Nagalim.NL News

Monday, March 31st

Sumi Hoho appeals for restrain morungexpress



Sumi Hoho appeals for restrain morungexpress

DIMAPUR, MARCH 30 (MExN): Sumi Hoho has appealed to all the National Workers of different groups to restrain and desist from killings, kidnappings and mud-slinging against each other, “as it shows a poor light of oneself”. The press release issued by president of the Sumi Hoho, Hokishe Yepthomi stated that at a time when the Naga people are crying for justice and healing amongst the people, the groups prophesying for Naga Nationhood and deliverance should not enslave its own people by adopting various methods and tactics.
“The Naga people have learned and realized the positive and negative effects and contribution of individuals, groups and different communities” he stated adding that convincing and creating confusion amongst it had no benefit for the people except for one’s own selfish interest.
Therefore, it said that for the greater interest of and welfare of the Naga people the Sumi Hoho strongly urges every responsible leaders and individuals to contribute towards achieving a peaceful and lasting solution to the Naga political problems.

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Office of the

Ministry of Information and Publicity

Press Release
31 March 2008

On 29th March 2008 am at 5th Mile, National Highway Dimapur, NSCN member Mr. Daile, ASO attached with the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MRA) was abducted by Unification group. This is quite unbecoming of a group that is going the way of a unlawful goonda group on the look out for soft targets and victimizing innocent national workers just for the pleasure of making their presence felt. This is wrong and this is no way to justify their image as a force working for unification. Unconditional release should be initiated immediately.

Issued by: MIP/GPRN

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Office of the

Ministry of Information and Publicity

Press Release
31 March 2008

Who is against unification and who is against the Indo-Naga solution on the basis of the Naga peoples' political aspiration that has been made to go through baptism by fire for the period that has crossed 60 years? NSCN knows best the burning desire of the people and that was the reason why the government of India is finding the road tough during the last 10 years of Indo-Naga political talks, because Nagas refused to budge. But India resorted to the most despicable act of political immorality by engineering the rise of an obstructionist force against the might of NSCN forces but in the guise of a slogan for unification. A short live obsession was noticeable but lacking political legitimacy it is gradually fading away to damnation. Backed and brainwashed by the Indian intelligences groups the anti-unification forces in the under the name of unification group is desperately kicking to make its presence felt taking the name of unification and prodding other Naga groups to toe their live of action to fulfill the interests of the government of India who is finding the end of the road in dealing with the Collective Leadership of NSCN. This is the turning point of the Naga crisis that has arisen in the name of unification. India needs a person with NSCN tag but pliable to the dictates of the Intelligence agencies whose target is to sideline NSCN leadership and carry on the Indo-Naga talks with the amenable set of political thinking that will not clash with the Indian constitutional terms and conditions. But their game plan has been scrutinized by NSCN in particular and the Nagas in general and found lacking to meet the standard for Naga unification. History has been cruel to Nagas but Nagas learns quite a lot of lessons to guide their way through.

On the issue of unification the Nagas have to question unification group why they run away from the call of NSCN Chairman Isak Chishi Swu if they supported his proclamation of January 13, 2007. the simple answer that need no further probing is the realistic revelation that they are not the master of their own thinking but mere stooges to serve the masters' bidding that comes all the way from New Delhi. This is not a mere information for the Nagas but educative in the political interpretation lest the Nagas are outsmarted by the sweetly coated propaganda of Indian government using anti-Naga brand of unification that is confined within Nagaland and within the Indian constitution but made to appear as a integrated unification by exploiting Isak Chishi Swu.s brand of unification. But the Nagas cannot be fooled that unification can be brought about by deserting his master to serve the constitutional interests of India. This is the Unification group true standing today. And wiser should the Nagas be that leaving aside the absence of political justification where are these poeple moral justification? Nevertheless they are not in their own control and wisdom. They are simply used and nothing matters to them other than satisfying the purpose of their creation to undo the terms and conditions under the new situation to be forced on the Nagas under a new political dispensation. And that was the reason why the unification group was out in full strength in the recently concluded Assembly Election. Thank God, the political course was saved from going downhill at the hands of the India sponsor forces that was stopped in the midway, and hats off to the Nagas people for understanding who they are.

Issued by:
MIP/GPRN
Ops launched to flush out NSCN ultras By MANOJ ANAND Howrah News Service
Guwahati, March 30: The Meghalaya police has launched operations to flush out the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim-IM and Liberation A’chik Elite Force (LEAF) rebels from the coal belt of West Khasi Hills district of the frontier state.
The operation, which is said to have been launched in consultation with the home ministry, has succeeded in arresting at least nine LAEF rebels and sympathisers. The security forces in the operation, supported by special operation team, have also seized huge quantity of arms and ammunition from ultras.
The security agencies are concerned over the emergence of a fledgling militant outfit, the LAEF, allegedly backed by NSCN (I-M), for a "separate independent A’chik state" for the tribal Garos residing in Garo Hills areas of Meghalaya.
If security sources are to be believed, the NSCN-IM supplied the LAEF with as many as 15 AK-47s, 25 automatic M20 pistols and three highly powerful Universal Machine Guns, besides over a 100 hand grenades to carry out their operations in Garo Hills.
The nascent militant outfit has also set up its operational camp inside the Balpakram National Park with the help of the NSCN (I-M) to impart guerrilla warfare training to LAEF recruits.
The NSCN (I-M), considered to be "the mother of insurgency in the Northeast", was also instrumental in launching of two tribal terrorist groups — the Adivasi Liberational National Army and Dima Halim Daogah (DHD) — in Assam.
The NSCN (I-M) not only supplied them with arms and ammunitions, but also trained their cadres and according to arrangement between the militant outfits, in return the NSCN (I-M), however, holding ceasefire with security forces in Nagaland, is getting a fixed share in the money collected in extortion by these terrorist groups in Assam and Meghalaya.
The counter-insurgency operations of the Meghalaya police are aimed at checking the growth of such insurgent groups.
Both NSCN (I-M) and LAEF rebels have served extortion notes to coal mine owners, coal exporters to Bangladesh and truck owners.
In fact, Borsora, where the operations have been launched, is the second coal trading point between India and Bangladesh, about 200 km from Shillong, and is now the hotbed of the LAEF and NSCN (I-M), besides the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council, which has its base in Bangladesh.
West Khasi Hills district superintendent of police H. Kharkrang told reporter: "Our combing operation against the militants is going on in full swing. Our mission is to clear the area and check the extortion spree of the militants."
He also admitted that militant outfits are finding it difficult to arrange fund for their subversive activities in Meghalaya but now with support of some militant outfits from neighbouring states are targeting the coal field sector which is in private hands.
"We are also keeping a close watch on coal exporters to ensure that none of them comply with the extortion demands of the militants," he said, adding: "The operation has boosted our morale with frequent breakthroughs (arrest of militants). We are closing in on some of the top-ranking leaders soon."
Naga women in political leadership? Y Merina Chishi Morung Express
Dimapur | March 30:The Governor of Nagaland recently expressed strong regret that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly do not have a woman representative; and with the women population outnumbering men, there is no reason to question the Governor’s regret. Naga women have long ceased to be mere voters and have made their fray into mainstream politics. The fact that women undoubtedly play a very significant role in decision making process, one cant help wonder why then they are not a part of it. What are the reasons that restricts the role of women in politics to just being Mahila presidents and party workers?
The eleventh legislative assembly election saw the participation of four women candidates from different political parties. The unquestionable thing happened and none of them were elected. Tiala Sapu, former NPF women wing president says that women have come to play a very important role in politics today but their due have not been given.
“We have contributed immensely during the campaign and have penetrated into areas where even men cannot,” Taila says, but she added that promises are only lip service and that all is forgotten after elections. There have been women active in politics for over twenty years and they still do not see any substantial reforms in context to accommodating women in politics. Hojeni H Achumi, NPF women wing president, Ghaspani I, says that her friends repeatedly keep asking her about the growth in the role of women in politics in Nagaland. It is almost stagnant she thinks. “Unless women themselves raise their voices and demand their quota, there can be no real change in their position,” Hojeni added. She also said that she has heard men saying that Naga women will go overboard with their demands if they are represented in the assembly and such reservations should not be tabled.
Women are loosing out on their share of facilities because they do not have a representative in the assembly. The bill for 33% reservation for women in the state assembly is yet to make headway and unless that happens, women will in no way be able to contribute nor have a say in the decision making process.
The Nagaland Women Commission is the only common platform that the women have and many see it as means to achieve that objective. “The Nagaland women commission should fight for this cause. It is a right that we are deliberately being denied,” Tiala said. She added that Naga women will be left behind if they do not use the commission as a pedestal to pass the reservation bill. Some Naga women professionals working in Delhi the also feel the need to have an elected representative in the assembly so that things can work at a different level. Something of what they call “only a woman can understand a woman’s problem.”
Interestingly, women are not the only ones that consider it their right to be a part of the decision making process. Former chief minister and congress MLA, KL Chishi lauded the role that women have come to play in every progressive society and Naga women too should follow that path. “Naga women should come out of their domestic shell and take wider participation in politics.” However, he mentioned that Naga women have not been able to make it as far as the assembly because they have certain limitations and do not have sufficient exposure. KL Chishi also made a point clear that women are less corrupt than men and therefore would boost the development of the economy.
For all of this to happen, the issue of gender must be looked at from a broader perspective and men need to be more accommodating. Most of the political parties give enough leverage to women, as is evident form the number of women representatives in other parts of the country and elsewhere. But the fact remains that Nagas have yet to revolutionize their attitude and bring about some equation and pave way for women in the decision making process. Women should also focus on groundwork where the masses can recognize and accept the contributions they can make to society. It is not possible to just win because of gender sympathy. It will need addressing issues and providing sound leadership to get into political leadership.
ANSAM condemns killing of Naga women NNN
Imphal, March 30 The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has on Sunday registered its condemnation of the killing of two Anal Naga women – Ps Snowy Anal and Lh. Esther of Charoiching village in Chandel district by armed persons in Thoubal district of Manipur on March 21.
ANSAM cautioned that failure on the part of the Manipur government to initiate ‘convincing action’ may ignite social turmoil. Reminding the state government to step up human rights protection while the state is running through barbaric killings of innocent lives, the Naga students’ body urged all armed groups to respect human rights.
The Naga students’I firmly stated that justifying any human rights violation by any agency – either state forces or armed groups – is unacceptable. It also stated that such incidents should not be repeated so as to maintain social harmony and peace in the region. The ANSAM also expressed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members of Snowy and Esther while praying for the departed souls to rest in peace.
Drive against NSCN (I-M), LAEF Correspondent Nagaland Post
Nongstoin (Meghalaya) March 30: Meghalaya Police launched flush-out operations against NSCN (I-M) and Liberation A’chik Elite Force (LAEF) activists in coal-belt areas of West Khasi Hills district.
At least nine LAEF ultras, including symphatisers, were arrested and arms and ammunitions seized, ever since police with assistance from a Special Operation Team launched their crackdown on the activists.
Both the groups had served extortion notes on coal mine owners, coal exporters to Bangladesh and truck-owners.
Borsora, the second coal trading point between India and Bangladesh and located about 200 kms from Shillong, is known as the hotbed of LAEF and NSCN (I-M), besides banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council, which has its base in Bangladesh.
“Our combing operation against the militants is going on in full-swing. Our mission is to clear the area and to put them in our backfoot,” West Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police H Kharkrang said.
The coffers of both the outfits have almost dried up and they are trying to replenish it by extorting money from the coal exporters, he said, adding that the police are keeping a strict vigil on coal exporters to ensure that none of them comply with the extortion demands of the outfits.
“The operation has boosted our morale, with frequent breakthrough (arrest of militants). We are expecting more positive results in the days to come,” Kharkrang said.
The LAEF, a relatively new militant outfit and believed to have close links with the NSCN (I-M), is fighting for a “separate independent A'chik State” for the tribal Garos residing in Garo Hills areas of Meghalaya.
Late last year, the NSCN (I-M) had reportedly provided the LAEF with as many as 15 AK 47 rifles, 25 automatic M 20 pistols and three highly powerful Universal Machine Guns, besides over a hundred hand grenades to carry out operations in Garo Hills. The nascent outfit had set up its operational camp inside the Balpakram National Park, with the help of the NSCN (I-M), to impart guerilla warfare tactics to new LAEF recruits.
NNC clarifies on merger Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR: The Naga National Council (NNC) has clarified the news item under the heading 'NNC Sumi Region Clarifies', in connection with the NNC Sumi region's merger with the unification camp that appeared in some local dailies twice.
A press release issued by NNC joint secretary, Sashi Aier, stated that the NNC was not aware of the particular person 'H. Chishi' of NNC Sumi region which appeared twice in some local dailies earlier. In regard to chairmanship of the president of the NNC Sumi region it stated that the NNC did not give any official approval to anyone after Ghoheto Zhimo took over the presidentship of the region.
The release also added that the presidentship for the region is yet to be finalized after it was kept under suspension due to leadership crises and certain political connected matters.
Meanwhile, the NNC joint secretary has also said individuals or few persons may join the unification (NSCN/GPRN) for the interest of the Nagas but added that there cannot be official merger as there are numbers of working Sumis working with the NNC.
The NNC joint secretary further added that NNC for the Naga unification but not partially or individually in the matter as far as the parent body is concerned.
NSCN factions proceed with caution in volatile Nagaland Assam Tribune DIMAPUR, March 30 – Utmost care has been the common policy for both the warring factions of the NSCN (IM and Unification) even as the simmering tension continues in Nagaland’s commercial hub Dimapur following the abduction of six NSCN-IM men, including a tartar (the outfit’s Member of Parliament) and a member of the steering committee of the outfit by the Azheto faction of the outfit on Friday.

The steering committee is the highest decision-making body of the NSCN-IM.

As various factions of the Naga underground organisations are on the cease-fire term among them, the initiative was fructified by the Gaonburas and Dobashis organisations of Nagaland. The public focus is now on these two elder fora of Nagaland to defuse the heightening tension.

In a late night press release issued to NNN on Friday, the NSCN-IM said Hangsing, who is a tartar and a longshen (member of the outfit’s steering committee) were kidnapped on Friday from their respective houses while the residence of NSCN-IM Cease-Fire Monitoring Cell convenor Phungthing was raided and two of their body guards of the NSCN-IM leader were also abducted along with their weapons.

However, a report in a Dimapur-based newspaper said that deputy kilonser of NSCN-IM Daniel had also been kidnapped by the Azheto-led NSCN (Unification).

The Azheto-led NSCN (U) has clarified that the abduction of the NSCN-IM men was an act of retaliation to the incident where the latter had kidnapped four cadres of the former on March 25. One of the cadres of NSCN (U) had been killed by NSCN-IM in the custody of the latter, according to Azheto faction.
Delay in NDFB peace process due to non-submission of demand charter By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 30 – Though more than two and a half years have passed since the ceasefire agreement was signed between the Government and the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), talks on political issues are yet to start and the situation in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area is deteriorating because of clashes between the cadres of the NDFB and former BLT men. Official sources blamed the NDFB for the slow progress of the peace process and said that the talks were delayed because of the failure of the militant outfit to submit its charter of demands despite repeated requests. Following persistent requests from the Government, the NDFB promised to submit the charter of demands by February this year but the outfit once again failed to keep its word and the Government is not in a position to initiate political dialogues with the outfit without officially knowing the demands, sources added.

Sources expressed doubts whether the NDFB had signed the ceasefire agreement with the Government because of the pressure it had felt from the security forces. According to information available with the security forces, the NDFB was the worst sufferer of the operations launched by the Bhutan Army in December, 2003 to flush out the militants camping in the territory of the country and at that time, the outfit only had only about 250 cadres. Moreover, the Government of India was reluctant to sign a ceasefire agreement with the NDFB as the outfit had killed around 40 innocent civilians in three days before declaring a unilateral ceasefire, but the State Government had put pressure on the Centre to sign the agreement. Even after two and half years of signing of the ceasefire agreement, the chairman of the NDFB has not visited India to have talks with the Government and till date, the general secretary of the outfit has been representing the outfit in talks, sources pointed out.

The Government of India is also of the view that the State Government should take strong measures against the NDFB cadres involved in violation of the ground rules of the ceasefire agreement. Sources pointed out that immediately after the signing of the ceasefire agreement, the State Government had adopted a soft attitude on the NDFB, which resulted in the deterioration of the situation. The NDFB failed to submit the list of cadres immediately after the signing of the agreement and it took more than six months to do so. Finally, the outfit submitted the list of more than a thousand cadres, which, according to security forces, was an inflated figure.

As per the ground rules of the ceasefire agreement, all the cadres should stay in the designated camps and though the Centre provided funds for setting up of the camps, the State took a long time in completing the job and till date, a good number of cadres of the outfit are staying outside the camps. Only after the recent clashes in the BTC area, the State Government has decided to act tough and directed all the cadres of the NDFB to move into the designated camps.
Mainland’s attitude towards NE must change: economist
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, March 30 – There is an indifferent attitude, almost of a colonial type, in the mainland of India towards NE. This needs to be changed through an arrangement so as to remove the feeling of alienation that afflicts the psyche of the NE people and thus to save the integrity of the country. For the purpose, the Rajya Sabha should be turned into a true council of States with a decisive say on the Union Budget.

This was the observation made by Dr Ashok Mitra, one of the leading economists of the country and a former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. Also a former Finance Minister of West Bengal, Dr Mitra was delivering the Foundation Day lecture of the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development here today on ‘Seven Sisters and Federal Polity’.

For the feeling of alienation of the NE people, he said, the people of the mainland and the country’s policymakers are to be blamed. There are, however, three distinctions geographical, historical and ethnic – which also distinguish the region from the mainland of the country, he said.

But if NE is regarded as a part of the country in all respects, then it should be allowed to enjoy all the facilities available for development. The NE region, which constitutes 15 per cent of the country’s landmarks with five per cent of the country’s population living in it, should be offered the same pledge and scope for development as has been made for Kashmir, said Dr Mitra.

At present, the region hardly makes three per cent contribution to the gross domestic product of the country. The North Eastern Council (NEC) has also failed to bring about a change in the situation.

The water resources of the Brahmaputra, one of the most magnificent of the rivers, have also not been harnessed for the agricultural development ofthe region. No body has bothered to apply his mind to use the rich forest resources of this region.

The road building operations carried out by different organisations in this region are meant to facilitate movement of troops, not to further its economic development. The priority in this areas is on maintaining territorial integrity of the country, not on accelerating development, he said.

In the political arena also, only a few personalities like Fakhrudding Ali ahmed, Devakanta Borooah, PA Sangma and Bijoy Bhagawati, were given national status.

There must be something wrong with our constitution. An important limb of the country is neglected in terms of development and political position.

Though the Constiution of the country has described India as a Union of States, the imagination of the makers of the Constitution dried up after taking up the nomenclature of the Rajya Sabha from the American model of the Senate, he said.

This is why, five per cent of the nation’s population has representation in the Rajya Sabha according to its size. The pledges of the Constitution makers to make the Rajya Sabha a forum to discuss the problems of the States and making it a House of elders have also been forgotten.

The convention that a person should be a resident of the State concerned to represent it in the Rajya Sabha has also been obliterated with a recent amendment to the Constitution.

Therefore, to keep the integrity of the country intact, there is a need to amend the Constitution so as to give equal representation to each of the States in the Rajya Sabha and also to give this forum the prerogative on the money bills (budget). This will provide the NE region with a better scope to assert itself, Dr Mitra said.

The Rajya Sabha should also be given the power to appoint the Finance Commission members and to determine its terms of reference. Besides, the Planning Commission should be made a Constitutional body and appointment of its members should be the prerogrative of the Rajya Sabha, he said.

The function was conducted by former bureaucrat Jatin Hazarika.
Ibobi licence to kill for cops - ‘Rebels scaring away investors, tourists’ OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, March 30: Militants must die for Manipur to be saved, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh said today in his first reaction to the outcry over the spate of encounter deaths, some of them allegedly staged.
“The government is being criticised for killing militants. But we have little choice but to kill them (militants) to protect lives and property,” he said.
The police have shot seven militants in “encounters” since armed groups killed 15 migrant workers and traders between March 17 and 19 and two teenaged girls and a youth at Heirok in Thoubal district on Holi.
There have been blemishes, too. On Wednesday night, police commandos gunned down a member of the Manipur Rifles in contentious circumstances. Maisnam Amu, 36, was a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion of the Manipur Rifles, though the police insist he had a militant connection.
The very next day, a police team allegedly killed an “innocent man” after picking him up from his Imphal East residence.
The chief minister said the government could not remain a spectator to militants killing, abducting for ransom and extorting money. He said attacks on migrant workers and traders could trigger a backlash against the thousands of Manipuris studying or working elsewhere in the country.
When groups of migrant workers tried to flee Manipur 10 days ago, the government held them back and assured them of safety. Although the settlers agreed to stay back, some of them said they would rather return to their native states than be cloistered in relief camps.
Ibobi Singh said it was a shame that militants were targeting even poor, illiterate workers who had come to Manipur to do menial jobs.
“These indiscriminate acts of violence are scaring away potential investors and tourists. The government has spent crores of rupees on security posts and barracks at vital installations. If the money spent on tackling militants were used for development, Manipur would not lag behind other states in the country.”
On whether the government would stop at nothing to wipe out militant groups, the chief minister said drastic situations called for desperate measures.
“Under the circumstances, they (the militants) will have to die.”
The selective killings one-and-a-half weeks ago had evoked statements of condemnation from some militant groups, too, including the People’s Liberation Army.
Police chief Yumnam Joykumar Singh named the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup as the culprit in at least two of the attacks on migrant workers.
Rebel chief in flip-flop OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


The bodies of three NDFB rebels killed in a clash
Kokrajhar, March 30: Bodo militant leader Ranjan Daimary today retracted his acceptance of Bodoland Territorial Council chief Hagrama Mohilary’s offer to end their feud through talks and even threatened to call off his group’s ceasefire with the government.
Daimary, the chief of the National Democratic Front of Boroland, accused Mohilary and the Tarun Gogoi government of going “all out to crush” his outfit.
“Hagrama Mohilary and his men, who were once fighting for separate statehood by dividing Assam, have now become the owners of Assam and shamefully in alliance with Assam police (are) killing members of the NDFB and innocent people just to serve their narrow political interest,” NDFB president Ranjan Daimary said in a statement.
The statement came less than a week after Daimary accepted Mohilary’s offer for talks to end the violence that has rocked the Bodoland in the recent weeks.
Much of the violence has been the doing of militants of the NDFB and former members of the Bodoland Liberation Tigers, disbanded after Mohilary signed an accord with Delhi and Dispur.
Daimary said he was still ready to sit for talks, but only if his outfit was given the freedom to put its point across in the manner it deemed fit.
“The NDFB will place the proposed agenda for political talks with the government of India in its own time and convenience, but not as demanded by Hagrama…We are not against the resolution of any issues or problems peacefully and democratically. We talked to Hagrama in 1999 and (are) also ready to talk to him again to save the lives of the innocent people.”
He accused Mohilary’s men of colluding with the police to derail the peace process. “More than the occupational forces of India, it is our own brothers (who) have been harassing, torturing and killing members of the NDFB and the peace and freedom loving people.”
The militant leader said the “conspiracy to derail the peace process between the NDFB and government of India” had plunged the Bodo heartland into chaos.
“If the members of the NDFB cannot maintain their public relations office and live freely even in our own land, we will have no other option but to reconsider the ceasefire. Tarun Gogoi and Hagrama should not force us to walk away from the ceasefire. But if they want us to pick up the arms we are prepared for it. We are ready to fight for our right for another 20 years.”


Frans on 03.31.08 @ 03:59 PM CST [link]


Sunday, March 30th

Unification process lacks historical validity- Nagaland Post



Unification process lacks historical validity- Nagaland Post

When used and prodded by the government of India through its outstretched hands of Intelligence Bureau (IB) Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) and Military Intelligence (MI) the arrogance and duplicity knows no limit and the shameless use of any means to push its illegal program became all the more visible. This is the true nature of Unification group's functioning .
They somehow sustain but on the Intelligent sources given by Indian government intelligence agencies. This is the sources of the unification group survival. But the most ironical reality which is going the way of demeaning the political morality of the Naga people is the call for Naga unification from illegal camp at Vihokhu.
Such is the manner of calling for unification from the very place that has gained notoriety for being the epicenter of kidnapping for ransoms and extortions. The Naga people who value the historical reality of the Naga must awaken themselves to differentiate the Azheto's type of unification that is purely for the Naga of Nagaland as programmed to him by his New Delhi intelligence bosses and the call of peace and unity through reconciliation as proclaimed by the NSCN Chairman Isak Chishi Swu on January 13, 2007, after undergoing three days of national fasting and prayers. Not surprisingly the unification process not backed by historical validity is being controlled and managed by traitors and defectors stationed at Vihokhu, the very place government of India admitted as illegal but refusing to demolish. A person who runs always from Isak Cheshi Swu at Hebron and also asking other Sumi cadres to follow him run to organize his own brand of unification is now orchestrating unification using Swu's name.
This is defamation and this is a national disgrace that has gone too far and the Naga nation must stay aloof from such satanic call who is showing his face again to give the impression that he is doing his master's bidding. Beware, satanic forces are master of charm offensive because the issue of unification charms all. But what lies underneath is far from the Naga peoples aspiration that has been boiling for more than 60 years.
Under the program covered by Azheto's unification group, unification rally is being organized at Mon and Dimapur. This is going to be another game of mockery in the name of unification that has nothing to do with the broad based peace and unity as called upon by Isak Cheshi Swu. A rally originated from the India intelligence to downgrade the basis for the Indo-Naga political solution under the Indian constitution is not to be considered as peoples oriented approach to Naga Unification as magnanimously offered by the Collective Leadership. Issued by MIP, NSCN (IM).
Nagaland Women Commission: A call for Awakening Y Merina Chish Morungexpress
FOR THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE: Naga women are the mainstay of the society. Their social and economic contributions have sustained the vibrancy and self-sufficiency of the Nagas. Yet, they are undermined and their participation in political processes continue t
Dimapur | March 29 (MExN): The Nagaland Women Commission which completed one year on March 28 was set up with the objective to reach out to women, to create awareness and to ensure their liberty, rights and dignity. The process of spreading awareness about the rights of women has begun in some districts and to educate people at all levels is a harrowing task that the commission has ahead of it. Yet, the NWC since its formation, carries and reflects the long awaited dream for many people who are active in the realm of social upliftment and its task is continually being assessed.
To evaluate the performance of a high-level commission in one year is too judgmental. And Hekani Jakhalu of YouthNet is in agreement with that. “A new commission should be given more time to asses the ground realities first,” she said. Nagas are very ignorant people and even if they do know, they do not care, she added. The existence of a women commission is a very new thing to many people and NWC has to break into that domain of ignorance. Hekani further adds that awareness should start at all levels as it is equally important to educate the educated.
K Ela, Director Prodigals Home, however is of the opinion that awareness is a continuous process that must keep changing with the nature of the issues that are taken up by the commission. “The commission must take up burning issue and keep in touch with what comes up everyday,” she said. The notion that Naga women have better social status and are empowered fizzles away with the rising number of atrocities against women that are happening across the state in recent times. A larger part of it to blame is the women themselves.
“Naga women are complacent with what we are and have. We nod our heads in agreement to everything and that is where our faults lie,” says Alongla Aier, from the Oriental Theological Seminary and added that the primary task of the commission is to target issues and sincerely start implementing them.
The NWC’s disadvantage has been its composition. Many don’t believe that three member women can find immediate long term solutions to any problem. Hekani says that the members are all people who try and squeeze out time and have no real assessment of grasping the real issues. The team should also be able to mobilize the people and turn this event into a mass movement. Also, the commission should have some kind of support system which can enhance the functioning and quicken its pace. K Ela says that different heads should be put together and come up with solutions that are effective. “NWC cannot function in isolation and it should consider tying up with organizations that deal with women issues,” she said. It is however disheartening to note that despite increasing cases of rape the commission has remained silent. The commission needs to build confidence among the women so that they feel safe to come forward with issues which are otherwise swept under the carpet.
Forum for Naga Reconciliation formed Nagarealm.com

KOHIMA, MAR28 [ANI] : The Forum for Naga Reconciliation comprising of apex tribal bodies and organizations have urged the various underground factions to abide by the ceasefire agreement signed between them under the aegis of the tribal leaders known as GBs (Gaonburas) and DBs (Dobashis).

The Forum stated that the working committee would be solely based on historical and political rights of the Nagas towards a peaceful political settlement with India. It urged all the factions to render undivided loyalty towards this common vision. Dr. Wati Aier as its interim convener appealed to the Nagas to desist from any 'unwanted patterns and behaviour' which would disrupt the peaceful co-existence of the communities in towns and villages thereby affecting the business community, educational institutions and citizens in general. It further called upon responsible leaders to be vigilant and ensure that their own cadres do not indulge in any unwanted act. "In this regard the public is very unhappy and take such unwanted acts in towns, villages and highways with seriousness," the forum stated while appealing to the tribal community elders, leaders and citizens to be vigilant and discipline the undisciplined, be it underground or overground.

The Forum also called upon the law enforcement agencies including police and paramilitary forces not to interfere in Naga political affairs. The Forum consists of apex organizations including Naga Hoho, Eastern Naga People's Organization (ENPO), Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF), Eastern Naga Students Association (ENSA), GBs and DBs Federation Nagaland, Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), United Naga Council, Manipur (UNC), All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Naga Students Federation (NSF), Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and Shisha Hoho office bearers and Naga Peace Convention speakers, which was formed in the Naga Peace Convention held from February 22 to 24 at Dimapur. [Vibou Ganguly]

Resume peace talks with ULFA: Sonowal Staff Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIBRUGARH, March 28 – Demanding that the peace talks with the ULFA be resumed, Dibrugarh MP Sarbananda Sonowal has asked the State Government to stop causing harm to the innocent public in the name of anti-insurgency operation to let peace reign in the State.

Sonowal said in a press statement that the atrocities committed by Tarun Gogoi led Unified Command Structure was only creating fear psychosis among the common people.

Alleging continuous harassment on the lay people, the Dibrugarh MP questioned as to why Tarun Gogoi led Unified Command Structure was refraining from initiating action against the ministers and MLA's of the ruling party alleged to have links with the insurgent outfits.

“Anti-people activities and putting some alleged linkmen and ULFA sympathizers behind the bars was only stealing away the peace from the State,” the Dibrugarh MP pointed out. He demanded that the State Government make way for peace talks again.
China takes foreign envoys to Lhasa, snubs India Assam Tribune
BEIJING, March 28 – Apparently unhappy over New Delhi’s handling of the Tibet issue, China today chose not to invite any Indian diplomat in the tour of foreign envoys to riot-scarred Lhasa amid intensified global pressure to stop the crackdown on Tibetans and open a dialogue with the Dalai Lama, reports PTI. In a hurriedly-arranged visit, China escorted a group of foreign diplomats to Lhasa to showcase its version of the goings on in the Tibetan capital. The Indian embassy did not receive any invitation, sources said. Diplomats from 15 countries, including the United States, Britain, Russia, France, Japan, Tanzania, Brazil, Singapore, Spain, Canada, Italy were reportedly among those taken to Lhasa, where the most vicious protests against Chinese in two decades left at least 20 dead and 700 injured by official count. China, which has been sensitive on the Tibet issue, had summoned Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao to Foreign Office past midnight last week to convey concerns over storming of its Embassy in New Delhi by a group of Tibetan protesters.

The visit was part of China’s stepped up damage control exercise and came a day after a team of foreign journalists were taken to the Tibetan capital where they witnessed an angry outburst by monks who said the government was “telling lies, that they lacked religious freedom and were troubled by the troops.

With China’s image being badly bruised ahead of Beijing Olympics, Europe Union Foreign Ministers debated whether they should boycott the August 8 opening ceremony. Several eastern European leaders, including from Czech, Poland and Estonia, have already said they will keep away though none of them is calling it a “boycott”.

The US, which has been pressing China to hold talks with the Dalai Lama, welcomed the Chinese step, but said it was not enough.

“We see this as a step in the right direction, but it’s not a substitute for the ability of our diplomats, as well as others, to travel not only to Lhasa, but into the surrounding area specifically,” State Department spokesman Sean McCormack he told reporters.

President George W Bush talked on phone with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao on Wednesday pressing on the need for substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama.
Ex-rebels under scanner OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, March 29: Police are monitoring the activities of surrendered militants recruited to the state’s armed forces after a rifleman of Manipur Rifles was gunned down on Thursday.
The police shot dead Maisnam Amu, a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion of Manipur Rifles, in an encounter on the campus of D.M. College on Thursday. The police alleged that he was a member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Council). A Chinese hand grenade was recovered from him.
Director general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh today said Amu was a surrendered militant recruited to the Manipur Rifles. “He (the slain rifleman) was known for his notorious activities after recruitment. He was also suspended in the past for indiscipline,” the police chief said.
Nearly 50 former militants were recruited in the state forces under a government policy.
In an unrelated incident, the police this afternoon gunned down a suspected militant at Thangal bazaar in the city. The police seized a grenade and a scooter.
The police shot dead another suspected militant at Charangpat in Thoubal district around noon and recovered a pistol with three live rounds.
In yet another incident, Longjam Uttamkumar, 34, was shot dead at his house in Keishamthong in Imphal West this evening. The police claimed that Uttamkumar was a militant and that they have found a country-made pistol and Rs 1.5 lakh on him.
Two gunmen shot dead a 27-year-old woman, Sairabanu Bibi, at Keirao Litan in Imphal East district last night. Bibi was a relative of a top PULF leader, M.I. Khan.
Heirok funeral: The last rites of the two girls and a youth who were gunned down by Prepak militants at Heirok in Thoubal district on Monday were performed today. Nearly 2,000 villagers attended the funeral.
Rabha fest to foster ethnic harmony
A STAFF REPORTER
Guwahati, March 29: The Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council is organising a three-day cultural festival to strengthen the unity among the different ethnic communities of Assam.
The Rabha Hasong Cultural Festival — to begin on Tuesday — will showcase the culture of the Bodos and Garos, along with that of the Rabha community.
“The unique cultural festival would set an example for other communities to organise such festivals, which would help them bond with the different ethnic communities of Assam,” the chief executive member of the council, Sarat Rabha, said.
“Our cultures will unite us. Like Bishnu Rabha, who ignited a cultural revolution in Assam, the cultural festival will be the beginning of the revolution,” he added.
The main attraction of the festival will be the Baykhow Puja — a tribal ritual of the Rabhas — where the participants dance on fire.
The Miss Rabha Hasong contest will also be held during the festival.
The traditional root beer will be the main attraction of the food festival featuring ethnic dishes of the Rabhas. “The vintage rice beer is considered the most sought after drink in the Rabha community. The more old the beer is, the more is the demand,” Rabha added.
The festival will showcase traditional dances by over 1,000 girls and boys.
Chief executive member of the Mising Autonomous Council Paramananda Chayengia and chief executive member of Tiwa Autonomous Council Ram Kanta Deory will be the guests of honour at the festival.
Govt okays Rs. 535 cr Myanmar project to help North East Indo Burma News
March 27, 2008: (PTI) New Delhi: The government on Thursday approved a Rs 535.91 crore multi-modal transit transport project in Myanmar, which India will use for improving access to the North-Eastern states.
The Union Cabinet sanctioned the funds under the 'Aid to Myanmar' project for the upgradation of Sittwe Port and Kaladan Waterway. The money will also be used for construction of a road from Setpyitpyin (Kaletwa) to the India-Myanmar border.
"The project will provide an access to Mizoram and to other North-Eastern states as well as an outlet to the sea," an official spokesperson told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.
The project, to be executed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, also involves construction and improvement of 117 km road on the Indian side from India-Myanmar border.
The government approved signing of the Framework Agreement and Protocol on Facilitation of Transit Transport and Protocol on Maintenance and Administration to facilitate the project.


Frans on 03.30.08 @ 04:34 AM CST [link]

Saturday, March 29th

Tension clouds Dimapur morungexpress


Tension clouds Dimapur morungexpress

Dimapur, Six NSCN (IM) functionaries including a Deputy Kilonser and a Steering Committee member of the organisation have been abducted from different locations in Dimapur on March 27 night and March 28 morning by armed cadres.
Senior NSCN (IM) Kilonser, Tongmeth Konyak today informed that a Deputy Kilonser, Daniel Tikhir was abducted from his residence at Purana Bazar area on March 27 night. A ‘Steering Committee’ member, Longshen Khiamniungan was also abducted from his residence at Diphupar ‘B’ area in Dimapur on March 28, informed Tongmeth. He also informed that one Kuki Hangsing was abducted from Taipijan village in Dimapur. Tongmeth said that the abductors “must be” from the Unification team and added that they are strongly suspecting them to be from the NSCN Unification group. Meanwhile, it is reported that three bodyguards of senior NSCN (IM) leader, Phungthing Shimrang were abducted by armed cadres on Thursday evening from the residence of Shimrang at Diphupar ‘B’. It is reported that 10 car-borne armed cadres of the NSCN (Unification) had gone to the residence of Phungthing Shimrang and abducted the three bodyguards. However, one managed to escape. Confirming the abduction, Phungthing Shimrang, though refusing to divulge the names of his abducted bodyguards, said that an AK rifle and a carbine were also taken by the abductors.

Abduction is ‘provocatively planned and executed’
The NSCN (IM), in a press statement issued through its MIP, termed the abductions as “provocatively planned and executed” and stated that “it is difficult to see any logic by going headlong against the NSCN leaders in the manner bereft of any political message that calls for political understanding towards unity”. “What is being said on unity finds no support or acceptance when viewed from the practical terms as very aggressively delivered by raids, abduction kidnapping and other means that are no less antagonistic,” the release berated.
The NSCN (IM) declared that it is accommodative to any well being opinion or suggestion that will take the Naga people to total unification. Further, the release stated “that NSCN (IM) was magnanimously tolerant by accommodating workers with doubtful political commitment” as in the case of the Azheto who was generously given the handsome assignment but, the release maintained, betrayed the trust of the GPRN by allowing himself to be used by Anti-Naga forces.” The release expressed surprise that the ‘unity group’ is going overboard by going the way of the state police and paramilitary forces, frisking vehicles for security reasons. “Why not form another RGN, BSF, IRB and NAP as done before so that you keep on tracking the national workers movement,” the release stated. It ridiculed the press statement that appeared in the local media under the caption, ‘Unity cannot be imposed’, and termed it as “political immaturity or deliberate ploy to stagnate the political process of the Indo- Naga political negotiations with the instigation of the forces inimical to the historically proven political aspiration of the Naga people and to create uncalled for confusion.”

Abduction is in ‘retaliation’
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (MExN): Admitting to abducting NSCN (IM) cadres, the Publicity Cell of Unification camp stated that the abduction is only in “retaliation” of four of its cadres who were abducted by the NSCN (IM) on March 25. However, it said that unlike the NSCN (IM); who had tortured and killed one of their cadres and tortured the other three to subconscious state and are still being kept at Hebron; the abducted NSCN (IM) cadres are being treated hospitably. Calling upon the public “not to be disturbed”, the publicity cell said that they would “not harm the people even if their own boys are being harmed.” It gave an assurance that the NSCN (IM) cadres are not being harmed in any manner.

‘Act of sabotage to Naga unification process’
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (MExN): Describing the gory details of the torture and subsequent killing of its cadre, Lhotoyi allegedly by the NSCN (IM) on March 25, the GPRN/NSCN has termed it as yet another act of sabotage to the ongoing Naga unification process. It accused the NSCN (IM) has “once again perpetrated its vilest crime against humanity”. A press release from the publicity cell GPRN/NSCN stated that on March 25, Lhotoyi, Zakaito, Hoito and Khetovi were apprehended by the NSCN (IM) at Dimapur and were tortured in the most inhuman way. “The limbs and arms of the deceased Lhotoyi were all twisted and broken, skull was hammered with heavy blunt object and the entire body bore the mark of torture” it stated and added that “the dead body was later packed in a gunny bag and disposed of like animal carcass.”
The others it said were taken to Hebron and tortured and later confined in the underground “death chamber” and subjected to “extreme physical and psychological humiliation”. The Publicity cell added that as a result in addition to the permanent damage inflicted, the chance of survival has become doubtful. The release informed that Hoito has been release due to critical heath condition but the safety of the other two is still uncertain. It added that according to “confirmed sources” they have also been “rendered in a state of coma owing to incessant torture.” The GPRN/NSCN questions these acts asking if such measure is an open door policy for unification and if the same old “prophesized principled killings, abductions, torture and intimidation continue in the name of National principle and for how long.”
The release further declared that “in defense of our people and Nation and to preserve our sovereign right and unresolved political issue Phungthing Shimray’s which serves as the centre of all these nefarious social evil acts was raided on the night of March 27, 2008.”
However it assured that the GPRN/NSCN would never resort to any unprovoked act of defiance against the aspired wishes of the Nagas for peace and unity or jeopardize the on-going unification process, but would counter act any ploy of the “adversary” to destroy the hard earned peace and unity amongst the Nagas.
Alarming tension after clash between KNA and NSCN(IM)The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL,: High tension erupted among the villagers of two neighbouring villages, Chasad and Kamjong in Ukhrul district, in the aftermath of a gunfight between suspected cadres of Kuki National Army, KNA and National Socialist Council of Nagalim, NSCN (IM) last night which resulted in the death of a suspected KNA cadre and wounding of two others.

The slain person was identified as Alal, 28, son of Halkhojang of Phaikot village. He succumbed to injuries on the way to hospital.

One of the two wounded cadres was identified as Paothang, 35, son of Sheizang Kuki of Chasad village in Ukhrul district. He received a bullet at the left chest.

The other one, Thangnio, 30, son of Thanglun of Aishi village suffered wounds at the eye and head.

They have been admitted at different wards in a hospital.

The wounded cadres were brought by troops of 1st Assam Rifles to the RIMS hospital this morning at around 7 am. However, one of them was declared brought dead at the hospital. The dead body was, later, deposited at RIMS morgue for official identification.

Troops of Assam Rifles led by one naik subedar Balbir along with two villagers John Kuki and Thangnion Kuki brought the wounded persons.

Police reports said that last night at around 6.30 pm a group of well equipped suspected NSCN(IM) cadres fired upon three suspected cadres of KNA who were at a village market located between Chasad and Kamjong village under Chasad police station.

Local reports said that the incident took place when three cadres of suspected KNA who came to the small market in between Chasad and Kamjong were fired upon by suspected cadres of NSCN (IM). The firing took place when one of the suspected KNA cadre was at a PCO booth while two others were waiting outside the PCO.

Following the gunfight additional security forces were deployed in the area as high tension prevailed among the villagers of Chasad and Kamjong.

However, no untoward incident was reported from the two villages.

