Indian rebels issue peace warning
Indian rebels issue peace warning By Subir Bhaumik BBC News, Calcutta
Separatist rebels in north-east India have extended a ceasefire with the government but say they are concerned with the progress of peace talks. Rebels of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) extended the ceasefire by six months instead of the usual 12. A spokesman said they were no closer to a deal than when talks began in 1997. The Naga rebellion - India's oldest ethnic conflict - spanned 40 years before the negotiations started. The rebels have been campaigning for a separate homeland for the Naga tribe in the north-east.
Communique NSCN leader, Thuingaleng Muivah, told the BBC from Amsterdam, where talks are being held, that "negotiations for the sake of it cannot continue". "We feel we are no closer to a settlement than we were in 1997. We cannot continue talks unless we feel we are going towards a settlement," he said. Nevertheless, the rebels and Indian government representatives did issue a joint communique at the end of their two-day talks, talking of the "need to extend the ceasefire and to intensify the peace process".
A number of north-eastern states oppose the rebels' demands
The rebels want a separate homeland in areas covering parts of the north-eastern states of Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. But the demand has been fiercely opposed by the states, Manipur in particular. The Naga insurgency split in 1975. One group signed a peace agreement with the federal government but hardliners, including Mr Muivah, pursued their armed campaign until 1997. Thousands have died in the long insurgency.
Govt, Naga rebels extend truce Reuters
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - One of India's most powerful separatist groups has extended a seven-year-old ceasefire with New Delhi by another six months to push for a peaceful solution to a decades-old revolt. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) (NSCN-IM), which is fighting for the independence of three million Naga tribesmen in India's remote and turbulent northeast, agreed on the extension after talks with Indian officials in Amsterdam on Saturday.
"We reaffirmed the need to extend the ceasefire and to intensify the peace process", a statement issued jointly by the two sides said. "The ceasefire is formally extended for a period of six months, where after it will be extended further." The current ceasefire ends on Sunday. The 50-year Naga revolt, India's oldest insurgency, is centred in the Christian-dominated mountainous state of Nagaland. Nagas make up barely 3 million of India's billion plus population and some 20,000 people have died in the rebellion since it began more than five decades ago. The NSCN-IM has held more than a dozen round of talks with New Delhi since Dec., but both sides remained deadlocked over the rebels' demand that all Naga-dominated areas in the northeast to be united into a "Greater Nagaland". Indian authorities rejected the demand, fearing it would spark violent protests from other ethnic and tribal groups.
"Centre-NSCN(I-M) ceasefire extended" The Hindu
New Delhi, July 31. (UNI): The ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN(I-M) has been extended for six months beginning tomorrow in an effort to consolidate the ongoing talks to resolve the five-decade-old insurgency in Nagaland. The decision to extend truce was arrived at after two days (July 29-30) of intensive discussions between the two sides at Amsterdam, official sources said. The Indian side was led by Centre's interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah and comprised IB Joint Director Ajit Lal. The NSCN(I-M) was led by its General Secretary T Muivah.
The next round of peace talks is likely to be held in Bangkok, the sources said. The ceasefire, which was signed in 1997, has since been renewed every year to facilitate negotiations to bring an end to Asia's longest running insurgency. However, the decision to extend the ceasefire for six months, is a shift from the previous years, when the truce period was one year.
A TRIBUNE EXCLUSIVE
Nagas offered Kashmir-type status; Talks on in Amsterdam
By Swati Chaturvedi New Delhi, July 30
The first fuzzy contours of a solution to the contentious Naga problems are emerging on the pattern of the present settlement in Kashmir. Well-placed sources say that the deal offered to the NSCN(I/M) led by T.H. Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu will be “Kashmir type” powers in Nagaland; instead of the sovereign status the group has been fighting for. This will not be the kind of separation of powers envisaged in the original Kashmir package but is similar to the “situation prevalent on the ground today” according to a senior minister of the UPA government involved in the negotiations. Sources reveal that the three ministers, including Mr Oscar Fernandes and Mr Prithviraj Chauhan of the PMO, who are involved in the negotiations see sense in offering the NSCN(I/M) an honourable deal. Says one of the ministers: “At the moment the situation is ripe on the ground. If we dilly dally now a new generation will be ready to take to the gun”.
