Nagalim.NL News

Sunday, April 30th

Sunday BBC journalist narrates uneasy quadrangle in troubled



Sunday BBC journalist narrates uneasy quadrangle in troubled Media persons from both print and electronic media seen here with Subhir Bhaumik of the BBC (in yellow) at the 'Highway 39,' Padam Pukhri, Dimapur on the sidelines of the Panos South Asia-Morung Foundation initiated orientation and media study tour. (Pix: Pradeep Pareek)
Morung Express News | April 29
DIMAPUR: To bring together a platform for journalists of the seven sister states, Panos South Asia and the Morung Foundation today began their initiative by setting into motion their study tour for journalists. An orientation was delivered by Subhir Bhaumik of the BBC at the conference hall of ‘Highway 39’, Padum Pukhuri, Dimapur. Drawing from his wide experiences, Subhir told assembled journalists from Nagaland, and a few from the other states in the region, to transcend their identity barriers and to put on their thinking caps in the face of duress. He asked journalists to ask themselves, “How can I maintain balance and fairness in a surcharged situation?”
Subhir is BBC’s correspondent for India’s eastern and northeastern states. He had this to say of his working years in the region: “It has often meant ‘operating like a guerilla’ – illegal border crossings, dealing with intelligence agents, druglords, smugglers and ruthless rebels, snooping on corrupt politicians and government officials with illicit links to rebels and druglords.”
He maintained that when on the field the best judge is the reporter himself. His word of advice to every newsman present was to check and recheck a story before presenting it. What he kept repeatedly telling them was not to succumb to political pressures and not to become ‘somebody’s man.’ His paper presentation was titled, ‘Soldiers, scribes, spies and rebels: The uneasy quadrangle in a troubled region.’ The orientation was an opportunity for journalists to understand and relate to issues akin to the region by way of dialogue so as to generate stories which emanate from the people’s perspective. Later, former General Secretary of the Naga Hoho John Murry and Principal of the Oriental Theological Seminary Rev Dr Wati Aier interacted with reporters.
The scribes were given a gist of the Naga issue where the central theme dwelt on the necessity of dialogue and how to facilitate understanding between people. Exchange programmes for journalists of the region, it was informed, are in the offing. This would help them realize and be acquainted the complexities involved in different issues across the region which in turn could enlighten their audiences to a larger extent.
Rio pleased with law and order Nagaland Post
Dimapur, April 29 (NPN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the peaceful situation prevailing in the State had enabled the government to speed up various developmental activities.
Rio, who returned from his three-day visit to Tuensang and Kihpire districts on Saturday, said this while addressing a public gathering at Noklak town on Thursday. He claimed the overall improvement in law and order situation in the State had enabled the leaders in the government to travel to every part of the State for inspecting various developmental activities initiated by the government. During his address, Rio also highlighted various developmental activities being taken by the DAN government in the backward districts.
Inaugurating the newly-developed and expanded playground at Noklak town, he said the government was ready to provide scholarships to sportspersons, who were good enough to compete at national and international levels. Rio had also inaugurated two new bailey brides of Lang and Langnyu under Noklak sub-division besides the Pangsha-Wonsoi road, the Sanglao-Choklangan village road and a play ground at Sanglao village.
Later, during his visit to the Yimrup village, which was gutted in a devastating fire on February 28, he assured the victims of government assistance for rebuilding of the village. Further, he oversaw various works being undertaken by different government departments and district administration in the village. The chief minister appreciated the people of the village for their patience and courage to rebuild a new model village.
The chief minister was accompanied by PWD Minister Tokheho, PHE Minister P. Longon, Agriculture Minister Azo Nienu, Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board Deo Nukhu, MLAs Naiba Konyak and Tarie Zeliang, IGP, O. Alem, Chief Engineer Vikoutuolie Angami, Central NPF leaders CM Chang, Dr. Kath, Penyimthung Lotha, Among Ao, NPF women and youth wing leaders, other senior civil and police officers.
Western Sumi Hoho celebrates silver jubilee Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR: The silver jubilee celebration of Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) was held on April 28 and 29 on the theme "Peace and Unity" at Chekiye Village Baptist Church. Gracing the occasion as chief guest here on Saturday, Minister, H. Khekiho Zhimomi who unveiled the jubilee memorial stone (monolith) at WSH office, Chekiye, paid tributes to past members of the WSH.
Khekiho who was also the first general secretary of WSH, said Western Sumis have reached a milestone, adding they have to march ahead with the good things left behind by their forefathers to live in abundance. "Today when the world is trying to do away with gun and war culture and violence, WSH should try to solve any problem and confusion that may arise in days to come," the minister said. While congratulating the WSH team under whose tenure the silver jubilee was celebrated, Khekiho appealed to all to retrospect the past and rectify the shortcoming to bring unity among various communities. Parliamentary secretary, Hewoto Awomi in his exhortation called upon the gathering to set good examples for others to regard the community in good ways and likewise. Former chief minister KL Chishi who graced the function as guest of honour said people should come together to retrospect the past and make commitments for the future on such an occasion. Basing on the Hoho's theme "peace and unity" he said "If we lack the spirit of togetherness we will not have peace and unity."
Yevishe Chopi, general secretary, WSH delivered the welcome address, while, Huqheli Tsashika, president WSTH chaired the programme. Rev. Phughoto Aye offered dedication prayer. Other highlights of the programme included cultural extravaganza presented by various villages under Western Sumi. Following the cultural presentation, the function was held in the Church where WSH president, Hokishe Sumi delivered welcome address and introduced the dignitaries present. The morning function was attended by MLAs Khutovi and Huska, NSF president V. Pushika Awomi, former chief minister K.L. Chishi, DMC chairperson Tovihoto Ayemi and hosts of government officials, public leaders and GBs. Earlier, in the inaugural function on April 28, Kihoto Hollohon, parliamentary secretary, Social Security and Welfare, attended the function as the guest of honour. Speaking on the occasion, the guest of honour called upon Sumis and elders to bring peace, unity and understanding and set a good example to other communities.
He also released the jubilee souvenir. L.K. Achumi, DC Judicial, Dimapur, in his jubilee message, dwelt on the genesis of the Hoho. Sumi Sheshu presented special and patriotic numbers while Chekiye villagers presented the jubilee song.Vice president WSH, Izheho Zhimomi chaired the function and Rev Vitoshe, executive secretary, WSBAK pronounced the invocation prayer.
Fake surrendered cadres release demanded Sit-in-protest held; 20 hours general strike called in Manipur from May 2 midnight Newmai News Network | April 29
Imphal: A Joint Action Committee formed by residents of Laimanai of Thoubal district against alleged fake surrender drama of five youths of the area enacted by the Assam Rifles last month has called for a 20 hour general strike in Manipur beginning midnight of May 2.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the JAC leaders and representatives of other civil society organizations at Laimanai today in support of the demand for immediate release of the five youths from the police and Assam Rifle custody without any condition. The five youths are identified as Heikurjam Ingo Singh, Heikrujam Govin Singh, Heikrujam Lemba Singh, SAgolsem Govin Singh and Heikrujam Momocha Singh.
The parents claimed in a petition filed to the Imphal bench of the Gauhati High Court that the Assam Rifles paraded them as surrendered militants last month after one “agent” of the Assam Rifles took them promising job in the Assam Rifles. Following the court directive the force handed over S. Govin and H. Govin to the Heingang police station while Lemba and Ingo were produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chandel. The court released the two on personal bond of Rs.10,000 each.
The JAC is demanding release of all the five persons, ranging from age 17 to early twenties without any condition. The bandh call came close on the heels of Ibobi Singh’s refusal to release them without any condition. Protestors today held a sit-in-protest at Lngmeidong of Thoubal district demanding unconditional release of the youths. Another sit-in-protest was held at Laimanai yesterday by the villagers. Meanwhile, UNLF has asked the Assam Rifles “agent” identified as Yengkhom Somananda from Laimanai village and his two accomplices to surrender to the outfit or face death penalty for “collaborating” with the security forces in the fake surrender drama. In another development parents of one of the supposedly surrendered youths identified as Md. Hussain also filed a habeas corpus demanding release of his son who is in the custody of the Assam Rifles. Hussain is also one of the nine supposedly surrendered militants.
Office of Profit Today's Editorial The Morung Express
The May 10 Parliament session set to deliberate on the office of profit issue is already generating country wide interest with the Election Commission doing its own bit of awareness campaign by putting up on its website the names of over 200 MLAs and a list of 43 MPs whose disqualification has been sought. That the EC has officially listed these names would only mean that the references made by the President and Governors of different States still stands and the MPs and MLAs under legal scrutiny should in no way consider themselves as being cleared of the charges. It will be highly interesting to observe the stand being adopted by the various political parties on what is essentially a constitutional dilemma that legislators from every party across the length and breadth of the country are being confronted with.
While the moral debate over Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s resignation as MP over the issue has long subsided, more MPs and MLAs will now find themselves in a moral dilemma on whether to quit or hold on to the offices of profit, something that is barred under India’s electoral laws. There is no doubt that the ambiguity in the present definition of the term office of profit is partly to be blamed for the current mess. And while it is accepted that a more clear and definite legal injunction needs to be injected into the term ‘office of profit’, it should also be absolutely clear that politicians should not be allowed to circumvent the letter and spirit of the constitution.
Any intent of political parties out to make changes in the present law to protect their office and the profit accrued from it, should not be allowed. It would also be incumbent on the judiciary to intervene if at all any new act is aimed at diluting the spirit of the statute. For parliament and the politicians who occupy its seat of power, at best they should define more clearly those offices that needs to be exempted by law without in any way being motivated to protect the membership of MPs/MLAs who are holding offices of profit.
The Election Commission on its part will have to maintain consistency as per the meaning of the law after its recommendation to disqualify Jaya Bachchan from the membership of the Rajya Sabha. The Supreme Court may likewise have to step in at some point of time and assist in the clarification of the term “office of profit” under the Centre or the State Government and also enlighten under what situation or circumstance a person is deemed to be holding an office of profit. For the moment though, Parliament as the highest law making body of the country will have to be given the first opportunity to address the present constitutional dilemma. How honestly they are able to do their work remains to be seen. At the end of the day, the supremacy of the constitution will have to be upheld.
Nagaland Peace Centre welcomes truce extension Sentinel
KOHIMA, April 28 (UNI) Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) has welcomed the extension of cease-fire between the Centre and the NSCN-K for another one year which promised an opportunity of peace to the struggling Nagas and the Centre.
In a release here today NPC chairman N Theo and executive director Lhusi Iralu said the NPC was confident that the contracting parties will strictly adhered to ceasefire terms in letter and in spirit. The NPC also tendered their best wishes to both the parties that they may begin the political talks and hoped that a forward can be found that will shape the political realities towards a just solution. The NPC further appealed to both the NSCN factions to carry out peace within the Naga people and with the Government of India and International communities. It should mean protecting the peaceful and innocent Nagas from the cruel hands of cease-fire violators, the release added.
Stir hits Assam oil operations Nagaland Post
Guwahati, April 29 (IANS): Hundreds of student protesters in Assam stormed crude oil and natural gas installations Saturday, forcing a disruption in operations, officials said. Three influential student groups in Assam launched a 72-hour oil blockade from 6 a.m. Saturday seeking a Rs.4 billion economic development package from India's premier exploration firm, Oil India Limited (OIL). "The protest is becoming stronger with our operations hit in many places. The students are forcing us to shut down work at a number of oil installations," OIL spokesperson Nripen Bharali told IANS by telephone from its headquarters at Duliajan in eastern Assam.
"There is every possibility of oil production being affected due to the protests."Police and OIL officials said at least half-a-dozen oil collecting and gas compressor stations were forced to shut down after groups of students numbering 100-150 stormed the installations. "The shutdown would lead to financial losses, although we cannot immediately quantify the loss in terms of money," Bharali said. "The production loss, if any, could be ascertained later as we are in the process of getting reports from remote areas about the protests and subsequent shutdowns."
India produces about 30 million tonnes of crude oil annually, with Assam accounting for about five million tonnes of the total. OIL produces about 3.5 million tonnes of crude in Assam. "Most tankers carrying crude from our installations have stopped plying due to the protests and this is hampering our normal operations," Bharali said. The All Assam Muttock Yuba Chattra Parishad, All Tai Ahom Students' Union and the All Assam Moran Students' Union have jointly called the strike. "Local unemployed youths are being deprived by OIL in jobs and contracts. Also, the company is not doing any community development works in the area where their oilfields are located," said Dilip Bora, a student leader.
"We want an economic package for all round community development."
OIL officials deny the charges of discrimination in employment and say the company is committed to carrying out development work in the region. "We have all along been doing various community development works in the state. The demand for a Rs.4 billion economic package is rather absurd as we have been pumping in lot of money towards development in the region," said Prasanta Barkakati, a senior OIL official. Assam has over 1.3 billion tonnes of proven crude oil and 156 billion cubic metres of natural gas reserves, of which about an estimated 58 percent of hydrocarbon reserves are yet to be explored. The state produces about five million cubic meters of natural gas annually. Frequent protests and strike calls by student groups and separatists have severely hampered crude oil production in the insurgency-hit state.
SF refutes UNLF charges By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 29: The security force authorities refuting the allegations of UNLF published in section of the State dailies termed the accusations as baseless and malicious intent on tarnishing not only image of security forces but also to intimidate those 'Good Samaritans' involved in encouraging misguided youth to opt for the mainstream Manipur society.
In a statement issued by the PIB (DW) it said, 'regarding the release and subsequent statement given on camera in Hotel Excellency by Heikrujam Gobin and Heikrujam Ingo, it is clarified that since identity of the said cadres were revealed, it was safer for them to make a volte-face rather than face the wrath of their leaders'. In case of Mantri Singh, efforts of vested parties of producing false 'father' in court has fallen flat, said the PIB and pointed out that the individual refused to identify mr Nilachandra as his 'father' since his real father Chouba Singh passed away years ago. It is to be noted here that identification given by the said surrenderee before the CJM, Chandel regarding his name, father's name and age totally matches with that mentioned as fictitious name in the writ petition filed by Nilachandra, which shows that the individual is the same whose release has been sought in the writ petitions and who had surrendered voluntarily before the AR, asserted PIB. While terming as 'interesting' UNLF leadership inordinately taking a long time to realise that some of their sur- rendered cadres did not belong to the organisation, PIB said 'disowning own comrades at difficult times has been a common practice with the outfit'.
Dismissing report that H Ingo and Heikrujam Lemba were respectively made to pose as Ravi Kumar and Y Basanta, the statement said the duo had themselves spelt out their names in the court of CJM, Chandel on April 27, 2006. It further maintained that security forces as Government agency had always endeavoured to encourage misguided and subverted youth, who joined UG groups wanted to return back to the mainstream due to disillusionment, by surrendering before Government agencies.
security forces have been meticulous in strictly following existing policies and guidelines regarding surrender and have accepted the surrenderees only with weapon and ammunition produced by them, continued the PIB and clarified that there is room for foul play by the Assam Rifles as alleged. Turning the table against the UG group, it said surrender of their cadres giving a severe blow to the organisation, resorting to such fake propaganda is understandable.
apart from heavy losses suffered at the hands of security forces in the recent past, an inquiry is in progress on involvement of UNLF cadres in mass rape in south Manipur which had consequently eroded support base of the outfit thereby compelling UG group to rely on such malicious campaign, contended the SF release. further maintaining that desertion among the rank and file of the outfit are on the rise which had led to the organisation launching concerted manhunt to eliminate their deserters, the PIB statement also observed that the matter being sub-judice the final conclusion would be better if left to the prerogative of the legal institution.
Students' protest in Assam hits oil production By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service Duliajan (Assam), April 30 (IANS) Hundreds of student protestors in Assam forced several key oil installations in the state to shut down Sunday, hitting crude oil production severely, officials said.
Three influential student groups in Assam launched a 72-hour oil blockade from Saturday seeking a Rs.4 billion economic development package from premier exploration firm Oil India Limited (OIL).
'The entire transportation of crude oil through tankers from oil collecting stations has come to a halt and this in turn would affect the operations,' OIL spokesman Nripen Bharali told IANS from the headquarters at Duliajan in eastern Assam.
'The protests have hit hard our operations, and the production loss till late Friday is estimated to be about 1,200 to 1,500 kilo litres. The entire operations is likely to be severely affected today (Sunday) with the protest becoming stronger,' Bharali said.
India produces about 30 million tonnes of crude oil annually, with Assam accounting for about five million tonnes of the total. OIL produces about 3.5 million tonnes of crude in Assam annually. The All Assam Muttock Yuba Chattra Parishad, All Tai Ahom Students' Union, and the All Assam Moran Students' Union have jointly called the strike demanding a fair deal from OIL.
'We shall intensify the protest and make sure no one is allowed to work in the oilfields,' Dilip Bora, a student leader, said. Police said protestors damaged at least half-a-dozen vehicles carrying OIL officials for work Sunday. 'We have put additional security forces in vulnerable areas and in other key installations,' a senior police official said requesting anonymity. The student groups accuse OIL of depriving locals of jobs and contracts, besides charges that the company was not doing any community development works in the area where their oilfields are located. OIL officials deny the charges of discrimination in employment and say the company was committed to carrying out development works in the region. 'Most of the charges levelled by the student groups are baseless. The demand for a Rs.4 billion economic package is rather absurd as we have been pumping in lot of money towards development in the region,' Prasanta Barkakati, a senior OIL official, said. Assam has over 1.3 billion tonnes of proven crude oil and 156 billion cubic meters of natural gas reserves of which about an estimated 58 percent of these hydrocarbon reserves are yet to be explored. Assam currently produces about 5 million cubic meters of natural gas annually. Frequent protests and strike calls by student groups and separatists have severely hampered crude oil production in the insurgency-hit state of 26 million people.
Militants in Assam have often targeted oil and gas installations - at least a dozen crude and gas pipelines were blown up by rebels of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in the run-up to this year's Republic Day celebrations Jan 26. The ULFA in January slapped a whopping Rs.5 billion extortion demand on the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), India's most valuable listed company. The company refused to pay the extortion money. ONGC produces about 1.6 million tonnes of crude oil annually in Assam.
Blockade hits OIL operations Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, April 29 – Oil India Ltd’s drilling operations in Assam were hit by a 72-hour ‘Oil India Ltd operations blockade’ from today called by three student bodies affiliated to the AASU, reports PTI. OIL senior advisor for strategic planning Nripen Bharali told PTI that the blockade had sporadic impact in the various oil fields spread across Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts, particularly at Chabua installations.

The crude oil flow through the pipelines to the refineries, however, remained unaffected by the blockade, Bharali said. The movement of oil tankers for carrying the drilled crude from the oil fields was halted at many places along the highways, he said, adding in case the storage tanks at the drilling sites reached full capacity then the connected oil wells reaching them would have to be shut down to prevent overflow or bursting.

Asked if the shutting down of the oil wells would cause crude shortage for the oil refineries, the OIL official said it is too early to shut down the wells as the storage tanks were yet to reach their full capacity. The three student bodies — All Tai Ahom Studens Union, All Assam Moran Students Union and All Assam Matak Chatra Sanmilan — called the blockade to protest against the “betrayal of the OIL in providing employment to the local youth” from the three communities which compromise more than 80 per cent of the total population in the area.

The student organisations also protested against the alleged ‘poor response’ of the OIL in uplift of the area and its people. The students demanded that the OIL restore its now halted practice of hiring vehicles from the local youths.

Work in OIL offices was also disrupted due to picketing by the students and the oil workers union extending support to the blockade call, official sources said. Meanwhile, a senior OIL official said that 100 per cent reservation of the job work tenders for the locals as demanded was not possible as the company was an all-India one and tenders needed to be called from across the country. Regarding appointment of locals in OIL, he said there was already an accord for such appointments in the grade three and four category jobs in the oil major.

Ibobi not afraid of militant threats! From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, April 29 – Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, for the first time, announced that he does not care about the threat on his life from underground activists for having expressed displeasure on their undue interference in the developmental works being taken up by the government. Ibobi while speaking at the inaugural function of a one-day political advocacy on HIV/AIDS at Congress Bhavan yesterday said he has been receiving threats from various underground organisations for criticising their activities which have hampered developmental activities in the State.

“They are threatening to kill me and asking how long would I live with security cover. But frankly I don’t care about such threats. Because death is inevitable and all of us are going to die one day even if I do not fall to the bullets of the underground activists”, said Ibobi philosophically. Turning the table on his opponents, the Chief Minister dared all those who are accusing him of corruption and partiality to prove the charges.

“I am a Chief Minister, and though I have been elected from Thoubal Assembly constituency it does not mean that I would be pouring all the fund to develop my own constituency”, he said

Freedom of Press Assam Tribune editorial
The journalist fraternity in Manipur has shown exemplary courage in putting up a brave front before pressure tactics of gun-toting militants who have shown scant respect to the Freedom of the Press. The tendency reflected in the attitude of Manipur based militant groups mustn’t be tolerated by the Press for its own meaningful existence in a conflict zone. The Press in Manipur, basically those based in the capital city of Imphal has shown the way to overcome occasional hazards posed by ultras. Because of the united stand taken by the journalists and media organizations based in Manipur, the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) has been forced to express regret over its outrageous act of detaining six editors of Imphal-based news organizations on the night of April 16 last. The editors were held because the newspapers or the local TV channels they represented did not carry a statement issued by the KCP on its 26th Foundation Day. It was enough to gauge the degree of highhandedness of militants who desperately wanted the media to sing to their tune sans using its own judgement – a gravely dangerous trend as far as the Fourth Estate is concerned. The outfit also showed audacity to impose a three-month ban on a popular English Daily, The Imphal Free Press. The ban was later lifted after the media had opposed it united. The KCP also gave reason for its action. It stated that it was not the first time that media had refused to entertain its statement.

What was heartening was that the Press there instead of being cowed down by the threat posed by the militants, decided to fight back and finally emerged victorious in the process. The journalists staged a rally in Imphal on April 18 last in protest against the militants’ threat forcing the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh to assure all possible help to ensure safety and security of the media community. On April 19 last the newspapers published from that state decided to go blank to highlight the gravity of the situation. It was really a shocking incident. One should take note of veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar’s comment on it. Mr Nayar while describing it as a shocking incident expressed concern over the studied silence maintained by Manipur state government over the issue.

Everybody is now relieved for the time being that the KCP has regretted its action and pledged to respect the rights and freedom of the Press in future while putting a rider that the media too should view all organizations equally irrespective of their strength. However, what has happened definitely raised concern over the security to lives of journalists working in conflicts ridden areas in the region including Manipur. It is not the first time that journalists from the region are exposed to such threat. Situation is no better in Nagaland where insurgents do not expect the media to question their action. In such a situation it will be wise on part of the media of the region to set up close coordination transcending state boundaries. The more united the media remain, the more empowered it becomes to thwart such threats. The media in the region should make it a point to highlight all incidents of harassment on journalists working in all nooks and corner of the region irrespective of however minor those incidents may be. It is essential to send a signal about the power of the pen to those wielding the gun. The state governments of the region too have responsibility to provide adequate security as far as possible to media persons working in potentially dangerous situations. There should be special mechanism to take care of security to lives of media persons and everybody concerned needs to storm the brain to evolve a security mechanism suiting the way of functioning of the newsmen especially those basically working in the field and stand vulnerable to threat from militants and other anti-social elements.

Frans on 04.30.06 @ 11:39 PM CST [link]


Sunday, April 9th

Truckers` JAC threaten strike over abduction


Truckers` JAC threaten strike over abduction The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Apr 8: The JAC formed in connection over the disappearance of truck driver Md Salimuddin and and a minor companion in Nagaland in January this year has threatened to call a 24 hours general strike from 5 pm of April 15 if Manipur government fails take appropriate action to trace the missing persons and recovery of the truck. The decision to call the general strike was arrived in a public meeting held today at Yairipok Changamdabi, in which leaders of the several prominent civil society organisations of the state participated.

Md Salimuddin and a minor boy namely Arif Shah, both hailing from Yairipok Changamdabi who were driving a truck bearing registration No. MN-01-5781 went missing in the vicinity of Dimapur on January 24 earlier this year.

The JAC had earlier served an ultimatum to the state government for taking necessary action to find out the missing persons and the truck. However, the government has ignored the JAC demand. Expressing strong dismay over government`s inaction on the matter, the several civil society organisations and Meira Paibi based in Yairipok staged a massive sit-ins at Yairipok Bazar, amidst which the public meeting was held.
The public meeting was attended by several prominent leaders of the civil society organisations including AMUCO, UCM, AYUCO, AMMSO, AMSU, NEMSU, IPSA, CHITWA. They also assured to extend all possible help to any action taken up by the JAC regarding the matter. Speaking at the meeting, secretary of the All Manipur Drivers and Motor Workers Union, Hamom Kulamani, narrating details about his visit to Dimapur to trace the missing persons and the truck, said there is no clue about the missing driver and the minor boy, but the truck is in the custody of NSCN(IM)`s crime branch. Kulamani went on to said that the truck was reportedly detected by some cadres of NSCN(IM) from Diphubar area of Dimapur on February 25 and has been in its custody since then.
Integration will also be a failure: FGN The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, APRIL 8 (MExN): Responding to the reported statement made at Mokokchung by NSCN (IM) Emissary V.S Atem that “the Shillong Accord or 16-point agreement was a failure”, which had appeared in Nagaland dailies on April 7, FGN Assistant Secretary Thihu Khamo in a press release pointed out the Atem was going around Nagaland for campaign to get support from the Naga people for “Greater Nagaland” or integration within the Indian Union.
“This is not a new chapter but demanding for the implementation of 16-point agreement, clause 13”, the FGN stated. Mentioning that the Nagas under the leadership of NNC/FGN rejected the 16-point agreement 46 years ago and continued to fight against what it called the aggressor India, in defence for the sovereignty of Nagaland, the FGN stated that the NSCN (IM) leaders should not expect that the Nagas will change their mind after 46 years and extend to support the implementation of 16-point agreement in this 21st century. “Therefore, Mr Atem’s campaign for greater Nagaland or integration of some Naga areas under the Indian Union is only a tamasha (bogus) campaign. Because, as he said “The Shillong Accord or 16-point agreement was a failure, a solution for integration will also be a failure”, the FGN stated.
NSF to launch Project CARE The Morung Express
Dimapur April 8 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) will be launching on April 12 at the Zonal Council Hall Kohima, the proposed Project CARE (SSA and NSACS) on Intensive Enrollment Drive for Elementary Education and Involvement of Youth in Combating HIV/AIDS. It was informed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio would be launching the initiative as Chief Guest. Minister for School Education Imkong L Imchen and Temjen Toy, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, H&FW, will also be delivering speeches on the occasion. NSF General Secretary K Elu Ndang informed federating units that the launching programme will be followed by two-day training for Regional Coordinators on April 12 and the 13th at Kohima itself. In this regard all the Regional Coordinators were informed to report to the NSF by 12:00 noon on April 11 for signing an undertaking committing each to task till completion . The Core Committee has also reminded every Regional Coordinator to come prepared with a list of villages under his/her region to be submitted at their arrival. It further requested all presidents and secretaries (education) of respective federating units to attend the launching program compulsorily while extending invitations to all well-wishers and concerned individuals and organizations to attend the programme.
Inter village cultural song competition held The Morung Express

Angami students from a Northern Angami Students Union (NASU) affiliate competing in the Inter-Village Cultural Song competition held Saturday at the Kohima Village Council Hall. (MExPix)
Kohima, April 8 (MExN): The Inter Village Cultural Song Competition was held today under the aegis of the Northern Angami Students Union (NASU) at the Kohima Village Council Hall with the theme” “Reminiscence on cultural melodies.” Several affiliated units of the NASU vied for top honours in group song, tati and yelling. Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Er. Vikuotuolie Suohu, Chief Engineer, Road and Bridges, Nagaland called upon the younger generation to know their culture and tradition before it is too late.
Maintaining that Nagas were blessed with the distinct cultural heritages, Er. Suohu said people ‘must learn to acknowledge our rare traditional attires and traditions.’ He also urged upon the students ‘not to forget their rich culture’ while marching ahead with the rest of the world in this technology age. Er. Suohu also lauded the initiation taken by NASU to preserve and popularize the rich cultures and traditions and look forward their ceaseless effort in this respect. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kethoneizo Rutsa, social and cultural secretary, NASU while Rev. Dr. Neiliezhu Usou, senior pastor MHBC said a prayer. Dr. Kethsukietuo Dzuvichu, president Kohima Village Students Union delivered welcome address while Octave choir entertained the gathering with special number. Meguo-o Mechulho, Dr. D. Kuolie and Theyietuonuo Rutsa were acted as judges for the competition.
A noble concept to inspire Naga youths in social issues Nagarealm.com
Kohima, April 09: A four-member team of dedicated young men have come up with a noble concept to inspire young people of Nagaland to dream and excel in their chosen fields, to go beyond the ordinary, to deliver and to make a dent. Under the concept, 'XL', these daring young men aim to reach out to the young people through the medium of music by organizing road shows using Naga musicians as also to provide them with a platform to showcase their gifts and inspire other young Nagas to have a purpose in life.
The first phase of the XL's mission, which it has dubbed 'Season One', would be formally launched on April 8 by Governor Shyamal Datta at the Indoor Stadium here at 5:30 p.m. During the launch, the Governor would also be interacting with the audience.

Season One will witness six shows which will be held on the last Saturday of each month till August, the XL members said while briefing the media this evening at Dream Café. While first phase will be confined to Kohima district, the XL plans to spread to all the districts of the state in the ensuing phases. Apart from this, the team also plans to take up social issues such as dignity of labour, AIDS, work culture, etc in each show by delivering messages and having interactive sessions with the young people. The road shows will also be taken to colleges and schools, and other avenues that are identified with young people. Events such as guitar fest, jazz nites, music workshops, etc are also in the offing. Apart from Governor Shyamal Datta, a galaxy of other luminaries are expected to participate in the shows and interact with the audience. The XL also announced plans to invited Indian Soccer star Baichung Bhutia to participate in the initiative and deliver messages to the youth of Nagaland. The initiative is pure non-commercial and a social service with the sole aim of reaching out to the youth,they said. The theme song of XL is 'Believe', written by 'Wave' band.
"We believe we can start a movement", said Abu Metha, the brain behind the concept. The initiative, with the motto, 'Believe You Can', is being sponsored by Eastern Mirror and managed by Dream Café.
The XL team comprises of Abu Metha as producer, Theja Meru as Director, Wenitso Kapfo as consultant and Ababe Ezung as secretary in charge of media and publicity.
Indo-Myanmar meet at Dimapur Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur, April 8 (NPN): A team of Myanmar Army officials are coming to Nagaland on April 19 to take part in an Indo-Myanmar border level meeting at 3 Corps Headquarters, Rangapahar, Dimapur. According to sources, the meeting will be held on April 19 and 20 where the Indian side will be represented by top Army officials based in the north-east. Although there were no details about the agenda of the meeting, sources said the two sides during the meeting might chalk out strategies for a combined military offensive to flush out the militants of norht-east India from the border areas.
Sources said the Myanmerese military personnel could also visit Manipur during their stay in India. It may be mentioned Myanmarese Military Junta and the India Army had jointly launched a massive counter-insurgency operation along border areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur recently. The NSCN (K) had earlier claimed that it had killed several Myanmerese military personnel and lost some of their cadres in the offensive. It may be mentioned a recent agreement reached between India and Myanmar paved the way for fencing over twelve kilometres porous border between Moreh and Tamu.
NGOs politicizing rape issue; UNLF Newmai News Network April 8
Imphal: The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has said that enough is enough with regard to the Churachandpur’s alleged mass rape incident. In a statement today the UNLF said that the outfit was constrained to observe that the “activities of certain outside based NGOs on the issue of alleged rape and torture allegedly committed by the cadres of MPA and KCP in the Churachandpur district has crossed the limits of rationale tolerance”.
The UNLF stated that the recent rally in New Delhi organised by NGOs is one such example. The outfit stated that the NGOs’ activities are more interested in politicising the issue with the ulterior motive of creating ethnic tensions.
“This was the reason for blocking the sincere efforts of bringing out the whole truth in either way,” stated the outfit. The outfit further stated that those NGOs activities had further established that they (those NGOs) have been working for the Indian intelligence agencies knowingly or unknowingly whose long term colonial interest has been to keep Manipur or the whole region divided on ethnic lines as part of counter strategy to suppress “our national liberation struggles.”
The outfit called upon such NGOs to stop indulging in divisive activities. The UNLF also stated their cadres who were camping at Purbung area did not commit such crimes as alleged by some NGOs. It however admitted that its cadres had beaten up some people who were collaborating with the IOF. Stating that the outfit respect the sentiments of the Hmar women and that it had pledged to give capital punishment to its cadres if found guilty by a fact finding team of civil society bodies. UNLF was ready to produce the cadres of MPA-KCP before the fact finding team but that could not be materialised because of the “irrational obstructions which tantamount to suppression of truth from some interested NGOs, is known to all.” “Now also if at all the concerned NGOs are interested in finding the truth out which is imperative despite the sensitivities of matter to ensure justice to all, the ICRC may be appreciated to help in the matter and if so the UNLF will make all the necessary arrangements for the ICRC team to record the statements to those MPA-KCP cadres allegedly involved in the incidents. Otherwise doubtful standard of shouting for justice on one hand and suppressing the truth on the other should stop,” stated the UNLF.
TM Lotha addresses NGBF session Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR: The eight general session of Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) was held on March 28 at Lotha Tribal Hall, Wokha town, with Dr. T M Lotha, minister of Health Family Welfare and Excise as the chief guest. The chief guest appreciated the GBs for their tireless and selfless services rendered towards the welfare of the Naga public, both in the villages and in towns, though the GBs are not government servants or paid salary and allowances. He also stressed the need to strengthen the customary law and practices and urged GBs to shun violence and maintain peace and unity among the factions as well as Naga society.
Meanwhile, NGBF has thanked all those who have contributed towards the success of the function. Further a new team of office bearers was elected for the tenure 2006-11 with K. Vikuto Zhimomi as president, A. Taku Longkumar as general secretary, Shalem Konyak (Mon), Baso Chang (Tuensang), Chubakumzuk (Mokokchung) as general secretaries, N. Nzambemo Lotha (Lotha), Lagabu (Kiphire), Kegwange (Peren), Kaenia Rengma (Tsuminyu), Zachilu (Phek) as joint secretaries, Shitovi Sumi (Dimapur) as publicity secretary, Pukolie Angami (Rio colony, Dimapur ) as treasurer.
Assam ready for final phase of poll battle The Morung Express
GUWAHATI, April 8 (IANS): The stage is set for the second and final phase of voting in the Assam assembly poll on Monday with political parties making a last ditch effort to woo voters. “We are all prepared for the final stage of voting,” Assam’s Chief Electoral Officer JP Prakash said. The first of the two-stage elections to the 126-member assembly concluded April 3 with an estimated 68 percent of the 9.2 million voters exercising their franchise in 65 of the 126 constituencies. A total of 515 candidates contested in the first phase. On Monday, some 8.2 million voters will decide the fortunes of 482 candidates in 61 constituencies on Monday. The battle lines are drawn with the Congress party taking on the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) for political supremacy. The Congress is harping on the theme of peace, development and protection to genuine Indian minorities, while the opposition is trying to whip up the sensitive issue of Bangladeshi illegal infiltration. “Our main issue is to expose the Congress party, which is trying to protect the interests of Bangladeshi infiltrators,” said president of the Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indramoni Bora.
The Congress, on the other hand, is trying to hijack the mother of all issues - the dragging insurgency problem. “This is the first time in two decades when we are having a violence free poll with people having already voted fearlessly in the first phase of elections,” Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said. “It is the Congress government that has restored peace in Assam by opening talks with the militant groups.” Three of Assam’s most dreaded rebel outfits, the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT), are engaged in peace now.
The ULFA formed a group of local community leaders to initiate peace talks with New Delhi last year. Two rounds of talks have already been held and ULFA has said it will not “interfere” in the polls this time. The NDFB, too, declared a ceasefire last year, while the BLT has signed a peace accord with the Indian government. “Can the AGP or the BJP take credit for this sincere effort in solving insurgency,” the chief minister asked.
The AGP is fighting the poll on the same issue as the BJP although the regional party is dogged by internal revolts after suffering a vertical split last year with its founder and two-time chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta forming a breakaway faction after being expelled for alleged anti-party activities.
Among the prominent candidates whose fate would be decided Monday include the leader of Assam’s main opposition AGP Brindaban Goswami, being projected as a chief ministerial candidate. “I am confident of the AGP winning the poll and forming the next government,” Goswami said. Other prominent players in the electoral battle are the BJP and the newly floated Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF), a Muslim-based party.
The last few days of electioneering for the final phase saw a host of important leaders campaigning aggressively to win the support of the people.
From Congress president Sonia Gandhi to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and several high profile actors like Jaya Bachchan thronged Assam.
“The Congress is the only party that can provide peace and stability to the state,” Gandhi told an election rally. The opposition, however, accused the ruling Congress in Assam of failing on “all fronts” and encouraging corruption. “The Congress is trying to hoodwink the people by telling a pack of lies. Their promises are hollow and their performance was near zero,” said AGP leader Apurba Bhattacharyya.
Advani a hypocrite, says Gogoi Nagaland Post
Guwahati, April 8 (IANS): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Saturday accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani of being a hypocrite, saying his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ignored pleas by the Congress government to tackle infiltration.
"Advani is a great hypocrite as he ignored and failed to take any steps to check infiltration when he was home minister despite our written requests to him," the chief minister told journalists here. Gogoi was reacting to Advani's statement Friday in Ahmedabad during his Bharat Suraksha Yatra (Save India Campaign) where he accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi of being "dishonest" with regard to tackling the Bangladeshi influx into Assam.
"I can challenge Advani as we have written records where we asked the then central government to erect Punjab-type barbed wire fencing in the border areas, reducing the distance from border outposts and putting up floodlights in the borders," the chief minister said. "But Advani simply sat on our requests and did nothing. He never came once to visit the Bangladesh border and today the same man is pointing fingers at us."
He said the Congress government took adequate steps to check infiltration with Home Minister Shivraj Patil personally visiting the Bangladesh border for an on-the-spot review of border fencing work. Both Singh and Gandhi in their election speeches in Assam earlier this week said there cannot be any compromise on infiltration and that no mercy would be shown to anybody taking shelter here illegally.
The issue of illegal infiltration is the major election plank for both the BJP and Assam's main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). The first of the two-stage elections to the 126-member assembly concluded April 3 in 65 constituencies. Voting in the remaining 61 is scheduled for Monday.
"Now the BJP is trying to shed crocodile tears and saying that infiltration from Bangladesh is assuming the role of external aggression and could lead to another partition," Gogoi said. "I would like to tell the BJP that there would be no partition."
But senior BJP leader and former civil aviation minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said the Congress government in Assam did not cooperate with the NDA government when it came to tackling infiltration effectively. "The Congress government did not cooperate with us and for effective checking of infiltration the central government cannot on its own take steps without the support of the state government," Hussain told IANS here.
Garo Nokmas told to assert their position
SHILLONG, April 8 – Meghalaya State Commission for Women chairperson Biloris Lyndem has asked the women ‘Nokmas’ to assert their position and not to allow their husbands to officiate for them as being done generally.

