Media created terms like IM or K' Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
'Media created terms like IM or K' Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, October 11 2008: The Isak Chisi Swu-Th Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has clarified that the terms like the NSCN-IM and NSCN-K have been the creation of the media.
"Nowhere in our official documents and diplomatic relations across the world did we use NSCN (IM).
India and the UN bodies, besides, other international organizations recognized the Indo-Naga issue as represented by NSCN. Under the given situation where NSCN is led by the Collective Leadership of Isak Chishi Swu, Khodao Yanthan and Th Muivah, the use of NSCN (IM) to mean NSCN comes as an affront," asserted the Swu-Muivah faction of the NSCN.
The outfit then stated that it was a perspective revelation and not going ballistic and antagonistic.
The statement also added that what was seen in the press and practiced by the press is all about 'misnomer' 'misleading' and 'misrepresentation' of the actuality.
Harping on the history of the NSCN, the Swu-Muivah faction of the NSCN related tonight in a statement and said, "It is about the genesis of NSCN when it came into being on 31st January 1980, the break up in 1988 and the unceremonious expulsion of Khaplang from NSCN.
It was the collective political wisdom of Isak Chishi Swu and Th Muivah that gave birth to NSCN. None of the senior members in the K-group like Kitovi, Mulatonu, Azheto Chophy were in the picture during this critical period of NSCN history".
The statement further dwelt that NSCN was formed to save the national exigencies following the 'sell out' of the Naga national issue by the NNC and FGN by signing the Shillong Accord in 1975."With RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) playing an active role behind Khaplang made an abortive attempt to kill the Naga issue in 1988. It was however, a turning point for NSCN as it was strategically blessed to make an impact in its diplomatic campaign after shifting its operational Headquarters from eastern Nagalim," it added.
"Growing in force and legitimacy as the people's mandate organization the GOI was politically compelled to come closer to NSCN and ultimately signed the Cease-fire in 1997 to start the Indo-Naga political talks", added the Isak Chsi Swu-Thuingaleng Muivah led faction of the NSCN.
"This is the story of NSCN. But the mass media introduced the party nomenclature as NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K).
This is a distortion, though done in an inadvertent manner to serve its own convenience," further added the statement of the outfit.
Genesis of NSCN
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information & Publicity
Oct. 11, '08. It is a perspective revelation and not going ballistic and antagonistic. And what is seen in the press and practiced by the press is all about 'misnomer' 'misleading' and 'misrepresentation' of the actuality. It is about the genesis of NSCN when it come into being on 31st January 1980, the break up in 1988 and the unceremonious expulsion of Khaplang from NSCN. It was the collective political wisdom of Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah that gave birth to NSCN. None of the senior members in the K-group like Kitovi, Mulatonu, Azheto Chophy were in the picture during this critical period of NSCN history.
NSCN was formed to save the national exigencies following the 'sell out' of the Naga national issue by the NNC and FGN by signing the Shillong Accord in 1975. With RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) playing an active role behind Khaplang made an abortive attempt to kill the Naga issue in 1988. It was however, a turning point for NSCN as it was strategically blessed to make an impact in its diplomatic campaign after shifting its operational Headquarters from eastern Nagalim.
Growing in force and legitimacy as the people's mandate organization the GOI was politically compelled to come closer to NSCN and ultimately signed the Cease-fire in 1997 to start the Indo-Naga political talks.
This is the story of NSCN. But the mass media introduced the party nomenclature as NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K). This is a distortion, though done in an inadvertent manner to serve its own convenience.
Nowhere in our official documents and diplomatic relations across the world did we use NSCN (IM). India and the UN bodies, besides, other international organizations recognized the Indo-Naga issue as represented by NSCN.Under the given situation where NSCN is led by the Collective Leadership of Isak Chishi Swu, Khodao Yanthan and Th. Muivah, the use of NSCN (IM) to mean NSCN comes as an affront.
Issued By: MIP/GPRN
One shot dead and two held in Dimapur, Nagaland Merinews
Twenty-seven-year-old Hekavi of Khehokhu village was shot dead by some unknown persons after chasing him at the High School junction, Diphupar-A, Dimapur. The incident took place around 1.30 pm on Saturday (October 11).
CJ: John Yengkhom , ONE HEKAVI, aged around 27 years, was shot at a very close range near High School junction, Diphupar-A, Dimapur, at about 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 11. He succumbed to his injuries on the way to civil hospital, Dimapur.
According to some eye witnesses, Hekavi was being chased by some unknown persons (4 of them) at the High School junction and was shot from both front and back side. The bullets hit him on his chest and another bullet hit him on his eyebrow. According to Diphupar police station, Dimapur, his body has been taken by his relatives from the civil hospital morgue. And no groups or factions have claimed responsibility so far.
Meanwhile, the Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation along with Diphupar Naga Student’s Union in its strongest term condemned the incident at their jurisdiction. And said that such senseless act of murder should be stopped as innocent residents of the village are under fear psychosis. They also appealed to all the factions to avoid further bloodshed.
In another case of light extortion, two persons named Captain Malnln Pochury and Kahuto Zhimomi, have been arrested by East Dimapur police station. The police disclosed that they found Rs 2,040 from the duo.
Handle the ‘issue of peace’ intelligently Merinews
People of Nagaland are of the view that the prevailing violence in the state would only create confusion and barriers among the Naga brothers in Nagaland. And in addition fear psychosis would also prevail if such killings continued randomly.
CJ: John Yengkhom , THE GAONBURAS and Dobashis (GBs and DBs) Joint Forum, Nagaland, welcomed the good gesture initiated by Forum For Reconciliation (FFR). But it also opined that the Naga intellectuals should wisely handle the issue so that peace could prevail in the state.
It also stated that unless all the factions form a common platform, its initiatives to bring peace to the land would be futile. The Joint Forum, Nagaland, chairman, K Vikuto Zhimomi, in an interaction on the sideline of the reconciliation process in Nagaland, said that reconciliation should be first to God and then to men. He further said thatit is high time for Nagaland to stand unitedly to bring back the peace and normalcy.
Zhimomi also added that the GBs who are the ground-level workers, working for the citizens and national issues, have been demeaned by such factional fights. He underlined the needof the five point resolution, that was adopted at their last meeting in Kohima.
On behalf of the organisation, he welcomed and supported whole heartedly the other civil bodies, who were working for re-establishing peace and normalcy in a larger interest for the citizens of Nagaland. Zhimomi told that all the hard woks that they did to hold talks with the government in the previous years were in vain. He said that all the groups formed a single entity, even the talks would fail. He also stated that the people of Nagaland would decide about the real outcome after the leaders held talks in the Centre.
Thus, the chairman said that transparency of the Nagas is essential, if they want a land of their own called Nagaland . And it is also being held that the factions of Nagaland are the oldest among all other groups in the Northeast for freedom from India.
Some civil societies also gave the same opinion saying that today the youth and the public are more unsafe. Even the businessmen who are interested to invest for the welfare of the state are afraid to come here, fearing that they might suffer heavy losses after sometime.
Meanwhile, according to police sources, peaceful atmosphere can only prevail in the state, if all the sections of the society work together for its welfare. They also informed that the crime rates have reduced.
Nagaland needs peace and harmony. Every developmental activity in the state would stop if factional fights continue. Zhimomi appealed for restraint, to stop the factional fightings, for the sake of bringing back the peace and normalcy,” added a source.
Many people also opined that such violence would only create confusion and divisions among the Naga brothers in Nagaland. And in addition fear psychosis would also prevail if such killings continued randomly.
Union govt concerneed over violence in Northeast Howrah news
The security situation in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland - which together account for over 90 per cent of incidents violence in the north eastern region so far this year - has become a cause of concern for the Union Home Ministry.