This realisation has also found a taker in the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, despite opposition from National Security Adviser M.K. Narayan who, sources say, wants to tire out the NSCN. There is a growing realisation in the government that with the Naxal problem, resurgence of militancy in Punjab and no solution yet in sight for Kashmir the government cannot afford to open another front in the North-East. The seven-year-old cease-fire with the group is likely to be extended and after the current round of talks in Amsterdam, with the Centre’s interlocutor K Padmanahiah. When asked to comment he refused to give any idea of the sensitive and secretive nature of the dialogue. The deal that will be offered to the NSCN will be akin to Kashmir’s status as it prevails today. Officials involved with drafting out the deal are emphatic that it will not be based on Kashmir’s original article of accession. A semi-autonomy, with most of the provisions of the Assembly and other constitutional arrangements that prevail in Kashmir today, is on the drawing board. Inheritance and laws preventing the purchase of land by outsiders will also form part of the package. Suitably important titles may also be allowed for the protocol conscious NSCN leadership. The NSCN’s demand that boundaries should be redrawn to accommodate all Naga people — which is being opposed by Manipur — is also being considered. Official’s say that there is nothing sacrosanct about state boundaries; citing the demand for Telangana. Sources in the NSCN told the Tribune that they had faith in the current negotiators and were agreeable to return to India to negotiate. While not explicitly not ruling out sovereignty, they seemed to see the writing on the wall. While, the deal is yet to be inked and many twists and turns remain, what will finally be offered is what a minister terms “Kashmir lite’”. Will it finally be light at the end of the tunnel for the fifty year old Naga conflict? The writer is an anchor with SAB TV.
NNC asserts its stand on Naga sovereignty NEPS
Kohima, Jul 30: The Naga National Council (NNC) said it would always stand for the sovereignty of all Naga inhabited areas, including Eastern Nagaland (Nagas in Myanmar). In a statement, it said the NNC would not support any move for “mere integration” of a section of people or integration of India occupied territories of Nagaland without the Eastern Nagaland.
“The NNC will always stand for the whole and the Naga inhabited areas and territories of Nagaland as declared and pronounced since the inception of our politics,” it pointed out. The outfit also alleged the NSCN (IM) had compromised the Naga sovereignty as well as the Naga inhabited areas of free Eastern Nagaland in their political talks with the Government of India in spite of repeated utterances of sovereignty as non-negotiable.
“And their talks with the Government of India has failed miserably even for integration of India occupied territories of Nagaland. And their last resort is to integrate the Nagas of Manipur with the present Nagaland State. But even this also may fail completely without the support of majority of the Nagas,” the NNC stated.
The NNC further said it was afraid that the Nagas would not support the move, because the Nagas had not struggled for the last more than fifty years for “this mere integration” but for the recognition of the Naga sovereignty by India and Myanmar in particular and the world at large.
Commentay Meetei_Lion :Naga, Naga Naga...there is no proper explanation how multicultured communities form the so called Nagas. after sometime they'll call the pangal of Manipur as Nagas too.
ZRNF an NSCN(IM) creation, counters NSCN(K) Kangla By A Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, July 30: The NSCN(K) claimed to have nabbed a key member of the newly formed Zeliangrong Revolutionary National Front, ZRNF yesterday. Informing this to mediapersons somewhere at an undisclosed location in Imphal East, a spokesperson of the NSCN(K) identified the ZRNF activist as Namchalong Gangmei, 33 son of Huri Gangmei of Tamenglong Khanjaron, who however has been released after giving stern warning. The spokesperson also warned of taking punitive action against chairman of the newly formed revolutionary group, KS Guangsilung, a former sergeant major of the NSCN(IM), if he fails to surrender to the outfit soon.
The NSCN(K) spokesman, countering allegations levelled by the rival NSCN(IM), further charged that the ZRNF was established through the joint efforts of KS Guangsilung and MK Winning, central administrative offed the whole length of the NH-53 from Imphal to Jiribam, the bridges at Irang, Noney, Tupul, Barak, Makru, and Keithelmanbi have been identified as requiring protection by the security forces. The cost of setting up camps and posts for guarding the bridges is estimated at Rs. 17, 05,890. The government has approved the same and construction of the posts and barracks will be handed over to the Manipur Police Housing Corporation, MPHC, the sources indicated. The government has also entrusted the CRPF and AR to operate at 30 different locations on NH-53 for conducting ROP. Sources also disclosed that instructions were received from the Union ministry of home affairs to tighten security on all bridges between the Barak and Jiribam in view of information that one UG group is targeting the bridges. In the meantime, after traffic on NH-53 was halted in view of the deteriorating condition of the Barak bridge, the government is reportedly making efforts to send outbound trucks via NH-39. This has however evoked strong objections from the trucker community, who have expressed extreme reluctance to travel along NH-39 due to the complete absence of protection from blockade supporters in the Nagaland sector. Speaking to IFP, many truckers pointed out that while there is adequate security provision in the Manipur sector, the Nagaland police is doing nothing to ensure the safety of the truckers.
