Nagalim.NL News

Monday, November 30th

Centre ready with Naga proposals A STAFF REPORTER Te Telegraph



Centre ready with Naga proposals A STAFF REPORTER Te Telegraph


Swu , Muivah photo
Guwahati, Nov. 29: The 12-year-old Naga talks have reached a decisive phase with the Centre now ready with its own set of proposals for discussion with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah).
Union home secretary G.K. Pillai today said the government has invited the NSCN (I-M) leadership for a discussion on the proposals.
“We have invited them to discuss the proposals,” Union home secretary G.K. Pillai said today, adding that the outfit was yet to respond.
“The invitation was sent last week,” he said.
NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and its general secretary Th. Muivah have been holding talks with the government since the ceasefire in 1997.
“They (the leaders) live in different places and would need to consult among themselves before getting back to us. This might take a little time,” Pillai said.
He also said the talks would be held in the country but declined to divulge the framework of the proposals without first placing it before the NSCN (I-M).
“We have to discuss the proposals with them first,” he said.
A source said with the Centre now ready with the proposals, the long drawn dialogue with the NSCN (I-M) could reach its logical conclusion.
“This is the decisive stage. Much consultations have taken place over the past 12 years and more. The government’s proposals in response to the NSCN (I-M) would now pitchfork the process of dialogue towards a final settlement,” a source said.
The proposals were worked out after the government held wide-ranging discussions with Naga civil society, tribal Hohos and other principal organisations of Nagas from Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh besides Nagaland.
During his visit to Nagaland in October, Pillai had said the government was working out a solution that would be “honourable and acceptable” to both the Centre and Naga people.
The government’s proposals do not have any economic clauses, as the NSCN (I-M) had not asked for any economic package when it had submitted its own set of proposals.
The underlying principle of the NSCN (I-M)’s proposals was the “basic urge of the Nagas to manage their own affairs according to their own genius without undue interference from outside”.
Given the Naga “desire” to run their own affairs, the NSCN (I-M) said it was of vital importance to agree upon allocation of competencies, some of which would be exercised only by Nagaland government. Some responsibilities will be jointly held by the Nagaland government and the Centre while others only by the government of India.
It said the Centre would be responsible for the external defence, foreign affairs, currency and communications.
About security forces, it said the Nagaland government would have its own armed forces, which will be exclusively responsible for the internal security of Nagaland, while the armed forces of India and some from Nagaland will be jointly responsible to tackle external threats.
Apart from security forces, 21 other subjects for discussion will range from customs duty to naming of the legislature as Tatar Hoho to control over the state’s natural resources.
On the contentious issue of integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas into one administrative entity, the NSCN (I-M) said the government would have to take “active measures” to address it.
The source said this was the “tricky” area, which could make or mar everything.
“Both the government and the NSCN (I-M) have to display exemplary diplomacy and flexibility to seal the issue once and for all,” he said.
Nagaland assembly recognizes underground movement ICT by IANS
Kohima, Nov 30 (IANS) The Nagaland assembly’s decision to give legitimacy to the six-decade-long insurgency has been generally hailed by political observers in the state.
“I think this is an astute political move to recognize the underground movement. It gives the movement a sense of credibility,” Monalisa Chankija, editor of the mass circulation English daily Nagaland Page, told IANS.
The 60-member legislature Friday unanimously resolved to “recognize” the Naga underground movement and their leaders, saying they have “selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed for the aspirations and the rights of the Nagas, and also to those who continue to follow the tradition of selfless sacrifices for the common cause of the Nagas”.
The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, is significant as the entire 60-member house, including 19 opposition Congress party legislators, endorsed the move.
“There is no public reaction, but then, the move seems to have gone down well as it is probably aimed at uniting all underground groups and ending violence and bloodshed,” Changkija said.
Another significant resolution was to integrate all Naga-inhabited areas in the northeast, a demand that has for long been raised by the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM).
“It is the desire of the Nagas to live together as one family and this house has rightly voiced the cry of the Naga people,” Rio said in the assembly.
The NSCN-IM, one of the oldest and most powerful of about 30 rebel groups in India’s northeast, was earlier fighting for an independent homeland for the Nagas but has scaled it down to a “Greater Nagaland”, to be formed by slicing off parts of adjoining states that have Naga tribal populations.
The governments of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have rejected the demand for unification of Naga-dominated areas.
New Delhi too has earlier rejected demands for unification of all Naga inhabited areas.
The Indian government is already holding talks with the NSCN-IM after the group entered into a ceasefire in 1997. The rival NSCN faction headed by guerrilla leader S.S. Khaplang too is in a ceasefire since 2001, although formal talks are yet to begin.
The rival NSCN factions are fighting a bitter turf war for territorial supremacy in Nagaland since they split in 1988. The internecine war has claimed more than 500 lives in the past five years.
The Naga insurgency dates back to India’s independence in 1947 with an estimated 25,000 lives lost in the past six decades, including of security forces fighting the guerillas.
‘Nagaland’s one need: Peace’ morungexpress
Governor’s message on 46 years of statehood
Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): Governor of Nagaland Nikhil Kumar today said what Nagaland needs is ‘stable and permanent’ peace if at all development of the state and her people are to take place. The governor addressed the people of Nagaland as the state commemorates her 46th anniversary, reminding of the one need Nagaland has, peace, to bring in progress.
“It is indeed the chief objective of all of us – not the least of all, the central government –to usher in peace that is stable and permanent for it is only through peace that we can put in place plans for the development of the state and which could lead to progress and prosperity. Our state needs this most of all…” Governor Kumar stated in his address. With joint efforts from all, he said, “we are determined to bring about development, banish poverty and usher in emotional integration in this lovely state of different tribes and communities.”
Yet, the governor observed, while Nagaland has achieved much during the last four and half decades of statehood, there are still many unfinished tasks at hand. “There are poor and marginalized people in the state whose lives still remain untouched by the various developmental endeavors. Further, there are regions which continue to suffer because of inadequate development,” he said.
The governor expressed confidence that the implementation by the state government the National Rural Employment Scheme and the Swarnajayanti Swarozgar Scheme of the Central Government will benefit the people of Nagaland. “Let us all make a commitment today to redouble our efforts and ensure the delivery of the fruits of development to every person and to every nook and corner of the state,” he said.
The governor said that in 1963 “our position on the development ladder was quite low.” Nevertheless, Kumar acknowledged that the state has been doing its bit in securing assured and appreciable growth in various fields. He cited “making appreciable strides in all the sectors.” He observed that “there has also been a strengthening of our self-belief and confidence in our capabilities” by being successful in regularly planning and hosting various regional and national events. He cited as instances a number of sports’ events in the recent times held in the state. “The Hornbill Festival from tomorrow which among others has people from abroad will no doubt once again prove the capabilities of our people in every way,” he added.
The governor of Nagaland also took to mind “our young men and women,” who he said are the ones who will “soon enter adulthood” and on whose shoulder the future of Nagaland will rest. “It is of utmost importance that they understand the vital role that they are going to play and I would urge them to remain fully observant to the various changes happening around them, not only here but outside too,” Governor Kumar said. He wished to see Naga young men and women being provided with all the opportunities to ensure that they are at par not only with the rest of the country but the whole world.
Kumar also referred to what he said is “nice to see that in recent times the initiatives of the leaders of all walks of life have borne fruits and there has been a marked decline in the incidence of violence in the state.”
The latest initiative of the state’s legislators in joining hands without any political color to work towards peace is laudable he said. “On the statehood day I would like to call upon all, especially the grass root leaders - our venerated Gaon Buras and village elders to leave no stone unturned to defeat any evil designs to destabilize the peaceful environment in Nagaland” Governor Kumar said.
ETHNICALLY ‘TENYIMIA’ IS NOT A TRIBE Nagaland page Thepfulhouvi Solo
When the pioneer British Colonial Forces entered the territory of the present Zeliang Area from Cachar in the West about the first quarter of the nineteenth Century, they enquired from the indigenous Zeliangs as to what kind of people live in the East beyond their territory. In those days, people calling themselves “TENGIMIA” particularly the neighboring warlike Villages of Khwünoma and Mezoma, used to have an indecent trait of coveting the Zeliang properties particularly their grand domesticated animals that ranged freely in the jungle and the “Tengimia” people could not control themselves of some self-help of the irresistible domesticated properties of their neighbors.
It is said the good natured Zeliangs abhorred excessive Wind in their mountain Villages, leeches in their jungles and in moments of intemperate exasperations they sometimes called the “Tengimia” people in terms of the class of things they detested like excessive wind and leeches! And when the White man enquired of the kind of people beyond their territory in the East, the intelligent Zeliangs told the uninvited Visitors that ‘Kergami’ –Thieves in Zeliang tongue- lived in the East beyond their territory. From then on the White man recorded the “most boisterous of the wild Nagas” who called themselves ‘Tengimia” as ‘ANGAMI’ -a corrupted form of ‘KERGAMI’.
The Khezamas, the Sopfümas (Mao), the Zeliangs and the Rengmas never hitherto took themselves as “Tenyimia”; these Naga Tribes, each has its own distinct Laguage and Culture, it was only after the State of Nagaland came into existence that in political wisdom of ‘Kevi u Uya’: the Better Part is mine’ that the ex-pression ‘Tenyimia’ gained momentum.
The Tenyimia is not a Tribe has no distinct Language of its own, each constituent Tribe has its own Language, not Dialect. A Tribe usually has a common Ancestor, Language and similar Culture: there is no common CHAKHESANG Language because ‘Cha-khe-sang ‘ is not a Tribe, but a GROUP OF TRIBES comprising of Chakrü, Kheza and Puchuri tribe inadvertently recorded as Sangtams by the British. The Puchuris have now been separated out from ChaKheSang Group as a separate distinct Tribe.
The Angami and the Chakrü (Chokri in Dialect) have principally the same Language with only tonal differences. The Chakrüs were initially Angamis known as “Eastern Angami” (no less Angami or not more Angami than the Angamis but exactly like the Northern or Western Angami today) but during the re-organization of Kohima Elekha just after Indian Independence into a District, all the areas of the Elekha in the East from Kanjang in the Burma Border to Sidzü River were Grouped as Chakhesang Area, then Anagami Area in the middle and then Kachanaga – Kuki Areas in the West as Zeliang Area.
These Areas, each binds the people into a strong Group of Nagas just like a Kingdom bound the people into a strong Unit in the ancient past. Kingdom or Empire no longer makes People into a compact ethnic Group today, rather it is Ideas that bind modern people into strong political Group or State. Today, it is ideas like EQUALITY, FREEDOM of RELIGION and HUMAN RIGHTS that unite people into strong political Nation-States rather than Tribal ethnic relationship or Race. Democratic Glues bind diverse people into stronger compact Nation-States than racial or ethnic connections.
Today, diverse Mongolian communities living in the Hills of the North East India calling themselves Naga aspire for a NAGA Nation. However, these Mongolian racial glues would not be a Glue strong enough to stick the people into a compact political packet without the Principle of Democracy,.
UNITY OF THE NAGAS is the most challenging Issue today for Nagas and if any of the many Groups in the Naga Community has any silent Agenda to dominate others or tries to gain a position of Pre-eminence over the others, that would be the beginning of the disintegration ‘Soviet Union’ of Nagaland; within 70 years the once mighty Soviet Union disintegrated into many democratic People. The very Communist Force that made the Soviet Union prominent, made it into pieces.
Politics, particularly democratic Politics, is the property of everybody alive; it has no Race or Color, and like the Law of the Land, it treads every people alike. The Writer has no interest in coining the nomenclature of any political Party but recently a political Party changed its name embracing every People of the AREA, into one exclusively of one Race. Politics based on Race and Religion is very risky, if modern man is to learn any lessons from Hitler’s Aryan Party! Unity of the Naga People is of paramount importance but Politics is higher and wider than Nagas alone.
Indeed, Politics is very important for the welfare of the People but POLITICS without ETHICS is a DEMON and Politics of ‘the Good Side is mine: Bad side is yours’ is unethical.


Frans on 11.30.09 @ 10:19 PM CST [link]


Sunday, November 29th

Nagaland Assembly adopts Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network



Nagaland Assembly adopts Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Kohima, November 27 2009: The 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) has unanimously adopted a four-point resolutions on the Naga political issue.

The resolution, introduced by the Leader of the House chief minister Neiphiu Rio, during the fifth one day session of the NLA today, was also endorsed by the Opposition Congress MLAs.

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly recognized the Naga undergrounds who have "selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed for the aspirations and the rights of the Nagas, and also to those who continue to follow the tradition of selfless sacrifices for the common cause of the Nagas".

The NLA extended its aspiration to the civil societies, churches, NGOs and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for their "wholehearted efforts" towards reconciliation, understanding and oneness of all sections of Naga society.

The sincerity of the underground groups is also appreciated especially the commitment towards peace and understanding by signing the 'Covenant of Reconciliation' on 23rd September 2009 at Chiangmai, Thailand.

The NLA also appreciates the government of India, particularly the Prime Minister and Union Home minister for their "renewed sincerity" towards finding a permanent solution to the decades old Indo-Naga political problem.

NLA said, "We appeal to the negotiating parties of the political dialogue to expedite the political process and bring early resolution through a negotiated settlement which is honourable and acceptable to the Naga people".

