Nagalim.NL News

Sunday, June 3rd

Manipur militancy blame on Myanmar- Officer points to flow of arms & drugs


Manipur militancy blame on Myanmar- Officer points to flow of arms & drugs OUR CORRESPONDENT


Maj. Gen. B.K. Chengapa speaks to surrendered militants at the inauguration of a rehabilitation centre in Imphal West on Thursday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Imphal, May 31: Illicit flow of weapons from Myanmar is fuelling Manipur’s insurgency, according to Assam Rifles inspector-general (south) Maj. Gen. B.K. Chengapa here today.
The general said inflow of a large quantity of arms from neighbouring Myanmar had helped “insurgency and terrorism” thrive in Manipur. He called for ensuring effective policing of the international border.
“The disturbed environment in our neighbour (Myanmar) has led to the inflow of arms and drugs to Manipur, which, in turn, facilitated insurgency and terrorism in the state,” the senior Assam Rifles official said while opening a renovated rehabilitation centre for surrendered militants here today.
The general pointed out that the Indo-Myanmar border was porous and this problem has to be addressed as a part of the process of combating militancy in Manipur.
“The Assam Rifles has already been given the task of guarding the border here in Manipur. But unlike the western sector, here the border could not be effectively guarded because of a shortage of security strength,” Gen. Chengapa said.
He, however, expressed the hope that the task of protecting the border would be gradually extended along the 500-km-plus international border.
According to the Manipur government’s records, more than 20 militant groups are currently operating in the state. The insurgent outfits belong to various ethnic groups and the goals range from “restoring the sovereignty” of Manipur to protecting the interests of ethnic communities.
Stating that the internal security environment in Manipur has deteriorated further over the past few years as a result of escalating violence and extortion, Gen. Chengapa called for a major, comprehensive initiative to bring “misguided” youths to the national mainstream. He praised the surrender policy announced by the Ibobi Singh government as a step towards mitigating insurgency and helping militants return to normal life. The general added that renovation of the rehabilitation centre was a small contribution from the Assam Rifles supplementing the government’s efforts to resettle the former rebels.
The rehabilitation centre, located at Lamphel in Imphal West, currently houses 22 former rebels belonging to various militant outfits, including the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), United National Liberation Front, Peoples Liberation Army and the Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak. The Assam Rifles has opened a computer training centre and will also impart driving lessons and training in tailoring to former insurgents.
We signed on our own volition: Vatsu Meru The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 3 (MExN): Vatsu Meru dissident NPF MLA and one of the signatory calling for withdrawal of support to the Neiphiu Rio government has rebutted Agriculture Minister Azo who had claimed that “his signature and that of nine other NPF MLAs were obtained under duress during August/September 2004 to switch over loyalty from Neiphiu Rio”. Vatsu in a rejoinder stated that this claim of Azo was best known to them and to God. “Christians are expected to be truthful to themselves, people and God”.
“His statement ‘as soon as possible, we intimated to the Governor in August/September 2005’, certifies a one-year gap of time. Whether it is ‘as soon as possible’ or not, we leave it to the people for judgment”, Vatsu further stated while pointing out that Azo was lured and inducted in May 2005 into the Council of Ministers.
“Thereafter, he may have changed his heart. If so, the truth should be told to the people. Till 2nd June 2007 he and his other nine friends did not raise the issue of ‘duress’ at any point of time”, Vatsu stated.
It was also stated that all the signatories came all the way from Kohima to sign the withdrawal of support to Chief Minister in the Dimapur home of Z. Obed. “From amongst the ten Members they proposed him to carry the responsibility of Leadership and perform duties thereof. They further left the responsibility to Shri. Z. Obed Leader Elect to submit at an appropriate time when the quorum is completed. The quorum of majority completed only on 28th May, 2007 and the therefore, the proposal for change of leadership was submitted on 30th May 2007”, it was informed.
“The whole process of withdrawal of decisions took a good three years time which in itself displays that it is of their own volition. There is no logic to support that Mr. Obed has any force to keep 10 MLAs under duress alone. Nagas’ challenges are one to one. Therefore, the question of duress has no meaning. I am also a signatory along with the 10 Members and others. To the best of my knowledge and belief, we have signed on our own volition”, Vatsu stated.
Rebels kill 4 policemen Newmai News Network
Guwahati Four policemen died on the spot while two others were seriously injured when Karbi Longri National Liberation Front (KLNLF) guerrillas ambushed them at Dilai, some 16 km away from Bokajan Police Station in Karbi Anglong district of Assam this morning.
A patrol team of policemen, on a tip off, went to the Koilajan area situated on a hill top under Bokajan police station, they said. The militants, armed with automatic weapons and sheltered in a camp there, ambushed the police vehicle as it was climbing the hill. Four securitymen, including an assistant sub-inspector Bimol Sarkar, died on the spot while two other constables were injured, the sources said. The vehicle was totally damaged and the ultras looted all the arms belonging to the policemen, police added. According to sources, the militants escaped with two carbines; one SLR and one pistol.The dead have been identified as Constables Atauruddin Laskar, Devakanta Basumatary and driver Nabin Bordoloi all belonging to the fifth Assam police battalion while the injured were constables Debadhar Bora and Nihar Langthasa. A strong contingent of police and CRPF forces rushed to the spot and launched a combing operation.
NSCN-K clarifies on ‘rebels in monopoly play’- Nagaland Post Opinion
In response to the news item under the caption "Rebels in Monopoly Play" carried in a news daily on May 25, I would like to clear the stand of the GPRN NSCN.
First of all, let me start with the word 'peace process'. The NSCN(IM) has since long dubbed the discussion between them and the GOI as a peace talk and these talk as a peace process, which is otherwise not, because these talks will never lead to peace, rather it will aggravate the situation and bring in more and more complications in the Naga people's struggle for sovereignty. In actual sense, it is simply to fool the Naga people and the world by depicting these talks as a means for an early solution to the Indo Naga conflict. Any agreement reached between the NSCN-IM and the GOI will be nothing more than the repetition of the Shillong Accord.
The NSCN-IM does not carry the mandate of the Naga people either, though some NGO's and leaders from civil societies might have taken part in their own sponsored People's Consultative meeting. But asking the people to attend the meeting or face dire consequences, thereafter, putting them to sign on gun point and later on drafting a memorandum and subsequently submitting it to the Union Minister does not carry the will and mind of the Naga people. Rather, it is the handiwork of some few people who had acted on their own by terrorizing the Naga people at large. Therefore it is neither a peace talk nor a peace process, as Th. Muivah is assuming it. Any agreement that will reach in between the GOI and the NSCN-IM will be limited to the problems of NSCN-IM as an organization and not the Nagas as a whole.
Secondly it has time and again alleged Delhi of helping the NSCN-K. Here, let me tell you that at no point of time, we had receive any form from any foreign power, not even from our closest allies, leave alone Delhi. We are on our own and shall be on our own, no matter how many more years it takes or how many sacrifices we have to make.
These allegations are totally baseless and unfounded. I challenge Th. Muivah if he can prove to the people and authenticate his claims. In fact, by throwing this kind of baseless allegation, Muivah simply wanted to cover up his own in and out with the Indian authorities. It is he and the Indian intelligence that had been cooking all ills for us. On the one hand while the GOI wanted to keep the Nagas divided as long as it can and keep the Naga issues boiling till it dwindles on its own gradually, on the other hand, Muivah would agree to compromise (sell) the Sovereignty of the Naga people for a mere incentive within the framework of the Indian Constitution, provided NSCN (K) is made out of picture. It is otherwise quid pro quo. Therefore, both people are making an all out effort to push the NSCN (K) to a blink. And for that, Muivah wouldn't bother about the hundreds and thousand of Nagas who had made a supreme sacrifice of their life to be freed from the clutches of occupational forces. He won't mind those Naga men and women who were raped, tortured and killed by the Indian Army in cold blood. He won't care about sufferings and persecution that Naga people had faced in the hands of the enemy.
He is the man who had actually hijacked the real cause of the Naga National Movement. He's the man, who has suffocated the real aspiration of the Naga people for sovereignty and put it on the back seat. He is simple interested in writing the fate of the Nagas, no matter what it is and for that, be won't even dare to kill a man in a crucifixion style as it was done in Tirap District of Arunachal Pradesh under the commander of Lt.Col. Absolom alias Rockwang.
On September 26, 2001, Sgt. Yandan Chuba Chang of NSCN (Naga Army) was on his way to a hospital with wife Nyalai Wangsa Chang who was pregnant. On their way, Muivah boys picked Sgt. Chang, Naga Army from Longding town. He was tied and nailed in a crucifixion style and brutally tortured for hours together. His legs and limbs were smashed. Eyes were pulled out of the socket. In another occasion, Muivah's boys cut the genitals of Late Naolai Wangsu alive at Longhua village near Kanubari and hoisted it in a bamboo only because he was working for the NSCN. Such was horrifying, inhuman and barbaric acts of Muivah's boys. And as if it was less, again on September3, 2006, Cpl. Yelim Kongphe (Naga Army) of NSCN married Miss Nyamnyang Ngongpa but unfortunately, that same evening, Muivah's boys led by Sgt. Thingwang picked him from his residence. All his fingers, ears, nose and toes were chopped and he was forced to eat his own chopped meat. Before being finally shot, boots and buts accompanied with bayonets rained on him un-interrupted. The whole of Noklo village witnessed the scene of crime.
Such are the acts of Muivah boys, who by seer violence and spreading a reign of terror among the innocent Nagas of Tirap and Changlang has amass enough wealth and constructed buildings in Ukhrul from the loot and plunder from this twin district. The leaders of this twin district, who were opposed to their nefarious designs, were killed systematically in cold blood, for instances, late Sumlang Tangdong Nocte (Former Circle Officer, District Congress President), Late.Tenang Ramwa Nocte (Youth leader), Late. Chagan Mate Nocte (Public leader), Khonsa village, Late, Wanghua Lowang Nocte (Public leader) of Laptang village, Late Tumlet Lowang Nocte (Public leader) of Khela village. Late Janlung Kongnyu (Public leader) of Lazu village. All these leaders were killed for no fault of theirs. They were the few torchbearers among the Nagas of Tirap and Changlang who were groomed in many years, amidst so many toils and hardship by our people but unfortunately; in no time all were lost.
Whereas on the other hand, a Muivah's boy, Cpl. Nuktin Kiba Ao, from Chuchuyimpang village under Mokokchung district, was captured alive on March 7, 2002 after a gun battle at Honju village in upper Assam bordering Arunachal Pradesh, by the Naga Army, NSCN, but he was later released unharmed and handed over to his parents and village heads after proper medical care on April 5, 2002. He is still alive to narrate the incident. Therefore, do the Naga people still believe these thugs will bring back peace to our people? Do you still believe that the GOI will handover the responsibilities of the Nagas to these 'goondas'? If so, it will be no less than handling a sword in the hand of a monkey. I think in the last 50 years of Naga people's struggle, even our worst enemies might not have committed such heinous crimes against us. But let me assure you that the Naga people will write their own fate and not at the will of a superimposed person. Muivah along with few thugs will not succeed in making the Nagas dance to their tune.
When the entire Naga people wants a unity instead of an infighting, including his president Isak Chishi, who had on January 13, 2007 speech, advocated on peace and reconciliation but it is he and his group of Tangkhul gangsters who had always poisoned the greater mass of Naga with their venom of sinful desires. Muivah must admit his crimes and beg for forgiveness, from the Naga people, for all the wrong doings he and his group of thugs had committed right from the beginning, lest reconciliation will remain a myth forever.
Thirdly, on the demand for changes in the ceasefire-monitoring mechanism by the NSCN-IM, I warn Delhi of doing anything without consulting us. Since both the party had a ceasefire with Delhi, anything doing partially in favour of any party or organization will send a wrong signal which may ultimately result in a spell of fresh bloodbath in allover Nagaland, parts of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pardesh.
The GOI is matured enough and we are hopeful that it will put its pen on the right place.
P. Tikhak, deputy kilonser, Ministry of Information and Publicity, NSCN-K
Is the Indo-Naga peace talk going in the right direction? Waikhom Damodar Singh Sangai Express Contd from last Saturday
So long they are sticking to their very much hypothetical and un-pragmatic demands of ‘disintegration of the indigenous areas’ and ‘sovereignty of their own’ to which the Government of India will never say - OK go head - their peace talk will ever remain as a thing very meaningless and a thing of dreaming for building ‘a castle in the air’. It is in this context, one would like to say without any bias that the ‘Indo-Naga Peace Talk’ is not at all going in the right direction of bringing the desired fruitful solution of keeping a lasting ‘peace’ in the north east region, particularly in consideration of the very undesirable developments latestly come up to the surface, in that the Khaplang group have recently vented out their most venomous and hostile feelings by audaciously announcing that the ‘Tangkhuls are not Nagas and therefore they are to immediately quit Nagaland State’ followed by the very fearful and recent lawlessness incident occurred at Tangkhul colony of Wungram at Dimapur, and also of the stern warnings issued very boldly by the Kuki students of Manipur saying that out of the some 7 lakhs tribal population inhabiting in all the hills of Manipur some 4 lakhs are their people and therefore they are the majority of the tribal population in the hills of Manipur and hence there cannot be any decision taken for any ethnic disintegration and re-drawing of the areas of Manipur as vehemently demanded by the NSCN(IM) group without their due consent and views obtained and making the issue more knotty by the similar warnings issued by Michael Keitana, president of the so called Eastern Naga Students Association based in Nagaland objecting the inclusion of the areas inhabited by the eastern Nagas in the redrawing of the map of a greater Nagaland. — Concluded
Rio staves off dissident threat Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, June 2 – Ending speculation over the fate of the Neiphiu Rio ministry in Nagaland, a majority of ruling Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) legislators today reaffirmed their solidarity behind the Chief Minister even as dissidents staked claim to form an alternative government under the leadership of former cabinet minister Z Obed. At a meeting of NPF legislature party, a major partner in the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government, 26 out of 32 NPF MLAs in the 60-members state Assembly reposed their faith on Rio, asserting that there was no threat to the survival of the present DAN ministry, party sources said. The meeting, held at the residence of the Chief Minister, discussed the latest political development in the state arising out of the move initiated by dissidents and known Rio baiters within the ruling alliance.