‘Nokmas’ are the women of Meghalaya’s Garo tribe vested with an authority to manage the clan’s land. Speaking at a seminar on ‘women’s reservation in the local councils and traditional institutions held in Tura, the district headquarter of West Garo Hills district yesterday, Lyndem recalled a recent government notification for having more women members in the village development councils/committees.

She, therefore, asked the women organisations to go to villages and find out the number of women who were members of such bodies. “More women, particularly those of substance should come forward and have their place in decision making and move ahead with positive attitude,” Lyndem said. West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner P Sampath Kumar said many women were now participating in the developmental process through the self help groups and called for formation of more such SHGs in all villages as it was the only way of empowering women and upgrading standard of living.

Sponsored by the National Commission for Women, the seminar’s main objective was to bring women together, create a awareness to the issues affecting them and become better equipped to fulfil their need.
Second phase of polls Assam Tribune Editorial
The stage is set for the second phase of polls to 61 constituencies of the Asom Legislative Assembly on April 10 and one hopes that with heavy security deployment, the entire election process will be completed peacefully. The first phase of the polls to 65 constituencies passed off peacefully on April 3, but the administration and the security forces should not be complacent and take all possible measures to ensure free and fair polls. The administration should remember the fact that the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts will go to polls in the second phase and with the districts witnessing ethnic clashes and activities of the militant outfits in recent past, the security forces must take extra care to ensure violence-free polls. Same is the case in Kokrajhar district with reports of minor skirmishes among the supporters of the rival Bodo factions during the run up to the polls and the administration should remember the clashes that took place in the last polls to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) while executing security measures in the Bodo dominated areas of the State. With all the major political parties making last ditch effort to win the polls, the possibility of clashes between the supporters of the rival parties also cannot be ruled out in other parts of the State also and to prevent any untoward incident, the security personnel deployed for poll duty should remain alert till the election process is over.

With the candidates who contested in the constituencies which went for polls in the first phase becoming free, campaigning for the second phase was much more vigorous than the first phase, but the strict model code of conduct imposed by the Election Commission and heavy deployment of security forces prevented any major untoward incident during the campaign trail. As in the case of the first phase of the polls, campaigning for the second phase was also highlighted by the frequent visits of the high profile leaders of the political parties. Congress president Sonia Gandhi along with other senior leaders of the party visited the State to campaign for the Congress candidates for the second time, while, senior leaders of the BJP and NCP also frequented the State. Not to be outdone, the AGP roped in leaders of the National Conference, Telegu Desham, and Samajwadi Party for campaigning. Whether the visits of the Central leaders can bring in votes in favour of the candidates for whom they campaigned will be known only on May 11 when the counting of votes will take place, but by bringing in celebrities and high profile leaders, the political parties tried to show their strength before the people of the State.

What is unfortunate is that some of the high profile personalities roped in by the parties for campaigning are not aware of the ground realities and the problems facing the people of Asom and very often they cut a sorry figure while facing questions from media persons on the key issues concerning the state. One fails to understand what the political parties stand to gain by bringing in political personalities or celebrities who are not aware of the ground realities and even if they are roped in to woo the voters, why they were not properly briefed by the state units of the political parties. The people of the State also have every right to question the seriousness of such persons about the development of the State as they inevitably fail to visit the State when the people of Asom face serious problems including floods and they also fail to raise the issues concerning the state on the floor of the Parliament. The voters of the State should force the political personalities, who come to Asom only during the polls, to give an assurance that they would raise the issues concerning the State on the floor of the Parliament or else the leaders of the political parties will keep coming to the state only during the polls with scant regard to the issues concerning the people for the next five years.
Bengal CPI(M) chief blames foreign forces for terrorist activities Assam Tribune
‘There may be a conspiracy by forces within and outside the country to destabilise West Bengal and it may be a part of even bigger conspiracy to destabilise the entire country’ Sentinel
AGARTALA, April 8 (UNI): CPI(M) polit bureau member and the party's West Bengal unit secretary Biman Bose has blamed reactionary forces within and outside the country for rising in terrorist activities in some parts of north and south Bengal.
In an interview with local party mouthpiece Daily Desher Katha during his recent visit to Tripura, Mr Bose alleged that even some of the anti-left political parties had been encouraging these terrorists groups for narrow political gains.
''There may be a conspiracy by forces within and outside the country to destabilise West Bengal and it may be a part of even bigger conspiracy to destabilise the entire country,'' he told the newspaper.
Mr Bose said, ''Some of these forces, who were linked with the Trinamool Congress, the Congress, the BJP and the Jharkhand Party, had been working for the Maoists and trying to create anarchy in West Bengal.'' ''Even in north Bengal,'' he said, adding ''the propagators of greater Cooch Behar movement, who were backed by the KLO and supported by the Trinamool Congress and the BJP, had been trying to unleash terrorism and create division among the people.
''It has now become our responsibility to isolate these forces from the people,'' he pointed out.
The leader said it had now become evident that these terrorists had been getting direct and indirect support from outside. ''It is also evident from the fact that these terrorists had been repeatedly threatening the people to quit CPI(M) and join any other political party. This is like advertisement campaign of biscuit companies. Out of competition, these companies urge people to consume biscuits of respective companies. But such competition cannot hold ground in politics,'' he observed. Exuding confidence that the ruling Left Front would return to power after the five-phase election in West Bengal, Mr Bose said though there was no alliance among the opposition parties at the official level but there had been continuous efforts to forge an alliance at the grassroot level.
NLF ready for Red Cross intervention The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Apr 8: The underground United National Liberation Front, UNLF, while reiterating its stance that the issue of `rape and torture` by cadres of the MPA and the KCP is being manipulated to create ethnic tensions in the region, has suggested that the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC be approached to settle the truth once and for all.

In a statement issued to media offices, the UNLF said the NGOs which have been harping on the issue should either accept this suggestion, or end their double standards of shouting for justice on the one hand, and suppressing the truth on the other.
The UNLF, citing the recent protest rally in New Delhi as an example, said the activities of these NGOs on the issue have crossed the limits of tolerance. Their activities have all the more confirmed that they are more interested in politicising the issue with the ulterior motive of creating ethnic tensions. This is also the reason for blocking sincere efforts to bring out the truth, either way, the UNLF said. The proscribed group also reiterated its charge that these NGOs are working either "knowingly or unknowingly at the behest of Indian intelligence agencies whose long-term interest is to keep Manipur divided on ethnic lines as part of India`s counter-strategy to suppress the national liberation struggles of the region."

In this context, it appealed earnestly to these NGOs to desist from indulging in these divisive activities any further. The UNLF, while reiterating its stance that none of the MPA or KCP cadres who were camping in the Parbung area at the relevant time had committed any such crime, "except beating up some collaborators, noted that giving the benefit of the doubt and respecting the sentiments of the Hmar womenfolk, the group had declared that any MPA-KCP cadre found guilty of rape by a fact finding team of civil society organisations would be given capital punishment."

To this end, the group said, it had been prepared to produce those MPA-KCP cadres before the proposed fact-finding team. However this could not materialise because of irrational obstructions, which amount to suppression of truth, from some interested NGOs.

If at all the concerned NGOs are interested in finding out the truth, which it noted is imperative to ensure justice to all, the UNLF said the ICRC may be approached to help on the matter. If so, the UNLF will make all the necessary arrangements for the ICRC team to record the statements of the MPA-KCP cadres alleged to be involved in the incidents, it said. Otherwise, the double standard of shouting for justice on the one hand, and suppressing the truth on the other should be stopped, it said.

Frans on 04.09.06 @ 03:20 PM CST [link]


Saturday, April 8th

PM Dr. Manmohan Singh’s April fools Statement in Guwahati Contradicts the Indo-Naga “Joint Statement



PM Dr. Manmohan Singh’s April fools Statement in Guwahati Contradicts the Indo-Naga “Joint Statement” of 31st Jan. 2006 in Bangkok: Negative Implications on the Human Rights of the Naga People -Yaronsho Ngalung, JNU, New Delhi

One of the latest narrow and aged-old political moves of vote-bank politics has been amply demonstrated by none other than the Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh when he addressed a press conference during his two-day election campaign for his party, INC, in Guwahati on April fools day. It has surprised many sensible and rational people in the Indian sub-continent in the context of the ongoing almost nine years Indo-Naga Ceasefire Agreement which has reached a crucial stage. Dr. Singh’s statement read as follows: “the territorial integrity of any State in the northeast would not be disturbed without its consent.” “The territorial integrity of the northeastern States will not be disturbed unless there is a consensus among them. We are committed to protecting the territorial integrity of all States.” This statement was told to the Media when asked about the persistent and genuine demand for integration of all Naga areas made by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN), which represent the Nagas, in the ongoing political negotiations with the Government of India (GoI).

Dr. Singh’s statement is contradictory and problematic in so far as the 31st January 2006 Indo-Naga “Joint Statement” in Bangkok for extension of the Ceasefire for six months is concerned. The statement is directly contradictory to the 31st Jan. “Joint Statement” which has categorically stated that, “as both the Parties recognize that there has been insufficient progress in the talks it was decided to carry the political negotiations expeditiously forward taking ‘new initiatives’. Dr. Singh’s statement has totally gone against the letter and spirit of the “Joint Statement” talks of taking ‘new initiatives’. His statement “we are committed to protecting the territorial integrity of all States” has created a fixed type of political situation which means the Indian Government is not all committed to upholding its assurance given to the Nagas of taking ‘new initiatives’. This is simply a demonstration of its insincerity and dishonesty towards resolving the 59 years of Indo-Naga politico-military conflict. The statement is problematic to a great extend in the sense that Dr. Singh’s assertion of ‘consent’ or ‘consensus’ has even out stepped the Indian constitutional framework for the Indian Constitution under Article 3 never enshrined any such thing as ‘consent’ or ‘consensus’ in regard to increasing or decreasing the areas of State or altering or changing the names or boundaries of any State. What is required by this Article is only to afford an opportunity to express views of the concerned States whereas the Parliament is the sole authority to decide by a simple majority for such changes to be made of the States. His statement is problematic in so far as the history of drawing boundaries is concerned. When the contiguous Naga areas were divided by India and Burma, they have not asked for any consent or consensus from the Nagas. The Nagas were divided by the British, India and Burma solely in their own desires and interests. And now Dr. Singh is trying his best to reverse the history to the advantage of the neighbouring States and to the disadvantage of the Nagas. This is uncalled for especially when the Indo-Naga political negotiations have reached a crucial stage. PM should be reminded of the fact that because of the forcible occupation of the Naga people and their land without consent or agreement that there is still conflict between the GoI and the Nagas.

Moreover, Dr. Singh’s statement is unhealthy and unconstructive because he has made this statement for a short-term gain i.e., for getting more votes from the people of Assam in the State Assembly election in April. It is regrettable that the Congress to which Dr. Singh belonged has once again indulged in its favourite game of appeasement policy in Assam by making such statement against the interest of the Nagas. Such statement came out from him only to please the innocent voters. He has tried his best to play with the emotions and sentiments of the people. However, his individual opinion will have no consequent on the historical rights of the Nagas over their land. The Nagas are the owner of their land and such short-term gain utterance does not have any meaning for Dr. Singh himself does not belong to the Naga areas. The Nagas will always be the owner of this Nagalim. By making such a statement, he himself has exposed his weakness in front of the whole world. We come to know of his talks of seriousness and sincerity regarding the political negotiations as nothing but to buy more time to suppress the rights of the Nagas. Different Indian Prime Ministers have been uttering of their seriousness to resolve the conflict through dialogues. But the recent statement has let us into believing that they want to only pay lips service to the given issue. We have failed to observe any positive inclination from different Indian leadership to resolve the political issue. It is unfortunate that we are living in a time when there are no able Indian leadership having statesmanship and charismatic. The present Indian leadership is too much worried about winning election and coming to power without taking any remarkable step to resolve important problem and issue faced by the people. The Indian politics is ridden with caste-based politics, money and muscle powers, criminalization of politics, bureaucratic-politician nexus etc. and so on and so forth.

The Indian State’s priority in the Indian sub-continent is its so called Indian national security which allows the policy makers to make the N.E States a strategic location. While the Indian State in its efforts to shield off the whole northeast States from the influence of the neighbouring countries like China, Burma, Bangladesh and Pakistan, it has committed a lot of human rights violations against the northeastern people especially against the Nagas. Until yesterday more than 250,000 Nagas have been killed by the Indian and Burmese States so as to crush the Naga National Movement. The Naga areas have become a training ground of killing for the Indian Army in the so called counter-insurgency operation. It is sad to recount the history that so many Naga women have been raped, unaccountable men folk have been tortured to death, several villages have been razed, so many granaries have been destroyed, religious institution like the Churches have been used for molesting our women, electricity has been used for electric shock during interrogations etc. All these atrocities, rapes, electric shocking etc. have been committed to the Nagas for establishing Indian national security. From the humanitarian perspective, these are so inhuman and beyond human forbearance for no fault of the Naga people. The Nagas genuinely aspire to live honourable and respectable lives in their own land. Why can’t the Nagas live together under one political system by integrating all the Naga areas? Shall we restrict ourselves to talking only the Indian national security? Shall we totally keep under the carpet the Naga people’s security in their own land? And in the name of counter-insurgency, let the reign of terror of Indian and Burmese continue to be let loose among the innocent Naga civilians? Where is the Commitment of protecting the human rights of the people? Where have the rights of the people gone? Don’t the Nagas have the legitimate and inherent rights to live as a people in their own land?

Where is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 10th December 1948 of which India is a signatory? The universal belief of the human rights clearly stated that, “violation of human rights in any part of the world is a threat to the human race as a whole and protection and promotion of human rights anywhere is a concern for all.” It is pertinent to point out here the grave human rights violation of the Naga people by artificial boundaries across the Naga areas. History of drawing boundaries between India and Burma was done arbitrarily by the British Company Government since the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. The British separated out Burma in 1937 from the Indian sub-continent under the Government of India Act, 1935 after which India and Burma decaled their independence in 1947 and 1948 respectively. However, there has been no clear-cut boundary between them and the separation of Burma from the Indian sub-continent gives rise to serious problem in the frontier areas especially that of the division of Naga Hills along with it. In order to find a permanent settlement for this problem of this common ill-defined border where these Nagas and other nationalities are to have a more rational frontier, a boundary agreement was signed on 10th March 1967 by India and Burma. By this agreement the Nagas were divided to live in two countries. In Longwa village, in Mon district, the so called International Boundary between India and Burma actually split the Angh’ (village’s Chief) house into two with kitchen in India and bedroom in Burma. This arbitrary boundary has been drawn by India and Burma without the consent of the Naga people. Separation of the Naga people by this artificial borders have not only caused disunity and discomfort but also have gravely violated the human rights of the Naga people to live together as one people in one administrative system.

The matter of human rights violation does not end there. Worsen human rights violations have been committed against the Naga people by creating more artificial borders across Naga areas between the two countries. In Burma, Naga were made to scatter to live in different townships in Sagaing division and Kachin State. In India, Nagas are divided arbitrarily by borders of different Indian States. These artificial States’ boundaries have made the Nagas to live in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Before the Bigge-Brown boundary between Naga Hills and Manipur in 1842, the British has sold the Kabo Valley of 700 Sq. miles to Burma on 8th January 1834 on agreement that the British would make the Meitei/ Manipuri King an annual payment of Rs. 500 only as compensation for its lost. To appease the Manipur, the Company Government incorporated Senapati or now Tahanjam, Ukhrul or now Hunphun, Tamenglong or now Lenglong and Chandel or now Chamdil into Manipur in 1842. However, after the merger of Manipur into Union of India on 15th October 1949, the British and the Indian Government stopped paying the compensation. Again different British administrative Orders, Notifications and Acts since 1826 in the North East has transferred the Naga areas of North-Cachar Hills, Karbi-Anglong, and parts of Golaghat, Sibsagar, Nagaon, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia to Assam. Nagaland State was created on 1st December 1963 after the Naga Hills and Tuensang-Mon areas under NEFA were brought together. However, Tirap, Changlang, Lohit and Dibang Valley which are Naga areas were left out from integrating during the creation of Nagaland State by the Indian Government.

All the aforementioned tactics of division of the contiguous Naga ancestral territory have been done to suit the administrative convenience of the British and to crush the Naga National Movement by the Indian and the Burmese States since their independence. All these have been done without the consent and agreement of the Nagas whatsoever. The divisions of Naga ancestral territory were done forcibly for which the Nagas have been demanding for reunification of the same into one which would be known as Nagalim. History is the witness to this division of a people by artificial boundaries. Honourable and peaceful lives are seldom possible under such political governance where the same people are forcibly made to continue to live in different political systems without their desire and consent. Whatever argument people may advance against the integration of all Naga areas, there will be no such thing as political solution to any conflict devoid of integration of all Naga areas.

It is in this brief historical context that the article has been penned to reflect how human rights violations is discernable by artificial boundaries across the Naga areas in general and Dr. Singh’s statement had aggravated and compounded the human rights violations against the Naga people for his individual statement amount to justifying the existing artificial boundaries across Nagalim in particular. It is not out of place to mention here that Nagalim was not given by any big or small country of this earth. Nagalim was and is with the Naga people since 1 AD when the Naga people come to settle there. The Naga people were the first people to have come to settle on their own. As the Nagas are the first people to live in Nagalim, the Nagas are indigenous to this land. The land belonged to the Nagas so do the Nagas to their land. Nagalim is 120,000 Sq. km in size. The size of Naga areas in the States of Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the Indian side is 63,493 Sq. km whereas the size of Naga areas in Sagaing division and Kachin State is 56,507 Sq. km. It has been already pointed out that due to ‘Divide and Rule’ policy of the British, India and Burma that the Nagas are in two countries without their consent and agreement. There is no other bitter thing to experience for the Nagas than to experience the division of their land by others.

History has taught the Nagas of their rights to resist such subjugation and domination for which the Nagas have taken up their cause on their shoulders till today without ceasing. The colonial British and the neo-colonial States have tried their best to suppress the rights of the indigenous Naga people from the outside world. However, as the proverbial saying goes, ‘the fire could not be covered by clothes’. As such the story of the Nagas’ struggle for right to self-determination has been carried far and wide by some politically conscious Naga patriots and the sympathizers of the Nagas. Through them the Naga story is no longer in the darkness. Rather it has come out in the light. It is a matter of fact that the Nagas are not going to surrender their rights as a people whatever the circumstances they may face. The Indo+Burma-Naga conflict is a political one for which we need political solution. In order to resolve the conflict the Indian Government and the NSCN entered into a Ceasefire Agreement in 1997.However, after eight and half years of political negotiations, the Indian Government has failed to come out with a concrete formula for resolution. On the other hand, the Nagas have put forwarded their proposal for establishing a “Special Federal Relationship” between India and Nagalim in 2005. Such a “Special federal Relationship” is possible outside the Indian Constitution or it means out of the box solution to the conflict. And this to be the best possible model as far political situation is concerned. However, the Indian Government has failed to depart from the past strategy of a possible solution or full autonomy within the Indian Constitution.

It is in line with this thought of a full autonomy within the Indian Constitution that Dr. Singh’s made such a statement on the April fools day. He talked of consensus among northeastern states in regard to the integration of all Naga areas simply because he knew to himself very well that Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur States will never agree for a consensus. It is assumable that the Indian Government will use this non-consensus among the three States on the integration of all Naga areas as a weapon against the Nagas when future talks are held. And it is implicitly clear that in the failure of the talks, the Indian Government will simply make an excuse that the GoI cannot disturbed the territorial integrity of any northeastern State without its consent. It is understandable from his language that Dr. Singh has started finding for an easy escape road in order not to take any responsibility in the failure of the GoI to respect the aspiration of the Nagas for integration of all Naga areas. It is a matter of great concern to one and all that even after more than eight years of talks, the GoI is still indulging in such escapist and appeasement political game. However, it can be said in concluding this page that, an attempt, however hard, on the part of the GoI to suppress the rights of the Nagas through such tactics will not be successful any longer in this part of the world. For the Nagas know the best how they should still struggle for their rights. The vision is clear and the target has been already set for the destiny. The Naga sovereignty is on its way towards the final realization. The first step i.e., integration of all Naga areas towards the Naga sovereignty cannot be denied to the Naga people any longer. For its denial would meant denial of human rights of the Naga people. Let the scourge of war vanish from Nagalim. Let there be peace with justice and truth in Nagalim. This is a call for human rights. Human rights are for all. Who do not want to respect the human rights of a people?
Rio joins in Konyak solidarity; calls for Naga unity

Konyak warriors perform a folk dance during the silver jubilee celebrations of the Konyak Union at Mon on April 7. (MExPix)
Shakhai Konyak The Morung Express Mon | April 7
The two day conclave of the Konyak Union Silver Jubilee celebration came to a close here today with Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, gracing the occasion as chief guest. A host of high profile dignitaries, Ministers, MLA, leaders of NGOs, Tribal and Hoho leaders from different tribal councils of Nagaland attended the programme as well. Speaking on the occasion, Rio said that the celebration of twenty five years is a major event that showcases the maturity of its status, the society and the union and a moment to retrospect the past achievements and evolve futuristic initiative for uplifting the society in the days to come.
He conveyed that he was delighted to see every Konyak from across the boundary coming together from different areas displaying solidarity and unity and stated that Konyak people are not backward but the geographical and historical areas in which they inhabit are backward.
He also mentioned that Konyaks are the most astute and intelligent among all the Nagas tribe which was also recognized by the then British empire for their Kingship (Anghship), administrative control and is held in high esteem and position till today in the present Naga society. But he also lamented that the Naga forefathers, due to their own aggressive attitude, had delayed development and civilization to arrive. He also stated that Nagas were kept disoriented and disunited without the will and knowledge of the people and therefore the Nagas have been striving for integration and unity of all Nagas till today. Rio said a solution has been delayed because the Nagas are not united. He called for unity and appealed to steadfastly adopt the forgive and forget policy among every tribal and underground group.
Further, he said that if the Nagas unitedly seek for integration, then there will be a tangible solution and continued that the problem is not with the Centre but with the Nagas. Therefore, he said, it is a highly possible and opportune time that Nagas rationalize and rethink for the cause of unity. As Christian Nagas should follow the Christian ways and therefore the jubilee should signify the change in attitude with a positive approach, Rio said, and appealed that the Naga ways and nature of revenge and aggressiveness be put aside to go forward. He expressed the hope that Nagas will have a bright future.
He also appealed to every tribal group, Hohos, etc to cooperate with the government in achieving peace and development for the areas. He expressed his satisfaction with the performance and display of effective control of law and order situation in the state. He also highlighted about the Year of Farmers initiative and called upon every farmer to make the best use of its policy for self sufficiency and economic growth of the area.
He was confident, and of the view, that within five to ten years, the backward area should come up at par with other tribes of the state and exhorted that he is with the people of Konyak in retrieving the past fame and reputation. Talking about development, Rio declared that his govt has provided a lot for Mon but it is the priory of the NGOs headed by KU to make sure that these funds are used more effectively and speedily for the benefit of the people. He was concerned that Mon Town is suffering due to the incompletion of road construction on time.
He further stressed that proper education and awareness should be given to the public about governmental funds, grant-in-aids, loans, subsidies, etc so that they may utilize them correctly for their economic growth. Rio donated Rs 3,00,000 to the KU and an ambulance each to Civil Hospital, Mon and Aboi Hospital. He also distributed fibreless commercial ginger to farmers under APMC Mon.
Assam Rifles Jawans destroy NSCN-IM hideouts The Morung Express
Itanagar, April 7 (UNI): Two hideouts of NSCN (IM) established deep inside a forest area located near Dadam village in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh were destroyed by Assam Rifles (AR) troops recently, sources today said.
Troops of the 23rd AR had conducted an extensive search and destroyed the hideout based on specific intelligence.
According to official sources, the troops learnt that IM cadres had infiltrated into Tirap district from eastern Nagaland and were forcibly collecting taxes from the locals.
On reaching the area, the troops were informed by the villagers that the activities of NSCN cadre had increased in the last two months and the extremists had forced them to construct thatched huts in the nearby jungle from where they could operate in the nearby villages.
Acting on the information, the AR troops acted promptly and destroyed the two camps. Sentry posts, rifle racks and certain items of daily use found in the camp were also destroyed.
The destruction of these camps has delivered a severe blow to the activities of NSCN (IM) in Tirap district, since the ultras have been primarily indulging in forcible tax collections and extortion in the area, the sources added.
Rio tells youth to aim high Nagaland Post
MON, APRIL 17 (NPN): Calling them as the pillars of tomorrow, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday asked the youth to aim high and strive to bring glory to the people of Nagaland. He reiterated that his government would extend all possible help for development of the backward tribes of the State.
Addressing the silver jubilee function of the Konyak Union (KU) at local football ground here, Rio said, "Jubilee means a time of forgiveness and the people should forget their past drawbacks, forgive one another and set higher goals to bring glory to the tribe."
He thanked the Konyak Union for inviting him to the programme, saying "I am the happiest person to see the Konyak people coming today."
The Chief Minister contributed an ambulance to Civil Hospital, Mon, and another to Aboi Health Centre. He also gave special ginger seedlings to farmers of Mon district. MP Wangyuh Konyak, who also attended the programme, urged upon the people to avoid "all evil customs and preserve those cultures that will benefit the people." All MLAs, parliamentary secretaries from Mon district and officers, led by the Deputy Commissioner Mon, NEZCC director Angau, DUDA joint director Ninakero and other tribal delegates and public of Mon district were present at the function which was chaired by ex-president of the KSU Manlep Konyak.
‘Changes in customary laws may help cause of women’ Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, APRIL 7 (NPN): Noted human rights activist Indira Jaisingh on Friday said changes could be introduced in customary laws to effectively combat violence against women even as she felt the demand for such changes should come from the community itself without any interference from the government. The Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional expert stressed on the need to have a compliance committee to address cases of sexual harassment against women. Mrs. Indira Jaisingh was speaking at the day-long lecture and discussion on "Women's rights, customary laws and violence against women" organized by the Nagaland University Teachers' Association, Kohima (NUTAK), in collaboration with the Indigenous Women Resource Centre (IWRC), at NU conference hall here on Friday. Answering to a query during the discussion hour, the Supreme Court lawyer, who is well known for her crusade for human rights, rights of women and the working class, said, "The demand for changes, if necessary, in customary laws has to come from the community. The government does not have to interfere in such issue."
She said the Supreme Court had already passed the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act but it was not yet brought to the focus. NUTA president Rosemary Dzuvichii pointed out that certain rights of women like inheritance of property, crime against women, etc. were governed by the customary laws. Even in Naga society, cases of discrimination against women are dealt with through customary laws, she said. She also lamented the fact that women in Naga society were not given their due share of representation in village judiciary and decision-making bodies such as village councils, VDBs, etc. Rosemary also said many divisions were still prevalent between men and women and called upon the society to do away with such "gender issue."
Participating in the discussion, senior lecturer, NU and executive member of NUTA Dr. L. Venuh called for a change of attitude among the people to bridge the divide between men and women in the interest of a better society. Prominent Naga lady lawyer Ayo Aier told the gathering that on many occasions it was found that women did not have proper or direct platform even to raise their grievances. Apart from representatives of the Naga Mothers' Association (NMA), various NGO leaders, students and lecturers took part in interaction and discussion hour covering issues relating to discrimination against women, women's fundamental rights, right to work, approach to information, etc.
Factional clashes kill 3 in Nagaland
Phek tense, 1 cadre each of NSCN (K), NSCN (IM), FGN killed Sangai Express
Kohima, Apr 7: Factional fight among Naga underground groups has claimed three lives in Nagaland's Phek district, which has become the happy hunting ground for three major outfits of the State out to establish their supremacy.
Official reports received here from the district said the three
died yesterday in gunbattles, which sparked off tension in the areas as underground actvists hunted down each other.
The reports said two cadres - one of NSCN(I-M) and another of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) were killed in an exchange of fire at Porba village under Chizami rural development block of the district.
In another incident, one NSCN(K) cadre was killed at Wazeho in a clash with rival NSCN(I-M).
The outfits appear to have turned a deaf ear to repeated appeals by tribal NGOs, political parties and Churches to exercise restraint and adhere to ceasefire ground rules.
Meanwhile, FGN in a statement has accused NSCN(I-M) of launching an attack on its member at Porba village and said killings among the Nagas would not bring any good.
FGN assistant secretary Thinu Khamp held NSCN(I-M) general secretary Th Muivah responsible for the on-going fratricidal killings on Naga soil for the past two decades.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Phek district, ruling Nagaland People's Front (NPF) legislator, K Therie blamed the State Government for breach of peace as the administration failed to enforce cease-fire ground rules in the district.
Therie, who hails from the district and is a former Minister, asserted that it was the duty of the Government to enforce rule of law and tackle all underground factions diplomatically to defuse tension in the district due to presence of activists of all underground groups.
NSCN(I-M) have meanwhile held a series of 'consultative meetings' of its senior functionaries in various parts of the state to explain to the people the on-going peace talks with the Centre and to elicit their views and opinions on the Naga political issue.
Accompanied by senior leaders, NSCN(I-M) emissary to collective leadership, V S Atem yesterday held a meeting at Mokokchung which was attended by representatives of tribal councils, village chiefs, students organisations, reports said.
Similar meetings were held last week at Tuensang and Zudza near Kohima and were participated by a large number of villagers. PTI
Bodo outfit stays off Assam elections “We believe in cease-fire, we do not believe in these elections” NDFB The Morung Express
Sapkati, April 7 (UNI): The deceptive looks of the sentries of the camp do not leave an impression that they hold the key to peace during Assam’s election. Welcome to the designated camp of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, one of the most powerful militant groups of the North-Easts, now staying away from the election process.
The first phase of Assam poll was flawless prompting the Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi to give credit to the NDFB for their ‘hands off’ approach.
In this sprawling campus, there are activities relating to agriculture, even as tough Bodo youths zoom past on motorcycles. Each of them is a militant, now inside this designated camp, channelising their energy from ambush and bomb making to agrarian activities and waiting for the start of the actual peace process with the Centre.
“We are expecting peace talks to begin as our cease-fire agreement of one year ends on July 1. Till then we are strictly following the ground rules and one of them is not interfering with the election process,” said the NDFB secretary-general, Govinda Basumatary.
The NDFB controls vast areas and if they wish to interfere, electioneering is near impossible in at least 25 constituencies along the Indo-Bhutan border. “But we will not. We believe in cease-fire. We do not believe in these elections. We have asked our cadres not to support any party and even Independent candidates should not be supported,” he said.
Basumatary’s words carry significance as the other ultra group, Bodo Liberation Tigers, disbanded itself after achieving limited autonomy for Bodos. It is now running the autonomous council of the Bodos by turning itself into a political party. It is renowned that BLT does not go along with the NDFB and hence the latter was forced to staying away from the election, avoiding any conflicts that may mar the peace process.
There are three designated camps in Bodoland, each of them housing about 60 cadres. They are in Serphagnguri in Kokrajhar district, Borbori in Baska district and here in Udalgiri district near the Indo-Bhutan boundary. “The first and second battalions have already come over-ground. The third battalion is coordinating with Gothal Rabha as the commandant has been keeping a vigil from behind along with Ranjan Daimary, Chairman and Supremo of NDFB towards the peace process,” said Basumatary. The NDFB has about 1000 highly trained cadres. Of them six are women and their list has been handed over to the union government as part of the peace process. The NDFB has been demanding a sovereign Bodoland but indications are there that they may scale down their demand to a separate state or Union territory. The Bodos have already got the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District and through a proper election it has been running smoothly, bringing much needed peace to the volatile area. But the NDFB wants more than an autonomous council.
They have, however, kept the cadres under their control. “We are now engaging them more into agrarian activities. We are not taking any government money, nor are we interested in it. The designated camps are being run by public donations. We strongly refuse the allegation that we are into extortion,” he said.
NE region development through eco-tourism Newmai News Network
Shillong: The North Eastern Council, in its endeavor to accelerate development in the north eastern region has chalked out plans to lay emphasis on promotion of eco-tourism in the region. As part of the policy, various projects such as community-based eco-tourism for forest conservation, commercialization of medicinal and aromatic plants are being undertaken to boost eco-tourism. Guidelines and Action Plan for implementation of a National Eco-Tourism Policy have also been circulated to all the States in the country. The National Eco-Tourism Policy was formulated by the centre in 2002. The centre has further set up a National Committee on Eco-Tourism and Mountains to work out details for managing the fragile eco-system of the country. It considers developing such fragile eco-system through various policies being formulated. Assistance for such projects is available under the scheme of Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits and Product Infrastructure and Destination Development.
WW II veterans remember colleagues By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 7 : Emotions ran high as a 32 member royal British Legion including eight world War II veterans accompanied by friends and family members paid homage to their colleagues at the Imphal War Cemetery today. Conducted under the aegis of Hqs IGAR (South) the war veterans laid floral wreaths at the war memorial site of the battle of Imphal. 9 Sector Assam Rifles Commander brig PK Kayastha also joined the obituary ceremony. Besides presentation of guard of honour and rendition of the last post by troopers of 22 Maratha Light Infantry a memorial service was also conducted by local Church leaders. the ceremony was preceded with brief a history on the Battle of Imphal, establishment of the British War Cemetery and origin of Maratha Light Infantry presented by a young officer of the MLI. personal accounts of the fierce battle during World War II were also highlighted by war veterans Jack Hill (85) and Stanley Chamberlain (86) who were part of the 1st Bn Queens Regiment. According to the British duo the Regiment force reached Imphal after the bloody face-off with Japanese troops at Kohima. “We continued our battle at Imphal and proceeded towards Ukhrul where the erstwhile 7th Indian Army joined us in sustaining the offensive against japanese troops,” remembered Stanley. Another war veteran Daniel Milligan (85) of the then 78th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment said the British forces experienced the fiercest battle at Bishnupur area when the japanese planes rained bombs at their camps. “Amid logistic air cover by the Japanese flyers we managed to shoot down three planes. That was terrific,” he said and remembered one of his colleagues, Gunner Burns making the supreme sacrifice to uphold the Queen’s honour. After World War II broke out in 1939, the Japanese on March 6, 1944 attacked Imphal with a force of almost 1,20,000 men, said PIB Defence Wing in a statement. British and Indian troops fought the most intense battle in the Imphal valley which is comparable to the battle of Stalingrad.
So near, yet never closer
The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Apr 7: British WWII veterans and family members paid homage to the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Imphal in the early part of 1944 at a sombre service of remembrance today at the Imphal War Cemetery, North AOC.