The NLA also resolved to constitute a 'Joint Parliamentary Committee' on Naga political issue comprising of members irrespective of political party.
The Committee shall carry the voice of the House to all concerned sections including the Government of India and the underground groups.
Assembly ‘recognises’ rebels’ sacrifices for Naga cause Indian Express Samudra Gupta Kashyap
THE Nagaland Legislative Assembly has accorded “recognition” to the Naga underground leaders for having “selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed” for the aspirations and rights of the Naga people. This “recognition” came as a resolution in the Assembly on Friday even as talks between the government of India and the NSCN (IM) have yet to reach a conclusive stage.
The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, was passed unanimously and said that those underground leaders who had “selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed for the aspirations and the right of the Nagas and those who continue to follow the tradition of selfless sacrifices for the common cause of the Nagas” deserved recognition.
The Assembly also reiterated its earlier stand on integration of all Naga-inhabited areas, an issue that also figures prominently on the NSCN agenda. “It is the desire of the Nagas to live together as one family and this House has rightly voiced the cry of the Naga people,” Rio said. The Nagaland Assembly has so far passed four resolutions ( in 1964, 1970, 1994 and 2003) in favour of integration of Naga areas.
NPF is for Naga identity: Rio Correspondent NPN):

KOHIMA Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio claimed that a regional party like the NPF represented the unique identity of the Nagas which also stood to protect and preserve the Naga culture and aspirations in the face of numerous challenges confronting society.
“We don’t have anything against the Centre or the Government of India, however, we need to represent the interest of our people and be their voice at national and international platforms. At times, national parties find it difficult to play this crucial role as these parties cannot deviate from their ideologies”, he said
Addressing the NPF 5th General Convention held at the Multi-purpose Hall, IG stadium here on Saturday, Rio reiterated that early solution to the Naga political issue was through a negotiated settlement that was honourable and acceptable to the people which tops the agenda of both the DAN Government and the NPF. He said the government would continue to play the role of active facilitator in the peace process.
He said the DAN government strived to create a congenial and desired atmosphere for the political negotiations to move on the right track. He expressed happiness on the unanimous resolution of the NLA to institute a Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Naga political issue.
The chief minister said that the government, with the support of the NCP and some independent members, was functioning smoothly. He said the government was also backed by its various machineries whose capacity has greatly improved in recent years, thereby resulting in qualitative output.
He however admit that no government was perfect and likewise it too hoped to keep improving with the continued support of all sections, especially the civil societies, churches, mass based organizations and NGOs.
Rio also complimented the government machinery for its performance on several fronts especially in the conduct of road shows. “Successful conduct of road shows has brought the government machinery and the targeted sections not only closer but, they have come together in the same platform,” Rio said.
On the government’s decision to coin Nagaland as “Land of festival” and the Hornbill festival as “festival of festivals,” Rio said the slogans would be used to paint positive image of the state to the outside world.
On the successes of the state government, Rio said the young people from the state realized they were at par, if not better than their counterparts from other parts of the world. “One wonders, how high we can climb, if we were given equal opportunities and avenues with the rest of the country and the global community,” he said.
Rio however opined there was still much more to be done and that the DAN government would continue to work for the people and strive to improve the welfare of the masses.
He told party members that their performance would influence how people judged the party and called for introspection of its past performances and rededicate towards the cause of the people.
He termed the general convention ‘historic’ as the party was ready to give wings to step beyond artificial man made boundary where the Nagas were longing for a re-union. “This decision is significant and has the potential of changing the destiny of our people in the times ahead,” Rio added.
Earlier, NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu in his presidential speech dwelt at length on the origin, history and struggle of the Cock party since its inception in 1963 as a first registered political party in the state and the entire north east.
“Today, we are the proud heirs of the first political party in Nagaland and we want our Naga brothers and sisters, where ever they may be, to inherit this legacy,” he said.
Since inception, the first and foremost priority of the party was to work for solution to the Naga political problem and today too this regional party under the leadership of chief minister has done well in all fronts including the approach to the Naga political problem, Dr. Shurhozelie said.
Reminding that the government of India has made its position clear that it was keen to solve the long standing Naga political problem, Dr. Shurhozelie urged the underground factions to come together to the same platform with one voice.
He stressed on the need among different underground groups to come together as desired by their people. “Until and unless the underground factions come together, nothing will happen and the Naga people will continue to suffer,” he added.
He also stressed on the need to learn from the past mistakes and look forward to plan for the future. Stating that political parties or underground factions might have committed mistakes in the past, Dr. Shurhozelie said “but all these have gone to the pages of history and we should not quarrel over the events that had happened in the past.”
Both the MPs- Khekiho Zhimomi (RS) and C.M Chang(LS) and state minister for forest, environment, ecology and excise M. C. Konyak delivered short speeches on the occasion.
Former minister from Manipur, Prof. Gangumei Kamei who is also the convenor of NPF in Manipur state spoke on behalf of NPF representatives from Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. On the occasion, the NPF party also felicitated the seven surviving members of the first Democratic Party of Nagaland (DPN) out of the total 12 and observed a minute’s silence to pay homage to the departed leaders.

NPF renamed as Naga Peoples’ Front Correspondent, (NPN):
KOHIMA The Nagaland Peoples’ Front (NPF), one of the oldest surviving regional political parties in the country has in principle, rechristened itself to Naga Peoples’ Front from Saturday following the approval of the 5th amendment of the party constitution during the party’s 5th general convention which was held at the Multi-purpose Hall, IG Stadium here Saturday.
The NPF General Convention unanimously approved the 5th amendment of the party constitution thereby paving the way for the party to expand its wings to the neighboring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh where there are sizeable Naga population. With the amendment of the constitution, the name ‘Nagaland’ in the constitution \will be replaced with the ‘Naga’ with a view to provide a wider space to accommodate Nagas from various areas.
Though the desk is all clear for the party to start using the new nomenclature, NPF President Dr.Shurhozelie Liezietsu however said the party was not in a hurry. The party would compile the minutes of the general convention along with the signatures of the party officials present
in the convention and submit the same to the Election Commission for formalities, he said.
Significantly, the general convention was attended by delegations of the party representatives from all the three neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It may be mentioned that the NPF had initiated its move to expand its reach covering the entire Naga inhabited areas of the neighbouring states.

Common Naga Problem morungexpress
The unanimous adoption of the four-point resolution on the Naga political issue by the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly during a rare joint sitting held on 26th November 2009 is welcomed. Everyone right from the Speaker, Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition and all elected MLAs should be congratulated for their foresight and wisdom in coming together for an important task that lies ahead—finding a permanent and acceptable solution to the Naga political issue. Since this newspaper had endlessly campaigned through this column calling on the political parties to come together through a common forum, the latest decision of the political class to constitute a “Joint Parliamentary Committee on Naga political issue comprising of Members irrespective of political party”, is like the realisation of a long cherished goal. It has been mentioned in the resolution that the “Committee shall carry the voice of the House to all concerned
sections including the Government of India and the underground groups”. One only prays and hopes that our leaders will be guided by wisdom towards the stated objective of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Now that the House has come together on this issue, there is enormous responsibility on its shoulders to ensure that all members and political parties adhere both in letter and spirit to the sacrosanct four-point resolution adopted. This will mean that the Naga issue is not politicized as it is ‘above party affiliation’. It will require restraint and dignity not to cross the red line. Otherwise, our elected representatives will lose credibility.
While the move to create the JPC is a step in the right direction, it will be good if the Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Speaker can clarify on some queries. Firstly, what is the nature and composition of the JPC? Is it consisting of the entire House i.e. the 60 MLAs or is it a smaller body of few selected MLAs from the different political parties. According to parliamentary norms usually a JPC consists of ten to twelve members and it will be quite unusual to have a JPC of 60 odd members. Also a JPC consists of members from both houses of Parliament (and therefore the usage of the term ‘joint’). But in this case a State Assembly usually does not use the term ‘Parliament’ and for all intents and purposes it is referred to as a ‘Legislature’. Not to forget that Nagaland has only a unicameral legislature i.e. the lower house of the people. Secondly, while the objective of the JPC, to carry the voice of the House to all concerned sections including the Government of India and the underground groups, is well understood, does the use of the term JPC mean that it will make inquiries on issues and reports its findings and recommendations to the House. The honourable MLAs may have their reason for naming the body as JPC. However, a clarification will make things more clear. While having an appropriate name is desirable nevertheless of more importance is the political will demonstrated by the leadership to unite on the Naga issue. As well mentioned by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, it is indeed encouraging to note that the elected members have risen above party affiliations and have approached the political issue as a common Naga problem which needs to be resolved for the common good of all Nagas. All eyes will now be on the next round of the Chiangmai peace meet and the efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) vis-à-vis the progress made by the Joint Working Group consisting of the three Naga national groups who have signed the covenant of reconciliation.

Naga students inspire stories of change morungexpress
Dimapur, November 28 (MExN): From among 1,300 inspiring stories of change from various schools around India, two schools from Dimapur in Nagaland the El Shaddai Academy and Christian Higher Secondary School are among the winners of the nation’s largest social change contest.
Nagaland schools among winners in national contestChristian Higher Secondary School was one of the winners in the top 20 with their entry titled ‘A gift that gives on giving.’ The school also won in the top 100 winning entries for their entry titled ‘preservation of endangered species.’ El Shaddai Academy was one of the winners of the special jury award for their entry titled ‘Heal the hearts.’ An award ceremony was held at NID in Ahmedabad on November 27 but the schools from Nagaland could not attend the ceremony sadly, citing the ongoing exams as the reason.
Sanen Imchen, Executive Director and founder of Benchmark Education Initiative and the contest anchor for Nagaland in a press note said “This just reinforces our belief that children in Nagaland can compete anywhere at any level if only we provide them an environment and a platform to unleash their potential.”
Initiated by Riverside School of Ahmedabad, the Design for Giving contest is part of the Joy of Giving week, an initiative of the GiveIndia foundation which was held from September 27 to October 3. In moving stories of change, school children from all over India took up the challenge to be the change they want to see in the world. They took up projects where the school children’s participating in the contest helped the elderly and orphans, participated in traffic safety exercises, helped clean city environments, confront the problem of pollution and so on. The top 20 schools will receive prizes from Disney outreach and will create play areas with a book shelf stacked with Disney stories and activity books, board games and a 17 inch Disney TV and DVD player.
Disney outreach will also support 100 enthusiastic school teams in their ideas to effect change in their communities through ‘Minnie grants’ to the extent of Rs. 5, 000 each under various categories such as ‘most environmental friendly,’ the ‘Gandhi’ prize and ‘most people impacted.’
Nagaland Assembly adopts political resolution Appeals for expediting peace process for early resolution Narain B Sagar | EMN
KOHIMA, NOV 27: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) today adopted a political resolution appealing to both
the Central Government and the Naga underground groups to expedite the political process to bring an early resolution to the vexed problem through a negotiated settlement which is honourable and acceptable to the Naga people.
The four-point resolution, moved by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, also recognised the Naga undergrounds who had selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed for the aspirations and the rights of the Nagas, and also those who continued to follow the tradition of selfless sacrifice for the common cause of the Nagas.
The resolution, passed unanimously by the members during a one-day sitting of the Assembly, also extended appreciation to the civil societies, churches, NGOs and the Forum for Naga Re-conciliation (FNR) for their sincere efforts towards re-conciliation, understanding and oneness of all sections of the Naga society. It, moreover, appreciated the sincerity of the underground groups, especially the commitment towards peace and understanding by signing the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ on 23rd September this year at Chiangmai, Thailand.
The House also appreciated the Government of India, particularly the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, for their renewed sincerity towards finding a permanent solution to the decades-old Naga political conflict.
The Assembly also resolved to constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee on Naga political issue comprising members irrespective of party affiliation. The Committee would carry the voice of the House to all concerned sections including the Government of India and the underground groups.
Earlier, while introducing the resolution, the Chief Minister explained the circumstances leading to the framing of the four-point resolution and appreciated the Speaker for organising two sittings of all legislators to discuss the vexed Naga political issue. “I am confident that these deliberations will go a long way in contributing towards bringing lasting peace to our land and the people,” he said.
Rio also appreciated the opposition Congress members for their participation in the free and frank discussions on the important issue saying that as elected representatives of the people all have to contribute to the ongoing Naga political process.
“It is indeed encouraging to note that the elected members have risen above party affiliations and have approached the political issue as a common Naga problem which needs to be resolved for the common good of all Nagas,” he said.
“Our unity and understanding will create the right environment for all sections including civil societies and underground groups to unite and work together. It is all the more imperative that first the over-grounds unite before we can call upon the undergrounds to come together,” he added.
Also, as reported by Eastern Mirror, Rio informed the House that the second joint sitting of all legislators held yesterday had decided to form a Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Naga political issue and termed the development as a landmark pronouncement since it would go a long way in contributing towards the political process.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Chingwang Konyak endorsed the Chief Minister’s views and assured full cooperation from the Congress party towards finding a lasting solution to the Naga problem.
The Congress leader said as elected representatives of the people ‘we can’t remain silent and watch the issue, but we have a role to play to bring unity amongst Nagas’. Therefore, he said that from now on all members have to work together without showing any political colour to bring about permanent peace and lasting solution to the Naga political issue in line with the eagerness of the Government of India.
Interpreting maladies PATRICIA MUKHIM The Telegraph