Out of 32, six NPF dissidents, including four suspended MLAs, did not turn up for the meeting while two associate members of NPF (independent) out of four were also absent.
The 43-member ruling alliance comprises NPF-32, associate members (independent)-4, BJP-5 and JD(U)-2 while opposition Congress has 17 members in the 60-member Nagaland Assembly.

The NPF legislators meeting also entrusted the party’s disciplinary action committee to take steps against the dissidents who openly revolted against Rio and petitioned the Governor, demanding a change of guard in the ruling alliance, NPF sources said.

Immediately after the meeting, a jubilant Rio went to the Raj Bhavan and apprised Governor K Sankaranarayanan of the development, the Chief Minister’s secretariat said. Earlier in the day, ex-chief secretary and former public health engineering minister in the Rio cabinet Z Obed and former finance minister and known Rio opponent K Therie met the governor and staked claim to form an alternative DAN government, claiming they were supported by 22 MLAs.

Coming out of Raj Bhavan, Obed, who claimed he was the leader of DAN legislature party, told reporters that they still had the support of 16 NPF MLAs, who had petitioned the then Governor in August 2004, demanding a change of guard in the ruling alliance.

Obed, who was dropped during the downsizing exercise by Rio in 2004, claimed that 10 NPF legislators out of the list of 16, who yesterday withdraw their names and reposed faith on Rio, were yet to withdrew their names from the list which was in his possession.

“It is true that the signatures (in the old letter submitted at Raj Bhavan in 2004) were undated by themselves (10 NPF MLAs) and left with me, to be used at an appropriate time. I have no knowledge that they have retracted their signature,” Obed said. About the figure of MLAs with them, both Obed and Therie claimed that it was an internal matter within the ruling alliance where 16 MLAs out of 31, excluding Speaker, were in favour of change of guard.

“If majority MLAs (16 out of 31) demanded replacement of the Chief Minister, Rio has no moral right to continue,” Therie said, claiming they had the support of another six DAN coalition legislators to form an alternative government.
The five BJP legislators have already reposed their faith in the leadership of Rio on Thursday.

Meanwhile, former agriculture minister and JD(U) MLA Huska Sumi today said in a statement that he had submitted a separate memorandum to the Governor highlighting the functioning of the DAN government, particularly the “misuse of funds and corruption”, but he had nothing to do with the demand for seeking replacement of Rio. Coinciding with the dissidence in the ruling alliance, Opposition Congress has demanded intervention of the Raj Bhavan, alleging maladministration of the DAN government in the state.
However, the party said the timing of its demand had nothing to do with the “internal problems in the ruling alliance”.

A party delegation yesterday met the Governor and submitted a memorandum alleging that there was no semblance of administration as the state machineries had been systematically subverted by “anti-social elements” during the past four-and-a-half years of the Rio government. – PTI
Interview with Frans Welman Kuknalim.com
Saturday, June 02
Frans Welman is a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He started out as a clinical psychologist with a preference for cross-cultural psychology. Armed with that inclination, he went on a journey that carried him from West Papua to Peru, and eventually to the doorstep of Nagaland. Jeremy Taylor of Kuknalim.com conducts an interview with Frans Welman ...
... Working in the prominent Dutch anthropological Royal Tropical Museum education department for many years brought the conviction to stand by those indigenous peoples who, due to post-colonial effects, have yet to attain their right to self determination. Frans Welman brings these peoples and environments they live in to light as his never-ending journey continues..

Kuknalim.com: Congratulations on the recent launch of your two new publications and thank you for taking the time for an interview with Kuknalim.com. We are honored to interview you at this significant time of your recent launch of two publications.

The book, Out of Isolation, is a remarkable work to gather testimonies and accounts from Nagas in an attempt to document the volatile history, heritage and conflict of the Naga people.

Kuknalim.com: Can you tell us more about this amazing piece of work?
Mr. Welman: It is really an three part attempt to intersubjectively present the Naga Cultures who happened to have met conflict not initiated by them. First part is about Culture and the misconceptions in terms on how the people of the mountains live, see reality and other people and this includes the term headhunting too, a term attributed to them by the British based on superficial and prejudiced notions from a western European culture.
The second part is Wandering among the Nagas and the stories of Zeliangrong Nagas close to Nagaland State which I sneaked into to visit a Naga Army Camp and report from there.

Then the history in full from British Times via interlude of the Baptists into Indian times and culminating in the second peace talks. Of course after the first one was agreed upon and abrogated the war resumed and the Shillong Accord meant a split in the Naga forces and the fighting amongst themselves began. Then the split deepened the rifts between the Naga more when the K was formed when it broke off of the NSCN.

Kuknalim.com: How long did it take to gather these testimonies and accounts?
Mr. Welman: The unbelievable stories Nagas told and where not verifiable because their land could not be visited. Meetings in the late 1980’s with NNC members who attended a UN meeting in Geneva before coming to Amsterdam. Later followed by high members of the NSCN to become part of UNPO/


Kuknalim.com: Beyond Twilight is an effort to present the Naga struggle from a different angle, written in the form of an intense political thriller.

Can you tell us more about this book?
Mr. Welman: The talks are in a deadlock. As I say in Out of Isolation the elephant tramples the mouse so what actually happens is that an external factor not controllable by India nor the Naga Peoples themselves comes into play and has far reaching effects.
The assassination of a Naga leader leads to all kinds of credible consequences and all characters though fictional are directly linked or based on real life interest in the Indo-Naga conflict.
That interest could be historically linked, dominance linked, or culturally linked. The point is that it will change the situation completely because it evokes the eyes of the world to focus on the conflict. Until the last moment though some things of importance remain unknown.
Kuknalim.com: How long did it take you to complete Beyond Twilight?
Mr. Welman: Once the idea is there it does not take very long. The actual writing took me about two months and I wrestled a month or so on a good idea to end it credibly. After writing the tedious work of rewriting and correcting begins and I am dismayed by the fact that in the print version there are still errors found.
Kuknalim.com: What inspired you to create a political thriller from a 50 year old struggle of the Nagas?
Mr. Welman: As I just indicated the India-Naga conflict is not known but has international responsibilities. So, the underlying motivation to write this is because colonial powers did a sloppy job when they departed from their colonies. Hence some of the characters in the book represent those interests. I am from the Netherlands and the Dutch face a similar situation with a former colony called West Papua in Indonesia. I wrote a non fiction book on that issue but do intend and have in mind a thriller about that too. The title” The Signature".
Kuknalim.com: What are your thoughts on the direction of a greater Nagaland leading to a free ‘Nagalim’ ?
Mr. Welman: To my opinion and considering the historical background there is no Greater Nagaland to speak of. The British referred to the Naga Hills and so the people living there were Nagas to them. So, essentially the Nagas want to be reunified, because they are separated by a border between two nation and beginning with the formation of Nagaland State were further divided by that state, a small part Arunachal and Assam and the Hills of Manipur, so, four states and two countries.
My thoughts on this matter are that during the British times the Nagas were not conquered but a part of their land and the people on it were colonized, two thirds was not. So, how could Britain hand over land and people to an emerging nation when Britain called the areas unadministered areas and the people Free Nagas?
So, I would call it reunification is what the Nagas stand for no expansionist drive they have to rule other, which is what the term Greater Nagaland implies.

Kuknalim.com: You have written other books and made documentaries. Do you have any more publications & documentaries on the Nagas?
Mr. Welman: One in the USA is called the Forbidden Land, the quest for Nagalim. This book tells the tales of three attempts to enter Nagaland, three failed attempts. Only once in Nagaland I was but on the Assam side. The term Nagalim refers to lim as land, but Nagalim means then all of the Naga lands in the Hills and not just Nagaland State.
Kuknalim.com: As “Enter The Forbidden land: The Quest For Nagalim” was your first published book on the Nagas, what was the reactions you received from its readers?
Mr. Welman: Mostly they were relatively positive in the sense that they saw it as an eyeopener for both the conflict and the Nagas are little known in this side of the world. And, when in India this is also but perhaps to a lesser extent true for India. It reads like an adventure story and travel books are en vogue among Europeans with some adventurous nature.
Kuknalim.com: Out of all your extensive travels and background in photojournalism, what has drawn you to the Naga people?Mr. Welman: In two words I reply to this question which I think I have already implicitly answered: the Unique Culture and the Resilience to be able to resist while all odds are against them.
Kuknalim.com: Do you face difficulty to travel to Naga inhabitant areas in India?
Mr. Welman: I cannot come to India anymore for a visa to enter the country is practically impossible for me not obtain now. This is due to the book the Forbidden land in which I show too what happens in the bureaucracy apparatuses when enquiring about reasons why a Remote Area Permit which had been granted cannot be issued. And, when I returned from Dimapur I blasted some Embassy people here for the treatment of the immigration people over there in India and said I thought it ludicrous to restrict foreigners from going into Nagaland. So, teasingly but with a sting I said: next time when in India I will go without permit and with some press around me to document when I am arrested.
Since then the visa application has to go through the Home Ministry. Do you know how the Home Ministry operates?
Kuknalim.com: Can you tell us more about the NISC – Naga International Support Center.
Mr. Welman: The decision to found the NISC has been described in the Forbidden Land, but has to do with the international obscurity of the Nagas and their Naga Hills.
Kuknalim.com: What role does the UNPO play in the Naga struggle?
Mr. Welman: The Nagas by way of the NSCN are a member of UNPO and have been member since 1993. Unpo is a membership organization of Unrepresented Peoples and Nations. East Timor was part of it for instance.
Kuknalim.com: A word of advice for the Naga people
Mr. Welman: I think the Nagas know best what is good for themselves but for a thing or two: fratricide either the sort which is caused by envy or worse by divide and rule imposed by opponents leads to a spiral of aggression with has strong effects on trust. My advice then would be bury the hatchet, stand together an go international. That way India will take the Nagas serious in the talks for peace.
Kuknalim.com: Do you have any comments or suggestions for Kuknalim.com?
Mr. Welman: I have noticed in the chatroom and in the for a that quite a few youngsters seem to have to express themselves in vile ways. Of course chatting in anonymity leads to extreme behavior but I did not realize yet how string the bad feelings run within the Naga Society with youth so utterly despaired but the lack of future prospects. They have known nothing but war and cease fire and then infighting too. Hence the psychological effects on the young Nagas like alcohol drugs and promiscuity are also acts of a dimmed future. This is also the result of a cease fire dragging on for too long.
Kuknalim.com: Thank you for taking the time for us to conduct this interview.
For more information: www.franswelman.nl
Naga International Support Center,
NISC website: www.nagalim.nl

(More publisher information coming soon)
(More publisher information coming soon)

Weapons for Indian rebels sourced from Burma The Morung Express
Imphal, June 3 (Agencies): Weapons sourced from Burma is fuelling insurgency in the northeast regions of India, according to the top brass of the Assam Rifles, India's security force guarding the porous Indo-Burma international border.
Senior officers felt that inflow of a large quantity of arms from neighbouring Burma is helping rebels and allowing terrorism to thrive in the border state of Manipur.
The Assam Rifles which has replaced the Border Security Force along the northeastern front now wants effective policing of the border.
Major General B K Chengapa, Inspector General of Assam Rifles, headquarters (South) based in Manipur's Mantripukhuri sector near Imphal said that the disturbed environment in neighbouring Burma has led to the inflow of arms and drugs to Manipur which in turn, has facilitated insurgency and terrorism in the state.
The General who looks after and supervises his troops deployed at important entry points like Moreh in Chandel district, Kamjong, Kasom Khullen, Huishi and Poi in Ukhrul district and Singhat in Churachandpur district in Manipur expressed his views during the formal inauguration of a newly renovated rehabilitation centre for surrendered Insurgents in Imphal. The rehabilitation centre which was re-opened by the IG in Lamphelpat area near Imphal presently houses around 22 former insurgents belonging to various underground outfits.
The Indo-Burma border is porous and this problem has to be addressed as part of the process of containing insurgency in Manipur, the IG said.
"The Assam Rifles has been given the task of guarding the border here. But unlike the western sector, the border here could not be effectively guarded because of shortage of security forces," he said.
The task of protecting the border would be gradually extended along the 490-kilometre stretch of the Indo-Burma international border.
There are around 20 insurgent groups operating in Manipur according to official reports available here. All the outfits belong to various ethnic communities and their objectives range from "restoring sovereignty" of the region to protecting the interest of their respective ethnic communities. Interestingly there are over 30 ethnic communities settled in Manipur state alone.
As a result over the past couple of years violence and extortion has escalated. It may be worth mentioning here that Oxfam's International report (September 2006 issue) on "India and the arms trade treaty" clearly says that Mandalay in central Burma and its border town Tamu are the birth places of illegal arms smuggling across the porous Indo-Burma border.
In the illegal arms market in Tamu town, a hand grenage costs Rs 600 while a unit of ammunition for automatic weapons costs only Rs 25.The rates charged by gun runners is not very complex and is even known to security forces, the report said. Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force, the Central Reserve police force, Indian reserve police battalion and state forces deployed in the north eastern states have seized approximately 39,000 AK series rifles in the last six years.
Children at war in insurgency zone Nagarealm.com
Heinrich Wolfgang of Germany was kidnapped by activists of Kuki National Army in 2003 when he visited Manipur for inspection while working with an NGO. Wolfgang was in captivity in Manipur jungles for 18 days. After his release, he said what he feared most during captivity was not the unfamiliar environment or wild animals, it was the thought of the rifle in the hands of his guard misfiring. Wolfgang was being guarded by a 14-year-old, whose rifle was taller than him.

