Nagalim a non-issue: Government IST, PTI Economic Times
Nagalim a non-issue: Government IST, PTI Economic Times
GUWAHATI: Criticising opposition Asom Gana Parishad's move to highlight the greater Nagalim demand, the Assam government today termed it as a non-issue.
The matter had become a non-issue as Manipur MP Mani Charenamei had himself denied having made the demand during his speech in Parliament, said government spokesman and senior minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while addressing media persons here today. The AGP had criticised the state government for failing to protect the boundaries of the state following the reported assurance by the UPA to Charenamei that the demand for greater Nagaland or 'Nagalim' will be fulfilled.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has also made it clear that the state's territory will not be compromised. "This has only proved that the opposition has got no issues and was making hue and cry for nothing," Sarma said.
NSCN-K asks for techies - Outfit writes to village chiefs seeking computer-savvy men ATONU CHOUDHURI The Telegraph
NSCN-K rebels at a camp. A Telegraph picture
Itanagar, July 24: This is a “situation vacant” advertisement you will not come across in any newspaper. The militant National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) has sent out word seeking “computer-savvy youth” to produce sophisticated web documents and multimedia products to spread its philosophy across the world.
An official of Arunachal Pradesh police said the NSCN (K)’s “commander” in the state has written to at least 15 tribal chiefs of Tirap district asking them to provide “computer-savvy youths to join our ranks”.
“The outfit has asked all the Wangchu chieftains to assist by encouraging educated village youths to land lucrative jobs for helping their cause,” the police official in Tirap said. The Tirap superintendent of police, C.K. Mein, said: “We came across these letters recently and we are investigating the matter.”
Both factions of the NSCN were among the first rebel groups in the country to use the Internet for effective communication with their sympathisers around the world. Though connectivity in this part of the country is not state-of-the-art, the rebels can still log on to the Net using the GPRS facility in their mobile phones. Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap and Changlang districts — bordering Myanmar — have always been safe havens of many militant groups of the Northeast, including Ulfa and the NDFB of Assam.
A Wangchu chief, contacted by The Telegraph, refused to comment on the issue beyond saying: “We receive many requests from the boys, ranging from food to shelter.”
According to the police official, one “major” K. Ngaimong wrote to the chieftains of 15 villages under Longding circle of Tirap district. The letters were issued recently and the police got wind of those letters after a few days. The police official said the NSCN (K) has computer engineers and other professionals in its ranks but this was first such recruitment drive asking for “youth with specific requirements”. In January this year, the NSCN (K) abducted 39 school students from Tirap district within months of sending notices to 13 villages in the district asking for 200 boys to join the outfit. Later, the outfit said the youths were not abducted but had joined the outfit voluntarily.
Naga border villages depend on Burma villages for survival Express India Agencies
Mimi (Nagaland), July 24: For over half a dozen villages, scattered on a mountainous terrain and cut off from the rest of the world in the absence of motorable road, villages in Myanmar just across the international border have come as a saviour. The villagers belonging to Yimchunger Naga tribe inhabiting the Kiphire district of Nagaland, sustain themselves through barter trade with their counterparts in Myanmar.
The villagers living on two sides of the mountain that separate the two countries have been emotionally close since long and there is free movement between them. The Indian authorities do not mind their free exchange keeping in mind their need for each other.
Sometimes marriage even takes place between the people. The villagers basically trade salt, medicines, tea, honey and wax in exchange for Myanmarese rum, precious stones, clothes, utensils and others, an elder at Mimi village, the only village where road connectivity is there but no transport system, said. He said it takes two days to reach the nearest human settlement across the border.
''Political events led to the drawing of the international boundary dividing our villages, but there is no restriction on free movement of people on both sides of the divide despite existence of hostile terrains,'' a youth, who was doing bio-diversity mapping of the area, said. To facilitate the border trade, the Nagaland government has constructed marketing sheds at Mimi christening it as International Trade Centre, but in reality nothing is traded there mainly because of poor connectivity. Now roads are being laid to connect three villages out of seven under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and infrastructure development schemes under the Department of Underdeveloped Area (DUDA).
Development works, particularly connectivity, have been undertaken in this border sub-division only after DUDA came into being. ''We hope the remaining four villages will be made motorable soon, John Tselise, Sub-divisional officer, Pungro,'' said. As the entire Mimi belt has rich deposits of limestone, the government plans to set up a large-scale cement plant in the area.
''But while doing so utmost care must be taken for environmental protection since it is a highly seismic zone because the two plates of Himalayas and Myanmar join here,'' a geologist of the State Geology and Mining Department said. As the area provides good scope for cross-border trade, the Department of Transport and Communication began a feasibility study of river Tizu to make it navigable as it meets river Chindwin in Myanmar which meanders through 35 to 40 km stretch from Mimi.
People sometimes come from other side to our area through this river by country boats, a Mimi village elder said. As per present arrangement between the two countries, the villagers from either side can go up to 25 km from the demarcated international border for informal trade and maintaining family relationship. The villagers in this border area prefer cultivation of maize, millet and beans in large scale rather than rice but marketing of their produces has been a problem due to poor connectivity. Although they have to depend for rice from outside, the transport cost of carrying the same from Dimapur was exorbitant. A mini truck laden with goods from district headquarters Kiphire to Mimi, just 120 km, costs Rs 6,000, regretted a village elder.
Most villagers complained about poor implementation of centrally sponsored schemes like BPL rice distribution, National Rural Health Mission, SSA, particularly mid-day meal scheme. We have BPL card holders but beneficiaries get rice twice or thrice in a month, an inhabitant of nearby Salomi village said.
Unlike in other parts of Nagaland, the entire Yimchunger Nagas inhabited border area had not witnessed any factional clash since 2001 due to strong commitment of tribal councils and students organization towards peace and tranquillity. Since Saramati range, the highest mountain nestles in the area, an ideal place for trekking, and Fakim wildlife sanctuary is nearby, this border area with its pristine forests and wildlife has great potential for development of adventure and eco-tourism, local MLA and parliamentary secretary of CAWD P Torechu insisted. The community organizations successfully convinced the underground groups not to fight among themselves at least in Kiphire district and not a single bullet has been fired since they took over charge of this border area, an Assam Rifles commander told visiting newsmen.
No UPA assurance on Greater Nagalim From Kalyan Barooah
NEW DELHI, July 25 – The controversy over greater Nagalim seems to be a case of much ado about nothing, with Outer Manipur MP Mani Charenamei today clarifying that no assurance has been made by UPA Government to fulfil their demand for greater Nagalim. The denial came even as JMM leader, Shibu Soren today declared that the Prime Minister has assured him to positively look into the demand for grant of Schedule Tribe status to Adivasi community living in Assam.
Soren told newsmen that during his discussion with the Prime Minister, he had laid the condition for grant of ST status to Adivasis of Assam. The Prime Minister has assured that he would take up the issue.
