunately, this does not take place as the factions refuse to stop attacking from each other, although they have ceasefires with New Delhi. One wonders whether the State Government should remain silent on such dangerous development just because there are ceasefires between the Government of India and the factions of the NSCN. Now the fundamental question is who will intervene into when the factions kill each other or clash each other? Simply saying let them fight in the jungles not in civilian populated areas is even illogical in true sense of term.

Is it wrong for the security forces to intervene into such dangerous situation or will their actions in case of intervening into such situation be treated as illegal? It will be simply unthinkable if one blames security forces for preventing factions from creating any factional related violence. Intervention is not an attack, while also anything that is a threat to the public peace and tranquility, and then law enforcement agencies should have to step in.
Tribals drive out insurgents Iboyaima Laithangbam The Hindu
IMPHAL: The Chakesang tribals of Phek district in Nagaland have declared a war on insurgents belonging to the NSCN(I-M) and the NSCN(K) factions. The villagers have raided houses, drove out insurgents and torched the hideouts. The patience of the tribals ran out when the warring factions indulged in gun-fights in which some villagers were killed.
Rift in Cong exposed; NPCC Chief resigns Morung Express News
Dimapur In an unexpected development, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President Hokheto Sumi has tendered his resignation to the party high command in New Delhi yesterday following the decision to issue the Congress party ticket for the Dimapur-I Assembly seat to Aheto Yepthomi, informed sources said. However, no official confirmation on the final Congress candidate for the Dimapur-I seat has been received till the time of filing this news report. Attempt to reach the NPCC President was also unsuccessful.
However, reliable party sources disclosed that the NPCC President had taken the extreme step of stepping down following differences over choice of candidate for the prestigious Dimapur-I Assembly Constituency seat. Sumi was reportedly unhappy over the choice made by the party high command and also the stand taken by some of the influential State Congress leaders for opposing the choice of senior leader KL Chishi. It was disclosed that Hokheto as the NPCC President had wanted that the ticket be given to former Chief Minister KL Chishi as he stood a better chance of winning. Those supporting Chishi’s candidature were also reportedly not happy with Oscar Fernandes, Congress in-charge of the Northeast, who is said to have had a big role in making the final decision.
That serious difference exists in the Congress party leadership with regard to fielding its candidate for the bye-elections was widely reported in the local media despite refutation to this effect. The State Congress, it may be mentioned, had formally submitted the names of KL Chishi, Kevizakiesetuo and former DCC Dimapur President Aheto Yepthomi to the party high command.
DAN talks end on ‘friendly contests’ Morung Express News
Dimapur In a remarkable turnaround from its earlier decision to field consensus candidates for the ensuing Bye election, the DAN Alliance partners today in a meeting decided that each party will take its own course for setting up candidates for ‘friendly contests’ to both the Dimapur-I and 54 Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituencies.
Mention may be made that following a deadlock in talks held yesterday, which had been convened by the Chief Minister, the DAN partners had decided to set up a Search Committee to zero in on its consensus candidates for the two seats. Interestingly in the meeting of the Search Committee held at Dimapur today, the decision was instead taken to go in for friendly contests. Today’s meeting was attended by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Ministers Thenucho and Dr TM Lotha, MLAs Deo Nukhu and Imkong Imchen, NPF Working President IK Sema, BJP State President Ato Yepthomi, JD (U) State President Limatemjen, NPF Secretary General Chubatemjen Ao and Muwthin Newmai. Meanwhile, the BJP which had all along wanted that its candidate be fielded in both seats is expected to formally announce its candidate for the Dimapur-I Assembly Constituency. As earlier reported in this paper, Captain Hekiye Sema eldest son of Late Dr Hokishe Sema and Kevise Angami BJP DYC President are both in fray for the coveted party ticket.
Atomi gets NPF ticket for Dimapur-I A/C
DIMAPUR, FEB 15 (MExN): Following the decision of the DAN alliance to go in for friendly contests, the NPF in a meeting of the Working Committee today decided to allot the party tickets to K. Atomi Zhimomi for Dimapur-I Assembly Constituency and H. Wongto Chang for 54 Tuensang-II Assembly Constituency in the ensuing bye-election being held on March 8. The tickets will be distributed to the candidates at a simple function on February 16 at the office of the NPF Dimapur Division, Sewak Gate at 11 am, informed party Secretary General Chubatemjen Ao. All NPF legislators, members of the Working Committee, Central office bearers and CEC members stationed at Dimapur and all party functionaries under Dimapur division have been directed to attend the function.
“Give peace a chance”, says NSCN-IM after Phek The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 15 (MExN): Even while blaming the NSCN-K for precipitating events that led to the February 13 public eruption in Phek, the NSCN-IM has cautioned public leaders not to “manipulate the Naga situation for short-term leverage”. However it has called to “give peace a chance”.
“Public leaders should also not manipulate the Naga situation for short term political leverage nor cultivate ‘isms’ or inclinations” advised an MIP NSCN-IM release received here. Public leaders should harness wisdom with “futuristic vision” so that Nagas are rescued from all divisionism and their political aspirations salvaged, it opined. The NSCN-IM also stated that Nagas should not let the status-quo of ‘arbitrarily imposed boundaries and temporary economic lures hijack their protracted political issue’, but defeat all detrimental elements with “our proud and judicious principles”.
While admitting that “we have committed mistakes in the past and may continue to make mistakes now and then”, the NSCN-IM however called to give peace a chance. “…unless we give peace a chance and continue to justify ourselves by pointing fingers or blaming one another, peace will remain elusive” it stated. “Why do not we give peace a chance by extending peaceful gestures in forgiveness rather than groping for justifications against it? Either good or bad, we are to collectively bear, so it is for us to choose what may be best for us than opting for self inflicting choices” it stated.
On the Phek outrage, the NSCN-IM blamed the NSCN-K: “Following the proclamation of the Yaruiwo for “peace and reconciliation” the NSCN/GPRN maintained maximum restrain from all offensive operations. Unless attacked upon, consonant to the Yaruiwo’s peace proclamation and also heeding to the Chakhesang Peoples Organization’s appeal, to refrain from all armed confrontations in and around Phek, the Naga Army strictly maintained in abiding by the peace call” it maintained. “But to our utter dismay, the Khaplang outfit and NNC/FGN combined forces attacked the Naga Army while observing Sunday Services beginning from 11th February in contravention of the CPO’s peace call” it said adding that this led “to the disenchantment of the Chakhesang public as well as rendered the innocent students to suffer especially during the on-going examinations”.
However, whatever differences may exist and may continue to exist, there is no benefit in engaging in feudal wars and fratricidal confrontations or “mud slinging media hype” would be “our penultimate nemesis” the NSCN-IM stated querying if it is not it inappropriate in “justifying ourselves for facts committed in the name of our nationalism against our brotherhood?”
Congress blames govt for Phek unrest The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 15 (MExN): The Congress party in Nagaland has once again raised its concern over the present state of affairs pointing out that the law and order situation has completely gone out of control where the state government and its administration seems to be mere mute spectators of the situation. Stating that the DAN government is solely responsible for what had happened on February 13 at Phek, the Congress pointed out that this had clearly proved beyond doubt that government is insensitive to the problems of the people and is unable to provide security and safety to the people. Hence the DAN government no longer has the moral right to remain in the office. “We demand the government led by the NPF to own up moral responsibility for the lawlessness and step down without further delay”, it demanded.
Reminding that the DAN government was formed to minister and protect the lives and property of the people and ensure peaceful atmosphere in the state, the Congress however expressed that the present DAN government no longer has the will to govern and administer whereby the people are forced to take their own course of action and take the law into their hands to ensure safety of the people.

“Chakhesang Public Organisation after a long and agonizing patient appealed to the state government to defuse the ugly situation of factional feud in the Chakhesang areas evoke no response and subsequently resulted into mass public outcry and took their own course of action to drive away the underground groups from public inhabited areas risking their own safety and lives”, stated KV Pusa MLA and Parliamentary Secretary CLP.
While appreciating the Chakhesang Public Organisation for expressing their concern and sentiments and the quest to have peace and tranquility in their district in particular and state in general, the Congress Legislature Party appeal to all sides to restraint themselves and take outmost care not to let the situation escalate further.
Myanmar, India hold talks on border security The Morung Express
Guwahati, Feb 15 (PTI): With an aim to strengthen cooperation for cracking down on rebels and drug traffickers, Myanmar and India have held discussions on border security and effective management of their frontier. The 13th national-level meeting of border authorities of the two countries was held in Myanmar’s new administrative capital Nay Pyi Taw Wednesday, the state-run New Light of Myanmar reported today.
The Indian delegation, headed by Home Secretary V K Duggal, discussed security issues, measures to prevent drug trafficking, border management, border trade and trans-border development plans with Myanmarese authorities led by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Brig Gen Phone Swe. Duggal is on a four-day visit to Myanmar since Tuesday. Myanmar has assured India that it will not allow militants from the northeast to operate from its soil.
During External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Myanmar in January, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in many areas with special emphasis on border management, security and an anti-narcotics drive.
The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) had last month claimed that Myanmarese soldiers launched a crackdown on its cadres in the neighbouring country. NSCN-K is led by S S Khaplang, a Naga from Myanmar.
Patience of the Phek public was tested, says CPO ‘Eruption of public temper due to UGs’ ignoring pleas’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 15 (MExN): Chakhesang Public Organization, while regretting the February 13 incident in Phek, reminded that the patience of the harried people of Phek was tested by underground factional leaders who ignored the pleas of the public calling for cessation of any factional conflict.
“The CPO had been personally appealing to the factional cadres to vacate public populated areas; The DC and SP had also, along with public leaders, repeatedly appealed to the factional cadres. Despite the appeals from all sections of the society, the factional leaders turned a deaf ear and ignored their pleas. With tension mounting and the normal life of public disturbed since January 3, the patience of the public reached a saturation point and erupted in violence on 13th January 2007” stated a release from the organization appended by its president Yesonu Veyie.
In absence of sufficient police personnel and inactivity of paramilitary forces stationed at Phek, the public resorted to ransacking and driving away all cadres irrespective of factions they belong to.
The Chakhesang Public Organization team along with frontal organizations went to Phek to take stock of the situation that led to the incident .The CPO convened a meeting with Chakhesang Youth Front, Chakhesang Students Union, Chakhesang Mothers Association, Chakhesang GBs’ Association, Phek Town Council, Phek Area Public Organization and other public leaders and heard from them on the matter. The situation at Phek tensed since January 3 with factional cadres resorting to occupying private residences in several colonies with the intention of fighting, CPO said.
“As the tension heightened, the public vacated their homes and abandoned their livestock (and) students appearing their exams were disturbed and the atmosphere became in-conducive for studies” CPO lamented. It however expressed regret that “excessive” personal insults were hurled at the DC and also that the DC’s and the SP’s offices were vandalized.
“...the community leaders acknowledged and appreciated the DC Mr. Sachopra Vero and SP Mr. Sandeep Singh for their efforts and services rendered for the safety of the public” it stated acknowledging their service.
The organization also took note that only 25 DEF personnel and 25 NAP personnel were available for service when the situation arose since most of the lot had been deputed for protection of students from the hill districts of Manipur, who are appearing their examinations in Nagaland under the NBSE. “While protecting others, the safety of our own people has been ignored and this has deeply hurt the sentiments of the public in general” the CPO stated and appealed to the government to immediately look into the grievances of the people. Sufficient security should also be provided to the people, it added even while noting that the 33rd Assam Rifles remained inactive when the situation arose.
Rebel says Burma Staged Attack on India's Naga Separatists VOA News Burma-India Border
Washington
A spokesman for the Naga separatist group, A.Z. Jami of the S.S. Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, said today that Burmese government forces fired mortars at the separatists' camps in an effort to drive them out of Burma. He said the Burmese military burned down the separatists' general headquarters and two other camps in the northern Sagaing Division. The spokesman says three rebels and at least 12 Burmese soldiers were killed. At least four thousand rebels are running about 50 camps in Burma's thick jungles to evade Indian soldiers.They are fighting for an independent tribal homeland in India's northeastern state of Nagaland, which borders Burma.
Burma's government has promised India that it will crack down on the rebels.
Information for this story is provided by AFP and The Hindustan Times.
Prisoners of Uncertainty? The Morung Express Editorial
Growing restlessness and lingering lethargy enveloping the Naga skyline is causing an uneasy sense of acute cynicism and unfocused anger, just churning restlessly for its release. The internal and external conditions that has a cause-effect relationship with this contradicting restless lethargic cynicism has potential to do more harm than good, unless constructive and positive interventions with painstakingly thought out strategic processes are made. Knee-jerk reactions to the problem would only prove counter-productive.
Unmet needs to satisfy the human yearning for some semblance of a dignified life and the human desire to have some basic knowledge of where their future is headed towards, has created an air of uncertainty. The acute sense of uncertainty has resulted in an indulging rush for the exclusive survival of the fittest. The questions around uncertainty has in part been responsible for a climate of fear; a climate that is being manipulated by the ‘powers that be’ with detrimental effectiveness.
The viscous cycle of the fear of uncertainty has the knack of causing and conditioning insular thinking and attitude. It makes a society stagnant, dogmatic and virtual prisoners of their past. The society ceases to be open towards new ideas and becomes resistant to any forms of change and is guided by emotions and subjective feelings. In essence, the ownership to determine its own future is usurped by the powers that be. Hence, the society draws more inward and exclusive. Insecurity compels it to rally around families, clans, villages, tribes and any other forms of human association where there is a perceived sense of security.
As uncertainty grows and vulnerability sets in, fear is expressed in different forms. For instance, differences between individuals suddenly take the form of clan or village differences and issues are personalized; the social safety net weakens; growing tendency to exert more power and control rather than seeking the path of dialogue and understanding; historical and social narratives are distorted and there is an acute lack of space to deliberate about the future and to imagine a better world. All discourses begin and end with the past. With no room for imagination, hope is missing. Hence, the past is relived over and over again; the future is held a prisoner of the past.
When faced with the questions of uncertainty and insecurity, it becomes quite convenient to seek a paranoid strategy which involves denial of internal destruction, while simultaneously projecting it on others. It involves engaging in depressive self-blame and the society becomes unforgiving and punitive, with a sense of hopelessness and passivity. Furthermore, while feeling vulnerable, it also shows signs of being accustomed to being in control while also believing that its ownership is being usurped by others. It has a perceived sense of dichotomized emotion of feeling power and yet, powerless.
In this defining moment in history, Nagas need to muster moral courage and political will to decisively refuse to be paralyzed by fear and despair. Nagas must face up to reality, acknowledge one’s own self-destructiveness and proactively act to contain its consequences, guided by a vision for the future. Through political action, Nagas have to begin the difficult process of transforming negative energy into a constructive force that builds bridges within and without, by creating value-based alternatives. In perilous times such as these, Nagas have no other option but to transcend the past and the present and to confront with the realities of the future to create a society that is truly worth living in. History will judge whether the Nagas of today are willing to cast aside their fears and insecurity and to decisively live in a world of reality, of ambiguity and turmoil, but also a world of hope and life.
Perhaps it could begin by setting free the prophetic imagination!
The Great Naga Divide The Morung Express Perspective
It has been said that there are Indian Nagas and Burmese Nagas, politically or otherwise there are no such two groups of Nagas, this line of thinking is politically created for one’s own gain. For how can there be a division of a family?
Are not all Nagas? This division is an artificial one. Thus it is a mistake to think that there are two separate groups of Nagas.
It is a mistake to say that there are two groups of Nagas. If we are to look to the West, mainly Germany, during the cold war period, prior to 1991, there was a country divided by a wall, the Berlin Wall which divided Germany in two parts – east and west. The east being under the Communist control, they controlled the movement of the Germans, coming and going out. When the Wall came down in the early 1990s, Germany become one country, families were united. This artificial boundary which is created by political clowns to divide families; this can be seen in the case of Korea, which is divided into South and North. Are not all Koreans both sides of the border?
If one is to take this line of thinking a step further, one can say that the Nagas who are in the state of Manipur are not the Nagas of Nagaland as they are divided by state boundaries. Thus they have no right to be part of Nagaland. If fuss is made of one group of Nagas in one state surely an equal fuss should be made of the other groups of Nagas in another state e.g. Burma. How can one say that one group of Nagas has rights and another does not?
It’s a well known fact that each of the Naga tribes has its own territory and tribal laws, also that each tribe considers its territory as theirs alone. Thus have a right of say if an outsider; that is someone from a different tribe comes to stay. Even we the Nagas have to respect the say of the host tribe and abide by their customary tribal laws. In other words, when in Rome do as the Romans do. We should not try to enforce our rights on other’s territory. However division will disappear when we start to respect others’ rights. Also, we have to remember that through outside influence, the Nagas are being divided. This division first came about with the British.
The division which appeared between the Indian Nagas and the Burmese Nagas is politically inclined can be laid at the foot of the Britishers, mainly Sir Henry McMahon, the foreign secretary for India in 1914. Sir Henry McMahon drew a line around Tibet, Bhutan and India and Burma; then, at the stroke of a pencil created the new borders. However one has to note that there were no logical surveys done. Thus we have a border between two countries i.e. India and Burma, where a Naga family eats in their kitchen in India and sleeps in the bedroom in Burma.
India regards the McMahon line as a permanent national border; however the same is not regarded by China. Further the artificial border, history tells us that on July 1, 1954, Nehru wrote a memo to the Secretary-General of the Ministry of External Affairs: “All our old maps dealing with the frontier should be carefully examined and, where necessary, withdrawn. New maps should be printed showing our northern and north-eastern frontier without any reference to any ‘line’. These new maps should also not state there is any undemarcated territory... this frontier should be considered a firm and definite one which is not open to discussion with anybody.”
Thus like the British, the Indian Prime Minister with a pencil, once again changed the borders. Nehru said on September 12, 1959: “In some parts, in the Subansiri or somewhere there, it was not considered a good line and it was varied by us.”
More recently our own Nagas have also partitioned the Nagas in the 1980s under the Naga National workers, destroying villages and causing unwanted destruction to people and property in the name of Naga freedom, in what we now call Eastern Nagaland, which in part is in Burma. This is purely done for gaining power bases and to destroy one’s perceived enemies, among ones own people.
Thus it would appear that our own leaders are determined to change the boundaries of Nagaland. This in itself will create more of a problem for all, as no government can afford to make one friend and four enemies at the same time. For example let us look at the situation close at home. The GoI extends the border of Nagaland to include parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. The people of these states will rise up against GoI and Nagaland. Can any government afford to commit political suicide? What about the Nagas in Burma? Should they not be also included from the start? Or because they live across the artificial line thus can they be excluded?
If we start to make a difference between the Nagas in Burma and those in India, we have ourselves created artificial boundaries among our own people. Thus we can not call ourselves Nagas as we are not truly independent but are part of greater India. This makes us Indians first and foremost and not Nagas.
Vikishe Sema Political Student New Delhi The Morung Express
The systematic plan of the military junta to crack down on Christianity in Burma
The military Govt. has been doing all kinds of means to crack down on Christianity all over the country through the systematic plan which was issued in the year 1994, by Gen. Than Shwe, the head of the govt. These are the seventeen (17) points that was distributed to the top military officers secretly to carry out the plan:
1. To fight against Christians by stopping any family from becoming a Christian family.
2. To stop the Manila Radio station from broadcasting the preaching of the good news.
3. To fight against the western styles such as dresses, etc.
4. To oppose the word “There is no other God besides Me” because it is too narrow and selfish word.
5. To fight against Christianity by stopping the preachers from preaching and penetrating everywhere.
6. To oppose Christianity by using the weak points of it and using them as tools cleverly knowing the gentleness of it.
7. To oppose the Christianity by stopping the Christian growth and expansion of it in the remote areas.
8. To oppose the Christianity by pointing out that “perceiving the teachings of the religion is the only answer and there is no redemption or no salvation through the blood of Jesus.”
9. To fight against Christianity by using the weak points of it and by using Buddhism as penetrating tools.
10. To fight against Christianity by doing thorough study of the Holy Bible and pointing out the weak points and using them as tools to disprove it.
11. To fight against Christianity by pointing out that “Their God loves Israelites only not other people”.
12. To fight against Christianity by pointing out that “The Old Testament and The New Testament are not same and they are irrelevant to each other.”
13. To oppose Christianity by pointing out that “Christians are narrow-minded but Buddhists are very broad-minded and no partiality is with them.
14. To fight against the false doctrine of creator and creation. And to challenge it by the roof of science.
15. To fight against Christianity by checking the accounts of donations and offerings in the rural areas.
16. To fight against Christianity by doing a thorough study about the Holy Spirit and to use the weak points of it in order to respond to it affectively.
17. To fight against Christianity by using means of both violence and peace.
According to these points, the military govt. is practicing on where Christians are living around the country, including Naga areas. Today numerous Christians have been unwillingly converted to Buddhism at gunpoint.
Executive Committee Naga National League for Democracy
Is North East media able to report freely? The Morung Express Perspective
It is rightly said, “memory of public is very short lived”, but certain high-profile controversial cases have created a mile-stone, in the history of justice. They have rocked both, the national and the local media in recent past. Jessica Lal murder case and Priyadarshni Mattoo case, top the list. Such cases will definitely be remembered by all of us for a long time. One thing which is common in all these cases, is the significant role of media in ensuring justice and bringing culprits to book.
We all say that media must report in a democratic manner. “Media and Democracy” - Media is plural of ‘medium’. It is an organized means of dissemination of facts, opinions, other information and their analysis. The term democracy comes from the Greek language and means rule by the (simple) people.
Is North East media able to remain democratic ? As an individual, would you like to read structured news ? Isn’t the very purpose of News lost, if these reports are void of freedom and frankness. In December last year, it was quite shocking to read about the life-attempt made on Mr Paonam Labango, Publisher and Editor of ‘Kangla Pao’, an evening daily based in Imphal. The press fraternity came all-out against the attack. The journalists staged a sit–in–protest and a resolution was passed, which included, a demand to the Government, to create a secure and free environment for the media persons. We all are aware that there are certain vested interests, who do not want the truth to reach the masses. Recent threat of the RPF (Revolutionary People’s Front , a UG outfit in Manipur) to the press, to suppress the news against the undergrounds, is another such case. Under such circumstances, does “pen still remain mightier than the sword” ?
Most important, is the freedom of opinion, speech and press. Let media reach out to the masses - neutrally. A vast, varied and vibrant media has a crucial role to play in creating a modern, progressive and a dynamic society, by guiding it through its reportage and criticisms.
Media reflects the true feelings of the voiceless people, and should be able to publish public-opinion with reality. In a diverse nation of a billion people, there are bound to be differences in taste, opinion, attitude and ideological preferences. The plurality of our society must be reflected in the diversity of our media. . Realizing the importance and need of a free press, many people have felt, that it is the ultimate check against the tyranny of authority, and a mirror, that has always kept people in authority, to remain in a continuous reality check. Independent media around the world, has emerged as one of the most powerful forces in the struggle-to-change, transforming repressive regimes into open and productive societies. This must be practiced, not only for the present but for our future generations also, who would hold us responsible for not correcting the wrongs in the society. We need to follow the spirit of Biblical quote while exercising our right of expression “I myself always strive to have a conscience without offence towards God and Man” Acts 24:16.
Lt Col Nirupam Bhargava Public Relations Officer (Ministry of Defence) Nagaland
Myanmar launches crackdown on NE ultras Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 15 — NSCN (Khaplang) faction and ULFA have reportedly suffered huge set-backs in Myanmar following a massive army crackdown in the neighbouring country, officials here confirmed. The flush-out operations considered the deadliest yet, has led to killing of over 100 cadres belonging to the two militant outfits. The general headquarters of the Khaplang faction located about 60 km from the North Eastern border has been bombed repeatedly. ULFA had over 300 cadres in the camps when the attacks began, sources disclosed.

Though officials here are tight-lipped about the, reports reaching here said that the Ministry of Home Affairs delegation, which is in Myanmar to participate in the Indo-Myanmar Home Secretary level talks was briefed about the action. The severity of attack could be gauged from the reports that the elusive chairman of the Naga group was forced to flee from his headquarter and has reportedly moved deep inside Myanmar with some of close aides.

Officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs here held discussion with Director General of Arunachal Pradesh Police, Amodh Kant following reports of the fleeing ULFA cadres taking sneaking into the State in groups. Though vigilance has been beefed up, the DGP was reported to have informed the North Block that ULFA has moved from Changlang district into Lohit district and its adjoining areas. He has reported that the rebel group has formidable presence in these areas. The Unified Command, which is supervising the Army operation has been asked to launch operations in Arunachal Pradesh, as well, the North Block has been told, sources said. The operations in Myanmar, said sources got underway from January 26 when Myanmar Army opened salvos after salvos of artillery fire targeting the rebel camps. There after the attacks came in waves, said sources. Myanmar had asked India for supply of field artillery pieces, guns, ammunition, advanced light helicopters and other military equipment.

Sonia urges Manipur ultras to come for talks From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
CHURACHANDPUR, Feb 15 – After her brief election rally in the valley districts, the UPA chairperson and AICC chief Sonia Gandhi on Monday visited hills areas of Manipur to address two election meetings. The first election meeting was held at the remote Zeliangrong tribe inhabited Khoupum valley in Manipur’s Tamenglong district and the second at the Kuki-Chin-Mizo dominated Churachandpur district headquarters. During her rally she appealed to the underground organizations to come forward for negotiations, “but they have to shun violence first”. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi while attending both the election outlined the activities of his Secular Progressive Front Government in the last five years. Earlier, the Chief Minister attended a political conference at the Heingang Assembly constituency wherein Union Minister Oscar Fernandes and BK Handique spoke. The election campaign for the second phase of Manipur poll concluded yesterday. Repoll peaceful : Repolling at 11 polling stations spread across five Assembly segments in Manipur’s two districts – Thoubal and Senapati were held yesterday with a record of around 60 per cent polling.
The fresh polling at these 11 stations, which were part of the first phase of the State Assembly polls on February 8, was required because of proxy voting and disturbances due to frequent clashes among supporters of different candidates.

Five severely hurt in post-poll violence The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 15: At least five political party workers including the elder brother of sitting MLA and Congress candidate N Biren Singh of Heingang A/C and relatives of his rival MSCP candidate Y Mangi were seriously wounded in a post-poll clash between them on Thursday afternoon at Luwangsangbam under Heingang police station. Following the incident security personnel conducted a raid at the house of the MSCP candidate to look for illegal weapons. No weapon was however recovered during the course of the raid.

A house belonging to a MSCP worker was also ransacked and all the furniture and belongings in the house were destroyed by the Congress workers. Manipur Rifles personnel detailed as security guards at the residence of the MSCP candidate Y Mangi Singh fired several rounds in the air to disperse the confronting groups. Additional security personnel were also detailed in the area to check further escalation of violence. However, high tension prevails in the area, a police officer posted there said. The polling in Heingang constituency concluded yesterday along with the other 28 constituencies spread over three valley districts. No untoward incidents occurred during yesterday`s polling in the area where the quarrel occurred today.

The incident took place in the afternoon at around 1.30 pm when the Congress workers charged the MSCP workers of starting the trouble while the MSCP workers denied the same. The Congress workers charged the MSCP workers of firing while the MSCP workers said MR personnel fired in order to control the confrontation. The commander of the MR troops detailed there conceding the firing, justified that the prevailing situation compelled them to fire some rounds in the air.
"We did it with utmost care not to hurt any people there," the commander said.Reports collected from the locality where the incident occurred said the incident erupted no sooner had Koirom Ramason, an active worker of the MSCP candidate at Heingang A/C passed through the area in a Maruti car while the Congress workers were dismantling a polling camp opened in connection with yesterday`s polling in the area. Alleging that when the car crossed the area, it splashed rain water collected there on the congress workers, they went to the house of the MSCP worker located just around 300 metres away from the site and started kicking the car. At this people gathered at the residence of the candidate came out and confronted the Congress workers.

In the resulting fracas, the elder brother of the Congress candidate Nongthombam Biren namely N Bhorot sustained injuries at his ear while four workers of the MSCP were also hurt. Bhorot was immediately hospitalized at RIMS hospital. The four wounded MSCP workers namely Yanglem Bidya, 21, Yanglem Ibopishak, 50, S Ibochouba, 40, and Y Sunil, 30, who are relatives and neighbours of the MSCP candidate Y Mangi Singh were evacuated to the Catholic hospital at Koirengei. Ramason and his family have taken asylum at the house of the MSCP candidate Y Mangi Singh. As the confrontation occurred near the gate of the residence of the MSCP candidate Mangi, 2nd Manipur Rifles detailed as security guards for the candidate fired several rounds to bring the situation under control. The Assam rifles posted at Mantripukhri and Heingang police rushed to the spot and efforts were made for normalisation of the situation.

They also conducted a raid at the house of Mangi as the Congress candidate complained of firing by the MSCP workers. However, no weapons were found during the raid, an officer of the Assam Rifles said. The Assam Rifles and the police personnel also checked the bullets of the rifles used by the security guards detailed at the residence of the MSCP candidate.

Meanwhile, strongly condemning the attack on his workers Mangi said, "This is not the first time Biren`s workers attacked my workers."

He said that earlier also before the election schedule was announced one of his workers was beaten up by Biren`s workers in November last year. He lodged a formal complaint with the Heingang police but no action was taken up till date.

He charged the police of being hand in glove with his rivals.

Frans on 02.16.07 @ 04:24 PM CST [link]


Thursday, February 15th

Phek DC`s office attacked over UG violence Newmai News Network


Phek DC`s office attacked over UG violence Newmai News Network

Kohima, Feb 14: Perturbed by the failure of the district administration in containing the ongoing factional violence in Phek district of Nagaland, an angry mob comprising some hundreds attacked and vandalised the office of the Deputy Commissiner (DC) of Phek District and later pelted stones at the residences of DC and SP of Phek late Tuesday evening.

The incident came barely minutes after the mob chased away a number of armed underground cadres from three different localities of the town, destroying bunkers and setting fire to furniture, utensils and some clothes left behind by fleeing cadres. The people of Phek Town as well as Chakhesang tribe organisations had on umpteen times warned the Nagaland government that it would be held responsible for failure to evict armed cadres from within civilian-populated areas and that the people would be forced to chase away all armed cadres present if the government failed to do the job. The irate mob directed their ire at the failure of the district authorities in evicting armed cadres when they vandalised the DC`s office besides breaking doors and windows.
Later, the public went to the residence of the DC Phek Sechopra Vero and pelted stones.

It was learnt that SP Phek Sandip Tamgadge was hit by a stone pelted at him but he escaped injury Meanwhile, the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) today "fully endorsed" the action of the public. A CPO team which arrived today in Phek Town to assess Tuesday`s incident later held a joint meeting with Phek Area Public Organization, Chakhesang Mother`s Association and others to take stock of the prevailing situation.

Phek's DC office ransacked Source: The Sangai Express
Kohima, February 14: Perturbed by the failure of the district administration in containing the ongoing factional violence in Phek district of Nagaland, an angry mob comprising some hundreds attacked and vandalised the office of the Deputy Commissiner (DC) of Phek District and later pelted stones at the residences of DC and SP of Phek late Tuesday evening.

The incident came barely minutes after the mob chased away a number of armed underground cadres from three different localities of the town, destroying bunkers and setting fire to furniture, utensils and some clothes left behind by fleeing cadres.

The people of Phek Town as well as Chakhesang tribe organisations had on umpteen times warned the Nagaland Government that it would be held responsible for failure to evict armed cadres from within civilian-populated areas and that the people would be forced to chase away all armed cadres present if the State Government and its law enforcing machineries failed to do the job. The irate mob directed their ire at the failure of the district authorities in evicting armed cadres when they vandalised the DC’s office besides breaking doors and windows.

Later, the public went to the residence of the DC Phek Sechopra Vero and pelted stones. It was learnt that SP Phek Sandip Tamgadge was hit by a stone pelted at him but he escaped injury.

Meanwhile, the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) today “fully endorsed” the action of the public. A CPO team which arrived today in Phek Town to assess Tuesday’s incident later held a joint meeting with Phek Area Public Organization, Chakhesang Mother’s Association and others to take stock of the prevailing situation.
DAN party talks spins off track More ‘consensus candidate’ names revealed for Dimapur, Tuensang Morung Express News
Dimapur In a astonishing hijack of the DAN coalition’s dreams of arriving at an “amicable” settlement to decide upon a ‘consensus candidate’ for the bye-elections to the vacant Dimapur-1 Assembly Constituency and 54 Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituency, it is learnt that several candidates from a single party are ‘wrestling’ for a ticket, each demanding to be the ‘consensus candidate’. Reflective of this dilemma, a search committee has been set up by the coalition to “search” and “finalize” who the consensus candidate should be.
Of the parties faced with the dilemma of choosing only one candidate for both the vacant assembly constituencies, a list uncovered by The Morung Express found majority party NPF neck-deep in the headache: Three names are vying for a ticket for the Dimapur-1 seat while for the Tuensang Sadar-II seat there are, most surprisingly, five NPF candidates. The BJP, sharing a major slice of weight in the DAN coalition, has only one name forwarded for Tuensang while two names have been listed for the Dimapur-1 seat to contest the bye-elections.
Highly reliable sources in the know of affairs of the NPF-led DAN alliance disclosed that, especially for the all-important Dimapur-1 seat, although NPF Nagaland Youth Spokesman Atomi Zhimomi was touted as the ‘hot’ contender to be the ‘final consensus candidate’, the party is actually grappling with the dilemma with two others vying for NPF tickets. The other two are Press Secretary to Chief Minister, Abu Metha and NPF CEC member Kakugha (Kaka) Zhimomi, giving Atomi Zhimomi – also a son of Nagaland Industries Minister Khekiho Zhimomi – a run for his electorate.
The NPF is also faced with the same problem in Tuensang – this time with five names “waiting” for a NPF ticket. Of the five names listed by the NPF for Tuensang, Rakihila Lakiamong, wife of late MLA & DUDA Chairman Lakiamong, is touted to be the forerunner, thanks to what an insider said “the NPF promised her an NPF ticket as soon as her husband died.”

She joined the NPF a few days later after her husband passed away. When the late MLA died, the NPF party “promised’ her a ticket to contest the seat left vacant by her husband and basing on this, she is expecting that the ticket for the Tuensang Sadar-II seat be given to her “as promised”.
Search Committee to zero in on candidates

DIMAPUR, FEB 14 (MExN): A meeting of the DAN political parties consisting of the NPF, BJP, JD (U) and two independent MLAs was held at Dimapur today. In what was described as a preliminary consultations relating to the ensuing bye-elections to the Dimapur-I and Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituencies, the NPF Secretary General Chubatemjen Ao on behalf of the DAN alliance partners informed that after a thorough and “amiable” discussions, it was decided to constitute a ‘Search Committee’ consisting of three members from each political party to finalize the names of candidates.
The Search Committee, it was informed, would meet in the afternoon of February 15 at Dimapur. Meanwhile, a meeting of the Working Committee of the NPF will be held tomorrow at 10 am at the premises of the office of the NPF Dimapur Division, Sewak Gate, Midland, Dimapur. The party meeting will take up the issues relating to the ensuing bye-elections to Dimapur-I and Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituencies.
UG hand in family massacre exposed Murdered GB’s son appeals to NSCN (IM) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 14 (MExN): Following the shocking incident where seven persons, all from a single family, were gunned down in a place between Zanger village and Pungro village on February 8, reports have come in on the alleged involvement of some individuals belonging to the Yimchunger region of the NSCN (IM).
Informing of this TC Tajingki, the eldest son of Late Throngtsangki Head GB of Zanger Village who was among those killed, while appealing to the NSCN (IM) leadership on behalf of the deceased family members of Late. Throngtsangki Head GB of Zanger village urged that stern punitive action be taken against one Tsulimthong and Alo of Yimchunger region NSCN (IM) for their direct involvement in the family feud.
In a press statement received here, Tajingki informed that the case relating to the grievances between the two families was summoned on February 8 by the DBs Court Pungro. The son of the Late GB alleged that “on that day of summon hour, a case petitioner Lumthure, UDA of SDO (C) Office Pungro family members along with the said cadres and captured D.Bs court Pungro” and kidnapped the seven persons “and mercilessly tortured and killed them on that same evening”.

Questioning as to how and under what circumstances of the law did the NSCN (IM) cadres bestow themselves the power to “recklessly involving in the two family members case of misunderstanding and grievances”.
As such, the deceased family members fervently appealed to the higher authority of NSCN (I.M)/GPRN to take drastic action as per their law for which they (Cadres) purposely tarnished the image of NSCN (I.M) GPRN.
Meanwhile in a separate press note, the Kiusam Area GBs’ Association has vehemently condemned the killing of seven (7) family members. The GB association alleged that the Yimchunger Region of NSCN (IM) cadres led by Tsulimthong and Alo along with Lumthure UDA of SDO (C) office captured the DBs court on summon hour and kidnapped besides mercilessly torturing and killing them on the way to Zanger Village at 6 KM away from Pungro Town. Hence all right thinking Nagas should condemn the killing, the association stated.
Phek unrest: Yitachu calls against mobocracy The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 14 (MExN): Concerned over the February 13 incident in Phek where denizens took to attacking the residences of Phek DC and the SP, Law Parliamentary Secretary Yitachu cautions against any vigilante action since this weakens established machineries. People should instead bolster the efforts of the administration/law entities and appreciate their endeavor, and not take law in own hands.
“The incident which occurred at Phek on 13th February, whereby a mob damaged the office of the Deputy Commissioner and further attacking the residences of DC and SP is highly uncalled for; the action of the mob will only weaken the administration and police is maintaining peaceful situation in the state” Yitachu stated in a note received here.
He reminded that strengthening the hands of the administration and police in the state and to abide by the rule of law is a duty of every citizen in any democratic set-up. “For a peaceful co-existence I appeal to the citizen of Phek town in particular and the Nagas in general to shun the path of violence and not to take law into their hands” he appealed. The Parliamentary Secretary also asked the underground factions to now “feel the pulse and the desire of the people to have a peaceful life” for the fact that Nagas in general do not consider killings by factional clashes as a positive approach to the Nagas’ political problem.
Stating that factional clashes amongst the various underground groups in the state are a cause of concern for all, Yitachu made a reminder that the state government, NGOs, tribal hoho’s, Church, youth and students organizations have been making all effort to shun violence and is trying to adopt the path of non-violence for settlement issues. The administration and the police forces have been trying to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and their hard work and persistent sacrifice for peaceful environment for the citizens is a thing to be appreciated and logistic support and encouragement needs to be given by the general public, he added.
DC condemns mob violence

DIMAPUR, FEB 14 (MExN): The Deputy Commissioner, Phek , officers and staff of the DC office has strongly condemned the ransacking of the DC office building and attack on the Deputy Commissioner’s and Superintendent of Police’s residence by a mob on the night of February 13, 2007. Terming it as an “uncivilized act of Vandalism and mob violence” against Government officials and public property, Sachopra Vero, DC, Phek said that it was a serious offence which needed to be condemned.
Rengma students forward demand on job-reservation Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, Feb 14:: The Rengma students’ community is ruing what is viewed as “low representation” to the state services and has demanded an adequate reservation for job.
A representation to the Chairman of the Reservation Review Committee from the Rengma Students’ Union pointed out that the Rengmas, being a minority with an insignificant representation to the state services, percentage of representation to the state services is “nil” and Rengmas’ record in the NPSC exams from 1989-2004 showing “Nil” indicates that “Rengma will be in position without any Government officers with appointing authority for continuous fifteen years”. “For which our demand for reservation is justified in regard to the exercise of Government reservation policy under the Article 16(4) of the Indian constitution. Subsequently vide Notification No. AR-8/9/76(Pt-II) dated 16.08.1979 and Notification No.BCBT/5/87 dated 24.03.1994 made reservation to nine Naga tribes in the matter of employment on account of their insignificant representation in the State services. In this connection, the Rengma had every right for the demand of reservation” stated the representation appended by RSU President Zentilo Tep, UA Secretary John Wanth and General Secretary Thonsenlo Magh.

The Rengma Students’ Union, while acknowledging the burden faced by the committee in reviewing the reservation policy, reminded that “delaying itself is unjust”. And as per notification No.RCBT-5/87(Pt) dated February 16, 2005, the Governor of Nagaland directs the working committee to review the policy of reservation and submit its recommendation within two months, which has already expired. For this, the RSU appealed to the existing Reservation Review Committee to submit its recommendation before March 1, 2007 on account of more upcoming State employment examinations. Stating that “justice delayed is justice denied,” the RSU demanded “early deliverance of justice”. (MExN)
Mob fury not unexpected: Therie Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Feb 14 (NPN): Former finance minister and MLA, K. Therie said Tuesday's mob fury in Phek town was not unexpected. While appreciating the government for providing security to students from Manipur, Therie in a statement said the government could not also afford to neglect the citizens of Nagaland. He said the law and order situation had come to such a pass in Phek town that the citizens had no option but to take law into their own hands. Therie said pelting of stones and vandalism of the residence of DC, Phek, by the mob were acts of resentment to let the government know its constitutional and moral responsibilities to the people. Therie said if the government continued to remain indifferent to the situation in Phek and allow complete breakdown of law and order, the only way out would be to seek the intervention of Central government.
He said giving freedom to factions to vandalize public areas in "full uniform displaying unauthorized sophisticated weapons" and collect funds and house tax, run parallel governments and giving freedom to student organizations and other unregistered societies to raise funds only indicated that there was complete breakdown of the State machinery.
Pragmatic step for peace- Nagaland Post Opinion
With new decision for peace being taken, every concerned citizen keeps on speculating how the declaration for peace from both NSCNs will be implemented. Despite proclamation for forgiveness and reconciliation from NSCN (IM), factional clashes continued in certain areas such as Zunheboto, Phek, Kohima, Dimapur, Athibung. It is mainly because each group wants to dominate certain areas especially for taxation. Designated camps occupied by different groups are a different matter. Each group should not violate cease-fire rules.
Apart from this, no particular group can claim an area as theirs. Kohima town does not belong to a particular faction. Zunheboto does not belong to a particular faction. So also any village, town and area does not belong to any particular faction but each village or town or area belongs to the settlers or residents first and then it belongs to the Naga people irrespective of tribe or organizations. The root cause of factional clash is taxation. The cadres belonging to any faction have not been maintaining themselves but all could survive only through the help of the general public. The national workers need not quarrel over taxation. It makes no different for the public in taxing them. Now forgiveness and reconciliation means ceasing hostility and enmity. If there is no sense of enmity, being intolerant towards one another is gone and the barrier is removed. If there is no bitter feeling and hatred, normal relationship is restored.
The Holy Spirit is perfectly true, honest and full of love. If each one of our people follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, the destination is peace and victory. A time of peace has come. All should see that the way for real peace is paved by reciprocating one another. Rev. L. Souhie Mhasi.
Scheduled tribes commission seeks to crub tribalism Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, Feb 12:: Taking cognisance of a recent inter-tribal feud in Nagaland and friction in Manipur, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has urged states to pay specific attention to inter-tribal relations in the Northeast. Viewing the killing of seven persons of a family in Nagaland’s Kiphire district recently, the commission stated that while its mandate is mainly development, it will try and impel states to take action to prevent violence.

Kunwar Singh, chairman of the commission, said today that the commission is pushing for special attention to the Northeast, which has a predominantly tribal population in many states. Inter-tribal disputes have been considered a thorny issue for the ministry of tribal affairs, which considers only development as its mandate. Singh said the commission is now studying how to initiate action to prevent violence among tribes. The limitation is that non-tribals do not consider inter-tribal violence and rivalry as crimes as it falls under the purview of the Atrocities Act.

“Administratively, cognisance is taken of inter-tribal violence and we are now going to ask states to take proactive action to prevent such violence,” Singh said. The recent incident in Nagaland apparently involves “political interference”, said secretary of the commission, K.K. Gupta.

A centre of the commission in Shillong will look into the matter, a source added. Pitched battles between the Yimchungru tribe and its sub-tribe Tikhir have increased in frequency with Naga militant groups allegedly adding fuel to the fire. While Tikhirs insist on recognition as a separate tribe, the Yimchungrus oppose the demand. Gupta said there have been complaints of inter-tribal violence from Manipur too. On the Indo-Myanmar border in Nagaland, Tobu village was infamous for inter-tribal clashes between the Chang and Konyak tribes. Naga militant groups and political parties in Nagaland had allegedly interfered but no one dared to take sides openly.

The commission was formed in February 2004 to take decisions on economic and social aspects of tribal development and protection of their rights. “We have asked the government to pay special attention to the Northeast. We want more teeth to improve our own functioning,” said Singh. The commission wants implementation of its recommendations to be made mandatory. It has demanded four more centres for the commission. (The Telegraph)
CPO backs Phek public action Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 14 (NPN): The Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) today "fully endorsed" Tuesday's action of Phek town public in chasing out armed factions from the town as well as vandalizing of government property, sources informed. A CPO team which arrived Wednesday in Phek town to assess Tuesday's incident held a joint meeting with Phek Area Public Organization, Chakhesang Mother's Association, Phek Area Mothers' Association, GBs Association of Phek town and Phek Town Council and other public leaders, and the members present were of the view that the Phek citizens were compelled to take the law into their own hands due to alleged failure of the administration and security forces to contain the tense situation.
The meeting reiterated to apply in principle the CPO's resolution against allowing any armed cadres moving about openly and in full combat uniform in civilian areas under Phek district. A public leader told Nagaland Post over phone from Phek that, the meeting decried the state government's inaction, while some members present at the meeting concurred that the current situation in the state, especially Phek, was a "fit case to invite central rule" and therefore demanded immediate dismissal of the DAN Government. "It is not the time for the government to talk about development, but the government should talk about security of life and property," some opined. Even Home minister Thenucho came under attack for allegedly turning a deaf ear to the plight of his own district and people.
The meeting also questioned the wisdom of the state government in withdrawing forces from Phek since January 3 despite the fluid situation and deploying them to other districts for security of the hill students of Manipur. Tthe members asked whether "the lives and career of Phek town students were less important than others?.
Chakhesang leaders and public also equally condemned the action of various factions for disturbing the ongoing HSLC, HSSLC and BA examinations in Phek district. Sources said some students had to forgo their exams due to apprehension arising out of the tense prevailing situation. Further, public also took exception to "some factions in issuing warning to some public leaders and appealed to them not to personalize the matter." The meeting also made mention of the "inaction of the Assam Rifles" posted in the area.
Yitachu disapproves Parliamentary secretary, Law & Justice, Yitachu has termed as "highly uncalled for" Tuesday's incident in Phek town where the angry public vandalized the office of the DC Phek and later pelted stones at the residences of the DC and SP Phek adding said such actions would only weaken the administration and police in maintaining peace in the state.
"Their (administration and police) hard works and persistent sacrifices for peaceful environment for the citizens is a thing to be appreciated and logistic support and encouragement needs to be accorded by the general public," the parliamentary secretary in a press release said.
Stressing on the duty of every citizen to strengthen the hands of administration and police and to abide by the rule of law, Yitachu appealed to the citizens of Phek town and Nagas in general to shun the path of violence and not to take the law into their own hands. He also urged the various factions to "feel the pulse and the desire of the people to have a peaceful life."
‘Naga students in Manipur deprived’ Correspondent Nasgaland Post
KOHIMA, FEB 14 (NPN): The NSCN (K) Wednesday expressed serious concern over what it termed as an "intolerable policy" where various deserving Naga students in Manipur were being denied of their right in various educational institutions of Manipur and at the same time, flaying the Tangkhul community for occupying Nagaland state guest houses in Delhi, Kolkota and Guwahati. NSCN (K) Secretary, Ministry of Education, K. Zhimomi, alleged that "bright and deserving" Naga students were denied of their "right places" in examination results of Manipur educational institutions and that most of the deserving Naga students who topped the list were placed below that of Meiteis.
"This is done by the majority Mieties to dominate the Nagas," he said .Zhimomi , however, pointed out that many Nagas studying in other parts of India and abroad were placed at the top level in their respective examinations. K. Zhimomi also accused the Tangkhul community of occupying Nagaland state guest houses in Delhi, Kolkota and Guwahati and thus creating immense problems for the "genuine Naga students from Nagaland who have limited economy." He said the practice had been going on for the pat two to three years now.
"One risky night in cities is dangerous than hundred nights at home", he said while quoting senior NSCN (K) leader A. Z. Jami's statement "We don't want the students of Nagaland to disturb the peace and tranquility of Manipur. Likewise, the students of Manipur should not disturb the peace and tranquility of Nagaland." While urging Naga leaders to "avoid those who practice destructive policy," the NSCN (K) leader warned that if the students continued to face such problem, "those taking the initiatives themselves would be responsible for any actions by the hunters of the day."
Correcting imbalances Nagaland Post Editorial
When the Delimitation Commission of India had agreed to maintain a status quo on the implementation of the Delimitation Act 2003 in Nagaland, it brought relief to a majority of people of districts that would have lost some seats. While agreeing to maintain the status quo, the Delimitation Commission of India had also directed that the Act was to be effected only through re-adjustment of seats within the assembly constituencies of respective districts in order to rectify certain drawbacks where some constituencies have hardly five to ten thousand voters and others as high as forty to fifty thousand. The exercise has been opposed in Mokokchung district where re-adjustment meant clubbing some villages from their original constituencies with another. In short, the plans have run aground since the exercise have only created more problems than solving them. While the clauses mentioned by the Delimitation Commission of India are clear on contiguity of administrative units without effecting change from one to another including geographical proximity etc within a district, it appears the current move for re-adjustment have not taken these clauses into account. Representations from three affected ranges such as Langpangkong, Changikong and Asetkong against the proposals will leave the state government with no choice but to review them and only put up the matter after proper consultations with the representatives of the public forums. Since the Delimitation Act 2003 will only come into effect by the next census in 2026 the re-adjustments will have to be reworked on the basis of the 2001 census. The yardstick of seat to voter ratio could perhaps mean loss of some assembly seats in some and gain in others. Even in the re-adjustment process, certain factors will have to be taken into account, particularly with regard to 27 Mokokchung assembly constituency which has a little over five thousand voters. Certain wards from contiguous assembly segments which are in effect, representative of other ranges such as Langpangkong, Asetkong and Ongpangkong etc would not only raise the electoral roll to around twenty one thousand but also ensure that no range in particular has total hegemony over the constituency. While Mokokchung district has such problems to be solved in the re-adjustment process, other districts such Peren, Dimapur, Longleng, Kohima etc would certainly be in favour of addition of more seats to reflect the composition of population. Nowhere is re-adjustment more difficult when the claims of such districts as Wokha with 2001 census indicating 1,61,223 persons and only four assembly seats while Zunheboto with 1,53,995 has seven assembly seats; Longleng with a population of 1,21,581 has only two assembly seats and Peren with 90,766 persons has only two assembly seats. Clearly, the solution would be to increase the number of assembly seats but that will have to wait and in the meantime, the claims and objections would have to be resolved and this can only be done through collective wisdom and understanding.
Monolith for first FGN chief to be erected The Morung Express
Kohima, Feb 14 (MExN): A traditional monolith erected in remembrance of Late Khrisanisa Seyie, the first Kedahge (Union President) of the FGN would be unveiled on February 28 at 10:00 am, at Soseütsie, halfway between Kohima and Khonoma. The programme is being organized by Khonoma Rüffünuo Nagaland (KRN).
Rev. Dr. VK Nuh, Gen. Secretary, Council of Naga Baptist Churches (CNBC) will be the chief guest on the occasion while Scato Swu, former Kedahge, FGN, will be the guest of honor.
Many send Lui-Ngai-Ni greetings By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 14: On the auspicious occasion of Lui-Ngai-Ni, Governor Dr SS Sidhu has extended his warm greetings to the people of Manipur, specially the Nagas. Reminding that the Government of India has recognised Lui-Ngai-Ni as a tourism festival, the Governor wished that the festival may bring peace and harmony besides spreading the message of ‘live and let live’ cutting across the barriers of caste, creed and religion, setting aside the differences amongst the different communities. In celebrating a festival like Lui-Ngai-Ni, the edifice of oneness and bond of friendship gets strengthened, observed Dr Sidhu in his message. Noting that the seed sowing festival of Lui-Ngai-Ni is one of the biggest festivals of the Nagas, Chief Minister O Ibobi wished that the seed sowing festival brings joy, happiness and prosperity to all sections of the people.
He also conveyed hope that the festival will be celebrated in its true spirit.
The Chief Minister also extended best wishes for the success of Lui-Ngai-Ni. Conveying hope that the seed sowing festival would not only herald rich harvest in the forthcoming season but also sow the seeds of peace, brotherhood and cohesiveness amongst the various tribes of Manipur, IG AR (S) Maj Gen BK Chengappa and GOC 57 Mountain Division Maj Gen EJ Kochekkan also greeted the people of Manipur on the festive occasion of Lui-Ngai-Ni. The United Naga Council (UNC) while sending out its greetings to the people said that this year’s main Lui-Ngai-Ni celebration cannot be conducted at one venue due to the ensuing Assembly Election of Manipur. However, the UNC said that the Zeliangrong Union will be leading the celebration at Tamenglong district Hqs, Naga Peoples Organisation (NPO) will organise at Sena-pati district Hqs, Tangkhul Naga Long in Ukhrul district Hqs while Chandel Naga Peoples Organisation (CNPO) will be organising the celebration at Chandel district Hqs. The UNC wishes its good will greetings to everyone n the occassion of the Naga seed sowing festival.
Heavy turnout in Manipur polls despite rain Newmai News Network
Imphal Heavy down pour failed to deter the voters during the 2nd phase election for 29 Assembly Constituencies (A/Cs) of Manipur spread across in three valley districts of Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur, about 90% voters turned out to exercise their franchise today. However, according to the press release issued by Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur Mr. P.K. Singh the voters turned out is 85% but the release added that the percentage may rise when complete information on today’s polling is received.
By and large today’s poll is peaceful and brisk in the Manipur context as compared to the past elections. But there have been unconfirmed reports of stray incidents in some pockets related to today’s poll.
The 29 A/Cs has 155 contestants fighting for different Assembly constituencies in Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishenpur district. Altogether 7,39,658 voters enrolled in the voters list in the three districts of which the total electorates in the Imphal East district excluding Jiribam has 3,18,933 voters , Imphal West district with 2,63,21 electorates and in Bishenpur district there are 1,57514 electorates.
155 candidates of national political parties, regional parties and independent candidates are in the fray for the second phase in the 9th general Assembly Election. Out of this, INC fielded its candidates in all the 29 Assembly Constituencies, Manipur Peoples Party (MPP) 25 potential candidates in the fray, NCP fielded 15 candidates, SP candidate at 13, BJP at 9, RJD at 16 LSJP at 7, JD(s) at 4, CPI (M) at 1, JD (U) at 1, Manipur State Congress party (MSCP) fielded 3 candidates, AIFB at 2 candidates and 9 independent candidates.
Of the 155 contestants, 9 of them are women candidates. The total electorate of female is 388925 which is much higher than the male electorate with 3,50039 voters. The third and the final phase of the polls will be held in the three districts of Tamenglong, Chandel and Churachandpur on February 23 and the counting will begin on February 27.
Judgment on Ninth Schedule of the constitution- Nagaland Post Opninion
The verdict by the Supreme Court on the ninth schedule of the constitution is indeed a revolution in Indian politics. Judicial scrutiny of laws does no harm. By opening up the ninth schedule for judicial review, the judiciary has once again uphold democratic values The Ninth Schedule comprises 284 Acts and Regulations of which almost 218 laws have now become vulnerable to legal challenge on the grounds of violation of the basic structure doctrine, evolved and interpreted by the Supreme Court in the celebrated Kesavananda Bharati case on April 24, 1973.
Parliament is a creature of the constitution and has no power to change its basic structure. Judicial review cannot be limited by parliament in the name of the Ninth Schedule. When it suits our MPs, the constitution is scared; when it is a hindrance to their interests, they gang up to amend it. Since 1776, the number of amendments to the US constitution has been only 27, whereas since 1950 we have amended our constitution 93 times. Ever since the constitution came into force, political parties have tried to tinker with its basic composition for their vested interests. All evils, including corruption, and caste conflicts are in a way the product of visionless legislative functioning.
Soli Sorabjee, while delivering the first Palkhivala memorial lecture on February 2003 in Chennai said, "What outraged Palkhivala was the tinkering with the constitution by the politicians, its frequent as if it were a Municipal Licensing Act or the drugs act, the failure to preserve the integrity of our constitutional against many hasty and ill-considered changes, the fruits of passion and ignorance". With criminalization of politics, manipulation of the electoral process and rampant competitive populism, legislatures do not always fully and fairly represent the aspiration or the will of the people. The situation is compounded by fractured mandates and compulsions of coalition politics. In this situation judicial review of the ninth schedule is more necessary.
All citizens who cherish the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution, particularly the right to constitutional remedies, will welcome the Supreme Court's judgment that there can be no blanket ban on review of laws inserted in the Ninth Schedule.
Dr. Mithilesh Kumar Sinha Head department of Economic Nagaland University, Lumami
Phek residents chase NSCN cadres away Sentinel
Kohima, Feb 14: Angry over factional clashes in the NSCN, residents of Phek town of Nagaland stormed the colonies used as hideouts by the NSCN-IM destroying bunkers and chasing away the few NSCN-K cadres present there, official sources said today. About 2000 protesters thronged the Phek town centre at around 3 pm yesterday, marched to the NSCN-IM hideouts in colonies like Hebron II and New Colony and drove away about 100 cadres, who opened fire to save themselves. After taking over the hideouts, they destroyed the bunkers, furniture, utensils and also set fire to some belongings left behind. Following this, the people chased away the few NSCN-K activists, who too opened fire to escape their wrath. They also targeted the authority by vandalising the office and residences of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Phek, Sechopra Vero and Police Superintendent Sandip Tamgadge soon afterwards, the sources said. Tamgadge was hit by a stone but not injured, the sources said.
The people of Phek town as well as Chakgesang had on several occasions earlier warned the State Government that it would be held responsible for the failure to evict armed cadres from civilian populated areas and that they would be forced to chase away the cadres if the government failed. Official sources said the district faces acute shortage of armed police force.
The sources said there were hardly 40 armed police personnel at Phek when the requirement was 200 as a significant number of them are presently providing security to hill students of Manipur appearing the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education examination. (PTI)
UNLF accuses SF of terrorising villagers By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 14 : Contending that recent successful assaults by MPA cadres on security forces at parts of Chandel and Ukhrul districts have demoralised the morale of the troops, the UNLF alleged that due to frustration and ‘unstable mental state’ the security personnel have turned their ire upon innocent villagers of Tungjoy in Dingpi area. claiming that as a consequence of a number of casualties among security personnel following an MPA attack at the L Bungjoy camp on February 11, personnel of 16 Assam Rifles stationed at Holenjang camp went berserk and targeted the villagers of Tungjoy, a UNLF statement issued by its senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba accused the AR men of mercilessly thrashing the villagers without any rhyme or reason.
“They (AR) took the villagers at ransom usurping the small agricultural lands available for setting up their camps, robbed valuable timbers from the forests by wanton deforestation of the village areas causing water scarcity thereby imposing immense hardships to the villagers,” said Yoiheiba adding that the villagers were ultimately pressured to flee elsewhere. Belittling rebuttal issued by the PRO, after the villagers highlighted their grievances through the media, on the matter as ‘usual’, the Yoiheiba further countered that ‘to cover up their (AR) inhuman and barbaric actions against the poor villagers they minced no words in finding fault with the villagers for growing poppy plants at the behest of UNLF’. Dismissing propaganda of the Indian security forces as ‘sheer nonsense’, Yoiheiba also opined that security forces are in constant fear of losing their lives as MPA have shown that it can strike against them anytime and anywhere in Manipur.

What does ‘Union Day’ mean to Burma’s Ethnic Nationalities? By Nehginpao Kipgen Sangai Express Article
Burma’s 60th Union Day was partly observed and largely celebrated by the Burmese people around the world. While many celebrated the Union Day, there are others who have questioned its validity. Its history starts at Panglong in Shan State on February 12, 1947 when 23 representatives from the Burman Government, Chin Hills, Kachin Hills and Shan States put down their signatures, in the presence of representatives from the Executive Council of the governor of Burma, to form an interim Government. [Burman representative: Aung San; Chin representatives: U Hlur Hmung, U Thawng Za Khup, U Kio Mang; Kachin representatives: Sinwa Nawng, Zau Rip, Dinra Tang, Zau La, Zau Lawn, Labang Grong; Shan representatives: Tawnpeng, Yawnghwei, North Hsenwi, Laika, Mong Pawn, Hsamon- ghkam and representative of Pawnglawng, Tin E, Kya Bu, Sao Yapa Hpa, Htun Myint, Hkun Saw, Hkun Htee.]
The emergence of Union Day initially, though, did not include all ethnic nationalities of the present day Burma; yet it served as a threshold for a unified Burma. The agreement was aimed at establishing a federal Burma on the basis of socio-political equality and guaranteeing self-determination for all ethnic nationalities. Had not Aung San promised political equality and self-determination to ethnic minority groups, the Union of Burma might have never been born.
While days were hectic for drafting the Union of Burma’s Constitution, hopes were abruptly shattered with the assassination of Aung San along with six of the executive councillors on July 19, 1947. Aung San’s, architect of Panglong Agreement, departure dashed the dream of having a federal government: the constitution was hastily substituted by a supposedly quasi-federal type - categorically downplaying the visions of the Panglong signatories. This mischievous ploy has become a source of lingering distrust between the Burman Government and ethnic minorities till today. With the adoption of the amended constitution on 24 September 1947, ethnic minority groups realized that the ‘quasi-federal in form but unitary in nature’ constitution did not guarantee equality of rights and self-determination as agreed upon at Panglong. Subsequently, the non-Burman ethnic nationalities, after having a series of consultations and meetings amongst themselves and with the Burman Government leaders, demanded amendment to the 1947 Constitution – to include the principles of guaranteeing political equality and self-determination. Article X of the 1947 constitution states: “every State shall have the right to secede from the Union ….”
Partly due to the discontentment of the non-Burman ethnic nationalities during the parliamentary democracy from 1951 to 1961, there was a restive civilian Government with Constitutional challenges. Contemporaneously, there was a leadership crisis within the ruling Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL) – the party splitting into two factions - AFPFL-clean and AFPFL-stable in May 1958. Consequently, U Nu, the Prime Minister, asked the army chief, Ne Win, to form a caretaker government and conduct general elections. At the elections held in 1960, U Nu’s AFPFL-clean faction came back to power. Sticking to their demands, leaders of ethnic minorities demanded discussions with Prime Minister U Nu about amendments to the constitution. This demand was reasserted at a conference on the Ethnic States Unity and Solidarity Organization, convened in 1961. Construing the political manoeuvre as a threat to the integration of the country from the federal movement, Ne Win seized power by military coup on March 2, 1962, which led to the arrest of U Nu and other ethnic leaders including Sao Shwe Thaik, the first president of independent Burma. The non-Burman ethnic nationalities largely see the military regime as a Burman Government. Having a glimmering hope for any peaceful Government with the military Government, more ethnic minority groups resorted to arms struggle. Under Ne Win’s Revolutionary Council Government, the 1947 constitution was replaced by the 1974 constitution of unitary system controlled by Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP). This military led Government later, on 18 September 1988, transformed into State Law and Order Restoration Council and then to the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) on 15 November 1997. The name is, again, expected to change in the ongoing process of the military regime’s seven steps toward a “disciplined democracy.”
— to be contd Nehginpao Kipgen is the General Secretary of US-based Kuki International Forum and a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Burma (1947-2004).
Bangla may flush out NE ultras From Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 14 – The free run enjoyed by insurgent outfits of the North East including ULFA, in the neighbouring country might be cut short, with the new interim government in Bangladesh showing signs of softening its rigid stand, highly placed sources said. Mixed signals emanating out of Bangladesh is being closely monitored by New Delhi, as the political crisis in Bangladesh has changed old equations throwing open new possibilities. If the two countries manage to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement, then the insurgent leaders of the rebel groups may have to start looking for new safe haven, sources hinted. If reports are to be believed, back channel diplomacy is at full play, with Bangladesh indicating its willingness to launch a crackdown on the insurgent groups, albeit in exchange of a favourable deal. The timing and circumstances are significant. External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee is leaving for Dhaka on February 19. Mukherjee is slated to hold bilateral talks with the leadership in Dhaka, though official reason being cited is to invite Bangladesh to participate in the SAARC Summit in April.

Bangladesh reportedly, is keen that India endorses the continuation of the present caretaker Government headed by Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed resulting in delay of holding of the national election at least by a year. The interim government with the active support of the Bangladeshi Army is in the middle of a crackdown on corruption. At least 25 high-profile personalities including 10 former ministers have been detained in the nationwide crackdowns.

Sources said Bangladesh after weighing its options has apparently chosen to approach New Delhi for its support, partly because of its close proximity to Awami League and its leader, Sheikh Hasina. India has been extending all help to Awami League. The former Prime Minister had visited India ahead of the polls, seeking support. With US and the European Union behind its back, to check the fundamantalist forces and put an end to the political turmoil, Dhaka sees in New Delhi, a viable option to ward off some of the international pressure, as well as to get the national party to tone down its attack on the caretaker government. Stating that India was yet to make up its mind, sources admitted that the proposals were yet to be formally discussed across the table. Reports has it that Bangladesh Army Chief, Lieutenant General Moeen U Ahmed is even ready to travel to India at a later date to give these understanding a formal shape.

Relation between India and Dhaka has nose dived, to an all-time low. Bangladesh’s persistent denial of extending safe sanctuaries to the wanted rebel groups including its leadership, has led to irritation in South Block. The growth of Jehadi forces, use of Bangladesh by the Kashmiri militants as a transit point to sneak into India, illegal infiltration were the main areas of concern for India. Bangladesh, however, denies all this, let alone accept India’s request to mount an operation against the ultras. A man, India is closely watching is Nobel Laureate, Mohammad Yunus. South Block thinks that Yunus may emerge as key player in the near future and has already announced his decision to enter politics. He also reportedly enjoys the backing of the US. Yunus, who was here left for Dhaka yesterday, after meeting a cross section of Indian leaders.

Sources said the feedback they have got is that Bangladesh is in favour of improving its relationship with India. With insurgency-hit North Eastern States like Asom exerting pressure on the Centre, New Delhi too is keen to see the end of the free run enjoyed by the rebels. The new head of the caretaker Government, Dr Ahmed who had a long stint in the World Bank, formed an interim government comprising an11-member Council of Advisors. In his first address to the nation after assuming power on January 21 he spelled out his priorities. He promised that his government would reconstitute the Election Commission, distribute identity cards to all voters after reconstitutions the voters list, free the administration of all sorts of party interferences, and take steps against corruption. He also mentioned about holding election, but did not specify any time-frame. Prohibitory Rules and sanctions under Emergency were declared, on January 26, banning all political activities holding of meetings, rallies and processions. The interim government’s strength is that it has the full backing of the Army. The Army is widely seen as having engineered events that led to President Iajuddin Ahmed stepping down as head of the interim government, cancelling the disputed elections scheduled for January 22 and imposing emergency rule. Army chief Lt Gen Moeen U Ahmed, meanwhile, has confirmed that the armed forces were assisting the government in its crusade against corruption that has eaten up the vitals of the nation. "The armed forces are only assisting the civil administration...we all in the civil administration and the army is carrying out our respective responsibility," he was quoted as having said in them media.

Ultras involved in poll-related crimes nabbed in Manipur
From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 14 – Manipur police commandos who were on their toes since the last one month in view of the sudden rise in poll-related violence, managed to round up some of hardcore underground activists involved in poll-related crimes.
Claiming the arrest of some of the ‘hard core’ miscreants, Clay Khongsai, SP Imphal West district told reporters here on Tuesday that three underground cadres who were ‘involved’ in poll related violence in the State have been arrested along with a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

The arrested underground activists include a self styled second lieutenant of Prepak and two ex-zou defence volunteer cadres who were presently working with Prepak. Three of them who came in a number plate-less Maruti Gypsy on Monday night along with a civilian was intercepted and “overpowered” by a special team of Police commandos near Taothong cinema hall in Manipur’s Lamshang police station under Imphal West district.
Clay said, “we came to know from the preliminary interrogation that all of them were involved in extortion from the candidates. The civilian was released after verification. Three weapons and other ammunition were seized from the arrested ultras. The weapons include one AK-47 rifles with three magazines, one US carbine and one Lethos gun with five bombs, one Chinese made handgrenade, one countrymade grenade and one detonator.

Army frustrated, says UNLF The Imphal Free Press

imphal, feb 14: The underground UNLF has said that the recent defeats of Indian security forces in Chandel and Ukhrul districts have made them more frustrated which has resulted in their turning on innocent villagers. In a statement, the UNLF said all their losses compounded by the MPA`s attack on their camp at Bongjoy on February 11 has taken a toll on their nerves. The Indian forces are in a state of constant fear as the MPA has demonstrated it can strike anywhere and anyplace against them, the statement said.

It said the frustration and unstable mental state of the Indian forces was fully exposed when a 16 AR team went berserk upon villagers of Tungjoy in Dingpi area. It charged that the Indian troops have taken away small agriculture lands for setting up their camps, and indulged in wanton destruction of forest cover, causing water scarcity and resulting in immense hardship for the villagers. The villagers were also mercilessly beaten black and blue and pressurized to flee elsewhere, it said, and observed that when the victimised villagers brought their grievances before the media, the Indian forces` PRO took no time to refute it. Morever, to cover up their inhuman and barbaric actions against the villagers, they found fault with the poor villagers for growing poppy plants at the behest of the UNLF, it said, declaring that this propaganda is sheer nonsense.

Frans on 02.15.07 @ 04:26 PM CST [link]


Wednesday, February 14th

Nagas in fresh feud OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Nagas in fresh feud OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 13: The stage is set for another round of fratricidal feuding in Nagaland, with the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) today warning of retaliation against the rival Khaplang faction for trying to prevent Naga students of Manipur from sitting for the matric examination in Kohima and Dimapur.
The Union home ministry has asked the Nagaland government to take all precautionary measures to stop a full-blown war between the militant groups.
The NSCN (I-M) said it had exercised restraint despite the Khaplang faction issuing a quit-Nagaland diktat to the Tangkhul Nagas — Thuingaleng Muivah is from this community — and obstructing students from Manipur when they were on their way to Kohima to sit for the High School Leaving Certificate examination.
Schools in the Naga-dominated hill districts of Manipur have already switched affiliation to the Nagaland board in accordance with a directive from the United Naga Council. The move is an extension of the campaign for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas.
The NSCN (I-M) said its patience was “running out” and it would retaliate if the Khaplang group failed to understand the crux of the issue. It accused the NSCN (K) of giving vent to its “frustration” by issuing diktats. “We would like to inform Mr Khaplang, who hails from Myanmar, that there are hundreds of our Naga brothers and sisters from Myanmar either pursuing their studies or their livelihood in Nagaland, be it in Zunheboto, Kohima, Ukhrul, Dimapur, Mokokchung or Tuensang,” the outfit said. The NSCN (I-M) held two leaders of the rival group, Kitovi Zhimomi and Kughalu Mulatonu, responsible for hundreds of casualties in fratricidal feuding. Civilians in several districts of Nagaland have borne the brunt of clashes between the two groups. Phek, about 150 km from the state capital, is on tenterhooks with members of both NSCN factions and the Naga National Council camping in the town. Yesterday, nearly 60 members of the NSCN (K) and the NNC attacked a camp of the Isak-Muivah group at Jericho II Colony. The exchange of fire lasted almost six hours.
Acid test for Rio’s leadership By: Oken Jeet Sandham Kangla on Line
Barely 23 days are there for the State to face by-elections for two constituencies---Dimapur-I and Tuesang Sadar-II. The by-elections are necessitated due to the sudden demise of the sitting two BJP legislators, Dr Hokishe Sema and Lakiumung. It is understood the amount of loss the BJP party has when these two sitting legislators suddenly died one after another. The BJP is the second major alliance partner in the DAN coalition with its seven legislators and now its strength has reduced to five. Yet it still commands as the second largest coalition partner in the coalition ministry.

These elections to be held on March 8 in Nagaland are extremely vital, besides an acid test for the ruling DAN coalition Ministry and more so for its Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Thus, the consultative meet for all the alliance partners called by the Chief Minister at his private residence in Dimapur is crucial.

Consensus will be the central point for the consultative meet. But this formula will unlikely be workable as the State BJP leaders may insist that they have their own candidates for the simple reason that those constituencies fell vacant due to their leaders’ sudden demise. Such demands cannot be undermined. Yet the major ruling NPF will perhaps make every possible effort to underline the importance of putting up “consensus candidates” as, they might argue, it will not only give a positive message to the people of Nagaland about the complete harmony within the partners but also the importance of such a decision at a time when the peace process is stagnant.

Given that, if they fail to reach a consensus for the by-elections, it will certainly give a wrong message to the people, while the opposition Congress will have a smooth sailing in all the two constituencies.

And once the two seats lose in the hand of the opposition Congress, the party (Congress) will up the ante mounting their justification of Rio Ministry’s failure to Naga political front. And in fact, for Congress to win these two by-elections in Nagaland will certainly enhance its political image at a time when the State is left one year to go for general elections. For the Congress to set up their candidates in these two constituencies may not be much problem unlike the ruling DAN party, besides the party has now a new Governor, who is a Congress loyalist, and of course they have a friendly Government at the Center. But the speculation of former Chief Minister KL Chishi to be the Congress candidate for Dimapur-I cannot be taken lightly. He is undoubtedly one of the firebrand and vocal politicians and if he wins, the leadership within the Congress legislature party might also get stirred.

The coming by-election will give a real test to Rio’s leadership and one will see how he convinces the DAN coalition partners particularly the BJP during the consultative meet.
Phek tells UGs to leave Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, February 13: The public of Phek Town in Nagaland today took the initiative to chase out militants present in the town. Reports said that the general public are fed up with the factional fightings in Phek district and hence the drastic steps.
Reports from Phek Town said that people numbering about five to six thousand proceeded to various pockets of the area to ask the militants to vacate the town.To some extent, the general public managed to drive out the underground elements from certain areas, said sources.

Meanwhile, the public has expressed resentment against the defiance of the armed groups to the CPO’s resolution not to allow any armed faction to camp in civilian populated areas under Phek district. In the wake of heightened tension in Phek areas owing to factional violence, the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) today asked all the underground outfits to vacate the public-inhabited areas in Phek district and stop clashes forthwith to ensure peace and security to students who are appearing in HSLC and HSSLC examinations. President of the student body, Vevoyi D Vadeo and general secretary Khrope Tsühah in a statement said that the factional clashes of in the area have disturbed the class X students whose exams are underway.
Berth pangs for DAN coalition OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 13: With less than a month to go for the byelections, the partners of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government are still bickering over fielding of candidates in the seats which fell vacant following the death of BJP legislators Hokishe Sema and Lakiumong.
Sources close to the DAN camp said the stalwarts of the ruling conglomeration yesterday held a closed-door meeting to reach a consensus regarding the Dimapur-I and Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly constituencies. However, Nagaland People’s Front and the BJP failed to arrive at a conclusion. The BJP said they should be given the chance to contest the March 8 byelections as the seats were earlier held by their partymen. The NPF, on the other hand, said there would be no friendly contest between the two parties. Party spokesman Akang Ao said the NPF was contemplating to field candidates for both the seats, but they would come to a final decision only after consulting the DAN partners.
Former state BJP preside-nt M.C. Konyak said his party would not compromise with the seats as they have been vacated by BJP legislators. The Opposition Congress is also facing a similar rift over the choice of candidates for the two seats. While the Dimapur district Congress committee has recommended former chief minister, K.L. Chishi’s name for the Dimapur-I constituency, a Congress insider said leader of the Opposition I. Imkong Ao was favouring former Dimapur DCC president, Aheto V. Yeptho. But the leader of the Opposition and the election committee of Nagaland PCC have refuted allegations of any rift in the party. The BJP has, however, pitched Capt. Hekiye Sema, eldest son of Hokishe Sema, as its official candidate for the Dimapur-I constituency. For the Tuensang Sadar-II seat, BJP has named W. Wongto as its official candidate.
Political spin may favour NPF Stage set for DAN consensus talks today Morung Express News
Dimapur If inside “bargaining” between the DAN coalition partners is anything to suggest, NPF Youth Spokesperson Atomi Zhimomi might as well be the alliance’s consensus candidate to contest in the March 8 bye-elections for Dimapur-1 Assembly Constituency while the candidate for Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituency remains behind DAN’s closet, although the BJP may get this seat as part of the bargain.
The general view among DAN coalition party say-doers is that Atomi Zhimomi, a son of Nagaland Industries Minister Khekiho Zhimomi remains the most “eligible bachelor” to hold Dimapur-1 AC seat owing to his wide support base. And of course, the size of electorate his father commands, which, insiders say, would be another muscle string for the NPF, the majority party in the coalition. “The DAN is bargaining but Atomi has the best position and he might be the consensus candidate” said a reliable insider, refusing that his name or party be given in the press. And Zhimomi? “It is understood I am the consensus candidate. I am geared up” Atomi said when contacted.
Minister Khekiho on his part doesn’t want that his presence be a wind of change for DAN partners in their decision who should be the consensus candidate. So he himself decided against attending the February 14 meeting called by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to have consultations on the matter, so that his son can have a fair fight. So will he attend the February 15 meeting if not the 14th? “I don’t know. But if it is for the consensus candidate I will go but if it is for a candidate I will not go” he said.
Meanwhile, in what is likely to be a decisive meeting of the DAN Alliance partners to decide on the prospects of fielding consensus candidates for the March 8 bye-elections, the BJP today made a last minute appeal to its NPF ally ‘requesting to understand the sentiments of the BJP’ and to put up its candidates in both the Tuensang Sadar-II and Dimapur-I seats. BJP President Ato Yepthomi in a conversation with The Morung Express argued that since both the seats had been vacated by the BJP and that it was only a bye-election for the remaining one year before Assembly Elections early next year, the ‘pre-poll’ alliance partners should be willing to have an accommodative spirit.
When queried whether the BJP would forfeit its claim for the Dimapur-I seat during the next Assembly Elections, the party President only said that they were open to the idea of sharing seats in the spirit of give and take. “Even in the next Assembly Elections our arms are open and we are willing to make sacrifices in the spirit of give and take”, Yepthomi said.