NSCN unification flays NSCN-IM Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (NPN): The NSCN (Unification) has said the abduction of four persons allegedly by the NSCN (I-M) on March 25 in Dimapur and subsequent torture inflicted on them resulting in the death of one of the abductees, was another act of sabotage to the ongoing Naga unification process by the NSCN (I-M).
The publicity cell of “GPRN/NSCN” in a press release said the four victims –Lhotoyi, Zakaito, Hoito and Khetovi- were tortured in the most inhuman manner.
“The limbs and arms of the deceased Lhotoyi were all twisted and broken, skull was hammered with heavy blunt objects and the entire body bore the mark of torture. The dead body was later packed in a gunny bag and disposed of like animal carcass,” the release said.
The ‘NSCN’ also alleged that the other three victims were tortured all the way they were being taken to Hebron and later confined in an underground “death chamber” and subjected to extreme physical and psychological humiliations, “as a result not only permanent damage inflicted but the chance of survival has become doubtful.”
The ‘NSCN’ said while Hoito was released due to critical health condition, the fate of Zakaito and Khetovi were still uncertain and added that as per confirmed sources, the victims were “rendered in a state of coma owing to incessant torture.”
“Is such measure an ‘open door policy’ for unification? Would the same old prophesized principled killings, abductions, torture and intimidation continue in the name of National principle and for how long?” ‘NSCN’ asked.
The “GPRN/NSCN” affirmed that it would never resort to any unprovoked act of defiance against the aspired wishes of the Nagas for peace and unity or jeopardize the ongoing unification process, but would counter any ploy of the “adversary to destroy the hard earned peace and unity amongst Nagas.”
Meanwhile, the “GPRN/NSCN” informed that its members had raided the residence of NSCN (I-M) leader Phungthing Shimrang, “which serves as the center of all these nefarious social evil acts,” on Thursday night.
Also admitting to abducting NSCN (I-M) cadres, the Publicity Cell of Unification camp stated that the abduction was only a “retaliation” of four of its members who were abducted by the NSCN (I-M) on March 25. However, the ‘NSCN’ said that unlike the NSCN (I-M) who had tortured and killed one of their cadres, the abducted NSCN (IM) cadres were being treated with hospitability. Calling upon the public “not to be disturbed,” the ‘NSCN’ said that they would “not harm the people even if their own boys are being harmed.”
NSCN (I-M) slams unification camp- Nagaland Post
In what can be termed as political immaturity or deliberate ploy to stagnate the political process of the Indo-Naga political negotiations with the instigation of the forces inimical to the historically proven political aspiration of the Naga people and to create uncalled for confusion, it is politically imperative to nail the highly motivated press statement of Azheto's gang as appeared in the local papers, "unity cannot be imposed" lest the public are made the victims of misguided information to create the ground for Indo-Naga solution that is far of the mark as aspirated by the Naga people for the last sixty years.
Provocatively planned and executed on 27th March night Brig. Phungthing's house was raided by the Azheto group and took away his two body guards along with two arms. The same night the house of Daniel Dy.Kilonser was also raided and on 28th March. Hangsing tatar and Longshen Steering member were also kidnapped and abducted from their respective residence by the same gang who preached 'unity cannot be imposed' ironically, it is difficult to see any logic by going headlong against the NSCN leaders in the manner bereft of any political message that calls for political understanding towards unity. What is being said on unity finds no support or acceptance when viewed from the practical terms as very aggressively delivered by raids, abductions, kidnappings and other means that are no less antagonistic.
The Indo- Naga political issue is a Naga People's issue and therefore, there is no question of the people being kept in the dark.The Indo- Naga political process has been highlighted to the Naga people at home and abroad in the Naga people's consultative meetings several times. When demanded by the nature of the political situation is the context of the response from the Government of India. The Naga people represented by various civil societies are consulted in a very transparent manner.
It is rather silly on the part of Azheto's gang to say that open door policy is a stumbling block to the Naga unity. The logic of the negative connotation is not a people's oriented approach to the issue. NSCN is however accommodative to any well being opinion or suggestion that will take the Naga people to total unification. But to argue that open door policy is a stumbling block is suicidal in political interpretation. Going further, NSCN was magnanimously tolerant by accommodating workers with doubtful political commitment as in the case of the Mr. Azheto who was generously given the handsome assignment. But he betrayed the trust of the GPRN by allowing himself to be used by Anti-Naga forces.
Surprisingly, unity group is going overboard by going the way of the state police and para-military forces, frisking vehicles for security reasons. Why not form another RGN, BSF, IRB and NAP as done before so that you keep on tracking the national workers movement.
MIP, GPRN/NSCN.
DAN govt trying to contain violence: Rio PTI Newind Press
KOHIMA: Reiterating DAN government's commitment to help expedite the slowed-down Naga peace process, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said his government is trying to contain violence in Nagaland. He said the democratic alliance of Nagaland government would continue to complement any effort of Naga civil society and churches towards restoration of much needed unity and re-conciliation among waring Naga groups.

The Chief Minister, however, alleged that the law and order situation deteriorated during the two-month spell of the president's rule resulting in manifold increase in anti-social activities in the state. He said on Thursday that during the president's rule, “60 people were kidnapped in Dimapur district alone, and huge ransoms paid for safe release of some of the abductees.”

“The DAN government, soon after its installation, is trying to contain such activities,” the Chief Minister said. Rio maintained that Nagaland has peculiar problems and situation, which the centre was fully aware of and claimed that the Union government used to compliment the efforts of the state government in tackling law and order problem.

He said of the 108 people killed during the year 2007 in the state, most of the killings were among rival underground groups and appealed to them to stop such senseless killings.

The government had set up mobile check posts at various places besides providing security to Nagaland State Transport (NST) buses following reported escalation of looting of passengers by gunmen, Rio told the house.

He said it was only a small section of the society which was taking the advantage of the on-going ceasefire under which police and security forces were restricted from operating freely and such elements were creating law and order problem in the state.

Replying to the discussion on the annual budget for 2008-09, the Chief Minister maintained that the members should not mix up the Naga political issue with the law and order problem in the state. Appreciating roles of Naga civil society, churches, students community and public leaders in bringing about a permanent peace in the state, Rio said that all sections of the society must supplement one another towards this end.

Urging underground groups to stop fratricidal killings among them, Rio pointed out that the government constituted a political affairs committee to complement the efforts of the Naga civil society towards peace, unity and re-conciliation in the Naga society.
2 NSCN (I-M) leaders abducted Nagaland Post
Dimapur, March 28 (NPN): Close on the heels of the raids carried out by the NSCN (Unification) on the residences of NSCN (I-M) leaders including ‘Brig’ Phungthing Shimrang and deputy kilonser Daniel on Thursday night, two NSCN (I-M) leaders were reportedly abducted from their respective houses by the NSCN (Unification) on Friday.
The MIP/NSCN (I-M) in a press release said the two NSCN (I-M) leaders -‘tatar’ Hangsing and steering committee member Longshen - were abducted by “Azheto’s group” on Friday. Terming the raids and abductions as “political immaturity or deliberate ploy to stagnate the political process of the Indo-Naga political negotiations with the instigation of the forces inimical...,” the NSCN (I-M) said it was ironical that the acts were carried out by “the same gang who preached ‘unity cannot be imposed.’”
Former NSF prez assaulted morungexpress
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (MExN): The Thevopisu villagers report an assault on one of its citizens, Chokriveyi Venyo, former president of NSF who is presently residing in Diezephe village, Dimapur. The press release issued by village leaders stated that Chokriveyi sustained an ear injury from the assault and his vehicle was snatched forcibly by some unidentified persons on March 24, at 7:10 PM.
The release stated that the culprits were led by Vedeta Nienu, an NSCN (IM) major, who they claim, has a history of victimizing Thevopisu villagers in the recent past. The release issued by the Chairman of Thevopisu Village Council, Vesathu Dozo, Pochiyi Tetseo GB, Besukroyi Dozo GB, Vechitso Venyo GB and Murhenyi Rhakho VC member, stated that the vehicle had been snatched on the pretext that it belonged to the NPF party. The villager leaders expressed surprise that Chokriveyi, who had served and associated with the regional party for so many years and resigned only in November 2007, and one who had suffered at the hands of the Indian Army during Oinam incident at Senapati in 1987, along with his collegues while serving as president of NSF, could be victimized and humiliated by a Naga National worker on the pretext of the “state political party colours”. Therefore, the village leaders stated that they are compelled to raise their protest and condemn the action of Vedeta Nienu and his men.
Flashback of 23rd March incident- Nagaland Post Opinion
On the fateful calm morn-ing of 23rd March'08 had left a deep imprint mark in the minds of the general public as a great remainder of traumatic episode when the three respectful innocent citizens of Changtongya Town namely Bendangkokiba, Sentinuken and Chitensangba were forcefully taken away at 2am by police personnel, with roaring voice, from their peaceful and sound sleep. Meanwhile, in the mid-way pending to the Police Station, the police forces had beaten the three victims savagely under 'dead or alive' condition. They were then slain down unconsciously after much exhaustive blow, on the bare cold floor of the security vehicle. Some blackened spots mostly located at sensitive portions of the victims' bodies are fairly visible.
Today, to speak out the truth, one cannot assure guarantee to the victims for survival of their life. In most cases if spared safely, the rest of their life are subjected to susceptibility of mental and physical deformities like crippling, handicap and life-long paralysis.
The victims' relatives had thoroughly enquired into the matters with some police officers through a series of interaction. However, it is painful to say that the officer-in-charge (OC), who is sole in-charge of that particular jurisdiction did not release any arrest order to such victims rather arrest was primarily done from the higher commanding authority led by SDPO, Mokokchung without informing him (OC) based on misinformation as stated by the police officer (OC). Such act of heinous crime and self-serving gorges by erring police officers and their personnel towards such innocent citizens are highly condemned by one and all with tooth and nail. It is highly against the constitutional law on the ground of civil rights, liable to question in a court of law.
It is also quite pertinent to assert that as envisaged by our constitution (Art. 21 and 22), Right to physical safety is one of the major componential parts in the domain of Right to personal life and liberty. No person is subjected to physical coercion and torture arising out from outside forces through violation and invalid application of law and order. Reaction was quite an opposite turn when unscrupulous police officers and associate personnel had allegedly infringed against these safeguard distorting the sole nature of the civil rights of the society.
We, the civil community cannot tolerate anymore and thus consider it right to book those alleged masterminding offenders and personnel and award them stringent punishment or penalty as per the established norms and laws of the land.
Today, such tragic maladies had been experienced by a handful of individuals, but tomorrow, it would further affect a number our civic population. If these satanic rules continue to exist, we would plunge into 'hell of horror', deprived of our personal right to life and liberty in near future.
Thus, it is high time for all peace loving citizens to join hands to raise our voice against such cruel acts and appeal to the authority in charge to bring justice and security from such ailments of social disorderliness and inhibited insecurity.
Tiatemsu Lkr, Changtongya Town.
Rally in Manipur against militant excesses



Posted by admin on Saturday, March 29, 2008


IMPHAL, MAR28 [EPNS] : The streets of Imphal Friday reverberated with slogans such as “punish the culprits, we want justice” as hundreds of residents of Heirok in Thoubal district marched down the streets in protest against the March 24 shootout at Heirok part-II involving PREPAK cadres that claimed three lives including two girls besides leaving one girl seriously injured.


The rallyists shouted slogans denouncing the clarification made by militants on the shootout through the media and also demanded immediate booking of the culprits by the authorities. Three sitting MLAs from Thoubal district led the rally, which marched from Hatta Kangjeibung to RIMS morgue, where the bodies of the slain civilians including two girls and one boy lay. An attempt by the rallyists to take the route on the side of the chief minister’s bungalow and Raj Bhavan was however foiled by the police and security forces.

It may be mentioned on the night of March 24, PREPAK militants resorted to indiscriminate firing at a thabal chongba function (an indigenous dance item staged during the Holi festival in Manipur) at Heirok part-II, killing two teenage girls on the spot while another girl and a boy were seriously injured. The boy also later succumbed to his injures at a hospital. In order to quell public outrage, PREPAK had immediately tendered an apology with a clarification through the local media. However, angry the public refused to be taken in by the apology. "We could not be satisfied with the clarification made by PREPAK. They are trying to conceal the truth behind the incident. They should hand over the cadres involved in the shoot or punish before the public," said L Mandir Singh, general secretary of the joint action committee (JAC) formed against the backdrop of the brutal killings.

Earlier, representatives of the agitating Heirok people held talk with chief minister O Ibobi Singh who agreed to their demands other then supply of weapons to the public to protect themselves from militant excesses. The chief minister agreed to theirs demands including opening of permanent security post at Heirok to guard from militant intrusion, installation of solar lamps in every lane in the area and non-stop supply of power till an amicable solution was reached with the militants groups. It may be mentioned earlier on Thursday night, the angry locals torched at least four houses belonging to suspects behind the shootout, apart from pasting posters denouncing and banning the entry of all militants in Heirok area. The locals were also infuriated when some members of the outfit intruded into the locality posing as reporters of local newspaper and asked the members of the JAC to stop protesting against the militant group.
Cycle bomb, the latest addition to Assam's violent insurgency IANS
Guwahati, March 28 (IANS) Militants of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in Assam seem to have adopted new terror tactics with the latest being the ubiquitous bicycles converted to lethal explosives for maximum impact. Police in the textile township Sualkuchi on the outskirts of Assam's main city Guwahati unravelled the new terror design by seizing a bicycle loaded with a range of explosives, from RDX to TNT and PETN.
'The militants stuffed explosives in the hollow steel frame of the cycle after dismantling it first. Earlier, militants concealed explosives in sacks and placed it on cycles; now this is an entirely new terror tactic and a very dangerous one too,' said Debojit Hazarika, police superintendent of the Kamrup (rural) district. The seizure was made from an ULFA militant who confessed during interrogation that the cycle bomb was their latest terror design to inflict heavy casualties.
'A cycle parked on a roadside would definitely not be taken note of by security personnel unless one knows that their steel frames were filled with explosives,' Hazarika said.
The cycle bomb has alarmed police circles. A top police official said the ULFA was probably trying to attack VVIPs and target crowded places using it. A massive security revamp was being done, especially with the chief minister's security.
'We are taking the chief minister's and other VVIP security very seriously after the cycle bomb threat,' another senior police official said. A decision was taken by the police not to allow even bicycles to move on the streets when the chief minister's convoy passed towns and cities in view of the latest developments. The threat was being taken seriously with the ULFA observing its 30th foundation day April 7. In the run up to such occasions, the ULFA generally demonstrates its strength by carrying out violent strikes.
'All the district police superintendents have been alerted about the cycle bomb and its implications,' G.P. Singh, deputy inspector general of Assam police, said.
‘New Bodo militant outfit formed’ By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, March 28: The Boro People’s Forum for Peace and Rights (BPFPR) has expressed concern over the formation of a new militant outfit — Bodoland Royal Tigers’ Force (RRTF) — in the BTAD heartland, which, the forum said, has been started to jeopardise peace and stability in Bodoland.
A high-level delegation of the BPFPR told this to Asom Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh seeking his intervention into the matter when they met him at Raj Bhavan here on March 26. “The situation in BTAD will become more volatile if the Government does not act immediately,” said Bhramon Baglari, BPFPR president, while talking to The Sentinel today.
The delegation led by Baglari comprised of Forum vice-president Dharanidhar Wary and four other frontline leaders, blamed it on BTAD chief Hagrama Mohilary and his party, BPF for the prevailing situation in the Bodo-dominated areas. The forum in its memorandum to the Governor also blamed both the Governments at Dispur and Delhi for allegedly turning their back to peace in BTAD.
The BTAD administration led by Mohilary is a “rule of a gangster; it has also violated all norms and ethics of democracy,” the memorandum said. “In the name of democracy and party politics, Mohilary is known to have formed a new insurgent outfit under the cover of Youth BPF to which the allotted funds for the BTAD are being siphoned off,” it alleged.
The BPFPR not only handed over to the Governor the list of violent incidents which took place in BTAD since March 23, 2007, it also placed a detailed account of the alleged BTTF camps and activities.
The forum also furnished before Singh a list of dozen BRTF camps run by prominent ex-BLT cadres in Chirang district alone, having about 365 inmates armed with sophisticated weapons, “What is a matter of more concern”, the forum said, “is that the outfit has been initiating a massive recruitment drive targeting the young generation in various parts of Chirang, Udalguri, Dhemaji and Sonitpur districts, beyond the BTAD boundary.”
Baglari said the forum also urged the Governor to take a “pragmatic initiative” to expedite the peace process between the Centre and the NDFB. The BPFPR held the delay on part of the Centre to start political dialogue with the NDFB as “partly responsible” for the current turmoil in BTAD.
Though the NDFB entered into the peace process through the ceasefire agreement with the Government, Delhi and Dispur are dragging their feet on the much-awaited political solution to the Bodo issues, the forum said.
Massive rally denounces UGs for Heirok killings; Last rites of victims performed amidst tears and anger The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Mar 28: Thousands of people Friday marched down the streets in Imphal demanding justice in the shooting incident on the night of March 24 which involved PREPAK cadres and claimed three lives at Heirok part-II. The sky in Imphal city reverbrated with thunderous slogans like "Punish the culprits`, `We want justice, hand over the culprits to the people`, `Punish them before the people do` etc. as protestors marched against the act of the undergrounds on the innocent people and accusations of lies being tole to the people by the revolutionary group.

The rallyists, residents of Heirok in Thoubal district shouted various slogans against the militants involved in the shootout denouncing the clarification made them through the media and demanding handing over or punishment to the erring cadres before the public. At the same time they also demanded booking of the culprits by the state authorities at the earliest.

The rally was also participated by four sitting MLAs, M Oken, M Hemanta, Y Surchandra and K Govindas and marched down the streets from Hatta Kangjeibung to RIMS morgue where the dead bodies of the two girls and one boy were being kept. The rally was organized by the residents as part of a procession for performing the last rites of the three deceased. The rally which marched under strict security protection followed the route from Hatta Kangjeibung to Minuthong along the New Checkon route and then proceeded to Khoyathong and then to the RIMS morgue. After collecting the dead bodies the rally returned back to Heirok for performing the last rites of the three dead. Indiscriminate firing on March 24 by PREPAK militants at a thabal chongba function (an indigenous dance item staged during the Holi festival in Manipur) at Heirok part-II resulted in the death of two teenage girls at the spot and left one more girl and a boy with severe bullet wounds at the head. The boy also succumbed in later days at a hospital. The PREPAK has tendered apology with a clarification but people are not satisfied.

"The PREPAK is trying to conceal the truth behind the incident by giving a false statement to the media. We want PREPAK to hand over the cadres involved in the shootout or punish them before the public," said L Mandir Singh, general secretary of the JAC formed against the brutal killing of the two girls and a boy and serious injury to a girl.
The mass gathering of the people proved to be a major concern for the state police in controlling the traffic in Imphal city areas as traffic jams were witnessed along the route of the long rally this afternoon.

Despite restrictions, the rallyists attempted to break through the silent zones of the Imphal city on their way back after collection the dead bodies from the RIMS morgue.

But police and security forces prevented them from doing so and allowed them to proceed towards Naoremthong, then to Sagolband Tera bazar Sayang Kuraomakhong road, Kwakeithel, Nganapi Thong, Pishumthong, Singjamei Chinga Makha and then to the Indo Burma road.

Placards and banners with slogans against the underground elements involved in the incident were displayed during the rally. On the other hand, the spokesman of the JAC has reaffirmed to continue the agitation against the excesses of the underground elements after accepting the dead bodies.

The last rites of the three dead were performed at their respective localities tonight at around 7 pm after floral tributes were offered by the people of Heirok.

Junta likens itself to 19th century royal court Mizzima News
In an address to military personnel and dignitaries, Senior General Than Shwe linked today's Burmese armed forces with the battles of Burma's dead kings in a war against imperialism and regressive policies.
Speaking yesterday on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of Armed Forces Day, Burma's Head of State delivered a national address harkening back to a golden era of monarchial reign interrupted by an "unbearable situation of over a hundred long years."
"Blind to progress of other nations, lack of defensive alertness resulted in losing of independence and sovereignty," Than Shwe told those in attendance at Naypyitaw's parade ground.
The Tatmadaw, the Burmese army, is alluded to as dutifully picking up the pieces left from the 19th century and heroically finishing the work of Burma's kings in the 21st.
Yet Britain overthrew the last Burmese king in 1885 and ceded independence to modern Burma in 1947, a period of only 62 years. How then to account for Than Shwe's over one-hundred years of "unbearable" conditions?
The Senior General defines 1866 as the year when Burma's path to modernization was felled, spelling an end to Burma's honorable regency and opening the door to colonialism. In that year the modernizing, reforming vision of Prince Kanaung, who was the heir apparent to the throne of then King Mindon, was killed by jealous, regressive rivals.
However, in his diatribe, Than Shwe also referenced the necessity for the army assuming power and responsibility in the country in 1988: "Because of the violent disturbances of 1988 the Tatmadaw, to protect the life, property and security of the people and to preserve and protect the sovereignty and independence of the nation, had to take over all the responsibilities of the country."
Of course the armed forces assumed absolute political power fully 26 years earlier in 1962.
Was Burma's top brass then attempting to further distance the present regime from that of General Ne Win and his Burma Socialist Programme Party, which maintained a firm grip on power from 1962 till the late 1980s?
Than Shwe also, interestingly, specifically spoke of the insulting obligation on Burmese citizens to refer to their colonial administrators as thakins, or masters. Yet in the 1930s there arose the thakin movement, which saw the Burmese population endowing worthy Burmese leaders with the same title, in a dual indication of objection to British policies and respect for their own leaders. Burmese thakins came to include future politicians and military men such as U Nu, Aung San and Burma's would be dictator Ne Win.
The only solution to the puzzle of "over a hundred long years" must be that the current regime views itself as the continuation of the modernizing, progressive influences of Burma's doomed royal court, which are said to have come to an end in 1866 and were only revitalized with the actions of the army and state policy after 1988. This would then account for over 120 years of regressive polices.
Fittingly, the speech took place under the watchful gaze of a monument to three former Burmese kings in the new capital of Naypyitaw, meaning "Royal City." And the legacies of these three kings, held in high esteem by the military, serve to further argue for the perceived legitimacy of monarchial-military rule dating back a thousand years.
The three kings depicted are Anawrahta, an 11th century ruler credited with first unifying Burma, Bayinnaung, a 16th century monarch who arguably stretched Burmese rule to its outermost limits, and Alaungpaya, who in the 18th century is credited with christening Burma's port city of Dagon with its new moniker of Yangon.



Frans on 03.29.08 @ 11:03 AM CST [link]


Friday, March 28th

'Unification' is the 'must' for both the Naga Integration and Naga Sovereignty Nagaland post



'Unification' is the 'must' for both the Naga Integration and Naga Sovereignty Nagaland post

In the capacity of "Adviser to Sumi Hoho" and "Convenor of Co-ordination Committee" of Sumi Hoho and ENPO Joint Forum, I felt necessary to expose some few facts that hindered the Naga integration and Naga Sovereignty. It is evident that, without the Naga Unification there is no chance for the Naga Integration and so also Naga Sovereignty. Even after the Naga unity, the question of the Naga Integration of all the Naga inhabited areas shall be difficult, unless within the 'Box' (Indian Constitution). In the case of the Naga Sovereignty also, even after the Naga Unity, the issue shall have to be 'tough-fight'. Infact, even the Nagas are in unity, the issue of the Naga Integration and the Naga Sovereignty can never solve at a time, Integration of all the Naga inhabited areas may be possible only when the Nagas drop the issue of Naga Sovereignty. As because, unless the Indian Government interest is involve we cannot slice out the Naga areas from the two /three different States of Indian Union'. The matters become complicated issue, as we have to curve out the areas from the different pockets in different States. This is very difficult task for both the Indian Government and the Nagas and for which total unity through the total unificaition of all factions and organisaitons is 'MUST' and that compels the Nagas to go for "interim settlement" with GOL Both the Naga Integration issue and Naga Sovereignty issue must be settled mutually with GOI and in the manner of step by step. In both the cases, Naga Unity through the Nagas Unification of all factions and organizations is the "MUST", without which, any slogan without the Naga unity is the mere "POLITICS" of that faction or organization. Factions and organizations leaderships always criticized one another, accusing each other with the word "COLLABORA TORS" with Indian Armies and State Governments. Please understand that both the Indian Armies and State Governments, be it Cong (i) or NPF are the soldiers of the Indian constitution and you are equally "hand-inclove" with the soldiers of the Indian Constitution i.e., through the Assam Rifles and State Governments. Naga public never criticize you for your understanding with Assam Rifles, S.C. Jamir and N.Rio. They are all tourch-bearers of the Indian constitution. So, instead you blame one another you must forgive one another and unite among yourselves and settle the Naga Political issue as emicable as possible. The Naga public shall not bargain any 'status' that you can settle in unity with GOL But, without unity and unification among yourselves you must not shout for your own righteousness. We the Naga public understand that the Bible has said correctly, quote "No One is righteous" and if any body claim he has no sin "He is Liar". Let us not point out our one finger to others, as the another three fingers of your are pointing at you. That is what you are. Now, Nagas must wake up and interfere in the matters of the Naga political solution, if the underground groups continue to misbehave like this and encourage the policy of disunification, let us take it as the policy of their (undergrounds) survival and not for the Naga cause. In that case, NGOs and State Govt. representatives (MLAs & MPs) must participate in their (Factions & Organisations) affairs, as one of them, equipped with the sense of maturity, otherwise, the Naga issue becomes endless and our people have to become most sufferers, socially, economically and politically.
It is presumed that, there is no leadership to led the N aga Nation in underground, who can unite all the Nagas and march together, as that of "MOSES" with Israelites. If we do not found any efficient leadership, who wins the confidence of all the sections of the Naga people, than the matters must be settled on the line of like minded and not en-block.
In the case of the Sumi Tribe, we cannot support the policy of the solution first and unification last. Because, the Sumis are in both the factions in equal strength, except a few individuals here and there. Other Sumi Cadres from both the factions have come to the unification and now camped at "VIHOKHU". Other Tribes also, who are like the Sumi Tribe have come forward and joined the unification camp. The FGN / NNC non-accordists have also affiliated to "UNIFICATION", through MoU. Sumi Hoho and ENPO shall continue to support the unification of all the Nagas, now based at 'VIHOKHU'. This is in accordance to the ENPO Resolution dated 18.12.2007, Tuensang and ENPO and Sumi Hoho Joint Forum Resolution dated 08.01.2008, at Thahekhu Village.
Lastly, I on behalf of the Joint Forum Co-ordination Committee appeal to all concern, not to encourgage the peace process with GOI in piece meal, but to encourage the solution in one voice, as this is the only right perspective and official. Let us look to the official message from the interolocutor GOI, K. Padmanabhaiah during his conversation with N. Jagoi Pressman, Eastern Mirror dated 19.03.2006, quote "EM: What will be your message to the Nagas ?"
K. Padmanabhaiah : "Well you see, Naga people must be together. They should speak with one voice." "I think the Nagas would benefit themselves provided they speak in one voice." Again in the recent press statement under heading "UNITY WELCOMED" dated Shillong, February 18, 2008, quote "In the midst of reports about a possible unification of both the rebel NSCN factions, the centre's emissary in the Naga Peace Talks Oscar Fernandes said, such a development will help carry forward the peace process."
Now, situation is very clear to all that, whatever Naga areas can come together in unity shall search the Naga political solution with GOI, aiming at solving the problem emicably. This is what the majority Nagas long-cry and cherished goal.
I. Vitokhe Assumi,
‘Unity cannot be imposed’ morungexpress
Dimapur, March 27 (MExN): The NSCN, unification, states that the Naga people be educated by the NSCN-IM on the talks with the Government of India for the last 11 years. The outfit is of the view that the Nagas should not be kept in the dark.
“The IM may also educate the general Nagas on all aspects and prospects of the political dialogue with the GoI for the last 11 years. The Nagas should no longer be kept in the dark for the issue solely concerns (sic) the Nagas so is the GPRN/NSCN marching and would continue to, with the consent and mandate of the Nagas” stated a note from the publicity cell. The outfit also stated that the people have been striving for “fraternal peace” and unity “but all in vain due to the open door policy of a certain outfit.” This open door policy without any “accommodative facilitation,” has been a stumbling block toward “unification” the note maintained adding that unity cannot be imposed or served with ultimatums to surrender “as none is superior to the other.”
However, the outfit stated, it is natural to encounter obstacles toward peace and unity “but Nagas must be prepared to defend our aspired endeavor so that fratricidal killings are erased from our revolutionary struggle and our objective concertedly expedited for a lasting acceptable political settlement with the GoI.”
In this regard, the note maintained that while ‘consensus’ of the Nagas is yet to be sought, “it is too premature on the part of IM outfit to predict settlement within Indian constitutional limit.” The outfit also explained that ‘land’ is in English while “lim” is a “synonymous term” in Naga and “hence does not merit any debate.” The mandate of the Naga people and their interest and aspiration, however, is “our priority above all else” it added.

‘NSCN/GPRN’ to frisk
With effect from March 28, Friday, the “NSCN/GPRN” will be frisking all vehicles that are with tinted glass, in and around Dimapur and Kohima. This is in view of what the outfit’s publicity cell claimed was for the “heightened security situation” in the state. While appealing to the public to cooperate, the outfit also stated that in the face of any eventuality, the “NSCN/GPRN” would not be held responsible.
The Cong Ignoramus about Naga problems Dr. V. C Kanito Morungexpress
The Congressmen of Nagaland have awakened from their slumber and now questioning several fields, but the questions are highly nonsensical in their usual tradition. In the first place the Congress tried to accuse the DAN's role in Naga Peace Process with a supplement Quote:- "You can fool the people once but not twice". The Morung Express March 23th 2008. However to our dismay, such an empty slogan by the Congress against the DAN Alliance is a sheer nuisance rather than a gentle humour in the DAN's Camp. The above caption reveals the ignorance of the Congress writer who is without the least concern over the gravity of the present socio-political situation at home and outside.
It seems that the Congress people have been focusing at their unknown target through the wrong lens of their binocular. This defect makes the Congress men out of their vision towards the important meaning of Nag a Peace process. Infact we the people who have any concern for the conflict resolution and peace in our midst should persevere with committed tolerance and action. This process is indeed a time taking and never to be hurried and haphazard in our mission. For us the DAN, we believe and we are aware that within our parties the question of the propriety of the alliance's strategies and tactics become our secrets, but the parties and Alliance collectively safeguards our stands through the Co-ordination body. This is the DAN's approach to the tasks we deem reasonable. No matter how regrettable situation that prevails the Congress camp due to the recently concluded election debacle. What was to happen has happened so that by now they should be content with their own fate. At this juncture particularly for the congress, instead of unnecessarily interfering into other's business and' policies they should retrospect upon their past deficiency and irresponsibilities.
During the last 10 Golden Years of the INC regime either in Delhi or Kohima, the NPCC leaders did not realize that the Indo-Naga Political Ball is laying at the INC court New Delhi. From 1997 to 2007 all the way the Congress was ruling the governance either in Delhi or Kohima, but the Congress under the guise of the NPCC miserably failed to recognize the existence of the Congress led Government in India or the Congress led UPA Government in India and then side by side the Congress government in Nagaland for consecutive 10 years. Still then where were the NPCC leaders hidden themselves away during the hours of Nag as need. Perhaps they hide away themselves in New Delhi and did some domestic shopping and returned to Nagaland then start creating bombastic tells of much ado-about nothing and then the Naga followers pretend to appreciate them. These are the days when our Congress leaders who frequent New Delhi led the innocent Nagas down. If ever the NPCC had constituted any panel of senior Congress members to deal Indo-Naga issue and shown their outcome to the Nagas. On the other hand the members of the DAN are enthusiastic with sacrificing spirit any time to meet the Nagas need. Such attitude is very much unlikely with the NPCC members. This differentiation between the Congress and DAN matters lot. When time comes the Nagas at large can exploit every opportunity from the INC to the maximum limit, but the same Nagas can never ever sacrifice their lives for the sake of the Indian National Congress, because it is indeed true that the INC have simply no native roots in the Naga soil.
The Naga's basic reaction against the INC and the NPCC is the ways how INC dominate Naga socio-political life beyond required as claim by the elite Nagas. The crux of the problem in this context is that the INC's policy that instead of respecting the unique freedom right of the Nagas, the INC segregating the Naga tribes from the mainstream. The unholy design of the INC keeping Naga people divided into different factions is no longer yielding any prospective result for the Congress party in the North-East India.
However, by all means the Indo-Naga political issue will reach its ultimate phase in any form to attain honorable settlement. That, inspite of the bitter relations among the Naga communities the DAN Alliance is all the way confident that the Naga conscience will draw together all Naga people under one umbrella. In view of the above subjects the DAN is preparing for model role towards structuring and restructuring political maturity.
In support of Higgins’ statement- Nagaland Post
An election watch: A foreigner's perspective on Nagaland state election a press statement issued by B Higgins which appeared in a Nagaland Post on 21st March was such a conscience pricking write up that ought to be an eye opener for all sensible Nagas.(Sadly, many or our so called sensible Nagas are not sensitive Nagas). It is really shameful that Nagaland is known as Christian dominated State when nothing of Christ like seen in Nagas. We are fortunate that we have Naga watchers abroad like Higgins, we must be even more grateful that he is not just a silent watcher but a person who has come out openly to voice the sorry state of affairs in our land as we become blind to our own problems.
He had rightly pointed out that we get the government we deserved. Now, what about the elected members in the helm of power? Are they not the right people in the right places to clean the system? The people in power have all the opportunity to use the stick for good or for bad. One simply wonders then, why with all the powers in their hands to do good things they do not want to see a better Nagaland.
There was no space for issues and principle in 2008 election. Vote became a purchasable commodity. The electorates sold off their votes. The people in power will in return amass public funds mean for common people for the next five years. The blame game is a never- ending vicious cycle. Nevertheless, ultimately it is the leaders in power who have the mass to put a stop to selling and buying of votes. Let the goods be delivered judiciously during the next five years and we hope to see more honest electorates in the next election.
Looking at the level of corruption and the evils related to Nagaland elections it makes one to wonder if at all we really need elections. We need electoral reforms (a mindset reform) more than elections and in doing so there is short cut to public education on the sanctity and value of one's vote. Neat election will either be a boon or a doom for Nagas. The countdown for free and fair election should begin today. Else, "no election" would alone save the Nagas from socio- political catastrophe.
God bless Higgins and family. Dr. K. Hoshi, former INC Candidate, 19 Phek A/C.
Naga political issue not law and order morungexpress
Kohima, March 27 (DIPR): Replying and clarifying to the budget discussion which was presented on the floor of the House on March 24, leader of the House Neiphiu Rio, said that the Treasury bench have learnt a lot through the constructive criticism given by the opposition members adding that their suggestions have been recorded and would be pursued.
Rio clarified that the 1st session of the Eleventh Assembly was conducted as per the Rule of Procedures and Conduct of Business of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He pointed that the Naga political issue should not be mixed up with the law and order issue. Stating that the civil society, church, student community and public leaders are all concerned about permanent peace in Nagaland, Rio said that all sections of the society must supplement one another.
To bring about permanent solution and to go about with the developmental activities, “that is the policy of the DAN Government as a facilitator”, he added. Fratricidal killings should stop and good sense should prevail because of which a Political Affairs Committee has also constituted, he maintained.
Appreciating the concern raised by member K L Chishi during zero hour regarding rapes and kidnappings, Rio assured that his government has taken note to keep law and order under control. He also informed the House that Highway Mobile Units for security has been set up, to contain law and order problem.
Lauding the Re-conciliation Forum, Rio said that the Government would extend all possible help. Clarifying on the issue of appointing Parliamentary Secretaries, Rio said that he had discussed the matter with the Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patel who responded that there are provisions for appointing Parliamentary Secretaries. Rio also informed that Parliamentary Secretaries were appointed in Nagaland way back in 1964 and 1969 pointing out that the appointment is not a new thing.
On the issue of printing of CMP in 2003, Rio said that DAN Government got the mandate of the people and felt that it was important to print the CMP so that all the members as well as the public are aware of the developmental programmes and policies of the Government. “Whenever a political party comes to power, the bureaucrats, technocrats and the public ought to know the policies, programmes and developmental activities taking place”, he maintained.
On the issue of Ntanki reserve forest, Rio informed that presently one company of IRB has been stationed since October 2007 and process is on to create 100 strong Armed Protection force for protection of Ntanki reserve forest. Rio refuted allegations that developmental activities are concentrated only in certain district and informed that developmental activities are being carried out all over the state.
Reiterating that DAN Government is for justice and fairness, Rio said that his Government would continue to work for the welfare of the minority community. “If there is specific problem it can be brought to their notice so that it can be resolved and solved”, he informed.
On the issue of lifting of prohibition, the leader of the House termed it as a sensitive issue and felt that an elaborate discussion is required. “We represent the people, so we have to consult the people. We cannot take decisions which will go against us and our people”, he added. Nonetheless, Rio said that for the welfare of the visiting tourists, possibilities if any would be looked into after thorough discussion. Regarding distribution of tractors and power tillers, Rio said that selection is being done from the districts. “Selection is transparent and the names of the beneficiaries are published in the papers”, he informed. Winding up the budget discussion Rio described the members of the treasury bench as active, capable and professionals and expressed confidence that the team would perform better and serve the people of Nagaland with the support of the opposition members.
An emergence of a Common Hope morungexpress
Dimapur, March 26 (MExN): The forum for Naga Reconciliation formed during the Naga Peace Convention (February 22-24, 2008) met in Kohima on March 25 and resolved that a working committee for Naga-reconciliation will be worked out at the earliest. The forum which consists of apex Naga organizations stated that the working committee will be based solely on “the historical and political rights of the Nagas towards a peaceful political settlement with India”. The forum has therefore urged all “factions” and the Nagas to render undivided loyalty towards this common vision. The forum has requested Dr Wati Aier to be the convener for a period of time.
The forum in its meeting also affirmed the sacrifice and hard work of the GBs and the DBs and with “renewed spirit and commitment” urged the various Naga “factions” to abide by the ceasefire agreement signed between them under the aegis of the GBs and DBs. In addition, the forum while expressing utmost concern has appealed to the Nagas to desist from any “unwanted patterns and behaviors which would disturb the peaceful co-existence of the communities in towns and villages thereby affecting the business community, educational institutions’ and the citizens in general”.
Furthermore, the forum called upon the ‘responsibleleaders’ to be vigilant of their own cadres towards any unwanted acts carried out on their own behalf. In this regard, the forum reminded the UGs that the Naga public is unhappy and has taken anti-social acts in towns, villages and highways with seriousness. It also requested each tribal community elder, leader and the citizen to observe strict watch and ‘to discipline the undisciplined,’ “be it underground or over ground”. The Naga communities are also urged to take this matter with concern as this, it described, was a way to control society toward peaceful living.
The forum also called upon law enforcement agencies—the police and particularly the Indian security forces—“not to indulge in Naga political affairs with clandestine design” pointing out that “the Naga nation has suffered too much for too long under such designs”.
The apex Naga organizations making up the forum for Naga Reconciliation are the Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organization (ENPO), Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA), GBs & DBs Federation Nagaland, Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM), United Naga Council Manipur (UNC) and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Shisha Hoho office bearers and Naga Peace Convention speakers.
Analysis: Violence up in India's northeast By KUSHAL JEENA UPI Correspondent© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
NEW DELHI, March 27 (UPI) -- An Indian Interior Ministry status report on internal security acknowledged that despite a massive anti-insurgency offensive, there was a sharp increase in overall violence in the country's restive northeast in 2007 over the previous year.

The report presented in Parliament during the current budget session said the security situation in the region has continued to worsen for the past five years. Among the seven states in the northeast, Assam and Manipur witnessed the worst militancy-related violence.

India's northeast is home to seven states and a dozen-odd ethnic groups all fighting for independent homelands. Their location -- bordering Bangladesh and Myanmar -- is a cause of concern for India as rebels move their bases from India across the porous borders.

"Militant groups operating in various states of the northeast have usually found refuge in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar," said Kalyan Barooah, an expert on insurgency in the region.

Fencing along the 2,500-mile border with Bangladesh, suggested as a remedy to the problem, is incomplete, leaving ample scope for easy entry and exit by militants. Similarly, many militant groups operating in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur have taken shelter in Myanmar.

"While in Assam 216 ULFA cadres were neutralized and another 205 surrendered in stepped-up counterinsurgency operations, Manipur continues to be affected by insurgent activities of a large number of militant outfits divided on ethnic lines," the status paper said.

Assam-based United Liberation Front of Assam, along with Karbi Longri National Liberation Front and Dima Halam Daoga, accounts for the bulk of the violence in Assam, the report said.

The report said last year there were 474 incidents of insurgency-related violence resulting in the killing of 27 security forces and 287 civilians. The corresponding figures for 2006 were 413 incidents in which 32 security personnel and 164 civilians were killed. There has been a marked increase -- 200 percent -- of violence against Hindi-speaking migrant workers in the state.

The Interior Ministry said Arunachal Pradesh state also witnessed an increase in incidents in 2007 compared with the preceding year with the districts of Tirap, Changlong and Lohit registering the bulk of violence.

In Nagaland, relative decline in inter-factional clashes between the two factions of NSCN reflected on the overall security situation, as there was some decline in violence in 2007. Mizoram and Sikkim remained largely peaceful, and violence in Meghalaya was low.

The number of violent incidents in the northeastern states increased from 1,332 in 2003 to 1,489 in 2007. Civilian casualties recorded in 2003 were 494, 414 in 2004, 393 in 2005, 309 in 2006 and 498 in 2007. However, the number of security forces killed in action and extremists killed decreased between 2003 and 2007.

In Manipur, there were 584 incidents resulting in the death of 39 security personnel and 130 civilians. The corresponding figures for 2006 were 498 incidents and death of 28 security personnel and 96 civilians. Violence by ethnic Meitei groups escalated by 38 percent and largely accounted for the increased violence in the state. There was a decline in civilian casualties and increased neutralization of militants in counterinsurgency operations.

In Nagaland, 272 incidents were reported in 2007, resulting in the deaths of 44 civilians. The corresponding figures for 2006 were 309 incidents and 29 civilian casualties. Violence in the state is on the rise even as the government is engaged in holding talks with the insurgent National Socialist Council of Nagaland. The status paper said a decline in the insurgent violence has been registered in Nagaland as some members of the NSCN have shifted to designated camps.

"Notwithstanding the government's efforts in bringing all militant outfits to the negotiating table, the region continues to remain disturbed," said Ajai Sahani, executive director of the Institute of Conflict Management, a non-governmental think tank that deals with issues relating to armed conflict.

Peace negotiations launched by the government to restore normalcy in the poverty-stricken area have failed to get to the core issues of the conflict.
Alarming tension after clash between KNA and NSCN(IM) The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Mar 27: High tension erupted among the villagers of two neighbouring villages, Chasad and Kamjong in Ukhrul district, in the aftermath of a gunfight between suspected cadres of Kuki National Army, KNA and National Socialist Council of Nagalim, NSCN (IM) last night which resulted in the death of a suspected KNA cadre and wounding of two others.

The slain person was identified as Alal, 28, son of Halkhojang of Phaikot village. He succumbed to injuries on the way to hospital. One of the two wounded cadres was identified as Paothang, 35, son of Sheizang Kuki of Chasad village in Ukhrul district. He received a bullet at the left chest.

The other one, Thangnio, 30, son of Thanglun of Aishi village suffered wounds at the eye and head.
They have been admitted at different wards in a hospital.

The wounded cadres were brought by troops of 1st Assam Rifles to the RIMS hospital this morning at around 7 am. However, one of them was declared brought dead at the hospital. The dead body was, later, deposited at RIMS morgue for official identification.

Troops of Assam Rifles led by one naik subedar Balbir along with two villagers John Kuki and Thangnion Kuki brought the wounded persons.Police reports said that last night at around 6.30 pm a group of well equipped suspected NSCN(IM) cadres fired upon three suspected cadres of KNA who were at a village market located between Chasad and Kamjong village under Chasad police station.

Local reports said that the incident took place when three cadres of suspected KNA who came to the small market in between Chasad and Kamjong were fired upon by suspected cadres of NSCN (IM). The firing took place when one of the suspected KNA cadre was at a PCO booth while two others were waiting outside the PCO. Following the gunfight additional security forces were deployed in the area as high tension prevailed among the villagers of Chasad and Kamjong.
However, no untoward incident was reported from the two villages.
PREPAK takes responsibility for killing of 3 persons Agencies
Imphal, March 27: Banned People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) has owned responsibility for the March 24 incident in which three persons including two girls were shot dead in Thoubal district of Manipur.
In a statement here yesterday, PREPAK said, "Two girls - I. Nirmala (17) and Th Promila (16) - and a youth identified as Th. Romesh (21) were killed at Heirok village while the victims were celebrating 'Thabal Chongba' dance festival in connection with Holi on Monday night."
Requesting the people to pardon the outfit for killing the two girls, the statement said PREPAK was attempting to eliminate Romesh for colluding with enemies of PREPAK and for trying to kill PREPAK members. It claimed while opening fire at Romesh, stray bullets also hit the two girls and injured another girl also.
Official sources had earlier said unidentified militants opened fire at a group of young boys and girls who were participating in the 'Thabal Chongba' dance festival on Monday night killing Nirmala and Promila on the spot. Romesh later succumbed to bullet injuries in a hospital here while another girl also received bullet injuries, sources said.
Angry locals set houses of Prepak supporter on fire
Imphal, March 27 (PTI): Angry local residents on Thursday set on fire three houses of sympathisers of banned People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak) which owned the responsibility for killing of three persons including two girls in Thoubal district of Manipur on monday last, official sources said.
Hundreds of local residents of Heirok village gathered at the village playground this morning and burnt down the houses of Th Maipaksana, Th Sunidion and M Itaoba of the same locality, who were reported to be sympathisers of the outfit. A report from the district said major portions of the houses were destroyed by fired when fire personnel and police forces reached the spot, about 30 kms south-east of here.
Local residents also refused to collect the bodies of the three persons, still lying at the morgue of the Regional Institue of Medical Science and Hospital till the culprits were arrested, the report said.