Poor children in states like Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir have an umbilical association with insurgency, having been in the face of armed conflict for years now. Pushed into the vortex of an unending armed conflict, child soldiers in these regions fight alongside their grown-up comrades in the thick of battle. Many are indirectly involved with militant groups, used as decoys or scouts to spot movements of security forces, transport ammunition, for money laundering and cooking.

Worldwide figures by Unicef estimate that 2,50,000 children have been recruited as soldiers in various capacities, laid bare to physical and psychological trauma. A report brought out by the International Committee of the Red Cross recently said, "Armed with lethal weapons, plied with alcohol and drugs to incite them to violence and fearlessness, forced into dependence on the group that has recruited them, children become loose canons, a danger to themselves and others."

Though rights activists in India say child soldiers are not as wide a problem here as in some neighbouring countries, they agree it needs to be tackled before it snowballs to proportions in Sri Lanka and Nepal. Activists, however, also add that figures are difficult to establish and any that would be quoted would only be rough estimates.

Talking to TOI on phone from Chhattisgarh’s Jagdalpur district, SP G P Singh related an encounter between police and Naxals about two months back near Dhanora village. "Two girls, about 14 to 15 years old, who were dressed in uniforms were caught. They were not well-trained and hiding in a crevice during the encounter. When we tracked them down, they started crying, thinking they’ll be killed. They said Naxalites had picked them up from school." On investigation, police found that powerless due to their extreme poverty and fear, parents of the girls had not even lodged a complaint of missing persons or kidnapping.

According to the police, Naxalites have a military wing of children called Bal Militia. They indoctrinate children and train them in handling arms. Rebels then use children dressed in school uniforms, so that they do not arouse suspicion, to attack unsuspecting policemen.

"Curiosity, poverty, lack of opportunities and dearth of recreation opportunities, push children into joining rebels. The situation of abnormality has become a part of conflict zones, where there is constant tension because of bandhs and combing," said founder-secretary of Control Arms Foundation of India (CAFI) Binalakshmi Nepram.
"Rebels share the feel of a weapon with kids. They allow them to touch and handle it. A nine or 10 year-old gets attracted and is eventually using weapons for killing people," she added.

According to sources, police usually do not register cases against child soldiers caught during raids or encounters. The reason is they are very young and usually not part of rebel groups voluntarily. However, though the children are returned to their parents, there are no guarantees that they will not be picked up by the rebels again.

About North-East, Nepram, said, "The number of adolescents involved in militancy is growing because they are constantly exposed to violence, death, encounters and loss of parents."

There is no way of ensuring a better chance at life for these children. Official sources said there was neither any policy at the government level nor any official guideline to direct what should be done with child soldiers. Rights activists in Chhattisgarh allege even security forces use children and adolescents as special police officers. A report by Asian Centre for Human Rights said a team visited Bangapal relief camp in the state and interviewed nine minor girls, who were recruited as SPOs. These girls reportedly told the team that they were being trained in fighting tactics.

Officials deny the allegations. "No children have been recruited by security forces. The basic built of tribals and undernourishment makes them look younger," said K P S Gill, ex-security advisor to Chhattisgarh govt. What children who drift towards violence and conflict need is more opportunities to education and recreation. Government policies too must take this alarming trend into account while formulating policies, and encourage villagers to report missing children. [Joyce William John, TOI]

‘People losing democratic rights in BTC’ From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
UDALGURI, June 2 – “People in Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) are losing their democratic rights under Hagrama Mohilary-led BPPF rule. But the public awarness campaign started first at Nalbari playground in Udalguri is enough to prove that people in BTC are now fed up with Hagrama Mohilary.” This was said by UG Brahma, Rajya Sabha MP and adviser of Rabiram-led BPPF, while addressing a mammoth gathering organised by Udalguri district committee of the party with Rabindra Basumatary, its district president in the chair on Thursday at Nalbari playground in Udalguri town.

Referring to the ‘misrule, corruption and exploitation’ being exercised by Hagrama Mohilary-led BPPF, the BPPF adviser demanded holding of VCDC elections in the BTC region at par with the panchayat elections to be held in Assam in October next. “Only then our people will be able to exercise their democratic rights to an extent. He also appealed to all sections of people of BTC region to try to understand the activities of Hagrama-led BPPF.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Rabiram Narzary, party supermo of BPPF appealed to all to bring an end to the ‘jungle raj’ prevailing in BTC region. “People in BTC region are now livin like captives, war prisoners under the gloom of fear and utter insecurity. Let us come forward to finish it,” he added.

The mass rally which was inaugurated by Dilu Sarmah, organising secretary of the party was attended by Hemendra Nath Brahma, vice president, Prodeep Kumar Daimary, vice president, Romeo Daimary, ex-MLA, Bishiram Narzary, ex-EM, Nathuram Boro, ex-MLA among many others and was attended by over 15,000 people from all walks of life. 191 persons from AGP, BJP, Hagrama faction of BPPF and AUDF joined the Rabiram faction of BPPF in the presence of party president on the occasion.

Later, a press release issued by the party vehemently criticised the role of State government and Hagrama Mohilary-led BPPF for conspiring to derail the peace process between NDFB outfit and the Union government. The press release also appealed to all the political parties of Assam as well as the social organisations to rise above the party lines for the greater interest of restoration of peace. The press note also demanded to keep ST reservation on LS seats in BTC region.

The press release issued jointly by Rabiram Narzary and Hemendra Nath Brahma, president and secretary respectively of the party slammed on the ‘wrong policies’ of the present ruling party, saying that decentralisation of power through Sixth Schedule provision has proved an effective mechanism in the constitution but the VCDCS are at present run by an ad-hoc body which are directly and politically appointed by the BTC goverment.” Such practices have turned the system favourable for notorious middlemen”, it observed.

“Earlier, a procession with placards against Hagrama regime was brought out.



Frans on 06.03.07 @ 09:48 PM CST [link]


Saturday, June 2nd

Rebellion in Rio ranks OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Rebellion in Rio ranks OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Kohima, June 1: A militant leader was today caught trying to coerce a Nagaland People’s Front legislator into withdrawing support to chief minister Neiphiu Rio in the official quarters of a Congress MLA.
Over 50 of Rio’s supporters barged into the room of Congress member Nungsang at the MLAs’ Hostel in Kohima when they came to know that a leader of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) was there with NPF legislator Taire Zeliang and trying to make him sign a document. It transpired that the document was a letter withdrawing support from Rio, whose NPF heads the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland.
The chief minister’s supporters would have manhandled the militant leader, A.K. Lungalang, but for the intervention of another NSCN (I-M) functionary, K.K. Angami. A source in the militant group said the issue was “resolved there and then”.
There was, however, no end to the political drama that began a few days ago with some NPF members deciding to challenge Rio’s leadership. The chief minister’s loyalists suspect the Congress of “controlling” the dissident NPF legislators.
“That a member of a militant group was caught threatening Zeliang in a Congress MLA’s room proves the party’s involvement in the conspiracy,” an aide of the chief minister said.
As many as 10 NPF legislators called on Governor K. Sankaranarayan to repose faith in Rio. The trip to Raj Bhavan was ostensibly a reaction to five dissident MLAs claiming that 16 of their NPF colleagues had joined them.
The 10 legislators who are standing by Rio are Kuzholuzo, Nyeiwang Konayk, K. Naiba Konyak, Nkhao Lotha, Hewoto, Yitachu, Kipili, Hukavi, R. Khing and Kaito Aye.
This is the second crisis for the Rio government since it assumed office in 2003. A group of 14 had moved a no-confidence motion against Rio in 2004. All but four of the dissidents — K. Therie, Z. Obed, Vatsu Meru and Talinungsang — changed their minds soon after. The party suspended the recalcitrant quartet.
Sources in the NPF said the same four leaders were now conniving with the Congress to destabilise the government. Party secretary Kath Rengma said the suspended NPF members were also concocting stories to confuse the people.
Earlier in the day, the NPF convened an emergency meeting at the residence of its president, Shurhozelie.
The chief minister’s press secretary, Abu Metha, said there was no threat to Rio and that reports of the challenge to his leadership were “rumours”. But Khutovi Sumi, one of the four Independent legislators in the ruling coalition, said the dissidents were projecting Obed as their chief ministerial candidate.
The other constituents of the ruling alliance are the BJP, Janata Dal (United) and the Samata Party.
Cantonment Buzz The Telegraph


The winners of the pageant flanked by other participants
Talent hunt in army family
The inspector-general of Assam Rifles (North) organised an interactive session for dependants of all ranks.
The idea was to organise welfare activities in order to draw out talents among the family members of Assam Rifles jawans.
Events like fashion shows, tambola, extempore and games were organised at the meet.
Geeta Singh and Rakhi Roy bagged the winner and runner-up crowns respectively in the glittering fashion show — the prime attraction of the event.
Trip to Delhi
A group of 24 children from Nagaland are on a 10-day educational tour of Delhi. The inspector-general of Assam Rifles (North), Brig. H.G.V. Singh, Commander 5 Sector Assam Rifles, has sponsored the trip.
Singh, who flagged off the tour, said the children would return on June 5. The officer said 26 Assam Rifles has been arranging such trips to places of historical and educational interest for children who are part of the Rashtra Bhasha Prachar Samity. A team of junior commissioned officers and jawans has escorted the children as guides.
Toppers feted
Mousumi Hazarika of SMD College, Sudakshina Kalita of Amguri College and Naznin Ahmed of St Joseph School were felicitated by the 2 Mountain Brigade at a function held at Phuleswari Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Sivasagar district for figuring among the top 10 in their board exams.
The function was organised by 316 Field Regiment and 66 Field Regiment.
The toppers were given cash awards and gift hampers by former Sivasagar deputy commissioner K. Diwedi and commanding officer of 66 Field Regiment Col. N. Babu.
Medical camp
The Assam Rifles, on Thursday conducted a free medical camp at Matiyim in Nagaland’s Mokokchung district.
Matiyim, located on the bank of river Tsurong (Desai), is prone to malaria and certain water-borne diseases.
Nearly 250 people, including 45 children, were treated at the camp, which was organised by a medical team under the aegis inspector-general of Assam Rifles (North), who is based in Kohima.
Medicines were also distributed at the end of the camp. Villagers, who had come from various parts of Alongchen and Sahaphumi, requested that more such camps be organised at regular intervals.
NSCN (IM) appeals public on exhortions

Imphal, June 1 (NNN): With the numerous demand letters served to the people from some elements disguising themselves as the NSCN-IM in Bishnupur and Churanchandpur districts, the outfit has urged the people to find out from the mobile phone number 9436210523 so as to ascertain the fact. The NSCN-IM leader who is in-charge of the finance matter in these two Manipur districts informed that fake letter-heads in the name of the outfit have been printed in rampant by some elements and have been collecting taxes in the name of the NSCN-IM.