The three states accounted for 1,330 incidents out of a total of 1,489 in 2007; and 991 out of 1,077 so far during the current year, according to a latest report on the security situation in the north eastern states.
The report prepared by the Home Ministry said Manipur continued to be affected by militant activities of a large number of outfits divided on ethnic lines.
The region has over 200 ethnic groups and much of the violence and volatility in the area stems from its ethnic complexity and perceived feelings of neglect among them.
In Assam, which has witnessed 282 incidents till August this year, the outlawed ULFA and a variety of ethnic groups working as surrogates of major outfits account for majority of the incidents, it said.
About Nagaland, it said there was an "overall improvement" with 244 incidents till August this year compared to 272 in 2007 and 309 in 2006.
However, there was a "relative increase" in inter-factional clashes between the two factions of NSCN.The report said terrorist violence has come down significantly in Tripura and Meghalaya due to counter insurgency operations, while Arunachal Pradesh continued to suffer from low intensity violence.Mizoram and Sikkim are by and large peaceful.
Over 90 pc violence in NE in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland: MHA New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) The security situation in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland -- which together account for over 90 per cent of incidents of violence in the north eastern region so far this year -- has become a cause of concern for the Union Home Ministry.
The three states accounted for 1,330 incidents out of a total of 1,489 in 2007; and 991 out of 1,077 so far during the current year, according to a latest report on the security situation in the north eastern states.
The report prepared by the Home Ministry said Manipur continued to be affected by militant activities of a large number of outfits divided on ethnic lines.
The region has over 200 ethnic groups and much of the violence and volatility in the area stems from its ethnic complexity and perceived feelings of neglect among them.
In Assam, which has witnessed 282 incidents till August this year, the outlawed ULFA and a variety of ethnic groups working as surrogates of major outfits account for majority of the incidents, it said.
About Nagaland, it said there was an "overall improvement" with 244 incidents till August this year compared to 272 in 2007 and 309 in 2006.
However, there was a "relative increase" in inter- factional clashes between the two factions of NSCN.
The report said terrorist violence has come down significantly in Tripura and Meghalaya due to counter insurgency operations, while Arunachal Pradesh continued to suffer from low intensity violence. Mizoram and Sikkim are by and large peaceful. PTI
“NSCN is based on democratic principle”
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information & Publicity
NSCN functioning system is based on the democratic principle, and this has been the governing guidelines in the framing of any policy matter. No personal whim is given the scope to overrule the decision of the house. This is the reason why we adopted the Collective Leadership in all decision making process. The same has been borrowed by the K-group. Citing the case of Communism in Russia, China or Cuba is out of the context, and therefore, misleading. NSCN, for all practical purpose ignited the spirit of reconciliation with all sincerity and commitment in January 13, 2007.
But evil thoughts enters into the mind of some leaders and pseudo- national workers to exploit the euphoria over "Reconciliation and Unity" to serve their own interests. The unfolding events that are marked by abduction, looting, burning of civilian houses, killing of innocent civilians and national workers all goes to nullify the highly glorified unification slogan. Everything vanished in thin air and thus the deception of highest degree was exposed before the Nagas. Everything was laid bare before the people to question the integrity of the people who invented the deceptive but obsessive slogan of Naga reconciliation and unity. For any problems there is a solution but without considering into facts the genesis of the problem any approach for solution shall be but superficial.
Nevertheless, NSCN continues with its time-tested commitment to honour and respect the sentiment of the Naga public, but under heavy pressure of provocation and test of nerve. Though, the majority of the people remained passive to the ugly situation unfolded in front of them. This is the very sad of affairs and it never goes down well in building the structure of unity. One should have the courage and moral force to point out the culprits behind the entire socio-political nuisance, and that is the correct way to win the faith and confidence of the people in leading the movement for unity.
God's will is always to be of something good for the Nagas, and Nagas coming together can never be against God's will. But God of Nagas and God of the creator of the world never accept deceitfulness in the scheme of unity for the Nagas. For God read the heart and thinking of every person who matters in the Naga issue. To achieve anything big there is a price to be paid, but if there is no honesty the price will come in the form of damnation and nothing else.
On 25 September the civil societies from every nook and cranny of Nagalim converged in Sumi Baptist Church, Dimapur under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation. The very next day K-boys gunned down Lieut. Sterling near Popular Bakery, Dimapur. Naga army personnel are no less human than K-boys. What happened on the night of 2nd Oct. 2008 at Ghorapatti area? This K-group who practices the stereo-typical image of true aspirants for Naga reconciliation came looking for NSCN boys. They pulled out the wife of one school principal Joyson Shimray to identify the house of Aso Raleng a retired Inspector of Taxes. They went away not finding anyone of their targets but not before spraying the two houses with AKs and injuring the finger of Aso Raleng. Are their actions in the true spirit of reconciliation? We are sometimes skeptical but in spite of all these provocations we are all out for reconciliation. But their actions are in total contrast to the high sounding socio-political and religious doctrines preached by new masters through their so-called *Publicity Cell. *
The good name of Mahatma Gandhi, Mao Tse Tung , Ernesto Che Guevara, Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela who are distinguished political personalities are given political glorification by virtue of their own political wisdom, for they changed the destiny of their people. These leaders neither allowed themselves to be influenced by vested interests nor became the tools of the adversaries. And they achieved their political aspirations by steadfastly hold on to their conviction. In the Naga context, the Collective Leadership of Mr. Isak Chishi Swu, Khodao Yanthan and Th. Muivah are tirelessly marching forward and thanks for the revolutionary inspiration generated by these great world revolutionary leaders. The dog barks but the caravan marches on.
Issued By: MIP/GPRN
10 yrs of ‘peace’ too long for Nagaland: Sangma Newmai News Network
Kohima, Oct 12: Former Lok Sabha Speaker and General Secretary of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), PA Sangma has expressed that 10 years of peace was long enough to convince the people of Nagaland what peace could bring for them but the successive governments at the Centre has totally failed in delivering the goods.
The veteran politician, who was in Dimapur yesterday said that 10 years of peace is a long period when Government of India had the opportunity of proving itself in delivering goods, but unfortunately after more than one decade, the Government of India could not show any difference between the “insurgency time” and “peace time”.
Recalling that during the time of Deve Gowda and I K Gujral as Prime Ministers, he was the Speaker of Lok Sabha and also involved in the process of ceasefire between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India, he said that today after more than a decade, I expected a lot of development in Nagaland. However, he lamented that developments and peace talks are getting slow. “The peace talks are taking a long time than it should,” he said.
On the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government in Nagaland, PA Sangma expressed his happiness with the DAN government headed by Neiphiu Rio for successfully managing the coalition. He also informed that in the forthcoming election, DAN will have a common candidate and Rio will be authorized to choose the consensus candidate, for which NCP will give full support.
Asked about the NCP’s policy of having different coalition with at the Centre and the Northeast, Sangma said that the party does not have any â˜dual policy, but is following its policy according to the time and situation where coalition governments have become very important. He said that the NCP is opposed to BJP at the Centre but they are partners in coalition governments in Meghalaya and Nagaland. “We have to go by the current political trend,” he explained.
He said that in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, NCP is likely to go with the Congress in Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan, but as far as the Northeastern states are concerned, each individual state have been given the authority to decide the course of action.
For Nagaland and Meghalaya, where there are non-Congress governments, Sangma said that the NCP is hopeful of putting up a common candidate by the respective coalition partners.Two bombs recovered in Guwahati
Assam to seek CBI probe into ethnic clashes Nagaland Page
GUWAHATI, OCTOBER 11: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the ethnic clashes in the state last week in which 55 people were killed and more than 200,000 were displaced.