Govt okays Rs 535 crore Myanmar project PTI
New Delhi, March 27 : Government today approved a Rs 535.91 crore multi-modal transit transport project in Myanmar, which India will use for improving access to the North-Eastern states. The Union Cabinet sanctioned the funds under the 'Aid to Myanmar' project for the upgradation of Sittwe Port and Kaladan Waterway. The money will also be used for construction of a road from Setpyitpyin (Kaletwa) to the India-Myanmar border.
"The project will provide an access to Mizoram and to other North-Eastern states as well as an outlet to the sea," an official spokesperson told reporters after the Cabinet meeting. The project, to be executed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, also involves construction and improvement of 117 km road on the Indian side from India-Myanmar border. The government approved signing of the Framework Agreement and Protocol on Facilitation of Transit Transport and Protocol on Maintenance and Administration to facilitate the project.
Fresh moves to revive deadlocked ULFA peace process Ians
Guwahati, March 27 (IANS) The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) steps into its 30th year of armed rebellion next week with the violent insurgency showing no signs of relenting. But there is a glimmer of hope with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi trying to revive the peace process. Gogoi has offered to facilitate direct talks between the ULFA leadership and New Delhi.
'We are ready to facilitate and support anybody, including opposition politicians or civil society leaders, willing to go abroad (Bangladesh) and explore possibilities for making the ULFA leadership sit for direct talks with the central government,' the chief minister told IANS.
Intelligence and police reports said the top ULFA leadership - chairperson Arabinda Rajkhowa and commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah - are based in Bangladesh, presumably in Dhaka. Bangladesh, however, continues to deny the reports. In September 2005, the ULFA constituted the People's Consultative Group (PCG), a nine-member group of civil society leaders, to explore possibilities for holding peace talks with New Delhi.
There have been three rounds of talks between the ULFA-chosen PCG and the central government, including one chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In August 2006, New Delhi offered a unilateral ceasefire and the ULFA too responded by calling a truce.
The ceasefire, however, collapsed in September after six weeks with the government accusing the ULFA of violence and stepping up extortion. Since then, the peace process has been in a limbo with violence continuing unabated. 'The chief minister's offer for reviving the peace process is a step forward and we welcome his overtures,' Indira Goswami, a noted Assamese writer, told IANS. For the last four years, Goswami has been the key link between the ULFA and New Delhi with the ULFA formally entrusting her with the task of opening exploratory peace talks. She has held several rounds of informal meetings with the prime minister.
'The first thing we should find out is whether the ULFA wants to talk to some emissary for peace talks. The government and the PCG should meet and then decide whom to send abroad for exploring possibilities for reviving the peace process,' Goswami said. The PCG has also welcomed the chief minister's initiative. 'We welcome the move and hope the government is sincere in its efforts,' PCG leader Dilip Patgiri said. The ULFA had earlier said it would sit for talks if the government released five of their jailed leaders and discussed the core issue of sovereignty. New Delhi has rejected the preconditions.
'Talks should be unconditional,' Gogoi said.
Kuki and Naga militants clash in interior Manipur, 1 dead Nagaland Page

IMPHAL, March 27: A Kuki militant was killed and two others were injured during a gunfight with Naga militants in interior Ukhrul district of Manipur, official sources said today.
There was a heavy exchange of fire between militants of Kuki National Army (KNA) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland -- Isac Muivah (NSCN-IM) faction at Chasad area last evening, sources said. They said a KNA militant was killed and added that two others who received bullet wounds were being treated at Regional Institute of Medical Science and Hospital here. The cause of fight was not immediately known, sources said adding that security and police forces in the district have been alerted in view of the gunbattle between the two militant outfits. (PTI)
UN needs alternative plan for Burma: Activists Mungpi Mizzima News
New Delhi – Given that the UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari's visit to military-ruled Burma did precious little in resolving the country's political imbroglio, the world body needs to think of an alternative, Burmese activists in exile said on Thursday. Burma Democratic Concern (BDC), a new group formed by Burmese activists in exile, in a press release said the UN must force the Burmese junta to recognize the 1990 election results instead of treading on its "roadmap to democracy".
"The UN's role in Burma is hypocritical as it seems to have been taken in by the junta's game plan. Rather the UN should take a binding resolution on Burma," said Myo Thein, the UK director of BDC, which is an international campaign for Burma, formed with activists. Despite several visits by the UN envoy to Burma where he engaged the military leaders, there has been no indication of the junta's willingness for change, the BDC said.
"All the talks, the scheduled referendum and elections are the junta's tactics to smother the international community's pressures. And there is no genuine effort on the part of the junta to usher in reforms in the country's politics," Myo Thein said.
With the junta refusing to recognize the 1990 election results, there is no guarantee that it will honour the results of the ensuing referendum in May and elections in 2010, he added.
"Unless the junta gets its desired results in both the referendum and the elections, the junta will repeat what it did in 1990," said Myo Thein adding that the junta would not have announced the referendum and elections, without planning victory. In 1990, the junta, which seized power after crushing student protests in 1988, held a general election. However, when the poll results were contrary to what the junta had anticipated, the generals refused to honour it.
Instead the junta arrested Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the election winning party – the National League for Democracy – and put her in solitary confinement. After nearly 18 years, the junta in February announced that it is ready to hold a referendum in May on its draft constitution - which took the junta 14 long years to formulate its basic guidelines in a National Convention.
The junta also declared the referendum will be followed by a general election in 2010. The junta is about to repeat what it did in 1990, Myo Thein said. "The UN should realise that its efforts are not producing results and it should think of an alternative," added Myo Thein.
But, Gambari, the UN special envoy to Burma, during an interview with Singapore's Straits Times newspaper said he is hopeful that the Burmese junta is implementing political changes in the Indonesian model, which turned it into a democracy from a military ruled state.
"I can reveal to you that the junta has been looking for a model closer to Indonesia where there was a transition from military to civilian rule and ultimately to democracy," Gambari said, during the interview, which was published on Wednesday.
Despite Gambari's hopes, Myo Thein said there are so far no signs indicating that the junta is ready for a change and called on the UN to impose stricter and more targeted sanctions on the generals, so as to force them to implement change.
New Delhi eyes a Burmese seaport by indoadmin Indo Burma news Nava Thakuria:
March 26, 2008: (Narinjara) Come April 4 and New Delhi will unfold the red carpet for the 'second man in command' of the Burmese junta, Maung Aye, who supposes to arrive in India for finalizing many business deals, primarily the Kaladan project. The project includes the development of Sittwe port in the Bay of Bengal and then connects it with the landlocked Northeast India through the Kaladan river and road transport. The connected Indian state will be Mizoram, which is adjacent to Chin province of Burma (also known as Myanmar).
Vice Senior General Maung Aye, the deputy commander-in-chief of Defence Services is expected to arrive in New Delhi for signing the much discussed Kaladan Multi-Model Project. It will be an important visit of a Burmese high profile leader to New Delhi after Senior General Than Shwe, the head of the State Peace and Development Council (as the present brand of Generals is known) paid a visit four years back.
The project includes the up-gradation of the seaport in Sittwe, widening and deepening of the Kaladan River and development of a road to connect Aizwal.
"The Kaladan project will include shipping, riverine and road transport," said Jairam Ramesh, the Minister of State for Commerce. Talking to media persons during one of his recent visits to the Northeast, Mr Ramesh also added, "New Delhi wants to connect the Northeast with the commercial sea routes. Moreover, with the development of Sittwe port and the Kaladan River as navigation efficient, the region is expected to have another viable access to the South East Asian counties."
India has decided to spend nearly $ 100 million for the project. The junta, though assured free land for the project, had shown reluctance to invest money in the project, which finally compels New Delhi to extend a soft loan of $ 10 million to the SPDC leaders. The Kaladan project is anticipated to be completed within four years and the project will be executed by the public sector Rail India Technical Economic Services organization.
New Delhi's move to invest in a Burmese port assumes significance in view of Bangladesh's reluctance to give India access to Chittagong port, which is nearer to the Northeast. Chittagong port in Bangladesh is less than 200 km from Agartala, where as Sittwe is around 400 km away from Aizwal. Mr Ramesh clarified the issue, "It is unfortunate that we have not been able to develop our relationship with Bangladesh to the level of making it our gateway to Southeast Asia." But he pointed out that New Delhi was constantly working on enhancing ties with Bangladesh.
But the signing of the deal will not be out of repercussion, as the international communities have been raising voices against the military junta for its continued repressive policies on the pro-democracy activists including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and of course poor human rights record in Burma. The public memory remained fresh for the political observers worldwide, where thousands of agitating monks in the streets of Rangoon, the former capital of Burma, were subjected to torture during last September. The junta controlled the movement with strong hands killing nearly hundreds.
The Burmese exiles irrespective of their organizations have come out heavily against New Delhi for initiating for a business deal. The supporters of pro-democracy movement in Burma have raised a single point that India should not invest money at this moment in Burma as the money will not reach the common people, but the pockets of the Generals. They unanimously point out that it is not the suitable time to invest in Burma, even if one does not endorse the pro-democracy movement led by the Nobel laureate Suu Kyi.
"This is not a right time to build long-term relationship with the Burmese rulers," argued M. Kim, the coordinator of Shwe Gas Pipeline Campaign Committee (India). Talking to this correspondent, Kim added, "India must not bury alive its extraordinary democratic values and inspiration of promotion of peace and human rights by dealing business and building relation with this barbaric Burmese military junta which recently not only kill, torture and imprison its own innocent people and monks but also violated religious rights by sealing off monasteries and restricting basic rights of prayers at pagodas."
Even a public meeting at Aizwal during January resolved to appeal New Delhi to snap all ties with the military junta as 'the economic cooperation with them would never benefit the people unless democracy was restored in Burma'. Organized jointly by the Mizoram Committee for Democracy in Burma and the Campaign for Democratic Movement in Burma, the meeting also resolved that New Delhi should work with the UN to find amicable solution to the Burmese imbroglio. Dr Tint Swe, a leader of National League for Democracy led by Suu Kyi, who is living in exile in India, was also present at the meeting and argued that dealing with Burma 'would only have a meaning after restoration of democracy' there.
Tayza Thuria, a Burmese exile based in London debates that 'India's doing business with Burma and engaging with Burma's de-facto military government is not wrong in itself'. But the Indian government needs to be careful to maintain a balanced and ethical approach towards Burma; i.e., while engaging with Burmese government in business and security affairs, New Delhi must also try to persuade, advice and guide the junta to make the systematic democratic reforms in due course of time.
Kyaw Than, the leader of All Burma Students' League (ABSL), a conglomeration of Burmese students' organizations in exile, asserted that it is not the suitable time to do business with Burma. He rather claimed, "It is high time for the international communities, more precisely India and China, to come clean on Burma policies. Otherwise, they will be criticized in future that both New Delhi and Beijing had continued business for good reasons but sadly with wrong people."


Frans on 03.28.08 @ 07:32 AM CST [link]


Reconciliation Forum plea to factions Nagaland Post



Reconciliation Forum plea to factions Nagaland Post

DIMAPUR, MARCH 26 (NPN): The Forum for Naga Reconciliation comprising of apex tribal bodies and organizations has with "renewed spirit and commitment" urged the various underground factions to abide by the ceasefire agreement signed between them under the aegis of GBs and DBs. The Forum in a press release also appealed Nagas to desist from any "unwanted patterns and behaviours", which would disturb the peaceful co-existence of the communities in towns and villages, thereby affecting business community, educational institutions and citizens in general.
The Forum consisting of apex organizations including Naga Hoho, Eastern Naga People's Organization (ENPO), Eastern Naga Students' Federation (ENSF), Eastern Naga Students' Association (ENSA), GBs & DBs Federation Nagaland, Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM), United Naga Council Manipur (UNC), All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Mothers' Association (NMA), Naga Students' Federation (NSF), Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Shisha Hoho office bearers and Naga Peace Convention speakers, which was formed in the Naga Peace Convention held on February 22-24 at Kohima, at its meeting held Tuesday (March 25) further called upon responsible leaders to be vigilant of their own cadres towards any unwanted act (s) carried out on their own behalf.
"In this regard, the public is already very unhappy and take such unwanted acts in towns, villages and highways with seriousness," the Forum said and requested tribal community elders, leaders and citizens to be vigilant and discipline the undisciplined, be it "underground" or "overground." The Forum also called upon law enforcement agencies -the police and particularly the Indian security forces not to indulge in Naga political affairs with clandestine design and added the Naga nation had "suffered too much for too long under such designs."
Meanwhile, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation resolved that a 'Working Committee' for Naga reconciliation would be worked out at the earliest, basing solely on "the Historical and Political rights of the Nagas towards a peaceful political settlement with India," and in this regard, urged all "factions" and Nagas to render undivided loyalty towards the common vision. The Forum requested Dr. Wati Aier to be the Forum convenor for a period of time.
Chance for peace SUSHANTA TALUKDAR Frontline
The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland is re-elected to power, but the coalition is under pressure to keep each one of its legislators happy. PTI
THE results of the March 5 Assembly elections in Nagaland shattered any hope the Congress may have had about capturing power in the north-eastern State. The arithmetic was in favour of the Neiphiu Rio-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN). The DAN was short of the majority mark by one seat but had no difficulty in mobilising the support of independents to cobble up the magic figure of 31 in a House of 60.
Neiphiu Rio (right) being sworn in as Chief Minister by Governor K. Sankaranarayanan in Kohima on March 12. A 12-member DAN Ministry headed by Rio was sworn in by Governor K. Sankaranarayanan at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima on March 12, after the Union Cabinet recommended revocation of President’s Rule to pave the way for the formation of a new government. In order to prevent any attempt by the Congress to wean away those legislators who had been left out of the new Ministry, 13 DAN legislators were inducted as Parliamentary Secretaries immediately after the Rio Ministry took the oath of office. One of the four independents supporting the DAN has been rewarded with a Cabinet berth while two others have been made Parliamentary Secretaries.
Rio’s Nagaland People’s Front (NPF), the major constituent of the DAN, emerged stronger in the elections: it won 26 seats to become the single largest party in the new Assembly. The regional party improved its tally by seven seats from the 19 it won in the 2003 polls. Two other constituents of the DAN, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), secured two seats each. The Congress, which contested from all the 60 constituencies, won 23 seats, two more than its previous score.
The BJP won seven seats in the previous elections. It was allotted four seats this time in a pre-poll agreement. The NPF fielded 56 candidates and in 19 seats it was involved in “friendly contests” with the BJP. This experiment seems to have benefited the NPF as it prevented non-NPF votes from going to Congress candidates. In Assam, a similar experiment in the 2001 Assembly polls had cost the BJP and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), both allies, dear. None of the four women candidates got elected this time. Ironically, the declaration of results coincided with the International Women’s Day.
Neiphiu Rio was re-elected from the Northern Angami constituency, by a huge margin of 10,761 votes, for the fifth time. Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader I. Imkong was re-elected by a margin of 3,926 votes from the Jangpetkong constituency and former Congress Chief Minister K.L. Chisi won from the Dimapur–I constituency by a margin of 2,311 votes.
The polling recorded a high turnout, with 86.8 per cent of the 13,02,266 voters exercising their franchise. In the 2003 elections, the turnout was 87.79 per cent.
Barring some stray incidents, polling was by and large peaceful. However, during the run-up to the polls, the parties alleged that cadre of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, Khaplang faction, had resorted to intimidation of candidates. The NSCN(I-M) said the Naga political cause was more important and the organisation would not compromise its principles by participating in the elections held under the “Indian Constitution”.
The NSCN (Khaplang) asked all underground organisations not to involve themselves in any manner in the elections. The Naga National Council (NNC) had conducted a poster campaign against the elections across the State.
The results of the polls have proved media analysts wrong. They had built their election coverage around predicting the outcome on the basis of pro- and anti-incumbency factors, which was nothing but an oversimplification of a complex process. The bad condition of the 74-kilometre stretch of National Highway 74, linking Dimapur and Kohima, and frequent power breakdowns in the capital city and acute power shortage in most other parts of the State, two extreme instances of lack of basic infrastructure, were sufficient grounds to reject the DAN, on the basis of the anti-incumbency factor. But the political behaviour of voters was determined by the NPF’s main poll plank – the imposition of President’s Rule.
RITU RAJ KONWAR

At the Forest Clooney booth in Dimapur-I constituency on March 5. Nagaland recorded a voter turnout of 86.8 per cent.
The “illegal dismissal of the DAN government by the Congress” evoked a huge response among voters and the results have indicated that this issue overshadowed the Congress’ campaign against the “corruption” and “misrule of the DAN government”.
State Congress leaders felt that, contrary to expectations, the imposition of President’s Rule did not benefit the party. They attribute the party’s defeat to the dissatisfaction among those who were denied the ticket. Inclusion of defectors from the NPF in the candidates’ list certainly added to the disgruntlement. Six NPF defectors got elected on the Congress ticket.
The NPF claims that the DAN would have won more seats had President’s Rule not been imposed on January 3, one month before the government could complete its full term. The proclamation of Central rule brought an end to a seven-month-long political drama marked by a series of defections and resignations.
Rio contended that President’s Rule was imposed to allow the Congress to misuse the government machinery in electioneering. On the political side, the return of the DAN at the helm is expected to give a push to the ongoing Naga peace process between the NSCN(I-M) and the Government of India.
Rio said that his government would continue to act as facilitator in the process and put pressure on New Delhi to expedite the talks. He said the resolution of the Naga problem would bring permanent peace to Nagaland, which, he believed, was essential for any development activity.
Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, Rio announced that the DAN would constitute a Political Affairs Committee to contact all underground outfits and civil society groups with the objective of fostering unity among all sections of the Naga family. The Chief Minister also said that the DAN government would give priority to the policy of “peace for development and development for peace”, the policy it had pursued in its previous term. The DAN also harped on the “integration of contiguous Naga inhabited areas”, which is also the declared policy of the NPF. The Congress too had raised the issue of “integration of Naga-inhabited areas”, but the voters were perhaps not convinced about its intentions as the party talked about the implementation of the unimplemented clauses of the historic 16-point agreement signed between the Government of India and the erstwhile Naga People’s Convention in July 1960.
RITU RAJ KONWAR

A poster that appeared in Kohima as part of the anti-election campaign of the Naga National Council, an underground militant outfit.
Clause 13 of the agreement states that “the other Naga tribes inhabiting the areas contiguous to the present Nagaland be allowed to join Nagaland if they so desire”, but there has been no direct commitment from the Centre about its implementation.
The NPF, on the other hand, did not restrict itself to the idea of integration of the Naga-inhabited areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur. It went a step further to promise voters that it would urge the Centre to seek due recognition for the Naga people living in Myanmar, an issue already made popular by the NSCN(I-M). This gave the NPF an edge over the Congress. The NSCN(I-M) has raised the issue relentlessly in the course of its peace negotiations with the Centre in the past 10 years. During his election campaign in the State, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made a commitment that the Congress was “willing to go the extra mile” to find an honourable solution to the vexed Naga problem and bring long-lasting peace to the State. The DAN government is likely to use this offer to pressure the Centre to resolve the Naga political issue.
The Congress did not stake its claim to form the government as it did not have the numbers. However, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president, Hokheto Sumi, said the party would “wait and see”, pointing out that the DAN government was a coalition and not a single-party government. “The Congress should take advantage of that fact,” he said.
With the Congress keeping a vigil, Rio will be under pressure to keep every DAN legislator happy to ensure the stability of his government.
No confusion and controversy in NNC leaders’ election: LRC morungexpress Dimapur,
The “real” Lotha Regional Council (LRC) officials of the Naga national Council (NNC) today said that it is in total support of new and capable leadership of NNC whom they (LRC) had seconded the nomination and voted for election on February 13 and 14, 2008 NNC Meeting for Election and said that there is no confusion or controversy in this matter of election of the NNC leaders.
A press statement received here from the ‘real Lotha Regional Council (LRC) officials’, which was appended by six leader including the NNC, LRC
President, Eshithung Ennio, while referring to an article issued by ‘one fake Vice President of Lotha Regional Council NNC namely Apongo Lotha’ in the local media on March 28, strongly condemned the ‘fake vice president’ and said that ‘this is a serious offence committed by Apongo Lotha who shamelessly claimed to be the Vice President, LRC’.
Saying that the Lotha people and the NNC in particular know who the real Regional Office Bearers in the Region are, the release asserted that no body can confuse and mislead the Naga people and the NNC in this matter.
Also asserting that the very intention of such person is to confuse and mislead the Naga people and the NNC in particular, the release stated that the Lotha Regional Council is in total support of new and capable leadership of NNC whom it had seconded the nomination and voted for election.
“In fact, everything was done according to the norms and procedures of Election and the Constitution in a big gathering officially and publicly unlike in the past.
Therefore, there is no confusion or controversy in this matter of Election of the NNC leaders,” the release asserted and added that they are the voters and witnesses ‘to this free and fair election of new leadership’.
While fully justifying the election of Dr Senka Yaden and his Officials, the release stated that Dr. Senka is an old and real NNC member who supervised, conducted and participated in the 1951 Plebiscite of the Nagas which is the main pillar of the Naga political right known to the World. It added that Dr Senka is a top and famous Scientist of the World who can do a lot in the International arena for the Nagas.
In this regard, the Lotha Regional Council's prayed God to bless Dr. Senka Yaden and his Officials abundantly for the cause of the Naga people and live long for the glory of God.
Regarding the Ao Regional Council knowledge and consent, the LRC, NNC maintained that except for Teka Soyah, all the Central Executive Council members from the Ao Region participated in the Election and that this Election is the NNC Central's matter and programme, therefore it has nothing to do with any Regional Council for that matter.
In fact, Teka Soyah was expelled from the Vice Presidentship of NNC during Late Reverend Merhupfu Kent's leadership also because of not attending Central Executive Council Meetings for several times without reason. And also Teka Soyah as the President of Ao Regional Council was suspended for not attending NNC Meetings for some years without any reasons during Gen. (Retd) I. Panger's Tenure too, the Lotha REgional council of the NNC stated..
In this regard the relesae stated that the NNC has nothing to do with such person and added that what the NNC Central said about him is right and supported by the Lotha Regional Council in this matter.
“The Lotha Regional Council must say that out of jealousy some few vested persons are doing all this nasty publicity to tarnish the good deeds of NNC. The LRC condemned all these dirty politics,” it stated.
Speech of Dr. Senka Yaden, President, NNC- Nagaland Post
Dear Naga people,
On behalf of the NNC, it is a joy and a blessing to greet you on this Day-22nd March in commemoration of the Declaration of the Naga Republic Day in 1956. Every year we receive the Presidential message of encouragement and historical significance of this day. At the present stage of our history we have yet to attain full Independent Sovereign Nation Status. Notwithstanding, it serves as a reminder of who we are and what we stand for and our glorious history of our fight for liberty and freedom. The hope for a better future inspires us and makes us proud of our heritage.
On this day let us honor our leaders, martyrs, National workers who have made sacrifices including their lives for the sacred cause of liberty. In their remembrance, let us rededicate ourselves to the unfinished task of fulfilling the National aspirations of the Naga people.
To all who have suffered and endured the Naga experience, NNC represents the Parent Body that embodies the tenets of the paths and foundations laid for us by our founding fathers. Join us in the fight for faith, hope and joy for all generations of the Nagas.
I have taken the liberty to share with you the NNC Mission Statement and the National Goals based upon my own understanding and personal experience. We will be happy to engage, explore, examine, experiment and evaluate any issue for the Love of Nagaland.
NNC Mission Statement
The Naga Nation is staked upon the foundation of Moral and Christians principles. The Naga National Council (NNC) is the primary institution that represents the basic philosophy of Naga Nationalism. The mission of the NNC is to establish a Peaceful Independent Sovereign Christian Country. Every Naga is a privileged member of the NNC.
National goals
To protect, preserve and defend the history, integrity and the sacred inheritance of our land.
To establish a new tradition of "harmony in heritage" by embracing the past.
To reaffirm the Naga Mandate - The Plebiscite of 1951 and the Naga Yehzabo.
To defend the moral rights of our land, family, home, posterity, and culture.
To unite and live as one land, one nation, one people in peace and liberty.
To declare that Naga problems require Naga solutions.
At this present distracted stage, the cruelest thing is to destroy the history of the nation and the stories of the people. The Naga experience is written in the minds and hearts of the people who have suffered in the sacred cause of freedom.
I believe that our country has been preserved these many years because of God's grace and purpose. Let us then get back to worshiping and depending on Him to "heal our land". Solution for Nagaland is in the hands of God (2 Chronicles 7:14)
On this Naga Republic Day, I am emotional and grateful for the opportunity to express pride and honor of my Naga heritage. Our ancestors lived in villages where each village was a small republic worthy of self government in the purest form of democracy. My faith in the Naga people has been vindicated. Our mission is to unite not to divide, to build up not to destroy. We must plan for victory, not to plot for defeat.
Let us unite and work together to give the best we have to our Nation.
Come On Young People! Think, Act, and Be "Be a Man among Men. Be a Nation among Nations" (A.Z. Phizo)
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Let us celebrate this day of March 22, 2008 to honor Naga freedom warriors.
May god bless Nagaland. Kuknalim
Open Letter to Naga Christian leaders- Nagaland Post
The Vankhosung Baptist Church would like to bring forth the unbiblical and crime against the Church, Rev. Nrio Ezung, the Executive Secretary. The main culprit is herewith requested to reply the below 14 charter of demands within 10 days from the date of this notification
1. On what ground you have put the change of Vankhosung Baptist Church's nomenclature to the Executive Comm. KBES without the consent of VBC.
2. Under what circumstances you have insult the Church of God, using abusive word as "pretended to be a Church" (Kilato)
3. On what ground you have mixed up the VBC Jubilee with that of Association (KBES) Jubilee.
4. On what ground you have disregarded time and date of the establishment of VBC in the presence of the founding members.
5. On what ground the VBC 50 year's jubilee was prevented.
6. On what ground VBC was not allowed to celebrate 50 years jubilee within the premises of Mission Compound.
7. On what ground erecting of Jubilee memorial stone and church's history was prohibited.
8. On what ground you have prevented KBES employees and their children's to participate in the jubilee.
9. On what ground WBC Students are prevented to participate in the jubilee.
10. On what ground you have prohibited the KBES staff to contribute their tithes and offerings to VBC for one year. (It is totally against the Bible and The KBPS Constitution).
11. On what ground the VBC was converted to chapel.
12. Under what circumstances you have dedicated the newly KBES purchased vehicles (Bolero) when the usual Wednesday church service was worshipping by the believers of VBC.
13. On what ground you have prepared alone Rev. L. L. Kikon's ordination programme without him and without the recommendation letter from the concern church? Which is too coinciding with Palm Sunday programmes utterly disregarding the great historical events of Christian don all over the world.
14. Why you have disregarded the site allotment of VBC building in 1960 by 12 Lotha Christian Association Leaders.
Dr. N. Y. Mozhui, Pastor Vankhosung Baptist Church Wokha : Nagaland.
Bhutan will not hesitate to act against NE rebels morungexpress
Thimphu, March 26 (PTI): Bhutan's new government will not hesitate to carry out a 2003-like operation against Indian insurgents if they sneak into its territory, the Bhutanese party which swept to power in the country's first general election said today.
The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), which will form the first elected government in Bhutan, said there won't be much change to the erstwhile kingdom's foreign policy with its two giant neighbours India and China with whom it had "excellent" relations. "Both India and China are important neighbours and we will continue to maintain excellent relations with them," party spokesman Palden Tshering said.
"Our foreign policy is very clear. Our relations with India for decades have been of bonhomie and there won't be any change in that approach," former foreign secretary Ugyen Tshering said. Ugyen denied reports of presence of camps of northeast rebels in southern Bhutan. "These are not true and even if militants try to sneak into our country, we will not hesitate to do what we did in 2003," he said.
Bhutan had evicted ULFA, NDFB and KLO militants through a military operation in 2003 and destroyed nearly 15 of their camps during the "Operation All Clear". Among the prized catch were senior ULFA adviser Bhimkanta Buragohain and publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary.
Former Prime Minister Yeshey Zimba, who won from the South Thimphu constituency, said Bhutan will never allow Indian insurgents on its soil.
Requires to do by the Ministers & MLA’s morungexpress
•Sir-Due to the gaffe created during the state assembly election in selecting the leaders, lots of harm can be done to the state affairs which may raze both the body and soul. When the election season comes, even the church leaders feel as if Satan will easily subject to them and so they come out with lots of better regulations for the church.
On the other hand, Satan also with all his effort, flatters and work as he like - with money and with lie, he chooses leaders, and hazerise the Nagas. For years and years Satan has been applying this technique, yet till today the Christians are been bribed by him.
I want every Nagas to know that it is because of the mentioned above reason, day by day, the Nagas are becoming worse and worse. If we want the Nagas to be Satan’s, then we can venture along with him, but if we want to be for the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit then, today, before the destruction fully devour us, the Naga Christian leaders must immediately do something. We are at an age that we require to do and proclaim many things.
The Lord is with those who loves Him, obeys Him and fears Him (John l4:23).Therefore, if we choose those who fears God to be over our state, certainly the Lord will work through them, and peace and unity will flourish in our land. Not only that, but the long time political crisis that exists between India and Nagaland wont be difficult to get its settlement, why because nothing is impossible for God.
I. A Christian MLA, after he is elected, even in the assembly he must be able to faithfully work both for the Lord and for the state. He must speak what is needed to speak and must do what is needed to do. It is because he hesitates to acknowledge in the assembly the rights of God as well as the Naga’s, the Nagas are continually to the path of sin and also, many issues that are needed to be discussed between India and Nagaland are ignored. Thus, from every corner we are struck with problems and destructions.
2. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him,” (Proverbs 16:7). Therefore, if Ministers/MLAs with all possibilities try their best to let each single Naga please the Lord, then we will see peace and harmony among us.
3. Only through fasting and prayer, the bonds of wickedness will be loosed and every yoke will be broken (Isaiah 58:6). Therefore, to loose the bonds of Nagas’ wickedness and to undo the Nagas heavy burdens, ministers/MLAs are required to earnestly fast and pray, and wisely plan and work out.
4. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy, (Psalm 126:5). Nagas have talked much about sin and many lives were lost. Thus, if the ministers/MLAs shed their tears solemnly and plead to God and do the rightful works, then Nagas will once again see the joy and peace. If we carefully look in the Bible, the children of God took that way. Viewing all these, the Christian Democratic Party is very much concern.

A guided tour of 'outer' India Sify News
Maloy Krishna Dhar started life off as a junior reporter for Amrita Bazaar Patrika in Calcutta and a part-time lecturer. He joined the Indian Police Service in 1964 and was permanently seconded to the Intelligence Bureau.
During his long stint in the Bureau, Dhar saw action in almost all Northeastern States, Sikkim, Punjab and Kashmir. He also handled delicate internal political and several counterintelligence assignments. After retiring in 1996 as joint director, he took to freelance journalism and writing books. Titles credited to him are Open Secrets-India's Intelligence Unveiled, Fulcrum of Evil — ISI, CIA, al-Qaeda Nexus, and Mission to Pakistan. Maloy is considered a top security analyst and a social scientist who tries to portray Indian society through his writings.
Have you ever heard of places like Somdal, Chapkikarong, and Soraphung?
To many, they might not even sound Indian. But they are areas in the Indian State of Manipur.
The Indian Army and paramilitary forces took over three months (November 07 to February 2008) to partially recapture the sensitive Somdal area on the Indo-Myanmar border from hordes of Meitei (Manipuri Hindus) rebel groups.
Chapkikarong, a beautiful valley near the Burma border, is still infested by the Meitei and assorted Kuki rebel groups.
Soraphung, on the Manipur-Nagaland border, and close to Myanmar, is a stronghold of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) or NSCN (I-M).
The Naga imbroglio is a long story. But Manipur, where I conduct your tour now, is a far more complicated and longer story.
The kingdom of Manipur was merged with India in 1949. Since then, the Jewel of the East has rarely witnessed peace.
Several complicated factors contributed to the rise and consolidation of separatist outfits in Manipur since early sixties. The valley (700 sq miles) was mostly inhabited by Meitei Vaishnavite Hindus. The hills were traditional homes of assorted Naga tribes (about 15) and tribes of Kuki-Chin-Lushai origin (about 20). It is a vast, kaleidoscopic confluence of humans and bountiful nature.
I cannot guide you to Loktak, the Dal Lake of the East. The vastness, depth and rippling beauty of the water body has shrunk, and very few Siberian and Chinese birds migrate to the area during winter.
I cannot take you to Bishenpur (Vishnupur) to see the neglected 7th century Vishnu image created by the craftsmen of the Hindu Abha kingdom of Myanmar. Some stray terrorist bullets might hit you and me.
If I can manage a police escort, it may be possible to guide you to Moirang Lakeview, where Netaji Subhash Bose had set up Azad Hind Government’s headquarters on Indian soil. The memorial lies in neglect.
A drive up to the border smuggling towns of Tengnoupal and Tamu is fraught with danger. There are distinct possibilities of Naga, Kuki or Meitei underground gangs kidnapping us for a hefty ransom.
Would you like to travel to Tussom Khullen, Chassad and Toipoi? Rather risky. These tracts in Ukhrul’s Tangkhul Naga areas are administered by the NSCN (I-M) instead of the government of Manipur. You might have to pay local taxes to the Naga rebels for a bumpy journey to the remote villages on Myanmar borders.
However, the breathtaking beauty of the Ukhrul Naga Hills might tempt you to drop into a village, chat with the khullakpa (headman), witness wonderful dances and listen to Church carols. I wish I could guide you through the beautiful terrains in Ukhrul as well as Tamenglong and Thanlon-Parbung Hills.
However, I wouldn’t recommend setting up a business, take a government job or set up a professional practice either in the valley or in the hills.
The terrorists demand hefty monthly dues and casual “taxes” from all earning members. Besides professionals and traders, even ministers of and senior government officials are subjected to moral policing and heavy taxation.
During a recent visit to the valley, an old friend whispered that Manipur — perhaps like most other States in India — has a unique system of wealth sharing. Out of rupees one hundred, the political bosses take a cut of 25 per cent, the bureaucrats about 10 per cent, terrorists over 20 per cent.
But even the remaining 50 per cent does not reach the Aam Aadmi. Out of plan and non-plan budget, the lowest creatures in the democratic system can expect only 15 per cent of the allocated amount. The rest disappear in the jungles inhabited by animals called contractors, babus, local political dadas and fringe militants. Let us continue the tour with a visit to the colourful “Ima Keithel”, or shopping vends managed by women. The land of Chitrangada still practices steady participation by women in all spheres of life.
But I won’t dare taking you to Keisampat Leirak (lane) for a sumptuous Meitei feast, which often consists of 80 items of fish, vegetables and lentil eaten with sticky rice, with the finale of a plate of sweet black rice pudding. Not that the Meiteis are inhospitable. They are an excellent warm-hearted people. But neither I nor your Leirak host can assure your physical safety. You and I might end up at the wrong end of a Kalashnikov, or walk out only after paying a hefty ransom. However, I won’t disappoint you by denying you chance meetings with exquisitely beautiful Manipuri belles selling handloom products, as they go about in colourful dresses on their mopeds and bicycles.
Despite the multiple layers of dark clouds hanging over their heads and lives, the Meitei women keep their cool and greet you with smiling faces. But don’t even dream of making unsolicited advances. Meitei women are known for their valour and fighting mettle.
I might remind you of the Second Nupi (women) Lan (war) of Manipur. Nupi Lan is one of the important movements in the history of Manipuri women. It sowed the new seeds of economic and political reforms for a new Manipur in the early 1940s. It was started in 1939 as an agitation by Manipuri women against the oppressive economic and administrative policies of the Manipur Maharaja and the British Political Agent — Mr Gimson (1933-45) in Manipur. The incident later evolved into a movement for the constitutional and administrative reform in Manipur.
The role of Manipuri women in the agrarian economy of Manipur is crucial, right from the involvement in the production to the selling and marketing of food grains. They manage most of the internal trade of food and clothing and they hold a free standard of living in the society. They are the most important buyers and sellers in the main market Khwairamband Bazaar — a bazaar which was founded by Khagemba Maharaj in 1580, and which is also known as Ima Keithel. This bazaar was where Nupi Lan had initially started.
The Meitei women still maintain the tradition of Chitrangada, who had humbled the third Pandava, Arjun. I would advise you to be especially respectful to Meitei women and not treat them as chattel, as is the wont in other parts of urban-rural India.
That is another reason, besides the fear of insurgents, that prevents me to take you to some picture postcard village in Thoubal or Angou foothills to witness fabulous Manipuri dances like varieties of Pung Cholom (Ras Lila), Achouba Bhangi Pareng, Khrumba Bhangi Pareng, Lai Haraoba and Natrasankirtana etc. Manipuri dances have attained classical perfection and folk innovation. However, if you are lucky I can guide you to the Gobindji Temple, where traditional dances are performed during Basant Ras and other festivals. It might also be possible to guide you to Mao Songsong and the mountain heights below Japhu Hills, which often have fine layers of snow in the winters. The Naga tribes of Mao, Maram are very hospitable and you might be able to share a fine dinner of roasted pork, spicy venison, chunky beef, roasted bee larva, rice cooked inside hollowed bamboo stems served with madhu (mild rice beer) or ruhi (strong rice or millet beer). If you are lucky the village belles of Ruvunamei and Kalinamei might stage a colourful Naga dance in the courtyard of the village Church.
Dear visitors, I am not trying to either allure or frighten you. Manipur indeed is the Kashmir of the East, though several layers of lustre have peeled off during the last 60 years.
My hesitation in taking you deep into the beauties of Manipur arises out of the raging insurgency/terrorism in the valley and the hills. There are nearly 25 insurgent groups in the tiny State, including three headed by valley Muslims. Important Meitei insurgent groups are, Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF), People's Liberation Army (PLA), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and United National Liberation Front (UNLF).
The Meitei outfits, who want Manipur’s sovereignty restored, carry out their activities from bordering areas of Myanmar. They are well entrenched in the pats (villages), leikais (areas) and leiraks (lanes) and flourish in the heart of the State capital. Chances are, you did not read the news items about the explosion caused by the KYKL inside the State Assembly, the arrest of a few insurgents from the residence of a government minister, and similar incidents. After all, who cares about a part of ‘outer’ Indian territory called Manipur?
I don’t think your editor would spare more space to me to elaborate the deep-rooted reasons for a Hindu Vaishnava community taking up arms against a Hindu majority India. These are very complex issues which arose out of big brotherly attitude of the “mayangs” (outsider Indians), non- and bad governance, severe economic imbalance, an inability to strike a balance between the Valley Hindus and Hill tribals and to adequately and satisfactorily remove the Meitei fear of creation of a greater Nagaland (Nagalim), as demanded by the Naga insurgent outfits.
Most of these complexities arose out of Indian unconcern about the ‘outer’ Indian territories and lack of conscious efforts to integrate the remote areas with the mainland, while preserving the exquisite uniqueness of the civilisational, cultural and traditional legacies of the people of Manipur. Are you any wiser after having this? This is the simple reason that inspired me to give you a short guided tour of a tiny part of ‘outer’ India.
Your editor consenting, and you willing, I would offer my services to take you to other parts of ‘outer’ India, like Nagaland, Arunachal, Assam including the Karbi Anglong regions.
My generation of Indians is guilty of converting these integral parts of India to ‘outer’ India. I hope that all of you — particularly the younger generation — reading this will make conscious efforts to convert them to core territories of India, by visiting these places instead of madly rushing to Kullu, Manali, Ranikhet, and Srinagar and Ooty.
Welcome to this guided tour of 'outer' India. May your journey be a fulfilling one.
‘Ethnic nationalities’ join hands; demand repeal of AFSPA morungexpress
Various representatives of the ‘Ethnic Nationalities’ engage in a discussion to join hands on issues of common interest. The committee resolved to demand the withdrawal of the AFSPA and urged for the abolition of the death penalty.
Dimapur, March 26 (MExN): To strengthen the spirit of cooperation and to build effective coordination among the constituent units, an interim coordination committee was formed at a meeting of leaders and representatives of organizations from Kashmir, Punjab and the North-east, which was attended among others by JKLF chairman Yasin Malik and presided by Justice Retd. Ajit Singh Bains.
A press release recieved here informing that this committee has been formed as a result of the continuing deliberations starting with the seminar on rights of ethnic nationalities held in Chandigarh on December 8, 2007 which was organized by Dal Khalsa and attended by JKLF, APHC, NPMHR and PHRO. The decision was announced jointly by Prof S A R Geelani and Kanwarpal Singh at a press conference held at press club.
The release informed that after extensive deliberations on the civil and political rights situation in the respective areas, a number of decisions were taken and a resolution passed to expand the scope of the committee to include members from the North-east and other regional groups and movements struggling for peoples' rights.
Since the last six decades, various ethnic nationalities have been encountering repressive policies of the Indian state and all these groups have resolved to resist the same in a united manner, it stated.
In this regard, the release disclosed that interim coordination committee resolved to demand the release of all political prisoners in Kashmir, Punjab and northeast as well as in other parts of the country.
It also resolved to demand the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the Disturbed Areas Act and other anti-people legislation. The meeting urged the Indian state to abolish death penalty from the statute. Pending the abolition of capital punishment, the death sentences of all prisoners, including political prisoners like Mohammed Afzal, Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar, Jagtar Singh Hawara and Balwant Singh should be commuted to life imprisonment. Those prisoners, who are on the death row for an unreasonably long time, should be released immediately, the release stated.
The release also resolved to demand the withdrawal of widespread impunity and discretion granted to the army and the police, which the release maintained, has played havoc with human rights of people in respective areas, -in individual cases as well as gross abuse of peoples.
The interim Committee, in one of its first decisions, sent greetings to the people of Kosovo who were able to declare their independence after a century of subjugation and oppression, the release stated and added that the meeting also condemned the oppression of Tibetans in Lhasa by the Chinese police and military forces and urged the international community to intervene to uphold the rights of the people of Tibet. The first members of the interim committee are Prof. S. A. R. Geelani of Society for Protection of Detainees and Prisoners Rights, Sheikh Abdul Aziz, Executive Member (APHC), Mohammed Ashraf Lone, Adv. Head Human Rights Wing of All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Er. Ghulam Rasool Dar, General Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Navkiran Singh Advocate of Lawyers for Human Rights International and Kanwarpal Singh, general secretary of Dal Khalsa. Representatives of the Naga and Assam groups will be included in the committee in due course, the release added.


Frans on 03.28.08 @ 05:28 AM CST [link]


Tuesday, March 25th

Rio blames DoNER for Nagaland woes OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Rio blames DoNER for Nagaland woes OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Kohima, March 24: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio today called for the abolition of the Union ministry for development of the northeastern region (DoNER), accusing it of favouring Assam at the cost of the state’s hilly neighbours.
Rio, back for a second consecutive term in government after elections under President’s rule, said Nagaland and other states of the Northeast could do with a separate development agency instead of having to vie with Assam for the DoNER ministry’s affections.
Set up in September 2001, DoNER was for the first few years of its existence a department whose main job was to co-ordinate with central ministries and development agencies. It was later upgraded to a ministry, now headed by Mani Shankar Aiyar.
Nagaland’s planning and coordination minister, T.R. Zeliang, said the North Eastern Council, too, had let down the region. The remarks came after the budget for 2008-09 was tabled in the Assembly. The chief minister said as much as 80 per cent of the budget allocation for the DoNER ministry was being channelled into schemes in Assam, leaving the rest of the states to fight for the “meagre leftovers”. He advocated radical changes for the DoNER ministry and the NEC to fulfil their objectives.
Zeliang, who quit the Rajya Sabha today to keep his Assembly seat, said Nagaland was not the first state to complain of bias and probably would not be the last. “The issue was raised by the North East MPs’ Forum on several occasions but nothing was done.”
He suggested that the DoNER ministry be replaced with a separate agency for tribal-dominated northeastern states like Nagaland. The first budget of Rio’s second term was a tax-free one, albeit with a deficit of Rs 425.77 crore. The chief minister, who like Tarun Gogoi of Assam has held on to the finance portfolio, said the estimated expenditure during the current fiscal would result in a negative balance of Rs 57.53 crore.
Coupled with the negative opening balance of Rs 368.24 crore, the year will close with the mammoth deficit projected in the budget. Rio said revenue had increased from Rs 106.03 crore in 2003-03 to Rs 210 crore in 2006-07, representing 98 per cent growth. But he said tax receipts were still far below 5 per cent of the GDP, which the Planning Commission has already warned Nagaland against.
“As we look around us and see the increasing areas that require government intervention and investment in creating public infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life and generating economic growth and employment, we all need to understand that our revenue mobilisation goes to fund such activities,” the chief minister said in his budget speech.
GPRN/NSCN’ disowns press statement morungexpress
Dimapur, March 24 (MExN): In connection with the news item that appeared on various local dailies ‘purportedly by Secretary, MIP GPRN/NSCN on March 23’, The ‘GPRN/NSCN’ today clarified that, regardless of the content and intent of the statement, GPRN/NSCN has nothing to do with it and outrightly disowned and denounced the news item, which it termed as misleading press statement which is ‘in fact a ploy to portray GPRN as antagonist’.
“The self assumed vindication against Th Muivah, Margaret Alva, Neiphiu Rio, Shurhozelie, KL Chishi and I Imkong etc and implicating various political parties is nothing but a scheme to disseminate discontentment and to ultimately fracture the ongoing Naga unification process,” a press statement issued by the Publicity Cell, GPRN/NSCN stated.
Stating that the very concept of the Naga unification is to encompass all the Naga people cutting across factions, party lines, tribes, artificial boundaries, individual bearing etc, the release asserted that ‘forging the office of GPRN/NSCN and issuing such statement to confuse the masses, create bitterness and ill will towards GPRN is but the ploy of an adversary’. The release further notified that the ‘Publicity Cell is the only official mouth piece, other than that no communiqué is to be entertained’.