P.C. Haldar at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. A Telegraph picture
In a muddled and muddied situation, every new initiative inspires hope. In this case, hope is different from optimism.
Optimism adopts the role of a spectator who surveys the evidence in order to infer that things are going to get better.
In a blighted part of the country blind hope is all we can have. So we hope that the appointment of P.C. Haldar, former IB chief and ostensibly an expert in Northeast affairs, will take things to a different level.
It is educative to know that the United People’s Democratic Solidarity has been in ceasefire mode since August 2001 and that after seven rounds of talks with the state, things have not moved beyond square one. The National Democratic Front of Boroland laid down arms in 2005 and since then has had only one round of talks.
The NDFB and UPDS both want separate states with greater autonomy, but the UPDS also want a special economic package.
Interestingly, the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel), which surrendered only last month, want a state within the ambit of Article 244A which allows the “formation of an autonomous state comprising certain tribal areas in Assam and creation of a local legislature or council of ministers or both”.
The article says, “Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may by law form within the state of Assam an autonomous state comprising (whether wholly or in part) all or any of the tribal areas specified in the North Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act 1971 under Section 71 for Part A (wef 21-1-72)”.
Going by the demands of the different insurgent outfits, barring Ulfa and the Ranjan Daimary faction of the NDFB, both of which are demanding sovereignty, the rest appear to be looking for greater autonomy to decide their own development paradigm.
And if the three groups stick to their guns, then the dismemberment of Assam no longer looks like a remote possibility but a self-fulfilling prophecy that the rulers of that state and the dominant section of Assam’s population have been stating for a long time.
If the Karbi people, the Bodos and the Dimasas have their homeland, Assam is going to look like a midget. Perhaps, then Ulfa might give up its demand for a sovereign homeland.
Interlocutor
But for now let us analyse the role of the interlocutor and what this new arrangement is likely to throw up. Very recently, the government of India did away with its high-profile interlocutor, K. Padmanabhaiah, who it appointed at one time to be the channel of conversation between the Nagas and the Centre. Padmanabhaiah’s role was that of a dilettante.
All that a section of Naga intellectuals have to say is that he was ideologically closer to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and for which reason they protested when he was removed. Interlocutors are supposed to be fair and neutral creatures, but perhaps in a situation where one group is more dominant and articulate, it stands to reason that the interlocutor takes their views as more legitimate and weighty vis-à-vis that of their adversaries. One thing that goes in favour of Padmanabhaiah is that he not only kept the pot boiling but stirred it intermittently to prevent the broth from congealing and the talks from breaking down.
The word interlocutor is a mouthful. Simply put, an interlocutor is someone who informally explains the views of the government to another party which may or may not be an adversary. The interlocutor can relay messages back to the government. Normally an interlocutor is not a spokesman for the government and has no formal position within the government.
By definition, everything an interlocutor says is his own personal opinion and not the official view of anyone. Because an interlocutor is not seen as an agent of the government and, like an arbiter is someone that all parties in conflict or otherwise mutually agree upon, he is trusted to do the right thing by all parties.
Why do we have interlocutors? Because there are problems when conflicting parties have direct talks especially when the ground is not sufficiently prepared. It could lead to confrontation and recriminations and spoil things. This would mean a return to the jungles for insurgents and another cycle of violence.
An interlocutor, on the other hand, understands both parties and also their respective positions very well. He can, therefore, play an important role in smoothing the rough edges and in persuading the parties to tone down their “harsh and impractical” conditions. Psychologists like Daniel Goleman observe that interlocutors are conversation partners. One of the reasons for the breakdown in conversation between two or more groups is suspicion and a lack of trust. When parties in conflict refuse to talk to each other, the situation aggravates, leading to a breakdown in talks.
Keeping the conversation going is the sine qua non for conflict resolution. P.C. Haldar, having held the top position of an internal security organisation, is expected to understand the nuances of the different conflicts in different theatres of Assam and also of the minds of the actors driving the insurgent outfits. This is very important. But whether a dyed-in-the-wool cop who at the best of times cannot camouflage his attachment to the state and its ideals will be able to appreciate the demands of the insurgent groups is a moot point.
Tightrope walk
All militant groups of the Northeast have been mentored by the Nagas who are themselves nurtured in the ideology of violence and the exhilaration of struggle. To tame such groups without acceding to a substantial part of their demands requires the wisdom of Solomon. Groups that are in ceasefire mode may not be as belligerent as those out in the jungles.
The fact that Ranjan Daimary is obstinately holding out despite the growing public assertion for peace and their call to end the fratricidal killings, indicates that Daimary is today a solo player. But his outfit still wields considerable fire power and for that reason alone the Bodo talks could come a cropper unless Daimary is convinced that he no longer enjoys mass support and that people have reached their fatigue level. Needless to say talks are not held in a vacuum. A framework for dialogue has to be developed and the broad parameters should be agreeable to all parties in conflict.
This seems like a tightrope walk for any interlocutor. How does one convince the government of Assam that it makes eminent good sense to part with the bulk of its geographical area? What would that reduce the politics and political space of Assam to? Will the Barak Valley not be the next in line to revolt?
Let us face it; politics is no longer about representing the views of the people. It is as competitive as cricket and football where the stakes are high and people play to win. Once they are in power they do not want to let go. Competitive politics will therefore be the biggest stumbling block to the progress of the talks.
This applies to Bodoland as well. Hagrama Mohilary’s Bodoland People’s Front is already well ensconced in the current political arrangement of Assam and the MLAs are comfortable breaking bread with the Congress. Carving out a Bodoland state would mean that new actors would step in and reduce the share of the pie. Hence, it does not make sense for the BPF to join the NDFB bandwagon. There are several other issues that need to be unravelled since the geographical boundaries drawn by each group seem to extend into that of others. Haldar is stepping into a region with many landmines, both literally and metaphorically. He is here to suspend the season of belligerence and we can only wish him well.
Home Secretary-level talks between India, Bangladesh from Monday Militancy high on agenda Nagaland Page
New Delhi, November 28: In the run up to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's official visit to India next month, Home Secretaries of the two countries meet here from Monday with illegal migration and cross-border movement of insurgents and criminals high on the agenda.
During the meeting, the Indian delegation led by Home Secretary Gopal Krishna Pillai, will see Bangladesh's cooperation to deal with militants and northeastern Indian insurgents New Delhi says are operating from that country, Home Ministry sources said here on Saturday.
Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikdar will head the Bangladeshi delegation at the three-day meeting.
India is satisfied with the cooperation it has got from Bangladesh on the security front and would seek further help from Dhaka in this area, they said.
In fact, Indian Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram has gone on record in Parliament a few days ago noting the appreciation of the "splendid cooperation" India received from the Sheikh Hasina's government in tackling cross-border movement of militants and insurgents.
The Bangladesh government's action against the militants came in for praise from the Director General of paramilitary force Assam Rifles Lt Gen K S Yadav who told reporters in Shillong on November 25 that "it is a good thing that Bangladesh is cracking down on these elements".
"We only hope that Bangladesh government continues to ensure that those who are acting against the interests of India are not given shelter", he said.
Officials here described as a "positive" development the drive launched by Bangladesh security forces under the new government there against ULFA militants in that country, which is believed to have led to the arrest of two top leaders of the insurgents' outfit Sashadhar Choudhury and Chitraban Hazarika along Tripura's border with Bangladesh early this month.
At the Home Secretary-level meeting, India is likely to push Bangladesh once again to take steps for handing over another ULFA leader Anup Chetia to face trial in this country, sources said.
They said handing over of Chetia would mark a major confidence-building measure between India and Bangladesh and pave the way for more substantive achievements in bilateral ties in other sectors as well.
Bangladesh, however, expects India to appreciate the pace of its response, given the domestic sensitivities on certain issues, they added.
The Home Secretaries are likely to give finishing touches to a proposed mutual legal assistance treaty for exchange of Indian and Bangladeshi nationals convicted by courts in the two countries, said the sources. The treaty is likely to be signed during Hasina's visit to India.
Illegal migration is another major issue that has been nagging the bilateral relations and the Home Secretaries will discuss the issue threadbare.
Among other issues to figure in the meeting are smuggling of narcotics, fake current and a strategy to combat these problems. (Agencies)

Bangla assures action against NE militants R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 28 – The militant leaders of the Northeast-based groups taking shelter in Bangladesh may face serious problems in the days to come as the Government of Bangladesh has assured India to take strong action against them and the possibility of the neighbouring country handing over militant leaders in near future cannot be ruled out. Highly placed official sources told The Assam Tribune that the militant leaders taking shelter in Bangladesh are no longer free to move around at their own will as the security forces are keeping a close watch on their movements. According to intelligence inputs, security agencies of Bangladesh are also keeping watch on the movements of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and the chairman of the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), Ranjan Daimary, who are believed to be in the outskirts of Dhaka.

Sources said that after apprehending and handing over ULFA foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury and finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika to India, the Government of Bangladesh promised more such action and the issue will be the prime issue for discussion in the Home Secretary-level meeting of India and Bangladesh scheduled for November 30. “The Home Secretary of Bangladesh is coming to Delhi on November 30 and the modalities for handing over of militant leaders will be one of the key issues to be discussed. India is anticipating strong action fromBangladesh before the visit of the Prime Minister of the neighbouring country to India in December,” sources added.

Sources said that another hardcore ULFA militant, Derhagra Sarania, a close aide of ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah, was arrested by thesecurity forces of Bangladesh in the first week of this month and he is now in jail. The Government of Bangladesh has informed India that he would be tried in the neighbouring country for some crimes he had committed there before being handed over to India, sources added.

Several other senior militant leaders are still in Bangladesh, among whom, the most prominent is the ULFA deputy commander-in-chief Raju Baruah and another hardcore ULFA man Drishti Rajkhowa. The chief of the Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO), Jiban Singha is also in Bangladesh. But according to inputs available, he is no longer in Dhaka but is living somewhere in the North Bengal-Bangladesh border.

Sources said that during questioning by the security agencies and police, Sasha Choudhury and Chitraban Hazarika confirmed the intelligence inputs that Paresh Baruah escaped from Bangladesh after he was named as an accused in the 2004 Chittagong arms haul case and he is presently in China. The arrested ULFA leaders also admitted the links that the ULFA had established with the ISI and how the C-in-C became the post powerful man in the outfit.

Commenting on reports of the militant groups of NE procuring weapons from China, sources said, “It is a well established fact that the militant groups of the region, particularly the groups of Manipur, are still procuring weapons from the brokers in the Yunan province. We do not have adequate proof to say that the Government of China is involved in providing weapons to the militants. But to say that the Government of China is totally unaware of such dealings will not be correct.”

However, sources said that ULFA is not procuring weapons from China at this moment as the leaders of the outfit are more interested in saving themselves after they came under pressure in Bangladesh, sources added.

Pro-talks ultra groups form new front in State Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Nov 28 – United People’s Federation of Assam (UPFA), a conglomeration of 41 organisations and the latest to enter State’s political scene, has demanded full regional autonomy and creation of smaller States withinAssam . The front that has representatives of various tribal communities and groups and described itself as an apolitical body. The organisation’s demands are anything but new though its agenda is to emerge as a new political pressure group in the State ahead of the next Assembly election, due in 2011.

Leaders of pro-talk group of ULFA, DHD(N), Birsa Commando Force and Cobra Military Force spearhead the Front. The four outfits also declared formation of a new pro-talk organisation to negotiate with the Government.

The delegation sought appointment to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram. They called on Union Minister for DoNER Bijoy Krishna Handique later in the evening.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, chairman of the UPFA, Zebraram Mushahary and Mrinal Hazarika tried to make a bold statement by declaring their arrival in the State’s political scenario.

The two leaders said they wanted full regional autonomy along with regional federation by creating smaller states within the State of Assam. The group’s second demand is identification and deportation of illegal foreign migrants from Assam, withdrawal of voting and lands right enjoyed by the migrants, besides updating of the National Register of Citizens.

They also supported the demand for Schedule Tribe status for the six communities, which are fighting for long. The Front has further demanded fast-tracking of the peace negotiations with the pro-talk groups and special protection to students and youths residing in Delhi.

Hazarika said that the demand for sovereignty may have become irrelevant in today’s context because the issue now is of survival of the indigenous people because of the fast demographic changes taking place.

About the ULFA peace process, Hazarika again expressed his scepticism about the possibility of commander -in-chief Paresh Barua coming for talks with Government of India. However, he offered the leadership of the pro-talk group to chairman, Arabinda Rajkhowa, should he come overground and join the peace process.

‘On the SC front, Gogoi Government a total failure’ Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Nov 28: National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) chairman Buta Singh has caught the Assam Government on the wrong foot for doing precious little for development of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the State. He said the performance of the Tarun Gogoi Government was dismal in utilization of Central funds meant for SCs and implementation of various schemes for them. “Even the State Government didn’t go by the safeguards guaranteed for the SCs by the Constitution of India,” he said.
Singh, who was in Guwahati today to review performance of governments in the north-eastern States on implementation of various schemes meant for the welfare of SCs, told newsmen that the Commission was not at all satisfied with the performance of the Assam Government in this regard. “The State Government even didn’t go by the Constitutional safeguards given to SCs, so much so that the State Government has given very casual replies to the queries sent to it by the NCSC on implementation of various schemes meant for SCs. Responses to most of the questions of the NCSC were ‘nil’ and ‘not applicable’. How can the responses to questions regarding Central schemes and funds for SC development be nil or not applicable? This are sheer undemocratic replies. We will send a fresh set of queries to the State Government and see what replies come this time around. We will review implementation of schemes and utilization of funds for SCs in the State after getting responses to the queries from the State Government afresh.”
Singh said the Planning Commission of India releases certain amount under the SC component every year. “I have found that the Central funds under the SC component have not been released to the departments concerned by the Finance Department as yet in Assam. There is no system worth the name to monitor implementation of schemes and utilization of funds meant for SCs in the State. The Government is sitting idle by giving the responsibility to a junior-level officer. We have asked the State Government to form a monitoring committee with the Chief Minister as chairman. Of the 1,469 backlog vacancies for SCs in the State, only 145 vacancies have been filled up and many such posts have been de-reserved. This move is against the Constitutional safeguard given to SCs.”
Talks possible without Paresh Baruah: Pro-talk ULFA leader Assam amalgam demands steps to check Bangladeshi influx Our Bureau & PTI
NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI, Nov 28: An umbrella body of over 30 socio-political organizations representing various ethnic groups in Assam today demanded urgent steps to stop influx of Bangladeshis into the State, saying unabated immigration will reduce indigenous people to a minority.
Accusing the Congress regime in the State of protecting the illegal immigrants, the United People’s Federation of Assam (UPFA) sought immediate intervention of the Centre in checking continuing influx from the neighbouring country.
“We are here to apprise Union Home Minister P Chidambaram about the serious problem,” UPFA president Jebra Ram Mushahary told reporters.
Mushahary also urged the Centre to start the peace process in the militancy-infested State and said negotiations could be initiated with pro-talks militant groups. “There are many leaders in the ULFA who want to participate in the talks with the Centre. The Government must start the process to bring permanent peace to the State,” he said. The UPFA has support of over 30 organizations of the State, he said.
Many surrendered militants have also extended support to the UPFA’s initiative to bring all the ethnic groups of the State in one platform, he added.
Meanwhile, talking to media pro-talk ULFA leader Mrinal Hazarika said ULFA-Government peace talks can be initiated without ULFA ‘c-in-c’ Paresh Baruah. “No individual, including Paresh Baruah, should be a factor in peace talks,” he said.
Assam Government spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma said the State Government has no proposal for peace talks with the ULFA. “If the ULFA sends a direct letter to the Centre and if the Union Home Ministry is satisfied with the feeler from the ULFA, talks between them can be held,” he added.
Rebels who parked bomb-laden car at Manipur Raj Bhavan arrested The Imphal Free Press

Guwahati, Nov 27: Three separatist rebels, including a woman, of the outlawed Manipur based Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), who parked a bomb-packed car at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, were arrested Friday from a house on the outskirts of Assam`s main city of Guwahati, officials said.