The 32-member delegation of the Royal British Legion, whcih included eight World War II veterans, and their friends and families, laid floral wreaths at the war memorial, and joined a memorial service.

Brig PK Kayastha, commander, 9 sector, Assam Rifles joined in paying floral tributes to the fallen, and troops of the 22 Maratha Light Infantry presented a guard of honour and sounded the Last Post.

The delegation leader, William Clerk, said the delegation had arrived yesterday from Kohima, and would be returning there after today`s ceremony.

The Imphal War Cemetery contains the graves of 1603 Allied troops who fell in the Battle of Imphal and other battles in the adjoining areas, the majority - 1296 - of them British. 222 Indian troops are also buried in the cemetery, along with 42 East African, 10 West African, 11 Canadian, five Australian, 10 Burmese, three Chinese, two New Zealander, one South African and one South Rhodesian soldiers and airmen.

The calamitious defeat of the Japanese in the Battles of Imphal and Kohima is regarded as the turning point in the South East Asian theatre of the Second World War, with Allied troops driving back the Japanese relentlessly from this point on, and paving the way for the final defeat of the Japanese.
Polls fail to enthuse voters in Karbi Anglong By Ron Duarah Assam Tribune
DIPHU, April 7 – With the ASDC – Autonomous State Demand Committee – vertically split into two after the last Assembly polls of 2001, and the Congress not too serious about full autonomy to Karbi Anglong, the general voting public here are showing no particular enthusiasm for the April 10 elections here. The fact is also that in Karbi Anglong, people are more involved in the autonomous council elections, where much more is at stake.

The district has four Assembly segments: Bokajan, Diphu, Baithalangshu, and Howraghat. The keenest political contest is usually noticed in Diphu, and all the three major players, ASDC (P), ASDC (U) and the Congress have their candidates here too, as in the three other constituencies. Adding colour to the election scenario here are the independents, who have come into the fray after being denied party tickets.

Rattled by a series of ethnic strife, the people here are more interested in peace rather than anything else, says Jagat Ingti, a citizen here. “In the last four years, we have seen ceasefire agreements by militant groups like the DHD and UPDS. Unfortunately we have also seen

Karbi – Kuki, Hmar – Dimasa, Dimasa – Naga and Karbi – Dimasa riots, which is pulling at our very seams of the traditional cordial bonds between communities,” he says. The communal riots have tarnished the image of tribals as a peace loving people, and an effort is on to mend this.

As the reader knows, the UPDS is seeking a fully Karbi dominion while the DHD is leading a struggle for Dimaraji – an abode for the Dimasa community. Both the groups claim to be carrying out the struggle well within the ambit of the Constitution of India, and hence the ceasefire agreements. However, another militant group, the KNLF, is in no hurry to go for a ceasefire.

The Karbi autonomy movement, which started off in 1986 under the banner of the Autonomous State Demand Committee has in the past five years lost its sheen, as the organisation became fractured, and New Delhi and Dispur taking full advantage of this fragmentation. The ASDC’s once formidable leader, Jayanta Rongpi has been decimated, as his alignment with the CPI(ML) failed to appeal to the Karbis. Notable Karbi leaders like Dharam Singh Teron, Elvin Teron, Jotson Bey all say that the theory of an egalitarian society, which is the basis of the CPI-ML is irrelevant in the tribal society of Karbi Anglong. Says Dharam Singh Teron: “Our demand for full autonomy has been diluted. Our tribal society is not class based, but egalitarian in character.” He was a former MLA from Howraghat, and denied the ASDC(P) ticket this time, is now contesting as an independent from Diphu. Of course, the ASDC (P) leaders accuse Dharam of hobnobbing with the rebel UPDS group. Party ticket denials have also resulted in former Karbi autonomous council chief Jotson Bey contest as an independent from Baithalangshu.

An UPDS commander, Vojaru Mukrong is of the opinion that the Karbi autonomous council chief, Chobang Kro and the UPDS (U) have both lost the confidence of the people. This is an allegation Kro does not agree to, his loyals said. Kro is contesting as the ASDC (U) candidate from Howraghat.

The Congress party is accused of playing a divide and rule game in the district, and militant groups dislike this. Leaders of both factions of the ASDC are quite forthcoming with their allegations of the Congress injecting a divisive character into the tribals with a sight on electoral gains. But such allegations can seldom be proved, even as these fly thick in Diphu. On May 11, the four elected representatives from the district will have much to do to restore the image of Karbi Anglong as a cosmopolitan district where various tribal groups live and work in harmony. The fragmentation of the tribal society is not doing the district any good, unless the political class want to thrive in chaos.


Frans on 04.08.06 @ 02:32 PM CST [link]


Friday, April 7th

Three killed in factional clashes in Nagaland


Three killed in factional clashes in Nagaland New Kerala
Kohima: Factional fight among Naga underground groups has claimed three lives in Nagaland's Phek district, which has become the happy hunting ground for three major outfits of the state out to establish their supremacy.
Official reports received here from the district said the three died yesterday in gunbattles, which sparked off tension in the areas as underground actvists hunted down each other.

The reports said two cadres - one of NSCN(I-M) and another of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) were killed in an exchange of fire at Porba village under Chizami rural development block of the district. In another incident, one NSCN(K) cadre was killed at Wazeho in a clash with rival NSCN(I-M).
The outfits appear to have turned a deaf year to repeated appeals by tribal NGOs, political parties and churches to exercise restraint and adhere to ceasefire ground rules.

Meanwhile, FGN in a statement has accused NSCN(I-M) of launching an attack on its member at Porba village and said killings among the Nagas would not bring any good.
FGN assistant secretary Thinu Khamp held NSCN(I-M) general secretary Th Muivah responsible for on-going fratricidal killings on Naga soil for the past two decades.

IM-FGN clash claim two Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 6: Informing that NSCN (IM) activists in-truded into Porba village at around 4 am today and attacked Federal Naga army, assistant secretary of FGN said one IM man belonging to the Tangkhul community and a Chakeshang Federal army have been killed in the skirmish.
Expressing strong resentment that frequent reminder on futility of clashes among the Nagas have not been reciprocated positively by adversaries, the FGN accusing Th Mui-vah of instigating blood- shed in Nagaland since 1979 deman-ded that the NSCN (IM) leader should stop killings among Nagas. Maintaining that continued bloodshed have yield- ed nothing positive for the past 25 years Muivah should confess that floa-ting a new organisation was a mistake which is the only recourse to save ‘his’ face at the last moment, asserted the FGN assistant secretary in a statement.
Meeting on Indo-Naga peace process organized The Nagaland Post

Senior NSCN (IM) functionaries at the meeting on Indo-Naga peace process held between the organization and the public and NGOs of Mokokchung.
Dimapur,April6 (MExN): A meeting with the public organized by the NSCN (I-M) Ao region was held at Mokokchung Town hall from 9.30 AM with General (Retd) V.S. Atem and special Emissary to the collective leadership along with a host of Kilonsers and tatars in attendance.
The meeting attended by NGO’s, Ao Senden, Watsu, AKM, Ward representatives, Village representatives, was packed to capacity and was chaired by Chuba Pongen, Under Secretary. The resource people in the meeting were Tongmet, Education Kilonser, V S Atem and Angaikam, Kilonser- Art and culture. The first speaker Tongmet expressed happiness to be in an organization which he said was fighting for the protection of the Nagas. The second speaker V.S Atem started with a Bible passage Isaiah 55 verse 8 onwards. In his speech he said the Aos were the first to be educated and are the chosen tribe among the Nagas to lead the Nagas, and ‘if Aos do not withhold the purpose and mission of God, he may take it back.’ Therefore he called upon the community to think reminding that freedom will not come like a 'hailstorm' from heaven but earned through peoples’ participation with dedication involving blood, tears, strength, sweat, Sacrifice and mind.
The General also said that the Shillong Accord or 16 point agreement was not the decision of the people and therefore it was a failure. However, the NSCN (IM) is working towards bringing a decision for the Naga People. Nagas are being betrayed by the Indian Government for so many years after having Peace talk, so the need of having a third party to bear as a witness arise he said adding that India had recognized the uniqueness of Naga History and today the Nagas need unification and integration of all Naga inhabited areas under one umbrella. He said this would be the first step towards Naga Sovereignty. He said the Nagas’ fight for Sovereignty had got overwhelming support from International communities while reaffirming that the organization will never betray the Nagas.
At the meeting the President of the Ao Senden and the AKM spoke on behalf of the public. The event was attended by people from different tribes residing at Mokokchung.
Justice after 60 years PANKAJ SARMA The Telegraph
Guwahati, April 6: It was a legal battle that lasted only three years but a struggle that began over 60 years ago.
The Kohima bench of Gauhati High Court gave back the Kinghens what is rightfully theirs — a plot of land and a house, which was bought and built by N.L. Kinghen way back in the forties but under the illegal occupation of Nagaland police since 1945.
The court also ordered the Nagaland government to pay compensation to the Kinghen family.
The judgment, passed by Justice I.A. Ansari, directed the Kohima deputy commissioner to assess the amount of compensation payable to petitioner David Kinghen within two months. It also asked the Nagaland government to pay the compensation amount, when it is fixed, within four months.
After Nagaland police took over the property in 1945, Kinghen senior moved from pillar to post before the government on December 6, 1973, fixed Rs 53.34 as rent per month with effect from January 1, 1946.
However, the order stayed on paper and the family was never paid any rent. Eventually, the Kohima superintendent of police on December 18, 1973, requested the inspector general of police, Nagaland, to move the state government to accord formal sanction for payment of the rent. N.L. Kinghen passed away in 1978, his mission unaccomplished. Though his family did receive some rent in 1979, it stopped in the following years despite repeated representations to the government. Kinghen’s wife also died a few years later.
In 2003, David was shocked to hear that Nagaland police had dismantled the house his father had built and were constructing residential quarters for the force. David then moved court under Article 226 seeking appropriate relief. The court said under Article 300, every citizen of the country is assured that he would not be deprived of his property except by authority of law. Unable to defend the police action, the government advocate did not dispute that the petitioner has been the owner of the plot of land but sought six months’ time to determine the amount of compensation.
Slow NDFB peace process irks Absu P. BRAHMA CHOUDHURY The Telegraph
Kokrajhar, April 6: The influential All Bodo Students’ Union (Absu) today expressed its displeasure over the Centre’s alleged dilly-dallying in starting peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB).
“Though the NDFB had come forward for a ceasefire, the government is yet to initiate the peace process,” Absu president Rwngwra Narzary said. “On the other hand, the government has started its process of holding peace talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) through the People’s Consultative Group (PCG),” he added.
“The Centre should make the move to start talks with the NDFB for finding a peaceful solution to the issue. Until and unless a solution was found in this regard, there cannot be total peace in the region. So we want the Centre to initiate the peace process to find an early solution for total peace and harmony in the region. The union considers it a national problem and wants an acceptable solution through meaningful dialogue,” Narzary told the media here.
The NDFB, which entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Centre on May 26 last year for a period of one year, is also upset over the delay in getting an invitation from Delhi for start of formal negotiations. NDFB chairman Ranjan Daimary alias D.R. Nabla had recently said, “If no initiative comes from the Indian government’s side, what is the meaning of going for a ceasefire? We had declared a ceasefire for starting peace negotiations with the government. But so far we have not seen any initiative from their side. What more could we do from our side? The initiative should be taken by them (the Centre).”
Daimary had said the extension of ceasefire could largely depend on the information of whereabouts of the seven missing NDFB leaders. “It could be one of the criteria for continuation of the ceasefire. We have been asking the government through the media and other means to give straightforward information on the whereabouts of our leaders. We have already said that unless the Centre provides information on the whereabouts of the missing leaders, we may not be able to proceed with the peace process.”
The list includes publicity secretary of the outfit B. Iraqdao, organising secretary D. Derhasa, assistant organising secretary B. Fwjoukhnag, judicial secretary B. Jwkrub, deputy army chief W. Onsula, commanding officer of 2nd battalion B. Habrang and sergeant major S. Udla. Both the Rabiram and Hagrama factions of the Bodoland Peoples’ Progressive Front have also focused on the ongoing peace process with the outfit in their manifestos.
Indian Ambassador to Myanmar in town By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 6 : The Indian Ambassador in Myanmar Bhasker Mitra has left for the border town of Moreh today to assess the prevailing situation arising out of boundary disputes on the indo- Myanmar international border. according to an informed source, the Ambassador arrived at Imphal from new Delhi yesterday and after an overnight stay at the Mantripukhri base of IG Assam Rifles (South) left for Moreh this morning.
Soon after his arrival at the State capital Bhaskar Mitra is reported to have had extensive talks with higher officials of Assam Rifles whose men are substantially deployed and actively involved in guarding the indian side of the international boundary.
The Ambassador’s itinerary include discussion with civil and top security officials during his stay at Moreh where he would also take part in a meeting between delegates of the two neighbouring countries on matters concerning border affairs.
A reliable source informed that a team of Myanmar Army officials may visit the State from April 19 to 23. The Ambassador's visit comes ahead of the Indo-Myanmar Border Level meeting which is scheduled to be held on April 19 and 20 at Rangapahar, Dimapur.
A military campaign to flush out the militants from the border areas cannot be ruled out as army authorities are determined to launch a final assault on militant hideouts in the same way massive CI OPs were launched at the interior areas of Chandel and churachandpur districts, mooted the sour-ce while adding that the Ambassador also called on the Governor Dr SS Sidhu last evening. It may be recalled that a recent agreement reached between India and Myanmar paved the way for fencing over 12 kilometre porous border in between Moreh and Tamu. Unanswered Questions
* Was the State Govt informed about the Ambassador's visit ?
* If the visit was to over see the boundary, then will there be similar visits to Nagaland and Mizoram as these two States also share border with Myanmar ?
A noble concept to inspire Naga youths in social issues Newmai News Network
Kohima, April 6: A four-member team of dedicated young men have come up with a noble concept to inspire young people of Na- galand to dream and excel in their chosen fields, to go be-yond the ordinary, to deli- ver and to make a dent.
Under the concept, ‘XL’, these daring young men aim to reach out to the young people through the medium of music by organizing road shows using Na- ga musicians as also to provide them with a platform to showcase their gifts and inspire other young Nagas to have a purpose in life.
The first phase of the XL’s mission, which it has dubbed ‘Season One’, would be formally launched on April 8 by Governor Shyamal Datta at the Indoor Stadium here at 5:30 p.m. During the launch, the Governor would also be inter- acting with the audience. Season One will witness six shows which will be held on the last Saturday of each month till August, the XL members said while briefing the media this evening at Dream Café. While first phase will be confined to Kohima district, the XL plans to spread to all the districts of the state in the ensuing phases.
Apart from this, the team also plans to take up social issues such as dignity of labour, AIDS, work culture, etc in each show by delivering messages and having interactive sessions with the young people. The road shows will also be taken to colleges and schools, and other avenues that are identified with young people.
Events such as guitar fest, jazz nites, music workshops, etc are also in the offing.
Apart from Governor Shyamal Datta, a galaxy of other luminaries are expected to participate in the shows and interact with the audience. The XL also announced plans to invited Indian Soccer star Bai-chung Bhutia to participate in the initiative and deliver messages to the youth of Nagaland. The initiative is pure non-commercial and a social service with the sole aim of reaching out to the youth,they said. The theme song of XL is ‘Believe’, written by ‘Wave’ band.
“We believe we can start a movement”, said Abu Metha, the brain behind the concept. The initiative, with the motto, ‘Believe You Can’, is being sponsored by Eastern Mirror and managed by Dream Café. The XL team comprises of Abu Metha as producer, Theja Meru as Director, Wenitso Kapfo as consultant and Ababe Ez-ung as secretary in charge of media and publicity.
No compromise on foreigners Sonia blames AGP, BJP for insurgency problems and non-development of Assam The Morung Express
GUWAHATI, April 6 (Agencies): Congress President Sonia Gandhi campaigned in Assam on Thursday for the second time in a week. She said that there would be no compromise on the issue of illegal foreigners but gave an assurance that no genuine Indian citizen would be harassed during the detection process.
“Foreigners have to go but genuine citizens of the country will not be harassed. The Foreigners Tribunal Order is being amended to ensure that the rights of genuine citizens are protected,” she said. She claimed that even after the scrapping of the IMDT Act, the Congress government in the state had ensured that no citizen suffered injustice due to its repeal. “If the decision during elections goes wrong, not only the country but the state too is taken backwards by several years and problems for the people increase,” she said, appealing to the people to vote Congress.
Meanwhile, Sonia has blamed Assam’s main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for failing to tackle insurgency or boost development in the state.
Gandhi, who is on a daylong visit to the state to campaign ahead of the second phase of the assembly poll April 10, told a rally in Mangaldoi, 70 km from the capital Guwahati: “During AGP’s five-year rule when the BJP was ruling (India), insurgency peaked in the region and all development works came to a halt.”
The party chief, who addressed the meeting amid pouring rain, contrasted the AGP rule with that of the Congress.”In our last five years of rule in Assam, the state has witnessed tremendous development, especially in rural roads, providing drinking water facilities and primary health care.” Referring to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, she said her government would try and provide at least 100 days of work for people living below the poverty line. “Already, about 200 districts in India are covered by this new legislation. Very soon, I assure you that all the districts in India will be covered under this scheme.”
Gandhi, who had earlier addressed meetings in Nagaon, promised to build a new Assam with the help of the youth if the Congress was voted back to power in the state.
Speaking at Mangaldoi, a Muslim dominated area, the Congress chief said her government was against any infiltration and assured that no genuine Indian would be harassed in the name of deportation of illegal migrants.
A total 482 candidates are in the fray for the 61 constituencies. At least eight million voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in Assam April 10.
Assam Rifles action creates fear in villagers mind Newmai News Network
Imphal: Panic has gripped villagers of Saiton area of Manipur’s Bishenpur district after some army personnel in civil dress barged into a house and took away a youth late last night. Fear spread in the neighbourhood as the incident occurred just two days after a youth of the same locality who was arrested by joint team of the police and Assam Rifles was gunned down allegedly in custody.
Reports reaching here said army personnel who came in two vehicles barged into a house at Saiton Leitanpokpi around 10 am and took away a youth identified as Khaidem Nabachandra Singh (22) without issuing any arrest memo.
Before the incident a combined team of the Assam Rifles and the commandos killed a youth from the locality identified as Hemam Naocha Singh (18) in the early hours of April 4 at Saiton. The security team also killed one PLA cadre along with Naocha.
Villagers claimed that the security forces arrested the two from Lai Haraoba (a religious programme) venue of Saiton before midnight of April 3. They charged that the youth was killed in custody. The Assam Rifles, however, said that the two were killed in an encounter.
Panic stricken villagers, mostly women put up a road block at Kangvai along the Imphal-Churachandpur road this morning. Fearing that Nabchandra could be also killed in custody the women protestors blocked the road demanding release of the youth. The youth was finally handed over by the army to the Moirang police station in the morning claiming that Nabchandra Singh is a member of the PLA. The army also submitted a report to the police station in this regard. Police said the youth would not be immediately released. Investigations would be launched to verify the army claim, police said.
The road block was however relaxed after the arrested youth was handed over to the police. However, Saiton villagers have demanded punishment of the personnel responsible for the killing of Naocha Singh. They also demanded an inquiry into the alleged custodial killing case and payment of ex-gratia.
For a democratic law Today's Editorial 7 APRIL The Morung Express
As it is common knowledge, when indigenous people were colonized, colonial administration changed the basic informal general ethical code of conducts in the indigenous way of life and worldviews into a more formal institution of what is now commonly referred to as ‘customary law.’ The conduct of life was essentially founded on ethical philosophies that served to guide the people on a day-to-day basis. The concepts of egalitarian, restorative justice and collective interdependence were the foundations of the ethical framework that provided the reference for general conduct - in effect ‘customary law.’
With the introduction of rigid state structures on indigenous societies, the ‘customary law’ became more institutionalized and legalized under the state legal system. As a result of which the tenet of ‘customary law’ ceased to reflect the ethical philosophies and values. With institutionalization and legalization, ‘customary law’ has frozen in time and rather than promoting the values and principles of the society, it has come to effectively limit and fracture the ethical framework of the society.
Due to its now static character, its now fails to meet the needs and engage with the issues of the present day. Rather than being a facilitator of a dynamic ethical framework, the institution of today’s ‘customary law’ has come to represent a static parochial view of reality. An indigenous friend said that “customary law has allowed itself to be manipulated by people in power to protect their own interests.” Eventually it has stopped facilitating restorative justice as it discriminates women, younger people and people of lesser privilege. In most indigenous societies, rigid ‘customary law’ has come to represent the power of a selected few that seeks to impose their will on the community.
As a result the ‘customary law’ of today contradicts the very values and democratic principles that nurtured its existence. In fact, it is one of the institutions that have come to promote hierarchy and the disempowerment that compounds oppression of women. Simultaneously, the state legal system is neither meeting the needs of the people. It remains alien and un-understandable to indigenous people, and dwells on a very rigid and impersonal structure of retributive justice in which the state is defined as the aggrieved party. Consequently, one needs to dispel the myth that indigenous peoples can find justice within a colonial legal system for it has been designed to encourage calmness even in the face of blatant injustice.
‘Cultural dislocation has led to despair, but the real deprivation is the loss of the ethic of personal and communal responsibility.’ Thus, it is imperative to rethink and transform the concept of ‘customary law’ within the ethical framework of democracy, restorative justice and equality. It implies that the old institutions of ‘customary law’ must be replaced with a new system that embodies the needs and aspirations of the present.
Therefore as indigenous people, where do we go from here? For a moment lets echo the words of Luigi Guissani, “traditions are not handed over to us so that we become fossilized with them. Like our ancestors, we should be able to develop tradition, even to the point of profoundly changing it.” However, in order to develop the capacity to transform traditions one must ‘act with’ what one has. This means using tradition critically, filtering it through ones own praxis and identifying and embracing the positive elements from both ‘customary law’ and state legal system.
A new democratic law should cover inclusive aspects of existence defining the full continuum of how one interacts and restores relationships with other human beings, land and nature. It needs to reflect a living and evolving system of norms and practices, regulated by a structure that will facilitate its fulfillment. Such a democratic law can be realized only when all forms of discrimination and gender bias are removed and the abuse of power is checked. Fundamentally, it applicability and relevance must be rooted in today’s aspirations based on restorative values that embrace the richness of humanity.
It is imperative that Nagas put in their perspective of laws, conducts and institutions within the ethical framework of democracy, restorative justice, equality, respect and dignity. As Sankara states, ‘we must be able to take from our past from our traditions - all that is good, as well as all that is positive in foreign cultures, so as to give a new dimension to our culture.’
Office of Profit The Morung Express Perspective Vaprumu Demo
Just as we, the Nagas, are getting (perhaps over) used to terms like unique, special or exceptional’, we seem to be heading towards a unique system of parliamentary democracy. This time our popularly elected representatives are attempting to do away with both the leadership of the ruling and leadership of the opposition, which is a dangerous threat to the existence of democracy. The reason being that both the leadership are holding office of
Profit. Whereas the ruling leadership is attacked for holding offices’ of profit, other than the office of the Chief Minister, the leadership of the opposition is dissimilarly attacked as an office of profit (if at all the statutory position he holds is an office). Now that the controversial office of profit has assumed a national concern awaiting the decision of the
Parliament, the question whether the offices the Chief Minister is holding constitute the office of profit or not will be determined later. Our concern here is whether the status given to the opposition leader constitutes the ‘office of profit’. The Constitution of India is silent on the role, position and privilege of the Opposition Leader and the Nagaland Legislative Member (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964 does not exempt the Opposition Leader from disqualification. But the fact remains that statutory recognition to the Opposition Leader to that of a Cabinet Minister since 1977 and same statute has been maintained in Nagaland Legislative AsserAb1y since 1964. It is claimed by the English that the institution of opposition embodies the greatest contribution of the 19th Century to the art of parliamentary government Statutory recognition was accorded in 1937 when the practice of paying salaries to the Ministers the practice of paying salary in the same way to the Opposition Leader was layed down. In the democracy of the Westminster pattern, the official opposition has been accepted as equal and opposite to the Cabinet Government. That is, the position of Opposition Leader is forma1ized in stature. The popularly known name of the ‘Shadow Prime Minister’ or the ‘Shadow Government’ or the ‘Shadow Formation’ aptly brings out the importance of the opposition in parliamentary system of Government. Gerhard Kunz, a member of German Bundestag says ‘Parliament in the material sense usually means the opposition’. Opposition is the life blood Parliamentary government. The Janata Govemment in the year 1977 recognized indispensability of the Opposition by recognizing the Leader of the Opposition Y.B. Chavan, who led the Congress Parliamentary Party. He was paid a salary from the exchequer and was given the status of a Cabinet Minister. The Congress I ruling party did not abandon this practice and it is well trenched now.
As mentioned earlier in the latter part of Para 1, the Constitution of India has not defined the role or position of Opposition Leader both of the Parliament and the State Legislature. But it has categorically defined the ‘office of profit’ for both the Parliament and the State Legislature under Article 102 (1) (a) and Article 191 (1) (a) respectively. It may also be noted here that the disqualification for membership of a State Legislature as laid down in Article 191 are analogous to the disqualification laid down in Article 102, relating to membership of Parliament. Here the analogous implies similarity or equivalent, by which we interpret that what is applicable to Parliament applies to State Legislature as well. We have, only one parliamentary system in India and not differently in the Central and in the State.
Eminent expert on the Indian Constitution have thoroughly delved with the subject matter embodied in Article 102 and Article 191 and relevant comments and opinion are extracted here for Our purpose of understanding the constitutional provisions pertaining to the disqualification of membership. Before we proceed further for details it will be most pertinent to understand the basic principle behind Article 102 (1) (a) and, Article 191 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India. The legal view point of D.D, Basu is quoted here for our reference; ‘the object of enacting Article 102 (1) (a) and Article 191 (1) (a) is that there should be not conflict between the duties and interest of the elected members and that such elected members can carry on freely and fearlessly his duties without being subjected to ‘any kind of governmental pressure (emphasis ours). These Articles are intended to eliminate the possibility the conflict between duty and interest so that the purity of the Legislature is unaffected’. Three legal implications of these Articles to determine whether’ an ‘office’ is an ‘Office of profit’ to constitute disqualification are discussed below:
1. Office of profit: (a) in order to attract disqualification under these Articles the person must hold an ‘office’ and that office must be an ‘office of profit’ , (b) ‘Office means a position or place to which certain duties are attached, ( c) in order to constitute an ‘Office’ there must be a permanent substantive position which exist independently of the holder of the office; (d) an ‘office of profit’ is an office which is capable of yielding a profit or pecuniary gain, (e) ‘profit’ mean any pecuniary gain(f) it need not be a payment in money, (g) the truth test for determining whether a person holds an office of profit depends upon the degree of control the Government has over it .
2. Under the Government ;( a) in order to attract disqualification the ‘office of profit’ must be held under the Government (constitutional experts have repeatedly stressed the term ‘under the Government’), (b) the expression ‘office of profit under the Government’ in this Article is wider than the expression ‘post or service under Government) (c)- it is the power of appointment and removal and not the source of remuneration paid that constitute the test of office being held under the Government or not .
3. Other than an office… holder; By this is rneant the State Legislature is competent to lift the disqua1ification in the case of the person even though his office would otherwise come within the meaning of Office of profit’.
Then who is not a holder of office of profit and which not an office of profit? Firstly a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit other the Government of India or the Government of any State by reason only that he is a Minister either for the Union or for such State. Secondly office under a statutory body is not an office under then Government. Thirdly states which has passed such laws declaring certain offices to be offices the holding of which will not disqualify its holder for being a member of Legislature of the state.
A careful observation of the comments mentioned above still give us further questions as to whether the opposition leader is holding the ‘Office of profit under the government’. (1) Can we say the Opposition Leader is holding an ‘office of profit under the Government because he is paid the salary from the State exchequer and provided the facilities equivalent to that of a Cabinet Minister? (2). When a statutory body is not an office under the Govemment, can the Opposition Leader, who is accorded statutory recognition by Parliament, attract disqualification? (3). If that of the Opposition Leader is an Office is it existing independently of the holder of the Office? (4). what are certain duties attached to him besides his responsibilities as Opposition Leader? (5). finally what is degree of control by Government and how is he accountable to Government for holding the ‘office of profit’?
These are serious questions the ordinary publics like the Legislature to clarify.
There is a big difference between the terms ‘office of profit’ and misuse of office ‘for profit’. From the description given the Opposition Leader has relentlessly pursued the Speaker for hiking of his salary and allowance equivalent to that of a Cabinet Minister. It is best known to the Speaker whether the Opposition Leader was entitled such provision. In the first place whether the Speaker has accepted the appointment of the Opposition Leader ,and whether the status of Cabinet Minister was duly acknowledged by the Legislature. If the Opposition Leader is not entitled of such provision, what he has done its sheer misuse ‘of his position, as is done by almost all the leaders. In which case he could have been charged and, penalized under relevant laws of the land. If the office of the Opposition Leader was, exempted by the Nagaland Legislative Members (Removal of disqualification) Act, 1964, perhaps the pioneering legislators at that point of time had adopted the statutory recognition given to Opposition Leader by Parliament. Incidentally at the time progenitor of the Congress Party, the NNO, was in power but the regional Opposition Leader or the Party did not raise objection. Again when S.C. Jamir was the Chief Minister of Congress Government he also held the Chairmanship of States Sports Council; but the regional opposition party did object. Today the regional party-led Government is in power and the opposition Congress Party after many years of ruling is struggling to assert the identity of Opposition Leadership. Whatever the outcome is, this a healthy fight for progress and development. The fight between factions is destructive in nature but the fight between legislators, in this context is constructive in nature.
Sonia slams AGP, BJP Nagaland Post
Dhula (Assam), April 6 (IANS): Braving heavy rains, Congress president Sonia Gandhi Thursday stormed into one of Assam's Muslim-dominated areas with a pledge to protect the interests of minorities and to boost development.
Gandhi, on a daylong visit to Assam to campaign ahead of the second phase of the assembly polls April 10, blamed the opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for failing to tackle insurgency and boost development in the state. Assuaging the minority Muslim community, she said: "Our UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government is totally against any kind of infiltration from Bangladesh. "But there is no need for any worry, no genuine Indians will be harassed in the name of detection and deportation of illegal migrants," Gandhi told an election meeting here amid loud applause. Dhula, a village about 70 km north of Assam's main city Guwahati, is surrounded by a cluster of hamlets dominated by Bengali-speaking Muslim settlers. The Congress, which now rules Assam, has been wooing the minority community to return to power. Partially drenched as she made her way from a makeshift helipad to the podium amid heavy showers, Gandhi received a tumultuous welcome from the estimated 20,000-strong crowd. Wiping her hands and forehead before waving at the crowd, Gandhi played to the gallery.
"I am really moved seeing you all waiting patiently despite such heavy rains," she said. The second and final phase of voting involves 61 assembly constituencies. The first phase of balloting for 65 seats concluded Monday. For elderly Munir-un-nessa, who stood firm at the venue despite the rains, it was worth the trouble waiting to hear Gandhi. "We came to this rally with a purpose," Munir-un-nessa said as she tried to protect herself from the downpour by hiding under a tree. "Sonia Gandhi's assurance that we would not face harassment in the name of detection of Bangladeshis is very positive."
Munir-un-nessa said there were rumours spreading in her village that after the elections, Muslims might face problems from the authorities. "We are not Bangladeshis and have been in Assam for generations. Still people say a lot of things about us," she said. In her speech, Gandhi also launched a frontal attack on the AGP and BJP, saying the two parties were responsible for the heightened insurgency and lack of development.
"During the AGP rule, insurgency was at its peak and development came to a halt. Interestingly, the BJP was leading the central government at that time and the AGP was its ally," she said. Gandhi pointed out there were many parties trying to divide the people on religious lines. "There are parties and forces working to divide the people on communal lines. We must be on our guard to defeat such plans," she said. Exuding confidence that the Congress would be able to form the next government in Assam, Gandhi appealed to youths to strengthen the party.
"We want to build a new Assam with the help of the youths. Violence is no answer to any problems," she asserted. A vast majority of the crowd was, however, more interested in having a close look at the helicopter that brought Gandhi. Men and women ran towards the helipad before she could finish her speech so that they could watch the aircraft take off, and police had a tough time keeping them at bay. "It was like a dream come true to have seen both Sonia Gandhi and the helicopter from so close," said Habibur Rahman, a local youth.
India gets Myanmar’s nod to fence Moreh border From Our Staff Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, April 6 – In a sign of growing bonhomie between India and Myanmar, the neighbouring country has finally given the green signal to fence 10 km area along the international border in Moreh sector in Manipur, ostensibly to check drugs trafficking and smuggling. A spate of high level engagements that culminated in return visit by President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam to Myanmar early this month and that of senior General Than Swe to Delhi last year has led to thawing of the ice.
Last year, the eleventh national level meeting between the Home Secretaries of India and Myanmar concluded in Yangon on a positive note with the two sides agreeing to joint interrogation of drugs and arms smuggler and insurgents. Myanmar has also been reiterating that it would not allow negative elements to use its territory for carrying out hostile activities against India. It also agreed to intensify action against arms smugglers. The Myanmar Army has since mounted three major operations against the North-East militant outfits based in the country.
According to a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) report the Government of Myanmar has now agreed to allow fencing in Moreh sector after leaving ‘No Construction Zone’ of 10 meters. The fencing in the sector sanctioned two years back could not be undertaken owing to non-resolution of issue of ‘disputed border pillars and no construction zone with the Myanmar Government. The decision to fence the 10 km area along the international border was in keeping with the recommendations of the Group of Ministers.

Both India and Myanmar allow free movement of local people across the international border because of ethnic and cultural similarities, though the two countries have no bilateral agreements to support this.However, the two countries now propose to restrict the free movement. A draft agreement is under negotiation to regulate free movement regime for tribal people living near the international border by restricting their movement to 16 km instead of the current practice of 40 km.

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry report has acknowledged that the Indo-Bangladesh border continue to be marked by high degree of porosity and checking illegal cross border activities has been a challenging proposition. India proposes to fence 3,286 km of the international border in two phases. Out of this 2,129 km of fencing work has been completed and the entire project is scheduled to be completed by 2006-2007 barring the Mizoram sector. A pilot project of flood lighting fences along 277 km of the international border has been taken out of which 123 km has been completed so far, the report said.
To expedite the construction of fencing, Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Border Road Organisation (BRO), National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC), Assam PWD, Tripura PWD, Engineering projects Limited have been engaged, the report said.

About Bhutan border, the Report said that Indo-Bhutan Group on Border Management and security has proved to be very successful in assessing threat perception from militant outfits like ULFA, NDFB, and Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) attempting to take advantage of the open border. The Bhutan Army’s operation against the militant outfits in 2003-2004 has checked the menace, the report noted. The Centre has since handed over the border to the SSB. The Force has been providing escort to Bhutanese civilian convoy transiting through India.