"I will insist on a CBI probe to find out who instigated the violence and why it happened," the chief minister told journalists. "The culprits involved in the clashes must be identified and punished."
The chief minister said of the 55 killed in three days of ethnic clashes last week in Assam's Udalguri and Darrang districts, 24 died in separate incidents of police firing. The clashes were between Bodo tribals and Muslims.
"We are committed to protecting people of all communities and providing relief and rehabilitation to the displaced people," Gogoi said. More than 2,500 houses were either torched or damaged in the clashes in 54 villages, the chief minister said.
"It was unfortunate to find provocative statements by leaders like (the Bharatiya Janata Party's) L.K. Advani about the Assam government allowing Muslims to kill tribal people. Such remarks only make the situation bad," Gogoi said.
Meanwhile, a three-member team deputed by Congress party president Sonia Gandhi arrived in Guwahati Saturday to make an on-the-spot assessment of the recent ethnic clashes.
The team led by union Minister of State for Home Shakeel Ahmed will visit the two districts Sunday and meet officials and victims of the ethnic clashes and later submit a detailed report to the party president.
The other members of the team are former Arunchal Pradesh chief minister Mukut Mithi and A.H. Khan Choudhury, a Congress MP from West Bengal. "We shall review and assess the situation and go back and submit a report to (Congress chief) Sonia Gandhi," Ahmed said. The overall situation in the violence-hit areas remains calm although tension still continues. (Agencies)
India wants more border trade posts with Myanmar Nagarealm.com
New Delhi, OCT12 [IANS] : India will seek the opening of two more border trade points with Myanmar when Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh travels to the country this week, a government statement said Sunday.
Ramesh will Tuesday start his two-day visit, his third this year, to hold talks on trade and investment with Myanmar. The statement said the minister would take up the 'Indian desire' to open more trade centres along the 1,600-km long border, which currently has only one trade post at Moreh in Manipur. The two new border points to be proposed by India are Avangkhu in Nagaland and Zowkhathar in Mizoram.
'However, border trade centres in Arunachal Pradesh are not under discussion because of security and other considerations on the Indian side,' said the statement. Besides, India will propose an expansion of tradable items, and offer to extend its duty free tariff scheme for the least developed countries to Myanmar. 'The details of the financing mechanism to facilitate expanded bilateral trade will also be firmed up during the Mandalay talks. UBI (Union Bank of India) has already signed an agreement with the Foreign Trade Bank of Myanmar for establishing such a mechanism,' it added.
India has been assiduously courting Myanmar's military junta, worried over Chinese influence in the Southeast Asian nation. Myanmar has also been a security worry for India, as several insurgency groups based in the northeastern states used to cross the border for shelter. In his previous visits in May and June this year, Ramesh had signed a slew of development ventures, which included two lines of credit worth $60 million each for a power transmission and a hydel power project.
Besides, India is implementing Rs.5.4 billion Kaladan multi-modal transport and transit project that will provide an alternative route to connect Myanmar's Sittwe port to India's northeast. 'Lines of credit for refinery modernisation and highways are on the anvil,' said the statement.
Threat to National Integration Nagarealm.com
Some people who come to me say that the country needs Mahatma Gandhi again. As a freedom fighter I feel that last time the partition of India and formation of Pakistan took place because of Muslim communalism but this time it is Hindu communalism that is leading us to a division of the country.
The way the Jammu agitation was conducted, the road to Kashmir blockaded and buses going to Muslim areas attacked gave rise to mass anger of Muslims in Kashmir and this reached such a height that the curfew failed and secular parties like the National Conference and PDP had to support the separatists. There is no Soviet Union to exercise the veto now. The only good factor is that America, unlike in the past, is neither-anti India due to the ‘strategic partnership’ nor is it for strengthening the jehadis anywhere. However, America is losing the war in Afghanistan and the Taliban is gaining. If the Taliban comes to power to join hands with Pakistan’s jehadis to fight India in Kashmir, India will be unable to hold on to Kashmir with the mass of people pitted against it.
Though Indian Muslims were very angry after the demolition of the Babri Masjid, Indian terrorists were not active at that time. It is after the Gujarat massacre of Muslims that Indian terrorist groups have come up with blast after blast killing dozens of innocent people, both Hindus and Muslims, in important towns including New Delhi and Mumbai. Though communal unity still prevails, heart burning is there all around. Muslim religious leaders have openly condemned terrorism saying it is anti-Islam but the media including the TV does not flash it nor have discussions on this issue been held to create mass awareness. Hindu religious heads like those of the Bajrang Dal, VHP, offshoots of the RSS and BJP, have so far not condemned the killings of Muslims and Christians.
In Karnataka and Orissa churches are being attacked by Hindu outfits. Christian religious leaders have been killed and thousands of Christians have become refugees. The concerned BJP State governments don’t take strict action. The Central Government is also failing. It is not banning the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad like SIMI. This discrimination further creates heartburning. Even notices under Article 355 are not issued by the Central Government to those States. India is earning a bad name in the whole Christian world. These incidents may again give a new fillip to the rebellions in Nagaland and other Christian populated areas of the North-East for independence.
THE worst thing is that secular parties are not coming forward to defend the Christians and oppose Hindu outfits. In Maharashtra another Hindu organisation launched attacks against North Indians, particularly poor Biharis many of whom got injured and fled away. This is a direct threat to Indian unity. Here also the State Government did not act strongly nor did the secular parties come out on the streets to protest. (In Assam too Biharis were killed. There the Bodos are for independence and adopting violent methods.)
Generally, the police is acting only against Muslims even though in two places Hindus were injured and killed while preparing bombs. It is because of this POTA had to be withdrawn. In the Jamia Nagar incident, though it was supposed to be the biggest catch and success of the intelligence and police, doubts are expressed by eminent persons like the Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Mushirul Hasan, who himself was attacked and harassed by Muslim fundamentalists sometime ago. So far the police has not come out with the facts which can be made public at this stage to confirm the genuineness of the case.
The threat to the unity of the country should be taken up seriously by the Congress, Communists and other Left and secular regional parties like those of Lalooji, Mulayamji and Mayawatiji. They should have acted jointly and come out on the streets instead of giving press statements in defence of the Christians and others. This would have forced the governments to act promptly. Mass mobilisation in the States concerned is essential if action is to be taken against the State governments failing to protect the minorities. After all, against how many State governments can the Centre take action when all BJP States are helping to create mass Hindu feeling as in Gujarat?
There is a worldwide tendency among the minorities and different ethnic groups to be independent. Even the UNO acts in favour of such ethnic minorities as happened in the case of the eastern part of Indonesia. In Africa many tribes are resorting to armed fighting to be independent in countries like Sudan. After the collapse of the Soviet Union almost all republics became independent. The same thing happened in Georgia with the separation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In Muslim dominated western part of China terrorists are fighting for independence. Tibet’s case is different but there also forces are asking for independence. The Kurdish people in Iraq, Turkey and other countries are figthting for independence. India should take note of this situation in the world and exerice caution.
The Indian National Congress, which ruled for forty years continuously after independence and kept India united, has become weak and in big States like UP and Bihar it is very weak. Still it is the biggest party which is secular in the main. It has never formed coalition governments with BJP. The next biggest secular force is the Left though confined to a few States. Unfortunately these two forces are at loggerheads. This gives a favourable chance to the BJP to come to power though it is also not spread all over the country. Regional parties have come up. Their joining Central governments in coalition helps regional issues to be given more attention. This is beneficial but these regional parties, except the RJD of Lalooji, join hands with the BJP when there is a chance to form a coalition government with the BJP. While in coalition with the BJP they simply oppose the killing of Muslims verbally as it happened during the Gujarat massacre of Muslims by the government. If these regional parties one day voice for the independence of States the weak Centre would be unable to defend national integration. It will then be difficult for the divided secular forces to check it.