In the meantime, a report from Jiribam stated that despite the stoppage of traffic on NH-53, the number of Imphal-bound vehicles that are gathering at Jiribam have increased to more than a hundred.
India extends ceasefire with Naga group Indian daily Media Release Jul. 31, 2005
The cease-fire between the NSCN [National Socialist Council of Nagaland]-Isak-Muivah -and the Centre [Indian federal government] has been extended for a period of six months beginning tomorrow [1 August] in an effort to consolidate the ongoing peace talks to resolve the five-decade-old insurgency issue in Nagaland. The decision to extend truce was arrived at after two days of intensive discussions between the two sides at Amsterdam. The Indian side was led by Centre's interlocutor K Padmanabaiah and the NSCN-IM was led by its General Secretary T. Muivah. The cease-fire, which was signed in 1997, has since been renewed every year to facilitate negotiations to bring an end to Asia's longest running insurgency.
Ceasefire with Naga group extended by six months By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service Guwahati, July 31 (IANS) The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) and central government negotiators have extended a ceasefire by another six months amid indications that the peace process is passing through a rough patch. The announcement of the ceasefire extension was made late Saturday after a two-day meeting held at Amsterdam between NSCN-IM leader Thuingaleng Muivah and India's chief peace interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah.
The truce was to expire on Sunday. The NSCN-IM, a rebel group in Nagaland state, is engaged in peace talks after entering into a ceasefire with New Delhi in August 1997.
"From our side we wanted the ceasefire to be extended by just three months instead of the usual one year extension period that we have been following since the truce began in 1997," a senior NSCN-IM leader told IANS by telephone from Nagaland's commercial hub of Dimapur. "But then the government negotiator told us that extending the truce by just three months could be wrongly interpreted and may send a wrong signal," the rebel leader said requesting anonymity. The NSCN-IM has reportedly expressed its displeasure over New Delhi trying to deliberately drag the peace talks without addressing their core demand of unification of all Naga-inhabited areas in the northeast.
A joint statement released after the ceasefire extension said both sides "reaffirmed the need to extend the ceasefire and to intensify the peace process". "As the NSCN-IM intends to hold extensive consultations with the people, the ceasefire is formally extended for a period of six months, where after it will be extended further," the joint statement said. Before the talks began in Amsterdam, there were doubts over the extension of the ceasefire with the peace talks running into rough weather over the NSCN-IM's demand for redrawing the map of the Northeast. The NSCN, the oldest and the most powerful of around 30 rebel groups in India's northeast, wants the creation of a "Greater Nagaland" by slicing off parts of neighbouring states of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh that has sizeable Naga tribal populations. The three regional governments of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh have already rejected the NSCN demand for unification of Naga dominated areas.
"We have made our point very clear that there is no point in simply extending the ceasefire if the Indian government is not sincere in meeting our demand for unification of all Naga inhabited areas in the northeast," the NSCN leader said. Like in the past when the news of the ceasefire extension was greeted with celebrations, there was not much enthusiasm this time in Nagaland. "The mood is subdued as people are waiting to see a permanent solution to the insurgency problem rather than merely extending the truce," T. Ao, a community leader in Nagaland's state capital Kohima, said.
News Channel to be launched Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, July 30: WAV-Entertainment, a private organization is launching W2N News, a daily TV News cast in the State from August 1. The first of its kind in Nagaland, W2N envisages disseminating news and information based on impartial and ethical journalism. WAV-Entertainment is an unbiased organization comprising of young talents with dreams to contribute in fields of electronic media towards projecting the voice of the people, thereby highlighting social, economic, cultural, religious, political, youth and sports affairs of the state.