Frans on 04.07.06 @ 02:24 PM CST [link]


Thursday, April 6th

The Naga question and Indian intransigence


Rio unites highways by inaugurating bridge Chizokho Vero Kohima |
Nagaland today inked another milestone in the field of road connectivity as Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated Dzudza Baily Bridge, connecting NH 61 and NH 39. The bridge involves an estimated cost of Rs 93, 54, 860 and was funded by the Life Insurance Corporation of India, Mumbai under negotiated loan. Rio said the newly constructed bridge will not only be beneficial for the villagers of Tsiesema, Kiruphema and Menguzouma and neighboring villages but would also largely benefit the people of Wokha, Mokokchung, Zunheboto and Phek.
Rio also stressed on the need to maintain peace, adding that the developmental activities are possible when there is peace and unity among the people. Touching on the “Year of Farmers,” Rio said the government desires to enhance agricultural production and improve the living condition of the people and urged for seriousness from them to avail the government programmes. He said the present government has been giving due importance for the improvement of farming activities and socio-economic development of the state. Also speaking on the occasion, Minister for Work and Housing and Mechanical, Tokheho Yephtho said that the department has 24 ongoing constructions of bridges in the state where four have already been completed. Two more bridges in the Noklak area of Tuensang district constructed under DUDA will be inaugurated on April 26. Shortly, the department will also be bringing out a publication highlighting various achievements of the department to ensure transparency and accountability in the developmental activities, the minister said. Chairing the function, Toshi Aier, IAS, Principal Secretary Work and Housing department informed that the government was working on communitisation of the village approach roads in the state which is likely to start from this year.
Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B), Vikuotuolie Angami said the people coming from Northern Angami areas, Tseminyu, Phugoboto and Wokha and its neighboring villages who wished to travel to Dimapur via Kohima Town in the past covering a distance of 36 Km upto Peducha Village (Kiruphema) on NH-39 can avail the traveling distance only by 18 Km crossing over this newly constructed bridge over Dzudza River which also benefit the villages of Tsiese Basa, Tsiese Bawe village on NH-61 in the eastern part and Peducha on NH-39 Menguzouma, Peducha in the western part of this newly constructed bridge.
A budget provision of Rs 31. 50 lakhs has been kept aside for the period 2006-07 for this bridge. This provision will clear the balance amount of the contractor and also provide wing walls and protection walls for the bridge abutments to avoid erosion and river training works, Er. Vikuotuolie added. Extending gratitude to the government, the villagers also look forward to black topping of this road in the near future.
Several ministers including planning Minister Dr. Shurhozelie, PHED minister P Longon, minister for transport and communication Imtilemba Sangtam, parliamentary secretaries Nkhao Lotha, R. Khing, MC Konyak, Kaito and other government officers attended the function. Vote of thanks was tendered by Er. N. Chielie, Engineer-in-chief, PWD.
Morung Express News
Journey from ‘war zone’ to model of peace Forty years after jets bombed Aizawl, town readies for fireworks of a different kind The Morung Express
Aizawl, April 5 (AGENCIES): It’s been four decades since Indian Air Force jets swooped down from the sky and strafed this hill town, the only instance of the country’s fighter planes bombing its own territory. That was Delhi’s response to the “war of independence” launched by the Mizo National Front, led by the legendary Laldenga.
Come April 20, the Aizawl sky will once again be lit up by fireworks when Mizoram celebrates two decades of being an “island of peace” in a region torn asunder by militant and ethnic violence. The Peace Fest 2006, to be held at the Assam Rifles ground, will specifically commemorate the end of the rebellion that led to the Mizo Peace Accord between Delhi and the MNF in 1986. Appropriately, the celebrations will also convey a message to the rest of the Northeast — “Give peace a chance”.
Apart from some spectacular fireworks at the conclusion of the celebrations, the list of programmes includes performances by leading rock bands and singers of the Northeast and a fashion show. Chief minister Zoramthanga, who had participated in the MNF uprising alongside Laldenga, is understood to be taking a keen interest in the event.
Malsawmi, a member of the organising committee, promised that the fireworks display would be “something never before seen in the state”. The services of pyrotechnics engineers of the Assam Rifles have been sought for the aerial show. Charlie B, the choreographer for the mega fashion show, said as many as 21 models, including two from Mumbai and Calcutta, would walk the ramp in creations by the region’s top fashion designers.
“Miss Mizoram 2005 Lalfakawmi and 2000 NE Super Model Lalramsangi will also be seen on the ramp,” said Ruth Hrangchal, another member of the organising committee.
The only worry is the prospect of showers, but the organisers are keeping their fingers crossed. The chief minister had suggested that the event be postponed to November because of the possibility of rain. “I fully support your enthusiasm to celebrate 20 years of peace in the state and wish it all success. However, the success of the event could depend to a great extent on whether the dry season would keep up. Rain might disrupt all the programmes and all your efforts could come to a nought,” Zomanthanga was quoted as saying.
Equally enthusiastic about the proposed celebrations, Governor A.R. Kohli had suggested that programmes be spread out through the year. The North Eastern Council has sanctioned funds for the event.
“We remember all our friends who laid down their lives during the movement in Mizoram. We, who are still alive today, pledge to finish the unfinished task and rededicate ourselves to Mizoram,” said V. Zokunga, a member of the Ex-MNA Association and a former “second lieutenant” in Laldenga’s group. On March 1 this year, the association honoured several veterans, including Padmashri winner James Dokhuma, Congress MLA Sainghaka and former MNF “defence minister” R. Zamawia. Biakdiki, the wife of founder president Laldenga, was felicitated, too. The MNF was first formed as the Mizo National Famine Front during the Great Famine of 1965. It is a coincidence that mautam, or the bamboo-flowering phenomenon that is said to be the harbinger of famine, led to the birth of the MNF and is threatening the state again when the MNF is in power.
THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL: 21 Hmar women raped. By: Lemyao Shimray Nagarealm.com

‘When truth is replaced by silence,’ ‘The silence is a lie’.
More then 600 indigenous people from North is participated in the protest rally on April 4th 2006 in Delhi. Condemning the rape of 21 Hmar women as a crime of war and to bring pressure on all parties of UNLF and KCP cadres to end this abuse, they walk the street of parliament. In a joint press statement given out by various organizations, it was mentioned that “We condemn the reign of terror unleashed by the UNLF and KCP cadres, the torture and inhuman treatment meted out to the helpless people of Churachanpur. We condemn the indiscriminate of planting landmines by the UNLF and KCP cadres in the area that have already claimed many lives, permanently maimed, and injured and displaced our people to Mizoram and different parts of Manipur and Assam. We condemned the mass rape of 21 Hmar women and girls, some as young as 13, by cadres of the UNLF and KCP.”

Speeches were presented by various organizations in protest against the ‘rape culture’ that enables the ‘victor’ to demoralize their victim. Mr Chitho Nyusou, the President of Naga Students’ Union Delhi in his speech says “When a few rioters torched the Manipur Assembly house in 18th June 2001, the government of Manipur were very swift in taking prompt action, where today they remain numb, which is obnoxious.”

As mentioned by the media in Manipur and North East region, a Protest rally was held against Tipaimukh project, many stories were run about the dam construction. Dr. R.K. Ranjan Singh, who is a writer and prominent environmental activist in the North-East, stated that “One of the largest projects proposed for northeast India is the Tipaimukh dam on the river Barak in Manipur. This 162.8 m. high earthen-rock filled dam also has the potential to be one of the most destructive. The project will have an installation capacity of 6x250=1500 MW and a firm generation of 412 MW.” The irony of media and intellectuals is that, they fail to recognise that ‘Tipaimukh’ is where, violation of the basic human rights and dignity of our brothers and sisters by cadres of Imphal valley were carrying out. This is the same area that have already claimed many lives, permanently maimed, and injured our own hill people. This is the area where many intellectuals failed to measure the depth of social stigma attached to rape victims that doubles up the sense of guilt and insecurity.

In the scorching heat of April summer in Delhi, the Hmar Women Association, as a living testimony narrated tales of the devastating effect sex crimes have on Hmar communities. Noticing that wartime rape crimes are increasingly either encouraged or included as official military strategies by the Meitei UG’s and the government of states and India, the people of the hilltops, where mainly occupied by the indigenous Hmar tribe have no other option but to silently born the outrageous behaviour of the valley based insurgents, who are running amok! The villager folks watched helplessly as their children and grandchildren were violated and degraded.

Marauding armies have always used rape as a means of controlling the minds and bodies of those they sought to conquer. In countries such as Bosnia, Kuwait, Somalia, Peru, Liberia, Rwanda and Indonesia, women pay dearly for civil and national wars. Rape enables the victors to demoralize their prey, further asserting their power over the foreign "other." It is this "otherness" that is stressed during warfare—it grants humans the right to destroy human life in the name of protecting the security of the motherland. The invasion of women’s bodies is another consequence of the masculine privilege that extends from this warfare. But, instead of death, it leaves behind a permanent legacy of suffering and sense of failure long after the battlefields have quieted.
The period of reign of terror extended from 06.01.06 to 18.01.2006, during this short period suffering of the innocent villagers both in Parbung and Lungthlien is beyond _expression. Between Nov 2005 and Feb 2006 the Tipaimukh Sub Division had been occupied by the valley based armed group. Coming out of their fear and denial syndrome, out of many only 21 of the virgin between age 13 to 14 from three villages have come forward to give an account of their horrible ordeal of physical and sexual. But despite the grim reports, observers (GoI and Manipur states) failed to notice that [tribunal indictments for sex crimes] are harbingers of more prosecutions and investigations of this particular war crime.
1000 of Hmar people fled to Mizoram as refugees while the Manipur state govt is playing a delay tactics. We have seen in recent years, wars that are basically designed to push out ethnic groups.... Rapes committed in public effectively terrorize communities and convince people to flee. This is a threat not only to those victims but also to all women of dignity and virtue. What is pathetic about the “mass rape” was none other than the act of those cadres of these Meitei Armed struggling groups who are fighting against the Indian State. In retaliation to “Operation All Clear” of the Indian Army the Meitei Armed struggling groups have made the Tipaimukh areas’ innocent women victims, which is uncalled for and devoid of any reason that is stated. Highlighting the history, Rape and the threat of rape caused a wave of ethnic Chinese to flee Indonesia during the riots that swept Jakarta in 1998. It was also allegedly employed as an intimidation tactic by combatants in Bangladesh's war of independence. I won’t be surprised if that is the mindset the Manipur government have for Hmar people by encouraging the Meitei UG’s to rape and torture the Hmar villagers in Churachanpur. It is high time for the hill people of Northeast to wake up and listen to the call “To fight for Justice” as one.
In her speech, the Convenor of Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Delhi remind the crowd of how hill people are discriminated since from the time before the ‘Gorah’s’; that time when the hill people were in mercy of Meitei Maharaja and were not united, of how the ‘Hao’ was made to give forced labour to make the Kangla Lake with force labour and torture. “Never before was there any history that tells the culture of rape and sexual harassment in hill area until, Arm Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) was implemented” she stated “ Before it was Meitei then came British and Indians, now the discrimination have risen up in the form of Meitei UG’s. How long are we supposed to wait for justice under their power?” The Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD) former president participated in the rally along with 5 other members as a Meitei representative. Condemning the ‘mass rape’ and urging not to marginalize the issue. Stating that he strongly wish to work ahead to give justice to the victims and his full co-operation is with the Hmar people as an ‘Individual’. When inquired about the strength of Manipur Meitei in Delhi, the former president stated “Including the working people the strength of Meiteis’ in Delhi will round about 10,000.”

If given a chance I would very much like to raise a query ‘Out of 10,000, is not it an irony to state that the public and civilian support the cause and only 6 people attend the protest rally? The lack of participation from Imphal people in every activity to bring justice to the victims of Hmar is the truth fact of how much they are co-operating with hill people. We emphasize on not to marginalized the situation but then, we are tend to remember that the Manipur Government are ruled by Meiteis, the UG’s are Meiteis and the valley people who control the system are Meiteis. Whether we like it or not it is a hard fact politically to emphasize that the majority of the Meiteis in Imphal valley are link directly or indirectly to the UG’s who rape the Hmar women. A very simple example and proof: What happen to the women org like ‘Meira Paibi’ who oppose strongly the rape of Manorama Devi? Where is the zeal now? Are they silent today because unfortunately the rapists are Meiteis’? It may be true in humanitarian ground and on the ground in order to avoid ‘ism’. But can such gesture be avoided? Is this an ultimate betrayal on their ground? Such chauvinism, if we have to tolerate, as have been tolerating we don’t want to live under one administration.

It is very much true when Martha Gellhorn; Dachau 1946, Gaurdian; United States stated “Never believe government”. She wrote ‘not any of them, not a word they say; keep an interesting eye on all they do’ KUKNALIM!
British Legions arrive Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 5 : A 32 me-mber team of Royal British Legion arrived at the State capital today to pay hom-age to world War II he-roes, who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, informed PRO IGAR (S) in a rele-ase while adding that the four day visit of the british team is being conducted under the aegis of Hqs IGAR (south).
Committee probes into GPF withdrawal case Newmai News Network Imphal: A House Committee of Manipur Assembly, which is probing fraudulent withdrawal of a huge amount of money from the General Provident Fund (GPF) of several government employees of different departments today, recorded statements of 16 employees.
The House committee summoned the 16 employees, who claimed that money was withdrawn from their provident fund account without their knowledge. The committee, constituted last year following an uproar in the Assembly recorded statements of some employees in February.
The 16 employees summoned to the committee today belong to Education Department (U), Directorate of Information & Public Relations and Public Works Department. Similarly some employees of Industries, Veterinary and School Education Departments have been summoned by the committee on April 13. One employee, who appeared before the committee today said his provident fund had an account of Rs.2.80 lakh from which withdrew only Rs.70,000.
He came to know that his money was withdrawn by some one after the government informed him that a deduction would be made from his monthly pay as his account was empty. Talking to reporters,’ Chairman of the committee Moirangthem Nara Singh said more cases of fraudulent withdrawal of money from the employees’ provident fund came to light during the course of investigation by the committee.
He said that the committee would thoroughly probe the matter and recommend punitive action against those involved in the fraud. Nara Singh said that some senior officials reportedly threatened employees who complained of loss of money from their accounts. Nara Singh said the committee is also trying to identify the officials who are threatening the employees. “Anyone found guilty in the scandal would not be spared,” he said.
Nara expressed the suspicion that a gang involving officials from the Accountant General Office, Treasury Office and the respective departments could be behind the fraud. The committee Chairman has appealed all employees, whose money has been withdrawn to come forward and report to the committee freely without any fear.
The Chairman said the committee would seek reports from the State Vigilance Department and the police which were also probing the cases. He said that all the head of departments were asked to furnish a detailed report on how money was withdrawn from the employees’ provident fund without the knowledge of the employees concerned.
Naga ‘Piece’ Process letter to the editor The Morung Express 1
I am constrained to write openly after giving a deep thought, thinking both from the heart and mind, that we Nagas have become a victim of ‘Narcacism’ (A Syndrome / disease where a man falls in love with himself). We Nagas have fallen so much in love with ourselves and our confused misguided thoughts that we have turned a blind eye to the actual reality which is occurring in Nagaland. The much hyped Naga Peace Process is declared by factions who are themselves fighting with each other. One wants Nagalim the other wants Nagaland. If Nagalim is got then the Konyaks and the Kheinmungans want to separate out, the Zeliangrongs want a separate status, such inherent problems which they are unable to solve will rip open Nagaland into two parts, a partition like North and South Vietnam ,North and South Korea and many more which history can quote. What one experiences here is not only regional division of land but a distinct attitude difference within us between the Haves and the Have-nots. The Pseudo Naga Nationalists (The Haves) who have for their own self interests self exiled themselves in a foreign country where as their side kicks keep tormenting us, the poor common Naga, here at home (The Have-Nots). A glaring example is the recruitment of cadres into their fold. Isn’t it surprising that most of the children of the Haves are studying outside Nagaland enjoying all the comforts of the world and are not recruited as cadres in their groups, then why only our children are forced through gun point to be recruited and face the brunt in the killing fields of Nagai and get killed in the factional clashes? Or is it that the children of these Haves are less proud to be Nagas? Then why do we get targeted? This is not only a political but a mental divide being created by these so called liberators. Then what Peace Process are we talking about when the whole of Nagaland is being tom into pieces. Who is to be blamed?
We the common Naga or those Pseudo Naga Nationalists. There is a very famous saying “It is not only the activity of Rascals that damage the society but also the inactivity of the Good People that do equal damage”. So dear Naga brethren lets come out of the shell of ignorance or forced ignorance of the activities of the so called devoted self professed cadres and their Cry for Peace over our dead bodies and cries of agony inflicted by them, their trick of ‘Disintegrating’ us by their call for ‘Integration’. One really wonders, whether it is The Naga Peace Process or The Naga Piece Process? Tali Longkumer, a victim of the Naga ‘Piece’ Process
Nagaland - a No Go land letter to the editor The Morung Express
Where is the government? Where sleeps the administration? Who will look after us? Miscreants comes to the town, encircle it, tell us to vacate the area, carryout extortion, fratricidal killings and above all threaten of adverse consequences and get away with it stating that we are fighting for you all. It is high time now to concede that things are not all that hunky-dory in our state. How can they be when miscreants have guts to walk into an area, indulge in fear tactics and subversion, coercing public to support them and negate the rival factions.
On March 20, approximately 100 NSCN cadres of Issac- Muivah faction entered the town of Phek dressed openly in IRS uniform they came in police trucks and spread like wildfire in the town and demanded a staff nurse to vacate the house of Zachelo an ex MLA of Congress. Earlier on Feb 27 a group of 30 cadres of both the factions of NSCN entered Meluri town and ended up in clash. On 17 March the so called intra rival group of FGN ended up in clash in Phek Town and recently on 25 March NSCN (IM) cadres entered Phek Basa and ended up fighting with cadres of FGN at Lozaphemi. The recent examples are full of such killings in our area which ends up in loss of life, achieving almost nothing. I do not know about our ideological groups but we have definitely lost life and property.
Mushrooming of underground terrorists in town and cities and inhibit the process and growth of legitimate economic development activities has become today bane in Nagaland. I am still to analyse the strategy behind the ongoing clash and differences between the factions on one hand and ongoing peace process on the other - which is going to rule the dias-sovereignty, integration or division within us. All said and done in the “Clash of Titans” we are bearing the brunt. Is the voluminous history of loosing life in fratricidal killing not enough for us to understand that what can be achieved at the end of the day is satisfaction of ego over the heap of dead innocents. Pray Jesus to liberate us and punish t he criminals
Marc Chakesang, Phek
The Naga question and Indian intransigence by Simranjit Singh Mann

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) has been following the struggle and tribulations of the Naga peoples since 1947. Like the Sikhs the Nagas have not signed the Indian constitution of 1950. Like us they have been seeking the right of self-determination enshrined in the charter of the United Nations. The demands of the Naga people as we understand are two-fold: (i) amalgamation of their population, which has been split amongst several states of the North-East in India into one state of Nagaland. The Nagas were not treated as a nation by the British Imperial government and some of their population and territory were included besides British India in British Burma as well. Had the British wished they could have carved out a contiguous Naga state without splitting them in these two countries. The British while carving out their colonies in Asia and Africa have not heeded the principle of homogeneity of tribes, peoples or nationalities. When they left their Indian empire in 1947, they forced the Sikh population from West Panjab to flee to East Panjab and other areas of India, thus making them the victims of the biggest ethnic cleansing recorded in history. Morally, historically, legally and constitutionally they were bound in 1947 to create a separate, independent sovereign state for the Sikh nation as they did for the Muslims, giving them Pakistan and the Hindus, India. Between the Sikh population they drew the Radcliff line in 1947 and for the Nagas split their peoples between India and Burma .

India which has inherited the British Imperial colonial system treats these two nationalities with contempt, dividing their populations into various Indian states and thus depriving them of a homogenous area, and robbing them of their international right to brings up their children and future generations under one culture, language and customs of their respective races and nationalities. The first demand of the Naga peoples to have their population amalgamated in one single area or state should not be difficult for the Government of India to fulfill as the Union government in Delhi has powers under the Indian constitution to change the boundaries of a state of the Union.

The Naga peoples have saught a peaceful solution to their demands and called for a ceasefire with Indian troops since 1997. However, no progress been made in the peace talks with the Nagas by the Government of India. For purposes of propaganda the Indian state has appointed a interlocutor, Mr. K. Padmanabhiah, who has no political clout in the Indian political system. The other man appointed by the Union cabinet is an insignificant junior minister, not even of cabinet rank, one Mr. Oscar Farnandes. These two Indian luminaries Mr. Padmanabhiah, and Mr. Farnandes, have been keeping the Naga’s on a merry go round for the last nine years. They talk to the Naga leadership at Bangkok and Amsterdam and tell them they have to go back to their principals in Delhi for the slightest of proposals put up by the Nagas and then don’t get back to them for almost six months or a year. This merry dance, is well choreographed, and the two negotiators know it too well. So do their masters in Delhi. Their underlings do as they are told. The other demand of the Naga peoples is to seek the right of self-determination. This is a legitimate demand in accordance with the UN charter and international law. Our party and all people who believe in justice support it whole heartedly.

But why is the Indian state prevaricating and not coming to terms with the Naga peoples problems? The fact is that the new Indian state has replaced British imperialism in the Indian sub-continent. It wants to deal with all peaceful and democratic struggles in the same manner of brutality as the Imperial government in London before 1947, when the white Christian ruled the sub-continent. After that the brown Hindu lords it over. Unlike the white Britisher the Hindu has the bicycle personality. We have all seen a man riding a bicycle. When cycling uphill his whole body is bent forward as if genuflecting. When the man cycles down-hill, his upper body is upright and straight. Therefore when the Indian ruler talks to a super-power, he is respectful and complaint as a cyclist going uphill. But when talking to a lesser power, like the pose of a man riding a bicycle down-hill, he is arrogant and haughty. That is exactly what the Hindu ruler is like.
In British India, a well equipped Indian army was maintained, not to fight off foreign aggression in the 20th, century, but to maintain absolute law and order so the democratic movements and pluralistic thought could be curbed and even smothered as the Jallianawala Bagh massacre of 1919 shows. Great Britain used this force to keep the Indian sub-continent under its complete subjugation and jackboots. After 1947, when the Hindu majority state was carved out with the British government handing over power to Nehru and his pseudo secular party, the Congress, there was no change in its policies to the sub-continents minorities. The minorities were cast out of the frying pan into the fire.
Hindu India since 1947 has used its army, navy and air-force more against its minorities than facing and fighting the enemy at its 1947 borders. Some 60,000 square miles, after the Indo-Chinese skirmishes of 1961 still lie in Chinese hands, though there is an Indian parliamentary proclamation that India will not rest in peace till the last inch of its territory is integrated with the so-called motherland. Known to the western democracies India has been following its nuclear policy for the last forty years. In 1999 the right-wing Hindu Vajpayee government exploded the nuclear device and declared itself a nuclear power, with nuclear, biological and chemical weapons in its arsenal.
Now with the fourth largest conventional armed force in the world and nuclear and other vile weapons in its armoury, India has become more arrogant and haughty with its smaller and weaker neighbours, and extremely more violent and cruel in dealing with minority dissent and democratic movements. Besides dealing militarily with its minority Kashmiri Muslims, Sikhs, Nagas and Assemese it has legislated draconian laws like NSA, TADA, POTA, Disturbed Areas Act and others to keep minority dissent under a tight lid. Die hard Hindu judges dole out stiff sentences from capital punishment to life imprisonment. Custodial torture of detainees is allowed as India has not signed any of these UN conventions and protocols, which would make life less trying and painful for its minorities. In this case “1984 Convention against Torture and other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment” is a victim of India’s transgression. Guantamo Bay and Abu Graib, American detention centres for Muslims are peanuts compared to what the Indian authorities do to the less fortunate minorities. I talk from personal experience.

The Naga peoples have suffered their cup of woe and pain since 1947. They have been harshly dealt with by the Indian armed forces and those of whom have not met their end in extra-judicial killings have faced the rigors of India’s draconian and harsh laws, which defy democratic practices and norms. A week ago a Sikh American’s son embarked on a journey from San Francisco to New Delhi. The young naturalized Sikh American before setting out on his journey forgot to get his Indian visa stamped on his passport. At Bangkok he discovered his mistake. He went to the Indian commission. He was treated politely and told the Indian visa would be given by the evening. During his encounter with the Indian staff he was asked whether he belonged to a Sikh family as the Sikh designation Singh was written after his first name. He replied in the affirmative. That was the end of his journey to India as the Indian mission came to dilly dally and made him wait for two days. At the end of this long wait the young Sikh American took a flight back to San Francisco, got his visa to India stamped and once again began his journey, to India. He now says, had he not been a Sikh American, instead a Hindu, he would have carried on, from Bangkok with his journey to India, hasslefree.
Like this young Sikh, the Nagas and other minorities in India suffer the same discrimination. Because of their Mongoloid features the Nagas and other nationalities living on India’s eastern borders are still referred to as Chinese in Delhi and India’s mid-Hindu belt! So much for the melting pot of Indian nationalism touted by Hindu professors and India’s foreign and home offices! The worst torture the Nagas have suffered from the Indian armed forces is castration and slicing off their genitals. This barbaric torture has not been tried on the Sikhs yet though we have been threatened with the segregation of our women folk into a camp, and the creation of a new breed of Indians, born to them, through mating with the Hindu of the Hindi belt, that would be loyal and patriotic to India.
I don’t know how the Naga-Indian talks and the continuation of the ceasefire are going to continue. India with its might will want to carry on with the talks, hoping to tire out Naga leaders or win them over with money and promise of power within the current Indian system. That’s been the policy of Hindu India with all political dissent. If the Naga leadership holds out with their demands, the only alternative would be to go back to the bush.
In my thinking the Naga leadership is committing a bad mistake by dealing with low Indian intelligence officers like Padmanabhiah and a politician Fernandes who have no political clout in Delhi’s power structure. The Prime Minister, a Sikh economist, can’t deliver a just decision as he has no power base in the hard, fundamentalist Hindu political power base. The Indians enjoy his economics acumen, jugglery and shrewdness. They would like him to continue with his money wizardry. That’s because they as a religion worship wealth and the godess Lakshmi, the symbol of these goodies, is their favourite deity.
The best course, right now, for the Naga leadership would be to upgrade their talks with India’s political leadership. It would be best if their talks become bi-partisan with hard Hindu fundamental party the BJP joining up with ruling Congress leadership. Without this course and without setting a time limit to a solution, further talks appear wrecked and fruitless.

India, in order to shut the Nagas out of their contiguous link with their population in Burma, has simply kowtowed to the ruthless, dictatorial, military regime in Burma. Ever since Burma imprisoned the democratically elected Nobel Prize winner Aung San Sun Kyi, the liberal democratic western regimes have kept an aloof relationship with that unfortunate country. India, which ostensibly boasts of its liberal democracy, respect for human rights and pluralistic practices has kept very close links with Rangoon.
The Burmese hold India in total contempt and prefer warmer ties with the Chinese. The gas from Burma, which India was expecting to get from here has been given to China. China, to the rage of India has been given a naval base by Burma, a passage into the Indian Ocean which India considers its private lake. The Australians a littoral state of the Indian Ocean and suspicious always of an Asiatic threat, don’t like India’s ambitions to rule the waves in this ocean. They have built a special satellite receiving station at Alice Springs in Western Australia to monitor every Indian vessel that moves in these waters.

India has also given some military aircraft of British make to Burma. The British High Commissioner in India has said his country will neither service nor provide spare parts for these planes given to Burma because of its abominable human rights record and suppression of democracy. Burma is not forthcoming in linking south-east Asia with India through a motorway. For some years now it’s been the Indian foreign policy’s dream to have a super highway, all the way into Vietnam. The Indians call this their look east policy. By bending backwards to Burma, all that India gets is strong Burmese patrols that stop the Nagas in India from tying up with their compatriots in Burma. Therefore the Indian security pundits think that with Nagas, no matter how they treat the peace talks, India is in a win, win situation. The “pig’s back” as one haughty Indian officer puts it.

Apart from on going talks with Delhi, the Naga leadership should seriously think and send their own representatives to the Indian parliament and state assemblies wherever they muster up the requisite strength. Outfits pursuing militant struggles, leave the democratic and elected chambers to the Congress or the BJP, mostly with covert understandings. This does not help the struggling people but gives their oppressors and opponents political legitimacy to suppress democratic dissent and breach internationally recognized human right practices.
Simranjit Singh Mann, President, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar)
Gill to take on Naxalites Nagaland Post
Raipur, April 5 (IANS): K.P.S. Gill, whose reputation for putting down the separatist militancy in Punjab in the 1990s earned him the sobriquet of a "supercop", will now help the Chhattigarh government tackle the Maoist insurgency. The government has offered the former director general of Punjab Police - considered an authority on counter-terrorism - an annual contract and he has accepted it, said Home Minister Ramvichar Netam. "His tenure will begin from later this month. The government will fight against Maoists under his expert suggestions and proven strategies," Netam told IANS. He added that Gill would be given a free hand to evolve and implement the anti-Maoist operations.
Official sources said the appointment as security advisor was cleared despite the state police's reluctance because Chief Minister Raman Singh was particularly interested. Maoist guerrillas have killed more than 100 people, mostly civilians, since Jan 1 in the state. The guerrillas, who operate out of jungle bases in 13 Indian states mainly in the southern, eastern and central parts of country, claim they are fighting for the rights of poor peasants and landless labourers.
Sonia to visit State today By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, April 5 – Congress president Sonia Gandhi will undertake yet another day-long visit to Asom tomorrow to campaign for the party for the second phase of Assembly elections. She will address party rallies in Nagaon, Mangaldoi and Dhubri. Congress spokesperson Bobbeeta Sharma informed today that Gandhi would arrive in Guwahati at 11.45 am on Thursday and leave immediately for Nagaon for a public meeting scheduled at 12.15 pm. From there she will go to Mangaldoi for another meeting at 1.15 in the afternoon.
Coming back to Guwahati airport at 2.40 pm, she will proceed to Dhubri for a rally at 3.25 pm. She will return to Delhi in the evening via Guwahati. Meanwhile, the Congress has expelled four rebel candidates contesting the elections for six years. Sharma said Kishore Bhattacharya (Kamalpur), Padmeswar Sonowal (Dhakuakhana), Lucimai Basumatary (Panery) and Umesh Gogoi (Thowra) have been expelled, with immediate effect, for contesting against the official Congress candidates. Another party leader, Monoranjan Konwar, has also been expelled for supporting and campaigning for Umesh Gogoi and Kushal Deori, she said.

Another controversial killing rocks Manipur From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, April 5 – Another controversial killing has happened again in the State with security forces claiming to have killed two ultras in a counter-insurgency operation carried out by the combined team of the 7 Assam Rifles and the Bishnupur district police commandos at Saiton Khunou under Bishnupur District.

The killing took place in the night of Monday. Contradicting this claim is a survivor who made good his escape and disclosed that the two persons were executed after they were picked up by the security forces.

While security forces claimed that two armed militants were killed during a counter insurgency operation conducted at Saiton Khunou under Manipur’s Bishnupur district, two others managed to slip away from the combined counter insurgency operations team. One of the survivors who managed to escape contradicted the claim and said the victims were executed shortly after they were detained by the security personnel. While one of those killed was reportedly identified as a member of People’s Liberation Army, and the other Hemam Naocha is said to be an innocent student.

Rejecting and condemning the version of security forces, the residents of Saiton village held a public meeting and adopted a resolution of not accepting Naocha’s body. As a result, the body of Naocha is lying at the morgue.

Demanding action against the securitymen involved in the incident and compensation, a memorandum has also been submitted to the Chief Minister O Ibobi in this regard by the newly floated Joint Action Committee against the killing of Hemam Naocha on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a sit-in demonstration was also held at Thangal Bazar in the heart of the Imphal town in protest against the shooting of Director of Education (schools), Chongtham Jayenta, by two assailants on Tuesday near his Keishamthong residence in Imphal.

State police is still clueless about the identity of the armed gunmen who made good their escape after the shooting.

Sharp decline in tourist inflow in state The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Apr 5: Tourism which the world recognises as the second largest industry is now declining in Manipur. This has been clearly indicated by the reduction in inflow of tourists in the state in the last few years, a phenomenon that is directly attributable to the uncertain law and order condition in the state. The official records of the number of tourists in the last five years revealed that tourist inflow in the state have declined considerably. The tourist inflow during the year 2005 inclusive of both domestic and foreign is 21,128 as per official records indicating a severe reduction, by 76174, compared to previous year, 2004-05 which is recorded as 97,302.

Even the very low revenue collection target of Rs. 1 lakhs could not be achieved by the tourism department during the financial year 2005-06. The collection has been very poor due to occupation of the main tourist homes by security personnel and less inflow of tourists due to the prevailing law and order situation and other varied reasons, department sources said.

Lack of proper infrastructure, the continued imposition of the protected area permit system and inner line permit system, lack of capital for investment and local disadvantages of the state etc. are the problems, besides prevailing law and order difficulties, said the sources.

The prevailing law and order situation is the main factor among other problems that hindered the department from going forward. However, with renewed endeavor put in by the department, co-operation from the state and central governments and public, a new vision for Manipur tourism can be envisaged which will certainly reverse the deteriorating socio economic condition of the state, the sources maintained.

Altogether twelve tourist homes which the state tourism department taken up with central financial assistance have completed so far, the official claimed adding that another 9 pending projects and three new projects only taking into account the viability and feasibility of the schemes. An overall approval and endorsement of the government of India is awaited.

The focus has to be on strengthening the existing infrastructure and on development of nature adventure and cultural tourism, the sources said. This can not only generate employment to the masses, it will have no social conflicts and environmental pollution. Mention may be made here that the department have prepared a perpective 20 years plan, and to take up projects step by step for development of tourism in Manipur. Some of the priority projects which the state tourism department are preparing to take up are development of eco-park with 18 holes golf course at Nongmaiching, development of integrated tourism destination, development of Hotel Management Institute, giving more emphasis on tourism promotion and publicity and upgradation of Hotel Imphal to 4-Star category.

The bountiful natural beauty of the state, with its deep forests, sprawling water bodies, cascading rivers, rich flora and fauna and the human skills of the Manipuri people exhibited through their dances, performing arts and sporting activities are yet to be exploited to the fullest, experts in the state tourism department observed.

Ojamaiba :Meitei: Adombu thagatchei...you are one of the exceptional Meitei's who hated about what is happening in Manipur.
meetei :HEI WHO WILL COME TO MANIPUR. THE LAND OF HELL AND BARBARIANS. THE CANNIBALS ARE ALL HERE. THERE IS NO POSITIVVE POINTS OF MANIPUR. THE AFRICAN JUNGLE IS BETTER THAN MANIPUR IN TERMS OF EVERYTHING. EVERYONE IS THIEF, SELFISH, NO LAW, NO RULES, KILLING, HUMAN LIFE IS CHEAP,................
NO ONE WILL COME TO MANIPUR EXCEPT THE ASSAM RIFLES, AK 47, BOMBS ETC OR THOSE WHO WANTED TO BECOME MASK MEN.

CM heads for Delhi over office of profit issue Thingbaijam Dhamen

IMPHAL, Apr 5: Manipur Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh who has been under pressure in connection with the "office of profit" issue from the opposition today left Imphal for New Delhi to hold discussions with the Congress high command on the matter. During his stay in Delhi, he is also scheduled to call on the President of India and hold discussions on the impact of the office of profit in the state, a highly reliable source said.

It may be noted that following ouster of some MPs of the Parliament on the charge of holding office of profit and Sonia Gandhi`s resignation from the Lok Sabha last month over the issue, in Manipur also the opposition, BJP, Manipur Pradesh has been demanding disqualification of eight MLAs including the chief minister himself from being member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly. The BJP even submitted memorandum to the state governor SS Sidhu urging him to take up necessary steps for disqualification of the MLAs holding office of profit. Before CM left for New Delhi, he also held meeting with some MLAs of Congress in his official bungalow this morning and reportedly discussed on the issue of office of profit.

In the meantime, the salaries and pension of the state government employees for the month of March is likely delay for some few days even though the chief minister has given clearance to issue the order allowing drawals of salaries and pension for the employees. Source citing the reasons for not issuing the order stated that most of the head of the departments under the state government are yet to issue service extension orders for the employees holding temporary posts in their departments. The issue of service extension order for the employees on temporary basis is mandatory as their extended service period expired on March 31. So as to make way for clearing their monthly salaries, all the heads of department are required to issue orders regarding extension of their services.

As per the latest available information, the order for service extension of temporary employees has been issued for the state home department. But so far there were no information for other departments regarding the matter. Source also said that the state finance department was about to issue the order regarding the relaxation of ban imposed on encashment of government cheques and bills for allowing the employees to draw out their salaries and pension for the month of March. But, the department on detecting delays in the issue of service extension orders by some heads of department with regard to their respective temporary employees had held off from issuing the same.