The BJP President however expressed surprise over the manner in which the NPF announced its candidate for the Dimapur-I seat “without consulting its allies” and termed it as “unfortunate”. Meanwhile, for the Tuensang Sadar-II seat, it was informed that the BJP headquarters in Delhi has already the cleared the name of W. Wongto to be its official candidate.
While choosing the consensus candidate for the Tuensang seat may not be such a prestige issue for the DAN alliance, for the prestigious Dimapur-I seat, serious bargaining is expected to take place among the coalition partners when the meeting takes place tomorrow. With youth leader, Atomi Zhimomi who is also the son of senior Minister Khekiho Zhimomi being projected as the choice of the NPF, the BJP will also stake its claim by pushing for Captain Hekiye Sema, eldest son of Late Hokishe Sema to retain the seat left vacant by his father’s demise.
Move to curb ethnic feud ST panel seeks more teeth The Telegraph New Delhi
Taking cognisance of a recent inter-tribal feud in Nagaland and friction in Manipur, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has urged states to pay specific attention to inter-tribal relations in the Northeast. Viewing the killing of seven persons of a family in Nagaland’s Kiphire district recently, the commission stated that while its mandate is mainly development, it will try and impel states to take action to prevent violence.
Kunwar Singh, chairman of the commission, said today that the commission is pushing for special attention to the Northeast, which has a predominantly tribal population in many states.
Inter-tribal disputes have been considered a thorny issue for the ministry of tribal affairs, which considers only development as its mandate.
Singh said the commission is now studying how to initiate action to prevent violence among tribes. The limitation is that non-tribals do not consider inter-tribal violence and rivalry as crimes as it falls under the purview of the Atrocities Act. “Administratively, cognisance is taken of inter-tribal violence and we are now going to ask states to take proactive action to prevent such violence,” Singh said. The recent incident in Nagaland apparently involves “political interference”, said secretary of the commission, K.K. Gupta. A centre of the commission in Shillong will look into the matter, a source added.
Pitched battles between the Yimchungru tribe and its sub-tribe Tikhir have increased in frequency with Naga militant groups allegedly adding fuel to the fire. While Tikhirs insist on recognition as a separate tribe, the Yimchungrus oppose the demand.
Gupta said there have been complaints of inter-tribal violence from Manipur too. On the Indo-Myanmar border in Nagaland, Tobu village was infamous for inter-tribal clashes between the Chang and Konyak tribes. Naga militant groups and political parties in Nagaland had allegedly interfered but no one dared to take sides openly.
“We have asked the government to pay special attention to the Northeast. We want more teeth to improve our own functioning,” said Singh.
‘NSCN-IM’s apology more an insult’ ENPO/KU to discuss Black Day Minphong Konyak The Morung Express

Mon, Feb 13 (MExN): Konyak Union officials headed by President Tingnyei Konyak will be going to Tuensang to discuss matter regarding observation of Black Day in protest against the killing of two Konyak boys by the NSCN-IM at Kohima in January. The KU maintains the ‘mere apology’ from the NSCN-IM is more an insult than being genuinely sorry. Tingnyei said that on February 16, they along with other union members under the umbrella of the ENPO will sort out a date procedure for observing Black Day which was earlier scheduled on January 10, but later postponed. Clarifying as to why they had postponed the earlier date, Tingnyei said that the Konyak Union had everything prepared for the observance but it was only under the direction of the ENPO that they had stopped since the observance includes the State capital and Dimapur too. He said that the delay of the NSCN-IM leaders in responding to the memorandum submitted by ENPO had compelled it to cancel the previous date and till date they have not responded. But notwithstanding the negligence and indifference of the NSCN-IM leaders towards the ENPO, KU said that they will discuss and fix a date for the same. KU also said that they had only received a ‘mere apology’ from the NSCN-IM leaders for the killing of the innocent boys ‘which is more an insult than being sorry’.
CPO,CSU put foot down on factional fights in Phek The Morung Express ‘Is Govt. keeping forces as decorative items?’
Dimapur, Feb 13 (MExN): An unhappy Chakhesang Students Union today demanded that all underground groups vacate civilian-inhabited areas and cease factional clashes and warned that action will be initiated against any group(s) failing to honor the sentiments of the students’ community.
“In the interest of peace, tranquility and nation, the Chakhesang Students Union demands all the groups of Naga national workers be it FGN, NSCN (IM) or NSCN (K) to vacate civil inhabited areas and stop clashes forthwith to ensure peace and security to the students appearing the examinations” a press release from the CSU appended by its President Vevoyi D Vadeo and General Secretary Khrope Tsuhah made clear. “The Chakhesang Students Union shall no longer cooperate with any group(s) and will initiate whichever action against any group(s), who fails to honor the sentiment of the students’ community” it stated.
The CSU expressed concern at the clashes between the factions of NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K)-FGN combine on the other in the heart of Phek town especially when the students are appearing for their examinations. “When HSLC and HSSLC examinations are in full swing involving hundreds of our students at the moment. What the examinees require is congenial atmosphere for their preparation and sitting for the exams” the CSU stated lamenting “we can imagine how much the poorer parents suffer for nurturing their children in quest of education”.
“Whereas the so-called national workers of today do not have sense of concern for their own brethrens whose futures are promising only through academic education but prefer to build tension in the mind of the students out of sheer struggle for factional supremacy” the CSU stated expressing puzzlement whether the factions are for themselves at the cost of the young generation. The CSU also expressed amazement “how insensitive the Government is to the prevailing situation in Phek HQ, where the academic examination atmosphere is agitated because law is not sufficient and effective”. It questioned whether the Government has decided to keep its forces “as decorative items” and allow the factions to harass the general public and ruin the careers of the younger generation.
Failure to control the situation would mean whatever consequences that arise, the government would be solely held responsible.
Meanwjile, strongly terming the February 11 shootout between the underground factions in Phek as defiance of standing resolutions, the Chakhesang Public Organization has decided against fratricidal killings as well as cadres moving around in combat dress and arms, in civilian-populated areas.
“The Chakhesang Public Organization have passed a resolution to oppose fratricidal killings amongst factions and also not to allow cadres of various factions to camp or move around in combat uniform with arms in civilian-populated areas particularly in Phek district to avoid public panic” stated a note issued by the organization through its President Yesonu Veyie.
The CPO reminded that the organization’s leaders have been rendering every possible effort in implementing the decisions taken vis-à-vis factional fights, with underground leaders being approached. The CPO had approached the “national leaders” with their resolution and was encouraged by their assurance of cooperation in striving for peace.
However, the February 11 shootout “by FGN” at Phek town is an act of defiance to the CPO’s resolution, the organization lamented. “Though there has been no report of casualty, peace and tranquility of the public has been disturbed” the CPO lamented and asked all underground cadres to exercise restraint from creating havoc in civilian areas.
Also, with regard to the “arrest” of one ‘Sgt’ Aribo of the NSCN-IM by FGN cadres in Phek on January 29 (and not January 14 as reported), the CPO stated that it had promptly appealed to the FGN leaders not to harm the captured cadre. The matter was monitored by Shevotso, CPO Vice President, and Kupota, Chairman of Phek Town Council, till ‘Sgt’ Aribo was released unharmed on February 8 at Yorba village. He was handed over to his family and tribe leaders in the presence of CPO president, CYF president and CSU president. “We do appreciate the good gesture shown by the FGN authority and their cadres” the CPO stated.
UNC spells out stand By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 13: Besides exuding confidence of getting maximum number of its sponsored candidates getting elected from the 11 Naga dominated Assembly Constituencies, the United naga Council (UNC) has reiterated that the elected independent candidates would not join Government formation.
During a UNC sponsored meeting in January this year all the intending Naga candidates had undertaken a declaration that, even if elected, they would not join any front or merge with any party in the formation of a new Government, reminded UNC president Paul Leo while talking to The Sangai Express.
“this stand underlines that our candidates, if elected, would remain in the Opposition,” Paul said.
On being asked as to how candidates sponsored by the UNC would emerge victorious in the just concluded first phase elections, he said “out of the three nominated by the Council in Senapati district and another three in Ukhrul we are confident that at least four of them will win the election.”
To another query, the UNC chief said, “We don’t want to give wild speculation on our nominees’ prospect of winning in the third phase polls covering Tamenglong and Chandel district ACs.”
Since the third and final phase polling is slated for February 23, it would be too early to spell out speculation, he explained and added that any change might take place during this period. Stating that poll campaign is underway in full swing in the two districts and that the people’s response towards the UNC initiative is overwhelming, Paul also expressed confidence that the Council would pocket a good number of seats from the two districts.
PM arriving on Feb 18 to campaign for Congress The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 13: It is officially confirmed that Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh will be visiting the state to campaign for the Congress party before the three- phase election to the 9th Manipur legislative Assembly concludes. The Prime Minister will be visiting the state on February 18 for a few hours. A highly placed official source said that the state government has received official intimation about the visit from the PMO.

As per the official intimation, the Prime Minister will arrive by a special Indian Airlines flight on February 18. Immediately after landing at Tulihal airport at 9 am, he will be airlifted directly to Tamenglong public ground where he is expected to address a public meeting organised by the Congress party. The source further said the PMO has asked the state government to take up all the necessary security measures for the Prime Minister`s visit to the state. Immediately after addressing the public meeting, the Prime Minister will come back from Tamenglong to Tulihal airport by a chopper and board the same Indian Airlines flight for Guwahati. The source further revealed that the PMO`s intimation has also directed all the SPG personnel who have been stationed in the state since the past few days for the visit of Congress president Sonia Gandhi to stay put till the PM`s visit. It will be worth mentioning that if Manmohan Singh happens to visit the state as planned, he will be the first Prime Minister to campaign for elections in Manipur.
Manipur set for second phase polls Nagaland Post
Imphal, Feb 13 (PTI): About 7.39 lakh voters, including 3.8 lakh women, were expected to cast their vote tomorrow in the second phase of assembly polls in Manipur in 29 assembly constituencies spread over three districts of Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur.
Polling and security personnel would reach their respective polling stations with election materials this evening, officials said.
Polling would begin at 0700 hrs and end at 1530 hrs in all the 863 polling stations. Heavy deployment of Central Para Military Forces will be made in view of the ambush on security personnel by insurgents of Manipur People's Army (MPA) while the latter were returning to Ukhrul District headquarters after the first phase polls on February 8. Altogether 198 polling stations have been placed under hyper-sensitive category and 395 under sensitive category.
Security patrol would also be intensified near polling stations to intercept the movement of insurgents, the officials said. The fate of senior Manipur People's Party (MPP) leader and former chief minister R K Dorendra Singh, MPP president L.Chandramani Singh, former Union Sports minister Th. Chaoba Singh (MPP), Arts and Culture minister Ph. Parijat (CPI), Works minister Govindas Konthoujam (Congress), former Chief Minister Radhabinok Koijam (Nationalist Congress Party) and several other political heavyweights would be decided in the second phase polls. The first phase polls was held on February 8 in 19 assembly constituencies and the third and final phase would be held in 12 assembly segments on February 23. Manipur assembly has 60 seats.
Gunmen kill polling official
Imphal, Feb 13 (PTI): A presiding officer for the second phase of polls to the Manipur assembly was shot in the leg by gunmen who alleged he was distributing money to people on behalf of a Congress candidate, officials said today. The gunmen picked up L Hemochandra (50) yesterday at a place in Imphal West district and asked him why he was distributing money on behalf of Congress candidate Y Erabot in Wangkhei assembly constituency. The gunmen, who claimed they belonged to a particular insurgent group, shot Hemochandra in the leg. He was later taken to a private hospital near here, officials said. Denying the charges levelled against him, Hemochandra told reporters he did not distribute money to people though he is a neighbour of Erabot. The second phase of the polls will be held tomorrow.
Security at 60 hypersensitive polling stations cut down due to shortage The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 13: The state election authorities are facing a shortage of central paramilitary forces and as a result have decided to reduce the strength of security personnel for 60 hypersensitive polling stations to one section instead of its earlier plan to deploy two sections each in all the hypersensitive stations, a well placed official source said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, an adequate number of forces equipped with anti riot equipments like tear gas, smoke bombs, gas guns etc. have been detailed at all strategic points to respond to any outbreak of violent incidents, the source informed. The polling to 29 constituencies covering three valley districts of Imphal west, Imphal east excluding Jiribam A/C and Bishnupur will be held tomorrow. Meanwhile, in the latest development, the DEO office of Imphal east said that there is a change in the location of two polling stations at 15-Wangkhei A/C. The new location of the 15/20 polling station will be at Halley English School while that of 15/26 will be at Citizen Club building, an official source informed. According to the DEO Imphal east, KK Chhetry, the locations have been changed with the approval of the Election Commission of India.

As per the latest categorization of polling stations, 237 polling stations have been placed under hypersensitive category out of 727 while the remaining 590 have been placed under sensitive category. Out of the total 291 polling stations spread over 10 A/Cs in Imphal east, 86 have been identified as hypersensitive while the remaining 205 are under the sensitive category.

Sixty-four polling stations out of 365 in Imphal west have been placed under the hypersensitive stations while the remaining 301 as sensitive stations. For Bishnupur district, out of 171 polling stations 87 are hypersensitive and 84 are sensitive. A source said that earlier there was a plan to detail one section of CPMF in sensitive polling stations while two sections in each of the hypersensitive stations but only one section of CPMF will now be deployed in 27 hypersensitive polling station in Imphal east, 16 in Imphal west and 25 in Bishnupur. The decision was taken considering the shortage of CPMF personnel, the source said.

A total of 119 companies of CRPF are engaged for protecting 863 polling stations apart from three companies each of BSF personnel in each of the three districts where the 29 Assembly constituencies are. The 291 polling stations in Imphal east are spread over 10 Assembly constituencies, 365 in Imphal west cover 13 A/Cs while 171 in Bishnupur district cover six A/Cs.

Central paramilitary forces personnel are deployed at all the polling stations irrespective of sensitivity of the polling stations. Two to three sections of CRPF are deployed in the 177 polling stations which the election authorities categorized as hypersensitive while one to two sections at the remaining 679 sensitive polling stations, the source added. Apart from this, Border Security Force, BSF who are assisting the state police in maintaining law and order started flag marches in the nooks and corners of the three districts as a prior security measures.

The district authority of Imphal east has divided the whole of the district into 10 security zones which will be operated by 40 mobile teams of police personnel including 10 reserved.

Likewise, 39 mobile parties of Imphal west police have been kept on alert at 13 security zones which divide the district for the purpose of poll. A total of 18 mobile teams and 6 striking parties will operate in the entire Bishnupur district on the poll day for maintenance of law and order, officials said. A total of 7,39,658 electors will decide the fate of 155 candidates who are in the fray in 29 Assembly constituencies covering the three valley districts. The polling for the only constituency in Jiribam sub- division will go to the polls during the third phase along with three hill districts on February 23.

No voters turn up to vote at three Mao polling stations during repoll The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 12: Repoll in 11 polling stations in five of the assembly segments for which election was held on February 8 was held today. Though today`s repoll was held by and large successfully without any untoward incident, election officials however are very much concerned about three polling stations in 48-Mao assembly constituency where no voters turned up to cast their votes. Repoll in other polling stations however passed off with a high turn out. Of the 11 polling stations where repoll was held today, two were for two assembly segments in Thoubal district and the remaining were three assembly segments in Senapati district.

Except at three polling stations in 48-Mao assembly constituency where no electorates turned out to cast their votes, the repoll passed off peacefully without any untoward incidents.

Repoll in two polling stations in Thoubal district namely 37/25 Kakching Khullen Makha Leikai High School of 37 Kakching a/c and 38/27 Thounaojam Primary School of 38 Hiyanglam a/c were necessitated due to failure of EVMs on the day of polling. The remaining polling stations in Senapati district where repoll was held today were necessitated on account of disturbances due to clashes amongst supports of rival candidates and instances of proxy voting. High turn out of voters was recorded in both the polling stations in two assembly segments in Thoubal district.
According to latest information received, turn out at the two polling stations in Thoubal namely 37/25 Kakching Khullen polling station was recorded at 91 percent while 92 percent turn out was recorded at 38/27 Thounaojam Primary School.

About 90 percent turn out was recorded at the lone polling station of 47/29 Ngari Khullen under 47-Karong a/c. High turn out of voters was also recorded at three polling stations under 49-Tadubi a/c for which repoll was held for 49/6-Tadubi (A), 49/9 Rajamei and 49/21 New Makhan.

Out of the five polling stations under 48-Mao a/c for which repoll was conducted today, not even a single voter turned out to cast their votes in three polling stations namely 48/15 Sajouba (A), 48/16 Sajouba (B) and 48/17 Sajouba (C). Turn out of voters at two other polling stations in the same constituency namely 48/1 Pudunamei (A), 48/2 Pudunamei (B), for which repoll was also held today, was also low as the first one recorded 45 percent and the second polling station 26.2 percent. Reliable sources said state election authorities have furnished a report to the ECI about non voting in the three polling stations in 48-Mao a/c.

‘Flush out ULFA from AP’ Sentinel
DIBRUGARH: The Union Home Secretary VK Duggal will try to convince Myanmar to crack down on the ULFA cadres who are hiding in camps in its territory during his five-day visit to the country, which starts today. But Myanmar has always denied the existence of the armed outfit’s bases there. However, security analysts here say that the Government should first flush out the insurgents from the jungles of Arunachal Pradesh. “ULFA cadres slip out of the State into the thick jungles in Arunachal Pradesh after carrying out subversive activities here,” said a security official, on the condition of anonymity.
ULFA cadres have been striking with impunity, carrying out blasts and extortion, even in midst of heightened security cover after the intensification of military operation against the banned outfit almost a month back. The armed group has been using mobile phones to their advantage with their over ground workers passing on information about troop movement helping cadres escape the security dragnet. Security forces are now identifying the phone numbers being used by informers and blocking them out. “Its not an easy task,” the security officer said.
The security official further said motivation level of the militants are quite high, and they have regained the lost public support, especially in remote and isolated pockets of the state, mainly in upper Asom. But at the same time, the security forces are getting more intelligence inputs from the public after the January series of killings and bomb blasts carried out by the ULFA militants, he added. Staff Correspondent


Frans on 02.14.07 @ 03:04 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, February 13th

agaland weighs its stakes - State pins hope on UNC-backed candidates Key issue-Naga integration SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA


Nagaland weighs its stakes - State pins hope on UNC-backed candidates Key issue-Naga integration SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA
Dimapur/Kohima, Feb. 11: As Manipur parties cross swords in the battle of ballots, Nagaland is praying for the 11 United Naga Council-backed Independent candidates in the Naga-dominated hill districts of its neighbouring state. The fate of these candidates will be decided in the second and third phase of polls are slated for February 14 and 23.
According to Naga Hoho, the apex organisation of the Nagas, victory of the UNC-backed candidates in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel will help set up a pressure group in the Manipur Assembly. For Manipur, this is no ordinary election too. For the first time the territorial integrity of Nagas is uppermost on the minds of the electorate in the four Naga-dominated hill districts. “This is good for the Naga people. I hope they will win and take a collective decision which is good for us too,” Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said.
The Nagaland Assembly has also adopted several resolutions for the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast. While reacting to Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s assertion that territorial integrity of Manipur would be protected at any cost, he said, “In democracy it’s the will of the people that ultimately prevails. Individual opinion doesn’t count.”
For the Naga Hoho, the Manipur election can add a new dimension to Naga politics as it believes that Naga legislators in Manipur have so far failed to associate themselves with the “Naga cause”. “The elected Naga leaders from Manipur have till date miserably failed to voice Naga people’s aspirations. We are hopeful things will change from now,” Hoho president Neingulo Krome said.
Krome said Naga Hoho would do everything possible to ensure that the UNC succeeds in its objective. “It will be too much to expect that once elected, all the Naga-inhabited areas will be integrated. This will just be a happy augury,” he said. The UNC is acting as a catalyst for Naga integration by asking Naga students in Manipur to appear for their exam under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). A student leader from Nagaland said putting up candidates by the UNC was an extension of its strategy to enrol Naga students of Manipur under NBSE.
“It may all appear to be symbolic, but it has political ramification which should not be overlooked,” he said.” Krome said Naga legislators in Arunachal Pradesh had contributed to a great extent to the cause of Naga integration when they moved a resolution in the Assembly seeking integration of Naga areas. “The resolution was defeated but they set up an example by voicing Naga aspirations. We need to assert ourselves,” he said.
DAN alliance set for consensus talks NPF Working Committee meet slated for Feb 15 The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 12 (MExN): With one week left for the last date of making nominations for the bye-election to be held on March 8, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has called a meeting of the DAN alliance partners to have consultations for the bye-elections to the Dimapur - I and Tuensang Sadar – II Assembly Constituencies. The meeting has been called on February 14, 2007 at 1700 Hrs in the private residence of the Chief Minister at Angami Signal, Dimapur.
Representatives of NPF who have been told to attend the meeting include Thenucho, Home Minister; Tokheho, Minister; P. Logon, Minister; EE Pangteang, Deputy Speaker; Hewoto, Parliamentary Secretary; Chubatemjen, Secretary General, NPF; I. K. Sema, Working President, NPF; CM Chang, Vice President, NPF; Apong Pongener, Vice President, NPF; Akang Ao, General Secretary, NPF and Dr. K. Kath, General Secretary, NPF.
Representatives from BJP invited to attend the meeting includes Ato Yepthomi, President, BJP; Vikiehielie Victor, General Secretary, BJP and three (3) other members. From the JD (U), Limatemjen, President, JD (U); Muthen Newmai, General Secretary, JD (U) and Deo Nukhu, Dy. Chairman, State Planning Board have been told to attend the meeting.
Besides, Imkong Imchen, Minister and P. Chuba Chang, Parliamentary Secretary both Independent have also been invited for the meeting.
Meanwhile, in a separate press note, NPF Secretary General Chubatemjen Ao has informed that the next meeting of the Working Committee of the NPF will be held on February 15 at 10 am at the premises of the office of the NPF Dimapur division, Sewak Gate, Midland, Dimapur. The meeting will take up issues relating to the ensuing bye-elections to Dimapur-I and Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituencies. All members have been requested to attend the meeting without fail and on time. Mention may be made that a preliminary round of talks held yesterday had discussed the possibility of the DAN alliance fielding consensus candidates although the BJP which had held the two seats evinced interest in fielding its candidates.
Nagaland weighs its stakes on UNC Samir K. Purkayastha The Telegraph
Dimapur/Kohima: As Manipur parties cross swords in the battle of ballots, Nagaland is praying for the 11 United Naga Council-backed Independent candidates in the Naga-dominated hill districts of its neighbouring state. The fate of these candidates will be decided in the second and third phase of polls slated for February 14 and 23. According to Naga Hoho, the apex organisation of the Nagas, victory of the UNC-backed candidates in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel will help set up a pressure group in the Manipur Assembly.
For Manipur, this is no ordinary election too. For the first time the territorial integrity of Nagas is uppermost on the minds of the electorate in the four Naga-dominated hill districts.
“This is good for the Naga people. I hope they will win and take a collective decision which is good for us too,” Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said. The Nagaland Assembly has also adopted several resolutions for the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast. While reacting to Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s assertion that territorial integrity of Manipur would be protected at any cost, he said, “In democracy it’s the will of the people that ultimately prevails. Individual opinion doesn’t count.”
For the Naga Hoho, the Manipur election can add a new dimension to Naga politics as it believes that Naga legislators in Manipur have so far failed to associate themselves with the “Naga cause”.

“The elected Naga leaders from Manipur have till date miserably failed to voice Naga people’s aspirations. We are hopeful things will change from now,” Hoho president Neingulo Krome said. Krome said Naga Hoho would do everything possible to ensure that the UNC succeeds in its objective. “It will be too much to expect that once elected, all the Naga-inhabited areas will be integrated. This will just be a happy augury,” he said.
The UNC is acting as a catalyst for Naga integration by asking Naga students in Manipur to appear for their exam under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). A student leader from Nagaland said putting up candidates by the UNC was an extension of its strategy to enrol Naga students of Manipur under NBSE.
“It may all appear to be symbolic, but it has political ramification which should not be overlooked,” he said.” Krome said Naga legislators in Arunachal Pradesh had contributed to a great extent to the cause of Naga integration when they moved a resolution in the Assembly seeking integration of Naga areas. “The resolution was defeated but they set up an example by voicing Naga aspirations. We need to assert ourselves,” he said.
NSCN-IM demands ‘answer’ from SS Khaplang The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 12 (MExN): The NSCN-IM demands ‘answer’ from NSCN-K Chairman SS Khaplang for playing “frustrated politics” such as issuing diktats to a certain community as well as opposing Naga students from the hill districts of Manipur appearing their HSLC examinations under NBSE in Nagaland. Taking these into account, the NSCN-IM said its patience has started running out.
“…the NSCN/GPRN in fullness and totality would like to inform Mr. Khaplang, who hails from Myanmar that there are hundreds of our Naga brothers and sisters from Myanmar either pursuing their studies or doing their livelihood in Nagalim, be it Zunheboto, Kohima, Ukhrul, Dimapur, Mokokchung or Tuensang” stated Vikato Zhimomi of the Sumi Region, NSCN-IM, in a note.
It maintained that the NSCN-IM is a “responsible organization held in high esteem by international organizations, as well as many Indian organizations” and for this, it will not stoop low to play frustrated politics like the NSCN-K. “But if continue to force upon by anti-Naga elements like Khaplang gang and thereafter fall-out, Mr. Khaplang must explicitly answer to the Naga people and the world community and that the fall-out must be solely held responsible by these three anti-Naga nationalist, Mr. Kitovi Zhimomi, Mr. Kughalu Mulatonu and Mr. A Z Jami and their kiths and kin” it cautioned asserting that under the leadership of SS Khaplang, Kitovi Zhimomi and Kughalu Mulatonu, hundreds of innocent Nagas have lost their lives “in the disguise of Naga nationalism”.
The innocents who were killed include pastors, church workers and school children, “which is highest crime ever committed by an individual or organization and deserves foremost degree of punishment” it stated.
Threat outweighs peace proclamation, says NSCN-K The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 12 (MExN): Threats and intimation of the NSCN-IM far outweighs Chairman Isak Chishi Swu’s proclamation of ‘forgiveness and reconciliation’, says the NSCN-K.
Kilonser Athrom Konyak quoted Swu proclaiming “forgiveness and reconciliation” urging those who committed political crimes to ask for ‘forgiveness’ from the people. “(Swu’s) forgiveness and reconciliation proclamation was very much outweighed and overshadowed by his threats and intimidations in which his statement (cautioning any attempt to exploit the proclamation)….more to occupy new area, or encroachment would be firmly resisted” stated the Kilonser, quoting Swu. The Kilonser also noted that Swu had ordered his cadres to be on maximum alert and be combat ready. The note from the Kilonser questioned where Isak had reserved any area for his cadres or if any were purchased.
“After proclaiming forgiveness and reconciliation, he issued the strongest ever threats to other. Is it practicable?” the Kilonser queried. Noting that Isak had “pardoned” those who had “committed political crimes against NSCN” and that forgiveness be sought, the NSCN-K asserted that it is in fact Swu and Muivah who should ask for forgiveness for crimes against the Naga people. “It is known to everybody that Isaac and Muivah were rescued from the jaws of death in the hands of pro-accordists (Shillong Accord) in 1979-79 by then Col.Khjole, who was deputy chief of Naga army. But when they were released from the hands of their captors, Th.Muivah, heartless and bloodthirsty man, arrested the present Gen. Khole along with Supong and Mayanger at Hasik GHQ. Muivah snatched even Khole’s pistol and handed over to his Tangkhul captain. I was an eyewitness to this event” the Kilonser stated. Muviah found hard to respect his rescuer and Godfather Khole Konyak, the Kilonser asserted adding that Swu and Muivah are taking the name of God in vain. “Even if men forgive them, I believe God will never forgive them for shedding the blood of thousands of Naga Christians” he added.
Tenyimi can show Nagas ‘out of the deep woods’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 12 (MExN): While peace, understanding and the call for cessation of fratricide remain unattained, the Tenyimi community can show the Nagas “out of the deep woods, infested with ferocious animals”, according to Tenyimi Central Union.
In a message on 13th Tenyimi Day, falling on February 22, President of Tenyimi Central Union ZM Sekhose expressed satisfaction that when one reminisces over the past years, it is apparent that the community has not remained idle or stagnant. But there are greater roles to play. “If we look around us, the Nagas are seemingly passing through a deep wood, infested with ferocious animals; the Nagas are looking everywhere for a way out of the deep wood. The way everyone yearns for is peace, understanding and cessation of fratricidal killings” Sekhose stated in his message. He expressed confidence the way can be shown by the Tenyimi community.
“I am confident that the Tenyimi people can show the way. The Tenyimi people can help their other brothers’ tribes to find the way for peace and unity. Here we do have a role to play, because we are occupying the heart of the Naga country” he said.
“It is very unfortunate that the Nagas are today bogged down in a lake of misunderstanding. Let us, the Tenyimi people, look across our horizon to new frontiers of humanity” he challenged reiterating that this same encouragement remains his word of encouragement as has been over the years. He took pride that the Tenyimi community is a single entity “because even though we are called by nine different names, our cultural heritage and inherent values, deeply rooted in us are the same”.
Sekhose urges all Tenyimi constituent units/unions to observe Tenyimi Day on February 22 in a befitting manner and pledge afresh unity and stand together firm, always. Mention may be made here that Tenyimi consists of Chakhesang, Pochury, Rengma, Zeliangrong, Maram, Memai, Thangal Poumai and Angami communities.
Move to curb ethnic feud- Scheduled Tribes panel seeks more teeth OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, Feb. 12: Taking cognisance of a recent inter-tribal feud in Nagaland and friction in Manipur, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has urged states to pay specific attention to inter-tribal relations in the Northeast.
Viewing the killing of seven persons of a family in Nagaland’s Kiphire district recently, the commission stated that while its mandate is mainly development, it will try and impel states to take action to prevent violence.
Kunwar Singh, chairman of the commission, said today that the commission is pushing for special attention to the Northeast, which has a predominantly tribal population in many states.
Inter-tribal disputes have been considered a thorny issue for the ministry of tribal affairs, which considers only development as its mandate.
Singh said the commission is now studying how to initiate action to prevent violence among tribes. The limitation is that non-tribals do not consider inter-tribal violence and rivalry as crimes as it falls under the purview of the Atrocities Act.
“Administratively, cognisance is taken of inter-tribal violence and we are now going to ask states to take proactive action to prevent such violence,” Singh said.
The recent incident in Nagaland apparently involves “political interference”, said secretary of the commission, K.K. Gupta. A centre of the commission in Shillong will look into the matter, a source added. Pitched battles between the Yimchungru tribe and its sub-tribe Tikhir have increased in frequency with Naga militant groups allegedly adding fuel to the fire. While Tikhirs insist on recognition as a separate tribe, the Yimchungrus oppose the demand.
Gupta said there have been complaints of inter-tribal violence from Manipur too. On the Indo-Myanmar border in Nagaland, Tobu village was infamous for inter-tribal clashes between the Chang and Konyak tribes. Naga militant groups and political parties in Nagaland had allegedly interfered but no one dared to take sides openly.
The commission was formed in February 2004 to take decisions on economic and social aspects of tribal development and protection of their rights. “We have asked the government to pay special attention to the Northeast. We want more teeth to improve our own functioning,” said Singh. The commission wants implementation of its recommendations to be made mandatory. It has demanded four more centres for the commission.
Governor’s Peace Memo Editorial The Morung Express
Putting the peace issue right up front before the people of Nagaland, new Governor K. Sankaranarayanan has rightly pointed out that it is the combined responsibility and the bounden duty of everyone to make use of every resource available in creating peace. His argument that peace is too important an issue to be left in the realm of debate is a paradigm shift from conventional thinking. While many hold the view that economic development requires peace, others say that with development comes peace. But unless issues of conflict are appropriately addressed and differences resolved, no amount of formulation will be able to secure peace to a given situation. Therefore what Sankaranarayanan has said is a welcome change of political mindset and the peace call given to political leaders, the NGOs, the Church leaders, the intellectuals etc. to redouble their efforts for bringing about a qualitative improvement in the prevailing atmosphere is a challenge that should be taken up with all seriousness.
For achieving qualitative transformation towards real peace, an out of the box thinking is required. Clinging on to such cliché as peace for development or development for peace may only provide escape routes while ignoring the root causes leading to conflict and thereby leaving the question of peace unresolved. As the Governor has rightly understood, it is the bounden duty of the Naga society to employ all its ingenuity in creating peace and also reminding that the democratic way of resolving issues is by the power of argument and the art of negotiation. Without a doubt, this is the most relevant point of the Governor’s message to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of assuming his new office as the Constitutional head of the State. And hopefully Sankaranarayanan will himself use whatever ingenuity and resource at his disposal to help in this peace building exercise, which is the need of the hour for the Nagas.
The new Governor with his political background will hopefully be in a much better position than his predecessor to show more zeal in initiating peace efforts. Being a Governor without the tag and baggage of a former Army General or an Intelligence Officer, Sankaranarayanan will be better adapted to know the true value of ordinary people’s aspiration and mandate—which is the cessation of armed hostilities among the warring factions and generation of peace for all round development of the State. In that sense, Sankaranarayanan’s responsibility will have to go beyond just being a ‘Peoples Governor’. While fulfilling his constitutional mandate he has to apply his mind judiciously for securing peace and security for his subject. And for his effort, the Naga civil society groups should be a willing partner to work for the aspiration of the people i.e. to live with peace, harmony and dignity. Once this is achieved, the rest of the jig jaw will fall into its rightful place.
An Appeal by Concerned Nagas In Focus The Morung Express
In an effort to bring about peace and harmony among the Nagas, we the following concerned Nagas would like to make an appeal.
We fully understand the anger, hurt and outrage behind the Quit Notice issued by NSCN (K). The narrated intolerable excesses of some Tangkhuls in the NSCN (IM) that have provoked the Quit Notice are true. Yet the NSCN (K) accusation that all Tangkhuls are agent of NSCN (IM) is not true. Therefore, the ultimatum to all Tangkhuls to quit Nagaland or face dire consequences is excessive and unjustified. No Naga tribe today is qualified to judge others so harshly from a moral high ground, especially the “advanced” or major tribes. We believe it is outrageously wrong to accuse and victimize an entire tribe for the evil deeds or failures of some individuals of the tribe. Once this tempting method of achieving goals is allowed, Nagas will be in a slippery road to uncontrollable mutual destruction. This must not be allowed to happen. Any Tangkhuls or anyone from any Naga tribe may join or support NSCN (IM) or any of the national groups provided that right is not misused to oppress or exploit others. If our perception is correct, the Quit Notice will not complicate our politics too dangerously for all Nagas at this stage. We, therefore, appeal to the concerned leaders to review their decision on the Quit Notice that will serve the common good of all Nagas giving our people a chance to find unity through healing and reconciliation. NSCN (K) will be guilty of an equally wrong excess should its Quit Notice result in the shedding of innocent Tangkhul blood. The Naga Public are also beginning to question why Tangkhul Long, Tangkhul Churches and other bodies are remaining silent, leaving it to other Nagas to speak out at this dangerous time to protect helpless innocents. Nagas urgently need to hear what Tangkhul public bodies have to say. Excesses committed by certain Tangkhuls in the NSCN (IM) have for long angered other Nagas, not just the Khaplang group. What we need most at present is to strengthen the unity that binds all the Naga tribes.
Concerned Nagas-
Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh, Rev.L. Shohie Mhasie, Rev. Dr. Visor Zeliang, Rev. Chingang Konyak, Rev. C. Lima Sangtam, Rev. L. Kari Longchar, Rev. L. Bizo, Rev. Fr. Abraham, Rev. Pughoto Aye, Rev. S. Takam, Pastor Hotokhu P. Zhimomi, Dr. Miss Kapfo, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Rev. Shiwoto Sumi, Rev. Dr. Pongsing Konyak, Mrs Lochumlo Yanthan, Niketu Iralu, Ahu Sakhrie, & Dr. Dietho-o
Lamentation Hours of Naga People Perspective The Morung Express
The world talks about democracies and its liberation ideology. The cries of the oppressed nations talk about its pain and struggle. Who are on the right track and which talk will we lend our ears. Nagas are suppressed by India which is one of the advocates of the democratic principles in the world. Indian govt always want to coin, “foreign origin” about the Naga issue. The pain inflicted by the Indian and Burmese government is too hard for a human being to bear these atrocities. However, these states are so comfortable to speak about justice and liberty. No money or any development project can erase the Naganess from Naga people’s hearts. In the past, even the world had the least concern about Nagas’ pain and their rights. To deny our history as mere Nagas made, any governments or intellectual will have to explain to us one and only one word question, “Why.”
In the process of Nagas’ liberation history we have become a headache to ourselves. We have woven our history with violence and hatred. Today our worst enemy is our own weakness of failing to accept our weakness and even to repent. Today do we have leaders who can rather give better things to its people than what they are offering us today? As persons leading millions of Naga people they can offer a better environment if they can think deeper. Can you lift your head high and tall? As a quotation says, “If the leader cannot lead the people through rough waters, he is liable to sink the ship.” Perhaps Naga people are in need of leaders who are able to build this nation, not leaders who can build factional killing. Superiority personality leaders are headaches even to self and to the society. Factional leaders should not take Naga people’s patience in to wrong calculation. We are not too barbaric to be tamed by guns. To get response as humans, kindly use human touch and not cold barrel guns. We need a captain who is with us and who can give their time for us, not leaders who are always busy. Is the Naga nation at peace or in pieces? Is it at rest or restless? Who is leading this nation today? Who is at the top of the hierarchy? Today we Nagas are lamenting for leaders that can pass this hopelessness to bright hope. Who will lead this nation where all kinds of evils are found abundantly?
Understanding produces healthy society and if national leaders have this quality in their veins and blood, Naga people will definitely understand them hopefully. If national leaders underestimate general will the law of nature also advises that underestimation grows in a very subtle way and that becomes a norm for any group of people. When leaders use its people for a long time in the playground of their ego, somewhere the gap is sure to exist. Those gaps are not so easily filled and it takes time. How long will our leaders give this evil to Naga society for long; when will they say that they are sorry without Pharisees mentality? Think that there are upcoming generations to live on this soil and there will be history in continuity.
Naga people cannot trust leaders who use inferior and cheap methods like hatred, malice and killing. These methods might be acceptable for factional supremacy but especially not for the younger generation. These cheap methods are to destroy civilization, which are based on integrity, honesty and moral courage. Today Nagas’ strength is not on how many battalions of army we have but our strength is in our identification of our past mistakes. That positive thought is not weakness but a pride for the future Nagas. We have buried our problems alive for many years. Self sufficiency is another hindrance for understanding. It isolates those who have some slight differences in their opinion. If leaders cannot give an exemplar life to younger generation, whom are you leading? Leaders live and teach; if not to lead younger generation we hope that other person can lead better than you. There will be someone whom Naga people can rely upon. Kindly lead us better and teach; if not, probably kindly pave the way for someone who is there to lead this nation. God has been taking care of this beautiful nation though we have failed to recognize it many times. A man with wisdom and highly intellectual people might be there among Nagas to give better things to its people. So let us all think twice and may our national leaders think before they take any decision. Is patriotism increasing or decreasing among the younger generation? Passiveness is growing in leaps and bounds. Leaders, who were nursing this passiveness in Nagas’ garden? Are these not a reflection of your leadership qualities?
In today’s world of interdependence we have become Indian govt slave. We are enjoying Indian independence of 1947 labors for long. We have been living with Indian tax payer’s sweats thus far. If we want to see Nagas as a nation we have to take some shift from Indian govt dependency to real Nagas. However, we are to be dependent as neighbors in near future. Dignity of labor is not invalid even in this century but we Nagas are trying to make it invalid. Where are we heading?
Younger generations have to take firm and bold decisions if the future of this nation is ours. May we live long and have time to think and become hands, feet, and hearts of this nation. May we live long to get knowledge that respects one another and accept other Nagas from another region on the high way of understanding. May we live long to overrule the imposition boundary of Indian and Burmese government. May this challenge be our unity to overcome this obstacle because no previous Naga generation had this chance to work. May we live and understanding that the divine hands of God is at work even in this deepest hour of darkness. May we live long to say that factional killing is wrong and may we make it right. May we live long so that we can make a better dwelling than what our predecessors are offering to us. May we live long so that another future generation lauds our generation’s good deeds done. May we live long to covet wisdom not money as our predecessor. May we live and live in the history of Nagas as the golden generation.
Real reconciliation can happen when those people who have created this unwanted situation confess before God and Nagas. Nagas, NGOs and the Church did not create this situation so they have to do their part today. Several rounds of reconciliation programmed have flown from the wrong stream of water. So those who are responsible have to be willing to be repentant first not filled with self righteousness. Today repentance is the only way from uncertainty to hope. Repentance is the only key for Nagas to see the dawn in this nation. Repentance itself is not belittling somebody and lowering someone’s dignity.
This leads a particular person to become a better human being to learn and live a new life in a society. Repentance is not to condemn weakness but to discover the being of a person and to correct the weakness to overcome that weakness. It is a high way to admit our being as fallible. When repentance is marred with righteous attitude it is only social repentance and it will not bring any solution. So repentance is the way to solution and to reconstruct our society, repentance should be from the heart. Our corporate and individual sin should be confessed today.
Today our cries are real; it is from the heart that is made up of flesh and blood. Our national crises cannot be shared with Indian and Burmese governments. Our factional leaders are not willing to hear our cries. They are willing to hear, but with condition. When will we see a mediating point for us to know that we are Nagas and thanks to God because we have enough land to build our home. So we are living in different regions; east, west, north and south make holistic Nagas and any division may become less. Today we lament and it is no other nation that can bring solution but a united Naga people that can bring Nagas to victory. Today who will hears our cries and tears? Where are the leaders and statements of Nagas’ Nation? H. Apise Purana Bazar, Dimapur
Scheduled tribes commission seeks to crub tribalism Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, Feb 12:: Taking cognisance of a recent inter-tribal feud in Nagaland and friction in Manipur, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has urged states to pay specific attention to inter-tribal relations in the Northeast. Viewing the killing of seven persons of a family in Nagaland’s Kiphire district recently, the commission stated that while its mandate is mainly development, it will try and impel states to take action to prevent violence.

Kunwar Singh, chairman of the commission, said today that the commission is pushing for special attention to the Northeast, which has a predominantly tribal population in many states.
Inter-tribal disputes have been considered a thorny issue for the ministry of tribal affairs, which considers only development as its mandate. Singh said the commission is now studying how to initiate action to prevent violence among tribes. The limitation is that non-tribals do not consider inter-tribal violence and rivalry as crimes as it falls under the purview of the Atrocities Act.

“Administratively, cognisance is taken of inter-tribal violence and we are now going to ask states to take proactive action to prevent such violence,” Singh said. The recent incident in Nagaland apparently involves “political interference”, said secretary of the commission, K.K. Gupta.

A centre of the commission in Shillong will look into the matter, a source added. Pitched battles between the Yimchungru tribe and its sub-tribe Tikhir have increased in frequency with Naga militant groups allegedly adding fuel to the fire. While Tikhirs insist on recognition as a separate tribe, the Yimchungrus oppose the demand. Gupta said there have been complaints of inter-tribal violence from Manipur too. On the Indo-Myanmar border in Nagaland, Tobu village was infamous for inter-tribal clashes between the Chang and Konyak tribes. Naga militant groups and political parties in Nagaland had allegedly interfered but no one dared to take sides openly.

The commission was formed in February 2004 to take decisions on economic and social aspects of tribal development and protection of their rights. “We have asked the government to pay special attention to the Northeast. We want more teeth to improve our own functioning,” said Singh. The commission wants implementation of its recommendations to be made mandatory. It has demanded four more centres for the commission. (The Telegraph)
Shun violence for talks: Sonia Nagaland Post
Imphal, Feb 12 (PTI): Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said the Centre was prepared for talks with any militant group provided it abjured violence. Addressing an election meeting at the district headquarters of Churachandpur, she said innocent people were being killed in the state because of 'some misguided' people. On the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, now in force in Manipur, she said it had been withdrawn from seven assembly constituencies in Imphal municipal area. Gandhi alleged that when the Congress-led ministry assumed charge five years ago, the state government was bankrupt with financial situation in shambles with no development activities taking place. Now, the financial health had not only improved but the government was able to implement development schemes, she said.
Citing achievements of the Congress-led government, Gandhi said the historic Kangla Fort, which had been occupied by the Assam Rifles, was handed over to the state government.
She said the Prime Minister took keen interest in development activities in Manipur and added upgradation of Manipur University and Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital and improvement of national highways were some of the major achievements of her party-led ministry. Seeking votes for Congress, Gandhi said it was for the first time that the government had completed its full five- year term in Manipur and a large number of projects were being implemented for the welfare of weaker sections of the people. Gandhi, who came here by a special flight, earlier addressed another election meeting at Khoupum in Tamenglong district. Soon after the election meeting at Churachandpur, Gandhi and her entourage flew back to the national capital. Meanwhile, the lacklustre campaigning for the second phase polls ended today. Altogether 155 candidates are in fray for the polls in 29 assembly constituencies spread over three valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur, official sources said. Although promises of withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and solving insurgency problem through political dialogue were the main issues at mega rallies, candidates concentrated on house-to-house campaign with themes of development of local areas. The fate of former Chief Minister and Manipur People's Party (MPP) candidate R K Dorendra Singh, MPP President L. Chandraman Singh, Arts and Culture minister Ph. Parijat Singh (CPI), Education Minister L.Nandakumar (Congress), Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam (Congress), former Speaker O.Joy Singh (MPP) and former minister Nimaichand Luwang (MPP) would be decided in the second phase polls. The third and final phase polls to 12 constituencies will be held on February 23. The first phase saw voters in 19 constituencies exercising their franchise on February 8.
An appeal to Naga freedom fighters- Nagaland Post Opinion
Through your esteemed daily, I the undersigned being the concerned citizen of Phek Town would like to make a humble appeal to the concerned authority of Naga National Movement, freedom fighters to have a thorough observation on account of the ongoing recent prevailing situation at Phek Town and its nieghbouring villages. Meanwhile, I'll be grateful enough if the concerned authority could give the clarification of the following points owing to their opinions in respect of their relation and dealings with the general public.
Sir, the situation of Phek Town (Dist. HQ) intensively became tensed on 14th January' 07 following the arrival of NSCN (IM) cadres numbering around 70-90, where the said cadres grouped in 2 (two) had occupied Bible Hill, Phek near Phek Govt. College as 1 (one) Group and the other Group camped in New Colony, Phek Town. After the IM cadres captured the said Public inhabited places occupying civilian houses, the public in view of having fear psychosis left their houses and was sheltered in some other colonies with their whole family members.
The exiled families in spite of having their own good houses had to go back and indeed experience the life of ancient and medieval times once again by acting as a "NOMADS". This horrible condition of the innocent general public was implementing without any relaxation till 23rd Jan'07 and further more. In order to bring down the tense prevailing situation, the general public of Phek Town in consultation with the District Administration, Police (D.E.F), N.A.P., I.R.B. and Defence personnel had approached the said cadres to vacate the public inhabited places for a number of times, however, even that effort didn't workout. So on 18th Jan'07 a "Public Demonstration" was organized at Phek Town showing/expressing people's resentment of camping at the said public places, after a day long demonstration, the IM cadres left out the places in the evening in the form of responding to the public demand in a positive manner. After their exit, the security team led by Additional SP, Phek & SDPO, Phek had operated all the suspected hideout residents in the colony. As per the SP Phek report disclosed, the said operation was carried out till 9:30 PM and indeed as everything was specified with normal reports, the said team was withdrew from the said operated spot after 9:30 P.M.
However, to the shock and surprise of the inhabitants of New colony, Phek Town in particular and the whole citizen of Phek Town in general, those cadres who left, came back in the early hours on 19th Jan'07.
Refusing to accept the demands of the dwellers of whole Phek Town besides opposing to treat the People's sentiments of the people on humanitarian ground is a complete breakdown of "Nationalism". Will it be possible that Govt. of India (GOI) will consider your proposal as a mandate in the upcoming Peace talks when such a huge number of people does not offer a single co-operation at the grass root level?
HSLC & HSSLC Exams are on the process, however in view of the unexpected tense situation, students' can't concentrate in their studies, rather, their mental ability is being automatically tortured. One important question is whether the policy of the Govt. in fighting for the Naga cause is to "Murder" the education process of Naga or to "Preserve" it? Will the Govt. be responsible for the failure of those candidates appearing the said exam? Is the Govt. in a state of paying the price for their failures? Sir, indeed, I am sure that an individual or an organization claim themselves as freedom fighters when he/she/they do not have any reservation for the students' community. We all are well aware that education is all round development, I hear no nation prospers without good education. To me, no education means, no technology, no economy, no development etc. where do we proceed and what do we do without education? We are not living at times when our forefathers prospers with an ideology of "Might is Right" and hence to my observation, we should reverse our life form into "Right is Might", but how do we proceed so as to let "Right be Might"?
To be very honest our people be it literate or illiterate, grown up or curious child feel more secure and safe when they happen to meet the Indian Armed Forces, but everyone becomes doubtful when we happen to face our own brothers with armed and combat uniforms for even a child or an illiterate know that fratricidal killings, extortions, raping, kidnapping were being practiced and done by our so called armed brothers. Dear Readers, can we still believe and trust our brothers involving in such unwanted activities? Is it not high time for all of us to question them? Are all those the aims and objectives of the long decade fighting, sacrificing several lives for Naga cause?
Focusing on the pertaining issues faced by the farmers, our cultivator fathers and mothers are always in tension even while at work. Even a hunter shooting birds with a gun automatically keeps them alarmed. Taking a good example of New Colony resident if he/she is being survived by cultivation for their daily bread, let’s imagine, where will they be now? Definitely they have to go begging from door to door for their child’s daily bread and therefore automatically they will be considered as beggars. In this regard let’s voice out that the higher authority directed them to create such kind of problems?
Sir, if the cadres are really fighting for our better tomorrow, are they violating the people's resolution? It is a people's mandate/appeal that camping in civil inhabited areas with combat arms and uniforms will be restricted to all armed organizations. Is it a Naga mandate decision that an armed cadre can forcefully occupy a civilian’s houses in the name of Naga cause, "Patriots"?
The District Administration launching a public announcing system conveying all factions to vacate the civil inhabited areas for immediate restoration of normalcy is just like a mere murmur of an animal. The gun battle between the NSCN (IM) and combine forces of NSCN (K) and FGN on 31st Jan'07 in the heart of Phek Town which is also the Inaugural Day of PDSA 28th meet at Ketsapo 1 ½ Kms (Air distance) signifies that disturbing the peoples’ important gatherings were their main objectives. In conclusion, I beg to apologise to all readers if my write up has hurt the sentiments of anyone, but if a single point from my write up is acceptable, let’s unite and join hands together so as to wipe out the ongoing evil instincts in our society. Kuzhovesa Soho,Phek Nagaland.
A blast from the past in battle for present Games parties play SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA The Telegraph
Imphal/Nambol, Feb. 12: The Manipur People’s Party is harking back to what the Congress did in Assam in 1963 and 1972 in a bid to convince the electorate that voting for the party in Manipur will be akin to giving a mandate for the “disintegration” of the state. “History will repeat itself if the Congress is voted back to power,” says former Union minister Thounaojam Chaoba Singh, alluding to the creation of Nagaland and Meghalaya out of Assam’s territory when the party was in power.
The impact of the MPP’s “disintegration” theory on the election outcome remains to be seen, but the tenor of the party’s campaign against the Congress has definitely raised the poll temperature in Manipur. Nagaland was carved out of Assam as the 16th state of the Indian Union on December 1, 1963, when Bimala Prasad Chaliha was heading a Congress government. Similarly, Sarat Chandra Sinha was leading a Congress government when Meghalaya was formed by separating the United Khasi and Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills from Assam on January 21, 1972.
On both occasions, the Congress was in power at the Centre, too. Taking these as reference points, MPP leaders have been telling the electorate that Manipur’s boundary is anything but safe in the hands of a Congress-led government. “The Congress is a national party and the territorial integrity of a state does not matter to it. The Congress government at the Centre in 1963 and 1972 forced their governments in Assam to create the states of Nagaland and Meghalaya,” says Chaoba Singh. He does not hesitate to admit that the MPP’s strategy of using history as a weapon against the Congress is paying dividends. “When we point out to the people how the Congress did not care less when the integrity of Assam was at stake, it is not difficult for them to realise that it is too risky to trust the same party. It is actually a blunder,” says the MPP veteran.
He also accuses the Congress-led government at the Centre of holding “closed-door meetings” with NSCN (I-M) leaders, who are support to the 11 Naga Independents fielded by the United Naga Council in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel districts. “These talks are not transparent. There is no representative from Manipur. So we are concerned that our fate will be no better than Assam of the sixties and the seventies if the Congress is voted back to power,” Chaoba Singh warns. On the other hand, the Congress is doing everything possible to assure the electorate that the state’s territorial integrity will never be compromised. “We do not have to react to the MPP’s campaign. The situation and circumstances then and now are very different.
“We are telling voters not to be confused by such propaganda. Our government at the Centre made our position very clear in its common minimum programme,“ says PWD minister Konthoujam Govindas.
Fear tactic to disrupt polls The Morung Express
IMPHAL, FEB 12 (AGENCIES): Unidentified gunmen fired and triggered bomb blast at several candidates’ residence contesting the 9th Manipur Assembly election since for the last one week. Threat and intimidation were also issued to workers not to canvass and stay away from election.
Though little has been heard or reported from candidates contesting from Ukhrul, Senapati and Chandel AC, most bombardment confines to valley candidates.
Unidentified gunmen fired some six seven rounds at the residence of Independent candidate from Patsoi AC, S.Kunjakishore Singh yesterday night. This is the fifth instances that the candidate have recieved hell fire from gunmen. None are injured in all the attacks except for damages in house and other house hold items.
Thongju AC candidate, Ranjit Singh residence also comes into attack last night. Report said gunmen using sophisticated weapons fired from two direction and security personnel alloted to the candidate also fired back for about ten minutes. No human casualty was reported. Sit-in-protest as well rally had been taken out in the past few days in Singjamei, Laienkabi, Khongman and Naoriya Pakhanglakpa against severals of such attacks in the residence of candidates or workers.
In the meantime, canvassing for the second phase 9th Assembly Election comes to an end at 3.30 pm today. The poll will be held on 14 February.
Heavy exchange of fire in Manipur hills The Morung Express
Imphal, Feb. 12 (PTI): Heavy exchange of fire was reported between Assam Rifles troopers and Kuki militants from N. Boljang village in Manipur’s Senapati district but there were no casualties, official sources said today. The security forces surrounded the hilly area yesterday after reports that some militants were roaming around the village. As they started combing operation, the militants belonging to Kuki National Front (military council) opened fire, sources said, adding there was a gunbattle between the two for over three hours. The militants later fled to nearby thick jungles. A source in the Assam Rifles said some militants might have been injured in the encounter but this could not be confirmed officialy. Villagers of N.Boljang fled to nearby safer places during the encounter. Meanwhile, a report from Chandel district said insurgents of Manipur People’s Army (MPA), armed wing of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), attacked a security post located at Bongjoi village. Insurgents lobbed grenade and other powerful explosives but no casualty was reported. Parts of Chandel district bordering Myanmar had seen frequent gunbattle between MPA insurgents and security forces since the latter launched ‘Operation Khengjoi’ on December 5 to flush out insurgents from the area, official sources said.
Voters express unhappiness over authorities The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 12 (MExN): The public of Laii village has expressed unhappiness at the disregard shown to their repeated appeal for repoll against polling station 48/47, 48/48, 48/49 and 48/50 of Lai Village, 48/Mao (ST) A/C, Senapati District Manipur. Silah Zho, Election Agent of Woba Joram in a release has stated that the villagers of Laii village did not boycott the poll but were intimidated by underground elements from exercising their franchise. “The underground elements even threatened to kill them if they neglect their order” stated the release.
Subsequent to the threat and unable to exercise franchise, a written complaint was forwarded to the Returning Officer concern but neither the concern Presiding Officer nor the Sector Magistrate dared to accept the complaint stated Silah Zho. Ng.Nagouni, Secretary Laii Village Council Authority also submitted a written complaint to the Officer-in-Charge, Tadubi PS on February 8 which was later forwarded to Superintendent of Police, Senapati District for necessary enquiries.
Woba Joram, Independent Candidate, 48/Mao (ST) A/C also wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner, Government of India of which a copy each was also handed to the Returning Officer, Senapati and the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur for immediate action for repoll but no proper action was taken by the concerned authority alleged the statement.
A written complaint was also filed by the Election Agent of Woba Joram to the Chief Election Commissioner, Government of India in regard to the misconduct of M.Thohrii, Independent Candidate at Shajouba (A) Polling Station in which “M.Thohrii arrived at the Polling Station No. 48/15 (Shajouba-A) and totally damaged the EVM by himself in front of the Presiding Officer and security personnel” to which the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur issued order for repoll on February 12 further sated the release. Therefore, the villagers has requested the concerned authority to see into the genuine matters based as per the election code of conduct and take up necessary action at the earliest for the democratic right of the citizens.
Sonia skips integrity issue at Nungba, CCpur ACs Sangai Express
The last time AICC chief Sonia Gandhi addressed the public meeting at Hafta Kangjeibung and Wang-jing, she was categorical in stating that the territorial integrity of Manipur would be safe guarded, but she thought it politically prudent not to say anything on the issue when she addressed the public at Khoupum in Nungba AC and at Churachandpur AC on February 12.

Sonia woos Nungba with stability plank Sangai Express
KHOUPUM, Feb 12 : Relying on the tried and tested formula, Sonia Gandhi in her address to the public at Khoupum in Nungba AC, claimed that it is only the Congress party which can ensure political stability, development and peace in Manipur. The meeting which was held near the residence of MPCC (I) president Gai-khangam was attended by a large number of people drawn from different villages lying within Nungba AC in Tamenglong district. Gaikhangam is the Congress (I) candidate in Nung- ba AC. Blowing the trumpet of the Congress party, Sonia Gandhi said that the Congress led SPF Government created political history in Manipur by becoming the first Government to last the full five year term. The political stability that was witnessed during the five year term of the SPF Government was possible with the help and co-operation of the people, she noted. After the Congress came to power at the Centre as well as in Manipur, numerous development projects have been taken up and a renewed thrust has been given to health and education, said Gandhi. It is now up to the people to Manipur to ensure that the development projects are completed on time and more such projects are taken up in the future.
The AICC president also appealed to the people to come forward and cast their votes without any fear or apprehension for the Congress to ensure that the political stability continues. Praising the State players for their excellent show at the ongoing National Games at Guwahati (Manipur is leading the medals tally), Sonia Gandhi said that there is strong likelihood of Manipur emerging as the champion State at the Games. Acknowledging the crucial roles played by the women of Manipur, Sonia Gandhi said that Manipuri women have been helping in filling the family kitty by setting up Self Help Groups. Expressing deep concern over the activities of militant groups, Sonia Gandhi said that political dialogue is needed to resolve the issue at hand. Gun culture will not be able to solve the issue, she noted. Chief Minister O Ibobi who was also present at the meeting appealed to the people to vote for the Congress so that its three candidates in Tamenglong district emerge victorious. Tamenglong dist will go to the polls on February 23. The people should resist all organisations or individuals who try to coerce the voters to vote for a particular candidate, said Ibobi and urged all the exercise their rights without fear. Union Minister Oscar Fernandes, Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Kei-shing and other Congress leaders accompanied So-nia Gandhi. A cultural dan- ce was also staged for Sonia Gandhi and later she was attired in a traditional dress.

AR, ultras exchange fire in Manipur Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 12 – Heavy exchange of fire was reported between Assam Rifles troops and Kuki militants from N-Boljang village in Manipur’s Senapati district but there were no casualties, official sources said today. The security forces surrounded the hilly area yesterday after reports that some militants were roaming around the village. As they started combing operation, the militants belonging to Kuki National Front (military council) opened fire, sources said, adding there was a gunbattle between the two for over three hours.
The militants later fled to nearby thick jungles. A source in the Assam Rifles said some militants might have been injured in the encounter but this could not be confirmed officialy. Villagers of N Boljang fled to nearby safer places during the encounter. Meanwhile, a report from Chandel district said insurgents of Manipur People’s Army (MPA), armed wing of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), attacked a security post located at Bongjoi village.
Insurgents lobbed grenade and other powerful explosives but no casualty was reported.

Parts of Chandel district bordering Myanmar had seen frequent gunbattle between MPA insurgents and security forces since the latter launched ‘Operation Khengjoi’ on December 5 to flush out insurgents from the area, official sources said. – PTI

Frans on 02.13.07 @ 03:08 PM CST [link]


Monday, February 12th

Myanmar heat back on NSCN-K The Telegraph


Myanmar heat back on NSCN-K OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, Feb. 11: Myanmarese troops today resumed their offensive against the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), pounding the outfit’s positions in Sagaing division and setting a battalion camp ablaze. It was the second setback in two weeks for the Khaplang group, which was forced to abandon its general headquarters in Myanmar following an army raid on January 28. The camp was located about 70 km from Mon town of Nagaland.
There was no official statement from Myanmar on the resumption of operations till late this evening, but the militant group’s propaganda wing confirmed losing one of its battalion camps.Operations against the NSCN (K) had been stalled after the first taste of success because of heavy rain in Myanmar.
Kughalu Mulatonu, a kilonser (minister) in the NSCN (K) hierarchy, said Myanmarese soldiers seized 1,250 kg of TNT explosives, 1,500 rounds of ammunition and documents during the second phase of the offensive. “We lost our battalion headquarters to the Myanmarese soldiers, but not before our fighters defended their camp for 10 hours. The raiders set the camp ablaze.”
Mulatonu said at least 15 soldiers were wounded in the exchange of fire. He refuted reports of “heavy casualties” on the NSCN (K) side. “Only seven of our men were wounded,” the NSCN (K) leader said. Both Mulatonu and the outfit’s propaganda wing accused the junta of targeting villagers on charges of harbouring militants.
“Many innocent people have been assaulted by Myanmarese soldiers,” a statement from the outfit’s “ministry of information and publicity” said. Mulatonu accused Delhi of trying to “push the NSCN (K) against the wall on the pretext of flushing out Ulfa militants from Myanmar”.
The NSCN (K) is in ceasefire with Delhi but has come under fire for being in league with Ulfa, against whom the army is going all out. Mulatonu warned of “retaliation in equal measure” if Delhi did not stop providing material and logistical support to Myanmar’s campaign against the NSCN (K). He said no amount of aggression would diminish the “Naga spirit of patriotism”.
Hundreds of NSCN (K) and Ulfa members have reportedly sneaked back into Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland since Myanmar resumed its offensive. An unconfirmed report said even the reclusive S.S. Khaplang had “entered India” to escape the heat. However, the NSCN (K) said its chairman was “safe and sound” in his council headquarters, not far from the Arunachal Pradesh border. Myanmar’s next target is ostensibly Khaplang’s hideout. Supported by Delhi in terms of military equipment and financial assistance, Myanmar claims to have killed hundreds of NSCN (K) members since 2001. But the Naga group continues to stick to Myanmarese territory.
Nagaland weighs its stakes The Telegraph
- State pins hope on UNC-backed candidates SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA Key issue-Naga integration Dimapur/Kohima, Feb. 11: As Manipur parties cross swords in the battle of ballots, Nagaland is praying for the 11 United Naga Council-backed Independent candidates in the Naga-dominated hill districts of its neighbouring state. The fate of these candidates will be decided in the second and third phase of polls are slated for February 14 and 23.
According to Naga Hoho, the apex organisation of the Nagas, victory of the UNC-backed candidates in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel will help set up a pressure group in the Manipur Assembly.
For Manipur, this is no ordinary election too. For the first time the territorial integrity of Nagas is uppermost on the minds of the electorate in the four Naga-dominated hill districts.
“This is good for the Naga people. I hope they will win and take a collective decision which is good for us too,” Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said.
The Nagaland Assembly has also adopted several resolutions for the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast.
While reacting to Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s assertion that territorial integrity of Manipur would be protected at any cost, he said, “In democracy it’s the will of the people that ultimately prevails. Individual opinion doesn’t count.”
For the Naga Hoho, the Manipur election can add a new dimension to Naga politics as it believes that Naga legislators in Manipur have so far failed to associate themselves with the “Naga cause”.
“The elected Naga leaders from Manipur have till date miserably failed to voice Naga people’s aspirations. We are hopeful things will change from now,” Hoho president Neingulo Krome said.
Krome said Naga Hoho would do everything possible to ensure that the UNC succeeds in its objective.
“It will be too much to expect that once elected, all the Naga-inhabited areas will be integrated. This will just be a happy augury,” he said.
The UNC is acting as a catalyst for Naga integration by asking Naga students in Manipur to appear for their exam under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE).
A student leader from Nagaland said putting up candidates by the UNC was an extension of its strategy to enrol Naga students of Manipur under NBSE. “It may all appear to be symbolic, but it has political ramification which should not be overlooked,” he said.”
Krome said Naga legislators in Arunachal Pradesh had contributed to a great extent to the cause of Naga integration when they moved a resolution in the Assembly seeking integration of Naga areas. “The resolution was defeated but they set up an example by voicing Naga aspirations. We need to assert ourselves,” he said.
DAN may pitch in for consensus candidates Morung Express News
Dimapur A preliminary meeting of the DAN coalition partners was held today in the State capital Kohima where it was reported that the alliance discussed the possibility of going in for consensus candidates in both the seats in which bye-election has been announced to be held on March 8. However nothing conclusive could be arrived at in the current round of talks. A clear decision of the alliance partners is expected only after NPF party President Dr Shurhozelie returns from New Delhi. Dr Shurhozelie is reportedly recuperating after undergoing a minor operation.
The BJP, which is the key alliance partner of the NPF-led DAN government, has however gone ahead and pitched in Captain Hekiye Sema, eldest son of Late Dr Hokishe Sema as its official candidate for the prestigious Dimapur-I Assembly Constituency. For the Tuensang Sadar-II seat, the BJP has named W Wongto to be its official candidate, according to highly reliable sources. However, the final decision whether or not to field its candidate will be taken only after meeting with the coalition partners once Dr Shurhozelie returns from Delhi, BJP sources informed.
Meanwhile, during Sunday’s meeting of the coalition partners at Kohima, the BJP had reportedly taken the stand that since both the seats were vacated by the party, it had ‘requested’ the NPF party to leave the seats for the BJP. Further inside sources within the State BJP disclosed that the party would respect the ‘spirit of the DAN coalition’ and that if the NPF has ‘serious candidates’, the BJP may consider the case.
As per the last assembly election for the Dimapur-I seat, both the BJP and the NPF fielded their respective candidates with Late Dr Hokishe Sema winning comfortably and the Congress candidate coming a modest second. The NPF was placed third with its candidate forfeiting his deposit. In the Tuensang Sadar-II election, the NPF did not field its candidate and even the BJP was only able to win with a wafer thin margin. The erstwhile NDM party and the Congress came in a close second and third respectively. The merger of the NDM with the Congress since then may just about tilt the balance in favour of the Congress as far as the Tuensang seat is concerned.
From the point of view of the DAN alliance as far as the crucial Dimapur-I seat is concerned, it can hardly afford to divide its vote bank. As such, a consensus candidate may be the best option to retain the seat for the alliance.
India to ask Myanmar for Bhutan-type crackdown on ULFA The Morung Express
New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI): A fresh demand for a Bhutan Army-type operation against ULFA and other northeastern insurgent groups will be made to Myanmar during the upcoming visit of Union Home Secretary V K Duggal to Yangon.
Issues like drug trafficking and effective border management will also figure high on the agenda during Duggal’s visit from February 13 to 17, Home Ministry sources said.
They said the Home Secretary has already chaired a meeting of senior Home Ministry officials to review the situation along the India-Myanmar border particularly in the wake of violence unleashed by ULFA militants in parts of Assam.
ULFA has bases in Myanmar and New Delhi has been demanding a crackdown on the insurgent groups operating from that country similar to the 2003 Bhutan Army operation against ULFA.
Other insurgent groups operating from across the border include the United Nationalist Liberation Front (UNLF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The UNLF, through its armed wing -- the Manipur People’s Army (MPA) -- is said to have been behind Friday’s ambush of a poll party in Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar in which three CRPF personnel were killed and 10 others injured.Myanmar, however, does not accept presence of insurgents in its territory engaged in anti-India operations.
‘Fallen Naga IR soldiers a testimony of Nagas’ strength’ The Morung Express Wangyuh salutes fallen IRB ‘Chhattisgarh Tigers’
Dimapur, Feb 10 (MExN): Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, W Wangyuh Konyak, in his message of condolence, said that the death of the 3 IRB Jawans in a landmine explosion in Chhattisgarh brings a paradoxical feeling of sentiments and the latest sacrifice is a testimony how far Nagas are able to go. The “Daring Ninth” has surely picked up from where their fellow Nagas and national heroes of Kargil had left behind and Nagas have nothing to prove to the country, but the Country needs to realize how much and how far Nagas are willing to go, if given the opportunity, the MP stated in his message of condolence. “The supreme sacrifice of the 3 Jawans, that too in a foreign land, will be remembered in the annals of the Naga history. But on the other hand, I feel greatly for the near and dear ones of the 3 Jawans of the 9 IRB, for in these moments of glory and victory they will not be present to celebrate with the rest of their fellow Jawans, but ultimately they will be regarded as martyrs and posthumously awarded with the highest of bravery awards, for they died for the Country which has brought a great deal of injustice and pain to the generation before them” he said. Nagas have proved their worth during the Kargil conflict and commanding officers of the Armed Forces learned that Nagas are usually friendly and hospitable but on the other hand, they are always the ones with the sharper edge in times of war, MP Konyak acknowledged. “I salute ABSI Apong Chang, Assistant Commandant Surhoto Pochury and Naik Imnawati, for their supreme sacrifice and I also salute the proud parents that gave birth to these heroes and martyrs and also their family members, for they died for cause worthy of National reputation and recognition.” Wangyuh Konyak said. It is truly worthy of the Daring Ninth, to have such courageous, committed and dedicated Jawans thus they should all be considered as National heroes with names like Bhagat Singh, Subash Chandra Bose, Field Marshal General Manekshaw and all other great men and women who sacrificed their very existence for a worthy cause, that too a National cause, Wangyuh pointed out warning that the Naxals should and must realize that Nagas are there to stay till every last Naxal is flushed out. “It is a huge mistake of the Naxals if they think such activities and methods will deter the Naga Jawans, for I am sure every Jawan of the 9 IRB are willing to go to the limit which the fallen comrades had gone” MP Konyak added with pride.
‘Nagaland needs to develop fast’ Correspondent Nagaland Post
Chiechama: Brig. H. D. V. Singh, DIG 5 Sector, Assam Rifles, Sunday said Nagaland should try to develop faster, taking advantage and keeping pace with the fast-developing world and the country. "If Nagaland failed to take its chance for its development, others would come to Nagaland leading to economic clash in the near future," Brig. Singh said while addressing a large gathering during a free medical camp held at Chiechama village. He stressed on "preparing ourselves to take the advantage of development through children education, economic growth, agriculture and industrialization."
On the problem of insurgency, the DIG pointed out the experience in Punjab where Punjabis initially fought for a smaller Punjab state based on their language and later they fought for a separate sovereign independent state leading to the sacrifice of many precious lives. In the course of time, the Punjabi leaders realized that the people were the sufferers, he said. He also pointed out that with the realization now, the Punjabi today had a serving Prime Minister of the country, Chief of Army Staff, 7 Governors of State and 9 DGPs of states in the country. While talking about the rich and abundant natural gifts of God to the Nagas, he called upon the people to listen to the voice of God and love one another and preserve those God-given gifts to them.
Brig. Singh urged the various Naga groups to desist from killing each others and to maintain peaceful co-existence among the Nagas. He also said the village and its surrounding areas would be benefited from the proposed four lanning of NH-61, which passes through the village, airport in the area and Railway head till Zubza and village proximity to Zubza through new road connectivity between the two national highways. He stressed on the need for a rethink on the prevailing standard of family size among the Nagas in view of fast rising cost of children education. The function, which began with invocation of God's blessing by the village pastor Soneiu Metha, was chaired by Dr. Tolto Metha. Chiechama village council chairman Suolahie Sogotsu gave the welcome address while the president, Chiechama Razou Kehuo Pusanyu Rupreo proposed the vote of thanks. The medical camp was organized by the 26 Assam Rifles under the aegis of the HQ 5 Sector Assam Rifles where free medical check-up and treatment, including free medicines, was provided to needy villagers.
Sonia to face rough political weather in Manipur campaign today The Morung Express
New Delhi, Feb 11 (Agencies): Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s second round of campaigning in Manipur is facing rough weather, with the controversy over candidates contesting the Assembly polls in Naga-dominated constituencies taking a turn for the worse.
The withdrawal of Congress candidate S.T. Kohring Anal’s nomination from Naga-dominated Chandel constituency this week, ostensibly because of threats from the NSCN (I-M), has severely dented the party’s image on the eve of Sonia’s visit.
Adding to the crisis, the United Naga Council (UNC) today reiterated its threat to “restrict” electioneering by all candidates other than those it has chosen to support. The UNC today asked “rival” candidates to withdraw from the race for the third phase of polls slated for February 23. There are fears that the tension spawned by the UNC diktat could escalate into full-fledged clashes, particularly in Tamenglong district.
The Congress, which had prided itself on fielding candidates for all 60 Assembly constituencies in the strife-torn state, has been embarrassed.
Sitting BJP legislator from Chandel, B.D. Behring, has also withdrawn his nomination.
“Intimidation by the NSCN (I-M) prompted us to take the decision and the only candidate left is the proxy candidate supported by the UNC,” said state PCC president and party candidate from Nungba, Gaikhangam. Gaikhangam said the party had written to the Election Commission and apprised the Centre of the situation. A BJP leader in Imphal echoed his allegations. The NSCN (I-M) has denied the charges. UNC president Paul Leo said he had no knowledge of withdrawal of nominations by BJP and Congress candidates. According to him, the Congress was facing a stiff challenge from the resurgent Manipur People’s Party, the oldest regional party in the state.
The UNC, spearheading the campaign for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas, has fielded 11 candidates in the four Naga-dominated districts of Manipur — Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong. “The UNC’s reminder has sparked resentment among supporters of other candidates in Tamenglong. Clashes could erupt if the situation continues,” a source said.
“There are apprehensions among workers of candidates opposed to the UNC that they could be targeted by the council’s supporters. The district administration should take preventive measures to prevent any poll-related violence,” the source added.
‘Centre won’t infringe on Naga identity’ Assam Tribune
KOLKATA, Feb 11 – The Centre will convince the people of Nagaland that it will not infringe on their cultural identity while it holds talks to resolve the insurgency in the state, Union Minister for Development of the Northeastern Region Mani Shankar Aiyar said on Saturday.

“Talks are on in Nagaland. We will try to convince them that this is their country and Delhi will give whatever help is needed,” Aiyar told the closing ceremony of a week-long Assam handicraft exhibition here last evening.

“In India, it is possible to be an Indian and yet retain one’s regional identity. If I can be a Tamil and an Indian, what is their problem in being Nagas and Indians?”

Noting that militancy was on the wane in the North-east except in Nagaland and Manipur, he said local people will have to be involved in socio-economic developmental programmes to solve problems in these two states.

“We will have to create infrastructure and make arrangements for higher education and training for the youth in northeastern states. If this can be done, we can bring these states at par with the rest of the country within the next five to seven years,” Aiyar said.

According to him, 10 per cent of the Centre’s total expenditure was currently allotted to the North-east though it comprised only eight per cent of country’s area and its people made up four per cent of the nation’s total population.

Bodies recovered: The bodies of seven members of a family, including a village chief, were found under mysterious circumstances in an area of Pungro in Nagaland’s Kiphire district bordering Myanmar, police said on Saturday, a report from Kohima says.Though police are yet to ascertain whether any militant group was involved in the incident, they suspect the seven persons might have been the victims of either a family feud or an inter-village rivalry.

People of Zangor village on Friday spotted the bodies and informed the police. The bodies were brought to Kiphire police station on Saturday. Tension prevailed in the entire Pungro area but the situation was under control, police said. An investigation was on to ascertain the cause of death of the seven persons in a place where inter-tribal rivalries have been acute for some time, they said. – PTI
Jungle Law The Morung Express Editorial
The murder of seven persons in Kiphire district on February 8 by unidentified assailants is a shameless act of cowardice and one that has shocked the sense of peace loving people. The cruel manner, in which the seven members belonging to the same family were killed in cold blood without any respect for human life, only goes to show the malicious mindset of the killers. Whatever may have been the ‘case’ in dispute, there is a lawful and fair way of dealing with issues at hand without having to take away another person’s lives. If a government does exist, it must nab the killers whoever they are without any hesitation or compromise before its credibility goes down the drain. Any government worth its salt has a duty to effectively put in place and implement the rule of law.
This gruesome murder once again brings to light the savage instinct of some of us who are still governed by the law of the jungle without respect for life itself. At another level, this open defiance of the lawless elements and their ill motive can be best illustrated by what the 17th Century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes described as the ‘state of nature’ or the state of men without civil society, a state of continual warfare. This is the level to which some of us have stooped down to—as beasts in the jungle and without the power of reasoning.
Coming to the question of delivering justice to the victims, it has to be kept in mind that customary laws are found to be wanting on this score. Justice for the seven human lives lost is quite unlikely unless the State government is able to intervene and prosecute the killers under the appropriate law. It will be of interest to note that in several cases related to rape, local organizations especially Mothers, have been insisting that such rape cases be referred to government courts rather than allowing it to be taken up under customary law as the concerned mothers are naturally apprehensive that the accused may be awarded a mere ‘soft punishment’ under the traditional court. While rape and murder are itself grave offences, the issue that needs to be seriously delved into is on whether fair justice can be dispensed under the prevailing customary laws.
It also goes to show that the traditional customary laws have not been able to develop effective responses to crime of the magnitude such as rape and murder. There are reasons to doubt about the capacity of customary law to deal with issues of violence against women or such barbaric killings as witnessed by the latest gruesome incident under Kiphire district. Given the extent of the changing nature of crime and violence and the concerns that most customary laws do not address them in a way it should be done, there is every reason to suggest that mainstream law should play a part in addressing such cases of rape and murder taking place within Naga society.
Nagaland weighs its stakes: State pins hope on UNC-backed candidates Nagarealm.com
Kohima, FEB11 : As Manipur parties cross swords in the battle of ballots, Nagaland is praying for the 11 United Naga Council-backed Independent candidates in the Naga-dominated hill districts of its neighbouring state. The fate of these candidates will be decided in the second and third phase of polls are slated for February 14 and 23. According to Naga Hoho, the apex organisation of the Nagas, victory of the UNC-backed candidates in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel will help set up a pressure group in the Manipur Assembly. For Manipur, this is no ordinary election too. For the first time the territorial integrity of Nagas is uppermost on the minds of the electorate in the four Naga-dominated hill districts. “This is good for the Naga people. I hope they will win and take a collective decision which is good for us too,” Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said. The Nagaland Assembly has also adopted several resolutions for the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast.

While reacting to Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s assertion that territorial integrity of Manipur would be protected at any cost, he said, “In democracy it’s the will of the people that ultimately prevails. Individual opinion doesn’t count.” For the Naga Hoho, the Manipur election can add a new dimension to Naga politics as it believes that Naga legislators in Manipur have so far failed to associate themselves with the “Naga cause”. “The elected Naga leaders from Manipur have till date miserably failed to voice Naga people’s aspirations. We are hopeful things will change from now,” Hoho president Neingulo Krome said. Krome said Naga Hoho would do everything possible to ensure that the UNC succeeds in its objective.

“It will be too much to expect that once elected, all the Naga-inhabited areas will be integrated. This will just be a happy augury,” he said. The UNC is acting as a catalyst for Naga integration by asking Naga students in Manipur to appear for their exam under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). A student leader from Nagaland said putting up candidates by the UNC was an extension of its strategy to enrol Naga students of Manipur under NBSE. “It may all appear to be symbolic, but it has political ramification which should not be overlooked,” he said.” Krome said Naga legislators in Arunachal Pradesh had contributed to a great extent to the cause of Naga integration when they moved a resolution in the Assembly seeking integration of Naga areas. “The resolution was defeated but they set up an example by voicing Naga aspirations. We need to assert ourselves,” he said. [SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA, telegraphindia]
Doctorate for Jamir Nagaland Post
DIMApUR, FEB 11 (NPN): S. C. Jamir, Governor of Goa, was conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) by the Serampore University at a grand function at the John Roberts Theological Seminary, Shillong Saturday evening. Jamir was honoured with the Degree Doctor of Divinity for his "service to the Church and society to the best of his capabilities and God-given gifts through his exemplary life style."
The former Nagaland Chief Minister received the Doctorate from the president of the Senate Dr. Rajaratnam in the presence of Dr. M. M. Jacob, Governor of Meghalaya, and Mr. Rymbai, Chief Minister of Meghalaya. Founded in 1818 by Carey, Marshman and Ward, the Serampore College (University) was incorporated by the Royal Charter, 1827 and Bengal Act IV of 1918 as modified up to 1997 by the Government of West Bengal. The University has 50 theological colleges affiliated to it from all over the country and also from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Irenaeus of Kerala was also conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Divinity for his services to the Church and society. Both Jamir and Ireneaus join the list of renowned personalities like Mother Teresa who was honoured with the Doctorate in 1991, Dr Graham G Staines (2000) posthumously and Mrs Gladys Staines (2000). The University has conferred such Doctorates to 103 personalities since 1929. Jamir is the third Naga to be conferred with the Degree by the University after Late Dr. Hokishe Sema (1988) and Dr. K. I. Aier (1993). The Serampore University Convocation 2007 also saw awarding of Degree of Doctor of Theology to 14 theologians including R. Sashikaba, L. Imsutoshi, Hukashe Zhimomi and B. Atola Longkumer. Chen Rengma received the Degree of Doctor of Ministry along with two others.
Cong leader swears by State's integrity By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 11: Union Minister Vijay Krishnan Handique has assured that not an inch of land from Manipur would be parted, leave alone the question disturbing its territorial integrity.
Addressing an election meeting of the Congress party at Luwang-shangbam NISU ground under Heingang AC today, the Union Minister, who is an elected MP from Assam, pointed out that there is strong opposition against any move to disturb the existing boundaries of the North Eastern States and the issue is being discussed with the seriousness it deserves with the Centre. However, one thing is sure that Manipur will not lose even an inch of her land, he added.
Maintaining that there can be no development if there is no stable Government, the Union Minister asserted that the during its full five year rule the Congress-led Government in Manipur has not only brought development on various fronts but the financial position of the State too has improved appreciably.
After six months of diligent planning for development of rural areas under the overall supervision of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Bharat Nirman Programme has been launched, he said, adding that Manipur would benefit the most from this programme and it is in the hands of the people whether this development programme should continue or not after the election.
Union Minister Oscar Fernandes who also attended the meeting also asserted that the Congress has not only be able to provide a stable Government but also bring development in Manipur.
If a Congress led Government is installed once again after the election, then the people can rest assure that there would be peace and integrity, Fernandes said.
He further said that to solve the problem of power and water scarcity in Manipur, the Government has already provided the required fund. Special attention would also be paid for development of industries and irrigational facilities, he said
Moreover, efforts are on to develop the three National Highways passing through Manipur to solve the problem of transportation of goods and other essential commodities from outside Manipur due to frequent imposition of bandhs and blockades.
Stating that AICC president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh have been taking special interest in Manipur, the Union Minister said Sonia Gandhi would be coming to the State for the second time tomorrow and would address the people at two different places. He also appealed to the people to support and can cast their votes in favour of Congress candidate of Heing- ang AC and help in setting up a stable Govt led by Congress party.
Speaking at the occasion, N Biren also spoke during the meeting expressing his gratefulness to all the people who attened the meeting.

Crucial India, Myanmar talks Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 11 – A fresh demand for a Bhutan Army-type operation against ULFA and other northeastern insurgent groups will be made to Myanmar during the upcoming visit of Union Home Secretary VK Duggal to Yangon. Issues like drug trafficking and effective border management will also figure high on the agenda during Duggal’s visit from February 13 to 17, Home Ministry sources said.

They said the Home Secretary has already chaired a meeting of senior Home Ministry officials to review the situation along the India-Myanmar border particularly in the wake of violence unleashed by ULFA militants in parts of Asom. ULFA has bases in Myanmar, and New Delhi has been demanding a crackdown on the insurgent groups operating from that country similar to the 2003 Bhutan Army operation against ULFA. Other insurgent groups operating from across the border include the United Nationalist Liberation Front (UNLF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The UNLF, through its armed wing — the Manipur People’s Army (MPA) — is said to have been behind Friday’s ambush of a poll party in Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar in which three CRPF personnel were killed and 10 others injured. Myanmar, however, does not accept presence of insurgents in its territory engaged in anti-India operations.