Pseudo Naga freedom fighters- Nagaland Post
It is very unfortunate for the Nagas in general that recently many Nagas have fallen a confused mess by hearing and seeing the high sounding phrases and make belief speeches and write-ups of the gangs of Isak Swu and Th. Muviah, posing as a standard bearers of Naga Freedom movement. But in reality, these gangs are terrorist and traitors . They only know how to terrorise the people by random killings and intimidations, extorting money to the tune of multi corers of rupees for their benefits and comforts and their children. Isak Swu and Thuingaleng Muviah has butchered thousands of Nagas in the name of Naga Sovereignty, but now, they had completely betrayed the Nagas and had already become private soldiers of Neiphiu Rio who is working as chief minister of Manipur, instead of chief minister of Nagaland.
Neiphiu Rio has sold out the Nagas to Manipur in many respects in collaboration with Th. Muviah and it is for sure, he will continue to sell the benefits and rights of the Nagas of Nagaland to the Manipuris. Now, it is up to the Naga people to examine and prove, whether it is true or not. But, be rest assured, the NSCN/GPRN will never be a part of such acts of treason and acts of unfaithfulness.
In the recent sponsored election in Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio and Th. Muviah through solemn understanding selected the candidates of different parties and groups who were to be selected and who were to be rejected. The I-M gangs mobilized their men throughout Nagaland state and played open and active role in the said election in support of their favoured candidates and killed many men who had gone against I-M's will. Instead of playing active role in supporting others, the I-M gangs they themselves should contest in the Indian sponsored elections and took part in the puppet Nagaland state government. It is a shame on the part of I-M men to claim as Naga Freedom fighters. These pseudo freedom fighter should immediately switch over to the Indian establishments formally and stop creating obstacles on the way of the struggle of the Nagas for freedom and Sovereignty. Neiphiu Rio and Shourozelie distributed NPF tickets on the advise of Th. Muviah and also I. Imkong and Margaret Alva distributed Congress tickets on the advise of Th. Muviah. Therefore, if some honest Congress leaders are disappointed with the Congress unexpected debacles in the last election then go to I. Imkong and Margaret Alva and talk to them.
In the recently concluded Indian imposed election in Nagaland, the NSCN/GPRN leaders conspicuously stayed away from the electioneering and maintained clean hands. The chairman, S.S Khaplang and Naga Army Chief Gen. Khole Konyak were already in the Eastern Nagaland, Gen. Khole withdrew all armed personnel who were in different operational commands and confined them at GHQs long before the polling day, so that they might not involve in the election.
The Honorable Ato Kilonser, N. Nitovi Zhimomi and Convenor of the Council of Kilonser, A.Z Jami left Nagaland and spent the time outside Nagaland long before the polling day.
Many Nagas expected that the NSCN/GPRN authorities would support the Congress Party in the said election. To nullify this expectation, the Naga National workers in every group should understand that, had the NSCN/GPRN involved in that election, certainly majority of the Konyak and the Sumi Congress candidates would returned from Mon and Zunheboto districts respectively as those districts are fully NSCN dominated areas. But officially, the NSCN completely stayed away from the election. What is the difference between Neiphiu Rio and the Congress leaders in the persons of I. Imkong and K.L Chishi who has secret agreements and understanding with Th. Muviah? We know who is who and what is what. NSCN leaders are not so foolish to be involved in such dirty games.
Recently, the so called MIP of the I-M gangs had accelerated their blackmail and hate campaign against the NSCN/GPRN through speeches and press write-ups. But time will tell who is who and what is what in the long run. Whatever may be said or written, the Trump card of Naga Freedom movement is in the hands of NSCN/GPRN. Therefore, Naga people should not get confused and wavered. Be steadfast and rally behind NSCN/GPRN for the sovereignty of Nagaland. The NSCN/GPRN will never betray the Nagas in their quest for freedom and Independence.
Secretary, MIP/GPRN, NSCN (unification camp).
Hagrama urges NDFB to place demands charter
From Our Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, March 23 – Concerned at the incidents of killing, violence and atrocities disturbing peace in the BTAD region in the last few days, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary today appealed to NDFB to place its charter of demands for the peace talks. Talking to mediapersons, he asserted that peace is a precondition for progress and development in this area and the present disturbance has to be checked by a concerted effort. He urged NDFB C-in-C to come for direct talks with Mohilary, placing the charter of demands to promote peace in the area.

He assured to extend all possible help and cooperation to NDFB to settle the issues with the Government with a pre-condition that the NDFB places the charter of demands.
Hagrama presents BTC Budget
KOKRAJHAR, March 24 – BTC chief and in-charge of finance in the Council, Hagrama Mohilary, today presented Rs 71,540 lakh Budget for the year 2008-09 at the Council. In his Budget statement, Mohilary said the plan expenditure for this year has been estimated at Rs 58,655.19 lakh while non-plan expenditure is estimated as Rs 12,884.81 lakh for all the 39 departments of BTC.

At the same time, he said the Budget has been kept in proportion to the same amount of total receipts. A break-up of the total receipts is as follows: Tax revenue Rs 600.00 lakh, non-tax revenue Rs 717.65 lakh and the rest of the amount by way of grants-in-aid and contribution to a huge figure of Rs 70,222.35 lakh for this year.

Emanual Mushahary, EM, Department of Education, BTC, introduced the Bodoland Non-Govt Educational Institutions (Regulation of management) Bill, 2007, and Singha Ram Boro, EM, Department of Co-operative Society, also tabled the Village Council Multipurpose Cooperative Society Bill, 2008, for BTC. According to BTC’s official sources, the Budget session will continue till March 26 next.
‘Killing of innocent is not revolutionary’ Morung Express
Dimapur, March 19 (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) under the leadership of Isak and Muivah while condemning the recent spate of killings of non-locals in Manipur by certain valley based underground organizations, expressed its strong displeasure and shock at the spate of killings of non-locals. “It is beyond comprehension why the situation was taken to such extend that necessitate such mass killings. And NSCN therefore, condemns the killing keeping in view the interest of peaceful co-existence, locals and non-locals”, stated a press note issued by the MIP.
It stated that in any revolutionary movement “killings of innocent people leave indelible remarks that never fit into the revolutionary scheme of things” and that “because revolutionary organization without attaching high value to human lives, lost its credibility in the eye of the people, friends and foes”.
In the face of such wanton killings, the MIP stated that Nagas take pride to the historical reality that “no innocence Indians were victimized in such an inhuman manner during our search for freedom in the last more than 60 years in spite of the merciless activities of Indian authorities and their armed forces”.
“But the irony is that as much as the Nagas respect the human rights of every Indians we have not received the due political seriousness that confront between the Indian and the Nagas”, the MIP stated while pointing to the more than 60 years of struggle and ten years of political negotiation. “This is a long period. And this is a sheer suppression of Naga Human Rights to Self Determination”, the MIP noted.

Republic Day celebration
The MIP has informed about the 28th Republic Day to be held on March 21 at its Council Headquarters. A press note issued by the MIP informed that the program starts at 8:30 am with Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah as Chief Guest and Bendang Mayang President Naga Hoho as Guest of Honour. All Central authorities, Departmental Heads and officers of GPRN are requested to attend the occasion, the MIP informed.

Encourage Peace Studies Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

Tragedies should be avoided, but if they have occurred, you might as well learn some vital lesson from them. They must make you rethink and reassess old ideas and beliefs in order that the society is better equipped to face similar challenges in the future. Paradoxical as it may sound, there is something to be gained from the tragedy that the state went through, or is going through as the case may be, by way of fresh insights into evolving administrative mechanisms and structures to contain the engaging issues of ethnicity and identity. The mass slaughter of migrant labourers in the past few days have added another indelible scar to the soul of the place, but ethnic friction in the state is hardly a two dimensional affair. If the government is not prepared, more disastrous explosions of communal violence in the near future are not at all impossible. Internal economic migration is one thing, but there is also the question of migration from neighbouring countries, most notably Bangladesh which has been a major issue in many neighbouring states, most notably Assam, but also including Meghalaya and Nagaland too. Manipur falls in the same belt, and there is nothing to stop this becoming an explosive issue here too.

It is now history that if the then Hiteshwar Saikia led Congress government had been a little more sensitive about the migration issue and not tried to make political mileage out of it, things in Assam could have been a lot different, and perhaps even the gory climax in 1983 culminating in the horrendous Nellie incident in which 3300 Bangladeshi migrants were massacred in the matter of a single night’s raid may not have happened. The incident, it may be recalled, was consequent upon the then Assam government insisting on holding election amidst protests by the All Assam Students Union, AASU, and others demanding the deletion of the names of “illegal” migrants from the electoral roll first. Saikia had even insisted that there were no “illegal” immigrants in Assam much to the chagrin of the agitators. Condemnable and undesirable as the Nellie massacre was, it needs to be also pointed out that the script of the story is still changing, and for the good or the bad, there can now be no question of another massacre of migrant settlers in the Morigaon area where Nellie is located, for according to news reports about a recent recall event of the tragedy in its 25th year in New Delhi, in which a book on Nellie was also released, the migrants are now in an overwhelming majority.

Migration into Manipur is also happening from the Burmese side. The demographic profile of the south eastern region of the state is also in this way in a flux. This shift however has not been as conspicuous because of the similarity and affinities of the tribes living on either side of the border. All the same, it would do well for the government to take stock and keep track of developments. Demographic changes, especially when it is too quick has always proven to be more than what the social organism can absorb without causing dangerous social trepidations. It is a sensitive issue, but one which must not be left unaddressed. Perhaps a total ban on immigration is not possible or the suitable answer, but the state must know its absorption capacity and decide on plans of action. If not for anything else, then at least for the sake of avoiding dangerous tensions in the future, it must introduce some regulatory mechanism.

Then there are also the traditional frictions between communities within the state, largely on account of incompatibilities of notions of land and ethnic homelands. Instead of rubbishing these issues outright, the government must sit down and begin the process of finding administrative and structural remedies. Maybe it could even think of partnering with the Manipur University to do peace studies on which policies can be based, for instance by offering scholarship for doctoral researches into these issues. Maybe it could also enlist the support of NGOs with established academic credibility in this project. At no cost must the issue be neglected any further.

Good-governance tag for strife-torn Karbi
Samudra Gupta Kashyap
Posted online: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 0015 hrs Print Email

Guwahati, March 24: Karbi Anglong, one of the two hill districts of Assam, which has been in the news for ethnic clashes, militancy, abductions and attack on Hindi-speaking “outsiders”, has something good to talk about: the district’s administrative headquarters has been awarded an ISO 9001:2000 certificate.

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India ISO 9001 2000 Quality Operations Management
In fact, Karbi Anglong is the fourth district in the country, and the first in the Northeastern region, to have won this certificate with Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a Netherlands-based organisation selecting it for handling public grievances, establishment and public facilitation services in the district.
While the certificate was formally handed over to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi by Rupam Baruah, operations head of DNV in the Northeast, Karbi Anglong deputy commissioner M Angamuthu said even as the process for introducing quality management system was in progress, the district authorities had started clearing on an average 300 requests and grievances of the public on a daily basis.
“For a district that is backward and has a large tribal population, access to basic services itself was a big problem. But after streamlining the deputy commissioner’s office and making all the employees computer-literate, we have been able to clear most requests for issue of caste or tribe certificates and other documents to the public within the same day,” Angamuthu said.
Strengthening relations with Myanmar Indo Burma News
March 18, 2008: (The Financial Express) India shares an abundance of economic interest with Myanmar today, particularly in the backdrop of India’s Look East Policy. Myanmar is important for India because the country holds over 1.5 million People of Indian Origin (PIO)—largest outside India.
Why is Myanmar so keen to renew its relationship with India? First, heavy migration of mainland Chinese people over the last few decades has forced Myanmar to seek an alternate partnership in the region. Second, Myanmar does not want to experience any more the awful side of free trade–the dumping and transit ground of cheap foreign goods and services.
Instead, Myanmar wants to enjoy the good side of globalisation–to become a prosperous nation. Third, India has been providing higher market access to Myanmar, which has been helping them to build resource-based domestic industry and to enjoy comparative advantages of its energy resources. Finally, military ruler of the country wants to give a taste of democracy to its people from 2010 onwards.
How is the relationship then growing better and better between India and Myanmar? India is witnessing rising trade in goods with Myanmar. India is now Myanmar’s fourth largest trading partner, next to Singapore, China and Thailand. The bilateral trade in goods was about $750 million in 2006, up from $227.23 million in 2000, of which India’s export to and import from Myanmar were $38 million and $612 million respectively.
India’s import from Myanmar is about 4.5 times higher than its export to that country. India sources mostly raw materials from Myanmar, of which two commodity groups, namely, edible vegetables and related products, and wood and wood products, share 63% and 34% of India’s total import from Myanmar, respectively. Compared to import, India’s export to Myanmar is diversified, mostly finished goods, such as pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, electrical machinery and equipment, among others.
India provides higher market access to Myanmar, compared to China (see table). Myanmar’s export to India ($555.10 million in 2006) was higher than Myanmar’s export to China ($229.70 million in 2006). India has also provided over $50 million Line of Credit to Myanmar in the past five years in order to help that country to expand its exports to India. However, the Myanmar’s trade structure with China will change completely once export of gas to China is resumed later this year.
India’s trade and investment with Myanmar will increase if barriers are removed. First of all, even though the two countries share a border they do not trade at the border. India–Myanmar should resume full-fledged trade at the border. Compared to ocean trade, border trade in value terms has been only 1% ($3.5 million in 2004) of the total bilateral trade.
The present form of border trade is restricted and not the MFN type. Border trade between the two countries is conducted at Moreh (India)–Tamu (Myanmar), which was opened in 1995. The second border trade point at Zowkhathar–Rhi, opened in 2004, is not active. To improve border trade, India has offered assistance to construct the Rhi-Tiddim and Rhi-Falam roads along the Chin-Mizoram border.
India is relatively restrictive to Myanmar’s exports. India’s weighted average tariff in 2005 on imports from Myanmar was about 17.48% with the exchange of 270 tariff lines, whereas the same in case of Myanmar on imports from India was only 2.62% with the exchange of 2,071 tariff lines. India’s higher tariff is negating the distance advantage and escalating trade costs.
Indian investment in Myanmar is very small till date. Only one Indian company, Tractors India, has set-up a manufacturing unit in Myanmar. However, in order to attract overseas investments, Myanmar has to carry out large scale, domestic reforms in the money and banking sector. Otherwise, wage, resource and locational advantages will not generate any substantial dividend to Myanmar.
Modernisation of Land Customs Station at Moreh in Manipur would pave the way in formalising the informal rent-seeking local Economy. In this regard, the proposed Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Moreh is certainly a good beginning. At the same time, India and Myanmar also need to simplify customs procedures and agree to the transit arrangement following their commitments in WTO.
Setting up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at the border will give a boost to the local Economy at both sides of the India–Myanmar border. This will attract FDI in resource-based industries, such as newsprint, wood and wood products, agriculture and food processing, among others.
Cross-border projects are essential to foster mutually beneficial cooperation. In order to take the bilateral relationship forward, India has major responsibilities. India should link Manipur and Mizoram with its mainline railway corridor (NF Railway) and help Myanmar re-establish its railway network. Without a modern and harmonised railway system in Myanmar, India’s dream to link Delhi with Hanoi or to hook up with the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) will be unfulfilled.
India has shown keenness to modernise the. Myanmar railway network. In 2003, during the visit of India’s vice president to Myanmar, the offer of a $57 million Line of Credit (LC) was announced for upgradation of Myanmar’s railway network from Yangon to Mandalay.
There is some progress on Kaladan multimodal transportation project. Coming month will see the BTU (Build, Transfer and Use) agreement signed for $120 million Kaladan project. When completed, it will give an ocean access to India’s Northeast (starting with Mizoram) at Sittwee port in Myanmar.
Sittwee is 250 km from the Indian border on the north-western coast of Burma, where the Kaladan River joins the Bay of Bengal.
Overland connectivity is another important aspect of bilateral relation. India is implementing BIMSTEC Highway, which will provide an uninterrupted transportation linkage between South and Southeast Asia through India’s Northeast and Myanmar.
The successful upgradation of the 160-km Tamu-Kalay-Kalewa road (northern part of this highway) by India is a good beginning.
Myanmar has an abundance of offshore natural gas resources. Current engagement between the two countries in the energy sector is limited, but opportunities are plenty. The Essar Group is about to start drilling test well to explore natural gas at an inland block in Myanmar’s western coastal Rakhine state later this year.
OVL and GAIL are already involved in similar activities at Blocks A-1 and A-3 in the same offshore area in partnership with South Korean Companies. India and Myanmar are working together for the development of a hydroelectric project at Tamanthi. This project has the potential of generating between 600 mw and 1,000 MW of electricity.
As India considers its future role in Asia, the rise of Myanmar would then represent a positive opportunity to advance this country’s Asian and global interests.
It would be in India’s strong interest to see Myanmar develops a lasting growth. Offering membership in SAARC to Myanmar will certainly build mutual trust and confidence. Building a deeper cooperation with Myanmar should be one of the India’s highest priorities.


Frans on 03.25.08 @ 10:00 AM CST [link]


Rio blames DoNER for Nagaland woes OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph



Rio blames DoNER for Nagaland woes OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Kohima, March 24: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio today called for the abolition of the Union ministry for development of the northeastern region (DoNER), accusing it of favouring Assam at the cost of the state’s hilly neighbours.
Rio, back for a second consecutive term in government after elections under President’s rule, said Nagaland and other states of the Northeast could do with a separate development agency instead of having to vie with Assam for the DoNER ministry’s affections.
Set up in September 2001, DoNER was for the first few years of its existence a department whose main job was to co-ordinate with central ministries and development agencies. It was later upgraded to a ministry, now headed by Mani Shankar Aiyar.
Nagaland’s planning and coordination minister, T.R. Zeliang, said the North Eastern Council, too, had let down the region. The remarks came after the budget for 2008-09 was tabled in the Assembly. The chief minister said as much as 80 per cent of the budget allocation for the DoNER ministry was being channelled into schemes in Assam, leaving the rest of the states to fight for the “meagre leftovers”. He advocated radical changes for the DoNER ministry and the NEC to fulfil their objectives.
Zeliang, who quit the Rajya Sabha today to keep his Assembly seat, said Nagaland was not the first state to complain of bias and probably would not be the last. “The issue was raised by the North East MPs’ Forum on several occasions but nothing was done.”
He suggested that the DoNER ministry be replaced with a separate agency for tribal-dominated northeastern states like Nagaland. The first budget of Rio’s second term was a tax-free one, albeit with a deficit of Rs 425.77 crore. The chief minister, who like Tarun Gogoi of Assam has held on to the finance portfolio, said the estimated expenditure during the current fiscal would result in a negative balance of Rs 57.53 crore.
Coupled with the negative opening balance of Rs 368.24 crore, the year will close with the mammoth deficit projected in the budget. Rio said revenue had increased from Rs 106.03 crore in 2003-03 to Rs 210 crore in 2006-07, representing 98 per cent growth. But he said tax receipts were still far below 5 per cent of the GDP, which the Planning Commission has already warned Nagaland against.
“As we look around us and see the increasing areas that require government intervention and investment in creating public infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life and generating economic growth and employment, we all need to understand that our revenue mobilisation goes to fund such activities,” the chief minister said in his budget speech.
GPRN/NSCN’ disowns press statement morungexpress
Dimapur, March 24 (MExN): In connection with the news item that appeared on various local dailies ‘purportedly by Secretary, MIP GPRN/NSCN on March 23’, The ‘GPRN/NSCN’ today clarified that, regardless of the content and intent of the statement, GPRN/NSCN has nothing to do with it and outrightly disowned and denounced the news item, which it termed as misleading press statement which is ‘in fact a ploy to portray GPRN as antagonist’.
“The self assumed vindication against Th Muivah, Margaret Alva, Neiphiu Rio, Shurhozelie, KL Chishi and I Imkong etc and implicating various political parties is nothing but a scheme to disseminate discontentment and to ultimately fracture the ongoing Naga unification process,” a press statement issued by the Publicity Cell, GPRN/NSCN stated.
Stating that the very concept of the Naga unification is to encompass all the Naga people cutting across factions, party lines, tribes, artificial boundaries, individual bearing etc, the release asserted that ‘forging the office of GPRN/NSCN and issuing such statement to confuse the masses, create bitterness and ill will towards GPRN is but the ploy of an adversary’. The release further notified that the ‘Publicity Cell is the only official mouth piece, other than that no communiqué is to be entertained’.

Pseudo Naga freedom fighters- Nagaland Post
It is very unfortunate for the Nagas in general that recently many Nagas have fallen a confused mess by hearing and seeing the high sounding phrases and make belief speeches and write-ups of the gangs of Isak Swu and Th. Muviah, posing as a standard bearers of Naga Freedom movement. But in reality, these gangs are terrorist and traitors . They only know how to terrorise the people by random killings and intimidations, extorting money to the tune of multi corers of rupees for their benefits and comforts and their children. Isak Swu and Thuingaleng Muviah has butchered thousands of Nagas in the name of Naga Sovereignty, but now, they had completely betrayed the Nagas and had already become private soldiers of Neiphiu Rio who is working as chief minister of Manipur, instead of chief minister of Nagaland.
Neiphiu Rio has sold out the Nagas to Manipur in many respects in collaboration with Th. Muviah and it is for sure, he will continue to sell the benefits and rights of the Nagas of Nagaland to the Manipuris. Now, it is up to the Naga people to examine and prove, whether it is true or not. But, be rest assured, the NSCN/GPRN will never be a part of such acts of treason and acts of unfaithfulness.
In the recent sponsored election in Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio and Th. Muviah through solemn understanding selected the candidates of different parties and groups who were to be selected and who were to be rejected. The I-M gangs mobilized their men throughout Nagaland state and played open and active role in the said election in support of their favoured candidates and killed many men who had gone against I-M's will. Instead of playing active role in supporting others, the I-M gangs they themselves should contest in the Indian sponsored elections and took part in the puppet Nagaland state government. It is a shame on the part of I-M men to claim as Naga Freedom fighters. These pseudo freedom fighter should immediately switch over to the Indian establishments formally and stop creating obstacles on the way of the struggle of the Nagas for freedom and Sovereignty. Neiphiu Rio and Shourozelie distributed NPF tickets on the advise of Th. Muviah and also I. Imkong and Margaret Alva distributed Congress tickets on the advise of Th. Muviah. Therefore, if some honest Congress leaders are disappointed with the Congress unexpected debacles in the last election then go to I. Imkong and Margaret Alva and talk to them.
In the recently concluded Indian imposed election in Nagaland, the NSCN/GPRN leaders conspicuously stayed away from the electioneering and maintained clean hands. The chairman, S.S Khaplang and Naga Army Chief Gen. Khole Konyak were already in the Eastern Nagaland, Gen. Khole withdrew all armed personnel who were in different operational commands and confined them at GHQs long before the polling day, so that they might not involve in the election.
The Honorable Ato Kilonser, N. Nitovi Zhimomi and Convenor of the Council of Kilonser, A.Z Jami left Nagaland and spent the time outside Nagaland long before the polling day.
Many Nagas expected that the NSCN/GPRN authorities would support the Congress Party in the said election. To nullify this expectation, the Naga National workers in every group should understand that, had the NSCN/GPRN involved in that election, certainly majority of the Konyak and the Sumi Congress candidates would returned from Mon and Zunheboto districts respectively as those districts are fully NSCN dominated areas. But officially, the NSCN completely stayed away from the election. What is the difference between Neiphiu Rio and the Congress leaders in the persons of I. Imkong and K.L Chishi who has secret agreements and understanding with Th. Muviah? We know who is who and what is what. NSCN leaders are not so foolish to be involved in such dirty games.
Recently, the so called MIP of the I-M gangs had accelerated their blackmail and hate campaign against the NSCN/GPRN through speeches and press write-ups. But time will tell who is who and what is what in the long run. Whatever may be said or written, the Trump card of Naga Freedom movement is in the hands of NSCN/GPRN. Therefore, Naga people should not get confused and wavered. Be steadfast and rally behind NSCN/GPRN for the sovereignty of Nagaland. The NSCN/GPRN will never betray the Nagas in their quest for freedom and Independence.
Secretary, MIP/GPRN, NSCN (unification camp).
Hagrama urges NDFB to place demands charter
From Our Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, March 23 – Concerned at the incidents of killing, violence and atrocities disturbing peace in the BTAD region in the last few days, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary today appealed to NDFB to place its charter of demands for the peace talks. Talking to mediapersons, he asserted that peace is a precondition for progress and development in this area and the present disturbance has to be checked by a concerted effort. He urged NDFB C-in-C to come for direct talks with Mohilary, placing the charter of demands to promote peace in the area.

He assured to extend all possible help and cooperation to NDFB to settle the issues with the Government with a pre-condition that the NDFB places the charter of demands.
Hagrama presents BTC Budget
KOKRAJHAR, March 24 – BTC chief and in-charge of finance in the Council, Hagrama Mohilary, today presented Rs 71,540 lakh Budget for the year 2008-09 at the Council. In his Budget statement, Mohilary said the plan expenditure for this year has been estimated at Rs 58,655.19 lakh while non-plan expenditure is estimated as Rs 12,884.81 lakh for all the 39 departments of BTC.

At the same time, he said the Budget has been kept in proportion to the same amount of total receipts. A break-up of the total receipts is as follows: Tax revenue Rs 600.00 lakh, non-tax revenue Rs 717.65 lakh and the rest of the amount by way of grants-in-aid and contribution to a huge figure of Rs 70,222.35 lakh for this year.

Emanual Mushahary, EM, Department of Education, BTC, introduced the Bodoland Non-Govt Educational Institutions (Regulation of management) Bill, 2007, and Singha Ram Boro, EM, Department of Co-operative Society, also tabled the Village Council Multipurpose Cooperative Society Bill, 2008, for BTC. According to BTC’s official sources, the Budget session will continue till March 26 next.
‘Killing of innocent is not revolutionary’ Morung Express
Dimapur, March 19 (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) under the leadership of Isak and Muivah while condemning the recent spate of killings of non-locals in Manipur by certain valley based underground organizations, expressed its strong displeasure and shock at the spate of killings of non-locals. “It is beyond comprehension why the situation was taken to such extend that necessitate such mass killings. And NSCN therefore, condemns the killing keeping in view the interest of peaceful co-existence, locals and non-locals”, stated a press note issued by the MIP.
It stated that in any revolutionary movement “killings of innocent people leave indelible remarks that never fit into the revolutionary scheme of things” and that “because revolutionary organization without attaching high value to human lives, lost its credibility in the eye of the people, friends and foes”.
In the face of such wanton killings, the MIP stated that Nagas take pride to the historical reality that “no innocence Indians were victimized in such an inhuman manner during our search for freedom in the last more than 60 years in spite of the merciless activities of Indian authorities and their armed forces”.
“But the irony is that as much as the Nagas respect the human rights of every Indians we have not received the due political seriousness that confront between the Indian and the Nagas”, the MIP stated while pointing to the more than 60 years of struggle and ten years of political negotiation. “This is a long period. And this is a sheer suppression of Naga Human Rights to Self Determination”, the MIP noted.

Republic Day celebration
The MIP has informed about the 28th Republic Day to be held on March 21 at its Council Headquarters. A press note issued by the MIP informed that the program starts at 8:30 am with Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah as Chief Guest and Bendang Mayang President Naga Hoho as Guest of Honour. All Central authorities, Departmental Heads and officers of GPRN are requested to attend the occasion, the MIP informed.

Encourage Peace Studies Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

Tragedies should be avoided, but if they have occurred, you might as well learn some vital lesson from them. They must make you rethink and reassess old ideas and beliefs in order that the society is better equipped to face similar challenges in the future. Paradoxical as it may sound, there is something to be gained from the tragedy that the state went through, or is going through as the case may be, by way of fresh insights into evolving administrative mechanisms and structures to contain the engaging issues of ethnicity and identity. The mass slaughter of migrant labourers in the past few days have added another indelible scar to the soul of the place, but ethnic friction in the state is hardly a two dimensional affair. If the government is not prepared, more disastrous explosions of communal violence in the near future are not at all impossible. Internal economic migration is one thing, but there is also the question of migration from neighbouring countries, most notably Bangladesh which has been a major issue in many neighbouring states, most notably Assam, but also including Meghalaya and Nagaland too. Manipur falls in the same belt, and there is nothing to stop this becoming an explosive issue here too.

It is now history that if the then Hiteshwar Saikia led Congress government had been a little more sensitive about the migration issue and not tried to make political mileage out of it, things in Assam could have been a lot different, and perhaps even the gory climax in 1983 culminating in the horrendous Nellie incident in which 3300 Bangladeshi migrants were massacred in the matter of a single night’s raid may not have happened. The incident, it may be recalled, was consequent upon the then Assam government insisting on holding election amidst protests by the All Assam Students Union, AASU, and others demanding the deletion of the names of “illegal” migrants from the electoral roll first. Saikia had even insisted that there were no “illegal” immigrants in Assam much to the chagrin of the agitators. Condemnable and undesirable as the Nellie massacre was, it needs to be also pointed out that the script of the story is still changing, and for the good or the bad, there can now be no question of another massacre of migrant settlers in the Morigaon area where Nellie is located, for according to news reports about a recent recall event of the tragedy in its 25th year in New Delhi, in which a book on Nellie was also released, the migrants are now in an overwhelming majority.

Migration into Manipur is also happening from the Burmese side. The demographic profile of the south eastern region of the state is also in this way in a flux. This shift however has not been as conspicuous because of the similarity and affinities of the tribes living on either side of the border. All the same, it would do well for the government to take stock and keep track of developments. Demographic changes, especially when it is too quick has always proven to be more than what the social organism can absorb without causing dangerous social trepidations. It is a sensitive issue, but one which must not be left unaddressed. Perhaps a total ban on immigration is not possible or the suitable answer, but the state must know its absorption capacity and decide on plans of action. If not for anything else, then at least for the sake of avoiding dangerous tensions in the future, it must introduce some regulatory mechanism.

Then there are also the traditional frictions between communities within the state, largely on account of incompatibilities of notions of land and ethnic homelands. Instead of rubbishing these issues outright, the government must sit down and begin the process of finding administrative and structural remedies. Maybe it could even think of partnering with the Manipur University to do peace studies on which policies can be based, for instance by offering scholarship for doctoral researches into these issues. Maybe it could also enlist the support of NGOs with established academic credibility in this project. At no cost must the issue be neglected any further.

Good-governance tag for strife-torn Karbi
Samudra Gupta Kashyap
Posted online: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 0015 hrs Print Email

Guwahati, March 24: Karbi Anglong, one of the two hill districts of Assam, which has been in the news for ethnic clashes, militancy, abductions and attack on Hindi-speaking “outsiders”, has something good to talk about: the district’s administrative headquarters has been awarded an ISO 9001:2000 certificate.

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India ISO 9001 2000 Quality Operations Management
In fact, Karbi Anglong is the fourth district in the country, and the first in the Northeastern region, to have won this certificate with Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a Netherlands-based organisation selecting it for handling public grievances, establishment and public facilitation services in the district.
While the certificate was formally handed over to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi by Rupam Baruah, operations head of DNV in the Northeast, Karbi Anglong deputy commissioner M Angamuthu said even as the process for introducing quality management system was in progress, the district authorities had started clearing on an average 300 requests and grievances of the public on a daily basis.
“For a district that is backward and has a large tribal population, access to basic services itself was a big problem. But after streamlining the deputy commissioner’s office and making all the employees computer-literate, we have been able to clear most requests for issue of caste or tribe certificates and other documents to the public within the same day,” Angamuthu said.
Strengthening relations with Myanmar Indo Burma News
March 18, 2008: (The Financial Express) India shares an abundance of economic interest with Myanmar today, particularly in the backdrop of India’s Look East Policy. Myanmar is important for India because the country holds over 1.5 million People of Indian Origin (PIO)—largest outside India.
Why is Myanmar so keen to renew its relationship with India? First, heavy migration of mainland Chinese people over the last few decades has forced Myanmar to seek an alternate partnership in the region. Second, Myanmar does not want to experience any more the awful side of free trade–the dumping and transit ground of cheap foreign goods and services.
Instead, Myanmar wants to enjoy the good side of globalisation–to become a prosperous nation. Third, India has been providing higher market access to Myanmar, which has been helping them to build resource-based domestic industry and to enjoy comparative advantages of its energy resources. Finally, military ruler of the country wants to give a taste of democracy to its people from 2010 onwards.
How is the relationship then growing better and better between India and Myanmar? India is witnessing rising trade in goods with Myanmar. India is now Myanmar’s fourth largest trading partner, next to Singapore, China and Thailand. The bilateral trade in goods was about $750 million in 2006, up from $227.23 million in 2000, of which India’s export to and import from Myanmar were $38 million and $612 million respectively.
India’s import from Myanmar is about 4.5 times higher than its export to that country. India sources mostly raw materials from Myanmar, of which two commodity groups, namely, edible vegetables and related products, and wood and wood products, share 63% and 34% of India’s total import from Myanmar, respectively. Compared to import, India’s export to Myanmar is diversified, mostly finished goods, such as pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, electrical machinery and equipment, among others.
India provides higher market access to Myanmar, compared to China (see table). Myanmar’s export to India ($555.10 million in 2006) was higher than Myanmar’s export to China ($229.70 million in 2006). India has also provided over $50 million Line of Credit to Myanmar in the past five years in order to help that country to expand its exports to India. However, the Myanmar’s trade structure with China will change completely once export of gas to China is resumed later this year.
India’s trade and investment with Myanmar will increase if barriers are removed. First of all, even though the two countries share a border they do not trade at the border. India–Myanmar should resume full-fledged trade at the border. Compared to ocean trade, border trade in value terms has been only 1% ($3.5 million in 2004) of the total bilateral trade.
The present form of border trade is restricted and not the MFN type. Border trade between the two countries is conducted at Moreh (India)–Tamu (Myanmar), which was opened in 1995. The second border trade point at Zowkhathar–Rhi, opened in 2004, is not active. To improve border trade, India has offered assistance to construct the Rhi-Tiddim and Rhi-Falam roads along the Chin-Mizoram border.
India is relatively restrictive to Myanmar’s exports. India’s weighted average tariff in 2005 on imports from Myanmar was about 17.48% with the exchange of 270 tariff lines, whereas the same in case of Myanmar on imports from India was only 2.62% with the exchange of 2,071 tariff lines. India’s higher tariff is negating the distance advantage and escalating trade costs.
Indian investment in Myanmar is very small till date. Only one Indian company, Tractors India, has set-up a manufacturing unit in Myanmar. However, in order to attract overseas investments, Myanmar has to carry out large scale, domestic reforms in the money and banking sector. Otherwise, wage, resource and locational advantages will not generate any substantial dividend to Myanmar.
Modernisation of Land Customs Station at Moreh in Manipur would pave the way in formalising the informal rent-seeking local Economy. In this regard, the proposed Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Moreh is certainly a good beginning. At the same time, India and Myanmar also need to simplify customs procedures and agree to the transit arrangement following their commitments in WTO.
Setting up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at the border will give a boost to the local Economy at both sides of the India–Myanmar border. This will attract FDI in resource-based industries, such as newsprint, wood and wood products, agriculture and food processing, among others.
Cross-border projects are essential to foster mutually beneficial cooperation. In order to take the bilateral relationship forward, India has major responsibilities. India should link Manipur and Mizoram with its mainline railway corridor (NF Railway) and help Myanmar re-establish its railway network. Without a modern and harmonised railway system in Myanmar, India’s dream to link Delhi with Hanoi or to hook up with the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) will be unfulfilled.
India has shown keenness to modernise the. Myanmar railway network. In 2003, during the visit of India’s vice president to Myanmar, the offer of a $57 million Line of Credit (LC) was announced for upgradation of Myanmar’s railway network from Yangon to Mandalay.
There is some progress on Kaladan multimodal transportation project. Coming month will see the BTU (Build, Transfer and Use) agreement signed for $120 million Kaladan project. When completed, it will give an ocean access to India’s Northeast (starting with Mizoram) at Sittwee port in Myanmar.
Sittwee is 250 km from the Indian border on the north-western coast of Burma, where the Kaladan River joins the Bay of Bengal.
Overland connectivity is another important aspect of bilateral relation. India is implementing BIMSTEC Highway, which will provide an uninterrupted transportation linkage between South and Southeast Asia through India’s Northeast and Myanmar.
The successful upgradation of the 160-km Tamu-Kalay-Kalewa road (northern part of this highway) by India is a good beginning.
Myanmar has an abundance of offshore natural gas resources. Current engagement between the two countries in the energy sector is limited, but opportunities are plenty. The Essar Group is about to start drilling test well to explore natural gas at an inland block in Myanmar’s western coastal Rakhine state later this year.
OVL and GAIL are already involved in similar activities at Blocks A-1 and A-3 in the same offshore area in partnership with South Korean Companies. India and Myanmar are working together for the development of a hydroelectric project at Tamanthi. This project has the potential of generating between 600 mw and 1,000 MW of electricity.
As India considers its future role in Asia, the rise of Myanmar would then represent a positive opportunity to advance this country’s Asian and global interests.
It would be in India’s strong interest to see Myanmar develops a lasting growth. Offering membership in SAARC to Myanmar will certainly build mutual trust and confidence. Building a deeper cooperation with Myanmar should be one of the India’s highest priorities.


Frans on 03.25.08 @ 09:57 AM CST [link]


Thursday, March 13th

Nephieu Rio to take oath as Nagaland CM today By Sanjay Kumar ThaiIndian News (ANI)



Nephieu Rio to take oath as Nagaland CM today By Sanjay Kumar ThaiIndian News (ANI)

New Delhi, Mar.12 (ANI): With the Union Cabinet deciding to revoke Presidents Rule in Nagaland, decks have been cleared for the formation of a new government in the state.
Nephieu Rio, the Leader of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, would be taking oath as Chief Minister at 5 p.m. this evening.
Twelve Ministers will also be taking oath with me,Rio told ANI over the phone this morning.
In the sixty member House, in which the result of fifty nine seats have been declared so far, the NPF got 26, Congress 23, NCP and BJP two each and independents six. Result of Surohoto LAC under Zunheboto district is still awaited as Election Commission rescheduled re-poll at a polling station there.
The NPF-led DAN paraded 33 MLAs, including four independents, before Governor K Shankararaynan on Sunday while staking claims to form the government.
The Congress on Tuesday decided to sit in the opposition, respecting the mandate of the people.
Election results in Nagaland election have come as a big set back for the Congress as it is on the insistence of the party, that Presidents rule was imposed in the state months before the elections.
Rio back in Naga saddle- CM does a balancing act Source : The Telegraph

Kohima, March 12: Neiphiu Rio today became chief minister of Nagaland for the second consecutive term, beating the anti-incumbency factor and breaking the trend of President’s rule in the state leading to a Congress resurgence.
Governor K. Sankaranarayanan administered the oath of office to Rio and 11 more legislators of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, supported by five Independents, in the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhawan.
Since the strength of the ministry could not be more than 12, the chief minister juggled portfolios and created responsibilities to keep everyone happy. One legislator each of the BJP and the Nationalist Congress Party and an Independent were included in the ministry.
As was expected, Rio’s Nagaland People’s Front, the largest single party with 26 seats, got the lion’s share of the ministerial berths. But the chief minister made sure there were no rumblings of discontent.
Barely an hour after being sworn in, he named 13 legislators as parliamentary secretaries during a get-together in the banquet hall of his official residence. The list includes eight NPF members, one each of the BJP and the NCP and three Independents.
The chief minister will “watch over” the parliamentary secretaries to prevent “conflict and instability”, an official source said.
Two doctors — Dr Chumben Murry of the NCP and Independent legislator Dr Nganshi Ao — are the debutants in the ministry. Rajya Sabha member T.R. Zeliang, also of the NPF, is an old hand but a new addition to the government. He will resign from the Rajya Sabha shortly, a party colleague said.
The DAN-Independent combine is 35-member strong in the House of 60. The break-up is: NCP 26, BJP 2, NCP 2 and Independents 5. The Congress has 23 legislators. One Independent is not backing the ruling coalition.
The Suruhoto seat was today won by Independent candidate Shetoyi, who defeated Congress nominee Khutovi. The result was pending because of repolling in one booth.
Rio told the media that portfolios would be allocated later. Two political affairs committees, one within the coalition and another at the level of government, will be constituted to “facilitate” the Naga peace process and unite the warring groups, he added.
A mixed bag for post-poll North East Statesman News Service
NEW DELHI, March 11: The action of the acting Meghalaya Governor, Mr S S Sidhu, in installing a minority Congress government headed by Mr D D Lapang was challenged today in the Supreme Court by the Nationalist Congress Party leader, Mr P A Sangma.
In Nagaland, even though the result of one seat is awaited as re-polling in four booths could not be held, the situation is clear and a non-Congress government is all set to assume power. The Constitutional process of revocation of President’s rule is in motion. The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), which has the support of 35 in a house of 60 is expecting a call from the Governor, Mr K Sankaranarayanan, to form the government led by Mr Neiphiu Rio.
But first the Meghalaya muddle. The Congress, with 25 MLAs, emerged as the single largest party in the house of 60 with an effective strength of 59 (election for one seat would be held later this month) and was invited by the Governor yesterday to form the government even as the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) had paraded support of 31 MLAs. Mr Sangma’s NCP which won 14 seats is part of the MPA. Mr Sangma’s petition was mentioned before a bench headed by Chief Justice Mr K G Balakrishnan, by senior advocate Mr Soli Sorabjee. He told the court that the Governor has invited the party with a lesser number of MLAs to form the government. The court posted the matter for tomorrow.
DAN and Now Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

In the end, the Congress’s election stunt of promising to campaign for “Greater Nagaland” did not work in Nagaland. The party has been roundly beaten by its regional archrival, Nagaland People’s Front, NPF, led by former chief minister, Niphieu Rio, even though the latter too could not alone muster in the required majority of 31 in the house of 60 to form the next government on its own, having managed to win only 26 seats. Interestingly, it did not enter into any pre-poll alliance with any of its former partners in the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, DAN, perhaps in the belief that it would be able to do it alone. But now, mutual interest would probably ensure that the former allies come together and claim the trophy together. This is all very fine, except for the fact that with a low ceiling on the size of the ministry stipulated by the Anti-Defection Law, Rio’s balancing act would be all the more tougher. The Act, it will be recalled, restricts the size of a ministry to 15 percent of the total number of members in the lower house of the legislature, Lok Sabha in the case of the Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies (as opposed to Legislative Councils, as in some of the bigger states) in the case of the states. In the case of smaller state Assemblies, such as Nagaland, the size of the ministry is to be restricted at an absolute number of 12 including the chief minister, which is a little above the 15 percent for the bigger Assemblies.
Even then, Rio will now have much less to distribute to his party strongmen to keep them happy, as all of the other parties joining the alliance would surely demand their pounds of flesh for the vital prop they are asked to provide the chief minister. As of today, although the last word is still to be said, the new alliance will at least have to have five non-NFP legislators. These would probably be two each from the BJP and NCP and at least another independent MLA to bring up the number to the required 31. But since this will be too delicate a balance, where even the rebellion by a single MLA can put the ministry in trouble, probably Rio will seek to enlist the support of more of the total of six independents. Indeed, according to reports from Kohima, Rio has 34 MLAs lined up, which will mean a total of four independent MLAs in his camp. Rio probably would also be wary that between the cup and the lip there can be many a slip, especially because the Congress which won 24 seats is just two less than his party’s tally. Any slip by the NPF and the Congress can strike, and this resourceful party is known for the number of tricks up its sleeves, and Rio, himself a former Congressman and once a trusted lieutenant of party stalwart, Goa governor SC Jamir, must be acutely aware of this. Rio’s trouble will also be compounded by another fact. According to reports of the election process in Nagaland, candidates here spend phenomenal amounts of money to win, with figures running into several crore rupees. If these reports are to be believed, winning elections in Nagaland costs much more than even in exorbitant Manipur. Hence, while the losers understandably would be devastated, the winners too would not only like to reclaim their “investments” but make “profit” as well. This can happen only if they are able to be in positions of power. Under the circumstance, we can only wish the chief minister good luck. Leave speculations of Rio’s future challenges aside for the time being, the man is capable of handling his own problems, but the question of “Greater Nagaland” in the Nagaland Congress party manifesto has thrown up some an interesting thought, and incidentally one which has reinforced IFP contention that the issue, although undoubtedly important in Nagaland, is not so contentious as in Manipur that it would be able to evoke sustained passion and interest. In this sense, “Greater Nagaland” is more a Manipur issue than a Nagaland one. Those campaigning for it, and those campaigning against it, are overwhelmingly, although not exclusively, domiciles of Manipur. In all probability then, when reconciliation does come about, which probably will some day or the other, it will again overwhelmingly be a Manipur story. This is also probably the reason why the Nagaland Congress was unable to reap any major benefit from raking up the issue.
Neiphiu Rio sworn in as Nagaland CM Rahul Karmakar, Hindustan Times
Neiphiu Rio was sworn in as Nagaland’s chief minister on Wednesday evening, 24 hours after the Union Cabinet decided to revoke President’s Rule imposed in January. Governor K Shankaranarayanan also administered oath of office to 11 others in the new Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) ministry following a communiqué from Rashtrapati Bhavan on revocation of PR.
The two-month, PR-induced break notwithstanding, this is the second straight term for both DAN and Rio, whose Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) party leads the coalition of 34 legislators including two each of BJP and NCP and four Independents. The NPF bagged 26 seats in the 60-member House while the Congress bagged 23.
“This election has shown that the people of Nagaland are with us,” Rio said in Kohima after the swearing-in. “The onus is now on us to live up to the hopes and aspirations of the Naga people.”
Though there were apprehensions in the DAN camp earlier that PR might be extended, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee’s decision on Tuesday to sit in the Opposition erased doubts. Later in the day, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, met to revoke PR.
On Tuesday, the Election Commission also issued a notification for constitution of the 11th Nagaland Assembly comprising 59 newly elected legislators. Result of Surohoto constituency under Zunheboto district is still awaited as EC rescheduled re-poll at a polling station there.
President's Rule revoked in Nagaland Press Trust of India NDTV

The President's Rule imposed in Nagaland over two months ago was revoked on Wednesday, paving the way for the formation of the next government.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday morning. President's Rule was imposed in the state on January 3.