NSCN-IM accused of link with Irang bridge blast From Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, July 30 – The newly-floated underground outfit Zeliangrong Revolutionary National Front (ZRNF) said NSCN-IM was involved in dislocating the bridge on the river Irang which connects Manipur with the rest of the country. The bridge on Irang located along the National Highway 53 was blown up by a powerful bomb explosion on July 20 last. The new outfit said to be formed on July 27, reacting sharply to the statement of NSCN-IM, claimed that Captain Abon of the NSCN-IM died when he had gone to resurvey the sabotage work of the bridge. “This is more than enough proof that the group was involved in the sabotage,” it claimed.
Questioning why the Isaac-Muivah group cadres dismantled the Irang bridge located in the Zeliangrong area to enforce the ongoing economic blockade while the bridge at Senapati was not destroyed, ZRNF further stated that this showed that the NSCN-IM is openly challenging the people of Manipur. The new outfit said they are committed to the cause of peaceful coexistence amongst the different communities residing in Manipur, and that that their group was not formed along any communal or ethnic line. Appealing to the people of Manipur particularly the local clubs and voluntary organizations to extend their cooperation, it reminded that Zeliangrong people have had to suffer the atrocities of the NSCN-IM group during the height of the Naga-Kuki clash in the early 1990s. Isaac-Muivah group was also responsible for leading a good number of Zeliangrong youths to the wrong path and for bringing the pangs of separation and deaths to a good number of families of the Zeliangrong community, the new outfit charged.
Preliminary talk with ANSAM at Senapati likely on August 1 Sangai Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 30 : To break the deadlock and bring about an amicable solution to the economic blockade which has already entered the 49th day, the SPF Government has sent a missive to the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur that it is ready to send a representative to hold preliminary talk at Senapati district headquarters on August 1. The missive sent by the Secretary to the Chief Minister Binod Kispotta was received by ANSAM today at 11 am. Confirming the receipt of the missive from the Government side, ANSAM general secretary Robert T Maram said that an official missive from the Government suggested a preliminary talk at Senapati district headquarters on August 1. The Government suggested that the preliminary talk be held between the student body and a representative of the Government on August 1. Maram informed that a meeting of ANSAM will be held tomorrow to discuss the overture of the Government so that a collective decision may be taken. When The Sangai Express contacted an MLA from the SPF Government, the MLA said that a final decision on who should be the representative is yet to be taken. A highly placed source informed The Sangai Express that the Government is yet to name the representative. It is also not clear whether a team will be sent or it will just be a one member representative.
However the representative will not be someone from the Naga community, said the source.
One MLA however informed The Sangai Express that the representative is likely to be a team of an MLA and a Minister. Meanwhile the repairing work of the Barak suspension bridge may be finalised by tomorrow, said a well placed source. If all goes well then the bridge may be opened to traffic on Monday. Tamenglong is running short of rice and the same may be lifted through the IT road.
Students ready to fight communal forces Sangai By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 30 : To counter the ANSAM-sponsored economic blockade along the National Highways and the move allegedly being made by the Government of India to ignite communal clashes among the people of the North Eastern States and particularly in Manipur, AMSU, MSF and DESAM have jointly announced that they would launch various form of agitations with effect from August 1.
Speaking to media persons at the office of DESAM at Keishampat here this afternoon, leaders of the three student bodies said the decision has been taken in view of the problem being faced by the people following imposition of the economic blockade for over 40 days now and the divisive policy adopted by the Government of India with a view to abet communal clashes among the people.
Elaborating on the nature of the agitations to be taken up, the student leaders informed that from August 1 to 3 all the students from the Primary to the University level will hold sit-in-protest demonstration in front of their respective schools from 10 am to 4 pm.
The student bodies also appealed to the local Meira Paibis, representatives of the NGOs, local clubs and organisations to carry forward the agitation initiated by the students on August 5.
The student leaders also announced that a mass rally of all the students in Manipur would be taken out on August 11 at Imphal followed by boycott of all the Government offices from August 12 if India Government and the Manipur Government do not bring about an amicable solution to end the ongoing economic blockade within August 10. To denounce the discriminatory attitude of the India Government towards the people of the North Eastern States, Independence Day which is to be observed on August 15 will be boycotted and students will stay away from participating in any of the programmes held in this connection, they said. After August 15, the students would resort to taking up violent agitation, the student leaders further said. In view of the prevailing situation, all the political parties should exert political pressures on the Union Government for resolving the present deadlock and made their stand clear to the people within August 10. If they failed to implement this, violent agitation would be taken up against them, the student leaders warned.