Frans on 04.06.06 @ 03:31 PM CST [link]


Wednesday, April 5th

No compromise on infiltration: PM


No compromise on infiltration: PM Nahvind Times
PTI Guwahati April 1: Declaring that there would be no compromise on the issue of infiltration, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh today said the Centre would accelerate the peace process in Assam but ruled out talks on sovereignty.
“I want to assure the people of Assam that we will show no mercy on the issue of illegal infiltration. At the same time all genuine citizens of the state have my assurance that in the name of detection of foreigners they are not harassed,” he told a press conference immediately on his arrival for a two-day election campaign. Dr Singh urged the misguided youths to shun violence and “doors will be open for all those who shun violence”.
“In this context two rounds of talks have been already held with certain groups of people (referring to the People’s Consultative Group appointed by the ULFA) and we will accelerate the peace process,” the Prime Minister said.“We want to create an atmosphere of peace and reach a final solution to this intricate problem of bringing the misguided youths to mainstream,” Dr Singh said. The Prime Minister said there would be no compromise on the issue of infiltration and at the same time allayed fears of genuine citizens. The Foreigners Act is being amended to ensure that the citizens are not harassed, he added.
“You have a prime minister who is there to look after the interests of Assam and we want to ensure development in the state in an atmosphere of peace,” the Prime Minister said at the Lokopriyo Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport here. Asked where the recommendation by the cabinet committee on political affairs superseded the Supreme Court’s ruling on the scrapping of the IMDT Act, the Prime Minister said the Supreme Court’s judgment was final.
“It was, however, the government’s duty to ensure that the repeal of the act does not cause any harassment of genuine citizens in the detection process. We have to give full protection to legitimate and genuine citizens,” he added. Dr Singh said strengthening of border fencing was on and preparation of the national register of citizens was progressing as per schedule. Asked whether the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre would be sincere in pursuing the peace process if the Congress does not return to power to the state, he said, “It was in the best interest of all that peace prevails in the state.”
Replying to a question on United Liberation Front of Asom’s demand for sovereignty of Assam, Dr Singh said negotiations would be held within constitutional framework.
“The ULFA may raise the issue during talks but that does not mean all issues are open for negotiations,” he said. Asked whether talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah would affect the territorial integrity of Assam, the Prime Minister said negotiations with the NSCN=I-M was on and “we want a fruitful solution to emerge”.
“We want Nagaland to prosper in peace and security. However, no changes can be made in the present status of states without the consent of the states concerned,” he said. The Prime Minister said that if any changes were necessary, it will be done with the prior approval of the states concerned. Referring to the opening of the historic Stilwell Road connecting the North-East with China, Dr Singh said that his government was committed to strengthening relations with other Asian countries, especially South East Asian nations, and for this, the North-East, particularly Assam, had a major role to play. “To improve relations with these countries, we have to improve connectivity. Road and air connectivity have improved and on a priority basis we are improving the road sector and in this direction whatever needs to be done for the opening of the Stilwell Road will be done,” he said. Asked what message he proposed to give to violence-ridden Karbi Anglong district, where he is scheduled to address a meeting tomorrow, Dr Singh said there was no place for violence in a democracy and there is no problem that could not be solved through dialogue.
“If people have genuine grievances we can talk about it and resolve the issues in an atmosphere of peace,” he said.
Breather for Rio in office-of-profit fiasco OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, April 4: Bringing a sigh of relief to both chief minister Neiphiu Rio and leader of the Opposition I. Imkong, the Nagaland Assembly today decided to defer an amendment to the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964, till the Parliament decides on the office of profit controversy. The specially convened session of the Assembly had sparked off a wave of speculation that the government was planning to disqualify Imkong. Last week, the DAN government had pointed a finger at Imkong, saying he held an office of profit. The Congress had earlier accused Rio of holding offices of profit as chairman of the Nagaland Bamboo Mission and the Nagaland Sports Council.
Advocate general K.N. Balgopal gave his opinion on the interpretation of the entries in the schedule to the State Act of 1964. This had been the government’s premise for Imkong’s proposed disqualification. After a lengthy explanation of 12 entries, Balgopal said it was better to wait and watch than go ahead with an amendment.
“It is advisable to wait for Parliament’s decision on the act (Central Act of 1959) before amending it (State Act of 1964),” Balgopal said.
Both ruling and Opposition party members took the opportunity to attack each other on the office of profit issue. Imkong alleged that the chief minister should be disqualified for holding offices of profit, while Rio branded the very office of the leader of Opposition as an office of profit. Imkong convened a press briefing after the session, saying that the advocate general’s decision had been wise and the Congress had agreed to abide by it. A source in the chief minister’s office claimed that it was Rio’s wish that a compromise be reached, “otherwise the Opposition leader was to be disqualified”.
Naga Assembly to wait till Parliament reviews Office of Profit New Kerala
Kohima: Nagaland assembly today adopted a resolution to wait till Parliament reviews the controversial office of profit issue. In an emergency meeting, the House accepted the resolution after Advocate General K N Balgopal briefed the members about the provisions of Nagaland State Legislature Members (removal of disqualification) Act, 1964 and advised them to wait till Parliament discussed the issue on May 10. The opposition Congress also accepted Balgopal's advice. Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie had called for the emergency session after the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and the opposition Congress petitioned before Governor Shyamal Datta demanding disqualification of a few members, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and CLP leader I Imkong. Chief Minister asked the members to consider AG's intepretation regarding appoinments by the Centre and the state governments under the 1964 Act and other relevant Acts.

Informing the members of the details of the Act, the AG said that the Nagaland State Legislature Members (removal of disqualification) Act 1964 was the first legislation of the state after its formation in 1963. The Bill of the Act was introdued on March three, 1964.
Ulfa talks: PM rules out sovereignty Rahul Karmakar Hindustand Times Guwahati, PRIME MINISTER Manmohan Singh left the ruling Congress red-faced on Saturday by ruling out any discussion on sovereignty of the state. He also reminded the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) that the territorial integrity of the northeastern states could not be compromised.
The Congress had been trumpeting the "breakthrough" in the peace process with the ULFA in the run-up to the Assembly elections slated for April 3 and 10. The ULFA, which is rigid about discussing sovereignty, had also issued statements obliquely exhorting people to vote for the Congress. The NSCN-IM, on the other hand, wants the Naga peace process to centre round the issue of integration of all Naga-inhabited areas towards creating Greater Nagalim. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur bordering Nagaland, are vehemently against this.
“They (ULFA) can raise the issue (sovereignty of Assam) but that does not mean we will discuss it. Talks can be held only within the framework of the Constitution,” Singh told reporters before leaving for a series of election rallies. On the NSCN-IM demand, he added: "The question of compromising territorial integrity without the consent of the states concerned does not arise."
On the touchy issue of influx, the PM said the Congress was committed to checking infiltration but was also duty-bound to ensure security for the minorities.
Singh also ruled out mid-term elections in the country and expressed confidence that the UPA government would complete its full term. "Our government is very much on the right track," he said. On the fate of controversial Election Commissioner N Chawla, he said he would apply his mind after returning to New Delhi. The PM's visit, incidentally, followed the gunning down of Lal Deka, commandant of the ULFA's 109th Battalion in Goalpara district Friday evening. Later addressing an election rally at the at the Nalbari College field, Singh assured the minorities in the state that they had nothing to fear after the repeal of the IMDT Act.
"The IMDT Act may have been repealed but the minorities should not be afraid because we are committed to ensuring that no genuine Indian citizens are harassed,” he said.
Hullabaloo over office of profit fades Chizokho Vero Kohima | April 4 The Morung Express

The much-talked office of profit issue on the office of profit in Nagaland was shelved for the time being following a resolution in the House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), agreeing to the opinion of the Advocate General over the interpretation of the entries in the schedule to the Nagaland State Legislature Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1964.
Explaining the provisions of the 1964 Act, Advocate General KN Balgopal opined that the House can wait till the session is convened by the Parliament to discuss the matter.
In the eleventh session (Emergent) of the 10th Nagaland Legislative Assembly convened today to discuss matter relating to Office of Profit, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio moved the motion to hear the Advocate General KN Balgopal over the interpretation of the entries in the schedule to the Nagaland State Legislature Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1964.
Later, Rio moved the resolution that read: “This House concurs in the interpretation of the entries in the schedule to the Nagaland State Legislature Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964, made by the Advocate General in the House at its sitting held on the 4th April, 2006 and resolves that the interpretation of the said entries in the said Act so concurred by this House shall be deemed as expression of the legislative intent behind the said entries.”
This resolution was put to vote by Speaker Kiyaneilie Peseyie which was passed by voice vote. It said that the copy of the resolution will be sent to the Governor of Nagaland and Chief Election Commissioner of India. During the session, Chingwang Konyak on behalf of the Opposition Congress agreed with the request of the Advocate General and decided to wait till an enactment or amendment of the legislation in the Parliament.
Meanwhile, Opposition Congress leader I. Imkong termed the opinion of the Advocate General as “reasonable.”
“We are decided to agree by it,” Imkong told newsmen after the session. Imkong stated that the intention of the Opposition Congress on raising the issue of Office of Profit, had served the purpose.Saying that Congress desires to arouse the interest of the people, Imkong expressed his happiness that the issue of Office of Profit has generated lot of publicity and people have taken keen interest, especially amongst the legal people.
Referring to the reported resignation of BJP MLA Tiameren from the chairmanship of the Nagaland Hotels Limited, Imkong stated that whether he resigned or not it would not make any difference, adding that it will be decided by redefining of Office of Profit by Parliament.
It may be recalled that Congress petitioned the Governor of Nagaland that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio be disqualified as he was holding the posts of Chairman of Nagaland Bamboo Mission and Chairman of Nagaland Sports Council. It stated the said two additional posts are offices of profit thereby attracting disqualification under Article - 191 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India. The ruling DAN had launched a counter offensive by asking for the disqualification of I. Imkong, Leader of Opposition. Morung Express News
Naga Hoho sets up search committee for new President Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 4
The next Naga Hoho President is to be elected within a period of 45 days. The post had fallen vacant after the demise of social leader Horangse Sangtam.
Informing of this today, the Naga Hoho Publicity Secretary, P. Chuba Ozukum, said this decision was reached upon today during the proceedings of the first day of the Naga Hoho assembly session at Kohima. A search committee has been instituted to begin the exploration of a name suited for the President’s post. The Angami Public Organization President is to head the committee as Chairman while presidents of the Sumi, Ao, Zeliangrong, Anal and Tangkhul Hohos have been appointed members, Chuba informed.
The conglomeration that assembled today also decided to support the ongoing peace processes between the Government of India and both the NSCN (IM) and the NSCN (K). On the ‘threat perception’ on certain social bodies, Chuba said the Naga Hoho has decided that it would not yield to such a threat perception. The Naga Hoho has also decided to intensify its campaign for the speedy furtherance of the peace process, Chuba said and added that they would be staging some sort of campaign at New Delhi very soon.
‘Separation of judiciary in no way affects customary law’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, APRIL 4 (MExN): Wishing to put the matter straight on record, the Dimapur Board Association (DBA) today said “separation of judiciary means placing the Sub-ordinate judiciary of the state under the administrative control and superintendence of the High Court as constitutionally mandated, and separation in no way affects the customary laws and the institution entrusted with the responsibility of dispensing justice in accordance with such customary laws.”
Statutory and customary courts are two separate and distinct institutions each functioning within its own sphere independent of each other, DBA vice-president MSU Laskar and executive member Kakheto Sema said in a press note today.
They said the views expressed by Nagaland Village Chiefs (GBs) Federation Advisor TL Angami which appeared as a news item “is founded on a misconceived apprehension that if separation of judiciary is effected in the state the customary laws and its institutions would be violated.” Stating that TL Angami must have expressed such views within his own confines and understanding, the legal representatives said the separation of judiciary would not only ensure proper and effective justice but would also make the justice system more competent and effective. On the views expressed by the said GB on the imposition of Central Acts such as the Forest Act, Land Act, Taxation Act, etc, in Nagaland, the lawyers said, “On all these subjects the state Legislature has enacted laws which has been amended from time to time to suit the local conditions of the state and not the Central laws and acts as viewed.”
“Moreover as rightly viewed by TL Angami GB, that the uniqueness of Naga Customary laws and the usages are faithfully incorporated under Article 371 A of the constitution, there should be no apprehension that separation of judiciary from executive would affect or violate customary laws and its institutions."
Royal British Legion delegation visits Kohima The Morung Express

The delegation of the Royal British Legion seen here with Naga young people at the Kohima World War II Memorial, Kohima Wednesday. The team is in Kohima on a war pligrimage since April 2. (MExPix)
Kohima, April 4 (MExN): A delegation of Royal British Legion led by William Clarke visited Kohima War Cemetery as part of annual pilgrimage from April 2 to 4. The pilgrimage was accompanied by two war veterans who had participated in the Battle of Kohima during the World War II. They paid their floral tributes to the martyrs by laying wreaths. Brigadier RL Sharma, commander 5 Sector Assam Rifles also laid a wreath on behalf of the Assam Rifles. The visiting veterans were later given a presentation on the Battle of Kohima at 26 Assam Rifles Office Mess. The British Legion delegation was later taken on a tour of the Kohima Battle field. The Royal British Legion was virtually mesmerized and nostalgic during the visit.
Jamir clarifies: Together Nagas can overcome Letters to th Editor The Morung Express
• • Sir-One P. Modoli of Senapati district has responded to His Excellency SC Jamir’s opinion that Nagas should work out a political framework with the Government of India which can protect the future of the Naga people, their distinct identity and economic well-being by way of some financial package. It appears that the writer has hastened to draw his own conclusions and at the same time, put words into the mouth of His Excellency. He appears to have missed the forest for the trees when he remained silent about the “political framework” which His Excellency suggested. Basically, His Excellency’s statement implies two things: political and economic – the political being the protection of the future of the Naga people and their way of life, and the economic being the financial arrangement. The writer has clubbed the two different issues together and has jumped to conclusions.
Whatever political arrangement is worked out may not guarantee the economic well-being of the people just as any economic arrangement may not ensure the political destiny of the people. At the same time, the two cannot be dealt with separately. Just as the slogan of the Government “Development for peace and peace for development” enunciated by the Chief Minister recently have political and economic connotations, the statement of His Excellency regarding the political framework must be viewed from political and economic angles. All these decades, Naga people have lost on the economic/development front because of the political imbroglio. We are deprived of economic benefits because of political reasons, and there is no logical reason why we should be deprived thus. And any political arrangement without economic considerations would not find much favour.
Efforts to solve the protracted Naga political problem have been dragging on for several decades now but hitherto, no one has come up with any positive suggestion to strengthen the hands of the negotiating parties. And when it seems that the ongoing talks between the Government of India and the NSCN factions seem to have landed in a political cul-de-sac, His Excellency, by the writer’s own admission, senior Naga politician has come out not exactly with a solution, but a pointer as to how to solve the Naga problem. This should be taken as a positive suggestion and not that of and from a devil replete with horns out to destroy by one stroke everything that he has believed in and worked for all his life, which is for the betterment of the Naga people. No man is perfect, nor is anyone expected to be perfect. Likewise, Jamir may not be perfect in the eyes of everybody. But that does not mean his contribution to the Naga people can be deleted from the memory just like that because of the simple reason that history will tell otherwise. But then, when Christ Himself was condemned and crucified by His own people, one cannot expect a mere human being to be perfect and please every human being, leave alone his own people. Therefore, it is not expected that everyone will appreciate his suggestion. Likewise, a dissenting individual cannot be expected to be speaking on behalf of the majority. Nevertheless, since the writer has raised some points pertinent to the Naga problem, the undersigned would like to elaborate on some relevant points.
It would be incorrect to imagine that the ceasefires of 1997 and 2001 are the first serious attempts to solve the Naga problem. The Nagaland Baptist Churches Council took the initiative way back in the 1960s paving the way for a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India in 1964. The mood of the people then was, as is now, that Nagas need normalcy and peace in the land. One of the most notable features of the 1964 ceasefire agreement is that it extended to all Naga-inhabited areas. No neighboring communities resented the territorial ambit of the ceasefire at that point of time and the Government of India appeared to be agreeable to the idea of a unified administrative unit for the Naga areas. However, the sense of oneness and the desire to be territorially integrated was not as developed amongst the Nagas at that time as it is now. No one ever thought of expressing solidarity with the Nagas of Nagaland as was done in October 2003 during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Kohima when thousands of Nagas from Manipur thronged to Kohima braving inclement weather in a show of solidarity. Many believe that the Naga leaders of Manipur in the 1960s gave a “lukewarm” response to the call for integration with the areas of Nagaland. But whatever maybe the case, it is not relevant now, or that important to discuss now since the past cannot be undone. Moreover, too much water has flown under the proverbial bridge since 1964, and the people now have to contend with the former Prime Minister’s statement that there is “no political consensus” for integration of contiguous Naga inhabited areas. This was 2003. But in 1964, though one cannot say for sure whether there was political consensus or not, there certainly was no objection to the coverage of the ceasefire areas to Naga inhabited areas of Manipur. However, the June 2001 uprising in Manipur against the coverage of the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) is a clear indication as to what people of Manipur think about the territorial integrity of their State.
The stand of the Government of India on the issue of Sovereignty has been consistent as it was since it entered into ceasefire agreements with the NSCN factions in 1997 and 2001 – it is non-negotiable, a statement reiterated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the first week of April 2006 at Guwahati while commenting on talks with the ULFA. The same goes for the territorial integrity of the Northeastern States. The requirement of “political consensus” stated by Vajpayee in 2003 is more or less the same as the “consent of the States concerned” declared by Singh at Guwahati. The Government of India is very clear on the issues of Sovereignty and Greater Nagaland. We should be pragmatic and realize the ground realities. We have to find a solution to the problem so that Nagas can meet the changed global realities in an environment of peace and normalcy. The common man does not know if the negotiating parties are discussing Naga sovereignty or integration. For that matter, the common man does not know whether the talks are within or beyond the Constitution of India, inside or outside the country, with or without a third party. All he wants is to live a normal, peaceful life. If some recent developments such as attempts to gauge the feelings of the grassroots people by holding mass contact meetings initiated by the NSCN (IM) are any indication, it is sincere to solving the protracted Naga problem once and for all.
The nature of the framework would entirely depend on the sagacity of the Naga people, including those parties who are currently holding dialogues with the Government of India. In turn, the political, economic and social destiny of the Naga people would depend largely on the nature of that framework. Nagas now have to work out what exactly they want this political framework to be – we should have unanimity of opinion in this; we should be united and present the consensus voice to the Government of India. In this regard, one should not; one must not belittle the contribution or potential of any individual or group of people.
And at this juncture when the negotiating parties are working out that competencies or framework, it would be detrimental to criticize their effort. To question why they are not demanding what the Government of India has clearly stated is not possible would be throwing the proverbial spanner in the works. We simply cannot expect any group or individual to work miracles by doing the impossible or to solve the problem in a jiffy. Also one should not jump the gun when someone gives a pointer to how the solution should be like. After all, the Naga political problem is the problem of the people and not a tribal, factional or individual problem. Collective wisdom is the need of the hour, and aspersions should not be cast on well-meaning ideas; apparitions should not be seen just about anywhere. Nagas should overcome… overcome the challenges of the 21st century. We should learn from the past and look ahead to the future. Together Nagas can overcome. OSD to Governor, Goa
Ballot Counts Today's Editorial APRIL 5 The Morung Express
That there is an overwhelming desire for peace in Assam is clearly manifested by the large turnout of an estimated 68 per cent of the 92 lakh electorate casting their votes in the first phase of assembly elections on Monday. This is in sharp contrast to militancy-marred democratic exercises in the last several decades in which the bullet rather than the ballot counted for more. At the end of the day, the common people want the basic condition of life to be addressed. Peace and security for their homes is more important than high sounding political slogan and it is this human want more than anything else that has drawn the common people into the polling booths. While armed outfits like the ULFA and NDFB may have in the past resorted to boycott and violence by deciding to keep away from the election this time round, they have taken an important political step. The ULFA leadership may now be realizing that the best weapon there is to advance its case is not so much a military one but rather a political process and the fact that ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has asked the people to vote for the party which would raise the issue of Assam’s “sovereignty” only reiterates the point that the ULFA may finally use the mainstream political mechanism inside out to address its grievances with New Delhi. As such there is every chance that a process similar to the one in neighboring Nagaland may be in the offing with the Government of India. All eyes will therefore be on the outcome of the Assam elections and how this will impact on the State and region as a whole will be keenly watched. An interesting statistics on electoral trends in Assam is that no party has been able to return to power through successive terms. While in the 1991 Assembly elections it was the national Congress party that won, the regional party AGP was able to win at the hustings during 1996. The Congress likewise retuned to power during the 2001 elections. Interestingly, on all the occasions the unseen hand of the ULFA played a decisive role so to say. Even though the ULFA has decided to remain ‘equi-distant’ from the political parties during the ongoing elections, it is probable that the outfit may have already worked on a political equation to suit its future political prospect.
As far as the past trends of poll arithmetic go, it is unlikely that the present AGP, fragmented as it is, will be able to repeat the trend of returning to power. Neither is it likely that the Congress will defeat the anti-incumbency factor. A Nagaland like scenario may emerge in the political landscape of Assam. This means that even if the Congress were to become the single largest party in the 126 member Assembly, a hung verdict is more likely in the offing. In such a political scenario regional players like the AGP or the BJP if they have the numbers, may be able to form a post-poll alliance carrying along with them the other significant element—the Independent candidates who may prove crucial in government formation. A coalition arrangement may after all be a welcome change for addressing the plurality of issues and voices unless off course the ballot decides otherwise.
Nagaland Assembly session on office-of-profit Members asked to wait till Parliament reviews issue Sentinel
KOHIMA, April 4: (PTI) Nagaland Assembly in an emergency session today adopted a resolution advising the members to wait till the Parliament reviews the controversial office of profit issue when it sits on May 10.
After Advocate General (AG) K N Balgopal enlightened the members about various provisions of the Nagaland State Legislature Members (removal of disqualification) Act, 1964 and advised them to wait till Parliament discusses the office of profit issue, the House accepted his suggestion in the form of a resolution. The opposition Congress also accepted the advice for waiting till the parliament sitting. Senior Congress MLA C Konyak said the House should accept the advice of the AG and members should wait till Parliament reviews the issue. Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie called an emergency sitting of the House to discuss the controversial issue of office-of-profit after the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and opposition Congress petitioned before Governor Shyamal Datta demanding disqualification of certain members, which included Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and CLP leader I Imkong. Moving a Government motion, Chief Minister asked the members to listen to the AG over the interpretation of entries of persons appointed by the Union or State Government under the 1964 Act and other relevant Acts. Giving the genesis of the Act and interpreting the same, the AG informed the members that the Nagaland State Legislature Members (removal of disqualification) Act 1964 was the first legislation in the State after Nagaland was formed in 1963, and its was introduced in the form of a bill on March three, 1964. After reasonable discussions, the bill was passed on March fifth and gazette notification was issued March 11, 1964, the Advocate General said, adding there was no ambiguity on various provisions of the Act and it is a straight forward legal document. Explaining under what circumstances, a member of parliament can be disqualified under article 191 (1) (a) and the article 192, the AG pointed out that unfortunately the Constitution did not define or provided any definition of what is office of profit.
The article 191 (1) (a) said a member attracts disqualification if he holds an office of profit. But the Constitution empowers parliament and State legislative assemblies to define the term offices of profit and make the entry list exempting certain appointments under the purview of offices of profit. Referring to the 1964 Nagaland Act and such Acts of other states, Balgopal said if any member was alleged to have occupied office of profit, such matter should be brought to the notice of the Governor and he would take decision after due consultation with the Election Commission.
The Election Commission follows the Supreme Court guidelines on the office of profit issue. However, the decision of the Governor is bending on the member of the assembly, he said. Informing the House about the exempted list, the Advocate General said the entries were alike in most of the north eastern and other states. The entries for exemption from disqualification in 1964 Act included offices of Minister of State, Deputy Minister, Parliamentary Secretary, Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip, Chairman, vice-chairman, member of any regional, area, range or village council, Government pleader or Public Prosecutor, a part-time Professor, Lecturer, Instructor or teacher, medical practitioner rendering part time service to Government. The exempted list of the said Act also included offices of Chairman, Vice-Chairman or members of any committee, board or authority appointed by the Government, any office which is not a whole time office remunerated either by salary or fees, any office held in territorial Army and National Cadet Corps (NCC) and any office held in auxiliary air force or air defence reserve. The Advocate General informed the members that the Nagaland State Legislature Members (removal of Disqualification) Act did not exempt the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly from disqualification for holding office of profit.
He, however, advised the members to wait till parliament reviews the issue of office of profit. The members agreed to the AG's suggestion and passed the government resolution. With the passing of the resolution moved by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Speaker thanked the members for their attendance in the emergency session and adjourned the House sine die.
Winds of change in Indo-US relations — Rabindra Nath Sarma Assam Tribune
India as an independent country has not had a very comfortable relation with the United States of America. The US attitude towards India for decades have been indifferent, rather passive. Two basic reasons that alienated the two democracies had been India’s establishment of an institutionalised security relationship with the Soviet Union at a time when cold-war confrontation was at its peak. Secondly, when the US had been busy organising military blocks and alliances covering the nascent States of Asia and Africa, India declined to join SEATO and refused to send her troops to Korea to fight along with the US army. After the termination of the Second World War, a situation developed throwing the two major partners of war into two opposition blocks, the capitalist block headed by the US and the Warsaw Pact countries headed by USSR. Side by side, there emerged a force comprising the nascent States of Asia and Africa who were eager to play their independent part in world politics. The capitalist block was obsessed with the fear of expansion of Communism to which, a premium was added by the emergence of China as a Communist country in 1949. While the US was bent upon enlisting the support of the third world countries in her effort to contain the spread of Communism. India took the leadership in organising the nascent States as an independent force free from political or military entanglement. These developments were not received cordially by the US and considered as a constraint in the pursuit of US policy in the international arena. As against the above, India’s attitude towards USSR was totally different. While the US enchantment with Pakistan, with whom India fought 3 wars betrays US partisan attitude in favour of that country, USSR always shares the Indian views. In the words of Indira Gandhi, late Prime Minister, :The Soviet Union shares the Indian view on elimination of racialism and colonialism. When matters vitally concerning our national security and integrity become subject of international controversy, the Soviet assessment of the merit of the case coincided largely with our own. The economic relations with the Soviet Union are easier for us, since we pay them through the export of our commodities. This mode of payment makes the Soviet credit self-liquidating”. Further, she said, “Our own national interests compel us to build our economic and defence strength with the help of whoever is prepared to give it”. In this context it may be pertinent to quote some words of Nehru, her father and the first Prime Minister of India. Nehru said “...When I say we should not align ourselves with any power blocks, obviously it does not mean that we should not be closer in our relations with some countries than with others ... our relations can become as close as possible in economic or other domain with such countries with whom we can easily develop them”.

During the post-war period when the capitalist block headed by the US was obsessed with the fear of expansion of Communism and the US wanted the nascent States of Asia and Africa to tow their line and regiment with the policy of containing Communism, India had been supporting the independence of countries, big or small in international relations. In Asian Relation Conference held in New Delhi in 1947 Nehru said”, we propose to stand on our own legs and to cooperate with all others who are prepared to cooperate with us. We donot intend to be playthings of others. The countries of Asia bound to have their own policies in world affairs.” The nascent States’ course towards full independence did not suit the collective security system of the United States and they considered it as breach in the system. India’s refusal to join the SEATO and gradual closer relations with the USSR strained our relations with the US. On the other hand Pakistan drew nearer the United States by joining military alliances.
It is a fact that in the past, many Americans, including Richard B Russell, Chairman of the Senate Armed Forces Committee, termed India as unreliable friend and called Nehru a demagogue and a hypocrite. Russel was against giving one dime of weapon to India during the Chinese armed intrusion in to our territory. In certain section of American press it is reported that it will be “...very dangerous for the US to make a doormat of itself to a country whose leaders have shown little interest or support to the US except to take our money and aid and vilify us at every turn”. Successors of United States President Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and also Richard Nixon were less favourably inclined towards India. However, in the sphere of international relations no relations can remain static. President Bill Clinton’s visit in 2000 appeared to have opened up a vista for new thinking in the American minds, and they began to view India as strategic ally in Asia to counter-weight the emergence of China as a super power in military and economic terms. To the American thinking, Pakistan, her old ally is inadequate to contain China. Many strategic planners in that country think that Pakistan has the national compulsion to maintain a closer relation with China. Thus, to US thinking, inspite of the transgression existed between the two countries India is the best bet for them.
In the matter of international relations nothing can remain static. The best course would be to adjust one’s policy as demanded by circumstances. In the ultimate analysis the whole world is bound to turn up as single unit where there would be no other value than ‘Human Value’ and no other relation other than ‘Human Relation’. In this backdrop we may evaluate the fallout from the American President’s visit to this country and his signing the July 18 nuclear agreement on the future of our country. We may enumerate the benefits that may accrue to India as below: De-facto recognition of India as a nuclear-weapon country. It would ensure guaranteed supply of nuclear fuel and reactors for civilian use. Opening up of trade in duel-technology materials which are hitherto remaining closed.

As against this India will have to open-up her civilian nuclear establishments for scrutiny under the international safeguards and rulers. However, there will be no pressure for capping activities in 8 reactors hitherto used for strategic or military research. We can reasonably believe that it will facilitate expansion of our nuclear facilities for civilian purposes including generation of power in a large scale to feed the power starved country.

Frans on 04.05.06 @ 02:02 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, April 4th

Press Communiqué issued by NPMHR, Delhi Unit.


Press Communiqué issued by NPMHR, Delhi Unit.
Office of the
Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, Delhi Unit
B-39, Janta Flat, Vasant Enclave, New Delhi-110057

Date: 02/04/06
Press Communiqué

We, the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, Delhi Unit, are extremely taken aback by the unhealthy and unconstructive statement of the honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh during a press conference he addressed in Guwahati on the 1st of April 2006 Saturday, the April fool day, especially in the context of the Indo-Naga political negotiations which has reached a crucial stage. The following are the statement: “the territorial integrity of any state in the northeast would not be disturbed without its consent.” “The territorial integrity of the northeastern states will not be disturbed unless there is a consensus among them. We are committed to protecting the territorial integrity of all states.”

This statement was given when asked by the Medias about the persistent demand for integration of all Naga areas made by the Nagas in the context of the peace talks between the Government of India (GoI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) since 1997. It is unfortunate that such an unhealthy and unconstructive statement is coming from the Prime Minister of India during his two-day campaign for Congress in Assam. The statement is unhealthy and unconstructive in the sense that just for the sake of election in Assam, the Indian PM’s statement has the tendency of amounting to dismissing the history of the Naga People’s Movement and their aspiration to live together as one people as a distinct nation among nations. This is nothing but an aged old appeasement policy of the Party to which he is a member. The Indian PM has done a great damaged with his statement to the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogues which has lasted more than eight years. We are let to believe that the PM has deliberately said this to carner more votes for its party while totally forgetting the Indo-Naga political negotiations.

It is pertinent to point out here that the Nagas since the inception of its National Movement has time and again stated that the Nagas contiguous geographical areas has been divided first by the British and then by the Indian and Burmese Regimes. What has been clearly stated is the fact that this divided Naga areas by artificial boundaries is brought back under one roof for honourable and dignified existence as a people. And, the issue of integration of all Naga areas as the first step towards Naga sovereignty has been sufficiently told to the Indian Government in the past more than eight years of political negotiations. It is to be noted with care that the PM’s talk of consensus has no place even in the Constitution of India for it is very clearly enshrined in the Constitution that the Parliament is the sole authority under Article 3 to enlarge the area of any state, alter the name of any state, decrease the area of any state, alter the boundary of any state while the states have only the right to be afforded an opportunity to express their views.

As per the Indian Constitution under Article 3, the integration of all Naga areas does not require any consent or consensus among the states. It is amply clear from the Indian Constitution itself that the Parliament is the sole and legitimate authority to implement the constitutional provisions. We have come to believe that the Indian Government is not living up to its words of seriousness and concern it has always been raising in the past years about the Nagas cause. It is a matter of great concern that the most responsible PM has shown scant concern to the aspiration of the Naga people. The Indian Government has always been and is still playing double talk with the Nagas by pleasing the other neighbouring communities. However, it must be stated that the Nagas are in no way to accept imposition of anything against their aspirations and rights.

The NPMHR has strong reservation and objection to the PM’s statement on the territorial integrity of the northeastern states which has gone directly against the aspiration of the Naga people. This particular statement of the PM will in no way strengthen the peace process. It will rather have a negative implication on the political negotiations between the parties. The PM’s statement does indicate that he seems to have no concern for saving the hard-earned ceasefire between the Indian Government and the Nagas. It is implicitly clear now that if the Indian Government is not committing itself to solving the problem through peaceful talks as at present, then we are of the opinion that the GoI is still having an option to go for military measures to crush the Naga National Movement. However, we are certain that militarization will only weaken the human rights of the people for which we urge both the GoI and the NSCN to come out with a concrete policy statement for solution within the extended six months ceasefire. We firmly believe that aspiration of the Nagas to live together as one people under one umbrella is legitimate and inherent human rights of the indigenous Naga people. Long Live Naga People! Long Live Naga People! Long Live Naga People! Long Live Naga People! Long Live Naga People! Long Live NPMHR!