India has been raising the issue of shifting of boundary pillars in Manipur by the Myanmarese army and the issue is likey to figure again at the talks. The last round of talks at the Home Secretary level was held here in September during which Duggal took up with his counterpart Brig Gen Phone Swe the activities of insurgent groups having camps in Myanmar.

The northeastern states have been voicing concern over this issue, pointing out the importance of Myanmar as the gateway to East Asian countries. Discussions on border management and fencing would assume significance in the backdrop of reports of smuggling of Chinese grenades and counterfeit Indian currency through the Myanmarese border. India shares 1,643 km rugged border with Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh alone accounts for 520 km followed by Mizoram 510 km. Manipur shares 398 km of its boundary with that country and Nagaland another 258 km.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil had himself raised these issues with his Myanmarese counterpart Maung Oo in December 2006 here and the progress made since then in the areas of security, drug trafficking and effective border management would be reviewed during Duggal’s visit. – PTI

Tension at Jiribam as poll worker dies in violence The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 11: The death of a poll worker at Jiribam has created high tension in the sub-division of the Imphal east district and security forces there are being kept on alert to prevent any untoward incidents. The paramilitary forces deployed in the sub-division also conducted a flag march on all the important streets of the area. Protests by the people were reported till late tonight even as the civil authorities were making hectic efforts to bring about an understanding and settle the matter without further escalation of violence. An official report said that a worker of an independent candidate in the Jiribam constituency succumbed to injuries after he was badly beaten up by some persons suspected to be Congress workers last night.

Outraged people of - Jiribam Sorok Atingbi, from where the deceased man identified as Khangembam Pradip Singh, 40, son of Kh Gopal Singh, refused to receive the dead body demanding justice from the state authorities and placed certain demands. The report said that a worker of the independent candidate E Dipti Singh from Jiribam constituency succumbed to injuries in the early hours today at around 3 am. He died on the way to a hospital at Silchar, the report said. He was reportedly beaten up last night at around 12.30 am by suspected supporters of the Congress. Jiribam Constituency in Imphal east will go to the polls on February 23 along with the 11 constituencies covering three hill- districts of Manipur. Senior Congress candidate and minister of FCS in the SPF government, Th Debendra is contesting in this constituency.

As news of death of the man spread this morning, people of Sorok Atingbi area numbering around 60 thronged the residence of Congress candidate Th. Debendra Police fired several rounds of tears gas and mob ammunitions to disperse the crowd. A JAC was formed against the killing of the man which later called on the ADC and put up several demands which include inquiry into the incident and justice for the victim. They also reportedly threatened to boycott the election if their demands are not considered and fulfilled by the concerned authority.

In the meantime, as the doctors at Jiribam community health centre refused to conduct post mortem stating that there was no medico legal officer in the centre, the Jiribam police transported the dead body to a hospital at Silchar and the post mortem on the dead body was conducted at around 2 pm today. The dead body is still lying at the Jiribam police station as family members supported by the JAC "and locals refused to receive the body.

Humanist Party questions authenticity of Accession Act The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 10: The Manipur State Council Humanist Party will submit an application to the United Nations to bring permanent peace in Manipur through a political process. Yambem Biren, general secretary of the Manipur State Council Humanist Party, an international political party with headquarter at London and network all over the world, contended that if elections in Manipur is not conducted under the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947, no peace will be possible in Manipur. Addressing a press conference at Kalyan Bhawan here today, Biren said that Humanist Party had earlier sent a letter to the home ministry, government of India, through the Manipur Governor`s office requesting for a certified copy of the Instrument of Accession allegedly signed by the then Maharaja Bodhchandra on August 11, 1947 acceding the joining of the princely state of Manipur to the Dominion of India. However, he said that the letter was not forwarded to the home ministry by the governor. Biren said, "Since the governor`s office did not forward the letter to the home ministry, our party will send a direct letter to the home minister." The party`s publication secretary L Chaoba, speaking on why the press conference was called, said that Humanist Party has done some fact finding for restoration of peace in Manipur.

He said that it was found out that Manipur`s merger to India was not done properly and that certified copy of acceptance of the Instrument of Accession is not available. He said that Manipur was not merged into the Dominion of India under this Act and in order to bring peace in Manipur, the party will take help of international bodies. Biren highlighted that in spite of having the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947, during the time of taking over of Manipur by India the wishes of the people were disregarded completely and no referendum was taken. So he said, "The United Nations term such accession as merger through force and threat and signing a merger agreement without people`s wishes is completely wrong." Stating that third party mediation is a must to resolve the political conflict between India and Manipur, Biren said restoration of peace in Manipur will be possible only through political means. He said that the availability of the acceptance of the Instrument of Accession Act allegedly signed by Maharaja Bodhchandra on August 11, 1947 will help in resolving the confusions in Manipur. It may be noted that the Humanist Party has boycotted Manipur`s 9th Assembly Elections.

Clash of titans in second phase of Manipur polls Sentinel
Imphal, Feb 11: The fate of three former Chief Ministers will be decided in the February 14 second phase election to 29 assembly seats of Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishenpur districts.
The former Chief Ministers were state RJD president W Nipamacha, contesting from Wangoi, Manipur Peoples' Party's (MPP) R.K.Dorendra Singh, fighting from Yaiskul, and NCP Manipur president Radhabinod Koijam, contesting from Thangmeiband. A total of 3,88,925 women and 3,49,754 man voters will exercise their franchise in 827 polling stations.
In all, 181 stations have been marked hyper-sensitive and 646 as sensitive. A total of 155 candidates are in the fray in the second phase of whom six are women. Indian National Congress has 29 candidates, Bharatiya Janata Party has 9, Communist Party of India 16, Communist Party of India (Marxist) 1, National Congress Party 17, MPP 25, RJD-17, JD(U)-1, JD(S)-2, LJSP-7, SP-13, SAP-2, MSCP-4, NPP-1, AIFB-2, Independents 8. The second phase of elections will concentrate on the Manipur valley and will be the biggest of the three phase elections.
In the February 8 first phase election to 19 Assembly seats of Thoubal, Ukhrul and Senapati districts, 85 per cent polling was reported. A repoll for the first phase will be held in eleven stations tomorrow. The third phase election will be held on February 23 in 12 Assembly segments of Jiribam sub-division, Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel districts. In the third phase election, there are two women candidates. Chandel has the maximum of ten candidates, while Singhat has three candidates.
In all 1,85,598 women and 1,77,752 man, totaling 3,63,345, will exercise their franchise. Indian National Congress is contesting 11 seats, LJSP-9, RJD-6 National Congress Party in 5, SP-5, the Bhartiya Janta Party has three candidates, Communist Party of India 4, Manipur People's Party (MPP), 3, NPP-3, SAP-2, JD(U)-1, PDA-1, and Independents 23. There will be 516 polling stations and 516 EVMs will be used. (UNI)
Hotbed Of Violence Nagarealm.com
The state of militancy in Karbi Anglong fails to register in the consciousness of mainstream Assam, both among the intelligentsia and among policy makers.

When Karbi Anglong was declared an autonomous district in October 1976 under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, this was intended to resolve the tensions arising out of the disparate aspirations of the district's overwhelmingly tribal population.
Thirty years later, Karbi Anglong remains conflict-ridden, with 13-militancy related fatalities (seven per cent of the total militancy-related fatalities in Assam), including six civilians and seven security force personnel. The relatively small number of fatalities, however, is not an accurate index of the instability and violence that continue to wreak havoc in the lives of the people of the state’s largest district.

Karbi Anglong, spread over 10,434 square kilometers, consists of three sub-divisions—Diphu (the district headquarters), Bokajan and Hamren. Located in the central part of Assam, Karbi Anglong is abutted by Golaghat district in the east, Meghalaya state and Morigaon district in the west, Nagaon and Golaghat districts in the north and the North Cachar Hills district and the state of Nagaland in the south. With three per cent of Assam’s population of 26.7 million (according to the 2001 Census), and 13 per cent of the state’s land mass, Karbi Anglong is home to a minority non-tribal population as well as several tribes. While the majority Karbis are spread throughout the district, Bodos live in the Langhin area; Kukis (also called Thadous or Hmars) in the Singhason and Koilamati areas; Dimasas in the Dhansiri or Mohendijua area; Tiwas in areas bordering Nagaon and Morigaon districts; Mans in Bokajan sub-division; Garos and Khasis in the Hamren sub-division; Chakmas in the Borlangphar area; and Rengma Nagas in the Nilip Block.

Nearly 89 per cent of Karbi Anglong’s population lives in its 2,633 villages. Some 47 per cent of the district is forested, consisting of 14 state Reserve Forests and 17 district Council Reserve Forests. Compared to a state population density of 340, Karbi Anglong is sparsely populated with a density of 78 persons per square kilometre. district headquarters Diphu is 213 kilometres away from Dispur, the state capital.

In recent years, Karbi Anglong has been a theatre of bitter ethnic strife. Clashes erupted in 2005 between Karbis and Dimasas and, on October 29, 2005, a total of 88 people were officially reported killed and 1,014 houses were set ablaze. People belonging to other ethnic groups—Bodo, Nepali and Assamese—also lost their lives in the violence, in which the involvement of local insurgents of the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and Dima Halim Daogah (DHD), was confirmed by the government. A year and half earlier, on March 24, 2004, at least 34 Karbi villagers had been killed by the Manipur-based Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) militants at Uden Tisso and Sarpo Terong villages under Bokajan Police Station, and Jari Teron under the Manja Police Outpost. Clashes had started over the issue of extortion from Kuki ginger cultivators in the Singhasan Hills, but soon took the shape of an extended ethnic conflict involving UPDS and KRA militants, which continued for three months.

UPDS was formed in March 1999 with the merger of two outfits, the Karbi National Volunteers (KNV) and Karbi People’s Front (KPF), with the objective of creating a separate homeland for the Karbis, and entered into an extended cease-fire agreement with the Union government in May 23, 2002. In January 2006, UPDS dropped its main demand for an autonomous state and, instead, settled for additional powers to the existing Autonomous Council. However, in September 2006, the outfit announced the suspension of its ‘peace talks’ with New Delhi, without discontinuing the cease-fire. A month later, media reportage indicated its involvement in an intensified extortion drive, with incidents reported from Nahorjan, Tongkory, Tinglijan, Ramsing Terang and Dikoi Terang in the Karbi Anglong district. Prominent incidents in 2006 and early 2007 included:

March 5, 2006: A trader and a civil society activist was abducted from Mentila village and later killed by UPDS militants at Nahorjan. The victim’s wife was earlier served a demand note for a ransom of Rs one million for the release of her husband.

April 10, 2006: Two persons were killed by unidentified UPDS militants in the Tongkory area.

April 29, 2006: A pharmacist was abducted by UPDS militants from Tinglijan medical sub-centre under Bokajan Police Station.

January 19, 2007: A senior leader of the Autonomous state Demand Committee, Kuthor Hanse, was killed by UPDS militants at his residence at Hidim Teron village. The militants also assaulted villagers at Ramsing Terang and Dikoi Terang under Manja police station. The ceasefire between the UPDS and the union government led to a split in the outfit, with a splinter group rechristened the Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF). The KLNLF also formed an ‘armed wing’, the Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Resistance Force on May 16, 2004. Apart from engaging in internecine clashes with the UPDS, the KLNLF has engaged in violence targeting civilians in Karbi Anglong and adjoining areas. Significant incidents involving KLNLF cadres include:

June 15, 2006: Bokajan Police recovered the dead body of a KLNLF cadre who was abducted from Japarajan and later killed by UPDS militants.

December 5, 2006: KLNLF militants hurled two grenades and opened fire at Dongamukam.

December 18, 2006: Acivil convoy was damaged when suspected KLNLF militants opened fire on it at Silvetta under Diphu Police Station.

December 24, 2006: Acivil convoy was damaged by KLNLF militants at Kohra

January 6, 2007: At least eight polling personnel were killed and eight others were injured during elections to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, when the KLNLF exploded an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and opened fire. The polling personnel were targeted while they were returning from the No. 16 Hapjan Polling Station under Dokmoka Police Station, to Parakhowa.

Militancy from Karbi Anglong also spilled over into the neighbouring states, especially the Jaintia Hills and its adjoining Ri-Bhoi district, in Meghalaya, which witnessed an extortion drive by the Karbi militants. On June 24, 2006, several villagers of Moolaber, Skap, Deinler, Saba, Myntang, Psiar, Lum Moojem, Khatkhasla, Mooshrot, Mukroh and other neighbouring villages near Labang-Nongphyllut in the Jaintia Hills district were forced to pay Rs 200 each by UPDS militants. Again, on July 1, 2006, several farmers of Mawlasnai area in the Ri-Bhoi district, with their cultivable lands in the Madan Umwang and Khlieh Umwang areas, were served demand notes by the UPDS to pay ‘levies’. They were later asked by the militants to attend a meeting at Madan Umwang, and were threatened with dire consequences in case of failure to meet the demands. Similarly, Khasi farmers in the Block-II areas of the Ri-Bhoi district alleged that they were subjected to extortion, on October 24, 2006, by the KNV. On June 28, 2006, several civil society groups and chiefs of local self-governance institutions, Rangbah Shnongs, urged the government to create more Police outposts and deploy additional Police personnel to prevent the UPDS from harassing Khasi-Pnar families in the Block-I and II areas of the Jaintia Hills district.
Meghalaya Chief Minister J.D. Rymbai, on July 5, 2006, accused the UPDS of violating rules of the cease-fire agreement by engaging in unlawful activities along the Assam-Meghalaya border.
Karbi Anglong also witnessed violence by militants primarily based and active in other districts of the state. The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), for instance, which has been under a cease-fire agreement with the union government since May 25, 2005, has extended its ‘operations’ into this district:

June 26, 2006: Two NDFB extortionists were killed by security personnel at an unspecified location under the Dokmoka Police Outpost. Three other militants, however, managed to escape from the site of the encounter.

July 5, 2006: Two cadres of the erstwhile Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) were killed by suspected NDFB militants at Langhing.

November 16, 2006: Two NDFB militants were shot dead by the Assam Police in a counter-insurgency operation at Langkin Manikpur.

Similarly, the DHD and its renegade group, the Black Widow, based in neighbouring North Cachar Hills district, also operate in Karbi Anglong. An internecine clash among Black Widow cadres occurred at Lanfer village under Kheroni Police Station in the Hamren sub-division on August 20, 2006, following the escape of five cadres of the outfit from its camp in North Cachar Hills. Further, on December 1, 2006, two DHD militants were arrested during a search operation at Diphu.

Karbi Anglong comprises six Police Station jurisdictions—Diphu, Howraghat, Bokajan, Baithalangso, Hamren and Kheroni. These police stations have further been divided into 11 police outposts: Diphu Town, Manja, Dhansiri, Bakulia, Dokmoka, Uttorborbil, Dillai, Borpathar, Khotkhoti, Donkamoka and Ulukunchi. There are also 10 Border Outposts (BOPs), including Lahorijan, Sankartilla, Monglamukh, Doldoli, Daujingphang and Rongapahar along the Assam-Nagaland border and Khanduli, Mokoiram, Sabuda and Mukroh along Assam-Meghalaya border. Against the back drop of the continuing militancy, the security set up in the district appeared to have registered some successes, including:

January 9, 2006: The UPDS ‘publicity secretary', Tongeeh Nongloda, was arrested from Dillai for carrying a 9mm pistol.

April 10, 2006: The UPDS 'defence secretary', Thong Teron, was killed by security personnel at Satgaon under the Dongkamokam police outpost.

November 13, 2006: At least seven suspected UPDS militants were arrested at Kaniya Bey Village near Diphu for violating cease-fire rules.

November 26, 2006: A suspected UPDS militant was arrested from the Lahorijan area under Khatkhati police station.

Regrettably, the state of militancy in Karbi Anglong fails to register in the consciousness of mainstream Assam, both among the intelligentsia and among policy makers. Despite the many peace processes and ceasefire agreements with various groups in and around the district, the unfortunate reality is that area will continue to fester in the shadow of official neglect. [Sandipani Dash, outlookindia]

Frans on 02.12.07 @ 04:03 PM CST [link]


Sunday, February 11th

‘Naga identity to remain intact’ Nagaland Post


‘Naga identity to remain intact’ Nagaland Post
Kolkata, Feb 10 (PTI): The Centre will convince the people of Nagaland that it will not infringe on their cultural identity while it holds talks to resolve the insuregncy in the state, Union Minister for Development of the Northeastern Region Mani Shankar Aiyar said today.
"Talks are on in Nagaland. We will try to convince them that this is their country and Delhi will give whatever help is needed," Aiyar told the closing ceremony of a week-long Assam handicraft exhibition here this evening. "In India, it is possible to be an Indian and yet retain one's regional identity. If I can be a Tamil and an Indian, what is their problem in being Nagas and Indians?"
Noting that militancy was on the wane in the northeast except in Nagaland and Manipur, he said local people will have to be involved in socio-economic developmental programmes to solve problems in these two states. "We will have to create infrastructure and make arrangements for higher education and training for the youth in northeastern states. If this can be done, we can bring these states at par with the rest of the country within the next five to seven years," Aiyar said. According to him, 10 per cent of the Centre's total expenditure was currently allotted to the northeast though it comprised only eight per cent of country's area and its people made up four per cent of the nation's total population.
NAGA RECONCILIATION : By Yaruingam Awungshi Naga Nation
Pre-requisite step to Reconciliation: WILL
'Faculty by which a person decides what to do’
or Strong desire and intention
or intention or Determination
(Oxford Dictionary)
Will animates life. Will is the secret behind every success and achievements. If one has ardent will to do or achieve something in life, nothing can stop him or her. In other word, nothing is impossible for those who have will power. Some people say, I am willing but because of this or that I cannot do it' this is just an excuse. In reality, there is no real will inside such people; what they have is 'emotional feelings'. To carry out an impossible task in life 'will' is the pre-required condition. Men and women or nations who achieved impossible task and set record in history are those who have indomitable will power. Thus will is a magic to achieve impossible task in life. These days every Naga talks about ‘Reconciliation' and from every nook and corner pressure is being poured on our national factional leaders to reconcile. However, considering, the internally fragmented Naga society with many wounds and scars, it seems impossible to reconcile among us and build a strong vibrant Naga nation in our generation. But, to me, this is not impossible task but possible provided we have sincere will to do it. If we have ardent will to reconcile-no past wounds and scars- can deter us from shaking each others hands; we can discard our feelings of bitterness and pain in the dustbin, reconcile ourselves and begin a new chapter of Naga history. Hence, the first step to reconcile among the Naga should be to have ‘Sincere willingness’ on the part of belligerent parties. No amount of rhetoric speeches, press statements, or shouting will help us to reconcile unless we have sincere will in us. On the other hand, if we have 'will' nothing can foil on our way to reconciliation. Where should this 'Will' come from? Sincere 'will' power will come only when we realize the 'indispensability' of reconciliation toward achieving our paramount goal of nationhood. In other word, will should come, not out of emotion or short term opportunist interest, but from full realization of the need of it in view of long term consequences. To realize this need, followings are some points to ponder upon: • Division keeps Nagas away from achieving our dream of Nagalim (no matter how much and how long will we struggle) but if 'we unite' nothing on earth can stop us from achieving our most cherished dream "Nagalim' and (we will not be far away from entering that 'Promised Land) • Division is costly-it takes away many young precious lives and makes us shed tears in futile and but if we are united, every single life we lost, every single drop of blood & tear we shed' adds strength to our struggle toward achieving our goal. • Division gives great opportunity to our enemy to exploit us but unity gives us advantage to exploit them and advance our cause. • Division continues to keep our society poor, backward & nasty & filthy (Makes us keep on begging from New Delhi whom we eagerly want to go away) but unity will bring progress, prosperity and development in our land and enable us to live as freed & dignified nation on earth. • Division destroys our society but unity would build us up • Division keeps our land in gloom and darkness but unity will brighten our land. If we digest these few points, I am sure, an indominatble 'Will' will spring up from inside us that would sustain us till we accomplish the process of reconciliation. On the other hand, without having sincere will power 'reconciliation' will remain only as lip service and meaningless. Trying to reconcile among us without having honest 'will' will be like building a castle on a sand. Therefore, reconciliation to be sucessful, first of all, strong will be cultivated in our hearts. KUKNALIM Second step: cessation of hostility-next...

Conquest of tribulation and trial is the hallmark of success- Nagaland Post Opinion
Despite my personal human shortcomings and extreme challenges of various forms, I dedicated my entire youth in the service of NSCN since my teenage years and continued to do so even after the unfortunate split of NSCN in the year 1988, without fear or favor I rendered my best possible services with conviction that regardless of differences of opinion and factional ravages within Nagas struggling groups, Naga's goal of retaining it's sovereignty is to be pursued at any cost.
Discrepancies in the discharge of one's national obligation in the line of duty occurs and nobody is immune to such acts of natural failure for which procedural penalties are imposed.
However excess of punishments leading to the extent of capital punishment, physical impairment, drastic discharge without trial and impartial judgment has become routine affair upon numerous normally pardonable errant NSCN-IM cadres from other Naga tribes, whereas NSCN members from certain tribe were never taken into account or brought to justice despite gross violation of human rights, revolutionary ethos and NSCN manifestoes and Ahzas. The sacred cause, rights and aspirations of the Nagas had been our daily bread for which we endured every inhuman sufferings and untold hardships all through our struggle from the jungles of Burma to the street of Nagaland, we survived with pious sympathy and goodwill donation of the Nagas, extortion, kidnap, killing, threat and intimidation were alien to National workers of yesteryears.
Rescuing or saving Naga lives were the prerogative of every Naga revolutionary members, however, with the split and compartmentalization of Naga freedom fighters, executions, killings, tortures and terror tactics upon the Nagas by the Nagas themselves became so rampant and natural. It had always been my belief to preserve and protect even a single life of the Nagas, but to my utter disappointment hundreds of true Naga patriots were butchered simply because they happened to propagate healthy criticism against the platform. Riddled with guilty conscience of my inability to protest such evil factors at work, I voluntarily retired from NSCN-IM.
During my short span of common public life, I experienced a jolt of transformation, shedding light on extreme criminality and criminalization of Naga politics by NSCN-IM. Thus in my humble commitment to serve the cause of the Nagas I decided to renew my spirit of patriotism by joining NSCN(K), the platform that truly stands for righteous assertion and attainment of the national goal of the Nagas.
Captain Kivuxu Sumi, Former NSCN-IM, Member.
NSCN (I-M) blames rival for Friday’s clash Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 10 (NPN): The NSCN (I-M) has said Friday's encounter between the two factions at Bungsang village under Medziphema sub-division took place when the Naga Army, NSCN (I-M), tried to "normalize the law and order situation" of the area after receiving reports of "evil designs perpetrated" by the rival faction. "To set the record straight, it was the Khaplangs that first ignited the flame of chaos in and around Bungsang area. The Khaplang cadres terrorized the villagers by raiding every house on the pretext of searching the NSCN," a press release issued by the MIP/NSCN (I-M) said. The supervisor, UT-1, NSCN (K) Akato Chophy had on Friday claimed that it was the rival members who had first attacked his men stationed at Bunsang.
The NSCN (I-M) also alleged that on one such occasion, NSCN (K) men had entered Medziphema village during the absence of the town command, NSCN (I-M), and "recklessly" put to flame properties of the house owner worth tens of thousands of rupees, including some important documents. "Passenger buses and other vehicles plying to and fro were frisked everyday causing untold miseries to the public who are left with no option but to curse their fate and suffered the brunt," the release added.
On Akato's statement that the NSCN (K) would never believe in NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu's proclamation of forgiveness and reconciliation since he was just a "figurehead", the NSCN (I-M) said Swu's proclamation had no relation whatsoever with the Bungsang incident.
"However, the opportunist Khaplangs made an opportune out of this to forcibly instigate and misused the Proclamation of the Yaruiwo," the release said. Further, on allegation against NSCN (I-M) leader VS Atem that he had accepted a bribe of Rs. 20 million from former chief minister SC Jamir, the NSCN (I-M) said the "ridiculous" allegation had been clarified time and again by NSCN (I-M) and Jamir himself. "The NSCN/GPRN had never ever indulged in either bribery nor acted as money-lender to any individual, group or Government like the Khaplangs did with Ibobi-led Government of Manipur, but unfortunately fooled and cheated by the latter," the release added.
Stop bleeding at first- Nagaland Post Opinion
Nagaland has been bleeding for a period of 30 years like open wounds since the formation of the so-called NSCN in 1980. And it has not stopped, because Isak and Muivah refused to stop it. They don't want to say "we stop killing." Instead they say "apology, forgiveness, reconciliation" etc. and yet committing more killings. On 9th February 2007, they said "give a chance for peace, so that our wounds are healed" (quote: Nagaland Post 09/02/07). But on the same day they attacked K-camp at Bungsang village (Medziphema area). If the bleeding inflicted on the Nagas is not stopped, how can the wound be healed? If they do not stop attacking and killing their own Nagas, how can they talk about reconciliation?
First, Muivah and Isak should stop telling lies and giving false allegation against the Nagas. And it is a must to stop bleeding at first. Then only the process of healing of the wounds will follow. And the Nagas will have a chance to speak for reconciliation. Mark, Isak and Muivah are still telling lies to the Nagas that " they are fighting for God given freedom" (quote: Nagaland Post 09/02/07) to cover up how they had fallen from their stand for sovereignty to integrity, from integrity to affiliation. And now they have formed United Naga Democratic Front (UNDF) and stand for Manipur integrity. How funny is this? They forced the Southern Nagas to vote for their UNDF candidate. Even they abducted 10 (ten) leaders of Talul Village, Tangkhul Region on January 31, 2007 (NSCN-Day) because they refused to support their UNDF candidates. How can they conceal it by telling lie. It is written in the history by themselves. Who can erase it?
Maj. Wichanlungbo Naga Army, FGN.
CRPF chief calls Ukhrul ambush senseless The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 10: The IGP, CRPF, Manipur and Nagaland, SK Jain, condemned yesterday`s attack on a CRPF team escorting polling personnel in Ukhrul district in which three CRPF men were killed as an act of senseless violence by the UGs.

The IG who spoke to mediapersons after offering floral tributes to the slain CRPF personnel today at RIMS morgue said the jawans who had gone on election duty in Phungyar were there only to maintain peace and ensure that elections are held in a free and fair manner.

Stating that the people of the state need to realise the true nature of yesterday`s incident, he said such attacks on personnel who were there to protect public property and rights, would only encourage disgust among the public. The UG group would be wrong in considering the attack a success for their revolutionary struggle, he said. Lauding the slain jawans for performing their assigned duty with dedication and ensuring peaceful elections, he said their service to the people will be immortalized in the history of the crpf. The function was also attended by DIG, CRPF, JS Gill, officers of the 26 Bn CRPF and families of the deceased. Constables Salam Santosh, 25, of Kakching Makha Leikai, Md Mahibul Islam, of Gelpana, Assam, and Md Taruf Ahmed Khan, 24, of Neka Manjahari village in Jammu and Kashmir were killed in the attack by cadres of the UNLF/MPA yesterday morning near Grihang village in Ukhrul district, while another CRPF constable, identified as Rajendra Yadav, was wounded in the attack Meanwhile the bodies of driver Phuritsabam Chaoba, 52, of Sangaithel Makha Leikai, who was also killed in the attack, along with that of constable Salam Santosh were handed over to their respective families today. The bodies of the other two slain CRPF men will be taken to their respective homes tomorrow by air. In the meantime, the body of Chanda Desa, of Karasom Phumlai village, is still lying at RIMS morgue as none of his family members have come to collect it.
NSCN (IM) clarifies on Bungsang clash The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 10 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has ridiculed the claims and allegation made by Akato Chophy, ‘Supervisor UT-I’ of the NSCN (K) pertaining to the recent clash at Bungsang. Issuing a clarification note, the MIP of the NSCN (IM) alleged that it was the NSCN (K) that first ‘ignited the flame of chaos’ in and around Bungsang area.
“The Khaplang cadres terrorized the villagers by raiding every house in the pretext of searching the NSCN. On one such occasion, the Khaplang entered Medzephima village during the absence of NSCN town command and recklessly put to flame properties of the house owner worth tens of thousands including some important documents”, the MIP alleged and pointed out as to how passenger buses and other vehicles plying to and fro were frisked everyday causing untold miseries to the public who are left with no other option but to curse their fate and suffer the brunt.
Stating that the Naga army cannot remain a silent spectator to ‘such act of evil design’ perpetrated by the NSCN (K), the statement pointed out that it was compelled to ‘normalize the law and order situation’ of the areas during which the encounter took place between the two rival groups.
“It therefore has no relation whatsoever, with the Yaruiwo’s proclamation of ‘forgiveness and reconciliation’. However the opportunists Khaplangs made an opportune out of this to forcibly instigate and misused the proclamation of the Yaruiwo”, the NSCN (IM) stated.
Further, the NSCN (IM) termed as ridiculous, the repeated allegation on VS Atem accepting a bribe of Rs 20 Million from SC Jamir and maintained that the issue was clarified time and again by the NSCN (IM) as well as SC Jamir himself. “The NSCN/GPRN has never ever indulged in either bribery nor acted as money lender to any individual, group or government like the Khaplangs did with Ibobi led Government of Manipur but unfortunately fooled and cheated by the latter”, the NSCN (IM) stated.
FGN wants NSCN-IM to stop ‘lies’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 10 (MExN): The FGN wants the NSCN-IM Collective Leadership to ‘stop telling lies’ and desist from making expressions of stoppage to killings because even more are committed. Nagaland has been suffering for 30 years like an open wound since the formation of “the so-called NSCN” in 1980 and the flow of blood has not stopped because NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Swu and General Secretary Th. Muivah refuses to stop it, says ‘Maj’ Wichanlungbo, Naga Army of the FGN, in a note. “They don’t want to say ‘we stop killing’. Instead they say ‘apology’, ‘forgiveness’, ‘reconciliation’ etc., and yet commit more killings” the ‘Major’ lamented. First Isak and Muivah should ‘stop telling lies’ and stop leveling false allegations against the Nagas, then the process of healing of the wounds will follow and the Nagas will have a chance to speak for reconciliation, the note stated.
It cited an instance that on February 9, 2007, Isak and Swu said “give a chance for peace, so that our wounds are healed” but on the same day they attacked an NSCN-K camp at Bungsang village, Medziphema. Also the NSCN-IM has fallen from the demand for sovereignty “to integrity, from integrity to affiliation” and “now they have formed United Nagas democratic Front (UNDF) and stand for Manipur integrity”, the FGN stated. “They forced the southern Nagas to vote for their UNDF candidates. Even they abducted ten leaders of Talui village, Tangkhul region, on January 31, 2007 (NSCN day) because they refused to support their UNDF candidates” stated the note adding that the lies cannot be concealed or be erased.
MYANMAR : The real deal Nagarealm.com
High in the mountains of northwestern Myanmar, tribes of former headhunters dress themselves in tiger fangs and bear claws to celebrate their new year after the mid-January harvest. The members of the Naga tribes living in Myanmar are among the most isolated people in the world. But for a handful of intrepid travellers, their villages have become an alluring if unlikely tourist attraction.

The 100 000 Nagas in Myanmar have little contact with the outside world, even with the 1.2 million Nagas living across the border in India. Myanmar's government only opened up to the outside world two decades ago, and until a few years ago, this region was completely off-limits to foreigners because of rebel movements and lack of transportation. But over the last 10 years, the Nagas have begun using their new year ceremony to receive small groups of well-heeled tourists who are willing to pay hundreds of dollars a night to sleep in a dirt-floored hut for the chance to have an authentic tribal experience.

This year some 45 tourists, mostly from Western countries, made the trek to the village of Lahe where hundreds of Nagas donned their traditional finery for a two-day ceremony ringing in their new year. Known historically for their tattoos and their tradition of headhunting, the Naga warriors at the ceremony don't exactly look like welcoming hosts. For the Nagas, this is the only time of year when their 49 clans — which sometimes speak completely different languages — gather to celebrate together. Some younger Nagas have studied in India and use English to communicate between clans.

The warriors drape themselves in the fangs, claws and skins of their trophies, with headdresses made of fur and adorned with the long feathers of hornbills, while women and children in handmade red cloth parade nearby. They raise a pole at the centre of a field near a ceremonial hall built to hold a feast. At night they light a bonfire to give thanks for the just-ended harvest. The spectacle is like witnessing a National Geographic special, which tourism officials say is why travellers are willing to spend thousands of dollars to join the event.

Looking for the 'real thing' "We are definitely seeing travellers looking not just for new experiences, but for the real thing," said John Koldowski, a spokesperson for the Pacific-Asia Travel Association in Bangkok. "These people are really searching for something that hasn't been spoiled," he said, not just in Nagaland but in small communities around Asia. Truly remote locales like the Naga villages in Myanmar attract only a trickle of tourists, said Win Tin, managing director of the Journey Nature and Culture Exploration travel agency in Yangon.

His agency provides a trip from Yangon for about $1300 dollars to join the festival, including the journey by plane, boat and jeep to the ceremonial site.
The price tag is expensive because transportation and communication is so difficult, Win Tin said. Some of the money goes directly to the Nagas, which has helped them make small improvements in their living standards, he adds. "If we look overall, the Naga new year festival is not only good for their tribe, but also good as a source of business," he says.

"Their lifestyle has changed a little as more visitors go there. In the past they didn't wear clothes and they had little sanitation. Now they have more awareness of their health. "But I don't want this festival to become part of mass tourism, because I don't want it to have any negative impact on their tribe, nature and culture," he adds. Any travel in military-controlled Myanmar is controversial because democracy activists fear the tourist money will end up in the hands of the ruling generals. Myanmar's detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has urged foreigners not to visit her country until the military relinquishes power.

Not for the faint-hearted PATA's Koldowski says high costs are one way that countries can protect the culture of isolated communities like the Nagas, noting that the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan imposes steep visa fees for the same reason. This kind of journey is not for the faint-hearted. Getting to Lahe requires a flight to the town of Hkamti — the Naga's biggest settlement — then a three-hour trip upriver on a fishing boat, followed by a six-hour drive in a military four-by-four vehicle

Although Myanmar has signed ceasefire deals with many of the rebels over the last decade, insurgents still roam these mountains, including Naga fighters battling for their own state in neighbouring India. Indian authorities believe a dozen different separatists operate from rear bases in Myanmar, and have urged the military junta ruling the country to crack down on their activities along the 1600-kilometre border. Myanmar only allows tourists to visit two Naga villages because of safety concerns, and soldiers escort the travellers along the entire route, Win Tin says.

But foreign countries including the United States, Britain and Australia have urged their nationals to avoid travelling on the Indian side of the border as violence has flared in recent weeks. That didn't prompt any cancellations for the trip in Myanmar, Win Tin said, as visitors do come prepared for a tough trip to see something few outsiders have witnessed. "You can see theatre, dance and culture and so forth in the capital of any country, but this is one subgroup that is real," Koldowski says. [Khin Maung Win, iafrica]
A serious crisis Nagaland Post Editorial
It is clear that the plight of the students of private schools of Manipur's hill districts who are currently appearing examinations in Nagaland has turned into a human tragedy of sorts as they find themselves in a predicament that was not of their making as they were literally forced to boycott the Manipur Board and now compelled to come to Nagaland to appear examinations. The students are housed in makeshift buildings and live in pitiable conditions. In addition, they are psychologically traumatised due to the animosity arising out of the very kind of politics that had thrown them into an unenviable situation they find themselves now. The students are victims of politics, beginning from those who precipitated the crisis by making it mandatory to include the Meitei Mayak script and later, those who took it as an opportunity to force a political agenda but erred in believing that a "yes" by Nagaland would automatically lead to affiliation of the private schools under the Nagaland Board of School Education(NBSE).As commented earlier, affiliation is a state subject and no government could supersede the constitutional writ of any other government over its demarcated jurisdiction. However, the DAN government in Nagaland continued to give the impression that it could effect affiliation despite the union human resource development ministry making it clear that both the state governments of Manipur and Nagaland have to sort out the matter between themselves. After landing itself in a soup, the DAN government went farther when it made the NBSE admit all the students to schools in Nagaland in order to enable them to sit for the exams without so much as selection test. It is pertinent to note that the students from the hill districts of Manipur have been following the syllabus under MBSE and had hardly a two to three months to cover the entire NBSE syllabus. It is also pertinent to note that a few thousand regular students in Nagaland are not appearing the NBSE exams either because they failed the selection tests on various grounds such as low marks or lack of attendance etc. These points are certain to cause deep anguish but currently, the hill students and in particular, the parents feel more about their plight. There is a need to ensure that the victimised students are able to complete the exams without hindrance and later, a workable solution to satisfy all sections in consultation with various political parties, education department and voluntary organisations.
Army officer killed in accidental grenade explosion in Manipur The Morung Express
Imphal, Feb 10 (Agencies): An army officer was killed when a grenade exploded accidentally in Chandel district of Manipur this morning, official sources said.
A Lt.Col of 14th Maha Regiment was killed on the spot when the grenade, which he was checking, exploded accidentally at around 7.30 a.m. in Molcham area of the district, they said, adding his name could not be ascertained.
Army and Assam Rifles personnel have opened posts at Molcham and surrounding areas since they launched ‘Operation Khengjoi’ on December 5 last to flush out insurgents from the district, they said.
There had been frequent gunbattle between security forces and insurgents of Manipur People’s Army (MPA), armed wing of United National Liberation Front (UNLF), since the operation was launched, they said. Meanwhile, the police have identified the February 9 ambushed victims. The victims belonging to CRPF had been identified as S. Santosh (28) of Kakching Makha Leikei, (constanble-army no.035153782), Md. Mohibal Islam (26) of Golbura Assam (army no.041655732) and Md. Tariff Ahamad Khan (24) of Nagamanjuri J&K. All the slain jawans, who came to Manipur on election duty, were serving at the 26 CRPF posted at Jammu and Kasmir. The polling officer is identified as K. Ngachansa Kasomwoshi of Kharasom village under Ukrul district and other victim, a driver of Sericulture department has been identified as Ph.Chaoba Singh (52) of Sangaithel Makha leikei while the injured person had been identified as Rajendra yadav (30) of 26 CRPF under army no.015021337. Presently, he is undergoing medical treatment at Regional Institute of medical Sciences (RIMS).
Bodies of 9 IRB jawans arrive Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 10 (NPN): The mortal remains of the three jawans of 9th Nagaland Armed Police (IRB), who were killed in a landmine blast triggered by Maoist guerrillas in Chhattisgarh Thursday, were brought to Nagaland Saturday after a civic reception at Numaligarh, Asom. The civic reception was also attended by Nagaland Home Minister Thenucho.
The body of ABSI Apong Chang was taken to his village in Tuensang directly from Numilgarh while those of assistant commandant Suratho Pochury and naik Wati Ao were received at Purana Bazaar junction, Dimapur and Chumukedima respectively Saturday night.The bodies of both Suratho and Wati were later sent to their respective native villages. Earlier, the mortal remains of the three 9th NAP (IRB) personnel were flown in to Guwahati before their journey by road up to Numaligarh and Nagaland
The three slain IRB personnel were part of the foot patrolling party of the 'D' Coy carrying out an operation in Bhairamgarh in Dantewada district, some 60 kilometers away from the headquarter of the IRB, Bursar, Chhattisgarh. On detecting some grenades, the patrol party moved into check them, which exploded killing the three and injuring many, including jawans of the Chhattisgarh police. It may be mentioned that the 'Daring Ninth', dubbed by the people of the State, has lost more than a dozen jawans since its deployment at Bursar, Chhattisgarh.
Courage of Conviction Editorial The Morung Express
Despite mounting threats from different quarters including from an armed underground faction, the Naga students from the four hill districts of Manipur have shown great courage of conviction to come and sit for the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination conducted under the aegis of the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE). This is not only a historic step but also symbolizes the inherent desire of the Naga people to be integrated into a single body politic. Unification of contiguous Naga inhabited areas as acknowledged even in the 16 Point Agreement is a common objective of every Naga political organization whether under-ground or over-ground. No one can however deny that the affiliation of Naga students from Manipur to the Nagaland Board is a matter of intense debate and there have been opinions voiced against such a move. That however does not mean that innocent students should be targeted with threats to their lives.
The Naga Students Federation (NSF), which has become the main target of criticism ever since it shouldered the responsibility, has already clarified on the affiliation movement wherein, it clearly emphasizes about the biased education policy and imposition of Meitei Mayek (Meitei script) upon the Naga students by Meitei-dominated Manipur government. The NSF has also stated that affiliations of these private schools to NBSE in no way will encroach the job opportunities and scholarships meant for students within the present state of Nagaland because every state government has its own job reservation policy based on bona fide citizenship of the concern state and scholarship is a union government’s policy directly funded by Union Government’s exchequer.
However, since the NBSE affiliation issue has become a major debating point and rightly so as it concerns both the future and present wellbeing of students both in Nagaland and also those private schools (students) seeking affiliation from the four hill district of Manipur, another assessment can be undertaken once the present examination gets over. For the immediate though, there is no reason as to why those who are willing to come and write the exams should be turned away.
The peaceful conduct of examination until now is a welcome sign and due credit must go to the district and police officials of Kohima and Dimapur for taking the necessary steps in maintaining peaceful atmosphere. The active participation of the public and their visible presence at the exam centres has also helped in removing the fear psychosis in the minds of the students. Appreciation must also be reserved for the underground group in question for restraining itself despite its earlier warnings. This in itself goes to show that no matter what their argument is, they respect public sentiment and will not do anything that will go against the wishes of the people who aspire to live in peace, harmony and with dignity.
For the innocent students who are as much caught up in the vortex of history and politics, the main concern should be to enable them to live a life of dignity and in the hope that they will be worthy torch bearers of the future generation. And education is a tool that will provide them this much needed opportunity. In fact, to deny them this right will go against the fundamental value of freedom which Nagas are themselves aspiring for, over the last sixty years.
Police in communally sensitive states caught napping Press Trust of India
New Delhi The pattern of communal violence in different parts of the country last year shows that the state police has been caught napping as most incidents occurred at places already marked "sensitive" and "hyper-sensitive". Though the overall communal sitaution has been described as "satisfactory", a high-level internal security review meeting noted with concern that "90 per cent of the cases reported during 2006 occurred at places classified by the Union Home Ministry as sensitive and hyper-sensitive.
Sources in the MHA said the statistics bring to the fore the fact the advisories issued by the security establishment were not taken seriously. A bill on communal violence, which is before Parliament, has a chapter on special powers of the Central Government to deal with communal incidents in certain cases. It says that if a State Government has failed to take appropriate action to prevent and control communal violence, the Centre may declare any area within a State as "communally disturbed area" and carry out deployment of armed forces on a request from that State. Besides the issue of communal violence, the situation in the northeast also came under the scanner and concern was expressed over the militant build up in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. (More) The outlawed ULFA, which had killed 70 migrant labourers in parts of Upper Assam in January, had threatened to boycott the Games but subsequently withdrew its boycott call. Sources in the MHA said though the results of the anti-insurgency operation by the Unified Command in Assam has produced good results, the political turmoil in neighbouring Bangladesh could have a reflection in the State. They said the situation in Nagaland was not that good because of intermittent ethnic clashes between different Naga tribes. The support base of the two major militant outfits in the state -- NSCN (Isaac-Muivah) and NSCN (Khaplang) -- are along tribal lines and rift between them has widened in the recent past. Intelligence reports also say that militant outfits could cause disturbances in poll-bound Manipur if the state threw up a hung Assembly, which has been the case most of the time. In view of these concerns, the MHA is likely to issue advisories to these states to sensitise them in time, the sources said.
No arrest yet in murder of 7 persons
Clueless in Kiphire
‘Mob hacked victims to death with Daos’
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 10
The gruesome murder of seven persons of a family in Kiphire district on February 8 last (Refer The Morung Express edition of February 10) was a vigilante justice meted out as a ‘reprisal’ against one of the deceased persons desiring to marry the sister of his wife. The Kiphire administration and police are still investigating into the murder case but if latest developments are anything to be considered, they are in a dilemma how to proceed with the case – the seven persons were murdered by a “mob” from Pungro village, sources said.
No arrests have been made so far in this case, sources from the administration added. Reliable sources however reported Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire as suggesting that “outside” law-enforcing agencies be brought in to handle the case. Unless this is done, the case – owing to its complexity – would go unsolved and justice undelivered.
According to latest details, one of the seven victims was shot with a gun while the rest were hacked to death with ‘Daos’ (Naga machetes). The dead bodies, which were kept in the NAP outpost in Pungro till yesterday, have been removed for burial. It was informed that three were buried in Pungro village while the rest left for Zangor village today around 11 am.
Although understood to be under control, the situation in both Zangor village and Pungro village are reported to very tense following the killing. Following preliminary investigations to ascertain the motive behind the gruesome incident, a seeming tale of infidelity emerged: it is asserted that one of the deceased, the Head GB of Zangor village, desired to marry the sister of his (present) wife. This led to extreme tension between the respective families of the GB on one side and his wife’s on the other. Thus the matter was scheduled to be sorted out in a local court. However, a “mob” of people hailing from Pungro village decided to take the law in their hands and dragged the victims out from the ‘court’ and murdered them in a place between Zangor and Pungro. (Another version maintained that the victims were “kidnapped” from the ‘court.’).
Names of the deceased could not be made available till filing of this news report. The seven dead includes a retired government teacher and a PWD employee, besides the Head GB of Zangor village. They are all from a single family.
Centre warns 3 N-E states to be on high alert
The Centre has decided to warn three northeastern states to be on high alert following reports that militant groups could resort to violence. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting on Thursday at North Block, which was chaired by home secretary V K Duggal.
The meet ing was attended by officials of the CRPF, Intelligence Bureau and Military Intelligence. It undertook a comprehensive review of law and order in the North-East, Naxalite-infested states, J&K and on hinterland security.
Sources said that there was a possibility of the ULFA triggering blasts as the National Games draw to a close on February 19. The ULFA, which had earlier issued a call for boycott of the games, later decided to reverse its decision. In Nagaland, said sources, there was a possibility of ethnic clashes between different Naga tribes. The support base of the two major militant outfits in the state-NSCN(IM) and NSCN(K)-are along tribal lines. The Centre suspects trouble since the rift between the two groups has widened in the past one year.
The Centre will shortly issue advisories to these states-including Manipur - where the last phase of the Assembly polls will end on February 23. According to intelligence reports, militant outfits could cause disturbances if there is a fractured verdict and a hung Assembly, which has been the case with the state since the last decade.
Regarding Jammu and Kashmir, officials said although infiltration has been less last year as compared to 2005, new routes have opened up in the Poonch-Rajouri sector. The required measures would be taken soon and necessary forces would also be deployed, said sources.
Officials also expressed concern over the threat of jihadi outfits to create bases in the hinterland. States would also be briefed on the need to remain alert.
UNLF claims ambush IMPHAL, Feb 10 Sangai Express
Claiming responsibility of the attack on CRPF at a place in between Grihang and Ningchou under Ukhrul district at around 9:30 am yesterday, the proscribed UNLF informed that the attack was undertaken by small fighting patrol of MPA's 242 Bn.
A statement issued by senior Publicity Officer of UNLF, Ksh Yoiheiba disclosed that three CRPF personnel were killed in the attack besides critically injuring another one. Moreover one INSAS rifle, one SLR, one SLR-LMG, three grenades and Motorola wireless set belonging to the deceased CRPF personnel were recovered by the MPA cadres. Confirming that one civilian poll official and a driver, allegedly used forcibly in the election of India were also killed in the attack, the outfit clarified that the attack was launched against the rearmost Gypsy carrying CRPF personnel thinking that there was no civilian in the vehicle. The attack was deliberately undertaken against the rearmost vehicle after all the vehicles carrying poll officials have passed off, it added. Compounded by the cloudy weather in the area, the MPA cadres could not observe that there was any civilian among the CRPF personnel in the vehicle. UNLF/MPA conveyed deep regret and condolence over the civilians of the land killed in the attack.
NE Industrial policy soon: Aiyar Assam Tribune
KOLKATA, Feb 10 – The Centre was in the process of formulating the North East Industrial Policy (NEIP) 2007, which would be announced soon, Minister for Development of North East Region (DoNER) Mani Shankar Aiyar said today, reports PTI. Speaking on ‘North East: Strategy for Sustained Growth’ here, Aiyar said the NEIP 1997 would come to an end by March 31, 2007.

He said, while Sikkim was excluded in the existing policy, it would now be included. Aiyar said the new policy would continue with the exemption of taxes, capital investment and interest subsidy, and a comprehensive insurance scheme. The minister, who was addressing a seminar organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), said quantum of investments in the north-eastern States were poor due to lack of adequate infrastructure and poor human resources.
Aiyar said till 2004, the north eastern states received investments of Rs 1067 crore. In the new policy, the Centre would provide funds to develop physical infrastructure like roads and power.
During the 11th Five Year Plan, the Centre would give funds amounting to Rs 50,000 crore for development of road infrastructure in north eastern states.
Bodoland Accord Day From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
KADAMTOLA (Kokrajhar), Feb 10 – The Bodoland State will be a reality in the near future with support and cooperation of all communities of BTC area, if we stand by unity and peace” said Hagrama Mohilary on the occasion of 5th Bodoland Accord Day at BTC Secretariat Complex near Kadamtola in Kokrajhar today amidst a huge gathering. Addressing the gathering, Mohilary has recalled the contributions of all who supported the decades-long Bodoland movement irrespective of caste creed including the non-Bodo organisations and AASU in particular, compelling both the State and Central government sign the historic Bodo Accord on February 10, 2003 last, he said.
At the same time, recalling the dream of the ‘Father of Bodos’ late Upendra Nath Brahma, Mohilary expressed his confidence of achieving Bodoland statehood through a democratic or a political movement for which the priority-basis infrastructure development in the BTC area are in progress and are totally protected and such developments shall pave way for complete statehood, provided peace and unity among the people remains intact, he added.

He has also mentioned that after delimitation there will be 14 MLA seats, 2 MP (LS)
1 MP (RS) to take up democratic and political lead for Bodoland state with the support of the people of this area. Promila Rani Brahma, Minister of State WPT & BC & Agriculture, attending as chief guest, appealed to the people to extend cooperation with chief of BTC. SK Bwiswimuthiary, MP (LS) in his speech said the recently surrendered armed militants are to be properly rehabilitated.
Unified Command and General Election By Donn Morgan Sangai Express article
With the first phase of General Election in Manipur ending with a whimpering bang, the next probable show for volatile second phase is not visibly on the card. When it comes to any kind of election in Manipur, there are perfect nursery for new sense of hatred, distrust, socio-political enmity, higher rate of bribery and renewal of armed conflicts. Of course, these things do happened in other part of India, but they have been strictly on political grounds. But here, the bloody flavours are and were that of ethnical, social, militarism and direct involvement of regular UG militant outfits. In other states, its all about gangsterism, caste divide, thuggism and money matters. Hence, the overall security threat in Manipur is way higher than any other parts of the country, similar to that of Jammu and Kashmir logistically. The State police and paramilitary's effectiveness has always been on the lower side, so, the need for all-out deployment of the Army/AR, CRPF and BSF to directly assist the civil administration. For the first time, this joint deployment in Manipur at the ongoing general election security system needs to be lauded for altogether three different reasons: sense of professional trust amongst state and union armed forces, sense of security for the hard done ordinary citizens for the presence of state law enforcement agencies personnel amongst the Army/AR and other central paramilitary forces while on combat duty and, of course, the securing of perimeter by the Army/AR, CRPF, BSF on all polling stations. Prior to this election, only the State law enforcement agencies manned the polling booths, a quarter of them protected unarmed, while the central armed forces were deployed as mobile and QRTs (quick reaction teams), only few hyper sensitive polling stations were covered by the central paramilitary section or platoon.
The good work started to salvage and reform the image of the Army and AR, to be more public friendly, by GOC, 57th Mtn Div and IGAR (S), along with their PROs, have now paid dividends. Ironically, Col Goswami is posted at Jammu whereas Col Mathur is in charge of the coveted post of PRO, PIB/DW at Srinagar, Kashmir. Now that the wheel of Unified Command seems to have been put on first gear with the decisive visit of Mrs Sonia Gandhi, the Lady Empress, to see it that the boycott enforced upon O Ibobi's Congress I candidates by the CHIKIMS UG outfits be carpet-bombed, both the Army/AR commanders have to 'suspend' the SoOPs until the election ends in the hill areas. Thereafter, the combined operations (Com ops) be put on full throttle in the valley areas, which would surely be made more permanent than the visit of Lady Empress from Delhi. Despite the rocky 'ceasefire' between the Govt of India and CHIKIMS UG outfits (which is not acknowledged by the State Govt), the election battle order for the Army/AR, CRPF and BSF concerning any armed hill-based UG outfits is to deal with extreme prejudice - shoot at sight, period, since there is no official ground rules for the suspension of military operations (SoOPs) on this type of emergency issue. This is a socio-militico-political tragedy, a real bloody 'love-hate' deceitful diplomacy. Thanks to the 2007 General Election, we all know the unholy intention of the O Ibobi's administration. A last ditch effort to stay in power with 'peace' in the hill areas, cost of blood notwithstanding and 'forced security alliance' for safety. Not so long ago, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, flatly refused to recognise the fleeing CHIKIMS refugees as 'homeless citizens of Manipur' during the month long flushing out military operations at the Sajik Tampak's UG outfits safe haven. He ruthlessly refused to grant the poor victims and the weary homeless an official refugee status which would enable him to release the CM's Emergency funds and relocate the hapless victims of CIOPs with food and material assistance just because he was not directly inform about the pre-emptive strike by the 3rd Corps' 44th Mtn Brigade.
Moreover, the militants in question were valley-based UG outfits, not CHIKIMs militants. The secret military campaign was sent in to counter the threat posed by the MPLF militants who boycotted the MP election. As a matter of fact, apart from the sanctioning of raising a state police commando battalion and 2 more IRB Bns (Jan 2004), the CM had specifically demanded the full deployment of two regular Army Bns and 200 (sic) companies of central paramilitary force in Imphal valley area in December 2003. Instead of a 210- Coys, just a composite Brigade, now 44th Mtn Bde with just 5 or 6 companies from 3 Army Bns were sent in to suppress the armed boycotting of the MP election, thereby saving the skin of O Ibobi Govt. So, why the anger? After all, his earnest prayer had been swiftly answered, like the successful 1st Phase voting in the Hill areas A/Cs on 8th Feb 2007 which was directly looked after by the central paramilitary forces with full tactical and logistical assistance from the regular Army/AR deployed in Manipur for CI OPs; the state law enforcement agencies being 'relieved' for the General election in hill areas for the first time. It's quite remarkable that a voting in the insurgency infested hill areas had ended without any armed encounter nor any bloodshed with the highest voting percentage in average. Such an unexpectedly peaceful and high voting turn outs seldom happened in the recent past. So, the 'effectiveness' of the army and central paramilitary forces in over-seeing and manning polling stations is clearly visible. Despite the customarily expected volatile and bloody votings in Manipur, the peacefulness and undisturbed election on 8th Feb 2007 is quite incredible since UG militants usually called the shots, like ambush, armed snatching, booth-capturing etc. On the other hand, all election related bloody incidents or armed attacks took placed exclusively in the valley areas, even in Greater Imphal areas where the presence of law enforcement agencies is very much dominant. Now, it would be interesting to see whether the 2nd phase and 3rd phase of pollings would end peacefully like that of the hill areas. With the presence of Unified Command, it would also be the Army/AR and Central paramilitary personnel to secure and man/guard all the polling stations in the 2nd and 3rd phase votings in other hill and valley areas to avert volatile polling incidents and armed attacks. Of course, they are under the supervision of the State Govt and MPHq. As long as it brings peace, security and fair votings, the unprecedented exclusive security coverage provided by the Central armed forces units, assisting the state law enforcement agencies, is highly appreciable and tactically desirable. Now that the State Govt sought the help of the Central Govt for overall polling security despite the refusal to recognise the ceasefire between the GOI and CHIKIMS UG outfits is a last refuge marriage of two minds in one body. A lesson has to be learnt by the State Govt that it takes two to tango. Hence, the need for unified command and sincere understanding between the state and Central SF personnel with the general public.
Imphal today Sangai Express Editorial
Imphal desperately needs some life infusing dose of drugs in the form of city planning or else doomsday will not be far off. Imphal is no doubt the capital of the State and its commercial hub as well, but the city has no life, no character, no distinguishing feature to fit the bill of the capital of a State populated by over 24 lakh people. It is not only a question of the dirt and garbage that we see piled up all over the place or the increasing pollution of our water sources and the clogged drains and nullahs. Rather it is that lack of life and character of Imphal that we find extremely worrying and disturbing too. As a capital of a State we expect Imphal to be throbbing with life, life not only in the sense of a huge population or teeming millions but a life that positively distinguishes it from other State capitals of the country. The Khuman Lampak Sports complex is there alright to signify the sporting prowess of the State, but increasingly it has become clear that the sportspersons who have been bringing laurels to the State are not from Imphal but from other parts of the State. Nothing wrong with this, but as the capital of the State where the infrastructure is in a much better shape, we expect some sort of a sports spirit. However it is more than apparent that sports is no longer able to draw the attention of the youth from Imphal. Each capital city should have some defining characteristics to set it apart from the other places, but other than the dirt and the non-functional civic bodies, there is nothing to characterise the capital of the State. Khwairamband bazar is indeed a unique place but the tragedy is instead of adding to the characteristics and charm of Imphal, the market place has only added to the filth and squalor that we see all around. A city or a town is best known by its residents and a look at Imphal will also reflect the mentality of the Imphalites. The capital city is a good example of the callousness of the people, the lack of civic sense amongst the people and the utter disregard for the interest of others. How else does one explain the numerous stray cattle and animals living on the streets of Imphal and surviving on the piles of garbage and waste ? The use of gas horns inside the city precinct, over taking from the left, disregarding all traffic norms, men relieving themselves in the gallis of the commercial centres of the capital at Thangal bazar, Paona bazar or any other place has become something of an accepted social practice in the capital city and this is what is Imphal today. Manipur University is today a Central University, but how far has this university been able to live up to its status as the highest seat of learning. How many of the intellectuals have actually been able to come out with thought provoking and practical stand on many of the issues confronting this State ? We raise this question today, because as the capital of the State we expect some sort of an intellectual revolution which can come only through meaningful discourses and dialogues. The Government and its agencies and more importantly the people of Imphal have the responsibility to infuse new life and make Imphal a living city with a soul.
Cong using Games for self-promotion Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 10 – The ruling Congress seems to have gone overboard in turning the National Games into a publicity gimmick for political purposes. So much so that the exercise has left a bad taste in the mouth of the common people, especially the sports-lovers. With posters of Congress leaders – right from local MLAs to the Chief Minister to Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi – flooding the roads, highways and Games venues of the city and its outskirts, one is tempted to feel that some kind of big political event is going on, and not the National Games. Pictures of leaders apart, Congress party flags have sprouted on the roads leading to the sports venues. While no one is denying the Congress government in the State the credit for smooth holding of the Games, the first-ever in Asom, in the face of stiff challenges, this mindless obsession with political publicity has harmed the spirit of the Games, as sports and games are held to be above the narrow confines of politics. Amidst the craze for publicity, what takes the cake is a huge poster of Dispur MLA Akan Bora, placed right at the entrance of the Veterinary College playground at Khanapara, the venue of the equestrian events. People feel that such unabashed propaganda has relegated the spirit of the Games to the background and rendered the Games a personal affair of the Congress, with politics occupying the centre-stage. “Sports and politics do not make a heady cocktail. It is downright ridiculous to have such a big picture of the local MLA at the venue of a National Games event. Such absurd publicity blitzkrieg is in stark contrast with the spirit of the Games, and it would only make the ruling Congress a laughing stock before all, especially the players and officials coming from outside the State,” a local resident said, adding that the dignity of the Games had suffered due to such misdemeanour.

As one takes the roads to the venues, one is greeted by party flags and posters of Congress leaders of all rank and file. They are there on both sides of the roads as well as along the road dividers. Even the National Highway-37, which leads to a couple of major Games venues, is not free from the repugnant political air. It is apparent that this publicity stunt has not gone down well with the city residents. “Such brazen indulgence in self-promotion for political gains going on along with the country’s biggest sporting extravaganza is totally uncalled for, and it only serves to lower the image of the State Government, the Congress leaders in particular. The National Games is a sacred occasion, and everybody should honour that sanctity,” another citizen remarked, adding that the State Government had left a bad precedent by its thoughtless publicity gimmicks.

The undue politicization of the Games has found a place in the guidebook that was released a few days’ back. The guidebook has no mention of the highest organizing committee of the Games, while those compiling it went out their way to accommodate a number of irrelevant committees and sub-committees besides the governing body of the State Secretariat with most office-bearers being politicians and bureaucrats. Ironically, the name of the Assam Olympic Association is conspicuous by its absence in the book.

Frans on 02.11.07 @ 03:22 PM CST [link]


Saturday, February 10th

s 140-cr hike in Nagaland plan - Residents to bear brunt of surcharge to increase revenue OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Rs 140-cr hike in Nagaland plan - Residents to bear brunt of surcharge to increase revenue OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, Feb. 6: Get rewarded for good performance but make the community pay and increase revenue generation. This was Delhi’s message to Nagaland in particular and to the Northeast in general, while effecting a massive increase in the annual plan outlay for the next fiscal.
Nagaland’s annual plan outlay has been stepped up to Rs 900 crore from Rs 760 crore in 2006-07. A Rs 140-crore increase this year signifies an increase of almost 20 per cent. This is indeed a leap for the hill state with a population of two million (as per the 2001 census). At the meeting with state chief minister Neiphiu Rio today, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia is understood to have asked the state to increase revenue generation. “The state’s performance in the Tenth Plan was good. So we have agreed to an increase in the plan fund. But they have been advised to improve resources,” said a source in the Planning Commission. Nagaland’s internal revenue generation in 2005-06 was a mere six per cent of the total revenue. The Centre has told the state that charges on water supply and irrigation have to be passed on and “the community has to pay”.
The Centre added that development should not be purely based on assistance. Rio, planning minister Shürhozelie Liezietsu and chief secretary Lalhuma pressed for central sops on agriculture and empowerment of youth. “We focused on specific areas like youth empowerment through sports and music and also promoted our concept of ‘back to the land’ in the ‘year of farmers’,” Rio told The Telegraph after the meeting. The Rio-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government is at present under threat from the Opposition Congress. Thus an increase in the plan outlay has brought cheer to the chief minister.
Rio will take the opportunity to tom-tom his bargaining skills. However, he will have a hard time convincing the population on revenue generation through surcharges. Tomorrow, Rio will meet Planning Commission officials for a one-time central assistance on setting up a multi-sports complex in the state. The sports ministry had stopped providing assistance since 2004, he added.
The sectoral layout for the next fiscal will also be finalised tomorrow, Rio said. The state has apparently done well in agriculture and the growth rate has satisfied the Planning Commission. Rio will, therefore, focus on promoting agriculture and its allied sectors.
South Naga students express concern over studies, career Morung Express
NewsA security personnel keeping vigil at a designated examination centre where Southern Naga students are appearing for their HSLC papers. (MExPix)
DIMAPUR DESPITE CONTINUOUS threats from the NSCN-K, of dire consequences against the Nagaland government’s decision to allow students from the four hill districts of Manipur to sit for the 2007 HSLC examinations under the NBSE, students sat for the second day for their papers peacefully with no reports of any disturbances at the three centres of examinations - one at Viswema, Kohima and two in Dimapur.
Students from the south seems to have not been much affected by the outfit’s warning/threats rather were much concerned about their careers. “Actually I am not worried about the threats but what I fear most is about my results- whether I would be able to come out with flying colors or not as I didn’t have enough time to prepare for it,” said a student from Chandel district. “Of now that’s all what bothers me” he added.
Struggling to get through the exams, the students are compromising situations by sleeping on floors and sharing inadequate toilet/bathroom facilities as well as poor lighting and accommodation facilities in buildings (most are with only half-constructed walls), the students seems to have ignored the part of comfort needed for studies. When asked about the conditions of the accommodations arranged for their stay, one student said, “I don’t deny that the conditions that we are living right now is very pitiful, but it’s secondary” and continues, “The first and the foremost priority is our studies and I thank everyone responsible for the safety of our short-stay.” Round-the-clock police security protection has been arranged by the district administration in the places where the students from Manipur hill districts are lodged as well as at the examinations centers.
Further, while speaking to The Morung Express one such southern Naga student appealed to the collective leaders of the NSCN-K to sympathetically not gamble with their own Naga fellow brothers into the political struggle. “Students are the future of any human society and should not be brought under the Indo-Naga political issue.”
Whatever might be the reason responsible for the present unrest, the general view is that they are more worried about their careers and that the students’ community should not be dragged into the present political conflict between the various groups of the Naga undergrounds.
NSCN-IM ‘benefiting’ from Indian constitution, says NSCN-K The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 9 (MExN): The NSCN-K is convinced that the NSCN-IM continues to ‘benefit’ from the Indian constitution, even while ‘fooling the people’.
“IK has thus meticulously plotted to benefit form Indian constitutional dispensation but continues to befool the Nagas through cheapest propagandas asserting their opposition to Indian constitution” stated a note from ‘Brig’ Niki Sumi, ‘Commander, Operation Blue Land.’ It queried if it is not an act of treachery to oppose Indian political machineries on one hand and promote the same on the other and that if it is acceptable for the Nagas to have dual identity as “Indian Naga or Naga Indian and Naga at the same time”.
“To go by IK’s formulae of solution, the Nagas are propounded to be a Naga Indian, Where as, the indigenous Nagas has for decades strived to regain inherent ethnic identity ‘Naga’ as nation and a people, it stated. “Thus, apparent is the differences of ideologies between NSCN and IK. At no point of NSCN’S struggle had we accepted or co-operated with Indian constitution or it’s agencies, where as it is beyond doubt that IK has not only bowed down to Constitution of India but effortlessly promoted the same through active participation at various intervals of Indian elections in Nagaland as well as Manipur” the release stated.
The NSCN-K charged the rival faction of being behind UNC and ANSAM’S involvement in the election campaigns in the four hill districts of Manipur. “Isn’t it evident enough of IK’s intentional activities to benefit from Indian rule? Isn’t it an act of acceptance of Indian nationality? The Nagas are no longer primitively ignorant to accept without question the ploy of IK to Indianize the Nagas” ‘Brig’ Sumi stated.
History was repeated when the Nagas boycotted the Indian elections in Nagaland in the year 1998, where as VS Atem (former ‘Army chief’ of the NSCN-IM) accepted a bribe of rupees “twenty million” from former Nagaland Chief Minister and present Goa Governor SC Jamir, charged the NSCN-K military leader. This resulted in an un-opposed sweeping of polls by the Indian National Congress and the NSCN-IM was thus instrumental in further successful coercion of Indian constitution upon the Nagas, it stated. “Alien (Indian) occupation was further perpetuated on the Nagas during 2003 Assembly election where IK staunchly canvassed with muscle and Gun power in favor of regional political party that resulted in ensuring victory of DAN coalition” it added. The NSCN-K is striving to protect the interests of the Nagas of Nagaland, as well as safeguarding the plight of the Nagas scattered across Manipur, Arunachal and Myanmar, it said stressing that integration of Naga families be based on broader perspective without exception or injustice on any section unlike NSCN-IM’s sole exclusive focus on southern Nagas, who comparatively are enjoying dual privileges both from Nagaland and Manipur State.
Captain cites reasons for joining NSCN (K) The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 9 (MExN): Captain Kivuxu Sumi, former NSCN-IM member has in a public statement citing reasons for joining the NSCN (K) stated that he was riddled with guilty conscience for his inability to protest ‘evil factors at work’ and as such voluntarily retired from NSCN-IM.
“During my short span of common public life, I experienced a jolt of transformation, shedding light on extreme criminality and criminalization of Naga politics by NSCN-IM. Thus in my humble commitment to serve the cause of the Nagas I decided to renew my spirit of patriotism by joining NSCN (K), the platform that truly stands for righteous assertion and attainment of the national goal of the Nagas”, Captain Kivuxu stated in a press note received here.
The Captain stated that he had dedicated his entire youth in the service of NSCN and continued to do so even after the unfortunate split of NSCN in the year 1988, without fear or favor and rendered his best possible services with conviction that regardless of differences of opinion and factional ravages within Nagas struggling groups, Nagas goal of retaining it’s sovereignty is to be pursued at any cost.
While pointing out that “discrepancies” in the line of duty occurs and that nobody was immune to such acts of natural failure for which procedural penalties are imposed, the Captain alleged that excess of punishments leading to the extent of capital punishment, physical impairment, drastic discharge without trial and impartial judgment had become routine affair upon numerous normally pardonable errant NSCN-IM cadres from other Naga tribes, where as members from certain tribe were never taken into account or brought to justice despite gross violation of human rights, revolutionary ethos and NSCN manifestoes and Ahzas.
“The sacred cause, rights and aspirations of the Nagas had been our daily bread for which we endured every inhuman sufferings and untold hardships all through our struggle from the jungles of Burma to the street of Nagaland, we survived with pious sympathy and goodwill donation of the Nagas. “Extortion, kidnap, killing, threat and intimidation were alien to National workers of yesteryears”, he maintained.
Stating that it had always been his belief to preserve and protect even a single life of the Nagas, but that to my utter disappointment, “hundreds of true Naga patriots were butchered simply because they happen to propagate healthy criticism against the platform”
Response to ‘ik’s anti-naga allegation on nscn’- Nagaland Post Opinion
Nagas assertion of "Sover-ignty and Independence" gained significance with unanimous non-paticipation of the Nagas during the first Indian imposed State Legislative Assembly election in 1952, 25th January, followed by similar affirmation of non-participation(Non-cooperation) in Indian State system in 1957 General Assembly election. Despite creation of Nagaland Stetehood and consequent forceful imposition of Indian Constitution , the Nagas continued to struggle to retain it's sovereign status defying Indian laws and it's State's instruments of conquest.
History was repeated when the Nagas banned Indian election in Nagaland in the year 1998, where as, quite diabolically V.S Atem the then self-styled IK'S Army chief accepted a bribe of rupees twenty (20) million from S.C Jamir that resulted in an unopposed sweeping of polls by the Indian National congress, IK were thus instrumental in further successful coercion of Indian constitution upon the Nagas. Alien (Indian) occupation was further perpetuated on the Nagas during 2003 Assembly election where IK staunchly canvassed with muscle and Gun power in favor of regional political party that resulted in ensuring victory of DAN coalition.
IK has thus meticulously plotted to benefit form Indian constitutional dispensation but continues to befool the Nagas through cheapest propagandas asserting their opposition to Indian constitution. Isn't it an act of treachery to oppose Indian political machineries on one hand and promote the same on the other? Is it acceptable for the Nagas to have dual identity as Indian Naga or Naga Indian and Naga at the same time?
To go by IK's formulae of solution, the Nagas are propounded to be a Naga Indian, Where as, the indigenous Nagas has for decades strived to regain inherent ethnic identity "The NAGA" as Nation and people. Thus, apparent is the differences of ideologies between NSCN and IK.
At no point of NSCN'S struggle had we accepted or co-operated with Indian constitution or it's agencies, where as it is beyond doubt that IK has not only bowed down to Constitution of India but effortlessly promoted the same through active participation at various intervals of Indian elections in Nagaland as well as Manipur. Currently,IK is behind UNC and ANSAM'S ongoing all out Indian election campaign in the four hills district of Manipur, isn't it evident enough of IK's intentional activities to benefit from Indian rule? Isn't it an act of acceptance of Indian nationality? The Nagas are no longer primitively ignorant to accept without question the ploy of IK to Indianise the nagas.
As we are striving to protect the interests of the Nagas of Nagaland, we are, at the same time struggling to safe guard the plight of the Nagas scattered across Manipur, Arunachal and Myanmar for which we stress that Integration of Naga families be based on broader perspective without exception or injustice on any section unlike IK'S sole exclusive focuss on southern Nagas, who comparatively are enjoying dual privileges both from Nagaland and Manipur State. It is also a matter of concern that self-proclaimed National party like IK has stooped so low and engages in immatured rhetoric and irrevalant publications in an effort to divert honest public debate on crucial National issues of the Nagas. The Nagas are now quite acquainted with dubious peace proclamation by IK, since killings of innocent Nagas and violence follows every peace utterances of the IK'S leadership. Need no mention of barbaric acts of inhuman killings by IK in prompt exhibition of peace proclamation by their leader. Brig. Niki Sumi, Commander Operation "Blue Land" ,Peopll's Army Of Nagaland, Nscn (K).
Un-intellectual Intellectualism: A dig at Naga Intellectuals “I was born a good boy; society ruined me”
Talking about global village, huh, when you can hardly find a place to park your bum with a peace of mind in Nagaland, unless you belong to that particular tribe at that given time! You find a peace of mind only while interacting with the so called Tephreimia, Khalaumi, Tsümar, etc, (forgive me for the spelling mistakes, if any!). Go anywhere; even the butchers have their own share in treating others! Ha, ha, intellectuals product, or had we any intellectuals in the past (apology to real intellectuals)! Raw Politicians using divisionism as their weapon and Raw Intellectuals backing them gives this Mix-Masala product found only in Nagaland. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to this unique land! A balanced head guides the body towards the right direction, but a drunken sodden head leads a body to a nowhere direction. The so called intellectuals are supposed to be the head of the body, called SOCIETY. Today as we look into the Naga society, anyone who knows ABC is an intellectual! But hey, dear brothers and sisters and uncles and aunties; intellectuals of today, have you in anyway contributed to the cause of the fragmented Naga Society today? Majority of Naga intellectuals suffer from a disease called TRIBALISM AND FACTIONALISM; it is this barbaric intellectual threat that is instilling hatred and all sorts of abominable values into the head of today’s youths. What is our understanding about global village? An intellectual, speaking his mind considering the interest of all the Nagas is branded as Anti-His-Tribe and Anti-Naga, Anti-faction, because every tribe and every faction wants a ‘Lion Share’ for themselves! Stupid competition has blinded one to see the good deeds of the other. Man, this is not cool. Everytime an interesting write up comes up; many including me make it a point to go through, and interestingly most of these write ups bear a strong command of vocabulary and grammar; the maneuver of the use of language – quite commendable, but sadly the intention and reason behind is often evil and creates only divisionism! Intellectuals overall must understand that the Naga youths are interested only in your intention and reason behind your Write-Ups than the dexterous use and command over language! I guess all those are old-fashioned methods used when the people had very less understanding and reasoning ability (Inapplicable today). Books written and that which pleases only the Indian government and demeans the whole struggle and suffering of the Naga people at any point of time, just to buy the sympathy of the Indians can not be accepted not books written in the name of the Naga people, but that which is smitten with the disease of Tribal-Divisionism cannot be accepted. We the Naga youths will have to understand that we must stand above the deep rooted disease of Tribalism and cheap factionalism making us a laughing stock in the eye of the world. Those filled with hatred, young or old alike, in whatever fields we have to understand that unless we do away with away with that inside us, our knowledge and wisdom would further poison the future Naga Society. Which intellectual are you? Is it that to love our Nagas we have to hate the non-Nagas?! Man, no way. There’s been too much gap of understanding between the old and young today; both blaming each other. Most of the olds has failed to update themselves with the world of today; as such they cannot keep the balance of the advancement of civilization. The young people on the other hand have failed to see the evils of civilization due to lack of guidance. The matured people have more understanding, as such with an updated mind they can foresee both the good and evils of today, thus equip themselves to be wonderful counselors. Not all the influences coming from outside are evil; every young man and woman wants to look cool, and be cool. Young people are very fragile like an egg; you let loose it breaks; you tighten your grip and it breaks! Is only the person who stands and address the public gatherings or the person who writes an intellectual? NO! Anyone who speaks for ‘LOVE AND PEACE’, and has the right understanding of what he/she is speaking, is a real intellectual. INTELLECTUALS, please HEAL OUR NAGA SOCIETY. Joshua Sheqi 5th Semester Kohima Law College
Parties prepare for Nagaland byelection Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Feb 9 – With the announcement of date for by-elections to two Assembly segments in Nagaland, three major political parties have started ground work to face the battle of ballots on March 8 next. Both Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) and BJP, coalition partners in the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Government have hinted that the possibility of seat sharing among the two is remote and they might go for direct contest in the by-elections to Tuensang Sadar-II and Dimapur-I constituency, which fell vacant following BJP MLAs Lakiumong and Hokishe Sema’s demise. Although all parties at this juncture hinted about the possible candidates for the coming by-elections, many aspirants are lobbying with the leaders of NPF, BJP and the opposition Congress respectively.
NPF spokesman Akang Ao said, the party would hold formal discussions on the poll strategy after arrival of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and party president Shurhozelie from New Delhi. Meanwhile, State Chief Electoral Officer said the formal notification for the by-elections would be issued on February 12 and the last date for filing nominations is February 19. The date of polling is March 8 and counting will be held on March 12. – PTI
NSCN factions clash in Molvung the Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 9 (MExN): Armed cadres of the NSCN groups today exchanged gun fire in Molvung village near Ghaspani, according to reports received here. According to source, the gun battle began at around 3 pm in the late afternoon. However no report of any casualty was reported at the time of filing this news report.
Meanwhile, a suspected NSCN-K cadre was killed in an encounter with Assam Rifles jawans at Saching village in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh yesterday, official sources said today. PTI sources added.
UNLF guns down 5 in Manipur Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, Feb 9: Three CRPF personnel, among five persons, were shot dead by UNLF rebels in poll-related violence in Manipur’s Ukhrul district bordering Myanmar Friday morning. The militant attack also claimed the lives of one polling officer and a civilian and injured ten others, besides destroying three electronic voting machines (EVMs). UNLF cadres, armed with automatic weapons, ambushed the CRPF men escorting polling personnel carrying ballot boxes in five vehicles at around 9.30 a. m. when they reached a spot between Rihang and Nungjang under Kamjong sub-division of Ukhrul district, official sources said.
The security personnel were reportedly escorting poll materials from a remote area of Phungyar constituency in Kamjong sub-division where polling was held Thursday as part of the first phase of elections in four districts of the state. The securitymen, along with polling officials, were heading towards the district headquarters early today. The official sources said three CRPF jawans, one polling officer and a civilian were killed and ten others, including a jawan, were wounded in the UNLF attack, adding the militants also snatched an SLR and a wireless set from the security convoy. A spokesperson of the UNLF, however, claimed the outfit killed at least six CRPF personnel and injured several others and also took away weapons and one wireless set from the security personnel. He also said the attack was carried out by cadres of the Manipur People Army (MPA), the army wing of the UNLF.
Later additional forces were rushed to the sport where firing continued till late morning. "Uhkrul district police, led by the SP, rushed to the spot to confirm the UNLF claim and also to take stoke of the situation," a senior police officer told this correspondent. Meanwhile, Ukhrul district has been totally cut off from other places of the state following blockade of the Imphal-Ukhrul road (section of the NH-150) by public in protest against the killing of a civilian in an encounter Thursday night. An underground cadre was killed in an encounter with Imphal East commandos at Lamlai Bazar on the Imphal-Ukhrul road last night. A civilian also fell to the bullets in the exchange of fire. The commandos also recovered an AK-57 rifle, a magazine and four live rounds. Imphal East SP Kailun said, "The civilian was caught in the cross-fire."
Outraged at the incident, the people have demanded a judicial enquiry into the circumstances leading to the death of the civilian.
Non-Manipuri killed in Manipur Imphal, Feb 9 (PTI) A person was shot dead by some unidentified gunmen in the Imphal West district of Manipur, official sources said today. The gunmen shot at the non-Manipuri person from point blank range at Tendangyang area under Sekmai police station, about 20 kms north of here, yesterday, sources said. The unidentified body has been sent to the Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here for post mortem, they added.
Ulfa ‘hand’ in red blast R. KRISHNA DAS The Telegraph
Raipur, Feb. 9: The Ulfa-Maoist nexus came to the fore when a top police officer in Chhattisgarh told The Telegraph that the proscribed Assam outfit had provided technological knowhow to the red brigade. The explosion triggered yesterday killed six persons, including three policemen of the Nagaland Armed Police (NAP), near Bhairamgarh in Dantewada district.
One of the injured civilians died this morning, taking the toll to seven. The suspicion about Ulfa’s involvement gained ground as the outfit had been using the “twin detonator technology” in insurgency operations in the Northeast.The Maoists in Chhattisgarh have never tried this method.
Elaborating on the technology, the officer, on condition of anonymity, said the lunchbox was connected with two detonators and batteries. While the Naga policemen managed to defuse one bomb, the second went off killing five persons on the spot. Another person died in hospital.
The technology-savvy rebels had on January 16 used the “directional” mine technique for the first time in Chhattisgarh, killing seven policemen in an attack near Narayanpur in Bastar district.
The same technique was used in the attack on former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on October 1, 2003. Chandrakant Patle, a panchayat representative, died at Raipur’s Modern Medical Institute today. He, along with two others, had been airlifted to the city from Bhairamgarh. A report said the blast ripped apart his liver and kidney. Senior superintendent of police, Raipur, B.S. Marawi said the bodies of the three NAP personnel assistant commandant Sarvato and sepoys Batti and Apang Chang were taken to Delhi in the afternoon. The bodies are expected to reach Nagaland tomorrow. The killings occurred a year after 11 IRB personnel from Nagaland died in two landmine blasts in the same area. The Naga community had then reacted with indignation at police personnel from their state being deployed in Maoist-affected areas.
AFSPA, tribal separatism plague Manipur polls Arun Chaubey Zee News Although development is a key issue in Manipur, territorial integrity is the single biggest concern for all the political parties in the ninth state assembly elections. Besides, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 is a thorn in the flesh of the state, as the alleged rape and murder of Manorama Devi is still fresh in people’s mind. The assembly election is viewed to be the most important poll ever since Manipur attained statehood in 1972. Therefore, no political party is sparing any effort on their part to woo the voters.