The student leaders said it is the right time for the people to take into consideration the rationale behind the stand of the ANSAM against declaration of June 18 as State holiday by the State Government and who are behind the present agitation. They also alleged the India Govt that not been doing anything to bring an end to the present deadlock. Rather the personnel of Central security forces are encouraging the ANSAM volunteers. Complaints have been lodged at UN and other international forum as well as to Prime Minister and Union Home Minister for the failure of taking up any action against the two Naga MPs and 11 MLAs who submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister endorsing the Naga unification. The students’ body also warned of taking up agitation against the State Govt if Sanamacha and Meir-aba, who have been arrested in connection with the self immolation case of Pebam Chitaranjan are not release from police without any condition very soon.
AIDS project runs into choppy water By Our Staff Reporter Sangai
IMPHAL, Jul 30: The implementation of Global Fund on AIDS/ TB and Malaria (GFATM) project being taken up by Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) for providing care and support to the People Living With HIV/AIDS has been caught in rough weather following undue pressures from within and outside, disclosed a reliable source. The project funded by World Health Organisation (WHO) through National AIDS Control Society (NACO) is being taken up in Manipur since December last year. According to information received by The Sangai Express, although the first instalment of the fund for implementing the GFATM project was released during 2004-05, the project has been stalled midway following detection of two applicants from among the NGO representatives in the Screening Committee. Though the names of the two NGOs have been deleted, the officials of the Health Department are apprehensive of other loopholes and accordingly seized all the documents related to the project, the source said. Over and above this, there has been undue pressures on MACS from various quarters including Ministers, MLAs and higher up officials for giving top priority to certain NGOs of their choice, the source informed. The inspection committee set up with representatives from NGOs have also assessed the activities of the NGOs in different districts and the report of the same has been submitted to the Screening Committee, the source added.
In all 18 NGOs, two each from every district have been selected on merit basis as sub-ordinate agencies for implementation of the project and each the NGO would be provided Rs 2 lakhs each.
Along with taking up care and support measures for the People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs), the project would also encompass programmes and activities related to RNTCP and DOTs, the source disclosed. On condition of anonymity, a head of an NGO informed that loopholes that have been detection in execution of the project have been known to all the NGOs. In view of the fact that are many NGOs which exist only in name sake not to speak of their office and activities, proper screening should be made for proper implementation of the project. It would be really unfortunate for the HIV/AIDS infected persons, if the project fails to take off, he opined.
NSCN (K) blows the lid off ZRNF, 1 held By Our Staff Reporter Sangai
IMPHAL, Jul 30 : Barely four days after the Zeliangrong Revolutionary National Front (ZRNF) announced its formation, the NSCN (K) today hauled up, disciplined and handed over to members of Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland)) a person said to be involved in the formation of the new outfit. The said person named as one Namchalung gang-mei (33) s/o Houri of Khongjaron village in Ta-menglong district was handed over to the ZU representatives at an Imphal East district location in the presence of media-persons today. Informing that Nam-chalung was picked up from a rented quarter located at Gurukul area of Thang-meiband yesterday an NS- CN (K) spokesman claimed that the Zeliangrong public are not in favour of formation of new armed outfit as they apprehend more enmity and bloodshed among people of the same community.
he also stated that Namchalung has disclosed vital information including his part in floating ZRNF and added that NSCN (K) has decided to show leniency to Namchalung as clemency for first time offence with a stern warning not to indulge in such activity in future. the spokesman also contended that the ZRNF chairman Guangsilung alias Namgon of Taoren-pong village in Khoupum area was a former sergeant major of NSCN (IM) who was expelled for fund misuse.
With cadres of the IM group closing in on Guangsiluang for his misconduct, Zeliangrong Region’s chairman of NSCN (K) Adi Kamei rescued Guangsiluang in 2003, explained the spokesman while adding that Guang-siluang continued to stray forcing the outfit to summon him for explanation on fund misuse. However Guangsilung went into hiding and he emerged as the chairman of the ZRNF.