The JMM leader, flanked by few office-bearers of the All Assam Adivasi Students Association said that the November 24 incident in Assam proves that atrocities on Adivasi continue in the State, adding that he has been associated with the movement of the adivasis for over 35 years.
Meanwhile, talking to this correspondent, an upset Charenamei said that they have simply asked for a review of the clause in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP). “No. Absolutely nothing of that sort has been agreed to by the Centre,” he said when specifically asked whether the demand for unification of Naga inhabited areas has been agreed upon.
The MP said the UPA Government has given him something in writing before he agreed to vote in favour of the trust motion. “But I am not going to show it to you,” he said.
It has been learnt that the written assurance had come from External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee. A senior Union Minister hailing from the region told this newspaper that they had specifically cautioned the Congress president against agreeing to Charenamei’s demand, come what may.
Clarifying further he said the CMP was drafted by partners of the UPA and some of them have now left the coalition. Therefore, the CMP may be revised. “All we have asked for is reconsideration of the clause pertaining to the territorial integrity,” he stressed. The UPA’s CMP said that territorial borders of the North Eastern States would be maintained. “This is anyway against the Constitution,” he said.
Assailing the smaller regional parties of the North-east including the AGP for misunderstanding the Nagas, he said if the Assamese people do not understand them, who would. “If the Assamese people do not understand the aspiration of the Naga, who will understand us,” he asked, adding that he failed to understand a hue-and-cry has been raised by the Regional party.
Meanwhile, smarting under attack by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, AGP’s two Lok Sabha MPs today counter-charged by asking what were the State Congress Party’s nine MPs doing when Mani Charengmei raised the issue. In a brief but sharp statement by Dr Arun Kumar Sarma and Sarbananda Sonowal, they asked that when at the end of his speech the entire Congress Bench including the State’s MPs and Congress president, Sonia Gandhi supported it by thumping the desk, whose interest they were serving. The MPs further stated that as an experienced Parliamentarian, Gogoi was well-aware about the rules of the House. The AGP with two MPs were allotted two-and-a-half-minute. However, owing to the charged atmosphere because of the BJP MP’s act, the Speaker changed the schedule. They claimed they tried to protest but to no avail. The MPs also charged why the Chief Minister was camping in the capital in the run up to the trust motion at a time when the State was reeling under flood and erosion.
Assam Govt to oppose move for greater Nagaland: Gogoi The Hindu
Guwahati (PTI): The Assam government will oppose any move for a greater Nagaland, state Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said Thursday. Addressing a press conference here, Gogoi denied any knowledge of the reported claim of the Manipur (outer) MP that he had voted for the UPA government in the trust motion on the assurance that his demand for greater Nagaland, called "Nagalim", will be granted.
"I have no knowledge of this fact..the government is against any encroachment of the state's territory and the concept (of greater Nagaland)," he said. Congratulating Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the "marvellous victory" (in the trust motion), the Chief Minister said this showed the people's confidence on the UPA government.
‘State interests compromised’ By A Staff Reporter ssam Tribune
GUWAHATI, July 24 – Accusing the Congress of compromising on the interests of the State on the greater Nagalim issue, the AGP today said that the Congress-led UPA’s assurance to an independent MP from Manipur who voted for the Government in the trust motion that the UPA would consider the demand for a greater Nagalim, exposed the Congress and also contradicted the statements of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on the issue. Replying to a question from the media during a press conference today, AGP president Brindaban Goswami and general secretary Chandramohan Patowary said that the UPA’s assurance to the Manipur MP showed that the Congress was ready to compromise on the territorial integrity of the States – something detrimental to national interests as well.
“The Congress has all along been blaming the AGP on the issue of greater Nagalim. But everyone can now see where the Congress stands on the issue, compromising on the interests of Assam,” Patowary said. The AGP leaders also lauded the two party MPs, Arun Sarma and Sarbananda Sonowal, saying that they put up an “exemplary role” during the trust vote. “They could not speak as the Speaker did not allow them to do so even though they were keen on speaking. Earlier, even the Prime Minister had requested them to vote for the UPA, which they turned down. Their role was exemplary,” Patowary said.
India to train US 'Green Berets' in jungle warfare AFP
GUWAHATI, India (AFP) — A contingent of US Special Forces, or Green Berets, will team up with Indian soldiers to train in jungle warfare, officials said on Saturday.
The 30-member US team will train in the army-run Counter-Insurgency Jungle Warfare School from August 2 in the rebellion-torn northeastern state of Mizoram, they said.
"The training schedule involves methodologies to tackle terrorism and low intensity conflicts," an Indian commander said on condition he was not named. An equal number of Indian military personnel will team up with the visiting Green Berets at the school where some 250 US soldiers had been trained in the past four years.
"The US soldiers would share their experiences in tackling urban terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, while the Indians would pass on their tactics used in Kashmir and other parts of the northeast," he added. Earlier this month Indian war jets left for the US to take part for the first time in multinational aerial war games codenamed the "Red Flag" beginning August 9 and billed as the world's toughest. In September last year, New Delhi hosted naval exercises involving 29 warships and 160 fighter aircraft from the United States, Australia, Japan and Singapore in the Indian Ocean. The exercise signalled a significant change in relations between the Indian and US militaries, whose relations were marked by mistrust during the Cold War.
Condolence Message Late Mr. Kuboto Joseph Kulnu
(Former President, Angami Student’s Unit, NSUD)
On this very sad day of the sudden demise of late Mr. Kuboto Joseph Kulnu, in Kohima town, NSUD expresses profound grief and sorrow for the irreparable void left in our society. Late Mr. Kulnu served in the capacity of President Angami Student’s Unit, during 2004-2005 tenure, NSUD. Besides, being the active student’s leader in a swift period of his life, Late Mr. Kulnu was an ardent and dedicated person in the community service. NSUD and its members will nurse the pain of the untimely lost of our beloved friend and leader late Mr. Kulnu. Also, NSUD dearly implore its members to endeavor upon the works and wills of late Mr. Kulnu to his dedication, of “excellence of Nagas”.
NSUD extend deepest condolence to his bereaved family and friends, and prayfully invokes the mercy of the almighty Lord Jesus Christ, for his soul may rest in peace.
Sd/- Sd/-
Gideon Shadang Saturwie S. Nyusou
President, NSUD General Secretary, NSUD
Businessman shot dead morungexpress
Dimapur | July 27: Unidentified gunmen shot dead one person at Padum Pukhuri village at around 4:15 am this morning. Police identified the deceased as Sandeep Kumar Singh, president of the Bricks Baker Association.
Police quoting the FIR lodged by his wife, Kheka Sumi, stated that three persons came to her residence at 4:15 am and called out her husband. The three persons took him out and shot him outside the main gate of the house. Police recovered a shell of AK 47, another of 9mm and a bullet head of AK 47 from the spot. The motive behind the murder was yet to be ascertained, said police, concluding as usual “investigation is on.”