Removal of AFSPA, 1958 The state had witnessed a huge political storm following the rape and murder of 32-year-old woman Thangiam Manorama. Her friends and family members say that she was raped and killed, while the authorities say she had links with an insurgent group and was an expert in Improvised Explosive Device. The protestors are demanding punishment for her killers and the lifting of the AFSPA. Women in Manipur have traditionally enjoyed a lot of respect and crimes against them are rare. Perhaps that explains the people's anger at Manorama's killing. She has now become an icon for Manipuris, and her death is certainly going to influence the assembly polls. Besides, the deteriorating condition of social activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has been on fast for the last six years demanding removal of the Act, civil organisations are determined to highlight 'blatant lies' on part of the political outfits to secure votes.

Leaders of the Manipur People’s Party (MPP), and the state units of the Rashtriya Janata Party (RJD) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have unanimously stated that once they are elected to power or become a ruling partner in the next government they would press for repealing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958. BJP have stated that it would want a debate over Justice Reddy Commission report on the AFSPA on the floor of the house.

While the Congress is adamant on its stand, as Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has categorically ruled out the possibility of repealing it in the prevailing law and order situation. He is highlighting the Congress-led SPF government’s initiative and effort to get the Act lifted from the Imphal Municipal area at least.

Movement for ‘Greater Nagaland’ For the Congress and recently formed Federal Party and Democratic Peoples Party, Manipur's territorial integrity is the single biggest issue. But there are some regional parties which are extending support to the cause of ‘Greater Nagaland’.

Prior to the elections, four Naga MLAs resigned from the assembly and their respective political parties. The resignations were close to the declarations by the United Naga Council that it would support only those candidates who have interest of Naga people in their hearts and are not aligned with any national political. Although political parties promise that they will negotiate with separatist groups and would not allow division of the state if elected to power, the reality is that they are not in a position to do more as ball is in the Centre’s court. The goal of Naga separatist movement in North-East is to carve out Greater Nagaland by integrating territories inhabited by its tribes. The Naga rebels have been fighting with the Indian government for the last 50 years.

Under the leadership of Thuingaleng Muivah, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) is negotiating with the Centre for a settlement of the five decade-long problem. The NSCN's Khaplang faction also maintains a ceasefire with Indian troops, but Delhi has not invited its leader for the negotiations going on with the NSCN's main faction led by Issac Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah for six years now. The Centre is moving very cautiously, because if it accepts the NSCN’s demand it may cause fierce reactions in the states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Demand to extend 6th Schedule Like other parts of the Northeast, Manipur has also witnessed the clash of cultures among its different ethnic groups. The state having the population of around 24 lakh has 29 different recognised tribes besides, the Meiteis - the valley living people, and the Meitei Pangal - Manipuri Muslims who came from once princely state in 1606 from Bangladesh.

For individual and community independence, people have been demanding a wide range of administrative and structural changes from the government, besides the upgradation of Autonomous Councils to that of Autonomous Development Councils. They also seek more Central funds for infrastructure development within the purview of the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution. Like other parts of the Northeast, demands for extending the Sixth Schedule provisions to the Manipur Hill areas is very vociferous. The common perception seems to be that autonomous councils would provide them greater participation in the development related activities. On the contrary, Lok Sabha MP T Meinya think that the implementation of the Sixth Schedule in hill districts of Manipur would face difficulties as there is no consensus among the people. He puts forth the necessity for implementation of the Land Revenue Act all over the state, because one faces restriction in registering land in hill districts while in the valley one can register plots in his or her name without any difficulty.

Demographic imbalance Migration from Bangladesh, Nepal and also of settlers from other parts of the country has added to the demographic imbalance in the North-East. In order to disable such groups from entering electoral lists and the citizenship rolls, the demand is to extend reservations for local communities and minorities in the state legislature. Local people feel that a National Immigration Commission be set up under law to examine a range of issues including work permits for legal migrants, Identity cards for all residents, a National Migration Law, a National Refugee Law, to review the Citizenship Act, the Illegal Migrants Determination by Tribunal Act and the Foreigners Act. Besides, local communities should be involved in monitoring of borders along with the local police and Border Security Force. The political leadership have to find a way to resolve these problems taking into confidence the people of Manipur.

Sonia stress on SHGs’ role for women empowerment By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 9 – Amid much fanfare, punctuated by a few moments pf poignancy, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today launched the Integrated Scheme for Women’s Empowerment (ISWE) in the city today. A scheme of the Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB), it has been specially designed to fulfill the needs of women of the North eastern states. The scheme lays special emphasis on empowerment of women through their economic development and provision of support services. Addressing a gathering at the Judge’s Field, Gandhi commended the CSWB for having come up with the scheme targeting the women and children of the North-East based on a comprehensive strategy. The effort reflects the priorities of the UPA Government and the Congress party, and recognizes that only empowered women could become the driving force necessary for a social transformation. Significantly she said that there was great scope for expanding the Self Help Groups of the Northeast and in order to be effective on a larger scale they should become “instruments of collective mobilization… organizations of social capital.”

Elegantly attired in Muga mekhela chador, Gandhi referred to the RTI Act and underlined the role it could play in empowering SHGs and other women’s organizations. She felt use of the Act would help women becoming empowered and also make administration more responsible and sensitive.Home Minister Shivraj Patil was of the view that women of the North-East were more advanced in some areas compared to others in rest of the country. The empowerment of such women would contribute to the nation’s progress. With the implementation of the scheme, not just women but children too would benefit, he added. Chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board Rajni Patil, profusely thanked Sonia Gandhi for her interest in the uplift of women in the North-East, and revealed the new scheme was only possible because of her support and encouragement. Saying that the women of North-East lacked resources, she added that the scheme would help them to overcome that handicap. The gap of marketing opportunities would narrow to a large extent once the scheme was operational.

In her welcome address, Mukti Dev Choudhury, Chairperson of the Asom State Social Welfare Board noted the new scheme would specifically deal with the problems faced by women of the North-East. Ultimately, it would help the women secure economic freedom, she added.

Today’s function witnessed sombre moments when some of the victims of violence dwelt on their personal travails. Some spoke on enduring difficult times following the death of their breadwinners. A young woman described how she had to endure suffering for two years after she was injured in an ULFA bomb blast. Various other dignitaries including Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, State Social Welfare Minister Ajanta Neog also spoke on the occasion.

6 BSF jawans killed in Manipur ambush From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 9 – At least six BSF personnel were killed in a militant attack in Manipur on Friday morning. Reports reaching here said that the BSF jawans were returning from their election duty at Kasom Khullen, a remote tribal village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district around 9:30 am. The attackers took away three weapons from the slain BSF personnel. The weapons include 2 self loading rifles and one light machine gun.The details are awaited. In another incident, two militants were killed in an encounter with Imphal East Police commandos at Lamlai Bazar under Manipur’s Lamlai police station in Imphal east district on Thursday night. Following a tip off that some suspected underground cadres were moving around Lamlai area, a team of Imphal East district police commandos moved into the area. When the commando team reached Lamlai area, the militants opened fire at the commandos, informed a police source. After about 10 minutes of gun fight, the militants managed to escape from the area. Later two cadres were found killed in the gun fight. Moreover an AK 47 rifle was also recovered from the site. There was no report of any casualty on the part of police commandos, added the source.

Not all armed forces are enemies of Manipur: UNLF MPA Raising Day Sentinel
Imphal, Feb 9: The Manipur People’s Army (MPA), armed wing of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), is observing its 20th raising day today. In this connection, the military affairs committee of the UNLF has issued a statement giving a report to the people of the state on the progress of the armed struggle against Indian rule. The statement also clarified on the premises under which the military campaign of the MPA has been conducted, stating that the UNLF does not consider the entire Indian armed forces as its enemy, but only the ‘Indian Occupation Forces’ who are engaged in oppressing the people of Manipur. As such the UNLF/MPA has never targeted ordinary Indian citizens nor Indian Army units within Indian territory, it said. It noted that the objective of the Indian forces in the past year has been to occupy the UNLF’s base areas and prevent it from operating efficiently. The border areas of Chandel district have particularly been targeted in this connection, with Indian forces making repeated attacks on the UNLF‘s base areas, it said. The statement said all such attempts have been repulsed by the MPA, causing major losses to the Indian forces. It estimated that at least 40 Indian security forces personnel have been killed in these engagements in the past year, including some senior officers. It maintained that the repeated defeats have caused heavy downturn in morale among the Indian Army troops. This is evident from radio intercepts, and also reflected in the instances where shooting of officers by their own troops have taken place, the statement said. It further maintained that the 50,000 or so ‘Indian occupation forces’ posted in Manipur were suffering from severe institutional derangement, citing the many cases of killing torture or rape perpetrated by the Indian forces in Manipur. The statement further said destruction of morale of the Indian forces in Manipur was all along one of the objectives of the UNLF/MPA, and claimed that the group has won the war of morale. The admission by generals of the Indian Army that there can be no military solution in Manipur is very meaningful in this context, it said. A conflict has emerged between the policy makers of the Indian government and the Army, which is supposed to implement their policies, it contended. The statement also reminded the public that the cadres of the MPA are relentlessly continuing their armed struggle amidst hardships and deprivations, and it is the love and support of the people which sustains them and which is their greatest weapon.
Stating that such support is the root from which the courage and sacrificial spirit of the MPA’s cadres spring, the UNLF’s MAC expressed its boundless gratitude to the public. Reiterating that the MPA‘s would continue the armed struggle relentlessly, the statement added that it would work in cooperation with other like minded groups in this respect. In connection with the MPA’s anniversary, the UNLF MAC also extended its greetings to the leaders and cadres of all fraternal revolutionary groups, and saluted all those who have fallen in the revolutionary struggle, as well as the victims of atrocities and those incarcerated in prison. (Agencies)
Oppose violence, Sonia tells NE By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Feb 9: Blaming “outside forces and Opposition parties” for fomenting militancy in the North-east by misleading the youth, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi today asked women of the region to oppose violence and help usher in peace in the region. She said that the doors were always open for talks with those who had adopted the path of militancy so that the people of the region could benefit from development schemes. “There are some outside forces influencing youths here and misleading them. Women will have to help them positively and work together for peace and realization of the dreams and aspirations for development,” she said.
Without naming the ULFA or other militant groups of Asom, she said, “Some of our youths have adopted the wrong path, but our policy is that the doors for talks are always open.”
Women occupy a special place in the North-east and are a driving force for social change. Women will have to launch a movement to oppose violence and bring in peace, Gandhi said.
She was speaking at the launch of the Integrated Scheme for Women’s Empowerment, a special scheme for the North-east, at a conference of NGOs at Judges’ Field here.
“But violence in the region must stop so that the common people can reap the benefits of development,” she said. “We believe that all problems can be solved through negotiations and dialogue,” she said, adding that everything was possible if there was peace in the region, and it could be achieved through negotiation.



Frans on 02.10.07 @ 04:46 PM CST [link]


Friday, February 9th

NSCN-K arms seized OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


NSCN-K arms seized OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 8: Security forces have recovered large quantities of explosives and arms and ammunition from National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) activists in Arunachal Pradesh. The propaganda wing of the Naga outfit said security forces, acting on a tip-off, raided Saching village in Changlang district last night.
The Khaplang group’s ministry of information and publicity said two security personnel were gunned down in the encounter. The army also shot one self-styled “sergeant major,” Khamning Pangmi. The firing lasted for an hour before the militants were captured. While the outfit claimed to have lost only one cadre, official sources said the casualty could be higher. Security forces later recovered 75 kg of TNT from the site of the encounter.
The NSCN (K) also alleged that the jawans “tortured” five innocent villagers and molested a woman for sheltering militants. The outfit strongly condemned the army’s action and the alleged molestation of the woman. The propaganda wing of the outfit also accused the army of collaborating with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah).
“The NSCN (K) is aware of the nefarious collaboration between the Indian army and the NSCN (I-M),” it said,urging security personnel to “respect the sentiments of Naga people”.
The Khaplang faction’s truce is confined to Nagaland only, unlike the rival group. The army has been directed to smoke out activists of the Naga outfit outside the state. A.Z. Jami, NSCN (K) kilonser (minister) for information and publicity, has urged S.S. Khaplang and Kitovi Zhimomi, general secretary of the outfit, to abandon the truce. “I have urged our leaders to abrogate the ceasefire to save our organisation,” Jami said.
According to official sources, the incident is a part of the operations to flush out NSCN (K) and United Liberation Front of Asom activists, who have sneaked into the country from Myanmar recently. Assam Rifles and the army have also sealed the Indo-Myanmar border to stop the fleeing insurgents. Several NSCN (K) activists have reportedly slipped into Changlang and Tirap districts of Arunachal Pradesh

Naga cops die in Maoist zone - Bomb explodes while being defused OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
Raipur/Kohima, Feb. 8: Three policemen from Nagaland were among six killed in Chhattisgarh today when a bomb planted by Maoists exploded while being defused. The incident at Bhairamgarh, in Dantewada district, occurred a year after 11 India Reserve Battalion personnel from Nagaland died in two landmine explosions in the same area. The Naga community had then reacted with indignation at police personnel from their state being deployed in Maoist-infested areas. The Nagaland policemen who died in today’s incident were assistant commandant Savarto and sepoys Batti and Apang Chang. All three were members of a Nagaland Armed Police battalion. The other casualties were Chandrakant Markam and Poyam Mangu of Chhattisgarh police and their civilian driver Dinesh Baharia. A dozen people, mostly civilians, were wounded in the explosion. A two-day national conference on Maoist insurgency got under way in the state capital minutes before the incident. Official sources in Raipur said the bomb that killed the police personnel was detected during a combing operation that had been launched after a landmine explosion around 2 am. The target of the first attack was a vehicle carrying some Congress leaders of Dantewada. The passengers escaped with minor injuries because only the rear of the vehicle — a jeep — felt the impact of the explosion. When information about the incident reached the Bhairamgarh block headquarters, about 550 km south of the state capital, a police team was immediately despatched to the area. The team found a lunchbox packed with explosives at a spot between Boldi and Fundri villages, about 12 km from Bhairamgarh, around 9.20 am.
A senior officer of Chhattisgarh police claimed that the Nagaland policemen “acted carelessly” and did not disperse the crowd that had gathered at the site before trying to defuse the bomb. “In normal course, jawans defuse bombs either by firing a shot or other means from afar. They do not do it manually,” he said. But the acting inspector-general of police of Bastar range, who is a Naga, denied that the policemen from his native state were careless. T.J. Longkumer said a “technical error” resulted in the incident. “There were actually two bombs in a single lunchbox. While the jawans succeeded in defusing one, another went off while they were at it.”
A police officer in Kohima said the explosives might have been planted there to avenge the killing of nine Maoists by a team of Naga police personnel yesterday. The bodies of the three blast victims will reach Nagaland by Saturday. Naga security personnel deployed in Chhattisgarh have been consistently praised for their work in the Maoist-infested pockets of the Bastar region.
The Nagaland government intends to recall the 9th Nagaland Armed Police battalion by the middle of this year and replace it with the 11th battalion. Over the last two years, at least two dozen Naga police personnel on deputation have been killed by Maoists in Chhattisgarh.
Naga blues in Manipur's soul Rahul Karmakar Hindustand Times
Imphal, On Thursday, Manipur can witness what is termed as “surrogate polling” across constituencies that are geographically in Manipur, but “emotionally” in Nagaland, rather the greater Naga homeland. Some 6 lakh voters across 19 constituencies will decide the fate of 76 candidates, who include chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Speaker Maniruddin Sheikh (both Congress) and coordinator of the SPF government M Nara Singh (CPI). They will also decide if the Naga-dominated hills of Manipur eventually become part of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah)'s map of an "integrated Naga homeland". Nine of these 19 seats are in Senapati and Ukhrul districts, which along with Chandel and Tamenglong districts figure in the greater Nagaland dream. The pro-NSCN United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, has fielded six candidates to pursue the "integration issue outside and within the Manipur Assembly".
The agenda is significant in the wake of Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio's "blessings" for the Naga homeland push through the "historic election". "We passed resolutions for integration in the Nagaland Assembly four times, it is time for similar resolutions in Manipur," he said. Rio had earlier rubbed Manipur the wrong way by granting permission to some 5,000 Manipuri Naga school students to appear for the Nagaland board exams. The exam, labelled the education route to NSCN (I-M)'s integration goal, began on Wednesday under tight security in Nagaland. Meanwhile, all the 11 UNC-backed candidates - five are in Tamenglong and Chandel districts where polling is in the third phase on February 23 - formed the United Naga Democratic Front (UNDF) on Tuesday to make the agenda apparent. According to UNC president KS Paul Leo, the idea behind backing Naga candidates was to within the have a force 60-member Manipur Assembly to "fight for the
NSCN (K) invites ONGC Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 8 (NPN): The NSCN (K) has said it would always open the door to the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC) for exploration and extraction of crude oil in Shangpang (Tiru) under Mon district and assured to act as "custodian" to the oil corporation as long as it remained there. Deputy kilonser (Home) Y Wangtin Naga, NSCN (K), in a letter addressed to the ONGC chairman/MD, however, said ONGC has to provide all infrastructures within Nagaland, absorb educated Naga youth in the corporation besides "paying certain negligible percentage of royalty" to the NSCN (K).
"This friendly and generous approach must be taken as good gesture," the NSCN (K) added. The outfit also informed that it would not allow the ONGC to operate in other areas of Nagaland other than Shangpang. While informing that it had come to the knowledge of the NSCN (K) about ONGC's "strong intention for exploration and extraction of crude oil from Shangpang …since the last two years," the NSCN (K) regretted that ONGC had shifted the "original location ie. Shangpang (Tiru) to Champang, Dimapur," due to reasons best known to the corporation.
The letter also made mention about the reported demand of "5% royalty as taxes" made to ONGC by a Lt. Col. of Naga Army and presently working as general secretary, Konyak Region (NSCN).
Pol parties start ground preparation for bypolls Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, FEB 8 (NPN): Three major political parties in the state, the Nagaland People Front (NPF), Congress and BJP have started ground preparation for the by-election to two assembly seats, slated for March 8. Speaking to the Nagaland Post, NPF spokesperson and general secretary Akang Ao said the party would field candidates in both the seats and disclosed that a clear picture would emerge only after the return of chief minister Neiphiu Rio and NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie from New Delhi.
Asked on the list of aspirant candidates the party has received so far, Akang revealed that for I-Dimapur-I A/C, NPF youth wing spokesperson Atomi Zhimomi who is also the son of Industries and commerce minister Khekiho Zhimomi, has emerged as forerunner for the party ticket.
For Tuensang Sadar II A/C, the party general secretary indicated that there are at least three to four ticket aspirants, but refused to divulge their names. A highly placed source in the NPF disclosed to Nagaland Post that though no final decision has been taken for Tuensang Sadar II, the party ticket aspirants include Mrs. Lakiumong, wife of the former MLA late Lakiumong, NPF associate press secretary W. Chuba Yim and Wongto. kang also said that NPF Party was yet to have formal discussion with its ruling coalition partner BJP on the issue.
He however said there should not be any question of "friendly contest" between NPF and BJP for both the seats" while hinting that the NPF might face a tough fight from the opposition Congress party in both seats.
A Congress leader, talking on condition of anonymity, said the party was almost certain to field former MLA Kejong Chang for Tuensang Sadar-II while for Dimapur-I, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Election Committee will meet on February 10 to decide the further course of action. Some political analysts have hinted that the Congress might set up former chief minister KL Chishi for the prestigious Dimapur-I AC. Meanwhile, state BJP general secretary Vikhielie Victor told this correspondent that whether the BJP would contest or not in the two seats would be decided during the BJP legislatures and office bearers meeting scheduled on February 10.
GPRN/NSCN (K) demands apology from Pro (Defence)- Nagaland Post Opinion
The GPRN/NSCN sharply reacts to the press write ups of the so called PRO of the Indian army, Lt. Col Nirupam Bharagava, alleging the NSCN of kidnapping of its cadre, a havildar of TA (Trouble Aggravator) Bn. from a bus station at Dimapur as carried in the local dailies of 7.2.2007.
We want to know, in the first place, whether the aggressor (Indian Army) have had a thorough investigation of the havildar's disappearance from the camp for hours together and made such wild accusations against the Naga People's Organization. The Indian army and GOI have all the means of investigative machineries. So, why not investigate the case properly and ascertain the cause of disappearance of the errant cadre?? The said havildar might have gone to rape some women or to commit theft or to the brothel house to satisfy his passion and then in order to escape the chastisement from his commanders he bluntly implicated the NSCN. Or he might have been instigated by some one to make such foul play seeing the volatile situation of Dimapur and Kohima. Under such circumstances, did the Indian army think proper to issue warnings to the NSCN? Do you think that the GPRN/NSCN will accept by laying low the phrases, "A stern warning" and "An appropriate action". Do the GOI and the Indian army think that NSCN is very happy for the cease-fire? Do you think that we are your bonded servants or slaves that you should dictate us??
We are free people of a sovereign nation. We are the legitimate sons of the soil. You are foreigners and aggressors to our home and hearth. We are not scared of your threats. We have been fighting for the last six decades against the 50 lacs-strong Indian army and 20 lacs- strong Myanmarese army. Fighting is not unseen or unheard thing for us. We never ever had aggressed or encroach against the land of Indians. But you are committing naked aggression against the land of the Nagas. You are violating the political, economic and civil fights of the Nagas. You are violating the term of the cease-fire. Do the GOI and its army understand how many NSCN cadres have been killed, how many have been captured and put in jail and how many of our arms and ammunitions have been forcibly seized during the current cease-fire?? Remember that the almighty had already cursed your army and your country. Suicides of your cadres and fratricides among the Indian army personnel is a daily occurrence. Do you think that it is a good sign for you?
Therefore, the GPRN/NSCN demands unqualified apology from the PRO or the Indian army for their irresponsible utterance and outburst of madness without proving the case or the incident, otherwise, this act of the Indian army will remain as a deep wound in the cease-fire agreement between the GOI and the NSCN. The errant havildar should also be immediately court martialled.
Secretary, MIP, GPRN, NSCN (K).
NSCN-K arms seized Nagarealm.com
Kohima, FEB08 : Security forces have recovered large quantities of explosives and arms and ammunition from National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) activists in Arunachal Pradesh. The propaganda wing of the Naga outfit said security forces, acting on a tip-off, raided Saching village in Changlang district last night.

The Khaplang group’s ministry of information and publicity said two security personnel were gunned down in the encounter. The army also shot one self-styled “sergeant major,” Khamning Pangmi. The firing lasted for an hour before the militants were captured. While the outfit claimed to have lost only one cadre, official sources said the casualty could be higher. Security forces later recovered 75 kg of TNT from the site of the encounter. The NSCN (K) also alleged that the jawans “tortured” five innocent villagers and molested a woman for sheltering militants. The outfit strongly condemned the army’s action and the alleged molestation of the woman.

The propaganda wing of the outfit also accused the army of collaborating with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah). “The NSCN (K) is aware of the nefarious collaboration between the Indian army and the NSCN (I-M),” it said,urging security personnel to “respect the sentiments of Naga people”. The Khaplang faction’s truce is confined to Nagaland only, unlike the rival group. The army has been directed to smoke out activists of the Naga outfit outside the state. A.Z. Jami, NSCN (K) kilonser (minister) for information and publicity, has urged S.S. Khaplang and Kitovi Zhimomi, general secretary of the outfit, to abandon the truce. “I have urged our leaders to abrogate the ceasefire to save our organisation,” Jami said.

According to official sources, the incident is a part of the operations to flush out NSCN (K) and United Liberation Front of Asom activists, who have sneaked into the country from Myanmar recently. Assam Rifles and the army have also sealed the Indo-Myanmar border to stop the fleeing insurgents. Several NSCN (K) activists have reportedly slipped into Changlang and Tirap districts of Arunachal Pradesh. [telegraphindia]
Rejoinder to ‘staking students career’- Nagaland Post Opinion
The philosophy of Khaplang camp resurfaces with their declared 'struggle for the liberation of the Indian imposed Nagaland state' which was clearly enunciated in the press write-ups that appeared through the local dailies under the caption 'Staking students career, the last political straw' on February 7, 2007. The NSCN/GPRN is struggling for the emancipation of more than 47 Naga Tribes spread in-between the boarders of Myanmar and India. We are against alien subjugation, aggression, occupation and arbitrarily imposed vivi-section of the Naga country.We are fighting against the occupying nations and telling them to leave us alone as we were independent since time immemorial. Through the course of the Naga people's struggle, almost every Naga family has suffered in some way or the other. We have contributed and sacrificed much in some way or the other for our national cause which has been going on for more than half a century now. We do not accept arbitrarily imposed artificial boundaries within Nagalim. We are fighting against aggression upon our identity and our land. Thousands have sacrificed their lives for the Naga national cause. Even today we are proud to have many among us who are ready to sacrifice the same for our sacred and dear cause. The Khaplang camp proclaims that they are fighting for the Sovereign Naga nation on one hand. They indulge in all kinds of anti-peace activities under the guise of nationalism on the other. How far does their works correspond to that of Naga national liberators? Do not they profess divisionism and communalism? If the Indian Army personnel whom they abducted at Dimapur was not an Anal Naga but had been from some other tribe he would surely have been killed. They may wash their hands but there is none else to blame for this incident because others have no such foolish motives or intentions. Today, with the Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu's proclamationof 'Peace & Reconcilliation throughout Nagalim, the Khaplang camp is trying to exploit this declaration. Instances like- the employee of popular Bakery, Dimapur was shot at in the midst of thronging customers on the evening of 6th February 2007. One Khaplang cadre was arrested by Nagaland Police at Dimapur while in the act of anti-social acts recently.
The Khaplang cadres provocatively encroached and set up camp in the proximity of Mt. Gilead Camp of the Naga Army forcing Naga Army to chase them up to Saijang where two of their cadres died and one Naga Army personnel sustained minor injury recently. When peace is declared, instead of extending good-will gestures to strengthen peace and reconciliation the Khaplangs have been trying to exploit the situation with all provocative offensives. They are trying to vitiate the peace and beguile the populace with their claws of terror. As such responses in tandem with the desire of the desire of the Naga people?
The Khaplang have betrayed the Naga cause confining their proclaimed struggle to the State of India-Nagaland falling under the parameters of the Indian Constitution. The NSCN/GPRN does not recognize the Indian imposed state boundaries or their constitution. The Naga peoples' cause is not a new thing of today but a struggle to evict alien occupation and impositions. The Naga people were free people since time immemorial. The NSCN/GPRN is fighting for this God given freedom to us. The states of Manipur, Arunachal or Nagaland are recent creations arbitrarily imposed by India which the Nagas does does not recognize. Is the Khaplangs' definition of their support for Naga integration but against the Southern Nagas sensible? Are the Khaplang bankrupt in politics and policies which are leading them to victimize the innocent? There also seems to be incongruity and differences between Gen. Kholi, SS Khaplang and Kitovi in their manifestoes. When they claim that they are fighting for the statehood of India-Nagaland their Chairman Khaplang a Burmese Naga is across the international boarder in Myanmar. Does Kholi also know about this?
Let us be more sensible and come out of our egoistic cocoons and admit to facts and accept one another than waging bad blood amongst ourselves. We should all try and contribute to give peace a chance so that our wounds are healed. No matter what! Nagas are all of the same body. If one finger is hurt, the whole body suffers the pain. So let us all try to heal ourselves with love and reconciliation and healthily strive on ahead with the rest of the world. Issued by: MIP : GPRN, NSCN (IM).
Ukhrul, Senapati face elections today Naga Nation Newmai News Network
Imphal, February 7: In the first phase of Manipur polling, 6, 00,697 electorates domiciled in 19 Assembly Constituencies of Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal districts will decide the fate of 77 candidate fates including that of chief minister O.Ibobi Singh. The over 6 lakhs voters will exercise their franchise from 7 am till 3:30 pm. The first polling phase has identified 271 polling stations as hyper sensitive while 443 as sensitive polling stations, as per tentative classification of polling stations by the Chief Electoral Office. In the hill constituencies, other than independent candidates, political parties fielding their candidates are minimal in a fray except the Congress party putting up their 19 candidates in all the ACs for the first phase polling.
Meanwhile, following the dereliction committed by the polling personnel in Senapati, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Prem Singh has suspended 12 personnel including presiding officers, polling officers and a peon out of the 35 personnel assigned for the Assembly election duty at Tadubi AC, Mao AC and Karong AC. The erring personnel is said to have not been available at their residence nor has collected their monthly pay for the last few months. The DC has sought police help in arresting those polling personnel in case they fail to surrender or give evidences to substantiate their actions. Since yesterday polling materials including Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) along with security forces were already sent at their respective polling stations. There are some special arrangements for far flung remote polling station where only Shaktiman truck can reach such destinations. Keeping in mind difficulties of the terrain roads the election authority dispatch all the required materials and security personnel in advance.

The 6 ACs in Senapati district which is going for first phase poll today includes Karong AC having 55 polling stations with 48301 voters, Mao AC having 51 polling stations with 49337 voters, Tadubi AC-52+1 polling stations with 41549 voters strengths, Kangpokpi AC-33 polling stations with 29747 electorates, Saikul AC-43 polling stations with 35344 voters and Saikul AC have 45 polling stations with 38892 voter strengths.
Kill that barbaric instinct By Athan Muivah Article Sangai Express
With February 05 2007, as deadline, the recent 'Quit Notice' served over the Tangkhul community in the Nagaland by the Khaplang group has raised eyebrows among scores of right thinking people who find it hard to cringe at the thought of what such particular group had meant when it claims to be fighting for the cause of Nagalim. As the Ninth State Assembly election is round the corner, election fever grips many parts of the country. But in contrast, Nagaland still feels that looming of dark clouds in its sky with the outcome of torturing, maiming and killing of innocent people, whose lives would have otherwise been saved to exercise their voting right in a democratic country like India. Putting the entire land into rude shock, people regardless of their status would only discover themselves being dragged into pouring their emotions over possible dreadful events dramatised by merciless killers who have in them a short sighted view towards Nagalim.
Amid such eerie air, where do we people who are real masters of democracy sway - towards the State or Central machinery - to provide security, when both the machineries too that often merely wait and watch hoping violence would eventually vanish, have not become trustworthy? It's time we, with deepest conscience tackle things underlying our struggle to prevent ourselves from becoming an easy prey to a particular group or organisation, which is not rooted in the will of the people.
In the course of any struggle in this world that stands for the entire nation, mistakes although undesirable creep into it, are erratic elements that could not be totally avoided and usually leave behind a long trail of miserable memories. Now standing in the mirror of those memories, what is important is, to examine ourselves how do we fathom the past mistakes in the interest of our struggle that has witnessed the loss of thousand lives and properties in the hands of the enemies. At any cost, is it justified to put our trust upon few people with shared interest and whose disillusionment often leads to the extent of killing innocent boys like Shimmei Singnaisui in the failure to find his father who was said to be the target? Such barbaric act truly conforms to the purpose behind serving a 'Quit Notice' over a particular community to which the victim belongs, and it could be seen as an alarming threat to our democratic set up.
In fact, so much as they were in the past, the Nagas are still lovers of democracy. It may be recalled that during the World War II, the Nagas gave maximum help to the forces of democracy in defeating Japan. Field Marshall Slim thus in his book, Defeat Into Victory, rightly say: “The gallant Nagas whose loyalty, even in the most depressing times of the invasion, had never faltered. Despite flogging, torture, execution and the burning of their villages, they refused to aid the Japanese in any way or betray our troops. Their active help to us was beyond our praise... they guided our columns, collected information, ambushed enemy patrols, carried our supplies and brought in our wounded under the heaviest fire, and then, being the gentleman, they were often refused all payment. Many British and Indian soldier owe their lives to the Nagas, and no soldier of the 14th Army who met them will ever think of them, but with admiration and affection”.
In one stage, the present negotiation between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India, being in itself not an attempt to form a mere state within the Constitution of India, it calls for containment on the rising impatience of the people by understanding the process of negotiation to the core. In many media platforms, the collective leadership of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN), had clearly stated that the crux of the present talks is not of a solution within the Constitution of India. But the Nagas establishing with India, a 'Special Federal Relation', which is termed as a federation between the two entities on the basis of the 'Unique history and situation of the Nagas' which was officially recognised by the Govt of India.
Unfortunately, the Govt of India fails to come out with a concrete proposal even after more than fifty rounds of political negotiation. The Indian state has no policy for the so-called Northeast India and understanding of the complexity of the problems. The only policy it has is 'counter-insurgency', which means that the Indian State is undermining and making an attempt to muffle the issue of people's integrity and their movement in the region, leaving their genuine grievances unattended. In the case of the Naga movement too, although the Indian Govt had officially recognised the Nagas' unique history, there still appear many hurdles. The main pitfall is that when the process of political negotiation quests for the touch of political people assisted by lawyers, it is being handled by shadowy men of intelligence agencies which are involved in turf wars and not thinking of the future of either Indian or Naga people. Thus, the whole political sense is being over-ruled by the intervention of intelligence agencies and results in a myopic view of everything.
A positive response to the call of 'Third Party', involvement in the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue, the peace process today seems to be in the right track in view of the duo's keenness to work on a 'framework' by respecting each other's Constitution with the Dutch NGO, Kreddha as the facilitator.
The people should thus wholeheartedly endorse such move to examine and dissect the main hurdle, and hammer out a suitable solution, so that the present dialogue does not stretch long.
For a nation that takes pride in imbibing the spirit of democracy since time immemorial, in this present world that has witnessed the fall of Nazism and Fascism, it's a great shame to give way to the time-to-time intrusion of false propaganda and conspiracy theory. Let us remember that under the able leadership of the NSCN, the Naga national movement has taken a new turn with the Indo-Naga conflict being brought from military confrontation to the political negotiation. Though the support of various international organisations and communities, churches and many other support groups from different countries including India, the Naga struggle has now reached the threshold of a final solution.
At this crucial stage, the mass should understand that such gruesome act of threatening and killing innocent students by targeting a particular community is a silly attempt to dampen the spirit of Naga nationalism. Thus, whichever organisation or group they may belong to, the killers should now rather abstain themselves from such a narrow politics and prove their claim to be fighting for the cause of Nagalim. Only then will they win the trust of the people!
80 % vote in Manipur phase I poll Sushanta Talukdar and Iboyaima Laithangbam Voting by and large peaceful in 19 constituencies in three districts
Khangabok: Braving a downpour, 80-82 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise in 19 constituencies in the first phase of the Manipur Assembly elections on Thursday. Polling was peaceful barring incidents of disturbances by underground outfits and group clashes in four booths in Senapati district. The highest polling of 85 per cent was recorded in the Naga-dominated areas of Senapati district, while in Thoubal district it was 70 per cent and in Ukhrul district 63 per cent. Total voting figures from far-flung booths were awaited. Complaints of rigging and booth capturing in some Naga-dominated areas of the hill districts of Senapati and Ukhrul were lodged but additional Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Singh said there was no such official report.
Congress demands repoll The Congress demanded a repoll in the Tadubi constituency in Senapati district, from where Power Minister Farncis Ngajokpa is seeking re-election. In a complaint, it alleged that cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) had captured a majority of the booths and rigged the poll in favour of the United Naga Council (UNC)-sponsored K. Raina.
In his report to the Election Commission, the Additional CEO said no vote was cast in four polling stations in Senapati district as villagers there decided not to vote, while in another station in Ukhrul district no voter turned out. In the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi constituency in Senapati district, underground elements disturbed polling in one booth but it was resumed after a small break. Polling was stopped also in four other booths in the district following clashes between groups of voters. In all, 16 electronic voting machines were replaced in the three districts.
Mr. Singh said no repoll was ordered. In Ukhrul district, there were reports of snatching of an EVM in the Marwa polling station in the Phungyar constituency. Polling could not be held in a booth in the Kakching constituency in Thoubal district owing to a technical snag in the EVM.
Ibobi optimistic In Thoubal district, heavy polling was witnessed in most of the constituencies, particularly in Khangabok and Thoubal from where Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh is contesting. Coming out of a polling station in the Khangabok constituency, he told The Hindu that he was hopeful of the Congress getting an absolute majority and forming a government on its own for another term.
His rival Laishram Jatra of the Manipur People's Party (MPP), who had won from Khangabok twice, Mr Jatra, is equally hopeful of wresting the seat. "I am sure to get a landslide victory." he said.While in the Naga-dominated areas it was the Congress versus the UNC- backed candidates, in the 10 constituencies in Thoubal district the fight was essentially between the Congress and the MPP, both promising the voter to protect Manipur's territorial integrity. The MPP focussed also on the demand for withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, while the Congress harped on the stability factor.
Mr Ibobi Singh is the first Chief Minister to have completed the full five-year term in Manipur. The UNC said the candidates backed by it would take up in the Assembly the cause of integration of Naga-inhabited areas in Manipur with Nagaland. There are 60 constituencies in the State, where two more phases of the election remain to be held.
A reclusive lawyer with a penchant for politics Man to watch- Radhabinod Koijam SEKHAR DATTA The Telegraph
Imphal, Feb. 8: He is an oddity in a world of publicity-seeking politicians. Elections or not, Radhabinod Koijam prefers to keep a low profile, his reclusive character becoming more obvious when the media is around. But make no mistake, this canny politician knows how to compensate for not being a media darling. Cloistered in his palatial home at Thangmeiband, in the heart of Imphal West town, the septuagenarian politician meticulously plans his political moves, evoking awe among his devoted supporters and keeping rivals on their toes. A sudden hush among his mumbling band of workers seated in the outer drawing room confirms Koijam’s arrival .
Plonking on his favourite sofa, he settles down for a chat with The Telegraph, dwelling on the past and the future in measured tones. “I would have won the last Assembly polls in 2002 easily, but for the mass uprising on June 18, 2001, when 14 people were killed while agitating against the extension of the Centre’s ceasefire with the NSCN (I-M) beyond the borders of Nagaland,” Koijam recalls. He explains that people turned against politicians in general during the last poll.
What about his prospects this time? “Nobody is going to win against me this time and I am sure of this,” he says. A Mumbai-trained lawyer, Koijam established a practice in Nagaland and continued for a while before throwing it all away for politics. He contested the Thangmeiband seat in 1980 as an Independent candidate and was elected. Koijam joined the Congress later and retained his seat in the next two elections. Going from strength to strength, he was made deputy chief minister in the Rishang Keishing government in 1995. He had to wait another six years to reach the pinnacle of his career. In 2001, after the fall of the Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh government; he became the chief minister. The burden of governance and keeping his flock together, however, weighed Koijam down. “The government collapsed within three months. How could one satisfy so many conflicting ambitions?” Koijam asks, undoubtedly wiser after the experience. But even during the three months that he held the reins of power, Koijam showed that he had it in him to hold his ground on key issues. He took the bold decision of addressing the problem of insurgency by unilaterally declaring a ceasefire with all armed outfits active in the state, much against the wishes of the then government at the Centre.
“Delhi was against the ceasefire but I acted with a clean conscience for the benefit of the state. However, my government collapsed,” he recalls, reminding this correspondent that he remains the only chief minister to have ever taken such a step. He lost the next elections, but his passion for politics took him first to the Samata Party and then to the Nationalist Congress Party in September 2005. The NCP split over his entry as some members of the core group never wanted him in their midst. As the new president of the NCP, Koijam started building the party’s base block by block. The NCP has fielded 28 candidates this time, including five in the hill districts, and is aiming to win at least 15 seats.
“In the outgoing House, NCP had three MLAs, but this time we are going to win at least 15 seats and we will be a major player in forming the government,” predicts Koijam. In Thangmeiband, which has 853 more female voters than males, Koijam has one distinct advantage: the Nagas comprise a sizeable section of the electorate and are inclined to vote for him. In comparison, his main rivals — sitting BJP legislator Meinam Bharat and Congress nominee Waikhom Jyotin — are lightweights. Apart from the fact that his wife is also a Naga, Koijam has carefully built and maintained the image of a moderate on the sensitive ethnic questions that have triggered a divide between the hills and the valley. His basic opposition to the “vivisection of Manipur” and support for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act remain unchanged. “The act must go in the interest of the people and Manipur’s territorial integrity cannot be sacrificed at the altar of individual political ambitions,” he says.
Blast in Guwahati ahead of National Games Times of India

GUWAHATI: A blast occurred at the Kamakhya railway station on the outskirts of the city on Friday morning barely hours before the inauguration of the 33rd National Games.

There were, however, no casualties, police said. The blast occurred between the old and new buildings of railway station, which did not disrupt movement of trains, they said. The station was being used over the past few days to pick up a large number of sportspersons who had arrived here to participate in the Games to avoid the rush at the Guwahati railway station, police said.

A senior police official had received a phone call on Wednesday from a person claiming to be the ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Barua who said two programmable time devices had been planted on the railway track near the Kamakhya railway station. The caller had also said ULFA should not be blamed for any blast as it had withdrawn the Games boycott call. Following this, the six-km stretch along the railway tracks from Kamakhya station to Bharalumukh station, towards Guwahati, was dug up last night but no bombs or explosives were found, police said. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to inaugurate the National Games.
In the name of democracy Nagaland Post Editorial
Quite expectedly, the electioneering in Manipur in the run up to the first phase of the polling on February 8 was marked by intimidation, threat and various acts that are inimical to democratic expressions. Such anti-democratic acts cannot be accepted as these not only pose grave consequences on freedom but also expose the failure of the system in correcting the drift. Of serious consequences is booth capturing, a phenomenon that has totally hijacked the will of the people. Booth capturing is an electoral fraud, witnessed in those areas where armed party loyalists "capture" a polling booth and vote on behalf of the voters to ensure that their candidate wins. Booth capturing is suppression of the rights of voters and there cannot be anything worse than this poison on the will of the people. Manipur as well as Nagaland are perhaps two states where booth capturing has been rampant and wrongly accepted as part of the electoral process. It invariably puts these two states at par with the malpratices of dacoits of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other dacoit and criminal infested societies. Those who fool themselves about their popularity but afraid to have this tested, use such criminal tactics to win elections. The reason why booth capturing has not been discouraged stems from the fact that the electoral system has its many flaws. The main contributory factor is the government ruled by politicians who have been elected through this method and it is therefore not difficult to understand why booth capturing has been so much tolerated. In 1989 the Representation of the People Act, 1951 was modified to include booth capturing as an offence punishable by law and countermanding or adjourning any poll that was booth captured. The development of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) was also intended to make it harder for booth capturers to stuff the ballot boxes with their votes by enabling a five-minute delay between each vote entered as against hundreds of votes in the same time using ballot papers (stamped by a group of 3-4). The EVMs also possess a "close" button which can be used by the polling officer to deactivate the machines. Despite this, booth capturing continues to happen. The role of state agencies in the process is paramount since the Election Observers deputed by the Election Commission of India can but only lean on. It is time that the Election Commission of India the undertake primary task of collecting information from various independent agencies in order to be well informed about the ground reality. This could prepare the ECI in taking counter measures to prevent any criminal offence against the will of the people. It is also incumbent upon the people to raise their voices against electoral malpractices and this call for a greater role and responsibility on society's various voluntary organisations. After all, democracy is not only about voting but also about how we conduct ourselves to obey and respect the laws of the land.
Political divide Sangai Express Editorial
Even as the fate of 77 candidates were sealed in 19 Assembly Constituencies spread across the districts of Senapati, Ukhrul and Thoubal in the first phase polling on February 8, two trends have clearly emerged which do not augur well for the largest democratic exercise in the world. One is the growing incidents of poll related violence in almost all the Assembly Constituencies and the other is the use of overt or covert threat under a well laid down political agenda. Both are challenges to the institution of democracy, but it is the latter that we find more disturbing for if left unchecked it has the potential to take the already tense situation to a higher plane. The hawkish stand adopted by the United Naga Council in projecting its candidates and the threat issued to other candidates that their movements and political activities may be restricted is something which cannot be divorced from the concept of Nagalim. It remains to be seen how effectively the UNC has been able to ‘influence’ the Naga people in choosing their elected representatives, but the message has already been rung out and that is, everyone should toe the line of what the UNC thinks is right and best for the people. The stand of the UNC this time is undoubtedly a sharp diversion from their stand, when they coined the extremely catchy phrase, “We want solution, not election.” The question therefore is what are the political compulsions that have led the UNC to take such a keen and direct interest in the election. One obvious point is to give some sort of a political legitimacy to the demand of integrating all Naga inhabited areas under one political entity and the other, and if we may add, more provocative reason, could be to ring out the message that the integration of the Naga people and by extension the disintegration of Manipur can be raised on the floor of the State Assembly.
Elections in India have always been associated with violence and the use of money and muscle power. Manipur is also no exception to this, but what makes the election to the 9th Assembly all that more crucial is the use of threat and diktats under a well chalked out political agenda. It also goes without saying that the political agenda pursued by the UNC will further polarise the political thoughts between the valley and the hill areas, especially the hill districts dominated by the Naga people. Such a polarisation of thoughts and ideas can only take the brewing tension and sense of distrust and dislike to greater heights and this is what we find worrying. The tragedy that such a political situation has created in the election this time is that no room has been created to take up other issues on which political parties and their candidates can be grilled and questioned. Such an environment has been created to the run up to the election that there has been no conducive atmosphere for candidates and political parties to debate on other issues which are equally important. So far the only issues which have been drawing the attention of the political parties and candidates are the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the territorial integrity of the State and integration of Naga inhabited areas. These are no doubt important issues, but the fact remains that by its very nature, these issues are emotive and hence political parties and candidates can escape public scrutiny by playing to the gallery without addressing the ground reality. This is the biggest tragedy of the 9th Assembly election. High on rhetorics and short on substance.
Patil to review Games security By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 8 – The Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil is likely to review the security of the National Games just before the opening ceremony. Meanwhile, a phone call about the existence of a bomb planted near the Railway tracks in the city created panic among the police and security forces since last evening. Official sources said that though the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has withdrawn its call to boycott the National Games, no one is willing to take any chances and tight security measures are still in place. The Central Government has sent 20 additional companies of paramilitary forces to the state exclusively for the security of the Games, while, police personnel have been drawn from different districts for the security of the venues. Sources said that the Union Home Minister is arriving in the State tomorrow morning along with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi to attend the opening ceremony of the Games. He is scheduled to chair a meeting of the Unified Command at 2.30 pm at the Raj Bhawan here to review the security arrangements for the Games. The meeting will be attended by the Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, State Chief Secretary and senior officials of the Army, Police and paramilitary forces. The Home Minister will fly back to New Delhi along with the UPA chairperson after attending the opening ceremony of the Games. Meanwhile, panic buttons were pressed last evening after a senior police official received a call about the existence of a bomb planted near the Railway tracks. A caller identifying himself as the ULFA commander in chief Paresh Baruah claimed that two bombs fitted with programmable time devices were planted near the Railway tracks near Kamakhya. The caller also said that the ULFA should not be blamed if the bombs exploded as it had already withdrawn its call to boycott the National Games. The call created panic among the police and the security forces and the sides of the Railway tracks were dug up near Kamakhya to Bharalumukh all throughout last night. The digging operations continued till today, but nothing was found till the time of filing of this report.
The phone call also forced the security personnel to think about changing the plans for bringing in the players to the Games village and there were discussions about the feasibility of bringing in the players by road from Rangiya. However, the plan was later aborted, sources said.
Bodo state in 2 decades, says BTC chief From Ramen Kalita Assam tribune
KUMARIKATA (Nalbari), Feb 8 – Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mahiliary today asserted that the BTAD area must get a separate state of Bodoland within the next two decades and for that the infrastructure of the BTC areas will have to be developed in a peaceful atmosphere. He said that the BLT leadership in its talk with the Central Government came down from its separate state demand only due to lack of infrastructure needs for a state.

Addressing the open session of the Bodoland Peoples’ Progressive Front’s (BPPF) Tamulpur district conference at Kumarikata, the BTC chief expressed the hope that the people of BTAD will succeed reaching the goal of a separate State without resorting to any agitational movement. “The state and Central governments will be compelled to allow a separate state when we achieve our development”, Mahilary added. He urged all sections of the people to join hands to build a model BTC with all-round development. Once a hardcore militant, Mahilary called upon all section of the people to maintain peace and tranquility for the development of BTC. Later, talking to The Assam Tribune Mahilary said that in order to establish peace in the region the BTC leadership has taken the initiative to facilitate talks between Central government and NDFB at the earliest. He stated that the NDFB leadership will submit the list of demands by March as required by the Central government. “Then there will be no hurdle in the talks between NDFB and Centre”. Mahilary further denied that there was any conflict between Bodos and Sarania-Kacharis over the ST status issue, stating that there was no community in the name of Sarania. The open session inaugurated by Emanual Mosahary, executive member of Education department of BTC was addressed by PHE Minister Rihan Daimary and BPPF general secretary Biswajit Daimary. In his address Biswajit Daimary said that after delimitation the BTAD will get 14 seats of MLAs and two seats of MPs which will speed up the development activities in BTC areas.
First phase of Manipur polls concludes 85 to 90 per cent voting recorded; Fate of Chief Minister, Speaker sealed Sentinel
Imphal, Feb 8: Polling in the first phase of assembly elections in Manipur ended at 3:30 pm today.
A high 85 to 90 per cent votes were cast in the first phase of the Manipur elections in 19 of 60 assembly constituencies in three districts of Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal today. Official reports said about 90 per cent polling was reported from Thoubal and between 85 to 95 per cent from Senapati and Ukhrul disricts.
Election department officials said the turnout was around 40 per cent at 1:30 pm and they were awaiting details from three districts of Thoubal, Senapati and Ukhrul where elections to 19 of the assembly’s 60 seats were held. Polling was by and large peaceful save for minor incidents, officials said. Voters who entered polling stations before 3:30 pm would be allowed to vote, they said. A Congress worker was injured in a clash with supporters of the Manipur People’s Party at Khangabok constituency in Thoubal district, they said. An EVM was snatched by unidentified persons from a polling station in Phungyar constituency, where Victor Keishing, son of senior Congress leader and former chief minister Reishang Keishing is contesting. The EVM was later replaced. The fate of prominent leaders including Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Speaker Manirudin Sheikh and former finance minister Chungkhokai Doungel, all of the Congress, and Manipur People's Party leaders L Tomba Singh and L Jatra Singh will be decided by today’s polls. The second phase of the polls will be held on February 14 in 29 constituencies and the third and final phase on February 23 in 12 seats. (PTI)

Frans on 02.09.07 @ 01:02 PM CST [link]


Thursday, February 8th

Sonia statement a gimmick: Naga Council • "Nagas want to be under one administrative unit" "Peace talks delayed for lack of sincerity on the part of Government Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu


Sonia statement a gimmick: Naga Council • "Nagas want to be under one administrative unit" "Peace talks delayed for lack of sincerity on the part of Government Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu
SENAPATI (Manipur): A day after Congress president Sonia Gandhi reiterated her party's commitment to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur, this Naga-dominated hill town witnessed a vigorous campaign by the United Naga Council (UNC) for the victory of 11 independents backed by it so that they can take up the cause of "integration of Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur with Nagaland."
"The Naga ancestral land does not belong to the Congress or any other party. The land belongs to us and we will decide what to do with it. Nobody can impose his or her decision on the desire of the Nagas to come under one administrative unit. Congress president Sonia Gandhi's statement was just a political gimmick. Such an irresponsible statement only exposed the lack of sincerity on the part of Government of India, due to which the peace negotiation with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has been delayed," UNC president Paul Leo said. Tuesday was the last day of electioneering for the first phase of the Assembly polls. The campaign in the hill constituencies, particularly the 11 dominated by Nagas, centres round the single agenda of "Naga integration."
Of these 11, three in Senapati district — Mao, Tadubi and Karong— and three in Ukhurul district, which has the ancestral village of NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, are going to the polls on Thursday. Elections in the remaining five — three in Tamenglong and two in Chandel district — will be held in the third phase on February 23.
The UNC shortlisted 11 from among 61candidates, who had signed an undertaking here on January 16 to take up the cause of Naga integration in the Assembly. This was because the Naga representatives elected in 2002 failed to perform their duty, the UNC president told The Hindu.
UNC leaders' appeal The UNC leaders along with the candidates went round villages, appealing to the tribal councils, Hohos, churches, women, youth and student organisations to ensure that "this election reflects the wish of the Naga people to live together with their Naga brethren, and not fall victim to party politics or forces inimical to the Naga aspirations."
Breach of trust slur on NSCN-K OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 7: The army has taken strong exception to the abduction of a havildar of territorial army Nagaland home and hearth battalion by the NSCN (Khaplang) cadre from Dimapur bus stand on Monday. Terming it as an unexpected and gross violation of ceasefire rules, security forces said, “This reflects breach of trust as well as the irresponsible behaviour of NSCN (K) cadre and their leadership.” Pointing out that acts such as these are detrimental to the peace process in Nagaland, the army has warned the outfit to desist from such anti-army and anti-people activities, failing which they would be compelled to take appropriate action.
“The responsibility rests solely upon the NSCN (K) leadership. The army expects the leaders of all factions to refrain from such violations, disrupting peace and harmony in the overall interest of the people,” the communiqué stated.
It further said that by kidnapping a member of the home and hearth battalion, the NSCN (K) has proved that it is not helping in providing a conducive atmosphere for the state’s development.
The NSCN (K)’s ministry of information and publicity said said it had “nothing to do with the kidnapping” as the outfit is in truce with security forces. They accused the rival NSCN (Isak-Muivah) of having kidnapped the havildar. Condemning the threat issued by the security forces, the NSCN (K) alleged that the former had clandestine links with the NSCN (I-M). The Khaplang group said it would take up the matter (of the abduction allegation) at the board meeting of the ceasefire supervisors.
Rio jolt to Manipur matric examinees - Plight of students is not Nagaland’s problem: CM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, Feb. 7: After welcoming Naga students from Manipur with open arms, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio did a volte-face by saying his government would not be accountable for the possible repercussions of defying the NSCN (Khaplang) to sit for the matric examination in Kohima and Dimapur. More than 1,000 students from Manipur sat for the High School Leaving Certificate examination at three centres today amid appeals by various organisations to the NSCN (K) not to target them. Militants had waylaid the bus that was carrying the first batch of students in Senapati district last week, forced them to disembark and pushed the vehicle down the hill. Rio, who is in New Delhi for a meeting on the next fiscal plan, said Nagaland was not answerable to anyone for that incident. “The situation in Nagaland is alright, it (the attack) did not happen in our state.”
The chief minister’s reaction to the attack contradicts his government’s stand on schools in the Naga-dominated hill districts of Manipur switching affiliation to the Nagaland Board of School Education. The idea was the brainchild of the United Naga Council, which has been mobilising support for the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas with Nagaland.
Rio had then backed the council to the hilt, even appealing to Delhi to look at the issue “sympathetically”. The Union human resource development ministry was silent throughout, lest any comment be construed by Manipur as indirectly supporting the bifurcation of its territory. Not one to support any campaign that would bolster the NSCN (I-M)’s “Nagalim” dream, the Khaplang faction opposed the change in affiliation of schools. The attack on the students just before their first examination under the Nagaland board is seen as one more attempt to frustrate a move that could benefit rivals. Security personnel and activists of the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union are trying to ensure that the examination goes off smoothly. The NSCN (K) declared a few days ago that it would use all means to prevent Naga students of Manipur from sitting for the exam.

No integration of election agendas - Disparate voices echo in valley & hills Key Issue The Telegraph SEKHAR DATTA
Imphal, Feb. 7: Pit the Naga aspiration for an “integrated” homeland against the Meitei community’s steadfast refusal to compromise on Manipur’s “territorial integrity” and you get an issue that is electoral RDX. The state’s homogeneous electorate may have reached a consensus on the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, but the divide between the hills and the valley on the issue of Naga integration seems to have widened in the run-up to the three-phase elections.
Manipur’s territorial integrity is sacrosanct to the Meiteis of the valley, significantly supported by the majority of the Kukis in the four hill districts. On the other hand, the integration of parts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati districts with Nagaland is something the Nagas in the hills equally dear to their heart.
Now, where does this leave the political parties, trying as they are to woo people on either side of the divide? The intensity of the Meitei-dominated valley’s opposition to the demand for Naga integration is reflected in senior CPI leader and agriculture minister Ph. Parijat Singh’s remark.
“This (integration with Nagaland) is absolutely out of question. We (people of the hills and the valley) have been living together for centuries and will keep on doing so.”
The sentiment is echoed by former chief minister and Rajya Sabha member Rishang Keishing. “We have been living together for a long time. Where is the need to redraw the state’s boundaries?” he asks. All the main political parties have given prominence to the issue of territorial integrity in their poll manifestoes. The ruling Congress, which hopes to retain power and has a lot at stake in the hill constituencies, has also spoken against the demand for Naga integration, albeit in a guarded manner. “The Congress will urge the Centre to provide constitutional safeguards for the territorial integrity of Manipur in the line of the commitment made in its common minimum programme,” the manifesto states.
However, in meeting after meeting in constituencies across the valley, the Congress and its rivals have thrown all caution and niceties to the wind and gone for the kill. Senior leaders, including chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, have been harping on their unshakeable commitment to the territorial integrity. In the hills, the United Naga Council has asked all candidates not chosen by it to withdraw from the fray. Backed by invisible friends, this organisation of Nagas living in the hills of Manipur is determined to ensure victory for its 11 candidates at any cost.
The UNC had forced the resignation of five Naga legislators from the Assembly last year to highlight the demand for integration. Its sole election plank is the integration of the four Naga-dominated hill districts of Manipur with Nagaland. “Their gameplan is clear. By making a clean sweep of the 11 seats, they want to show that the people of the hills support the demand for merger with Nagaland,” said Samuel Kipgen, a Kuki NGO activist. Kipgen said contrary to belief, none of the four hill districts was a “Naga-compact” area. “The majority of the non-Naga tribes, especially the Kukis, will oppose the UNC.” Kuki-Naga clashes had erupted in the state in the nineties. The UNC’s role in the electoral arena is expected to trigger a backlash by the Meiteis, who seem to be favouring the Manipur People’s Party (MPP). Journalist Pradip Phanjoubam said: “The UNC’s role in the hills is sure to evoke an equal and opposite reaction in the valley, and we may see the rebirth of the MPP.”
The valley’s anguish is understandable. Nearly 70 per cent of Manipur’s population lives in the valley, which constitutes about 30 per cent of the state’s geographical territory. The real drama will unfold only in the aftermath of the monthlong election process. “The uneasy calm that you see in Manipur today will be shattered unless status quo is maintained in the matter of the state’s geographical composition. But then, the Naga demand is also there,” a senior central government official said.
South Naga students take historic step First day of HSLC examination concludes peacefully Morung Express News
Dimapur Amidst tight security and round-the-clock police protection, Naga students from the four hill districts of north Manipur, today took the historic step and sat for the first day of examinations under NBSE. In Dimapur there was no report of any disturbances and the examinations in both the centres, identified as sensitive, were conducted like any other day of examinations. “The exams ended at the right time and with no disturbances from any corner” said one of the student union officials.
STRIVING FORWARD: Naga students from Chandel District of Manipur (in uniform) walk towards the classroom to appear for the HSLC exam under NBSE at one of the designated centers, Wednesday, February 7. Also seen in picture are DC Dimapur (far left), T.N. Mannen, SP Dimapur, DNSU President, Addl. SP Dimapur and Members of Peace Observers. (MExPix)
Today, a total of 1,057 south Naga students were registered at the two examination centres in Dimapur. In one designated centre in Dimapur, out of the 494 Naga candidates from Manipur, 437 candidates turned up to write their exams. The south Naga students are sitting for the exam in Nagaland at three centres--one at Viswema, Kohima and two in Dimapur.
Reports received from Kohima made known that out of total 1,364 Manipur hill students only 1187 turned up for the exam. “The first day of the exam concluded in a very peaceful way and no information of any disturbing elements were reported,” the chief of Kohima Police informed.
Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner, T.N. Mannen and Mission Director, SSA, Angau Thou, K.N. Ngullie, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur and the Superintendent of Police, Bidhu Shekhar also paid a visit to supervise the overall situation in both the centres. NSF President Pushika and DNSU President Obed Quinker were also present. The District Administration, Peace Observers and members from the students union put up an all-round vigil during the day.
It may be mentioned that the Khaplang faction of the NSCN is against the Nagaland government’s decision to allow south Naga students from the four hill districts of Manipur namely Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel to sit for the HSLC examination under the NBSE.
Ukhrul, Senapati face elections today Newmai News Network
Imphal In the first phase of Manipur polling, 6, 00,697 electorates domiciled in 19 Assembly Constituencies of Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal districts will decide the fate of 77 candidate fates including that of chief minister O.Ibobi Singh. The over 6 lakhs voters will exercise their franchise from 7 am till 3:30 pm. The first polling phase has identified 271 polling stations as hyper sensitive while 443 as sensitive polling stations, as per tentative classification of polling stations by the Chief Electoral Office. In the hill constituencies, other than independent candidates, political parties fielding their candidates are minimal in a fray except the Congress party putting up their 19 candidates in all the ACs for the first phase polling.
Meanwhile, following the dereliction committed by the polling personnel in Senapati, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Prem Singh has suspended 12 personnel including presiding officers, polling officers and a peon out of the 35 personnel assigned for the Assembly election duty at Tadubi AC, Mao AC and Karong AC. The erring personnel is said to have not been available at their residence nor has collected their monthly pay for the last few months. The DC has sought police help in arresting those polling personnel in case they fail to surrender or give evidences to substantiate their actions.
Since yesterday polling materials including Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) along with security forces were already sent at their respective polling stations. There are some special arrangements for far flung remote polling station where only Shaktiman truck can reach such destinations. Keeping in mind difficulties of the terrain roads the election authority dispatch all the required materials and security personnel in advance.

The 6 ACs in Senapati district which is going for first phase poll today includes Karong AC having 55 polling stations with 48301 voters, Mao AC having 51 polling stations with 49337 voters, Tadubi AC-52+1 polling stations with 41549 voters strengths, Kangpokpi AC-33 polling stations with 29747 electorates, Saikul AC-43 polling stations with 35344 voters and Saikul AC have 45 polling stations with 38892 voter strengths.
NSCN (K) refutes allegations The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 7 (MExN): Responding to the allegation leveled against the Khaplang outfit of the NSCN by the Indian Army of kidnapping one havildar of the Territorial Army Battalion of Nagaland and violating the cease-fire ground rules, the NSCN stated, ‘it is a serious case of blunt accusation arising out of ignorance and lack of evidence on the part of Indian Army’ while clarifying that the deployment of NSCN cadres and members at Dimapur is strictly limited to “combating of adversaries” harmful to Naga’s aspirations. The Indian forces and the NSCN (K) are currently at “Peace Process.” The clarification statement issued by the Military Spokesman of the People’s Army also clarified that, in Dimapur NSCN cadres were posted mostly at sensitive areas and the nature and location of incident (kidnapping) itself suggests the involvement of some other elements, who freely meander in and around the city. “The question of kidnapping an Indian Army is thus unwarranted on our part,” it added. The NSCN appealed the Indian authorities to differentiate the ‘criminals’ and ‘nationalists’ and also to cease from any such activities which aims at demoralizing the struggle, for it is inherent and undying. The outfit further warned that ‘trying to malign’ the NSCN’S image by unnecessarily and ignorantly linking them, would serve no purpose.
NESO appeals to NSCN (K) for reconsidering ‘decision’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB7 (MExN): The North East Students’ Organization (NESO), on behalf of the Naga Students of Southern Manipur slated to appear their HSLC examination under the NBSE, fervently appends its humble and sincere appeal to the leaders of the Khaplang group of the NSCN to reconsider their decision to destruct the Naga Students of Manipur from appearing the final examination ‘at least for this time’. The NESO in a press statement while expressing their hope that they (NSCN) would use this opportunity to win the hearts of the young minds, to appreciate the sagacious wisdom of the NSCN under the collective leadership of S.S Khaplang and Kitovi Zhimomi, stated “Causing emotional and psychological tension in the minds of the students in the hardest of their times is a mental perpetration. It will surely result in serious damage to their young innocent minds and they will misunderstand the present Naga political struggle which is being fought for their future” while also drawing the support of the Nagas in the days to come. Stating the students as the ‘most priceless assets of the present society’ and the future ‘hope of the present generation’ the organization said that the students are innocent and are in no way to be blamed or victimized with the outcome of present imbroglio- social or political motivation presented by various groups and organizations whatever, be the cause and the background.
UNC slams ‘satanic pamphlet’ circulation Newmai News Network
Imphal Confusions reigned on February 6 as some unidentified persons reportedly circulated pamphlets printed in Tangkhul dialect in the name of UNC information and publicity secretary, S.Milan. The pamphlets which read, “Election Wui Maramli Tharkhami” were distributed in Ukhrul district with regard to the 9th Assembly Election of Manipur.
Meanwhile, the UNC clarifying that it never issued any such pamphlets has, in a release issued by S.Milan, condemned the pamphlets as ‘satanic pamphlets’ circulated by “irresponsible and senseless miscreants to create confusion in the minds of the Naga people aiming to sabotage the political aspiration of Naga dream.”
The UNC’s statement further stated that the Naga people represented by the United Naga Council (UNC) will never tolerate such mischievous politicking that will divide the Nagas. “The UNC seriously takes note of the circulation of the pamphlets for directly defying the reputation of the Naga body by adopting devilish method to meet ones’ selfish ends keeping Naga aspiration at the back burner behind” stated UNC.
The UNC also stated that it will never spare the culprits and befitting reply will be awarded to “criminals”. “Since day one the stand of the UNC is unchanged and our support to its consensus independent candidates is loud, clear and consistent. The writings found in the pamphlets are all the creation of selfish individual for their own personal games and gains”, declared the UNC.
The UNC appealed the Naga public not to believe the concocted pamphlets mentioned in point-4 of the clause in particular but to vote for UNC’s consensus independent candidates.
Ex-UNC Chief claims support in Chandel Newmai News Network
Imphal Various social organisations in Chandel have decided to support ex-UNC president L.Benjamin in the forthcoming Assembly Election of Manipur, according to the former UNC chief.
L.Benjamin is in the fray at Chandel Assembly Constituency. The former UNC president said that on February 4 an emergency meeting was held in Chandel where seven tribe hoho leaders, students’ leaders and other civil society leaders attended.
L.Benjamin further said that Anal Naga Taangpi (ANTA) president was the chairperson of the meeting.
The former UNC president claimed that president of Chothe Union Kh.Paul, president of ALT BS Shemhring, president incharge of SUR, president of ASR RD Samery, president of Tarao students union S.Moses, president of Moyon students Union C.Gabriel, general secretary of ANTA Samos Wangshol, art and culture secretary of ASR BD Shanginingam, finance secretary of ANTA KL Wellee, member of ASR Tongsin Bless, finance secretary of ASR SR Hringshel, advisor of ASR RT Hringlun, member of ASR Mr.Shiveng, general secretary of NSUC TS Molarshing, president of ANTA Nula Kono Anal, president of Moyon tribe R.Jindashing and Tarao tribe president SS Norjani have decided to fully support him in the forthcoming election in Chandel A/C.
NSCN-K mulls over NBSE and Integration issues The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 7 (MExN): Brig. Niki Sumi, Commander Operation “Blue Land” People’s Army, NSCN-K, today taking note on the ongoing NBSE affiliation controversy questioned, “Would abrupt shifting of exam centers of four hill districts of Manipur to Nagaland prove fruitful in the long term political aspiration of the Nagas?
He expressed his consent over the fact that “Students were always regarded and envisioned as the architects of tomorrow therefore the interests, agendas and issues related to students were never gambled over, regardless of extremity of circumstances, destroying human resources of any generational stage causes adverse setbacks in the advancement, growth and progress of nation or human society.”
The commander further called upon the Nagas to reason out jointly the ramifications of such a move in correspondence to the activities of contemporary concerned platforms striving for unification of Naga Areas.
Reflecting on the zealous effort by the UNC, ANSAM and other civil organizations in the present Manipur State Assembly election to elect candidates of its own choice, queried that boycotting exams under MBSE while preserving the Manipur State’s constitutional integrity through their active participation in legislative assembly election not contradictory? Is it justified to oppose Manipur State Educational institutions but accept their political institution, he added.
The present situation is being propagated by some vested section of ‘misled Nagas’ that NSCN is opposing against the unification of Naga Areas, especially the amalgamation of southern Nagas with present Nagaland stated the Brigadier. The State of Nagaland is composed of only 16 recognised Naga tribes; where as the state of Manipur has more than 20 Naga tribes, so isn’t not we (the tribes of present Nagaland) contemplate on integrating the ‘minor Naga’s State of Nagaland’ with majority that inhabits the State of Manipur, he further stated.
The NSCN-K is not opposing the Integration of Naga inhibited areas, but is simply standing to protect the Nagas of Nagaland from ‘unnecessary deprivation of rights and privileges’ to survive until a commonly agreed dispensation is brought about. The NSCN-K Commander said.
NSCN (K) alleges Army-rival nexus Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 7 (NPN): While accusing the Indian Army of having nexus with the NSCN (I-M), the NSCN (K) Wednesday dismissed the Army's charge that the underground faction kidnapped a havildar of Territorial Army Battalion Nagaland (Home and Hearth) from Dimapur on February 5 and termed the accusation as "a serious case of blunt accusation arising out of ignorance and lack of evidence on the part of Indian Army."
"The Army's allegation that the NSCN (K) was responsible for kidnapping a havildar of Territorial Army Battalion Nagaland is a serious case of blunt accusation arising out of ignorance and lack of evidence on the part of Indian Army," the military spokesman, People's Army, NSCN (K), Isak Sumi, said in a release issued here. Isak clarified that deployment of NSCN (K) members in Dimapur was strictly limited to "combating of adversaries harmful to Nagas' aspirations." "Members of Indian forces currently involved in peace process with NSCN are not our subject of violent confrontation of any form. Thus the question of kidnapping an Indian Army (havildar) is unwarranted on our part", he pointed out.
While saying NSCN (K) cadres are posted mostly in sensitive areas of Dimapur, Isak claimed "the nature and location of the incident itself suggests involvement of other elements who are used to exacting their will freely in and around Dimapur." He made it clear that trying to malign NSCN (K)'s image by unnecessarily implicating it in such incident would serve no purpose. Isak, on behalf of the NSCN (K), appealed to Indian authorities to keep criminals and nationalists apart and also to "cease any such activity aimed at demoralization of our struggle for it is inherent and undying."
NSCN (I-M)-Indian Army nexus Our Correspondent from Kohima adds:
Meanwhile, reacting to the reported kidnapping of a havildar of TA battalion, Nagaland (Home & Hearth) by NSCN (K) members in Dimapur on Monday last, supervisor, CFSB and senior NSCN (K) leader Kughalu Mulatonu termed the incident as a ploy by NSCN (I-M), in collaboration with some major Assam and Manipur based underground outfits, to malign the image of NSCN (K).
Mulatonu, in a text message issued to the press, alleged that there was a clear nexus between the NSCN (I-M) and the Indian Army in Dimapur, saying the kidnapping incident was "hatched" fearing the NSCN (K)'s venture in Dimapur area. Mulatonu cited an incident where the NSCN (I-M) allegedly killed a PRO of the India Army at Dimapur Railway station and then put the blame on the NSCN (K). He said the Indian army needed no further explanation but to get the release of the kidnapped havildar through the "back door" of Hebron Camp or many parts of Dimapur or "make it clear to the NSCN (K) if the Indian army was prepared to abrogate the ceasefire without the approval of GoI." "NSCN (K) will seriously view these false and collaborated charges, and these are clear signals to the GoI of the Indian Army-IK terrorist nexus," the statement read, adding with or without ceasefire the NSCN (K) "has and will survive."
Terming the issues of "quit notice" and "NBSE" as "lip service" charges against the NSCN (K) by different NGOs, Mulatonu said the appeal to revoke them was a "diplomatic message which demeaned the organizations to put words into action." The NSCN (K) leader further said leaders of NBCC, CNBC, NPMHR, NSF and Naga Hoho "who all along had condemned NSCN (K) as Assam Rifles and Indian Government-sponsored organization," were now begging the outfit for peace and unity after massacring tens of thousands of lives and to solve the Naga issue.
Day of reckoning for 77 candidates By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express IMPHAL, Feb 7 : Over six lakh voters will exercise their frachise rights tomorrow to decide the fate of 77 candidates spread across 19 Assembly Constituencies Thoubal, Senapati and Ukhrul districts.
Polling will start from 7 am and will wind up at 3.30 pm. All necessary arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the election, said sources adding that polling officials have reached their destinations along with related poll material, including the electoral rolls as well as the Electronic Voting Machine. The fate of many political heavy weights, including Chief Minister O Ibobi will be sealed tomorrow, when the voters decide who should represent them.
Ibobi is contesting simultaneously from Thoubal AC and Khangabok AC, which is his home turf.
The Congress has fielded candidates in all the 19 Assembly Constituencies while the MPP has nominated its men in eight ACs. The MPP failed to nominate any candidate in the six ACs in Senapati district as well as in the three ACs of Ukhrul district. At Thoubal too, the MPP has not fielded candidates in Lilong AC and Wabagai AC. Leaving nothing to chance, the State Election Office has kept a helicopter on stand by to meet any eventuality.
All polling booths will be manned by armed Central security personnel.
For the record, there are 31 Independent candidates in the fray including the UNC sponsored men, three women candidates, five NCP candidates, five RJD nominees, four CPI candidates and two BJP candidates. Campaigning for the first phase polling came to a close at 3.30 pm yesterday in line with the election code of conduct. To enable the media cover the first phase election, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations has arranged three vehicles to transport reporters to the three districts. The vehicles will leave for Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal ACs at 7 am from the office of the DIPR. To neutralise any threat perception and ensure the smooth conduct of the election, security was beefed up at the three districts today.
Newmai News Network adds : Confusion reigned on as some unidentified persons reportedly circulated pamphlets in the name of UNC information and publicity secretary S Milan yesterday.
The pamphlets printed in Tangkhul dialect under the title, “Election Wui Ma-ramli Tharkhami” were distributed in Ukhrul district yesterday with regard to the upcoming 9th Assembly Election.
The UNC said that it never issued such pamphlets. Rather the UNC has appealed to all the Nagas to cast their votes only for the consensus independent candidates of the UNC.
The UNC strongly condemned the “satanic pamphlets” circulated by “irresponsible and senseless miscreants to create confusion in the minds of the Naga people aiming to sabotage the political aspiration of Naga dream,” said the UNC statement issued by S.Milan.
It further stated that the Naga people represented by the United Naga Council (UNC) will never tolerate now and ever to such mischievous politicking that will divide the Nagas.
“The UNC seriously takes note of the circulation of the pamphlets for directly defying the reputation of the Naga body by adopting devilish method to meet ones’ selfish ends keeping Naga aspiration at the back burner behind” blasted the UNC. The UNC then stated that it will never spare the culprits and befitting reply will be awarded to “criminals”.
“Since day one the stand of the UNC is unchanged and our support to its consensus independent candidates is loud, clear and consistent. The writings found in the pamphlets are all the creation of selfish individual for their own personal games and gains”, declared the UNC.
The UNC appeals the Naga public not to believe the concocted pamphlets mentioned in point-4 of the clause in particular but vote for UNC’s consensus independent candidates.
NE militants: Myanmar fails to sustain action R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 7 – Though India’s relations with Myanmar have improved considerably over the years, the Government of the neighbouring country has not been able to launch sustained operations against the militant groups of the North East states camping in the territory of the country. Highly placed official sources said that the Government of India raised the issue with the Government of Myanmar in the meetings of the joint working groups and another meeting would be held shortly where the issue would be raised once again. The Indian delegation in the joint working group is headed by the Union Home Secretary, while, representatives of other Ministries are members of the group. Sources said that militant groups of the North East states including the NSCN (K), United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), PLA, UNLF etc have strong bases in the territory of Myanmar. In fact, the headquarter of the NSCN (K) is located in Myanmar, while, the headquarter of the 28 battalion of the ULFA, which is responsible for the upper Asom operations of the outfit, is also located inside the territory of the neighbouring country. Sources said that according to information available with the security agencies, the ULFA launches most of its operations in the upper Asom districts from its camps in Myanmar Taking advantage of the terrain along the international border, the militants manage to sneak into Asom through either Arunachal Pradesh or Nagaland to carry out operations in Asom.

Sources revealed that according to an estimate, at least 300 cadres of the ULFA stay in the camps in Myanmar and though from time to time, the militants belonging to the ULFA were nabbed in Nagaland or Arunachal Pradesh while crossing over, they still manage to sneak into the state regularly. The ULFA is believed to be even maintaining training camps in Myanmar and recently six members of the ULFA were arrested in Nagaland when they were on their way to the camps in the neighbouring country for training. The ULFA is also maintaining camps along with the NSCN(K). Sources said that though the NSCN(K) has signed a cease-fire agreement with the Government of India, formal talks with the outfit are yet to start as the outfit has not placed its charter of demands before the Government. Official sources pointed out that at one point of time, the Government of India ceased to maintain diplomatic relations with Myanmar, but now the relations have improved considerably. Sources said that the relations started improving since the late 1990s and a joint working group has been formed, which meets once every year. The Government of India is also extending help to Myanmar in taking up development schemes like construction of major roads and a hydropower project.
The attitude of the Government of Myanmar to the issues raised by India is also changing and it promised not to allow the militants of North East to use the territory of that country. Sources pointed out that unlike the Government of Bangladesh, which even refused to accept the presence of Indian militants in its territory, the Myanmar Government’s attitude was positive and from time to time, the Myanmar Army launched operations against the militants. But it is also a fact that the Myanmar Army has so far not been able to launch a sustained operation to evict the camps of the militant groups. Sources also pointed out that the Myanmar Government has some problems in dealing with the militants, who are taking shelter in jungle area where there is very little presence of Myanmar administration or Army and it is also believed that some lower-level Armymen of Myanmar were maintaining links with the militants to earn some extra money.