Stating that formation of ZRNF is a big mistake committed by Guangsiluang, the spokesman named his close associates as Romio Rongmei of Nungnang in Nungba sub-division and Angam alias Chagam of Khoupum. Both were former members of the NNC. Asking all the three persons to surrender, the spokesman warned of punitive action in case of non-compliance. Categorically rejecting charges levelled by CAO of IM’s Zeliangrong Region Winning linking ZRNF with NSCN (K) the spokesman countered that the newly floated Zeliangrong outfit owes allegiance to the IM gro-up as Winning was informed of the formation besides entering into an agreement between the two groups.
The alliance and understanding was disclosed by Namchalung, claimed the spokesman who further added that Guangsilung, Romio and Angam are currently holed up in a Senapati district area.
Namchalung informing newspersons that he is not directly involved in formation of ZRNF disclosed there wewre frequent meetings between Guangsilung and his men had at his rented quarters, ostensibly to discuss the formation of the new outfit. Indicating close proximity of ZRNF with some social organisations of the zeliangrong organisation, Nam-chalung also named three prominent members of Zeli- angrong community having prior and detailed knowledge on the floating of ZRNF.
Judicial secretary of ZU K Paosinglung, to whom Namchalung was handed over expressed that the Zeliangrong community is committed to foil the designs of vested interest to create enmity within the community and appreciated NSCN (K)’s considerate attitude of providing Namchalung a chance to rectify his conduct.
Eco-blockade against humanity in general, says MUSU Sangai
IMPHAL, Jul 30: Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) has stated that the ANSAM-sponsored-indefinite blo- ckade along the National Highways thereby cutting off the main lifelines of the people is not only against the various ethnic groups living in Manipur but against the whole humanity as well. In a statement, the students’ body observed with each passing day the picture is becoming more clear at whose instigation the present agitation is being spearheaded and the real motive behind it. While noting that a nation should have its own tradition, culture and script, MUSU said it could not be created out of nothingness. National formation has to come only after ethnic formation and not vice-versa.
It should be clared to those who are extending support to the ongoing agitation of ANSAM that a nation could not be created by terrorising the people at gun-point, the student bo-dy said, adding that before dreaming of Naga unification, ANSAM should first of all bring about unity and win the confidence of all the ethnic groups instead of targeting the people and vehicles passing in front of their courtyard. It is illegal and a crime. Manipur is home to many groups of people and no one can overlook the interest of the others, MUSU said, adding that it is really unfortunate that ANSAM has been misguided and fallen prey to the snare spread out by divisive forces.
Contending that the crux of the present deadlock lies in the ongoing peace talks between the NSCN (I-M) and the Government of India, MUSU categorically charged the Government of India with playing with the divide and rule policy among the people of the North Eastern States. The silence being maintained by Centre instead of taking up any measures to ameliorate condition of the people who are reeling under the impact of the economic blockade for the last more than one month is ample proof of the discrimination against the people of Manipur. While asserting that the June 18 incident was not against any particular group of people living in Manipur and it was for the cause of territorial integrity of Manipur, MUSU stated firnly that the Government of Manipur should not revoke its June 18 declaration at any cost. New framework for the US-India Defence relationship
A document entitled ‘New Framework for the US-India Defence Relationship’ was signed on June 28, 2005 during Defence Minister’s official visit to the US from June 27-30, 2005. The ‘Framework’ updates the ‘Agreed Minutes on Defence Relations between India and the United States’ signed in January 1995 and seeks to advance common security interests such as maintaining security and stability; defeating terrorism and violent religious extremism; preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and related materials, data and technologies; and protecting the free flow of commerce.
It includes provisions for cooperation to enhance the capabilities of the US and Indian armed forces to deal with terrorism, disasters and the spread of WMD; expand the defence trade, production and technology relationship with the US; and promote regional and global peace and stability, jointly or with others, through expanded interaction with other nations, exchange of perspectives of international security issues, increased intelligence exchanges, capacity building of other countries for peace-keeping operations and collaboration in multi-national operations when it is the common interest.
The Framework is expected to enlarge available sources and options for the acquisition of defence equipment, provide access to advanced US defence technologies, help streng-then and modernize the Indian Armed Forces and increase our leverage and strategic manoeuvrability in international affairs.
No participation by Indian Armed Forces in any military action initiation by U.S.A. against International terrorism is contemplated or implied in this arrangement. Participation in any operations will be guided by the national interest and principles of our foreign and defence policies including our independent stand on international issues. The ‘Framework’ includes provisions for co-production of defence equipment and collaboration in multi-national operations 'when it is in their common interest'.