The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland has staked claim to form the government on March 9 with unconditional support of four independents.

Two MLAs each from BJP and NCP and four independents have reposed their faith and support in the DAN. They said they had voluntarily joined the alliance as per the pre-poll understanding.

The Congress has decided not to stake claim to form the government in the state but sit in the Opposition. The party has re-elected I Imkong as leader of its legislature wing.

The CLP meeting held on Tuesday decided that Congress, which secured 23 seats, eight short of majority in the 60-member assembly, would sit in Opposition at this juncture.

The Congress' hopes of making a last-ditch effort to stake claim for power was dashed after four independents and two NCP legislators on Tuesday extended support to the leadership of former chief minister and NPF leader Neiphiu Rio.

The NPF-led DAN paraded 33 MLAs, including four independents, before Governor K Shankararaynan on Sunday while staking claim to form the government.
Rio’s Political Test morungexpress
Now that the decks have been cleared for the formation of a new government under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the focus will now shift to the distribution of Ministerial berths and portfolios. While bringing together a comfortable working majority was clearly the first task that the NPF led DAN partners had to work on, now that the numbers have been put in place, the biggest test for Rio will now be to ensure that his team remains cohesive and in the process provide an effective and stable government. The test before Rio will not be an easy one and he would have to use good judgment to go about this important yet difficult job at hand. Rio’s experience in running the previous DAN regime and the fall out from the downsizing exercise will come in very handy and hopefully he will be in the best position to get the right political combination proportionate with the support base he has.
While the previous experience of running a coalition will give valuable lessons to the Chief Minister, the bigger task before Rio will be to get as close as possible to a common political denominator—one that satisfies the pulls and pressures from political allies and besides arriving at formula as far as the tribal and regional equation goes. Rio will need all his political wisdom and the resources at his disposal; to be able to keep everybody happy. What will work in favour of Rio this time—taking a look at the composition especially of the NPF members—is the absence of at least three big names (Thenucho, Khekiho and Noke). This will give greater leg room to Rio for the distribution of offices.
However the down side is that going by the numbers, the DAN Alliance will virtually live on life support provided by the five (of six elected) independent MLAs. While the absence of some big names will help in accommodating the DAN’s support base (i.e the independents), but for this, the NPF may have to do the sacrifice to ensure for Rio a stable government. And as the leader of both the NPF and the DAN Alliance, Rio must be allowed some discretionary power in taking decisions that will ensure the viability of his government. Self interest and personal glory must be kept in check for the greater interest of survival. It goes without saying that in order to keep the five independents on his side i.e. well protected from harms way; Rio must work with them closely and enjoy their trust while also keeping them happy without reason for grievance and disaffection, whatever this entails.
As far as allocation of offices from within the single largest party i.e the NPF, as mentioned earlier, certain sacrifice will have to be made. Rio will hopefully keep in mind the broad contours of the verdict and look ahead to the future growth and prospect of the NPF in the State. In this regard, given the crucial seats that the NPF got from Mokokchung district—a traditional stronghold of the Congress—it makes sense to invest at the least two Ministerial berth from this region. While every seat won counts and there should not be any ill motive to be discriminative, it is left to Rio’s political judgment to assess whether the NPF, denting the rival Congress base, with four crucial seats ought to be seen as politically significant as far as the end result of election 2008 goes. Not capitalizing on this gain may make it easier for the Congress to recover lost ground.
(Note: This article is purely a personal observation and need not represent the views of this newspaper. Further this was written before the induction of the new DAN Ministry)
UNDP congratulates successful Neiphiu Rio morungexpress
Dimapur, March 12 (MExN):The United Naga Democratic Party (UNDP) today congratulated the DAN leader, Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister designate of Nagaland for ‘his historic success in the March 5, 2008 Nagaland Assembly Elections leading the DAN to victory’. A press release issued by the UNDP Central President, O Mozamo Ngullie, stated that the victory under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio has dispelled the ‘unconstitutional imposition of Presidential Rule in Nagaland by the opposition Congress’.
The release stated that ‘the electoral defeat’ of the Congress party had once again set the ‘people free from the forcible imposition of PR. “The people’s mandate in favour of Neiphiu Rio led DAN has out rightly condemned the Presidential Rule imposed upon the people for dislodging the popular DAN Govt by the Congress (I) led UPA Govt,” the release asserted.
The UNDP also congratulated all the elected members and called upon them to play positive roles for the larger developments and progress of the state ad its people. The UNDP further appealed the governor of Nagaland, K Sankaranarayanan to undertake all necessary steps for paving the way for installation of the new DAN government and enable the new government to undertake developmental activities. The UNDP wished the Chief Minister designate, Neiphiu Rio and the DAN government a full term of office as well as ‘a stable, transparent and God fearing governance with all round developments and achievements’.
Furthermore, the UNDP assured the “Chief Minister and the DAN Govt” cooperation and unwavering support for taking up all round developments and in taking up the burning issues of the Nagas with all sincerity and commitment.

‘GPRN/NSCN’ on state polls- Nagaland Post
The depressing fact of non-involvement in Indian State sponsored assembly elections has been the parody of jingoistic proclaimers. The internal tussle or differences and subsequent finger pointing is nothing but significance of a defeated and submissive admittance.
We have incurred innumerable losses in following our egoistic political ambitions. Today sacrifice is nowhere found in the dictionary of Patriotic leaderships, as Pseudo- nationalistic materialism has gained ground in current Naga National Political struggle of emancipation from alien or certain Naga tribal subjugation. We remain committed to our egos and our self-centered personal benefits and not to our people, thus endowing fratricidal blunders.
In the process, how much do we expect the common man to contribute to the altar of the Naga Political mayhem? We proclaim 'Nagaland for Christ' as our emblem, but we perform and act 'Nagaland for Blood and mafiaism'. Our initial goal was political salvation, but we are today pursuing for individual aggrandizements and material benefits.
The picture of nationalism has succumbed to jingoistic materialism. How much wealth the Pseudo- Patriots have accumulated is the general Naga Public's guess and assessment to be grasped: already well analyzed. The nationalistic fervor and spirit has ebbed down to such heights that national workers today fear of their identity and survival in the society. The atmosphere has grounded to a complex situation where corruption has penetrated into every social external as well as internal political spheres that the aura of public's emotion are unpredictably to explode at any hour. Life has come to such a juncture on the tips of the horns of a dilemma that the Naga public would no more fear the barrel but to resort to raw justice. May reformative conscience prevail.
Publicity Cell, GPRN/NSCN.
S.I Jamir clarifies- Nagaland Post
Apropos the news items that appeared in the local dailies linking me to the alleged abduction bid of Dako Phom, Independent MLA from Tamlu A/C, I wish to categorically deny any involvement in the issue. In fact one Mapu Ao, whose brother works in my household has already issued a statement in the press apologising to me and my family.
Kindly verify any further news regarding this issue before publication, barring which I will be forced to take legal recourse. This seems to be an attempt to tarnish my name and seems to be politically motivated.
S. I Jamir, MLA (INC).
All women candidates lose on Women’s Day Nagarealm.com




KOHIMA, MAR08 NPN] : It was yet another sad story for the women in Nagaland state elections. All the four women candidates in the fray lost their seats. The only consolation for the women folks was though Mrs. Rhakila of NCP who managed to secure the runner-up position. She lost by 403 votes to her nearest Congress rival Kejong Chang in the 54 Tuensang Sadar-II. She polled 7225 against 7626 poled by Khejong Chang.


Others candidates Mrs. Zenieselie Ate (JD-U) from Dimapur-1 A/C, polled 226 votes, Mrs. Rosemary Jamir (Independent )- 30th Alongtaki A/C polled 220 votes. Mrs. Tsoly (BJP) - 60th Pungro A/C polled 513 votes. According to records available, so far from 1964 till 2008, only 14 women candidates had contested in the state elections and only this time a women could get the second position.

Despite the much vaunted status of women in Nagaland, few of them actually feature when the State election comes. The participation of women in any decision making bodies like State Assembly election is indeed very poor. The two main contenders NPF and Congress failed to nominate even a single lady candidate. But when one examines the number of electorate in Nagaland or if one goes by pure numbers, the fate of these 60 candidates in the forthcoming ballot battle lies in the hands of women of Nagaland for 17 seats, female voters outnumber the males.

It may be worth mentioning here that since the Assembly election way back in 1969, female candidate contested the polls, but till 2008 no women candidate had won. The only good news was in 1977, Lok Sabha elections, when Mrs. Rano Saiza of UDF won the Nagaland seat. In the last 2003 elections there were three women candidates. In the last assembly all of them forfeited their security deposits. In the history of the Nagaland House of 60 members, one has hardly seen lady member till date.
Jami flays ‘pseudo national workers’ Nagaland post
DIMAPUR: The convenor of the Council of Kilonsers of GPRN / NSCN (K), A.Z Jami has flayed the Naga national workers other than NSCN (K), FGN and NNC workers for involving in the recently concluded state assembly elections. While condemning those Naga national workers, Jami stated through a press release that "those Naga group who claim themselves to be Naga freedom fighters, but yet wholly involved in the said election with hand in gloves with the Nagaland state politicians in puppet state elections." Jami further stated that it was rather a "shame for all freedom loving Nagas on account of those claiming to be freedom fighters but sending armed personnel to threaten and forced the Naga people to vote for their favoured candidates and parties against their will." While terming himself as a veteran Naga freedom fighter without any reservation, Jami has urged those "pseudo Naga National workers and especially their leaders to stand down from their claims and positions in the greater interest of the Nagas and their nation." "It is a shame and disgrace to speak lies and play faults in National politics under the banner of "Nagaland for Christ", Jami added.
Meanwhile, A.Z Jami who was authorized by the collective leadership to oversee and supervise all the political party and administrative matters of GPRN / NSCN has appreciated the NSCN (K) functionaries of all ranks and files for staying away from the recently concluded Indian "imposed" election in Nagaland in compliance to the directives of its high command. Jami also appreciated the FGN and NNC workers who had held their ground not to involve in Indian elections.
Claim Congress-NSCN (U) threatened DAN legislators Nagaland Page
KOHIMA, MARCH 11: Hundreds of angry Nagaland People's Front youths tried to storm inside hotel Japfu today afternoon after they received information that Congress legislators were with the members of the NSCN (Unification) and threatening the independent MLAs who are with the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland.
After receiving information that Independent and other DAN alliance legislators are being threatened by the Naga armed militants at the behest of Congress to withdraw their support to the DAN, hundreds of NPF youths surrounded the hotel and tried to force in but security forces prevented them from entering.
Out of the 6 Independent MLAs, so far 5 have extended their support to the DAN coalition. Two each legislator from NCP and BJP are also with the DAN. Congress has so far mustered only 23 MLAs, but making desperate attempt to form the next government by snatching away some members from the DAN.
NPF youth leaders said they have seen Congress MLAs in nexus with the NSCN (U) were threatening DAN legislators, especially the independents. "We have seen NSCN (Unification) members moving around with the Congress MLAs", said a senior NPF youth.
Several angry youths vowed to fight the militants do or die if they do not leave hotel.
Presently Congress members along with 3 AICC members Margaret Alva, Ranji Thomas and Siddarth Patil at Hotel Japfu. The 3 members, according to the Congress insiders, were with the Governor till late night. The youths have also alleged that Governor K. Sankaranarayanan was applying a delaying tactics to let the congress take opportunity to muster majority through 'unfair means'.
Raj Bhavan is yet to invite DAN to form the next government even though Rio had paraded 33 members before the Governor on March 9. DAN legislators have also criticized the governor for taking time to invite them to form the government even after proving the total strength.
Congress dismissed the charges that they are in nexus with militants to disband the DAN.
Meanwhile, both Rio and Lok Sabha MP Wangyuh Konyak today said the Governor has assured them that by tomorrow they will be allowed to form the government. "The Governor has assured me that we will be invited to form the government by tomorrow" Konyak said. Quoting Governor as saying that Raj Bhavan was trying to complete the formalities of PR government before the next government is installed.
To substantiate their claim Rio today again paraded his 34 MLAs before the media. One more independent MLA, Kipili Sangtam has joined the DAN. With this the strength of the DAN has risen to 35.

Rift in Congress after Imkong's appointment as CLP leader Nagaland Page
KOHIMA, MARCH 11: All is not well in the Congress camp with the selection of I Imkong as new CLP leader.
A senior Congressman on condition of anonymity tonight indicated that rift has cropped up in the camp due to the selection of Imkong as CLP leader again even after he resigned yesterday on moral ground.
The Congress leader said Congress in Nagaland has been buried from today.
"Congress was killed in last elections and buried today because of imposition of CLP leader," the Congressman said. He said Congress High Command has forcibly imposed on the state Congress. "It was an imposition upon us," he added. He said imposition of their (Congress High Command) will against the wishes of the state unit party has buried the Congress.
But he said sufficient time is there and that they would wait and see.
The Congress leader said Congress could have done better in the recently held polls.
Imkong resigned owing responsible for the party's debacle in the recently held elections on moral ground. Former chief minister, K L Chishi was also in the race for the CLP leader post. Though Congress camp had denied there was report that Congress legislators from Mokokchung, Tuensang and Mon had proposed the name of certain legislator for the CLP leader to the party high command today.

Mockery of Sumi Hoho’s declaration: NSCN (IM)
In what can be termed as a serious violation of the December 7, 2007 Ceasefire Agreement, the firing incident at Satakha, Zunheboto District on 4th March by the Azheto group seriously injuring three men and two woman, has cast a dark shadow on the peace prospect as envisaged by some Naga Civil Societies such as GBs and DBs.
It was at around 9 pm when the private Vehicle of Sumi region CAO, NSCN was stopped by Azheto group near Satakha (CAO was not in the vehicle) and started frisking the vehicle. On identifying the persons traveling in the vehicle, unprovoked firing started while the NSCN boys escaped in the melee the indiscriminate firing seriously injured two women and three men. They were all innocent bystanders. One of the critically injured persons was Robin s/o a BSF personnel. The bullet hit his private part and exited through the backbone. One of the women was hit in the breast and the other on the thigh. The CAO's vehicle was also taken away.
Ironically, targeting the public deliberately is difficult to comprehend at the time when it has been a matter of public interest to put a stop to factional fighting. More than that the present situation under the ceasefire agreement do not warrant firing at each other. This is also a mockery of the Sumi Hoho's declaration of all Sumi inhabited areas as 'peace zone'. Significantly, the Azheto group's changing colour under unification is showing off in aggressive manner far from showing a meaningful restraint to deliver the true message of unity.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN

The gifts Nagas need from the new government Thoughts from NBCC Nagaland page
Another Election has come and gone leaving deep wounds and much confusion everywhere. A new Government will take over in a few days. Looking back, the Election Day was more peaceful than expected. The credit for the positive difference this time must go to election officials, Church bodies and leaders Christians, Village Council, Town Committee, Police and Security forces and others who performed their duties without fear of favor. Yet there were many including officials, police, security personel and Party functionaries who wantonly violated laid down ethical and legal norms to serve their own interests or those who used them. They must realize the terrible damage they have inflicted on their own souls and conscience and on their society. But what does it profit a person if he wins even an Election; but loses his own soul to satisfy his greed or to achieve worthless success?
Politicians are partly responsible for the evil practices of election. However the concern comes from a disturbing awarness that while the public thoughtlessly and self-righteously blame our politicians for all wrong practices that destroy our society, there is too little acknowledgement of the widespread greed and selfishness of the public which is equally wrong and responsible in producing our society we have today.
NBCC therefore challenges politicians and the public to see the writing on the wall and act responsibly together before it is too late. This is another moment of truth and decision for all Nagas. So easily we call ourselves Christians yet behave as if God does not exist or Christ did not die to show as Hids majestic way of the corss. Naga society is so fragile and still so unformed we cannot develop and grow. We need to help one another to do the best we are capable of instead of our worse, as we have done so far.
With hope as well as serious concern Nagaland Baptist Chruch Council (NBCC) welcomes the new Government whichever party or parties will form it. Effective governance with transparency, accountability and integrity is the main challenge for the new Government. We pray that the elected leaders to bring in changes our people deserve and are hungry for.
Rev. L. Kari Longchar
Director, Peace Affairs NBCC

Assaulting an Indian dream Tarun Vijay Times of India

More than a hundred thousand civilians have been murdered in cold blood since 1986 in ideological hate attacks in India. Most of them invariably were Hindus. Though Hindus are there in every party and state machinery, there has been hardly a voice of reason, angst and pain raised effectively against assaults on Hindus during all these years, as if Hindus still feel they are living under an oppressive un-Hindu regime and hence it's better to suffer in silence and be thankful to the oppressors for small mercies.

It's amazing. The sheer nature of compromise and an attitude of self-denial , the auto suggestion to keep mum if slapped, otherwise you will lose votes and power, has de-nationalised governors and polity to such an extent that a lady minister thinks it beneficial to visit the office of the assaulters on Hindus, sympathising with the attackers but chooses to remain silent over the gruesome murders of five Indian citizens in an Indian town Kannur, just because the governance depends on the support of the assaulters and victims do not figure in their voters list. Is this the government for only those who form the ruling coalition or for all Indians?

So much humiliation and insults have gone deep into our blood that even to say, oh we were attacked not for any other reason but just because we wore saffron, we were Hindus, makes many of us feel embarrassed and declare oh, what's the use of remembering what happened to our ancestors, it will further create bad blood and hatred. But this is 'true' only when Hindus are victims. In every single other incident, its 'prudent', 'wise' and 'essentially readable a thousand times'. Movies on Hindu 'lumpens and aggressors' are facilitated to bag state awards and included in international film festivals. I have seen a couple of such aggressively secular 'missionary' documentaries. It is difficult to appreciate the tone and tenor of utterly hateful commentaries, which rely more on fabricated unsustainable allegations and communally surcharged picturisation.

A precipitated hate against Hindus in an influential part of polity and media showed its first face, post- partition, immediately after the Tricolour was unfurled at the Red Fort. The Mirpur, Mujaffarbad, Pindi massacres of Hindus put even the Nazis to shame. It's difficult to re-count those incidents of blood and gore and unimaginable brutalities on Hindu women and children. It was so horrifying that Hindus dread even to remember that. But it figures nowhere in media, though they recount world war, Pol Pot ,Vietnam but not massacres of Hindus in the erstwhile East Pakistan and Kashmir. In North East, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM), which is fighting to crate a greater Nagaland for Christ, United Liberation Front of Assam and many such fronts in Tripura and Manipur, Maoists extremists active from Orissa to the states of UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and Islamist Jihadis under various banners have been targetting Hindus under different pretexts like in Assam they call them as Hindi- speaking people and in Kashmir its just KPs(Kashmiri Pandits).
And now, we have Kannur.

What has changed in this sixty-one-year of progress, secular rule and increasingly impressive listings in Forbes list?

Hindus being targeted just for their colour of faith and assertive Hindutwa is a matter of embarrassment.

Two recent incidents have made me feel like re-visiting Godhra, where Hindus were victims and Hindus were blamed for having organised their death in a burning inferno! Everyone condemned Gujarat riots where Hindus and Muslims both were victims, but never even for once we have seen a secularist answering a question-why were Hindus burnt alive in Sabarmati express?

Why not a single secular human rightist has taken up the case of Godhra victims?

Why Gujarat riots means only 'Muslims killed' and hundreds of Hindus killed are simply forgotten as if they were unmentionable dirt? Every single Indian facing injustice, no matter what the colour of his faith is, must get support from all patriots. Why colour of death decides the hues of support?

In the killing fields of Kannur, five RSS-BJP workers were hacked to death in a matter of four days Those killed were low income group wage earners like auto rickshaw and truck drivers. Since CPM has come to power in Kerala in 2006, 20 RSS workers have been murdered for their saffron leanings. No animosity of any other count but just belonging to a different and growing ideology was their crime. In 2003, a teacher K.T. Jayakrishnana was hacked to death before the tiny tot children he was teaching. On 17th September 1996, two ABVP activists, Anu and Kim, were cornered in a college in Parumala and threatened to be killed for joining a saffron student's organisation. Fearing death too close, the students ran and tried to swim across the Pampa river, but the SFI goons stoned them so severely that they were forced drowned. Even the women washing near the river tried to throw their sarees to the drowning students, but were stopped by Communist student leaders. Both the dead youngsters were the only offspring of their families. The killings of RSS workers in Kannur have a background to it. It was here that the Communist Party was formed in Kerala in 1940 and the place is considered a stronghold of the Left in the state. Since early sixties, the RSS began its work here and soon workers from lower income group, especially the backward, dalit segment were attracted towards it. This angered the CPM cadre and leadership and to harass and instil a fear in the CPM workers who were joining RSS, the first murder of a saffron worker took place in 1967. His name was Ramakrishnan. I have received a letter describing why violence is not stopping in Kannur against Hindu workers from Sadananda master, a teacher in Kannur whose both legs were chopped off in 1994 because he was organising RSS work there. He is still a teacher, and continues to do RSS work. From Nandigram to Kannur, Communist terrorism has taken different shapes and shades. Their ideological cohort Maoists have emerged the largest single murderer-outfits responsible for killings and looting ( http://www.mha.nic.in/Annual-Reports/ar0607_Eng.pdf ). Yet they have captured the space for peace initiatives and candle light marches!! They don't know, a worker killed may have a red or a saffron colour, but the colour of the tears of their mothers remain the same. Ideological apartheid and a policy to annihilate the differing people is a legacy of the Communist and Islamic intolerant groups. This creates a chain reaction. Unfortunately media too takes a narrow sectarian view and sides with groups that thrive on a secular bias against anything saffron.

The entire Europe and India's anti-fascists churn out tones of literature against Nazi barbarities and make it sure that the new generation is taught about how bad Hitler was. This is considered an essential exercise in secularising the society and building brain walls against recurrence of such dark periods. But if in the same spirit of building resistance to the barbarities of Dark Age represented by Aurangzeb, an exhibition is sought to be displayed, it is uprooted and closed by the secular state power.

This happened in Chennai where police ordered forcible closure of an innocuously presented exhibition on Aurangzeb, according to Mogul documents.

The exhibition was organised by a French journalist Francois Gautier, who is an ardent devotee of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, an apostle of universal brotherhood and peace. The purpose was to depict Aurangzeb as he was seen by Mogul chroniclers and his confidants. The secular politicians are afraid of two things -showing disrespect to Aurangzeb and showing respect to his blood brother Dara Shikoh, a noble hearted Muslim whom he got murdered. Its important to recollect that not only the dreaded terrorists active in Kashmir like to call their actions of brutality in the name of Islam as continuing the 'great legacy of Aurangzeb' but in Pakistan the craze amongst the anti-India leaders is to decorate themselves with the title of Aurangzeb in order to show their devotion and zeal to the cause of their religion.

This situation says a lot about the dispossession of the Hindus and their severe loss of memory resulting in disinterestedness in resisting assaults on their soul. Every party has Hindus as leaders, but they feel to speak for Hindus is a matter of political loss. They shine individually but fail collectively. In spite of being the victims of hate and assaults since centuries, there is not a single museum of holocaust in this land depicting the long journey of Hindus through indescribable travails and their glorious history of resistance. There is not a single institution of excellence in India devoted to the study of Hindu resistance and assaults on their body and mind. Indian leaders, mostly Hindus, have earned hundreds of crores, amassed great amount of wealth, but most of it is spent in downsizing their colleagues, living in extravaganza, launching missiles against their rivals rather than using it, for once to reawaken the memories of their collective glorious past and struggles of their ancestors to inspire and lighten up a grand future. Its an intellectual war to be fought with warriors of wisdom rather than political gatekeepers and durbans. A community which forgets insults and doesn't make amends to put up a courageous resistance can't hope to weave a future of respect. It's not against any other people but on the contrary a Hindu solidarity alone is a guarantee of peaceful co-existence and equality testified by our long history. And it certainly means a society without any caste discriminations, asserting one single identity-the Indian Tricolour. A Hindu observing caste or region based discriminations and prejudice is less than a Hindu. Make him feel ashamed of his narrow-mindedness. Breaking the stranglehold of caste in politics and social mobility corridors is another Independence struggle to realise the Indian dream.

There can't be an American dream deleting the memories of Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln and Martin Luther King and making Americans feel embarrassed about their Latin Christian character that defines the colour of the land. There can't be an Indian dream by targeting Hindus for their legitimate saffron assertions.

The author is the Director, Dr Syamaprasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.
Old rivals renew Bodoland feud OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
Kokrajhar/Dhubri, March 12: The Bodo heartland braced for another round of fratricidal bloodletting after clashes between members of the National Democratic Front of Boroland and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) left at least six persons injured.
Several houses and vehicles were damaged in the fighting, triggered by an attack on an NDFB camp yesterday.
The BPF comprises mostly former members of the Bodo Liberation Tigers, a militant group that was disbanded after its leaders signed a tripartite agreement with Delhi and Dispur and formed the Bodoland Territorial Council.
Although the militant group no longer exists, its rivalry with the NDFB continues. The council chief, Hagrama Mohilary, said last week that he was ready to bury the enmity by sitting for talks with NDFB chief Ranjan Daimary, but the spate of clashes since then indicate that the others are not quite willing to toe his line.
Baksa and Kokrajhar have witnessed the occasional sparring between NDFB rebels and members of Mohilary’s party, but chances of a battle increased only yesterday when some people torched the outfit’s camp at Chelaka Bazaar, near Bismuri police outpost.
This morning, assailants suspected to be BPF workers torched the house of NDFB leader B. Bwlwgwra at Karigaon, under Kokrajhar police station. The site is only 50 metres from the Karigaon police outpost.
A group of NDFB rebels later vandalised the office of the BPF’s youth wing at Dotma. In another incident, arsonists damaged two motorbikes in Dotma. Two persons were said to be injured in the same area.
Traders hurriedly wrapped up business at the Dotma weekly market for fear of more violence. There was a sense of panic in Kokrajhar town, too, with shops and other business establishments downing shutters and vehicles going off the road from 11.30am. Employees of several government offices returned home as news spread about a big clash in the making.
In Saraibil, four persons were injured, two of them seriously, when NDFB members allegedly attacked BPF workers around 11am. They also torched the party office there.
A resident said the groups exchanged fire, but neither side would confirm it.
An old office of the Bodo Liberation Tigers at Sapatgram was torched. Fire tenders from Dhubri and Bilasipara rushed to the area, but the house was gutted by then.
Plea on access area NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, March 12: India and Myanmar could extend “free access area” for citizens of the two countries living on the Indo-Myanmar border.
Union home minister Shivraj Patil today indicated in Parliament that New Delhi and Yangon may allow more free access for the border residents. He was replying to a supplementary question raised by Mabel Rebello of the Congress.
The Centre is considering stretching the “free access area” from the earlier 24-km distance allowed by the Myanmar government for Indian citizens, sources said.
At present, traders from India can travel till Tamu in Myanmar without passport and visa clearance but with requisite permission from the border authorities.
Accusing the Centre of allowing Myanmarese nationals to settle in Mizoram with their livestock, Rebello sarcastically asked Patil if it was part of a policy to build people-to-people contact “so that nobody is ever caught, nobody is averse and nobody says anything to them.
“Is the government doing it purposely, encouraging them to come to this side to do trade with the Indian community?” the Congress leader asked.
Patil said since 1947, the country had recorded names of 80,000 infiltrators from different international borders and “they have been deported”.As far as Mizoram is concerned, Myanmar has complained of Chin militants taking refuge in border areas of India.
Sulfa killed: Two suspected Ulfa rebels today shot dead Ghanashyam Kalita, 28, a surrendered Ulfa militant (Sulfa), at Tihu in Nalbari district. Police arrested three Ulfa rebels Ajay Das, Uday Das and Jayanta Kalita from Kulhati at Hajo in Kamrup district and seized three grenades. besides incriminating documents.
India, Burma conclude secretary level talks Mizzima News
New Delhi - In yet another sign of warming up to each other in terms of bilateral relations, India and Burma on Monday concluded a secretary level talk in New Delhi.
Both India and Burma, during the 14th National Level Meeting, agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas of security and border management along the common border.
The Burmese delegation to the meeting was led by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig. General Phone Swe and the Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary, Shri Madhukar Gupta.
During the meeting, both sides discussed various issues of mutual concern including security, drug trafficking and border management, according to a press statement released by Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.
India and Burma have regularly held bilateral meetings on various levels including head of the state meetings, since the visit by Burmese head of state and military supremo Snr. Gen Than Shwe to New Delhi in October 2004.
According to India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Burma's second military strongman Vice Snr. General Maung Aye will visit New Delhi in the first week of April to sign an agreement with India to build a multi-modal transport project in western Burma.
Sources at the MEA said India will invest a US $ 100 million for the Kaladan multimodal project, while Burma will contribute US $ 10 million and free land.
Despite criticism by the west, particularly the US and EU, which has imposed stern financial and economic sanctions on the Burmese junta, India continues to engage the Burmese generals under the banner of its 'Look East policy' and 'national interest'.


Frans on 03.13.08 @ 05:01 AM CST [link]


AR nabs six NSCN (U) cadres morungexpress


12 March 2008 AR nabs six NSCN (U) cadres morungexpress
The seized arms and ammunitions from the arrested six cadres of NSCN (U) at Dimapur.
Dimapur, March 11 (MExN): The 31 Assam Rifles, based on specific information, conducted operation at United North block, B Sector of Burma Camp, Dimapur in the morning. “Six cadres belonging to NSCN (U) including SS senior Commander were apprehended along with huge arms, ammunition and war like stores”, informed a press note issued by Pallab Choudhury Major PRO IGAR (North).
The recovered arms include AK-47-01 with mag, .22 Rif – 01, Double barrel 12 Bore DBBL – 01, Pistol 7065mm (Italian Made) - 01 with 03 magazine, Revolver .38 – 01, Chinese grenade – 02. A large amount of ammunition was also recovered, they include Amn 7.62mm – 18 rds, 3.3 mm- 66 rds, .9mm – 46 rds, AK-47 – 146 rds, Insan – 63 rds, 7.62mm cartridge 12 bore – 21 rds with 04 fire cage, .32 mm – 21 rds, WRA 53 – 01 rds, MC 43 – 01 rd, 6.35 mm – 05 rds, KF – 02 rds and Bomb HE 81 mm – 01.
Other items captured were Cordex – 100 mtr, laser pointer bino – 01, Pistol cage – 03, Combat dress – 03 and one sling AK-47. Five cameras were recovered (Camera Kodak (normal) – 01, Camera Canon – 01, Camera Rico (Digital) – 01, Digital (Sony) camera – 01 and Studio Express – 01). One LG Computer, one Computer Esys, one Mob set Nokia 1600 and one Computers Printer were recovered.

Rumours fuel Naga post-poll suspense
OUR CORRESPONDENT


Security forces guard the hotel in Kohima on Tuesday. Picture by Narain B. Sagar
Kohima, March 11: Several hundred youths supporting Neiphiu Rio today tried to storm a Kohima hotel in which Congress legislators and militants were rumoured to be coercing Independent legislators not to support the Nagaland People’s Front.
Security personnel prevented the mob from entering the hotel but the capital town teetered on the edge, the tension accentuated by the NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland’s growing impatience at not receiving an invitation from the governor to form the next government.
Unable to barge into the hotel, Rio’s youth army marched to Raj Bhavan and shouted slogans accusing the governor of using “delaying tactics” to let the Congress muster support through “unfair means”.
Sources in Raj Bhavan, however, said K. Sankaranarayanan was only waiting for word from Delhi to lift President’s rule and invite Rio for a second consecutive term. His last term as the head of a DAN government ended two months before its term with Delhi clamping President’s rule.
Rio called on the governor on Sunday to say that he had the “committed and unconditional” support of 34 members, including five of the six Independents and two legislators each of the Nationalist Congress Party and the BJP. The NPF is the largest single party with 26 legislators.
Today, Independent legislator Kipili Sangtam, who was till last night known to be in the Congress camp, told the media in front of Rio’s private residence that he had committed his support to the DAN. A couple of hours later, speculation was rife about some Independent legislators being threatened by armed militants of the newest Naga faction — a group that calls itself NSCN (Unification) — at the Congress’s behest.
“We saw NSCN (Unification) members moving about with the Congress MLAs,” a youth said.
The Congress refuted the allegation, saying it was neither in the race to form the next government nor hobnobbing with any militant group. “We are not staking claim to form the government,” AICC secretary Siddharth Patil said after emerging from a meeting with the 23-member Congress Legislature Party.
I. Imkong, the party’s choice for the chief ministership in the run-up to the elections, was re-elected the legislature party leader.
Apart from Patil, two AICC members — Margaret Alva and Ranji Thomas — are staying in the hotel that Rio’s supporters tried to storm.
Rio and Lok Sabha member Wangyuh Konyak told the media in the evening that the governor assured them that they would be called to form the government by tomorrow.
One election result is pending because of failed attempts to conduct polling afresh in a booth under Suruhoto constituency. Chief electoral officer C.J. Ponraj said repoll would be held there tomorrow.
Nagaland election and Congress Waterloo- Nagaland Post
India is a democratic state where the policy makers are chosen by the people for the people themselves. Hence an election to elect its leaders for the governance of the people is a regular phenomenon after every five years, except otherwise there is a constitutional breakdown. The concept and idea of democracy in running a government by the representatives of the people ids superb; but today we don't see the actual sense of democracy not only in Nagaland but everywhere in India due to the fact that muscle and money power have come to play the dominant role in electing the leaders.
This time round, election to the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly was perhaps most interesting for the reason that after NSCN (U) formation, 7 DAN legislators and 1 Congress legislator changed sides at the fake end of their tenure leading to imposition of President's Rule in Nagaland and the blame game continued between the Congress and the DAN. Both sides exploited maximum to their advantage of this President's Rule imposition.
However both sides agreed that there was likely to be fractured verdict and finally that exactly happened. The only surprise was that from both DAN and Congress some heavy weights like Thenucho (NPF), Khekiho (NPF), K.Therie (Cong) were humbled. As expected, Independent candidate winners are to play the King Makers and we are yet to see the formation of the new government and distribution of the ministerial portfolios, after which some more surprises could be in the offing.
Congress had contested the election without any pre-poll alliance unlike the DAN, but was too confident to form the next government by robbing in the newly elected Independent candidates as they are expecting to retain near the Magic Mark. But alas! The outcome has just proved otherwise with the DAN (NPF-26, NCP-2, BJP-2), Congress 23, Independent-6 (5 on DAN side) with just 1 seat result left to be announced. The Congress leadership tussle drama which has been apparent even before declaration of the results had been cut short for the Naga people to witness.
This time Congress tickets were announced in three batches and the most interesting was that the last two were announced just 12 hours before ticket distribution on 8th February at Congress Bhavan, Kohima. It was a shame on the part of Congress leadership that committed leaders like Z. Lohe, Neiba Ndang, Asu Keyho, Prasielie Pienyü etc. were denied Congress ticket.
I. Imkong, CLP leader and Hokheto Sumi, president, NPCC manipulation and word of issuing tickets to "winnable candidates" have proved costly to Congress.
In politics, revenge always proves costly! Deve Gowda, once most acclaimed National political leader and PM took his revenge in his home state is never to be realized for his own action today.
Congress debacle this time needs serious introspection of the Congress leadership. By mistake we learn, but opportunity knocks the door only once.
I. Imkong, CLP leader has just resigned owning moral responsibility for the Congress defeat. Hokheto Sumi, president, NPCC resignation too may not be far away.
Congress, better luck next time
Rüüselie Angami, Kohima.
Democratic Alliance of Nagaland says it will act as a facilitator for peace talks PTI




Kohima, Mar 11 (PTI) After claiming its stake to form the next government in Nagaland with committed support of four Independent legislators, the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland today said it would play the role of a facilitator in the Naga peace talks.
A joint statement from Nagaland People's Front president Shurhozelie, state BJP president Ato Yepthomi and NCP state president Sulangthung Lotha said, "We will continue to play the role of a facilitator to the ongoing peace talks in finding an honourable and acceptable settlement to the Naga political problem." The NPF-led DAN paraded 34 MLAs, including four Independents on Sunday before Governor K Shankararaynan to stake claim to form the government.

The alliance requested the Governor to revoke President's Rule by today.

Out of 59 results declared so far, the NPF won 26 and its pre-poll alliance partners NCP and BJP two each, while opposition Congress won from 23 seats and Independents captured six seats. PTI
PRESS RELEASE
March 11, 2008

The democratic spirit and the democratic choice to be exercised by the newly elected MLA's cannot be hijacked. But ironically the congress party after failing to outdo the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) to form the government resorted to the most degrading manner, a crime in the true political term, by desperately trying to block the independent MLA's from joining the rival camp. This is sheer act of going against people's choice of who should run the state government.

Much to the indignation of the Naga People who have exercised their franchise, the congress party in the person of S.I Jamir, a successful congress candidate from Dimapur-ii dispatched four gang members belonging to the traitor's gang of Mr. Azheto Chophy to abduct 49 A/C Tamlu independent candidate Phom Dako. This was possibly to swing to the chance of forming the govt. against the DAN, where the independent candidates are placed to play the decisive role. The confession of the gang members was reported in NE-Tv live telecast and all local papers on 9 March, 2008.

Though NSCN have taken its own time to deny its hand despite its name being dragged into the abduction game, the true picture cannot be hidden. By knowing the logic of the abduction bid and the person behind is enough to indicate the congress culture, willing to stoop to any level to capture power. But the people's will is what really matters the most and NSCN shall respect the People's Will.