Meanwhile, the “NSCN/GPRN” has squarely blamed “Hebron campers” for the killing of Sandeep. A note from the outfit’s publicity cell said “five Gypsy borne murderers from Hebron” came and killed the man. Stating the victim to be a father, a husband and a responsible man “in our society”, the cell questioned if he was “murdered because he happened to be the son-in-law of Hojei Swu, Kilonser in the GPRN/NSCN?”
Targeting and murdering relatives of underground workers “will only boomerang on those responsible for these heinous crimes sooner or later” the cell said. The group has cautioned the assailants not to blame “the Nagas” for “any retaliation”. The cell also condoled the death of innocent Nagas “who have been murdered recently without any reason by those at Hebron Camp and prays to Almighty God to offer solace to the bereaved families.”
US soldiers to learn guerrilla warfare in Mizoram forest Agencies
Vairengte, July 26 : Thirty US soldiers are set to undergo training for three weeks in low-intensity guerrilla warfare from Indian anti-terror experts in the forests of Mizoram, military officials said Saturday. An Indian army commander said the training on unconventional warfare begins Aug 2 at the Counter Insurgency Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) at Vairengte, about 100 km from state capital Aizawl.
A group of 30 elite Indian army commandos, including four officers, will also take part in the joint exercise. “The training schedule involves a rigorous drill on how to tackle urban terrorism and low intensity conflict, besides simulated anti-insurgency operations for the American soldiers,” a senior army official told IANS, requesting anonymity.
The 30 US soldiers are from the Special Forces or the Green Berets, tasked with eight primary missions - unconventional warfare, foreign internal defence, special reconnaissance, direct action, counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, psychological operations and information operations. “The US soldiers would share their experiences in tackling urban terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, while the Indians would pass on their tactics used in Jammu and Kashmir and parts of the northeast,” the commander said.
There was a similar exercise in the past involving Indian and US soldiers at Vairengte. The school at Vairengte is considered one of the world’s most prestigious anti-terrorist institutions with troops from several countries getting counter-insurgency training. “The motto of the institute is to fight a guerrilla like a guerrilla,” a CIJWS commander said. “The training module is non-conventional and once a soldier undergoes training here, he can face all deadly situations anywhere in the world.” About 250 American soldiers have already undergone training at Vairengte in the last four years. “The troops are taught to live in difficult and hostile terrain, eat and sleep like the guerrilla and strike as silently as the guerrilla,” the commander said. “The exercise is aimed at honing special skills for soldiers who are exposed to terrorist attacks in recent years.” Spurred by the successes in combating militancy to a great extent, New Delhi in 2001 opened the school at Vairengte for soldiers from abroad with three US army officers being the first overseas batch to be trained.
But it was only after the Sep 11, 2001 terror strikes in the US that the jungle warfare school at Vairengte began attracting military cadets from across the world. The training module includes lectures and seminars, besides mock operations in the rugged jungles in Mizoram. The Vairengte School at present runs four counter-insurgency and jungle warfare courses open only to officers and soldiers below 28 years of age. The school was set up in 1970 after Indian soldiers suffered heavy casualties at the hands of northeastern rebels who were adept at hit-and-run guerrilla tactics.
Gprn/nscn condemns killing of innocent Nagas Morungexpress
It is unfortunate that the Anti-Naga gangsters at Hebron camp are resorting to threatening the Nagas by systematically dismembering the Naga society through kidnapping and killing of kith and kin of those who seek to unite the Nagas. They are now beginning to target the tribal Hoho Leaders and their families
On the 22nd July, Mr. Gwyhunlo Rengma, whose elder brother is a press secretary of Rengma Hoho and another college student with him were forcibly dragged away at gunpoint by two Tangkhuls at Kohima town. After torturing them throughout the night, the two were taken to an isolated place the next day and shot at point blank range. Even though five bullets were pumped into Mr. Gwayhunlo, he survived and is now in Hospital with serious injuries while the student, who is a grandson of Toshalie, a steering Committee member at Hebron escaped with bullet injury on his legs.
It may be recalled that on 5th May 2008, the Rengma Hoho was invited by the GPRN/NSCN for consultation at Vihokhu Camp however the Hoho members were threatened by Hebron Killers with dire consequences if they attended the Consultative meet.
Secondly, the attempted murder of Mr. Gwyhunlo and a student happened on 22nd July 2008, a day after the Rengma Hoho convened a meeting at Japfu Hotel to deliberate on the need for greater responsibility for realization of Naga Unity. It is clear that Muivah’s gang is threatening all the Tribal Hohos in Nagaland who believe in the Unity of Nagas. Nagas must remember that Rengma people inherited a proud legacy from their forefathers and they continue to contribute to the Naga struggle. In 1929, Hiselo Rengma represented his people along with other Naga elders who declared in a memorandum submitted to Simon Commission that Nagas should to be left alone to determine their own future. Those who oppose the Unification of Nagas have no right to talk about the future of Naga people.
Today, innocent civilians are being targeted at the behest of few individuals at Hebron Camp. They have committed numberless despicable acts against the Nagas and have shamelessly pointed their blood dripping finger at GPRN/NSCN. The latest is the Killing of Hotovi Sumi of Kuhoxu Village under Niuland, whose brother is serving in the Naga Army. He was brutally murdered on the Morning of 24th July 2008 at Dimapur by two Nagamese speaking killers from Hebron. He was a former worker from Hebron but for the last three years he had distanced himself from the gang after knowing their evil plans. Naga Army Town Command rushed to the spot after hearing of the murder but the killers managed to escape.
The right of the Nagas is being hijacked to fulfil the interest of the few in the name of Naga freedom struggle. Killing of innocent public is being intensified to threaten, blackmail and intimidate the Nagas into submission.
Publicity Cell, GPRN/NSCN
Comments
Get Lost on 25 July,
To be honest, the Nagas in general are totally fed up with the Tangkhuls and Semas. They are the source of all problems in the Naga society today. Its very unfortunate that the Tangkhuls and Semas who does not really belong to the Nagas are now competitively claiming to be the so called 'patriotic' Nagas and are now waging war against each other whereas the other Naga tribes are being used by them for their end. common, guys, wake and understand the real enemy of the Nagas!
hobo on 25 July,
why are we instigating the fire by using name of certain community? lets not divide the already divided Nagas society please. we the youths must build up this nation and not divide it. its time we move on. lets learn to forgive and forget. by putting such comments using names of communities is just putting fuel in the fire. its time we put water.