A police spokesperson said the arrested KCP rebels were directly involved in two specific incidents - parking a car packed with explosives at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal Sept 18 and then lobbing a grenade at the Manipur chief minister`s official residence last year.

The arrested are A. Mema Devi, KCP`s finance and organising secretary, and two other militants - Y. Nanou Singh and L. Jitendra Singh.

`The three were staying at a rented accommodation on a hillside near Mirza and were trying to set up a mobile base camp in the area. On specific intelligence, we managed to arrest the three of them,` a senior police official said.

The KCP is an influential group fighting for an independent homeland for the majority Metei community in Manipur, a state of 2.4 million people bordering Myanmar.

`Interrogations are on to find out if the KCP had some local links and what was the motive behind staying near Guwahati,` the official said.

The official said during interrogation the trio confessed parking a Maruti car Sept 18 inside the Raj Bhawan.

The car was packed with moulded gelatin sticks fitted to a mobile telephone handset and cleverly concealed in the back seat.

The car bomb was detected and safely detonated later.

In October 2008, the arrested KCP militants lobbed a grenade at the official residence of Manipur chief minister. No one was injured in the attack but a portion of the wall was damaged.

South, Southeast Asian MPs joined hands for Burma by Salai Pi Pi Mizzima

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Parliamentarians from South and Southeast Asia on Friday jointly called on Burma’s military rulers to implement genuine democratic changes, starting with re-drafting of a constitution with all stake holders taking part.

Legislators from India, Nepal and Singapore agreed that changes in Burma is crucial for the region but admits that it requires a coordinated effort by all regional countries including India and China in pushing the Burmese generals to implement change.

The Parliamentarians were meeting in New Delhi’s constitution club under the ‘Consultation meeting on Parliamentarians’ Solidarity for the Struggle of Democracy in Burma’ hosted by Indian Parliamentarians' Forum for Democracy in Burma (IPFDB) on Friday.

The meeting that drew together Indian MPs across party lines demanded the Burmese junta to release political prisoners including Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and also condemned India for its lack of interest in Burma and its struggle for democracy.

Sharad Joshi, MP and Convener of IPFDB said both the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Burma is a member and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), of which India is a leading member, should work together for the release of all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi and for the restoration of democracy in Burma.

“Restoration of democracy in Burma is in our [India] interest,” Joshi said.

Brinda Karat, MP and Polit-bureau member of Communist Party of India (Marxist), sharing similar view saying Indian Parliament discussions on foreign policy rarely touches on Burma while it is mainly dominated by other neighboring countries.

“We had debates (in Indian parliament) on India’s foreign policy related to Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, but no debates on Burma,” Karat said. “The issue of India’s policy and stand on Burma must be discussed when we discuss foreign policy.”

India, a once strong supporter of democratic changes in Burma, took a ‘U’ turn in its policy in the early 1990s, saying it is in India’s national interest to engage the military rulers. India said it needed Burma’s support in cracking down the North-eastern rebels, and to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region by taking a foothold in Burma.

India also eyed for Burma’s natural gas and oil reserves and began dogging the generals in order to have stakes in the exploration, production and purchase of the hydrocarbon reserves.

But China in September, announced that it has started constructing a duel gas and oil pipeline in Burma’s western state of Arakan to transport oil and gas from the offshore Shwe gas fields, which India has also raced to obtain the purchasing rights, to its South Western province of Yunnan.

Parliamentarians, during the meeting called on India to actively engage the ASEAN and the international community including the United Nations in finding ways to urge Burma’s military rulers to implement genuine democratic changes in the country.

Charles Chong, who was representing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC), said, ASEAN’s approach towards Burma has failed to bring any changes and that it requires a coordinated effort.

“ASEAN cannot do it on its own because the military generals have made it clear that the western sanctions will not have any impact so long as the two largest neighbours India and China continue to do big business with Burma,” Chong, Vice-Chair of the AIPMC, said.

A former Member of Parliament (MP) from India’s main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Chandan Mitra, in his speech at the meeting, strongly condemned India’s policy of engaging the Burmese generals saying India has not been benefitted by engaging the junta.

“I don’t think we have influence on [Burmese] military junta. We haven’t got any economic benefits from them. India needs energy but the energy goes to China. [Burmese] Military had sold it to China,” Mitra, who is also Editor In-Chief of The Pioneer, India's one of national newspapers said.

The Parliamentarians demanded Burmese military regime to immediately halt hostility against ethnic minorities and political opposition, called for the release of all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi, and to re-draft a constitution with the participation of all political stake holders and to conduct a general election based on the new constitution.

“Before the election [in 2010], the regime needs to release Aung San Suu Kyi and have dialogue with her and National League for Democracy. Then it is also needed to talk with minority groups in Burma as the rights of ethnic groups are very crucial for unity in Burma,” Brinda Karat said.

Sharad Joshi, MP and convenor of the IPFDB, said while election in general is welcomed, it could not be held under fraud constitution that does not reflect the peoples’ desire and aspirations.

Unless the constitution forcibly approved by the military junta in 2008 is revised and a new constitution re-drafted with the participation of all stake holders, Joshi said, “The 2010 election will be a farce and result to strengthen military position.”


Frans on 11.29.09 @ 02:04 PM CST [link]


Friday, November 27th

Insurgency cannot be solved by gun alone: Army Nagaland Post



Insurgency cannot be solved by gun alone: Army Nagaland Post

Shillong, November 26: Insurgency in the North East cannot be solved by the gun alone because it is more of a social and political problem, a top Army officer said on Thursday.
GOC of the Shillong-based 101 Area Maj Gen K S Sethi said " we are just a part of the system. The authorities in Government of India, state governments and other agencies also have to do their part."
"There is no singular way to solve the problem. It has to be a combination of gun and butter," Sethi told reporters when asked if gun was the solution to the thriving insurgencies in Northeast.
He said the situation now is more than a law and order problem. "It is not possible to die down the problem through the gun….as it is more of a social and political issue," he commented.
Advocating for lessening the militarization in the region, Sethi said "the Army is chartered to deal with external aggression and not internal strife. If police can control the problem, it is best for us."
"Of course, if the government wants us, we have to obey and come for their aid," the GOC said. (Agencies)

NNC reacts to Rio’s statement Nagaland Post
Apropos to the statement made by Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland on 18th November, 2009 while addressing the closing day of the NPF Youth wing leadership training which was published in the local dailies on 19th November, 2009. It is a sad and painful day for all true Nagas and more so for a Naga National worker, when a respectable Naga leader tries to distort facts of history for his own political gains.
We had high respect for Rio having a strong hope in his integrity as a true leader of the Nagas and that he had genuine concern, love and vision for the Naga people and capable of leading our people but we seem to have been proved wrong when we see his recent statements. To quote Rio, "Both the Naga Plebiscite of 1951 and the 16 point agreement of 1960 were political decision. … while the Naga Plebiscite had cost thousands of lives and brought much suffering; the 16 point agreement, on the other hand, brought about the statehood of Nagaland which had immensely benefited the people." The two events cannot be compared. It should be remembered that the Plebiscite was not a decision taken overnight but was wise decision taken based on the mandate of our people. Five months time was given to all Nagas to discuss about the Plebiscite voluntarily offered by the NNC to prove our unity and spontaneous willingness to continue to live on as a distinct nation. Whereas the 16 point agreement was decision taken by a handful of self style Naga leaders and the GOI against the wishes and without the consent of our people.
The thousands of lives laid down for the Naga National cause were not laid down in vain. We are thankful to them and their memories are cherished and they are still heroes. We owe what we are and what we have today to the sacrifices they have made. If these brave sons of the soil had not sacrificed their lives where would we be today, would the world know about us? It is because of them, we are able to walk with our head held high, Nagas still have our inherent rights and all the so called benefits we enjoy today. If we are to prosper as a nation, we should remember our martyrs with gratitude else we may be shamed and cursed as a thankless nation.
Vekronu Dozo
President
Chakhesang Regional Council, NNC

Congress welcomes Rio’s stand on 16 pt agreement morungexpress
Dimapur, November 25 (MExN): Referring to the recent statement made by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio that the “Naga plebiscite had cost thousands of life and brought much suffering” while “the 16 point agreement on the other hand brought about the statehood of Nagaland which had immensely benefited the people,” the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has welcomed Rio’s statement.
According to a press note issued by C. Apok Jamir, Parliamentary Secretary to CLP, a meeting held on the 25th November 2009 in the residence of CLP Leader at Kohima discussed and deliberated on the statement of Rio. Stating that all these years the NPF party has been very critical about the 16 Point Agreement vis-à-vis the Naga political issue and had been creating confusion in the minds of the Naga people by making misleading statements like “the talk is going in the right direction” or the “Naga Political issue is at crossroad.” and many more. The CLP press note even pointed out that the present Home Minister had on several occasions vehemently criticized the 16 Point Agreement in public meetings.
“It is now very clear that all these high sounding political statements are just gimmicks”, the press note observed while describing it as “heartening to note that both Neiphiu Rio, CM of Nagaland and Dr. Shurhozelie, president of NPF and minister have admitted and realized the importance of 16 Point Agreement and how it has greatly benefited the Naga people”. The CLP has wholeheartedly welcomed and appreciated the statement of the NPF party on the implication and importance of the 16 Point Agreement through which the Nagas have not only survived as a people but immensely benefited, it stated.

NNC counter to Rio on plebiscite

Dimapur, November 25 (MExN): Reacting to a statement made by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on November 1, 2009 while addressing the closing day of the NPF Youth Wing leadership training, the Chakhesang Regional Council, NNC has issued a note condemning the remark made by him. Vekronuo Dozo, president, Chakhesang Regional Council of NNC stated that it was a “sad and painful day for all true Nagas and more so for a Naga national worker, when a respectable Naga leader tries to distort facts of history for his own political gain.”
According to the NNC, this is what Rio stated during his address on November 1, 2009: “Both the Naga Plebiscite of 1951 and the 16 Point agreement of 1960 were political decisions…while the Naga plebiscite had cost thousands of lives and brought much suffering the 16-point agreement, on the other hand, brought about the statehood of Nagaland which had immensely benefited the people.” The press note pointed out that the two events could not be compared adding that the “plebiscite was not a decision taken overnight but was the decision taken based on the mandate of our people”. According to the NNC note, five months time was given to all the Nagas to discuss about the plebiscite voluntarily offered by the NNC to prove unity and spontaneous willingness to continue to live on as a distinct nation. It alleged that the 16-point agreement was a decision taken by a “handful of self-style Naga national leaders and the GOI against the wishes and without the consent of our people.”
Further, the NNC added that the thousands of lives laid down for the Naga National cause were not laid down in vain. “We are thankful to them and their memories are cherished and they are still heroes. We owe what we are and what we have today to the sacrifices they have made. If these brave sons of the soil had not sacrificed their lives where would we be today, would the world know about us? It is because of the, we are able to walk with our head held high, Nagas still have our inherent rights and all the so called benefits we enjoy today. If we are to prosper as a nation, we should remembers our martyrs with gratitude else we may be shamed and cursed as a thankless nation,” it further added.
The NNC stated that it “had high respect for Rio, having a strong hope in his integrity as a true leader of the Nagas and that he had genuine concern, love and vision for the Naga people and capable of leading our people” but that this has “been proved wrong when we see his recent statements.”

JPC ON NAGA ISSUE Nagaland legislators resolve to shun political differences to facilitate early solution | EMN
KOHIMA, NOV 26: In a historic step towards resolving the decades-old Naga political issue, all members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) have unanimously decided to shun political difference and constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), consisting of members irrespective of political parties, for finding an honourable solution acceptable to all.
Highly placed sources revealed that the resolution was adopted unanimously during the second sitting of all Legislators of the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly ‘On Naga Political Issue’ held today in the Conference Hall of Assembly Secretariat on the eve of the winter session under the chairmanship of Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie.
The brain storming session, which lasted for over three hours, reportedly discussed threadbare matters relating to the decades-old Naga political issue and the ongoing efforts of reconciliation amongst the Naga underground groups as well as the ongoing political dialogue between the Government of India and NSCN-IM.
The sources disclosed that the House adopted four resolutions following the discussions, wherein they have appreciated the role of the civil societies, NGOs, Church and Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for their efforts towards reconciliation of Naga underground groups while also acknowledging the Naga underground groups for signing the Covenant of Reconciliation.
The legislators, while thanking the Government of India especially the Prime Minister and Home Minister for their concern in resolving the Indo-Naga issue, are stated to have appealed to both the parties involved in the peace talks to arrive at a settlement acceptable to all sections of Nagas at the earliest.
The House also unanimously resolved to constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) consisting of members irrespective of political parties to be the voice of the Nagas to the Government of India and underground groups towards finding an amicable solution to the Naga issue.
Besides NLA Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Opposition Leader Chingwang Konyak addressed the House during the meeting, the sources revealed.
Mention may be made here that the first meeting of all Legislators of the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly ‘On Naga Political Issue’ was held on September 8, 2009.
‘Nagaland has rich bio-diversity reserve’ Our Correspondent Morungexpress