Issued By MIP/GPRN
Candidate refute AR’s report on UGs’ hand morungexpress
Dimapur, March 10 (MExN):NPF candidate from 13 Pughoboto A/C Y Vikheho Swu has refuted what was stated to be a report of the Assam Rifles highlighting underground activists preventing voters in some areas of the constituency.
He stated in a note that the Assam Rifles’ report alleging underground activists preventing voters from exercising their franchise at Ghathashi, Ghokimi (Khokhumi) and Ighanumi village is false. “A document signed by the CRPF party deputed at Polling Booth no. 18, Ighanumi village and attested by the polling agents of all the three candidates certifying that no untoward incident happened during polling exists to support this assertion,” the candidate stated
In fact, Swu claimed, these allegations were “concocted to create an excuse for certain armed elements to enforce coup at Laza Izuqa and Laza Khuluqa polling stations.” Coercion and threats were also used to prevent hundreds of my supporters from casting their votes at Laza Kito, he informed. Further, in a hitherto unknown practice, his rival supporters on the pretext of guiding old folks and widows cast their votes in favor of his rival particularly at Tsaphimi and Ighanumi villages. “Consequently, some of the helpless victims at these mentioned polling stations were reduced to tears” he stated.
The candidate however expressed utmost gratitude and appreciation to all who extended their support. “I would like to declare that I have the clear mandate and confidence of the people but for the unethical polling practices unscrupulously applied by the Congress. With my integrity still intact, I once again affirm my commitment to the welfare of my people and shall continue to strive for the (uplift) of the same” he added.
India to ask Dhaka to dismantle militant camps morungexpress
Shillong, March 11 (Agencies): India will ask Bangladesh to launch a military crackdown against insurgents and deport ULFA ‘general secretary’ Anup Chetia and other ultras based in that country, a senior official said here today. The BSF would reiterate India’s longstanding demand during the four-day biennial conference of senior BSF and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) officials, which will begin here tomorrow.
“We’ll hand over a list of Indian militant camps and hideouts of various outfits operating in the Northeast located deep inside Bangladesh and seek BDR’s cooperation to bust them,’’ Inspector General of BSF (Assam-Meghalaya) Frontier, P K Mishra told UNI here.
BDR Deputy Director General Brigadier General M A Bari will lead the ten-member BDR team, while the BSF delegation will be headed by Inspector General for the Cachar-Mizoram frontiers, Himmat Singh. Mishra and J A Khan will assist Singh at the talks on deportation of Anup Chetia and other insurgent leaders, Sinha said adding that issues ranging from illegal transshipment of arms and ammunition from Bangladesh to India will also be on the agenda.
The ULFA leader alias Chetia is under detention in Dhaka jail after being arrested on December 21, 1997. He charged under illegal entry into Bangladesh using a forged passport, possession of illegal foreign currency of 16 different countries along with arms and a satellite phone. The Bangladesh government has repeatedly denied any presence of guerrilla bases inside its territory, despite New Delhi on several occasions submitting fresh list of militant camps and hideouts belonging to ULFA, NSCN (IM), NDFB, UNLF, PLA, KLO, KYKL, and NLFT set up in that country. India and Bangladesh share a 4,095 km border with more than half falling within the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
BSF hands over list of 141 camps to BDR Morung Express
Shillong, March 11 (PTI): The BSF on Tuesday handed over a list of 141 camps of militant groups and leaders, including frontranking ULFA leader Paresh Barua operating in Bangladesh, to the BDR and sought its help to dismantle them.
The list was handed over by BSF Inspector General (Assam-Meghalaya Frontier) P K Mishra to the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) during the first round of the four-day conference between the two forces at the BSF frontier headquarters here.
"We have given a list of 141 camps of insurgent groups operating in Bangladesh along with the names of 116 rebel leaders and their 198 sympathisers, and asked for help to dismantle the camps," Mishra told PTI.
He said to substantiate its case that ULFA, NSCN(IM) and other rebel groups like PLA, NLFT, UNLF and HNLC were operating from the neighbouring country, the BSF referred to the recent surrenders of some top HNLC and NSCN(IM) cadres, who had confessed to interrogators that their accomplices were in BangladeshThe self-styled ULFA 'Commander-in-Chief' Paresh Barua, its Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and HNLC General Secretary Cheristerfield Thangkiew were among those whose names figured in the list, he said.
"We have impressed upon them that many of the insurgents, including Julius Dorphang of HNLC, who surrendered recently, admitted having camps in Bangladesh," the senior BSF official said. "The camps are a threat to India and we asked the BDR to help dismantle them," Mishra said.
Power of Recall morungexpress
The results to the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly has been declared and a new government is likely to be instated soon. Much has been written about the lead up to the election—the vices gripping the system, the heavy indulgence in money, muscle and liquor power and also the indifferent attitude of the public in general. What is most unfortunate is that after this entire melee is over; political parties of different hue and colour have the guts to now take the moral high ground. The post election comments coming out from politicians and parties is now on taking pot shots against each other about elections being rigged, the unfair resort to money and muscle power, the interference from underground cadres, proxy voting etc. At the end of the day, it should not be about blaming each other. After all, at some point of time or the other, except for a very few, most have used some form of unfair means to come to power. Politicians and the concerned political parties should realize that it is a collective failure and taking the moral high ground at this juncture is not convincing at all.
Of more relevance and interest at this point in time, is to try and assess the broad contours of verdict 2008. In this regard, it will be more worthwhile to focus on some of the political notables coming out of the latest election. Firstly, there is a clear indication that performance and leadership counts for more than anything else. And our politicians must quickly learn this lesson. The results across regions and parties show that the public are sensitive about the conduct of their leaders. From this election itself, one can take several lessons to buttress this important factor. What would have been noticed is that several big names have lost because they were either seen to be blatantly corrupt, disrespectful of people’s mandate, power hungry or simply did not have in them the leadership quality that people in general expect out of modern day leaders.
This does not however mean that all those who have been elected are also above board. In fact some of them including a few veterans are lucky to be still there. They owe their victory not to any individual achievement but due to other extraneous factors. Some of them have in fact won by narrow margins not because of any popular mandate in their favour but due to division of votes among opponents. To err is only human so they say and for many of those elected, it is a second chance—an opportunity to correct. Whether they deserve it or not is less important now. Rather, those elected should become wiser so as not to invite the wrath of the people.
The other notable coming out of this election is clearly the desire for change that people want to see. The number of new entrants to the State Legislative Assembly clearly reflects this mandate for change that people are aspiring for. To add to this, there is also a general disillusionment with party politics and the games that politicians play in their quest for power. People want to send out the message that leaders must work and serve for the welfare of the public and that they must conduct themselves with honesty and selflessness while remaining accountable. And as there is a yearning for better leaders, one promising aspect of election 2008 will undoubtedly be the demonstration of the people’s democratic right to recall as proved by the rejection of many big name politicians who have failed the test of public acceptance on several counts as mentioned above. Hopefully our politicians will not take for granted, the immense faith that people have reposed on them.
Is Congress a political party? Tridip Suhrud
Or is it merely a party of government? As the Congress attempts to kickstart its campaign for the next general election, is it even aware of the difference between forms of governance, political action and the larger role of occupying the political space, asks Tridip Suhrud Six weeks after Gandhiji’s assassination a few men and women gathered at Sevagram to search their hearts. They spent five days together and introspected and interrogated each other. Vinoba, Nehru, Kripalani, Rajendra Prasad, Kumarappa, Kishorlal Mashruwala, JP, Azad, Kaka Saheb, Bibi Amtussalam, Pyarelal, Devadas Gandhi and Thakkar Bapa and others came together to ask of themselves and the nation a question. Do we have the faith to strive towards a society based on equality and justice through the means of Truth and ahimsa, they asked themselves and us. Bapu was gone, who could they turn to for guidance?
The Sevagram conference showed deep ambivalence towards both the political realm and the emerging forms of governance. Vinoba and Kumarappa argued for the constructive programmes. For them the societal realm was primary. Their suspicion of the political ran deep. Pyarelal reminded the conference of the last will and testament of Gandhiji, where he had argued for creation of a Lok Seva Sangh, a non-political body that would replace the Congress. It was left to a sad, lonely and tired Nehru to provide an eloquent defence of the political realm.
He argued for the necessity of the political. He argued that the Congress had helped create the political realm. Political life, he said, cannot be simply brought to an end. The role of the Congress, he argued, would be to expand the scope of this realm, through governance and organic linkages with civil society organisations.
He also issued a warning to the Congress. The Congress had to govern, but that could not be the fundamental reason for its existence. The government, he said, had its own unique ways of solving issues, it also had its limits and restraints. He warned that mere power of the government was not enough. The government cannot, by its very nature, raise fundamental issues facing a society and a nation. The role of the Congress was, he said, to remain within politics — not necessarily within government — and raise and confront fundamental issues. Because, in politics one looks to the advantage of the moment. But an action that was informed by deeper understanding of the political realm would be framed differently. The action must be right in itself, whether it leads to an immediate advantage or not.
The ability of the Congress to discern the difference between forms of governance, political action and the larger role of occupying the political space has frayed. It sees itself as a body whose role should be to occupy the position of governance. It is true that one of the moving forces for a political party is the will to power. But to consider governmental power as an end in itself can be dangerous for a political organisation. It gives primacy to governance over the political thereby restricting the role of the political organisation. The party thus becomes an instrument of governance and not of confronting fundamental issues and setting the terms of political debate.
The response of the Congress to any of the fundamental issues — be it the Sethu Samudram Project, the question of civil nuclear energy, the condition of the Indian peasantry, the creation of SEZs and privatisation of resources — has been governmental rather than political. It sees filing of affidavits, creation of inquiry commissions, or the budget itself, as instruments of political action. This failure to distinguish between modes of governmental action and possible responses of a party apparatus is obvious.
The implications of this process on the party as an organisation run deep. The party is seen as a bureaucratic organisation. It sees politics and even elections essentially as a managerial problem, or worse a technocratic problem. Politics as a management exercise gives centrality to the ‘expert’ and not to the polis. It, in fact, shuts out the voice of the people or the ordinary, primary member of the party as ‘noise’ in the system. A managerial exercise is also an affirmation of the hierarchy. It also validates back-room politics as real politics. It thinks of acquisitions and mergers as robust forms of political alignment. Gujarat is a classic case in point. The Congress believed that by aligning itself with the rebels within the BJP it could defeat Modi. It surrendered to the new allies, allowing them to dictate even the choice of party candidates. The Congress needs to re-think itself as a political party and not merely as an organisational structure. The first step would be to recognise the limitations of the governmental instruments and problem-solving management style.
The writer is a social scientist based in Ahmedabad
Myanmar's last royal laments a crumbling nation Source: Reuters Ed Cropley

With a twinkle in his eye and the cheeky grin of a man half his age, 84-year-old Taw Paya does what few in Myanmar are prepared to do: speak out openly against the ruling military junta. But this is no gung-ho dissident, courting the wrath of one of the world's most repressive governments. Taw Paya is the sole surviving grandson of the former Burma's last monarch, King Thibaw, exiled to India by the British in 1885. The blue blood flowing in his veins does not make him immune to recrimination, but it certainly helps.
"People are still respectful of the royal blood," he told Reuters in the sitting room of his red-brick colonial-style villa, built in 1947, the year before the southeast Asian nation claimed its independence from Britain. A woolly hat is pulled low over his forehead and his jacket is buttoned up to the neck to ward off the early morning chill of Pyin U Lwin, a hill-station popular with British officers seeking escape from the sweat and dust of Myanmar's central plains. There is little else to cover his disdain for the 46 years of unbroken army rule that have transformed Myanmar from the rice bowl of Asia into a deeply impoverished international pariah. "There's nothing good in Burma any more," he said, recalling the apparent Golden Age of early independence in which food was cheap and plentiful -- in stark contrast to the galloping inflation and deepening poverty that sparked September's monk-led protests.
"How will it change? That's the big question," he said. "Nobody knows how to unravel the trouble we're in. There's no answer as long as these chaps are in power. We have to hope for change, but I don't think it'll be realized while we're alive."
RIGHT ROYAL MESS
Taw Paya's mother was allowed back to Burma in 1919, but kept under close watch by British imperial rulers fearful of the lingering respect accorded to the royal line. The military, which seized power in a 1962 coup, has been no less restrictive. "I'd be mad to want to become a king now. With these chaps, I don't think I'd get very far," he said in understated Victorian English learnt at a mission school in 1930s Rangoon, long since renamed Yangon and superseded as the capital city.
Since 2005, the generals who replaced dictator Ne Win after a brutally crushed 1988 pro-democracy uprising have shut themselves away in a remote new capital, Naypyidaw, carved out of the bush. The so-called "Royal City" is a clear sign of junta supremo Than Shwe's regal pretensions, Taw Paya said, but it is also indicative of a regime which does not understand, and does not want to understand, the outside world. "Even compared to Ne Win, they are burglars," he said. "At least he had some general knowledge from traveling around countries overseas. He could see how the rest of the world and democracies worked. Than Shwe hasn't even been to England."
Despite international outrage at September's crackdown in which at least 31 people died, the generals would kill again to put down any repeat, said Taw Paya, who likes to pass his days watching European soccer via a cheap Chinese satellite dish.
"If there is upheaval, it will be put down very drastically," he said. "They don't give a damn for anybody so long as their own skin is safe. They don't give a damn about what others say. For them, any change is bad, so they try to cover it."
Nor has there been any sign of the called-for relaxation of the junta's grip on the lives of Myanmar's 53 million people.
"If somebody farts in a house, they know who it is," he said with a smile.



Frans on 03.13.08 @ 03:36 AM CST [link]


Friday, March 7th

Condemnation of Azetho assault on NSCN but victimizing innocent bystanders


GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM

Ministry of Information and Publicity

In what can be termed as a serious violation of the December 7, 2007 Ceasefire Agreement, the firing incident at Satakha, Zunheboto District on 4th March by the Azheto group seriously injuring three men and two woman, has cast a dark shadow on the peace prospect as envisaged by some Naga Civil Societies such as GBs and DBs.

It was at around 9 pm when the private Vehicle of Sumi region CAO, NSCN was stopped by Azheto group near Satakha (CAO was not in the vehicle) and started frisking the vehicle. On identifying the persons traveling in the vehicle, unprovoked firing started while the NSCN boys escaped in the melee the indiscriminate firing seriously injured two women and three men. They were all innocent bystanders. One of the critically injured persons was Robin s/o a BSF personnel. The bullet hit his private part and exited through the backbone. One of the women was hit in the breast and the other on the thigh. The CAO's vehicle was also taken away.

Ironically, targeting the public deliberately is difficult to comprehend at the time when it has been a matter of public interest to put a stop to factional fighting. More than that the present situation under the ceasefire agreement do not warrant firing at each other. This is also a mockery of the Sumi Hoho's declaration of all Sumi inhabited areas as 'peace zone'. Significantly, the Azheto group's changing colour under unification is showing off in aggressive manner far from showing a meaningful restraint to deliver the true message of unity.

Issued by:
MIP/GPRN


Frans on 03.07.08 @ 10:09 AM CST [link]


Tuesday, March 4th

Buying votes open secret morungexpress



Buying votes open secret morungexpress

Kohima, March 3 (CNN-IBN): As Nagaland is moving towards Assembly elections, it is an open secret in the state that votes are purchased and every political party is a part of this racket. For journalist-turned-politician like Abu Metha, who is standing for his first election for the National People’s Front, the rules of the game are already clear to him.
“Money power is being used, votes are purchased and the voters are being influenced. It is little bit more in Nagaland than anywhere else in the mainland, I would openly admit to that,” Metha revealed. Political parties could spend anything from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh for a block of votes. And the final decision is left to the village council, who give their votes to the highest bidder.
“Every party is trying to do that. They call maybe group wise, maybe family wise and they say we will give you money. That’s an open secret,” a teacher, KK Newmai said. On camera though, every political leader believes it’s the others who are guilty of the vote-buying business. “The Congress party and National party are rich parties. They are running the Central government, so they must be using money. But our regional parties and small parties don’t have the money, so how can we use it for such purposes?” former chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio asked.
While another former CM of the state, K L Chishi, played it safe by saying, “I don’t think so. Some people might be doing, but I don’t know.” Ironically, it’s the underground groups like the NSCN (IM) that are willing to come out in the open to say elections are all about money. “After the ceasefire this is the third election, and I am keeping a watch. People do buy votes. Some of the Naga people are so that if they take money from them they find it hard to say no to them,” member of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, NSCN (IM), Phunthing said. It’s Nagaland’s open secret that stares everyone in the face, yet all political parties continue to seek measures for free and fair elections.
Import of manpower, votes in high demand

Dimapur, March 3 (MExN): The Congress party under 27th Mokokchung town A/C today petitioned the Chief Election Commissioner of India to take measures against what it alleged, the illegal activities and flagrant violation of election code of conduct by Aolepden, the independent candidate for the constituency. He is said to be ‘importing miscreants’ from Longsa and Dimapur to 27th Mokokchung town A/C and also the involvement of government servants for electioneering in the constituency. “With a view to disturb the polls, the Independent candidate (Aolepden) has imported 19 persons including Government employees from Longsa village and Dimapur town and they are presently camping in his residence.
They are planning to attack Congress workers before and during the polls,” the Chief Agent of the Congress party in the 27th Town A/C, Marlemba said in a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner of India.
The letter pointed out that both the administration and the Election Commission have promised that all measures are being taken to ensure free and fair polls in the state and that the Election Code of Conduct would be strictly adhered to.
However, it termed the “importing bogus voters from outside the Constituency with clear intention of mischief and creating social unrest during the polls” as “a very alarming development”.
In this regard, the Chief Agent of the ACCC 27th Mokokchung, Marlemba demanded the immediate flushing out of ‘those miscreant from outside the constituency who are presently camping at the Independent candidate’s residence’ from the constituency.
The Chief Agent also demanded that those government servants involved in the electioneering in the A/C should be immediately punishment as per the provisions of the laws.
“Involvement of Government employees/servants in the electioneering process is definitely a matter which should be taken up with all seriousness by the Administration as well as by the Election Commission,” the letter stated.
The names of the ‘imported person’ in the letter to the election Commissioner are; Mayangtemjen, Inspector of Supplies posted at Dimapur; Talirenba, Inspector NST posted at Dimapur; Bendangtoshi, GPS Teacher at Longsa village; Temjennungsang Assistant Coordinator, Educational Block Research Centre at Khensa in Mokokchung and Imkongchiba, Maputemjen and Lipokmeren.
The letter alleged that the ‘imported persons’ are led by Meyisubong, “who is moving around in Gypsy hardtop bearing registration number NL-02-1473. It may be noted that 27th Mokokchung Town A/C has three candidates contesting in the ensuing election; C Apok Jamir from Congress, Nokzenketba from NPF and Aolepden as Independent candidate.

Involvement of UGs in Nagaland election- Nagaland Post
It is sad and very undemocratic way to witness the pre-poll violence going in and around in different constituency. I was quite impressed when the declaration of not to indulge in the forthcoming election came straight from the NSCN/GPRN office in the newspaper few weeks ago. All in all it was the best wishes and thoughts from the leaders. But, in contradictory to the declaration, some bad apple has gone against the wishes of the said leaders of the same faction. Maybe, the factional leaders' orders were too weak, or are there no systematic rules implemented in the organisation for the consequences, due to which some bad apples are still indulging in the act of violence.
Leaders are not chosen by guns,or money. It is by the choice of the people who elects their own leaders in regard to democracy. Let not some bad apples defame or destroy the image of the organisation rules and leaders in particular through their own selfish gain act. Let not the public lose their trust in the organisation by creating a mass destruction by own factional group. When the same factional groups are going against the wishes of their own leaders who just recently said that, they will not at all indulge in the coming election.
Now what are we observing here! In short, we the public are observing non-cooperation or no-trust movement in near future. Do what you've said and act like a leader and gain or win the trust out of public mind for better tomorrow and better Nagaland.
Akhong Takam Sangtam.
Nagaland winning millionaires'game MSN
Kohima: Although disclosure of assets before the Election Commission has revealed 58 'crorepatis' in Nagaland, in many cases valuation of immovable properties was not assessed as per prevailing market rates, two NGOs have alleged.

The NGOs collected and analysed the affidavits filed by contesting candidates for the March 5 assembly election in the state.

The number of millionaires from the regional Nagaland People's Front (NPF) is double their counterparts in Congress party, disclosure of assets list reveals.

"Nagaland Election Watch", an exercise initiated by Delhi-based Association for Democratic Reforms in collaboration with Youth Net of Nagaland, found that as per disclosure of assets before returning officers there were 58 candidates (26.60 per cent) whose properties, including movable and immovable, valued at over Rs one crore.

National coordinator Pawan Rana and state coordinator of Election Watch Hekani Jakhalu told newsmen here today that the properties amassed by the politicians in the fray and average income of common men reinforced the fact that the gap between rich and poor in the state was ever increasing.

The Election Watch survey finds a single PAN card holder among the 218 candidates. Out of 58 crorepatis, 13 are from Congress, BJP-6, NPF-26, RJD-2, one each from NCP and UNDP and 9 Independents. A total of five candidates have declared their liabilities at over Rs 10 lakh.

© Copyright 2008 HT Media Ltd. All rights reserved.
‘Don’t use Naga issue to grab power’ morungexpress
He has voiced his concern on various issues as a student activist, first as president of the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union and later as President of the Naga Students’ Federation. Phushika Aomi, in a candid interview today shared some of his concerns on the Naga political issue and elections in the state.

What is your opinion, observation of the present political situation?
We have a Naga political problem. The peace talks are on, while on the other hand Nagas have been contaminated by the electoral politics of India. Every Naga wishes to live as an Independent people. The Naga issue is very dear to us. Unfortunately, most of our Naga people fail to demarcate or distinguish between ‘Self Determination’ and ‘Temporary Electoral Politics,’ which means that the entire political scenario in Nagaland is in a state of confusion and the common people are pawns of this confusion.
There has been a lot of promises made on the peace talks during election rallies. What do you make of this?
Almost all political parties have been canvassing with promises of an early political solution to the peace talks. This has become a bargaining point for any political leader irrespective of party, because they know that the sentiments of the common people lie with our struggle to live as Independent people. ‘It’s just bargaining during elections, whereas no political party can bring a solution to the protracted Naga political issue.’

Who or what holds the key to a solution?
I think the solution to the Naga issue and struggle lies with the people themselves and not with the state elections. If we want to be free people, we have to struggle together, in unison.

What is your reaction on the Naga International Support Centre (NISC) questioning the stand of three former NSF presidents in their participation in these elections?
You see the solution to the Naga political issue does not lie with any leader. It’s a people’s issue and people have to come forward. The NISC’s questions should be posed to every Naga irrespective of their status or position and not only single out three student leaders. If you look back at the Indian electoral process, the Nagas boycotted the elections in 1952 and then responding to a call given by the Naga Hoho in 1998, demanded SOLUTION – NOT ELECTION. At that time, the Congress defied the call of the Naga Hoho and went ahead with elections. The Congress party headed by S.C. Jamir formed an unopposed and unmandated government. The Naga Hoho had then taken a stand / resolution, that whosoever defied the call, would be declared as anti-Naga. Unfortunately, that never happened. The Congress leaders instead responded to the Naga Hohos call by publishing ‘the bedrock of Naga society.’ The Congress leaders then shifted their political affiliations and the DAN government, a conglomerate of former Congress leaders headed by Rio promised to bring a solution during its regime, which has remained an unfulfilled promise. The Naga peace talks are being used as a tool to earn power and this, I regret to say, is unfortunate.

Is the Naga struggle as vibrant as before?
It’s losing its momentum, which is a sad thing. This is due to rampant corruption and unaccountable flow of money. There is no moral institution to contain corruption or the greed for money. The struggle is a people’s issue and the people have to be actively and vibrantly involved.

Do you agree that there has been a degradation of moral values in our society?
Yes. A massive revival is required and every section of the society has to play an integral part to reform our society. Failing which, we are heading for doomsday. The mindset of every individual has to change. Self-respect has to be revived in every person. Nagas have adopted westernization without civilization. We have become ‘couch potatoes’ and rely on easy money.

Who do you feel is responsible for destroying our society?
The Indian form of governance is largely to blame for the deterioration of our Naga society. More so, because they have misguided our Naga people through sheer enticement of easy money.

You have been an active student activist for the past many years. What ‘avatar’ can we expect to see you adorn in the coming days?
I will remain a social and political activist throughout my life and work at the grass root level for the welfare, security and upliftment of our Naga people.

What is your opinion of the division amongst our Naga insurgent groups?
I wouldn’t like the freedom fighters to have any divisions amongst themselves. Every faction has got the same ideologies and I see no reason why there should be any division amongst them.

What is your opinion on president’s rule in the state?
For the common people, the quality of service and accountability rendered under President’s Rule is appreciated. On the whole, people are appreciating the conduct of President’s Rule.

The armed forces have maintained peace and calm with regular frisking and checking?
Shouldered with the responsibility, they should do it, but not at the cost of terrorizing the common people.

Do you think Nagaland needs a regional government or national government?
Nagaland needs an honest people’s government

Do Nagas vote for party or the individual?
It’s difficult to demarcate. As long as money plays in the elections, it is a dangerous practice.

Over the last few years, many national political parties have made inroads to Nagaland. What is your take on that?
The national parties are making inroads to Nagaland state on the pretext of addressing the Naga issue. Pouring in of any national political party in the state, will never solve the Naga political issue.

Crores is being spent on this election. How do you opine on that?
Nagas are swimming in the river of money poured out during the elections. And this has to stop. But to my utter surprise, the Election Commission of India is turning a blind eye to these unconstitutional practices.

Do you have any message for our politicians?
Be a responsible and accountable public leader and not a party leader alone. Deliver good and justice to the needy and common man. Don’t be a commission agent of contract works and project works.

What is your take on the education system in the state?
It’s very unfortunate that our political leaders have failed to echo their concern on education during their election campaigns. I have said it in the past and reiterate once more that we need a comprehensive, holistic and all round developmental education programme. We have to make ‘competitors’ of our children and not mere certificate holders.

What is your observation of the role of politicians in the present Naga society?
The Nagas are heading for ‘class’ system and this is due to our politicians. The rich are turning richer and the poor turning poorer. This is because the politicians play a partisan role in promoting favoritism, nepotism and biasness.

Can we expect to see Phushika as a politician in the days ahead? Only time and God can tell.

Thanks for sharing your concern and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours?
Thank You. Noel Manuel
NSCN-IM’s hand in Wokha poll alleged morungexpress
Dimapur, March 3 (MExN): The Congress unit of Wokha has alleged that a number of NSCN-IM cadres threatened and also physically assaulted Congress workers from various villages in Englan range. A note form the Wokha district Congress committee stated that NSCN-IM cadres led by one Joseph Patton, Chichamo Tsanglao, Yanpvu Odyuo and Yanthungo Odyuo have been stationed at Englan range since the last few weeks. They are in fact campaigning for the BJP candidate of 37th Tyui Assembly Constituency, the Congress stated. The NSCN-IM cadres threatened the Congress workers with arms and also physically assaulted around 60 Congress workers from different villages in the range. The NSCN-IM cadres did not even spare the chief agent of INC candidate Yankithung Yanthan, the Congress stated. The said chief agent has been hospitalized, it was informed. Strong condemning the atrocities committed by the NSCN-IM cadres, the Congress reminded that the organization had called against cadres’ involvement in the elections as highlighted in the local media. The Wokha Congress has strongly urged the NSCN-IM leaders to discipline their cadres.
Politics in Nagaland is mainly to do with which of the following?morungexpress

Some of those who voted Party Interest had this to say:
• Its all about parties. Can you imagine, some villages have taken resolution saying that we will support anyone who will bring the party ticket of Congress. What kind of feudalism is this?
• because the tribal or individual can not be call a politics
• The question is quite confusing. It is a fact that most of the politicians when they join politics, it is basically for their own individual interest. But on the other hand, most of the electorate when they vote, they do it in the basis of party. Some of the Ao villages this time have openly stated that they will vote only for a particular party, irrespective of the individual.
• In this election do you hear any name? No, you only hear the name of the party and nothing else. Nagas are drowning in party politics.
• Nagaland state politics has always been about parties and nothing more. This is one of the reasons why there are no new dynamic leaders. We have the same old leaders. No one new. But these parties comprise of many politicians who are for their own interest.
• Elections in Nagaland is about Party, Party and Party and nothing else. Just look at the amount of parties that have come or have been formed this elections. Sadly it is not about leadership, it is about party and that is the reason why the elections are so corrupted and distasteful.

Some of those who voted Individual Interest had this to say:
• No politician in Nagaland have any ideology to stick to any political party nor does they have any principles for tribal interests but it is solely which have got to do with ones prestige and individual's interest.
• Was individual interest, Is individual interest and will be individual interest until and unless people change their mindset.
• Self-centeredness attitude and personal gain.
• Every individual, taking from youth to old seek for their own selfish gain for the next five years.
• Politics is nothing in Nagaland but the individuals gain at the cost of others
• Those who spend money to get into power do so to reap more money. After all who would spend lacs of rupees for a salary of 50 thousand? Contracts, payoffs, etc is the reason for the Nagas to go into Politics. As before election time no one is seen or when seen its VIP escorts and moving people of the road.
• It could be good or bad interests. Politics in Nagaland is all about individuals, it's just like that.
• The fact that the politicians are the richest people in Nagaland shows that they are only after individual riches. Most of them join politics for the thrill of power and unproportionate high status.
• At the core it is individual interest, at the community level it is party interest and therefore the layers of interest are many when it comes to Nagaland elections. But yes one could say that the elements of greed for power and money is at the driving seat which gives the candidate a higher status in this corrupted society.
• Mismatch between aspiration and actual capability : pretensions of sophisticated culture while in actual fact Naga society is third rate in terms of commitment to ethics
• Nagaland should have been a better place, if it wasn't for that

Some of those who voted Tribal Interest had this to say:
• 'isms' still rule no matter how hard u try to ignore it
• In elections it is not about tribal interest, it is about clan and village interest.
Clash at Longsa: over 50 injured Correspondent Nagaland Post
Mokokchung, March 3 (NPN): In the continued pre-poll violence in Mokokchung district, over 50 persons were injured Monday during a clash between the supporters of an Independent and NPF candidates at Longkhum village.
According to police, the clash erupted early in the morning during which shots were fired and stones pelted by the supporters. The situation was brought under control by the security forces later. Fourteen crude bombs, 44 live cartridges of SBBL gun, 47 empty cases of SBBL and six SBBL guns besides other lethal weapons were recovered by police.
Police arrested one person for possession of a 9mm pistol. Another 108 youths of the village were detained by police but released later on good behavior bond.
According to reports, 53 injured persons including two females were admitted to the district hospital. However, except three the rest were released after first aid. The three sustained serious injuries with one of them referred to Guwahati.
The village falls under Koridang A/C from where former school education minister Imkong L Imchen is contesting on NPF ticket. His opponents include S. Moa Imchen of Congress and T. Chenung Longchar, Independent.
In another incident, a woman, identified as Renbeni (35) of Lotsu village, was injured when unidentified miscreants exploded a bomb on the roadside near Wokha Town Baptist Church at around 10.20 pm on Monday.

Rio ‘kills’ Congress softly with his song Nagaream.com




Kohima, MAR03 [TI] : Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland’s new regional mascot, missed a place in history by a whisker. Just two months short of becoming the first chief minister from a regional party of the state to complete a full five-year term, his Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government was dismissed and President’s rule imposed.
An old hand in turning political adversity to his advantage, Rio has been determined in his effort to whip up a sympathy wave by projecting himself as a victim of the Congress’s greed for power. Many Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) leaders admit in private that Rio has been able to duck the anti-incumbency factor to a large extent by turning the tables on the Congress — he has launched a counter attack on the UPA government for imposing President’s rule in the state.

From the commercial hub of Dimapur to remote Tuensang, the core theme of his campaign, which drew to a close today, has been the unceremonious dismissal of his government. Cleverly terming President’s rule as “army rule”, Rio tried to send out a message to the electorate that unlike his party, the Congress was not keen to find a political solution to the Naga problem. Rio, who started his legislative career as a Congress legislator in 1989, champions regional aspiration by arguing that the Congress has failed to redress the grievances of different communities and ethnic groups.

To drive home his message, Rio has encouraged youths of his Northern Angami-II constituency, from where he is seeking re-election for the fifth consecutive term, to come out with a music CD mocking President’s rule and eulogising the DAN coalition. Rio has even composed a number, March together, in the album titled DAN for Progress and Peace.

One of the eight songs in the album goes: “UPA government ki dise? President rule package, army rule package dise (What did the UPA government give to the people? President’s rule and army rule).” One song is dedicated to Bedrock of Naga Society, a controversial booklet published by the PCC when former chief minister S.C. Jamir was at the helm of affairs.

In his campaign trail, Rio took along a four-member NPF Band to sing songs from the album. From the tone and tenor of his speeches, he appeared to be the challenger who is seeking a mandate against the Congress and not for his government. Rio, a badminton player of some repute, has succeeded in repeatedly smashing the shuttle into the Congress’s court. Whether that will be enough to win the match remains to be seen.

Mediapersons arrive in Nagaland to cover elections Nagarealm.com




Kohima, MAR02 [UNI] : With only days left before Nagaland goes to the polls for the 60-member Assembly media-persons from outside the state have already arrived in large numbers to cover the elections.


Camerapersons and reporters from national and private channels as well as journalists from national dailies and news agencies have reached here to give wide coverage to the Assembly elections in this Northeastern hilly tribal state. Most of the rooms in the hotels here as well as other areas in the state had already been booked taxi drivers too were doing brisk business.

A large number of reporters had already gathered in the state capital, Dimapur and other district headquarters in connection with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, BJP national president Rajnath Singh and Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad's visits to the state. Polling for the one-phase election to 60 Assembly seats will be held on March 5, while counting will be held on March 8.

Dr. Senka new NNC president Nagarealm.com




Dimapur, MAR02 [NPN] : Dr. Senka Yaden has donned the mantle of eighth president of Naga National Council (NNC). He replaced Gen (Retd.) I. Panger Walling.

A press release issued by I. Panger Walling said a decision towards this effect was taken during the Central Executive Council Members’ Meeting and General Meeting in Ao Region held on February 13 and 14 respectively in the interest of Naga people and NNC in particular. The meeting also elected the new team of office bearers – vice presidents Shanyie Konyak and Kiumungam Yimchungrii, general secretary Vizosielhou Nagi and joint secretary Sashi Aier. Congratulating both Dr. Senka and the new team of office bearers and wishing that God bless them abundantly in their march for the freedom of Nagas, Panger appealed to all people to co-operate and support the new leadership as they work for Naga unity and Naga sovereignty.
3 die in pre-poll clash
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, March 3: Pre-poll violence claimed three lives in Nagaland today, the last day of campaigning, with security forces apprehending more trouble before the state votes on March 5.
In Mokokchung district, which has seen most of the pre-poll violence, two persons were killed and several injured when supporters of Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) attacked the rival Congress camp at Longkhum village with sophisticated weapons at 10 this morning.
NPF candidate Imkong L. Imchen and Congress candidate Moatemjem, who are contesting from Koridang constituency, are from the village.
In Dimapur, two gunmen shot dead the chairman of Dimapur Muslim Council and gaonbura (headman) of New Market, Farkanudin, at his residence this morning. Eyewitnesses said this Congress supporter had an argument with the gunmen before he was killed. Police did not rule out this being a political killing.
Shops and business establishments were closed in New Market and some other parts of the town in protest against the killing.
Violence was also reported from Phek, Zunheboto and Wokha districts.
At least 20 persons were injured in Suruhoto constituency under Zunheboto district yesterday in clashes between supporters of the Congress and an Independent candidate. In Zunheboto town, six vehicles of an Independent candidate, Nihoshe Sema, were damaged by the supporters of Congress candidate Hukavi Zhimomi.
In Dimapur, there were reports of violence in Dimapur-III constituency between supporters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress.
Though security forces apprehended further trouble, they sought to allay fears regarding poll-related violence. Assam Rifles public relations officer Maj. Pallab Choudhury said steps had been taken to reach the remotest corners of the state to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.
“Security forces have been deployed, covering important urban centres and remote villages. However, in view of the fact that underground elements are likely to be involved in possible rigging of elections and intimidation, helicopters have been deployed to enable the Rapid Deployment Force to reach the remote areas in a short time,” he added.
Sonia wrong, Statute has split Nagas: NSCN (IM) Nagaland Post
Dimapur, March 3: A day after Congress president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said there was enough space in the Indian Constitution to find an amicable and honourable solution to the vexed Naga tangle, the NSCN (IM) has not only rejected it but said it was the Indian Constitution that was the root cause of the problems faced by the Nagas.
“I don’t know what Sonia Gandhi or Manmohan Singh wants to say by talking about the Indian Constitution. It is the very Constitution of India that had divided the Naga people,” Phunting Shimrang, a senior leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim NSCN (IM), told The Indian Express here on Sunday.
While Sonia Gandhi said there was enough space in the Indian Constitution to resolve the Naga issue, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had last week said his Government would even go “the extra mile” for finding it.
The NSCN (IM) leader also said 10 years of ceasefire had passed “simply like that” without any significant progress. “There have been arrests, killings and a lot of provocation other than anything else,” he said.
Shimrang, who represents the NSCN (IM) in the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee constituted by the Government of India in the wake of the ceasefire agreed upon in 1997, also said the NSCN (IM) had already suggested a federal structure in order to resolve the Naga issue. “We have already suggested a federal structure during the talks,” he said. The last time the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) leaders met for talks was in November.
The NSCN (IM) leader also accused security forces of provoking it by way of arrests of its cadres and raids on their houses. “The security forces have killed over 100 men of ours since the ceasefire began in 1997. But because we are in a ceasefire agreement we have restrained ourselves as much as we can,” Shimrang said.
Accusing the Government of bullying, he said the security forces had arrested a number of its cadre since the imposition of President’s rule in Nagaland on January 3. “Security forces search and raid our houses, and arrest and restrict movement of our men as if we are under house arrest. Such acts might even affect the talks process, you never know,” he said.
Claiming that the NSCN (IM) had not touched a single security personnel since the ceasefire began, Shimrang said it was not an easy task to remain so. (Courtesy: IE)
Two days more to speak lies and listen S Varah
No.1. lie is to solve Naga political problem if he is voted to power to make law in the state assembly. Peace, development, justice and tranquility are number two, three, four etc, etc. When government shall be formed after counting the votes we will cast on March 05, half of the lucifers in Nagaland will go back to hell and return after five years if a government can complete tenure. There are approximately three groups of liars. They are: politicians, thieves and our children. They need constant supervision. Thieves and children can be dealt with by stringent laws. But long arm of laws can not govern politicians because they have the power to make or unmake laws. This is the problems. And these problems will never be solved until the end of time. Let us say this is a process without an end.
Experienced and serious thinking people say that bodyguards of politics are lies. The ammunitions these bodyguards use during election times in Nagaland are armed militants and rupees. To bring home the truth here, let us take the example of Dimapur-11 Assembly Constituency. Its total strength of voters is about 17 thousand. Of this, 11 thousand is non-Naga, and the rest 6 thousand Naga. These 6 thousand electors are again divided into various Naga tribes. Therefore, non-Nagas decide who win and who loose. So how to deal with this situation? The logic is simple: Who can frighten these non-Nagas the most.
Now let us study the movement of money and fire power to frighten the non-Nagas first and then deal the Nagas with money. Nagaland is backward in terms of its economy; more forward in fire power. Therefore, Delhi magnanimously shovels down enough rupees as peace bonus and development in all fronts, including faction front. These bonuses from different packages go to Church Road or Nyamo Lotha Road, Marwari bati, New Market and so on. Then when the turn of 9mm pistol and Kalashnikov comes, they cough out substantial amount from these dukandars for buying Scorpio, Bolero and Chevrolet and so on. This is the customary journey of Gandhi’s head imprinted on shard of notes. The method, of course, is known as extortion, a little primitive when compared with tactical robberies in various state departments. If the fashion is through gun point, then it is known as ‘law and order.’ But if the other system is siphoning through paper works, it is ‘according to the law of the land.’
So we see, government formation process is all about two important actors. One is rupees and the other, fear factor and who can use it wisely. Here lies the wisdom of the Nagas. We have two days left to listen to lies and speak them. After that, a coalition government will be declared. Common majorities form the government but chosen few owned up the institution. And when they become the masters, they recover threefold the amount they spend in electioneering. Therefore, the money we give as tax when we buy things first goes down to dukandars’ cash cabinet, goes out to enter professional political thieves’ pocket; goes out to the common majorities in the time of election. If you want to arrest these restless rupees, make relationship with wine shops in and around Khatketti during ‘Dry State’ election time, then you are a crorepati overnight. Drenched and soaked inside wine bottle and say ‘Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!’ amid ‘Dry Christian State.’ This is the third class lie.

MLAs warned against keeping UG links; Police spreading fear: Opposition leader The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Mar 3: The Members of Manipur Legislative Assembly are requested not to give protection to the insurgent outfits. If any `protector` is found having nexus with the insurgents, stringent actions will be taken up.

Chief minister Okram Ibobi, responding to the cut motions raised by the Opposition members to the demand for grants for police at the Assembly session on demand discussion today, appealed to the members as well as people of Manipur for sincere cooperation to improve the law and order in the state.

It may be noted that in 2007 insurgents as well as arms were recovered by the state police force from the quarters of many MLAs. However, actions were not taken up against any of the MLAs.

In his clarification speech to the cut motions, the CM said that the law and order is the foremost priority of the state government. He said that the intelligence department has all the information on the links between the `protectors` and the protected. He said that if any member of the House is found having link with the insurgents, the security provided will be removed. "So let us be sincere if peace is to be restored in Manipur," said Ibobi.

The CM, once again, said, "I appeal through this august House that killing each other will not serve any purpose. Let us try to restore peace through political dialogue.
I don`t think anywhere in the world would we find so much of factionalism as seen here. Intelligence has all the reports of those who are playing key role over-ground. I also appeal to the MLAs not give protection to the insurgents."

Saying that Manipur has now become one of the most disturbed states in the northeast, the CM said that safety of the people is state government`s responsibility and the activities of unwanted elements cannot be tolerated by the government. The CM said, "In tackling them, some unfortunate incidents, some omission and commission here and there will occur."

Another common issue raised by the Opposition was the bad image police, especially the commandos, have come to earn due to various alleged misdoings. Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam said that the police-public relation has deteriorated so much that people are more afraid of police than criminals.

The opposition leader said, "A police force without discipline is no different from dacoits. They will be like wild animals. Police personnel not knowing the intricacies of law are dangerous. For example, if a personnel does not know how to take a dying declaration the excuse of insurgency is used as an easy escape."

MLA Morung Makunga said people in Manipur can no longer travel with huge amount of money with them without risking their lives. He said that people in Manipur can no longer travel after 8 pm not due to fear of insurgents but police.

The CM said that the inability of the police to instill a sense of safety among the people is a very important issue. He said that efforts are made at police training to make the force an accessible one and the effort is still continuing.

MPP members O Joy and RK Anand raised the possibility of extending unilateral ceasefire as a noble gesture to the insurgents to restore peace. Both MLAs said that this is a debatable issue and should be given thought.

The CM also said that around 100 acres have been finalized at Jiribam for constructing a centre for the surrendered militants with facilities even for their immediate families. He also said that 10 fire tender vehicles will be bought. The CM said that highway protection force will also be set up soon.

After discussions, grants amounting to Rs. 2,94,60,53,000 were passed by the Assembly today. This total amount included Rs. 271,98,54,000 for police, Rs. 1,92,38,000 for vigilance, Rs. 4,40,41,000 for fire protection and control, Rs. 7,45,97,000 for jails, Rs. 7,80,02,000 for home guards and Rs. 1,03,21,000 for rehabilitation.
Will 'No' votes even be counted? Mizzima News
A regional human rights group has raised the question of whether the junta's referendum law will even count abstentions and votes cast against the draft constitution.
ALTSEAN-Burma, in a statement released Saturday, argues that only votes in support of the junta's constitution, which has yet to be seen publicly, are to be counted in May's referendum.
"The intentions of the SPDC to force this constitution on Burma's people should now be abundantly clear to everyone - including those who wanted to give the SPDC the benefit of the doubt over this referendum and its so-called roadmap to democracy," Altsean-Burma Coordinator Debbie Stothard prospers in the press release.
The precise language of the text in question, as printed in the New Light of Myanmar on February 28 under Chapter IX subsection 23 of the referendum law, reads: "The Commission shall, after holding the referendum, combine the lists of advance ballot papers submitted by the State or Divisional Sub-commissions under sub-section (d) of section 22 and lists of advance ballot papers counted by the Commission under sub-section (e) of section 22, declare the number of eligible voters, number of voters in favour and the comparison of them in percentage."
Section 22, referenced above, reads in part that the polling booth team will "prepare separately the list of voters contained in voting roll, votes in favour, votes against, cancelled votes, ballot papers received and remaining ballot papers."
ALTSEAN-Burma also expressed outrage at the denial of voting rights to the clergy, a right that has never been expressly granted to this sector of Burmese society since the inception of the modern state.


Frans on 03.04.08 @ 10:50 AM CST [link]


Monday, March 3rd

NPF condemns unconstitutional act of Jamir morungexpress



NPF condemns unconstitutional act of Jamir morungexpress

Dimapur, March 2 (MExN): The NPF Party today strongly condemned, what it called, the unconstitutional and undemocratic action of Dr SC Jamir for indulging in the state election and campaigning for his son, C Apok Jamir, the INC candidate for the 27th Mokokchung town A/C.
A press statement received here from the NPF Central Office which was appended by five persons including the NPF Associate Press Secretary, Shilumar, stated that Dr SC Jamir returned to Nagaland on February 29 to campaign for his son, C Apok. It alleged that the Goa Governor, ‘stationed at his private residence and his son’s residence at Mokokchung’, called almost all the youths of the constituency ‘individually’ and promised them “job placement in his constitutionally state”, if C Apok was voted to power ‘i.e. right after election’. The release alleged that Jamir lured the innocent electorates by providing monetary incentives. In this connection, the release stated that with the arrival of the Goa Governor in Mokokchung, the paramilitary forces have been frisking the citizens from house to house ‘with no rhyme or reason’.
“From 29th February onwards wherever C Apok campaigns unwarranted police personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed thereby creating an atmosphere of fear psychosis amongst the general public,” the release stated. The NPF party, therefore, vehemently condemned the unconstitutional and undemocratic action of Dr SC Jamir for indulging in the state election. “As a matter of fact the Governor of any State in the union of India are the guardian of the Constitution and such loose gubernatorial involvement in a state politics is highly condemnable and uncalled for,” the release stated. In this regard, the release asked for the sincere attention of the Election Commission of India, the President of India for initiating appropriate action and at the same time the release stated that “this episode is the limitus test for the AICC in the eye of the Naga people”. The release also recalled that the Goa’s main opposition, BJP has boycotted the Goa Governor’s address in the state assembly recently for “his dubious role in the Goa state politics”. “The BJP have even demanded the Centre to recall him back branding Dr SC Jamir as the most expensive governor and a constitutional fraud.” The release in this regard, said that the act of the Goa Governor justifies the previous allegation against Jamir by the people of Goa, particularly the BJP for indulging in Nagaland politics at the cost of the state exchequer.