For decades the Left gave the call for a united front, a third front, unity of secular forces but they are unable to form the front. They have never reviewed where the fault lies. In one election they are with one group and in the next election with another and then go on changing their posture. How then can there be a front? Left parties themselves are divided though for power they remain in the Left Front. The situation, the threats to national integration warrant the emergence of the Left with a new perspective to check the rise of Hindutva.
[Chaturanan Mishra, MAIMSTREAM : The author, who was the Union Agriculture Minister in the United Front Government at the Centre (1996-98), functioned as the AITUC President for several years]
NDFB ceasefire to be reviewed, says Gogoi Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 11: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said his Government has decided to go for a CBI inquiry into the recent violence in Udalguri and Darrang districts. He also said the government will review the ceasefire agreement with the NDFB following allegations of its involvement in the recent violence.
Talking to newsmen here today, Gogoi said: “I have decided to go for a CBI inquiry because it can go much deeper and find the real culprits by using its oraganizational machinery and find those responsible for the heinous crimes. I don’t want to hide anything, and my interest is to find out the real conspirators. The CBI will also go into the matter about the hoisting of the Pakistani flag.”
Gogoi said it is time for everybody to exercise restraint, not to make provocative statements and see that normalcy returns to the State. “Various communities have been living peacefully for generations together in Asom. A very small section of miscreants wants to exploit the situation with its vested interest on land-grabbing. We will not allow anybody to grab land and to displace anybody. The government will deal with these elements very firmly.”
Gogoi further said: “There are also allegations from both the groups about dereliction of duty by certain officers. The government will conduct proper inquiry and take action against delinquent officers found neglecting their duties.”
On the alleged involvement of the NDFB in the recent violence, Gogoi said: “The government will review the ceasefire with the rebel group following allegations of its involvement in the recent violence. The government won’t spare any rebel group for violation of ceasefire ground rules.”
According to Gogoi, as many as 55 people were killed, 24 in police firing, and 111 others sustained injuries in the recent violence. He said while the number of affected villages is 54, the number of houses torched is 500 and 2,000 houses were damaged. “Though both Bodos and Muslims were affected in the violence, the latter suffered more damage,” Gogoi added.
Sarma deviates from his earlier statement Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 11: Asom Government spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma today reiterated that the NDFB was behind the recent violence in Udalguri and Darrang districts. He even claimed the Government has evidence to back its allegation against the NDFB. Deviating from his earlier claim that the flag that was hoisted at Mohanpur in Udalguri was an Eid flag, Sarma said the flag has some technical differences with the Pakistani flag, and it was hoisted by some vested interest to put the blame on the Government and to create mistrust among the people.
Talking to newsmen in Guwahati today, Sarma said: “We have enough evidence to prove that the NDFB was behind the recent violence in Udalguri and Darrang districts. The NDFB has been attacking non-tribals and illegal immigrants in the BTAD since 1993, and in 1996 the outfit cracked down on the Adivasis. In its amended charter of demands that was submitted to the Centre on September 20 this year, the NDFB has clearly spelt out that the presence of non-tribals and illegal immigrants in the BTAD is a threat to the Bodos. The charter of demands was submitted to the Centre on September 20, and the violence started on October 3. I dare the NDFB to make its charter of demands submitted to the Centre public.”
Sarma said by the word “tribals” the NDFB means only those who belong to the Bodo race and not others like Rabhas and Misings. “On October 4, 2004 when myself and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had gone to Kokrajhar, Rabiram Narzary and UG Brahma told us to withdraw the ceasefire agreement with the NDFB as the outfit had killed some BPPF leaders. But when I spoke against the NDFB for its involvement in the recent violence, they (Narzary and Brahma) have been burning my effigy. Narzary and Brahma say that the Congress has been appeasing the Muslims and protecting illegal immigrants in the State, but what made them to forge an electoral alliance with the AUDF in 2006? Was it not to woo the Muslim voters? The BPPF’s poll understanding with the AUDF still stands.”
On the hoisting of a “Pakistani flag” at Mohanpur on October 4, Sarma showed a video footage of the flag and said: “The flag was hoisted at Jeragaon Field, which is a Bodo-dominated area. Moreover, Bodo people are seen roaming in the area with bows and arrows. How can any Muslim dare to hoist the flag in the Bodo-dominated area? This clearly shows that a group is out to create mistrust among the people and put the blame on the Government.”
This apart, a section had informed mediamen of the hoisting of the flag at Mohanpur on October 4, Sarma said. “IGP Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta has been investigating the incident to ascertain who and where the flag was stitched and for what purpose,” Sarma added.
In another press meet, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said: “Though the entire violence, including the alleged hoisting of the Pakistani flag, will be inquired by the CBI, we will conduct an inquiry on our own to ascertain the reality.”
Muslim fundamentalists behind Udalguri unrest: BCF, BPIC Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, Oct 11: The Bodoland Citizens’ Forum (BCF) and Bodoland Peace and Integration Committee (BPIC) have dared to finger at the Muslim fundamentalist groups for the unrest in Udalguri and Darrang districts which costs lives and properties of indigenous people.
The BCF president JC Brahma and BPIC president PN Brahma in their joint press release issued here recently said some well organized anti-national fundamentalists have made a plan of serial attacks on the peace-loving and innocent indigenous people in Darrang and Udalguri districts. They said the fundamentalist elements even shouted slogans which are anti-national such as “Pakistan Jindabad”, “Mugal Pathan Jindabad” along with hoisting of Pakistani national flag on several occasions while they also torched villages of indigenous people creating terror in Bodoland.
“But the most disheartening fact is that the persons who should ease the ethnic tension have remained mere spectators and instead of trying to control the situation they are blaming a section of Bodos”, the release said adding that the Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Health Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma who are responsible for detection and deportation of anti-national elements and illegal immigrants are trying to protect them putting the blames on the Bodos.
The BCF and BPIC expressed anguish over Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his statements. They said, from the statement of Sarma it becomes clear that he wants to isolate the Bodos from the rest of Asomiya people. The State Government is seem to be busy in safeguarding the illegal immigrants considering them as vote bank instead of working in the interest of the indigenous people of the land, and added that such attitude on the part of the Government is condemnable.
The BCF and BPIC appealed to all sections of the society to maintain peace and harmony for the greater interest of the region.
Peace forum and NDFB deny involvement in killing Correspondent Sentinel
GORESWAR, Oct 11: Ranjit Boro, the general secretary of the Undivided Kamrup District Peace and Right Forum has denied in a press release recently that the three members of the forum Adangra Swargiary of Baghdova, Diganta Narzary of Ouguri, Jabrang Boro of Balahat were not involved in the incident of Anthaiguri on October 5. On the other hand, B Kharaw, Goreswar section commander of NDFB, had refuted a charge in a press release saying that NDFB cadre B Dahar was not involved in the killing at Anthaiguri under Tamulpur police station in Baksa district on October 5.
In may be mentioned here that the members of the peace forum and the NDFB cadre were arrested jointly by police and Army in this connection recently.
‘NDFB is not Christian-backed’ Sentinel
CHIRANG, Oct 11: The Christian Social Welfare Forum (CSWF) has strongly condemned the statement made by AUDF working president Haffiz Rashid Ahmed Chaudhury through a Guwahati-based private TV channel on October 6. In the statement it was said that NDFB is a Christian-backed organization. The forum secretary Markush Basumatary said in a release that the Christian religion has nothing to do with NDFB, hence NDFB is not Christian-backed. Basumatary appeals to Chaudhury to abstain from making such unfortunate, irresponsible and anti-Christian comment.