DAN preparing for the 2nd term: Shurhozelie Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, June 1(NPN): NPF Party President and Planning and Coordination Minister Dr Shürhozelie today claimed that the DAN government would not only complete its full term in office but it was preparing for a second term after the 2008 assembly elections.
Talking to Nagaland Post here today, Dr. Shürhozelie termed the recent reports over demand to oust Neiphiu Rio from chief ministership as "rumors and nothing new" and assured that nothing will happen to the present DAN government.
On the demand for change in leadership, Dr. Shurhozelie pointed out that such a move needed a 2/3 majority and that too, it would not be possible if the party members and the President disagreed. "Change of leadership is not even in our dream" he said brushing it aside and ruled it out even as a "remotest possibility".
He said the list of the dissidents was the same as that of 2004 which did not contain the date but now used to "fool the people", he added.
Dr. Shürhozelie claimed that the only ten legislators which included the opposition leader, four suspended NPF legislators, three Independents and one JD(U) met the Governor on Wednesday evening.
The NPF president accused the dissidents within the NPF of taking advantage of the "liberal attitude" of the party and indicated that the party would "wait and watch" before initiating any action against them.
Dr.Shürhozelie did not specify what the actions would be other than saying that the suspended NPF legislators were all leaders and that if the party initiated any action, it would be the end of their political career.
Rebel MLAs put Nagaland govt in crisis, UG hand evident Newmai News Network

Kohima, June 1: Neiphiu Rio government is in serious trouble.It seems to be true that 22 MLAs from his government had withdrawn their supports to the Rio government. Local media reported that the 22 MLAs from NPF and other Democrartic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government partners are determined to replace Neiphiu Rio from the top post.

Meanwhile,Senior NSCN (IM) leader and former Home Kilonser of the outfit, A. K Lungalang, was today caught in an unenviable predicament when dozens of NPF youth gheraoed him at the MLA Hostel while he had reportedly gone to MLA Tarie Zeliang`s room to `coerce` him to join the band of dissidents against the Neiphiu Rio government.

However, while Tarie, sensing some trouble, fled from his room, Lungalang, who was accosted by the youths, fled into a nearby room in which Congress MLA Nungsang was taking up residence.

Incidentally, Congress leader and MLA, KV Pusa and MLA Medokul were also present in the room when Lungalang took refuge in the room.

When the angry crowd of NPF youths were gheraoing the NSCN (IM) leader and when the situation threatened to take an ugly turn, other senior NSCN (IM) members also intervened.

They, however, clarified that Lungalang was not sent by the outfit`s leaders and that he was there out of his own interests.

However, after the NSCN (IM) leaders assured that the leader would be taken to Dimapur this evening itself and that he would not be allowed to create further trouble, was he allowed to be taken away.

Mention may be made that 22 MLAs from the ruling DAN government of Nagaland had submitted a petition to Nagaland Governor two days back saying that they had withdrawn their supports to Neiphiu Rio as the chief minister.

Chief minister Neiphiu Rio rushed back to Kohima on Thursday from New Delhi on hearing the development. The Nagaland Congress unit has stated that it would lend its support to the dissidents DAN MLAs from outside in the event of the formation of a new government by them.
Is the Indo-Naga peace talk going in the right direction? By Waikhom Damodar Singh Contd from previous issue
However, the then Prime Minister of India, (late) Jawaharlal Nehru vehemently disapproved the move of the few sections of the Naga radicals headed by Phizo with the declaration of the same in the Parliament by describing that such a demand of the Nagas of the Naga Hills District was something ‘unwise, impracticable and unacceptable from all points of views’.
Thus having no other alternative the Nagas under Phizo proclaimed their own “Federal independent sovereign Government” as a ‘de facto Sovereign Government’ on March 22, 1956 as already described at the outset and they began to resort to heavy armed violence on a planned scale by the heavily armed Nagas of the so-called Naga Army who later on came to be known as Naga Hostiles (NHGS).
In order to check the outburst of the armed revolution or uprising so taken place in an unassuming proportion the Indian Army was immediately pressed into action who appropriately and with very heavy hands dealt with the armed uprising and the very alarming and critical situation that had flared up was brought under control.
The stern action taken by the Indian Army forced many revolutionary Nagas to go underground. Phizo himself had escaped out through the jungles of the Mikir hills and Sylhet (erstwhile East Pakistan) and landed in London and lived under the care of Reverend Michael Scott as an English citizen till he died there later on due to prolonged illness.
The subversive activities of the Naga Hostiles then spread in alarming proportion over the areas of the hill districts of Manipur, namely Mao, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel and later on of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh States. However, since the Naga people had underwent many unimaginable hardships and untold sufferings due to the armed uprising, a change in the attitudes of the Naga moderates led by Dr Imkongliba Ao, P Shilu Ao, Jasokie Angami etc soon took place, in that, they preferred to resolve the issue in peaceful manner by immediately giving up the violent activities and their original plan and hypothetical claim of “cessation from India”, and therefore an agreement was arrived at in the larger interest of the Naga people of the Naga Hills district.
The Government of India therefore very leniently granted, as a very special case, the Naga Hills district to the status of another full-fledged state (the 16th) of the Indian Union without giving any consideration of the points of non-viabilities for becoming it a state, particularly the financial aspects. The new State of Nagaland came into existence with effect from 1st December 1963 as was inaugurated by Dr Sarvapalli Radha-krishnan, the former President of India with Shri P Shilu Ao as the first Chief Minister of the State.
Thus, in due course of time the ‘flame of insurgency’ in Nagaland and the revolutionary spirit and feelings of the majority of her people died down to some extent but it continued to escalate and burn rather more vigorously and on a wider scale affecting a large areas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh States, particularly after the emergence of a new group of Naga insurgents under the name of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), who walked out from the NNC organisation pioneered by Phizo as they strongly dissented and firmly opposed the so-called Shillong Peace Accord signed in between the Government and the leaders of the pro-Phizo group of the NNC on November 11, 1976.
The Shillong peace accord had taken place under the initiative of the then combined Governor of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura, Shri Lalan Prassad (LP Singh), a retired ICS officer and formerly Union Home Secretary to the Government of India.
The split revolutionary group under the name of National Socialist Council of Nagaland was formed in 1980 with Issak Swu, a Sumi or Sema Naga, as its Chairman, S.S. Khaplang, a Burmese Homi Naga Tribe and Thuingaleng Muivah, a Tangkhul tribe, born and brought up in Manipur’s Ukhrul district (Somdal village) as the vice-President and the General Secretary respectively as a result of decisions taken in a meeting of the Naga National Council faction held in a place in the border area of Burma sometime in 1975 who sternly rejected the Shillong Peace Accord and had defected from the parent NNC group challenging the further leadership of Phizo and his later-on diverted policy of somewhat succumbing to the submissive tactics adopted by the Government of India.
However dissenting feelings started brewing up soon amongst the top leaders of the factional party on the ground that Issac Swu and Thuinga-leng Muivah were planning to start negotiations for a dialogue for peace with the Government of India within the framework of the Indian Constitution by ousting Khaplang who was surely to oppose the move - it was on this highly suspected ground that a large column of Khaplang’s men attacked Muivah’s group, killing nearly 150 of them in a ‘dawn raid’ launched in a place in the Nagaland-Burma border area - this incident led to a split of the party of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland into two organisations, one known as NSCN(K) group, and another as NSCN(IM) group.
Before the split it was believed that the desires of Issak Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah were only a rumour but the reality of their secret move had subsequently been proved correct as they had met later on the Prime Minister of India, namely, PV Narashimha Rao, first in Paris and later on in New York in 1995, HD Deve Gowda in Zurich in February 1997, Atal Behari Vajpayee in Tokyo in 2002, and they had since been carrying out the so called ‘Indo-Naga Peace Talk’ saying that the process so taken up by both sides aim to keep a permanent ‘Peace’ in Nagaland and its adjoining States of Manipur, Assam and Aruna-chal Pradesh.
So far so good, well done! all will say most heartily to the NSCN (IM) group for their coming to good senses now, particularly to Muivah for his initiatives taken in this regard as the General Secretary of the organisation showing now all the good gestures though a pretty long time have been wasted during which heavy bloodshed and loss of many precious and innocent lives had occurred.
But what is not appreciated is about their very arrogant and adamant stand on a very much ‘communally coloured’ move for building up a domain for a people of very much heterogenous ‘conglomeration’ under the coverage of rather a very superficial, non-indigenous or non-original and unnatural ‘appellation’ of very recent origin called ‘Nagas’ (a Sobriquet - sobriqay - an assumed name originated from Assamese word ‘Noka-Manu’ meaning hill-man which came into application only from the time of British rule in India) by disintegrating the very natural and indigenous areas of the north east region of India and Burma.
— To be contd
For insurgents in Manipur, violence is business The Morung Express
Imphal, June 1 (ANI): People of Manipur have realised that insurgency is convenient excuse for those involved in it to make money. Distressed at the insurgents’ devious ways, Manipuris have sought an end to the violence against innocent civilians.
People have realised that militants are continuing with their activities with no noble aims, but are indulging in violence only to collect money. In fact they are earning more than the law abiding citizens. Traders are tired of paying money to the militants. ‘We do not make much profit in our business. We have to spend a substantial amount in transportation of our goods. What is left after selling them is hardly enough to run a home,’ said Shormilla, a trader. Shutdowns and blockades have become frequent in the State. Life virtually comes to a standstill and businessmen have to keep their establishments closed. Supply of commodities too gets disrupted.
Poor families, who are dependent on daily wages, are affected badly. Ibobi, a rickshaw puller, said: ‘I earn around 50 to 100 rupees per day, but when there is a shutdown, I go home without any earning’.
Transporters have been demanding complete freedom from insurgency and their gun culture. The Transporters and Drivers Council of Manipur called for a two-day shutdown on May 13-14 to demand an end to extortion and illegal demands made by militant groups.
Samarjit, a bus driver, said: ‘These days, we are facing a lot of problems. The underground groups are demanding so much money, that we don’t feel like working. If the situation continues like this, we will be ruined.’
‘We have suffered a lot at the hands of militancy. There are so many underground groups who keep demanding money time and again’, said Sangbad, a transport company owner. Imphal’s Inter State Bus Terminus connects Manipur with the neighbouring states. If the bus terminus is closed, it not only affects the movements of people, but also affects the transport of vegetables and local products. ‘Most of the passengers, especially women vendors, depend on transport for their livelihood. If the transporters refuse to ply vehicles, then the passengers and vendors have to suffer. In this way, militants are snatching away the livelihood,’ a Government official said.
Many development projects in the State have been stalled due to threats from insurgent groups.
Militancy is eating into Manipur’s economy. People want development, but the militants are keeping the State poor and backward.
9 killed in Manipur as violence peaks The Morung Express
Imphal, June 1 (Agencies): At least nine people, including a paramilitary trooper, were killed in separate insurgency-related violence in Manipur even as security forces in strength have been deployed in vulnerable areas, officials said Friday.
A police spokesman said three volunteers of the Anti-Narcotic and Drug Organisation (ANDO), a non-governmental group spearheading a campaign to eliminate drug abuse in the state, were shot dead Thursday near Wangoi in Imphal West district, close to state capital Imphal.
'Unidentified militants shot at the three ANDO workers from close range. Two of them were killed near the magistrate's office complex in Wangoi and another was shot dead a little further by the same rebels on motorcycle,' police official B. Singh said. The immediate provocation for the killing of the three anti-drugs workers was not known. 'This is a highly condemnable incident as these three men who were killed were involved in working towards ending the drug menace in the state,' Naorem Mema, ANDO president, told a news agency. The problem of drug abuse in the state is very serious. Manipur lies on the heroin producing 'golden triangle' of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and independent estimates have put the number of regular injectable drug users, a key cause of HIV infection in the state, at close to 200,000.
In another incident, a trooper of the Manipur Rifles was killed in an encounter Thursday with the rebels of the outlawed Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) near village Gapizang in Senapati district, about 80 km from Imphal. 'A posse of Manipur Rifles was on way to a Gapizang area to conduct a raid following reports of rebel movement. The militants fired at the soldiers from a hilltop killing one trooper on the spot,' the police official said.
Militants of the Kuki National Front (KNF) shot dead five of its cadre Thursday for allegedly deserting their camps with weapons. 'The five were executed for fleeing the camp with weapons. We have recovered all the weapons,' Gebron Kuki, a spokesman of the KNF, said in a statement Friday. Both the KRA and the KNF are fighting for independent homeland for the minority Kuki tribe in Manipur, bordering Myanmar.
'We have intensified security in all vulnerable areas,' the police official said.
There are some 19-odd-rebel groups active in Manipur demands of which range from secession to autonomy to right to self-determination. More than 10,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Manipur, bordering Myanmar, during the past two decades.
4 KYKL cadres, 1 PULF man killed AR guns down 5 ahead of by-polls
By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
Imphal, Jun 1 : Assam Rifles have intensified its counter insurgency operation in the State killing at least five rebels in two separate encounters one day ahead of by-election to Khangabok and Khundrakpam Assembly Constituencies.
While three alleged cadres of the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) were killed at Kasom village in Ukhrul district another suspected member of PULF outfit was gunned down last evening.
AR spokesman Col LM Pant said acting on a tip off about presence of underground cadres, troops of 1 Assam Rifles posted at Kasom in Ukhrul district conducted an operation at Manthuram village towards Myanmar border on Thursday night.
During the operation some underground cadres fired upon the troops around 6.15pm and in the retaliatory action three cadres of KYKL were killed, he said.
Two AK 56 rifles and 240 live rounds were recovered from the slain cadres whose identities are yet to be ascertained, the spokesman said adding that the bodies have been handed over to Kasom Khullen police station.
In another encounter a top activist of the proscribed People’s United Liberation Front (PULF) was gunned down by Assam Rifles personnel during a shoot out at Arapti Lamkhai under Lilong Police Station at around 10.25 pm yesterday. Another activist who came along with the slain person managed to escape on a motor cycle.
The slain activist has been identified as Md Zakir (32) s/o Md Fadi Jaman of Lilong Chingjao. He was holding the rank of a corporal in the outfit.
In a statement, PRO of Assam Rifles said that troops of 32 Assam Rifles laid an ambush at Lilong yesterday. At about 10.30 pm two persons on a motor cycle came towards NH-39 and on being challenged to stop, they tried to escape with the pillion driver firing at the troops, said the PRO and added that in retaliatory firing one of them was killed. According to reports, following a special tipoff on the movement of underground activists in the area, troopers of 32 Assam Rifles stationed next to Lilong Police Station led by its own post commander VC Sharma were lying in wait when they spotted two motor cycle borne youths coming along in a suspicious manner.
When signalled to stop, the pillion rider suddenly fired at the security personnel. The AR troopers also retaliated the firing and killed the youth. One AK-56 rifles, two magazines, 12 live rounds of ammunition, six empty cases of bullets, one Indian made hand grenade, one tooth brush, one bottle of Ayush hair oil and one Ponds powder have also been reportedly recovered from the possession of the slain activist. The slain cadre is identified as slain Md Zakir belonged to PULF (Omar) group. He was a married family man having two kids.There were many fatal bullet marks all over his body. Post mortem of the body was conducted at Lilong PHC and later handed over the same to his family members.