KUKNALIM
Ms. R.S. Mayori Mr. Kent Chara
Convenor, NPMHR Delhi Unit Co-Convenor, NPMHR, Delhi UNIT

Frans on 04.04.06 @ 05:32 PM CST [link]


Nagaland Assembly session to discuss office of profit on KOHIMA,


Nagaland Assembly session to discuss office of profit on KOHIMA, APR 3 (PTI) OFFICE-NAGALAND Outlook India
An emergency session of the Nagaland Assembly will be held tomorrow to discuss the office of profit issue after both the ruling alliance and the opposition Congress demanded disqualification of MLAs holding such offices. Opposition Congress petitioned before Governor Shyamal Datta that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio be disqualified as he was the chairman of two 'offices of profit' -- the Nagaland Sports Council and the Nagaland Bamboo Mission. On the other hand, the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) demanded disqualification of CLP leader I Imkong, saying the Nagaland State Legislature Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1964 did not exempt the office of Opposition leader from disqualification and hence the post was an "office of profit".
But the Act exempted offices of chairmen of committees, councils, boards appointed by the state government, ruling alliance members asserted. The ruling and Opposition members today held seperate meetings to adopt strategies during the discussion in the House tomorrow. The Advocate-General of Nagaland was likely to address the emergency session to explain the provisions of the 1964 Act, Assembly secretariat sources said.
Do not destroy fabric of democracy: NPCC Morung Express News Dimapur | April 3

A day before the conduct of the special session of the Legislative Assembly to discuss the issue of disqualification from membership of the House, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee today said it appears that the sole intent of summoning the assembly is to seek the interpretation of the Advocate General of the State on ‘The Nagaland State Legislative Members’ (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964. It has strongly urged “all people including the elected representatives not to destroy the very foundation of democracy.”
Both the Vice President and Chairman of the Legal Cell of the NPCC today said in separate releases that in a parliamentary democracy, it is unimaginable that the Parliament or the Assembly can function without the office of the leader of opposition. NPCC Vice President Khriedi Theunuo said “any attempt to remove the office of the Leader of Opposition, either by legislation or otherwise, will be a direct attempt to murder parliamentary democracy.”
Citing Supreme Court cases to drive home his point, Theunuo said, “If the Leader of Opposition is to be disqualified for allegedly holding office of profit, then every MLA will be liable to be disqualified for holding an office since he is in receipt of salary, allowances and other perks and privileges and since he holds a post as MLA.”
He added that however, it must be noted that the MLAs, like the Leader of Opposition, are not holding the posts under the Government and are not, therefore, liable to disqualification under the provisions of Article 191 of the Constitution of India.
Noting that the said Act has been recently published in the local press for public consumption, NPCC Legal Cell Chairman A Zhimomi said, “It further appears that the publication of the said Act in the local papers is to convey the impression that the Chief Minister of the State does not attract disqualification as the Chairmanships of the Organizations held by him fall under the exemptions not under purview of the definition of ‘Office of profit.’”
Stating that the obvious inference that is sought to be conveyed is that the Leader of Opposition is an office of profit, the release said, “In Parliament/ Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition by his party and his nomenclature is formally recognized by the Speaker.”
MHA officials to visit state The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Apr 2: Two top officials of the Union ministry of home affairs will arrive tomorrow at Imphal from New Delhi on a brief visit in the state to review the law and order situation of the state, an official source said today. The two officials are special secretary, internal security Dr. GS Rajgopal, and joint secretary, north eastern region, Rajiv Agarwal. They are to arrive at Kangla helipad by an Indian Air Force chopper and will return to Delhi by the same chopper in the afternoon the next day. During their stay at Imphal the two officials will call on state Governor SS Sidhu and chief minister O Ibobi Singh apart from holding talks with chief secretary, Jarnail Singh, DGP, AK Parasar and other top rank officials of central security forces deployed in the state of Manipur and Nagaland sector.
GB Federation defend integrated legal system The Morung Express
Dimapur April 3 (MExN): The GBs (Village Chiefs) Federation has reacted to the senior Advocate and Assistant Solicitor General of India in regard to the issue of Separation of Judiciary from the Executive. Expressing surprise that the Solicitor “should stoop down so low as to call the representation of the Village Chiefs/GBs as misconceived and misleading, the founder of the federation, TL Angami, questioned if it can be denied that litigation in the present day court cost money and that too often beyond the reach of the poor. If assuming separation of judiciary is effected Angami asked whether or not all the advocates should agree to “appear for their clients at lower courts without consideration of their fees?”
“The GBs are of the view that these and myriad other questions need to be addressed to before taking any hasty action for separation of judiciary, hence, the representation” TL Angami maintained adding that it does not require lengthy discussion. “Suffice it to say that according to the Naga traditional law, separation of power goes beyond the human realm as because we acknowledge God to be our final arbiter where there is no place for bribery. Nobody in his right mind can deny the efficacy of such a system and Nagas are God-fearing people” Angami maintained, reaffirming that the federation had “rightly” advised the Governor of Nagaland to “go slow” and not to take hasty action. The federation added that otherwise would mean it likely would affect the basic structure of the Naga society.
Further more TL Angami stated that “the voices of the villagers are often not very audible and definitely not as loud as that of educated (groups). He asked that however, if at all the former voice their opinions it was for all to lend ears “and not muffle it by long discourses.” Angami in this regard reminded that Article 371 (A) clearly stated that no act of the Parliament will be applicable in Nagaland unless the State Legislative Assembly by a resolution decides to this effect. “The above article by implication has wide scope covering the entire way of life of the Nagas. Hence the Separation of Judiciary which is likely to effect the Nagas’ social structure cannot be taken lightly for it will amount to breach of faith” Angami contented adding that the spirit of Indian laws are already applicable in Nagaland and the High court functioning without difficulty. “Therefore it is not too much to ask the government of Nagaland to ‘let well alone, thus far and no further’” he added.
SBI strike paralyses banks Nagaland Post
Dimapur, April 3 (NPN): Banking services in the State Bank of India (SBI) across the country, including Nagaland, came to a grinding halt on Monday following an indefinite strike called by the bank officers and employees' associations. The associations claimed that about 2.5 lakh employees, including officers, joined the strike in 9,000 branches across the country. The nationwide strike comes in the wake of the government's failure to address the long-pending issue of pension scheme, awaiting revision for the past fourteen years. The union's talk with the Chief Labour Commissioner in Delhi on April 1 had also failed. Meanwhile, all branches of the bank including the bank's Regional Office in Dimapur remained closed on Monday in view of the strike.
In Dimapur, the officers and the staff participated in a dharna outside the Regional Office. A statement issued jointly by SBI Officers' Association Assistant General Secretary, David Kire, and SBI Staff Association Deputy General Secretary, A. Lolly, said the strike would continue indefinitely till such a time a settlement to the pension issue was met with.
Officers and staff of the bank worked on April 1, which was a holiday and on April 2, which was a Sunday, for disbursal of salaries in order to mitigate the hardship that was to be faced by the pensioners and salaried persons. "The pension issue has been dragging for the last fourteen years and due to the recalcitrant attitude of the bank management and the central government, we have been forced to resort to the strike," the statement said. The bank appealed to the public to bear with the inconveniences.
Wrong political slogan, says NNC The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, APRIL 3 (MExN): The Naga national Council today said a political slogan uttered by Special Emissary to the NSCN (IM) Collective Leadership VS Atem was incorrect. A local daily had earlier quoted Atem as saying that “a solution to the Nagas will not fall from heaven” during a meeting with Western Angami Nagas. “Then, will a solution to the Nagas come up from hell?” Thomas, an NNC member said in a release.
“This slogan of IM leaders clearly manifested that they never regard or believe that God has bestowed the sovereignty to the Nagas,” he said. It was further alleged that the NSCN (IM) has adopted another resolution to “finish up the NNC.” Saying that the IM had climbed down from the demand of sovereignty and is now looking for a political solution, Thomas said, “The Nagas are not fighting for a political solution within the Indian Union, but just defending God’s gift (of) sovereignty.”
Emergent session of Nagaland Assembly tomorrow Sentinel KOHIMA, April 3: (UNI) Emergent session of the Nagaland Assembly will begin here tomorrow to discuss the controversial ‘office of profit’ issue. Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyi has summoned the 11th session of the tenth Assembly as per the decision of the State cabinet, which met here on Thursday. dvocate General of the Nagaland Government is likely to talk with members of the House about the Nagaland Legislative Members’ (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964, during the one-day session. During the cabinet meeting, members were briefed on the Act. The cabinet has decided to send a copy of the Act to the Election Commission for reference. Earlier, the opposition Congress member, in a petition to Governor Shyamal Datta demanded disqualification of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for allegedly holding two offices of profit-- the Nagaland State Sports Council and the Nagaland Bamboo Mission. Similarly, the Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), a major coalition partner of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), demanded disqualification of leader of opposition I Imkong for allegedly holding twin offices of profit.
Nagaland joins countrywide SBI strike The Morung ExpressDimapur, April 3 (MExN): The indefinite countrywide strike jointly called by the All India State Bank of India Officer’s Federation and State Bank of India Staff Association was launched today with all officers and staff participating in a mass dharna outside the regional office of the State Bank of India, Dimapur.
All the branches of the state Bank of India in Nagaland and the regional office Dimapur remained closed today with the rest of the country, according to David Kire, Assistant General Secretary, SBI Officers’ Union and A Lolly, Deputy General Secretary.
The strike will continue till such time a settlement on the pension issue is reached, it was added. In this regard, both the organizations of the SBI informed all the bank’s customers that in order to mitigate the hardships “likely to be faced” by the pensioners and salaried persons, the staff and the officers worked on April 1 which was a holiday and on April 2 which was a Sunday for payment of the salaries. It was further maintained that that the pension issue has been ‘dragging on’ for the last 14 years and due to the “recalcitrant attitude” of the Bank management and the central government, the said organizations were forced to resort to strike. It also appealed to the public to bear with the action.
SAYING IT AGAIN The Telegraph
It is necessary sometimes to state the obvious. The prime minister, Mr Manmohan Singh, did not really say anything new when he ruled out any discussion on Assam’s “sovereignty” with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom. Successive governments in New Delhi had insisted that any dialogue with the Ulfa or the two factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim could be held only within the framework of the Constitution. But Mr Singh’s statement in Guwahati is significant insofar as it makes the government’s position clear once more. Equally important is his remark that the boundaries of the states of the region would not be redrawn without the consent of the affected states. It is not difficult to see why Mr Singh chose to re-state the government’s positions. Clearly, he had to reassure the people of Assam that the state’s territorial integrity was as important to the Centre as its peace. Any impression to the contrary could be damaging for the Congress’s prospects in the assembly polls.
It is possible that the Ulfa and the NSCN, particularly the faction led by Mr Isak Chishi Swu and Mr Thuingaleng Muivah, would be somewhat upset by Mr Singh’s statement. Despite their militant rhetoric, none of the groups really expects Assam or Nagaland to acquire a “sovereign” status through peace talks. The NSCN(I-M)’s demand for the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas into a “Greater Nagaland”, though, is more complicated. The outfit sees the idea as central to its concept of a Naga “nation”. But it is also aware of the government’s predicament. For any move to carve out territories from other states in order to create a “Greater Nagaland” would cause ugly backlashes in these states. That this is no idle speculation was proved by the violence in Imphal three years ago. However, Mr Singh’s statement should not be seen as an end to peace talks with the Nagas; nor should it stand in the way of similar initiatives with the Ulfa.
EC receives 100 petitions on offices of profit issue Press Trust of India New Delhi, The office of profit has opened a Pandora's box as 100 petitions concerning MPs and MLAs have been received by the Election Commission. Of the 100 petitions, 25 relates to Members of Parliament while the rest from the states with BJP-ruled Jharkhand accounting for the largest such complaints -- 19 followed by 14 in Uttaranchal having a Congress government. While 13 complaints have come from BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh, 12 are from Himachal Pradesh having a Congress government and 11 from Tripura. Three complaints have come from Rajasthan, two from Nagaland and one from Uttar Pradesh. Of the 25 petitions regarding MPs, 18 belonged to Lok Sabha and seven Rajya Sabha.
Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee has petitioned the President against ten CPI(M) MPs including Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee. While Bachchan has been disqualified, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has resigned from her Lok Sabha seat in the wake of the opposition campaign that the government and Parliament were being used to "save" her from certain disqualification. Observing that these petitions have been referred by President A P J Abdul Kalam and the Governors of respective states, EC sources said the petitions were "at various stages of consideration".
The plethora of complaints have come at a time when the government has decided to bring forward a comprehensive legislation on the issue in the reconvened session of Parliament beginning May 10 after holding consultations with various political parties.
Checks & Balances Today's Editorial Th Morung Express
Despite constitutional bindings, the separation of the judiciary from the executive wing of the state remains still a far cry due to obvious reluctance and foot-dragging on the part of the Nagaland government for many years now. The re-emerging contest on the issue between the proponents and those who are opposed to separation of powers is as much an intellectual debate as it is a contradiction between the forces of tradition and modernity.
A petition signed by TL Angami, Advisor, GB/ Village Chief Federation asking the Governor to intervene in putting a stop to any separation of the judiciary from the executive will only further polarize the ongoing contention. However those on either side of the debate would be well advised not to take extreme positions. Rather a practical formula needs to be evolved wherein separation of judiciary can take place and at the same time the traditional customary practices can co-exist by giving statutory recognition to it.
Despite the Supreme Court of India issuing direction to the Nagaland State government to implement the provision of Article 50 (which calls for separation of the Judiciary from the Executive), the decision at the end would have to be a political one. Those who want a separation are also at a disadvantage for the simple reason that Article 50 (which enjoins upon the respective State government to implement this provision) is merely a directive and cannot be enforced in a court of law. As such, any change in the present status-quo can come about only if the current leadership in Nagaland demonstrates the political will to do so.
There is a misgiving among the general public that the only reason of delaying this constitutional right to the citizens of Nagaland is that the politicians and the bureaucrats in the State do not like to check corruption and misappropriations of government money. Whatever the case may be, as a prerequisite to ensuring justice in a democratic society and to evolve an independent judiciary, separating the judiciary from the executive is a requirement. While the Village Chiefs may have a point or two they should also keep the fact in mind that the elements of a functioning democracy which includes elections, the voters, representatives and a government have already been accepted into the body politic of Naga society. To exclude an independent judiciary from the present system is akin to cutting off an inherent part of the system with the result that the body itself suffers from maladies. For an effective and functioning democratic system the three organs as an entirety must act independently of each other. The political executive on its part would do well to speed up the process of separation by putting the necessary laws and administrative measures into place. In a State like Nagaland, the process itself can be delicate but in the long run putting in place such a system would deter potential abuse of power. While the best practices of Naga customary laws needs to be recognized, a via media must be worked out to bring together the merits of age old wisdom with the finer points of modern jurisprudence. No one should have any ground to complain about benefiting from the best of both worlds.
PM’s failure to vote evokes anger in Assam Nagaland Post
Guwahati, Apr 3 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's failure to exercise his franchise at a polling station under Dispur assembly, where he is registered as a voter, has evoked mixed reactions among co-voters.
"The Prime Minister was here Sunday and Saturday asking people to vote, but he himself is not here to cast his ballot," people at polling station number 155 told reporters, pointing to Singh's name on the list. "He should have been here. He is a voter from this constituency. Did he get his name included in the voter list here only to get himself elected to the Rajya Sabha?" asked voter Babul Das. "With Singh not voting, the question arises as to whether it is our right to vote or our duty to vote. It seems it is only common people's duty to vote and not of prime minister's," said Aruna Kalita, who had braved the rains to cast her vote. Others were more sympathetic to the Prime Minister. "Maybe he has other programmes to attend to and, therefore, could not make it here," Hamen Sarma said. Voter Charan Medhi said "the prime minister is a busy person. He cannot be expected to stay back ignoring his important work for the nation to cast his vote here. He may not be physically present here but his heart is with Assam".
Election office sources here said that the Prime Minister, elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam in 1991, had cast his vote only in the 1998 Lok Sabha elections but did not vote in the 1991, 1996 and 2001 assembly polls.
Assam polls peaceful, 68 pc turnout Sangai Express
ULFA chief's mother casts vote, PM Dr Singh fails to do the same
Guwahati, Apr 3 : Amidst unprecedented security, an estimated 68 per cent of the 92 lakh electorate today cast their votes in the first phase of Assembly elections in Assam which passed off peacefully, in sharp contrast to militancy- marred democratic exercises in the last several decades.
The polling began on a dull note as rains kept the voters away in the first half of the day but as the weather cleared, the electorate, especially women and youths, came out in droves to participate in the democratic process that would decide the fate of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi among 515 candidates in the opening phase.
Deputy Election Commissioner R Bhattacharya said in Delhi that about 68 percent of the electorate cast their votes in the first phase today.
Unlike polls in the past, which had been marred by militant violence and boycott call by them, balloting today was peaceful with people coming out without fear to vote at 9,723 polling stations to decide who will represent them in 65 of the total of 126 constituencies.
Both banned ULFA and NDFB decided to keep away from the election. In fact, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has asked the people to vote for the party which would raise the issue of Assam's “sovereignty.”
ULFA “commander-in-chief” Paresh Barua's octogenarian mother Miliki Barua also cast her vote. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur were conspicuous by their absence from voting at polling station number 155 under Dispur constituency where they were listed in the voters' list, evoking mixed reactions from voters.
Some claimed Singh, being the Prime Minister, was "setting a bad example by not voting" while others were sympathetic to him stating he was away possibly due to his busy schedule.
Heavy turnout was reported in Upper Assam constituencies falling under Jorhat, Dibrugarh Sibsagar and Tinsukia districts in Brahmaputra valley as well as Barak valley. Though intitially the one-day cricket match between India and England in Goa kept cricket fans glued to their television sets, many of them rushed out to vote once the rains stopped.
Access to polling stations was barred at 4 pm But voters, who had entered the booths earlier, were allowed to cast their votes, the election office said. There was unprecedented security in most of the polling booths. Prominent contestants from Congress, which last time had won in 42 constituencies in the first phase, were Ministers Gautam Roy (Katlicherra), Himanta Biswa Sarma (Jalukbari), Anjan Dutta (Amguri), Ajanta Neog (Golaghat), Hemaprava Saikia (Nazira), Pradyut Bordoloi (Margherita), besides sitting MLAs Haren Das (Hajo) and Pranati Phukan (Naharkatiya). Heavy weights of main opposition AGP, which had won eight seats last time, were former Minister Ramendra Narayan Kalita (Gauhati West), Kamala Kalita (Chhaygaon), Jatin Mali (Palas-bari), Nurul Husain (Hajo), Thaneswar Boro (Rangiya), Pradeep Hazarika (Amguri) and Jagadish Bhuyan (Sadiya). PTI

Democracy and accountability By Lt Col H Bhuban Singh (retd) Article Sangai Express
Revolt of Barons in May 1215 forced John, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, to sign the world famous document known as Magna Carta. This marked the beginning of assertion of peoples’ power known as democracy. Then, came the American War of Independence (1756-63) which led to the creation of the United States of America (USA), the most powerful country of the world now. This historic event was followed by the famous French Revolution of 1789, which forced King Louis XVI of France to bring about political and religious changes. These are landmark happenings for the birth of democracy. During the early days of ushering democracy in England, Members of Parliament used to purchase their seats. Sometime in the sixteenth century, a sitting British MP was approached by the voters of his constituency and informed him that the price tag of being elected to Parliament had been raised from the earlier two hundred pounds (a huge sum then), to two hundred and fifty pounds and that he had to pay fifty pounds more now. The MP coolly replied that they did not have to worry, since he had already purchased his MP seat much cheaper from some other constituency at one hundred and fifty pounds! Such disease of buying voters had disappeared from England years ago.
We, in Manipur, nay, the entire India, are also suffering from this lust of money, which corrupted Englanders about five centuries ago. Indians should read “Confessions-La Face Records”, which says ‘Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t make them all yourself’. Therefore, let us not wait to go through the same agonising rituals of reaching adulthood of democracy, but learn from the mistakes of others.
Reality biting Manipur now, is that the first question asked by the public to any aspiring candidate for an Assembly constituency is ‘Has he got rupees fifty lakhs for election expenses?’ Let us for a moment analyse what this amount can do. It is known to everyone that the current moneylender’s rate of interest is four percent per month with security like gold or pension book etc, in Imphal area. Therefore, the interest on rupees fifty lakhs works out to two lakhs per month. That being so, I am beginning to wonder what that prospective MLA with a monthly salary of less than twenty thousand rupees desires to perform except for looting public money, if he wins. After all, money cannot be thrown away for nuts.
Just by the way, Govt of Manipur needed to pass a legislation to fix private rate of interest at a reasonable limit. Such a thing was contemplated by the Neiphiu Rio Government of Nagaland. But I am not sure if a legislation has been passed in Nagaland. But we need one here in Manipur. The easiest to understand and most apt definition of democracy is the one given by Abraham Lincoln, which says that democracy is a form of Govt for the people, by the people and of the people. In Manipur and in almost all parts of India, it is a form of Government for the rich, by the rich and of the rich. It is now time for us to change this drill. Let an Indian John Major, who was a coal miner, become Prime Minister of India, like the original John Major did in the United Kingdom. Such things can happen when money power is, removed and democracy really means the mandate of the people.
Recently, Government of India (GoI) made an effort to bring about public funding of elections by organising an All Party meet. However, the meet was inconclusive, since there was no road map charted out earlier, to form the basis of discussion. Even then, it was a good effort, since the intention was good.
Just a few weeks ago on 19 March, there was a Presidential election in Be-larus. It was all rigged and most countries of European Union and the USA refused to accept the election result. People came out by the thousands in the streets of Minsk, capital of Belarus during night, under shower of snowflakes. Whether it will turn out to be like the one situation faced by the then allegedly defeated but now President Victor Unishe-nko of Ukraine, time can only tell. Anyhow, if the people of Belarus continue with their vigil and if international pressure continues to mount, there may be a repeat Ukraine in Belarus.
Now finally, let us turn to accountability. It is our experience that the general public tend to blame politicians for all the ills we are now encountering. Quite right! But in a democracy, people have the right to reject dirty politicians every four years or five years depending on the Constitution of the country. Moreover, in certain countries, the term of President or Prime Minister is limited to two only in a lifetime. This is to curb the chances of an extraordinarily brilliant and clever President perpetuating his regime within the bounds of constitutional law.
George Bernard Shaw is reputed to have said, “In a democracy, people will get the Government they deserve”. This indirectly implies that our people deserve the kind of Government (read politicians), we have. Therefore, a self cleansing process by the people themselves is required, before politicians/Governments can be cleaned up. Accountability for democracy lies on the people. It is indeed, nice to read about the disqualification of several MPs, who were involved in bribery scams for their favours of raising parliamentary questions. Just recently, Jaya Bachchan has been unseated from Rajya Sabha. Several MPs, who are high in the political hierarchy, are on the hook. Smelling trouble, GoI or ruling alliance had adjourned Parliament sine die. Hottest news on March 23 is that Sonia Gandhi has resigned from Parliament. More heavy weights like Karan Singh etc. have also quit Parliament. Opposition is barking and is ready to bite. They have warned Rashtrapati not to sign any ordinance on the dotted line.
These happenings are symptoms of a vibrant and functioning democracy, because our judiciary is independent and our Press is without shackles. By the way, let me personally appeal to our organisations - overground or underground - not to gag Manipur Press, however unpalatably they may write about you. Democracy needs a vibrant Press. Finally, since supreme power lies with the people, only a mature and just electorate can bring about a pro-people and public friendly Government.

PM fails to cast vote in Dispur Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, April 3 – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s failure to exercise his franchise at a polling station under Dispur LAC, where he is registered as a voter, has evoked mixed reactions among co-voters, reports PTI. “The Prime Minister was here yesterday and the day before asking people to vote, but he himself is not here to cast his ballot,” people at polling station number 155 told reporters, pointing to Singh’s name on the list.
“He should have been here. He is a voter from this constituency. Did he get his name included in the voter list here only to get himself elected to the Rajya Sabha?” asked voter Babul Das.
“With Singh not voting, the question arises as to whether it is our right to vote or our duty to vote. It seems it is only common people’s duty to vote and not of Prime Minister’s,” said Aruna Kalita, who had braved the rains to cast her vote. Others were more sympathetic to the Prime Minister. “Maybe he has other programmes to attend to and, therefore, could not make it here,” Hamen Sarma said.
Voter Charan Medhi said “the Prime minister is a busy person. He cannot be expected to stay back ignoring his important work for the nation to cast his vote here. He may not be physically present here but his heart is with Asom”.
Election office sources here said that the Prime Minister, elected to the Rajya Sabha from Asom in 1991, had cast his vote only in the 1998 Lok Sabha elections but did not vote in the 1991, 1996 and 2001 assembly polls.

Protesters say no to Tipaimukh dam From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, April 3 – Armed with placards which read – ‘No to Dam !’ – hundreds of rallyists today staged a mass protest rally against the proposed 1,500 MW Tipaimukh project. A public meeting was also organized as part of the protest rally at Thangmeiband Athletic Union Ground here under the aegis of Action Committee Against Tipaimukh Project, a conglomerate of twenty-five civil societies of Manipur. Earlier, the rally which started from Lamlong ground in Imphal East district passed through the main streets of Imphal to converge at the meeting ground. Panti Golmei, a woman activist who took part in the rally told this correspondent that it is necessary to hold such a mass rally to pronounce the wishes of the people against the construction of any dam. “Because we can live without power but we cannot live without our land”, she said.
Another action committee member expressed the need to take a stand against the dam construction in the region. “If the dam is constructed, many villages of Tamenglong district would be submerged under water including our orange producing belt of Barak valley”, a member of Zeliangrong Youth Front felt. Quoting experts, he further disclosed that thousands of people would be displaced apart from submergence of nearly 100 villages.
North Eastern Electric Power Corporation(NEEPCO),the main work agency behind the Tipaimukh Dam had asked the Manipur Government to conduct a public hearing over the Tipaimukh dam without delay. Deputy General Manager of NEEPCO, Ph Ibomcha, informed the media here on Sunday that seven international construction firms from Japan,China and Iran have expressed their interest for the construction.

Frans on 04.04.06 @ 02:49 PM CST [link]


Monday, April 3rd

PM’s pledge for peace


PM’s pledge for peace Nagaland Post
Tezpur (Assam), April 2 (IANS): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday wound up his election campaign in Assam with an appeal to voters to re-elect the ruling Congress party and usher in a new era of peace and development.
"Bringing lasting peace by solving the problem of insurgency and accelerating the tempo of development is the topmost priority of my government," Manmohan Singh told an election rally at Tezpur, 185 km north of Assam's main city Guwahati. The prime minister arrived in Assam Saturday on a two-day visit to bolster his Congress party's election campaign.
The two-stage elections to the 126-member assembly begin Monday, with 65 constituencies going to the polls. The second phase of polling takes place April 10. "We are committed to address issues of development both in the rural and urban areas. The last five years of Congress government in Assam saw tremendous amount of development taking place," Manmohan Singh said to thunderous applause from a large crowd.
"In the next five years we will try and complete unfinished development projects and help solve the insurgency problem and bring back permanent peace."
The massive turnout for the prime minister's rally at Tezpur has made the opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) jittery. Tezpur is the constituency of AGP president Brindaban Goswami, who is being projected as the party's chief ministerial candidate. Manmohan Singh reiterated the central government's commitment to take stern steps to thwart illegal Bangladeshi infiltration to Assam and other northeastern states. The influx of illegal aliens is a key political issue in Assam, which shares a long and porous border with Bangladesh.
"We are not going to tolerate any kind of infiltration and shall all take all positive measures to check the problem," he said. "Interests of all genuine minorities shall be protected".
Earlier Sunday, Manmohan Singh addressed another election meeting at Dongamokam in the troubled Karbi Anglong district in eastern Assam. The district witnessed some of the bloodiest ethnic riots in the state between November 2005 and January, when at least 110 people were killed and over 80,000 were displaced in an orgy of violence.
"I assure the people here of all help and will take steps to address your needs," Manmohan Singh said at Dongamokam. Manmohan Singh later left for New Delhi from Guwahati.
NSCN-IM reacts to PM’s remark Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur, April 2 (NPN): The NSCN (IM) on Sunday described Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's reported statement that "redrawing of boundaries of north-eastern states to accommodate the Greater Nagaland demand will not be done without the states' consent" as "voice of one man which should not to be taken for granted or as conclusive".
Talking to Nagaland Post, NSCN (IM)'s Kilo Kilonser (Home Minister), Rh. Raising said the statement made by the Prime Minister was "not taken seriously by us…it is not important". While asserting that "territory belongs to the people and not to the State", Raising described the statement of Dr. Singh as an "individual opinion" made in "individual capacity."
Further, the NSCN (IM) leader said "anyone can say anything through press statements" but that "solution cannot be brought through press statements rather it should be brought about through talks and negotiations, acceptable to both the parties". Raising added "one may utter many things through press statements but that if it is not acceptable to both the parties then it is not important." To a query, he said if the Prime Minister was "serious" about his statement he had made then "everything stops there."
The Prime Minister during a press conference at Guwahati on Saturday had said negotiations with the NSCN (IM) was on and "we want a fruitful solution to emerge". "We want Nagaland to prosper in peace and security. However, no change can be made in the present status of states without the consent of the states," he had told the media persons. The Prime Minister said if any change was necessary, it would be done with the prior approval of the states concerned. "We are committed to maintaining territorial integrity of all states in the north-east," Dr. Singh had said.
PM: No mid-term election “I will make it clear that the UPA government will last its full term and there will be no mid-term poll.” Deccan Herald Guwahati, DHNS/Agencies
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday firmly ruled out a mid-term poll even as he created a ripple in Assam by ruling out the possibility of any negotiation with the proscribed ULFA on the issue of “sovereignty”.

Campaigning in Assam ahead of the assembly elections here, he said, “I will make it clear that the UPA government will last its full term and there will be no mid-term poll.”

On the issue of holding talks on the sovereignty of Assam, the prime minister said, “The question does not arise at all. We are all servants of the Constitution. And the Constitutional position is quite clear on this (issue),” Mr Singh told a news conference in Guwahati. However, the prime minister’s comment has apparently put his party in a tight spot. The ruling party has been going gaga over the peace process with the outlawed militant outfit. It has not only been projecting the six-month-old peace process as an achievement of the state government led by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, but also promising to make it a success if voted back to power.

“If the ULFA wants to talk, it can raise any issue they want but that does not mean all issues are open for negotiation,” the prime minister said on Saturday. The prime minister’s comment, which has almost taken the fizz out of the much hyped peace process, came just a day after Army personnel gunned down a top ULFA militant at Lakhipur in western Assam. The slain militant, Lal Deka, commanded a ‘battalion’ of the rebel outfit. Meanwhile, the ULFA on Thursday issued a press release calling upon people to vote for only those politicians, who would take steps to resolve the “political conflicts between India and Assam”.

He said that the Centre would keep on pursuing the nine-year-old peace-process with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) in order to bring permanent peace and prosperity in Nagaland. But he also ruled out the possibility of arbitrarily altering the boundaries of the neighbouring states for the sake of making peace with the NSCN (IM).

PM hums peace tune at Assam Sanagai Express
Tezpur Apr 2 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today appealed to misguided youths in Assam to eschew violence saying the continuing armed struggle in the State affected the entire North East Region and its development.
“Armed struggle should be avoided by the misguided youths (insurgents) for all round development of the region. They should give up violence and return to the mainstream”, Singh said addressing a Congress election rally here.
“If armed strugle continues in Assam, the entire North East is affected”, he pointed out.
Assuring that no genuine Indian citizen would be harassed in the process of detection of illegal migrants, Singh said border fencing work was on to check infiltration in the State.
The Prime Minister also said the Congress under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi had been successful in bringing about progress and development in Assam and other States where the party was in power. Soliciting votes, he assured the people that schemes under the Bharat Nirman Yojana would help solve the unemployment problem in the State and ensure development of both rural and urban areas.
Under Bharat Nirman Yojana, the Prime Minister said, emphasis would be given to education and health, particularly of women and children. The Prime Minister urged the people of Assam to give another opportunity to the Centre and the State Government to jointly work towards the goal of restoring peace in the State. Criticising both the Opposition BJP and the regional Asom Gana Parishad, Singh described the saffron party as communal and said the AGP, during its two earlier terms, could not do anything substantial for the development of the State. Singh said the Centre and the State Govt would work jointly for the uplift-ment of Tezpur, famed for its tea industry.
Earlier, during the last leg of his campaign in Assam, Singh briefly addressed another poll rally at Donka-mokam in ethnic violence-hit Karbi Anglong district. He assured that a special economic package would be given to the victims, including the next of kin of those killed or injured besides those whose houses were burnt. The Prime Minister said the Congress ruled District Autonomous Council, which submitted a memorandum to him, would take up measures to improve road connectivity, power supply, education and health. PTI

Truckers mad at govt inaction in tracing missing colleague The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Apr 1: Sixty six days had passed since truck driver Md. Ibothem along with a minor went missing in Nagaland but their whereabouts remain uncertain. The long inaction of the state government in tracing the missing persons and its inability to press Nagaland government to take initiative in this regard has strongly irked the drivers` community.

As per highly reliable sources, the Tata truck which went missing is now in the custody of one underground organisation which is at present in talks with the government of India but, there are no indications the driver and minor who went missing along with the vehicle are in their custody.

The truck, bearing registration no. MN01-5781 was reportedly recovered by the outfit from a garage at Sobha, Newland located at Char Mile of Nagaland in Dimapur district on February 25, exactly one month after the disapperance of the two.

The truck was loaded with chicken feed at the time it went missing. But when recovered from the garage, the same was reportedly found empty. The truck belongs to one Huidrom Ramcharan Singh of Khagempali.

Md. Ibothem, along with the 13 years old boy identified as Arif Shah, both hail from Yairipok Chagamtabi. The missing boy was a school student and had gone with the driver for roaming.

Investigation report revealed that the truck registered its entry at Dimapur check post on the Assam border in the afternoon of January 24. However, no registration was made the Patkai check post for the onward journey to Imphal along the NH-39, indicating that the truck disappeared somewhere between Dimapur and Patkai police check post.

Representatives of the All Manipur Drivers and Motor Workers Union when contacted expressed disappointment that the state government has done nothing for finding out the whereabouts of the missing persons despite the union apprising it for suitable action for many times.

They pointed out that when a van driver from Nagaland was found murdered in Manipur, the state government responding to the Nagaland government`s pressure even handed over the alleged accused. They even sent a ministerial team to convince the Nagaland government.

However when truckers, drivers from state were missing in Nagaland territory, the Manipur government cannot say anything to its counterpart, the union charged.

They also recalled the initiative that taken by the government of India when two Indian drivers were kidnapped in Iraq nearly two months backed and demanded that the state authorities should take their responsibilities seriously so that drivers of the state may feel secure while traveling to other states.

The Manipur government has always neglected the drivers community of the state, the union lamented.

In the meantime, JAC formed in connection with the disappearance of the two is likely to launch various forms of agitation against the government;s inaction regarding the matter as the government has still not responded to their ultimatum setting deadline on April 4.

A memorandum submitted to the chief minister by the JAC on March 28 has urged the state government to apprise its the Nagaland government to trace out the whereabouts of the two missing persons.

The JAC which has been formed by the public of the Yairipok supported by the drivers` union is also planning to hold a public meeting soon to discuss on the government inaction towards tracing out the missing persons. The meeting is also likely to consider about their course of action against the state government.

MHA officials to visit state The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Apr 2: Two top officials of the Union ministry of home affairs will arrive tomorrow at Imphal from New Delhi on a brief visit in the state to review the law and order situation of the state, an official source said today.

The two officials are special secretary, internal security Dr. GS Rajgopal, and joint secretary, north eastern region, Rajiv Agarwal. They are to arrive at Kangla helipad by an Indian Air Force chopper and will return to Delhi by the same chopper in the afternoon the next day.