S Jalaja, IAS, Secretary, department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, inaugurates the Ayurveda Research Centre at Lumami on Thursday, November 26. (Morung Photo)
Mokokchung | November 26 : The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) of the department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, government of India, and Nagaland University today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Herbal Ayurveda Research Centre at Lumami, Nagaland University.
After inking the MoU, the Ayurveda Research Centre was inaugurated by S Jalaja, IAS, Secretary, department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi, at the Nagaland University Headquarters, Lumami. The Secretary during her inaugural speech said that Ayurveda deals with the propagation of the traditional system of Indian medicines based mainly on herbs. She explained how Ayurveda has been “a part of healing process in the country since a long time back”, and added that Ayurveda has got a “beautiful scientific system.”
Pointing out that Nagaland has a rich bio-diversity reserve, Jalaja said that its potential should be tapped so that the people will benefit through the centre. She further assured that the state’s rich “herbal system” and traditional art of healing through herbs and other practices would be integrated with and incorporated to the centre. Prof. G S Lavekar DG, CCRAS, B Anand, IAS, Joint Secretary at AYUSH, and Prof. K Kannan, Vice Chancellor of NU, also spoke at the program that was chaired by Prof. P Lal, Dean of Social Sciences.
Nagaland house adopts resolution on Naga political conflict PTI
Kohima: The Nagaland assembly today adopted a political resolution appealing to the Centre and Naga underground groups to speed up the political process for early resolution to the Naga political issue.
The four-point resolution, moved by chief minister Neiphiu Rio in the assembly, decided to form a joint parliamentary committee on the Naga political issue.
The resolution, passed unanimously by the members during a one-day sitting of the house, appreciated the efforts by civil societies, churches, NGOs and the Forum for Naga Re-conciliation (FNR) for re-conciliation, understanding and oneness of all sections of Naga society.
The resolution appreciated the commitment towards peace and understanding by Naga underground groups by signing the 'Covenant of Re-conciliation' on September 23 at Chiangmai, Thailand.
It also appreciated the sincerity towards finding a permanent solution to the decades-old Naga political conflict by the government of India, particularly the prime minister and the home minister.
GI registration to protect unique Naga brand name morungexpress
Kohima, November 26 (MExN): Three indigenous products unique to Nagaland have been identified. Following a consultation between experts and participants at a workshop held today, the products – the bamboo shoot from Mon district, Indigo dye and the Naga shawl – will be scrutinised by the UNCTAD, IMC, ICC and CITA. Following this, “further steps would be taken” to register at least two products from Nagaland”.
The workshop on ‘Efficacy and Importance of GI registration: Focus Nagaland’, held here at the conference hall of the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Kohima, was organised by the department of Industries & Commerce, government of Nagaland, in association with ICC, UNCTAD, IMC and CITA.
Speaking at the workshop as chief guest, Dr. K C Nihoshe, Parliamentary Secretary for industries & commerce, highlighted the importance of GI registration for protecting the unique traditional products of the of the state. “Most of the artisans and producers producing products suitable for GI registration in Nagaland are in rural areas, having limited education, and belong to the poorer strata of the society. Left to themselves they will never be able to take advantage of GI Registration Act 1999; as a result they will lose out commercially, leveraging on the uniqueness of their products,” said Dr. Nihoshe.
Also speaking at the workshop were Abhijit Das, Deputy Project Director for UNCTAD, Prof. V K Unni of IIM Kolkata, J C Srivastava of IMC, and Pradip Patil, CEO at CITA, informed a press release from the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has also underscored the need to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) registration for Naga indigenous products in order to protect its uniqueness. Speaking to mediapersons a day prior to the workshop, Regional Director of North East Chapter of Indian Chamber of Commerce, Mahesh Deori, said that people have now started making cheap replicas of traditional Naga products which is causing the indigenous people to lose out on their rightful benefits.
Of the workshop, Deori said it would aim to identify various products that have definite geographical uniqueness and to enable stakeholders understand the concept of GI registration. He admitted that the awareness campaign of the GI registration has reached the North East region, especially Nagaland, quite late and said that a lot needs to be done in this regard.
The Regional Director said that ICC had decided to conduct the awareness workshop after Parliamentary Secretary Dr. K C Nihoshe mooted the idea at a meet in Shillong recently. He pointed out that GI registration will protect the unique identity of Naga products and secure benefits for the producers by preventing illegitimate entities from free-riding on the reputation of the unique Naga brand name. To this, he underlined the need to spread awareness on GI registration in the state.
Regional Advisor of Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC), J C Srivastava said that in order to get a GI registration, the products should have the uniqueness of the region, and historically the product should be in existence for more than fifty years and should also have documentary proof of evidence.
OSD to government of Nagaland, department of Industries, M K Mero said NGOs dealing with handloom and handicrafts products should take initiatives to ensure indigenous products get GI registration as the state government can only play the role of a facilitator in such matters. He said Nagaland has a huge potential of unique agri and flora products citing that there were around 73 varieties of rice, including the sticky rice variety, unique only to Nagaland.
While pointing out that a lot of traditional handloom designs were being replicated outside the state and marketed on mass base, Mero also stressed urgent need to protect the original indigenous handloom designs and weaving methods of the state.
(With inputs from Newmai News Network)

Forces foil Ulfa attack plan - Arrested woman cadre spills Sivasagar blast plot, rebel reveals cycle bombs ready to be detonated A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph


Ulfa cadre Mina Gogoi, who was arrested in Sivasagar along the Assam-Nagaland border on Thursday. A Telegraph picture
Guwahati, Nov. 26: Security forces foiled an Ulfa bid to carry out blasts in Upper Assam on the eve of the outfit’s protest day tomorrow by apprehending a senior woman cadre of the outfit in Sivasagar today.
Troops of the 871 Medium Regiment of the army apprehended Mina Gogoi, 45, a sergeant in the outfit, who had sneaked into the state via Nagaland from Myanmar. She later confessed that the outfit had planned to carry out blasts in the Charaideo subdivision of Sivasagar district. A 5kg improvised explosive device (IED), a pistol, some photographs and a register containing details of funds collected by the outfit in Charaideo subdivision were recovered from her. Mina, wife of the outfit’s Sonari area commander, Romen Dhadomia, had joined Ulfa in 1994. She was arrested earlier in 2005 but fled to Myanmar after jumping bail.
Mina said that she, along with four other cadres, including her husband, had left their Myanmar camp three days ago and entered Assam this morning.
They had sneaked into the state via Nagaland. An officer of the 871 Medium Regiment, based at Maibella under Charaideo subdivision, said it had received information about a group of Ulfa cadres trying to sneak into Assam from Nagaland to carry out sabotage activities in the run-up to their protest day tomorrow. The outfit was banned on November 27, 1990.
“Security arrangements along the border were beefed up following this input. This morning our men accosted a woman entering Assam at Lahdoigarh in the Namtola area under Sonari police station in Sivasagar. On frisking, we found an IED, a pistol, audio cassettes and documents,” he said.
The officer said the other militants, including Dhadomia, fled on seeing the woman cadre being frisked. Police sources said Dhadomia is responsible for distributing extortion notices to various businessmen and tea planters in Sonari subdivision.
A police official said Mina had confessed during interrogation that the group had come to carry out blasts in Charaideo subdivision.
“These cadres are fully trained and ready to strike,” the police official cautioned.
In a second blow to the outfit, police today arrested a Myanmar-trained Ulfa militant Rupam Boro alias Rupak Bora from the Mission Chariali area of Tezpur in Sonitpur district.
The police said three other rebels, who were with Boro, managed to escape.
15-year-old student dies in Bodo fratricidal attack OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Kokrajhar, Nov. 26: Unidentified assailants shot dead a 15-year-old schoolboy preparing for an examination at a friend’s house in Kokrajhar last night, apparently to avenge the killing of a surrendered Bodo militant on Sunday.
Police said Nirmal Basumatary, a student of Kachugaon High School, was at his friend’s home studying when three armed youths shot him from point blank range around 7 last night.
Three bullets pierced his head and chest, killing him instantly. He is the 10th victim of fratricidal clashes in Kokrajhar since November 8.
Nirmal is the brother-in-law of Monoj Narzary, a former Bodo Liberation Tiger member, who was allegedly involved in the killing of 30-year-old Doren Daimary, a cadre of the ceasefire-bound National Democratic Front of Boroland, at Jolaishree Alokjhar last Sunday.
Narzary was arrested and is now in police custody. Still numb from the trauma, Nirmal’s friend, Sanjib Rai, gave a chilling account of the pre-planned murder to the police and media today.
“We were studying together at my house when three persons barged in and opened fire on him. I fainted out of fear as I thought they would also kill me. I can still see blood,” he said. His family members were busy in other parts of the house.
Nirmal’s father, Noleswar Basumatary, is shocked beyond words.
“He left home saying that he is going to his friend’s house to study and then we got news about this incident. What is happening?” asked Basumatary. This is also the first instance of a minor becoming the target of fratricidal clashes between various warring groups in the Bodo belt. The killing has triggered paranoia among residents.
“There is no law and order. People are no longer safe. One is not sure if he will be the next target,” said H. Brahma, a father of two college-going sons.
Though various Bodo organisations have been trying to stop the fratrici- dal killings, the efforts have had little impact.
A source in the police said the situation could turn worse with elections to the Bodoland Territorial Council scheduled for next year.
“What we are witness- ing today is a war to grab political space in the four districts under the BTC. This can only turn more intense and even spill over into the districts not yet affected in the days to come,” the source said.
The BTC has asked Dispur to provide more security forces to pre-empt more trouble in the conflict-ravaged Bodo belt.
India, Myanmar to expand security tie Indo-Asian News Services
November 24, 2009: India has urged Myanmar to push the democratic process even as the two nations agreed to expand security cooperation to combat insurgent groups and arms smuggling.
“Both countries stressed the need for greater vigilance at the border and agreed to enhance security cooperation to combat insurgent groups and arms smuggling,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement here Monday, after the two-day Foreign Office consultations between the two countries that ended Sunday.
The talks covered a broad spectrum of bilateral issues, including security and border issues, trade and economic cooperation and cooperation in cross-border developmental projects, IT, energy, power and education and training.
They also reinforced the decisions taken at a joint trade committee held in October that included converting India-Myanmar border trade into normal trade, opening of a border trade point at Avakhung in Nagaland, and expanding the existing border trade items from 22 to 40.
Under increasing international pressure to use its influence to persuade the junta rulers in Myanmar to pursue democratic reforms, the Indian side also pushed for expediting the process of national reconciliation in Myanmar, official sources said.
India is encouraging Myanmar to pursue political reforms according to the roadmap unveiled by the Myanmarese leadership years ago.
Meanwhile, according to a report in The Telegraph, the Ulfa and the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland are holding joint training sessions in three Arunachal Pradesh districts, fearing possible army crackdowns in Assam and Nagaland.
A group of 30 newly recruited Ulfa cadres are undergoing a two months’ advanced training in villages bordering Changlang and Myanmar under the supervision of “sergeant commander” Anjan Borthakur of B company of Ulfa’s 28 battalion, the outfit’s publicity secretary Michael Deka and the commander of NSCN (K) Siv Konyak.
“After two months of training, the cadres will head for Myanmar to join other group members. It is an alarming trend. This is the first time that Ulfa and NSCN (K) are jointly conducting such advanced training courses in the state,” a source in police said.
The officer said NSCN (K) “lieutenant” Konyak was the master trainer, aided by nine other trainers.
The villages in Mahadevpur circle of Lohit district, Ponchau circle of Tirap district and Bordumsa circle of Changlang district are the outfits’ new havens.
In July, this year, NSCN (K) circulated a letter to the chieftains of 15 villages under Longding circle of Tirap district asking them to provide computer-savvy youths to join their ranks.
Though the outfit had computer engineers and other professionals in its ranks, 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.
The stretch from Chessa to Chengmara on the Arunachal-Assam border is used by militants from Assam as an “escape route”.
The rising rebel movement in the state prompted the government to give away a large tract of land in the Papum Pare area to the army to set up a training facility last month.


Frans on 11.27.09 @ 08:02 PM CST [link]


Wednesday, November 25th

‘No deviation from Naga Reconciliation’ morungexpress



‘No deviation from Naga Reconciliation’ morungexpress

Dimapur, November 21 (MExN): The Isak/Muivah-led National Socialist Council of Nagalim has stated that there was “no deviation as far as” its cooperation with the Forum for Naga Reconciliation was concerned. It has reassured to continue extending fullest cooperation to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation ‘to see that the Nagas stands united and hasten the process of Indo-Naga solution.’ “This spirit shall always remain and the Naga people’s wishes shall be respected”, stated a rejoinder issued by “colonel” Levi Zimik “PRO, Naga army.”
The outfit stated that the rejoinder was necessitated ‘lest the Naga people are misguided and misled to come to wrong judgment and put the FNR’s hard earned reconciliation and unity at the risk of losing its foundation that has been built during the last period.’ “The factual picture has to be exposed and the story has to be told for public consumption”, it stated. The note said the “Naga army” values the peace process that has been initiated by the forum but pointed out that when “something goes wrong at the hands of certain persons and which stands to tarnish the image of the national workers some kind of action cannot be avoided.” According to the NSCN (IM) this referred to the version of the “GPRN/NSCN” which the note said had given a totally different story on the “arrest” of one ‘Phukuto Khing, razuo peyu, Kulalo Khing, khapur,’ and Sohilo Kemp by the NSCN (IM).
According to the rejoinder, the three persons had been ‘warned’ several times to stay away from the vicinity of the “Vephutso battalion” of “Naga army.”
The concerned ‘CO’ also even apprised the Rengma Hoho and the village council of their activities and to reason with them.
“However, despite such forbearance and call for understanding their activities goes on unabated. Their activity is tantamount to any anti-social groups or hoodlums and far from reflecting the behavior of any person who understand and respect social ethics,” the outfit stated.
The NSCN (IM) asserted that it was “placed under such compelling situation” and had to exercise the “option of arresting them.” After establishing their identity they were released without further delay in the presence of the Rengma Hoho and the village council, the note said.
On the issue of what was asserted as “tax” collection, the NSCN (IM) rejoinder stated that the manner of “disorganized collection as practiced by the ‘GPRN/NSCN’” was generating “undesirable reactions from different angles” and that the above incident could not have happened had the “GPRN/NSCN” followed ‘certain acceptable norms.’
Nine ULFA militants enter Assam to carry out blasts STAFF WRITER (PTI)
Guwahati, At least nine top ULFA militants have sneaked into Assam for conducting subversive activities targetting oil refineries and other vital installations on November 27 which the ultras observe as 'Black Day'.

A posting in the Assam police website said the nine ultras recently sneaked into the state from Myanmar, Bhutan and Nagaland to carry out blasts in protest against the first army operation against the outfit on that date in 1991.

Their main targets were oil refineries and other vital installations, it said.

The nine ULFA militants are Bosa Singh, Pinku Phukan, Upen Borgohain, Bimal Kalita, Sadin Rai, Rajanikanta Singh, Pulak Bharali, Hitesh Rai and Akon Moran.