Sources also disclosed that the Assam Rifles has been entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the India-Myanmar border to prevent militants from sneaking to India from their bases in the neighbouring country. The Assam Rifles has already established some camps along the international border and the force is on the process of raising new battalions to seal the border. However, raising of the new battalions to seal the border will take some time and because of the terrain, it is impossible to completely seal the border without adequate forces, sources admitted.
Poll Promises Editorial; the Morung Express
As is the case in the run up to every election that comes up at a given point of time, poll promises have become the major subject of political parties and the electorate. The recent slew of election promises announced by political parties in the run up to the Manipur Assembly election is therefore not unexpected. While election is a rare time for political parties and politicians to play humble pie, it will be interesting to see whether those seeking election will remember their poll promises and fulfill them once they acquire legitimate power. Making promises is one thing but it is quite unbecoming to promise the electorate the moon when this may not be attainable. As such, the electorates will have to remain conscious of the fact that such posturing of parties during elections is nothing but a desperate attempt to entice for votes without the commensurate fulfillment of such pre-poll promises once they get elected.
Against this backdrop, it is interesting to read about the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act becoming a major issue in the Manipur assembly elections with all political parties promising to withdraw it if voted to power. This is nothing but misleading propaganda for which the voters must act with caution. While a party like the DMK in a State like Tamil Nadu can deliver on promises of a colour television to each house without one, however in the specific case of the AFSPA and its withdrawal, the promises being made especially by the Manipur based political parties can hardly be taken as convincing. Only national parties like the Congress or the BJP will be in a position to repeal such a law if at all they really mean what they say during election time.
Even the Congress party has no moral ground to now say that it is “seriously and genuinely considering” the recommendations of the Jeevan Reddy Committee. This soft stand on AFSPA as can be gauged from the statement made by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi during her election campaign is poles apart from the earlier hard stance taken by senior Congress leader and former Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee during his visit to the region only a few months back. So either the Congress party is itself confused about its stand on AFSPA or it wants to play safe and not give any clear assurance on its repeal. This is best expressed in the language used by the UPA Chairperson herself that while seriously and genuinely studying the reports of the commission the Congress led UPA government will do all the requirements in the greater interest of the people of Manipur. This at best is election rhetoric. As such, the response of civil society groups in Manipur terming the fresh promises by political parties on AFSPA’s repeal as blatant lies to secure votes is a correct assessment and therefore voters must make an informed choice while voting on issues and parties. It is quite an irony that with the condition of social activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has been on fast for six years demanding removal of the act deteriorating, political parties are trying to cash in on this emotional appeal or in other words an anti-AFSPA posturing, which is an insult to the good sense of the Manipuri people.
Global media body to ULFA: withdraw threat to channel By IANS
Brussels, Feb 7 (IANS) The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Wednesday asked the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to withdraw its threats to a private satellite channel in Assam. Guwahati-based North East Television (NETV), the only private TV channel in India's northeast, last month reported that the state government had paid money to buy peace with ULFA for the smooth conduct of the National Games Feb 9-18. This week ULFA has withdrawn its call to boycott the games. According to NETV, the ULFA told its station director Manoranjana Sinh to prove allegations that the group was working with the government or stop broadcasting and leave Assam or 'face dire consequences'.
After protests from the IFJ, ULFA leaders said they did not mean to threaten NETV but had thrown down a challenge to the channel to prove its allegations. The TV channel is standing by its story. The IFJ has now urged the militants to stop making threats and instead take its complaints to industry regulators, an INEP report said.
'If there is a genuine complaint it can be dealt with through normal channels of accountability,' IFJ general secretary Aidan White was quoted as saying. 'What is not acceptable is to try to bully media with threats of violence.' The IFJ, which represents over 500,000 media persons in more than 100 countries, is the world's biggest journalists' organisation.
Sonia to unveil North-East women empowerment project in Assam
UPA chairperson and Congress party president Sonia Gandhi will unveil an integrated scheme for empowerment of women of the Northeastern region in Guwahati at a one-day meet of representatives of women NGOs of the region on Friday.
Revealing this, Central Social Welfare Board chairperson Rajani Patil said here today that the scheme has specially been designed as a pilot project to address the socio-economic problems of the region by particularly focusing on empowerment of women. "Sonia Gandhi and PM Manmohan Singh have given special emphasis in bringing about the over-all development of women and children of the North-East. The UPA government has also made special budgetary allocations to achieve this goal, and the new project intends to give a major boost to the socio-economic status of women of the region," Patil said.
Manipur goes to polls today Nagaland Post
Thoubal (Manipur), Feb 7 (IANS): The stage is set for the first of the three-phased assembly elections in Manipur Thursday with hundreds of police and paramilitary troopers taking vantage positions to thwart moves by separatist guerrillas to disrupt polling. Close to 600,000 voters would decide the fate of 77 candidates in 19 assembly constituencies in the insurgency ravaged districts of Thoubal, Ukhrul, and Senapati. 'Everything is in place for the first phase of polling Thursday,' Manipur's chief electoral officer R.R. Rashmi said. Security forces have fanned out across the three districts - a known bastion of several of Manipur's 19-odd rebel armies.
'All the sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations have been identified and accordingly we have deployed police and paramilitary personnel for providing foolproof security,' a senior police official said. Thursday's vote would decide the fate of several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Speaker Manir Udin Sheikh and former finance minister Chungkhokai Doungel.
The chief minister is contesting from two constituencies - Thoubal and neighbouring Khangabok. Senior Manipur People's Party (MPP) leader L. Tomba Singh is pitted against Singh in Thoubal.
The battle lines are drawn with the ruling Congress party taking on regional challengers, the MPP, with the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, dominating the agendas of all political parties. The AFPSA, an anti-terror law that provides sweeping powers to the security forces deployed in the region, is the focal point in the electioneering - almost all the opposition parties have been demanding its repeal saying the 'draconian legislation' was a slur on democracy as it infringed on basic human rights of the people in Manipur.
'Barring the Congress that has no mention of repealing the Act in their manifesto, all the other parties are harping on removing the legislation if voted to power. The Armed Forces Act is definitely the focal point in this election,' Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press, a mass circulation English daily, told IANS. While the Congress is banking on stability and development and seeking solace in the fact that their party is ruling New Delhi, the main opposition MPP is hoping to cash in on a surge of regionalism sweeping the state, bordering Myanmar. Not to be left behind is the United Naga Council (UNC), a newly floated front that supports integration of all Naga inhabited areas in Manipur with Greater Nagaland, a concept mooted by the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.
The two districts of Senapati and Ukhrul are dominated by Naga tribal people with the UNC believed to be having considerable clout among the voters.
In the second phase Feb 14, polling would take place in 29 constituencies, and the remaining 12 seats would go to the polls Feb 23. Counting of votes begins Feb 27.
Naga blues in Manipur's soul Rahul Karmakar The Hindustan Times
Imphal, On Thursday, Manipur can witness what is termed as “surrogate polling” across constituencies that are geographically in Manipur, but “emotionally” in Nagaland, rather the greater Naga homeland. Some 6 lakh voters across 19 constituencies will decide the fate of 76 candidates, who include chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Speaker Maniruddin Sheikh (both Congress) and coordinator of the SPF government M Nara Singh (CPI). They will also decide if the Naga-dominated hills of Manipur eventually become part of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah)'s map of an "integrated Naga homeland". Nine of these 19 seats are in Senapati and Ukhrul districts, which along with Chandel and Tamenglong districts figure in the greater Nagaland dream. The pro-NSCN United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, has fielded six candidates to pursue the "integration issue outside and within the Manipur Assembly".
The agenda is significant in the wake of Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio's "blessings" for the Naga homeland push through the "historic election". "We passed resolutions for integration in the Nagaland Assembly four times, it is time for similar resolutions in Manipur," he said.
Rio had earlier rubbed Manipur the wrong way by granting permission to some 5,000 Manipuri Naga school students to appear for the Nagaland board exams. The exam, labelled the education route to NSCN (I-M)'s integration goal, began on Wednesday under tight security in Nagaland.
Meanwhile, all the 11 UNC-backed candidates - five are in Tamenglong and Chandel districts where polling is in the third phase on February 23 - formed the United Naga Democratic Front (UNDF) on Tuesday to make the agenda apparent. According to UNC president KS Paul Leo, the idea behind backing Naga candidates was to within the have a force 60-member Manipur Assembly to "fight for the cause".
Massive security in Manipur First phase of polling today Sentinel
Thoubal (Manipur), Feb 7: The stage is set for the first of the three-phased assembly elections in Manipur on Thursday with hundreds of police and paramilitary troopers taking vantage positions to thwart moves by separatist guerrillas to disrupt polling.
Close to 600,000 voters would decide the fate of 77 candidates in 19 assembly constituencies in the insurgency ravaged districts of Thoubal, Ukhrul, and Senapati. “Everything is in place for the first phase of polling Thursday,” Manipur’s chief electoral officer RR Rashmi said.
Security forces have fanned out across the three districts—a known bastion of several of Manipur’s 19-odd rebel armies. “All the sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations have been identified and accordingly we have deployed police and paramilitary personnel for providing foolproof security,” a senior police official said.
Thursday’s vote would decide the fate of several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Speaker Manir Udin Sheikh and former finance minister Chungkhokai Doungel.
The Chief Minister is contesting from two constituencies—Thoubal and neighbouring Khangabok. Senior Manipur People’s Party (MPP) leader L. Tomba Singh is pitted against Singh in Thoubal. The battle lines are drawn with the ruling Congress party taking on regional challengers, the MPP, with the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, dominating the agendas of all political parties.
The AFPSA, an anti-terror law that provides sweeping powers to the security forces deployed in the region, is the focal point in the electioneering—almost all the opposition parties have been demanding its repeal saying the ‘draconian legislation’ was a slur on democracy as it infringed on basic human rights of the people in Manipur.
“Barring the Congress that has no mention of repealing the Act in their manifesto, all the other parties are harping on removing the legislation if voted to power. The Armed Forces Act is definitely the focal point in this election,” Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press, a mass circulation English daily, told IANS.
While the Congress is banking on stability and development and seeking solace in the fact that their party is ruling New Delhi, the main opposition MPP is hoping to cash in on a surge of regionalism sweeping the state, bordering Myanmar. Not to be left behind is the United Naga Council (UNC), a newly floated front that supports integration of all Naga inhabited areas in Manipur with Greater Nagaland, a concept mooted by the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.The two districts of Senapati and Ukhrul are dominated by Naga tribal people with the UNC believed to be having considerable clout among the voters. In the second phase Feb 14, polling would take place in 29 constituencies, and the remaining 12 seats would go to the polls Feb 23. Counting of votes begins Feb 27. (IANS)
Jeevan Reddy panel report on AFSPA ‘Congress trying to befool Manipur people’ Sentinel
Imphal, Feb 7: The suppressing of the Jeevan Reddy panel’s report on the AFSPA time and again on the plea that the government is considering it is sheer hypocrisy on the part of the Congress-led SPF government aimed at befooling the people.
This was stated by Jaya Jaitley, former president, Samata Party while speaking to mediapersons during the flag-hoisting ceremony of N Nodiachand, ex-MLA and present candidate of the Samata Party of Uripok A/C yesterday. Jaitley, who was referring to the statements made by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in her visit to the state recently, stressed that the scrapping of AFSPA was an aspiration of the people and there was a need for the Assembly to pass a unanimous resolution to scrap the act. The scrapping of the act rests in the Assembly.
The flag-hoisting ceremony held at Nodiachand’s residence at Yambem Leikai was attended by various state leaders of the Samata Party as well. Jaya Jaitley, while answering queries from the media maintained that there was no need for plebiscite to solve the armed conflict in the state which is being demanded by one of the major underground outfits. The problems must be solved within the framework of the Indian constitution and there is no need for UN or a third party as the people of the state are the same as the people in the rest of the country, she said. The armed conflict in the state is being endorsed by some neighbouring countries to create restlessness and chaos in the country, she maintained. (Agencies)
Insurgency a result of unemployment: Paswan Sentinel
LAMKA, Feb 7: Manipur is a neglected border state where its people are exploited in all spheres of lives, said the Union Minister for Steel, Fertilizers and Chemicals and national level president of the Lok Jan Shakti, LJP, Ram Vilas Paswan yesterday at the Tuibuang peace ground during his address to the gathering. Paswan said the Hmars had been exploited and mass rapes took place last year but no tangible action has been taken against the perpetrators by the government so far. He also said that ways to solve the problems of the Kukis and Zomis have to be found and added that if the LJP comes to power the 6th schedule would be granted to the Zomis and the Hmars and all other minority tribes will be placed under one separate administration. He said that as the party’s election symbol is a house (bungalow) so all people will be provided a home and electricity, roads, communication and water supply which are the basic needs of the people, but which people in the state have do not have. The present UG problem is the result of unemployment and so if the LJP comes to power Rs 1 lakh amount of loans will be provided to all youths without interest which they have to repay within a period of ten years. Known for his love for the poor helpless people, Paswan came by road and as soon as he reached Tuibuang peace ground at 11 pm he directly went to the tomb of the late Gengoukhup Mate who was killed recently and offer floral tributes. He termed the departed soul as ‘My leader’ and assured the family members all help in the days to come.The LJP leader was accompanied by Mitra Chakraborti and Thangkhangin apart from other leaders. All the tribes of Churachandpur who gathered to welcome him presented him their traditional shawls and showcased their traditional dances. Paswan administered candle light to all the candidates in Churachandpur constituency and later opened the election office of TT Haokip, a candidate of LJP in Henglep constituency. (Agencies)

Frans on 02.08.07 @ 04:52 PM CST [link]


Wednesday, February 7th

FEATURE-Naga tribes flex muscle in Indian state election Source: Reuters Background Northeast India clashes By Y.P. Rajesh


FEATURE-Naga tribes flex muscle in Indian state election Source: Reuters Background Northeast India clashes By Y.P. Rajesh
SENAPATI, India, Feb 7 (Reuters) - A powerful rebel group in India's troubled northeast is using its muscle to influence state elections this month, in an attempt to boost its campaign for a separate homeland for the Naga tribes. The United Naga Council (UNC), widely seen as a mouthpiece for the rebels, has ordered Nagas not to affiliate themselves with any political parties in elections in the remote state of Manipur, accusing the parties of ignoring the "Naga cause".
The result is a slew of independent and often pro-rebel candidates in Naga-dominated parts of the state, in what is seen as a victory for the rebels and a fresh threat to the stability of the region.
"The fact that very few candidates sought party nominations shows that there was voluntary acceptance of the UNC wish," said Prem Singh, the top election official in Senapati district, the hub of Naga politics in the hills of Manipur.
"Or perhaps, it was due to fear or coercion."
Ahead of the three-stage vote which begins on Thursday, the council also ran advertisements in local newspapers indicating who Nagas should vote for. A few Nagas who dared seek mainstream party nominations were prevented from campaigning and their workers threatened with violence, authorities and candidates said. The UNC's aim: to generate fresh momentum in support of a decades-old demand for a new state comprising all Naga-dominated areas in the northeast, a so-called "Greater Nagaland" to include the present Nagaland and large swathes of other states.
A third of the 3-million-strong tribe live in neighbouring Manipur, mostly in its hills, and two other northeastern states. But Manipuris in the plains strongly oppose losing territory to a "Greater Nagaland" and the conflict provoked bloody riots in the state in 2002. Land disputes also led to clashes between Nagas and the Kuki tribe in the 1990s.
"The UNC has taken charge of the vote in the hills," said Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of Manipur's Imphal Free Press daily. "They are not a political party and they are setting up proxies to do their bidding in the assembly, and that can create havoc."
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) NSCN (I-M) rebel group refused to speak on record. But a top leader said they were hoping their candidates -- standing as independents -- would win 11 seats in the 60-member Manipur assembly and "play a major role".
The Naga rebellion is India's oldest insurgency, a 60-year revolt in which tens of thousands were killed in Nagaland before a truce was declared in 1997. Negotiations with New Delhi have made little progress since then.
FEAR OF CHAOS In the plains of Manipur, protecting the state's "territorial integrity" has become a catch-phrase in this month's election campaign. Analysts say that any new attempt by Naga legislators to raise their demands in the state assembly would inflame passions.
Peace in Manipur -- a revolt-torn state of 2.6 million people far removed from India's mainstream -- is considered crucial to boost development and unlock the potential of the country's northeast, New Delhi's gateway to ASEAN. Attempts to reach UNC leaders proved futile as the group's main office in Senapati had been shut down and its chief, Paul Leo, was incommunicado.
Workers of mainstream political parties in Manipur's hills said there was widespread fear in a region where every third Naga is suspected of owning an AK-47 rifle. "The situation is very tense," says Dominic, a member of India's ruling Congress party in Senapati who refused to give his second name due to fear of the UNC. "There are very clear instructions from them on whom to vote and very clear threats of what will happen if disobeyed," he said before disappearing into a narrow alley in the dusty hill town. Thousands of troops have been deployed to ensure a fair vote. But that has failed to discourage the rebels. "We are going to push our agenda more strongly than ever," the top NSCN (I-M) leader said. "Our silence itself is a message to the electorate." (Additional reporting by Biswajyoti Das in Guwahati)
NSCN (K) broke truce rules: Army Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 6 (NPN): The Army Tuesday accused the NSCN (K) of violating ceasefire ground rules by kidnapping a havildar of TA Battalion Nagaland (Home and Hearth) from Dimapur bus stand on the afternoon of February 5. While saying the February 5 incident was "an unexpected and gross violation of ceasefire rules," the Army issued a "stern warning to the NSCN (K) to desist from such anti-Army and anti-people activities."
"This reflects breach of trust, besides irresponsible behaviour of NSCN (K) cadre and their leadership. Such a deplorable act of NSCN (K) is detrimental to the peace process in Nagaland," a PIB (defence wing) release said. The Army warned that it would be compelled to take "appropriate action" if the NSCN (K) did not stay away from "anti-Army and anti-people activities," adding, "In such an eventuality the responsibility will solely rest upon NSCN (K) leadership."
The Army expects the leaders of all factions to refrain from such violations (of ceasefire rules), disturbing public peace and harmony in the overall interest of Naga people, the release added. The Army also made it clear that the TA Battalion Nagaland (H&H) was raised on the request of the Naga people to promote opportunities for contribution of Naga youth towards nation building, besides employment generation and development of the State. "The mission of this Army unit of local Nagas is to enhance peace and prosperity of Naga people, which apparently does not gel with the NSCN (K) as reflected by their kidnapping of this regular Army man," the Army added.
Army takes serious view of NSCN (K) activities The Morung Express
Kohima, Feb 6 (MExN): It is learnt that one Havildar of TA Battalion Nagaland (H&H) was kidnapped reportedly by NSCN(K) cadres from Dimapur bus stand on February 5 afternoon. The Army has taken a very serious view of this incident which is an unexpected and gross violation of cease fire rules.
“This reflects breach of trust, besides irresponsible behaviour of NSCN (K) cadres and their leadership”, stated a press communiqué issued by Lt Col Nirupam Bhargava Public Relations Officer (Ministry of Defence) Nagaland. Pointing out such a deplorable act of NSCN (K) is detrimental to the peace process in Nagaland, the Army has issued a stern warning to NSCN (K) to desist from such anti-Army and anti-people activities, failing which Army will be compelled to take appropriate action. “In such an eventuality the responsibility will solely rest upon NSCN (K) leadership. The Army expects the leaders of all the factions to refrain from such violations, disrupting public peace and harmony in the over all interest of the Naga people”, the communiqué stated. Pointing out that the TA Battalion Nagaland (Home and Hearth) has been raised on the request of the Naga people to promote opportunities for contribution of the Naga youth in Nation building, besides employment generation and development of the state, the communiqué stated that the mission of this Army unit of local Nagas is to enhance peace and prosperity of Naga people, “which apparently does not gel with NSCN (K) as reflected by their kidnapping of this regular Army man”, it stated.
CPO reaffirms stand on public peace zones The Morung Express UG factions told to vacate civilian populated areas
DIMAPUR, FEB 6 (MExN): The Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) in its executive meeting held on January 31, 2007 held at Pfutsero reaffirmed its earlier resolution that it will not allow any individual or group of National workers to indulge in fratricidal killings within the community.
Pointing out that in pursuance of the resolution adopted during the CPO 28th General session held on 18th November, 2006 at Phek to stop killing amongst the national workers, the CPO informed that its officials had conducted an extensive official tour in the month of January, 2007 and met with all the concerned top leaderships of various factional groups . “After having apprised each of them about the stand and the resolutions of CPO, all the concerned authorities have expressed their appreciations and even assured to support and co-operate with the standing resolutions of CPO”, the CPO maintained in a press note issued by its President Yesonu Veyie and Mikha Kenye, General Secretary.
However in spite of these, the public particularly in Phek district continue to suffer the same trauma of insecurity, threats, intimidations and displacement of families because of the continued presence of the armed cadres with their devious plans of making the innocent public as human shields, the CPO complained and stated that the unwarranted activities of the armed cadres definitely poses great threat to the safety and security of the innocent public.
Under the circumstances, the CPO in its Executive meeting once again reaffirmed its earlier resolutions that no armed cadres will be allowed to live in the public inhabited areas nor will it allow them to make their camp (s) in the civilian populated areas. The CPO also reaffirmed its commitment to enforce the standing resolution that all armed cadres regardless of factions must vacate their camps from the public inhabited areas at the earliest. The CPO appealed to all the concerned authority to strictly abide by their commitment to ensure strict implementation of the Cease-fire ground rules in the greater interest of the general public.
Mothers’ plea to NSCN-K OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 6: Mothers of students from four Naga hill districts, who are taking the High School Leaving Examination in Nagaland, have appealed to the Khaplang group of the NSCN to revoke the “quit notice” issued to the Tangkhul community. “We, the women who have married into other tribes (Pukreila Tangkhuls), have been going through the most unbearable fear psychosis and tension; what will happen to the innocent Tangkhuls and the students?” they asked, expressing deep concern from Pukreila’s leader Sereno Chophi. Appealing to the NSCN (K) to revoke the “quit notice” and allow the students to appear for their papers in peace on humanitarian grounds, the mothers reminded the militants that innocent lives should not be targeted.
“Innocent people do not deserve such extreme penalty for wrongdoing committed by the NSCN (I-M) if any,” the note said, adding that political vendetta among the underground factions should not be mixed with the lives of the people. “We are Christians and the teaching of Christ should not be interpreted and applied for our individual or organisation’s advantage,” the statement said. “The commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’ is supreme and no man on earth can change it.”
The mothers have called for help and protection from the government “in the name of Nagaland for Christ”. Representatives of various major mass-based Naga tribal hohos, civil organisations, various union and student leaders, senior citizens, Dimapur Municipal Council members headed by their chairperson and the district administration headed by the deputy commissioner, Dimapur, unanimously resolved to extend full cooperation to the government to maintain law and order during the examinations. Dimapur district has a total of 51 examination centres of which two centres are being kept for the students coming from the four hills district of Manipur. Representatives from every walk of life will man the “sensitive” examination centres.
“NBSE exam stopped by NSCN (K); bus pushed down – A patriotic act, Good job done.” The Morung Express
Sir – A very good job done. This incident marks the first of its kind and any intelligible and sensible organization will dare take up such a step to enhance education. What a motivation, a very good encouragement for students for better productivity in the field of education. This has to be done more often and yes!! “Can NSCN (K) give satisfactory answer as to why this is done only to particular students from particular region? It is high time to question the intention of NSCN-K. We Tamei students on the other hand proudly proclaim that we are the first to suffer for the cause of Nagas. And I also want to say this that the NSCN (K) outfit had now shown their true colors, harming students’ sentiment, misleading them by creating havoc and chaos, they have sown the seed of hatred for their organization. Do you NSCN-K guys only know the art of terrorizing? Why can’t you do something to win the heart of the pillars of nation so that they become very instrumental for you in future? Does NSCN-K know the meaning of education and students? What are you brandishing your guns for? Is it to stop students from studying? Is it your intention to go back 18th century? What diplomacy is this? Mr. NSCN-K Medical Kilonser Major N. Panmei here is your statement “I call upon all the Nagas to come out with truth and principle and let us work for peace and unity”. Let us work for peace and unity by waylaying the bus carrying 54 young and aspiring students, pushing the bus down to deep gorge and torturing the innocent students. If you think this act is justified then let us work together doing the same to act of cowardice. Let us not leave any stone unturned. Carry out your good work to the rest of the students. Awaiting your patriotic act of pushing down the buses carrying students from the rest of the district. Good luck Mr. NSCN-K Medical Kilonser Major N. Panmei.” I also call upon all sensible organizations to think sensibly and act diplomatically. Kamsui Pamai Tamei
South Nagas prop up poll alliance The Morung Express UNC consensus candidates form UNDF Newmai News Network
Imphal In a sudden development, the consensus independent candidates of the United Naga Council (UNC) who are in the fray for the forthcoming 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly have formed an alliance christened as, “United Naga Democratic Front, (UNDF)” with S. Kho John as its convenor who will operate in consultation with the UNC. The front also will have its common flag and common election symbol. Revealing this development to Newmai News Network late last night, the United Naga Democratic Front leaders said that the colour of the flag will be blue while its symbol will be a candle. The statement signed by nine consensus independent candidates of the UNC said that the alliance will operate as pre-poll and post-poll alliance in order to achieve the ‘common manifesto’ as announced in the UNC’s Position Paper. The statement said, “we the undersigned independent candidates chosen by the Naga people represented by UNC to contest in the election to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly, 2007 as UNC’s consensus candidates have resolved to constitute the alliance named United Naga Democratic Front.” The nine signatories of the UNC’s consensus independent candidates include Samuel Jendai of the Tamenglong Assembly Constituency, Danny Shaiza of the Ukhrul A/C, Wungnaoshang Keishing of the Phungyar A/C, Dr. Khasim Ruivah of the Chingai A/C, Awangbow Newmei of the Tamei A/C, RV Shirang of the Karong A/C, K.Raina of the Tadubi A/C, S.Kho John of the Mao A/C and Morung Makunga of the Tengnoupal Assembly Constituency. According to its convenor S. Kho John, the signatures of the UNC’s consensus independent candidates from Nungba A/C and Chandel A/C are yet to be obtained as he is too pre-occupied with his election task. The UNDF further added that the alliance will operate in and outside the Assembly after being elected to achieve the objective of the manifesto.
Important points of the manifesto include that the alliance will mobilize the people for fully supporting the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue for an honourable solution and to provide leadership to society in nation building. Another point of the manifesto states that the UNDF will work to fulfill the inherent and democratic aspiration of the Naga people for unification of all Naga homeland and to promote common interests of all the ethnic communities in the State.
Manipur: First phase campaigning ends ibnlive.com



LOW KEY POLLS: Campaigning was lacklustre with the only major public rallies being those addressed by Sonia Gandhi.
New Delhi: The campaigning in Manipur for the first phase of the Assembly elections ended on Tuesday. The elections in all 19 Assembly segments in the state are slated to be held on February 8.The election campaigning was lackluster to say the least with the only major public rallies being those addressed by Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday. Sonia Gandhi had on Monday categorically stated that the Congress would not allow any changes in Manipur's territorial integrity. Addressing an election rally at Thoubal constituency, she said that the government was 'seriously and genuinely' considering the recommendations of the Jeevan Reddy Committee on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958.
The AFSPA gives special powers to the security forces. She said the Act had already been withdrawn from seven Assembly constituencies in Imphal municipal area. Gandhi said normal life in the state is affected because of activities of underground militants, and added that she was aware that people are against this. The UPA chairperson's assurance on the territorial integrity of Manipur comes in the backdrop of the demand by the NSCN (IM) outfit for the integration of all the Naga-dominated areas in the region into a greater Nagalim. The Centre has been engaged in a long-drawn process of negotiation with the Naga militant outfit for more than a decade now ever since the government signed a ceasefire pact with the outfit. The first phase of the polls will decide the fate of several prominent leaders including Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Speaker Manir Udin Sheikh, former Finance minister Chungkhokai Doungel, chairman of the Planning and Development Authority K Ranjit, all belonging to Congress.
Security beefed up for Naga examinees from Manipur Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Feb 6 – Security has been beefed up for the smooth conduct of the High School Leaving Certificate examination at centres in Nagaland where Naga students from Manipur are appearing due to opposition from the NSCN-K, official sources said today.

Police personnel have been deployed at an examination centre at Viswema under Kohima district and two centres at Dimapur where Naga students from Manipur are sitting for the test after over 3,000 students from the neighbouring State got affiliated to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE) last year, they said. The NSCN-K has opposed the Nagaland Government’s decision to allow students from the hill districts of Manipur to get affiliated to the NBSE and warned that it will not allow such pupils to appear in the examination. In view of the NSCN-K’s stand and concern expressed by several organisations from Viswema, the additional chief secretary visited the town and held discussions with representatives of tribal councils and students bodies of the southern Angami region to ensure smooth conduct of the test there.

The representatives clarified that they did not oppose the government’s decision to enroll Naga students from Manipur and the opening of an examination centre in their locality, but they expressed concern at the overall academic environment in view of the NSCN-K’s threat. At a meeting organised in Dimapur by the district administration, several NGOs of the town discussed the issue and called on the NSCN-K to “partially lift” its ban. The officials said the NGOs and the tribal council resolved to extend cooperation to the district administration to ensure the smooth conduct of the test, which begins today. – PTI

UNC sponsored Independents form election alliance Newmai News Network

Imphal, Feb 6: In a sudden development, the consensus independent candidates of the United Naga Council (UNC) who are in the fray in the forthcoming 9th Manipur legislative Assembly elections have formed an alliance christened as "United Naga Democratic Front (UNDF)" with S Kho John as its convenor who will operate in consultation with the UNC. The front will have its common flag and common election symbol also.

Revealing this development to Newmai News Network late last night, the United Naga Democratic Front leaders said that the colour of the flag will be blue while its symbol will be a candle. The statement signed by nine consensus independent condidates of the United Naga Council said that the alliance will operate as pre-poll and post-poll alliance in order to achieve the `common manifesto` as announced in the UNC`s position paper. The statement said, "we the undersigned independent candidates chosen by the Naga people represented by UNC to contest in the election to the 9th Manipur legislative Assembly, 2007 as UNC`s consensus candidates have resolved to constitute the alliance named United Naga Democratic Front."

The nine signatories of the UNC`s consensus independent candidates include Samuel Jendai of the Tamenglong Assembly constituency, Danny Shaiza of the Ukhrul A/C, Wungnaoshang Keishing of the Phungyar A/C, Dr. Khasim Ruivah of the Chingai A/C, Awangbow Newmei of the Tamei A/C, RV Shirang of the Karong A/C, K Raina of the Tadubi A/C, S Kho John of the Mao A/C and Morung Makunga of the Tengnoupal Assembly constituency.

According to its convenor S Kho John the signatures of the UNC`s consensus independent candidates from Nungba A/C and Chandel A/C are yet to be obtained as he is too pre-occupied with his election task. The UNDF further added that the alliance will operate in and outside the Assembly after being elected to achieve the objective of the manifesto.

Important points of the manifesto include that the alliance will mobilise the people for fullest support to the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue for an honourable solution and to provide leadership to society in nation building. Another point of the manifesto states that the UNDF will work to fulfill the inherent and democratic aspiration of the Naga people for unification of all Naga homeland and to promote common interests of all the ethnic communities in the state.

Meanwhile, confusion reigned today as some unidentified persons reportedly circulated pamphlets in the name of UNC information and publicity secretary S Milan. The pamphlets printed in Tangkhul dialect under the title "Election Wui Maramli Tharkhami" were distributed in Ukhrul district today with regard to the 9th Assembly election of Manipur. The UNC said that it never issued such pamphlets. Rather the UNC appealed to all the Nagas to cast their votes only to the consensus independent candidates of the UNC. The UNC strongly condemned the "satanic pamplets" circulated by "irresponsible and senseless miscreants to create confusion in the minds of the Naga people aiming to sabotage the political aspiration of Naga dream," said the UNC statement issued by S Milan. It further stated that the Naga people represented by the United Naga Council (UNC) will never tolerate now and ever to such mischievous politicking that will divide the Nagas. "The UNC seriously takes note of the circulation of the pamphlets for directly defying the reputation of the Naga body by adopting devilish method to meet one`s selfish ends keeping Naga aspiration at the back burner behind," said the UNC.

The UNC then stated that it will never spare the culprits and befitting reply will be awarded to "criminals". "Since day one the stand of the UNC is unchanged and our support to its consensus independent candidates is loud, clear and consistent. The writings found in the pamplets are all the creation of selfish individuals for their own personal games and gains," declared the UNC. The UNC appealed to the Naga public not to believe the concocted pamplets mentioned in point-4 of the clause in particular but vote for UNC`s consensus independent candidates.

12 Senapati polling personnel suspended The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 6: Twelve polling personnel for Senapati district were suspended today as they were found absent from election duty by the district electoral officer, DEO, Senapati district.

Meanwhile, polling personnel who have been posted at remote interior areas of the district have started leaving for their destinations today and were expected to reach the polling stations on time, the DEO said. Six Assembly constituencies of Senapati district including Kangpokpi sub-division are to go to the polls in the first phase scheduled on Thursday (February 8).

The polling personnel along with the election materials have started leaving the district headquarters for their respective polling stations. DEO, Dr. Prem Singh, IAS said, "Out of 35 personnel who were assigned election duties 12 have been placed under suspension and arrest warrants issued against them." The suspended personnel include a presiding officer, polling officer and peon and physical verification is also being conducted to find out the exact reason why they failed to turn up for election duty, he added. When police raided the homes of some personnel, they were found to be out of station. "Police have been instructed to arrest them," Singh said over phone when contacted by IFP.

Preliminary reports from the district level officers of erring personnel have said that some of the absent personnel have not turned up at their respective offices for collecting monthly pay for the last few months. Meanwhile, polling personnel were already being dispatched with polling materials and electronic voting machines, EVMs and security personnel to their respective polling stations from today. Rain has disturbed the schedule to some extent but it`s not a great problem. Some personnel are travelling in Shaktimans to reach their stations as the road condition does not permit other vehicles," the DEO said. They will be reaching on time, he expected. A report from Kangpokpi also said that polling personnel of 22 out of 43 polling stations of 46-Saikul A/C were dispatched today along with polling materials and EVMs and accompanied by security personnel. The remaining polling parties will start leaving from tomorrow, the report added.
Heavy security as Manipur readies for round one of polling Submitted by Tarique India News By Syed Zarir Hussain,
Thoubal (Manipur), Feb 7 (IANS) The stage is set for the first of the three-phased assembly elections in Manipur Thursday with hundreds of police and paramilitary troopers taking vantage positions to thwart moves by separatist guerrillas to disrupt polling. Close to 600,000 voters would decide the fate of 77 candidates in 19 assembly constituencies in the insurgency ravaged districts of Thoubal, Ukhrul, and Senapati. "Everything is in place for the first phase of polling Thursday," Manipur's chief electoral officer R.R. Rashmi said. Security forces have fanned out across the three districts - a known bastion of several of Manipur's 19-odd rebel armies.
"All the sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations have been identified and accordingly we have deployed police and paramilitary personnel for providing foolproof security," a senior police official said. Thursday's vote would decide the fate of several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Speaker Manir Udin Sheikh and former finance minister Chungkhokai Doungel. The chief minister is contesting from two constituencies - Thoubal and neighbouring Khangabok. Senior Manipur People's Party (MPP) leader L. Tomba Singh is pitted against Singh in Thoubal. The battle lines are drawn with the ruling Congress party taking on regional challengers, the MPP, with the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, dominating the agendas of all political parties.
The AFPSA, an anti-terror law that provides sweeping powers to the security forces deployed in the region, is the focal point in the electioneering - almost all the opposition parties have been demanding its repeal saying the "draconian legislation" was a slur on democracy as it infringed on basic human rights of the people in Manipur. "Barring the Congress that has no mention of repealing the Act in their manifesto, all the other parties are harping on removing the legislation if voted to power. The Armed Forces Act is definitely the focal point in this election," Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press, a mass circulation English daily, told IANS.
While the Congress is banking on stability and development and seeking solace in the fact that their party is ruling New Delhi, the main opposition MPP is hoping to cash in on a surge of regionalism sweeping the state, bordering Myanmar. Not to be left behind is the United Naga Council (UNC), a newly floated front that supports integration of all Naga inhabited areas in Manipur with Greater Nagaland, a concept mooted by the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland. The two districts of Senapati and Ukhrul are dominated by Naga tribal people with the UNC believed to be having considerable clout among the voters.
In the second phase Feb 14, polling would take place in 29 constituencies, and the remaining 12 seats would go to the polls Feb 23. Counting of votes begins Feb 27.

It’s time for a change- Nagaland Post Opninion
God has created man in a very special and unique way. But in the present day, man has begun to lose his originality and uniqueness. We can hardly find brotherhood and fraternity among ourselves. We have become narrow in our perspective of life. We have become too selfish; we don't bother what is happening to the person standing next to us. Take a look around, you'll find that there's nothing left of man but his mere hunger for success, fame, money and power.
In our present situation, violence has flared up. There is chaos, corruption, inter-tribal feud, extortion, factional clashes and all forms of anti-social acts. Our society is degrading very fast. Long ago, we were known for our honesty, faithfulness, hardworking nature and courage. But the present scenario is quite different. We have become hypocrite and want easy money. We are dragging ourselves to a lifestyle, which is clearly unpredictable and that leads to nowhere. Even in the Christian circle, we have jumbo churches with mega budgets and mammoth projects but marginal influences on the people. There has been aggressive preaching and proclamation, but poor practicing and affirmation. Many preachers do not practice what they preach. They just go on preaching but in reality, they do not know what they are preaching. We preach religiosity, worship and say much prayer, fasting and prophecy showing great zeal but our daily lives are filled with hatred and violence; street are stained with blood, young people are being captured by alcohol and drugs. The church has become so hypocrital that it does not have the courage to face reality. It’s time for us not just to sit but to introspect and retrospect ourselves. We have seen enough bloodshed, let us give peace a chance. We need active movement from all - to achieve a durable and continuing peace, so that the region and the people enjoy peace and security, and let’s not forget that inspite of all these mess-up, God still loves and is ready to forgive us. Let’s reconcile with God and make our land beautiful and worthy to live on. Kuknalim.
Asetuo Naga, NAC, Walford, Dimapur.
UNC candidates float common front Newmai News Network
Imphal, Feb 6: In a sudden development, the consensus independent candidates of the United Naga Council (UNC) who are in the fray for the forthcoming 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections have formed an alliance christened, “Uni-ted Naga Democratic Front, (UNDF)” with S Kho John as its convenor who will operate in consultation with the UNC.
The Front will also have a common flag and common election symbol.
Revealing this develop-ment to Newmai News Network late last night, the United Naga Democratic Front leaders said that the colour of the flag will be blue while its symbol will be a candle.
The statement signed by nine consensus Indepen-dent candidates of the United Naga Council said that the alliance will operate as pre-poll and post-poll alliance in order to achieve the ‘common manifesto’ as announced in the UNC’s Position Paper.
The statement said, “We the undersigned Indepen-dent candidates chosen by the Naga people represented by UNC to contest in the election to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly, 2007 as UNC’s consensus candidates have resolved to constitute the alliance named United Naga Democratic Front.”
The nine signatories of the UNC’s consensus candidates include Samuel Jendai of Tamenglong Assembly Constituency, Danny Shaiza of Ukhrul Assembly Constituency, Wungnaoshang Kei-shing of Phungyar A/C, Dr Khasim Ruivah of Chingai A/C, Awangbow Newmei of Tamei A/C, RV Shirang of Karong A/C, K Raina of Tadubi A/C, S Kho John of Mao A/C and Morung Makunga of Tengnoupal Assembly Constituency.
According to its convenor, S Kho John the signatures of the UNC’s consensus Independent candidates from Nungba A/C and Chandel A/C are yet to be obtained as he is too pre-occupied with his election task.
The UNDF further satte that the alliance will operate in and outside the Assembly after being elected to achi-eve the objective of the manifesto. Important poi-nts of the manifesto include that the alliance will mobilise the peoples for fullest support to the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialo-gue for an honourable solu- tion and to provide leadership to society in nation building. Another point of the manifesto states that the UNDF will work to fulfill the inherent and democr-atic aspiration of the Naga people for unification of all Naga homeland and to promote common interests of all the ethnic communities in the state.
Terror law takes centre stage in Manipur poll The Morung Express
NONGPOK SEKMAI, FEB 6 (Reuters): Maibam Sharat was second in a line of six friends, walking past a security post with his hands up in the air as ordered by Indian troops, when he says a soldier stepped out of an armoured car and opened fire.
He doesn’t know how long the shooting lasted but when it stopped he found his friend Ranbir, who was walking in front of him, bleeding from the stomach. The troops, there to fight separatist militants in India’s remote northeastern state of Manipur, moved him to their camp instead of getting medical help.
When they gave in to pressure from locals and took him to hospital, it was four hours too late - the farmer had taken seven bullets and lost too much blood to make it.”Maybe they were just venting their frustration and anger after their colleagues close by had come under attack from militants earlier in the evening,” said Sharat, a driver from the hamlet of Nongpok Semai.
Human rights groups and political parties say Ranbir’s killing was the latest in a long list of abuses by the military in insurgency-torn Manipur, abuses committed under the protection of a draconian federal anti-terror law. That law, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA, gives soldiers virtual immunity from prosecution, and has taken centre stage as the state of 2.6 million people begins voting this week in a three-stage poll to elect a new legislature. Most parties seem to agree that the law, which only applies to parts of India’s northeast and to Kashmir in the northwest, should either be repealed or drastically changed.
PROTECTORS OR PREDATORS? “If we come to power, we will ensure AFSPA is repealed in the very first session of the new legislature,” said Sovakiran Singh, legislator from the Heirok constituency to which Nongpok Sekmai belongs.
In theory New Delhi could overrule the state government and reimpose the law. But Singh hopes it will respond to the pressure from Manipur, where 20,000 people have died in a separatist rebellion since the 1960s. AFSPA gives troops sweeping powers to search, arrest and kill suspected militants even when they face no imminent threat. Troops can only be prosecuted with central government permission, -- and that rarely comes.
The 1958 law was introduced to combat armed separatist militancy in northeast India, and the army says it offers them vital protection from politically motivated charges. Rights groups say the powers it grants have fostered a climate where security forces commit rights abuses with impunity, including torture, rape and murder. That, they say, has only fuelled more anger and created more insurgents. “AFSPA is the product of the gross paranoia of the state,” said Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press daily.
A top official of the Border Security Force, whose men were involved in the Nongpok Sekmai shooting, said the soldiers were retaliating against fire from militants.
But hardly anyone in the hamlet believes him. Manipur is one of India’s most troubled regions, 1,500 miles from New Delhi but far from the nation’s consciousness. Soldiers are everywhere. The state has gone up in flames several times in the last five years when soldiers were accused of killing innocents and people took to the streets in anger. Despite the protests, extra-judicial killings saw a “slight increase” last year, with 18 documented cases, says Babloo Loitongbam, director of Manipur’s Human Rights Alert. Phanjoubam and Loitongbam say New Delhi should be pushing for a political not a military solution to the insurgency in Manipur, to bring development to one of India’s most backward states. But whether political parties here will be able to create genuine pressure for change remains to be seen. India’s ruling Congress party, which has also been in power in Manipur since 2002, has dilly-dallied on AFSPA. Party chief Sonia Gandhi told Manipuris this week that New Delhi was “seriously and genuinely” looking into the report of an expert panel which is said to have recommended changes to the law 18 months ago. But many Manipuris remain skeptical of change.
Multi-cornered contest likely in Mao constituency Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
MAO (MANIPUR): Mao constituency in Manipur's Senapati district bordering Nagaland is set for a multi-cornered showdown in the ensuing Assembly polls with five candidates joining the fray for their election to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Mao has the highest number of electorate in an Assembly segment of Manipur, where 49173 voters will exercise their franchise in as many as 51 polling stations. The economy of Mao people thrives on agriculture, the hub of business activities being Mao Gate, an important mini township on National Highway 39, connecting the states of Manipur and Nagaland. Though electioneering has yet to peak in Mao as compared to previous elections, a keen contest is on the cards among the five candidates in this semi-rural Assembly seat. During interactions with voters, this reporter found that the multi-faceted tussle in the constituency could go down to the wires. However, the real picture will be clear only when the electorate go out to caste their votes through electronic voting machines (EVMs) on February 8. Prominent among those seeking election to the Manipur Assembly from Mao seat are consensus candidate of the United Naga Council (UNC) and former president of the All Naga Students' Association of Manipur (ANSAM) Kho John and national party nominee (Congress) and sitting MLA R. K. Thekho. The others are W. Joram, H. George and M. Thorhii, all Independent candidates. It would be interesting to see the performance of Kho John and R. K Thekho, who hail from the same village Tungjoy. The Village Council has reportedly resolved to support Kho John. However, this could put both the candidates in a win-win situation. W. Joram could also spring some surprise if the reaction of the electorate is any indication. M. Thorhii of Song Song village, a veteran of many battles and also a former minister, is trying his luck as an Independent contestant. He won the Assembly elections on an Indian Congress Socialist (ICS) ticket in 1995 and again on a Congress ticket in 2000. He was minister in-charge for Tribal Welfare and Works respectively. Meanwhile, allegations and counter-allegations have marked the poll campaigns of the candidates. S. Besu, a supporter of Kho John, alleged that supporters of M. Thorhu had stopped about 20 of Kho's activists near Tabufii last night and snatched away Rs.20,000, three mobiles handsets from them, besides physically assaulting them. Talking to Nagaland Post over phone, M. Thorhii, however, denied the allegations, saying "those incidents were wrong information. Propaganda and rumuors do happen during elections."
The former two-time minister of Manipur also said he was confident of winning the elections from Mao Assembly constituency.

ULFA threatens to kill M’laya leaders Correspondent Nagaland Post
SHILLONG, Feb 6: The proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has threatened to kill three senior political leaders of Meghalaya if the state police continue to assist the Army in its operations against the militant outfit. The three top political leaders are facing ULFA threat are Union Minister in-charge of Tribal Affairs Patty Ripple Kyndiah, former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A. Sangma and former Meghalaya Chief Minister D. D. Lapang.
''We (ULFA) warned the Meghalaya police to stop cooperating with the Army within February 6. If they don't do that, the three leaders will be killed,'' B. Boragohain, an ULFA leader, said in a press statement issued to a local vernacular yesterday. ULFA's threat to the Meghalaya leaders comes in the wake of a massive combing operation launched by the Army, paramilitary force and Meghalaya police in the areas of the state bordering Assam. ''Our cadres are already based in Shillong and observing the movement of these political leaders. They will target them anytime if the administration fails to stop its operation against ULFA,'' the vernacular daily said quoting the ULFA statement. The combing operation against the outfit led to the arrest of six ULFA men from Ri-Bhoi district bordering Karbi Anglong district of Assam and also killing of an ULFA 'commander' Karno Rabha in Tikrikilla bordering Goalpara district of Assam. Reacting to ULFA's threat, Meghalaya Director General of Police W. R. Marbaniang said the state police would continue to assist the Army against any militants operating in the state. ''We are taking no chances and have put our forces on high alert across the state to prevent sneaking of ULFA militants into and outside the state," Marbaniang said. The banned militant outfit has been using Meghalaya's Garo Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts as their "sanctuary" to escape from security forces' dragnets and as their "transit route" to Bangladesh. "Our men have taken all steps and prepared to meet any eventuality," Marbaniang said. The state's West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills share borders with Assam and Bangladesh is known to be an ULFA hotbed.

Assam Nagaland Border- Nagaland Post Opninion
In view of the hearing going on between the state of Assam and Nagaland on boundary issue, and setting up of local boundary commission under the chairmanship of Justice S.N.Variava, Rtd. Judge, Supreme Court of India for the settlement of boundary dispute, some of the historical facts and evidences are being put forward for sincere and honest study to arrive for a peaceful settlement. The Nagas have never encroached nor illegally occupied any land belonging to Assam. Rather, the state government of Assam with its motive to accommodate illegal immigrants from neighboring country and other states for state electoral agenda has been encroaching Naga territory. Assam has been pursuing this systematic method of occupying the Naga areas including our homes and fields with the backing of its armed police personnel.
The boundary settlement dates back to the time of the Ahom king Godhadar. The demarcation was mutually concluded much before the British-India arrived at Assam between Ahom King Godhadar and the Lotha Nagas led by Senden Yanthan Lotha of Lakhuti village, popularly called by the Ahoms as Songdongbora. This brings answers the questions why and how the plain areas in Assam belong to the Lotha -Nagas and Nagas in general. During the period when the Burmese invaded Asom, warriors from Lotha-Naga villages, namely-Lakhuti and Akuk assisted the Ahom king in repulsing the advent of the Burmese force. In acknowledgement of the assistance received from the Nagas, the Ahom king decided to define the boundary line taking into consideration the security of his kingdom. Thus, as a boundary line, a road was constructed and named SONGDONG BORA Ali joining Sibsagar with Golaghat via Mariani. The name of this road has gone several changes to mislead and confuse the Lotha-Nagas. SONGDONG BORA Ali was changed to TOHONTOR Ali then to DHOTOR Ali. At present, this road is known as TONTOLA Ali. This road starts from Sibsagar via Mariani and ends at Golaghat. This evidence may be referred to the Asom Boronjee (Asom History). Another historical fact stands glaring even till today. A good number of villages presently lying under Assam state administration in the districts of Sibsagar and Jorhat were paying annual land tax (Ghats) to the Nagas as rents. This land tax or rent was received by numerous Naga villages. The payment of annual land tax was stopped in the early part of the 1970's on the directive of the Indian government. Basing on these historical facts, the question arises then; why the Nagas are claiming these tracks of land in the plains as theirs. After British-India penetrated Asom, the British-India government began to survey the land and the race of the people for the whole of British-India starting from 1832.
After the completion of the survey, area by areas, the British-India government made a declaration of their Survey Map. The then newly British surveyed areas were called by a special name - Bengal-Assam and NEFA. Thus, Nagaland does not demand nor has encroached even an inch of Assam land, but is fighting for and claiming the legitimate Naga rights for justice basing on: (a) The Historical Boundary demarcation done between the Ahom king Godadhar and Senden (Songdongbora); (b) The British-India administration has transferred the Naga areas part by part on one pretext or another in order to serve its economic interests. When Nagaland was granted Statehood as the 16th state on 1st December, 1963, the Indian government did not erect any constitutional boundary for the states of Assam and Nagaland for best reasons known to her while at the same time ignoring the historical boundary. Therefore Assam state should not necessarily raise boundary disputes with Nagaland thereby violating Godadhar-Naga defined boundary line.
For administrative and revenue convenience, a huge territory of land from the Naga Hills district were transferred to Sibsagar and Nowgaon districts of Assam state. Some of the areas transferred to Sibsagar district and than to the newly created Sub-Divisions of Jorhat and Golaghat of Assam state are mentioned for reference:
(a) Geleky Reserved Forest
(b) Tiru Reserved Forst
(c) Kakadonga Reserved Forest
(d) Desoi Reserved Forest
(e) Desoi Valley
(f) Doyang Reserved Forest
(g) Nambor Reserved Forest etc.
Besides the above mentioned Reserved Forests, good numbers of tea gardens falling within Naga territory had also been transferred to Sibsagar district. Therefore the Supreme Court of India and Indian government should not show favoritism, nepotism or prejudices and discriminate one state in the boundary settlement. Instead it is necessary to honour and respect the historical rights of the Nagas. Again the Supreme Court of India and Indian government should take note the 16th point Agreement of1960 and Article No.371 Clause A as well as Article No.3 of the Constitution of India in the Settlement. Significant Locations for references
1. Wokha-Gorunga British Dak Banglow
2. Wokha-Gorunga Tea Estate
3. Furkating Railway junction
4.Songdongbora Ali-cha-nged to Tontola Ali
Options for boundary settlement.
1. Sibsagarh via Mariani-Golaghat via Nowgaon-Guwahati National Highway.
2. Sibsagarh via Mariani-main road via Titabar via railway line to Furkating railway junction etc.
Nrisao Yanthan, Ex-Chairman, Lakhuti Village Council, Dist.Wokha, Nagaland.
Nipamacha scores with frank stand on AFSPA By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 6 : Former Chief Minister and State unit party president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), W Nipamacha has explained that his party has made no assurance to repeal AFSPA in its election manifesto despite being a big issue not only in Manipur but also in the whole North East region as RJD alone would not be able to withdraw such a Central Act. However, this does not mean that RJD supports the draconian Act. In fact RJD has been always against the Army Act and would continue to exert pressure for its repeal, Nipamacha said while releasing the election manifesto of the RJD today. The election manifesto of the RJD, outlining the programmes and policies that it would like to take if elected to power after the upcoming election to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly, was released during a simple function at the party office located at Babupara today. National general secretary of RJD in-charge of North East Provinces Harish Mahapatra and sitting MLA of the party S Natum were also present at the occasion. Protection of territorial integrity of Manipur, political dialogue to resolve the problem of insurgency in the State, ensuring protection of human rights, uprooting the scourge of HIV-AIDS, promotion of communal harmony among the various ethnic groups of people living in Manipur since time immemorial, to upgrade Sadar Hills and Jiribam to full-fledged revenue districts, development of human resources and improvement of communi- cation and transport facilities, etc are some of the points prominently highlighted in the manifesto of the party. Nipamacha said all the points that have been highlighted in the election manifesto are those which RJD firmly believes and would be able to implement and not some tall promises. He said RJD strongly felt that only with protection of the territorial integrity of the State and promotion of unity among the people, can there be peace and development in Manipur. On human resource development, the former Chief Minister said RJD would give special thrust on improving and streamlining the existing education system. Fielding questions from mediapersons, Nipamacha explained that there has been no mention to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 which has become a big issue not only in Manipur but also in the whole North East region in the election manifesto of his party as RJD alone would not be able to withdraw such a Central Act.
However, RJD is against the Act and will exert pressure for its repeal, he added.

Tight security to remain in place: DGP By R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 6 – Though the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has withdrawn its call to boycott the 33rd National Games, the police and security forces are not lowering their guard and tight security arrangements are in place for the Games. Talking to The Assam Tribune here today, the Director General of Assam Police, RN Mathur said that the security measures planned for the Games would be in place as the police and security forces are not willing to take any chances. He said, “though the ULFA has withdrawn the call to boycott the National Games, the tight security arrangements would continue.” He pointed out that the ULFA is not the only militant outfit operating in the state and other militant groups and jehadi elements might also try to create trouble during the Games.

The DGP said that the Government of India has provided 20 additional companies of paramilitary forces to the State exclusively for the National Games and police personnel have also been drawn from other parts of the State for ensuring security. He said that the State has adequate forces to deal with the security of the Games and “ we are deploying forces as per the requirements.” He revealed that the players coming to the State to participate in the Games are being provided security right from the Asom-West Bengal border and from the Railway station, they are being escorted to the Games village. He said that the police would not like to impose restrictions on the movement of the players, “but we have requested all the players and officials to go out of the Games village in groups so that we can provide security to them.” He also revealed that the Army would not be used for the security of the Games, but Army personnel have been posted in the periphery of Guwahati city. Commenting on the overall law and order situation in the State, the DGP said that the situation has improved considerably and even after the withdrawal of the Games boycott call by the ULFA, the counter-insurgency operations would continue. He said that according to information available with the police, the ULFA was planning to trigger off a series of explosions in different parts of the State during the run up to the Republic Day and the National Games, but increased public awareness, better surveillance and improvement of intelligence inputs led to recovery of explosives, which foiled the bid of the militant outfit.

Referring to the recent explosion in front of Panbazar police station, the DGP said that as per the law, the police can open and check vehicles dragged off from the no parking places. But in the past, there were instances when the owners alleged that their belongings were missing after police checking. But from now on, the police would check all the vehicles dragged off from the no parking places and “ we are also trying to find safe spots for dragged illegally parked vehicles.”

As per the advise of the State Government, the Railways suspended night running of trains in lower Asom areas from January 24 to February 7 to prevent any attack by the militants. Mathur said that the suspension of night running of trains might be increased by two or three more days. However, he said that the police was not in favour of suspending night running of trains for an indefinite period. “We are fully aware of the fact that suspension of night running of trains caused inconvenience to both the passengers and the Railways and we want normalcy to resume as soon as possible.” He also said that tight security measures are in place in the Railway bridges, tracks and the stations. Commenting on the situation in the North Cachar Hills district, Mathur admitted that shortage of force is a problem and the state’s request for additional forces for the district to deal with the situation is pending with the Government of India.

India to make fresh demand for crackdown Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 6 – With spurt in ULFA violence, India will make a fresh demand to Myanmar for crackdown on Northeast Indian insurgent groups operating from that country during the upcoming visit of Union Home Secretary V K Duggal to Yangon. Issues like drug trafficking and effective border management will also be high on the agenda during Duggal’s visit from February 13 to 17, sources in the MHA today said.

They said the Home Secretary chaired a meeting of senior Home Ministry officials to review the situation along the India-Myanmar border particularly in the wake of violence unleashed by ULFA militants in parts of Asom. ULFA has bases in Myanmar and New Delhi has been demanding a crackdown on the insurgent groups operating from that country similar to the 2003 Bhutan army operation against ULFA. Other insurgent groups operating from across the border include the United Nationalist Liberation Front (UNLF) and People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Myanmar, however, does not accept presence of insurgents in their territory engaged in anti-India operations. India shares 1,643 km rugged border with Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh alone accounts for 520 km followed by Mizoram 510 km. Manipur shares 398 km of its boundary with that country and Nagaland another 258 km.–PTI

AASU yet to elect new committee By A City Correspondent Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 6 – Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others — the All Assam Students Union (AASU), which is known for its vocal stand against wrongs or anomalies by others, would do well not to forget this adage, as it has failed to convene its annual convention to elect a new central executive. Although the term of the present central executive had expired long back, the student body is still to fix a date for holding its convention. A section of AASU members has alleged that the person responsible for this delay is Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya, the adviser of the student body. According to this group of disgruntled AASU activists, Dr Bhattacharya has not been keen about the convention, as he would have to leave the AASU. “Dr Bhattacharya had announced that his role as adviser would be his last term in the student body,” they said.
The AASU has been always vocal against the faults of others. But when it came down to keeping its own house in order, its top leaders have chosen to play the game of procrastination, added the irate members. AASU insiders say that a section of leaders has started expressing their dissatisfaction over the delay in holding the student body’s convention, and have begun lobbying to intensify their demand for holding the annual convention at the earliest.
The present body headed by Sankar Prasad Rai as president and Tapan Kumar Gogoi as general secretary was elected at the Moran convention a couple of years back, and though their term expired, it was extended again at a delegates’ meeting held a few months back, the sources said.

“ We want the convention to be held at the earliest,” said an AASU member. The sources also revealed that some of the present functionaries of the student body are eying for a re-election if the convention is held in the near future. The AASU functionaries were, however, not available for comments on the issue.

Congress fooling the people on AFSPA report: Jaya Jaitley The Imphal Free Press

imphal, feb 6: The suppressing of the Jeevan Reddy panel`s report on the AFSPA time and again on the plea that the government is considering it is sheer hypocrisy on the part of the Congress-led SPF government aimed at fooling the people. This was stated by Jaya Jaitley, former president, Samata Party while speaking to mediapersons during the flag-hoisting ceremony of N Nodiachand, ex-MLA and present candidate of the Samata Party of Uripok A/C today. Jaitley, who was referring to the statements made by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in her visit to the state yesterday, stressed that the scrapping of afspa is an aspiration of the people and there is a need for the Assembly to pass a unanimous resolution to scrap the act. The scrapping of the act rests in the Assembly. The flag-hoisting ceremony held today at Nodiachand`s residence at Yambem Leikai was attended by various state leaders of the Samata Party as well.

Jaya Jaitley, while answering queries from the media maintained that there is no need for plebiscite to sove the armed conflict in the state which is being demanded by one of the major underground outfits. The problems must be solved within the framework of the Indian constitution and there is no need for UN or a third party as the people of the state are the same as the people in the rest of the country. she said. The armed confilct in the state is being endorsed by some neighbouring coutries to create restlessness and chaos in the country, she maintained. She also maintained that the matter should not be exaggerated to such a stage like Kashmir. She further maintained that the armed outfits should come out to the mainstream if they really care about people and participate in what she termed, `real democracy`.

India to ask Myanmar for crackdown on ULFA Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Feb 6: India will make a fresh demand to Myanmar for crackdown on North-east Indian insurgent groups operating from that country during the upcoming visit of Union Home Secretary VK Duggal to Yangon. Issues like drug trafficking and effective border management will also be high on the agenda during Duggal’s visit from February 13 to 17, sources in the MHA today said. They said the Home Secretary chaired a meeting of senior Home Ministry officials to review the situation along the India-Myanmar border particularly in the wake of violence unleashed by ULFA militants in parts of Asom. ULFA has bases in Myanmar and New Delhi has been demanding a crackdown on the insurgent groups operating from that country similar to the 2003 Bhutan Army operation against ULFA. Other insurgent groups operating from across the border include the United Nationalist Liberation Front (UNLF) and People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Myanmar, however, does not accept presence of insurgents in their territory engaged in anti-India operations. PTI

Frans on 02.07.07 @ 04:11 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, February 6th

On campaign trail, Sonia woos Manipur


On campaign trail, Sonia woos Manipur ibnlive.com


NORTH EAST MONITOR: Sonia\'s statement comes in the wake of prolonged controversy.
New Delhi: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said on Monday that Congress will not allow the territorial integrity of Manipur to be altered.Sonia - who arrived in Manipur to campaign for her party for the first phase of polls on February 8 - was addressing a public rally in Thoubal district of Manipur.Her statement comes in the wake of prolonged controversy over the territorial integrity of Manipur, a part of which is claimed by the NCN (IM) as greater Nagaland.
The issue is sensitive to both Nagaland and Manipur and the region has seen repeated violence of the prospective division of Manipur on the basis of Naga and non-Naga inhabited areas of the state. Soon after her arrival at Tulihal airport by a special flight, Gandhi flew to interior Thoubal district where she will address a public meeting.
Party sources said Sonia will also address a public meeting before flying back to New Delhi.
Despairing Thoughts Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

If Rene Descartes belonged to Manipur of today, the statement he made illustrating succinctly the idealistic position of the primacy of mind over matter, and arguably the most profound attempt at establishing the centrality of man in the universal scheme of things, might have probably run something like: “I Think Therefore I am Depressed”. For the uninitiated, of which we are certain there are only very few if at all, the original statement goes: “I Think Therefore I Am”. But jesting juggling of the great philosopher’s words apart, the reality in Manipur is indeed grim. Everything positive there is about the state, of which there undoubtedly is a profusion, has become eclipsed under dark, divisive and destructive forces. The more you think about the prospect of the next few generations and even beyond, the overwhelming sense you are left with is closer to despair than hope. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is still too remote to be seen, or even imagine. Look any direction and the stories of gloom overshadow those of sunshine. Consider the most immediate case of the school students in four Naga majority hill districts. As part of a certain political game-plan, they were made to reject the school syllabus of the state they live in and adopt that of neighbouring Nagaland. And now, after having been re-oriented to a new education curriculum, it seems they are destined to be left in the lurch with another powerful lobby opposing the larger politics that made them look away from their state of origin. The legitimacy of the two opposing brands of coercive politics is one thing, but what we have are innocent casualties caught in a bitter crossfire. And the tragedy is, once set into motion, any move acquires a momentum not easy to reverse, and in all likelihood, many more generations of young students will continue to be caught in the same political crossfire.
Look at also the other pictures of the state’s future. Violence, underdevelopment, corruption, unemployment, widening ethnic divides, sinking public morale, etc, are becoming endemic and there seems no way out. Even the system cleansing mechanism of democracy – elections – are no longer a solution. None of the known and publicly acknowledged banes of the society, corruption to name just one, have ever been the clinching issue of elections in the state, and many with doubtful origins of their personal wealth, continue to buy their way to the seats of power. In fact, there have hardly ever been any election where the voters came out to give their verdict for a change. Instead elections have been more of a programmed behaviour, little connected or determined by any of the deepest concerns of the society. Franchise right has long ceased to be exercised with any faith in the establishment, or conviction in its ability to affect changes for the better. For this cynicism at least, we cannot help blame the farcical, gutless brand of politics that have dominated the state’s legislative history.
Consider also the fact that the real issues on the streets are seldom reflected in our elections – a fact enough to confound any social scientist. The apparent lack of faith in the established order so well articulated in so many violent protests and uprisings, and the faith seemingly expressed in the same established order by huge electorate turnout at every election for instance is a story not easy to collate into the same script meaningfully. Manipur today is a state which can in an explosion of spontaneous passion burn down the Legislative Assembly, but it is also a state in which no boycotts of Legislative Assembly elections have worked. So between those who would have the world believe there is a fundamental dislike for the Indian establishment and those who believe the state and its people are wedded body and soul to it, where possibly can be the truth? Or is the story about a social schizophrenia, induced by contrary and coercive pulls of loyalty, and one which our political and intellectual leaders have not been either brave or resourceful enough to face and resolve? Indeed, anybody who cares to think deep enough on the affairs of the state and its possible future would most likely end up depressed. This is no advocacy for people to abandon thinking on these issues though, but to be brave and honest in their thinking.

India : North East Trade Expo 2007- art & craft extravaganza

The fourth North East Trade Expo 2007 revealed the vibrant art and craft of Indian region covering beautiful cane furniture to gorgeous silk saris in the expo held from Jan 27 to Feb 4. The expo 2007 was held in three exhibition halls where states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim displayed their artifacts.

The exhibition had cane handicrafts displaying suitcases, handbags, jewellery boxes, cushions, mats, tables, lamps, the typical brown muga silk saris of Assam, Mekhla Chadors (saris) in muga and eri, the two types of Assam silk were showcased. Bright red and black coloured jackets from Nagaland, Angora shawls of rabbit wool from Sikkim and black stone pottery of Manipur were the other exhibits. With colorful cultural performances and special northeast cuisine to top it, the fourth North East Trade Expo 2007 was a resounding success.

Govt. may repeal controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958: Sonia Gandhi Ani News

Wangejing (Manipur), Feb.5 (ANI): Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi said on Monday that the UPA Government is looking at the possibility of repealing a controversial security law applicable in north eastern India, which critics say has been misused to kill and torture suspects.

She, however, ruled out the possibility of the government altering the territorial integrity of Manipur, but said the administration was open to the idea of talks with insurgents. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), is intended to help fight more than two-dozen insurgent groups active in the remote area. Human rights activists have demanded its repeal, saying it has been brazenly misused to kill, arrest and torture people on mere suspicion of being insurgents or supporters of the revolts.Several movements have been organised in the past to put pressure on the government to repeal the law. "You all know that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has already been repealed in seven constituencies and you all are also aware that the government is looking seriously into other areas as well," Gandhi said at an election campaign rally for her party's nominees for the forthcoming assembly elections in the state. She also said that the government would not interfere in the territorial integrity of the state.

"With your cooperation we will ensure the territorial integrity is not altered in anyway this has always been our policy and this will continue to be our policy in future as well," she said.

Manipur had witnessed large-scale violence after New Delhi extended its truce with a prominent insurgent group in neighbouring Nagaland state, who are fighting for a separate homeland encompassing all areas where the Nagas live. Manipuris believe the truce with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) will impinge on their state's territorial integrity, as it could be a first step towards carving out of a greater Nagaland state. Referring to the insurgency in the state, Gandhi said the government was open for talks but only when the rebels gave up arms.

"Insurgents and militant groups have made attempts to destroy social harmony in the state and to bring development activity to a halt. But they have not succeeded because the people of Manipur have not supported them. But we all must continue in out efforts to fight insurgency, to fight militant activities. We are committed to a dialogue with all groups but on the condition that these groups give up violence and the culture of the gun," she said.
Her two public meetings took place at the Kadompokpi Ground in Thoubal District and at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal West District. She said that the Congress-led Government in Manipur had withdrawn the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from the seven Assembly constituencies of the state and the Act may be withdrawn from other partc also. She also expressed happiness over the presence of large numbers of women during the meetings, and added that the women of the state were exhibiting their skill in various fields. The north east is a cauldron of political violence spawned by economic backwardness and tensions between ethnic tribals or groups pitted against other groups, immigrants or India's federal government. (ANI)
Manipur's territorial integrity will be protected, says Sonia Sushanta Talukdar Armed Forces Act will be withdrawn totally when situation improves The Hindu
• Ready for talks if insurgents give up violence
• Ibobi Government has brought stability
Wangjing (Manipur) : Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday said her party was committed to protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur at all costs. She said the Congress-led State Government had withdrawn the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in seven Assembly segments in the Imphal municipality and was looking forward to doing so in other parts of the State as the situation improved. Ms. Gandhi was addressing an election rally in this small town in Thoubal disrict,about 25 km from Imphal.She hit the campaign trail in the three States, which are going to the polls this month, the other two being Punjab and Uttarakhand.
Key issues The issues of territorial integrity of Manipur and repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act dominate electioneering with the opposition Manipur People's Party telling the voters that the Congress never opposed the demand for integration of Naga-inhabited areas of the State with Nagaland made by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and that the ruling party was also against withdrawal of the Act.
In the valley constituencies, the United Naga Council has obtained the signatures of 60 candidates on a pledge to work for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur with Nagaland. Ms. Gandhi said the United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre was ready for discussions with insurgent groups provided they gave up violence and the gun culture.
"The insurgents made attempts to destroy social harmony. They have not succeeded as the people of Manipur do not support them."
Ms. Gandhi said the Okram Ibobi Singh Government was the first one in Manipur to last a full five-year term, and this stability brought development to the State, and improved law and order and finances. At an Imphal meeting, Ms. Gandhi highlighted the handing over of the Kangla Fort from the custody of Assam Rilfes to the people of Manipur as another achievement of the Congress-led Government. Earlier, thousands of Congress workers, a majority of them women, waved enthusiastically at Ms. Gandhi as she alighted from a chartered helicopter at the Wangjing meeting venue, accompanied by Mr. Ibobi, Union Minister and Congress general secretary in-charge of the northeast Oscar Fernades and PCC president Gaikhangam.
Message of His Excellency, Ino. Isak Chishi Swu- Nagaland Post
I bring greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I feel elated to be a part of this conference through this humble message. I am confident that the student's community gathered at Vekuho Village for the 43rd General Conference will all be blessed abundantly. The Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu is the apex institution of the Sumis, ever molding and preparing generations of future leaders. I appreciate the present SKK leadership as well as the pioneers who have done much to take the students community forward.
Between a revolutionary and a student, I find great similarity because they share a common struggle, a glorious struggle yet a perilous one. One forced to defend the right of his people with a gun and other himself with a pen. A political blunder, on the part of a revolutionary, can enslave a people or a nation; a wanton friend or a wrong career move, in a moment of confusion, could derail a lifelong ambition of a student. When this happens, justification is a meaningless exercise because by then you have already betrayed yourself and your nation, both in the eyes of God and man. The world cannot wait for those who wait upon luck to bring them Glory. Both struggles demand unconditional commitment and determination. In the final analysis, both a revolutionary and a student merge into the same destiny of a nation or a society as years run its course.
Today, we face enemies both visible and invisible ones but NSCN is firm in its political stand which is driven by facts of history. We understand that the world has grown interdependent in many ways yet we shall never be subjected to political slavery in order to conform to postmodern world. NSCN shall never crumble under any pressure be it from outside or within because we are responsible to the Nagas.
One thing the NSCN can never ignore is the contribution of Sumis in the entire sphere of our national struggle. If we refer to the pages of Naga history, the sacrifice, courage and valor of Sumis past and present is legendary and this, I believe, is the gift of God to Sumis. As we realize the spirit of revolution dwells not in cities or towns, it thrives in hills and smoky villages; in the hearts of common men and women toiling in the fields. This is Nagalim!
I am convinced that true knowledge springs from correct understanding of your history, culture and the society that you live in. Without taking this aspect into consideration you are a lost man with all your acquired knowledge of the world. You are at best an idealist unable to come to terms with reality of life. Sometimes in our mad pursuit for academic excellence we fail to grasp the very foundation of our existence. Avoid this danger while you are a student.
Beloved students, God has sent you down to this earth at a right time and at a perfect place where you call willfully exercise your promise to the world. The future of our nation rests on your shoulders and it is your choice and yours alone, whether to embark on a path to becoming instruments of moral, ethical, spiritual and political regeneration or condemn yourself as insignificant creatures lured away by modem gadgets, fashion, films and make believe possibilities while your society, including your parents, writhe in agony.
I urge you all to rededicate yourself to our God Almighty, the creator of Nagalim and the giver of wisdom and knowledge. Let Naga history praise your generation for your correct decision in a given time and situation. The world may ignore your potential but NSCN awaits you becoming worthy sons and daughters of the soil.
God bless you all. Isak Chishi Swu, Yaruiwo, GPRN, NSCN (IM)

Naga bodies call on NSCN(K) to let students take NBSE exams Newmai News Network

Imphal, Feb 4: Naga frontal organisations have appealed to the NSCN(K) to revoke the threat notice issued against Naga students from Manipur who want to sit for the NBSE examination in Nagaland. The United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga People`s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Women`s Union, Manipur (NWUM) have made a joint appeal to the NSCN(K) in this regard.

The NPMHR (Nagaland sector) while issuing a statement to Newmai News Network last night through its convenor Lanu Sashi Longkumer and general secretary of the NPMHR (secretariat) Nepuni Piku said that the "demands for affiliation of students from the Naga hills of Manipur is an expression of the will of the people who continue to be oppressed through the systematic process of brainwashing of upholding the dominant culture and way of life while deriding the age old unique cultural and historical rights of the Nagas."

"Throughout history it is the dominant that often create and write history to perpetuate the dominance of the frontier communities under their so called sphere of influence. Language has been one chief medium through which the dominant system tries to exclude the other communities in the name of homogenization and dominance. The dominant community through the systematic coercion and connivance of the state administration has been trying to impose the Meitei Mayek (script) since decades which rightfully continues to be resisted by the hill people in general and the Nagas in particular," added the statement.

The Naga rights body further said that it will be the people and not imposed structures that will decide the future of the people. "NPMHR appreciates and extends our critical solidarity to the peaceful assertion and critical demonstration of the students` community through the banner of Naga Students Federation (NSF) which is a just struggle for dignity," added the statement.

NPMHR also expressed its gratitude to the role of the Nagaland state government "for positively affirming and upholding the right of choice for the students` community in the Naga hills of Manipur to gain affiliation with the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE)."

The Naga rights body further added that the NPMHR is for unification of Naga homeland wherever Nagas are contiguously placed and demands removal of all artificial boundaries that is in the way of Nagas fully exercising their rights to self-determination. It then cautions that any impediment cause towards this effort of creating a common vision is a negation in our united search for unity in purpose towards achieving our aspiration as a people. "NPMHR considers the threat notice issued by certain national groups as deviation from our common goal and appeal for immediate revocation of threats which creates an abnormal situation for all especially the young minds preparing to take the important exams," concluded the NPMHR, Nagaland sector.

Meanwhile, a joint statement of appeal has also been released by the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women`s Union Manipur (NWUM) and the Naga People`s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR-south sector).

The joint statement said that while appreciating the positive statements from different quarters for Naga national reconciliation and unity, the students` community representing the younger generation has made conscious choice towards realizing the aspiration of the people through strengthening of the emotional bond in the quest for common understanding of our people, land and culture.

"It considers the continuing threats issued by the NSCN (K) on the students community and against those institutions/individuals supposedly would be facilitating the hosting of examination as unfortunate and insensible," rued the Naga frontal organisations. The joint statement further said that those very acts of intimidation and promotion of a culture of fear and insecurity holds enormous consequences endangering the future Naga generations. In the interest of unity of purpose for all Nagas and their homeland and in the spirit of respecting the right of choice or self-identification for the students who wish to opt for NBSE curricula due to its cultural sensitivity and affinity, the bodies appealed to NSCN(K) to withdraw its threats to disturb the taking of examination by Naga hills students of Manipur in order to create a congenial atmosphere to perform their duties, said the statement. "We also appeal to all communities and institutions to kindly cooperate in the larger interest of our people`s quest for just peace, understanding and solidarity," said the statement of the UNC, ANSAM, NPMHR-(south sector) and NWUM.

Manipur rebels held OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 5: The finance secretary of the banned People’s United Liberation Front (PULF), was arrested along with two others at Dimapur railway station on Saturday evening. The three rebels from the Islamic outfit in Manipur were trying to board a train to Guwahati. Dimapur police said Jasmin, the 35-year-old finance secretary, also goes under aliases like Sony, Sahana, and Samira. The other two have been identified as Jasmin’s husband Md Thahir Ali Shah from Hota village in Imphal East district and 15-year-old Ashma from Yaripok village in Thoubal district. The police also seized two mobile phones and Rs 3,910 from the militants.
The police said Ashma, who is well versed in Nagamese, was working as an interpreter for the finance secretary, who cannot speak or understand the language. Jasmine is wanted by the police for activities under the Explosive Substance Act and the Arms Act.
On July 18 last year, the police had busted the PULF finance cell located in a high security zone at a distance of only 50 metres from the residence of chief minister Neiphiu Rio in Dimapur.
They had also arrested 10 PULF activists and recovered huge quantities of arms and ammunition, including Chinese grenades, along with incriminating documents. Dimapur has become a safe haven for militant groups of the region, taking advantage of the ongoing truce between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah).
An appeal to gprn, nscn(k)- Nagaland Post
Our journey to the Promised Land is being delayed be-cause of our disobedience to God. Naga people have become rusted and rotten which have stopped us to get into the Promised Land since last 60 years. Factions have trusted upon their own ability and power and fought for their factional supremacy. In the past, we have tried our best for National Reconciliation but sadly, highly respected organisation GPRN, NSCN (IM) have refused to come to terms. At present, GPRN, NSCN (K) refused National Reconciliation with quit notice being served to Tangkhul community.
NNC/FGN claimed that Naga ancestral homeland belongs to the Naga people but they seem to refuse to accept the reality of the people as Nagas. When Nagaland State Government opens door to Naga people as a whole allowing Naga young brothers and sisters from Manipur to appear NBSE exams to be a part of Naga in their homeland, GPRN, NSCN(K) has kept strong reservations to hinder the youngsters from writing annual HSLC exam under NBSE.
Therefore, the Council of Naga Baptist Churches(CNBC), appeals to the GPRN, NSCN(K) to revoke their stance in preventing the students from appearing their HSLC examination but to welcome and make them homely so that they may become a responsible citizens of next generation in our homeland. We believe that national building is not only by power and guns but by collective enterprise of God's mandate.
When Israel got independence, David Ben Gurion, then the Prime Minister of Israel emphatically declared that homeland is not gotten as a gift; it is not acquired by privilege or political contracts, it is not bought with gold or held by force. No, it is made with the sweat of the brow, it is the historic creation and collective enterprise of the people, the fruit of its peoples labor bodily, spiritually, morally over the span of generations. He said, "If we don't conquer the desert, the desert shall conquer us."
We must learn lesson from the Israelites who struggled for national spirit. Let us sink down our differences and stand together hand in hand as a nation.
Rev. Dr. V. K. Nuh, General Secretary, Council of Naga Baptist Churches, Kohima.
Hidden till examination day OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 5: The 3,000-odd students who have come here from the four hill districts of Manipur for the High School Leaving Certificate examination are being kept at undisclosed locations with round-the-clock police protection. The students will sit for the exam at three centres — one at Viswema near Kohima and two in Dimapur — with threats from the NSCN (Khaplang) looming large over their heads. The outfit has been against the idea of schools in the hill districts of Manipur switching affiliation to the Nagaland board because it is an extension of the rival NSCN (I-M)’s campaign for the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas. Several organisations continue to appeal to the Khaplang group to reconsider its diktat and allow the students to write their exams.
The Naga Students’ Federation has appealed to the general secretary of the outfit, Kitovi Zhimomi, to withdraw the threat. Its spokesman W.H. Maring and vice-president Imchatoba said they had tried to “save the Naga students from the divide-and-rule policy” of the Manipur government.
“The students of the southern Naga area on their own decided to reject the syllabus prescribed by the Manipur government and started the exodus. Our board came to their help purely on humanitarian grounds,” the federation said. Tenyimi Central Union, the conglomeration of several Naga tribes, also appealed to the outfit to exercise utmost restraint.
Among others who have urged the NSCN (K) to do a rethink are Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, United Naga Council, Western Sumi Frontal Organisation, All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur, Naga Women’s Union, Manipur, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Naga Hoho and the Tangkhul Hoho. Home minister Thenucho has also appealed to the outfit to reconsider its threat to the students and revoke the “quit notice” served on the Tangkhuls.
He has also written to the Ceasefire Supervisory Board overseeing the truce ground rules. NSCN (K) deputy kilo kilonser (deputy home minister) Wangtin said they would use all means to prevent the Naga students of Manipur from appearing for the examination. The Nagaland Baptist Church Council today said yesterday’s meeting with the NSCN (K) was “unsuccessful”.
Rev. Kari Longchari, director of Nagaland Baptist Church Council Peace Mission, said they had failed to convince the NSCN (K) to revoke the “quit notice” served on the Tangkhuls.
Peace observers’ to be designated for exams Dimapur public appeals to NSCN-K for lifting ban The Morung Express Peter Chachei
Dimapur With barely a day left for the students to appear for their respective final examinations (HSLC/HSSLC) amidst threats from the Khaplang faction of the NSCN putting a ceiling on the southern Naga students from appearing HSLC Examination 2007 under the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), representatives from various major mass-based Naga tribal Hoho’s, Civil organisations, various unions leaders, senior citizens, student body leaders, Dimapur Municipal Council members headed by its chairperson and district administration headed by the Deputy Commissioner came together today to a common platform at the DC’s Conference Hall and deliberately discussed particularly on the issue confronting the attachment of Naga students from Manipur.
The members present during the emergency meeting which was chaired by the DC, Dimapur after prolonged deliberations, unanimously resolved to extend full cooperation of the general public towards the District Administration in its efforts to maintain peace, law and order during conduct of the said examinations. The assembly also agreed upon ‘To voice a public appeal to the NSCN (K) authorities to grant partial lifting of its ban on the said examinations on humanitarian grounds for students in their earnest pursuit of education which is universal to all.”
The meeting also resolved to send few representatives from every walk of life to the designated ‘sensitive’ examination centres as ‘Peace observers’ on a regular basis where the students from Manipur will be appearing their exams. Dimapur district has a total of 51 examination centres of which two centres are being kept for the students coming from the four hills district of Manipur.
GoI violating CF ground rules: NSCN (IM) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (MExN): The NSCN/GPRN today condemned in severest terms the gross violation of cease-fire ground rules by the 13 Assam Rifles. The ground rule was laid down in between the GoI and the NSCN. Through a late statement issued by the MIP/GPRN, it charged the Government of India for violating the ground-rules of the ceasefire, wherein today, despite outmost restrain maintained by the NSCN/GPRN, the 13 Assam Rifles personnel numbering around 100, under its Commanding Officer in all provocation encroach the designated camp of Kiusumong Battalion of Naga Army, armed with assorted weaponries, violating the agreed cease-fire ground rules. “The attack on Kiusumong Battalion of Naga Army by the AR is not the first time, but rather the fourth attempt initiated by the said Commanding Officer following his personal innovation,” stated the statement.
NSCN/GPRN, in spite of its manifestations and expediting the peaceful resolutions to the protracted Indo-Naga political conflict, has been time and again appealing the GoI for respecting each other and honoring the hard earned peace initiatives towards achieving an amicable and peaceful resolution both in letter and spirit, but expressed the regret that the agencies of GoI have time and again continued to exhibit callous violations of cease-fire ground rules and human rights, either deliberately or obstinately, the statement added.
The NSCN/GPRN further questioned the Indian Government to clearly declare whether they (GoI) are sincere in about bringing peace or resumption of war. It indicated that Nagas are committed to peaceful resolutions and should not be forced to resort back to the past approaches to express their rights. It added.

NAGALAND ANNUAL PLAN 2007-08 FINALIZED NNK : RK
The Annual Plan outlay for Nagaland for the year 2007-08 was approved today at a meeting between the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio. The Annual Plan size was agreed at Rs.900 crores.

Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, complimented the State for high growth rate specially in the sectors of agriculture and education. He said socio-economic progress in the State was impressive. Efforts to promote bio-diversity conservation and empowering village development committees were steps in the right direction. He also appreciated the Eleventh Plan proposal of the State and suggested that efforts should be made to improve tax base.

It was pointed out that more districts of the State would be covered under NREGP. State was asked to pay more attention to programmes under Bharat Nirman and work towards improving quality of education. Attention was also drawn to losses in the power sector and expenditure on salaries to the government employees.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the policies followed for the last few years have helped in accelerating growth. He said growth in agriculture particularly horticulture was encouraging and have attained commercial scale. Industrial houses like Dabur & ITC have shown interest in the products. Flowers are being exported and food-grain production has gone up substantially.

Efforts are on to balance liberalization with social equity for which many innovations ranging from new and simple technologies to e-governance are being introduced. He said the State is being counted among front running reforming States of the country. GSDP has been growing at an average of 11.2 per cent with a primary sector growth of 15 per cent and secondary sector at 13.2 per cent. The per capita income was at slightly over Rs.21000. He said the State would be aiming at a growth rate of 14.46 per cent for the Eleventh Plan period. Besides agriculture focus will be on marketing, processing and technology intervention. Organic cultivation would be promoted. He sought Planning Commission support in improving connectivity.