During their stay at Imphal the two officials will call on state Governor SS Sidhu and chief minister O Ibobi Singh apart from holding talks with chief secretary, Jarnail Singh, DGP, AK Parasar and other top rank officials of central security forces deployed in the state of Manipur and Nagaland sector.
‘Remove Assam polling booths in Dimapur dist’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, APRIL 2 (MExN): The Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) today said Assam has opened polling stations in the Aghunaqa area under Dimapur District. Terming the move as a “total disregard to the ground realities and the various agreements” made between Nagaland and Assam, a release said, “The Western Sümi Students Union (WSSU) in particular cannot remain a silent spectator in this high-handedness of the Assam Government.”
The Aghunaqa area under Dimapur District with more than 40 Naga villages falls under the Disturbed Area Belt. Noting that these villages have been recognized by the Nagaland Government, the students have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the polling stations “failing which the WSSU may be forced to resort to its own course of action in the interest of our public and that no electioneering process of Assam shall be allowed (to be conducted) inside the State of Nagaland.”
Meanwhile, a reliable source said that, so far, confirmation of 3 polling stations set up by the Assam Government has been received. It was also learnt that a joint team of the WSSU and Western Sumi Hoho intend to meet the Minister of Border Affairs Khekiho Zhimomi in order to discuss the situation with him. The Sumi delegation also intends to tour the Aghunaqa area to assess the ground realities out there. Incidentally, the Aghunaqa Area includes parts of Bokajan, Nagaon, etc. where a number of Sumi and Lotha villages are located.
Assam set for first phase of polls today The Morung Express
GUWAHATI, APRIL 2 (AGENCIES): Amidst tight security, the stage is set for the first phase of assembly polls in 65 of the 126 constituencies in Assam on Monday which will decide the fate of several heavyweights, including Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Campaigning was marked by absence of violence as the People’s Consultative Committee set up by the Ulfa, which has spearheaded the movement for sovereignty in the state, is engaged in peace talks with the Centre. It has for the first time abstained from calling a poll boycott and has announced that it will maintain equidistance from all political parties. The ULFA has also called for people to vote for parties which are committed on the issue of Assam’s sovereignty. Security measures are, however, tight with 300 additional companies of central forces deployed near polling booths for both phases of polls. The international border running along the state has been sealed to prevent entry of Bangladeshis and also ISI operatives, who according to intelligence reports were out to create problems during elections in Assam.
Adequate compensation for Karbi victims: Manmohan The Morung Express
Guwahati, April 2 (Rediff): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday promised ‘adequate compensation’ to all the victims of the Karbi Anglong violence, besides stability and development.
As many as 103 people were killed and about 75,000 rendered homeless during the violence that rocked the hill district between September and December.
Dr Singh, addressing an election rally at Donkamokam in Karbi Anglong on the second-day of his two-day electioneering in Assam, reiterated that only the Congress was in a position to form a stable government.
He said a stable government was an essential pre-requisite for rapid development in the state given that the opposition parties are divided. He said, “Only the Congress can give Assam a stable government. The opposition in the state is divided, they do not have unity among themselves.”
Dr Singh further said his party was committed to the overall development of the backward Karbi Anglong district. “We will work for the rapid development of Karbi Anglong. I assure you that the Congress will provide all assistance to Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council.”
SC Jamir and economic sovereignty Letters to the editor The Morung Express
• Sir-Appropos to the news item carried by some local papers on S.C. Jamir’s “First important comment on the protracted Naga political problems after being appointed to the gubernatorial post in July 2004...” the Naga people should congratulate him for clearly spelling out his political stand on the Naga political struggle. That, a) it is limited to present Naga state, that, b) it is within the Indian constitution, thereby reducing the freedom struggle to a mere law and’ order problem and that, c) some financial package is all that need to be negotiated thereby meaning we should demand some blood money from the government of India in lieu of Naga lives lost, Naga blood, Naga shame and pain. What we have suspected all along today we have heard from the horses’ mouth and in black and white. We should be grateful to him for his candid confession in the twilight of his political career.
S.C. Jamir also confuses us with talks about Economic sovereignty of Nagaland. If there is an accepted political term or an economic term as economic sovereignty, it has to be a status after attaining sovereignty, a league or, association of sovereign states as in European Union (EU). In fact the term economic sovereignty was coined by the media in the midst of conflicts of opinion of sovereign nation members of the EU. In political thought, philosophy or theory and practice and in economic theory or principles the term economic sovereignty has no place or mention. In the history of the world no people or nation ever fought for economic sovereignty. If Mr. S. C. Jamir thinks that economic sovereignty equals economic package he is living in a fool’s paradise.
The Government of India used military force to subjugate to the Naga people, having failed in that they employed the economic package line and poured money to the Nagas, having failed to win over the Naga people with that ploy they employed both means simultaneously but their efforts proved futile. After 50 years, the Government of India finally realized that the only way to resolve the Naga problem was through dialogue and negotiations without pre-conditions which places the ongoing peace process beyond and outside the Indian Constitution. The Naga people are not so gullible nor the Government of India so foolish therefore to believe that economic package is the final solution, however much Mr. Jamir may wish. Such rantings are in no way going to affect the peace talks nor the firm aspirations of the Naga people but only serve to bring down the linage of such a senior politician as S.C.Jamir in the eyes of the Naga people.
P. Modoli Tusii Nganii Village, Tahamjam (Senapati)
Human rights and National security: A neo-Nagaland police
By Mmhonlümo Kikon Sangai Express article
There has been various debates about National Security vis-à-vis Human Rights in recent times across not only India but, rather disturbingly, across the western countries. Before the Indian National Congress came to power, there was a big debate in the Mukherjee hall at St. Stephen’s College over the same topic. The debaters were Jairam Ramesh (presently a Minister in the UPA Govt), and Shashi Tharoor, author and currently the Under Secretary to Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General. These debates were mostly initiated by Govt departments or by Universities irrespective of whichever country it was discussed. Why did this particular theme become a phenomenal issue? Before Osama bin Laden’s jihadis plane-bombed the US of A, draconian laws were uncomfortably discussed and vilified by scores of human rights activists and humanists. In India the debates in Delhi happened immediately after the rubbles of the Twin Towers were replaced by twin light beams. Interestingly, the issue of whether to scrap POTA or not was the primary political focus at that moment and the Congress, being in opposition, lost no time in flaming the fires of dissent in all the platforms they could avail.
The more vocal dissenters were the left parties in India and the Vaiko inspired protests in Tamil Nadu, which eventually allowed the DMK led alliance to sweep the Lok Sabha polls in TN. It does not require a trained mind to observe the political link of this theme in the light of the above. In the end POTA was scrapped and the newly formed UPA Government took a strong anti-terrorist stance by proposing to strengthen the CrPC and the police in tackling “terrorists’ operating in India. While the debates raged on about whether National security should be above human rights, the policy makers and the so called think tanks strongly favoured a strong police force, strong not only in arms but also by law. The word impunity did not feature in the assessment of giving immunity to the police and of course the Army, while operating in disturbed areas. The interest in this issue has been varied and depending on expediency of some political situations, as was seen in the case of the Congress, the decibel level has been accordingly maintained. And while the world was turbulently flowing through the various intricacies of this issue, Nagaland Police also organised a similar debate among its officers early this year, in keeping with the trends of the world. Why oh why should we write about such an uneventful and seemingly inconsequential process in this present state of Nagaland?
It can only be explained by tracing back the history of draconian laws since 1958 (let us ignore the British Acts for now) and relating it to the current peace process. The birth and development of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the Naga areas and in other conflict areas in India led to the gradual reduction of civil space in those areas. The provisions within the act are sufficient enough to frustrate the most ardent evangelist of the sanctity of the “biggest democracy” known as India. Alongwith the AFSPA there emerged a new policing concept called the unified command where the Army and the paramilitary forces join hands with the local deputies to practically continue with the AFSPA. Of course this means less space for the ever diminishing civil society. We already have a unique history of sorts with draconian acts and the dutiful police force. Therefore it is completely logical that besides the semantics involved in such debates and also the financial support from the Centre, it can be the beginning of a self-motivation that has the potential to become the dominant discourse and therefore the general truth when it comes to dealing with all sorts of offenders and suspected detainees. At the international level the recently created Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council has been the cynosure of all Human Rights bodies due to its lack of the human rights component. The UN has created, through a resolution, a Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. In the recent Human Rights Monitor published by the International Service for Human Rights, there was strong emphasis on the impact that “laws and measures to combat terrorism” can have on the respect for detainees’ integrity and the right to be tried before an independent and impartial justice system. According to the report, “upholding human rights in the fight against terrorism remains a fundamental human rights issue, with civil society continuing to document and publicize severe human rights abuses committed within the context of the “War against Terror”.
Further, UN special procedures and the human rights treaty-monitoring bodies have continued to observe and record violations of human rights com-mitted in the context of State counter-terrorism me-asures.” In the vortex of all these international phenomenon we are also getting drawn into concepts which did not exist in the Naga customary laws. There was a restorative will in the delivery and interpretation of justice unlike the ones we are witnessing today. In our pride as a warrior people we are losing sight of the fact that the pride lies in the protection of our rights and respect for other peoples’ rights; not in the blind assertion of might or aggression. This was seen recently in the deployment of the IRB from Nagaland to Chattisgarh. How unfortunate is it for Nagas that when the struggle for the right to self-determination took us through various painful experiences and is still teaching us a lot, we are participating in the same methods and tactics of the oppressing agencies. There are ways to tackle political problems and the Government of the day has rightly pointed out that it is through dialogues and not through military might. How then can we who profess to support the Indo-Naga Peace Process behave so self-contradictorily? We cannot become outsour-cing agencies for other war mongers. The trend which prevails must also be challenged in the pulpits of the church because it is a fact that almost every Naga attends the Sunday service or mass. Are we as Christians to become war machines for the sake of money? These are questions which must be debated vigorously and if time and financial support are given to the Nagaland Police, why not go for an interactive debate with others outside the police force on such issues. Another interesting thing to note here is that human rights and civil society organs are becoming too bureaucratic and numb to even notice the formalization of impunity by such debates. A lot of people reminiscence over the effective civil society organs during the earlier regime in the state of Nagaland, but now it seems that either you are neutralized or ineffective or that the Government of the day has become too intolerant towards uncomfortable views and opinion makers. Finally it must be remembered that the health of a society is measured by the space it allows for different opinions rather than by the politicization of such space.
Office of Profit Today's Editorial The Morung Express APRIL 3
As per the statements emanating from offices of the two major political parties in Nagaland there appears to be some confusion over the legal interpretation of the term Office of Profit and whether certain offices are exempted from the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964. Both the NPF and Congress have interpreted to their liking on what should constitute an office of profit so much so that for the ruling NPF the Leader of the Opposition is disqualified while the Congress party has proved the innocence of its leader and instead disqualified the Chief Minister. In a way the fact that both are referring to the same legal material but arriving at different conclusions may mean only one thing, the ambiguity of the law itself. Therefore rather than taking pot shots at each other the State legislators should now sit together and resolve the nitty-gritty legal points and get on with the constitutional assigned duty of running the government whether as Chief Minister or as an Opposition Leader.
The ploy of the Opposition Congress in Nagaland to unseat Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio from his chair appears to have taken a reverse route. While the Congress may have caught Rio on the defensive it has to be remembered that the allurement for office is a larger political issue and goes much beyond the likes of Sonia Gandhi, Amar Singh, Neiphiu Rio and I. Imkong. If the Congress bungled by jumping the gun too soon the NPF too cannot be oblivious to the fact that an Assembly or for that matter Parliament will become a sheer mockery if the Office of the Leader of the Opposition is derided merely to score a few political points.
More than the occupant, it is the office that counts in a functioning democracy. As in the case of Nagaland, therefore if at all the office of the Leader of the Opposition has not been exempted under (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964, it is most unfortunate. The NPF statement that “the Leader of Opposition I Imkong is the prime target for disqualification for holding office of profit”, is therefore highly inappropriate and lacks political maturity. Going by this logic of the NPF, any one who occupies the office of the Leader of the Opposition in Nagaland will be disqualified even if tomorrow the person happens to be Rio. Does it then also mean that Nagaland should therefore do away with this all important office? This legal lacuna regarding the office of the Leader of the Opposition must be corrected, and hopefully this will be done when the special session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly sits on April 4.
On the larger issue of the Office of Profit, the absence of clarity is precisely the major cause for the current controversy. Both the DAN and Opposition Congress MLAs have a responsibility to come forward and deliberate in clearing this ambiguity but without in anyway circumventing the letter and spirit of the constitution.
Office of the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, Delhi Unit, B-39, Ajanta Flat, Vasant Enclave, New Delhi-110057 Press Statement against “Mass Rape” in Tipaimukh, Churachandpur
Date: 02/04/06 We, the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) Delhi Unit, are extremely shock to learn that the Indian and the Manipur governments are keeping quite and pin drop silent about the “mass rape” of innocent Hmar villagers by the Meitei armed struggling groups namely, UNLF and KCP in Tipaimukh sub-division in Churachandpur district in Manipur on 16th January 2006. We strongly condemn such heinous and savageous act of those who were part of the uncivilised demonstration of criminal act of sabotaging the dignity and human hood of the innocent villagers which includes many very young women and an innocent girl child of 13 years old. There are many questions to be answered by these Meitei Armed struggling groups in Manipur.

We, as one of the genuine nationality groups struggling for our inherent right to self-determination from occupational forces, have a strong reservation and doubt on those people of their sincerity and honesty, who have committed this sinful human passion and lust against the young and vulnerable Hmar women by unleashing their beastly and inhuman act. This is a threat not only to those victims but also to all women of dignity and virtue. What is pathetic about the “mass rape” was non other than the act of those cadres of these Meitei Armed struggling groups who are fighting against the Indian State. In retaliation to “Operation All Clear” of the Indian Army, these Meitei Armed struggling groups have made the Tipaimukh areas’ innocent women victims, which is uncalled for and devoid of any reason d’ etat.

Moreover, we fail to understand as to why these undisciplined cadres have to target young women and girl child for continuous turn by turn rape by two three cadres. We have totally lost our faith and hope from those cadres of their sensibility of the human values and, more so, of the women dignity and modesty. What is worse of this obnoxious human crime is the manner of carrying out their revolutionary activities through destruction and sabotaging the dignified and honourable lives of young women whose lives were given by God. Their lives are in ruin and shame without their fault. The question is, is this the way we must live as brothers and sisters? Today, we are ashamed to live a respectful life outside the north eastern states because our non-practice of culture of rape of our own women has been gravely damaged by this and some sporadic incidents. Are you not committing an irreparable and shameful culture to our people there? Are you not becoming the victims yourselves of the Indian State’s strategy of creating tension among communities there? These are relevant questions to be answered by those rapists. This incident of the “mass rape” has led us to think that our women are no longer saved even in our own villages. We are reminded of those rape victims of the Indian Army, namely, Luingamla Muinao, Rose, Monorama Devi and raped victims in the “Oinam Case” of “Operation Blue Bird” etc. which are still fresh in our minds. In 2005, one of our north eastern women was raped by four Indian men in Dhaula Kuan in New Delhi. While we are yet to see justice for all these women, our Hmar girls are being raped by our north eastern men in arms in Churachandpur in Manipur. How are we going to heal this wound in our minds? What is wrong with this world we live in?

The root of all these devilish acts goes back to the time when Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was introduced in the Naga areas in 1958 which was amended in 1972 and since 1986 this draconian Act has been applied in all the conflict zones in the N.E and Kashmir. The Indian Army has been given sweeping powers including shoot to kill under this Act. There has been unaccountable numbers of people being killed and so many of our women have been raped by the Indian security forces wherever they are deployed in the name of the so called Counter-insurgency. We can rightly say that all these problems are the creation of the Indian Government because the political issues of the struggling peoples in the north east and elsewhere in the Indian sub-continent have not been addressed to by the Indian Government. And we foresee that until AFSPA is repealed completely from the conflict zones this problem will still persist.
Those responsible for the recent “mass rape” in Tipaimukh, Churachandpur in Manipur, are the Indian Government, Manipur Government and the Meitei armed struggling groups for which they have to do to bring justice to the victims. We, as human rights movement of the Naga people, strongly believe that this particular incident was not only human rights violation of the innocent young and vulnerable Hmar villagers but also universal human rights violation of women on the earth. We cannot remain silent any longer on this issue. We caution the public to be aware that such ghastly act should not be allowed to commit against other communities in the near future. All of us must put heads together to wipe out repetition of such human rights violation among all women on the earth for peaceful and honourable living. We demand immediate bringing to book of those culprits involved in the “mass rape” for quick delivery of justice through compensation to the victims and their families and relatives. We urge the Indian and the Manipur Governments for necessary remedial measures to rehabilitate those villagers who have fled to Mizoram and elsewhere for shelters and medical check up. We would like to assure those victims and their families and relatives that the Nagas are with you in your struggle for justice and truth.

Ms. R.S. Mayori, Convenor NPMHR Delhi
Mr. Kent Chara Co-Convenor NPMHR Delhi

Assam readies for first phase of polls Sangai Express
Guwahati, Apr 2 : Amidst tight security, the stage is set for the first phase of Assembly polls in 65 of the 126 constituencies in Assam tomorrow which will decide the fate of several heavyweights, inclu- ding Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Campaigning was marked by absence of violence as the People’s Con- sultative Committee set up by the Ulfa, which has spearheaded the movement for sovereignty in the State, is engaged in peace talks with the Centre. It has for the first time abstained from calling a poll boycott and has announced that it will maintain equidistance from all political parties. The ULFA has also called to the people to vote for parties which are committed to the issue of Assam’s sovereignty.
Security measures are, however, tight with 300 additional companies of Central forces deployed near polling booths for both phases of polls. The international border running along the State has been sealed to prevent entry of Bangladeshis and also ISI operatives, who according to intelligence reports were out to create problems during elections in Assam.
Besides, the Assam police battalion personnel have been already deployed near vital public installations as OIL and railway tracks. The army, however, would not be specifically used for poll work but deployed in vulnerable areas. The first phase of polls in Assam will decide the fate of 545 candidates—505 male and 40 women candidates— with BJP putting up the highest number of 65 candidates, followed by 64 from Congress, 54 from AGP, 25 from NCP and eight each from CPI and CPI (M). Among the prominent candidates in the fray tomorrow are: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi from Titabor, Speaker Prithvi Majhi from Lahowal, State unit Congress President Bhubanes- war Kalita from Rangiya, Ministers Anjan Dutta, Dr Hemoprava Saikia, Gautam Roy, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Ajanta Neog, Bharat Chandra Narah and Pradyut Bordoloi. The other prominent Congress candidates whose fate would be sealed tomorrow are: Bithika Dev, wife of Union Minister for Heavy Industries Santosh Mohan Dev, former Ministers Ardhendu Roy, Devananda Konwar, Sarat Borkotoky, Pranati Phukan and State Youth Congress president Rekibuddin Ahmed.
The prominent AGP candidates in the fray are former AGP Ministers Jagadish Bhuyan from Sadiya, Hitendranath Gos-wami from Jorhat, Dr Kamala Kalita from Chaygaon among others. Former AGP ministers who have switched allegiance to AGP (Progressive) headed by former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta are Utpal Dutta and Sahidul Alam Choudhury while party vice-president Biraj Sarma and senior leader Rekharani Das Boro contesting as independents after being denied party tickets are also in the fray.
The prominent BJP candidates in the fray are former Union Minister Bijoya Chakraborty, state unit vice-president Ramen Deka, party spokesman Asokananda Singhal, sitting MLAs Mission Ranjan Das, Bimolangshu Roy, Parimal Suklabaidya, Kaliranja Deb, Sushil Dutta and Rameswar Teli. The contest in the state is mainly among the three major parties—the ruling Congress, AGP and BJP. PTI

Blockade in Manipur to be intensified From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, April 2 – Yet another indefinite economic blockade on National Highways 39 and 53 imposed by Zeliangrong Students’ Union of Tamei Area and Kuki Students’ Organisation, Sadar Hills since Saturday night is going to be intensified from tomorrow.

“We are continuing campaigns over our move in and around villages located on the NH 39 and 53”, says vice president of KSO (Sadar Hills) Papao Haokip.The student organisations have been demanding immediate black topping of Imphal-Tamenglong road

PM promises better facilities for tribals From Mahesh Jha Assam Tribune
DONGKAMOKAM, April 2 – “India is a vast country and there are people of different tribes. Our Congress leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi protected the interest of all tribes of our country. Hence, we all should endeavour for the betterment of our economic and education condition to get rid of poverty, starvation and illiteracy from the country,” Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said addressing a mammoth crowd at Dongakmokam in Karbi Anglong today. Praising the role of Congress government-led by Tarun Gogoi in the State, he said that the Congress Government has brought in major development in the State while no other political party thinks for the development of Asom. “If the Congress party comes to power at Dispur again, we can continue our fight against poverty, starvation and illiteracy,” he said.

Informing the voters, Dr Singh said that the Centre has started a scheme which will provide 100 days of work for each family in some of the districts of Asom and in next three-four years, this scheme will be implemented in the entire State. The people of Karbi Anglong needed lot of development, and all tribes should be given a chance to flourish. “If circumstances warrants to give more power to Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) for the development of Karbi Anglong, we will do so after discussion with the State government,” Dr Singh further said.

Regarding the tragic Karbi-Dimasa clashes, Dr Manmohan Singh said that the ethnic clashes were very regrettable. “There should not be tussle among us, we all should live together and the violence-hit people will be rehabilitated after discussion with the State Government,” he said.

In his 10-minute speech in Hindi, Dr Singh said that if we want to develop ourselves then there ought to be better education system, better roads, better health care facilities and better infrastructure facilities. In next four to five years, all steps will be taken to develop Karbi Anglong and all the remote villages of the district will be given electricity facilities, drinking water and better roads, health care, etc. and this can be done only when there is a stable government. He also appealed to the voters to cast their vote for Dr Mansing Rongpi, the Congress candidate.

On the other hand, levelling a scathing attack on his opponents, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that during the last five years all the developmental works were stopped and the Congress Government after coming to power made a drastic change. “We have started computer literacy in the State, we started the work of Karbi Langpi Hydro Electric Project (KLHEP). During the ASDC rule, the condition of the district was very bad,” Gogoi added.

Surprisingly, when Dr Singh was delivering his speech, the KNCA, a women’s organisation observed black day protesting the Prime Minister’s apathy and negligence towards the hill district during the ethnic clashes in the month of October and November last year. Even the intellectual society expressed their anguish and said that Dr Singh who was representing in the Rajya Sabha and is the Prime Minister of India never spoke a word during the ethnic clashes in which more than 100 people were killed and now he has visited the district just for political gain.

Our Tezpur Correspondent adds: Addressing an election rally at Tezpur Church Field today, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh while campaigning for former minister Bijit Saikia alongwith all the sitting MLAs of the entire district, said Congress has a long history of ruling the country and accordingly has already started a journey of progress and development. He promised safe drinking water, electrification, telephone etc. to every village. Criticizing AGP and BJP, Dr Singh said that AGP has not done any developmental works in the State inspite of being in power two times. He said that the capital city of tourism Tezpur has been given much importance where much probability of development is seen. The Prime Minister appealed to the voters to vote bring the Congress to power once again for the development of the State. In the rally Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, general secretary of Indian National Congress Pervez Hasmi, candidate of the Tezpur LAC Bijit Saikia, Nurjamal Sarkar, president of Sonitpur District Committee Congress, secretary Putul Rabha etc also attended.

Frans on 04.03.06 @ 02:47 PM CST [link]


Sunday, April 2nd

Indian PM offers to talk peace with northeastern rebels


Indian PM offers to talk peace with northeastern rebels Nagarealm .com
GUWAHATI, APRIL02 : India has offered to hold talks with rebel groups operating in the country's northeast but rejected demands for independence and any redrawing of state boundaries. "I appeal to all of you (rebels) to shun the path of violence and hold discussions," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday told reporters in Guwahati, the main city in Assam state.

"You have a prime minister from Assam ... to solve your problems," Singh said referring to his election to the national parliament from Assam. New Delhi is already holding talks with some rebel groups including representatives of the powerful United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) -- one of the most organised militant groups in the region.

The ULFA, founded in 1979, is fighting for an independent homeland. It is one of more than 30 rebel groups in the region whose demands range from greater autonomy to secession.
Singh said New Delhi wanted peace in the region which would spur economic development.
"We want to ensure that Assam develops in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility ... It is in this context we had two rounds of talks with the ULFA," Singh said of talks in New Delhi in September and February.

"If the ULFA want to talk to us they can raise any issue but that does not mean all issues are open for negotiation," he said of the group's demand for sovereignty or independence from India. Singh, who is on a two day visit to Assam to campaign for his Congress Party ahead of provincial polls next week, also appealed to voters to re-elect the Congress provincial government to strengthen the peace process.

"We believe a Congress government at the centre and in the state will provide the best possible atmosphere to find a final solution to this intricate problem. We remain committed" to continuing dialogue with the rebels, Singh said. On talks with another rebel group, the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland, one of the oldest and most powerful in India's northeast, Singh said it was too early to predict how soon the insurgency would be resolved.

But he rejected the group's key demand to hive off Naga dominated areas of three other states in the northeast for the creation of a "Greater Nagaland" to unite around 1.2 million Nagas.

"As far as territorial integrity of various states is concerned no changes can be made in the present status except with the consent of those states. "We are committed to maintaining the territoral integrity of the states," Singh said. Insurgencies in the northeast have claimed about 50,000 lives since 1947. [AFP]
PM snubs Ulfa He also reminded the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) that the territorial integrity of the northeastern states could not be compromised. Rahul Karmakar Hindustan Times
Gujarat, PRIME MINISTER Manmohan Singh left the ruling Congress red-faced on Saturday by ruling out any discussion on sovereignty of the state. He also reminded the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) that the territorial integrity of the northeastern states could not be compromised.
The Congress had been trumpeting the "breakthrough" in the peace process with the ULFA in the run-up to the Assembly elections slated for April 3 and 10. The ULFA, which is rigid about discussing sovereignty, had also issued statements obliquely exhorting people to vote for the Congress.
The NSCN-IM, on the other hand, wants the Naga peace process to centre round the issue of integration of all Naga-inhabited areas towards creating Greater Nagalim. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur bordering Nagaland, are vehemently against this.
"They (ULFA) can raise the issue (sovereignty of Assam) but that does not mean we will discuss it. Talks can be held only within the framework of the Constitution," Singh told reporters before leaving for a series of election rallies.
On the NSCN-IM demand, he added: "The question of compromising territorial integrity without the consent of the states concerned does not arise."
On the touchy issue of influx, the Prime Minister said the Congress was committed to checking infiltration but was also duty-bound to ensure security for the minorities.
Singh also ruled out mid-term elections in the country and expressed confidence that the UPA government would complete its full term. "Our government is very much on the right track," he said. On the fate of controversial Election Commissioner N Chawla, he said he would apply his mind after returning to New Delhi.
The PM's visit, incidentally, followed the gunning down of Lal Deka, commandant of the ULFA's 109th Battalion in Goalpara district Friday evening. The ULFA had sought cessation of counter-insurgency operations as a prelude to possible talks after the elections.
Later addressing an election rally at the at the Nalbari College field, Singh assured the minorities in the state that they had nothing to fear after the repeal of the IMDT Act.
"The IMDT Act may have been repealed but the minorities should not be afraid because we are committed to ensuring that no genuine Indian citizens are harassed in the process of solving the infiltration problem," he said. An amendment to the Foreigners' Act has been brought to ensure that no citizen is harassed in the process of detection, he said.
UPA will complete full term in office Territorial integrity of northeastern states will not be disturbed unless there is a consensus for it among these states. We are committed to protect the territorial integrity of all states.": PM K Anurag in Guwahati April 01, 2006 Rediff India abroad
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday ruled out chances of mid-term elections in the country and expressed confidence that the United Progressive Alliance government would be able to complete its full term in the office.
"During the last two years in the office, the UPA government has chalked out its programme to give a new thrust to development and it is very much on course to complete its programmes in the next three years, " Dr Singh told the media at Guwahati airport on his arrival for two days of electioneering in Assam.
The UPA government is yet to take a decision of the fate of Election Commissioner N Chawla who is in the eye of a storm over the opposition charge of having links with Congress.
"We received the President's letter forwarding the complaint against Chawla Friday. I will apply my mind after going back from here and take a decision," Dr Singh said.
When drawn to the persistent demand of the Naga rebel outfit, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), which is engaged in peace talks with government of India for integration of all Naga inhabited areas in the northeast, Dr Singh said, "Territorial integrity of northeastern states will not be disturbed unless there is a consensus for it among these states. We are committed to protect the territorial integrity of all states."
He, however, said he was not in a position to tell when the Naga insurgency problem will be solved as negotiations with insurgent outfits from Nagaland were on.
States’ consent must on territory: PM Nagaland Post
Guwahati, April 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the redrawing of boundaries of north-eastern states to accommodate the Greater Nagaland demand of the NSCN (IM) will not be done without the states' consent. Asked whether talks with the NSCN (IM) would affect the territorial integrity of Assam, the Prime Minister told a press conference here that negotiations with the NSCN (IM) was on and "we want a fruitful solution to emerge".
"We want Nagaland to prosper in peace and security. However, no change can be made in the present status of states without the consent of the states," he said. The prime minister said if any change was necessary, it would be done with the prior approval of the states concerned. "We are committed to maintaining territorial integrity of all states in the North-east," he said.
The Centre held several rounds of talks with the NSCN (IM) leaders in Bangkok to resolve the oldest insurgency problem in the region, demanding integration of all Naga-inhabited areas under a Greater Nagaland. The Prime Minister also offered unconditional peace talks to all separatist groups in the region to bring an end to decades of insurgency in the region.
"I want peace to prevail and so appeal to all to shun the path of violence and hold discussions. Our doors for discussion are open to all. You have a prime minister from Assam and the northeast to solve your problems," he said. Dr. Singh said the government was ready to discuss all issues raised by the ULFA. Representatives of ULFA, which wants the creation of an independent homeland, have held two rounds of talks with the central government.
"If ULFA were to raise any issues they can do so, but that does not necessarily mean that all issues can be negotiated," Singh said. Here to bolster the ruling Congress party's poll prospects, he said: "It is in the interest of Assam that peace should prevail and the Congress governments at the centre and in Assam can provide the best possible atmosphere to solve the insurgency problem and bring misguided youths to the mainstream."
He said the thrust of five years of Congress rule in Assam had been on eliminating poverty, boosting development and bringing in peace." If the people of Assam voted the Congress to power, "in the next five years we can carry forward the struggle of development, modernisation and restoring permanent peace," he said. The two-stage elections to the 126-member assembly begin Monday. The second phase of polling takes place April 10.
On Sunday, the prime minister is to address an election meeting in the troubled eastern Karbi Anglong district, the scene of a bloody ethnic riot recently that claimed more than 100 lives. He will take the campaign straight to the heart of the main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) by addressing a rally at the garrison town of Tezpur in northern Assam.
Violence up in Nagaland Nagarealm.com [PTI]
KOHIMA, APRIL02 : Incidents of violence in Nagaland went up by three per cent while the number of civilians killed reduced by 33 per cent, a Union Home Ministry report says. According to the annual report for 2005-06 of the Ministry, the country's north-east registered an eight per cent rise in the number of incidents of violence in 2005 as against in 2004, whereas the count of civilians and security forces killed has come down to 70 from 110 in 2004.

According to the report, altogether 1,332 incidents of violence were reported from different states of north-east during 2005 as compared to 1,234 incidents in 2004. However, the annual report stated that the number of security forces killed had dropped from 110 in 2004 to 70 in 2005. It said 393 civilians lost their lives in 2005 as against 414, the previous year. But almost same number of extremists - 405 and 404 respectively - were killed in both the years.

In case of Assam, the number of incidents of violence rose by 49 per cent in 2005 from 2004. However, the figure of security personnel and civilians, who lost their lives, came down by 59 and 11 per cent respectively during the period. In Manipur, the number of incidents of violence and that of incidents of killing of security personnel and civilians shot up by 15, 39 and 79 per cent respectively, the report said. In Meghalaya, the situation showed improvement with violent incidents coming down from 47 in 2004 to 37 in 2005 when 23 extremists were killed - just one less than that of the previous year, according to the report.

177 loaded trucks stranded in Manipur Nagarealm.com
KOHIMA, APRIL02 : Altogether 177 trucks, loaded with essential items, were stranded at border towns of Mao and Jiribam in Manipur as the indefinite economic blockade imposed by a tribal students' union on National Highways in the state entered sixth day on Friday. Official sources said there has been so far no arrangement to provide security to the drivers and cleaners of stranded vehicles and bring them to state capital.

Sources said 131 trucks coming along Guwahati-Dimapur-Imphal NH 39 were stopped at Mao gate, about 80 km north of here. Another 46 trucks, which entered the border town of Jiribam, about 222 kms west of here along NH 53, halted there due to lack of security, they said. It was not yet known when security personnel would be sent to border towns to escort the stranded trucks to the state capital. The sources also did not offer any reason for the delay in sending security men there. The all Tribal Students Union Manipur had called the blockade to press for filling up of vacant posts of teachers in schools in the hill districts. [PTI]
NE boundaries won’t be redrawn without consent: PM Press Trust of India Guwahati | April 1
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaks to hief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi during a press conference in Guwahati, Assam, Saturday, April 1. (AP Photo)
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the redrawing of boundaries of North-eastern states to accommodate the Greater Nagaland demand of the NSCN (IM) will not be done without the states’ consent. Asked whether talks with the NSCN (IM) would affect the territorial integrity of Assam, the Prime Minister told a press conference here that negotiations with the NSCN (IM) was on and “we want a fruitful solution to emerge”.
“We want Nagaland to prosper in peace and security. However, no change can be made in the present status of states without the consent of the states,” he said. The prime minister said if any change was necessary, it would be done with the prior approval of the states concerned.
“We are committed to maintaining territorial integrity of all states in the North-east,” he said.
The Centre held several rounds of talks with the NSCN (IM) leaders in Bangkok to resolve the oldest insurgency problem in the region, demanding integration of all Naga-inhabitated areas under a Greater Nagaland.
No mercy on issue of illegal infiltration: PM Guwahati, April 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today made it clear that Government will show no mercy on the issue of illegal infiltration but ensure that genuine citizens are not harassed in the name of detection of foreigners. “I want to assure the people of Assam that we will show no mercy on the issue of illegal infiltration. At the same time all genuine citizens of the state have my assurance that in the name of detection of foreigners they are not harassed,” Singh told a press conference here.
PM rules out sovereignty talks with ULFA
Guwahati, April 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today ruled out any discussions with the insurgent outfit ULFA in Assam on the issue of sovereignty. “The question does not arise. We are all servants of the Constitution of India and the Constitutional position is quite clear on this,” Singh told a news conference here when asked whether the government would hold talks with ULFA over its sovereignty demands. “If ULFA wants to talk they are open to raise any issue they want but that does not mean all issues are open for negotiations,” the Prime Minister added. Asked about the perception that there were differences between the Centre and the state on tackling the ULFA problem, he said “we want peace to prevail. We want to ensure that the state develop in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.”
Asked whether the peace process with ULFA would continue in the event of a non-Congress government coming to power in Assam, he said a Congress government at the Centre and a party government in the state will provide the best possible option to find a solution to the “intricate problem”.
‘Profit’ talk in Assembly - Nagaland to discuss issue prior to Parliament session OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Dimapur, April 1: Nagaland Assembly will have a session on Tuesday to discuss the office of profit issue, more than a month before Parliament sits to solve the sticky problem. Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie has convened the 11th session (emergent) of the 10th Nagaland Assembly for the purpose. A few days ago, Nagaland Congress kindled a spark by asking Governor Shyamal Datta for disqualification of chief minister Neiphiu Rio for holding offices of profit as chairman of the Nagaland Sports Council and the Nagaland Bamboo Mission.
The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition launched a counter-offensive by asking for the disqualification of I. Imkong, leader of the Opposition. A cabinet meeting held on Thursday discussed the disqualification of Imkong by arguing that his office as the leader of the Opposition was itself an office of profit as it is not exempted under the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964. As heated arguments between the two sides continue, the government decided to call an Assembly session.
“The need was felt to discuss the office of profit issue for the benefit of all,” said Peseyie. Imkong said the government “is hatching a sinister plan” to disqualify him for being the leader of the Opposition under the state act.
“We are acting on the Parliament Act of 1959 which has been amended to date,” he said.
When the state act does not match that of the Centre, then the central act should prevail, Imkong argued. However, sources said the government is likely to bring another argument under Article 371(A) of the Constitution under which a central act is not applied in a state unless passed by the state legislature. Earlier, the Rio-led coalition argued that under the state act, Imkong was holding an office of profit as he had asked for perks of the rank of a cabinet minister. However, the Congress has said it was “amused” and termed the government’s move as “immature”. It argued that Rio and his legislators hold offices which have not been exempted under the act. While the Congress had submitted a memorandum to the governor and the Election Commission against Rio, nine legislators of the DAN coalition submitted a memorandum to the governor for disqualification of Imkong.
NE State boundaries won't be redrawn sans consent: PM The Hindu
Guwahati, April. 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the redrawing of boundaries of North-eastern states to accommodate the Greater Nagaland demand of the NSCN (IM) will not be done without the states' consent.
Asked whether talks with the NSCN(IM) would affect the territorial integrity of Assam, the Prime Minister told a press conference here that negotiations with the NSCN(IM) was on and "we want a fruitful solution to emerge".
"We want Nagaland to prosper in peace and security. However, no change can be made in the present status of states without the consent of the states," he said. The Prime Minister said if any change was necessary, it would be done with the prior approval of the states concerned.
"We are committed to maintaining the territorial integrity of all states in the North-east," he said. The Centre held several rounds of talks with the NSCN (IM) leaders in Bangkok to resolve the oldest insurgency problem in the region, demanding integration of all Naga-inhabited areas under a Greater Nagaland.
Jamir on solution of Naga problem The Morung Express
Goa Governor S C Jamir being presented with a bouquet by a student from Patkai Christian College at Goa Raj Bhavan on Saturday, April 1.
DIMAPUR, APRIL 1 (MExN): Nagas should work out with the Government of India a political framework which can protect the future of the Naga people, their distinct identity and economic well-being by way of some financial package, said SC Jamir, Governor of Goa this evening in what could have been his first important comment on the protracted Naga political problem after being appointed to the gubernatorial and apolitical post in July 2004.
He was interacting with a group of 29 students of the Political Science department from Patkai Christian College, Chumukedima who are on a study tour and who had called on him here this evening, according to a press communiqué issued by OSD to Governor of Goa.
Replying to a query as to how best Nagas should go about to solve the Naga political problem, Jamir said a political framework acceptable to all parties concerned and one which could safeguard the future of the Naga people, must be worked out by the negotiating parties in consultation with all sections of the Naga community.
Asked to comment on the viability of an “independent Nagaland”, Jamir said the world has changed tremendously in the last few decades and that necessities too have changed.
“The world is a globalised village now and no nation can afford to isolate itself from the rest of the world,” he said. This is a Century of Unions”, Jamir was quoted as saying.
He pointed out that in the present day context, economic sovereignty has eclipsed political sovereignty and exhorted the younger Naga generation to set their priorities right so that they can march ahead with the changed times.
On the request of the young students, the Goa Governor who himself is a signatory of the historic 16-point Agreement of 1960 which led to the creation of the State of Nagaland in 1963, recalled the momentous events leading to the first Naga People’s Convention in 1957.
(Continued on page 3)
“The situation in the mid 1950s was horrible for the Naga people whose villages were razed to the ground and who had to flee to the jungles and live like wild animals,” he reminisced.
He pointed out that on the basis of the 16-point Memorandum submitted by the NPC to the Government of India in 1959, the 16-point Agreement was signed in July 1960 which led to insertion of Article 371 (A) in the Indian Constitution which provides for protection of the land and its resources for the Naga people and also the social and religious practices of the people.
“It is through the 16-point Agreement that today we have a Government of our own to decide our own destiny according to our own genius,” Jamir said. “The present DAN Government in Nagaland is ruling the State under the provisions of the 16-point Agreement, and the people of Nagaland should be happy for that.”
Jamir lamented the present on-going fratricide indulged in by the various factions of the Naga people and pointed out that “unless Nagas are united, understand each other, develop the sense of oneness the future for the Naga people are bleak.”
The students from Patkai College arrived here Friday evening and have been visiting various educational institutions and historical places. They are scheduled to leave for Bangalore on Monday for their next leg of education study. The team is led by Ms Maria, lecturer of Political Science department.
Former extremists fighting Assam elections The Morung Express
Kokrajhar, April 1 (PTI): A former Bodo extremist is seeking the ballot in the upcoming Assam elections. Chandan Brahma has filed his nomination papers in the Kokrajhar district. He is not the only former extremist to have taken the democratic route in Kokrajhar.
Across the region, scores of ex-militants like Sanjay Marandi, an ex- commander of the adivasi Cobra organization are contesting the elections.
While most are open about their background, others like Hopna Soren who is contesting from Dispur have chosen to downplay their past deeds. Former extremists contesting elections is also good news for the Bodoland council in the area. Their officials say it will give a much-needed boost to peace initiatives in the region.
For now, these newly converted politicians have plunged themselves into the elections, but ultimately, how successful they are will be in the hands of the Assamese people.
Eastern Command Army Commander visits Nagaland Lieutenant General Arvind Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Army Commander, Eastern Command, being received at Rangapahar Military Station The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, APRIL 1 (MExN): Lieutenant General Arvind Sharma, Param Vishist Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Vishist Seva Medal, ADC, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command alongwith Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah, Sena Medal, Vishist Sena Medal, General Officer Commanding, 3 Corps visited Nagaland on April 1 where the General Officer was updated on the prevailing situation in the State by Major General SS Kumar, Sena Medal, Vishist Seva Medal, IGAR (North) at Kohima. Thereafter, the General Officer also called on the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio.
The General Officer also visited Rangapahar in the evening where he was briefed on the current situation by Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah, Sena Medal, Vishist Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding Spear Corps; in the Corps Zone.
The Army Commander lauded the efforts of troops in dealing with the current insurgency in 3 Corps Zone and creating a conducive environment for the State administrations to function effectively stated a defence release. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief will be visiting the troops and formations in Manipur on April 2.
Proposed Tml stir suspended The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Mar 31: Following an understanding reached with the government, All Zeliangrong Students Union (Assam Manipur and Nagaland) and ZSUM have temporarily suspended their office picketing agitation from today.
The understanding was reached today when a delegation of the two Zeliangrong students bodies called on chief minister O Ibobi Singh this afternoon, in which the latter assured to take immediate action towards construction of the Tamenglong-Khongsang road.
The two students bodies had even threatened to impose economic blockade along the national highways if government failed to release funds for construction of the Tamenglong-Khongsang road.
Announcing withdrawal of their agitation, a Zeliangrong students leader, while emerging out from the chief minister`s bungalow informed mediapersons that the CM assured to release the funds for development of Tamenglong-Khongsang road by tomorrow.
First phase Assam polls tomorrow Nagaland Post
New Delhi, April 1 (Agencies): The first phase of Assembly polls in Assam will be held on April 3 (Monday). Though the elections are for state legislative assemblies, they are being seen as the first big opportunity for India to react to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government's performance since May 2004, when it came to power.
Assam has a Congress government, headed by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. The Bharatiya Janata Party - which is contesting 125 seats - and the Asom Gana Parishad -which is contesting 100 -are the two main opposition parties.
Much to the relief of the Congress, the AGP and the BJP have not joined hands. In the last elections in 2001, the Congress won 70 seats, while the AGP-BJP combine won 40. Altogether sixty-five constituencies will vote on Monday. The other 61 will see elections on April 10. The votes will be counted on May 11. Ending the 27-year-old insurgency in the state tops the agenda for the polls. The main militant group, United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), has as usual washed its hands of the elections.
But this time, it has toned down its language. Instead of the earlier diktats to the people to strictly stay away from the polls, it has warned political parties 'not to encourage' people to participate in the poll process. ULFA has formed an 11-member Peoples' Consultative Group, which has held two rounds of talks with the government of India. The third round is expected after the assembly elections. Bangladeshi infiltration and illegal immigrants are another hot topic, with the BJP harping on it.
The AGP is fighting on the plank of what it calls 'Congress misrule.' Noted Assamese singer-turned politician Bhupen Hazarika has even written a song for the AGP. Minority issues have also been forced to the front with the newly formed Assam United Democratic Front roping in the Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid in Delhi to campaign for it. And, tea garden workers' issues and development in general are also expected to play a role in determining which way Assam swings. The Congress has played its two biggest cards: Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The prime minister is a Rajya Sabha member from Assam.
The AGP has flaunted former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrabu Naidu, Samjwadi Party leader Amar Singh, and former actresses Jaya Bachchan and Jaya Prada. The BJP has brought in Hindutva posterboy Narendra Modi and Bollywood yesteryears star Hema Malini.
PM to hit Asom campaign trail Nagaland Post
Guwahati, March 31 (Agencies): After Congress party president Sonia Gandhi's whirlwind day-long electioneering in Asom Thursday, it is the turn of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to try to boost Congress' fortunes in Assam. This was mentioned by Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Guwahati Friday.
Dr Singh, who is an Rajya Sabha member of Parliament from the State, is arriving in Assam Saturday for a two-day election tour. He will cover as many as four election meetings during Saturday and Sunday. On his arrival on Saturday he will campaign for the party in the silktown of Sualkuchi near Guwahati, at Mukalmua in Nalbari district. On Sunday he will address election ralies at Tezpur in northern Assam and at Donkamokam in Karbi Anglong.
The Congress ridiculed the rival Asom Gana Parishad and Bharatiya Janata Party for banking on Bollywood filmstars for electioneering in the state. The AGP has roped in Jaya Prada and filmstar-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan while glamourous Hema Malini and TV star Smriti Irani have hit the campaign trail on behalf of the BJP in the state. "Bringing filmstars for electioneering in Assam is not the political culture of the state. The AGP and BJP are so frustrated and confused about how to stop the Congress from coming to power that they are roping in filmstars from Bollywood to woo voters on their behalf," Gogoi said.
CM puts off visit to affected areas after protest by Hmar body From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, April 1 – Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has postponed his proposed visit to Thanlon and Parbung areas in Tipaimukh sub-division of Churachandpur district where atrocities and rape cases were reported to be committed by armed underground outfits. Hmar Inpui, the apex body of Hmar tribes living in Manipur said the Chief Minister would be welcome only if he proposed to spend a few days in the area and make his maiden trip to the long forgotten sub-division by road.
Despite the state administration having made all arrangements, with officials camping in Tipaimukh sub-division to ensure smooth arrangement for the Chief Minister’s proposed visit to meet the villagers of Thanlon and Parbang and inquire into their grievances in the aftermath of the reported atrocities and rape committed by the ultras, Chief Minister Ibobi postponed his maiden trip to the area after the Hmar communities’ apex body reacted strongly against the visit for only one day and that too by helicopter.
The focus drawn by the apex body of the Hmar community does merit attention and the state government would do well to mitigate their grievances any way it can.