Security has been tightened in and around the vital installations in view of the report.
Gen Khole for new era of amity and reconciliation morungexpress

A cadre of the Government People Republic of Nagaland/National Socialist Council of Nagaland (GPRN/NSCN) gives the salute on the occasion of the 2nd anniversary of Naga Unification of the GPRN/NSCN at their designated camp Khehoi on Sunday, November 22. (Photo/Caisii Mao)

DIMAPUR, (MExN): Commander-in-chief of Naga Army, ‘GPRN/NSCN’, ‘Gen’ Khole Konyak has said that Nagas have to learn that it is internecine and fratricidal killings and struggle among various Naga tribes which are destroying “our very freedom” and demeaning the ethos and true spirit of “nationalism” and patriotism.”
The veteran ‘General’, who has served in the Naga Army for fifty four years, in his message on the occasion of the 2nd anniversary celebration of Naga Unification at Khehoi Camp, also asked whether Nagas should continue killing each other or unite. ‘Gen’ Khole in his message, which was read out by the joint secretary (Law & Justice) of ‘GPRN/NSCN’, James Khole, said that beginning with the Naga freedom struggle, Nagas have sold their “pride of honesty” by killing each other resulting in the “most unfortunate political misfortunes” for Nagas.
“Our wounds might have been healed but the scars remain and it continues to haunt us; for this we are here to erase the past mistakes and usher in a new era of amity and reconciliation…I would like to make it clear to the new generation that past history of our struggle was corrupted with doubts and wrong concepts of confusions among us,” Khole said.
Referring to the much talked about peace, he said, “To talk of peace is an unsolved problem because we never accept to talk within ourselves; rather we talk for peace outside. First step is peace and unity within our own people and second step is the political solutions.” Khole also said that though Nagas have spent crores of rupees in the name of peace, it remained elusive as Nagas have wrongly placed peace “towards” violence by killing and claiming superiority through the blood of their own brothers and sisters.
“The first essential is the maintenance of unity and not merely political unity. When we reject unity among us, the alternative would be war and mutual destruction and our dreams can never be fulfilled. So peace and unity should be there in our hearts to love and be loved and through emotional integration. It is the temper of peace and unity, not the temper of war among us,” he added.
The ‘GPRN/NSCN’ leader called upon the Nagas to look forward to a greater cause leaving all mistakes before and not to be influenced by wrong interpretations of what happened yesterday. “Let us not leave the divided Nagas unsolved to the new generation but live as one unified Naga. Take my message of peace and unity and tell our people that we will solve our problem not by blood, but through emotional unity,” the general appealed.
Stop Discrimination against the Naga: Nagaland MP ZARNI MANN Irrawaddy Magazine
NEW DEHLI — An Indian member of parliament from Nagaland has called for Burma to create an administrative zone for the Naga people of Burma.
MP Khekiho Zhimomi said the Naga in India receive support from the Indian government, unlike the Naga in Burma who are discriminated against and receive little support from the military regime.
The Burmese government shows no concern for the Naga in its borders, he said, noting that the Naga in India are not discriminated against and receive education and other benefits.
"The Burmese government should take care of these people,” he said. “They should create an administrative zone for their development, for their welfare. They shouldn't neglect them."
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio of Nagaland, India, made the same suggestion to U Kyi Thein, the Burmese ambassador to India, in Delhi in May, he said.
"The Naga people are oppressed by the military regime,” he said. “We have to struggle to promote change and development."
The chairman of the Naga National League for Democracy, U Saw Lin, said the Naga in Burma face discrimination, forced labor and forced relocation.
The Naga in Burma live in a region ranging from northwest of Sagaing Division to northern Chin State. The home of the Naga was divided by the India-Burma border as drawn by the British government in colonial times.
The Naga in India live in an administrative state called Nagaland.
Minerals should be utilised judiciously: Patton morungexpress

In this photograph released by the department of Geology & Mining, Y Patton, Parliamentary Secretary for geology & mining, is seen with officials of the department and locals of Anaki Yimsen at the village in Mokokchung district.
Dimapur, November 20 (MExN): Y Patton, Parliamentary Secretary for geology & mining, irrigation & flood control and border affairs, while expressing concern over environmental issues caused by coal mining, said that minerals are finite and non-renewable and should be utilised judiciously. Therefore, he added, these issues need to be taken up under the supervision of technical experts keeping in mind the importance of environmental aspects.
The policy of the state government is that the people enjoy the benefits from the minerals, said Patton, while seeking the cooperation of the people and landowners while implementing these policies, informed a press note issued by the Director of geology & mining.
Patton was accompanied by the Director, OSD and senior officers of the geology & mining department as he undertook a tour of Mokokchung, Longleng and Mon districts from November 18 to 19 to assess the “ground realities of coal mining activities in the areas as well as to oversee the implementation of the Nagaland Coal Policy and Nagaland Coal Mining Rules”. The team visited all mineral check gates, field rest houses and proposed sites for installation of weight bridges, coal stockyards etc.
The Parliamentary Secretary also interacted with the administrative heads and appraised them about the implementation of the Nagaland Coal Policy and Rules by the department for proper regulation and control of coal mining in the state. The administration of these areas hold equal responsibility for its effective monitoring, it was informed.
Patton also held interactions with public leaders, landowners and coal operators at various places and assured them that he had come to listen to their problems, if any, and any other information that they may have in connection with coal mining activities, the press note added. The note also stated that almost all the coal deposits lie along the foothills bordering Assam, and in one such case, in Anaki Yimsen, the public expressed the problems and difficulties being faced by the people living at the border areas and requested that the government show some concern for people living in the area.
In all the meetings, the note revealed, the landowners, villagers and coal operators requested the Parliamentary Secretary to lift the ban on coal-mining activities explaining that this was their only means of earning a living especially for the people living in the remote border areas. The locals further stated that banning of coal-mining activities would mean a denial of their survival. After patiently hearing the expression of the people, the Parliamentary Secretary assured that he would take up the matter with government at the earliest, the note stated.
7 killed, 55 injured in Assam blast IST, Bikash Singh, ET Bureau
GUWAHATI: In another gruesome bomb explosion triggered by suspected ULFA militants in the Lower Assam township of Nalbari, around 7 people were

killed and over 55 people were injured on Sunday.

Nalbari which is 70 km away from capital city Guwahati was once the bastion of the ULFA. However, over the years, it has turned out to be peaceful place. On Sunday, at around 9.55 am, close to the Nalbari police station, which is in the heart of the town, an explosion took place. The bomb was concealed in a bicycle.

Just 15 minutes later, another powerful explosion took place around 20 feet away from the spot of the first explosion. Five people died on spot. There was complete confusion and chaos in the township.

Sources in intelligence agencies added, "Already, inputs were there that nine member bombers from ULFA have sneaked to Nalbari with the specific task of carrying out subversive activities prior to the Protest Day on November 27. These cadres have sneaked in from Myanmar, Bhutan and Nagaland. The details of these cadres were provided in Assam police website."

Sources further said, "The nine cadres are Bosa Singh, Pinku Phukon, Upen Borgohain, Bimal Kalita, Swadhin Ray, Rajani Kanta Singha, Pulak Bharali, Hitesh Ray and Akon Moran."

The outfit observes November 27 as Protest Day following launching of operation against the outfit on 1991 and declaration of the outfit as banned.

Superintendent of police of the district, Jitmol Doley, told ET, "The first bomb was kept in a bicycle. Our investigation is on and only after investigations, can we say with certainty what was used to trigger the explosions."

Sources in the police are not ruling the possibility of the twin explosions being triggered as retaliatory attacks as two of the outfit's leaders -- self-styled foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury and finance secretary Chitrabon Hazarika were picked up by security forces. Both the leaders are presently under police custody in Assam.

Already, ULFA militants have demonstrated their retaliatory postures when they blew up wagons of a tanker train carrying high-speed diesel (HSD) and petrol early this week. Goods from the Numaligarh Refinery Limited were heading to Panki in Uttar Pradesh.

PRESS RELEASE NDFB


A general meeting of NDFB was held on the 29th and 30th October, 2009 with a view to from National Council of NDFB and to appoint the Chief of Army Staff and Deputy Chief of Army Staff of Boroland Army and Commanding and Deputy Commanding Officers of the Four Commands and to discuss various issues and problems of the party. The meeting was chaired by D. R. Nabla, the President of NDFB and N Dinthi Gwra, the Spokesman of NDFB was unanimously elected as the recording secretary for the meeting. The meeting after detailed and lengthy deliberation unanimously resolved to form the National Council consisting of seven members and adopted the following resolutions.

§ The meeting has unanimously formed the National Council, the highest executive and decision making body of the NDFB, consisting of seven members. The elected seven members of the National Council are:

Ronsaigra Nabla Daimari - President

Dinthi Gwra Narzary - General Secretary

Ohnjalu Basumatary - Information and Publicity Secretary

Barbai Basumatary - Asst. Information and Publicity Secretary

Rifikhang Goyary - Finance Secretary

Rwjab Deka - Organizing Secretary

Danswrang Narzary - Member

§ The meeting has unanimously appointed Captain Songbijit Ingti Kathar and Lieutenant Jwngkhang Boro as the Chief of Army Staff and Deputy Chief of Army Staff of Boroland Army respectively.

§ After a detailed discussion, the meeting has resolved to centralize all operations of the Boroland Army and ask to refrain from activities that may adversely affect the party as a whole and that are against the revolutionary ethics. The meeting has also resolved that any major or serious activity or action must be done only through consultation with the highest authority of the party.

§ The meeting has resolved and vowed to work and fight together with vigor and determination to liberate Boroland and the Western South East Asia, the so called “North-East India”.


D. R. Nabla
President, NDFB

Liberhan report severely indicts Vajpayee, Advani Nagaland page

New Delhi, November 24: The top BJP leadership including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi have been severely indicted and called "pseudo-moderates" by a Commission that probed the demolition of Babri Masjid 17 years ago.
The Justice M S Liberhan Commission of Inquiry also attacked former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh saying, the destruction of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992 was carried out in a "duplicitous and under-handed manner" which was not worthy of a democratically-elected government.
The four-volume report running into over 1000 pages and government's Action Taken Report (ATR) on it were tabled in Parliament by Home Minister P Chidambaram, a day after a leak of the report in a national daily.
The Commission, which was set up 10 days after the incident and got 48 extensions, recommended a law providing for exemplary punishment for misuse of religion for acquiring political power and disqualification of political parties and candidates who have religious agenda.
In its ATR, government promised that a bill to check communal violence was being contemplated which will include provisions on some these recommendations while the Election Commission would also be moved to look into them.
The ATR spoke of no punitive action against anyone and merely took note of the cases filed against BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders in various special courts in Lucknow and Rae Bareli.
Unsparring in its attack on top BJP leadership, the Commission listed Mr. Vajpayee, Mr. Advani and Mr. Joshi in a list of 68 leaders of the Parivar and officials as responsible "for leading the country to the brink of communal discord" in their individual culpability.
It said there was no manner of doubt admissible in the culpability and responsibility of the Chief Minister (Kalyan Singh), his ministers and Sangh Parivar leaders like Ashok Singhal, K S Sudarshan and Vinay Katiyaar, who formed a "complete cartel" supported by the icons of the movement like Advani, Joshi and Vajpayee.
Kalyan Singh and his trusted lieutenants spared no lie before the highest authorities of the land to befool them and to tie their hands with the niceties of constitutional democracies.
The Commission analysed the standards of culpability and divided various persons and organisations into three groups.
The first group represented those who bore the primary and greatest responsibility for the demolition as they had the means to prevent the assault.
The second group consisted of those who portrayed the benign face of Ayodhya campaign and gave false reassurances to the courts, the people and the nation as a whole.
"Those who have been put in the second category in these conclusions are referred to as 'pseudo-moderates' in contrast to the radicals forming part of the first group," the report said.
All these three groups, the Commission said had "managed to reduce one of the greatest nations and one of the oldest civilisations to the state of stark intolerance and barbarianism-- all for petty political gains".
As the inner core of the Parivar, the top leadership of the RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena and BJP bear the primary responsibility.
"On the one hand, leaders like A B Vajpayee, Murli Manohar Joshi and L K Advani, who are the undeniable public face and leaders of the BJP and thus of the Parivar, constantly protested their innocence and denounced the events of December 1992.
"On the other hand, it stands established beyond doubt that the events of the day were neither spontaneous, nor unplanned nor unforeseen overflowing of the people's emotions, nor the result of a foreign conspiracy as some overly imaginative people have tried to suggest," it said.
The Commission said these leaders cannot be given the "benefit of doubt" and exonerated of culpability.
"There can be no grated betrayal or crime in a democracy and this Commission have no hesitation in condemning these pseudo-moderates for their sins of omissions."
Virtually giving a clean chit to the Central government that was then headed by late P V Narasimha Rao, the Commission found that the Centre was crippled by the failure of the intelligence agencies to provide an analysis of the situation.
"It stayed its hand deferring to the honourable Supreme Court which had taken up the matter was dealing with it by giving appropriate directions.
"The Supreme Court was in turn misled by the pretentious undertakings given by the Uttar Pradesh government and leadership of the movement and the all-is-well reports by its rapporteur Tej Shankar. Without proverbial leg to stand on, there was little either could have done to forestall the determination of the perverted guardians of democracy, who were in control in Uttar Pradesh," it said.
The Commission also came down heavily on the use of the security apparatus by the Kalyan Singh government and how it was systematically ordered to desist from use of force or resort to firing in any circumstances against the karsevaks or their leaders.
"When push came to shove, the senior police officers were at hand to ensure their men toed the line and that the demolition of the disputed structure was allowed to go ahead with military precision as orchestrated by the leaders present at the spot and carried out by their henchmen whom they refused to identify even before me," Justice Liberhan said in his report.
By far the worst sin of omission of the state government was leaking into public domain the information that the police personnel had been hobbled and would not react or retaliate under any circumstances.
Emboldened by the self-confessed handicap of the law enforcement agencies of the state, the karsevaks enjoyed a free hand aware that they were at zero risk from them.
"Even the forces demanded by the state government and sent by the Central government for security purposes were intentionally taken away from the scene and deployed at far away places under the garb of meeting the threat of terrorism," it said.
The Commission also questioned the role of the Supreme Court observer in not alerting the Court to the clearly unfolding duplicity and said it was something that raised concerns about the impartiality and objectivity of the officer who was handpicked by the state High Court.
"Even at the moment that the domes were being pulled down, he was not at the spot, having been delayed by his family members whom he had brought along to witness the spectacle," the report said.
The Commission also had some words of criticism for some "selective communal Muslim leaders" obsessed with personal or individual influence for enhancing their political influence and self gain for being merely bystanders during the entire period and put forth dismal performance.
The Babri Masjid Action Committee never set up or presented any claim to the disputed structure in any negotiations and there stand was a merely simplistic denial of the claims of the Sangh Parivar.
"The Muslim leadership provided the rabid Hindu ideologues sufficient cause to instil fear into the common citizens of India," the report said adding the elite political Muslim leadership was neither responsible nor caring for the welfare of the community."
On the Commission's recommendations for establishing a Criminal Justice Commission for monitoring the performance of all law enforcement agencies, government said Law Commission will be requested to study the proposal. (PTI)