CNBC calls for national spirit; appeals to NSCN (K) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (MExN): Pointing out that the Naga people’s journey “to the Promised Land is being delayed because of our disobedience to God”, the Council of Naga Baptist Churches stated that “Naga people rust and rot which have stopped us to get into the Promised Land since the last 60 years”.
“Factions have trusted upon their own ability and power and fought for their factional supremacy. In the past, we have tried our best for National Reconciliation but sadly, highly respected organisation GPRN, NSCN (IM) has refused to come to terms. At present, GPRN, NSCN (K) refused National Reconciliation with quit notice being served to Tangkhul community”, stated Rev. Dr. V. K. Nuh General Secretary Council of Naga Baptist Churches (CNBC) in a press note.
Further, the NNC/FGN, claimed that Naga ancestral homeland belongs to the Naga people but they seem to refuse to accept the reality of the people as Nagas, the CNBC stated. And when the Nagaland State Government opened doors to the Naga people as a whole allowing Naga young brothers and sisters from Manipur to appear NBSE exams to be a part of Naga in their homeland, GPRN, NSCN (K) has kept strong reservations to hinder the youngsters from writing annual HSLC exam under NBSE, the CNBC further lamented.
As such, the CNBC appealed to the NSCN (K) to revoke their stance in preventing the students from appearing their HSLC examination but to welcome and make them homely so that they may become responsible citizens of next generation in our homeland. “We believe that national building is not only by power and guns but by collective enterprise of God’s mandate”.
“When Israel got independence, David Ben Gurion, the then Prime Minister of Israel emphatically declared that homeland is not gotten as a gift; it is not acquired by privilege or political contracts, it is not bought with gold or held by force. No, it is made with the sweat of the brow, it is the historic creation and collective enterprise of the people, the fruit of its peoples labor bodily, spiritually, morally over the span of generations”, the CNBS stated quoting the former Israeli Prime Minister. Pointing out that Nagas must likewise learn a lesson from the Israelites who struggled for national spirit, the CNBC called for sinking down our differences and standing together hand in hand as a nation.
Govt to spend $100 million on linking Mizoram-Myanmar The Morung Express
The multi-modal project will include shipping, riverine and road transport
NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (agencies): As part of its efforts to form strategic alliances in the subcontinent, the government is planning to undertake a multimodal transport project from Mizoram to Myanmar. Requiring about $1.1 billion in investment, the project would see the government spending about $100 million and would also be liable for all cost over runs. The Myanmar government would pay $10 million as well as provide free land for the project. Soft loans would be given to the Myanmar government to cover its contribution of $10 million.
As part of the project, Mizoram and ports on the eastern side would be connected to Sittwe port in Myanmar by a shipping link. It would then be followed by a riverrine transport facility from Sittwe port to Kaletwa in Myanmar, which would then be connected to Mizoram by road. Arrangements for customs, immigration and other border-crossing services are also likely to be made as part of the project. The government is planning to set up a Land Port Authority, which is likely to be given these responsibilities.
Envisaged by the ministry of external affairs in 2003, the project has also got the Myanmar government’s approval. It has already received an in-principle approval from the Planning Commission and is likely to go to the Cabinet for formal approval once certain financial issues regarding its commercial viability and rate of return have been settled.
However, it has been decided that the project should be undertaken at the earliest due to its strategic importance. The project is also high on the government’s priority as it would help counter China’s growing importance in Myanmar.
The Chinese government too is keen on building rail-road connectivity there.

Neighbourly Ties
• Apart from spending the amount, the government will spend also be liable for all cost over runs
• The Myanmar government will pay $10 million and provide free land for the project
• Mizoram will be connected to the Sittwe port in Myanmar by a shipping link; a riverine transport facility from Sittwe to Kaletwa in Myanmar and then to Mizoram by road.
New Mantle The Morung Express editorial
The appointment of K. Sankaranarayanan—a former Finance Minister of Kerala and a confidant of Defence Minister A.K. Antony—as Governor of Nagaland to replace former Intelligence Bureau Chief Shyamal Datta is significant in more ways than one. As rightly pointed out by the Chief Minister himself, New Delhi has finally decided to depart from the tradition of appointing persons with police and army background as governors of politically sensitive States of the North East Region, and instead, has chosen a politician as the Governor of Nagaland this time.
Having said that, the bigger question remains on whether this is really an indication of the subtle shift in the approach of the Centre towards Nagaland and the recognition of Naga political situation as a political issue rather than that of a law and order issue or is it just going to be mere speculation on the part of the CM and the media in Nagaland. After all, a change in guard was always on the cards and appointing a politician is no big deal. While former army officers may have dominated gubernatorial appointments in the recent past, it does not mean that politicians were never given postings in Nagaland. But then if the Government of India is really sincere about the peace process and if it feels that appointing a seasoned politician will be better suited to the post-ceasefire context, one should welcome this shift in thinking. However, there are also strong reasons to suggest that the appointment of a Congress politician has more to do with electoral politics and the convenient advantage of having a man at Kohima for the Centre to keep a close eye on both the development and law and order front. And with Assembly Elections due in a few months time, such a calculation is not hard to come by.
This should not however, take anything away from his Excellency K. Sankaranarayanan, the new Governor of Nagaland, who has proved that he can be a staunch Congressman and yet manage the pulls and pressures of parties with diverse interests—having guided the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala through turbulent times for 16 years. Known for his fair-play while managing the UDF coalition, Sankaranarayanan will have to play a similar role as the Constitutional head of the State and while working along side the NPF led DAN government headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. As a seasoned politician and known as a practitioner of clean politics, Sankaranarayanan has enormous experience when it comes to governance. As a Finance Minister, he was instrumental in guiding the State through its fiscal reforms programme, though it involved some hard measures, including downsizing Government staff and reducing several benefits and was credited with leaving behind a sound exchequer behind for his successor to capitalize on. As Nagaland Governor, Mr. Sankaranarayanan would have to bring all his political skills into full play to manage both the political and development aspect of this troubled State. As rightly pointed out by Rio, his vast political experience and acumen will stand him in good stead in his new role as Governor of our State.
NSCN (K) firm on ‘quit notice’ Kohima Bureau Nagaland Post
Feb 5 (NPN): In a clear indication of standing firm over its decision to enforce the 'quit notice' issued on the Tangkhuls to leave Nagaland on or before February 5,2007 the NSCN (K) has reiterated that the responsibility fell upon the Tangkhuls to "respond to the quit notice".
NSCN-K Secretary in-charge of Education, NGOs and Public Relation K. Zhimomi (Kughavi) claimed that the leaders of the Tangkhul community were still silent on the quit notice. "When they are silent what is the use of other Nagas speaking on behalf of the Tangkhuls?", he asked, while referring to various appeals made by the different Naga organizations including Church for withdrawing the 'quit notice'. Zhimomi said "We got response from Th.Muivah who only said that it is only a paper war". He also alleged that of late, the NSCN-IM was engaged in a new modus operandi of capturing and killing well known Naga intellectuals by injecting an overdose of drugs to hide their crime especially in Dimapur areas.
On the other hand, he also claimed that several NSCN (K) leaders were receiving telephone calls from the Tangkhuls who promised that if the quit notice was revoked some 20 to 30 Tangkhuls would defect to the NSCN (K) from the NSCN (I-M). Zhimomi also he revealed that in a show of direct challenge to the NSCN(K) 'quit notice' , about two to three Tangkhul youths who went to Mon to join the NSCN (K) recently were "almost finished off". "This clearly proved that their intention is not for sovereignty or for nationalism but only to be Nagas", he said.
On the other hand, the NSCN (K) secretary also criticized some Naga leaders whether overground or underground, of shouting only in Dimapur and Kohima without knowing what was going on in the remote corner of the Naga areas. Zhimomi, who was earlier involved in over ground politics in various capacities under regional parties including the Congress for around 26 years ,said that he had visited all the areas of Nagaland and also other part of the neighbouring Naga areas of Manipur, Assam, Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh. He said Naga leaders were shouting from Dimapur and Kohima without visiting the interior areas and leaving behind the eastern part of the Nagas where there are rich natural resources. He claimed that it was only the NSCN (K) which was defending eastern Nagaland and that, had it not been for the NSCN-K, the eastern Nagas especially the border areas, would have become refugees or slaves of the Myanmarese. He also pointed out that the Nagas in the remote areas had been deprived of even the basic education. Nagas from the eastern side including Mon, were still in nursery or primary school levels where the males were at their "mustache shaving stage", he said. Further, Zhimomi said many Naga youths from the southern Nagaland (Manipur) were making a living as waiters in the hotels or working in the workshops.
Similarly, the Nagas from northern Nagaland (Arunachal Pradesh) were deprived of even the basic education. While shouting over issues, Zhimomi said Naga leaders should be positive in their action for peace and harmony and without partiality or favoritism.
An Open Letter to UNC The Morung Express Open letter to the editor
In the backdrop of the UNC participating in the current 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly 2007, I, an ardent Naga in every perceivable term feels it pertinent to put forth the few questions for prompt and fitting justification before the sea of doubt could shroud my conscience :
1. Under the given situation, the UNC by fielding its own independent candidate and launching open campaign for them in the Naga Hills, coalesced by some tribal bodies and team from Hebron has in no uncertain term given a confusing signal. Has UNC become a Political Party of Manipur?
2. The UNC slogan for the last election was a bold ‘NO SOLUTION, NO ELECTION’. It was such a successful and intensified campaign, co-operated by all Nagas alike. The present campaign under any parameter should be dubbed as ‘Un-intensified’ Campaign. Have the Nagas found the Solution that we enter election? That, we not only participate and field candidates but also fly the revered UNC flag and launch open campaign for the independent candidates who have been ‘blessed’, ‘anointed’ by UNC (or is it by the ‘people’?). UNC certainly appear to have lost direction.
3. The criteria/yardstick adopted in selecting the candidates to be fielded is highly questionable. It is devoid of any logic. The UNC went on record to denounce the Naga MLAs of the last election for doing nothing or too little to safeguard greater Naga aspiration. However, when the list of UNC endorsed candidates was finalized, it surprisingly came up with the names of some Legislators from the last Assembly who have appended their signature for protection of Manipur integrity. It also has names of those legislators of the Nipamacha govt. who first signed the Manipur integrity pact. Now it remains to be questioned at what cost these ‘black sheeps’ were made to receive the UNC ‘blessing’.
4. The UNC fielded candidates, the UNC and its subordinate bodies, while campaigning are often found to be giving the impression that UNC’s blessed candidates have also the Collective Leadership’s endorsement. Justification is needed immediately here so the names of our collective leadership are not unnecessarily embroiled or trapped into the annals of Indian election.
5. There have already been incidents of forced arrest and intimidation by the underground cadres on the Cong-I workers in Ukhrul District and elsewhere in regard to the current election. Threat has been employed to vote for UNC candidate. We already have instance of Cong-I Candidate from 44 Ukhrul A/C AS. Arthur’s Daughters been kidnapped along with their driver and their vehicle seized by cadres belonging to NSCN. We have also heard of UG cadres arresting a score of Cong-I workers from different villages under 45 Chingai A/C, a strong hold of the sitting Cong-I MLA. The selective methods of applying force and threat against candidates who have prospect in the ensuing election have only shown partiality. It has also given an evidently clear message to Delhi of the NSCN’s keen interest in Indian Election and Indian affairs and their shallow diplomacy. 6. Finally, what must never be forgotten is that the Voice of the People is the Voice of God. It shall be imperative therefore that the UNC, being the Vanguard of all Nagas in Manipur feel the pulse of the people at this crucial juncture. Let the greater interest of the greater number of people prevail. If not, the root gets shattered and rots away. KUKNALIM A.Shatsang Ningmi Viewland, Ukhrul On email
ULFA wakes up to sports lovers, calls off boycott
Three days short of the inauguration of the 33rd National Games in the Assam capital, the outlawed United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) today withdrew its boycott call of the event. ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said the decision was taken in view of appeals made by "eminent sportspersons" and "countless sportsloving people" of the state.
The ULFA chief's announcement was e-mailed to newspaper offices here this afternoon. With this, the uncertainty over the Games as come to an end though the state government has said there will be no relaxation in security. "Several eminent sportspersons including Bhogeswar Barua, Monalisa Barua, Gilbertson Sangma, Tayebunnessa, Babul Phukan and others, apart from countless sportsloving people of Assam have appealed to us to withdraw the boycott of the National Games of colonial India. These sportspersons and sportslovers are not people who collaborate with the colonial rule, exploitation and repression. Instead, they are spotless people who are associated with a sacred activity like sports. We withdraw the boycott as a response to their appeal," said Rajkhowa in his statement.
He said the withdrawal of the boycott call did not mean the outfit would "permit" holding of any such event till the "Assam-India conflict" is resolved. The ULFA's withdrawal of the boycott of the Games came amid a raging controversy triggered off by a local television channel report which accused the ULFA of taking money from the state government to lift the ban. While Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi denied having "managed" the ULFA, the outfit in turn even told the television channel to wind up if it failed to substantiate its claim. In November, the ULFA had announced that it would not let the National Games take place because it considered the Games as another manifestation of the "colonial dominance" of Assam by New Delhi. Despite tight security in Guwahati, the ULFA set off a car-bomb at the Panbazar police station in the heart of the city yesterday. Meanwhile, state contingents have started reaching Guwahati for the Games. The first to arrive was the contingent from Punjab while more teams are expected here tonight.
ULFA's lifting of games boycott call may signal peace By IANS
Guwahati, Feb 6 (IANS) The withdrawal of a boycott call against the National Games here by the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) may put derailed peace talks between the militants and the Assam government back on track.
'This is indeed a step in the positive direction. Doors for talks are open and if the ULFA wants a negotiated settlement, they are most welcome,' Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
The 10-day games - set to kick off in Guwahati Friday - were clouded with fear and panic after the ULFA called for a boycott of the event unless it was renamed as the Assam Sports Festival.
But on Monday, the ULFA surprised everyone by withdrawing its boycott call.
'In response to an appeal made by some leading sportspersons to reconsider our decision, we have decided to lift the boycott call of the National Games,' said ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa in a statement. Political pundits said the decision to lift the boycott call could once again help in restarting the failed peace process. 'If the ULFA restrains itself from carrying out any violent activities for sometime, the government of India must try and walk the extra mile and begin some sort of a track-two policy to see if there could be a meeting point for holding fresh talks,' Hare Krishna Deka, a former state police chief, told IANS. 'Both sides should now respond positively and try and understand each other's point of view without being belligerent in their attitude,' he added. Peace talks had collapsed after the central government called off a six-week ceasefire in September and resumed military operations, blaming the ULFA for stepped up violence and extortions. Efforts at leading the ULFA leadership to direct talks formally failed after New Delhi refused to release five jailed rebel leaders - a precondition by the outfit to begin negotiations.
New Delhi had said it would release the jailed leaders only if the militant outfit gave a written promise on direct peace talks. The ULFA refused to give this in writing, leading to the collapse of the peace initiative. 'The government should now take some bold steps to give a fresh lease of life to the failed peace process. By now the government should realise that insurgency cannot be crushed militarily as was evident in recent months when the ULFA went on a killing spree despite massive security,' said Ram Gopal Sharma, a retired police official. The writing on the wall is clear - the people of Assam want peace and expect both the government and the ULFA to bury their differences and end the three-decades-old violent insurgency in the region via dialogue.
Two venues, same script, but Sonia draws crowd, AICC chief tests AFSPA water By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
Wangjing, Feb 5 : Congress president Sonia Gandhi, while stating that the SPF Government has already lifted the Disturbed Area status has assured that the Government is looking seriously to lift the same from other areas too. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act is enforced in areas which are declared Disturbed Areas. Addressing a mammoth gathering here at Kodom-pokpi ground at Wangjing town in Thoubal district about 27 kilometers from the State’s capital today, the Congress chief said “You all know that the Act has been removed from seven Assembly Constituencies in Imphal municipal areas. The Government is looking seriously to lift the same from other areas too”.
However election manifesto of the Congress for the 9th Assembly election did not explicitly say anything on the repeal or continued imposition of the said Act. On the other hand the Congress emphasized more on peace and harmony. Going along the lines of the manifesto, Gandhi said the Congress led Government at the Centre is also committed to promoting peace and communal harmony. She also stressed the need to enhance women empowerment, social empowerment, employment opportunity, and social security. While acknowledging the State’s rich culture and excellence in sports, she lauded the role of Manipuri women in fighting social evils and injustice.
Stating that the law and order situation in the State has improved after the completion of the full five year term of Congress led Government in Manipur, Gandhi said “when I came down here five years ago the law and order situation as well as the economic condition was grave”.
The Congress that emerged the single largest party in the previous polls formed the Government and set the record of being the first Govt to complete its term in Manipur. This has also brought about a great change, she said. It is only the Congress which can fulfil the aspirations of the people of Manipur, she claimed while exhorting the mammoth crowd of about 30,000 people to cast their votes for the Congress “for a bright future of the State”. She also recalled the huge economic packages announced by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his recent visit to the State. The packages include upgradation of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences to the status of AIIMS, Manipur Institute of Technology to National Institute of Technology, National Highways and many other developmental fronts, she said . The Congress led UPA Government has taken up a number of developmental works unlike the previous BJP led NDA Government, Gandhi claimed while pointing out that under the dynamic leadership of the Congress, Manipur has entered the IT age giving job opportunities to a number of youths. On territorial integrity, she said, “ Congress is committed to maintain the territorial integrity of Manipur and this commitment has been kept as a firm policy of the party.” Commenting on insurgency, the AICC chief said the insurgents have not succeeded in their goals because the people do not support them adding “We have to fight insurgency”. Supporting the Prime Minister’s appeal to all insurgent groups to come forward for a meaningful dialogue, Gandhi said they should talk to bring about a permanent settlement provided they should shun the path of violence. Union Cabinet Minister Oscar Fernandez and other Congress leaders accompanied the AICC chief. Thoubal having 10 constituencies along with Senapati district will go to poll in the first phase on February 8. The second and third phase poll is slated for February 14 and 23.
UNLF ‘unmasks’ CM with Rs 24 crs By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 5 : Turning the table on the Chief Minister and his cohorts, the proscribed UNLF today claimed that though the CM has been claiming that it is the militant groups which have been eating into the development funds doled out by Delhi, it is in fact Ibobi and his men who have been taking their share and robbing the people. It is common knowledge that for any development fund that is released, the Chief Minister takes 10 to 15 pc of the total amount, said the outfit in a statement. However this amount is peanuts during the Indian election which is nothing but a big business transaction, said the outfit and claimed that to meet the election expenditure, Ibobi and his cohort, Govindas had withdrawn a huge amount of money by way of “Akash Bill” (money withdrawn without doing any work/in the name of non-existent work) from the PWD from October last year. Once this came to the knowledge of the Central Special Force of the UNLF, a total amount of Rs 4,81,69,500 was ‘surrendered’ to the outfit by the officials and Ministers concerned, said the statement. The reason why UNLF undertook the investigation and unmask the truth is to expose the true face of the Chief Minister and his men and not to weed out corruption. Explaining, UNLF said that as long as Manipur is under India, corruption will thrive because it is in the Indian system. To root out corruption, therefore, the system has be uprooted first, it maintained. The truth is also being told to make the people aware of the role being enacted by the Chief Minister who has always been blaming the militant organisa- tions of dipping their hands into the fund doled out by Delhi. UNLF and the people know that the money siphoned off by Ibobi and his men will never be used for the welfare of the people, claimed the statement and added that the CM is spreading canards so that he can lay his hands on more money. UNLF is also of the opinion that the engineers and officials are not guilty as they wereused as pawns by the Chief Minister and Minister as collectors, said the statement. The amount of Rs 4,81,69,500 with the UNLF will not be used as the party's fund, said UNLF and added that it aims to use for the development of the interiors areas. The outfit has also sought the suggestions of the people on its utilisation.
Operation against ULFA to continue From Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 5 – Despite the withdrawal of the boycott call by ULFA, Government of India is not going to lower guard and Army operations against the rebel group are going to continue. ULFA’s last minute move may have come as a face-saver for the State Government, but the Centre is not impressed and forces may not be ask to go slow in counter-insurgency operations, sources said.

Within hours of the ULFA’s announcement, a very high-level meeting was held at the North Block, which was attended by Union Home Secretary, VK Duggal, IB Chief, PC Halder, RAW chief Ashok Chaturvedi, besides top officials of the inter-intelligence agencies.

Though officials were tight lipped, it was learnt that the meeting reviewed the situation in Asom in great detail and in context of the National Games. In this connection, presence of RAW officials was significant because most of the top leadership of the ULFA are based abroad.

The turmoil in Bangladesh and its possible fallout in Asom has become source of concern for the Centre. The State Government has been pressing the Centre to put pressure on Bangladesh through diplomatic channel to crackdown on the militant outfit. Sources said that the Government was going to watch the situation more closely and will not call off the operations. The recent spate of killings in the aftermath of the collapse of the peace process is too fresh in Centre’s mind to take any chances. The meeting also assumed significance because of mounting speculation that the five prisoners may be released by the Government of India, as a goodwill gesture to once again start the peace process. Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi who met the Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Home Minister recently said that doors were still open but the militant outfit has to first shun violence, besides ruling out sovereignty as subject of discussion. The Centre, meanwhile, welcomed the ULFA’s decision and said the option of talks with the insurgent group was always open. “Its a good move,’’ Home Secretary Duggal said.
Gogoi thanks ULFA By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 5 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today thanked the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for withdrawing its call to boycott the National Games. Talking to newsmen, Gogoi said that it was a positive gesture on the part of the ULFA.

He said that the doors for talks with the ULFA for a political solution of the problem are still open and hoped the ULFA’s decision would pave the way for talks.
Sonia urges militants to shun violence
Cong will not compromise with territorial integrity of Manipur Sentinel
Feb 5: Congress president Sonia Gandhi today appealed to all militant groups to shun violence and come to the negotiating table.
Addressing two public meetings at Kadompokpi ground at Thoubal district and another at Hapta Kangjeibung at Imphal west for the coming Assembly, she said the door is always open for all to come forward for talks. But they should first give up their arms, she added.
She said the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, was an issue debated in the region. The Congress led government in Manipur had withdrawn it from the seven Assembly constituencies of the state and the Act may be withdrawn from other parts also, Ms Gandhi observed. Addressing the two meetings, she said the Congress party will never compromise the territorial integrity of Manipur.
She expressed happiness over the presence of large numbers of women during the meetings. She said the women of the state were exhibiting their skill in various fields and their participation in all walks of life needs to be emulated by other women folk of the country. In the interest of the youths and women the government will take up schemes for self employment, she assured. She said Mrs Indira Gandhi and Mr Rajiv Gandhi had also addressed public meetings at Manipur and she herself had addressed a public meeting five years ago.
She appealed to the people to support the Congress for the sake of the people. Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, State Congress president Gaikhangam, Congress general secretary Oscar Fernandes and other Congress leaders were present during the two meetings. The Thoubal district where she addressed her first meeting has ten assembly segments and will go to polls on February 8 and it is the home constituency of the Chief Minister. (UNI)
Allow students to take NBSE exams, Naga bodies to NSCN-K Sentinel
Feb 5: Naga frontal organisations have appealed to the NSCN-K to revoke the threat notice issued against Naga students from Manipur who want to sit for the NBSE examination in Nagaland.
The United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga People‘s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Women’s Union, Manipur (NWUM) have made a joint appeal to the NSCN(K) in this regard.
The NPMHR (Nagaland sector) while issuing a statement to Newmai News Network last night through its convenor Lanu Sashi Longkumer and general secretary of the NPMHR (secretariat) Nepuni Piku said that the “demands for affiliation of students from the Naga hills of Manipur is an expression of the will of the people who continue to be oppressed through the systematic process of brainwashing of upholding the dominant culture and way of life while deriding the age old unique cultural and historical rights of the Nagas.”
“Throughout history it is the dominant that often create and write history to perpetuate the dominance of the frontier communities under their so called sphere of influence. Language has been one chief medium through which the dominant system tries to exclude the other communities in the name of homogenization and dominance.
The dominant community through the systematic coercion and connivance of the state administration has been trying to impose the Meitei Mayek (script) since decades which rightfully continues to be resisted by the hill people in general and the Nagas in particular,” added the statement. The Naga rights body further said that it will be the people and not imposed structures that will decide the future of the people. “NPMHR appreciates and extends our critical solidarity to the peaceful assertion and critical demonstration of the students` community through the banner of Naga Students Federation (NSF) which is a just struggle for dignity,” added the statement.
NPMHR also expressed its gratitude to the role of the Nagaland state government ‘for positively affirming and upholding the right of choice for the students’ community in the Naga hills of Manipur to gain affiliation with the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE).’
The Naga rights body further added that the NPMHR is for unification of Naga homeland wherever Nagas are contiguously placed and demands removal of all artificial boundaries that is in the way of Nagas fully exercising their rights to self-determination. It then cautions that any impediment cause towards this effort of creating a common vision is a negation in our united search for unity in purpose towards achieving our aspiration as a people.
“NPMHR considers the threat notice issued by certain national groups as deviation from our common goal and appeal for immediate revocation of threats which creates an abnormal situation for all especially the young minds preparing to take the important exams,” concluded the NPMHR, Nagaland sector.
Meanwhile, a joint statement of appeal has also been released by the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women‘s Union Manipur (NWUM) and the Naga People‘s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR-south sector). The joint statement said that while appreciating the positive statements from different quarters for Naga national reconciliation and unity, the students‘ community representing the younger generation has made conscious choice towards realizing the aspiration of the people through strengthening of the emotional bond in the quest for common understanding of our people, land and culture.
“It considers the continuing threats issued by the NSCN (K) on the students community and against those institutions/individuals supposedly would be facilitating the hosting of examination as unfortunate and insensible,” rued the Naga frontal organisations.
The joint statement further said that those very acts of intimidation and promotion of a culture of fear and insecurity holds enormous consequences endangering the future Naga generations. In the interest of unity of purpose for all Nagas and their homeland and in the spirit of respecting the right of choice or self-identification for the students who wish to opt for NBSE curricula due to its cultural sensitivity and affinity, the bodies appealed to NSCN(K) to withdraw its threats to disturb the taking of examination by Naga hills students of Manipur in order to create a congenial atmosphere to perform their duties, said the statement.(Agencies)

New Governor vows to bring peace in Nagaland Sentinel
Kohima Jan 5: Newly sworn-in Nagaland Governor K Sankaranarayana said he came to the easternmost part of the county—Nagaland—from the southernmost part of the country—Kerala—with a big heart and tremendous hope that he would work for the ‘betterment of the State (Nagaland), its people and the down-trodden people’.
Speaking to the media after his swearing-in ceremony here recently, the new Governor agreed that Nagaland like any other States had ‘its own problem’. He was, however, confident that each and every problem could be resolved with the “support and cooperation” of the people of Nagaland. “And to me as a Governor of the State and the experiences I had as Minister, as politician and as social worker, we would be able to move forward to serve the people of Nagaland and its down-trodden people within the four walls of the Constitution”, Sankaranarayana said. “I have no reservation in my mind and that I would like to have more interactions with the people of Nagaland to reach this goal”.
Meanwhile, sending a message to the people of Nagaland soon after his taking over the reign as Governor of the State, Sankaranarayana assured that he would work sincerely for “peace, social harmony and economic progress in the State”.
He said Nagaland had been affected by the decades old insurgency, although there had been some respite in the recent years due to ceasefire between the Government of India and the underground groups. But that peace remained ‘imperfect and fragile’ because of the threats, extortion and factional violence, he pointed out. The new Governor further pointed out such prevailing situation hindered present society from achieving its full potential, besides the well being of their families and their future was at stake. He also called upon the political leaders, NGOs, church leaders, intellectuals, government servants, security forces, village elders and the youth to ‘redouble’ their efforts for bringing about a qualitative improvement in the prevailing atmosphere. (Agencies)

Frans on 02.06.07 @ 03:47 PM CST [link]


Monday, February 5th

NSCN-K refuse NBCC plea on ‘Quit Notice’ The Morung Express


NSCN-K refuse NBCC plea on ‘Quit Notice’ The Morung Express
MON, FEB 4 (MExN): The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has today refused to turn down the final ‘Quit Notice’ served to the Tangkhul community, beginning February 5, 2007 and said “We will stand firm to the notice issued to the Tangkhul communities.”
The top NSCN (K) officials said this, while responding to the 7-member team of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), who were presently at the outfits Ceasefire Monitoring Cell located at Mon town, for requesting to revoke the notice issued by the outfit to the Tangkhul communities and for considering reconciliation among the different outfit of Nagaland. The NBCC team was headed by Rev. Kari Longchar, Peace Director.
The leaders of the NSCN-K said that the main cause for their refusal was that the increased bloodshed and factional killings within the Naga family took place only after the entry of the Tangkhuls and added “Moreover, till date the Tangkhuls has never regretted for the loss of many innocent lives in the strive for Naga independence.”
The leaders also alleged that it was only under the direction of Tangkhul leaders that all the ‘assassination’ of Naga leaders took place. “As many as 70 Naga leaders of the rank of Kilonser and General were murdered by the Tangkhuls.”
The top officials of the outfit has also expressed that they have no intention to kill any innocent public or leaders. However, they were of the view that as long as the Tangkhuls stays in Nagaland there can hardly be any room for peace. “There can be unification among even the cadres of I-K organization and the cadres of any other Naga groups, but no Tangkhuls will be entertained in the process.”The NSCN (K) further added that since the organization has no intention to see the innocent brothers shedding their blood, asked all the Tangkhuls to leave Nagaland and go back to their own home town (Ukhrul) safe and sound. “The NSCN (K) wants the Naga brothers and sisters to enjoy peace, tranquility and security”, they added
Sumis appeal to NSCN (K) The Morung Express.
DIMAPUR, FEB 4 (MExN): The Western Sumi Frontal Organization in its emergency meeting at the Hoho’s Hiyam has sincerely appealed to the NSCN (K) to reconsider its issuing of ‘Quit Notice’ to the Tangkhul tribe on humanitarian ground as “a whole community cannot be judged or held responsible for the misdeeds by any individuals”. A joint press communiqué issued by the President WSH, Hokiye Yeptho, President WSSU, Kaino Chishi, President WSTH, Hukheli Wotsa and President WSKH, Shikuto Zalipu has further appealed to the NSCN (K) to amicably solve any differences in a peaceful way “paving the way for the peace among the vast Naga family, as violence cannot be an end in itself” and that it will serve any one’s interest “but will further widen the gap among the Naga family”.
NSF appeals to Kitovi on exams The Morung Express.
Dimapur, Feb 4 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation today fervently appealed to the NSCN (K) authourity to review the decision taken by the NSCN (K) authourity not to allow the southern Naga students from appearing HSLC Examination 2007 under the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and sought forgiveness for any lack of communication to the NSCN (K) authourity while pursuing the issue in the past. A letter addressed to the ‘Ato Kilonser’ of the NSCN (K), N Kitovi Zhimomi by the NSF Speaker, WH Maring and Vice President, Imchatoba Imchen, while appealing to the NSCN (K) to allow the ‘Southern Nagas’ to appear the exams under NBSE, stated that the NSF being the moral guardian of Naga students felt that the decision to let the Southern Nagas to appear exams in Nagaland as a call of duty, however, the NSF letter nevertheless, expressed regret for the lack of communication which the NSF felt as the reason for enraging the ‘central Nagas’ and asked forgiveness for this shortcoming.
“While this urgent matter (the issue southern Naga students seeking accommodation in NBSE) was brought before the NSF, the Federation as moral guardian of Naga students felt it ‘call of duty’ to rescue our brothers and sisters who needed our help though it might have fallen short of garnering consent and support of all concerned due to paucity of time and lack of communication, thereby enraging some section of central Nagas. The student community expresses deepest regret to your (NSCN-K) authourity for the shortcomings” the letter stated.

The NSF letter while tracing the genesis of the issue alleged that the Manipur Government was trying to divide the already fragmented ‘Naga family’ by imposing the Meitei script on the Naga schools. The letter stated that the students of the southern Naga rejected the prescribed syllabus by the Manipur Government in their own volition and started the mass exodus from the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur. The NSF letter further stated that the southern Naga students in search of shelter to the nearest board of education deserve to be accommodated in the NBSE purely on ‘humanitarian ground’. The NSF letter further pointed out that the NSF is driven by Naga interests only and have no demarcated area when it comes to it issues concerning the Nagas. “(The) NSF does not have definite demarcated area of operation as far as issues that confront the Nagas are concern(ed) with guiding principal of ‘oneness’. The NSF never intends to pursue anything adverse to the Naga interest”.
Kitovi asks Sumi students to work for peace The Morung Express. Change of CFSB Chairman is Centre’s unilateral decision: NSCN (K)
Dimapur, Feb 4 (MExN): In a press statement received here, the Ato Kilonser of the NSCN (K), N Kitovi Zhimomi today on the occasion of the 43 General Conference of the Sumi Students Union, called upon every Sumi student to usher in peace and harmony in the society through out the year. The NSCN (K) Ato Kilonser called upon the Sumi students to take up professionalism in their work saying that there is no alternative to it. “In today’s world of competition, “Professionalism” is the only alternative to achieve distinction in any field of activity” stated the NSCN (K) Ato Kilonser. Kitovi further called upon the Sumi students to identify their talents and excel in their fields to set a challenging trend for others to follow. With deep conviction in his heart, the NSCN (K) Ato Kilonser called upon the Sumi students to reconcile and work for peace and harmony throughout the year for prosperity in the society.
“I therefore call upon Sumi It is my personal conviction and appeal to every Sumi and Nagas to usher in peace, harmony and tranquility through out the year 2007 and there after, let us therefore reconcile and bury the hatchet to pave way for peace and prosperity in our land” stated the release. In a separate press release issued by the External Affairs Kilonser and former Supervisor of the CFSB, C Singsong today clarified that the NSCN (K) had never approached the Government of India for removal of Lt Gen (rtd) Kulkarni as the Cease Fire Supervisory Board Chairman and refuted the news item that the Centre is mulling to change the CFSB and CFMG chairman to placate the NSCN (K). The release clearly stated that change or removal of the CFSB chairman was the prerogative of the Centre’s unilateral decision where the NSCN (K) has no say. However, the release stated that the NSCN (K) has been insisting the GOI to create a separate CFSB chairman, though the Centre is yet to comply. The release stated that “implicating GPRN, NSCN’s interests as the basis of change of guard is unfounded and baseless”.
The release further cautioned the Press and Media to be careful in their reporting in order not to create more chaos and confusions in the interest of on going peace process.

The release also refuted the story that the centre had initiated the change of CFSB, CFMG Chairman mainly to placate GPRN, NSCN so as to garner GPRN’S support in flushing out ULFA from Myanmar dominated Naga Areas .Such baseless coverage creates more confusion, which needs rectification and more clarity in future, stated the release.
NSCN (K) rejects Thenucho’s plea Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, FEB 4 (NPN): The NSCN (K) has rejected Home minister Thenucho's appeal to the outfit's council of kilonsers for allowing students from the hill districts of Manipur to appear the HSLC examination under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE).
Reacting to Thenucho's letter of appeal that was addressed to the Cease-fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) office at Mon, NSCN (K) finance kilonser and CFSB supervisor Kughalu Mulatonu said the NSCN (K) has nothing to do with Neiphiu Rio-led DAN Government and further informed Thenucho to stop sending letters to the CFSB office. "The NSCN (K) has no connection with Rio's puppet government and the appeal will not be accepted. Rather Thenucho and Agriculture minister Azo should be aware of the activities in Phek," Mulatonu said.
Terming Thenucho as a "traitor" who had all along been masterminding "terrorism" against the NSCN (K) in collaboration with its rival NSCN (I-M) since 2003, the CFSB supervisor asked the minister not to forget the DAN government's logistic "muscles" that was been tightened against the NSCN (K) and innocent Nagas. Meanwhile, a delegation of the Nagaland Baptist Church Association (NBCC) led by its director, Peace Affairs, Rev. Kari Longchar reportedly met with the NSCN (K) council of kilonsers at Mon on Sunday. Though there were no details of the outcome of the talks, sources said NBCC was likely to appeal the NSCN (K) to review the latter's stand on the forthcoming HSLC exams. Sources also informed a special prayer was held in all churches throughout Nagaland for overall peace in the state and peaceful conduct of NBSE examinations. Thousands of people attended the special prayer programme held at Shisha Hoho (prayer house), near New Assembly Complex, Kohima, sources added.
NSF appeals to NSCN (K)- Nagaland Post Opinion
The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) fervently appeals to your esteemed authority to review the decision taken by the authority of National Socialist Council of Nagaland not to allow the southern Naga students from appearing HSLC Examination 2007 under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE). It may be recalled that the NSF pursued the process of affiliating private schools. From southern Naga areas after Manipur Government imposed Meitei script (Meitei Mayek) to the Naga students which was seen as policy of the Meitei dominated Government of Manipur to further divide the already fragmented Nagas family. Therefore, the students of the southern Nagas on their own volition decided to reject the syllabus prescribed by the Manipur Government and thus started the mass exodus of students from Board of Secondary Education, Manipur. This mass exodus of the southern Naga students in search of shelter to the nearest board deserves to be accommodated purely on humanitarian ground.
NSF does not have definite demarcated area of operation as far as issues that confront the Nagas are concerned with guiding principle of "Oneness". The NSF never intends to pursue anything adverse to the Nagas interest. All sensitive issues are being thoroughly deliberated and resolved in the Federal Assembly and carried out by the executives with fullest co-operation of the Federating units. The NSF never ever excluded any section of students' body from its fold but always urges all concern to strengthen it and shall continue to strive on.
While this urgent matter was brought before the NSF, the Federation as moral guardian of Naga students felt it 'call of duty' to rescue our brothers and sisters who needed our help though it might have fallen short of garnering consent and support of all concerned due to paucity of time and lack of communication, thereby enraging some section of central Nagas.
The student community expresses deepest regret to your authority for the shortcomings. Since affiliation is a process, it takes time and the fate lies in the hand of God the Almighty as far as its future course is concern. Arrangement for appearing HSLC Examination 2007 for students from southern Naga areas is temporary. The Federation strongly believes that your competent authority will examine those above noted facts and acknowledge the plight of thousands of students whose future are at stake. Therefore, the NSF sincerely pleads your authority to review the decision and revoke on humanitarian ground.
Imchatoba Imchen, Vice president, NSF. W.H. Maring, Speaker, NSF.
Joint statement of appeal- Nagaland Post Opinion
This joint statement of ap-peal has been released by the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women's Union Manipur (NWUM) and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) south sector.
While appreciating the positive statements from different quarters for Naga national reconciliation and unity, the student's community representing the younger generation has made conscious choice towards realizing the aspiration of the people through strengthening of the emotional bond in the quest for common understanding of our people, land and culture.
It considers the continuing threats issued by the NSCN (K) on the students' community and against those institutions/individuals supposedly would be facilitating the hosting of examination as unfortunate and insensible. These very acts of intimidation and promotion of a culture of fear and insecurity holds enormous consequences endangering the future Naga generations. In the interest of unity of purpose for all Nagas and their homeland and in the spirit of respecting the right of choice or self-identification for the students who wish to opt for NBSE curricula due to its cultural sensitivity and affinity, we appeal NSCN (K) to withdraw its threats to disturb the Naga Hill students of Manipur from giving examination, in order to create a congenial atmosphere to perform their duties. We also appeal to all communities and institutions to kindly cooperate in the larger interest of our peoples’ quest for justpeace, understanding and solidarity.
K.S.Paul Leo, President, United Naga Council (UNC) Paulhring Langhu, President, All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) Grace Shatsang, President, Naga Womens' Union Manipur (NWUM) Phamhring Sengul, Con-venor, NPMHR south sector.
Kitovi greets sumi students- Nagaland Post Opimion
In the name of our Lord Jesus, I extend heartiest greetings to Sumi Students on it's (SKK) 43rd general conference. I also share my joy with not only the Students who are the leaders of tomorrow, but every patrons and leaders from every walk of lives who has all along been the source of strength to SKK. SKK has a proud heritage of being the mentor of many distinguished personalities who has brought laurels not only to Sumi community but Nagas in general.
Modernity has brought about many positive changes and development at the same time evils are also increasingly creeping into our lives, at this crucial cross road I feel SKK has greater responsibilities to mould and shape not only Sumi people but to contribute towards Nation building for which leadership quality has to be reared up to lead our nation tomorrow.
In today's world of competition, "Professionalism" is the only alternative to achieve distinction in any field of activity. I therefore call upon Sumi Students to identify each God's bestowed gift to excel and set a challenging trend for others to follow.
It is my personal conviction and appeal to every Sumi and Nagas to usher in peace, harmony and tranquility through out the year 2007 and there after, let us therefore reconcile and bury the hatchet to pave way for peace and prosperity in our land.
N. Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, GPRN, NSCN (K).
K set to neutralise IM agenda The Sangai Express
JIRIBAM, Feb 4 : The Khaplang faction of the NSCN, Zeliangrong Region has decided to foil all attempts by the IM group in collaboration with the United Naga Council to coerce the Nagas of the four hill districts of Manipur in the forthcoming 9th Assembly election, reports our correspondent. Talking to this correspondent, NSCN (K) Jiribam town commander, Adi Laona Panmei accused the Im group of compromising everything with the Government of India, including its principle and ideology.
The Naga people have realised the futility of supporting the NSCN (IM), which has betrayed its people, said Panmei and added that the rival outfit is now trying to lure the people, deceive them and shackle them. Panmei also appealed to the Naga people not to pay any heed to diktats imposed on them by the IM group. The NSCN (K) will not hesitate to take up any drastic action against individuals who act champion the diktats of the NSCN (IM), he warned and added that the NSCN (K) cadres are ready for the inevitable show down with the IM group in all the Naga inhabited districts of Manipur.

Naga candidates point fingers at IM men By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 4 : Four Independent candidates of 47 Karong (ST) Assembly Constituency namely L Jonathan, Benjamin Banee, SP Henry and PS Henry Paotei have cried foul allegedly over the direct involvement of some NSCN (IM) men in the election campaign of UNC sponsored candidate RV Shirang.
A joint press statement, signed in favour of the candidates, disclosed that Col Sounii, L Siba (Rajou Peyu), P Ambition (Leacy member), P Shimray (Tatar) and Lt Phanitphang of NSCN (IM) have been openly campaigning for RV Shirang.
Saying that they have learnt of NSCN (IM) leadership never intimating any individual or
group to engage in election campaign in the name of the outfit, they flayed the conduct of the NSCN (IM) cadres in favour of a particular candidate.
Disclosing that the supporters of different candidates are at loggerheads over the involvement of NSCN (IM) men in the election process, the political workers of the said candidates cautioned that they shall not be held responsible for any consequence arising out of the undue interference, conveyed the statement. The United Naga Council had earlier announced that it would announce the names of 11 Naga consensus candidates to contest the election from the 11 Naga dominated Assembly segments. UNC has already named some candidates.

Students on way to NBSE exam stopped by NSCN(K); bus pushed down gorge The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL/KOHIMA, Feb 3: A passenger bus transporting students from the state to Kohima for appearing in the High School Leaving Certificate examination under the Nagaland Board of Education was intercepted and pushed into a gorge by armed NSCN(K) cadres on the IT road this afternoon The incident took place between Thonglan Akutpa and Duna villages along the IT road in Senapati district at around 3:30 pm today.

The NSCN(K) has claimed responsibility for the incident. The outfit had earlier warned the Naga students from Manipur against appearing in the HSLC examination conducted by the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education.Reports said the students mostly belonging to Tamei were allowed to get down first from the bus before it was pushed down into a gorge.
Altogether 54 students were on board the bus which had left Tamei for Kohima earlier in the day.

The students were later made to return home on foot. Another report said another two buses carrying students which were behind the ill-fated vehicle also turned back following the incident. The incident has highlighted the uncertainty facing thousands of students from the Naga-dominated districts who have transferred to the Nagaland board for the HSLC examination on the diktat of several Naga organisations.
It may be mentioned that several private educational institutions in the four hills districts had introduced NBSE curriculum in the academic session 2006-07 due to mounting pressure from some NGOs favouring integration of Naga inhabited areas of Manipur to Nagaland.

Since affiliation to another state board is not allowed for such schools, their students who were due to appear in the HSLC examination have opted for enrolment at various schools in Nagaland mostly in Kohima and Dimapur for the purpose. As many as around 5000 students studying in class-X standard from Naga dominated areas of Manipur had left the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, BSEM and were preparing for the exam under NBSE. On the other hand, following the threat from the NSCN (K), many students who had earlier obtained transfer certificate from BSEM had reportedly got themselves admitted at various private schools at Imphal. They are currently attending special coaching classes to cover the BSEM curriculum which they had earlier missed out. In the meantime, the Nagaland government has taken up several precautionary measures to ensure smooth conduct of HSLC examination, especially in the three examination centres designated for Naga students from the four hills districts of Manipur. A report from Kohima said that the state government had taken the decision to allow the Naga students from four districts of neighbouring Manipur to appear in the HSLC examination. Apart from this, the School Education department was working out strategies for smooth conduct of exams. On the other hand, another report said that the Southern Angami Public Organization, Viswema Village Council and the Southern Angami Youth Organization have lodged strong protests against the Nagaland government`s order designating HSLC examination centre for students from Senapati and Tamenglong districts at Viswema village. The Nagaland government had designated three examination centres including one in Kohima district for students belonging to Senapati and Tamenglong districts and the other two in Dimapur for students belonging to Ukhrul and Chandel districts. The NSCN (K), which staunchly opposes the state government`s decision, had threatened of dire consequences and warned that the Nagaland government would be held responsible for any untoward incident. Around 5000 Naga students from the four Naga-dominated districts of Manipur are supposed to be appearing their HSLC examination under Nagaland Board of School Education. Newmai News Network adds: NSCN-K Medical Kilonser Major N.Panmei claiming responsibility for the incident, said in a statement it should not be viewed in the wrong perspective. The NSCN-K Kilonser further said that the evil design of the NSCN-IM, United Naga Council and All Naga Students Association, Manipur has eroded the Naga society. The statement further said that the issue of text book or NBSE or school board has nothing to do with the sovereignty issue of the Nagas. The outfit also pledged that all the activities of the UNC and ANSAM and any other NSCN-IM worshippers will be dealt with iron hand. On the forthcoming Assembly Election of Manipur, the NSCN-K has urged all the Nagas to cast their votes without any fear according to their choice of candidates."I call upon all the Nagas to come out with truth and principle and let us work for peace and unity," declared the NSCN-K Kilonser.
‘Quit notice a plague’ says TCU; appeals for calm The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 4 (MExN): In the backdrop of the ongoing quit notice issued to the Tangkhul community and the threat served to students for appearing in the upcoming NBSE examinations, the Tenyimi Central Council (TCU) of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam has appealed to all the “political groups to exercise utmost restraint on humanitarian ground for the sake of survival of our nation”. Pointing out that this was not the first time quit notice has been served to the Tangkhuls, the TCU informed of the earlier quit notices served to the Tangkhuls at Mokokchung and later at Phek after the assassination of General Povezo in order to defuse the prevailing tension and to save the Tangkhuls from the wrath of the general public. “But the NSCN (IM) again served death sentence as a retaliatory measure to all the Chakhesang public leaders. However, by the grace of God and due to the tireless efforts of the NGO leaders, good sense prevailed and understanding was restored and ultimately the death sentence was revoked. In this manner, quit notice has been menacing the Naga society as a plague”, the TCU stated in a press communiqué issued by TCU President ZM Sekhose on behalf of the union.
Further lauding Kitovi Zhimomi, the TCU stated that the NSCN (K) Ato Kilonser had emerged as a man of wisdom, a true Christian and a true patriot by his very act of tendering apology to the people of Nagaland for the excesses his compatriots had committed and for the acts which were not in consonance with the theme “Nagaland for Christ”. “This is a major step in initiating the healing process in our land so as to remove the bitterness and the scars”. The TCU hoped that one day the Nagas will be remitted in the spirit of tendering apology, forgiveness and brotherhood in the right manner.
“Every action has a reaction. That is why it is pertinent to think about the possible effects or repercussion of the action taken. Whoever had imagined that the mighty Saddam Hussain would be hanged one day? But the true history had hanged him”, the TCU further stated.
As for the issue of Naga students from Manipur appearing HSLC examination in Nagaland, the TCU stated that it was like putting our children into difficulties because of the parent’s shortcomings. “The TCU is of the opinion that it is the bounden responsibility of the Untied Naga Council (UNC) and Naga Students Federation (NSF) to prepare the ground work properly by way of discussing the issues with the various political groups, tribes and surrounding neighbors in Nagaland in the same approach sincerely before taking u their final decision; prior consultation is always necessary (imperative) even in future with a view to avoid unseen complications. This is in consonance with the Naga tradition”.
Stating that the present generations of students are leaders of tomorrow, the TCU pointed out that it was important that no trait of bitterness is left behind today in the minds of the students because historical events are always the basis of future course of human relations.
Naga bodies urge NSCN K not to restrict students The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, February 04: A large number of Naga civil society organisations have appealed to the NSCN-K to revoke the threat notice issued on the Naga students from Manipur not to sit for the examination under NBSE in Nagaland. The United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM) have made a joint appeal to the NSCN-K in this regard.

The NPMHR (Nagaland Sector) while issuing a statement to Newmai News Network last night through its Convenor Lanu Sashi Longkumer and General Secretary of the NPMHR (Secretariat) Nepuni Piku said the “demands for affiliation of students from the Naga Hills of Manipur is an expression of the will of the people who continue to be oppressed through the systematic process of brainwashing by upholding the dominant culture and way of life while deriding the age old unique cultural and historical rights of the Nagas”.

“Throughout history it is the dominant that often create and write history to perpetuate the dominance of the frontier communities under their so called sphere of influence. Language has been one chief medium through which the dominant system tries to exclude the other communities in the name of homogenization and dominance. The dominant community through the systematic coercion and obvert connivance of the State administration has been trying to impose the Meitei Mayek (script) since decades which rightfully continues to be resisted by the hill peoples in general and the Nagas in particular,” added the statement.

The Naga rights body further said that it will be the people and not imposed structures that will decide the future of the people. “NPMHR appreciates and extends our critical solidarity to the peaceful assertion and critical demonstration of the students’ community through the banner of Naga Students Federation (NSF) which is a just struggle for dignity,” added the statement. NPMHR also expressed its gratefulness to the role of the Nagaland State Government “for positively affirming and upholding the right of choice for the students’ community in the Naga hills of Manipur to gain affiliation with the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE)”.

The Naga rights body further said that the NPMHR is for unification of Naga homeland wherever Nagas are contiguously placed and demands removal of all artificial boundaries that is in the way of Nagas fully exercising their rights to self-determination. It then cautions that any impediment cause towards this effort of creating a common vision is a negation in our united search for unity in purpose towards achieving our aspiration as a people.

“NPMHR considers the threat notice issued by certain national groups as deviation from our common goal and appeal for immediate revocation of threats which creates an abnormal situation for all especially the young minds preparing to take the important exams,” concluded the NPMHR,Nagaland Sector. Meanwhile,a joint statement of appeal has also been released by the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM)and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR-South Sector. The joint statement said that while appreciating the positive statements from different quarters for Naga national reconciliation and unity, the students’ community representing the younger generation has made conscious choice towards realizing the aspiration of the people through strengthening of the emotional bond in the quest for common understanding of our people, land and culture. “It considers the continuing threats issued by the NSCN (K) on the students’ community and against those institutions/ individuals supposedly would be facilitating the hosting of examination as unfortunate and insensible,” rued the Naga frontal organisations.

The joint statement further said that those very acts of intimidation and promotion of a culture of fear and insecurity holds enormous consequences endangering the future Naga generations. In the interest of unity of purpose for all Nagas and their homeland and in the spirit of respecting the right of choice or self-identification for the students who wish to opt for NBSE curricula due to its cultural sensitivity and affinity, we appeal NSCN (K) to withdraw its threats to disturb the taking of examination by Naga Hill students of Manipur in order to create a congenial atmosphere to perform their duties, said the statement. “We also appeal to all communities and institutions to kindly cooperate in the larger interest of our peoples’ quest for justpeace, understanding and solidarity”, said the statement of UNC,ANSAM, NPMHR - (South Sector) and NWUM.
Khongdei Union, UNC candidate refutes NSCN (IM) link up The Morung Express
Senapati, 4 Feb (MExN): The Chairman of the Khongdei Union and the Independent Candidate from 47 (ST) Karong AC today termed the allegation of NSCN (IM) cadres involvement in the election process in the hills district of Manipur made by four independent candidates of 47 (ST) Karong AC as unfortunate and a game of selfish politics.
A press release issued by H.Kharamo, Chairman, Khongdei while condemning the news item published in the February 2 issue The Morung Express under the caption ‘NSCN (IM) hand alleged in UNC Candidate’s Campaigned’, squarely put blame on the four signatories of the allegation and termed it as selfish politics.
‘The entire villagers of Khongdei Circles blame the signatories of the release for misleading the public of 47(ST) Karong AC and exposed their evil game by dragging the committed national workers for their selfish politics,’ the release stated. The release stated that the Khongdei Circle has many cadres in the underground faction since the beginning of the Naga movement and added that defaming the spirit of the ‘national workers’ will not serve the purpose of a political leader.
Besides open support of the underground faction, the chairman of the Khongdei Union further appealed to the people not to tarnish the image of the ‘national workers’. ‘Let us no try to tarnish the image of the true National Worker who is always loyal to his motherland’ the release stated.
Also in a separate press release issued by RV Shirang, Independent Candidate 47 (ST) Karong AC termed the allegation of NSCN (IM) cadres’ involvement in the election process in Manipur as ‘unfortunate and an ‘unexpected development’. The candidate stated that as a consensus candidate of the United Naga Council from 47 (ST) Karong AC, he would not hurt the sentiments of his fellow Nagas. ‘I have no ill feeling against my colleagues and shall never try to hurt the sentiment of my fellow Nagas’ stated RV Shirang.
The UNC’s consensus candidate appealed not to drag the name of committed ‘national workers into self interest politics’. RV Shirang further called for strengthening the hands of the UNC in the larger interest of the Naga society. ‘Let us try to strengthen the hand of UNC in the larger interest of the Nagas and lets us refrain from making such comment in future’ stated the UNC’s consensus candidate. It may be mentioned that on February 2 last four independent candidates from 47 (ST) Karong AC namely L.Jonathan, Benjamin Banee, SP Henry and P.S. Henry Paotei, has alleged that NSCN (IM) cadres were involved in the election process in the Naga inhibited areas of Manipur. The four candidates strongly alleged that the NSCN (IM) cadres were campaigning for one UNC nominated candidate in their constituency.
NSCN-K pushes down hill bus with students Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 4 – Suspected NSCN-K activists last night stopped a bus carrying Naga students from Manipur and pushed it down a hill after forcing out the occupants at Thongnang in Tamenglong district, official reports said. Reports said the students were on their way to appear in Class X examinations conducted by the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education.

NSCN-K had asked the Naga students from four hill districts of Manipur who would appear in the Class X examination that they should not be allowed to appear in the examination under NBSE. NSCN-K also took strong exception to Nagaland government’s decision to allow students from four hill districts of Manipur to seek affiliation under the NBSE to appear for the coming HSLC examination in the state. – PTI
Car bomb opens new face of terrorism in Assam The Morung Express
Guwahati, Feb 4: With just four days before the 33rd National Games kicks off in the state, a high power car bomb suspected to be planted by ULFA went off early in the morning at a police station in the heart of Guwahati city. Although no one was injured, a potential disaster was averted because the red Maruti car in which the bomb was placed was towed away along with three other cars from the very busy Fancy Bazar area. The car was reportedly parked near the Sani Tample since Saturday afternoon. There was heavy rush in the area as Sani worship (God of Saturn) was on full swing throughout Saturday.
A man carries remains of a vehicle damaged by a car bomb outside a police station in Guwahati, Sunday, February 4. (AP Photo)
It was brought into the Panbazar police station in the late evening. While three of the vehicles were claimed by owners and taken away by paying necessary fines, the unclaimed fourth one fitted with a bomb, went off at 3:15 am (IST) causing heavy damage to adjoining buildings.
The bomb laded vehicle was beyond recognition and some parts were seen dangling from the adjoining trees. “I was jolted out of my sleep as the whole building rattled under the impact of the blast. All the window panes of our room were shattered,” informed Anjali Deka whose husband is recuperating in the MMC Hospital.
The explosion also caused heavy impact on the surroundings vegetations. Hundreds of birds mostly crows which live on the trees in the areas were seen on the roads near the blast site looking dazed. The impact of the blast was such that almost all the birds looked naked without any trace of feathers on their skins feared to be taken away by the impact. This correspondent when tried to touch one of the birds remained dazed and stared blank. Interestingly, the vehicle was dragged despite a warning from state intelligence that militants from the banned ULFA could use car bombs in the next few days. This is the first time a four wheeler loaded with explosives has been used by militants for subversive activities in Assam opening a new chapter in terrorism. The technique which is widely used by Islamic militants across the world has become a great matter of concern for the state administration after the Sunday morning blast.
New parking laws after Guwahati car bomb blast Yahoo India Bangalore By IANS
Guwahati, Feb 5 (IANS) A rattled Assam government Monday enforced new parking regulations for motorists, a day after the state's first car bomb explosion at a police station here. A government spokesperson Monday said no vehicles without a driver or an attendant would be allowed to park in Guwahati's public places beyond an hour following a car bomb explosion early Sunday at the Panbazar police station in the city. 'The order banning parking of vehicles without a driver for more than an hour is purely for security reasons. Anybody violating the orders could face punishment, including imprisonment of up to one month,' said C.K. Bhuyan, the sub-divisional magistrate of Kamrup (metropolitan) district. The blast at the police station damaged at least six vehicles, but a timing device problem prevented any casualties. The Maruti car packed with explosives and fitted with a timer went off at 3.15 a.m. splitting high-tension electric wires overhead and damaging window panes of several houses nearby.
Police had Saturday towed the explosive-laden car from a no-parking zone close to a Hindu temple in the busy Fancy Bazar area. 'This is a new ploy by the militants and is the first instance of a car bomb explosion in Assam,' said Assam police chief R.N. Mathur.
The explosion has triggered panic in the city, which is hosting the 33rd National Games starting Friday. With several teams having arrived in Guwahati for the event, the blast has led to further tightening of security measures. 'We are intensifying security and doing our level best to foil any further attacks,' Guwahati police chief R.N. Singh said. Authorities have blamed the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for the explosion, including a string of bombings and shootouts last month that killed 90 people, including 61 Hindi-speaking migrant workers.
ULFA is one of several separatist groups operating in Assam, a state known for its oil reserves and tea crops but where at least 20,000 people have died in rebel violence since 1979. ULFA has called for a boycott of the National Games in the state.
Gogoi: It's impossible to protect all Congmen
As many as seven members of the Congress party, all block and panchayat-level office-bearers, have been killed by the ULFA since the beginning of this year. CM Tarun Gogoi said he was "highly concerned" over the killings, but admitted it was not possible for the government to provide security to each and every person. "It is not possible to provide security to every member of the party. There are lakhs of Congress members in the state. All we can do is to ask them to be a little extra-cautious in view of the attacks," he said.
Gogoi ,however, asserted that no member of his party had resigned due to the ULFA threat, as reported in a section of the media. "I am sure the Congress members have not resigned. They are dedicated people and are not scared," he said. Reports, especially from the Upper Assam districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat, however said a large number of Congress members, particularly office-bearers of the panchayat-level and block-level committees of the party, had resigned in view of the threat.
Bordumsa Block Congress Committee president Ajit Deuri was the first to be killed on January 6 amid the attacks on migrant labourers in Tinsukia district. Another block-level Congress worker, Abdul Basher, was shot at Dergaon in Golaghat district on February 1. ULFA's 28 Battalion, which is active in Upper Assam, had in the beginning of the year asked Congress leaders and members to resign in view of the Congress-led government's offensive against the outfit.
Conflict, development and dignity — III By Nehemiah Rong Contd from last Saturday
Already having the move for self determination, the hill people (Nagas) began to see only doomsday under the pre-sent situation and condition until, the ‘conflict’ that imprison their birthright has been resolved and came to an end.
The initiatives of the se-curity forces trying to help the people through the Mi-litary Civic Action Projects is not altogether absent 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. In order 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 suff-erings and agonies that people have gone 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. — Concluded
Chaoba attacks Cong, AFSPA By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 4 : Former Union Minister Th Chaoba has categorically stated that absence of any mention on the public demand for removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur in the election manifesto of Indian National Congress shows that the draconian Act is here to stay and torture the innocent people. Addressing the last election meeting of MPP’s Khurai AC candidate Dr N Bijoy at Khurai Popular High School ground today, Chaoba noted that as for the stand of the MPP on the issue, it has been clearly stated in its election manifesto.
“MPP is committed to the public demand for removal of the Act from Manipur,” Chaoba said.
However, among the points that have been put forward by the Congress for implementation if it returns to power, there is no mention on removal of Armed Forces Special Powers' Act, Chaoba pointed out, adding that this shows that Congress wants continuance of the Act and suffering of the people. Although the Congress had not given any assurance that it would repeal the Act, it had obliquely stated that the party would try to remove Disturbed Area tag from the whole of Manipur as and when the law and order condition improves. Continuing his attack, Chaoba said it is to the credit of the Anti-Defection law passed by then BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre that the Ibobi Ministry has been able to complete its full term.
It has nothing to do with the skill and statesmanship of the Chief Minister, Chaoba claimed.
The former MP further said there would be no squabbling for the post of Chief Minister if MPP is elected to power. Many noted politicians have come into the fold of MPP not for power but to save Manipur. Congress should not worry for the MPP on this count, Chaoba remarked.
Addressing his last election meeting, Dr Bijoy thanked all the people present at the occasion.

Car bomb explodes in city By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 4 – A powerful car bomb exploded right in front of the Panbazar police station in the wee hours today. No one, however, was killed or injured in the blast, as most of the people were confined to indoors at that time. The explosion that took place at 3-15 am ripped apart the red Maruti car (AS-23-A-6670) in which the programmable time device (PTD) was kept. So powerful was the impact that parts of the car were thrown to a distance of over hundred metres. It also damaged some power lines. The blast, however, took a heavy toll on birds that had nests on the trees along the road. Dozens of crows were seen lying dead, while a sizeable number was seriously injured.

The car had earlier been brought from a no-parking area in the busy Fancy Bazar, the business hub of the city. “The car was brought from near the Sani temple in Fancy Bazar around 11-30 am yesterday. Three more vehicles were also brought but those were later collected by their owners,” Additional SP (City), Rajen Singh said. Singh said that those those who planted the bomb, most likely to be ULFA militants, probably erred while setting the time of the explosion. “Probably they set it wrongly for 3-15 am instead of 3-15 pm,” he said, adding that the most likely target of the attack was the Panbazar police station and not the Fancy Bazar area. “The car was parked in the busy no-parking area and besides it was obstructing a road. Those who abandoned it knew that it would be taken to the police station immediately,” he said. The blast has led to a panic reaction among the police and security personnel, with security measures intensified in a never-before manner. Vehicles were being checked thoroughly, with security personnel going to the extent of opening the bonnets of cars in search of explosives. Meanwhile, the Kamrup (Metro) district administration has prohibited parking of vehicles even in parking places for over an hour unless the vehicles had one attendant each after the expiry of an hour.

Minister flays killing of Bodo youth in Bihar From Our Correspondent Assam tribune
UDALGURI, Feb 4 – Daimalu Daimary, son of Binoy Daimary of Bagaribari village under Mazbat PS in Udalguri district was brutally tortured and killed at Danapur railway station on January 25 last in Bihar on his way to Asom from New Delhi.
According to the sources in Mazbat anchalik committee of All Bodo Students, Union, Daimalu had gone to New Delhi to meet his elder sister who is an employee in a company.

Meanwhile, Rihon Daimari, PHE Minister of Asom has condemned the killing of Daimalu and urged the Bihar government to provide full security to the passengers of the State traveling through Bihar. Mazbat unit of ABSU has also demanded a probe. Sources said the killing could a reaction to the recent killings in Asom.

People must raise voice against militancy Nagarealm.com
GUWAHATI, FEB03 : Noted Gandhian Natwar Thakkar today said that civil society groups would have to show the way for return of peace in the State and the North-East. “The gun has muffled the voice of the majority, and the civil society groups must motivate and embolden the silent majority to raise their voices against violence perpetrated by militant groups,” Thakkar said at a seminar on ‘North East Today: The Path to Peace’ organized by the Centre for Peace and Progress (CPP). Asserting that people were the only force through which peace could be established, Thakkar, who has seen militancy from close quarters for four decades in Nagaland, said that the common people must be empowered to speak out. Maintaining that militant outfits often acted under “misplaced notions or ambitions”, Thakkar said that they forfeited their right to speak on behalf of the people the moment they took the gun. “It is the gun that is dictating the militants, and unless guns are laid aside, real dialogue will be difficult,” he said.

Eminent journalist DN Bezborua, in his speech, attributed the present turmoil in the State to a host of aberrations, injustices, inequalities, and inequities, and said that promoting such aberrations of democracy over the last few decades was at the root of all the unrest and violence. “Imposing draconian laws in the North-East, having a second immigration law for one State, and having different cut-off dates for the State for detecting illegal immigrants are all aberrations of democracy, and the consequences are there for all to see,” Bezboruah said.

Stating that the abnormal rise in the Muslim population of the State was not a natural happening, Bezboruah said that the State was now confronted with a frightening situation – that of fundamental militancy. “What should be a matter of grave concern is that the increase in the Muslim population has been caused by unabated influx from Bangladesh – something which our leaders has been encouraging for decades for their vote bank politics,” he said. “This demographic change has been engineered and orchestrated by our politicians,” he added.

Former bureaucrat TL Baruah said that the best chance to curb insurgency at its nascent stage in the State was lost when the AGP Government allowed the outfit to run a parallel administration from 1985 to 1990. Baruah also felt that the role of the civil society, i.e. groups like the AASU, Asom Sahitya Sabha, Sankardev Sangha, etc., were not up to the mark when it came to mould public opinion against militancy. “Civil society groups like the Naga Ho Ho, the Mizo Church and the Manipuri woman organizations were instrumental in pressurizing the militants to come to the negotiating table. But in Asom, civil society groups have not shown that amount of zeal, and the unified public action is lacking here,” he said.

Prof Sanjiv Baruah of CPP, in his speech, bemoaned a ‘dysfunctional policy approach’ for the ills affecting the North East. “Our policy approach has been dysfunctional in the way of solving the problems,” he said, and also stressed the need for normalizing relations between India and Bangladesh. PJ Baruah, executive editor of The Assam Tribune, said that a sense of grave identity crisis was gripping the various indigenous ethnic groups of Asom, contributing to the situation of confusion and uncertainty. “Implementation of the Assam Accord, especially Clause VI providing for constitutional safeguard for the indigenous people, would have gone a long way in assuaging the feelings of the people. But nothing was done on that vital Clause,” he said, adding that as a result the people had to be asking now as to who is an Assamese. [Assamtribune]

Political parties in power game Nagarealm.com
The sheer weight of opposition to the Rs 6,800-crore Tipaimukh hydro-electric project on the Barak river may have forced all political parties to include the issue in their election manifestos, but their views could not have been more different. The pronouncements of the major parties on the issue vary from defensive ambivalence to downright hostility.

The mega project, touted as Asia’s highest dam, has been gathering dust for years. When Union power minister Sushil Kumar Shinde laid the foundation stone for the project last year, scarcely did he know that it would trigger such an uproar. A storm of protests by the Action Committee against Tipaimukh Project, a conglomerate of 25 social organisations, followed the ceremony. “We will never allow this project to come up. It will only compound the woes of the impoverished tribals,” declared Oinam Bikram, co-convener of the action committee.

The militant United National Liberation Front, the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak joined the anti-dam lobby last month. They also warned villagers against working on the project. Naga organisations — the United Naga Council and the All Naga Students Association of Manipur — separately protested the implementation of the project. Forced to take a stand, political parties now find themselves speaking in disparate voices.

Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh said last month that the pros and cons of the project would be re-evaluated. “If the government is convinced that the losses will be more than the benefits, we may scrap the project.” However, the Congress is silent on the issue. The party has instead pledged to launch more power projects without the attendant problems. The CPI has promised a study by a committee of experts before giving the green signal to the project and the BJP has linked its fate to a consensus among people and parties. The Manipur People’s Party (MPP) has been more forthright on the issue: “We will scrap this project once we come to power,” MPP president L. Chandramoni Singh said recently. “We are against mega projects that result in human suffering. We will go for small hydro-electric projects instead.” Reiterating his resolve to have the project shelved after the elections, Bikram said: “According to estimates made by Neepco, the implementing agency, the construction of the dam will displace 2,200 impoverished tribals and submerge 15 tribal villages spread across 311 square km.”

Tribals constitute the majority of the population at the project site, located in the southwestern fringe of the Manipur-Mizoram border. “Displacing them from their roots will deal a blow to their cultural ethos. Monetary compensation will never be enough.” According to Neepco’s memorandum of understanding with the Centre and the Manipur government, Manipur will get 10 per cent of power generated in Tipaimukh as royalty and Mizoram will get two per cent. But Bikram is unimpressed. “Human life and culture are more important than government revenue in the form of free power.” He also claimed that the project would bring with it environmental hazards. “We cannot transform Barak’s green valley into a valley of tears.” [KHELEN THOKCHOM, telegraphindia]

Assembly polls in three states Sonia Gandhi to begin campaigning from Manipur Sentinel
New Delhi, Feb 4: Congress president Sonia Gandhi will begin her campaign for the party, facing assembly elections in three states, tomorrow by addressing rallies in Manipur.
After then, the Congress chief will campaign in Punjab and Uttaranchal. Gandhi’s day-long campaigning in Manipur will be followed by rallies on February 7 and 10 in Punjab. Elections to the 117-member Punjab Assembly will be held on February 13. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will follow Gandhi and visit Punjab on February five and six with a likely halt for the night at Chandigarh.
Gandhi’s visit to Manipur comes amid reports that Congress candidates were being ‘threatened’ by banned militant groups to either stay out of the poll process or pay money. The UPA chairperson will visit the state again on February 11 to address a rally in Imphal, and sources said the ruling Congress was hoping that some announcement would be made on the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, whose repeal has been demanded by the people of Manipur.
Militant groups like the PLA, UNLF, KYKL and KCP have been threatening politicians, especially Congress candidates. The polls to the 60-member assembly will be held in three phases on February 8, 14 and 23. Ahead of elections to the 70-member assembly of Uttarakhand, Gandhi will address rallies at various places on February eight. She is expected to visit the state a second time on either February 16 or 17, the sources said. The Prime Minister will visit the state on February 13. Elections in Uttarakhand will be held on February 21. (PTI)
Sangma assures AFSPA repeal if voted to power Sentinel
Imphal, Feb 4: Former Lok Sabha Speaker and NCP leader Purno A Sangma said the first priority of the NCP if it comes to power after the forthcoming elections, is to adopt an Assembly resolution for the repeal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
The NCP leader, who arrived in Imphal from New Delhi yesterday, was speaking at the flag-hoisting ceremony of the party’s candidate for Kshetrigao A/C, Thangjam Nabakishore.
Purno Sangma is accompanied by his son and NCP youth wing president Conrad Sangma. Speaking at the flag-hoisting ceremony at Nabakishore’s residence, Sangma expressed the view that the AFSPA has encouraged gun culture, and seriously affected the lives of the common people of the state. He further maintained that the Army’s duty was to guard the country’s borders and it had no business turning its guns on the citizens. Stressing the need to do away with the AFSPA, he reiterated that the NCP, if it comes to power, would table the AFSPA issue in the state Assembly as its first order of business and adopt a resolution for its repeal. The NCP leader also found fault with the Congress for its emphasis on peace before development, stressing that development has to come first if peace is to be brought about. As long as there is unemployment there cannot be peace in the state, he maintained. (Agencies)


Frans on 02.05.07 @ 12:33 PM CST [link]


Sunday, February 4th

Tourists with military escort visit remote Naga festivals AFP


Tourists with military escort visit remote Naga festivals AFP
LAHA, Myanmar (AFP) - High in the mountains of northwestern Myanmar, tribes of former headhunters dress themselves in tiger fangs and bear claws to celebrate their new year after the mid-January harvest.
The members of the Naga tribes living in Myanmar are among the most isolated people in the world. But for a handful of intrepid travellers, their villages have become an alluring if unlikely tourist attraction.
The 100,000 Nagas in Myanmar have little contact with the outside world, and even with the 1.2 million Nagas living across the border in India.
Myanmar's government only opened up to the outside world two decades ago, and until a few years ago, this region was completely off-limits to foreigners because of rebel movements and lack of transportation.
But over the last 10 years, the Nagas have begun using their new year ceremony to receive small groups of well-heeled tourists who are willing to pay hundreds of dollars a night to sleep in a dirt-floored hut for the chance to have an authentic tribal experience.
This year some 45 tourists, mostly from Western countries, made the trek to the village of Lahe where hundreds of Nagas donned their traditional finery for a two-day ceremony ringing in their new year.
Known historically for their tattoos and their tradition of headhunting, the Naga warriors at the ceremony don't exactly look like welcoming hosts.
For the Nagas, this is the only time of year when their 49 clans -- which sometimes speak completely different languages -- gather to celebrate together. Some younger Nagas have studied in India and use English to communicate between clans.
The warriors drape themselves in the fangs, claws and skins of their trophies, with headdresses made of fur and adorned with the long feathers of hornbills, while women and children in handmade red cloth parade nearby.
They raise a pole at the centre of a field near a ceremonial hall built to hold a feast. At night they light a bonfire to give thanks for the just-ended harvest.
-- Stepping back in time, for a price --
The spectacle is like witnessing a Top of Form
National Geographic special, which tourism officials say is why travellers are willing to spend thousands of dollars to join the event.
"We are definitely seeing travellers looking not just for new experiences, but for the real thing," said John Koldowski, a spokesman for the Pacific-Asia Travel Association in Bangkok.
"These people are really searching for something that hasn't been spoiled," he said, not just in Nagaland but in small communities around Asia.
Truly remote locales like the Naga villages in Myanmar attract only a trickle of tourists, said Win Tin, managing director of the Journey Nature and Culture Exploration travel agency in Yangon.
His agency provides a trip from Yangon for about 1,300 dollars to join the festival, including the journey by plane, boat and jeep to the ceremonial site.
The price tag is expensive because transportation and communication is so difficult, Win Tin said. Some of the money goes directly to the Nagas, which has helped them make small improvements in their living standards, he adds.
"If we look overall, the Naga new year festival is not only good for their tribe, but also good as a source of business," he says.
"Their lifestyle has changed a little as more visitors go there. In the past they didn't wear clothes and they had little sanitation. Now they have more awareness of their health.
"But I don't want this festival to become part of mass tourism, because I don't want it to have any negative impact on their tribe, nature and culture," he adds.
Any travel in military-controlled Myanmar is controversial because democracy activists fear the tourist money will end up in the hands of the ruling generals.
Myanmar's detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has urged foreigners not to visit her country until the military relinquishes power.
PATA's Koldowski says high costs are one way that countries can protect the culture of isolated communities like the Nagas, noting that the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan imposes steep visa fees for the same reason.
-- An arduous journey into disputed territory --
This kind of journey is not for the faint-hearted.
Getting to Lahe requires a flight to the town of Hkamti -- the Naga's biggest settlement -- then a three-hour trip upriver on a fishing boat, followed by a six-hour drive in a military four-by-four vehicle
Although Myanmar has signed ceasefire deals with many of the rebels over the last decade, insurgents still roam these mountains, including Naga fighters battling for their own state in neighbouring India.
Indian authorities believe a dozen different separatists operate from rear bases in Myanmar, and have urged the military junta ruling the country to crack down on their activities along the 1,600-kilometre (1,000-mile) border.
Myanmar rarely reveals the details of any of its campaigns against the scores of ethnic minorities around the country, but the Naga rebel leaders in India say the fighting has escalated since the junta launched a new crackdown in late December.
Some of the clashes last month took place in Hkmati district, which hosts the airport that tourists used to visit the new year festival, according to the S.S. Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) in India.
The insurgents are fighting for a "Greater Nagaland" that would unite the 1.2 million Nagas in India, but which has been strongly opposed by the surrounding states that would stand to lose territory.
India and the rebels have held more than 50 rounds of talks since 1997 to end one of South Asia's longest-running insurgencies that has claimed around 25,000 lives since independence in 1947.
Within Myanmar, the Naga unrest is relatively minor compared with the bloody campaigns the military has waged against other ethnic minorities, including the Karen and Shan on the Thai border.
Most of the ethnic rebels have signed ceasefires with the junta, and the government only opened up the Naga region after reaching deals with larger ethnic groups in that part of the country.
Myanmar only allows tourists to visit two Naga villages because of safety concerns, and soldiers escort the travellers along the entire route, Win Tin says.
But foreign countries including the United States, Britain and Australia have urged their nationals to avoid travelling on the Indian side of the border as violence has flared in recent weeks.
That didn't prompt any cancellations for the trip in Myanmar, Win Tin said, as visitors do come prepared for a tough trip to see something few outsiders have witnessed.
"You can see theatre, dance and culture and so forth in the capital of any country, but this is one subgroup that is real," Koldowski says.

Frans on 02.04.07 @ 04:45 PM CST [link]



Students on way to NBSE exam stopped by NSCN(K); bus pushed down gorge


Students on way to NBSE exam stopped by NSCN(K); bus pushed down gorge The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL/KOHIMA, Feb 3: A passenger bus transporting students from the state to Kohima for appearing in the High School Leaving Certificate examination under the Nagaland Board of Education was intercepted and pushed into a gorge by armed NSCN(K) cadres on the IT road this afternoon The incident took place between Thonglan Akutpa and Duna villages along the IT road in Senapati district at around 3:30 pm today. The NSCN(K) has claimed responsibility for the incident. The outfit had earlier warned the Naga students from Manipur against appearing in the HSLC examination conducted by the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education.

Reports said the students mostly belonging to Tamei were allowed to get down first from the bus before it was pushed down into a gorge. Altogether 54 students were on board the bus which had left Tamei for Kohima earlier in the day. The students were later made to return home on foot.

Another report said another two buses carrying students which were behind the ill-fated vehicle also turned back following the incident. The incident has highlighted the uncertainty facing thousands of students from the Naga-dominated districts who have transferred to the Nagaland board for the HSLC examination on the diktat of several Naga organisations.

It may be mentioned that several private educational institutions in the four hills districts had introduced NBSE curriculum in the academic session 2006-07 due to mounting pressure from some NGOs favouring integration of Naga inhabited areas of Manipur to Nagaland. Since affiliation to another state board is not allowed for such schools, their students who were due to appear in the HSLC examination have opted for enrolment at various schools in Nagaland mostly in Kohima and Dimapur for the purpose. As many as around 5000 students studying in class-X standard from Naga dominated areas of Manipur had left the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, BSEM and were preparing for the exam under NBSE.

On the other hand, following the threat from the NSCN (K), many students who had earlier obtained transfer certificate from BSEM had reportedly got themselves admitted at various private schools at Imphal. They are currently attending special coaching classes to cover the BSEM curriculum which they had earlier missed out. In the meantime, the Nagaland government has taken up several precautionary measures to ensure smooth conduct of HSLC examination, especially in the three examination centres designated for Naga students from the four hills districts of Manipur. A report from Kohima said that the state government had taken the decision to allow the Naga students from four districts of neighbouring Manipur to appear in the HSLC examination. Apart from this, the School Education department was working out strategies for smooth conduct of exams. On the other hand, another report said that the Southern Angami Public Organization, Viswema Village Council and the Southern Angami Youth Organization have lodged strong protests against the Nagaland government`s order designating HSLC examination centre for students from Senapati and Tamenglong districts at Viswema village.

The Nagaland government had designated three examination centres including one in Kohima district for students belonging to Senapati and Tamenglong districts and the other two in Dimapur for students belonging to Ukhrul and Chandel districts. The NSCN (K), which staunchly opposes the state government`s decision, had threatened of dire consequences and warned that the Nagaland government would be held responsible for any untoward incident.
Around 5000 Naga students from the four Naga-dominated districts of Manipur are supposed to be appearing their HSLC examination under Nagaland Board of School Education. Newmai News Network adds: NSCN-K Medical Kilonser Major N.Panmei claiming responsibility for the incident, said in a statement it should not be viewed in the wrong perspective.

The NSCN-K Kilonser further said that the evil design of the NSCN-IM, United Naga Council and All Naga Students Association, Manipur has eroded the Naga society. The statement further said that the issue of text book or NBSE or school board has nothing to do with the sovereignty issue of the Nagas. The outfit also pledged that all the activities of the UNC and ANSAM and any other NSCN-IM worshippers will be dealt with iron hand. On the forthcoming Assembly Election of Manipur, the NSCN-K has urged all the Nagas to cast their votes without any fear according to their choice of candidates."I call upon all the Nagas to come out with truth and principle and let us work for peace and unity," declared the NSCN-K Kilonser.
NSCN-K stalls Naga examinees OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, Feb. 3: A six-member group of suspected NSCN (Khaplang) activists today intercepted a Kohima-bound bus carrying 51 Naga students from Manipur, forced them out and pushed the vehicle down a hill in Thonglang area of Tamenglong district to convey the message that the outfit meant business.
Reports reaching here said the students were on their way to appear for the High School Leaving Certificate examination conducted by the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE). The reports also said that the students, all from Tamenglong district, have returned home safely.
The Khaplang faction of the NSCN was against the Nagaland government’s decision to allow students from the four hill districts of Manipur — Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel — to appear for the HSLC examination under the NBSE, calling it an extension of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah)’s campaign to integrate Naga-inhabited areas. The outfit had also warned the examination centres in Nagaland of dire consequences if they ignored its diktat.
Following the warning, the Nagaland government had chalked up a security plan for the 3,000-odd Naga students who would be appearing for their exams.
Sources in the Manipur government said security would be beefed up in vulnerable areas along NH 39. Last month the outfit had served a “final quit notice” to the Tangkhul Nagas of Manipur living in Nagaland., asking them to quit the state by February 5. It blamed the Tangkhuls for the present political unrest.
NSCN-K angry with Naga students Sahara Samay
Imphal, Feb 3: Suspected NSCN-K activists today stopped a bus carrying Naga students from Manipur and pushed it down a hill after forcing out the occupants at Thongnang in Tamenglong district, official reports said. The students were on their way to appear in Class X examinations conducted by the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE).
NSCN-K had asked the Naga students from four hill districts of Manipur who would appear the class X examination that they should not be allowed to appear the examination under NBSE.