When Britannia waves sank Manipur : A genesis By Donn Morgan Kipgen Sangai Express
When the British East India Company (EIC) was regally proclaimed as a public trading institution on behalf of the expanding British imperialism in 1600 AD by the young Virgin Queen, Her Majesty Elizabeth Tudor I, the Kingdom of Manipur was at her height socio-politico-militarily. Like the feudal Scottish, the Chiefs of the hill areas were not vassals nor legal allies at that particular time period.
However, by the 18th Century AD, there had been close relationship between the King of Manipur and some powerful Kuki chiefs socio-militarily. The Thadou-Kukis were the vanguard and strike arms of the Royal Manipuri Ar-my in all punitive or military campaigns led by the rulers of Manipur when it came to all hill areas; the after-effects of which adventures still resounded upto this day. And two important events were connected to the disastrous Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, which eventually en-ded Manipur sovereignty.
In 1856, Maharaja Chandrakirti, on the advice of the then Political Agent Col McCulloch, organised a hasty military expedition to subdue the Thadou warriors of Molben who were on war path. Led by the King himself, the royal forces were assisted by around 1000 friendly Suhte warriors sent by the Chief of Sangnao camped at an open river bank without Recee patrols and defence stockades. When Chief of Molbem led 2000 Thadou musketeers made a swift 3-pronged attacks, the fleeing Army left behind their own Maharaja stranded along with few Suhte warriors under one Chongja. Earlier, the Thadou commander asked the Suhtes to remain neutral these particular warpaths were being launched to avenge the treacherous assassinations of two Thadou-Kukis principal envoys by the Maharaja’s brother-in-law at the Manipur Durbar, despite being given assurance and safe-passage at the invitation of Col. McCulloch- just like the killing of Mr Quiton and 4 British officers in the Royal Durbar at Fort Kangla in 1891. Coming back to the deserted Maharaja Chandrakirti at the mercy of the enraged Molbem Thadou warriors, a brave Suhte-Kuki commander fired off his musket round and asked the Thadou warriors to kill him, i.e. Chongja, who stood bravely as a human shield, first and then only after kill the unprotected Maharaja. Because of this supreme act of courage and loyalty shown by Chongja, both of them were spared by the equally courageous and Chivalrous Thadou-Kuki Chief of Molbem. In gratitude and honour of these chivalrous acts by both sides, the Maharaja of Manipur changed the existing Law of Manipuri Successorship to that of the Kukis, i.e direct successorship to the throne by the eldest son thenceforth and not by the youngest son.
That relatively new Royal Decree of Succession virtually sowed the seeds of the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891 when the Maharaja Surchandra Singh went to Calcutta to meet higher British authorities for his rightful re-instatement as sole Sovereign ruler. A war of successionship had earlier erupted with 3 qualified pretenders which proved to be gift in horse mouth with silver spoon for the British politico-military administrators which automatically opened a peaceful doors to meddle with in the princely State administration. That’s exactly how the Britishers dictated terms in Manipur Royal Court with full authority, in a divided house. When Raja Surchandra was officially recognised as a loyal sovereign by the British, the Royal Durbar military attache took a disastrously undue advantage with lust for absolute powers without a battle-trained regular standing army brigade. So, when the political agents, Mr Quinton, Mr Grimwood with 3 British officers went into Fort Kangla on second attempt for a last ditch diplomatic parleys/negotiation on the intervening night of 23rd/24th March, 1891, they were all killed treacherously in fit of anger. With the advises of Thangal Major and Paona Major, Maharaja Surchandra Singh declared a State of War immediately. The nearest British military post under one Jamadar Birbal Nagarkoti at Langthabal were under the impression that the 5 British officials were take as hostage and were still alive. In order to ‘rescue the hostages’, Jamadar Nagarkoti and his 34 Gorkha Riflemen decided to inform the British army Hq at Tammu at the double for reinforced rescue mission. The Gorkha rifle platoon of the 43rd Regt managed to reach Tammu in 2 days period of forced March by eluding the Manipuri outposts at Pallel and Tengnoupal, an outstanding military feat. This started another astoundingly majestic military exploits, a 40 hand-picked rescue party led by a young British sub-attern of the Madras Regt along with another 40 Gorkhas of 43rd Regt. With specific order from Maj Gen Stewart (not related to Lt. Stewart of the British 22nd Regt), out marched the real military doomsday 80-man party for the Kingdom of Manipur, the beginning of the end, on 27th March 1891. This light and lightning composite company was armed with 40 Snider rifles and 40 Henry-Martini rifles, with just 100 Rds and 50 rounds each respectively. But they were on course with a tryst with outstanding victories in sharp skirmishes and the most decisive victory at the Battle of Thoubal Athokpam with almost 1:10 numerical ratio disadvantage which earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest gallantry award in the British Empire and, of course, the title ‘Hero of Thoubal’ as dubbed by the British media back home in England. This young veteran British Army officer and his tiny 80 men ‘rescue company’ routed, defeated and disorganised about 50% of the regular Manipuri Royal Army, about 800 men who were badly needed and missed at the Khongjom battlefield. It is quite strange this famous Battle of Thoubal Athokpam, March 1891, has still been kept aside by local and contemporary historians despite the fact that it was militarily, tactically and psychologically more decisive than the sharp but short Battle of Khongjom during the Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891.
Who was this real hero of the 1891 war? It was none other than Lt. Grant, Madras Regt, the son of Lt Gen Douglas Grant of the Indian staff corps, London Hq. Contrary to an account written by a local historian, Lt. Gen D Gant was not one of the General officers who took part in the Anglo-Manipuri war, nor was he involved in any part of that war, it was only his brave son, Lt. Grant (VC) of Thoubal fame who arguably changed the course of Manipur history. A Sandhurst graduate, Lt. Grant was commissioned into the British 12th Regt i.e The Suffolk Regt (renamed: The Royal Anglian Regt) in 1882 during the Anglo-Burmese war where he was seriously wounded and sent back home. But with indomitable mental and physical fighting spirit, he returned hale and hearty to India and joined the Madras Regt (102nd Regt) 1890 at its formation. Lt. Grant earlier spent his military career in England and Ireland. However, it was in Manipur where his biggest fortune, luck and fame awaited him in the form of three smashing victories, including the Battle of Thoubal Athokpam and the sharp battle at Tomjing Hillocks against all odds. His 80-man army first routed and overran the Pallel Garrison manned, rather unmanly, by 200 Manipuri regular army.
Pursued over 3 miles distance 3 Manipuris were captured, which gave them valuable information, one of them being the bat-man of Aprai Major. Here he was shocked to learn the death of 5 British officers at Fort Kangla but he still marched on undaunted for punitive operations. On the night of 30th March, he marched towards Thoubal-Athokpam where 800 Manipuri soldiers under Chongtha Major awaited them but without any intelligence reports of the size and fire-power of Lt. Grant’s men. A swift skirmish ensued wherein Lt. Grant’s 80-man army smashed their way through the Manipuris’ 800 men formation. Over 20 Manipuri fallen soldiers were left behind. The remaining Manipuri regrouped with reserve forces having mountain guns at Tomjing Hillock, about 500-600 soldiers. Surprisingly, the Manipuri commander sent a parley-message that both sides could peacefully disengaged if wanted. With depleted ammunition and few minor casualties, Lt Grant stoutly refused the offer, happily realising that the Manipuri commanders had no idea of his exact strength and boldly took them on with smashing victories. Defeated, disorganised and demoralised, these Manipuris soldiers were not available as military and numerically required during the short but decisive Battle of Khongjom. Had it not been for the dashing Lt Gant of Thoubal fame, things would be quite different during Battle of Khongjom. More interestingly, the Kuki Chiefs refused to take part in that war because of the treacherous killings of two Kuki Chiefs’ envoy at the Royal Durbar not so long ago and the Kukis really realised the overwhelming strength and avenging purpose of that mighty British military campaign. For the record, Lt Grant miraculously survived a neck shot during the Battle of Khongjom and was promoted to the rank of Major for his smashing and brilliant military achievements. His place in military world history is on par with Arthur Wellesley of Waterloo, Wingate of Burma, Lawrence of Arabia, Rommel of North Africa, Alexander of Macedonia, Lt. Stewart of Manipur Hills etc amongst hosts of military geniuses.

A failed State Sangai Express Editorial
By any standard or definition, Manipur aptly fits the bill of a Failed State, where everything has gone to the dogs and the presence of numerous pressure groups, each working under their own agenda has only made things worse. Ever since Manipur attained Statehood way back in 1972, it has been a tale of misgovernance and misadventure with successive Governments failing to deliver the goods. While it is difficult to exactly pin point one reason for the ills afflicting the State, it would not be wrong to say that the chief factor behind all the ills that we see today is because of the failure of the Government to function effectively. Today governance has come to mean serving the interest of only the political class and the Babus in Government Departments while the common people have been left to their fate to fend themselves. Seen against this backdrop, we may safely conclude that the mushrooming of so many pressure groups based on ethnicity is due to the failure of the Government to govern. Delhi and Mumbai may gloat over the economic progress it has made since India opened its economy in the 90s and the job market in the private sector may be booming with the Sensex surging ahead, but Manipur continues to slide back and sink deeper into the morass of helplessness. The worst hit in such a situation is undoubtedly the common people who have no clout or the muscle and money power to assert themselves. In fact the common people today have become the football of everyone's opinion, the Government's, the numerous pressure groups, the moral policemen etc. To top this, the people too have to cope with the numerous bandhs and economic blockades, for which Manipur is now infamous today.
What are the solutions to all the ills afflicting Manipur today is then the question that ought to have been asked and worked upon by the political leadership of the State a long, long time back. It is something of a tragedy that instead of working towards a solution to ease the suffering of the people, it is the political leadership which is today regarded as the chief mischief makers and there is nothing to smile over this. Forget about the facilities being offered by the 21st century, even the most basic of needs are seen as something of a luxury here. There is load shedding through out the year and the situation has been going from bad to worse. Health care is at best available only at Imphal. The same is the case with primary education. With each power player dipping their fingers in the pie that the State receives as doles from New Delhi, there is no way responsibility can be fixed and what we see today is the blame game between these power players. Indeed the situation is such that today in Manipur, there is nothing to differentiate between donation and coerced donation. Everything comes with a price, but the price that the people of Manipur have been paying all these years could have been avoided easily if only some sincere efforts are made.