APW sounds jehadi alert in State By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 11: The very fact that a Pakistan flag was unfurled in Asom goes to show that jehadi forces have strong bases in the State and can incite violence easily, said the Assam Public Works (APW) in a press statement. The statement signed by the director and secretary general of the APW Abhijit Hazarika and Bitu Talukdar respectively, stated that BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary and Cabinet Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to stay away from harms way is trying to placate the HuJI by saying that the recent violence in Darrang and Udalguri district was started by the NDFB.
The DGP of Assam Police himself in a press meet denied the role of the NDFB in the ethnic violence but both Hagrama and Sarma is dancing to the tunes of the jehadi forces, said the APW statement.
The APW also pointed out that the Pakistan media is reporting that the people of Asom wants to be a part of Pakistan. The Pakistan media is taking full advantage of the flag episode and we condemn such reporting, the APW maintained. We have now come to a stage that we hear slogans such as “Mughal, Pathans Zindabad”. Such acts will never be carried out by an Indian and the State Government should act tough and punish the culprits.
The APW said that it will never allow the Bodos to be uprooted from their own soil and came down heavily on the Congress Government on the Bangladeshi issue. The State Government is trying to destroy the lives of the indigenous people for vote-bank politics, the APW statement said.
The APW appealed to the Congress leaders not to adopt policies which will alienate the Bodos from Asomiya society and asked Tarun Gogoi to apologise to the Bodos. The organization also appealed to Mohilary not to mislead the Bodo people.
Instead of demanding a separate State for the Bodos, the NDFB should fight the jehadi forces and uproot them from Asom, the APW appealed. The APW further said that the ULFA, if it really loves Asom, should come forward and lend a helping hand to eliminate Muslim fundamentalism in the State.
Riot victims in Asom yearn for peace Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Oct 11: Victims of ethnic violence and living in relief camps in Asom are yearning for peace and normalcy after being forced to flee their homes following clashes between Bodo tribals and Bangladeshi settlers. There are approximately 160,000 villagers staying in different camps in Darrang and Udalguri districts.
“Earlier, we used to visit each other’s villages and used to eat even in the same plate. But both sides are now blaming each other for the violence. This has soared the relations, “ said Mohammed Bassaruddin Ahmed, a resident affected by the violence.
With fear prevailing in the makeshift camps about the situation deteriorating further most of the camp inmates want that the Bangladeshi settlers should be moved out of Asom.
The people here feel that the Bangladeshi settlers are the root cause of their present condition.
“Bangladeshi’s can stay here, but it will be better if they leave. Who wants them to stay here. We are appealing to the Government that they should be moved out of Assam so that the peace prevails here,” said Mohammed Amir Hussain, another resident.
Death toll has risen to 53 on Friday after the police had recovered six bodies following a week of ethnic violence.
Police said the toll could rise as they reach remote regions and retrieve more bodies. The six recovered overnight were of victims killed in previous clashes which left 85,000 people homeless. Hey are taking shelter in government camps. Hundreds of police have fanned out to keep the peace and look for bodies of riot victims. (ANI)
Trafficking women NPMHR, AZSU grill 21 suspects Sangai Excpress
IMPHAL, Oct 12: In connection with the trafficking of five Zeliangrong girls to Malaysia where they were reportedly subjected to severe hardships and humiliation, the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and the All Zeliangrong Students’ Union (AZSU) have started questioning 21 individuals suspected to be involved in trafficking the girls.
Since morning, NPMHR and AZSU questioned the 21 individuals separately at Mt Zion School at Langol Tarung today.
The accused were questioned to ascertain whether they took the girls to Malaysia to provide them jobs there or they took the girls abroad knowing well of the likely hardships the girls would suffer in the foreign country. The 21 individuals were questioned to establish the roles they took in trafficking the girls, said NPMHR co-ordinator Kinderson Pamei.
After completing the questioning, they may be divided into two groups––one, that sent the girls to Malaysia in the hope of getting jobs there and the other, who sent the girls abroad knowing well of the likely hardships the girls would suffer.
Once they are differentiated, a collective decision will be adopted in consultation with different Naga civil societies on the action that may be taken up against the culprits, Kinderson conveyed.
Appealing to all parents whose daughters are staying outside the State to find out where they are working and what they are doing, Kinderson said that around 100 girls belonging to the State may be at Singapore at present.
All the five girls brought to Imphal yesterday have been handed over to their respective parents. More- over, counselling to bring them back to normal life has been initiated, informed the NPMHR co-ordinator.
Once they return to normal lives, they would be asked to spread awareness in their localities so that no more girls fell victim to the crime of human trafficking, Kinderson said.
He further hailed the courage and spirit of the five girls who managed to escape from the hands of their exploitative employers.
India, Myanmar to hold further trade talks in Mandalay Indoburma news Press Information Bureau/India
October 12, 2008: The Minister of State for Commerce and Power, Shri Jairam Ramesh is heading an official delegation for trade and investment talks with the Government of Myanmar in Mandalay on 14th and 15th October 2008.
In his two previous visits earlier in May and June this year, apart from the bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, agreements were signed for a $ 60 million line of credit from India to Myanmar for power transmission to be executed by the Power Grid Corporation of India and for another $ 60 million line of credit for a 111 MW hydel power project to be executed by BHEL.
India is also implementing the Rs. 540 crore Kaladan multi-modal transport and transit project to be completed by end-2012 and that will provide an alternative access route to India’s northeast through the Myanmarese port of Sittwe and through the Kaladan river. Lines of credit for refinery modernisation and highways are on the anvil.
In addition, following Shri Jairam Ramesh’s talks at the highest levels of the Government of Myanmar in June 2008, NHPC has just signed an MoU with the Government of Myanmar for developing hydel projects in the Chindwin River basin of which the 1200 Mw Tamanthi multi-purpose project will be the first venture.
In the Mandalay talks, Shri Jairam Ramesh will take up the Indian desire to expand trade centres along the 1600-kms India-Myanmar border. At present, only Moreh in Manipur is the only operational trade centre on the border. India will propose two additional such centres—Avangkhu in Nagaland and Zowkhathar in Mizoram which is also a long-standing demand of these two states.
However, border trade centres in Arunachal Pradesh are not under discussion because of security and other considerations on the Indian side. In addition, India will propose an expansion of items to be traded with a view to move towards normal free trade very soon at these centres.
India is also expected to reiterate its offer to include Mynamar in the duty free tariff preference scheme announced by it for LDCs. The details of the financing mechanism to facilitate expanded bilateral trade will be also be firmed up during the Mandalay talks. UBI has already signed an agreement with the Foreign Trade Bank of Myanmar for establishing such a mechanism.
Myanmar will be the beneficiary of the FTA with ASEAN to be signed by India and ASEAN in Bangkok on December 18th. Myanmar is also a member of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Multisectoral Economic Cooperation) Agreement involving Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. India is hosting the BIMSTEC Summit in New Delhi in mid-November 2008.
India’s exports to Myanmar in 2007/08 amounted to about $ 185 million, while its imports from Myanmar were valued at around $ 810 million (comprising almost entirely of pulses). Myanmar thus enjoys a substantial trade surplus with India other countries of South Asia (barring Bhutan).
On October 16th, the Myanmar Prime Minister and Shri Jairam Ramesh will inaugurate a Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills established at Yangon with Indian assistance of $ 2 million. This Centre, to be run by Indian professionals, is equipped to train 1000 youth every year initially who will be awarded a diploma of the Pune-based C-DAC (Centre for the Development of Advanced Computing) which is an institution under the Ministry of Information Technology.