Dearme on 25 July,
Dear friends, killing a human being whoever he or she, to which ever community he or she belongs is always bad. Everyone must condemn such heinuous act. But GPRN/NSCN of Unification should avoid naming and categorizing particular tribe/tribes. You are inciting one Naga against another, brother/s. Your divisive action is so loud that nobody is hearing what you are shouting for Naga unity. At the initial stage, there was some sense in "Naga Unification" movement, Nagas who are longing for unity felt that something good was being initiated. But the moment you started killing, looting, and reciprocating the evil ones (so you alleged) with the same coin and even worse than them, the Naga realized the true color of the Unification group. Tell me which news item your group put up is not inciting and is not filled with hatred and malice? May be you have only a packed of wolves howling and looking for devouring the innocent Nagas. May be you have a very bad PR. The more you put a write up, the more obvious it has become, how hateful, divisive and shortsighted your group is. Unification cannot come from hatred. Love and forgiveness do bring about unity and peace. Nagas donot expect from you Unity, because you have people with hateful, angry and evil heart. And unfortunately, these very people seem to be calling the shot in the Unification Group. If you cannot love, at least be reasonable so that people may believe what you are shouting for - Naga Unification.
Naga Spectator on 25 July,
Our crazy boss Tangkhul leaders need to stop killing others in the name of Naga independent? Just think of an independent state (Naga State) under the dictatorship rule of the Tangkhul. I would prefer to be in the hand of the Indian army instead of under the dictatorship of the Tangkhul.
Enough means enough. The time is running out. Unless the Tangkhul realise their own sinful problem, there will no peace and solution for the Nagas.
Unless the Tangkhul realise their own foolishness and inability to mobilise the other Naga tribe, there will be no peace with gun in their hand.
observer on 25 July, 2008 09:41:12
Not meant to single out any community, but one must share an observation....
Lately, one keeps coming across Sumi this and Sumi that and Sumi Sumi Sumi...
As for Tangkhuls, though I wholeheartedly accept them as Nagas and wish for them to play their role in our society, I'm getting the impression that Tangkhuls are the ones carrying out most of the murders and assassinations ... making them ODIOUS to the Naga people as a whole. STOP THE MURDERS AND TRY DIPLOMACY AND PERSUASION. Are you a follower of Christ or a murderer claiming to follow God? God knows exactly who you are and what you are doing?
Recasting Ceasefires: Antithesis of Guerrilla Warfare Mmhonlümo Kikon 21/07/2008
Ceasefire-a cessation of hostilities, a moment of truth, absence of war, a breather for negotiations, a strategy to reinforce, a battle of wits in lieu of bullets, a time to recast visions in the vortex of history, a time for adversaries and friends alike to meet and share stories, a misnomer when many lives are lost in the period.
In the history of any struggle, there have been factions, not because it is required, nor because it is natural, but because struggles are led by people coming from different histories, ideologies and visions. There are the usual contestations of truths and visions for domination. Objectives of all struggles are borne out of an event disrupting the phenomenon of normal thought. It is triggered by a justification of suppressed truths and invigorated by the passion of patriotism. It is nurtured in the embrace of blood, tears and untold miseries. At all important epochs there are leaders of different shades, leaving behind trails of glory and blunders. At all such moments, the sustenance comes from the belief that we are nearer to the goal then we were before. Nagas are once again at the threshold of one such moment. It maybe our biggest moment, a moment of glory; it might even turn out to be our moment of total dismay.
You wake up one fine morning and find yourself thinking about the meaning of ceasefires, the killing fields, the wailing mothers, the discursive battles and the war at large. There are attempts by various sections of the Naga society to address the issue by offering all sorts of arguments and remedies. The most commonplace response has so far been the immediate condemnations by one and sundry, followed by the claims and counterclaims to justify the omissions and commissions of the actors concerned. This process only serves to enrich the archives of Naga history. While the word “Unification” has gone from being an aspiration to a contentious issue, the word “Reconciliation” has gained currency due to the efforts of the Quakers and Rev. Dr. Wati Aier. While many are engaged in the theatre of rhetoric and almost every other day you hear of the gospel according to the Nagas, let us not forget to recast Ceasefires in the annals of Naga History from being a mere document of memoranda to the basis of the promise of peace and development.
This is the second big Ceasefire between the Nagas and the Government of India. In the past the Ceasefire lasted for only about eight years, while the present Ceasefires with both the Naga factions is stuttering on for more than a decade despite signs of weariness and differences. The reasons for the failures of the first Ceasefire and Peace-talks are aplenty and needs no elaboration here. However it must be mentioned that its failures led to the development of so many misgivings among the Naga leaders of that period. The misgivings were the germination of bolder initiatives and renewed struggles. And it must be mentioned that the rhetoric of Peace and Development did not play such a significant role in that period of the Naga History like it is taking shape today. It is between this twin discourse of Peace and Development that the meaning of Ceasefires become altered and twisted beyond its generic sense. Negotiations assume seriousness because there is a ceasefire at place, development and peace follows different trajectories and have never really interfered with Conflict resolutions. The public sphere needs to be engaged and therefore the ills of any society is always focused on a development and peace rubric that there comes a point of time where many are misled and the more important issues confused.
That a ceasefire has ‘ground rules’ is only the legitimization of that cessation of hostilities, an acknowledgement of the fact that we need to give dialogues a chance. While it is important to keep a keen watch over the developments of any peace talks, it is also important not to lose sight of one of the most important mechanisms through which the Nagas of today are able to enjoy relative peace. It is also important to recast ceasefires in the light of the factional killings and the unfortunate distractions that have occurred due to the internecine skirmishes.
The present scenario does not portend well for the Nagas. The ‘NSCN (IM)’ has decided to boycott all the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) meetings due to the appointment of M L Kumawat as the acting Chairman of the (CFMG) by the Government of India. They termed the appointment of Kumawat, who is also the Special Secretary (Internal Security) as ‘arbitrary and unilateral’ and till a new Chairman is appointed or the NSCN (IM)is taken into confidence in the appointment of the CFMG Chairman, no future meetings will be attended (Nagaland Post, July 3).
Just recently the ‘NSCN (K)’ has threatened to pull out of the Ceasefire with the Government of India due to the recent incursion into their designated camp at Athibung. They accused the centre of trying to “smoke out” the outfit in collaboration with its rival outfit (Nagaland Post, July 17).
Nagas can well imagine a pre-1997 scenario if the Ceasefire is abrogated. It will replace the rhetoric of Peace and Development with the issues of war and battles. It will raise the level of threat perceptions among ordinary citizens, and the culture of fear that dominates the Naga society will resurface. We don’t need a Nostradamus to predict all the above for us under the circumstances. We will be definitely taking a giant step backward. We appreciate and salute the mental rigor, maturity and perseverance that the Nagas have displayed down the ages. However, it is necessary to carry through the Present Dialogues when we still can, when peace is not only a hope but a possibility waiting in the wings, when we are all energized by the spirit of reason and understanding. Naga history has its own gruesome tales to tell, its own bloody wars to be ashamed of. Some say it was necessary, a collateral albeit costly, while some opine still that we will not be where we are if we didn’t choose the path of guerilla warfare, if there was no armed struggle. Naga history turned a new leaf when Phizo rejected T Sakhrie’s non-violent approach towards the struggle with India and chose the path of armed struggle. From then on the NSCN perfected the art of guerilla warfare in the Naga Hills and there are many milestones thenceforth.