Frans on 06.02.07 @ 03:01 PM CST [link]


Friday, June 1st

Nagaland meeting to review migrant status OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Nagaland meeting to review migrant status OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, May 31: The Mokokchung deputy commissioner Abhishek Singh today convened a meeting of apex Ao tribal organisations to take stock of the influx of migrants in Mokokchung district from Assam.
The Ao Students’ Conference told The Telegraph that the meeting today discussed the issue in detail with the Ao Senden (Ao Hoho), Ao Students’ Conference, Ao Women’s Organisation and several other organisations.
The problem of illegal migrants, especially those from Bangladesh, is becoming a threat not only for Mokokchung but also for Nagaland and India as a whole. Thus, the problem needs to be addressed by the district administration in a holistic manner.
The members called for the administration to work out a procedure in which such elements can be controlled. It was resolved that the district administration would review the system of issuing inner-line permits (ILPs) to all migrants and take the help of NGOs and the public as well.
In view of the decisions taken at the meeting, a number of guidelines were given for the issue of ILPs in Mokokchung district.
No individual in Mokokchung will henceforth be allowed to sponsor more than five persons for an ILP.
In case someone stands guarantor for more than five persons, the deputy commissioner himself will examine the case. It will be mandatory to maintain photographs and the full address of guarantors in the records being maintained in the ILP office and the genuineness of the guarantor will be randomly checked every month.
In case any person is found concealing facts or withholding relevant information from the authorities, strict legal action will be taken, apart from cancellation of the permits issued.
Strict checking of all ILPs and associated documents will be done before renewal or issue of new ILPs. All doubtful cases will be referred to the Mokokchung deputy commissioner. The Mokokchung Municipal Council will ensure that the tendency of Bionomic Trade Permit is restricted and the practice of dummy businessmen running their own business with trade permits in any other person’s name will be curbed.
The office of the superintendent of police will compile the number of ILP holders entering and living in Mokokchung and submit it to the deputy commissioner’s office every month so that the records can be checked and compared.
Mobile ILP boards will be organised more frequently to ensure better compliance with rules. Businessmen will be encouraged to employ local people as far as possible.
Manipur militancy blame on Myanmar - Officer points to flow of arms & drugs OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph



Maj. Gen. B.K. Chengapa speaks to surrendered militants at the inauguration of a rehabilitation centre in Imphal West on Thursday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Imphal, May 31: Illicit flow of weapons from Myanmar is fuelling Manipur’s insurgency, according to Assam Rifles inspector-general (south) Maj. Gen. B.K. Chengapa here today.
The general said inflow of a large quantity of arms from neighbouring Myanmar had helped “insurgency and terrorism” thrive in Manipur. He called for ensuring effective policing of the international border.
“The disturbed environment in our neighbour (Myanmar) has led to the inflow of arms and drugs to Manipur, which, in turn, facilitated insurgency and terrorism in the state,” the senior Assam Rifles official said while opening a renovated rehabilitation centre for surrendered militants here today.
The general pointed out that the Indo-Myanmar border was porous and this problem has to be addressed as a part of the process of combating militancy in Manipur.
“The Assam Rifles has already been given the task of guarding the border here in Manipur. But unlike the western sector, here the border could not be effectively guarded because of a shortage of security strength,” Gen. Chengapa said.
He, however, expressed the hope that the task of protecting the border would be gradually extended along the 500-km-plus international border.
According to the Manipur government’s records, more than 20 militant groups are currently operating in the state. The insurgent outfits belong to various ethnic groups and the goals range from “restoring the sovereignty” of Manipur to protecting the interests of ethnic communities.
Stating that the internal security environment in Manipur has deteriorated further over the past few years as a result of escalating violence and extortion, Gen. Chengapa called for a major, comprehensive initiative to bring “misguided” youths to the national mainstream. He praised the surrender policy announced by the Ibobi Singh government as a step towards mitigating insurgency and helping militants return to normal life. The general added that renovation of the rehabilitation centre was a small contribution from the Assam Rifles supplementing the government’s efforts to resettle the former rebels.
The rehabilitation centre, located at Lamphel in Imphal West, currently houses 22 former rebels belonging to various militant outfits, including the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), United National Liberation Front, Peoples Liberation Army and the Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak.
The Assam Rifles has opened a computer training centre and will also impart driving lessons and training in tailoring to former insurgents.
Assam Police committed unprovoked murder of Naga villager – Eyewitnesses The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 31 (MExN): The killing of the Naga villager Tuesday by personnel of Assam Police in Anaki ‘C’ village, Mokokchung, was without provocation, eyewitnesses informed. The person, S Alemmongba was slapped without any reason, pushed to the ground and then shot in the back with an AK assault rifle.
SADISTIC INDULGENCE... Seen here is the dead body of S Alemmongba who was murdered by Assam police Tuesday. He was pushed to the ground and shot in the back. The picture was received from villagers wishing to highlight the plight of Naga villagers suffering in the hands of rogue Assam policemen. This graphic image is being reproduced only after consultation within The Morung Express.
Three women from Anaki ‘C’ village had gone to work in a paddy field adjoining a tea garden where Alemmongba was in-charge of the laborers. The eyewitnesses said personnel of the Assam Police, numbering about seventeen or eighteen, entered the garden and accosted the victim. Without any reason or provocation, he was slapped a couple of times, pushed to the ground from behind and shot twice in the back by the Assam policemen. After shooting the victim dead, the policemen fled the scene, chased by those women working in the fields.
It is confirmed by the district’s police that the victim was shot dead with a Kalashnikov. Two empty casings of bullets at the murder scene confirmed this, it was informed. The whole gory murder incident took place late afternoon around 2 pm. Anaki ‘C’ village borders Assam.
It was also informed that the victim was earlier taken into custody, along with four other persons by the Assam police in the month of February. They were kept in custody for a night and later released. The murder committed by the Assam Policemen is observed as an unprovoked, sadistic indulgence.
Harassment of Naga villagers by personnel of the Assam Police is not a new thing, eyewitness accounts made clear. They often march into the area without warning or warrant and harass the Naga villagers, the area’s people said.
Rio ministry in trouble The Morung Express
22 DAN MLAs petition Governor withdrawing support Morung Express News
Dimapur With Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio away attending the meeting of the National Development Council in New Delhi, serious trouble awaits the survival of the DAN ministry headed by him as twenty two DAN MLAs have reportedly signed a letter withdrawing support to Rio’s government. According to reliable sources, the letter expressing ‘no confidence’ has been submitted to Governor K. Sankaranarayanan yesterday evening even as speculations were doing the rounds for some time now of an impending fall of the Rio Ministry. At the time of filing this news report, Rio rushed to the State Capital. Interestingly, he was accompanied by the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly who is reported to have returned from a trip abroad.
According to sources, of the 22 DAN MLAs, 17 are from the ruling NPF while two are from the JD (U) and three Independents. However this sudden development has now led to complete uncertainty of the political situation with various factors coming into play. The Governor it has been reported is likely to ‘wait and watch’ before deciding on his next move. As per the situation, the ball is now in the court of the Speaker who has to ascertain on whether the NPF MLAs in particular will come under the preview of the Anti-Defection Law. According to the arithmetic of the numbers now available with this daily, the seventeen NPF MLAs stand to be automatically disqualified because the number with this breakaway group falls short under the new Anti-Defection Law, which is two-thirds of the official thirty-two member NPF Legislative Party. However, the new law while disallowing ‘splits’ has left the question of ‘mergers’ untouched.

Raj Bhavan Kohima is reportedly closely watching the next move of the Speaker and if the latter disqualifies the breakaway NPF MLAs, the Governor according to reliable sources is likely to impose President’s Rule. However, inside sources within the political establishment, disclosed to The Morung Express that the Speaker has been cautioned ‘not to take this step’ in order to avoid imposition of Central Rule. Sources said that the dissident group may end up forming the government with support from the Congress if in case Central Rule is avoided.
Whatever is the developing situation, political sources disclosed that the Rio government will not last this time and that there is only two possibilities i.e. either Presidents Rule or the dissident group forming the next government with Congress support.
It may be mentioned that as per the new Anti-Defection Law henceforth, any MLA or group of MLAs who “split” a party lose the membership of the House they belong to. They come within the purview of disqualification based on defection. While political commentators and jurists believe that this will put an end to the menace of defections, retail and wholesale. However, the problem is far from over because the Constitution (91st Amendment) Act has left paragraph four of the Anti-Defection Law dealing with mergers untouched. Paragraph four says a member or members of a political party can merge their party with another party or members of two political parties can merge to form another political party. The only requirement here is that the merger will be “deemed to have taken place if, and only if, not less than two-thirds of the members of the legislature party concerned have agreed to such merger”. In other words, in the earlier scheme of things, one-third of a legislature party could break away to form a separate group. Now, two-thirds of the legislature party can get together and “merge” their party with another party or form a new party along with members of another party. In short, earlier you needed one-third to “split” a party, now you need two-thirds to “merge” your party with another.
The big question now is whether the breakaway DAN MLAs including the seventeen NPF MLAs will be able to forward their case convincingly to the Speaker after which the ball will enter Raj Bhavan for the Governor to take the next logical step. Either way the Rio Ministry is in serious trouble.
BJP reaffirms support to Rio
Kohima, May 31, (NEPS): The BJP Legislature Party Nagaland (BJPLPN) has reaffirmed its faith and confidence on the leadership of DAN Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. In an emergency meeting of the BJPLPN held today at the residence of Dr TM Lotha, the leader of BJPLPN, it has resolved that the party would remain committed to the DAN and would continue to work for the overall development of the State.
Appealing to the people of Nagaland not to be disturbed by the misinformation of the latest political development, Dr Lotha in a statement asked the people of Nagaland to instead continue their support to the DAN Government as it was committed to “bring about the overall development and to work for the negotiated settlement to the ongoing Naga political issue.” The BJPLPN felt that any leader whosoever indulging for the instability of the DAN Government at this juncture would amount to going against the wishes of the people.
Congress in touch with dissidents DIMAPUR, MAY 31 (MExN): The 22 DAN legislators are still yet to make a formal request to the Congress party for support. ‘They have not formally approached us for support. They will not need our support for the no-confidence representation. They will do on their own. But we are in touch. CLP leader I. Imkong said when contacted over the recent political development. Congress supports the move “if that is the actual case”, he said
Imkong confirmed that he was informed that the legislators had met with the Governor already and made the submission. He however expressed cognizance of “the names” who had submitted the letter withdrawing support to the Chief Ministry.
They can always have Congress support when approached. We are willing to support anyone willing to take down the DAN government, Imkong said.
When contacted, NPCC President Hokheto Sumi said “We will not interfere because it is their (the 22 dissident DAN legislators) game. It is purely their game.” He said that at the moment he did not have “much Idea” about the move of the 22 DAN legislators and refused to talk anymore.
Literally all of the Ministers of DAN had their phones switched off. MLAs and party functionaries of the NPF likewise remained muted in their response. The few who could be contacted flatly said “no comment” and kept their phones down.
Meanwhile, according to earlier information received a meeting of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Executive Committee will take place on June 1 at Congress Bhavan, Kohima at 11 am.
Naga Vigil warns Timothy Kaping The Morung Express
• Sir – When we are guests in a foreign land we should exercise some degree of humility because it is easy to resort to blind firing when one is out of range of the home front. This is simply a case of smoke without fire and empty vessels making most noise. Your colours have been clearly noted and you can easily be taken to task here in the United Kingdom by the powers that be. If you are here in the status of student then you should limit yourself to this activity and not act as the propaganda wing of the NSCN-IM under the guise of the non existent Naga Solidarity Group, for which there is no e-mail, contact address etc. It is a simple enough exercise to trace you and if you are a combatant then go home and have the courage to put on a uniform and fight. Making antagonistic remarks to national workers at home from the safety of the United Kingdom are the actions of a coward. I am personally ready to meet you at any time or place of your choosing if you wish to take the matter up with me or further debate any subject regarding eastern Nagas.
Yours Sincerely in the Vigil
David P. Ward NVHRG (UK) Phone: 0797 406 9378 nvhrg@hotmail.com">nvhrg@hotmail.com
FAKE NAGA VIGIL

The letter written by one David P Ward of the so-called Naga Vigil Human Rights Group (UK) in the Morung Express on 1 June 2007 caught my attention. The letter is rather silly and amply demonstrates the sorry nature of the writer. But, as a Naga, I am not afraid of him and his unwarranted warning.

This is not the first time that Ward had made known his antagonism to the Naga people. I remember his many criticisms against the NSCN and its leaders way back in the 1990s and later. Some years ago the Bangkok office engaged him in the media and exposed his uselessness and that silenced him for long.

I saw him once inside the UN building in Geneva. He came there but, unlike most of the NGO representatives, he did not present any paper. So, what was his motive in coming to the UN gathering and loitering around in the lobby for days? That time NSCN Chairman Swu was secretly warned by western supporters of a threat to his personal security and he could not deliver his message in person. One lady told me that a few years before that many representatives of the Southeast Himalayan region and other places felt humiliated by the way this Ward was dictating the Chairman of the K group as to whom he should meet and for how long etc. as if Khaplang was a kid of yesterday. Khaplang being a Naga, we all feel very insulted when he allowed himself to be treated that way by one ordinary Scot.

Last year Nagalim delegates were invited by the British parliamentarians and they successfully told the story of the Naga Nation inside the British Parliament. Immediately, as if he owns Great Britain, Ward (who was not even invited to the meeting) haughtily boasted that he would disallow the Nagas from entering Britain and that all the Naga international support groups in Europe would be kicked out. Since Ward’s bragging, by the grace of our living God who loves the Naga Nation we prayed and happily established the NSG (UK) and from time to time it had played host to Naga brothers who visited England. Naga support groups in continental Europe either ignored him or said: “We checked Ward’s so-called Naga Vigil and found that it is not even registered, whereas we are officially registered”.

As to Ward’s threat “Your colours have been clearly noted and you can easily be taken to task here in the United Kingdom by the powers that be“, I wish to tell him that I openly work for the suffering people of Nagalim through the Parliamentarians for National Self Determination (PNSD) and there are many British MPs (including from Scotland) who know of our official position and presence. Also, Ward should understand that Nagas are not cowards. It is our dedication to our right to self-determination and bravery which, in spite of the overwhelming attendance of threats and killings perpetrated by the occupation forces and people like him, is keeping the national liberation movement alive and well. Also, kindly note that the PNSD knows well that the NSG (UK) is an independent body.