Nagaland poll: church urges candidates not to use unfair means The Hindu
Kohima (PTI): An apex church organisation in Nagaland on Sunday called for exercising restraint by candidates and their supporters who sought to win the March five assembly election through unfair means. Denouncing the use of money, liquor and muscle power by some candidates in the run up to the election, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) asked Christians to show 'unquestionable integrity and loyalty' to god and not indulge in any compromise.
Many of those involved in the present electioneering seemed to be adopting shortcuts to attain immediate success for themselves without any hesitation, NBCC Peace Affairs Director Rev. L Kari Longchar, said in a statement here. On reported involvement of Naga underground groups in electioneering, NBCC said the state election was not their responsibility and their participation in the poll process was highly questionable. The NBCC, which had issued a moral code of conduct after announcement of poll schedules in Nagaland, said soliciting support from underground factions by candidates was 'illegal and immoral'.
On unchecked flow of liquor and money in the poll process, NBCC said, purchase of votes by candidates and demand for money by voters were immoral too. Calling for immediate halt of all forms of confrontation among supporters of rival political parties, the influential Church council urged the administration, polling officials, police and security personnel to exercise their duty without any bias to ensure a free and fair election.
Divisions weaken Naga struggle morungexpress
Dimapur, March 2 (CNN-IBN): NSCN (K)’s Singson and NSCN (IM)’s Azheto Chophy signed a unity pact on November 23 to float new outfit. “I, me and mine and my tribe before yours.” For years, it’s this placard of a Naga and his tribal identity that has been exploited both internally and from outside. Not just in the power play of peace talks with the militant groups, but also in the everyday existence of people. Young Nagas continue to be recruited in large numbers by the insurgent groups, often tapping in on age-old tribal rivalries. In fact, Naga nationalism has lost credibility because of tribal disunity. The latest face of tribal factionalism is Azheto Chophy, former home minister of the NSCN (IM). Chophy and his Sema tribal loyalists left the NSCN (IM) recently to join the rival NSCN (Khaplang) group.
The breakaway faction of the NSCN-IM is now housed in a Niuland camp. CNN-IBN got exclusive access to the NSCN (U) camp at Niuland. Several senior leaders of the Khaplang faction of NSCN were present at the camp. In fact, Kughalu Mulatonu, the chief of the NSCN (K)’s Ceasefire Supervisory Board, did all the talking. He insisted that the NSCN(U) was the beginning of real unity between Naga insurgent groups.
“We want to convey to the Government of India that there has been bargaining for 10 years, asking the Nagas to unite. The Nagas have united. We want the international community to understand that they asked us to unite and we have united,” Mulatonu declares. Singson, the external affairs minister of NSCN (K) faction, and Azheto Chophy, former home minister of the NSCN (IM) faction today sit side by side. They came together on November 23 to sign a ‘unification agreement’. They claim they represent the real voice of the Nagas.
At its headquarters in Camp Hebron, the NSCN (IM) has declared an Emergency. The revolt by the cadres of the Sema tribe led by Azheto Chophy has been a big jolt to the outfit. The NSCN (IM) says unification and reconciliation of all Naga underground factions is their stated goal, but it must happen in an organised manner. “One of our leaders, who has been there with us, Azheto, he would not have to actually sneak away at night and suddenly say we are for unification. NSCN (IM) has been vocal for many years about unification or reconciliation among all Naga people and we are fighting for that only,” Brig Phungting, convenor of NSCN (IM)’s Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, says.
The apex body of all Naga tribes, the Naga HoHo, is also unwilling to recognise ad-hoc unity moves like the formation of the NSCN(U). “How could we say it is the unification group? If we are to look at the unification it has to be endorsed officially by NSCN (IM), NSCN (K), NNC and by the federal government,” Naga HoHo Vice-President Keviletuo Kiewhuo argues.
The NSCN (IM) alleges that the Indian Government has engineered the split in their ranks in a bid to weaken it. “So long as there is no solution, the movement will go on. Agencies of the Government of India might think that by splitting certain sections of people, they would like to break it,” Phungting alleges. On a recent visit to Nagaland to review the security scenario ahead of the March 5 Assembly elections, National Security Advisor MK Narayanan declared that a new arrangement for the Nagas is possible under the Constitution. “We can work out a new arrangement for the Naga people with maximum autonomy and freedom, but this must be under the Indian Union,” he announced.
The Naga insurgent groups have, however, rejected the condition. “We do not endorse the Indian Constitution in the first place,” Phungting points out. “The right to self-rule is what we call sovereignty,” Mulatonu argues. “We are saying that if there is going to be a political solution, then the Naga identity has to be recognised and preserved. India should give status to Naga people where it is honourable to both Nagas and Government of India,” Naga Hoho Vice-President Keviletuo Kiewhuo demands. But the divisions between the armed Naga groups has undermined their ability to represent the Naga aspirations and negotiate with Delhi. And as the youth start tapping into the new economy, the underground groups are losing their hold over the Next Generation Nagas. Yet, NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) do continue to influence the state elections. Open secrets are a dime a dozen in Nagaland and one such open secret in this election is that NSCN (K) and the newly formed NSCN Unification are supporting the Congress and the NSCN (IM) is for the Nagaland People’s Front.
“Well, all the underground factions had come out with press statement that they will not be involved in the elections. But I see some hands against my party. Some of the leaders, who had brought down my government, are in close touch with them. So I hope they don’t misuse their power,” Nagaland People’s Front leader Neiphiu Rio claims.
Congress leader KL Chishi, however, denies any involvement of the Naga outfits in the elections. “I don’t think the underground (elements) will participate in the election. As citizens if they want, they can participate in voting,” he says.
Nagas suffered more because of disunity morungexpress Dimapur, March 2 (MExN): The NSCN, Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland reminded of what it termed was the “landmark development in the history of the Naga liberation movement where the two warring factions of the NSCN (K) and NSCN (IM) through the consent and approval of its respective Chairman unconditionally united under the banner of NSCN excluding all initials on November 23, 2007”. Pointing out that with the conception of Naga unification all fratricidal killings have come to a halt, the NSCN in a press note issued by P. Nihoto Chishi, Unification Committee, Peace & Political Affairs stated that this “dawn of peace” has built up a ray of hope that the long drawn Indo-Naga-Burma political issue could now take the peaceful course towards a lasting acceptable solution”.
The press note also put on record that the “historic event” of the two warring factions coming together was able to materialize following the clarion call of the Joint Forum of GBs and DBs of Nagaland in the larger interest of all the Naga people. It pointed out that the unification process was widely applauded by all the Nagas throughout the length and breadth of Nagaland, including the NNC/FGN and that subsequently their assertion of support and cooperation towards this end was received.
The press note from Nihoto also stated that the “beleaguered Naga people had ascended to their roof tops clamoring for peace, reconciliation and unification among all warring factions and that the Naga people have clearly conveyed that “peace should precede unification and then solution to the Indo-Naga-Burma political issue should be pursued”. The press note also regretted that during more than half a century of Naga freedom struggle many Nagas had perished more in fratricidal killings then in the hands of occupational forces and that the internal strife and losses could be attributed to the disunity arising out of differences in one’s political philosophies and ideologies. “But to logically evaluate the consequences borne by inflexibility hiding on to our stances, the cycle of annihilation will continue and inflict further deeper wounds and solution a far fetched cry”, it went on to state and added that the Naga people have suffered much more because of the disunity among the Naga brothers.
The Unification Committee, Peace & Political Affairs statement also stated that Naga people have been yearning for reconciliation, unification and peace for a very long time.
“Though forgive and forget, reconciliation, unification and peace has been the usual proclamation, it has remained illusive for decades since it was only in pronouncements and not in the true spirit and principle to achieve its purpose”, it stated while reminding of the land development of the two warring factions coming together on November 23, 2007.
The Unification Committee, Peace & Political Affairs also cautioned that wrong apprehensions and perceptions may exist within certain quarters who may be misguided by “mis-propagandas permeated by anti-peace and anti-unification elements”. But in the larger interest of reconciliation, unification and peace the Nagas should cast off all negative or pessimistic attitudes and optimistically step forward to contribute, strengthen and unite the ailing Naga situation so that our long desired dreams of peace could be realized”. The statement also reminded that the Naga issue cannot be solved by others but the Nagas alone and thus it was the bounden duty of each and every Naga to shoulder their respective responsibilities so that its integrity is retained and the common aspiration to defend or rights and pursue concertedly for a lasting respectable settlement.
'Nagaland can have the honour of a clean assembly' morungexpress
Kohima | March 2 (MExN): The State can have the honour of a clean assembly as only two candidates have reported criminal cases pending against the. Both of them are from the RJD. Of these, one is charged of cheating and forgery and the other is charged with defamation. This was revealed in the summary of findings of Nagaland Election Watch (NEW) which is based on information collected from affidavits filed by 218 candidates along with their nomination papers for the forthcoming elections in Nagaland and collated them for better comprehension of the voter and the same report was made available to media persons here this afternoon at Hotel Japfu. The findings also covered financial matters, educational level, women representation and age profile of the candidates. On financial matters, the findings revealed that out of 218 candidates in the fray for the March 5 polls, only one candidate from NPF mentioned PAN while the rest 217 (99.5%) candidates either did not have PAN or they have been reluctant in mentioning it in their affidavits. In all 58 (26.6%) candidates have declared assets worth more than Rs 1 crore. Of this, 13 are from INC, BJP-6, NCP-1, NPF-26, RJD-2, UNDP-1 and Independent candidates-9. Among the major political parties, average declared assets of Congress candidates are worth Rs 224 lakhs, BJP Rs 166 lakhs and NCP Rs 55 lakhs. Among the State parties NPF with Rs 288 lakhs and JD (U) Rs 20 lakhs. In all, 8 candidates have declared their liabilities. Five candidates have declared liabilities more than Rs 10 lakhs. Of them four are from INC and one is a BJP candidate.
On educational level the reports stated that in all 128 candidates (59%) are graduates and above. Amongst the national parties INC leads by fielding 36 such candidates, followed by BJP 9, NCP 5 and NPF at 34. Regarding age profile 167 candidates are in the age group of 25-59 years, 51 from the age group of 60 years and above while 15 candidates are even 70 plus.
As far as women representation is concerned only four candidates are in the fray with one each from BJP, NCP, JD (U) and independent. It may be mentioned that the Association for Democratic Reforms New Delhi, Youth Net Kohima and social activist have collectively worked for NEW to bring out this report with the main objective to raise voters awareness in order to enable them to make an informed choice before casting their votes. In particular, the entire effort is directed to ensure that the political parties put up service oriented, capable and honest candidates, it said. Sources said that NEW is a non-partisan civil society effort for creating accountable and transparent governance in the State, adding that it was not aligned to any political party or candidates.
NNC questions DAN on reconciliation morungexpress
Dimapur, March 2 (MExN): The Lotha Region NNC states that the time had come to tell the Naga people once more that Neiphiu Rio and Dr. T. M. Lotha of the then DAN Government had sabotaged the Reconciliation Meet at Wokha in 2004 on 18th February and at the same time arrested 20 elderly people who were all above 70 years of age who had tried to host the meet in the interest of the Naga people as the NNC had its resolution of Naga National Unity.
Stating this in a press note issued by C.Lotha, Information & Publicity Wing, Lotha Region NNC, it alleged that these elderly people were put in Jail on flimsy charges in connection with the Reconciliation Meet after calling off the meeting by the NNC because of 144 CrPc (Curfew) in Wokha town. After coming out from District Jail after the NGOs and the consultative peace committee's intervention, some died and the rest are sick people today because of mental torture and since they were made to sleep on cemented floors, the NNC claimed while lamenting that this was the lot of Naga elderly people who worked for Peace & Unity in the Naga Homeland.
“And the Lotha people and the NNC in particular have never forgotten this event created by Neiphiu Rio and Dr. T.M Lotha of the then DAN Government and also the then D.C of Wokha District Mr. Eshenthung Ezung. Today, these people are shouting at the top of their voice for peace and unity and Naga Political solution but they are liars because we have seen enough in the last 5 (five) years rule in the state”, the NNC Lotha region stated.
As such, it cautioned that the Naga people in particular should think twice for these people in connection with Naga Reconciliation and the Political issue of the Nagas as imposed State election comes in the Naga Country once more. “The Lotha Region NNC in particular will never forget Neiphiu Rio, Dr. T.M. Lotha, Mr. Eshenthung Ezung and their deeds”, it stated while also expressing full support to the statement made by Gen.(Retd.) I. Panger Walling, President, NNC's reiterating to stand on the Naga Plebiscite of 1951 for sovereignty.

Plebiscite of 1951, Nagas final verdict- Nagaland Post
I on behalf of the NNC have to make a statement regarding the present imposed state election in the Naga country because the state politicians are shouting at the top of their voices about Naga political issue at this hour of their political campaign as if this will be their top agenda in the state after winning the election. I have observed for the last forty years that the state politicians make promises of solutions for the Naga political issues but miserably fail to keep their words and promises. Instead, they create confusion and division among the people by siding one faction against the other and channel their interests in the pursuit of their own gains. Even the last five years rule in the state by Neiphiu Rio and his DAN Government (Puppet Govt.) with the slogan of equi-closeness had failed miserably. They even sabotaged the Reconciliation Meeting at Wokha organised by the NNC Central in 2004 with their one sided administration. They even went to the extent of arresting the elderly people of Wokha Region who tried to host the meet. This was done even after calling off the meeting because of curfew in the area. This is a history created by especially Neiphiu Rio, the then chief minister, Dr.T.M Lotha, the then Home minister and Eshenthung Ezung, the then DC, Wokha for the first time in the political history of the Nagas in the state. And I as a Naga National Workers have not come across such a thing in my political life of more than 50 years. This is how they are dealing with the Naga political issue of sovereignty.
And therefore, that is why the Naga people can never trust the state politicians with the Naga political issue as they professed. For the NNC the Plebiscite of 1951 is the final verdict of the Naga people for freedom. Therefore, the people of Nagas should stand by this inalienable right which is a clear cut political right and stand of the Naga people as a whole.
Gen.(Retd) I.Panger Walling, President, Naga Natioanl Council.
Entrepreneurs want peace for development Nagaland Post
Kohima, March 2 (ANI): Every section of the Nagaland society has different aspirations and hopes from the coming Assembly elections in the state.
Entrepreneurs in the state are expecting the advent of new economic incentives and better environment after the formation of a new government. Abe Mero, a young entrepreneur involved in spice processing, is looking forward to a new dawn after the elections. She hopes that the new government will give importance to small time entrepreneurs like her and work towards bringing permanent peace for all-round development of the State.
"Today, we are talking about a lot of economic development in the northeast including Nagaland. I am sure it is not very far from us. But, we need to have more serious committed people, to make sure that changes come through the participation of common people, local entrepreneurs and also identifying right thing at the right time," said Mero. The same is expectation of Theja Meru, the owner of Dream Cafe. He wants the government to pay more attention to infrastructure building and seeking professional help in developing the State. But, we can't totally say that our State has that amount of peace for the people, to come and invest, as extortion is still taking place. So, one thing, which government and people can do, is to really unite, to keep this in check. So, tomorrow the investor can feel comfortable to do something in our land. And we desperately need the investors," said Meru. All political parties are under pressure from the people of the State to deliver. In fact manifestos of the all political parties have promised to bring permanent peace and all round development of the State. As the democracy in the State is maturing, people are becoming aware more and more about their responsibilities and rights. They know the power of vote to change their fortune and the fortune of political parties, which fail to deliver. "I feel, for any kind of business to flourish, people need to have a change in attitude, as we need to be more progressive. Next stress should be on more sincere and dedicated government, to uplift their business, people and their economic policies and programs have to be more practical along with the infrastructure, market linkage and road connectivity should be the focused area," said Vibilie Seyie, Project Coordinator, North East Agro Based Green Revolution Trust, Nagaland.
Dr. Tolto Metha, an entrepreneur, said, "I think stress should be put on the multinational companies because we have the land, the resources and manpower. So, it's high time, we should invite some MNC's to come and invest in Nagaland. "Nagaland has witnessed ten years of relative peace after the beginning of the peace process. People of the State have also seen that how democracy empowers them to choose their own destiny.
The younger generation in the State is also aware of the opportunities being offered to them through Look East Policy and open economy. No wonder they want a government, which can ensure permanent peace and prosperity.
Healing the Future for the Present morungexpress Editorial
Considering the profound pain and hurt caused in the past, it is very unlikely that a nation – any nation can begin the process of healing and building a political consensus over a deeply divided past. There is no doubt that the past – no matter how painful or ugly – needs to be addressed, and yet lessons from history has proven that the process need not necessarily start from the past or the present, it could start from the future by envisioning a shared destiny. And perhaps by negotiating a consensus of the future, it would then create opportunities to constructively address the burdens of the past.
So often initiators of well intended processes fall short of its objectives, essentially because they fail to fully appreciate how conflicting parties have over a period of time rallied and internalized around very different and polarized perceptions over the same past. This poses an extremely difficult and sensitive situation to develop a consensus of understanding, when the very act of framing a shared perception itself is challenged by polarized energies. These complexities gives rise to varying and diverse emotions, and it has been experienced that any process that begins with either the past or the present will only result in further polarization and personalization of differences. This perhaps was the difference between South Africa and East Timor when it came to addressing and reconciling with their own burdens of the past and their envisioned future.
I remember how in the 1990s, the builders of South Africa as they were transiting between Apartheid and Freedom, advocated and rallied around a public consciousness for a New South Africa. They focused around building a new Rainbow Nation, which with the dismantling of the Apartheid System, would be replaced by a new system where all peoples would be treated equally. And it was in the building of this new South Africa the much divided African National Congress and the Zulu led Inkatha party put aside their differences, which had spilled over to hatred; and forged a political consensus that would enable a new South Africa.
It was in this process that they also realized that for them to have a dignified future, they had to heal from the past. The shared understanding of building a common future was the persuading factor that compelled the whole of South Africa to discern and implement a process of healing. From my view point it was the approach of moving from the future to the past and present that enabled a new South Africa to begin a new journey of hope. This I must say was quite different from the East Timorese approach that assumed a more straight forward praxis which assumed that change would occur in the linear time frame of moving from the past to the present to the future.
Neither approach is absolute. The question here is not which is better, but which approach responds favorably within a particular context. After all what works in one context, may not work in the other; nonetheless there are lessons to be learned. I have always believed that there is a third way. It has never been good politics to be stuck only to ones perception of understanding. After all if the collective aspiration of a nation yearns for transformation of all life, it is only natural that one must explore all possible processes to see that the end result is realized. There must be a co-relation between the process and the end. In this case the approach that turns to the future is more process oriented, while the approach that turns to the past is more result focused.
In the Naga context, I believe Nagas must first turn to the future rather than the past. The past inspite of all its richness and valuable contributions has been politicized to the extent of polarization, while the future provides possibilities and new hope. I favor the future approach because I believe Nagas in general aspires for a shared future that will empower a people to exercise their natural rights with dignity and humility. It is a future which demands the participation of every Naga individual and organization to contribute, because without any one of them, this future would not be complete. In other words, turning to the future is a more inclusive process that brings and binds people together for a shared humanity, and it is in this shared future, that we need to evolve ways to address the burdens of our past.
For too long now, we have only turned to the past for answers, only to return disappointed, tired and more divided. Perhaps it is time for us to discern news ways and directions for seeking, and this could well demand the imperative need for us to turn to the future and then work our way to the present. It may well be that by developing a shared future we will find unity in purpose!

Laptop proof of Arabinda avatar - Police slap more charges on Bordoloi A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, March 2: Arrested rights activist and Ulfa-appointed mediator Lachit Bordoloi had been emailing statements on the outfit’s behalf to the media with chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa’s scanned signature on them, police said today. Investigators claimed to have detected documents in the sent folder of Bordoloi’s email account — they accessed it on his laptop — with the Ulfa chairman’s signature on them. The People’s Consultative Group member, also an adviser to the Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti, was arrested last month on charges of helping Ulfa under the cover of being a mediator for peace. He is in judicial custody.
A senior police officer said investigators were almost sure that Bordoloi “generated” the incriminating documents. “These were found in the sent folder and not in the inbox, implying that Bordoloi had been generating these documents. They did not come from Ulfa.”
What is not known is whether Rajkhowa authorised Bordoloi to use his signature on documents meant to be circulated on Ulfa’s behalf. The police have registered a second case against him for abetting, aiding and endorsing the views of a proscribed organisation. The officer said there was also evidence of Bordoloi distributing Freedom, the Ulfa mouthpiece. “All the evidence is there on his laptop.”
A police search of Bordoloi’s Guwahati residence on February 9 yielded the laptop and some other materials. He was arrested two days later in Moran, based on the confessions of two arrested Ulfa militants. Bordoloi was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act with “having a role in collecting funds for Ulfa” and under sections 120B and 121 of the IPC for “waging war against the state”.
The officer said the police had built a strong case against Bordoloi, based on evidence and confessions by people he was associated with. The MASS finance secretary, Judhajit Das, said in a Rangia court that Bordoloi had asked him to help some Ulfa militants ferry arms and explosives. When Das declined, the arrested leader allegedly asked him to get in touch with a MASS leader from Darrang who had agreed to do the job. Sources in the home department said more cases would be registered against Bordoloi to ensure that he remained in custody. “We have more explosive charges against Bordoloi and are looking for evidence,” one of them said.
Remembering Burma: Overturning the bowl May Ng Himal
General Ne Win, the founder of military authoritarianism in Burma, was secretly trained during World War II by the fascist-allied military regime of Japan. Four decades later, during the 1988 popular uprising in Burma, the general warned that when Burma’s army shoots, it shoots to kill. That year, thousands of protesters were killed on the streets of Burma. Little has changed in the country during the intervening two decades. As such, it was not particularly surprising this past September when, during the massive public uprising that has since been dubbed the ‘Saffron Revolution’, Burmese soldiers shot and killed over 100 citizens. That number included members of the country’s venerated clergy.
Although public demonstrations had been ramping up for weeks, the Saffron Revolution can be thought of as beginning on 5 September 2007, when thugs thought to be connected to the junta government attacked a group of monks in Pakokku. Doing so was in direct violation of Buddhist teachings, something of which the military had long been cognisant, largely due to the massive public support that the clergy holds in Burma. Urging the military leaders to reflect on their action, Burma’s Sangha, the national council representing the country’s Buddhist monks, demanded an apology from the military within 12 days. When the junta refused to do so, the clerical leaders began a religious boycott, dubbed the “overturning of the alms bowls”. This was an act of severe moral rebuke, in which monks refused to accept alms from military families, thereby denying them important religious merit. This had only happened a few times before –when the Burmese people rebelled against British colonialism and, more recently, following the country’s nullified 1990 elections.
Six month after the Saffron Revolution began, the All-Burma Monks Alliance (ABMA) continues to boycott Burma’s military families, all the while urging the Burmese people to continue resistance against military domination. This resistance has taken several forms. On 17 January, 200 demonstrators in Taungkok, including a handful of monks, attempted to gather near a local market, where they were met with a large number of armed personnel and forced to disperse. At that time, one resident of Taungkok warned that local people continued to “boil with anger”, and that the next time they would not be stopped.
Since the September uprising, student unions, activist groups, bloggers and youth wings belonging to the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) have continued spreading underground pamphlets and posters. In late December, the NLD’s detained leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, told followers to “prepare for the worst while hoping for the best”. In a particularly creative form of protest, the poet Saw Wai wrote a short poem that included a series of hidden letters spelling out the words for ‘power hungry Than Shwe’, referring to the junta’s senior leader. The poem was published in a government-backed publication and, following his arrest on 22 January, Saw Wai’s poem became an instant sensation.
Meanwhile, the sustained international interest since the 2007 uprisings have also allowed for the monks’ calls to be heard with greater strength around the world. Over the past couple of months, the Sasana Moli, the International Burmese Monks Organisation, has opened 14 new international branches, including in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as well as several countries in the West and throughout Southeast Asia. In January, the Thai branch of the International Burmese Monks Organisation in Thailand declared that the crimes committed against Burma’s clergy, in particular, had laid bare the junta’s “false piety”, and warned of “far-reaching consequences”.

Tatmadaw’s stranglehold According to military scholar Mary P Callahan, immediately following independence from Britain, World War II-era politics made violence the “currency of power” in Burma. The country’s postcolonial operational failure included army mutiny, ethnic rebellion, communist insurgency, warlordism and economic chaos. This near-anarchy subsequently paved the way for the creation of the Myanmar Tatmadaw, an army modelled after the 1950s Yugoslav and Israeli militaries. Callahan has written that the Tatmadaw came to use violence – “the once despised coercive tools of colonials” – not only to pacify but also to mould the Burmese citizenry into dependable defenders of the army state. It is this ‘dependability’ on which the junta regime has attempted to balance for the past half century, and which has led the military leaders to attempt frantically to eliminate any perceived crack in the façade.
The military moved quickly to establish pre-eminence in the Burmese state. In 1956, the army’s Directorate of Psychological Warfare presented the first draft of what eventually became the official ideology of the post-1962 socialist government, as well as the present-day military regime. Entitled “Some Reflections on Our Constitution”, the paper recommended a review of constitutional flaws and the adoption of a draconian Anti-Subversion Ordinance, which essentially allowed the government and army to treat all critics of the regime as enemies of the state.
Callahan writes that, by 1958, the Burmese Union’s Constitution was no longer considered sacrosanct, as the army circulated a critique of the document’s fundamental tenets. With this, the Tatmadaw successfully created a chokehold on political power in Burma. Under such conditions, citizens came to be seen as ‘barriers’ to the military’s consolidation of power. It was in this context that an onerous British law, a section of the Public Order Preservation Act, was resurrected and used to arrest as many as 400 government critics. During 1958, the Press Registration Act of 1876 was also amended, and the ‘Psywar’ Directorate shut down a half-dozen newspapers, imprisoning numerous editors and publishers in the process. Today, 50 years later, nearly the exact same scenes are again being repeated in Burma.
After more than 45 years of army rule, political power in Burma remains in the hands of what Callahan has termed “specialists in violence”. This catchphrase actually includes members of the Tatmadaw, anti-government armed forces, criminal gangs and paramilitaries, though the first of these maintains by far the most significant hold over power. “More menacing than the records of murderous militaries in Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Indonesia, and the Philippines,” Callahan has noted, “is the comparative ‘durability’ of the Tatmadaw’s command relationship with its society.” Since the 1962 military coup, the Tatmadaw have come to dominate all levels of government, civil administration and commerce in Burma.

Military sovereignty After some modest growth during the mid-1990s, Burma is once again facing dramatic economic problems. The early rush of foreign investment – mostly in tourism and small-scale manufacturing – has by now almost completely dried up, largely as a result of poor economic management by the regime, though coupled with the after-effects of the Asian financial crisis. Regardless, however, the junta looks set to survive, at least in the near term. As the Central Statistical Organisation in Burma has reported, the country’s foreign direct investments during fiscal year 2006 totalled nearly USD 753 million, due to investments from China, South Korea, Russia, Singapore and Britain, most of them in the lucrative oil and gas sector.Indeed, contrary to the spike in public interest in Burma, a recent New York Times editorial suggested that, just a few months after the Saffron Revolution, many governments appear to have started losing much of their short-lived enthusiasm for challenging the junta. This has been put down to the fact that they are either eager for contracts with Burma for resources such as oil and gems, or fear creating instability in the region. While observers have long noted that the governments of China, India and the Southeast Asian countries are particularly crucial in applying pressure on Rangoon, it is impossible not to notice that Europe and the US continue to maintain commercial interests in Burma.China’s economic and military support for the junta has attracted particular attention from pro-democracy activists. One school of thought believes that small, poverty-stricken Burma will inevitably succumb to the pressures of its much larger neighbour, effectively becoming a pawn within China’s geopolitical orbit. It is also believed that China’s position on the UN Security Council is seen by the Rangoon regime as an ultimate guarantee against action by the UN. A massive military machine, after all, has long been believed by Beijing policymakers to be necessary for the Burmese regime to protect foreign investments and encourage economic growth in the country. This would, of course, include the protection of China’s current and future investments, including the planned gas pipelines into Yunnan province. As such, Chinese and Burmese officials have in common the view that Burma’s internal stability is vital to the survival of Burma’s independence – and the Myanmar Army’s sovereignty.But the Saffron Revolution, and the renewed international interest that came with it, does seem to have altered the geopolitical situation with regards to Burma, at least in the short term. Beijing, for instance, took on a significantly more active, albeit behind-the-scenes, role during the uprising, reportedly adopting an unusually stern line with the junta out of the public’s glare. Just how far the Chinese are willing to take this pressure, however, remains uncertain. For its part, India had briefly supported the Burmese democracy movement in 1988. But by the early 1990s, New Delhi had begun actively courting the Rangoon junta, a move that many put down as an attempt to balance Beijing’s influence in Burma. Recently, however, Indian policymakers have been coming under stepped-up pressure to re-examine the official line. Following longstanding calls by rights groups, India recently agreed to halt arms supplies to the Rangoon regime (though, according to Indian officials, only temporarily). Likewise, in early February New Delhi officials promised United Nations Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari that they would increase official backing for UN interventions in Burma, though India remains adamant that it will not support any further imposition of sanctions. Indeed, Gambari seemed buoyed by his Delhi visit. Looking ahead to a planned trip to Rangoon in April, he noted, “Last time, China facilitated my trip to Myanmar. This time, I believe it will be India.”
Even the generals themselves seem to have felt the need to capitulate more than usual to international pressure. In mid-February, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged action by the UN Security Council against Rangoon for the use of child soldiers. As a consequence, the Burmese leadership agreed to bring charges against 43 of its officials for child recruitment. But while this swift action in response to UN diktat is notable, the practice of forcing children into the army is almost certainly continuing, particularly in the country’s more remote areas.
This type of dynamic has been seen before, as the junta, when pressured, pretends a willingness to cooperate. After pacifying the Security Council with a few meetings between junta liaisons and Suu Kyi in 2007, by 2008 the generals no longer seem to be showing much interest in genuine political reform. This includes the surprise announcement, on 9 February, of plans to hold a referendum, to be held this coming May, on the country’s new Constitution, as well as a general election in 2010. The news has been received with skepticism from the political opposition and the West, however, with only the government of Singapore welcoming the news (see box).

A rotten system The junta’s stranglehold over Burma notwithstanding, the Myanmar Army may not be nearly as strong as is generally believed. General Shwe Mann, the army’s third-highest official, reported manpower losses of nearly 9500 during just a four-month period leading up to September 2006. Much of this was due to desertions, which had risen by eight percent even over the previous year alone. Indeed, the Burmese military is not only chronically plagued by desertion, but its troops suffer from particularly high rates of HIV and Hepatitis B, and morale is said to have clearly plummeted.
A hint as to why this is so can be found in a late-2007 report by Jane’s Defense Weekly, the US-based military journal, that the army’s battalions have become poorly managed and resourced. Much of this can be put down to the fact that corruption has reached unprecedented levels, even by the junta’s standards, causing a significant drain on the government’s budget. According to Transparency International’s 2007 Corruption Perceptions Index, Burma was ranked dead last on a list of 180 countries, tied only with Somalia, which has not had a functioning central government in a decade and a half. The fact that the junta has further isolated the armed forces from the rest of the population has essentially led to the creation of a state within a state, where the members of the Tatmadaw, along with their relatives and supporters, have become a privileged caste within Burmese society.
The longstanding disconnect in Burma constitutes a constant worry for the authoritarian regime: that the junta will be weakened by its alienation from the civilian population, and will continue to face the threat of armed opposition. Meanwhile, the NLD’s landslide victory in the 1990 general elections included an overwhelming vote by military personnel, strongly suggesting that dissatisfaction and even active dissent within the military was well entrenched nearly two decades ago. It can be said that today the will of the people is much stronger than nearly ever before in modern-day Burma. One of the most important elements to come out of the Saffron Revolution has been the quiet transformation of the power behind the moral influence in Burma. First and foremost, the uprising has largely succeeded in uniting the vast number of Burmese citizens behind a common cause. Second, public will has, to a great extent, re-focused international concern onto Burma – a process that has proceeded more slowly and unevenly than many hoped, but one that is nonetheless continuing. As one student leader, nicknamed Phoenix, said in the aftermath of the September uprisings, “While international pressure is necessary, the ultimate answer to Burma’s future lies with the people inside the country, including the military leaders who disagree with the killing of the monks.”



Frans on 03.03.08 @ 04:22 AM CST [link]


Sunday, March 2nd

NNC Prez hits out at politician morungexpress



NNC Prez hits out at politician morungexpress

Dimapur, March 1 (MExN): The President of the Naga National Council today lambasted state politicians for making false promises about the Naga political issue during state elections and added that the Naga people can never trust the state politicians with the Naga political issue as they profess.
A press statement received here from the NNC President, Gen (Retd) I Panger Walling, while terming the state assembly elections as ‘imposed state election in the Naga country’, commented that ‘the state politicians are shouting at the top of their voices about Naga political issue at this hour of their political campaign as if this will be their top agenda in the state after winning the election’.
However, putting forth his observation of over forty years, Walling asserted that state politicians make promises but miserably fail to find solutions for the Naga political issue. “Instead, they create confusion and division among the people by siding one faction against the other and channel their interests in the pursuit of their own gains,” he said.
In this regard, the NNC President hit out at the former DAN government and said that the last five years rule in the state by Neiphiu Rio and his DAN Government, (which he called a Puppet Government) with the slogan of equi-closeness had failed miserably. Walling alleged that the DAN Government even sabotaged the ‘Reconciliation Meeting at Wokha’ which was organised by the NNC in 2004. “They even went to the extent of arresting the elderly people of Wokha Region who tried to host the Meet. This was done even after calling off the Meeting because of curfew in the area,” said Walling.
In this regard, the release said that this is a history created especially by Neiphiu Rio (former Chief Minister), Dr. TM Lotha (former Home Minister) and Eshenthung Ezung (the then DC Wokha) “for the first time in the political history of the Nagas in the state”.
“I as a Naga National Worker have not come across such a thing in my political life of more than 50 years. This is how they are dealing with the Naga political issue of sovereignty,” said Walling and added that this is why the Naga people can never trust the state politicians with the Naga political issue as they professed.
He declared that for the NNC, the Plebiscite of 1951 is the final verdict of the Naga people for freedom. “The Naga people should stand by this inalienable rights which is a clear cut political right and stand of the Naga people as a whole,” he said.
Budget Is 'revolutionary', Sonia Says At Nagaland Rally morungexpress
Congress president Sonia Gandhi Saturday called the union budget 'historic and revolutionary' while addressing a massive election rally here in Nagaland. 'We must thank the prime minister and the finance minister for deciding to waive bank loans to the tune of Rs.600 billion (for farmers). This budget is not only historic but revolutionary as well,' Gandhi said.

Elections to the 60-member Nagaland legislature are scheduled for May 5. Attired in a traditional tribal dress with a headgear, Gandhi harped on the theme of stability and peace while asking people to vote for the Congress.

'The last five years in Nagaland witnessed instability and was marked by an increase in killings and violence. Youths were made to believe that their aspirations could be fulfilled only through the barrel of the gun,' the head of India's ruling coalition told some 20,000 supporters.

She said the Congress was committed to working for the overall development of the northeast.
'Stability and peace are the two prerequisites for development. It is the Congress that can provide stability coupled with development,' Gandhi said.

The Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), the dominant partner in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-backed Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government in Nagaland that ruled the state until President's rule was imposed in January, is fighting the elections alone this time.

'The Congress stands for secularism and we are the only party that can cater to the needs of the people,' she said. The Congress is locked in a straight fight with the regional challenger NPF.
The NPF is contesting in 56 seats while the Congress has put up candidates in all 60 seats.

The BJP has put up candidates in 23 seats, the Nationalist Congress Party in eight seats and the Rashtriya Janata Dal in 26. A new regional outfit, the Nagaland Legislative Democratic Party, formed by a few breakaway BJP leaders, has also joined the race.
BREAK FROM THE PAST: Today's Naga youth promise themselves a future very different from the past and present. Message in music: Naga GenNext yearns for peace VK Shashikumar / CNN-IBN
Sonia promises better future
01 March, 2008 12:12:00 Limalenden, Zakir & Bonnie
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UPA Chairperson and AICC President Sonia Gandhi greets her supporters at the election campaign rally for Congress in Nagaland at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur on Saturday, March 1. (Photo/Caisii Mao)
Mokokchung/Dimapur | March 1 : UPA Chairperson and All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Sonia Gandhi today used her brief stopovers at Mokokchung and Dimapur to good effect promising plenty of development bonuses for Nagaland and appealed to the people of the State to vote for the Congress in the ensuing elections on March 5. Speaking at Mokokchung and Dimapur in two separate rallies, which was attended by a huge number of Congress supporters, Sonia said that the Congress wants to fulfill the promises they have made in the manifesto and urged people to support the party “by voting for the Congress, by pressing for the hand and thereby ensuring a better future for Nagaland and a better future for each and every one of you.”
Sticking to the theme of development, peace and bringing about an honorable settlement to the Naga political issue, Sonia did not disappoint by promising that in the next five years, nearly 50 thousand crores of rupees would be invested in building roads and various infrastructures in the whole of NE and said, “it goes without saying that Nagaland will greatly benefit.” She also said that she is conscious of the fact that above all, the people of Nagaland want a peaceful environment where all can live a life with dignity and security and continued that various efforts have been taken over the last decade to bring about a lasting settlement in Nagaland.
But she added, “There are some groups who are supported by certain political individuals who are not interested in peace and who do not want to help to support to return to peace.” She said that the Congress party is pledged to bring an honorable settlement, “a political settlement that is negotiated peacefully taking into account the concern of all parties.”
Earlier at Mokokchung, a traditional stronghold of the Congress party, Sonia reminded that the UPA government at the Centre had taken a major initiative in the occasion of golden jubilee celebration of Mokokchung district by allotting Rs.600 crores for the revival of Nagaland Pulp and Paper Mill at Tuli, which she said will be completely revived in the next two and a half years. “This will ensure the continuing prosperity of the state,” she added. “I give you my commitment that as soon as I reach Delhi, I shall speak to the concerned ministry and see that they start the work right away,” she promised, which was welcomed with cheers by the crowd.
Sonia during her rally also used the term “a whole new chapter in Nagaland” to send out her message that people will have full opportunity for employment, for education and that in this “new chapter”, farmers will have ample opportunities for improving their income. “This new chapter will see to it that the rich natural resources of Nagaland will be exploited solely and directly for the people and create jobs for them”, she said while adding that this “new beginning is possible only under the leadership of Congress party”.
She also maintained that the Congress party alone can provide a capable and transparent administration that genuinely cares for the welfare of the people, “an administration that is fair, that is sensitive to the concerns and the aspirations of the Naga people”. She said that it is only the Congress party that there can be a clear vision for the future of Nagaland.
Questioning the handling of funds poured in by Delhi, Sonia said that the UPA government led by the Congress party at the Centre placed greatest empathy on the development of NE and especially Nagaland and that huge financial allocation have been made to the state for development but questioned as to where all the money went. “You all have to ask the government, she said, and added, “Has the huge allocation sent by the Centre been judiciously spent for the people? Has it reached the people for which it was supposed to be? These are the questions you have to ask yourself. I know you’re well aware that these allocations have not been spent judiciously. This money has been diverted to other areas”, Sonia said.
She also pointed out that the Congress “recognizes that the NE, that Nagaland, can be a virtual gateway to the East, with neighboring countries, which would help expand economic trade” and added that the government has identified three international trade centers in the State namely Avangkhu, Longwa and Pangsha.
She also believed that the budget that was passed in the Parliament yesterday under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh “is historic” and said that the loans of small and marginal farmers have been waived, and added, “this is really a revolutionary step because crores and crores of small farmers who are tremendously suffering will be relieved and it is our sincere belief that they will be able to make a future for themselves.” Sonia Gandhi also announced good news for the womenfolk, making mention of the increase in salary for Angawadi workers and their helpers and the increase in allocation to Self Help Groups. “The budget has kept every one in mind” she beamed with pride. The AICC president however added that in order to fulfill all its promises made to the people, the Congress party needed its support.
Naga bodies condemn morungexpress Newmai News Network
The repeated blank firing at Chingkham Kabui village in Lilong under Thoubal district of Manipur by gunmen on the nights of February 24 and February 27, have been strongly condemned by Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur (ZSUM) and All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM).
The two students' bodies, in a separate statement, have appealed all concerns to restrain from carrying out such unwanted activities in the civilian populated areas. ANSAM expressed its concern over the February 24 and 27 incidents at Chingkham Kabui village and said that the innocent civilians have been traumatised by the gunmen. The Naga students' body with seriousness has appealed the elements involved in the incidents not to repeat in future so as to prevent any misunderstanding among the groups of people. Voicing similar tone, the Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM) has said that it did not take the twin incidents lightly. ZSUM said that it feels for the villagers who have been gripped with fear psychosis due to the repeated firing incidents. The Zeliangrong students' body appealed the elements involved in the firing incidents not to test the patience of the community which may have ugly repercussion prompted by such incidents.
Rejoinder to Akho and Thomas
March 1, 2008
The life of choosing to tread the Naga revolutionary career is not a bed of roses. It is a matter of a person's most crucial decision. For it involves adhering to the virtues of revolutionary patriot which are reflected through a person's sense of conviction, commitment to the cause, dedication, endurance and sacrifices. Once a decision is taken nothing comes too big a burden, not withstanding human failure.
In the context of wild allegations by Z..D. Akho and his new adopted master Thomas NNC member NSCN will never run away from the reality of the situation and therefore be bold enough to call spade a spade. Because NSCN cannot bluff its way through in the ultimate sense of the trial. I'm compelled to take a move because the longer I decided to remain silent I feel all the more guilty. Because the manner of Akho taking potshots at NSCN is an act of sheer irresponsibility.
Mr. Akho, surprisingly, you have found a willing friend and may be now your master in the person of NNC member Thomas. After all, birds of the same feather flocked together. To find strength in Mr. Thomas's comfort speak of everything. Thomas is a person who have lost the Naga revolutionary identity and there is no virtue left in him to speak on the morality of the Naga political movement. He is only desperate and every single move of Thomas is a deception to show his face that has already passed into political oblivion. Mr. Akho, I regret that you have run away from NSCN fold on 25th Dec, 2007. this is quite unbecoming of you. A " Himalayan blinder" after giving your service for the cause you have chosen. A disgraceful decision for an army officer of your rank. What on ignominous exit from the national service.
I have my own conviction in joining NSCN like you and your juniors. I don't expect perfection from NSCN, and therefore, to find you preaching on morality or the ugly side of NSCN is nothing more than an abstruse defence. This absurdity on your part is a reflection of your own shortcomings. You talk about army rules and regulations. You are certainly trying to convey that you were denied what you deserved. But there is no doubt of your getting your due place in the Naga Army.
You have the temerity to talk about NSCN officers amassing wealth. For so long it has come to the government knowledge that you have been indulging in unfair practices while you were posted as Town Command in Senapati. Construction a palatial building in Senapati which is worth more than Rs. 20 lakhs is a meager amount of your corrupted existence as a member of NSCN. It was a person of your character and mindset that brought the downfall of NSCN image in the eye of the public.
A money monger of your type will never remain satisfied. You expect to be posted in the taxation department but on being denied for obvious reason you run away from NSCN and raise hue and cry. Opportunist of your type have no place in Naga Army Set -Up. Your greed for money cause your own downfall and your spirit of patriotism vanish in the air.
You reveal yourself when you talk so much of the lapses in the NSCN when you know so much of the ugly side of NSCN. You should have stand up like a true revolutionary, but you have no guts to face the reality of the situation. Why not confront the immoral activities with the face of morality. But to run away in such manner is an act of cowardice.
Taking shelter in rival camp and parroting their version to lunch bitter diatribe against the NSCN is the most demeaning act of frustration.
Certainly you are also caught up with the deadly disease of envy and jealousy. You should have proved your worth in the manner that befits an army officer of your rank as Major. But you refuse to face the reality of the Naga Army where the winner always goes to the one who stand by the virtues that are part of the disciplinary code of conduct. In the Naga Army one cannot be expected to have his own way always no matter who he is.
To my surprise you are talking smart enough on Naga unification and Naga solution. I strongly believe that NSCN leadership is exploring every means to bring about Naga unification without selling out our national principle. NSCN consider Naga unification as a serious issue. And accordingly, no haphazard manner is appreciated in approaching this national issue.
Issue By: 2nd Lieut. S. Kapai Secretary to Longvibu, Naga Army
The Games India Play Achan Ramsan
A real bombshell- this Narayanan. A bombshell when a National Security Advisor’s word is to be more ‘substantive’ than that of the PM. The question: Should India so disown the talk by displaying no accountability? The spilling of the beans - bureaucratic beans - by the NSA MK Narayanan puts a decade of talks back to square one through the back door of the meanest means. Why back to square one: He pointed on the need for renegotiation of some core issues, implying that the talks had all along been false. What a cruel joke! How many times will India back out of its so called commitment? So, the Nagas are taken for a ride for all these years without any destination and meaning.
Why bureaucratic beans? A bureaucrat could not be expected to comprehend the full political implication of the talk as a parrot, taught and trained to utter some particular words at a particular time. As the NSA everything outside the text book of the Indian constitution is ‘foreign’ and everything foreign is a threat to national security. That’s why the pre-condition at the pre-talk level - of a political talk by the political head at a political level. The question is: Does the PM asked the NSA, nay authorized the NSA to make political decision and comment on the Indo-Naga political talk (if the talk is political at all)? Is this not deception of the highest order?
What does this imply? The talks seems to have been relegated to the lowest level from the ‘highest level’ - meaning difference in perception, perception of the Naga political movement as law and order problem from an earlier perception of it as political. So, the talk is back to the days of the dinosaur before the ceasefire. There is a bundle of contradiction within itself and that given out to the Nagas to confuse them. Killing two birds with two confusions. A bait, perhaps. But how long will this game of the cat and the mouse go on? It is indeed a diabolical retrogression and adoption of a means most foul. This does not bode well for either the Nagas or India . At least on the moral front, India cannot build itself at the destruction of the Nagas.
The game India Plays: At least, on the part of Manmohan Singh, political will seems to be lacking. Is he trying to wash his hands off the whole affair? Otherwise, why should a bureaucrat be made to spell out the most significant denouement? No sincerity. No transparency. No accountability. These are worrying the Nagas as to the purpose of the talk or any agreement with India.
A bureaucratic view by the PM: Surprisingly the PM too seems to have sunk to a bureaucratic view of the situation trying to approach the issue from the developmental context. The PM may perhaps be toying with the idea of developmental schemes and programmes as the panacea for all problems. But, it must be pointed out that the question here is rather of identity, a political identity of the Nagas as needing ventilation and accommodation. And distorting the issue to development as ‘broad-based accommodation’ is just a hoax and an eyewash.
So what is imperative? A design by India to further divide the Nagas - with the insurgents on the one hand and the civil populace on the other - as a matter of two different identity is a matter of concern. To let the insurgents be caught in their own dent of corruption and promising development to the people could well be a trap by India. The moment demands the voices of the Nagas to be asserted and be heard - and not just the voice of the factions as the trend has so far been. The absence of strong public voice or the lukewarm attitude of the people is worrying.
January saw a further split in the NSCN (IM) and birth of another outfit, NSCN(U).Young turks join Naga polls to ring in changeSplit in NSCN(IM) deals big blow to Naga struggle
Tribal divisions, endemic corruption and unending insurgency have made Nagaland's GenerationNext restless. They want to heal the divisions. They want peace with honour. They want to Rattle and Hum.Over the past years, many agreements have been signed and forgotten and many promises broken over Asia's longest insurgency. Yet slowly but surely, Nagaland is hearing voices it never heard before: music that resonates across the world a yearning for peace from Generation 2008. Welcome to Nagaland.
Eximious is a popular band in Nagaland and their practice pad is a clothes shop, where they compose and plan their gigs.
Kohima's Dream Café, a popular hangout for the young, is where they jam, sing about their lives and promise themselves a future very different from the past and the present.
"Guns are bad, they should be banned," says Tali, the lead vocalist with the band.