A Senior lecturer at Delhi University once presented a paper on the issue of ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN in the early part of ceasefire, by problematizing the idea of designated camps as part of the ceasefire ground rules. He argued that the very essence of a guerilla rested on its mobility. If and when that is curbed, they remain hemmed in by the antithesis of proven guerilla tactics. He studied the impact of such ceasefires around the world on a guerilla cadre. He mentioned, especially about how many soldiers in the LTTE started developing psychological aberrations due to the absences of war and how it impacted their discipline and normal lives. Cadres who were accustomed to fighting took time to adjust to not-fighting, adapting to normal living. Some are reported to have committed suicide, even. So when the Ceasefire is first put in place, there are bound to be problems of familiarization, adaptation and also acclimatization. They who were roaming freely in the jungles are now contained by written agreements and ground-rules, literally. This is not a situation which any Government or authority can fully manage or control as per the expected objectives of the rules laid down. However, try they must and in the process attrition sets in as a natural consequence. I mention all these to strike home the point that the Ceasefire is something we need to appreciate and take seriously. Although not everything goes by the book and not every cadre is thus contained, there is at least some sort of discipline which was previously not there. The soldiers are in the barracks and the civil society is ‘allowed’ a big enough space to veer their efforts towards resolution of all longstanding issues. Whereas these soldiers were trained and raised primarily to fight, they are now keeping peace. Imagine Nagaland with or without a ceasefire. Imagine also, of the mayhem if the thread on which the ceasefire is loosely hanging is broken. These are scary thoughts to entertain, but we must go through the grind, if we have to think through the present crises of ceasefire effectively. As responsible Nagas, we must not leave it to the Government of India, Nagaland and the NSCNs alone to tackle such important mechanisms. For the common man I must reiterate that the Ceasefire Ground-rules and the Ceasefire agreement are extremely important. The problem with many common men is that they tend to overlook whatever is more important to them and get distracted by sideshows.
For many, the past three months, especially after the assembly elections in Nagaland, have been tumultuous to say the least. There are as many interpretations of the dismal events as there are denominations among Christians. The most common observation is that the NSCN factions have reduced the Naga National cause to turf wars. And as common observation goes, it is a very commonplace comment. This reductionism started with the killings in Dimapur district, which remains unabated till date. The larger issue of the Indo-Naga Peace talks has been put behind for sometime due to the interest shown and the emotive affair of the factional clashes. After all it is amongst brothers, as Nagas are fond of putting it. The recent events and the response of the civil society is a clear case of privileging the language of violence over the peace-talks. Even the media exchanges between the NSCNs and the Government of India has been limited to the politicization of people’s issues and skirting around troubled waters. From all these we can easily conclude that there are many loopholes which have been addressed with insincerity and provided with stop-gap arrangements only.
The Ceasefire Ground-rules are very interesting to read. The recent flush out operations carried out by all the district administration in Nagaland may be a step towards profiling the presence of NSCN cadres in the urban centres, although it is based on strategic intelligence inputs. How far these relate to the ground-rules, one cannot say. The basis of any Ceasefire rests on the conflicting parties agreeing to maintain peace together. This argument will find favor in the light of the recent appointment of M L Kumawat as the acting Chairman of the CFMG. The rejection of his appointment by the NSCN (IM) is interesting because the Government of India and the NSCN are the two entities which have entered into a Ceasefire agreement and have agreed in principle to have ground-rules governing their relations. It is by nature bilateral, and any unilateral decision is bound to evoke protest from one of the conflicting parties. If there is no honor and respect among treaty parties, there is bound to be friction. And in this case any friction would lead to a disaster for both the Nagas and the Government of India. We expect at least that there is no politicization of such cooperation and monitoring mechanism between the Government of India and the NSCNs. Anything and everything should be settled under the principle of consultation and mutual understanding. The Government of India would only encourage misunderstanding and mistrust in the process, and yes, Nagas will once again record that in the annals of their history. It will become the hallmark of the Indian approach towards resolving conflicts.
It is natural for outside observers to understand that the ground-rules are a means towards maintaining the ceasefire effectively so as to facilitate any peace-talks. The implementation of ground rules in Nagaland has been tricky and oftentimes messy. The confusion exists not only among the general populace but also among government agencies. Who is authorized to implement the ground-rules and in what manner and capacity? What kind of space does it have for the civil society to participate in the review of the ground-rules implementation? For all keen observers of the Ceasefires, it is pertinent that the Government of India initiates debates of the abovementioned questions in public spaces. This will go a long way in establishing the much needed trust among the general populace on the issue of the seriousness of the government of India towards resolving the Naga issue. While appreciating the many initiatives of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the DAN Government, it would be great if the PAC can conduct a debate on the issue of implementation of Ceasefire ground rules. This will ensure that there is an informed public keenly watching the developments of the Peace Process.
Ultimately, as I have argued, it must be remembered that Ground-rules and designated camps are antithetical to the essence of guerilla warfare and we are fortunate to have achieved a lot through the reversal of the motivating and the dominant forces of the nature of war and temporarily taming it to a more civil space that if we lose it we may well forget peace for generations to come. This is the fear that converts a lot of disinterested Nagas into keen observers of the Peace Process at hand.
Finis
‘Naga Mircha’ sprouting higher with Nagafragrance morungexpress
Naga king chilli at harvesting stage
Dimapur, July 26 (MExN): With the tested report rating of 1,400,000 units on the Scoville scale, the Naga king chilly is the world hottest chilly known to man. It is twice as hot as the old champ, the Mexican Red Savina Habanero. Mostly grown in the hilly districts of Kohima, Mon and Peren, Naga King Chilly or Capsicum Chinese Jacq is locally known as “Naga Mircha” belongs to the genus Capsicum of Solanaceae or nightshade family.
After surveying present trend of national and international market demand for Naga King chilly, Nagafragrance pvt. Ltd is venturing to promote Naga King chilly for commercial cultivation with ‘scientific method backed up scientific experts.’ The company is creating awareness programme like Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), in cultivation and post harvest management technologies to the farmers besides assisting in providing with seeds and microbial formulation to the farmers with a buy-back agreement. The company finances these farmers through banks and other financial institutions and also directly by the company through the proceeds of the sales. Nagafragrance has 200 farmers working under it with buy-back agreement.
Keeping in mind the factors influencing the growth of the crop, Nagafragrance (R&D wing) is under screening for most potentials areas for commercial cultivation of Naga king chilly in different districts of Nagaland, taking into consideration the economic cost of cultivation. The company has also started promoting its activities in screening of specific genotype with suitability to the condition and also offers the scope for growing off-season, which can be made available for the market during the highest pricing period.
Interested farmers may consult and register themselves at the head office of Naga Fragrance (P) Limited.