The NSCN-K on January 29 has served "final quit notice" to the Tangkhul Naga community of Manipur living in Nagaland, to quit the state by Feburary five blaming it for the political situation in Nagaland. NSCN-K also took strong exception to Nagaland government's decision to allow students from four hill districts of Manipur to seek affiliation under the NBSE to appear for the coming HSLC examination in the state.

“I have come with big heart to serve people of Nagaland”: New Governor By Oken Jeet Sandham - Asian Tribune
Kohima, 04 February, (Asiantribune.com): Newly sworn in Nagaland Governor K Sankaranarayana said he came to the easternmost part of the county---Nagaland---from the southernmost part of the country---Kerala---with a big heart and tremendous hope that he would work for the “betterment of the State (Nagaland), its people and the down-trodden people”. K Sankaranarayana: “I have no reservation in my mind and that I would like to have more interactions with the people of Nagaland to reach this goal”.
Talking to “Asian Tribune” right after one hour of the swearing in ceremony here at his Raj Bhavan Office today, the new Governor agreed that Nagaland like any other States had “its own problem”. He was however confident that each and every problem could be resolved with the “support and cooperation” of the people of Nagaland.
“And to me as a Governor of the State and the experiences I had as Minister, as politician and as social worker, we would be able to move forward to serve the people of Nagaland and its down-trodden people within the four walls of the Constitution”, Sankaranarayana said. “I have no reservation in my mind and that I would like to have more interactions with the people of Nagaland to reach this goal”.
Meanwhile, sending a message to the people of Nagaland soon after his taking over the reign as Governor of the State, Sankaranarayana assured that he would work sincerely for “peace, social harmony and economic progress in the State”.
He said Nagaland had been affected by the decades old insurgency, although there had been some respite in the recent years due to ceasefire between the Government of India and the underground groups. But that peace remained “imperfect and fragile” because of the threats, extortion and factional violence, he pointed out.
The new Governor further pointed out such prevailing situation hindered present society from achieving its full potential, besides the well being of their families and their future was at stake.
He also called upon the political leaders, NGOs, church leaders, intellectuals, government servants, security forces, village elders and the youth to “redouble” their efforts for bringing about a qualitative improvement in the prevailing atmosphere.
Governor calls for peace building Morung Express News
Putting the peace issue right up front before the people of Nagaland, new Governor K. Sankaranarayanan said that it is the combined responsibility and the bounden duty of everyone to make use of each and every resource available in creating peace. “Economic development requires peace. This is the view held by many. Others say that with development comes peace. The issue is too important for our future to be left in the realm of debate”, Sankaranarayanan said during his address at the civic reception held in the State Academy Hall on Saturday soon after been sworn in as Governor.
“Would peace make our economy efficient and competitive? Would it make the lives of our children safer and better? If the answer is yes, then all of us have a bounden duty to employ all our ingenuity in creating peace”, the Governor said while also reminding that the democratic way of resolving issues is by the power of argument and the art of negotiation.
Earlier in his message to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of assuming the office of Governor, Sankaranarayanan while acknowledging that the ceasefire between the Government of India and the underground groups had led to some respite however pointed out that “peace remains imperfect and fragile, marked as it is by threats, extortion and factional violence”. “These constraints prevent the society from achieving its full potential. The well being of our families and of our future generations is at stake”, he said and therefore called upon political leaders, the NGOs, Church leaders, the intellectuals, government servants, the security forces, village elders and the youth to redouble their efforts for bringing about a qualitative improvement in the prevailing atmosphere.
On the economic front, the Governor said he had been informed about the emphasis being given to agriculture and allied sector and about efforts to promote tourism. “I will look forward to interactions with the policy makers and the civil society to understand how we plan to take the State forward”, Sankaranarayanan said. He related that people in Kerela have improved their living standards by cultivating cash crops, by achieving a high level of literacy, by promoting tourism and by exploring employment opportunities with the country and abroad.
Governor greets people Extending warm greetings to the people of Nagaland after assuming the office of Governor, Sankaranarayanan said that after taking oath to work for the service and well-being of the people and to uphold the Constitution of India, it will be his sincere effort to work for peace, social harmony and economic progress in the State. “May God bless us with the sense of purpose and the inner strength to make a better future for ourselves and our children”, he said in his message to the people of Nagaland. Pointing out that many Malayalees have come to Nagaland to work in the decades gone by, the new Governor hoped that with the people’s warmth and hospitality, he would become familiar soon with “this beautiful and culturally rich and colourful State”. “In Nagaland, our educated youth and our rich and colourful cultural tapestry have the potential to serve as a springboard for the State’s economy. A bright future awaits us. God bless”.
Home Minister’s plea to NSCN (K) Nagaland post
DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN): Home minister Thenucho has appealed the NSCN (K) leadership to "review and reconsider" the resolution of its council of kilonsers to prevent hill students of Manipur from appearing the HSLC examination under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), starting February 7.
The minister also appealed to all national workers and the general public to encourage and provide all necessary help to the students. Terming children as the biggest assets and who would form the future Naga society, Thenucho in a press release said children should be given the full freedom to grow and develop in an environment of love and peace.
"Let us remember what Jesus Christ had said-'Let the little children come to me…' 'Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.' We have declared 'Nagaland for Christ' and strive for our rights under the banner of Christ," Thenucho said.
Taking the opportunity to express sincere appreciation to the different Naga National workers who, the minister said, had of late come out openly for reconciliation and unity besides declaring to give peace a chance through forgiveness and understanding, Thenucho said this was indeed a remarkable development in the history of the Naga people.
He said after so many years of violence, the people were now filled with hope that peace, for which every Naga heart has longed and yearned for, could now come true.
"At this crucial juncture, I would like to sincerely appeal all sections of the society to desist from any hasty actions that may jeopardize the positive but sensitive situation that is evolving and which needs to be nurtured," the minister added.
Further, urging all Naga national workers to safeguard the life and future of innocent school children and make them grow and live in "our Christian land in peace, joy and hope, and thereby prepare themselves to face the arduous challenges of the future as stable and mature people," the minister expressed confidence that said such a "magnanimous gesture will strengthen understanding among our people."
Bus carrying students turtled by NSCN-K cadres Newmai News Network
Imphal A bus carrying class-X students from Tamei was pushed into a gorge today by cadres of the NSCN-K around 11am along IT road at a place called Chawangkining located between Thonglang and Kangpokpi under Senapati district. However, the students are safe. There were about 60-70 students in the bus according to NSCN-K sources while reports from Tamei said that some 54-55 students were in the bus.
Reports said students from Tamei sub-division under Tamenglong district were on their way to Nagaland to appear the matrics under Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) which commences from February 6. The bus is reported to be severely damaged. Reports said NSCN-K cadres stopped the bus coming from Tamei at the place and asked the students to vacate the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the NSCN-K has claimed responsibility for the incident. Issuing a statement to Newmai News Network, NSCN-K ‘Medical’ Kilonser ‘Major’ N Panmei, said today’s incident ‘should not be viewed in the wrong perspective’.
The NSCN-K Kilonser who is also the Supervisor of South Sector directed that no one should condemn the incident but if anyone is not clear about the incident then the outfit is ready to explain it ‘anywhere at any time with face to face’.
The NSCN-K said that ‘evil design’ of the NSCN-IM, United Naga Council (UNC) and All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has ‘eroded’ Naga society. The issue of text books or NBSE or school board has nothing to do with the sovereignty issue of the Nagas. N Panmei further stated that Southern Nagas were made confused by the activities of the NSCN-IM, UNC and ANSAM.
All their activities have been solely to collect public money and build houses in Dimapur and Senapati and to ‘buy swanky and luxurious cars’, it asserted. The NSCN-K termed the UNC and ANSAM as ‘worshippers’ of the NSCN-IM. The outfit pledged that all activities of the UNC and ANSAM and any other ‘NSCN-IM worshippers’ will be dealt with an iron hand.
The NSCN-K also ridiculed that a Naga who have appeared an exam under Assam board or Delhi board does not meant that he had become Assamese or Delhiite. Any Naga can appear exams under any boards as the person wishes. The outfit then asserted that the school board issue is an Indian affair and has nothing to do with the Naga sovereignty issue. On the forthcoming Assembly Elections of Manipur, the NSCN-K has urged all Nagas to cast their votes without any fear according to their choice of candidates. “I call upon all the Nagas to come out with truth and principle and let us work for peace and unity,” declared the NSCN-K Kilonser.
District election officers to inquire about UNC pressure Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, FEB 3 (PTI): Four district election officers (DEO) in Manipur have been asked to submit a report on the alleged pressure of United Naga Council (UNC) on some independent candidates to "retire" from the forthcoming Manipur assembly polls, official sources said today.
The report of the DEOs of Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel districts would be forwarded to the Election Commission for further action, the sources said.
The UNC, a Manipur-based Naga social organisation had asked independent candidates, not "nominated" by it, in 11 constituencies in the four districts either to "withdraw or retire from contesting the elections."
UNC sources said it has fielded its own candidates for the first time as independents in the 11 constituencies and the candidates, if elected, should work for integration of the Nagas. Official sources said the authorities have taken a "serious view" on the restrictions imposed by UNC on poll campaign by other independent candidates in 11 constituencies of the four hill districts. Meanwhile, the case of Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh, who had been photographed giving money to an elderly person in Thoubal district during campaigning, has been closed by the EC.
The chief minister had explained to the EC in writing that he had given money to the person to help him perform religious rites in connection with the death of a family member, the sources said. The explanation was found to tally with the inquiry report submitted by the district election officer of Thoubal district, the sources added.
Railway man hits out at NFR Maligaon Kuknalim.com
The Chief Reservation Supervisor (CRS) of Dimapur Railway Station today in a startling disclosure hit out at the NFR hierarchy for adopting double standards in providing proper facilities to its own staff and passengers of Dimapur Railway Station terming the treatment ‘deplorable.’
In an exclusive interview to ‘The Morung Express’ the CRS said that despite Dimapur Railway Station being the second highest revenue earner of the Northern Frontier Railway, the PRS at Dimapur had to make do with ‘hired’ staff, computer equipments, stationery and printers from other unimportant PRS under Lumding division. “We are literally begging to get the necessary materials to serve the public,” he disclosed. Furthermore, there is a shortage of staff every month due to non-availability of Rest Given and Leave Reserve (RGLR) staff at PRS Dimapur.
In his candid disclosure that opened up a Pandora’s Box, the CRS further highlighted the security problems being faced by PRS staff at Dimapur and fears the worst as extortion has become a routine practice on account of improper security measures to thwart such recurring incidents, which generally occur after 6 in the evening. “I have personally paid the railway administration the extorted amount from my own pocket as there was no alternative,” the CRS admits.

The reservation chief further alleged that the idea of setting up the new PRS at an isolated area away from the railway station was solely because of the personal interest of a few railway high officials.
‘What guarantee can the railway higher ups give in order to ensure the safety and security of its PRS staff,’ he questioned and pointed out to nearby RPF/RMS rooms lying vacant and equally big enough to accommodate the PRS. “If they cannot protect us from extortion here, how then will they protect us from extortion in the new PRS which is at an isolated spot?” he asks.

The revelations pertaining to the functioning of the Northern Frontier Railway at Dimapur does not come in good taste considering that the disclosures are made by none other than the Chief Reservation Supervisor himself and at a time when the master plan for upgradation of Dimapur Railway Station is in the pipeline. And although the gravity of the truth lies in the cold attitude that Maligaon has developed towards Dimapur as disclosed by the CRS, what remains to be seen is whether some developmental measures actually take off on the ground or just earn another upright officer an early transfer. (Noel Manuel)
Nagaland’s new Governor accorded warm welcome The Morung Express
Glimpses of the civic reception held in honour of new Governor of Nagaland, K Sankararayana at State Academy Hall, February 3. (DPRO)
Kohima, Feb 3 (MExN): Citizens of Kohima today accorded a warm welcome to the new Governor of Nagaland, Katteekal Shankaranarayanan at a civic reception held in the State Academy Hall, Kohima, under the aegis of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC).
Angami Public Organisation (APO) President Mhiesizokho Zinyu was optimistic that the new Governor with his vast knowledge will lead the state on to greater heights.
The APO also assured fullest support and cooperation to the Governor. Vipopal Kintso, Deputy Chairperson of the KMC also hoped that the new Governor will bring about positive changes for peace, development and prosperity. “We repose our faith on Your Excellency’s office for the continuance of understanding the Naga people, the situation and plight we face,” he said.
Terming municipality as a new concept to the people of Nagaland, Kintso prayed to the Governor that “with direct dealings in the functions of municipalities, shall guide and strengthen the civic bodies in this transition period, so that the living standard of the state is lifted uniformly.”
Also assuring cooperation and solidarity in every capacity, Angami Women Organisation (AWO) President Kevinourheno Seyie said “Together, we will create a better Nagaland.”
Kohima Village Council chairman Keduotuolie Mepfhuo exuded confidence that the new governor will endeavor to make Nagaland at par with the rest of the country.
Earlier, Rosemary Dzuvichu compered the function. Cultural Vibrant, CulturalPromotion Society, Kohima and students from Minister Hills Baptist Higher Secondary School Kohima treated the reception to music in honour of the new Governor. Several dignitaries including NLA Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie, opposition leader I Imkong, parliamentary secretaries, legislators, Chief Secretary Lalhuma, government officials and several public leaders attended the function. The function concluded with a vote of thanks offered by Khriehuzo Lohe, President of Kohima Chambers of Commerce and Industries.
Civil society appeal NSCN-K to withdraw threats to students The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 3 (MExN): Calling for respecting the right of choice or self-identification for students who opted for NBSE’s curricula, the NSCN-K is appealed to withdraw its threats, by the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women’s Union Manipur (NWUM) and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR-south).
“In the interest of unity of purpose for all Nagas and their homeland and in the spirit of respecting the right of choice or self-identification for the students who wish to opt for NBSE curricula due to its cultural sensitivity and affinity, we appeal NSCN (K) to withdraw its threats to disturb the taking of examination by Naga Hill students of Manipur in order to create a congenial atmosphere to perform their duties” a joint statement appended by the Presidents of the aforementioned civil society stated.
While appreciating the positive statements from different quarters for Naga reconciliation and unity, the statement reminded that the student’s community representing the younger generation has made conscious choice towards realizing “the aspiration of the people through strengthening of emotional bonds in the quest for common understanding of our people, land and culture”. The organizations termed as unfortunate and insensible the continuing threats issued by the NSCN (K) to the students’ community and against institutions/ individuals facilitating the hosting of examination. “These very acts of intimidation and promotion of a culture of fear and insecurity holds enormous consequences endangering the future Naga generations” the statement cautioned and appealed to all communities and institutions to cooperate in the larger interest of just peace, understanding and solidarity.
Meanwhile, the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has in a statement appealed to the NSCN (K) to revoke its threat against the Naga students sitting for NBSE examination in different centers of the state.
The demands for affiliation of students from the Naga Hills of Manipur is an expression of the will of the people who continues to be oppressed through the systematic process of brainwashing of upholding the dominant culture and way of life while deriding the age old unique cultural and historical rights of the Nagas, the NPMHR stated in a press communiqué issued by Lanu Sashi Longkumer Convenor, NPMHR Nagaland sector and Nepuni Piku Secretary General, NPMHR Secretariat.
Pointing out that throughout history it is the dominant that often create and write history to perpetuate the dominance of the frontier communities under their so called sphere of influence and that “language has been one chief medium through which the dominant system tries to exclude the other communities in the name of homogenization and dominance”, the NPMHR stated that the dominant community through the systematic coercion and obvert connivance of the state administration has been trying to impose the Meitei mayek language script since decade which rightfully continues to be resisted by the hill peoples in general and the Nagas in particular.
“Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights once again reiterates that it will be the people and not imposed structures that will decide the future of the people. NPMHR appreciate and extends our critical solidarity to the peaceful assertion and critical demonstration of the students’ community through the banner of NSF which is a just struggle for dignity”.
In this regard, NPMHR appreciated the role of the Nagaland State Government for positively affirming and upholding the right of choice for the students’ community in the Naga Hills of Manipur to gain affiliation with the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE).
“NPMHR is for unification of Naga homeland wherever Nagas are contiguously placed and demands removal of all artificial boundaries that is in the way of Nagas fully exercising their rights to self-determination”, it reaffirmed and pointed out that any impediment caused towards this effort of creating a common vision is a negation in the united search for unity in purpose towards achieving the aspiration as a people.
NPMHR stated that it considered the threat issued by certain national groups as deviation from the common goal and appealed for immediate revocation of threats which creates an abnormal situation for all especially the young minds preparing to take the important exams.
Independent candidates voice displeasure- Nagaland Post Opninion
Four independent candi-dates from 47-Karong (ST) assembly constituency have come up strongly against some vested interested individuals campaigning for a particular candidate over the 9th Manipur-general assembly election slated for February 8' 2007.
The four chandidates namely, L. Jonathan, Benjamin Banee, S.P henry and P. S Henry Paotei has strongly voiced against Col. Sounjii, L. Siba (Rajou Peyu), P. Ambition (Leacy members), P. Shimray (Tatar) and Lt. Phantiphang of the NSCN (IM) group campaigning for UNC nominee R.V Shirang
Workers of these four candidates are also confused over the initiations of NSCN (IM) cadres in this election as it is learnt that NSCN (IM) has never initiated any individuals or groups to campaign in their name.
in this regard, the workers of the said Kendra are at loggerheads as to why those persons were involved in the election process.
They are also confused because UNC president Paul Leo has also issued a press statement in the "The Sangai express" dated January 30th January 2007 ensuring for a free and fair polls.
Meanwhile, the workers of this constituency has warned that they shall not be responsible for any consequences arising out of the election process.
S. Isaiah, For L. Jonathan, Independent candidate. R. Ngouni,For K.S Benjamin Banee.
Th. Philip, For S.P henry. W. Danii, For P. S. Henry Paotei.
Street corner campaign on AFSPA By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 3: When Sharmila, sacrificing all her personal interest, can continue the struggle against AFSPA for such a long time for the sake of the people of Manipur, Ibetombi, an activist of the Apunba Lup, has questioned as to why the mothers of Manipur are unable to launch a campaign to save the life of Sharmila. Speaking at a street corner meeting at Churachand- pur Bazar organised under the aegis of the AFSPA Temshingnabi Chanu Shar-mila Khongjang Shou-gat Lup as a part of its street corner campaign, Ibetombi cal- led upon the people to laun-ch a sustained movement with firm determination to save Sharmila. She reiterated the call to intensify the movement against AFSPA. Asking whether the people of Manipur should not strive to save Sharmila, she observed that the basic human rights are being denied to the people of both the hills and valley under the impunity provided by the draconian Act. Many women have been outraged, many people have been slain and many more have been forced to disappear involuntarily, all because of the impunity guaranteed to security forces under the inhuman Act, said Ibethoi, another activist of the Apunba Lup. Other speakers called upon the people to exercise their franchise judiciously. A similar meeting was held at Churachandpur Meetei Leikai too.
CM divests Dhavlikar of PWD portfolio NT Staff Reporter Nahvind Times
Panaji, Feb 3 The Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsing Rane has divested Mr Ramkrishna Dhavlikar, his cabinet colleague, of the public works department portfolio. The Chief Minister would now hold the PWD portfolio himself. According to highly placed sources in the government, the Chief Minister had recommended the Governor, Mr S C Jamir to divest Mr Dhavlikar of the portfolio yesterday itself and the Governor approved it today.
The sources said that the recommendations of the Chief Minister were sent by fax to the Governor, who is in Nagaland, and the approval was also received by his office today and subsequently communicated to the office of the Chief Minister. Mr Dhavlikar, the only legislator of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party in the government headed by Mr Rane, would now hold the charge of co-operation and archives, archaeology and museums departments only.
Mr Dhavlikar, however, pleaded ignorance of his being stripped of the portfolio late in the evening today. “I am not aware that I have been removed as PWD Minister,” he told ‘The Navhind Times’ adding that it was unlikely as the Governor was away in Nagaland.
The stripping of Mr Dhavlikar of the PWD portfolio comes in wake of a number of representations from the Goa pradesh Congress committee to the party high command. The past attempts by the state Congressmen to get Mr Dhavlikar removed had failed but with the elections approaching the party high command decided to act so as to boost the morale of the party cadres.
The state Congress leaders had complained to the party high command that Mr Dhavlikar had been weakening the Congress party in almost all the constituencies even while being a member of a Congress-led government. He also had been accused to promoting his party’s candidates in constituencies represented by Congress party’s top leaders. Meanwhile, there has been mixed reaction to the decision of the Chief Minister to strip Mr Dhavlikar of PWD portfolio within the Congress party itself. While some have welcomed the decision others feel that just removal of the PWD portfolio was not enough as Mr Dhavlikar has done much damage to the Congress and that he should be dropped from the ministry. Some others in the Congress feel that the party should not close all channels for future alliance with the MGP. They feel that as party has not been able to live up to the expectations of people and that in case of a fractured mandate the party may have to seek help of the MGP to form the next government.
Delhi gets a taste of colours of northeast Telugu Portal
New Delhi, Feb 4 (IANS) From beautiful cane furniture to gorgeous silk saris of Manipur, from the delicate artificial orchids of Arunachal Pradesh to the famous Assam tea, the fourth North East Trade Expo 2007 here has revealed the vibrant hues of the sprawling Indian region
As one steps into one of the three exhibition halls where all the states - Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim - have displayed their artifacts, the first thing that strikes one is the earthy shades dominating the scene. Whether it's the cane handicrafts strewn all over the place or the typical brown muga silk saris of Assam, browns and off whites fill the ambience.

Among the cane handicrafts on display are suitcases, handbags, jewellery boxes, cushions, mats, tables, lamps and even a small house! The stalls were also in the form of bamboo huts.

Mekhla Chadors (saris) in muga and eri, which are two types of Assam silk, were in abundance in the expo. Bright red and black coloured jackets from Nagaland, Angora shawls from Sikkim (made of rabbit wool) and black stone pottery of Manipur were among the other exhibits.

Herbs and herbal products, tea, bamboo shoot pickle and dried fruits like those of star fruit and apple were fast picked up by visitors.

Sharbani Dutta, who is from Assam but stays in New Delhi, says: "I have made it a point to pick up as many packets of tea from the expo. I really miss the flavour of Assam tea here".

Kanwaljit Kaur, another visitor, bought a handful of cane handicrafts. "It would be foolish to come to here and not pick up a couple of handicrafts. They are both beautiful and unusual."

"The sale has been very good. We didn't expect such a huge response," said Prabash of the Manipur stall to IANS. "People like our products," agreed Juma of Assam in her broken Hindi.

With folk music playing in the backdrop, colorful cultural performances and special northeast cuisine to go with it all, the expo, which ran from Jan 27 to Feb 4, was a runaway hit.
Probe ordered into UNC diktat Sentinel
IMPHAL, Feb 3: Chief Electoral officer (CEO) R R Rashmi today said a thorough probe has been ordered into the case of the United Naga Council (UNC) asking Naga candidates not to contest in the coming Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.
The UNC had announced that it will support only one Independent candidate and the rest should not participate in election-related activities.
The CEO said the Election Commission has also informed that the case of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh giving money to a man at Thoubal constituency, which appeared in a local newspaper, has been disposed of. He said the Chief Minister had given a statement on the issue and the election officials had conducted a spot verification of the report and found the statement to be correct.
The Chief Minister had stated that the money which he gave was not related to elections but was for a social function and it was a Manipuri tradition to extend financial assistance when any social or religious function was held in a family.
The matter now stands closed, the CEO added.
Meanwhile, for the third phase of elections about 72 candidates have filed their papers so far. The third phase of elections will be held on February 23 in 12 Assembly segments of Churachandpur, Chandel and Tamenglong district.
Two polling stations at Laijang and Holenjang at Chandel district will be opened to help villagers affected by conflict between militants and troops at the district, the CEO said. UNI
Rio wants ‘long innings’ with Governor Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said seasoned and successful politician Kateekal Sankaranarayanan's vast experience and acumen would stand him in good stead in his new role as Governor of Nagaland and he was looking forward to a "long innings of batting partnership" with the Keraliite for welfare of the people of Nagaland.
Welcoming K. Sankaranarayanan as the new Governor at the dinner hosted by the Chief Minister at State Banquet Hall, Kohima Saturday, Rio said, "I wish him a bright and eventful tenure in Nagaland. I am looking forward to a long innings of our batting partnership, and scoring tons of runs for welfare of the people of Nagaland." He called K. Sankaranarayanan as a warm-hearted, unassuming and straight-forward person,
Rio also appreciated the Central Government for breaking with the tradition of appointing persons with police and army background as governors of politically sensitive states of the Northeast by choosing a consummate politician as the Governor of Nagaland this time.
Speaking about "the long-standing special bond that exists between the people of Nagaland and Kerala", the Chief Minister gratefully remembered the services rendered to Nagaland by seasoned bureaucrat M. Rammuny, former Governor M. M. Thomas and NPSC chairman K. Abraham, who hailed from Kerala. "It appears that the odyssey of friendship between Kerala and Nagaland is going to continue on a brighter note. I hope the State Government and the Naga civil society will reap immense benefits during Sankaranarayanan's tenure," he added.
Nagaland gets first politician Governor Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Feb 3 – Former Kerala Minister K Sankaranarayanan was today sworn in as the new Governor of Nagaland. The acting Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Justice D Biswas, administered the oath of office and secrecy at a simple function at the Raj Bhavan here.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, his Cabinet colleagues, Leader of Opposition I Imkong, legislators from the ruling coalition and the Opposition Congress, senior government officials and public leaders attended the ceremony. Sankaranarayanan is the first politician to be appointed by the Centre as Nagaland’s Governor in the past two decades. Earlier, appointees were either retired Army generals or police chiefs. He succeeded Shyamal Dutta, a former chief of the Intelligence Bureau. – PTI
Tourists with military escort visit remote Naga festivals AFP
LAHA, Myanmar (AFP) - High in the mountains of northwestern Myanmar, tribes of former headhunters dress themselves in tiger fangs and bear claws to celebrate their new year after the mid-January harvest. The members of the Naga tribes living in Myanmar are among the most isolated people in the world. But for a handful of intrepid travellers, their villages have become an alluring if unlikely tourist attraction. The 100,000 Nagas in Myanmar have little contact with the outside world, and even with the 1.2 million Nagas living across the border in India.
Myanmar's government only opened up to the outside world two decades ago, and until a few years ago, this region was completely off-limits to foreigners because of rebel movements and lack of transportation. But over the last 10 years, the Nagas have begun using their new year ceremony to receive small groups of well-heeled tourists who are willing to pay hundreds of dollars a night to sleep in a dirt-floored hut for the chance to have an authentic tribal experience.
This year some 45 tourists, mostly from Western countries, made the trek to the village of Lahe where hundreds of Nagas donned their traditional finery for a two-day ceremony ringing in their new year. Known historically for their tattoos and their tradition of headhunting, the Naga warriors at the ceremony don't exactly look like welcoming hosts. For the Nagas, this is the only time of year when their 49 clans -- which sometimes speak completely different languages -- gather to celebrate together. Some younger Nagas have studied in India and use English to communicate between clans. The warriors drape themselves in the fangs, claws and skins of their trophies, with headdresses made of fur and adorned with the long feathers of hornbills, while women and children in handmade red cloth parade nearby. They raise a pole at the centre of a field near a ceremonial hall built to hold a feast. At night they light a bonfire to give thanks for the just-ended harvest.
-- Stepping back in time, for a price -- The spectacle is like witnessing a
Top of Form
National Geographic special, which tourism officials say is why travellers are willing to spend thousands of dollars to join the event.
"We are definitely seeing travellers looking not just for new experiences, but for the real thing," said John Koldowski, a spokesman for the Pacific-Asia Travel Association in Bangkok.
"These people are really searching for something that hasn't been spoiled," he said, not just in Nagaland but in small communities around Asia. Truly remote locales like the Naga villages in Myanmar attract only a trickle of tourists, said Win Tin, managing director of the Journey Nature and Culture Exploration travel agency in Yangon. His agency provides a trip from Yangon for about 1,300 dollars to join the festival, including the journey by plane, boat and jeep to the ceremonial site. The price tag is expensive because transportation and communication is so difficult, Win Tin said. Some of the money goes directly to the Nagas, which has helped them make small improvements in their living standards, he adds.
"If we look overall, the Naga new year festival is not only good for their tribe, but also good as a source of business," he says. "Their lifestyle has changed a little as more visitors go there. In the past they didn't wear clothes and they had little sanitation. Now they have more awareness of their health.
"But I don't want this festival to become part of mass tourism, because I don't want it to have any negative impact on their tribe, nature and culture," he adds.
Any travel in military-controlled Myanmar is controversial because democracy activists fear the tourist money will end up in the hands of the ruling generals. Myanmar's detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has urged foreigners not to visit her country until the military relinquishes power. PATA's Koldowski says high costs are one way that countries can protect the culture of isolated communities like the Nagas, noting that the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan imposes steep visa fees for the same reason.
-- An arduous journey into disputed territory -- This kind of journey is not for the faint-hearted.
Getting to Lahe requires a flight to the town of Hkamti -- the Naga's biggest settlement -- then a three-hour trip upriver on a fishing boat, followed by a six-hour drive in a military four-by-four vehicle Although Myanmar has signed ceasefire deals with many of the rebels over the last decade, insurgents still roam these mountains, including Naga fighters battling for their own state in neighbouring India. Indian authorities believe a dozen different separatists operate from rear bases in Myanmar, and have urged the military junta ruling the country to crack down on their activities along the 1,600-kilometre (1,000-mile) border.
Myanmar rarely reveals the details of any of its campaigns against the scores of ethnic minorities around the country, but the Naga rebel leaders in India say the fighting has escalated since the junta launched a new crackdown in late December. Some of the clashes last month took place in Hkmati district, which hosts the airport that tourists used to visit the new year festival, according to the S.S. Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) in India.
The insurgents are fighting for a "Greater Nagaland" that would unite the 1.2 million Nagas in India, but which has been strongly opposed by the surrounding states that would stand to lose territory. India and the rebels have held more than 50 rounds of talks since 1997 to end one of South Asia's longest-running insurgencies that has claimed around 25,000 lives since independence in 1947. Within Myanmar, the Naga unrest is relatively minor compared with the bloody campaigns the military has waged against other ethnic minorities, including the Karen and Shan on the Thai border.
Most of the ethnic rebels have signed ceasefires with the junta, and the government only opened up the Naga region after reaching deals with larger ethnic groups in that part of the country.
Myanmar only allows tourists to visit two Naga villages because of safety concerns, and soldiers escort the travellers along the entire route, Win Tin says. But foreign countries including the United States, Britain and Australia have urged their nationals to avoid travelling on the Indian side of the border as violence has flared in recent weeks. That didn't prompt any cancellations for the trip in Myanmar, Win Tin said, as visitors do come prepared for a tough trip to see something few outsiders have witnessed.
"You can see theatre, dance and culture and so forth in the capital of any country, but this is one subgroup that is real," Koldowski says.
BJP agendas: Repealing AFSPA, territorial integrity Newmai News Network
Imphal BJP National President Rajnath Singh during a public campaign held at Uripok A/C in Imphal today said that BJP will stand to repeal Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) from Manipur. The BJP president, who arrived yesterday, is scheduled to campaign in various Assembly Constituencies in and around Imphal till tomorrow.
Addressing the public gathering, Rajnath Singh assured the people that territorial integrity of Manipur will be safeguarded and the matter will be looked once non-Congress government is formed in the state. While appreciating the rich heritage of Manipur in the fields of sports, arts and cultures, Singh accused that development was negligible in the 50 years of Congress rule.
Secular Progressive Front (SPF) should be termed as Secular Confusion Front for their high handedness (Jungle Raj) and rampage corruption prevailing in the state, Singh said.
Talking on human rights violation and related problems coming out of AFSPA issue, the BJP president rubbished the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for forced nose feeding to the hunger striker Irom Sharmila, instead of implementing the Jeevan Reddy commission recommendations. On unemployment problems, he assured to form a Manipur Regiment if need arises and added that BJP stand for peace, progress and prosperities.
The campaign was also attended by BJP National General Secretary Avinash Koli, NE in-charge V Satish and Manipur state BJP president M. Bhorot along with other senior
ULFA trying to disrupt Games: CM By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 3 – Appealing to all concerned to give a helping hand for smooth holding of the National Games scheduled from February 9, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that there was no report about the ULFA softening its stand on the Games. When asked about reports in some newspapers about the ULFA softening its stand on the Games, Gogoi said that till today there had been no such intelligence input. “Rather reports are there that the ULFA would try to disrupt the National Games. The ULFA has not withdrawn its boycott call on the Games. I, however, renew my appeal to the outfit to withdraw its threat to the Games,” Gogoi told the media. Asserting that the prestige of the people as well as the State Government was at stake as far as the National Games was concerned, the Chief Minister said that security was being made foolproof for the event. “There has been no relaxation of vigilance in view of the ULFA threat, ” he said.
Terming the response of the people to the National Games as very encouraging, Gogoi said that the organizers were expecting a total sale-out of tickets. ‘The people have been extremely enthusiastic about the Games, and the indications are that all the tickets will be sold out,” he said. Gogoi also refuted reports that there had been large-scale cancellation of trains in the past few days. “There has only been some rescheduling of trains,” he said.

Gogoi said that the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who would be watching the Games along with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, would also address a self-help group (SHG) and NGO meet in Barpeta on February 9. On the issue of the NE TV CMD Manoranjana Singh using ‘unparliamentary’ words against him, Gogoi said that Singh only exposed her lack of culture by doing so. “I always welcome criticism but it should not be made in a foul language. Singh would do well to learn Assamese ethics and culture, which cannot be done by merely donning a mekhala chador,” he said.

Book Review: "These Hills Called Home" by Temsula Ao Nagarealm.com
I have always been fascinated by literature produced in the shadow of conflict, especially prolonged conflict of the kind that persists like a festering sore, never ever going away. And so I have been reading The Patiala Quartet set in Punjab , 17 Tomato Tales from Kashmir set in the valley and now I have just finished Temsula Ao's ´These Hills Called Home" set in the villages and small towns of Nagaland with the Naga underground movement as the backdrop.
Both Neel Kamal Puri talking about Patiala and Temsula Ao talking about life pastoral life in Nagaland are women and women are usually the leading characters in their work. But while Puri is talking about the victims of terrorism and insurgency, in Ao's work, the protagonist and the antagonist are inexorably mixed up. As the book's sub title puts it, Temsula Ao is writing stories from a war zone and in the process is able to portray some memorable characters--Apenyo, the beautiful child prodigy singer raped by marauding soldiers as she sings at the village church dedication, Soaba, the mentally retarded child who is being brought up by the wife of a man, whom the underground considers a turncoat and the government a convenient hatchet man.

The story of the underground movement and those who get sucked into it is far less simplistic than we often see it to be reflected off our television screens. It isn't a simple fairly tale of good versus bad or us versus them. In the short story "The Curfew man" for instance , a hapless man who was a star basket ball player in his time injures himself and having becoming ineligible for any other job, becomes a government informer. He does well for a while but then he is literally caught between the devil and the deep sea, not knowing whwre to go. One day his nemesis catches up with him as the underground take their revenge and incapacitate himself completely leaving him useless to both those overground and underground.

Though the book does not make a political statement, it does make a bold human rights statement. The army and the other security forces are shown for what they appear to be to the people- hardly any better than an occupation army - raping, pillaging, destroying and worse humiliating the people, their culture and traditions through mass punishments and fines and the notorious "grouping system" wherein villages were uprooted from their traditional location and bunched together like herds, so that the security forces could keep an easier eye on them.

More than half a century of bloodshed has marked the history of the Naga people who live in the troubled North-Eastern region of India. Their struggle for an independent Nagaland and their continuing search for identity provide the backdrop for the stories that make up this unusual collection. Describing how ordinary people cope with violence, how they negotiate power and force, how they seek and find safe spaces and enjoyment in the midst of terror, the author details a way of life under threat from the forces of modernization and war. Economical and unadorned, these stories bring alive the poignant and bewildering experiences of a people caught in a spiral of violence. In doing so, they speak movingly of home, country, nation, nationality, identity and direct the reader to the urgency of the issues that lie at their heart. [Shantanu Dutta, desicritics]

Shantanu Dutta is a doctor by training and a development professional by vocation. He is an onlooker on events happening in India and the world in the realm of society, politics and the many intangible events that populate our lives.

Frans on 02.04.07 @ 04:42 PM CST [link]


Saturday, February 3rd

GBs, Dobashis make peace bid The Morung Express


GBs, Dobashis make peace bid The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (MExN): Making an appeal to all underground to end factional killings, the Nagaland GB Federation and the Nagaland Dobashis’ Association today offered “to work out some modalities to maintain peace among different groups of national workers.” The joint appeal is in consonance to earlier meetings with “national workers”. “This is to be noted that the joint team is prepared to work out the modalities to solve the differences or killing amongst the Naga brothers,” NGBF President K Vikuto Zhimomi and NDBA General Secretary Lungrahei Herie stated in the appeal. The matter is being processed accordingly.
Sincerely appreciating all groups of “national workers” for responding to them “in a positive note”, the grass-roots level organizations said they have “great faith and hope that all would sincerely honour and abide to our ‘gentleman’ talks.”
“We, therefore, appeal to all groups of national workers to shun violence from now on. Moreover, we earnestly request and appeal to NSCN, GPRN for relaxation of final quit notice served to Tangkhuls.”
Meanwhile, the Nagaland GB Federation has called for a meeting on February 15 to discuss “matter relating to peace process.” All office bearers of the federation and district GB association presidents are informed to attend the meeting without fail as some “crucial” issues are to be deliberated on. The meeting is to be conducted at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima at 10 am.
District GB associations have also been informed to submit collections of membership fee and sales proceeds of calendars during the meeting without fail.
Matric under shadow of gun - Test for Manipur students & security OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 2: Nagaland has drawn up a special security plan for the 3,000-odd Naga students from Manipur who will write their High School Leaving Certificate examination in the state from February 7 in defiance of a diktat from the Khaplang faction of the NSCN.
The NSCN (K) has been against the idea of schools in the hill districts of Manipur switching affiliation to the Nagaland board because it is an extension of the rival NSCN (I-M)’s campaign for the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas. Chief secretary Lalhuma today said the Neiphiu Rio government had sanctioned special security arrangements for students at all three examination centres — one at Viswema in the state capital and two in Dimapur.
“We do not want loss of life,” Lalhuma said. However, he denied that the government had requested the NSCN (K) to revoke the threat.
Several Naga organisations, including the Naga Hoho and the Tangkhul Hoho, individually appealed to the outfit to do a rethink on the issue. The Mao Hoho of Tadubi, in Manipur’s Senapati district, said the outfit and its “close associates” should reconsider the reasons behind objecting to students from the four hill districts of Manipur sitting for the matric examination in Nagaland. The Hoho said that “freedom fighters” and political organisations sometimes must go along with their adversaries, too. “Integration must take place within the Indian legal framework and the adoption of the Nagaland Board of School Education by the four Naga-dominated districts of Manipur is a step in the right direction,” the organisation said.
It said the NSCN (K)’s ideologies did not go along with the “democratic struggle” of the community. The NSCN (I-M), too, asked its rival to withdraw the threat. Robin Anal of the militant group’s “ministry of information and publicity” said Naga students from Manipur deserved to sit for their first board examinations in Nagaland without a warning hanging over their heads.
“The NSCN (K) should revoke its threat for the sake of the students, who will have to adjust to an unfamiliar environment.”

Sankaranarayanan sworn in NL Governor New Kerala
Kohima: K.Sankaranarayanan, was today sworn in as the Governor of Nagaland. Mr.Sankaranarayanan was administered the oath of office and secrecy by the Chief Justice of Nagaland High Court, D. Biswas.
The simple ceremony was held on the lawns of the Raj Bhavan. NORKA Chairman T.K.Menon, Congress leaders M.M.Hassan and Benny Behanan were among those invited to witness the swearing in ceremony here. After M.M. Jacob, Meghalaya Governor, Sankaranarayanan is the second Malayalee to hold the topmost post in a state in the region.
BBC visit gives boost to indigenous games in Nagaland The Morung Express
PUMPED AND READY...A BBC team fighter pauses after a ‘Apkhu Kikiti’ bout at Shesulimi village. The event is a documentary venture of the BBC.
Kohima, Feb 2 (MExN): Giving a huge boost to indigenous games and sports in Nagaland, a team from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), London, UK, on a documentary venture to promote indigenous games and culture to the world, just concluded their 16-days visit and stay at Shesulimi village, under Zunheboto district in Nagaland.
The team from BBC with the help of the state Department of Youth Resources and Sports in collaboration with Shesulimi village and the adjoining villages in the sub-division organized a programme to prepare a documentary on an indigenous game called “Apkhu Kikiti” (Leg Fight) which also included other traditional activities of the Sumi Nagas from January 16 to the 31th.
The BBC team comprising 16 technical crews and six athletes began their stay and training at Shesulimi from January 16 onwards, where they were given a traditional welcome by the hosting village in the form of welcome being accorded to warriors, war dances and a variety of other cultural shows on their arrival.
The visiting athletes began their training in the Sumi indigenous martial art or ‘Apkhu Kikiti’ and ‘Angu Kupusu’ (Spear kicking) in preparation for the tournament scheduled for January 30.
Besides the intense training, the team also participated wholeheartedly with the local people in various Sumi traditional activities like, community fishing, honey collecting, jungle-clearance for cultivation, traditional trapping, firewood collection and water fetching, community hunting, folk story telling sessions, as well as being treated to sumptuous local cuisines during community feasts. The visiting team also took part in church programmes.
In the Apkhu Kikiti tournament sponsored by the BBC team and organized by Shesulimi village, 8 teams including the BBC team (3 athletes each from USA and UK) comprising 42 participants took part.
The champion was given a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 along with a traditional Sumi dao while the runners-up was given a cash prizes of Rs. 10,000. A cash prize of Rs. 1000 was given to the losing semi-finalist while Rs. 500 in cash was given to all the participants by the BBC team.
In a well-contested final, Jason Bennett of USA (BBC) nicknamed “Tokugha Akipichiu” by the local people, was crowned the champion who defeated Rajko Radovic of England (BBC) nicknamed “Kawato”.
Ghukato of Shesulimi, the local favorite, has to be contented with Rs. 1000 losing to Rajko in the semi-final along with Bradley Johnson, USA (BBC) another favorite who lost to Jason in the other semi-final.
The eventful programme culminated with a prize distribution ceremony followed by, of course, the customary Naga community feast, where more than 2000 people turned up.
New Nagaland Governor to take oath Zee news
Kohima, Feb 03: The Governor-designate K Shankaranarayanan will be sworn-in as new Governor of Nagaland today at Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan here.

Shankaranarayanan, the former Finance Minister of Kerala will replace the out-going Governor Shyamal Datta, the former Intellignece Bureau chief, who yesterday left Nagaland after relinquishing his office at Raj Bhavan.

According to official sources, Datta was given warm farewell at Dimapur Airport by ex-servicemen of Rajya Sainik Board, which was attended among others by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Before his departure to Kolkata, Datta said he was overwhelmed by the love and affections of the Naga people during the past five years, adding "I am carrying an emotional bag with me".

Shankaranarayanan will be politician to be appointed as Governor of Nagaland as Kohima Raj Bhavan was occupied either by Retired Army Generals or police chiefs during the past two decades.

NSCN calls for sanity during HSLC exam Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 02: Reminding that education determines the life and position of an individual in society, the NSCN/GPRN has called upon the Khaplang group of the NSCN to withdraw threats served on Naga students of manipur who are set to appear for the HSLC 2007 examination under the Nagaland Board.

A GPRN statement issued by its MIP Robin Anal exhorted the student candidates to have faith on the Almighty and work hard to reap the fruits of toil as students apart from prevailing upon authorities of Power (electricity) Department to ensure regular supply of power to ensure the candidates do not face man-made inconveniences in preparing for the said examination being held in a few days time.

“It is a known fact for all and sundry that in this competitive world of today, education has become something like air and water without which one hardly finds a place to exist,” highlighted the MIP statement and quoted Sir Benjamin Disraeli’s saying ‘Upon the education of of your country depends’ to drive home its point of education resembling a measuring scale of an individual’s place in the society or a nation. While regretting that educational concepts are limited to that of schooling of gradual gradation rather than responsible members of the society examine and analyse standard and position of ‘our’ education, Robin Anal also urged the parents to devote a part of their congested schedule towards grooming their children become responsible citizens.

“Parents or adult society are too busy with their money-oriented activities that they have no time to spare for their children giving no ear to the fact that ‘the best gift a father can give to his son is the gift of time’, expressed the GPRN statement.

In addition to terming ‘social monsters’ those responsible for misappropriating funds and grants meant for education with scant regard to the unarguable fact that future of the society lies in the hands of the students, it also expressed strong resentment that in any ethnic clash, communal riots or other social disorder student community are always at the receiving end.

Highlighting such a principle, the NSCN/GPRN reiterated its fervent appeal to all concern to pave the way for an obstacle-free atmosphere to ensure Naga students of Manipur contribute towards future prosperity of the Naga society. Not only would hampering preparation of the HSLC exam candidates resemble as stumbling block to aspiration of the students but would ruin their career in life’s most crucial stage apart from becoming a contributory factor towards marooning of the Naga society, summed up the GPRN statement. Recalling that for the first time in the history of the nagas, the intending candidates from Southern Nagalim shall be appearing the examination along with their brethren of proper Nagalim under Nagaland Board which the GPRN observed as a legacy, the statement also lamented that Naga students had to endure many burdens for embracing and pursuing the cherished goal of naga unification. Opining that any action that could inconvenience the determined students be shunned by all responsible citizens or groups, the statement reiterated its appeal to the Khaplang group to ensure naga students of Manipur do not suffer for no fault of theirs.
FGN question results of Isak’s apologies The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (MExN): The FGN today said the “apology made by Isak from time to time is a fraud to kill more Nagas and deceiving to our people only.”
Terming as historical records, a release issued by ‘Maj’ Wichanlungbo said that from January 7 to the 11th, 2002, Isak and Muivah convened a consultative meeting in Bangkok, Thailand and apologized to the Naga people for the “deep pains and wound on the Nagas by their own men”. But seven days after, his (NSCN-IM) men ambushed NSCN-K cadres at Tenyiphema B village, Dimapur on January 18 and killed six of them.
And after a second consultative meeting held from May 5 to the 10th, 2002, they again killed one NSCN-K cadre, hailing from Rotomi village on May 16, 2002, it stated.
The release also mentioned that on November 3, 2004, Isak tendered an apology to the Naga people, but after 10 days, his men raided Noklak town on November 13, 2004 and took “away valuable goods from the shop”.
“On December 14, 2004, Isak and Muivah landed Dimapur and on their arrival Muivah said, ‘It is the NNC that gave us the leeway, not me or Isak. It was the NNC, it was Phizo. And who can deny that. The NNC leaders had laid the foundation.’ Truly, this was their admission of mistake. But on December 16, 2004 they killed one man of the NNC leaders Eno Besülhou Tetsao, Youth President, Nagaland Youth Movement.
On 13th January, 2007, Isak hypocritically declared forgiveness and also called for reconciliation, however, on the same day, in Kohima his men killed two Konyak youths Pongjai and Phoba from Chingkao Chingnyu village” the note pointed out. Further, the FGN maintained that Isak apologized on January 30, 2007 to the Naga people but on that very day, they attacked NSCN-K cadres at Seijang Kuki village, where three NSCN-IM and two NSCN-K cadres were killed. Also on the morning of January 31, 2007, his men fired upon NSCN-K cadres at Phek town. “Therefore, the apology of Isak to the Naga people is only a betrayal to kill more Nagas” the FGN asserted. Wichanlungbo said the ‘sectarian’ Collective Leadership of Isak and Muivah now know that they “have made mistake in the history by forming a socialist government and killing the Nagas; but the problem they are now facing is to confess and admit their mistake, and they are still trying conceal and hide their mistake by killing more Nagas with lies.”
“They don’t want to express the truth that ‘we have condemned the Shillong Accord, but now we are involving in the Indian elections by setting up our own candidates. They don’t want to admit that they have betrayed the nation. So they continued to tell lies, even on 31st January 2007, the so-called 28th NSCN Day was observed where Muivah and Isak fraudulently said the NNC has failed, Phizo has faced a failure” it stated adding that “If they can so tell a lie in the name of Jesus Christ or Nagaland for Christ, then should they tell in the name of Satan that they kill more than 3000 (three thousand) Nagas and involving in the Indian elections are achievements for the Naga nation.”
‘I’m proud of heading DAN Govt’ Rio for cadre-based political movement Sentinel
Kohima, Feb 2: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said he was proud to be NPF Chief Minister of the DAN coalition. He said it took long years for him to reach this stage. He said he joined this regional NPF party as a youth activist back in 1947, while Dr Shurhozelie was already a Minister at that time. Delivering his Keynote Address on the occasion of the central office meeting of the central office bearers of the NPF here recently, the Chief Minister said there was no short cut in the leadership and further explained that one had to sacrifice and contribute a lot to reach their goal. He further urged the NPF workers to have vision and to uphold the ‘Naga identity’. “You cannot adopt someone and feel proud of it”, he stated adding they should be proud of their history and tradition. The Chief Minister also explained as to how the party should have a firm foundation that would remain as a rock. He mooted a cadre-based type of political movement in the State emulating CPI (M) of the West Bengal. He pointed out unless they had such idea to have a cadre-based, they might face sometimes disintegration when they were out of power. In this, he urged the party workers go for a massive enrolment drive in the State.
The Chief Minister also described new Nagaland Governor-designate as a ‘thorough gentlemen’. He was confident that the new Governor with his political background would be able to adjust and have a balance in discharging his duties as Governor of the State. Rio also said he could discharge his Chief Ministerial duty because of the senior party leader like Dr Shurhozelie and the support given by the party workers and further sought their continuous cooperation to accomplish their goal. (Agencies)
Condolence message of the collective leadership, NSCN
Sir-The Collective Leadership is greatly saddened by the demise of our leader Ino.Hokishe Sema. He was a man who understood human values and did his best to serve his people. We acknowledge his efforts for apprising the Indian leadership of the need for peaceful political solution with the Nagas. He also played a prominent role as a member of Senior Citizen’s Forum, supporting the peace process. One of the senior most and leading figure among Nagas, he will be greatly missed by the Nagas in general and Sumis in particular.
He was also a gentleman who was courteous enough to admit his mistakes and made all out effort to let other people understand the truth about the Nagas and their history. We value his contribution. In God’s own good time he has departed for his heavenly home. May he find solace in the arms of our Almighty God. At this time of great sorrow and grief we pray that God’s comforting spirit will dwell with the bereaved family and offer them courage to bear the pain. Samson Jajo Secretary of Collective Leadership
NSCN factions on Saijang clash Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR: The GPRN/NSCN (K) has clarified that the make shift camp of the People's Army of Nagaland (PAN) - NSCN (K) at Saijang was attacked by combined forces of "I-K terrorist" including PREPAK, KYKL and KRA (Manipur insurgents) and UPDS & DHD (Anti-talk party) numbering about 150 cadres with arms ad ammunition belonging to the said Manipur insurgents on January 30.
A press release issued by Anie Konyak, under secretary, ministry of information & publicity stated that during the gun battle, PAN lost two cadres and one weapon while five persons were killed on the rival side but "the terrorists are certainly hiding their casualties because such declarations will demoralize their men".
The NSCN (K) has stated that the January 30 incident is "another fruit of the peace proclamation of the terrorist leader", Isac Swu.
However, the GPRN/NSCN (IM) has rebutted the allegation and claim of NSCN (K) as false and baseless.
According to the ministry of information & publicity of NSCN (IM), the Naga army took the offensive to flush out operation in view of encroachment into the areas of NSCN (IM) taking advantage of the 'Peace and Reconciliation' declaration made by the faction's chairman, Isak Chishi Swu and thereby to stimulate an ugly image on the GPRN out of such situation.
NSCN (IM) has pointed out that the incident took place near Mt Gilead Camp of the Naga army and that the defensive measure was undertaken by its unit following the threatening tendencies of NSCN (K). NSCN (IM) has also stated that contrary to the claims made by (NSCN (K), only one Naga army sustained minor injury.
Trouble brews in India's northeast By Kuldip Nayar, Special to Gulf News
India's northeast is like Baluchistan in Pakistan or Tibet in China. All the three territories are in ferment. They want to secede from the countries which claim them to be their part. The governments are employing arms for registering their authority. It is a political question which is sought to be solved through violence.
The northeast in India embraces Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. The first three states are disturbed, Assam probably the worst. The army is combing the state which the militants, United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa), have announced is meant only for the Assamese-speaking people. Ulfa is not a new phenomenon. New Delhi has lived with it for the past 30 years. At that time, it signed an agreement with the All Assam Students Union (AASU), after a protracted agitation, to delete the names of foreigners, the Bangladeshis, from the electoral rolls and deport them to their country.
Ulfa has since then raised the standard of independent Assam and taken to arms. Practically, no foreigner has been ousted. What has attracted the nation's attention at present is the indiscriminate killing by Ulfa of labourers from other parts of India, particularly Bihar. Although the army is in the midst of flushing out Ulfa cadres from Assam, the bomb blasts continue to kill a few here and there. Some say that Ulfa is avenging India's attack two years ago on their camps in the foothills of Bhutan, with its king's cooperation. The captured diary by Hira Sarania, a battalion commander of Ulfa, says: "We vowed even if it takes 100 years, we will seek vengeance on India."
This may well be true. But there is also a suspicion that Bangladesh eggs Ulfa on to make forays on the population in Assam to create confusion for an easy assimilation of illegal migrants with the Bengalis living across the border. Already the Assamese-speaking population in the state has shrunk to nearly half, 37 per cent. (Assam and other northeastern states have only a 21-kilometre border with the rest of India as compared to 1,829 kilometres with Bangladeshis.)
Hated junta No doubt, Ulfa has irritated New Delhi so much that it has agreed to supply arms to even the much-hated military junta in Myanmar to bottle up the militants. A few years ago a similar joint operation was launched with limited results. Ulfa has in Assam some firm supporters who enable the militants to go right up to Guwahati to carry out killings even at the daylight.
The Assamese generally suspect that Ulfa has close connections with intelligence agencies of Bangladesh and Pakistan. Manipur is primarily a victim of the army's excesses. The state also faces the problem of tribals returning to their lands in the plains from where they were evicted a few years ago. Not long ago when I visited Manipur, I could see the divide, the youth fuming with anger and discussing ways to retrieve the land. Alienation between indigenous people and the outsiders has resulted in clashes, even in large-scale killings.
However, the worst role is that of the army which is trying to maintain peace. In the name of curbing militancy, it has killed many innocents. Seldom anyone from the force has been hauled up because it enjoys immunity under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
The central government appointed early last year a judicial commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to assess whether the special powers act was necessary and used for legitimate purposes. On both grounds, the commission found the government wanting. It recommended the abolition of the act.
Last word Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promised to implement the commission's findings. But probably the army has had the last word because the act has stayed with its injurious fallout. The Nagas, although a divided house between the ruling Nagas and hostile underground Nagas, are fired by the same ambition to have an independent Naga state. Their argument is that they were never part of British India and enjoyed an independent existence. New Delhi has been negotiating with the main faction, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), headed by T. Muivah for the past few years. But the talks have not brought the government and the NSCN any closer. The NSCN wants India to accept the sovereignty of Nagas with a joint defence apparatus between them and the Indian army. The NSCN also wants greater Nagaland, embracing the Naga population in Assam and Manipur. The government has reportedly offered a special Kashmir-type status within the Indian Union. The NSCN finds it "too little" but may come round to accept something like that. The renewal of ceasefire which is almost a decade old hangs in a balance. If not renewed, the army will have another problem on their hands: the hostile Nagas apart from Ulfa. What is, however, peculiar to the Nagaland and the rest of states in the northeast are that people elect their governments every five years and the voting percentage is around 60.
Had there been a strong feeling of separation there would have been boycott of election or some other way to register their protest against the present system. It appears that people in the region ride two boats at the same time: raising their demand for autonomy and staking their claim to power through elections. The government is not unduly bothered so long as there is no Ulfa-like disturbance. Kuldip Nayar is a former Indian High Commissioner to the UK and a former Rajya Sabha MP.
Conflict, development and dignity — II By Nehemiah Rong Sangai Express
Contd from previous issue
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 existence, 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. 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, often times 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.— to be contd
Riding the AFSPA wave Sangai Express editorial
Two factors are chiefly responsible for the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act to have become the calling card of many political parties in the run up to the 9th Assembly election and the factors are the custodial killing of Th Manorama by Assam Rifles personnel in 2004 and the heroic struggle launched by Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on a fast unto death agitation for more than six years, following the Malom massacre in 2000. Understandably the media in Manipur has also taken a keen interest on the stand of the different political parties on the issue of AFSPA and this was perhaps best exemplified by the manner in which a number of newspapers highlighted the silence of the Congress on AFSPA, when its election manifesto was released. That AFSPA would become a hot topic for debates before the election was something which was expected, particularly after Sharmila shifted base to New Delhi to continue with her fast. The meet the public programme organised by the Apunba Lup, to quiz the different political parties on the issue of the controversial Act is also another pointer to how seriously the issue is being viewed. The meet the public programme though did not throw up any enlightening thoughts, as almost all the political parties had nothing new to say, which clearly exposed the lack of vision of the political leaders of the State. Amongst all the political parties, the MPP has been the most vociferous in asserting that the Act would go if they are voted to power, but lung power and political astuteness to deal with the issue at hand are different and the party is yet to demonstrate that it has charted out politically viable steps to translate their words into action. This is the scenario in the valley area of the State while in the hill districts, especially in the 11 Assembly segments dominated by Naga people, the issue is undoubtedly the role of the United Naga Council and the 11 candidates sponsored by them.
While voices of dissent have started emerging from the hill districts over the role of the UNC in the election, the one interesting question that remains is what role has the UNC envisaged for the 11 blessed candidates, if they win the election. It is all a matter of conjectures at the moment, but nevertheless, it would be interesting to see, which way the beat is played. Will the 11 chosen candidates act as the representative of the people of their Constituencies, or will it be a case of them representing the UNC in the Assembly, is a question that will be foremost in the minds of the people as they go to vote. Apart from championing the voice of integrating all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit, what role will be expected from these candidates, if they are elected to the Assembly ? With a hung Assembly most likely to emerge after the election, what role can we expect from the UNC sponsored candidates to play in Government formation ? Will they join hands with the MPP to keep out the Congress from forming the Government or will they support the Congress to keep the MPP out ? These are all questions at the moment, but it stands true that the role of the UNC backed candidates will be important in any post poll arrangements and it remains to be seen how they play out their roles, which most probably will be scripted by the UNC.
ULFA threat to scribes decried By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 2 – A meeting of journalists convened by the Journalists’ Union of Assam, Assam Union of Working Journalists, Assam Journalists’ Association and the Assam Tribune Employees Union at the Guwahati Press Club today vehemently condemned the ULFA for the threat issued to several senior journalists of the State, besides the news channel, NE Television. In a well-attended meeting, a number of speakers decried the ULFA diktat on the press, saying that everybody had to honour the freedom of the press. The meet was of the opinion that the ULFA had no right to issue any threat to the press and should learn to respect its sanctity.

It may be mentioned that the ULFA had recently issued threats to the NE Television and Dhirendra Nath Chakravorty, editor, Dainik Asom and Kanak Sen Deka, editor, Dainik Agradoot.

The meeting, which was presided over by ATEU president Saifuddin Ahmed, was addressed by Ronen Goswami, Gitartha Pathak, Sabita Lahkar, Girish Medhi and Keshab Kalita.
Sonia to campaign in Manipur Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 2 – Congress president Sonia Gandhi will start her party’s campaign for upcoming Assembly polls in three states by addressing rallies in Manipur on February 5. Gandhi chose Manipur as her first destination amid reports that Congress candidates were being threatened by banned militant groups to either stay out of the poll process or to cough up money.

The UPA Chairperson will visit the state again on February 11 to address a rally in Imphal, and sources said the state’s ruling Congress is hoping that some announcement will be made on the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, whose repeal has been demanded by the people. Militant groups like the PLA, UNLF, KYKL and KCP have been threatening politicians, especially Congress candidates. The polls to the 60-member Assembly will be held in three phases on February 8, 14 and 23. – PTI
Revolution to regression Nagarealm.com
Reports that shops in Assam’s thriving cosmopolitan city of Guwahati have been asked to down shutters at dusk reveal the sense of panic that has gripped the state. At least a dozen malls, a couple of multiplexes and a burgeoning food industry are bound to suffer a reversal of fortunes if this fear psychosis prevails.
It would be asking too much if we expect the security forces to be omnipresent at every vulnerable point. Leaving a bomb to detonate at a specified time does not take much imagination. There are many who would do it for lucre. Such things are easily outsourced to people who will do anything for a living. This country is an irony in itself. India has today joined the big league in economic growth. There is a general sense of wellbeing that is infectious, particularly if you are in Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore or Gurgaon. But this “feel good” sensation evaporates the moment you cross Calcutta. East of Calcutta is a fractured region with a breathtaking landscape, no doubt, but beset with the serious predicament of multiple identities and assertions that seek visibility. In a democracy, there should be ample space for all types of political mobilisation. Demands for increasing the size of the economic pie and sharing it equitably are all part of the democratic process. Sadly, this space is hijacked by armed revolutionaries.

Spin doctors In a country as vast as ours, there are bound to be regions that literally fall under the “economic rain shadow” as far as distribution of and access to national resources are concerned. For over 40 years after Independence, India’s Northeast was a forgotten fringe that suffered bouts of epileptic fits and was medically controlled by a band of dedicated spin doctors owing complete allegiance to Delhi. They did not care about the patient they were treating. Unfortunately, the convulsions suddenly spread from Nagaland to Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya. Accordingly, more spin doctors had to be deployed. Very soon, the doctors realised that the ailment was a money-spinner. Instead of administering the correct dose of medicine to cure the sickness, they decided it was more profitable to keep the patients dependent. An injection or two followed each convulsion. Once it subsided, the doctors were back to business as usual. The Northeast has an impressive brand of revolutionary outfits. Quite a few of them draw their strength from rebel leaders like Ernesto (Che) Guevara and his comrade-at-arms Fidel Castro. But, whereas Guevara and Castro rigorously adopted ends and means befitting their ideology, militants in the Northeast have evolved their own strategies and survival kit. Unlike Guevara and Castro, the rebels here do not lead a mass movement. Their ideologies are not widely endorsed. Their skirmishes are mainly aimed at building a corpus that is invested in businesses outside their country of origin. Fear is the weapon used to extract compliance from those who have the wherewithal to contribute to the corpus. Why, then, would the rebels want to wrap up their activities?
If the spin doctors have their own strategies for minting money out of treating the symptoms, the patients (rebels), too, have learnt to tolerate the placebo delivered to them from time to time. They have mastered the art of stage-managing convulsions to create an aura of fear so that the lakhs and crores come jingling into the moneybox. So while both sets of actors in this bizarre drama act out their roles, many unfortunate souls get caught in the crossfire.

Looking East In the last 15 years or so, the Look East mantra has kindled an interest in Delhi to look at the Northeast with a new deference — as a new investment destination. In a sense, this was retributive justice, since the most lucrative resources from the region, namely crude oil, tea and coal, had been ruthlessly exploited to enrich manufacturing industries outside.

Now, Delhi realises that its Northeast frontier is the most viable bridge between India, west of the chicken’s neck, and the rising economies of Southeast Asia. Delhi got its act together and started to put in place basic infrastructure (roads, bridges and institutions of learning), essentially to facilitate the movement of goods and people. This new-found interest in the Northeast has its spin-offs. We are beginning to be integrated into the economic loop and are attracting our own share of investments. Tourism is all set to become the money-spinner for the region.

But these dreams and aspirations were shortlived. The convulsions have resurfaced. Rebels have declared an open war and the spin doctors have accepted the challenge. Once again, the normal tenor of life is broken. Bullets and bombs have bruised, maimed and exterminated the non-aligned, guiltless populace sandwiched between warring parties. Sadly, this huge mass of humankind is terribly disorganised and fragmented. As a cohesive force, they would have been able to collectively handle the most intractable problem. But alienated by suspicion, ethnic loyalties, caste and class division, civil society is unable to take on squarely those who have become obstacles to their human and material progress. I leave out the spiritual dimension, since that falls in the realm of the private and the sacred. Guevara, in one of his treatises on revolution, says, “The road is long and full of difficulties. At times we lose our way and must turn back. At other times, we go too fast and separate ourselves from the masses. Sometimes we go too slow and feel the hot breath of those treading at our heels. In our zeal as revolutionaries we must try to move ahead as fast as possible, clearing the way. But we know we must draw our nourishment from the masses and that it can advance more rapidly only if we inspire it by our example”. Taking this as the creed of the revolutionary movement, we in the Northeast know that we have been completely deluded. Our rebel movements are not grounded in the values of equitable distribution of power and resources. Such values guided Guevara and the revolutionaries of his time. They drew inspiration from the people. Movements here are fuelled by greed for political and monetary power. They are completely alienated from the masses, in whose name the movements started. We are now entering an important phase of history. Since all upheavals in the region are seemingly selfish pursuits of a few ego-centric, astute individuals, some of whom have been able to cleverly manipulate the masses, it is important now to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Muffled masses The only space that the system has created is for the so-called intelligentsia, academicians and the articulate, English-speaking influential upper middle class. But it is this intellectually affluent group that has let us down by its own equivocations, its own twisted ideologies and its bourgeois politics. If politicians keep people at a subsistence level so they can continually patronise them and earn votes by promising the moon, the same is true of revolutionary groups. So, if people, by sheer grit and determination, manage to rise out of their poverty and squalor, will the revolutionaries and politicians not lose their constituency? Hence for both actors, it is expedient to keep the masses in destitution.

At this juncture, diplomacy and double-speak are meaningless. So is bargaining and counter-bargaining. If the Ulfa, NSCN and others no longer represent the masses, whom do they represent? What we need to hear are the voices of the affected, afflicted constituents. But who will provide them the platform? Do Assam, Nagaland, Tripura or Meghalaya today have individuals who can lead a real mass movement grounded on equity, justice and ethics? The masses should know that the intelligentsia has its own private agenda beyond which it will not venture. The masses need to identify leaders from their social strata who will genuinely represent their interests. This is the need of the hour. [PATRICIA MUKHIM, telegraphindia]
Govt, APCC rap NETV MD Sentinel By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 2: The State Government and the Asom Pradesh Congress Committee have condemned the NETV managing director Manoranjana Singh for her scathing remark on Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in New Delhi yesterday. Interacting with reporters at New Delhi on Thursday, Singh reportedly described the Chief Minister a “scoundrel”. “Manoranjana Singh must have lost her mental balance. Otherwise, she would not have aired such a comment,” Education Minister Ripun Bora told a press conference at the National Games Secretariat today. “We are looking into the legal aspects of Singh’s remarks,” he added. When asked about the security provided to the NETV managing director in the wake of the one-month ultimatum served by the ULFA to the satellite channel, Bora said, “We are ready to provide security if she approaches the Government. We can even provide security to the property also.” In a press statement, APCC general secretary Dr. Haren Das said, “The Chief Minister represents three crore people of the State. So, insult to the Chief Minister is actually an insult to all the people of the State.”

NCP for probe into NETV row By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Feb 2: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has demanded an impartial inquiry into the ongoing controversy over a news item aired by NE TV which stated that the State Government paid cash to the banned ULFA to buy peace during the National Games.
“The people of the State has the right to know the actual truth, and only an impartial inquiry can clear the air,” the NCP said in a statement. The party said since media is the fourth pillar of democracy, a bitter controversy as this and the accusations and counter-accusations following it is not at all a healthy sign for the democracy.
DATELINE GUWAHATI/Wasbir Hussain Come on, be a sport for Asom’s image Sentinel
I presume that like everybody else, ULFA boss Paresh Baruah knows very well that games and sport transcend religion and politics. The rebel group’s military chief had not grown up with a gun in hand after all. Baruah may have decided to join and lead an insurrection for whatever reasons, but the fact remains that he must still be a sportsman at heart. Had he not disappeared from Tinsukia one day and gone underground, he would certainly have excelled in the sport he played, football. And who knows, it could have been him—by now a veteran sportsperson from Asom—lighting the Games torch at the awesome 30,000-capacity stadium at Sarusajai on February 9 when the 33rd edition of the National Games kicks off. But fate had other things in store for Baruah, and, of course, the State itself. For reasons unknown, I feel the ULFA may not really carry out anything in or around Guwahati to sabotage the 10-day event. That could actually be part of the group’s decision not to strike because, like every other Asomiya, the ULFA too would be concerned about Asom’s image. I might be proved wrong, but I have the right to think positive. Similarly, the ULFA has the right to alter its decision to call for a boycott of the National Games. Setting off a bomb at a soft location is no big deal. But, such acts creates terror and certainly lends an impression that Asom is a victim of terrorism. I think no one in the State, the ULFA included, would like their homeland to have that sort of an image in the outside world.
We need to realize that games and sport is not a hobby or a pastime for thousands of players from Asom (as also other states), particularly at that level when they have become eligible to participate in an event like the National Games. In fact, games and sport provide livelihood for these young people, and this is crucial in a State with an acute unemployment problem where close to two million youths are jobless. In such a situation, everyone needs to assist this section of people (the sportspersons) so that they can excel and inspire fellow Asomiyas to follow suit. We have not forgotten that the Manipuri insurgent groups in the Imphal Valley had allowed the National Games to be held in Imphal without any obstruction. I hope the ULFA too will prove that it is a thinking outfit in the next few days. I may again be proved wrong, but as I have maintained, I am free to think positive. I don’t want to go into the latest insurgent politics that has made Asom a virtual battleground. If the fragile peace process has broken down in Asom, it is because both sides were rigid in their respective positions. There is no point analysing as to what had gone wrong, but efforts must be made to de-militarize Asom and re-launch the quest for peace. That, of course, through a dialogue across the table, not by attempting to douse the flames through a military machine. Truce should be the catchword just now. I feel sad when I read news reports on things like the Jharkhand Olympic Association providing insurance cover to the contingent from the State coming to participate at the Games in Guwahati or that insurance companies in Asom are in the race to insure players for death, bodily injuries etc. Asom is not such a bad place after all. And, the ULFA hopefully will prove just that.

Frans on 02.03.07 @ 12:23 PM CST [link]


Friday, February 2nd

Burma Nagas dispatch SOS to people The Morung Express


Burma Nagas dispatch SOS to people The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 1 (MExN): The Myanmar junta continues to commit atrocities upon Naga villagers from rape to religious persecution. Naga National League for Democracy (Burma) appeals to sympathizers and democratic people to extend help for restoration of democracy in Myanmar. “Today, so many problems and cases are created by military junta in eastern Nagaland (Burma) stated an appeal from the NNLD. “Armies are continuously raping and killing the Naga people. Also they (armies) are acting as Buddhist missionaries (monks) and violating the human rights at all” it stated. The Nagas cannot worship, especially Christians, due to coercion and force from the junta. The Nagas in Burma are living through darkest hours under the barbaric rule of the junta and have reduced the people to no lesser than “slaves of the ancient world” it lamented.
The NNLD also mentioned in its release, scores of names of those women/girls raped by military personnel. “So many unknown rape cases have been happening everywhere in eastern Nagaland.
But we do not know about the cases due to shame to speak out as uneducated people and everybody is under the gunpoint but not under the law in Burma” the NNLD stated and called for help to the people to put stop to the atrocities as well as restoration of democracy in the erstwhile democratic Burma.
NSCN (IM) warns Delhi on Kulkarni The Telegraph New Delhi
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has made it clear it will not talk to the new chairman of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, who will replace present incumbent Lt Gen. (retd) R.V. Kulkarni, if the Centre makes the appointment without consulting the outfit.
Gen. Kulkarni, who has been in charge of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism for the past five years, was recently granted an extension of tenure till July. He is likely to be replaced by Swaranjit Sen, retired director-general of police of Andhra Pradesh. In a letter written by rebel leader V.S. Atem to V.K. Duggal, Union home secretary, the outfit has asked the Centre to clarify its position on reports of the replacement. The outfit suspects the Centre of having a hidden agenda in replacing Kulkarni.
“We do not have anything for or against any individual but even before the present chairman took over, we had refused to speak to P.P. Shrivastava because we were not consulted before his appointment,” senior rebel leader Phunthing Shimrang said over phone from Dimapur. Asking the retired general to relinquish his post on “health grounds” is “not convincing”, said the rebel leader, adding that it was all the more suspicious as the home ministry is involved in the decision. Shimrang who is convenor of the ceasefire monitoring cell, said for the last two years the outfit has asked the government to empower the chairman of the ceasefire mechanism and make the chair more functional. Nothing, however, has been done in that direction even though the Assam Rifles has killed more than a 100 NSCN (I-M) cadre “in Naga areas”.
The outfit’s allegation also indicates its reiteration of an extension of ceasefire without “territorial limits” to all Naga areas, a point that was a bone of contention and cause widespread violence in the Imphal valley in 2001. Meanwhile, sources in the outfit said there are no indications of a track II diplomacy of sorts to take the outfit into confidence on contentious issues as the Congress-led government awaits success in Manipur polls next month.
‘The government is thinking of wasting time till the NSCN (I-M) weakens?” questioned a rebel leader. The ruling Congress is quiet and will campaign in Manipur on a status quo of territorial integrity of the state. Manipur has the staunchest opposition to NSCN (I-M)’s demand of integrating Naga areas in Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Rich tributes paid to Hokishe H. CHISI The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 1: Nagaland today paid rich tributes to former governor and chief minister Hokishe Sema, who passed away after a prolonged illness in Dimapur yesterday. Chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Goa governor S.C. Jamir and a host of ministers, parliamentary secretaries and state officials attended Sema’s funeral services held today at Dimapur district stadium and Kohima secretariat junction. Thousands of people from all walks of life gathered to pay their last respects. Rio described Sema as “the beacon of our political alliance and a personal friend.
“He was a commanding figure in Naga history and politics,” Rio stated in his condolence message addressed to Sema’s wife, Shitoli. The chief minister described Sema as one of the central figures instrumental in shaping Nagaland. Nagaland police carry the mortal remains of Hokishe Sema at his funeral service in Dimapur on Thursday. Picture by Eastern Projections Rio also credited the former chief minister with playing a key role in fostering understanding among the different partners of the alliance. “In his death, the people of the country in general and Nagaland in particular have lost a noble soul, an able administrator and a great leader,” Rio said. Jamir, who attended the funeral service, expressed deep shock at Sema’s death. He recalled their last meeting in October 2006.
“We shared our views about the political situation in Nagaland. We also shared our memories of the years when we had to shoulder the responsibility of running a state,” Jamir said.
Praising Sema’s foresight and sagacity in dealing with the political problems of the state, Jamir described his former colleague as one of the strongest pillars in Nagaland, who could steer the state through turbulent times by his exceptional qualities of leadership.
“Just the other day, when I called him up to enquire about his health, he spoke to me as if there was nothing wrong with his health. He shared his concern for the people of Nagaland and gave no indication of his physical frailty,” Jamir said. “He was one of the few comrades in whom I could confide my concerns for our future,” Jamir added. “My wife joins me in conveying our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. We pray to God to grant solace to the family members and let the departed soul rest in peace.”
Outgoing Governor Shyamal Datta said, “Among the great political leaders of Nagaland, Sema’s name will be written in golden letters. He gave up his career in government service to devote himself to resolving the Naga political problem.”
Datta said Sema’s achievements stand testimony to his political and administrative acumen. “It’s no wonder that the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government appointed him as chairman of the coalition,” he added. Rajnath Singh, president of the BJP, said the nation has lost a great leader. The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has also expressed deep sorrow over the demise and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The state government declared today and tomorrow as state mourning days.
Tribe diktat to NSCN-IM OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 1: The Sumi Hoho, the apex organisation of the Sumi Naga tribe, has demanded that the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) dismiss self-styled Maj. Gen. Markson, “deputy commander-in-chief” of the “Naga Army”, from the organisation.
The Sumi Hoho, in its representation to the NSCN (I-M) chairman, demanded that Markson be dismissed for his links with the “plot to assassinate” former Sumi Hoho president Huskha Yepthomi. It was signed by organisation president H.S. Rotokha and general secretary Aheto V. Yepthomi. Allegations of Markson’s involvement came from self-styled Maj. Lhokishe, who had defected to the Khaplang faction recently. He claimed he was ordered to carry out the execution by Markson. Giving a chronology of events, the Hoho informed NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu that Sumi civil societies held a meeting on January 19. A resolution was taken at that meeting to demand the “dismissal of the officer from active service of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim forever” at the earliest. The Hoho explained that after a news report of the assassination plot was published, the Sumi Hoho held an emergency executive meeting on November 17 last year and passed a resolution asking the NSCN (I-M) and its GPRN to explain the rationale behind the assassination order before November 25.
The Hoho pointed out that Markson’s denial about issuing any such order appeared on November 18 in a local dai-ly but “lacked authenticity”.
On November 25, the Sumi civil societies held another emergency meeting, wherein leaders were convinced that the case was purely one between Markson and Lhokishe as individuals. As such, it resolved to investigate the case by hearing statements from both of them, the Sumi Hoho stated. Accordingly, Lhokishe’s confessional statements were heard and recorded on November 27. No appointment could be obtained with Markson. Sumi civil societies held another meeting on December 12, wherein it was resolved to directly write to Markson.
State honours Hokishe Sema The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 1 (DIPR): Late Dr. Hokishe Sema who passed away on January 31 was accorded a state funeral today at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur. The funeral service was attended by a host of leaders, former colleagues, tribal organizations, besides the Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues. The mortal remains of DAN Chairman Dr Hokishe Sema being led to its final journey, at Dimapur stadium.
The Governor of Goa, S.C. Jamir who was also present at the occasion spoke about his first contact with Late Dr. Hokishe Sema 48 years ago when he visited Jamir’s village and spoke in the church. He was also one in the first batch of students to attend a Government-aided school in Mokokchung district, Jamir recalled. From his early days he was a role model because of his involvement in various student activities and was also a brilliant student, the Goa Governor added. In his later stage he entered into a political career at a juncture when the Nagas were going through a period of great pain. Jamir also said that late Hokishe had one vision and that was to see the formation of Nagaland state. He was also a true nationalist, a true political pragmatist and having true political wisdom.
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio on his behalf and also on behalf of the government of Nagaland paid homage to “the great son of the soil”. Late Hokishe has become a household name not only in Nagaland but far and wide and has also influenced the history of the Nagas, he stated.
The Leader of opposition I. Imkong said that Late Hokishe was a guiding star and that it would be difficult to fill the vacuum he leaves behind as a person. Imkong said that although he did not have any close relationship as a politician in the earlier stage, the contribution he has given to the people of Nagaland is immense and that it was his privilege to work along with him in the present Legislative Assembly. He further added that the present young leaders of today should emulate his contribution.Short speeches were also delivered by Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Minister for Health & Family Welfare Dr TM Lotha and senior citizen of Dimapur Manik Bhattacharjee and also friends and family members. Condolence message was also received from the Raj Bhavan. Later citizens of Kohima turned out again in huge numbers to pay their last homage to the departed leader as the hearse carrying the mortal remains of Late Hokishe made a brief stop for a condolence service at High School junction this afternoon.
Pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church, Ministers Hill, Vevo Phesao said the invocation prayer. Short speeches were delivered by BJP President, Kohima district, R. Sopu, President, Angami Public Organisation, M. Zinyü and retired Commissioner Renchamo Ezung who reminisced over his personal friendship with the departed leader. After the speeches, wreathes were laid by Minister, Planning and Co-ordination, Dr. Shürhozelie, MLA K.V. Pusa, besides several government departments, organizations like AWO, ASU, AYO, IG (AR), DIG (AR) and several others.
The daughter of Late Hokishe expressed gratitude to the citizens of Kohima for according their respect and homage to her father. Saying that of all the lessons she has learnt from her father, the most important was that of humanity and humility. She also said that her late father loved everybody and had no enemies. The hearse then proceeded towards Akuluto.
Delhi condoles Hokishe’s demise DIMAPUR, FEB 1 (MExN): Union Home Minister Shivraj V Patil, on behalf of the Government of India, has expressed sadness at the passing away of Dr Hokishe Sema. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Union Home Minister conveyed on behalf of the Government of India its heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family. Pointing out that he had personally known him, the Union Home Minister stated that Late Hokishe was held in highest esteem for the values of statesmanship he displayed throughout his public life. “India has indeed lost a distinguished leader in the death of Dr Sema”, the condolence letter stated.
Centre to back state on dam, says Oscar OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegrapj
Imphal, Jan. 31: Union labour minister Oscar Fernandez said today that the Centre would go ahead with the controversial Tipaimukh project if the state government decides to implement it. The Rs 8,000-crore Tipai-mukh project in Manipur’s Churachandpur district is one of the main issues in the Manipur Assembly elections. “The Centre is focusing on improving power and water resources in Manipur. The Centre is also concerned about agriculture as Manipur’s economy is based on it,” Fernandez said. The minister stopped short of welcoming the United Naga Council’s (UNC) foray into electoral politics in the February elections. “Elections are a democratic process. Any individual or group wanting to contest cannot be stopped,” Fernandes told mediapersons at an election rally in Imphal West district today. The UNC, the apex body of Naga tribals in Manipur, has fielded six Independent candidates for the Assembly constituencies against the ruling Congress in Senapati and Ukhrul districts, which will vote in the first phase on February 8.
The Naga apex body intends to further the campaign to bring all Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative unit. The council’s candidates were selected from among those who took an undertaking that they would work for Naga integration. During his earlier visit to Imphal, Fernandez had tried to play down the alleged diktat issued by the council to Naga political leaders to extend support to UNC-sponsored candidates. He said the state government and Election Commission had taken adequate security measures to set the minds of the voters at rest.
“It is upto the people either to buckle under pressure or come out and cast their votes,” he said. On the ongoing peace process, Fernandez expressed the hope that a solution could be arrived at. “The talks would be resumed after the Manipur polls. We hope that a solution could be brought out. But it will take time,” he said. However, New Delhi’s chief negotiator did not reply directly to the question on whether the issue of “Greater Nagalim” was on the agenda.
TNL appeals to lift quit notice Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, February 01: President of the Tangkhul Naga Long, Stephen Angkang has fervently appealed to the NSCN (K) to revoke the quit notice served on the Tangkhuls living in Nagaland, reports our correspondent. In a statement, the TNL president said that he came to learn about the quit notice through the newspapers.
Angkang said that the final quit notice was served on the Tangkhul community to leave Nagaland by February 5. The quit notice was issued under the signature of Seochem Sangtam, Deputy Kilonser Ministry of information and publicity (MIP), NSCN (K).