It also provides for increased opportunities for a two-way defence trade and transactions, including technology transfer, collaboration, co-production, and research and development, and the setting up of a ‘Defence Procurement and Production Group’ under the US-India Defence Policy Group (DPG) to advance these objectives. Together with progress on the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP), the ‘Framework’ is expec-ted to open the way for the supply of advanced technologies including defen-ce technologies to India. The ‘Framework’ is expected to add the United States to our existing sources of defence equipment suppliers and increase India’s options and bargaining power in the acquisition of defence technology and equipment. — PIB (Defence Wing)
NESO ask agitator, government to stop economic blockade NET News Network
Guwahati, July 31: The North East Students’ Organization (NESO) demanded the Manipur Government to initiate talks with the agitators of economic blockade for a permanent solution and also urged the ANSAM leaders to suspend the blockade for the sake of the suffering people. As an outcome of the executive meeting held on Saturday, NESO also reiterated its demands for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFPSA), scrapping the 3(1)(A) provision of Citizenship Act, expedite the process of detection, deletion and deportation of the illegal migrants. Asserting that the economic blockade called by All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) after the declaration of state Integrity day has been causing serious problems, and has urged the Naga Students’ to think about the matter once they return to their State. Meanwhile, the Manipur Government has reportedly decided to send a delegation to the agitators of the economic blockade tomorrow to find a permanent solution. Addressing the media, Chairman of NESO, Sammujjal Bhattacharya asserted that any amendments or act after the repeal of IM (DT) act would be vehemently protested and if the Central Government tries to impose any new amendments or law then it would lead to a volatile situation in the NE. Dwelling on the trade policy and the unemployment problem Bhattacharya said, “ The look east policy and the Indo-Asean trade must ensure that the indigenous traders is benefited and there must be 100 per cent reservation for the local people in group C and D category and first preferences in all the Central offices in the NE.”
The executive meeting also demanded the Meghalaya Government to immediately put a halt to all processes of Uranium mining. Artex Asimre, adviser of NESO also urged to stop the brain drain from the NE and reiterated that the education policy must be improved in the region. It can be mentioned that the NESO is heading towards Delhi after August 15 to pressurize the Central Government and will also talk with all the MP’s of NE to pressurize the Centre for taking positive steps towards the demand of NESO.
Legal duel for repeal of AFSPA is imminent NET News Network
Guwahati, July 30: After the scrapping of IM (DT), the North East Students Union (NESO) is now contemplating launching yet another legal battle in the Supreme Court for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA).
In an executive meeting of NESO in the city, the student union also expressed the possibility to undertake agitational program demanding the scrapping of the Citizenship Act, 2004 specially the clause 3 (1a), besides urging immediate implementation of the SC verdict on IM (DT). The union also urged for speedy and acceptable resolution of the on going peace process with different militant organizations of the region and initiate similar process with other groups including ULFA. Special emphasis has also been given for changes in the curriculum and policy of the education system. Dwelling on the issue of AFSPA, Artex Asimre, adviser of NESO said that the act does not make any sense when the peace processes are going on with different organizations and this should be repeal at the earliest. However, NESO chairman and All Assam Students Union adviser, Samujjal Bhattacharya stressed on few other aspects before a legal battle is formally launched. “We need to have a thorough discussion with advocates and will also have to assess the ground realities beside selecting a petitioner who should not be a member of NESO or AASU because both the organization simultaneously has to undertake the political fight too”, pointed out Bhattacharya.
Bhattacharya also suggested formation of a panel of five academicians from each State of NE who will take part in a workshop and will finally prepare a vision paper pertaining to the education system of the region. The executive meeting also discussed various issues like harassment of northeast students outside the region, brain drain from NE, look east policy keeping in mind the prospects of indigenous traders. Chairmen, General Secretaries and other office bearers of NESO also attended the executive meeting along with AASU president and general secretary. Meanwhile, the Democratic Muslim Forum (DMF) changing its perspective towards the security of minorities in the State reiterated that they want either some amendments in the Foreigners Act, 1946 or a substitute Act for IM (DT). It is worth mentioning that the DMF was one of the minority organizations participated in the Co-ordination meeting with the AASU that came out with a unanimous protest of any substitute act decision after the scrapping of the IM (DT) act. It can also be mentioned here that AASU has been vehemently condemning the idea of having a substitute act and said that any one who conceives such an idea would be considered as anti-nationalist.