A release from the Nagafragrance highlighted that chilly fruits form the essential ingredient of the Naga kitchen cuisine. It has a long-standing association with ethno-agricultural activities of Naga people. Naga King Chilly was also used in ancient warfare, as a biological weapon to ward off enemies. Fresh and dried chilly forms are a good ingredient in curries and pickles. Although Naga king chilly are quite pungent it is valued for soothing effects on the digestive system, relief from symptoms of colds, sore throats, fever, circulation, especially for cold hands and feet, and as a hangover remedies. They act as a heart stimulant, which regulates blood flow and strengthens the arteries, possibly reducing heart attacks. For further information log on to: www.Nagafragrance.in.
RED-MEAT, RED-FACED AND RED- Kethoser (Aniu) Kevichusa
What do you call a Naga with a pet dog? A vegetarian! So goes the joke. The recent story of a Naga Ph.D scholar, Yoronso, along with two of his friends, getting caught ‘red-handed’ – quite literally – butchering a campus dog in his JNU hostel room has understandably aroused strong reactions both of contempt and of embarrassment. Writing about the episode in the 14 July issues of Asian Age and Deccan Chronicle, Ambika Shukla titles her article, rather melodramatically, ‘Murder Most Foul’, and calls Yoronso and his friends ‘criminals’. Irate, she demands that Yoronso should not just be made to leave the hostel, but that he should be ‘expelled and blacklisted’ from JNU. Apparently unsatisfied with that, she goes on to demand: ‘The University should also refuse to accept Yoronso’s Ph.D thesis, which his guide should also refuse to sign. The varsity must also revoke his Bachelor and Master’s Degrees, and co-operate with the police to chargesheet and arrest all the three men.’
Shukla is obviously a dog-lover. Thus her reaction. Shukla is also an Indian army officer’s wife and has spent time in Nagaland. She begins her article by narrating the story of ‘one of the most anxious days’ of their army posting in Nagaland. This ‘had nothing to do with the insurgency’, but was the day their dog went missing. She says: ‘After combing the area, my husband visited the Gaon Burha (village Pradhan) of the closest Naga settlement and spelt out all sorts of dire consequences if the dog did not return. Twenty minutes later, Bindu [their dog] was safely home.’
Now, it has to be granted by one and all that what Yoronso did is inexcusable. His explanation that it was in ‘self-defence’ is also hilarious. You just don’t bludgeon a dog – whether in self-defence, national-defence, or whatever else – in your bedroom in the middle of the night! You also don’t take, kill, or eat what is not rightfully yours! But it is not just Yoronso and his two friends, is it? Some Naga students studying outside Nagaland do go ‘dog-hunting’. (It could at this point be debated whether the question of ‘stealing’ really applies to stray dogs. But that’s for another day.) Of course, most Nagas don’t indulge in such nocturnal expeditions; but some certainly do. When I was a student in Pune, some of my Naga friends often had dog meat feasts deep into the night. A few non-Nagas – from different parts of India, not just the Northeast – though they did not join the hunts, often joined the feasts!
As far as I am concerned, I don’t think there is anything particularly savagely or saintly, heroic or horrendous, about eating or not eating dog meat. The culinary delights of a person or a region are often the disdain of another and vice versa. Having said that, Yoronso’s incident is an object lesson that Nagas will do well to learn from: That care must be taken, especially away from home, that unnecessary and gratuitous disrepute is not brought to the Naga people. There are many people who are only too prone and ready to dehumanize and look down on Nagas. Making headlines for recklessly bludgeoning a squealing dog in a hostel room in the middle of the night only feeds such prejudices and does the Naga people no favours whatsoever. Which brings me again to Ambika Shukla.
What concerns me about Shukla is that she is herself as reckless in her reaction as Yoronso was in his action. Her manner of condemnation of Yoronso’s action bespeaks an insidious violence that has to be challenged for what it is. To begin with, Shukla’s invective article is full of heavily-loaded terms: ‘combing’, ‘dire consequences’, ‘blacklist’, ‘revoke’, ‘chargesheet’, ‘arrest’, ‘criminals’. These terms have strong military connotations, Nagas are well familiar with such language, and hate it as much as dog-lovers hate dog-eaters.
Second, could it not be said that Shukla’s narrative of their missing dog is a telling reflection of the Indian army’s attitude and approach towards the Nagas? Wasn’t ‘combing’ the area and threatening the Goan Burha of the Naga village with ‘all sorts of dire consequences’ unless their dog was found a little too excessive? The Indian army is for the defence of the Indian State and not for threatening a village Gaon Burha to find an army officer’s pet dog. Or, is the story – and its implied success in finding the dog – perhaps even being retold as a subtle suggestion to intimidation, threat and violence?
Third, why should the Indian taxpayer, who is paying thousands upon thousands of crores every year to maintain the Indian military, not question the likes of the Shuklas whose more anxious days in conflict-rife Nagaland have ‘nothing to do with the insurgency’ but with their pets? Is that what the Indian public wants Indian army officers to worry about in Nagaland?
Fourth, isn’t Shukla’s suggested punishment for Yoronso over the top? Expel and blacklist him, refuse his Ph.D, revoke his BA and MA, chargesheet and arrest him as a criminal! This excessive, unrestrained reaction to the whole issue is again a reflection of a militarized psyche. Even if JNU were to take Shukla’s advice and mete out such punitive measures against Yoronso, would it, were it challenged, really hold in any proper law court? Alas! It might, if it goes to the Supreme Court of India. It is, after all, that court which upholds the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act that gives free rein to the Indian armed forces in the entire Northeast. Ah! And that is precisely why Indian army officers, and now their dog-loving wives, brashly contemn, condemn and threaten the way they do.
Have I politicized the whole issue? So be it. I’m only resisting those who are militarizing it. As for now, red-faced Yoronso and his friends must thank their stars that they are not in Ambika Shukla’s hands. If they were, chances are she would be ‘red-handed’ too.
Can We Still Sing Songs of Freedom? Y Merina Chishi Morung
A nightmare would be too mild a word to describe the times of today’s Nagaland. Massacres and revenge killings continue; kidnapping and torture routine. Men die in fearsome captivity. Many vanish, their bodies never found.
What have become of us Nagas? A once proud and free people. We have become not only murderers but killers of fathers and brothers. Or else, how can we justify the recent killings and targeting of our own blood? If the Nagas cannot stand up to this inhumanity, can we really ever claim to be free men? Must we live in fear that our fathers and brothers be the next victims?
In course of time, the Naga issue has drawn international support and sympathy. The homecoming of Isaac and Muivah in 2003 was filled with hopes and expectations; those fragmented dreams of hundreds of Nagas who thronged the New Delhi airport singing songs of freedom. Can we sing those songs again?
Nagas, particularly the younger generation cannot sit and watch. We have not inherited revenge and bloodshed but a future free of such inhumane acts; a future of peace and prosperity.