Frans on 10.12.08 @ 10:18 PM CST [link]
‘GoI has failed the Indo-Naga peace process’ morungexpress
‘GoI has failed the Indo-Naga peace process’ morungexpress
Dimapur| October 11 (Morung Express News): Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and member of Meghalaya State Legislative Assembly, PA Sangma, said successive central governments have failed to bring about a solution to the Indo-Naga peace process.
“Both NDA and UPA governments have totally failed the peace process,” he told reporters at a press conference at Hotel Saramati today. Sangma said he was actively involved in the ceasefire process when he held the chair of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and had expected a lot of development in Nagaland as the ceasefire agreement that was agreed upon carried the slogan “peace for development.” He however lamented the failure of the Government of India in bringing about any difference between “insurgency time and peace time.”
“Ten years is a long time where the Government of India had the opportunity of proving the difference of peace time,” Sangma said. Ten years of peace was long enough to convince the people of Nagaland what peace could bring, he felt. Sangma, who also held talks with party leaders in Nagaland, lauded the NPF-led DAN government headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio for successfully managing a coalition government which the NCP leader said “is a very tough job.”
The former Lok Sabha Speaker also pointed out that he and Rio are in close touch with each other. Meanwhile, Sangma divulged to reporters that the forthcoming Lok Sabha election will see NCP in alliance with the Congress in the states of Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. However in the north east states, it has been decided in the recently held central executive meetings of the party at New Delhi that each individual state will be given the authority to take their own course of action. However, the states of Meghalaya and Nagaland which are run by coalition governments will put up a common candidate. “Rio will be in authority to choose his own candidate and NCP is will fully support that,” Sangma said. Sangma also made a passing remark saying he is happy to see that forest cover in Nagaland is increasing, which, he said indicates that people are interested in protecting and preserving the ecology and environment.
Wholesim Nagalim VASUNDHARA CHAUHAN The |Hindu
Plenty of rice, boiled vegetables and meat with very little spices added and almost no oil — it’s a wholesome fare in Nagaland. If you are adventurous, you can try the Raja Mirchi too…
Photo: Vasundhara Chauhan
Highly popular: Axone being sold in a Dimapur market.
My work took me to Nagaland, for which I will always be grateful. I know few people whose work takes them beyond Mumbai-Bengaluru, or, if they’re really going somewhere exciting, New York or London. But who goes to Nagaland? The moment I knew I was going there, the excitement started building up. For the obvious reason: that’s a region and culture quite beyond one’s ken. And because of the food. All I knew of it was Raja Mirchi and pork. And here was a chance to live and travel in the villages for a good 10 days and eat real, not restaurant cooking.
To be perfectly honest, I was in Dimapur for most of the time, with a few forays into nearby villages. And then in remote Benreu in Peren district, the home, the capital, of Raja Mirchi. Dimapur has few restaurants — most of them serving “rice”, meaning full Naga meals. Which I ate many of in the hostel I was staying in. A “rice” meal is eaten twice a day: at breakfast and dinner. Day breaks early, at about 4.30 a.m., and both city and village folk leave early for work after a serious breakfast of rice, stewed pork and steamed vegetables. The same for dinner, at about 6.30 p.m. At first I thought it was a bit odd to start at the crack of dawn with all this. But isn’t Indian Standard Time responsible? The sun hardly rises and sets “early”.
Obvious pattern
When I look back on the meals in Nagalim — the local word for the State — I see a simple pattern. Boiled rice and meat, usually pork “curry”. I think of a curry as gravy with a base of fried condiments and one main ingredient. This wasn’t like that at all. The meat is boiled and different flavourings like the mechinga leaf, ginger leaves and chillies added at different stages. The meat renders its fat so the stew has a deep layer of melted fat on top. If you’re lucky, the pork is redolent of bacon. In any case the chunks are fatty and tender. Mechinga leaves (the same as the tejphal of Himachal), or lai patta, depending on the season, have distinct flavours and are added towards the end. The chillies are quite mild, for colour and flavour only. The hot chillies are not added to cooking, only to accompanying chutneys. Scoville heat units are used to grade the hotness of chillies. Naga Jolokia (also Raja Mirchi, Bhoot Jolokia) has been tested at over 1,001,300! Almost twice as hot as the old champion, the Red Savina Habanero. I can eat chillies with the best of them but one bite of the Raja Mirchi and your ears ring for a week. Which explains why even locals dilute the Raja Mirchi before eating it.
Another compulsory accompaniment is boiled vegetables. The veggie could be anything — okra, squash, leaves — the only rule is that it is boiled. Boiled okra? Not really this Punjabi’s cup of tea. But the squash, a tender pear-shaped variety peeled and cut into thick wedges, is so sweet and juicy that it’s delicious. The leaves are a variety of mustard with a bit of sharpness and they’re just washed and steamed whole. Locals believe that boiled vegetables “cut” fat from the body. Entirely possible — I never saw one obese person in 10 days there. On the contrary, everyone looked fit and muscular.
No spices or oil
The cooking has no turmeric, coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon. No mustard, fenugreek, nigella. Or none that I detected. And no oil. Apparently no oilseeds are grown. Sometimes chicken or fish are fried and served dry, with boiled rice and dal. The dal is just boiled, very watery, no haldi, no tempering and no spices. May be a bit of chopped tomato and green chillies thrown in during cooking. A flavour that’s a hot favourite is axone (pronounced ah-khonay), fermented soyabean. Even a tiny smidgen added to a stew goes a long way — too long for me. To my untutored palate, the smell makes it impossible to sit near, let alone eat. But it’s obviously a star attraction, because I saw restaurants advertising axone loud and clear. It’s rarely made at home, and sold readymade, in pretty banana leaf parcels.
One night friends invited me home for dinner. They were a bit worried about what I’d eat, but they needn’t have been. Dinner was delightful. Some of the menu was predictable — rice, pork stew and steamed squash. But the rest! Obviously Mrs. Jamir is a good cook, because her fried chicken was much, much better than what I’d been having. And something I’m unlikely to ever see elsewhere: whole karelas cooked in the juice of bamboo shoots! But the best was the fish. Small local fish which Mr. Jamir had caught that very afternoon from his own ponds, mildly spiced and fried crisp, but without any sign of oiliness. Sweetly they’d organised dessert for this visiting alien, but the Naga people don’t eat sweets. Tea is traditionally taken black (called “red tea”), often with sugar. But no dessert. There are plenty of bananas — even in the wild — and small, crisp apples. There used to be some sugarcane farming, but no more.
A longer stay would no doubt have shown me many more kinds of local cuisine. But this was enough to bring home the fact that the food of Nagalim is simple and wholesome. Pork defies explanation, but maybe there’s some truth in the belief that boiled vegetables are an antidote?
The author is a Delhi-based food writer. She is with the ASER Centre.
Army operations to continue in NE Newmai News Network
Shillong | October 11 : “The insurgency problems in Manipur and the Naga factional fights in Nagaland are scars to the comparatively peaceful overall scenario in the North Eastern region”, remarked the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command Lt General V.K Singh.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Eastern Command rowing regatta in Umiam Lake in Shillong today, Lt General Singh said, “Barring the problems in Manipur and the factional fights in Nagaland, the security in the North East region is peaceful”. He said “In Tripura there are lots of cases of surrender and in Assam the situation is improving”. Maintaining that the North Eastern state governments in the region are at their jobs to bringing peace, Lt General Singh however said, “There will be no halt to our operational strategies that are in total synergy with the state governments”. “Our focus in going for operations does not mean that we are against the peace process”, asserted Lt General Singh while adding, “We will carry our own operations because our focus is to ensure that no anti-national elements operate in our soil” he said.