Meanwhile, protesting the clamping of restrictions under Section 144 Cr PC at Shed No. 1 of Laxmi Bazar since February 16, members of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham Amandi Saktam Kanba Lup staged a 'Wakat Meepham' in front of the Chief Minister’s bungalow.The women agitators demanded revocation of the restriction order immediately.
The restriction under Section Cr PC 144 has been imposed at Shed No. 1 of Laxmi Bazar since February 16 following clashes between 31 women vendors who were issued licences by the IMC newly and old licence holders over occupation of the plots on February 13. Secretary of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup Kh Rani told the media that it is unreasonable to impose such restriction order for so long and deny the rights to livelihood of the genuine licence holders.
While pointing out that the 31 women who have been issued the licences by IMC have never been vendors at the Keithel, Rani lamented the imposition of the restriction order causing hardship to genuine licence holders in earning their daily income. As repeated requests for lifting the restriction to various authorities concerned like Imphal West DC, Imphal SP, City Police and IMC Chairman went in vain, the ‘Wakat Meepham’ was staged in front of the Chief Minister’s bungalow on Tuesday, she explained.

Frans on 04.02.06 @ 03:29 PM CST [link]


Saturday, April 1st

The Nagas have to realise that it is not possible for New Delhi to redraw the map of Nagaland -----An impossibility


The Nagas have to realise that it is not possible for New Delhi to redraw the map of Nagaland An impossibility By Kuldip Nayar Deccan Herald



Our Nagaland is like Pakistan’s Baluchistan, mountainous and rugged. Both are largely inhabited by tribals who have always been fighting for their identity. Both have elected state assemblies within their respective countries. But both defy the writ of the Centre which they believe is trying to encroach upon their “sovereignty.”

Baluchistan is in ferment because Islamabad does not “trust” tribal leaders. The same is the allegation by the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). There is, however, one difference between the two: The Nagas have been observing a ceasefire for the last eight years while Baluchistan is always up in arms.

The lesson India should have learnt from Pakistan seems to have been lost. This is how to reconcile the pulls of autonomy to the compulsions of governance. The Nagas who once harped on sovereignty have conveyed to New Delhi that it is for using the Indian currency and placing communications in all Naga areas in the hands of the central government. However, the primary need, it feels, is to unite all Naga areas and placing them under a single administration.
This does not at all mean, it argues, that the Nagas want to grab the lands of other people, like the Manipuri Meiteis, Kukis, Assamese or anyone else. They just want the unification of only that land that is tilled by them and on which their homes stand. They do not want even an inch of others.
This may well be true. But how do you group all the Naga lands without affecting the borders of other states?
Not long ago, NSCN leader Muivah told me that on the advice of New Delhi they approached Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh but found them hostile to the very idea of grouping the Naga areas together.

The proposal for the integration of all Nagas in greater Nagaland also brings to the fore a larger question of how insecure do ethnic groups feel at places where they are in a minority. India is a multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic society. Still we have seen how the Tamils were attacked in Karnataka over the water dispute. The Kannadigas in Tamil Nadu and the Bengalis in Assam have faced occasional bouts of anger by locals due to parochial feelings. This is despite the fact that the Constitution recognises only common citizenship for all Indians, with equal rights and opportunities wherever they live.

I gave Muivah the example of my own state, Punjab. It was divided and re-divided. Some parts of Punjab constituted Himachal Pradesh and some Haryana. The Punjabis, I argued, could very well say that they

should be grouped together because they feel isolated in Haryana or Himachal Pradesh. Examples of discrimination against ethnic groups are many and they are increasing day by day. I wish there could be some machinery to redress them. At present there are only courts. True, ethnic groups still bear the brunt. But the remedy does not lie in demanding a homeland but in ensuring that the institutions work to protect the rights of minorities wherever they are and in whatever number.

Muivah, however, raised the old point that the Nagas were not Indians and that they had never been part of the British or post-British India. This might be true. But the Hydari agreement (June 27, 1947), which the Nagas accepted, said that they would be free to choose themselves the precise pattern of administration within the Constitution of India. They went back on the undertaking when the Constituent Assembly committee incorporated the conditions of the agreement in the Sixth Schedule for safeguarding the Naga demands. The Nagas may be unhappy. But what should people in India make out from the enthusiastic response by the Nagas to every state and parliament election? The voting percentage is 60. The government at Kohima is in the hands of the Khaplang who are also Nagas. True, the defiance of the underground Nagas is disconcerting. An ambush here and a killing there saddens people. The NSCN says it collects “taxes” from Nagaland government departments, businessmen and individuals, providing proper receipts to all, and emphasises that it does not indulge in extortions, kidnappings and ransom. But New Delhi’s draconian laws and induction of the armed forces in the northeast have not improved the situation. The NSCN should realise that the general impression in the country is that there is a set of Nagas who want to break away from India. The common man does not know the history of the Nagas, nor their contention that they have never been subservient to any outsider. It is true that the Nagas wanted independence and raised the gun. But A Z Phizo, their leader, who died in London in 1990, came to the conclusion that the Nagas must find a solution within India. His comrade Khoday-Yanthan conveyed to me this while I was India’s High Commissioner to the UK in 1990. Muivah did not contradict me when I told him this. In fact, he said that the Nagas would like to accept India’s role in defence and dual citizenship.
These are intricate questions. The Nagas have to realise that it is not possible for New Delhi to redraw the map of Nagaland and give them certain areas of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. These states are as much integral to the unity of India as Nagaland. The federation that India is cannot differentiate between one unit and the other. In any case, the Nagas cannot win at the negotiating table what they have lost in the battlefield.
Nagaland: DAN seeks disqualification of Congress leader the Hindu
Kohima, April 1 (PTI): The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) on Friday demanded the disqualification of Congress parliamentary leader, I Imkong, charging him with holding office of profit for being the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
In a petition to Governor Shaymal Dutta, DAN MLAs demanded disqualification of Imkong on the ground that he was holding office of profit as the post of leader of the Opposition was not exempted in Nagaland Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1964.
The demand came shortly after Congress' assertion that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio either should resign or be disqualified as he was holding the chairman's post in the Nagaland Sport Council and Nagaland Bamboo Mission.
Nine MLAs from Nagaland People's Front (NPF), BJP and JD(U), coalition partners of ruling DAN, told in the petition that the Opposition leader enjoyed the status of a Cabinet Minister, which is an office of profit, so Imkong should be disqualified as a member of the state assembly. They said Imkong, as leader of the Opposition, demanded a hike in pay and perks, therefore sought pecuniary benefit from the office of the Opposition leader. Imkong was appointed leader of the Opposition by the speaker on March 14, 2000.
Later, NPF spokesman R Paphino said the Legislative Act of 1964 exempted from disqualification, parliamentary secretaries, chairman of any committee, board or authority appointed by the Government, which are not remunerative. Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie called an Assembly session on April 4 to discuss the issue of office of profit.
A polling station where no votes were ever cast: 4/1/2006 IANS The Peninsula
Lukto Manipuri Basti, Assam: For people in this sparsely inhabited village bordering Nagaland elections have no meaning — nobody has exercised their franchise since India’s independence 59 years ago.
But election officials are hoping that this time it will be different. And Lukto Manipuri Basti in Golaghat district, 310km from Assam’s main city of Guwahati, creates history when someone among the 24 voters casts their vote on Monday.
The stage is set for the first phase of assembly elections in Assam on Monday and authorities have deputed the stipulated number of polling officials along with security personnel for polling station number 196 at Lukto Manipuri Basti.
‘Let us hope the village creates poll history this time even if one voter comes to cast his or her ballot,’ a district election official said.
A village inhabited by Manipuri, Nepali and a few other tribal people, Lukto Manipuri Basti is among Assam’s most underdeveloped areas.
‘It is true no voters of Lukto Manipuri Basti have ever participated in the election process,’ the official said. ‘But since there are voters in this village we shall have to make all arrangements and be there for the elections.’
The village located on the edge of Assam’s border with Nagaland is a feared area - the surroundings are infested with Naga separatists and other rebel groups as well.
‘It is the fear of militants coupled with lack of political awareness that prevents the voters from casting their vote,’ the official said.
Locals in the area complain they have never seen any government official or politicians ever visiting their village. ‘Why should we vote in the elections? We do not even know who is contesting the polls,’ said T. Singh, a middle-aged farmer.
Singh’s name does not figure in the voters list although he has been a resident of the village for the past three decades. The electoral rolls have the names of Singh’s two younger brothers.
Nagaland: DAN seeks disqualification of Congress leader The Hindu
Kohima, April 1 (PTI): The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) on Friday demanded the disqualification of Congress parliamentary leader, I Imkong, charging him with holding office of profit for being the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
In a petition to Governor Shaymal Dutta, DAN MLAs demanded disqualification of Imkong on the ground that he was holding office of profit as the post of leader of the Opposition was not exempted in Nagaland Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1964.
The demand came shortly after Congress' assertion that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio either should resign or be disqualified as he was holding the chairman's post in the Nagaland Sport Council and Nagaland Bamboo Mission.
Nine MLAs from Nagaland People's Front (NPF), BJP and JD(U), coalition partners of ruling DAN, told in the petition that the Opposition leader enjoyed the status of a Cabinet Minister, which is an office of profit, so Imkong should be disqualified as a member of the state assembly.
They said Imkong, as leader of the Opposition, demanded a hike in pay and perks, therefore sought pecuniary benefit from the office of the Opposition leader. Imkong was appointed leader of the Opposition by the speaker on March 14, 2000.
Later, NPF spokesman R Paphino said the Legislative Act of 1964 exempted from disqualification, parliamentary secretaries, chairman of any committee, board or authority appointed by the Government, which are not remunerative. Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie called an Assembly session on April 4 to discuss the issue of office of profit.
Naandi foundation embarks on Nagaland women empowerment project New Kerala
Dimapur: Naandi Foundation, a not-for-profit trust founded by the industry including the Mahindra Group, has signed a preliminary agreement with Nagaland for setting up training institutes for empowerment of women in the state.

The foundation will set up institutes to train women in the vocation of nursing, besides IT services as part of its corporate-community partnership initiative. The MoU was signed yesterday by the Executive Director of Naandi Foundation and the state Social Welfare Commissioner and Secretary, in the presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Anand Mahindra, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Mahindra group Of industries, one of the trustees of the foundation. Later, Mahindra told newsmen at North-east Qagri Expo site here that the foundation will initially invest Rs one crore for the proposed training institutes.

However, the details would be worked out between the state government and the foundation very soon. Expressing happiness Mahindra said: "It (MoU) is the first step towards building corporate-community partnership in the region". Mahindra also interacted with the dealers and customers at the the Expo, jointly organised by the Centre, Nagaland government and CII.

Maharashtra behind Nagaland in literacy rate: Pawar Zee news
Pune, Apr 01: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said a comparatively advanced state like Maharashtra was lagging behind tribal-dominated Nagaland in literacy rates.

"I recently had the opportunity to visit tribal-dominated Nagaland and came to know about its achievement in the area of literacy. I had been the Chief Minister here on a number of occasions and therefore it rankles that despite it being one of the most advanced states in the country, its populace was still not 100 per cent literate," Pawar said at a function here. Nagaland has a literacy rate of 98 per cent. The UPA government in the current budget has made massive allocation of funds for the education sector, he said.

About the Goa freedom movement, Pawar said many people played important role in the liberation of the state among those were Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, Nana Saheb Gore, Barrister Nath Pai and Prof Madhu Dandavate.
Union Minister of State for Home Manikrao Gavit said that as many as 899 persons who had participated in the Goa freedom movement have been given pension. There are 197 pension claims pending and hopefully they too would be cleared shortly, he added.
Meanwhile, Pawar on the sidelines of a function here yesterday told reporters that the centre planned to give more autonomy to the cooperative sector and hence was contemplating a constitutional amendment. Bureau Report
Confusion reigns over office of profit Congress fires back, cites articles The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 31 (MExN): The political battle on the office of profit issue continues. The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today said it is ‘most surprised and amused’ to see the disqualification petition submitted by 9 MLAs of the DAN against the Leader of Opposition I Imkong, alleging that the Leader of Opposition is an “Office of Profit” attracting disqualification under Article 191 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India.
“The NPCC is further amused to see the Press Statement of R Paphino, Press Secretary, NPF on the position of ‘Office of Profit’ in Nagaland which clearly shows their confused mind and lack of clarity with regard to the position the ‘Office of Profit’.”
A release issued by Vice President of the NPCC Nuzota Swüro said the issue of the Office of Profit is a national phenomenon at the moment and “NPCC as a responsible national party is duty bound to perform its constitutional duties.”
It was cited that the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964 at Rule No. 2 stipulates that “A person shall not be and shall be deemed never to have disqualified for being chosen as or being a Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly by reason of the fact that he holds any of the office specified in the schedule appended hereto.”
The Schedule Paragraph 4 states that, “The Office of the Chairman, Vice Chairman or Member of any regional, tribal, area, range or village council constituted in Nagaland under any existing Regulation or Law.” The Nagaland Congress made it a point to state that “it purely deals with our traditional institutions.”
The Schedule Paragraph 8 states as follows: “The Office of Chairman, Vice Chairman or Members of any committee, board or authority appointed by the Government of India or the Government of any State specified in the First Schedule of the Constitution of India”.
The NPCC thus said mere perusal of the above mentioned provisions clearly shows that the office of profit presently occupied by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his Council of Ministers and MLAs of the DAN does not come within the exemption as contended by the NPF Party and its DAN allies under the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964.
NPCC hits back at DAN legislators Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, MARch 31 (NPN): Continuing its offensive against the Neiphiu Rio-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland Government, the NPCC on Friday charged the nine DAN MLAs who sought Opposition leader I. Imkong's disqualification, with showing their "revengeful mentality and lack of knowledge about the existing laws on the "office of profit."
Reacting to the press statement earlier issued by NPF press secretary R. Paphino on the position of "office of profit", NPCC vice-president Nuzota Swuro said the Congress as a responsible national party was duty-bound to perform its constitutional duties.
He said Rule No. 2 of the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964 stipulated that "a person shall not be and shall be deemed never to have disqualified for being chosen as or being a member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly by reason of the fact that he holds any of the offices specified in the schedule appended hereto."
Referring to the Schedule Paragraph 4, he argued that "the office of the chairman, vice chairman or member of any regional, tribal, area, range or village councils constituted in Nagaland under any existing regulation or law purely dealt with our traditional institutions."
On the other hand, he said the office of profit presently occupied by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and members of his Council of Ministers and MLAs of the DAN did not come within the exemption under the Nagaland State Legislative Members (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1964" as contended by the NPF Party and its DAN allies.
He said the demand of the DAN legislators was nothing but "a cheap ploy" to divert the minds of the Naga people from "the mistakes and errors committed by Neiphiu Rio and the DAN leadership", he added. He said the Election Commission of India was the supreme authority to define the meaning of the 'office of profit', not the NPF-led DAN Government and the legislators' attempt to remove the Leader of the Opposition was "an attack on parliamentary system of Government and subversion of democracy."
Swuro said the office of the Leader of the Opposition is recognized and exempted as an office of profit under The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959. Swuro said the leader of the Opposition in Nagaland enjoys salary and perks as per the Nagaland Leader of Opposition, Salaries and Allowances Act, 1992 (Act No. 5 of 1992) besides several Acts which he cited. Further, he said "The Leader of the Opposition has every right to demand what is entitled to him in terms of the above legislations. It is totally misleading and baseless to claim that I. Imkong was relentlessly pursuing for substantial hike in the pay and allowances of the Leader of the Opposition".
KNO corrects Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 31: Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has corrected that the reference to Nagas as a whole, in Zale’n-gam: The Kuki Nation published in 1998, in connection with the act of genocide perpetrated against Kuki people by NSCN-IM from 1992 to 1997 was an error. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak and Muivah (NSCN-IM) was the group specially responsible for the Kuki genocide which left a total of over 900 Kukis death, 350 villages destroyed and more than Kukis rendered homeless, a statement signed by Stephen, assistant secretary of information and publicity, KNO, Zale’n-gam, Manmasi said today.
Dating back to the petition submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 and through the non-communal leadership of AZ Phizo, the Kuki people have been recognised as indigenous people of the region and an integral part of Nagaland, the statement said.
In the modern ear, the statement added, Kukis and Nagas have enjoyed cor-dial and mutually respect- ful relations. It is regrettable that the communally moti-vated leadership of NSCN- IM’s general secretary Th Muivah, a Tangkhul, cast such an ugly and gloomy shadow over the amicable Kuki-Naga relationship. NSCN-IM’s dastardly act against the Kuki people will remain an indelible blot in Kuki history.
Blockade called, CM cries foul By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 31 : Even as the Zeliangrong Students' Union (Tamei Area) and Kuki Students' Organisation (Sadar Hills) have imposed an indefinite economic blockade from midnight today to protest the failure of the State Govt to fulfil their demands by March 31, Chief Minister O Ibobi today said that the stand off is a result of the two student bodies trying to garner the contract works of the said road. Talking to the president of All Zeliangrong Students Union (AMN) Ningthoudai Gonmei and chairman of Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur James Dangmei and other representatives of the two student bodies, the Chief Minister said that the ZSU (TA) and KSO (SH) had decreed that the contract works should be given to only three contractors chosen by them. This is surprising and shocking, said the Chief Minister and appealed to the student leaders to look into the matter. The IT road passes through hilly terrains and it would be impossible for three contractors to complete the work on time, said the CM. To finish the work in good time, at least 10 contractors are needed, he explained and added that the involvement of the two local MLAs in choosing the right contractors is highly needed. The two local contractors are Z Mangaibou and Francis Ngajokpa. The stand of the ZSU (TA) and the KSO (SH) amounts to fighting for the contract works, he added. The student representatives met the Chief Minister over the closure of all Govt offices in Tamenglong by the AZSU and ZSUM to protest the failure of the Govt to implement its earlier assurance to hand over the responsibility of constructing the 39 km stretch between Tamenglong and Khongshang to the BRO.
Let’s eat fruits not seeds, says Rio The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 31 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in a fatherly counsel, advised the people to “eat fruits and not seeds.” According to State Bank of India officials, Rio while visiting the SBI stall at the North East Agri-Expo expressed appreciation at the successful first-generation entrepreneurs from Nagaland, courtesy the SBI, as role models to be emulated. “People should eat only fruits and not the seeds to run the business successfully and for earning regular income,” SBI officials quoted Rio as saying.
He told visitors and members of Self-help Groups at the stall that financial assistance for setting up a venture should be treated as seeds and the profit generated out of the financial help as fruits. For the bank, the CM said: “Please continue to serve the poor people; extend loan to the genuine farmers. All the best”. According to the SBI, the stall attracted more than a thousand visitors during the expo. The chief Minister was accompanied by Alemtemshi Jamir, APC, N Putsure, Director Wasteland and other senior state officials. He was received by SD Agnihotri, DGM SBI.
Portrait of the Naga mind M Jimmy Chishi The Morung Express
The beautiful mind
What makes a Mercedes a Mercedes?. A Ferrari a Ferrari?. Or why does a Monet or a Renoir, cost millions!?. Well to this we could attribute the aspects of Mind and matter. Materially speaking they are costly because of the material used in their creation, this includes the cost of labor and process of manufacture. The mind value would include branding and the various market promoting devices. However even these do not fully explain!. There seems to exist an unexplained paradigm as to what makes them so valuable.
Mind over matter
In Hindu mythology there is this great challenge of the heavens. A landmark judgment as to which is greater mind or matter. In this chllenge,ganesh and kartikeye(murugan),Both sons of god Shiva,(one of the trinity),compete in this duel, to circumnavigate the universe. kartikeye does the material note and flashes off on his vahan(aeroplane) to complete the task.and this in the most practical of ways ganesh on the other hnd employs the mind,he circles shiva,and in seconds all the gods of heaven including shiva pronounce him winner.not long after kartik returns only to know of his defeat. Its clear that the gods of heaven have favoured mind over matter. On closer analysis however we find that its not a clash between mind and matter ..kartikeye certainly did employ his mind and like the greek odesseys set on this most interesting adventure but it was his priority of matter over mind that made him loser ganesh understood well the finer lines of this challenge and took the most positive effort to accomplish for indeed shiva was the god of heaven.. Leaving aside gods and myths even in our daily mundane life we are always confronted by this mind-matter isssues Certainly the mind is more important and this only if it beautiful – a beautiful mind ,like those of ganesh.this beautiful mind must be the x-factor, what makes a mercedes a Mercedes
A beautiful mind
What then is this beautiful mind? Is it the all knowing intelligent mind that understands the finer lines of life? Or is it a well organized mind? As far as beautiful form is concerned we have more than seven thousand years of human experience in understanding beauty and though a consensus still is yet to evolve as to what is beautiful!, at least we have some semblance of standards of the beautiful in form.., but what of a beautiful mind!?,..Alas!Still not a single portrait exist. how should we set its standards. The beautiful form can be altered, corrected. Even by plastic surgery but a beautiful mind cant for its cultivated the seed have to be sown. However even though a portrait doesn’t exist at least we can safely say that a mind making the effort to know,with the right intention is a beautiful mind. This beautiful mind has to be constructive besides this mind is far above matter for a beautiful mind can exist on its own but for matter its impossible, beauty is the mind attribution
And this beautiful mind must be creative. It must bring forth, reproduce for otherwise it dies and is no more beautiful. There is nothing like a beautiful matter sans the mind. beauty is the mental attribution to matter. We all humans have this mental attribute a blessing of Christ our lord and therefore it follows that we all can possess a beautiful mind.
Why do need this? The answer is simple. We all need this beautiful mind because our lives can be so meaningful once we possess/transform …the beautiful mind. and we can contribute most to each other.
The Naga mind
No portrait of a beautiful mind exists however it would be possible to conjecture it. The same is true for the naga mind, we could conjecture it on the basis of how our minds are thinking and this on the basis of information, observation. And so how is the naga mind The naga mind is certainly not beautiful and is suffering from many diseases.. Corruption, triblism, favouritism, ruthless materialism and worse of these the non existence of dignity of labor.it seems a hopless situation and at times we feel that progress has been postponed foreever.
It seem like we have taken the kartikeye path towards accomblishing our task of progress,into this great misadventure of outright materialism without a mind value and Even then we surviv and go ahead..? Isn’t it surprising! In this regards we shouldn’t miss out those so many beautiful minds that are helping this land survive the challenges of this age. However honestly speaking these are not enough. Lots need to b done and this because we Nagas have immense potential. After accepting Christ there seems no limit. We therefore also have this duty to show our Hindu and Muslim.. Brothers the difference Christ has made and this by developing the beautiful mind Lets therefore pray that we live up to our duty and expectation and grow this beautiful naga mind so as to harvest the joys of heaven in our own soil.
(The writer has done his MA, Mass Communication from Jamia Millia Islamia
2006 Assam Election and Regional Implications U A Shimray The Morung Express

For the last ten years, Indian democracy experienced coalition governments ruling at the Centre as well as States. The fall of National Front pave way for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s first inning in the Central in the late 1990s. BJP’s entry in power “awkward” the secular forces. However, the voters were not impress with the highhanded slogan “Shining India” in 2004 Lok Sabha election. Whereas, there is no shinning things in many part of the country even the rural Temples are not electrify. A sudden come back of India’s oldest political party, the Congress to the power in the last 14th Lok Sabha election is one surprise package of Indian voters. Not only Congress but also a considerable number of Left Parties make it to the Parliament. Indian voters are ready for surprises. The so-called “Exit Poll” is no longer a reliable technique to predict election results [Different sources of exit poll results underestimate Congress party in the last Lok Sabha election]. The Psyphologists are having tough time to analyse the unpredictable Indian votes.
Indeed, up coming State’s election would be one tough political “test” of all the political parties including both regional and national level. For instance, regional “hegemony” in Tamil Nadu would be hard to crack situation for the national parties. The AIADMK and DMK and its respective allies are in the mood of settling of scores. Assam’s election could be tricky if the ruling Congress is not tactful.
Assam and Regional Impact…
Assam’s CM Tarun Gogoi remarks, “I’ve never seen a more nervous opposition like the AGP in my entire political career.” Congress Government is optimistic of coming back to power. Hitherto, the situation is somehow risky and tricky. At the moment, “all is not well” in Assam Congress. Since the election of PCC President last year there is intense dissident mood going on in the inner ring. A “compromise package” that aims to appease the Congress workers, Chief Minister, PCC President Bhubaneshwar Kalita and Union Minister Shri Mohan Dev issue the name of the candidates.
The result omitted twelve sitting MLAs including one Minister. Several heavy-weight Congress men were denied of election tickets and they went rampant protests. In subsequent, many join AGP, NCP and BJP to fight fellow Congressmen. Such circumstances inevitably divide loyalties of the foot soldiers’ vote. One has to bear in mind is that in the region loyalties changed overnight. Out of 120 members, 42 persons are “new faces” (that is 35%) including those who do not get ticket in the last 2001 election. No doubt, Congress had studied the performance of the sitting MLAs and even the reason of omission was revealed. However, bringing new faces in the electoral politics is sometimes dangerous if not tactful enough.
The divided house of Asom Gana Parishar (AGP) and its allies and the Assam United Democratic Front are working hard to bring back regional “hegemony” in the state. And this regional arrangement is backed by national parties like NCP, CPM, et al so, the present poll alliance is simply not for granted. The strong backing from other parties endorses “good” investment with tactful intervention. In fact, this is a major challenge for the Congress in Assam.
Trouble state like Assam issue is numerous and sensitive. Certain crucial factors will play major role like incumbency/anti-incumbency wave of Tarun’s performance, controversial IMDT issue, Bodo, NC Hill and Karb imbroglio. Insurgency interference in the election process is inevitable. Other important issue is personal profile of the Congress ticket holders (omission and new faces).
Manipur
Earlier, the political situation of the region was more or less depended on the political situation in the Central. However, today, coalition system seems to be more workable moreover, it is strengthened by the enactment of Anti-Defection Law. No doubt, the result of Assam Election would be the “acid test” of the Manmohan Singh’s Government. Also, the outcome of the Assam election would have serious implications in the regional politics. Now, Manipur’s 9th General Election is round the corner (Between November and February 2007). Now, negotiation has started for the regional allies in Manipur. Many smaller local parties are planning to come together to take on the ruling Congress. For instance, like Federal party of Manipur (FPM), Manipur People party (MPP), DRPP, Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP). Like Assam, the national parties like NCP, RJD, JD (U), et al may join regional forces, and their intervention cannot be taken as easy thing.
A short live 7th Manipur Legislative Assembly was dominated by the local parties like MSCP, FPM and BJP. The number elected under the Indian National Congress was only 11 (eleven) including 4 tribal MLAs. The 2001 June incident over the issue of Naga Ceasefire “without territorial limits” and political instability subsequently dissolved the Assembly. The 8th Manipur Legislative Assembly General Election 2002, INC make a surprise return to the power with a total number of 20 out of 60 members. However, a major contribution came from the tribal areas securing 50% of 10 members out 20 Reserved A/C (4 from Churachandpur district, 3 from Senapati district, 2 from Tamenglong district and 1 Ukhrul district). Congress seems to favour in the hills (tribals) in the last election.
O. Ibobi’s SPF Government is incredibly set for a full term and will be facing election soon. However, Assam like scenario in ticket distribution is inevitable. Unlike 2002 elections, this time many would seek for INC’s ticket. Even now rumors are spreading like wild fire who will be the front runner. In the last election, there are 44 “new faces” (including come back members). However, more than 50% new faces in the 2002 election do not imply that news faces are doing well but the impact of 2001 June incident done substantial damage to the politics. Another factor is direct involvement of Naga insurgency in the electoral process.
One inconsistent political situation in Manipur’s Congress party is non-commitment to the principles, over enthusiastic to the partisan manipulation and “keep changing candidate” factor. For the Congress, ticket distribution indeed crucial however; to make success in electoral process candidate’s credential, performance and charismatic profile would be pre-requisite. Today, voters become cleverer. So, the ruling Congress cannot be over-estimated of coming back to power. Moreover, there is anti-incumbency wave is going on. Corruption is mounting, forgery is increasing and law and order is almost at breaking point. The present trend of corruption and anti-incumbency is a gain for regional forces. May be in this coming election, the visible work of SPF government would be one crucial factor. Indeed, a tiny state like Manipur even one number can make big differences in power formation.
PM to hit Asom campaign trail Nagaland Post
Guwahati, March 31 (Agencies): After Congress party president Sonia Gandhi's whirlwind day-long electioneering in Asom Thursday, it is the turn of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to try to boost Congress' fortunes in Assam. This was mentioned by Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in Guwahati Friday.
Dr Singh, who is an Rajya Sabha member of Parliament from the State, is arriving in Assam Saturday for a two-day election tour. He will cover as many as four election meetings during Saturday and Sunday. On his arrival on Saturday he will campaign for the party in the silktown of Sualkuchi near Guwahati, at Mukalmua in Nalbari district. On Sunday he will address election ralies at Tezpur in northern Assam and at Donkamokam in Karbi Anglong.
The Congress ridiculed the rival Asom Gana Parishad and Bharatiya Janata Party for banking on Bollywood filmstars for electioneering in the state. The AGP has roped in Jaya Prada and filmstar-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan while glamourous Hema Malini and TV star Smriti Irani have hit the campaign trail on behalf of the BJP in the state. "Bringing filmstars for electioneering in Assam is not the political culture of the state. The AGP and BJP are so frustrated and confused about how to stop the Congress from coming to power that they are roping in filmstars from Bollywood to woo voters on their behalf," Gogoi said.
ULFA chief’s call to make talks a poll issue By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 31 – The banned ULFA has called on the people not to vote for any party that has not made any commitment on resolving the “Asom-India political conflict”. ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, in an e-mailed statement said that this political conflict was the main problem for the nation and such a problem cannot be resolved under a “colonial system” that exists in the State. The Congress has said that within five years it would resolve the “Asom-India political conflict”. The same promise was made by the AGP in the run up to the 1996 Assembly elections but soon after it got elected it denied making any such promise. It was followed by both open and secret killings. “Electing such people would usher in another spell of secret killings,” said Rajkhowa. “The people should only vote for politics that would ensure sovereignty for Asom,” he added.

Six-day long blockade suspended after agreement with govt The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Mar 31: The six day long economic blockade of the All Tribal Students` Union, Manipur on the two National Highway-39 and 53 has been suspended immediately from this evening after an agreement was signed between the representatives of the agitating students body with the state government.

With this, all the trucks stranding at Mao since the commencement of the blockade has started moving towards Imphal from around 10 pm tonight with security escort. Altogether 143 goods carrying trucks stranded at Mao gate due to the economic blockade including 13 LPG carriers, 9 oil tankers and 4 bitumen trucks are proceeding towards Imphal, according to reports received from Mao. However, around 47 goods carrying trucks stranded at Jiribam along NH-53 are yet to leave for Imphal. Today`s agreement between the representatives of ATSUM and state government was reached in a joint meeting held at the office chamber of the state chief minister, O Ibobi Singh this evening. In the meeting which commenced from 4.30 pm and ended at late evening around 7 pm, the demands of the ATSUM was thoroughly discussed and dissected one by one, as per an official source.

During the discussion, the state government agreed to declare within April, 2006, the present posts of additional director of education (S)/valley and additional director of education (S)/hills as heads of department with full powers. The commissioner of education (S) will function as ex-officio director of the department as per the agreement.

The required number of mathematics, science, arts graduate and Hindi graduate and under-graduate teachers in the hills will be filled up on contract basis and this temporary arrangement will continue till recruitment of regular teachers through due process is done. Local candidates will be given preference and the government will turn the same into action within April next, as per the terms of the agreement.

The extension of pension benefits to district council employees and filling up of the vacant posts in the council, already approved by the state cabinet will be implemented and completed within one month, the government agreed.

On the demand for intervention of the government for the revival of the office of special cell for SCs and STs in Manipur University, state government informed to the ATSUM that it has already been implemented.

The state government had also agreed to re-designation of deputy director, tribal development as district officer, tribal development when posted in the hills districts within April, 2006.

To formulate the reservation rules under reservation of SC and ST Act 1976 within three month period, filling up four vacant post of fireman reserved for ST in fire service department from the ST candidates as and when government lifts the ban on filling of such vacancies and to complete the exercise for identification of fake teachers within two months and necessary action taken thereafter were among the other points agreed in today`s meeting.

The government will also constitute a committee comprising of state chief secretary, principal secretary, hills and TD, principal secretary, planning, commissioner, finance and commissioner, education (S) by April 5 to examine the matter of conversion of 13 schools located in different hill district of the state. The report of the committee is to be submit within one month.

In the meeting CM, O Ibobi Singh, was assisted by 10 ministers besides state chief secretary and other top officials of concerned departments.

The agreement was signed by president, John Pulamte and general secretary, Samson Remei of ATSUM and on behalf of the government it was signed by PC Lawmkunga, principal secretaryhills and tribal development, RK Angousana Singh, commissioner education and Binod Kispotta, secretary to chief minister.


Frans on 04.01.06 @ 06:12 PM CST [link]




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