But what has caused us Nagas to suffer so much today? It all comes down to a game. A game invented by the British and refined by India, to be played by the Nagas.
Starting with the Shillong Accord leading to the formation of the FGN, the remnants of the NNC then united to form the NSCN and forced with a formidable opponent, the trigger of split was implemented resulting in the IM and K factions. When any one group becomes too powerful enough to tilt the balance in this game, the “mastermind” incites conflict within that group to weaken it. The games then begin in earnest, feeding on the blood of their own people. So the game continues…and Nagas act naïve as the rest of the world watches our killing fields. Nagas have nothing to be proud of today. The future is bleak and those songs of freedom choke our throat; unable to find a tune. I say, now, is the moment of truth; to either live free or live in shame.
And so it goes on and on. But the answers to these can only be found, I believe when we return to the lessons of Christ, our Lord and in learning to forgive ourselves.
Resolution between India and Naga Nagaland Page
Dear Nagas, some state politicians and factional leaders commented that the Indian government is not much concern about taking an early resolution for our Indo-Naga problem. Why India is not much bother about it? According to my understanding, for our political solution it depends much on us too. By viewing the Nagas, I found them to be in three categories: one group seems to be speaking much about the Nagas sovereignty and killing one another just among themselves, the other group seems to be speaking much about peace and unity, forgive and forget, and for Nagaland development. With those talks they are making huge money and living merrily. Here, lies the last group of people, they remain silent; they don't want to utter anything either good or evil for they are exasperated of the situation. Perhaps, by considering the above-mentioned divisions, India government is passive in taking steps to our problem. Think it carefully my dear Nagas.
Many were considering that Naga political leaders were wise and were expecting much from them, however, today if we vigilantly observe our condition, we find that the Nagas' much hope and expectations upon our leaders have been totally shattered and broken into pieces.
Our leaders by claiming that they will tackle up our political problem, they've formed different factions, stirred them and now mercilessly they are killing each other, whereas the church councils, Naga Hohos, NMA, NSF, GBs, DB and other different organizations are actively going to and fro and Proclaiming peace and unity, and forgive and forget. Do others also hunt for sovereignty in this manner?
In my opinion, the reason behind why till today our political problem is pending and is not yet solved is because it is not only on the part of the underground factions to play but even the state politicians, Church councils, NMA, NSF, Hohos, etc, are not speaking out what is ought to speak, and not doing what is ought to do.
At this situation we find only the underground factions are talking about Nagas' sovereignty and others are talking about peace and unity, and forgive and forget.
If we yearn for early Naga political solution and Nagas' sovereignty, then the state politicians, church leaders, Hohos, NSF, NMA, etc, and concerned organizations, speak out the truth to India, and let the world know about it. Who knows, by doing that only India may take serious of our concern.
Dear beloved Nagas, shall we keep blowing only about peace and unity, and forgive and forget and meet the last day? State politicians, let there be peace and unity, and forgive and forget among you. Church councils, let there be peace and unity, and forgive and forget among you. Hohos, NMA, NSF, and other concerned organizations, let there be peace and unity, and forgive and forget among you. Only by speaking out what is needed to speak and do what is needed to do there is a hope to find out our political solution because with God nothing is impossible. However, at these good times if we do not do what is needed to be done later, days of doom may reach us where the state politicians may run and seek to hide and even Church leaders and other social organizations may not be able to say even a single word out of fear. Therefore, make this day a good and privilege one.
Rev. Vichakielie Perheilie Founder Christian Democratic Party Nagaland
Students rescued, kidnappers held, protests galore Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jul 26: Two students reading in class VI in Antartic English School, Yairipok were rescued by IRB and police personnel from being kidnapped by unidentified armed persons today. On the other hand, local people of Pangaltabi pulled up one individual reportedly involved in kid- napping children while Thoubal police commandos apprehended another individual in subsequent search operations.
According to informa-tion received from Imphal East Police, two students clad in casual dress were found travelling in a bus co-ming Yairipok side by a team of 4th IRB personnel at Kongba bridge. Their school uniforms were found inside their satchels.
Suspicious as they were, the IRB team detained the two children and informed Imphal East police. Subse-quently, the two children were picked up by a police team led by Additional SP (Imphal East) Md Qayamuddin.
On verification, the two 12 year old children were identified as Md Aslam Khan and Md Juber, both belonging to Yairipok Singda.
Further it was learnt that some armed persons who came in a van with a child threatened Aslam Khan when he was coming to school on July 24 to come to Andro parking today.
Acting on the threat Aslam Khan was coming to Andro parking with Juber today. Both the children have been handed over to their respective parents this afternoon, conveyed the police source.
On the other hand, two individuals came to Pangal-tabi under Sugnu police sta- tion last night and thrashed a mother for refusing to hand over her child. Follo-wing the incident, the local people rounded up one of the two individuals who attempted to kidnap child-ren this morning. The indi- vidual was later handed over to Assam Rifles.
According to informa-tion received from police, the two individuals came to the house of one Ningom-bam Sabitri and asked for her son. On the refusal of Sabi-tri, the duo thrashed the mother.
Enraged with the inci-dent, the locals built up a mob this morning and hun-ted down one of the two individuals involved in thrashing Sabitri.
The accused identified as Takhellambam Sarat (21) of Pangaltabi Chingkha Lei-kai was later handed over to 21 Assam Rifles stationed in the village this afternoon.
Acting on information provided by the villagers, Thoubal police comman-dos and Assam Rifles mana- ged to nab the other indi-vidual involved in the inci- dent. The second accused has been identified as one Somorjit.
Protest rally: Suspen-ding their daily activities for the day, women vendors of Khwairamband Bazar today took out a rally on the streets of Imphal deman-ding that armed militants stop kidnapping young children and recruiting them as child soldiers.
Before taking out the rally, the women vendors staged at Wakat Meepham at the temporary sheds of the market starting from 10 am.
At around 12.30 pm, the protestors took an instant decision of taking out the rally and started out from the temporary market sheds car-rying festoons and placards and shouting slogans de-manding to stop at once kidnapping of young child-ren and recruiting them as child soldiers by militants as well as decrying the alleged silence/inaction of the Go-vernment over the issue.
As the women protes-tors neared BT Flyover, police stopped them from going ahead leading to a confrontation.
Regardless of the police action, the infuriated wo-menfolk marched ahead upto Treasury Office where a reinforcement of police personnel stopped them de-claring the area a security alert zone. From there, the rallyists were made to turn back with the security per-sonnel in tow. After passing through Khoyathong and Nagamapal, the protestors converged at the temporary market shed.
Consequent to the agi-tation of the women ven- dors, most of the shops in Khwairamband Bazar re-mained shut for the day affecting normal business transaction.
Protest rally and Wakat Meepham against kidnap-ping of young children and recruiting them as child sol-diers by militants were also reportedly held at different parts of the State today.