Bandh flurry in Bodo belt OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


A deserted Kokrajhar town during the 12-hour BTC bandh on Tuesday. A Telegraph picture
Kokrajhar, Nov. 24: The 12-hour BTC bandh called by the pro-talks faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland paralysed normal life in the Bodo belt today. The bandh, the fifth in a month, was called in protest against the killing of Doren Daimary, a member of the outfit, allegedly by ex-BLT members, in the Jolaishree Alokjhar area under Kachugaon police station in Kokrajhar on Monday night.
The bandh evoked full response in the four BTC districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri with all offices, educational institutions, financial institutions like banks, and business establishments including shops and markets, remaining closed.
Roads, including National Highway 31C too, wore a deserted look during the bandh period. Train services were, however, not affected. The Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam, on the other hand, has called a 12-hour Kokrajhar district bandh in protest against rampant corruption at the Srirampur inter-state checkgate tomorrow.
Tomorrow’s bandh in the district will be the sixth in a month. The flurry of bandhs in the region has raised concerns among the people of the belt regarding the economic and education environment in the area. They accused the administration of doing nothing to stop the bandh culture in the Bodo belt.
“It is the common people, especially the poor like us who suffer. We feed on our hard-earned money by working daily. During a bandh, we can’t go for work and as such, cannot earn,” said a small-time vendor here.
Echoing him, another daily-wage earner said, “Who cares for the poor people like us. Who cares whether we get to eat or not. It’s people like us who have to bear the burden of the bandhs, so nobody cares.”
R. Brahma, a schoolteacher and social activist said, “Bandhs have become the easiest means to highlight the demands of the protesters. It’s time for us to realise the impact of a bandh on our lives. See the education scenario and the impact it has on our children. It’s time to raise our voice against bandh culture.”
Dispur rejects third party role - If Naga outfits can negotiate with Centre, then why not Ulfa, asks Assam govt OUR CORRESPONDENT Telegraph


Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi interacts with a man injured in the Nalbari blast at GMCH in Guwahati on Tuesday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Guwahati, Nov. 24: Dispur has rejected the idea of resumption of the peace process with Ulfa through a third party like the People’s Consultative Group and appeared firm on its earlier stand that talks be held directly between the Centre and the outfit.
Though the government is yet to make its stand formally clear, officials holding key positions in the state government today said Dispur had made its view known to the Centre.
Dispur’s reaction comes in the wake of Ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa calling up senior PCG member Mukul Mahanta yesterday to get ready for an increased role soon, thereby dropping hints that the outfit wanted to resume talks through the group.
That Dispur was not at all enthused about the development was clear when an official told The Telegraph: “We have no comments to offer at this stage. There is nothing specific in reports we have come across. Even the role of the PCG is not clear. Let Ulfa come out with something concrete for us to react; we are against talks through intermediaries.”
The official also made it clear that though the Centre would take a final call on resumption of peace talks, the same cannot be held with a third party. “A third party can be there for a round or two but direct talks is the only way out. We have seen what happened the last time round. We need to be careful, cannot jump the gun unless there is anything concrete,” he added.
He pointed out that if talks with the NSCN (I-M) could be held directly from the very beginning, there was no reason why the same methodology could not be applied to the Ulfa.
“The less number of people involved in such exercises, the better,” he said, adding that if it was really sincere, Ulfa could send some of its leaders for the talks instead of the PCG.
The wait-and-watch approach of the government has to do with the manner the Ulfa-constituted PCG pulled out of the process after three rounds in September 2006, accusing the Centre of undermining its role and setting new conditions for the process to move forward. The PCG was formed in 2005.
Mukul Mahanta, whom the Ulfa top brass called up, said the PCG has been asked to play a more proactive and different role this time. “However, I am yet to know what this will be. It will become very clear soon,” he said.
Like the government, a senior PCG member, Lachit Bordoloi, was also cautious about commenting on yesterday’s developments.
“There is nothing to say except that the signals are positive from Ulfa and the government. Let us wait for a couple of days,” he said without elaborating.
A PCPIA team today submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is on a trip to the US, at the PMO for revival of the peace process. Tomorrow afternoon the PCPIA will hold a dharna at Jantar Mantar for the same cause, Bordoloi added.
Chief minister Tarun Gogoi today said despite Ulfa indulging in violence, the door for talks with the outfit was still open. After meeting the victims of Nalbari blasts at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) this evening, the chief minister made it clear that Ulfa would have to abjure violence for talks.
“Though there has been an opinion among a section of public against any talks with the outfit as it is killing innocent people, we are still open to talks in the greater interest of the state, provided they give up violence,” Gogoi said.
He also appealed to the people not to extend any kind of support by way of giving shelter to the insurgents. Condemning the Nalbari blasts, Gogoi said the perpetrators of such a heinous crime would not be spared and the government was determined to deal firmly with anybody who indulged in such mindless violence.
The chief minister said the police would be adequately equipped to deal with threats posed by militants.
Move to track UNLF rebels - Search & destroy drive in somtal OUR CORRESPONDENT The Tekegraph


Police commandos during a search operation in Imphal East on Monday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Imphal, Nov. 24: Security forces today launched a major operation at Old Somtal in Manipur’s Chandel district to track down the United National Liberation Front militants who killed five Assam Rifles personnel, including two officers, yesterday.
The operation, launched on the UNLF’s 45th raising day, is aimed at locating rebel camps in the area and destroying them.
“We have launched a major search-and-destroy operation in the area. So far, the search parties have not made any contact with the militants, nor has there been any encounter as they are fleeing from our troops,” a senior official of the Assam Rifles told this correspondent.
He said the operation had been launched jointly by the army and the 26 Sector Assam Rifles based at Pallel in Thoubal district.
He hoped the troops would yield results by tomorrow, thereby indicating that the forces had surrounded the area and were preparing for a major offensive.
The Manipur Peoples Army, the military wing of the UNLF, had ambushed a convoy of 43 Assam Rifles that was coming from its base at Old Somtal along the Indo-Myanmar border to collect water around 9am. Five soldiers, including a major and a captain, were killed in the attack. The outfit also took away five weapons.
The UNLF claimed to have ambushed the reinforcement troops as well, killing four more personnel. The Assam Rifles, however, denied the claim.
Sources said the UNLF had a strong presence in Somtal despite the army and the Assam Rifles having moved into the area in December 2007 to clear it of the rebels who had declared it a “liberated zone”.
Yesterday’s attack is being seen as an attempt by the group to demonstrate that it is a still a force to reckon with.
The UNLF is also trying to establish “mutual help” with the Maoists who are emerging as an anti-government force across the country.
In a statement issued by its central committee on its raising day today, the UNLF said the emergence of the Maoists, who recognised the sovereignty of Manipur, was a favourable factor for Manipur’s struggle for liberation and that of the region as a whole.
“Therefore, the difference in specific conditions and objectives notwithstanding, the UNLF believes that there is a common interest in the fight against the Indian state by the CPI (Maoist) and the liberation struggles of Manipur and the region. Guided by this perspective, the UNLF shall actively pursue a policy of mutual help and support with the Indian revolution through the CPI (Maoist),” the statement said.
The UNLF, which has been demanding a plebiscite under the supervision of the United Nations to resolve the conflict in Manipur, stated that it would continue to mount pressure on India until it accepted the proposal.
Chidambaram should quit: BJP Ians
NEW DELHI, Nov 24: Attacking the government for “leakage” of the Liberhan Commission report on the 1992 Babri mosque demolition, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday sought Home Minister P Chidambaram’s resignation and demanded a joint parliamentary panel probe into it. It termed Liberhan’s report, which indicts top party leaders, as “ill-founded”.
Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said the findings were against the evidence produced before the commission and against the principles of natural justice. “The principles of natural justice say that anyone who is held guilty should be given hearing opportunity. These principles have been violated,” she said. “Conclusions of the commission are ill-founded and perverse,” she added.
Swaraj said the BJP will keep its viewpoint before the people during the discussion on the report in the Lok Sabha on December 1. She expressed shock at the inclusion of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s name in the list of those indicted by the report and said he was never summoned and given a chance to be heard. She added that the commission had, in fact, rejected an application to summon Vajpayee.
“Now an allegation has been levelled against him. That’s why we say the report is against the given evidence,” she said.
The BJP leader said the report leaked in the media on Monday was true to the contents of the Liberhan report presented in Parliament on Tuesday.
“We say that the Home Minister has himself leaked the report. We demand that he should resign, taking moral responsibility for the leakage and then discussion should be held on the report,” she said.
She also took a dig at Justice Liberhan for giving the report five years after hearings had ended. IANS
Indian influence on Myanmar Nuruddin AzamThe New Nation, Bangladesh
November 24, 2009: Myanmar is strategically situated to take the advantages of competition and cooperation between China and India over oil and gas resources. Both China and India are seeking to control the Indian Ocean for strategic military and economic reasons. (Articles)
The United States has been trying to militarise the region on the ground of fighting possible terrorist attacks and has already established an airbase on Banda Ache, Indonesia. Apprehending that the US is hell-bent on a unilateral militarisation of the entire region from the Middle East oil fields to the Strait of Malacca, Beijing has stepped up its engagement in Mayanmar.
The Strait of Malacca, linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, is the shortest sea route between the Persian Gulf and China. Myanmar also presents a possible supply route for oil and other commodities for China.
An oil pipeline linking Mayanmar's deep-water port of Kyaukpyu with Kunming in China's Yunnan province was approved by Beijing in 2006. China is also Myanmar's most important defense ally, providing most of its military hardware and training.
In order to counter the increased Chinese influence on Myanmar, India has been trying to strengthen its ties with her eastern neighbour. She is spending millions of dollars to fund different projects in Myanmar which carry strategic significance for India.
She is especially worried about the "maritime encirclement of India", with the Chinese bases at Gwadar in Pakistan and at Coco Island in Myanmar. India has been building up its military strength for a long time to close the gap with China. Recently India has also started pursuing closer relations with the United States.
Taking into account the above realities in international relations, Bangladesh need to develop cautiously and efficiently its own policies and programs to safeguard her vital national interests when dealing with her neighbors.


Frans on 11.25.09 @ 04:20 PM CST [link]


Friday, November 20th

Naga militants demand Rs 1 crore from IOC in Manipur STAFF WRITER PTI




Naga militants demand Rs 1 crore from IOC in Manipur STAFF WRITER PTI

Imphal, Nov 19 (PTI) The National Socialist Council of Nagaland, with which the Centre has been holding peace talks for the past 10 years, has allegedly demanded Rs one crore from a depot of the Indian Oil Company here.

The in charge of the IOC depot at Sangakpham, KI Singh, has received a letter from the NSCN demanding payment of Rs one crore before November 20 and two of its activists had also visited the depot looking for Singh, an IOC official alleged.

He said when the IOC officials refused to pay the money, the Naga militants threatened them with dire consequences.

We have also informed the Manipur government through the chief secretary about the demand of the Naga militants and sought protection by the
state authorities, he added.
NPF upholds Naga identity’ Our Correspondent Morungexpress
Kohima | November 18 : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today asserted that the “Cock” party upholds the identity of the Nagas and that the party is still committed to the Naga issue which is to be resolved. “Accordingly, it is dedicated to the policy, programmes, visions and issues which are very clearly laid down in the party’s constitution. NPF is on the right track with its political vision for the people and I believe you are in the party because you (also) believe,” he said.
He was addressing the second session of the NPF youth wing leadership training held at the party’s central office here this morning. Referring to the 16-Point Agreement of 1960, which resulted in the formation of Nagaland’s statehood, he said ‘though we may not get full independence with the ongoing cease-fires and dialogues if any settlement comes about it will affect all of us again. The Naga issue has already caused loss of thousands of lives and suffering. Therefore everyone has to be involved.’ “If you do not involve and if leaders take wrong decisions it will affect you,” he said.
The chief minister said that hope in heaven through the church is as a believer but hope on earth is through politics. “Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous because you can get knocked by either side. You have to be in this party or that party; you cannot live at the expense of someone else... Those taking a decision not to get involved in politics are already involved. This is so because the air, food, water which are basics of existence are all politics. We have to act and when you don’t participate, you have no right to criticise. So, you have to decide who should be your leaders.”
He said unless leaders have a vision for the future and not live in the past, society will never progress. ‘Live realistic life and march forward. Those with no clear vision live in illusion. Unfortunately, there are many leaders who cannot understand life and the present situation. There is a vast difference between great and mediocre leaders,’ he said.
Unlike the latter, great leaders look for action, give support, become icons, utilise people’s expertise, ask colleagues, listen and understand get feedbacks, inputs, always build relationships, inspire and motivate, enlighten, plan, lead the people empower other others, coach and teach, provide leadership and rely on their character.
Rio also said that leadership is not about emotional speeches or holding rallies. Many leaders demand respect from the people and their colleagues but such people are like many Generals without their armies but leaders cannot be imposed from above. They must have roots and support of the masses. “One person alone with a back bone can accomplish a thousand times more than one individual with a wishbone. If we want to be leaders we have to care, respect and trust and we have to work hard. As a political party we have to learn from the fable about the two foolish donkeys. In politics sometimes you have to go this side and that side for the common benefit.”
The Chief Minister also emphasized on the importance of team work which is like a vehicle which has to be assembled with so many thousands of parts to be functional. He lauded the participants for working hard in their respective Constituencies and “You are the backbone of the part, the future of the party and you will eventually take over. So I want all to commit in your service to our people.” He further cited the case of a preacher who said “I don’t pray for politicians but I pray for the people and the country.”