Asserting that the army is always geared up with a contingency plan to take on insurgents and terrorists, the GOC-in-C said, “While our own operations are one facet of the strategies to take on the militants, political measures should go side by side to bring peace in the North East region”. He was equivocal in his answer relating to the army operations that forced two companies of the ULFA entering into a ceasefire. However, Lt General Singh said there will be no halt to the operational strategies that are in total “synergy with the state governments”.
Queried on the vulnerability of the North East to the terror network, Lt General Singh stated, “I can be prophetic but we have acted as per security inputs and are always geared up to meet any eventualities.”
POST CHIANGMAI III INCIDENTS: GPRN/NSCN
The outcome of the Chiangmai III reconciliation meet was anticipated with great hope and expectation. Even as the Naga Frontal Organizations pursue the unity of the Nagas with great courage, it is unfortunate that killings continue in Nagaland. In view of the recent unpleasant attacks initiated by Hebron Camp on the Naga Army, particularly the Dimapur Town Command, GPRN/NSCN, while earnestly wishing for Unity, Peace and Reconciliation to hasten in Nagaland, would like to inform the Naga Public of the facts about the recent confrontations.
1. The rail bazar road incident on 25th August occurred when Hebron gang came in a white maruti van fired at the Naga Army personnel. In retaliation, 2nd Lieut. Moatoshi from Hebron camp was killed and his .32 taken away by Naga Army. Only a fool would not retaliate when fired upon.
2. On 26th August, more than 20 Hebron gangsters arrived at Burma Camp with the intention of targeting Naga Army in the colony. Early in the morning they began shooting randomly threatening the civilians in the area. Naga Army was forced to retaliate in self defense and to protect the safety and security of the public in the vicinity. Naga Army could easily attack the safe havens of Hebron gangsters in many localities in and around Dimapur yet the cry of the Naga people for unity, peace and reconciliation is too precious to ignore.
3. On 30th August, Naga Army had to confront 2nd Lieut. Zhenito and Crprl. Hekato who had loyally served the Naga Nation till two months back but lured away by Hebron Gang. Hekato defected to Hebron during the first week of July while Zhenito joined the enemies two weeks back. Both were assigned back to Dimapur to target their former comrades. They came on a Bike at Burma Camp, waited near a petrol pump and fired at the Naga Army cadres. GPRN/NSCN regrets their death yet Naga Army has clear information on who is a traitor and who is not.
The death of a Kuki Tatar recently at Hebron Camp who allegedly hanged himself was hushed up. If even the death of a Tatar, who has status and position in the Government, is unannounced, Nagas cannot expect Hebron Camp to release the names of their men killed in action. Hebron defense secretary Lumba on 14th August announced the number of death much lesser than the actual casualty but Nagas have the right to know where the dead cadres were buried. Their deaths were undeclared and mortal remains never reached the family members. The recent death of Reju Peyu Tohuka Sumi of Hebron camp was also never a case of suicide as alleged. It is a pure case of murder. Shooting the victim right in the middle of forehead and calling it a suicide is flimsy. Revolutionaries do not commit suicide. A thief and a liar were both nailed to the cross at Calvary but only the thief was granted salvation and the liar eternally condemned!
Publicity Cell,
GPRN/NSCN.
NDFB hand in violence: Govt STAFF REPORTER Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 11 – Reiterating that the Bodo militant outfit NDFB had a hand in the recent violence in Udalguri and Darrang districts, Government spokesperson and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that hoisting of a Pakistani flag in one of the violence-affected villages was the handiwork of ‘miscreants’ to defame the Government, and not an act of Islamic fundamentalists. “The flag had the crescent moon placed in a totally wrong manner, and in no way could it have been done by a Muslim, leave alone a fundamentalist, as they are very particular about religious matters. And more importantly, the flag was hoisted in a Bodo-dominated area on October 4 following a group clash on the preceding day. No Muslim could have dared to enter the Bodo village on that day,” Sarma said at a press conference.
Sarma said that an inquiry was on to find the culprits behind the incident, and police was interrogating one of the suspects. “This is a case of conspiracy against the Government to defame it,” he said.
Sarma also revealed that a Muslim group was also active in the area with an intent on fomenting trouble. “Police is pursuing the matter vigorously, and the culprits would be punished once their guilt is established,” he said.
Alleging that the NDFB was indulging in ethnic cleansing, Sarma said that the outfit had little support from the Bodo community and it would be completely wrong to say that the Bodos were with the NDFB in its act of ethnic cleansing.
“The NDFB’s designs on ethnic cleansing are well known. Its charter of demands submitted to the Centre on September 20 clearly mentions that it had grievances against non-tribals as well as illegal Muslim migrants,” Sarma said, adding that the outfit was involved in the two ethnic clashes in Kokrajhar district in 1993 and 1996.
Anti-national forces behind clashes CORRESPONDENT Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 11 – The joint delegation of the Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, North East Zone (ICITP), All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AAKRSU) and the All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU), which recently made a visit to the strife-torn areas of Udalguri and Darrang districts, has demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the group clashes which has so far claimed 55 lives. In a press conference organised at the Guwahati Press Club here today, the delegation also suspected the hands of anti-national forces like Jehadis and other fundamentalist groups, who they believe, were instrumental in instigating the clash between the Bodos and the suspected Bangladeshis.
“We believe that the State Government is not dealing with the situation in the manner it should have. Besides, repeated contradictory statements made by Chief Minister, Director General of Police and the Army has further worsened the scenario in the affected areas,” said Jebra Ram Muchahary, president, ICITP, adding, “This is the right moment for the Centre to step in and initiate necessary steps to book the culprits so that such incidents are not repeated anywhere else in the country.”
Taking strong exception to the hoisting of a Pakistani flag in one of the affected areas, Muchahary said, “The incident of hoisting of a Pakistani flag is a matter of shame not only for the State but the entire country, and those responsible for doing so must be dealt with a firm hand.”
Urging the civil society to play an effective role to stabilize the current scenario, Dr Ram Dayal Munda, chief president, ICITP, national committee, said that the State Government has been found wanting as far as resolving the issues of the affected people is concerned.
“The issue of hoisting the Pakistani flag in Assam has been appreciated by a section of the Pakistani media, which is a nasty sign for the country,” Dr Munda pointed out.
AKRSU president Biswajeet Rai further asserted that the clash between the two groups is part of a deep-rooted conspiracy masterminded by a vested interest circle operating at the behest of anti-national forces.
“We, during our visit, had seen that there is a still a sense of uncertainty in the minds of the people. As far as security arrangements are concerned, it is definitely not up to the mark,” Rai asserted.
“If the Government does not take urgent steps to safeguard the interest of the indigenous people, we would be forced to retaliate in our own way,” Rai warned.
“The involvement of a third party behind the group clashes is certain, and it is the job of the Government to unearth the force behind it,” said Prafula Hafila, president, ADSU.
The joint delegation of ICITP, AKRSU and ADSU also informed that it had submitted a memorandum highlighting the demand for a separate State of Kamatapur at the first session of the ‘Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ held at Geneva from October 1 to October 3.
Meanwhile, the Assam Minorities Students’ Union today organized a sit-in demonstration in protest against the group clashes at the Lakhidhar Bora Khetra premises here.
Govt for CBI probe into violence STAFF REPORTER Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 11 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that the State Government would seek a CBI inquiry into the group clashes at Udalguri and Darrang districts that left 55 people dead and thousands of families homeless. “The CBI will be able to go deeper into the issue, establish the conspiracy angle, and identify the culprits. The Government will deal very firmly with those miscreants irrespective of their language, religion or community,” Gogoi said at a press conference.