He says a lot has changed for his generation. "Every day we see something is changing. Something is different. When you get out of the house, oh this is different. Specially for our youth, there are lots of opportunity everywhere — be it music, work or business. There is a lot of difference."
Tali and his band are not afraid of thinking big. "First and foremost, we would be cutting an album. We are also coming up with the videos to be seen on MTV and all the music channels to win awards. After that we will be like OK we are done, go back and retire," he reveals his heart. For a lot of Naga young stars, success in music means locally producing a DVD. But Theja Meru, a musician himself, has set up the Rattle and Hum Music Society to promote Naga talent in India and beyond.
"We have got nowhere. There has been no breakthrough except for doing 2-3 shows a year in Nagaland. We have an identity in our music. So bring them together. Use folk to create the fusion for a better future. So folk, fusion and future — that's what Rattle and Hum intends to do in the next few months and years," Theja Meru says about his dream.
Senti Toy, a Naga student in New York, is quietly making her presence felt. Her debut album, How Many Stories Do You Read On My Face, was selected by the Wall Street Journal<.i> in its Best of 2007 music list. Many feel it's just a start.
"For many reasons, Nagas feel that we are the centre of the world, which we are not. There is a world outside of us, which we are missing in terms of development. I feel music being one of our strengths, it can let people know about us and help us get to know them. This could be an incredible bridge," Theja Meru feels.
Things have changed slowly in Nagaland over the last 10-15 years. Life here still follows a 9am-to-4pm routine And India and Nagaland are often in different time zones.
Yet there is a promise of a younger generation, plugged to global aspirations. And they are willing to find a beat that's going to turn the clock for Nagaland.
In Kohima, a petite designer waits for the world to embrace her. "I went to Delhi to polish my skills, gain new experiences and learn new things. I became smarter, street smart," fashion designer Kuku says of her journey.
Kuku is from a new generation of Nagas who don't feel at all alienated from the mainstream. "Our outlook on life has changed compared to 5-10 years back. There's a big difference now," she says. "No matter where you are, it depends on the individual whether you open yourself to new people when you meet somebody. You always have something to learn about them,"
In a far corner of India, held hostage by an insurgent movement gone stale and an indifferent government, the young Nagas are best described as GLOCAL — or rooted in Naga identity — in terms of aspirations, but global in vision.
"We are adventurous. We want to learn many new things, but we have this strong desire to keep our identity intact," Kuku says matter-of-factlyVincent Belho is a roving health activist. He talks about issues like hygiene and HIV/AIDS in villages like Kiegwema. Vincent believes that division among the tribals are Nagaland's biggest handicap.
"We are not heading anywhere. There are many media reports on progress in the peace process. Media reports say that the Naga issue will have a solution very soon. But how soon is soon? It's taking such a long time," Vincent says with a sense of desperation.There are 16 major tribes in Nagaland, each fiercely protective of its identity. Even the insurgent groups are divided on tribal lines. The failure to forge a common Naga identity has handicapped the militant Naga nationalist movement. So now, young Nagas like Vincent are trying to make a difference.
"To contribute to my people, I don't need to take arms, that's my belief. I don't need to take a pistol, or an AK47. What I can contribute to my people is go to my village and see what my village needs," he says. Vincent typifies the modern Naga youth — mainstream, optimistic and keen to leave the guns behind. He is running out of patience with the so-called peace process.
"Today we have NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and we have a new unification group which many people don't know. Now, if Unification is a group that brings unity among different factions, it is a good thing. But what if it turns out to be just another faction? What is the use?" he asks.
KK Newmai is a teacher in a small school in Dimapur. This young teacher now feels let down by the insurgency movement. "Yes, I feel betrayed. My own brothers have betrayed me, betrayed my hopes and dreams. And somehow the government has also played a part in it," he says
Nagas, he feels, still need to learn a lot about each other. "You ask me about Akbar, you ask about Aurangzeb and I will be able to tell you. You ask me about another Naga tribe, I don't have the details. I think probably we have lived too close to know each other and remember each other," Newmai explains. GenNext in Nagaland supports a meaningful peace process — a negotiated and dignified settlement. Nagaland, they say, must leave the past behind. Change is finally ringing in for little Nagaland, as Naga youth start thinking out of the box to end the peace process stalemate.
"Somehow it has to come to an end in a manner that it is not a disgrace for those people who have started when it was relevant," Newmai suggests. (With Mukut Medhi and Arijit Sen)
House raps, but pardons UNC-backed MLAs
The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 29: Five independent MLAs of the Manipur Legislative Assembly who made provocative statements on the resolution passed by the state Assembly outside the House have been warned not to repeat the same in future by the Speaker S Budhichandra on Friday.

Before this, the secretary of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, T Joute reported to the House the statements made by the MLAs to the media under Rules 78 (ii) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the state Assembly with the permission of the Speaker.

The five UNC backed MLAs Dr Kashim Ruivah, K Raina, Wungnousing Keishing, Danny Sheiza and Awangbou Newmai through a local daily on February 24, mention may be made, said that they condemned and disagreed with the resolution passed in the House. They also said that they did not take part in the discussion on the matter.

On the following day, ruling Congress MLA E Kunjeshwor during call attention demanded an explanation from the five UNC backed MLAs on their statement against the resolution of the House observing that it was unfortunate that they made such a remark outside the House while the session was on showing disregard to the House.

Their provocative statement has been delibrated in the House since then and on February 26 Speaker S Budhichandra assured to initiate appropriate procedures in the House after a close scrutiny of the matter.

Today, after the report was placed, the Speaker invited comments from the members concerned in their defense. However, as no comments came up from the five MLAs, the Speaker asked the chief minister who is the leader of the House to give his observation on the matter.

In his comment, chief minister O Ibobi Singh said that despite being given freedom of speech and freedom to write in a democratic country it would be wrong to make such provocative remarks outside the House as the matter is related with the resolution adopted by the same. It amounted to undermining the dignity of the House, he observed.

If they wanted to make any comment or oppose the matter, they should do it on the floor of the House, Ibobi added.

He also appealed to the members to participate in the debate in the House if there was any objection and abstain from talking of House related matters outside the House.

After giving his lengthy observation, Ibobi suggested to the House to forgive them considering it was the first case.

The Speaker then asked the five members who remained sitting without giving any comment not to make such statements which hurt the dignity of the House and closed the matter.
Where giants jostle Hamish McDonald reports from behind the bamboo curtain. Photographs by Kate Geraghty.
Northern Burma is being transformed by China and India.
Sittwe is a mouldering port of 200,000 people on the neglected Arakan coast of Burma, visited by a few foreigners heading upriver to the ruined pagodas and palaces of an ancient kingdom inland. In five years from now, it promises to be transformed into one of the strategic hubs of Asia, figuring in the calculations of planners and analysts all the way to Washington.
"Think of it as a new Panama Canal," says one well-connected businessman in Rangoon.
A multibillion-dollar deepwater port on a nearby island will receive giant oil tankers from the Middle East and Africa, pumping their cargoes into pipelines that will stretch inland to energy-hungry China, avoiding the choke points of the Strait of Malacca controlled by the US Navy and its allies. Other pipelines will take natural gas from the huge reserves being defined off the Arakan coast and Burma's Gulf of Martaban.
Meanwhile, the Indian Special Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has just been in Rangoon, nailing down agreement on a new all-weather highway from India's Imphal via Kalemyo to Mandalay, which by 2010 will give India's restive and isolated north-eastern states an alternative outlet to the tenuous route to Kolkata through the "bird's neck" of territory along the Brahmaputra valley.
Across the top of Burma, the Indians are also pouring huge investments into restoring the World War II "Stillwell Road" that once took supplies to the Chinese nationalists fighting the Japanese, relinking the Indian town of Ledo to Myitkyina, north of Mandalay, from where the road leads into China.
At Sittwe, India is also contesting Chinese dominance or any plans to add this port to Beijing's "string of pearls", strategic ports across the Indian Ocean. India plans to dredge the Kaladan River flowing to Sittwe from the north and turn it into a transport corridor for its isolated state of Mizoram.
India is quietly trying to warn Burma's ruling generals about the dangers of too close an embrace by China, a traditional enemy.
"There are sufficient reasons to suspect the junta would prefer to contain, if possible, the overwhelming influence of China," says the veteran New Delhi diplomatic analyst Subhash Chakravarti, a confidant of successive Indian prime ministers. "Its natural choice to seek to do so is to encourage a larger Indian presence in the country."
In return, Burma is helping India suppress its own insurgencies.
"India is hopelessly vulnerable to tribal insurgency in its north-east frontier," Chakravarti says. "We can hardly ensure security there without full co-operation with Burma, which has lately been a splendid success. As a result, India's earlier open criticism of the junta [in diplomatic statements and on All India Radio] is more muted."
But so far, China is winning hands down. Recently, New Delhi was stunned when the Burmese junta ruled that gas from the massive Block A-1 field, being opened up by two Indian state energy firms with South Korea's Daewoo group, would be sold to China instead of going to India by undersea pipeline, and probably (diplomats in Rangoon say) at concessional prices.
We crossed from the gleaming Chinese border city of Ruili into Burma, escorted by a travel agent designated by the Burmese Government. From boom-time China, which had mobile phone coverage and automatic teller machines even in this far corner, it was a short walk into the 1970s: shabby shops fronting shanty houses; old ex-Japanese cars; cycles.
Down the old Burma Road and through five checkpoints to the town of Lashio, where our travel agent minder left us, the economic invasion by China was apparent all around.
Just outside Burma's border town of Muse, facing Ruili, long convoys of 10- and 12-wheel trucks rolled into an export-import checking station extending over a kilometre in length. Stacks of teak logs from Burma's forests waited marked and graded in a lumber yard, ready for shipment into China.
Truckloads of watermelons and other high-value produce, grown by Chinese farmers on rented land with hired Burmese labour, were heading towards China, while young Burmese men, sheepish at being photographed, were driving smuggled Chinese-made motorcycles without numberplates down towards Mandalay. Vast tracts of land, some controlled by the Tatmadaw (Burma's military), were planted with sugar cane, pineapples and cassava (for biofuel) for sale or processing in China.
Later, on the Irrawaddy River outside Bhamo, another town close to China, our boat was packed with polythene-wrapped motorbikes, probably brought across the small, locals-only border crossing nearby.
The Burma Road from the Chinese border to Mandalay is now the toll-collecting fiefdom of Asia World, a construction company run by Stephen Law, son of the former heroin warlord Lo Hsin Han, who was brought into the fold by the junta in 1992 and given the road concession as reward.
Deep in the Shan hills off the road, the Burmese authorities claim to have reduced the opium-growing area to a small fraction of its heyday when the Cold War gave a measure of protection to the country's anti-communist regime. The main illegal game is now the amphetamine laboratories hidden in the eastern corner of Shan state.
But this is well out of sight, like the casinos and brothels that used to attract customers from Chinese border towns slipping across on day passes. Locals in Muse said these had shifted to northern Laos.
In this consciously cleaned-up relationship, China's links with Burma are more pervasive than any simple trade-off of munitions and diplomatic backing for the Burmese generals in return for oil and timber (at the official level) and drugs and trafficked women (in the black markets).
As well as being the planned outlet to the Indian Ocean, Burma has become an open market for China's hungry entrepreneurs and traders, like Mr Lin from the manufacturing powerhouse of Wenzhou. He crossed the border with us on the way to his factory in Rangoon, where 40 Burmese workers earning the equivalent of $30 a month make metal shop awnings and shutters.
In the former British hill station of Maymyo (now Pyin Oo Lwin), one of the 5000 Chinese residents celebrating the lunar new year at the town's Chinese pagoda said the Chinese had emerged in 1996 from intense suspicion provoked by Beijing's Cultural Revolution-era support for the now defunct Burmese communist parties (which included a cross-border invasion in 1968-71). "Things are much better now," he said, to the sound of firecrackers.
In the tourist town of Bagan, an ethnic Chinese businessman talked of plans to help open a Confucius Institute in Burma, part of Beijing's drive for "soft power" by teaching its language and culture. Of Burma's efforts to persuade the world it is moving to democracy, he said: " I hope it doesn't happen. As long as this country doesn't open to the Western countries, people like me will benefit from the strong China-Burma relationship."
FOR the Sittwe plans to materialise, very big natural and political obstacles have to be overcome. For one thing, northern Burma and China's neighbouring Yunnan are cut by soaring mountain ranges running north-south to the eastern end of the Himalayas, with massive rivers such as the Salween and Mekong cutting into chasms thousands of metres deep. Putting roads and pipelines across this country will be fraught with engineering obstacles and expense.
Right from the Arakan shoreline, Burma teems with ethnic groups that have many reasons to hate the ruling junta and disrupt its economic underpinnings.
North of Sittwe live as many as 1.5 million Muslims known as the Rohingya who are denied citizenship or ethnic identity in Burma and neighbouring Bangladesh. Subject to harsh surveillance and restrictions (including a requirement to get permits for local travel), the Rohingya would seem a fertile recruiting ground for violent groups.
Further inland, the Tatmadaw has run a network of local truces with a score of rebel armies and their splinter groups since the mid-1990s, often giving them a slice of cross-border duty collection.
On a road junction between Myitkyina and Bhamo, leading off to a small frontier post, was a large two-storey office signposted as belonging to the Kachin Independence Organisation, a former separatist movement that signed a truce in 1994.
In the small town of Hsipaw we encountered General Saing Lo, the weather-beaten chief of the Shan State Army, which ended hostilities in 1996. He was supervising a tournament among his men at the local Dodhtawaddy Tennis Club to celebrate Shan Independence Day, his new-model Toyota LandCruiser parked outside with his army's sticker on the windscreen. "Did you watch the Australian Open?" he asked. "We could only see it on a DVD here."
The deals have allowed the Tatmadaw to focus its efforts on crushing the remaining holdout rebel groups along the Thai border, based among the ethnic Karen, Karenni, Shan and Mon. More than doubled in size since the 1988 student uprising, the Tatmadaw is now 450,000 strong and rated as one of the most capable armies in the region.
In recent years, mainstream offensive units have kept up the pressure on the rebels in an unrelenting "four cuts" strategy aimed at denying them food, money, information and recruits. The civilian population has borne the brunt of this pressure, maintained now through the wet and dry seasons, with some 140,000 people pushed into refugee camps. The Karen have just suffered a devastating blow in the assassination of their promising new leader, Pado Manh Sha, in the Thai border town of Mae Sot, apparently by a hit squad who fled into Burma.
While the population remains among the most miserably poor in Asia, the Tatmadaw sequesters between 40 and 70 per cent of government revenue, plus cuts from business associates, and is re-equipping itself with modern arms including MiG-29 fighters from Russia, better artillery and communications.
Western intelligence agencies are intrigued by reopened negotiations with Russia for a small nuclear reactor, satellite images of uranium mining and a mysterious delivery of containers by North Korean ships that Burma insists were just allowed to make port calls as "vessels in distress".
One question is whether the ethnic minorities can be permanently bought off or whether new splinter groups will emerge to pose a violent challenge, if only to shake the money tree. A bigger mystery is the ultimate stability of the deeply unpopular Tatmadaw regime and whether it can rely indefinitely on violent suppression.
Security in the central belt of the country north from Rangoon depends on a pervasive and permanent counterinsurgency-style campaign against its own people, involving thousands of Military Intelligence personnel running informer networks and muscle squads throughout the country.
Random checks are mounted on ordinary households for unregistered guests and jailing is automatic for any lapses. Official tirades assail the "lies from the skies" broadcast by Voice of America, the BBC and the Democratic Voice of Burma, which recently began direct satellite TV signals.
Diplomats say the apparent hesitation to crack down on protests sparked by fuel price rises in August and September was deliberate, not a sign of weakness. The delay allowed a massive intelligence operation in which thousands of undercover agents took pictures and identified demonstrators and sympathisers.
Two of the generals said in some reports to have refused to order troops to open fire on crowds have since been promoted, hardly a sign of dissent. Rank-and-file troops showed no hesitation storming monasteries across the country in the midnight crackdown of September 26 against what they were told were "fake monks" acting "contrary to their dharma [spiritual duty]". About 4000 monks and known dissidents were hauled off, of whom most were released after two weeks. About 1100 political prisoners are still in jails and labour camps around the country.
Little escapes the military. On February 12, Burma's official Union Day, the Herald took some photographs of a brass band of the Tatmadaw's White Arrow Division in Bhamo practising by a public road. Three hours later we were hauled off a boat down the Irrawaddy and held for two hours while officers studied our cameras, radioed headquarters for instructions and finally deleted what images of the band they could find. "Anything about the army is very sensitive at this time," an officer explained through a local high-school English teacher called in to interpret.
Than Shwe, the "senior general" heading the State Peace and Development Council (as the junta calls itself), has a firm grip, though at 76 he is showing the effects of diabetes and minor strokes. A former chief of psychological warfare, he employs terror and surprise. In October 2004 he mounted a lightning internal putsch against his powerful but unsuspecting intelligence chief, General Khin Nyunt, now serving a 44-year jail sentence. Just recently, on December 31, Than Shwe underwent an operation for pancreatic cancer in Singapore, leaving the country for two weeks without any move against him.
Although the junta is not sentimental about its dumped leaders (the founding general Ne Win died in 2002 with no state funeral, his daughter in jail and the family banned from publishing eulogies), its power transitions have been bloodless so far. Its No. 3 general, Shwe Mann, 60, is poised as heir apparent.
ON the tarmac at Rangoon's airport sit two new Airbus passenger jets, painted in the white and turquoise colours of the private carrier Air Bagan. The planes began a regular service to Singapore last October, but two weeks later were grounded when a Singapore bank withdrew the purchase credit from the company.
Tay Za, 40, the owner of Air Bagan, is the most visible victim of the "targeted sanctions" imposed by several Western countries after the September crackdown, including Australia, which lists 418 senior regime figures, family members and associates for denial of banking facilities. Described by one Rangoon-based diplomat as the "junta's No. business crony", his Htoo Trading group is said to have a son of General Shwe Mann on its board and to be the channel for Russian military sales, although Tay Za denies any government connections or illegitimate activities.
It was an early strike for a largely untested weapon, showing that the risk of a US Treasury black-listing was enough even for banks in Singapore, a notorious private banking sanctuary for South-East Asia's dubious characters and a member of the Association of South-East Asian Nations cautious about the regional group's no-interference taboo, to cut off a rich Burmese customer.
On February 9, the junta chief Than Shwe surprised diplomats and even tightly controlled local newspapers by announcing that a referendum on a new constitution would be held in May, followed by multiparty general elections in 2010, putting some dates on a vague "road map" to democracy talked about for 14 years.
Subsequent details contain fewer surprises. Enshrining no fewer than 104 "basic principles" laid down by Than Shwe, the constitution will give overwhelming powers to the president, a quarter of seats in the legislature to the military and bar the Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi from standing because she had been married to a foreigner.
Some welcome this as movement of sorts, at least formalising some non-government politics. But with Suu Kyi and the ageing clutch of ex-generals running her National League for Democracy under house arrest and most of the "1988 Generation" of former student leaders back in jail, prospects for anything but a sham democracy are thin.
Many expect the junta to quickly form some token opposition parties to its own civilian cheer squad, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, which claims to have 25 million members (out of Burma's 54 million people). After the shock of the last elections - held in 1990, in which Suu Kyi's party won more than 60 per cent of the vote (a result ignored) - fewer chances will be taken.
But if Than Shwe's decision results from external pressure, it probably came from China, whose leaders have urged the regime to speed up democratisation and which could be worried that Burma will join Darfur on the list of blackmail acupuncture points for the Beijing Olympics.
Western governments are trying to influence China and, to some extent, India to go further. The line is that the stability apparently guaranteed by the Burmese generals is fragile: with the civilian economy running down, poverty widespread in a country once the rice bowl of Asia, HIV and avian influenza menacing and an education system that once attracted students from other regional countries deliberately dumbed down under military rule, Burma could descend into chaos.
But this is close to the argument the West uses to try to persuade China's communists to relax their own monopoly on power. And the same nightmare breakdown scenario is used by the influential historian Thant Myint-U, to argue in his book The River of Lost Footsteps for a policy of engagement, not isolation.
Sanctions don't work against generals who care nothing for the outside world and are obsessed with the risk of multi-ethnic Burma falling apart. "There are no easy options, no quick fixes, no grand strategies that will create democracy in Burma overnight or even over several years," Thant Myint-U wrote. "If Burma were less isolated, if there were more trade, more engagement - more tourism in particular - and this were coupled with a desire by the government for greater economic reform, a rebuilding of state institutions, and slow opening up of space for civil society, then perhaps the condition for political change would emerge over the next decade or so."
But the Tatmadaw, at least, is taking seriously Western fantasies about military intervention. During our journey we asked often whether Sylvester Stallone's new Rambo movie, a gory tale of a rescue mission into Burma, has any underground currency. "Please, you not ask," said one pirate DVD peddler in Rangoon. "The Government not laugh. Four years jail."
NLD sues junta, Rangoon HC rejects case Maung Dee Mizzima News
In a rare but important development, Burma's opposition party – the National League for Democracy – on Friday filed a case against the Burmese ruling junta for failing to convene the peoples' parliament as an offshoot for the 1990 general election results.However, Nyan Win, the NLD spokesperson said, the Rangoon High Court immediately rejected the case that charges the junta of neglecting its duty to convene the peoples' parliament, which has been mandated by article 12 of the decree 1/90, and 1989 election law.
According to the 1989 election law, as was declared by the junta, the regime had the responsibility of convening the peoples' parliament within 60 days from the declaration of the election results, Nyan Win said.
And the decree 1/90 vested the responsibility of drafting a constitution to the elected peoples' representatives in the 1990 election.
The current ruling junta, namely the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), as well as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) (the earlier name for the junta), had neglected these responsibilities, Nyan Win said.
"So we went to the High Court to file a case against the government. The deputy director of the High Court looked at our case and did not respond but left us in the room for nearly an hour. And when he came back he told us that he will not accept our case," Nyan Win told Mizzima over telephone.
The NLD leaders including Chairman Aung Shwe, lawyer Kyi Win, and lawyer Aung Thein, had gone to file the case as the junta, neither the SLORC nor the SPDC had kept its promise, which they had declared in various decrees, but are now gearing up to hold another referendum and election, Nyan Win said.Earlier this month, the junta announced that it will hold a referendum on the new constitution in May and follow it up with a general election in 2010. The junta on Tuesday also said that it has formed a 45-member referendum convening commission and enacted a law that covers the polling process.
"Neglecting to convene the peoples' parliament and yet conducting another election not only ignores the desires of voters of the 1990 election but is an act of sheer irresponsibility," Nyan Win said. The NLD also condemned Burma's judicial system for failing to accept a case being filed in the High Court. Nyan Win, who is also a lawyer, said a deputy director has no legal rights or 'judicial power' to reject a case that is being filed.
"If a case filed at the highest level of courts is rejected, then where can we file our complaints? So, in view of correcting this practice, we will once again file the case next week," Nyan Win said.

Frans on 03.02.08 @ 10:51 AM CST [link]


‘President’s rule has brought back military rule’ From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 5, Issue 9, Dated Mar 08, 2008



‘President’s rule has brought back military rule’ From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 5, Issue 9, Dated Mar 08, 2008

Ahead of Assembly polls in Nagaland, former CM Neiphiu Rio tells TERESA REHMAN that the Centre is subverting democracy
Did you expect the imposition of President’ rule in Nagaland just two months before you were to complete office?
When we contested the no-confidence motion in the state Assembly on December 13, the Congress, which is in opposition, did not challenge the decision in the Court but went straight to the AICC headquarters. That did not surprise me. I knew they would be up to some mischief. In the world’s biggest democracy, the same law should be applicable in both Goa and Nagaland. It’s a mockery of the Constitution when different yardsticks are used.
Will Presidents’ rule jeopardise the peace process with the Naga militant groups?
The ongoing peace process is very fragile and delicate. Without the people’s government, I am afraid the situation might get out of hand. Law and order situation is at its worst in Delhi and Mumbai. In the Northeast, it is the worst in Assam and Manipur, both Congress-ruled.
As chief minister, have you done anything differently?
We have brought about a sea change in development activities. We have been playing the role of a facilitator between the Centre and the insurgent groups. Though there has been no resolution, the dialogue continues.
The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland coalition, led by your party, Nagaland People’s Front, was said to be shaky despite surviving the no-confidence motion.
We defeated a no-confidence motion, just like Goa. But because Goa has a Congress government and Nagaland, a regional government, we have been discriminated against. If somebody wants to rule the people, they should seek the mandate of the people.
What results do you expect in the Assembly polls?
I am confident we will be voted back to power.
Are you apprehensive that elections won’t be free and fair?
They might try to misuse the government machinery. I don’t support this backdoor imposition of President’s rule which has brought back military rule to Nagaland.
Your government has been called a NSCN-IM puppet.
We adopted a policy of equidistance and acted as a facilitator to all militant groups. Our policy is to facilitate dialogue and show an alternative way. We constituted a committee for peace and, at party level, set up a sub-committee of political parties. We contacted all underground groups and civil society members to bring about unity and consolidation in the entire process. We also had a night market till 9-10pm in Nagaland, which in itself is historic.
But there are allegations that the NSCN-IM runs a parallel government in Nagaland.
Political adversaries will always make all kinds of allegations. They should substantiate them. The people are the best judge and they will give a fitting reply in the coming polls.
What do you think will be the most important issue on the common man’s mind when he will vote in the coming elections?
Nagas want permanent peace, progress and development. They want to change the gun-culture to a work-culture. And we are responsible for all these positive developments. The young generation in Nagaland wants lasting peace.
When will this lasting peace come? Hasn’t the peace process taken long enough?
It all depends on the negotiating parties. We want an honourable settlement for the Naga people.
Memei Hoho stands for broad-based unification morungexpress
Dimapur, February 29 (MExN): The Mao Council (Memei Hoho) today declared that ‘Naga unification and reconciliation’ has to be broad-based, taking into confidence the rest of the Naga tribes, “where all our motives have to be cleared and without any reservation”.
The Tadubi (Senapati) based Mao Council (Memei Hoho), in a press statement issued by its president, K Adanichoro, said that any initiative for Naga “unification” and reconciliation by any of the Naga tribal organisations or individual is “a must and a full hearted labour which will surely strengthen the long pending Naga issue and push forward the hard earned Naga peace process between the Nagas and the Government of India”.
In this regard, the Mao Council appreciated the Naga “unification” move spearheaded by the Western Sumi Hoho and Sumi Hoho. However, the council reiterated its stand that the unification move has to be broad based which must take the rest of the Naga tribes into confidence. “Any unification and reconciliation move cannot be, but, imposed if it is discriminating to any of the Naga tribes, there is no cheap blood shed by any Nagas for the cause of sovereignty,” the Mao Council stated.
In this connection, the release stated that the spirit of oneness of the Nagas to fight for sovereignty was mandated by the Nagas by making the plebiscite of 1951 a successful one, under the aegis of the then NNC regime. Besides, the Mao Council stated that the NSCN (IM) collective leadership, Isak Chishi Swu and Th Muivah have been carrying on the Naga peace dialogue for an honourable solution to the long pending Naga issue.
“Therefore, any alteration or changes of the Nagas Policies and programmes must be always mandated by the Naga people as a whole,” it said and added that on January 23 at its general meeting, the Council has reaffirmed its stand of previous resolution to support the mandate of the Naga people as a whole under the Naga Hoho.

Cong slams foes, friends in Nagaland OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 29: The Congress is training its guns on its foes as well as its allies in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) who are hobnobbing with the Opposition at the state level.
AICC general secretary Margaret Alva said here last night that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), one of the main constituents of the UPA government, had no right to speak of secularism.
She slammed the NCP for striking a pre-poll alliance with the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) and its ally, the BJP. She alleged that the NCP was supping with the “communal” BJP for the sake of power.
She claimed the NCP would not win a single seat because of its double standards.
Her prediction for another UPA ally, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, was no different. “Lalu (Prasad) won’t win even one seat,” she said, referring to the RJD leader, who is hoping to open the party’s account in Nagaland. The RJD has fielded candidates for 25 seats in the 60-member Assembly.
Alva was reacting to reports that Lalu Prasad had met NPF leader and former chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, for post-poll alliance. Rio confirmed that members of the RJD had recently met him for post-poll alliance. Nagaland PCC president Hokheto Sumi said Nagaland was heading for “moneycracy”, but Alva said voters in Nagaland were “more decent” than those in other states.
She said muscle power was far less in Nagaland compared with the other parts of the country.
Streets on fire in Bodo belt - Nine vehicles torched during bandh OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Guwahati, Feb. 29: A trail of violence on a day when the National Democratic Front of Boroland was to have talked peace with Delhi scarred four Lower Assam districts.
Arsonists went about torching vehicles, including a magistrate’s official jeep, for defying a 12-hour bandh clamped by the NDFB to protest an attack on one of its members. The bandh announcement coincided with the Bodo militant group’s refusal to sit for a meeting of the joint ceasefire monitoring group today.
As many as nine vehicles were torched in the four districts of Kokrajhar, Baksa, Udalguri and Chirang. All four districts are under the Bodoland Territorial Council, controlled by former leaders of the NDFB’s erstwhile rival, the Bodo Liberation Tigers.
In Kokrajhar, people trying to enforce the bandh targeted the jeep of a magistrate at Sikhargaon, under Dotma police station, around 9am. A motorcycle was set ablaze at the same place.
Another group of arsonists struck at Tilipara under Gossaigaon police station, setting fire to a van that was on its way to Bengal from Bauraguri. A bike was torched at Bismuri and another damaged at Tinali.
A Sumo Victa met the same fate at Labdanguri in Baksa district. Militants of the NDFB were allegedly involved in this incident, which occurred around 7am.
A mob laid siege to a designated NDFB camp in retaliation and set it ablaze.
Nobody was injured, the police said.
Bandh enforcers also torched two Mahindra Safaris at Kusrabari in the same district.
In Udalguri, a Mahindra van and a scooter were gutted. Arsonists smashed the windshield of an Assam State Transport Corporation bus in the same district.
A tea vendor, Siren Kisko, was beaten up and his stall torched at Bengtol in Chirang district. Kisko was admitted to Lower Assam Hospital in Bongaigaon.
Business establishments and educational institutions remaining closed across the Bodo heartland.
Although matric and college examinations were held as scheduled, examinees had a difficult time reaching the centres. Train services were not affected.
The NDFB bandh was declared after one of its men, N. Muluksa, was attacked at Aila Chowk in Baksa district yesterday evening. Muluksa was seriously injured in the shooting.
The militant group has long been complaining about atrocities by the police and its “rivals”, an allusion to members of the disbanded Bodoland Liberation Tigers.
On the other hand, the Bodoland People’s Front today took out a bike rally to protest the alleged intimidation of civilians by NDFB members.
The NDFB's information and publicity secretary, S. Sanjarang, said yesterday that the outfit would not even consider sitting for talks until the government clarified its position on some issues. He cited three instances of “unarmed” NDFB members being targeted, twice allegedly by police officers.
Cry for peace as tension mounts in Mkg Limalenden Longkumer
ABAM women in procession protesting against election-related violence in Mokokchung district, February 29.
Mokokchung | February 29: Ten Assembly Constituencies, 33 candidates from 5 political parties including 7 independent candidates in the fray. Mokokchung district is the political hotbed of the March 5 general elections to the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, all but for the wrong reasons. Pre-poll violence is rampant and election-related violence has so far claimed 5 lives and hospitalized more than a score. About 10 vehicles have been burned and several houses vandalized. Stone-pelting and gang-fights between contesting parties are a routine. And the drama doesn’t end there. With the March 5 polling day barely a week away, and tension building, it is feared that more lives will be lost if the current spate of violence keeps momentum.
Against this backdrop, the Women department of the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) today organized a mass procession in Mokokchung town to make their prayer for a peaceful election heard. The women from various churches in and around Mokokchung town numbering several hundreds assembled at Imkongmeren Sports Complex and proceeded towards the heart of the town, making slogans and displaying placards. The procession culminated at ‘Police Point’ with a mass prayer.
Also, a combined team of Watsu Mungdang, Ao Senden and Ao Kaketshir Mungdang volunteers today destroyed contraband liquor they seized yesterday along Mokokchung-Amguri Road, NH 61 in presence of police, district administration and other observers. The three frontal organizations have earlier issued a joint declaration stating that import and sale of liquor will be strictly prohibited in the district.
Although security has been beefed up, it is evident the situation has not been contained. The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, R.Ramakrishnan, admitted that the situation is volatile and could go out of control, hinting that the civil society led by the frontal organizations and the people in general must cooperate with the Administration to counteract and neutralize the situation. He said that, compared to other districts, Mokokchung has been deployed the highest number of security forces. When queried if an indenting candidate is liable for legal prosecution under election law if found encouraging violence, Ramakrishnan, who is also the Returning Officer, answered in the affirmative. A candidate can be penalized even up to the extend of nullifying his candidature if found guilty, as per the provisions of election law sanctioned by the Representation of the People Act 1951 and the Conduct of Election Rules Act 1961. The Manual of Election Law also provides that a candidate’s expenditure during an election shall not exceed Rs.5 lakh.
The Church (ABAM) at long last on February 26 Impur conducted a ‘prayer fellowship’ with all the indenting candidates from the district. A representative candidate from each of the political parties shared their respective ‘prayer points’. Ironically, election related violence and the appeal to abhor from it found mention in each representative’s ‘prayer points’, just hours after which a series of violence broke out, leaving 14 hospitalized and 2 dead in two different constituencies. Interestingly, during the ‘prayer fellowship’, the time that was given to the candidates to share their ‘prayer points’ became rather like a campaign platform, despite the Model Code of Conduct for guidance of candidates published by the Election Commission of India clearly stating that Churches, Temples or other places of worship shall not be used as forum for election propaganda. ABAM President Temsuwati that day appealed the candidates to uphold “higher level of politics” implying a violent-free election, but his call appears to be too much of an asking.
AKM President elect, Bendang Aier, expressed disappointment over how political parties are engaging in violence and wondered what kind of a leader would be elected through bloodshed. He also said that vandalism is not Naga culture and warned the parties to detest from destroying properties, including vehicles and houses. He particularly warned government officials should not directly involve in politics. Cases of politicians bribing government servants and persuading them to submit their details in the ‘Form 12’ for their postal ballot paper in favor of the ‘paying candidate’ are rampant.
The President of Watsü Mungdang, Subongla Lemdor, was also very vocal in vehemently condemning the candidates for inducing the youth to fight amongst themselves by providing them liquor, money and arms. She also lamented that even the womenfolk are selling their votes and advised the candidates not to offer money and liquor to the people, which she termed are the ‘root cause of all evil’. She alleged underground Naga national workers as involving in elections and said they should not.
Others who are futuristic in outlook, like Temjen Paul, the Ao Senden General Secretary, are afraid that the ‘present election system’ would in a few years’ time lead to stratification of Naga society, leaving a chasm between the rich and the poor. Temjen Tzudir, another senior Ao Senden leader failed to understand why the voters seek money during elections when they should actually be seeking development by electing the right candidate.
However, in the opinion of Yangerlemba, Coordinator of Mokokchung Municipal Council, the fault does not lie in the candidates themselves or in the youths alone, who hold the elders and parents as equally responsible. He also challenged the Church for not playing their role as moral guardian of the society and said that if at least one single Church worker stood for change without fear and shame, then that would be the beginning of reformation.
Meanwhile, there are other radical thinkers who believe that the whole system is ‘the problem’. A member of Mokokchung Mitkar, the cultural watchdog, on condition of anonymity opined that Indian democratic system contradicts the very tenets of Naga democracy and that the prevalent situation in Nagaland is the sum result of the clash between the two systems. He also added that Indian parliamentary form of government does not augur well for Nagaland where democracy was flourishing even before India became a republic, and recommended for a Federal form of government in Nagaland.
In the mean time, situation is reported to be tense across the district. Kangtsung, Tuli, Wameken and Merangkong under 21 Tuli A/C, Changtongya under 22 Arkakong A/C, Longjang and Kubolong under 23 Impur A/C, Longmisa under 24 Angetyongpang A/C, Longsa under 25 Mongoya A/C, Ungma under 26 Aonglenden A/C, Longkhum, Alichen, Mangmetong and Chungtia under 28 Koridang A/C, Khar, Changki and Mangkolemba under 29 Jangpetkong A/C and Nokpu and Lirmen under 30 Alongtaki A/C are reportedly the hyper-sensitive areas in the district. 27 Mokokchung Town A/C is also regarded a sensitive area with three candidates from three major villages of Chungtia, Ungma and Longsa in the fray, if history repeats.

BSF plans air surveillance OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Agartala, Feb. 29: The BSF is readying for air surveillance to supplement ground patrolling of the porous international borders in the Northeast that militants, infiltrators and smugglers breach more often than in any other part of the country.
The additional director-general of the frontier force in the east, U.K. Bansal, told the media in Agartala today that helicopters would whizz above the international borders regularly as a second line of defence.
He said barbed-wire fences had already brought down crime and the BSF was aiming to secure those stretches that were still vulnerable.
“Once the fencing project is complete, the entire stretch of the international border will be crime-free,” the official said.
Bansal arrived in the Tripura capital yesterday to take stock of the BSF’s security arrangements along the border.
Of the 856-km-long Indo-Bangladesh border in the state, as many as 641km have been fenced and work on a 151-km stretch is in progress.
“The rate of progress in fencing the border and constructing roads is the highest in Tripura among all the states of the Northeast,” Bansal said.
The BSF recently began using sniffer dogs for detection of bombs and explosives. “Since this has produced results, we will induct more sniffer dogs into our squad,” the additional director-general said.
He complimented the Left Front government for co-operating with BSF units deployed in Tripura.
“The state government has provided us with road connectivity, water supply and other amenities so that our officers and jawans can perform their duties effectively. I am sure this co-operation will continue.”
As many as 20 border outposts in the remote hilly areas are connected only by air.
Bansal said malaria was a big impediment for BSF personnel stationed on the border.
“We have distributed testing and prevention kits and approved medicines among our jawans and officers working in the remote areas,” he added.
Asked what the BSF was doing to prevent the Northeast’s militant groups from operating out of Bangladesh, Bansal said the frontier force had handed lists of rebel hideouts in that country to Bangladesh Rifles on several occasions.
“They often deny it and allege that anti-Bangladesh elements are finding shelter on our soil.”
On the contentious issue of BSF units being deployed for election security, the additional director-general said it was an occupational hazard.
“As faithful soldiers, BSF personnel cannot question any decision but carry out orders.”
A woman’s world? Not quite SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA GENDER BENDER The Telegraph


Women form the frontline of the crowd listening attentively to RJD chief Lalu Prasad during his election campaign in Dimapur on Thursday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Kohima, Feb. 29: Nagaland politics still fights shy of women.
Time and again, Naga women have proved they are second to none in any field, but not one of them has ever been elected to the 60-member Nagaland Assembly.
Consider Khegoli Aomi, the president of the Dimapur Business Organisation. She runs her own enterprise, barks orders to the mechanic over phone on how to fix the alignment of her car wheels, cooks meals for her family and has been actively involved in politics directly and indirectly since the early eighties. Yet, these qualities were not enough for her to get a party ticket.
This is not the tale of just one woman or the shortcoming of a political party. This is the general political scenario in the state that boasts of a very high female literacy rate and an exalted socio-economic status for women.
This time, there are only four women among the 218 candidates in the fray. They are Zeneisele of the Janata Dal (United) from Dimapur-I Assembly constituency, Soly of the BJP from Pungro-Kiphire Assembly constituency, Rosemary Jamir, an Independent candidate from Alongtaki, and Rhakila of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) from Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly constituency.
The two major political parties, the Congress and the Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), did not consider any of its women leaders as a “winnable candidate”. So much for women’s empowerment.
“Our male counterparts do not want to involve us in decision-making. During elections, the women and youth wings are in the forefront, campaigning for candidates. But for the party we are always workers, not leaders,” said Mahila Congress secretary N. Lucy. “Neither Sonia Gandhi nor her mother-in-law, late Indira Gandhi, could ever do anything to change the situation,” she added.
The NPF could not give a ticket to Sano Vamuzo, the chairperson of the Nagaland Women’s Commission and widow of former chief minister Vamuzo Phesao.
Aomi, who was denied a ticket by the Congress incidentally, too, is also the widow of a very popular leader of the state, L. Hekiye.
The parties have their own defence. NPF secretary general Chubatemjen Ao said Sano Vamuzo could not be accommodated as she wanted a ticket from her late husband’s constituency — Chazouba in Phek district — where the party has a sitting legislator in Thenucho.
As for the Congress, one of its senior leaders, K.L. Chishi, the party could not give nominations to any woman without considering her ability to win just for the sake of women’s empowerment.
“Why is it that our political leadership cannot find a single winnable candidate among the women?” asked Alemla Pongener, a sales executive in Kohima.
According to Chubatemjen Ao, it is the Naga tradition of not involving women in administrative and governing roles that is holding back the women from making a foray into the Assembly. “It will take some more time for society to readily accept a woman as a leader and our party is trying to achieve this,” he said.
Not many women are convinced, though. “Before drawing any conclusion, just give us a chance,” said Khegoli.
Will the budget bring early polls? morungexpress
Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, holds up his briefcase with budget materials as he walks out of the ministry building to present the annual budget in New Delhi, Friday February 29 (AP Photo)
New Delhi, February 29 (PTI): A populist budget providing for a massive farm loan waiver, income tax sops across the board and no additional burden on the corporate sector today prompted widespread speculation that Lok Sabha polls may be held before the end of the year, probably by October or November.
Apparently the fast-tracking of the implementation of the debt waiver and relief scheme by June this year led to political parties, including those on the side of the government, and the industry predicting that elections are not far away.
Short of announcing the date for elections, everything else has been announced, said leader of the CPI Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha Gurudas Dasgupta, whose party supports the government.
Dubbing the budget as “election manifesto”, BJP Vice President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said “it is a clear signal that elections are being held early. The nature of the budget is virtual declaration of mid-term elections.” Sharing this view, noted industrialist and Rajya Sabha member Rahul Bajaj said the budget has clear indicators for early elections.
In the central hall of Parliament, Congress MPs were discussing the possibility of early polls and joking with colleagues of other parties to get ready for the battle. However, CPI MP D Raja does not feel it points to early elections, though he concedes that the budget does have a short-term perspective on several issues.
Finance Minister P Chidambaram, the hero of day, dismissed all talk of elections saying in India elections take place every year and the budgets can be described as election budgets. “If you have nothing else to say about the budget, then you can call it election-budget,” he said in a tone tinged with sarcasm at the customary post-budget briefing.

Poll budget writes off farm loans

New Delhi, February 29 (PTI): In a budget that many saw was aimed at early polls, Finance Minister P Chidambaram today gave a whopping Rs 60,000 crore largesse to farmers by writing off their loans, provided sops to income tax payers, imposed no fresh burden on corporates but brought down excise duties to stimulate economy. Spreading goodies in the fifth and last full-fledged Budget of the UPA Government, he brought down excise duties that will bring down prices of drugs, small and hybrid cars, two and three-wheelers, water purification devices, breakfast cereals, paper and paper-board. However, non-filtered cigarettes will become expensive.
In a populist measure against the backdrop of serious indebtedness of farmers leading to suicides, the Finance Minister announced the largest-ever loan waiver and relief package of Rs 60,000 crore that will benefit four crore farmers. Political parties, including those on the government side, and industrialists saw this measure as an indication that polls could be possible earlier than scheduled. Without altering the rate of tax, Chidambaram sought to please the middle class by raising the income tax exemption limit to Rs 1,50,000 from Rs 1,10,000 that will give a minimum relief of Rs 4,000.

16,400 cr raised for NE fund

New Delhi, February 29 (AGENCIES): Government has raised the allocation for several schemes in the North East from Rs 14,365 crore (Rs 143.65 billion) to Rs 16,400 crore (Rs 164 billion). The Finance Minister P Chidambaram said this while presenting the 2008-2009 Budget in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The government has also allocated Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion) identifying urgent needs of development programmes of border areas like Arunachal Pradesh. “The northeastern region will continue to receive special attention and enhanced allocations,” Chidambaram said.



Frans on 03.02.08 @ 09:56 AM CST [link]




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