And, yes, kindly stop collecting donations in the name of the Nagas; we are not beggars.

In the first place, I have not uttered a word against you. Secondly, our perceptions of things are quite different from one another. Thirdly, fully knowing your antagonism towards the national salvation of the Naga people, I have no intention whatsoever to see you or engage in meaningless debate with you. Lastly, I am a Naga and therefore please do not teach me about the Naga people. Also, don’t disturb me; I have a family to feed and there are good works to do for Nagalim citizens. If you want any information about the NSG (UK) for a good purpose, do kindly contact the PNSD office in London.

KUKNALIM
Professor Timothy Kaping President, Naga Support Group United Kingdom
Minister Shurhozelie inagurates the Global Open University Kuknalim.com

WOKHA Minister for Higher Education, Shürhozelie inaugurated the Global Open University at Wokha on 31st May 2007 as the Chief Guest.

In his inaugural speech, Shürhozelie said education is vital for social development and so is higher education for higher level of development and achievement. He spoke on the successful implementation of communitisation of public institutions in the state, which was put in place by the present Government, adding that many village communities have found great interest in managing their schools.

Shürhozelie said that it has become essential to provide vocational and professional education to our students and opening up more education opportunities, which culminated in the establishment of two private state universities in 2006, namely the Global Open University and I.C.F.A.I University. The Minister opined that Naga youths will be suitably rewarded through gainful employment opportunities, thereby giving relief to the problem of educated unemployed youths. He extended his gratitude to Dr. P.R. Trivedi, Pro-Chancellor Global Open University, who has ventured to provide facilities for higher level of vocational and professional learning to the people of Nagaland.

Minister for Health & Family Welfare, T.M. Lotha and Parliamentary Secretary Nkhao Lotha also spoke on the occasion and appealed to the citizens of Wokha to extend full support and cooperation to the university.
Dr. P.R. Trivedi announced the views and action plans of TGOU (The Global Open University) Nagaland, Wokha. Rev. Dr. M. Motsuo Ngullie, Vice-Chancellor TGOUN gave the welcome speech while Rev. Dr. E. Nrio Ezung said the invocation prayer. Director, Higher Education TGOUN Imotemsu Ao proposed the vote of thanks and Rev. L. K. Tsanglao said the benediction prayer. The function was chaired by N. Mhao Lotha, Administrative officer, TGOUN.
A host of dignitaries including Dr. Deorani, Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Thepfülhouvi Solo, Rtd. Principal CCF, Deputy Commissioner, Wokha Mikha Lomi, heads of offices, public leaders and students attended the function. (DIPR)
Is the Indo-Naga peace talk going in the right direction? By Waikhom Damodar Singh Sangai Express
The so called Indo-Naga Peace Talk which have since been going on in between the Government of India and the Naga revolutionaries was moot-ed out by Baptist church leaders of Nagaland who met in earnestness in a convention held at Wokha, HQ of the Lotha tribe area on 24 February 1964 with an object to bring an ‘end’ to the great war like ‘turmoil’ that had taken place with heavy loss of many innocent lives and bloodshed amongst the people of the erstwhile Naga Hills District which later on spread in the four Hill districts of Manipur, particularly in Ukhrul district.
The convention issued an appeal to the Government as well as to the underground revolutionary Nagas for restoration of peace, normalcy and order in the strife-torn State and had formed a four-men Peace Mission comprising Reverend Michael Scott, Jayaprakash Narayan, the supremo of the socialist party of India, Assam congress party chief Minister, Bimalaprassad Chaliha and Shankerrao Deo for interposing between the Government of India and the Naga Revolutionary Federal Government formed some 5 decades ago under the behest of late Naga revolutionary pioneer, A. Zaphu Phizo Angami.
The Naga revolution or insurgency erupted out with violent subversive activities from March 22, 1956 onwards when they declared their own “de facto sovereign Government” with their own Constitution adopted and signed by the Head of the State (Kedaghe), the president commander-in-chief of the Army, Kilonsers (Ministers), (members of Parliament - Tartar Hohos), Ahangs (governors) etc appointed. The declaration of their own sovereign State and Government took place at Phensinyu village in the Rengma Naga area with hoisting of Naga National Flag, bearing red, green and white colours with three blue stars. The historic event of the Nagas took place with great traditional ceremony and feasting.
Insurgency is defined as politics with bloodshed. It is what had exactly happened to the Nagas of Nagaland who began their demand of a sovereign Independent State of their own outside the dominion of India in a non-violent manner in the very initial stage, but later on turned it into a movement with all the ferocities of bloodshed by taking up arms against the Government of Assam (under whom Nagaland then was a mere district) and the Government of India as the last resort for achieving their avowed goal.
The “cradle” of their movement for independence may perhaps be tra-ced back to the old Naga club founded in Kohima and Mokokchung towns as far back as year 1918 which served initially only as a “forum” for carrying out “social activities for the Naga community, particularly the Naga Government officials living in the above mentioned two towns.
It was then in the year 1945 that the then Deputy Commissioner of the Naga Hills District, Charles Pawsey, ICS had established a Tribal Council known as the Naga Hills District Tribal Council in order to unite the Nagas of the District for the reconstruction works of the great devastation left by the Second World War in the district, particularly in Kohima town where one of the severest and bloodiest battle was fought between the columns of the Allied Forces of the 14th Army of General William Bill Slim under his 33 Corp commanded by Lt. General Montagu Stopford and of the Japanese of the 15th Army of General Renya Mutaguchi under his 31 division commanded by tough Lt. General Kotuko Sato, who at the end, lost the battle miserably and who was court-martialled afterwards for defiance of the orders of his superior commander.
The set-up of the Naga Hills District Council was, in fact, the forerunner of the so called Naga National Council which have been actually an organisation converted from the Naga club established earlier. It was this Naga political organisation that had finally been converted into the set-up of an armed revolutionary Government.
The primary objectives of the district council established by Pawsey were purely for the purpose of rendering some autonomy for the Naga Hills district as he was intensely interested in the welfare and development of the Nagas, who he greatly admired of their good and simple qualities, though there had already been a secret plan worked out by the British Government known as “coupland plan” (worked out initially by Reginald Coupland, a former Governor of the erstwhile greater Assam province) for carving out a separate area inhabited by the Naga tribes of India and adjoining areas of Buma which was to continue to remain as a -buffer state” under their rule even after India and Burma attained independence as they had no more illusion of denying it to the Indians and the Burmese, especially after the end of the Second World War due to heavy national and international political pressures.
Inspite of the simple objectives that the organisation so had in the beginning for improving the socio-economic conditions of the much backward tribes of the district, it became later on the ‘hub’ of political activities of a group of extremist Nagas whose attitudes became more seriously changed as soon as A. Zaphu Phizo, an Angami Tribe born in Khonoma village near Kohima in the year 1900 (the village was called Thibomei by the Meiteis earlier and was once under the territory of the erstwhile independent state of Manipur till it was taken over by the British from Maharaja Chandrakirti Singh under an appeasing policy and had established their military garrison for the convenience of spreading of their power in the north eastern region) joined the party after having lived in Burma from 1933 to 1944 and it was only after he joined the organisation that its very original name of the Naga Hills District Council had been changed into the Naga National Council and that it became an organi- sation of a much more active political party highly infused with deep anti-Indian feelings and ideas of living as a separate entity of independent people or Nation - according to the opinions of many learned historians and expert writers like P.D. Staacy the Nagas had never been a unified Nation, rather it had been only a concept hypothesised by Phizo.
Thus leaning more towards the ‘extremism’ preferred and induced by the new leader, Phizo, the Nagas of the Naga Hills District issued ultimately a very bold declaration in June 1947 to the effect that the Naga Hills which was administratively only a District under the Province of Assam should cease to be a part of India when she attains independence.
In fact, the anti-Indian attitudes and feelings of the Nagas of the district cast on them due to the high-handed and much inferior treatment done to them by the plains people, particularly of Assam, had already been brewing up since much earlier time and it was on the occasion of the visit of the British Simmon Commission in 1929, which had come to India to study the ground for Constitutional reforms as strongly demanded by her people, that a party of Naga delegates had openly expressed their strong anti-Indian feelings to them with very fervent request to leave them (the Nagas) out from being considered and inclusion as a part of the Indian people. While such were the extreme and hostile feelings that were then amongst the Nagas of the Naga Hills District ‘the hill tribes of Manipur, namely the Tangkhuls etc had remained as quite loyal, simple and peaceful subjects of the State under the ruling of the king.
During the period between 1947 and 1956, Phizo tried several times to convince the Governments both in Assam and Delhi, of the earnestness and seriousness of the claim of the Nagas of having of their own independent sovereign “de facto Government” to show genuineness of this, Phizo even conducted, though a unofficial process, a unilateral plebiscite” by collecting signatures and thumb impressions from house to house from May to August in 1951 and according to it he claimed that over 99 per cent of the people of the Naga Hills District voted for a separate and independent state of their own. — to be contd
Dissidents demand change of leadership in Nagaland Sentinel
KOHIMA, June 1: Dissidence in the Neiphu Rio-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland has surfaced after a group of its MLAs met Governor K Shankaranarayanan and reportedly petitioned him for a change of leadership.
The dissidents claimed that they could master the support of 22 DAN legislators in the 60-member House in support of their demand for a change of leadership.
Although Raj Bhavan sources confirmed the meeting which took place yesterday, none wished to be quoted about the content of the petition.
CLP leader I Imkong also met the Governor yesterday.
When contacted, Imkong confirmed his ‘usual meeting’ with the Governor as the CLP leader saying “it was mere coincidence that DAN members were also meeting the Governor. I am not aware what transpired in the meeting between DAN legislators and the Governor”.
Health Minister Dr TM Lotha, who belongs to the BJP, a DAN coalition partner, said its Legislature Party reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of Rio.
In a statement, Dr Lotha said the BJP Legislature Party yesterday met here to discuss the “latest political development” in the State amidst the speculations over the fate of the Rio Ministry, and appealed to the people not to be disturbed by “misinformation”.
The Chief Minister, in the recent past, has attracted attacks from both dissidents and the Opposition Congress, both inside and outside the Assembly for his alleged failure in maintaining law-and-order and in reining in underground activists.
Nagaland goes to the polls early next year.
Lotha urged the people instead to continue with their support to the DAN as the alliance was committed to work for a negotiated settlement of the vexed Naga political problem.
In the 60-member Assembly, the DAN has 43 legislators while the Opposition Congress has 17.
The DAN (43) comprises NPF-32, BJP-5, JD(U)-2 and Independents - 4.
The State Congress, which has been demanding imposition of President’s rule in Nagaland for alleged breakdown of law and order, has already hinted that it would not hesitate to extend outside support to any political group attempting to change the leadership in the DAN Ministry. However, the CLP leader today clarified that his party had nothing to do with the reported ‘dissident activities in DAN and the move to replace Rio’, saying, “it is an internal matter of the ruling alliance, we have not received any formal request from any member of DAN seeking our support to change the leadership”. (PTI)
Combined military force bust KRA camp Newmai News Network

The combined security forces fall in line for check up after the heavy gunbattle with KRA outfit. (Photo: Newmai News Network)
Imphal Even as heightened tension among the various Kuki based underground groups has been developing in the last three days, following the killing and coup within their respective outfits, a combined team of 4th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and Imphal East and Imphal West District police commandos busted a camp belonging to Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) today at Gampijang village under Saikul sub-division of Senapati district today.
Receiving specific information of underground elements’ presence at Gampijang, the team led by Imphal East district Aditional SP, Radheshyam headed for Gampijang last night and cordoned off the area where the camps were located in the wee hours today said SP. By 7 O' clock in the morning, heavy exchange of gun fire was ensued between the underground group and the combined security forces team which lasted till 2:30 in the afternoon.
During the gun battle, one personnel from the 7th Manipur Rifles identified as Remen Tangkhul (Rifle no.019) has been reportedly killed while the casualty of the undergrounds side could not be ascertained as yet. The SP also disclosed that atleast 10 camps belonging to KRA were destroyed but no weapons were recovered from the battle site. According to the Gampijang villagers, the underground elements numbering around 50 to 60 members had been loitering around in the surrounding village since yesterday.
The police sources said that there were members of National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) during the skirmish, apart from KRA.
Barely two days ago, a coup is said to have taken place within the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) led by its deputy commander, who killed its chief-in-command, Letkholun along with his five followers at Saichang village under Yairipok police station.
Militant camp busted in Karbi hills The Morung Express
Guwahati, May 31 (UNI): The Karbi Anglong Police in a joint operation with CRPF has busted a camp of the KLNLF here.
Karbi Anglong SP Anurag Tankha told UNI that the operation was conducted yesterday at Paklangso Pahar located in Langlakso jungle, about 120 kms from Diphu. While the KLNLF extremists attacked the security forces from a camp on high feature, the security forces successfully destroyed the camp.
However, taking benefit of the jungle and hills, majority of cadres managed to escape. One hardcore cadre had been arrested. A large number of uniforms, wireless charging batteries, explosive fuse wire and camp materials were recovered.
In the past three months, this was the third major success of the security forces in the district in busting the camps of the KLNLF.
Violence in State shoots up in ’07 By R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 31 – Though the overall level of violence in the entire North East region is coming down over the years, the situation is just the opposite in Assam as the level of violence has gone up considerably in the last three years mainly because of the fact that the militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) have started resorting to blasts in public places. According to records available with the security agencies, the number of incidents of violence involving the militants belonging to the ULFA is increasing gradually in the last three years and till date this year, the ULFA militants triggered off more than 50 bomb and grenade blasts in different parts of the State.