Considering the gravity of the situation the president of TNL earnestly appealed to the NSCN (K), whom he referred to as brethren, to revoke the quit notice on the Tangkhul community living in Nagaland. What has added to the gravity of the situation is the announcement by the Khaplang group to bar all students from Manipur from appearing for the Class X examination under the NBSE. A large number of the students from Manipur currently in Nagaland are Tangkhuls.
Touching upon the principles of being true Christians the TNL chief once again prayed to revoke the “Quit Notice” on humanitarian ground.
DGMI visits State Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 01: Director General Military Intelligence Lt Gen DS Bartwal arrived at Hqs IG AR (S), Mantripukhri today on his three day visit to Manipur and Nagaland, said an AR PRO release. Lt Gen DS Bartwal was briefed by IG AR (S) BK Chengapa on the prevailing security situation and role of Assam Rifles in Manipur and the pre poll environment. He also interacted with the heads of other central and State level intelligence agencies, added the release.
‘NSCN-K should rethink opposition to students’ issue’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 1 (MExN): The NSCN (K) and its “close associates” should rethink “most immediately” the reasons for their objecting students from the four hill districts of Manipur appearing examinations in Nagaland, Memei (Mao) Hoho, Tadubi, Senapati, states. The objection amounts to ‘stabbing thousands of young minds’ and is worse than casualties from the factional feud, it feels.
“The NSCN (K) and their close associates should rethink most ‘immediately’ their reasons of objection but, in all counts are counter productive as it is stabbing the thousands of our young minds of the four Naga districts students of Manipur and this may be worst and outweigh the cadres killed in factional clashes. It is hoped, the NSCN (K) conscience will prevail upon the mind most immediately” the Hoho, through its Press Secretary stated.
The NSCN-IM and NSCN-K’s struggle for Naga sovereignty, on attainment will ultimately lead towards one Naga homeland. “But before this gigantic achievement, integration through Indian legal orders are being put into practice, and adoption of the NBSE by the four Naga districts of Manipur is one of the trial by fire with extreme tensions in the young minds of the students and the people over the change over” the Hoho opined adding that the idea may have been contributed by “Naga born legal expert(s) or by Indian Naga friends or by Nagaland Government or by the GPRN (IM)”. However, it seems NSCN (K) ideologies do not tally with the democratic struggle, it added. The Hoho asserted that to forge ahead with policies and programs and to sustain them, “freedom fighters” and political organizations sometimes have had to go along with adversaries or with its opposite parties. “But it should not be at the cost of the Naga general interests” the Hoho maintained.
NSCN (I-M) Chakhesang region clarifies The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 1 (MExN): Replying to a statement issued by Thepusa of the NSCN (K), “Capt.” Chelo Mero of the NSCN (I-M) today said that “Naga Army is in no way terrorizing the public of Phek town.” Terming as “totally false” the branding of ‘Sgt’. Aribo as an extortionist, a release said, “We came to know later how he was arrested and tortured. On that day, he was in civil dress and unarmed.” “Naga Army also would like to state that so far it has restrained itself due to request made by Chakhesang Public Organization and its affiliated units, though it is much possible of causing much damage to anti-peace process elements stationed at Phek. Naga Army also expect the CPO office bearers stationed at Phek town not to confuse the Nagas on the what they called same yardstick by allowing the FGN/Khaplang group to constantly provoke, trying to create situation and then put blame on Naga Army. Such doubtful motives will compel Naga Army to initiate its own course of action.” Mero further said the Naga Army has put on record the achievement of “Ihoshe battalion, Naga Army that beginning from the year 2004 till date have released more than 50 (fifty) captured cadres of FGN from Chakhesang region without any harm. So we leave it to the general public to judge who stand for peace and reconciliation and who is not. The Naga Army stationed in and around Phek town therefore, will under no circumstances leave Phek town as long as it is required by the nation. So, all concerned are requested and directed to co-operate with the Naga Army to bring about early solution to decades old Nagas struggle for freedom.”
NSCN-IM ‘appeal’ NSCN-K to revoke threats to students The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 1 (MExN): Joining the ‘sensible and neutral lots’, the NSCN-IM asks the NSCN-K to withdraw the threats issued to students from the four hill districts of Manipur who are about to appear for their examinations under Nagaland school board. “Finding no other platforms more suitable than this, I take this opportunity to voice my concern and grievances of the aforesaid unfortunates. Also, I join the sensible and neutral lots in appealing the Khaplang group to withdraw the threats served to the Naga students of Manipur under compassionate and humanitarian grounds” Robin Anal of the MIP, NSCN-IM stated. Few days from now on, many of the “love ones” will be sitting for their external examinations and this year’s examination is a historic one, the MIP release stated. “For the first time in history of the Nagas, the intending Naga students from southern Nagalim shall be appearing under Nagaland Board. This is a legacy indeed; but it is unfortunate that few Nagas oppose to it tooth and nail, even to extent of threatening their lives” it lamented. The only fault of these students was to “unite with their brothers of Nagalim and jointly continue their studies under Naga pattern of education”. Setting aside their burden of studying Nagaland syllabus which is new to them they are also lumbered with their effort to adjust themselves with the people and place of Nagaland, the NSCN-IM pointed out. The NSCN-IM also took note of the power situation in the state. Frequent load-shedding is causing untold suffering to the students and the threats issued to the lives of the students have already heightened the fear psychosis in their minds, it stated. The NSCN-IM appeals to the power department to take every possible step to ensure adequate power supply throughout the examination period. The NSCN-IM also encourages the students to take the name of God first as they endeavor and very soon “your sweats will very soon bring smile in your face”.
Isak apologized to kill more Nagas- Opninion Nagaland Post
The apology made by Isak from time to time is a fraud to kill more Nagas and deceiving to our people only. For historical record, the events are noted as follow:-
From 7th to 11th January 2002, Isak and Muivah convened a consultative meeting in Bangkok Thailand and Isak apologized to the Naga people for the deep pains and wound on the Nagas by their own men. But 7 days after, his (IM) men laid ambush on Khaplang group at Tenyiphema B. Village, Dimapur on 18th January 2002 and killed six of K-men. They were: Vehovi Yepthomi s/o Tokhevi Yepthomi, Huluvi s/o Ghokheto, P. Sangtam, Ako Zeliang, Nompie Konyak and Wangjat Konyak. And after second consultative meeting from 5th to 10th May 2002, they killed again one of K-men Neghovi Sema of Rotomi village on 16th May 2002. On 3rd November 2004, Isak gave an apology to the Naga people once again, but after 10 days his men raided Noklak Town on 13th November 2004 and taken away valuable goods from the shops. On 14th December 2004, Isak and Muivah landed Dimapur and on their arrival Muivah said "It is the NNC that gave us the leeway, not me nor Isak. It was the NNC, it was Phizo. And who can deny that. The NNC leaders had laid the foundation".
Truly, this was their admission of mistake. But on 16th December 2004 they killed one of the NNC leaders Eno Besülhou Tetsao, Youth President, Nagaland Youth movement. On 13th January 2007, Isak hypocritically declared forgiveness and also called for reconciliation, however, on the same day, in Kohima his men killed two Konyak youths Pongjai and Phoba from Chingkao Chingnyu village. Again, Isak apologized on 30th January 2007 to the Naga people, on that very day they attacked K-group at Seijang Kuki village where 3 of I-M men and 2 of K-men were killed as reported. Also in the morning of 31st January 2007 his men fired upon K-group in Phek Town. Therefore, the apology of Isak to the Naga people is only a betrayal to kill more Nagas. The sectarian collective leadership of Isak and Muivah now knows that they have made mistake in the history by forming a socialist government and killing the Nagas. But the problem they are now facing is to confess and admit their mistake, and they are still trying conceal and hide their mistake by killing more Nagas with lies. They don't want to express the truth that "we have condemned the Shillong Accord, but now we are involving in the Indian elections by setting up our own candidates". They don't want to admit that they have betrayed the nation. So they continued to tell lies, even on 31st January 2007, the so-called 28th NSCN Day was observed where Muivah and Isak fraudulently said the NNC has failed, Phizo has faced a failure. If they can so tell a lie in the name of Jesus Christ or Nagaland for Christ, then should they tell in the name of Satan that they killed more than 3000 (three thousand) Nagas and involving in the Indian elections are achievements for the Naga nation? Maj. Wichanlungbo, Naga Army, FGN.
Education: Where are we?- Opninion Nagaland Post
It is a known fact for all and sundry that in this competi-tive world of today, education has become something like air and water without which one hardly finds a place to exist. As such, a person without education is deem unfit and vulnerable in every society and is treated not better than a beggar or the likes. In other words, lack of education paralyses a person's life that makes him almost impossible to mingle with others in his own society. Education therefore, determines the life of an individual and as these many individuals constitute a society or a nation, it is aptly right to say that education determines a nation too. To justify this point we may reflect upon the words of Sir Benjamin Disraeli who once said, "Upon the education of your country, the fate of your country depends". The real education is no doubt, too big a scope to be discussed now but it is pertinent to know and analyze our concept of education and the stage/position we are in.
Many of our educational concepts are limited to that of schooling, may it be in the primary, high school, college or university. Well and good! But do we ever dare to examine and analyze the standard and position of our education (especially in the Primary and High School level.)? Sorry, ours is not better than worse. Student life which is considered the most fertile stage of life for learning has unfortunately become the most neglected and unprotected section in the society as no one expects any immediate monetary or political gains in return for the services rendered. Parents or Adults society are too busy with their Money-Oriented Activities that they have no time to spare for their children, giving no ear to the fact that, 'Time is the best gift a father can give to his son'. Misappropriation of funds and grants meant for education is the other name of Social- Monsters. They rob the society of its future prosperity for, the fate of future society lies in the hands of those who are students today. Furthermore, if and when any ethnic clash, communal riots or other social disharmony occurs, student community is eventually at the receiving end.
At this juncture, it is ardently appealed to the Adult Community to shun the parts of targeting and victimizing the harmless students, no matter how grave the circumstances may be. Students of today are the leaders of tomorrow. To pave the way to future prosperity, it is a must to mould our child in the best possible way we can. Therefore, brushing aside all our differences, let us jointly venture in this task of creating radically a different world endowed with the atmosphere of peace and oneness so that it becomes feasible for our innocent children to taste the sweet flavor of 'Freedom of learning'. Few days from now, many of our loved ones will be sitting for their external examination. This year's HSLC Examination is a historic one. For the first time in the history of the Nagas, the intending Naga Students from Southern Nagalim shall be appearing the examination along with their brethren of proper Nagalim under Nagaland Board. The is a legacy indeed, but it is unfortunate that few Nagas oppose to it tooth and nail, even to extent of threatening their lives. I am pained down to Earth, thinking of the very many burdens face by these faultless Naga Students whose only fault was to reunite with their brothers of Nagalim and jointly continue their studies under Naga pattern of education.
Keeping aside their burden of studying Nagaland Syllabus which is new to them, they are also lumbered with their effort to adjust themselves with the people and place of Nagalim. Fooding and lodging facilities may be superb but "Home Sweet Home applies in this case. Frequent load-shedding of power supply also causes untold sufferings to them. Worse of all, the recent 'Threats' served against their lives escalates the already existed fear-psychosis in their minds. Finding no other platforms more suitable than this, I take the opportunity to voice my concern and grievances of the aforesaid unfortunates. Also, I join the sensible and neutral lots in appealing the khaplang group to withdraw the threats served to the Naga Students of Manipur under compassionate and humanitarian grounds. The Department of Power, not forgetting its Chief Engineer, the Mr. DA Shishak, is time and again requested to find every possible means to ensure availability of power supply during the month of examination. Your service for good cause will never go unnoticed.
And to you, dear Student-friends, the time has finally come for you to reap the harvest you laboured for so long. Your sweats will very soon bring a smile in your face. But beware, your final and finishing touch can ruin your entire art. So, put Jesus in your heart. In everything you do take His name first and just keep doing your best-God will do the rest. Robin Anal, MIP/GPRN, NSCN (IM).
Pack up, UNC tells ‘other’ candidates Newmai News Network
Imphal, Feb 1: Except for the Independent candidates nominated by the United Naga Council (UNC), the UNC has imposed restrictions on other Independent Naga candidates from contesting in the forthcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly Election in the hill districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong. Making its stand clear to Newmai News Network today, the UNC said that those intending candidates who had signed the UNC’s declaration paper on January 16 at Taphou Community Hall, Senapati but had not been nominated as the consensus candidates should uphold Clause-7 of the declaration paper. Sixty intending candidates appended their signatures on Clause-7 of the declaration paper which states “I declare that I will accept without any reservation of whatsoever, the candidature of the particular person who is deter- mined by the Naga people represented by the UNC to be consensus candidates”.
The UNC today disclosed that based on the above mentioned Clause -7 of the declaration and undertaking, it had served intimation on January 24 to all those candidates who had not been nominated by the UNC to withdraw their candidatures.
However, till the time of filing of this news story, the UNC has not declared the names of its candidates for the Assembly Constituencies of Nungba, Tengnoupal and Chandel.
The UNC has also taken strong exception to the news report in The Sangai Express, in its Janaury 30 edition under the caption “UNC cautions dissenters”, where the newspaper quoted UNC chief KS Paul Leo, as stating, “there would be no such restriction against independent candidates”.
Pointing to this quote, UNC information and publicity secretary S Milan dismissed the report as totally false and termed it as concocted news report filed by the staff reporter of The Sangai Express which is misleading the general public”. The UNC also appealed to all constituent tribe Hohos and districts’ apex Naga organisations of the UNC for support and co-operation for success of UNC’s consensus candidates.
The Ray of Hope for Peace is Waxing Perspective The Morung Express The earth is a creation of God. So the earth is God’s earth and human races are God’s creatures. God Jehovah is the sovereign Lord over every human life. No power in the world is sovereign before God. According to the word of God, our sins cover the face of God. If we forsake our sins, He is ever gracious to us. Every human being has his or her shortcomings and weaknesses. Out of anger, bitterness, hatred and suspicion there have been armed clashes between the factions and poisonous activities were perpetrated on one another. For instance, the quit notice was served on the Tangkhuls be NSCN (K). Exchange of venomous languages was seen in the local dailies almost every day. But those who are leading the warring factions also have their virtues and are not devoid of the fear of God. So all of the fiery darts against one another will be replaced by words of rationality. In spite of escalation of clashes and more gloomy situation, the ray of hope for peace is waxing. As far as NSCN (K) is concerned, the voices of their top leaders are rarely heard but whenever they pronounce something, no harsh language is seen in their statements. Their silence has indicated that they have been remaining silent behind the screen to save the situation. It is to be admitted that they got angry with their NSCN (I-M) brothers for their outright rejection of cease-fire offered by NSCN (K).
Now 2007 is a year of good sign for peace. Last year when we, a team of three persons, had meetings with NSCN leaders Isak Swu and Th Muivah at Bangkok, they had made a commitment, “In the name of Jesus Christ we can forgive the Khaplangs.” They had also promised that they would not attack their rivals unless they are first attacked. Despite the promise, more clashes took place. But this year they have made emphatic proclamation basing on their verbal commitment for forgiveness and reconciliation. Moreover, they have instituted a committee of reconciliation which is a practical step towards complete peace.
The crux of the problem is that gun is in the hand but God is not in the heart. So let us pray that everybody let God to enter the heart and all should look forward to a day when meet and talk together takes place for bringing about complete peace and unity. Rev. L Suohie Mhasi
A Committed Leader The Morung Express Editorial
The passing away of Dr Hokishe Sema, former Chief Minister of Nagaland and the first Naga Governor to be appointed by Delhi marks the end of an era in the annals of Nagaland’s political history. The imprint left by Late Hokishe is truly exemplary and the stream of condolence messages pouring into this newspaper office since yesterday only confirms his marked contribution as a leader who shaped the destiny of Nagaland State and someone who cemented the pillars of Statehood. Some of his contemporaries (and there are not many alive today) have described Late Hokishe as an ardent nationalist and a committed servant of the people. Even in his old age while serving as DAN Chairman, Late Hokishe had on several occasions shared his concern for the people of Nagaland even if it meant going against the official line of the DAN Alliance. This undoubtedly was a mark of a true leader. Further more, Late Hokishe’s exceptional quality of leadership was also instrumental in keeping the multi-party DAN Alliance together despite the existing differences and the pulls and pressures of coalition politics. Given Late Hokishe’s wide acceptability as a leader cutting across party lines, the DAN Alliance will find it even more difficult to fill the vacuum created by its Chairman’s demise.
Besides his wide acceptability and true leadership quality, the other legacy of Late Hokishe was that throughout his political life he was opposed to violence and displayed the courage to speak out against those who propagated violence as a means to achieve their goals. His strong determination wedded to the love of peace found expression even in his last days. While many of his junior colleagues in the government refused to acknowledge the breakdown of law and order arising out of factional clashes, Late Hokishe had the guts to openly question his government and bringing to attention the need to safeguard life and property of its citizens no matter what the circumstances or arguments. As much as he was a leader with a vision, Late Hokishe was also a man of peace. His decision to give up smoking on September 7, 1967, in honour of the Day of the Ceasefire in Nagaland may be seen as only symbolic. But for those who aspire for greater political mission in a lifetime such as Late Hokishe, it showed his commitment for bringing about peace and unity among the Nagas. One may recall that during one of the Assembly Sessions, Late Hokishe had pointed out that being representatives of the people, the legislators should attempt to bring all Naga organizations to a broadly acceptable platform to unitedly raise their voice to the Government of India. Only then can we come to a tangible and successful solution, he had pointed out. He was also the one who suggested that the Consultative Committee for Peace (CCP) should include members from the Opposition Congress.
This desire of Late Hokishe to bring together over-ground leaders in order to pursue peace among the warring factions will remain fundamentally relevant until permanent peace among the Nagas is achieved. Quiet, soft spoken and a man of few words, Late Hokishe will be remembered for his integrity, sincerity and above all as a man of peace and certainly a great politician of his time, a towering figure of Statehood and a father figure for modern day Naga politicians.
FREEDOM DAY is FEBRUARY 1st - Pray and Please help the Nagas who do not live in Freedom Nagalim has a Dream to be FREE at LAST from India Congress.org
February 1st is not only the Presidential Prayer Breakfast day but also National Freedom Day! Freedom is the most basic of all human rights, and it is when President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery on February 1, 1865 that National Freedom Day was founded. As we commemorate this day, let us meditate on some of our great leaders' thoughts on the meaning of Freedom, Democracy, Justice and Human Rights as we move forward into 2007 and realize our responsibility to our allies, such as the People of Nagalim.
The Nagas have not had the luxury of living in Freedom for almost 60 years and because injustices committed against them by the Indian government means a potential threat to our national security, we need to take notice.

As Americans, we may at times take our freedom for granted but we understand freedom. If at any point we feel we are all not free, we can rise up and demand freedom from our oppressors. Other nations are not so blessed. The Christian oil and mineral rich country of Nagalim, enclosed by the borders and tyranny of India, is not so blessed. The people of Nagalim are 95% Christian (these English speaking people were evangelized by American Christian missionaries in 1873) and are from Mongolian-Sino descent and have their own Judeo-Christian based culture and language.

Through various 'flexible-in-interpretation' constitutional laws and the religious acceptable form of an APARTHEID – “the Hindu Caste system” – (about 80% of India is Hindu) at least 20 of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are being violated on the Naga people today, which should be termed no less than a “constitutional genocide”.
India is not the "World's Largest Democracy” as it so proudly touts. Persecution is on the rise by Hindu militants affecting 40 million Christian souls, over 300 million Dalits - the dark-skinned "blacks" and "untouchables," and over every single man and woman in Nagalim.

Today, yes, in 2007, India still enforces the Armed Forces Special Powers Act - a law that gives the Indian army the legal right to "shoot-to-kill" Nagas who espouse their freedom from India. In the past sixty years, India has used this law to cover up the massacre of over 300,000 Nagas. It is a historical fact the Nagas NEVER joined the Indian Union, by conquest or consent for which the Indian government has acknowledged.

The AFSPA was ironically derived from a British colonial ordinance designed to suppress Indians’ legitimate resistance to colonial rule. In 1958, the Indians hypocritically adopted the same law, and to this day still enforces it to legally kill and oppress the Naga people. Naga challenges to the law within the Indian legal system failed when the Indian Supreme Court upheld this barbaric law.

Amnesty International has been unsuccessful in trying to help repeal this law. Since India gained independence from Britain in 1947, their army of more than 250,000, has been forcibly occupying Nagalim.

This past January 30, 2007 marks the 59th anniversary of Mohandas Gandhi’s death. In reaction, the current Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s ironically said “the world’s nations MUST HEED Mohandas Gandhi’s philosophy and provide for all people while keeping greed in check.”

Hooray! We applaud his statements, as we too believe in Gandhian principals. But, we ask, why does India have a different standard when it comes to dealing with the Naga people? India is not the "World's Largest Democracy" – especially when it comes to their Naga neighbors. When a delegation of Nagas told Gandhi in June 1947 that the government had warned there would be military sanctions against Nagas if they declared independence, Gandhi said “the government is wrong... No army will deprive you of your freedom. I believe you all belong to one, to India. But if you say you won’t, no one can force you.” When asked if the new government would not force the Nagas to join India, Gandhi replied, “No, not if I am alive. I will go to Naga Hills and say that you will shoot me before you shoot a single Naga.” Gandhi’s view on the Naga situation died when he was assinated Jan 30, 1947.

Members of Congress and Senate, we ask you on this National Day of Prayer to pray and listen to your hearts regarding this atrocity. Meditate on the words below of some great leaders who have carved a path for our freedom and take the lead with wisdom on how to help the Nagas have a better life. HUBERT HUMPHREY told the 1948 Democratic National Convention: The time has arrived in America for the Democratic Party to get out of the shadows of states' rights and walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights.

FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT – Freedom mean supremacy of Human Rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights or keep them. MARY ROBINSON- Today’s human rights violations are tommorrows conflicts. MAHNEZ AFKHAMI - Any definition of a culture of peace must address the problem of achieving justice for communities and individuals who do not have the means to compete or cope without structured assistance and compassionate help. U THANT 3rd UN SECRETARY GENERAL - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights – This great and inspiring instrument was born of an increased sense of responisibility by the international community for the promotion and protection of man’s basic rights and freedoms. The world has come to a clear realization that the fact freedom, justice and world peace can only be assured through international promotion and protection of these rights and freedoms. PRESIDENT BUSH said in his second inaugural speech that "bully tactics" would not be tolerated. He said: All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors.... America's influence is considerable and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause. This is a promise made by our President not only to those suffering, but to America, that we will be a nation of clemency, of constancy, of compassion. That means we must fight, as a country, to rid the world of oppressors, especially those hidden right in front of us. We ask you to please confront India our fellow UN member about their numerous violations in reference to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights standards, hence proactively encouraging India to change and live up to its growing image as the "World's Largest Democracy."

Loyally the Naga people fought side by side with America and allied forces in both World Wars - now it is time for those allied forces to support them. Many have not heard of the Naga plight before but many have. For more information please go to www.nagalim.us. For ideas on how you can help please download a free copy of our white paper “Goodwill Mission’s Trip to Nagalim.”

As ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

As we celebrate Freedom Day let us consider helping our less fortunate neighbor, the People of Nagalim. It is time to put a stop to the physical, economic, psychological emotional and media oppression that these people have wrongly suffered for almost 60 years. After 8 1/2 year of wheel spinning peace talks with no mutally acceptible solution the Nagas are frustrated at the Indian governments lack of sincerity and are seeking the US government's help in getting their issue pushed from the backburner to the front burner, as Walter Landor said: A DELAY IN JUSTICE IS AN INJUSTICE! The Nagas praise the achievements of the great American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and one day have the same dream to shout "FREE at LAST!!! FREE at LAST!!!
NETV sticks to stand, alleges link between Govt and ULFA
Defying the shut down notice given by ULFA, Guwahati-based satellite news channel NETV has alleged that the state government continues to maintain links with the banned outfit. "We stand by the story and there is no question of giving an apology to ULFA. There is an understanding between the outfit and the government," NETV managing director Manoranjan Sinh told reporters. On January 27, the channel had carried a news story saying that ULFA had taken money from the government for letting the National Games pass off peacefully.
Sinh said the prime reason behind the ULFA's displeasure was the live coverage of the massacre of Hindi speaking people at Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. She felt ULFA's threat could have been instigated by the Gogoi government since her channel had been critical of the state government and had always exposed corruption.
"The CM criticised NETV at a press conference and within twelve hours of that the ULFA issued us a notice," she explained, adding that Gogoi never had a consistent policy against the outfit. Since her arrival here, Sinh has written to the PM, home minister and chairperson of UPA Sonia Gandhi highlighting the effort to "muzzle" the press and urging them to "restrain" the state government from maintaining links with militants.
Ulfa cloud on Bhutan, again A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, Feb. 1: Bhutan’s persistent denial of Ulfa’s resurgence in its territory is being doubted again with the militant group freeing a kidnapped engineer of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) along Assam’s border with the Himalayan kingdom last night.
Inspector-general of police R.M. Singh confirmed today that junior engineer M. Ganeshan, kidnapped from Gitibari in Udalguri district on December 22, had been held captive in Bhutan.
Singh also said that ransom might have been paid for the engineer’s release.
Ganeshan was taken hostage while he was returning to his camp on a motorcycle after surveying the construction of a bridge over the Nonai.
The police said the junior engineer was let off somewhere on the Indo-Bhutan border in Baksa district. But BRO sources claimed that he was freed in Sandrup Jongkhar district of Bhutan.
Ganeshan told the police that he was made to walk for three to four hours everyday. He was blindfolded each time.
A police officer who interrogated Ganeshan said he did not have to walk on hilly terrain, implying that he may have been kept somewhere in the Bhutan plains along the Bodoland area.
Ulfa had initially asked for Rs 3 crore to release Ganeshan, but scaled it down to Rs 50 lakh. Sources said about Rs 10 lakh exchanged hands before the engineer was freed.
The BRO reportedly raised Rs 1.25 lakh through contributions from the staff. The rest of the amount was arranged for by Ganeshan’s family.
The IGP said the militants freed the engineer for much less than the ransom they had fixed because it was “becoming risky to hold him captive in the wake of an intensive search operation by the police, army and paramilitary forces”.
Singh, who had camped along the border to supervise the operation, said Ulfa militants were “very active” in Udalguri and adjoining Baksa. Both these places are also strongholds of the National Democratic Front of Boroland.
Ulfa’s presence in the Bodo heartland was confirmed by a militant arrested in Guwahati recently.
Police teams from Assam and Bhutan had jointly searched for a suspected Ulfa training camp across the border in late October and found evidence contradicting the Bhutanese embassy’s denial of the presence of any militant hideout in that country after 2003.
Look at NE before looking east: Ramesh Nagaland Post
NEW DELHI, FEB 1 (AGENCIES): Poor infrastructure in India's northeast is a "matter of shame", according to Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh, who has stressed the need to develop the region before implementing the country's Look East Policy.
"We have to look at the northeast before looking east," he said while addressing a conference on "Look East Policy: A Reality Check" here Wednesday. Expressing dissatisfaction with the nature of border trade with Myanmar at Moreh border trade point along Manipur, the minister said: "We exchange only 22 items as of now with Myanmar and the it is limited to residents living along the border." Ramesh called for an expansion of the trade base that currently includes only small items like garlic, fresh vegetables, tomato, ginger and tobacco. "India will also take a proactive part in any bilateral talks with the neighbouring countries to open more border points," he told the conference organised by the North East Media Forum. He said the government had sanctioned Rs.200 crore to develop four world-class land custom stations at Moreh, Dawki in Meghalaya, Sutarkandi in Assam and another in Agartala. "These centres will have facilities for international trade, customs, immigration and banking," Ramesh said.
When completed, these points will greatly boost business between Northeastern States and neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh. Ramesh said his Ministry had approached the External Affairs Ministry to conclude bilateral trade agreements with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal for regular trade with them through the northeast.
A Special Purpose Tea Fund of Rs.47 billion has been sanctioned for the revival of the tea sector and 15 percent of it is earmarked for Assam. An India International Tea festival would be held in November in Kolkata with two satellite events at Jorhat in Assam and Darjeeling, to penetrate into the Egyptian, Pakistan and Iranian markets, Ramesh added. Moreover, 200,000 hectares of land in Assam has been identified for rubber plantation. Cold storage facilities at the major airports in northeast India are also being developed to avail better marketing facilities for organic products like pineapple and ginger, he said.
A daunting task Editorial Nagaland Post
Manipur will be going to the polls in February this year amid a disturbed environment that has defied the laws of governance on one side and the laws of social responsibility on the other. The state is under virtual siege of more than two dozen militants whose writ appears to run large over various parts of the state. A state that has the potential of becoming the 'golden Kangla' of the nation has been reduced to anarchy with the long shadows of militancy looming large over it. The constitutional authority has no impact except with the use of the police or paramilitary forces to stamp its rule. What has been reported about Manipur in the media is of a state that is plagued with militancy of the worst and most complex form. For as long as one could remember, the news of the state during the past decades has been dominated by political instability and with bouts of civil unrest and militant violence. The language of the gun spoken by the militants seemed to be complemented by the language of bandhs and strikes from the harrased, traumatized and fearful public. Since the past, many incidents expose the hand of certain forces that are continually stirring up lawlessness. The people of Manipur have proved themselves in all spheres of development activity but have fallen due to the militant psychology. The people want to move on with their lives and would like to live in peace, progress and prosperity. It is not to mean that militancy alone is responsible for the present condition of Manipur. Militancy in Manipur is more or less about creating a different perception of the people of themselves. The progress which the state made after it became a state during the mid seventies had led to indulgence in corruption which later spread to all levels. Much of the causes for militancy is the failure of the political leadership in managing the affairs of the state comprising of people belonging to various ethnic and cultural background. Any elected government faces the same dilemma of carrying out its bounden responsibility as well as to spur socio-economic growth. It may seem easier said than done in a state that is witnessing the manifestation of mafiaism at its worst. The process of election is rife with the same evil of intimidation or booth capturing that is also a feature with elections in Nagaland. Manipur situation perhaps is a manifestation of a society that has landed itself on the lap of wolves in sheep clothing. Contributory factors such as the politician-criminal nexus and also failure of the law enforcement agencies in tackling crimes has made the situation ripe for what is happening. People who claim to be upholders of justice, instead have become the perpetrators themselves and certainly, the people of Manipur today can hardly differentiate between what is right or wrong, thanks mainly to the fact that people are not able to speak up freely. Indeed, Manipur today offers the people with an opportunity to put their life on track if they are to get out of their predicament.
India to get transit rights of Myanmar port Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 1 – With an uncooperative Bangladesh showing no signs of allowing access to Chittagong port and transit right through the country, India has finalised plans to bypass it and seek outlet through Akyab Port in Myanmar. An understanding has been arrived at between India and Myanmar following a series of high level visits and meetings. India has got the nod from Myanmar to develop the Port also called Sittwe port in the country’s western Rakhine coast. A Cabinet Note has been circulated and a clearance is expected shortly.

Divulging this, Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh described the development as most important. India would be investing USD 103 million on developing the Sittwe Port under the Kaladan multi purpose project. Mizoram will emerge as the hub and development of the Port would be of significant strategic value. The Government of India would bear the entire cost of the construction and it would take three years to complete, Jairam Ramesh added.

The Sittwe Port is 160 km from Mizoram, is located in West Myanmar, at the mouth of the Kaladan River and on Bay of Bengal. It was an important port and rice-milling centre. Originally a small fishing village, it became a port for the export of rice after the British occupied it in 1826.

The Minister, who was addressing a daylong seminar on the ‘Look East Policy: A Reality Check’ said that Bangladesh has become stumbling block for development of the North-East. “What we need to do is a bypass surgery,” he said. The seminar was organised jointly by North East Media Forum and NEDFi. The Minister further stressed on opening of trading routes between the North Eastern States and the neighbouring countries. He said they have taken up the issue with the Ministry of External Affairs to actively pursue opening of more and more trade routes with Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and China during bilateral talks. The Minister, however, advocated trade at the border rather then border trading. In this connection, he referred to the low turn over at the existing border trading posts in the region. “We should get out of the concept of border trade,” he said. He suggested that the list should be thrown open and in its place a small negative list may be prepared. In what is going to come as dampener for business community pressing for more and more subsidy, Ramesh said that North-East will not develop by incentives. Infrastructure led industrialisation is what it needs. We need to focus on infrastructure including road and air connectivity,” he opined.

The Minister further referred to the Rs 4,700 crore tea package announced by his Ministry. The first cycle of disbursements is going to start in June. Emphasizing the need for the tea industry to get its act together he said, India is shortly going to sign the Free Trade Agreement with the ASEAN. He further added Pakistan, Iran and Egypt have been identified as thrust countries along with Iraq and UAE. He also announced that the international tea festival would be held on November 14 and 15 and two satellite events lined up in Darjeeling and Jorhat. Ramesh also said that rubber was the next item that was going to bring revolution in the region. While Tripura has already made great strides, in Asom 2 lakh hectares have been identified for rubber cultivation.

The seminar spread over four sessions was addressed experts, policy makers and stake holders.
Clashes, abductions and firing as electioneering reaches fever pitch Nagarealm.com
IMPHAL, FEB01 [IFP] : Congress workers clashed with RJD workers at Wangoi A/C, as many as 10 Congress supporters in Chingai Assembly constituency were abducted, flags and festoons of national level political parties were torn down in Senapati and miscreants fired at Sanjembam in Lamlai A/C threatening supporters of the CPI candidate in the constituency in election related violence that occurred in different parts of the state as the election fever heightened in the state.

Many people were injured as workers of the Congress confronted those of the RJD at Wangoi Bazar in 22-Wangoi A/C tonight. Security personnel deployed in Wangoi area fired several rounds to disperse the clashing groups. According to local sources the trouble started when workers of the RJD candidate were about to hold a meeting at the Wangoi community hall today and wanted the posters of the Congress candidate removed from the site. The posters had been put up by Congress supporters during an earlier meeting of their party held at the same venue. On the Congress workers refusal to do so the RJD workers informed the nagar panchayat which also asked the Congress workers to remove the posters.

However, as the Congressmen refused to comply with the request, a worker of the RJD confronted the Congress workers and an arguement ensued. The Congress workers thereafter threatened to burn down the house of the RJD worker and as a result the clash took place. The Congress is sending Sagolsem Achouba Singh as its official nominee in Wangoi A/C while former chief minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh is the RJD candidate in the constituency. The clash erupted at around 7.45 pm and additional police forces including a commando team of Imphal west had rushed to the spot and hectic efforts were on to bring the situation under control till the time of filing this report.

The report also could not immediately confirm how many people were wounded in the clash even as there were reports that many suffered injuries. Three strong contenders for the Wangoi A/C seat reside in and around the Wangoi Bazar. They are former chief minister W Nipamacha, Y Mani Singh MLA in the 8th Manipur legislative Assembly who recently resigned as an MLA and Congress membership over non offering of ticket and Achouba Singh who got the Congress ticket. Meanwhile, gunmen fired one round at Nongpok Sanjembam of Lamlai A/C threatening the villagers not to hoist the CPI flag and display banners in the area. They also reportedly threatened the villagers with dire consequencies if CPI flags and banners are hoisted or displayed in the village. The gunmen numbering around five came in a Maruti Gypsy and fired and threatened the villagers this afternoon at around 1 pm. Agriculture minister Ph Parijat is in the fray in this constituency as a CPI candidate. Parijat`s supporters had earlier received a threat from miscreants suspected to belong to an underground group who exploded a bomb inside the Irawat memorial hall while his supporters were holding a public meeting in connection with the elections. Fearing untoward incidents in the future, the villagers immediately removed all the flags and other CPI related election materials from the village. Nongpok Sanjenbam village is traditionally a stronghold of the CPI. There are around altogether 2000 electors in the area.

Elsewhere, reports said that workers of A Aza, sitting MLA contesting the election from 41-Chingai A/C in Ukhrul district were picked up by some miscreants on January 30 and 31. All of them hail from Tolloi village and were abducted from their respective homes, two on January 2 and remaining 8 on the next day, the report said. A highly reliable report said that they were abducted by a particular underground group for allegedly supporting a national party. Police also suspect underground elements behind the abduction. A Aza was elected from the Chingai A/C in the 2002 Assembly elections and he is campaigning to retain his seat despite the UNC`s effort to put up its "consensus candidate". Meanwhile, last night some unknown persons numbering seven to eight removed all the banners, festoons and flags of national level political parties displayed at Senapati town. Police suspect the miscreants to be supporters of the UNC who are putting up independent candidates in the Naga dominated hill areas of the state.

Frans on 02.02.07 @ 11:03 AM CST [link]


Thursday, February 1st

Rio moots cadre-based political movement in Nagaland


Kohima, 01 February, (Asiantribune.com): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has today said he was proud to be NPF Chief Minister of the DAN coalition. He said it took long years for him to reach this stage. He said he joined this regional NPF party as a youth activist back in 1947, while Dr Shurhozelie was already a Minister at that time.
Delivering his Keynote Address on the occasion of the Central office Meeting of the Central Office Bearers of the NPF here at Hotel Japhu on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said there was no short cut in the leadership and further explained that one had to sacrifice and contribute a lot to reach their goal. He further urged the NPF workers to have vision and to uphold the “Naga identity”. “You cannot adopt someone and feel proud of it”, he stated adding they should be proud of their history and tradition. The Chief Minister also explained as to how the party should have a firm foundation that would remain as a rock. He mooted a cadre-based type of political movement in the State emulating CPI (M) of the West Bengal. He pointed out unless they had such idea to have a cadre-based, they might face sometimes disintegration when they were out of power. In this, he urged the party workers go for a massive enrolment drive in the State.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (2nd right) addressing Central Office Meeting of Central Office Bearers of NPF at Hotel Japju on January 31, 2007. Dr Shurhozelie, NPF President and Minister (2nd left) also seen in the picture: (Pix by Asain Tribune/Oken Jeet Sandham).
The Chief Minister also described new Nagaland Governor-designate as a “thorough gentlemen”. He was confident that the new Governor with his political background would be able to adjust and have a balance in discharging his duties as Governor of the State. Rio also said he could discharge his Chief Ministerial duty because of the senior party leader like Dr Shurhozelie and the support given by the party workers and further sought their continuous cooperation to accomplish their goal.
Former Nagaland CM Hokishe Sema dead Chennai on line
Kohima, Feb 1: Yong Hokishe Sema, one of the founders of Nagaland state and a former chief minister, died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Dimapur. He was 89 and is survived by wife, five sons and a daughter. Sema's family said the leader died yesterday. He was the chairman of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition. He was suffering from old age-related ailments and was admitted to the hospital yesterday.
After studying at the Srerampore College and St Anthony's College in Shillong, Sema joined government service in the 1950s as a school inspector. He also served as additional assistant commissioner of the then Naga Hills district of undivided Assam.
When Nagaland attained statehood in 1960, he joined politics and became a member of the interim body of the new state government in 1961. He became the chief minister in 1969 and served a full term. Sema was instrumental in effecting a large-scale surrender of Naga rebels in the early 1970s and rehabilitated them in the security forces. In the late 1970s, Sema joined the Indian National Congress, the first national party to set up a unit in Nagaland. He again became chief minister in 1986 for a brief period. In the 1990s, he left the Congress and joined the BJP. He was elected to the state Assembly on a BJP ticket in 2003. (Agencies)
Tangkhul bodies appeal to NSCN (K) to revoke quit notice The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 31 (MExN): The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and the Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland today strongly appealed to the NSCN (K) for repeal of the ‘quit notice’ served to the Tangkhuls on humanitarian grounds. A press release issued by the president of the TNL, Stephen Angkang, while calling for the revocation of the quit notice on humanitarian grounds, reminded that just because of the active involvement of Tangkhuls in the NSCN (IM), the NSCN (K) should not regard all Tangkhuls as NSCN (IM) cadres. “It is a fact that there is a factional fighting wherein Tangkhul NSCN (IM) are very much involved and because of that it is not nice to blame all the Tangkhuls and are tainted as NSCN (IM)” the release stated.
The TNL president also expressed deep concern for the Tangkhul students studying in Nagaland whose examinations are nearing. “This day there are many Tangkhul students in Nagaland for their examination and it has become very crucial for the Tangkhuls in Nagaland” stated the release. A separate press release by Joseph Shingnaisui, the President of the Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland based in Dimapur, while appealing to the NSCN (K) for revocation of the quit notice, called upon the NSCN (K) leadership to show wisdom as the quit notice will greatly affect the history of the Naga political struggle for freedom.
“We fervently and sincerely appeal to the esteemed NSCN (K) leadership for wisdom to prevail keeping in view the damage that will not only affect the Tangkhuls but also the entire Nagas’ history in future for their freedom movement” stated the release.
The release also called for forgiveness in the sprit of Christianity. “We require more of your healing touch of brotherhood love in Christian spirit”.
The release further declared that Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland, have always supported the various Naga NGOs work to bring about unification of the various Naga underground factions in the state. “We are always praying for you and for all national workers and will continue to do so in order that the hard work of various Naga NGOs to unify all national workers will see the light of day soon” the release stated. It may be mentioned that the NSCN (K) had on January 28 last issued a ‘final quit notice’ to the Tangkhuls living in Nagaland to leave the state by February 5.
NNLD alleges rape by armies, monks Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, FEB01 [NPN] : The Naga National League for Democracy (Burma) has alleged that Buddhist missionaries (monks) and military junta in eastern Nagaland (Burma) have raped several women at various occasions. A press release issued by Sosa, executive member of NNLD (B) stated that many rape cases have gone unknown as many uneducated women refuse to speak out due to shame while other times the women are not allowed to speak out at gunpoint.

Some of the army rape cases disclosed by NNLD (B) include - Miss Kibechaw, 23 years (nurse), a student of 18 years raped by Col Khim Maung Mint at Somra village, a midwife of 28 years, a clerk of 25 years, and Miss L. Delilah (26) raped and shot dead by constable Nai Win at Somra village. Some of the rape cases committed by Buddhist monks include - Tin Tin Win (18), Class X of Mayalung village raped by monk U. Matalah at Layshi town, Silentei (19) Class X raped by monk Ye Htet at Kon Khai Lung village and got pregnant, Mary Win (17) a student was raped by an unknown monk at Koki village, Lachawre (16) and Kathare (20), both students of Namiyupi village were raped by two unknown monks at Koki village who (monks) fled from the village after committing the crime, a woman clerk (22) was raped by monk U. Tha Krah at Layshio town, and three other students of Class IX. Highlighting the continuous rape and killing of Naga people by military junta in eastern Nagaland, the NNLD (B) also disclosed that the military junta and monks do not allow the Naga Christians to worship their own religion. It stressed that complains made against the offenders also do not bear fruit whereby the eastern Nagas are helplessly tortured and suppressed by the cruel military rulers.
Redress ‘final quit notice’ & students’ issue – Naga Hoho to NSCN-K The Morung Express
Dimapur, Jan 31 (MExN): The “final quit notice’ served by the NSCN-K to the Tangkhul community as well as preventing students from the hill districts of Manipur from appearing their academic examinations in Nagaland is disturbing the minds of every conscious Naga citizen, the Naga Hoho says. The Naga Hoho appeals to the NSCN-K to “redress” the issues in view of larger political ramifications.
“We issue this statement because we love Nagaland and its people; because we love peace, unity and stability for our country; because we believe in the welfare of our people and above all, because we believe that India does not stand for peace, reconciliation, unity, stability and the development of our country and our people” a Naga Hoho statement issued through its President I Bendangmayang Jamir reaffirmed.
Stating the “final quit notice” and preventing students of the four hill districts of Manipur from appearing their exams in Nagaland by the NSCN-K is disturbing the people, the Hoho said this is a contradiction of the recent historic statement of Ato Kilonser of the NSCN-K N Kitovi Zhimomi. The Hoho quoted the Ato Kilonser’s statement: “…hazardous internecine trends that have developed during these decades of uprising have eventually entrenched the very socio-polity fabric of the Nagas to the point of virtual extinction…and the root cause is the vortex of factionalism in all spheres, which degrades the innate interpersonal chain of brotherhood”.
The Naga Hoho, reiterating its stand of peaceful existence of all Naga tribes, asked the NSCN-K authorities to “redress the issue in view of larger political ramification”.
Nagas are their own threat NSCN-IM calls for unity The Morung Express
NSCN (IM) Chairman , Isak Chishi Swu (above) and General Secretary Th Muivah (below) speaking at the 28th ‘NSCN Day’ observed at Camp Hebron on January 31
Dimapur, Jan 31 (MExN): “We are our own threat” and unless the Nagas become aware of this and ‘rectify mistakes’, they are bound to fail. This was the message put across at the 28th ‘NSCN Day’ observed today at Camp Hebron with NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Th. Muivah addressing the occasion. A silent prayer was also observed in paying homage and in remembrance of martyrs.
God has His own will and purpose for the Nagas, but if they fail in their part, they will also fail in purpose, he said. “Isak may die, Muivah may die, but the future of the Naga nation cannot die, for the fate of a nation cannot be destined to an end with a leaders or a person. Today the serious threat to us is not anyone else but among ourselves. Unless the Nagas become aware of what, where and how, we are bound to fall” he forewarned. He concluded by saying it is high time to “rectify our mistakes and submit to our Lord for if we do not abide by Him, as He lifted us, we will be pulled pull down”. He called on the Nagas to unite in Lord Jesus Christ. “Unless we clearly understand our political course, we are doom to fail and fall” he said and asserting that God was with the Nagas and the NNC “but they failed in God’s desire for us and signed the Shillong Accord”.
Chairman Swu, also addressing the gathering dwelled on the history of the NSCN. He said that Nagas have crossed cross three stages in their political history: the first stage was the Naga Club when the Nagas asserted their inalienable rights as an independent people. The second stage was the formation of the NNC during which the Naga people declared independence reaffirmed through the NNC. The third stage appeared when the NNC “betrayed the Naga people mandate” and signed the Shillong Accord. “On failure of Mr. Phizo, the President of NNC, to condemn this treacherous Accord, despite repeated appeals by the Naga peoples, to resuscitate and rescue the Naga people’s political right, the NSCN was formed” an NSCN-IM MIP note stated.
Hohos’ plea to NSCN (K) Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): The Naga Hoho and the Tangkhul community living in Nagaland have appealed to the NSCN (K) leadership to reconsider their "final quit notice" served on the community to leave the state "bag and baggage" latest by February 5, 2007.
The Naga Hoho in a statement issued by its president I. Bendangmayang Jamir described as "disturbing" the quit notice and the diktat to students from four Naga Hill districts of Manipur to stay away from appearing the HSLC examination in Nagaland.
A statement issued by Naga Hoho president I. Bendangmayang Jamir said the directives issued by the NSCN (K) "is disturbing the minds of every Naga conscious citizens in general and the Naga Hoho in particular." The Hoho felt the NSCN (K) directives were in contradiction to the recent historic statement made by the Ato Kilonser of NSCN (K) N. Kitovi Zhimomi.
The Naga Hoho reiterated its stand for peaceful existence among all Naga tribes and urged the NSCN (K) to redress the issue in view of larger political ramifications. Further, it called upon the Nagas to recognize the "sinister design of New Delhi" towards sowing the seeds of hatred and confusion among the Naga brethren. It asked "why should we allow the mighty Indian military generals to sit over a finest glass of whisky and delicious food on top of the hill and gracefully watching every killing of a brother by brother in the playground?"
The Tangkhuk Hoho, Nagaland, in a separate statement issued by its president Joseph Shingnaisui said "We fervently and sincerely appeal to the esteemed NSCN (K) leadership for wisdom to prevail keeping in view the damage that will not only affect the Tangkhuls but also the entire Nagas' history in future for their freedom movement. We require more of your healing touch of brotherhood love in Christian spirit."
The Hoho also said the Tangkhul community was "always praying for you and for all national workers and will continue to do so in order that the hard work of various Naga NGOs to unify all national workers will see the light of day soon. After which, no power on Earth can shake you and Nagas will achieve what they want."
Factions clash in Phek town Nagareralm.com
KOHIMA, JAN31 [NPN] : Restive Phek town Wednesday afternoon witnessed a factional clash between a combined FGN-NSCN (K) cadres and the NSCN (I-M), barely fifteen minutes after Home minister Thenucho and his convoy passed the town enroute to Pfutsero to attend the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) meeting.

According to sources, the clash took place near Christian English School, Hebron-1 Colony, in the heart of Phek town and the exchange of fire that started around 1.15 pm lasted for about three hours. However, there was no report of any casualty on either side. Right after the firing stopped, public mustered the courage and chased away the warring groups from the town, sources added. It was also reported that DC Phek was out of station at the time of the clash, prompting the public to take the matter into their hands. Sources also alleged that the Home minister who had crossed Phek town some fifteen minutes before the firing began, and on his way to Pfutsero after attending a sports programme at Ketsapo, "instead of turning back and attending to the situation as demanded, left the public to handle the situation." It may be mentioned the public of Phek had recently threatened the district administration that they would be forced to evict the factional groups from Phek if the district administration failed to do so. Meanwhile, NSCN (K) military spokesman Isak Sumi told the Nagaland Post over phone that around sixty NSCN (K) men launched an attack on some seventy to eighty NSCN (I-M) members who were stationed in Hebron-1 colony.

Isak said the attack was launched following the NSCN (I-M)'s refusal to vacate the town despite the earlier hue and cry of the public. "We could have attacked them earlier when they invaded Phek town but we did not want to disturb the public, we respected their sentiment," he added. The NSCN (K) spokesman also alleged that IRB personnel who intervened in the clash, fired at least one hundred rounds towards the NSCN (K) position. Terming the act of the IRB as clear violation of ceasefire ground rules, Isak demanded a clarification from the IRB. He further alleged that the NSCN (I-M) deputy army chief Maj Gen Markson himself had come to Saijang along with a joint force of about two hundred men belonging to the NSCN (I-M) and Manipur-based outfits PREPAK and PULF, to combat the NSCN (K).

On present Naga political movement- Nagaland Post Opinion
While one seriously study the political journey of the Naga people, it can be reflected to the story of a man who traveled from Jerusalem to Jericho, Luke 10:25-30 This tired, hungry and sun hit traveler fell under the merciless hands of the robbers. The merciless robbers mercilessly beat him black and blue and also tore his clothes and threw him half dead. It happened that a priest who traveled along the same path reached and saw the seriously injured on the way side, but did not extend any help to this injured man. Again, a Levite who boasted himself a Godly man came and saw the same serious man, but he too had to go without giving aby attention to this man.
When I seriously study the present Naga political situation, it is quite similar with this Bible story. Because, some robbers have infiltrated and manipulated our beautiful land and its genuine unified political struugle for their own benefit. These infiltrators, being outsiders has less concern for the Nagas and instead enforce a reign of terror upon the Naga people. They felt satisfied of succeeding in dividing the unified Nagas into different figments and kept under their dominance for more than a decade. However, like the Levite priest, our Naga NGOs and churches failed to treat the sickened Naga political problem. They know the situations and conditions of the present Naga nation as being under the autocratic rulers, but none of them come forward to save the nation from the jaws of terrorism. However, I really thank all the conscious Naga citizens who are constantly praying and invoking God's holy intervention in the blood flowing situation of the Naga nation. Zinghat Konyak, Under secretary Ministry of religious affairs
Profile of Late Hokishe Nagaland Post
Late (Dr.) Hokishe Sema, son of Late Sukiye Sema, was born at Apitomi in Zunheboto district on March 6, 1921. He married Shitoli Sema on December 15, 1951. He passed the Intermediate Arts from Serampore College, West Bengal in 1949 after passing high school from GHS Mokokchung. He graduated from St. Anthony's College, Shillong under the Calcutta University in 1956. During his career as a student leader and social reformer, Late Hokishe served the Sema Students' Conference as its president (1947-1952) and worked for church development and village reforms in Zunheboto and advancement of education in Sema society.
He served as Sub-Inspector of Schools for Sema and Lotha areas (now in Zunheboto and Wokha districts) from 1952 to 55 before being appointed as Assistant Commissioner in 1958.
After resigning from government service in 1961, Hokishe joined politics at a time when Naga people were going through a period of pain and turmoil with Army operations going on in full swing in the region. He became president of the Sema Public Organisation in 1958 and, two years later, a member of the Drafting Committee of the Naga People's Convention, which laid the foundation of the state of Nagaland with the 16-Point Agreement reached with the Government of India. He then held prominent portfolios like member of Interim Body, Nagaland (1961-63) and Executive Councilor for Finance and PWD in the Interim Government (1961-1963.
Hokishe was elected unopposed from Akuluto constituency to the first Nagaland Legislative Assembly in the First general elections held in January, 1964. He was Cabinet minister in 1964-1969 under two successive Chief Ministers, Late P. Shilu Ao and Late T. N. Angami, holding the portfolios of Finance, Revenue, Medical & Public Health and Planning & Co-ordination. He was reelected to the State Assembly in the next general elections in February, 1969 and then elected Leader of the NNO Legislative Party before becoming the third Chief Minister of Nagaland on February 22, 1969. He contested the Lok Sabha polls in 1972 without success and continued as Chief Minister till February 11, 1974. Later in April 1983, Hokishe was appointed Governor of Himachal Pradesh, the first Naga to hold such high office. He resigned from the Governorship in March, 1986 and got elected to the Rajya Sabha in the same month. He, however, returned to State politics and became Chief Minister on October 29, 1986 for the second time. He returned to the State Assembly when he was elected from Dimapur-I Assembly constituency in the 6th general elections on November 18, 1987.
Hokishe was elected Leader of the Congress (I) Legislative Party and appointed Chief Minister on November 22, 1987 for the third time and remained in office till imposition of President's Rule on August 7, 1988. After losing the 8th Assembly elections in 1993 on a Congress (I), the veteran leader led the formation of Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) Party, but could not contest the 1998 polls due to boycott calls. He was again elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on a BJP ticket in the 10th general elections in February, 2003. A towering figure in Naga Politics, Hokishe was holding the post of chairman, DAN with Cabinet status. He also attended the UN General Assembly in 1972 and 1974 and led a delegation of Indo-Soviet Friendship Team to Moscow in 1972. Hokishe was a devout Christian and strongly stood for Naga culture. He was conferred with the Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) by the Serampore University on February 7, 1988. Though he was a heavy smoker, he kicked the decade-long habit on September 7, 1967 in honour of the ceasefire in the State. Among other offices held by the late leader were president, Nagaland Congress Committee (1976-79), member, High Powered Panel for Minorities, Scheduled Castes and Tribes and other backward minorities ((1981-82), member, National Integration Council and Communal Harmony (1981-83), member, Commission for SC & ST (1982-83), founder, Indira Congress (1989) and National Democratic Alliance in Nagaland in 1992 and member, Consultative Committee for Peace with Cabinet status.
Assam Rifles celebrates raising day The Hindu
Shillong, Feb. 1 (PTI): The 31 unit of Assam Rifles, currently based at Kashi Ram basti in Nagaland's Dimapur city, celebrated its raising day today. During its 20 years of service, the unit, which was raised on February 1, 1988 at Mizoram's Saitual, performed in military and civil actions, officials said here. As part of its counter-insurgency operations, the unit has the distinction of capturing a huge quantity of arms and ammunition and eliminating a large number of militants. For its efforts, it was awarded the Chief of Army Staff's citation on January 15, 1997. The unit has also won two Shaurya Chakras, four Sena Medals and a large number of other gallantry awards and medals. The 31 Assam Rifles has also been providing medical aid to civilians in Nagaland and opened polio booths during the national Pulse Polio immunisation scheme. It has also undertaken several military civic action projects in Dimapur
People block Assam-Arunachal highway The Morung Express
Joipur (Assam), Jan. 31 (PTI): Thousands of people blocked the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh highway in Dibrugarh district today to protest the gunning down of a youth by the army, officials said. Traffic from Joipur to Khonsa in Arunachal Pradesh came to a standstill after 10.30 am, when the people blocked the highway. The army had claimed the youth named Moni Gogoi -- who was shot dead by the 44 Field Regiment on Monday was an ULFA activist involved in a bomb blast on November 28 at Natun Asomiya village that killed a soldier. Ranjan Dhadumia, President of the Naharkatia unit of the All Assam Students Union (AASU), told reporters here the victim was a labourer and his elder brother Bijon Gogoi was a cadre of the banned group. He demanded compensation of Rs 10 lakhs and a government job for Moni’s kin. Bhaskar Sankar Rajkonwar, President of the Naharkatia unit of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, alleged that Moni was tortured by the army and demanded punishment for those behind the act.
After NETV, outfit now asks two editors to give up journalism

A day after serving a 'quit Assam' notice on Guwahati-based satellite channel NE TV for having allegedly run a story accusing the outfit of taking money from the state government to allow peaceful holding of the 33rd National Games, the ULFA today asked two senior newspaper editors of the state to give up journalism.
It also asked another newspaper editor to stick to the ethics of journalism and not meddle in ULFA-baiting. As if that was not enough, the ULFA also hit out at the state BJP for having reportedly accused the outfit of taking money in lieu of letting the state hold National Games, and warned it of dire consequences if it could not prove the allegation.
The latest issue of Swadhinata-the Assamese version of the ULFA's monthly e-mouthpiece-which hit out at the newspaper editors for condemning it in connection with the NETV episode, reiterated that NETV prove the allegation that the outfit had taken money from the government to withdraw boycott of the Games. "We reiterate that NETV had clearly carried a news item accusing the ULFA of taking money from the government to withdraw boycott of the National Games," the ULFA mouthpiece said. On the rejoinder issued by NETV managing director Manoranjana Singh saying that the channel had carried a news story based on newspaper reports, it asked how a channel could carry a news item without ascertaining the facts.
"It is definitely not within the ethics of journalism that one carry news from other sources without ascertaining the facts. NETV has sowed seeds of confusion through this news item. It is now NETV's responsibility to prove the allegations. The ULFA has not withdrawn its earlier stand against NETV," the e-mouthpiece of the outfit said. ULFA came down heavily on Kanaksen Deka and D N Chakravarty, editors respectively of Dainik Agradoot and Dainik Asam for criticising ULFA on the NETV issue and asked them to quit journalism. "We respect the two not for their journalistic capabilities, but at least for their age. Though we do not ask them to go on a pilgrimage, we expect them to give up running after money," the outfit said.
ULFA lists 'practical problems' in going for direct dialogue

The ULFA today said they were facing "certain practical problems" in going for direct talks with the Centre, and that was exactly why it had constituted the People's Consultative Group (PCG).
Swadhinata, ULFA's monthly newsletter in Assamese, sent via e-mail to media offices here today, said the government's stand that the ULFA was not interested in direct talks was "totally false". ULFA was reacting to Assam Governor Ajai Singh's Republic Day speech in which he had asked the ULFA to come out for direct talks. Citing reasons for its inability to have direct talks, Swadhinata accused the government of eliminating at least one senior leader in the past while he was trying to contact other leaders to hold talks.
"The government had in 1991 killed Hirakjyoti Mahanta after arresting him when he had come out of GHQ to contact other senior leaders (on the issue of holding talks). The ULFA vice-president was tortured. Such experiences have forced ULFA to decide that it will not go for direct talks until all hurdles were cleared for such a situation," Swadhinata said.
The outfit said it was a convention that representatives deputed for talks carry their credentials from their organisation. "But what the government is doing is asking us to publish these names and their credentials through the media. This way it is scuttling every possibility of holding direct talks," the ULFA mouthpiece said.
"Despite such hurdles we have been repeatedly saying that we will sit for talks within 48 hours if the government tells the PCG that it will discuss the issue of sovereignty with us," it said. "But the government should not think it can crush the ULFA. The ULFA will continue till India carries on its colonial exploitation of Assam," it added.
Rio moots cadre-based political movement in Nagaland North East Press Service

Kohima, Jan 31 (NEPS): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has today said he was proud to be NPF Chief Minister of the DAN coalition. He said it took long years for him to reach this stage. He said he joined this regional NPF party as a youth activist back in 1947, while Dr Shurhozelie was already a Minister at that time.

Delivering his Keynote Address on the occasion of the Central office Meeting of the Central Office Bearers of the NPF here at Hotel Japhu on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said there was no short cut in the leadership and further explained that one had to sacrifice and contribute a lot to reach their goal. He further urged the NPF workers to have vision and to uphold the “Naga identity”. “You cannot adopt someone and feel proud of it”, he stated adding they should be proud of their history and tradition.

The Chief Minister also explained as to how the party should have a firm foundation that would remain as a rock. He mooted a cadre-based type of political movement in the State emulating CPI (M) of the West Bengal. He pointed out unless they had such idea to have a cadre-based, they might face sometimes disintegration when they were out of power. In this, he urged the party workers go for a massive enrolment drive in the State.

The Chief Minister also described new Nagaland Governor-designate as a “thorough gentlemen”. He was confident that the new Governor with his political background would be able to adjust and have a balance in discharging his duties as Governor of the State.

Rio also said he could discharge his Chief Ministerial duty because of the senior party leader like Dr Shurhozelie and the support given by the party workers and further sought their continuous cooperation to accomplish their goal.
The generals fall out in Myanmar Larry Jagan Clumn The Morung Express Myanmar’s top generals are in the throes of a full-blown power struggle as they grapple with how best to introduce significant political reforms, including a planned move toward some form of democracy, and hand political power to a new generation of military commanders. Senior General Than Shwe, head of the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), is of failing health and in recent months has become increasing reclusive amid growing international pressure for political change - including the United States’ recent failed attempt to impose sanctions against the regime through the United Nations Security Council. Against that backdrop, the SPDC’s top three generals - Than Shwe, Maung Aye and Thura Shwe Mann - reportedly cannot agree on how to move forward, according to Western diplomats who spoke with Asia Times Online. “It’s a stalemate,” said a Western diplomat based in the former capital Yangon. “The three generals don’t trust each other and are closely watching each other. It’s like a giant chess game, and as a result nothing is happening.”
Big changes were in the cards. Top military rulers recently met in the new capital Naypyidaw - some 400 kilometers north of Yangon - for their quarterly meeting, where Than Shwe’s plans to prepare the government and military for constitutional reform were discussed. The top general significantly was not present for the meeting, and the SPDC’s second in command, Maung Aye, reportedly refused to accept some of the proposed changes, according to people familiar with the meeting. Myanmar’s National Convention, which is drawing up a new constitution, finished its latest session in December and Western diplomats in Yangon believe that in the next few months the charter will be formally drafted and by year’s end put to a national referendum. In anticipation of those reforms, a massive shakeup of the army and government is planned for the coming months to pave the way for constitutionally mandated civilian rule. The changes, if fully implemented, will be the most dramatic since the military seized power more than 18 years ago and have been designed to ensure that the draft constitution is democratically approved during a national referendum. Significantly, they will also pave the way for general democratic elections, which are expected to be held some time in 2008. The ruling junta annulled the results of the 1990 general election, which was won overwhelming by the National League for Democracy, and it remains unclear whether the opposition party will be permitted to compete in next year’s planned polls. As part of the reform plan, Than Shwe is reportedly planning to give up his command of the army, but retain the key post of chairman of the SPDC. However, Maung Aye, perhaps sensing Than Shwe’s declining health and tenuous grip on power, is now refusing to retire along with the senior general - as was earlier planned. His refusal promises to complicate the political transition and heighten intra-military rivalries in the months ahead.
Maung Aye “fears he will be completely sidelined if he accepts retirement”, said a relative of the general. “He still wants to be No 1.”
Than Shwe’s protege, General Thura Shwe Man, was tipped to take command of the armed forces, while Than Shwe and Maung Aye retained their top posts of chairman and deputy of the junta’s ruling council, which is expected to change its name to the State Democracy and Development Council (SDDC) to mark the start of a new political era.
Once established, the SDDC will be charged with overseeing both the military command and the civilian government, which unlike the current administration will have split authority structures. Over the past two years, Than Shwe has frequently told Thailand’s top army commanders that he planned to retire soon and that Thura Shwe Mann would take over his position as the country’s top military leader. Prime Minister Soe Win, meanwhile, has already shed his army khakis for a civilian business suit and his ex-military cabinet ministers have officially left the armed forces.

Last legs Now Than Shwe’s deteriorating health promises to alter, or potentially even scupper, those grand plans as new competitive divides open inside the SPDC. The changes have been in the planning pipeline for at least a year, according to senior Myanmar military sources. But the recent massive move of all the government’s offices and the armed forces’ central command to Naypyidaw - started more than a year ago and completed last February - have delayed the full transition from SPDC to SDDC rule. Than Shwe suffered a mild stroke nearly two years ago, but since has fully recovered. He also suffers from hypertension and is a diabetic, which causes him frequent violent seizures when his sugar levels get out of control, according to an army doctor familiar with the situation. According to one foreign visitor who met with him recently, Than Shwe is often short of breath. Than Shwe has become far more reclusive since the government finished its move from Yangon to Naypyidaw last February. For almost the past year, Than Shwe has not gone to the War Office and has only attended crucial meetings, such as the fortnightly joint SPDC cabinet session, according to an Asian diplomat who until recently was based in Yangon. The senior general also nowadays receives few outside visitors, other than Thura Shwe Mann, through whom he sends directives to Maung Aye and Soe Win.
Last month, the 75-year-old senior general traveled to Singapore for an urgent medical checkup after suffering from chest pains. What was to be a day or two in hospital attenuated to a week-long stay and stoked wild speculation and rumors about his health. Singaporean doctors discovered that Than Shwe is suffering from cancer of the pancreas, according to reliable medical sources in Yangon. “Than Shwe may only have three to 18 months left to live,” predicted one Myanmar army doctor. Many inside Myanmar thought the senior general was already on his last legs when he left for Singapore, and several ranking majors and colonels began jockeying for position in expectation that Maung Aye, rather than Thura Shwe Mann, would soon take the military’s top spot.
Since his return to Myanmar, Than Shwe has moved to allay speculation about his health, and he took the unprecedented step of allowing local television cameras to film the opening of the SPDC’s quarterly meeting - the first time ever that the traditionally highly secretive meetings have been allowed pubic exposure. His hale image has also been splashed almost daily across the front page of the government-mouthpiece New Light of Myanmar newspaper.
“This is to ensure that as few people as possible are aware of his failing health,” said Chiang Mai-based independent Myanmar analyst Win Min. “Even if Than Shwe officially retires, he will not give up his power. Instead, he’ll remain the gray eminence behind the throne, along the lines of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in the years before his death.”
According to Chinese diplomats, Than Shwe intends to stand down but become the civilian president under the new constitution. “He wants to be president for life,” a senior military source close to him said. However, Maung Aye’s refusal to retire has suddenly put a wrench in those works and raises hard new questions about his commitment to Than Shwe’s reform plan. Thura Shwe Mann has already been handed effective control over running the country’s day-to-day affairs, although he still reportedly consults Than Shwe on major policy issues. At the same time, government ministers have recently started to complain about the political inertia and their inability to make even basic decisions. From the outset, Than Shwe was aware of the potential dangers involved with backing a transition from pure military to some form of democratic rule. And unless he is somehow convinced that his personal power and his family’s fortunes are not at risk through its implementation, the current political stalemate could last at least as long as the senior general’s declining health holds out.
Conflict, Development and Dignity Nehemiah Rong Perspective the Morung Express
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.
Koirengs in the chronicle of Moirang: An investigation article Sangai Express
By R Yangsorang
The Koren or Koireng is a small community maintaining its own identity without siding with a particular community or group. The tribe has its own distinct dialect, culture, custom, tradition and belief. It is one of the unrepresented communities of Manipur. As it has no political backing, the Koireng villages in Manipur remain undeveloped and primitive in nature without basic amenities like health care, sanitation, communication, education, etc. This community has faced all kinds of hardship in the present turmoil in the state with threat, harassment and intimidation from different quarters every time. And they are always mistaken to be a part of certain social organization on a number of occasions. To remove doubt over it, the following description may be noted. The unity in diversity is the speciality of Indian culture and progress. It is also the case with the hill tribes of Manipur showing striking similarities in their socio-cultural contents. But by this, it doesn’t mean to suggest that they are of a single tribal community. Still, the hill tribes represent different levels of cultural attainment and profess different faiths. Thus, the tribals of Manipur differ from one another in all their socio-cultural make up, speaking different languages or dialects which not only differ from those of non-tribals but also from one another greatly. They are members of different stocks, and they entered Manipur in different waves of migration. Say for instance, the kindred tribes of Koireng like Kom, Chiru, Aimol, Kharam, etc. migrated to Manipur hills from different directions at different times. However, they resemble each other in very many respects. In spite of this resemblance, the tribes while acknowledging their relationship to one another, keep entirely apart, living in separate villages, and in the past they never intermarried though not so much restriction persists among them in that regard now.
The most important event was that of the Tangkhul migration to Manipur. Their tradition strongly upholds that they migrated to the present Ukhrul district from Samsok (Thangdut) in Kabaw valley as it was necessitated by the menace spread by mosquitoes and inhospitable climate of the region, even though some of them went to the district from Makhel in Senapati district in pre-historic time. Their folk-songs also commemorate it. (R.R. Simray, 1985). In the same way, the Koirengs, after having settled at different 25 places migrated to Thangjing Hill near Moirang from Kolram (Kol=East, Ram=land) believed to be somewhere in Karen State of Myanmar or upper Thailand. According to Dr. G.A. Grierson in his Linguistic Survey of India, Pt.III Vol.IIL page 21, the valley of Manipur is inhabited by a people who call themselves Meitei. According to their own traditions, the Maya-sang tribe has come from the South, the Khumals from the East, and the Meitheis proper and Luyangs from the North-East”. So, the Meiteis and all the tribes arrived in Manipur from different directions at different times to make the land a home to diverged communities when the valley area was swampy. In the version of Dr. Grierson, “The Kolren or Koireng are a small tribe in the State of Manipur. According to Mr Damant, they dwell in eight small villages on the hills north of the valley, and number about 600. They are also found as a migratory tribe in the valley itself. Kolren is the name which the tribe gives to itself, and Koireng is probably a Manipuri corruption of this name. The Kwoirengs or Liyangs, which have been dealt with under the Naga-Kuki, are a different tribe, and the languages of both have very little in common”. There is also Quireng in the list of Naga Tribes of Manipur by T.C. Hodson, having a dialect distinct from those of the Rongmeis, but a great similarity in all respects. They are the Liangmeis or the present Kacha Naga which is one of the 33 recognized tribes of Manipur. They inhabit all the hills north of the Rongmeis, between the high range that skirts the valley of Manipur and the Barak. Hence, the Quoireng and Kwoireng are of one entity to mean the Kacha Naga tribe of Manipur.
In the Lushei Kuki Clans by Lt. Col. J. Shakespear published under the orders of the Govt. of Eastern Bengal and Assam in 1912 at page 148 of Chapter III, the Kolren/Koireng is referred to as Kolhen which must have been a mistake caused by multiplicity of pronunciation among the interpreters of the time. Such multiplicity of spelling or pronunciation is bewildering, and they sound a little strange for the youngsters today. Shakespear borrowed Thadou name for Kolren. There is no confusion about it. Now, Kolren has been shortened to Koren by its own people, for which also, no further explanation is required. It was never possible for the writer to meet the Kolren people in person when the book was written on the sources collected by officials in the Manipur Administration. In that book, some clans appeared in Manipur as early as the sixteenth century. The Koirengs were not among the clans or tribes who entered Manipur at that period of time. The fact that the Koirengs had lived in the hills of-the south of Manipur centuries earlier was not conceived by the Political Agent who solely depended on hearsay and his hill interpreters. For example, Babu Biswarup, a clerk in the hill section of Manipur Administration went to Kharang Koireng (Kangchup) to collect specimen of Koireng dialect in 1858 AD and Nathor Nath Banerjee, also a clerk in the hill section collected some folk-tales from the Koireng.
There is a strong tradition among the Koirengs that the divine ruler of Moirang, Thangjing Koren Lai took a Koireng woman as his wife. It is said that the divine ruler was found of a Koireng song called “Yeihita” sung by men and women away from home to work in the fields and woodland around the village at Thangjing Hill. Whenever the song was sung, the divine ruler meticulously silenced every living creature like fowls and animals and stopped even the blowing of wind to enable him to listen to the melody. The reasonable claim of the present generation of Koireng, that they were the first to worship the deity, is strongly supported by the chronicle when there is a clear mention of “Thangjing Koiren Lai” at page 33 of Moirang Ningthourol Lambuba by O.Bhogeshwar. The only problem is that Koireng is mispelt as Koiren in which the letter “g” only is missing. But the chronicle of Manipur which occurred mainly at the Imphal valley has not dealt with the Koirengs fairly, obviously of communication bottle-neck. Though no adequate mention of the Koirengs is made in the Royal Chronicle of Manipur called Cheitharol Kumbaba, they occupy a unique place in the chronicle of Moirang, depicting their bravery and courage in their fight with the Moirang king. In the Second part of MNL at page 147, there is a sufficient mention of the Koirengs fighting with the Moirang warriors during the reign of Puriklai Nungnang Telheiba. “From the beginning, Koireng village is within my tributary land, and now without due respect, the Koirengs have devastated Mende village”- said Telheiba. A longdrawn and fearful fight began. The Koirengs fought back with all their might without retreat. One after the other, the best of warriors of both sides fell fighting. The Meiteis (as written in the chronicle) could not withstand the more advanced Koireng fighters working a miracle when they came to fight with them face to face at the battle-field. Telheiba was enraged by such a crushing defeat in the hands of a comparatively smaller tribe. Riding a horse in high speed like lightning above, he stormed the Koireng Fort and destroyed it ruthlessly. The fort being ravaged, the Koireng warriors ran helter and skelter to fall flat. After their debacle, it was possible that the Koirengs were driven out of Moirang, probably of their constant threat posing to the kingdom. When they left Moirang for different directions, their might had diminished greatly, also with a sudden decrease in their population which could not ever grow to its earlier level. The tale, that their constant fight with the Moirang king and his curse, and their tragic fight with a horde of Hmar at Tongkhuo were responsible for the decrease in their population, is reliable. In their lamentation, the Koirengs still recall the tragedy that occurred at Tongkuo where blood of the slain Koireng fighters washed away many paddy pounding implements of the village. In course of their long march for different destinations, out of eight clans, as many as six of them were absorbed into other communities. What is clearly known is of Thamthu clan which was merged with Hmar community. Only a small fraction of the Koireng population survives till today.
Another proof that the Koirengs had once settled at Thangjing Hill is supported by B.C. Allen in his book on Manipur: Population (1901 Census). Thus
“Other minor tribes are the Kom and Koireng who occupy the hills, which overhang the valley near Moirang”. Perhaps, the British officer did not know the name of the hill and he never bothered to know it either. The Koirengs faced all the onslaughts before they finally arrived at Thangjing where they settled twice. They abandoned it for a long time, and returned there to settle again, in search of more hospitable land. Eventually, they left Thangjing Hill, when a raging inferno which broke out from the ambers thrown over a pile of husks by an old woman, gutted the entire village. Then, they moved eastward to Laimanai where they dispersed for different directions and from there some of the clans proceeded to Ngangkha Lawai near Moirang. And the Koirengs who settled at the hill overlooking a valley near Moirang on the arrival of the British were the remnants of the Koirengs who left Thangjing centuries ago.
This is what has been called the pride of the Koireng people in their claim to show that they were one of the earliest of known tribes of Moirang Kingdom like the Chothe, the Kabui, the Moyon, the Thikhup, the Kharam, and the Mende (now extinct). It is unfortunate that the Koirengs were grouped with the Lushei Kuki clans by Shakespear on mere presumption. — to be contd
Concern over transfer of tribal lands to non-tribals Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
JONAI, Jan 31 – The All Assam Tribal Sangha (AATS) and other tribal organisations of the State have alleged rampant violation of land transfer rules and regulations in the existing Nine tribal belts and 28 blocks, in the State. Cases of transferring of land to Non-tribals or Non-bona fide people are on the rise. It is most serious in Morkong Selek Tribal Belt (Jonai), posing a serious threat to the tribal people living in the area.
Citing a number of examples of illegal land transfer, Nandeswar Regan, the vice president of AATS told this correspondent that, non-tribal and non-bonafide people had bought plots of land individually or in the name of private school, societies, trust etc and they later used the plots for commercial purpose. He alleged that the State government has violated the Assam Land Revenue Regulation Act 1886 and utterly failed to protect the tribal communities on their right and aspirations. It may be recalled here that, the entire Jonai sub-division is a tribal belt declare by the Government of Assam in 1951 to protect the socio-economic, religious and cultural status of the indigenous tribal people. But the existence of the tribal communities is threatened by the unabated possession of land by other communities as well as doubtful migrants, from different parts to the area. Various tribal organisations here including Jonai District Tribal Sangha (JDTS) have alleged that the government officials including the former circle officers of Jonai revenue circle have joined hands with the land brokers and continued settling of tribal land to the non-bonafide people flouting all legitimate norms. Protesting against the rampant corruption and violation of law, the state tribal bodies led by the Tribal Sangha threatened a movement if the demand for tribal belt protection remains unheard by the government.
Manipur high on PM`s priorities: Oscar Fernandes The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jan 31: The union minister of state for labour, Oscar Fernandes, said today that Manipur is high in the priorities of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, stating that this is the reason for the frequent visits made by the latter to the state. The Union minister, speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony of the Congress candidate for Patsoi A/C, Ak Mirabai at the latter`s home, said the Prime Minister is planning more visits to the state, though he did not indicate when such a visit will materialise. The Union minister, who is also the AICC secretary in charge of the north-east, further said the Centre was well aware of the potential of the state`s youth, and it was in recognition of this that the national sports academy is being set up in the state. Such an academy, he pointed out, does not exist in any other state. Observing further that various steps are being taken for the development of the state. Giving priority to improving the state`s economic condition projects focussing on agriculture and horticulture are being planned, he said.

Fernandes also stressed the need for ensuring adequate supply of electricity for modern industries to prosper in Manipur, and stated that in view of this, various power projects are being pursued Roads comunication is also being made a priority, he said. Appreciating Ibobi Singh for ensuring a stable government for a full five-year term, Fernandes further observed that the state has attained many achievements during the five-year period, and urged the public to help ensure five more years of development. Chief minister Ibobi Singh, in his address, pointed out that the mpp is not fielding candidates in several of the sixty Assembly constituencies of the state, and asked how it can aspire to capture power in the state.
Attacking mpp president and Patsoi A/C candidate Dr Chandramani as a poor leader, Ibobi charged that Chandramani has wrecked whichever party he had been a part of. Mocking the MPP`s promise to remove the AFSPA from the state, Ibobi further pointed out that the Congress-led government has already removed it from part of the state, despite objections from the Central leadership. Efforts are also being made in to remove it from the remaining portion as well in consultation with civil society organisations and NGOs, he claimed.
Rs 200 cr for developing NE trade points Sentinel
New Delhi, Jan 31: Giving impetus to its ‘Look East Policy’, the government has sanctioned a Rs 200-crore project for developing infrastructure at four international trade points in the Northeastern region. “We have already started the project. The four border trade points will be ready in 14 to 16 months time from now," Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh told a seminar on ‘Look East Policy: A Reality Check’ organised here today by the North East Media Forum. The four border trade points are Moreh in Manipur, Dawki in Meghalaya, Sutarkandi in Assam and one near Agartala. “We will have to have better infrastructure. These centres will have facilities for international trade, customs, immigration and banking,” Ramesh said. When completed, these points will greatly boost business between northeastern states and neighbouring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh. Ramesh said his ministry had approached the external affairs ministry to conclude bilateral trade agreements with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal for regular trade with them through the northeast. “Bilateral agreements are very important. Apart from opening ancient trade routes, we will have to pursue a policy of trade in border rather than border trade,” he said. The inaugural function was also addressed by North Eastern Development Finance Corportion Chairman K N Hazarika. (PTI)

Frans on 02.01.07 @ 04:11 PM CST [link]




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