Nagas join Baptist world in the 100th anniversary with diversity, togetherness
July 30 Photograph courtesy BWA Morung Express
BIRMINGHAM (MExN): More than 12,000 Baptist Christians from around the world celebrated a century of togetherness beginning July 27, opening their five-day meeting in Birmingham, England, with vibrant music, vivid pageantry and stirring stories of faith. Today’s program included a special lunchtime banquet for Friends of Baptist World Alliance (BWA) featuring former US President Jimmy Carter as the Guest Speaker. Nearly 150 Nagas are attending the Baptist World Alliance Centenary. It may mentioned that on the opening night, the program was led by Kethoser Kevichüsa whose performance drew wide applause from a captivating 25,000 plus Baptists from around the world. The Chamber Choir representing the NBCC received a standing ovation from the congregation for their special Naga Choral written and composed by Dr. Chishi.
On Wednesday, the Oriental Theological Seminary, another choir from Nagaland performed at the ‘Festival of the Nations’. The following day the OTS choir performed at the Bible study and at the International concert at the Symphony Hall.
The Baptist World Congress in Birmingham is one of the largest gatherings ever. Delegates swept aside any concern about recent terrorist attacks in London. As they made their way through the legendary English drizzle to the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham’s city centre, many were unaware that several of the city’s residents were arrested earlier in the day as suspects in the London underground bombings of 7 July and 21 July.
“We prayed that you would come, despite the bombings and the terror alerts,” said incoming BWA President David Coffey of Great Britain. The delegates’ presence, he said, was a witness of faith to the victims of terrorism and to persecuted Christians around the world.
A procession of banners from BWA member nations, interspersed with colourful twenty-foot streamers and delegates in native dress, weaved their way around the arena floor as delegates sang. They also experienced the traditional music and dance from various countries. As a demonstration of their unity, the delegates were invited to recite together the Apostle’s Creed. They were led by actor Eric Petrossian in the role of Alexander Maclaren, who led the first BWA meeting in 1905 in a similar recitation. The Baptist World Centenary Congress returned to England, where in 1905 the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), now an international fellowship of believers from 200-plus countries, was formed. A century ago, eight-five percent of the world’s Baptists were in Europe and North America, said Denton Lotz, General Secretary of the BWA. Now sixty-five percent of Baptists are in the Two-Thirds World, Lotz told the delegates. “This is the new paradigm shift,” Lotz said as he asked delegates from Africa, Asia and South America to stand. The Southern Hemisphere may lack money, political freedom or clout, he said, but “they are going to re-evangelize the world.” In this regard Baptists from fifty different nations had earlier gathered on 26 July for the official launch of the Baptist World Alliance’s (BWA) new evangelism strategy at a one-day conference held in Birmingham, on the eve of the Baptist Word Congress
Amsterdam talks extend cease-fire by 6 months Morung Express News July 30 DIMAPUR: The ceasefire between the Government of India and the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak- Muivah faction) has been extended for another six months. The ceasefire was slated to expire tomorrow, July 31. Both parties involved in the peace parley came to the decision after holding a series of meeting at Amsterdam, Netherlands today. The news of the ceasefire extension was relayed to The Morung Express by RH Raising, Kilo Kilonser of the outfit. According to the Joint Statement issued after today’s final discussion both parties reaffirmed the need to extend the ceasefire ‘to intensify the peace process in order to arrive at mutually acceptable solution as early as possible’. The full text joint statement further stated that ‘as the NSCN intends to hold extensive consultations with the people, the ceasefire is formally extended for a period of six months where after it will be extended further’. In other news pouring in at the time of filing this report, reliable sources in New Delhi informed that the Naga Hoho delegation today met Chairperson of the UPA Sonia Gandhi. The Naga Hoho delegation later had a series of meeting with Members of Parliament TR Zeliang, Wangyuh Konyak and Mani Charenamai. Nagaland Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie, Parliamentary Secretary Deo Nukhu and Manipur Minister Gaikhangam also called on the Naga Hoho leaders. The Naga Hoho delegation is slated to meet Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Monday, besides leaders of different political parties.
Frans on 07.31.05 @ 04:46 PM CST [link]