At Kumbi Bazar, a mass protest rally was taken out against kidnapping of child-ren, release all the kidnap- ped children, not to recruit child soldiers, reduce prices of essential commodities and hike the wages of daily wage earners.
Organised jointly by Apunba Nupi Lup, Bishnupur district, Kumbi Branch and Apunba Nupi Lup, Kumbi, the protest rally participated by a large number of students from different schools of Kumbi area, social workers, Meira Paibis, Pradhans and members of Zilla Parishad as taken out from Kumbi Tera Kha till Kumbi PS before returning to the starting point where a public meeting was held.
Those who spoke at the meeting strongly condemned kidnapping of young and innocent children and recruiting them as child soldiers.
They also drew the attention of the Government to the problems being faced by the people due to hike in the prices of essential commodities.
The meeting resolved to take recourse to various intense agitations if the Government does not take up ne- cessary steps to reduce the price of essential commodities.
In protest against kidnapping of young children for recruitment as child soldiers, the students and teachers of Temple of Learning School, Canchipur also took out a silent rally today.
A protest rally was also taken out against kidnapping young children at Mayang Imphal today by the Meira Paibis and the students of the area.
Holding placards inscribed with messages demanding to stop kidnapping of young children and allowing them to study without any fear and intimidation, the participants also shouted slogans during the rally.
After the rally organised under the aegis of All Manipur Nupi Marup, a meeting a public meeting was held at Mayang Imphal Bazar in this regard.
At Samurou Bazar, the local Meira Paibis and students staged a Wakat Meepham over the same issue.
Under the aegis of Khundrakpam Awang Leikai and Khundrakpam Mayai Leikai Santiraksha Marup, a sit-in-protest demonstration against child abductions and recruitment of child soldiers was also held at Pangalba Lai Haraopham ground today.
At night, Meira Paibis of Keishampat Leimajam Leikai took out a torch rally decrying abduction of young children for recruitment as child soldiers by militants.
The torch rallyists also shouted slogans urging the Government to take up necessary measures to stop child abductions by militants.
UGs relax ban By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL The outlawed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and United National Liberation Front (UNLF) have relaxed the prohibition which the two armed groups imposed on movement of Heirok villagers for another period of 15 days.
Conveying that decision to declare the leniency period had been taken taking into account sustained efforts by distressed Heirok public to oppose setting up of Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Heirok area, a joint statement of the two armed organisation also acknowledged that prohibition imposed upon Heirok people had caused inconveniences.
Nevertheless, the restrictions had to be enforced in order to ensure that people of Heirok do not drift away from the mainstream society, the joint statement explained and expressed confidence that people of Heirok could take a definite decision on the SPO issue within the 15 day period. The outfits also alleged that setting up of the SPO is due to initiation by a handful of individuals who had been bribed.
Five schoolgirls and a boy rescued from kidnappers; House of woman suspected of trafficking stormed The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jul 25: Police today said they had rescued at least six schoolgoing children including five girls from the hands of kidnappers from different places. Police also recovered a van which had been allegedly used in kidnapping a child from Kordak area recently.
Meanwhile, locals of Sagolband Bijoy Govinda tonight dismantled the house of a woman who was caught by the villagers of Sekmaijin and handed over to the police yesterday on the alleged charge of involvement in kidnapping children. Earlier, the alleged kidnappers of a boy were caught red-handed by the Imphal east police and the boy rescued from Happy village under Lamlai police station late this afternoon at around 5 15 pm.
Reports said that a 13-year boy named Maibam Dhanachandra studying in Standard-VIII at Keibi High School hailing from Uyumpokpi was picked up by some four persons coming in a van this evening at around 5 pm from his way home. Police who were alerted on seeing the child being picked up in a suspicious manner chased the van uptill Happy village and rescued the child, the report said adding that the kidnappers were also taken into custody by the police along with the van. Their names were not revealed immediately. The Wangoi police also claimed that they had rescued five schoolgoing girls who were reportedly being kidnapped by some armed persons this afternoon at around 3.30 pm. Furious over the reported attempt to abduct the schoolgirls, guardians of the five children and locals attempted to ransack the Anganghal English School at Wangoi bazar. The five girls who were said to be rescued by a team of Wangoi police led by L Megha Burno are named Lena Bhanu, 13, daughter of Nawab Ali of Wangoi Awang Leikai, Sherabanu, 13, daughter of Dehar Ali of Wangoi Awang Leikai, Sajita, 13, daughter of MM Abdul Malik of Wangoi Awang Leikai, Tanuja, 13, daughter of Meharuddin of Wangoi Awang Leikai and Rukaya, 13, daughter of Maniruddin of Oinam Swambung Makha Leikai.
They are all students of Standard-VIII at Anganghal English High School. According to the five girls, after they were turned out from the school for using unfair means in the half yearly exams which is under progress, they started together from the school for home.
But on the way home when they reached Salam Khul, three persons who had their faces covered and were coming in a black Santro car stepped down from the vehicle and asked the girls to come with them. Two of them had small guns in their hands, they said.
The girls were threatened they would be shot if they raised an alarm or tried to escape and were blindfolded by the men. Inside the car they started kicking about trying to open the door and jump down from the moving car. Finally they were able to do so, the girls said but the girls were apparently not injured while jumping down from the vehicle at a spot at Lilong Chinjao.
Thereafter, the locals of the area contacted their homes over the phone and then the police, who arrived there and picked them up, the girls said. According to the OC, Megha Burna, Wangoi police station on getting information of the kidnapping of some children today at around 3.30 pm rushed to the spot and picked up the girls. He also said that Wangoi police would be very vigilant during school hours and tuition timings of the schools from tomorrow.
On getting the news of the attempted abduction of the five girls, guardians and locals arrived at the Anganghal English School today afternoon and attempted to ransack it. Police, however, prevented them from doing so. The same mob once again attempted to set ablaze the school building in the night at around 7 pm but police prevented them again. Meanwhile, protests against the kidnapping of children and their recruitment as soldiers by militant groups continued today also as students of several schools staged protests in front of their respective schools.
On the other hand, a police report said a van bearing registration no. MN-04-6243 owned by one Sapam Sanachouba Singh of Wabagai Tera Pishak was recovered by police from the owner`s house today. The van was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a child from Khordak area.
Elsewhere, in another incident related with child kidnapping tonight the house of a woman named N Bilasini, who was caught by the villagers of Sekmaijin on the alleged charge of handing over three children to the kidnappers yesterday, was ransacked by the locals of Sagolband Bijoy Govinda. The locals destroyed all the household items at around 6 pm and declared that her family have been turned out from the locality forever. According to the locals, the woman had been residing at her parental home at Sagolband Bijoy Govinda after she was separated from her husband hailing from Khachi Khul. In the meantime, the Imphal west district commander of a group of PREPAK who identified himself as Jemson clarified that Bilasini was in no way related with the group and she had not handed over any children to the group.
Frans on 07.26.08 @ 11:10 PM CST [link]