Police sources said that the level of violence involving the ULFA came down considerably in the year 2005 as only 19 civilians and three security force personnel were killed in the acts of violence by the militants in that year. In that year 10 militants were killed in encounters with the security forces. It may be mentioned here that the year 2005 also raised hopes for a negotiated settlement of the problem of insurgency with the ULFA forming the People’s Consultative group (PCG) to hold initial parleys with the Government of India to pave the way for direct talks.

But the peace process ended in a deadlock last year with both the ULFA and the Government of India sticking to their stands. The ULFA was insisting that sovereignty of Assam should be the core issue for talks and the five jailed central committee members of the outfit should be released to enable the outfit to hold its central committee meeting to discuss the issue of talks with the Government. On its part, the Government made it clear that the ULFA would have to give a written assurance to come for talks to facilitate the release of the jailed leaders of the banned outfit. The Government also made it very clear that to come for talks, the militant outfit would have to abjure violence and that the sovereignty of Assam is not negotiable.

The level of violence shot up abruptly after the peace process ended in a deadlock and the state witnessed more than 160 incidents of violence involving the militants belonging to the ULFA, in which more than 80 civilians and 14 security personnel were killed. Last year, six ULFA militants were killed in encounters with the security forces.

The year 2007 started with a bad note with the level of violence involving the ULFA shooting up abruptly. Till date this year, more than a hundred incidents of violence involving the ULFA have been reported from different parts of the state, in which more than 100 civilians were killed and more than 280 were injured. Three security personnel and five ULFA militants were killed in encounters this year. The year started with the militants targeting Hindi-speaking people in the upper Assam districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Dhemaji killing more than 60 innocent persons.

The level of violence involving the KLNLF and Black Widow group in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills also showed an upward trend this year. According to records available, the Black Widow group was involved in 10 acts of violence last year and it increased to 17 so far this year, while, till date this year, the KLNLF militants were involved in more than 10 major acts of violence. It may be mentioned here that the overall level of violence in the North East has come down as the level of violence in Tripura has gone down considerably in the last few years after the militant groups like the ATTF and NLFT suffering reserves in the operations, while, Nagaland has also become relatively peaceful barring a few incidents of clashes between the rival factions of the NSCN.

‘ULFA is a divided house’ Common people are with us: ULFA
If the ULFA thinks that the common people of the State support its agenda, why does it kill them? Why does it target innocents? The outfit should rather fight openly with the Indian Army. By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, June 1: The top rung in the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is a divided house, if the information on the rebel group being poured in is to be believed. According to intelligence sources, matters relating to peace talks between the rebel group and the Centre drove a wedge between ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Baruah who, according to sources, was not aware of the city blasts till recently. Sources further said that Arabinda Rajkhowa has already contacted the Centre, and he is likely to come forward for peace talks with the Government soon. Paresh Baruah, on the other hand, has prepared a ‘hit list’ that includes a number of journalists and writers.
“Heera Sarania had a quarrel with Paresh Baruah recently, and since then Heera has snapped his communication of all sorts with the outfit’s ‘commander-in-chief’, and as such Paresh Baruah was ignorant of the city blasts till recently,” the sources said, and added: “The recent blasts in the city were triggered by Hemanta Rajbongshi, a cadre of the outfit hailing from Nalbari, following a directive from Heera Sarania”.
Intelligence sources claimed that there had been a difference in opinion between Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa on the outfit’s peace process with the Centre at the initiative of the People’s Consultative Group (PCG), and that had led Paresh Baruah to hand over the charge of the outfit’s spokesman to Raju Baruah.
Meanwhile, with the anti-ULFA wave gaining its momentum in the State, the outfit, at the directive of Paresh Baruah, has prepared a hit list that included people like AASU leader Samujjal Bhattacharya, APW director Abhijit Sharma, journalists Naba Thakuria, Ronen Goswami, Rupam Baruah, writer Atulananda Goswami and others.
The sources, however, said that the rebel group is not in a position to target those in the list right now since the group is well aware of the fact that such a step will erode its support base, whatever it is, left among the people of the State.
Meanwhile, the ULFA has said that it has not lost its support base among the common people of the State, and it is the anti-ULFA groups that are shouting “ULFA-go-back” slogans. In an e-mail sent here today, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said: “Most of the oppressed people of the State are in support of an independent Asom. The Assam Public Works (APW) is trying to create anti-ULFA wave because it fears that the ULFA would win the referendum for a free Asom. Time will say whether the ULFA or the ‘occupants’ would be forced to leave Asom.” The chairman said that if Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sumatra, Sri Lanka and Myanmar can get independence, then why Asom cannot.
On the other hand, the outfit, in its mouthpiece Swadhinata, said that independence of Asom was the only alternative for the safety and security of the people of the State.

DATELINE GUWAHATI/Wasbir Hussain Rebels, Govt must see writing on the wall Sentinel
The writing on the wall is sharp and clear, and I hope like most people,
the ULFA and the Government have understood it. Asom wants peace, and an end to killings. And, for a change, mainstream forces are coming out to the streets to demonstrate their pro-peace or anti-violence stand. The Opposition AGP may have supported the 12-hour Guwahati bandh on Monday by blaming the Congress-led State Government of having failed to protect life and property of the people. But the bottom line is that the AGP, like the BJP, AASU or the students of Cotton College, have been forced to voice its opinion against the mindless killing of innocent civilians. And for once, the AGP, BJP and the ruling Congress have ended up being on the same side, by backing the bandh called by the Kamrup Chamber of Commerce in the wake of the May 26 bomb attack in Guwahati that killed 7 civilians and injured up to 30 others.
The ULFA, if anything, seems to be rattled by the wave of protests, that too, in the open. After all, some of the organizations leading the protests are as concerned about Asom’s all-round welfare or economic ‘independence’ as anybody else. This is something that cannot be missed or ignored. Well, a day after the bandh, the ULFA has chosen to issue a statement denying its hand in the market blasts and sought an ‘impartial enquiry’ to find out the ‘forces’ behind such attacks. One may even be prepared to believe the ULFA’s claim that it is not involved in the devastating cycle, motorcycle or auto rickshaw explosions, but my problem is with the timing of the rebel group’s response through that statement on Tuesday. Why has the ULFA decided to come out with such a statement only after mainstream political and student forces vented their ire against the bombings and not before? After all, Guwahati has witnessed five blasts in the past month, and every time the needle of suspicion was pointed by the authorities at the ULFA.
The Government’s response amuses me most of the time. Well, the May 26 blast in the crowded Athgaon area virtually maddened the political and administrative bosses in both Dispur and New Delhi. Asom’s officiating DGP was almost warned that the Government won’t tolerate any further attack of that sort. Newspaper headlines suggested that the top cop was at the receiving end of both the Chief Minister as well as the Governor. That may or may not be true, but my question is in a State where there has been a sustained counter-insurgency operation for almost 17 years without a break, how can one ‘tighten security’ any further? The Army, police and the paramilitary are working under a Unified Headquarters and ULFA militants are being killed by dozens. The answer perhaps lies in actionable intelligence. That input may quite be lacking. I always think as to how the law-enforcing agencies almost always fail to prevent an attack, but seem to know everything as to who had committed a bomb attack within hours of such an incident happening. That, I know, will forever remain a mystery for a humble analyst like me!
The Government is making a great error of judgement by not making any attempt to revive the derailed peace process. Yes, the ULFA would only be prepared to talk peace (if at all) with the Centre. But that should not prevent the State Government from at least opening a dialogue process with the civil society and leading citizens in Asom. Such a dialogue process need not even be aimed at reviving the peace process, it can be initiated to evolve ways and means to put an end to the mayhem and to prevent Asom from turning into a mad killing field. It is indeed tragic that the Congress party in Asom that has been re-elected to power does not believe in engaging with the people to bring peace back to the State and seems to pin its hopes just on the power of the gun. I firmly believe that the political leadership running Asom has been misled by influential sections not to initiate any initiative other than the administrative and military ones that have not really yielded dividends. The time is right for our leadership to try out some radical measures to break the existing deadlock on the ULFA insurrection. I have no reason to think that Mr Tarun Gogoi is not a well meaning leader, but he needs to act at this juncture to take things forward. And, the ULFA may miss the bus for ever, if it fails to show reason and take a pragmatic approach at resolving its conflict. Stealth bomb raids on innocent civilians is not the answer.

Frans on 06.01.07 @ 08:18 PM CST [link]



FAKE NAGA VIGIL Timothy Kaping resident, Naga Support Group United Kingdom


FAKE NAGA VIGIL

The letter written by one David P Ward of the so-called Naga Vigil Human Rights Group (UK) in the Morung Express on 1 June 2007 caught my attention. The letter is rather silly and amply demonstrates the sorry nature of the writer. But, as a Naga, I am not afraid of him and his unwarranted warning.

This is not the first time that Ward had made known his antagonism to the Naga people. I remember his many criticisms against the NSCN and its leaders way back in the 1990s and later. Some years ago the Bangkok office engaged him in the media and exposed his uselessness and that silenced him for long.

I saw him once inside the UN building in Geneva. He came there but, unlike most of the NGO representatives, he did not present any paper. So, what was his motive in coming to the UN gathering and loitering around in the lobby for days? That time NSCN Chairman Swu was secretly warned by western supporters of a threat to his personal security and he could not deliver his message in person. One lady told me that a few years before that many representatives of the Southeast Himalayan region and other places felt humiliated by the way this Ward was dictating the Chairman of the K group as to whom he should meet and for how long etc. as if Khaplang was a kid of yesterday. Khaplang being a Naga, we all feel very insulted when he allowed himself to be treated that way by one ordinary Scot.

Last year Nagalim delegates were invited by the British parliamentarians and they successfully told the story of the Naga Nation inside the British Parliament. Immediately, as if he owns Great Britain, Ward (who was not even invited to the meeting) haughtily boasted that he would disallow the Nagas from entering Britain and that all the Naga international support groups in Europe would be kicked out. Since Ward’s bragging, by the grace of our living God who loves the Naga Nation we prayed and happily established the NSG (UK) and from time to time it had played host to Naga brothers who visited England. Naga support groups in continental Europe either ignored him or said: “We checked Ward’s so-called Naga Vigil and found that it is not even registered, whereas we are officially registered”.

As to Ward’s threat “Your colours have been clearly noted and you can easily be taken to task here in the United Kingdom by the powers that be“, I wish to tell him that I openly work for the suffering people of Nagalim through the Parliamentarians for National Self Determination (PNSD) and there are many British MPs (including from Scotland) who know of our official position and presence. Also, Ward should understand that Nagas are not cowards. It is our dedication to our right to self-determination and bravery which, in spite of the overwhelming attendance of threats and killings perpetrated by the occupation forces and people like him, is keeping the national liberation movement alive and well. Also, kindly note that the PNSD knows well that the NSG (UK) is an independent body.

And, yes, kindly stop collecting donations in the name of the Nagas; we are not beggars.

In the first place, I have not uttered a word against you. Secondly, our perceptions of things are quite different from one another. Thirdly, fully knowing your antagonism towards the national salvation of the Naga people, I have no intention whatsoever to see you or engage in meaningless debate with you.

Lastly, I am a Naga and therefore please do not teach me about the Naga people. Also, don’t disturb me; I have a family to feed and there are good works to do for Nagalim citizens. If you want any information about the NSG (UK) for a good purpose, do kindly contact the PNSD office in London.

KUKNALIM

Professor Timothy Kaping
President, Naga Support Group
United Kingdom
----------------------------------------


Morung Express (Nagalim Newspaper)
Fri, June 1, 2007

Naga Vigil warns Timothy Kaping

• Sir – When we are guests in a foreign land we should exercise some degree of humility because it is easy to resort to blind firing when one is out of range of the home front. This is simply a case of smoke without fire and empty vessels making most noise. If you are here in the status of student then you should limit yourself to this activity and not act as the propaganda wing of the NSCN-IM under the guise of the non existent Naga Solidarity Group, for which there is no e-mail, contact address etc. It is a simple enough exercise to trace you and if you are a combatant then go home and have the courage to put on a uniform and fight. Making antagonistic remarks to national workers at home from the safety of the United Kingdom are the actions of a coward. I am personally ready to meet you at any time or place of your choosing if you wish to take the matter up with me or further debate any subject regarding eastern Nagas.
Yours Sincerely in the Vigil
David P. Ward
NVHRG (UK)
Phone: 0797 406 9378
nvhrg@hotmail.com">nvhrg@hotmail.com

Frans on 06.01.07 @ 11:20 AM CST [link]



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