The official version put the death toll at 55, of which 24 died in police firing. The number of injured is 111. In the affected 54 villages, 2,505 houses were damaged, 500 of those gutted in fire. The total number of affected people is around two lakh, with many leaving their houses in panic and not because their houses were destroyed.
Holding “miscreants” from both sides responsible for the violence, Gogoi said that apparently land-grabbing was a major motive behind the carnage, with miscreants from either side exploiting the situation further to their advantage.
“The communities had been living in harmony for generations. A small section of miscreants created the trouble, and it was not a case of ethnic cleansing,” Gogoi said.
On the possible involvement of the banned NDFB currently on a ceasefire with the Government, the Chief Minister said that if the outfit was found to be involved in the violence, the ceasefire would be reviewed and likely to be withdrawn.
Blaming the political parties for “complicating” the situation in their bid to gain narrow political mileage out of the violence, Gogoi said that provocative and baseless statements would only lead to confusion and tension.
On the much-publicized issue of hoisting of a Pakistani flag in one of the affected villages, Gogoi termed it as a conspiracy, and did not rule out a political angle on the matter.
The Chief Minister, while asserting that “timely” measures by the Government prevented further flare-up of the situation, said that no fresh incident had taken place in the two districts since 10 pm of October 5.
“Yet, a sense of insecurity and distrust is evident among the relief camp inmates, who are ready to go back to their homes provided there is adequate security,” he said.
Gogoi said that an action plan was being prepared to ensure security in the villages and for preventing recurrence of similar incidents in the future. “Village defence parties (VDPs) along with police personnel would be formed. In addition, we will have more peace committees with elders and leaders from different communities,” he said.
The Chief Minister revealed that the Centre provided 14 companies of Central Security Forces as against 21 asked for by the State Government to deal with the violence. “We are still insisting on seven more companies for restoration of normalcy in the two districts,” he added.
Eastern Command GOC reviews Udalguri security
STAFF REPORTER Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 11: The GOC in-charge of Eastern Command of the Army, Lt Gen VK Singh, accompanied by the GOC of the 4 Corps of the Army Lt Gen BS Jaswal today visited the Hatigarh area in Udalguri district today to review the security scenario. Army Public Relations officer (PRO) Col R Kalia said that during his visit, Lt Gen Singh was briefed by the Army officials on the ground about the steps taken by the troops to bring the situation under control and about the medical camps organized by the Army for the benefit of the riot affected people.
Col Kalia said that during his interactions with the Army men on the ground, Lt Gen Singh appreciated the quick response of the troops to bring the situation under control. The GOC in C also directed the troops to extend all cooperation to the civil administration and to adopt a humane approach during the operations.
Lt Gen Singh reminded the Army men of the ethos of the Army to remain apolitical and directed them to form peace committees involving local leaders of all communities to settle the differences.
Trafficked Naga girls return to ImphalSOBHAPATI SAMOM Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Oct 11 – The five Zeliangrong Naga girls, who had been stranded at Kuala Lumpur after they escaped from the clutches of agents who tried to sell them off to a night club, were brought back here from Malaysia via Kolkata today.
A team of Zeliangrong bodies and relatives received them at the Tulihal airport near here this afternoon. Covering their faces the girls came out along with their visibly shocked family members and Rongmei womenfolk.
The girls were accompanied by one Thuijingam Gangmei, the convenor of a newly-formed committee against the trafficking incident and another Zeliangrong lady from North East Helpline.
The girls had been taken to Singapore and then to Malaysia in January this year by a company called Abel and Zeo Pvt Ltd on promises of job opportunity. However, they escaped from the clutches of the agents of the company only last month and since then were taking shelter at a destitute home near the Indian Embassy in Malaysia.
Police in the State has so far arrested four persons, including one Philip Gangmei of Sibilong village, following a complaint from the families. The newly formed committee against the Tamenglong trafficking episode has summoned all those involved in the case to come and testify on the charges levelled against them on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in a move to combat trafficking of women and children, a day-long consultation meet here mooted to float a network of NGOs, police department, social activists, media persons, legal professionals and academicians.
The Women Action for Development and Manipur Police sponsored meet which concluded on Friday recommended to have proper correspondence with other national and international networks on this issue, proper prosecution of the convicts of trafficking, etc.
WAD secretary M Sobita, stating that trafficking of women and children from NE India is a serious issue, said, “There were 62 (41 girls and 21 boys) reported cases of human trafficking in Manipur in the last three months.”
Assam mulls truce review - NDFB hand in Udalguri, Darrang carnage alleged OUR BUREAU The Telegraph
Guwahati/Kokrajhar, Oct. 11: Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi today said the government would review the ceasefire with the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), as there were allegations of the organisation’s involvement in the recent carnage in Udalguri and Darrang districts.
“If found guilty, the ceasefire with the outfit will be cancelled,” the chief minister said at a news meet here.
Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also said there were clear indications of the NDFB’s involvement in the series of incidents since the organisation has been opposed to non-tribals and illegal migrants in Bodoland.
Several Bodo organisations have lashed out at Sarma for his alleged remark that the violence was a ploy to drive away non-Bodos from the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area.
Sarma today said he had not made any remarks about the Bodo community trying to drive away non-Bodos. “The NDFB is not a representative of the Bodo community,” he added.
Trying to justify his allegations about the involvement of the NDFB, Sarma said the organisation, in a recent letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, had stated that the Bodo community was under threat from non-tribals and the illegal migrant population.
“The Assam government is in possession of the NDFB’s letter to the Prime Minister’s Office,” he said.
Sarma added that the NDFB “has a history of carrying out attacks on non-tribals” and the organisation would continue to do so.
“It was in 1993 and again in 1996 that the NDFB carried out attacks on non-Bodos,” he said.
The Federation of Bodo Youth (FBY) and All Bodo Post-Graduate Youth Federation (ABPGYF), however, accused the Congress spokesman of becoming an “agent of illegal immigrants for petty vote bank politics” and demanded a public apology for his remark on the Udalguri violence.
In a joint press statement issued at Kokrajhar, the two organisations strongly condemned the “dirty politics” played by the health minister while trying to establish the involvement of the Bodos behind the violence.
“Instead of spelling out the truth behind the incident (we all know that Simi/ Indian Mujahideen, Huji and many more Islamic terrorist outfits and fundamentalists are the real culprits), Sarma has accused the Bodos of conspiring to wipe out the non-Bodo population from BTC,” the statement said.
India asks Singapore to curb trafficking Nagaland page
NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 10: After five girls from Manipur were rescued in Kuala Lumpur, India is now asking the Singapore Government to take action against the maid placement agency that allegedly ran a human trafficking racket across many northeastern states.
The maid placement agency Abel and Joe is registered with the Singapore government and has sent girls abroad from the Northeast.
The Indian embassy in Singapore has been asked to take up the matter with the Government there.
Earlier, after the girls fled from a Kuala Lumpur nightclub, the Malaysian government helped the girls with arrangements for their return back home.
"The agency had no mandatory registrations to conduct overseas recruitments. We have also forwarded copies of details on how the agency and its agents ran the trafficking racket," Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) secretary K Mohandas said.
Earlier two people representing the agency were arrested by Manipur Police in this connection while 12 others were summoned by a local court. The case details were forwarded to the MOIA by the parents of the victimized girls.
"In our communication with the Singapore government we had sought a lookout notice for the agency's India recruiter Ricky Ho and more details on the activities of the agency," said a ministry official.
Coordinator of the Naga People's Movement for Human Rights Kienderson Pamei had urged the ministry to take action against the agency's website that still posts advertisements featuring gullible Indian girls. (Agencies)
Frans on 10.12.08 @ 02:25 PM CST [link]