ENSF units join no-Hornbill chorus morungexpress
Dimapur, November 18 (MExN): The call of the “eastern Naga” students to six tribes to abstain from participating in the Hornbill festival is supported by Yimchungru Akheru Arih-Ako (YAA) of Shamator. The YAA stated today in a note that its five federating units will cooperate with the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation.
Yesterday, six tribes from “eastern Nagaland” were told by the ENSF not to participate in the forthcoming Hornbill Festival, 2009 edition. The Chang, Yimchunger, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom and Sangtam communities were told to stay away from the state’s biggest winter festival until further notice from the ENSF.
While the exact reasons were not disclosed by the ENSF, the organization’s president had implied yesterday that the state government had not been ‘cooperating’ as there are “some things which have to be corrected.” What the issues that needed ‘correction’ were was not explained also.
The YAA in its note said that the federating units were “fully aware” of the activities of the ENSF. The YAA also claimed that the Nagaland government was meting out “step-motherly treatment” to the festivals of what the YAA note called “eastern Nagas.”
“It is heartening (sic) to know that in spite of the Nagaland government declaring Nagaland as a land of festivals, had failed miserably in encouraging the festivals of the eastern Nagas which clearly indicate step-motherly treatment,” the YAA claimed.

Harassment condemned
The Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union of Kohima and the YAA today condemned what it stated is the “un-necessary harassment” of a leader of the ENSF in Kohima on November 17 evening in lower PWD. The ENSU even claimed it to be what it asserted as “life-attempt.”
According to separate notes from the YAA and ENSUK, ENSF vice president Likhumse Sangtam was harassed and “life-attempt” by one Visakho Angami of Kedima village and one Litemo Odyuo of Reiphyn village. The YAA units have urged for strong action against the perpetrators. The ENSUK in its note also urged for action “so that eastern Nagas are not victimized in the state capital.” Neither of the notes explained the reasons or the circumstances of the alleged incident of harassment.

GPRN/NSCN to mark 2nd anniversary of Naga Unification DIMAPUR, (NPN):
‘Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland (GPRN/NSCN)’ would celebrate ‘2nd Anniversary of Naga Unification’ at its designated camp (Khehoi) November 22, 8:30 a.m.
A press note issued by organising committee through MIP, GPRN/NSCN has invited members from all Naga frontal organizations including Naga Hoho and its constituent units, Eastern Naga People’s Organisation and its units, Naga Mothers’ Association and its units, Naga Students’ Federation and its federating units, ENSF and its units, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (all sectors), Forum for Naga Reconciliation, NBCC and its affiliating units, NCF, GBs & DBs Forum, Naga intellectuals, social reformers, village chairmen and elders, non-Naga community leaders, press fraternity from Nagaland and outside (both print and media), and all well-wishers of “Naga people’s struggle” to the celebration.
It has further informed that lunch would be provided to all delegates its annual calendar would be provided to special guests.

GPRN/NSCN flays arrest of cadres DIMAPUR (NPN):
GPRN/NSCN Thursday said that continued arrest and detention of its regional workers in Lotha and Rengma regions by “a group of ill-informed band from Hebron Camp called “VP Bn” was highly condemnable at the time when Nagas looked towards the future with hope and common vision.
In an e-mailed statement received here today, the GPRN/NSCN said “Is it not a mockery to their proclaimed adherence to the process of Naga Reconciliation and Unity?”
It stated that the arrest of Phuhoto Khing, Razou Peyu, Kulalo Khing, Khapur and Pte. Sohilo Kemp on Nov 18 night at Pewhenyu village under Rengma region was another “willful act of cowardice and anti-Naga stance.”
Underlining that “provocation” must stop immediately, the statement further queried “Why is hebron camp’s ‘VB Bn.’ creating nuisance in Lotha and Rengma Regions?”
Stating that it recognized them as handful of “armed bandits” trying to throw doubt and confusion into the mind of Lotha Nagas and Rengma Nagas, the GPRN/NSCN urged FNR, the two Hohos and all right thinking Nagas to promptly act and instill common wisdom into the working system of the “confused group.”
Pointing out that Nagas must be on guard against elements that were trying to jeopardize peace and harmony of two regions in particular and Nagaland in general, the GPRN/NSCN said it did not wish to derail the hard earned peaceful atmosphere through retaliation.
“The interest of the Nagas is much more precious than a retaliatory action,” it added.

Dichotomy in India’s anti-insurgency policy By Uddipan Mukherjee Guest Commentary UPI

Kolkata, India — The Indian government seemed to be pursuing a firm policy against insurgency and terrorism with its recent decision to deploy the Indian Air Force to subdue Maoist insurgents in areas where they are active, and with the arrest of prominent Maoist tribal leader Chhatradhar Mahato under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
But on Oct. 14, the home minister proposed talks with separatist groups in Kashmir without the condition of laying down their arms.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a press release that the government would follow a policy of “quiet diplomacy” to find a solution to the problem in Jammu and Kashmir. This was announced at the All India Editors’ Conference on social and infrastructure issues in Srinagar.
At the same forum, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said, “We have made it clear that insurgent groups in the northeast have to give up their demand for secessionism and lay down their arms and then only will we talk to them.” But when asked if this precondition also applied to terrorist groups in Kashmir, he replied in the negative.
According to Chidambaram, Kashmir has a “unique geography and history” and needs a “unique solution.” He admitted though that the central government has to contend with different thoughts and demands in the Kashmir valley.
What could be the reasoning behind this mellowed-down rhetoric? Is it some “external influence” that has dented the hubris of the Indian state? Or should this be seen as a kind of tactical measure to bring serenity in the valley? This could also be a sign of fatigue after two decades of combating armed insurgency in Kashmir.
In any case, it sends the wrong signal down the political lanes and alleys of the country. A mollified approach toward cross-border terrorism in Kashmir, which menacingly spills over to the rest of the country, is not a pragmatic strategic option for policymakers.
In another apparent act of conciliation, Home Secretary G. K. Pillai, on a two-day visit to the Indian state of Nagaland, went to the extent of saying that the Indian Constitution could be amended as part of a “political package” to be offered to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), which has waged an insurgency against the government since the early 1980s, though a ceasefire was agreed upon in 2001.
Pillai did not elaborate, however, on the “changes” to be incorporated in the Constitution. Presently, Article 371 A of the Indian Constitution grants special provisions to Nagaland. Perhaps there would be some changes in this article. Pillai also admitted that the Naga rebels secure ammunition from China, which evoked expected consternation. At the same time he swaggeringly said, “We don’t have to worry about China. We will handle China.”
It can be assumed that Pillai and Chidambaram would have coordinated their policies, and that one could not assert a position without the cognizance of the other.
Does this mean that the Indian authorities are embarking on a deliberate dual policy with respect to insurgency? India has historically followed the theory of liberalism while dealing with foreign policy and sternly pursued the premises of realism when domestic problems cropped up. The “Gill Doctrine” executed in the Punjab is a paradigm. Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, as director general of police in Punjab, is credited with having brought the Punjab insurgency under control in the early 1990s.
But if realism is to be practiced it should be done consistently. One cannot have different rules of engagement for different terrorist groups. If the radical Red Taliban or the Nagas or the Mizos are to be outlawed, banned or incarcerated, then similar methods should be implemented for the Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and others.
If the Kashmiri people are politically, culturally and synergistically tied to India proper, then it is an undeniable fact that India’s ever-neglected northeast is a part of the Indian whole, its Mongoloid traits and Burmese legacy notwithstanding, not to mention the tribal hues. After all, India has been more a cultural entity fostering pluralism than a political nation-state encouraging centrism.
Interestingly, Pillai categorically stated that the “political package” would be offered only to the NSCN (I-M) and ruled out talks with any other Naga outfit in the immediate future. This indicates that the government has zeroed in on its target group and is presently considering the NSCN as the sole representative of the Naga people.
But if secession is not to be granted, then what sort of political package will be proffered to the NSCN (I-M)? The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Nagas and the Kukis, fought since 1993, is an additional impediment to a solution in this region.
It might be that the government is following a carrot-and-stick policy to its fullest. The Red Taliban and other insurgent groups in the northeast or other parts of the country have not been tested to the hilt and hence cannot be offered a political package. So they will continue bearing the brunt of the “stick,” whereas Kashmiri separatists and the NSCN (I-M) will have the “carrot,” at least for the time being.
(Uddipan Mukherjee has a doctorate in physics from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, India. He has qualified the Indian Civil Services Examination in 2007. He writes on international relations and security issues pertaining to India. He blogs at: http://uddipanmukherjee.blogspot.com. ©Copyright Uddipan Mukherjee.)
Delhi role sought to curb killings - BTC bandh affects life OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Kokrajhar,: The Bodoland Peoples’ Progressive Front (BPPF) today sought the intervention of the Centre to curb the ongoing violence in the Bodoland region.
Briefing reporters at the party office here, BPPF president Rabiram Narzary said with the state government doing little to control the situation, only Delhi’s intervention could save the situation and safeguard the lives of the people.
The 12-hour Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area bandh, called by the party in protest against the frequent attacks on its members, affected normal life today.
Five persons were killed in the last 48 hours in the BTC area.
The bandh, which started at 5am, evoked a total response in the four BTC districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri with educational institutions, banks, business establishments, shops and markets remaining closed.
Roads, including National Highway 31C, wore a deserted look during the bandh period. Train services were, however, not affected.
Narzary held the BPF president and BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary responsible for the violence and alleged that the killings had taken place at his behest.
“Had he (Hagrama) acted wisely, the situation would not have gone so far. As the chief of BTC and people’s representative, he should have tried to control the situation instead of acting like a militant leader,” Narzary said.
“No system allows anyone to kill innocent people. Today, he may be safe, but the law will catch up with him for his wrongdoings one day,” he added.
The BPPF has also drawn up a series of programmes to voice their concern over the attacks.
The party will stage a dharna at Dispur Last Gate in Guwahati on Friday where all parties, including the ruling Congress, will also be invited. An all-party meet is scheduled the next day in the state capital to discuss the situation in the Bodo belt where over 300 people have been killed since 2005.
The party will later move New Delhi and meet various leaders, including the Prime Minister, home minister, UPA chairperson and home secretary, seeking their intervention.
With the killing of a lecturer of Kokrajhar Law College and BPPF activist Someswar Brahma at Malandubi, violence in Kokrajhar has claimed six lives since November 8.
Violence in Bodoland region has claimed over 80 lives in 2008 and over 60 lives since April this year.
Indira Gandhi and upliftment of tribals
Nov 18th, 2009 | By NVO Bureau | Category: People, Top Story
Nirendra Dev writes: India as a nation is always held in high esteem due to its multi-culture, multi-ethnic characteristic and its ability to stay united amidst diversities. The ‘tribals’ are an essential part of our country.
For some national leaders, the upliftment of tribals has remained a foremost priority. Indira Gandhi, the illustrious former Prime Minister, was one such great personality to emerge on the horizon. She had immense love for tribals and found them very simple, open hearted and truthful. She always wanted the development of the tribals.
With her confident personality and eyes twinkling in dreams and set on modernization, her focus in administrative and developmental works always included tribals as forefront runners vis-à-vis preparing government policies and programmes. Indira Gandhi’s famous 20 Point programme implemented in 1974-75 encompassed those initiatives.
Her willingness to help tribals came to her in heritance from her father, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister. Like him she was also liberal, broadminded and far-sighted in her approach in dealing with them.
While Nehru had granted statehood to Nagaland, after his death, Indira Gandhi gave statehoods to Manipur and Meghalaya, and generous development funds were allocated to then Union Territories of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
She had an emotional bond with tribals and experienced the tribal life not merely from the comforts of the National Capital. But rather, she toured extensively and walked into their huts, interacted with them and could not resist joining them when tribal girls danced in her honour. The tribals also found in her, their friend and a philosopher. And on their part, they humbly rewarded the leader with trust and love, very often translated into massive mandate for her party candidates during elections.
Therefore, it is in fitness of things on her birth anniversary to recall Indira Gandhi’s devotion to the task of confidence building for tribals, including those in the North East. Which is well reflected in the creation of full fledged States like Manipur and Meghalaya. These were the truly significant milestones, this era – early 1970s – marked a fresh era for the region, otherwise reeling under violence and ethnic conflicts and earned the beloved designation of being described as the region of “seven-sisters”.
The guiding policy of Indira Gandhi to ameliorate the problems of tribals should serve as a major point in the contemporary setting when the country has a serious challenge in the form of Naxal-sponsored violence in various parts of the country.
Similarly, her focus of attention also touched on the well-to-do task of tribal societies in other parts of the country.
The creation of Ministry of Tribal Affairs in late nineties was seen as emancipation of the vision she had seen. The Ministry was set up with the objective of providing more focused attention on the integrated socio-economic development of the most under-privileged sections of the Indian society namely, the Scheduled Tribes in a coordinated and planned manner.
Indira Gandhi also rightly gave priority to the education of tribals. This is well appreciated in the fact that she took personal initiative in setting up the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) with headquarter in Meghalaya’s capital Shillong. For decades, this university catered to the education of three states of Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland. She was of the opinion that a purposeful education could help tribals realize what was essential for individual benefits.
Indira ji also knew the importance of tradition and culture and that one could learn many things from their rich cultural traditions. She always nurtured a dream of a modern India with tribals ensured adequate role in the wholesome developmental sphere, she never wanted the tribals to give up their simpleton approach and cultural heritage.
According to many tribal leaders of her time, like the former Nagaland Chief Minister and ex-Himachal Pradesh Governor, Hokishe Sema, she not only took special interest in tribal culture and the way of life, but also drew inspiration from them.
Indira Gandhi gave tribals a vision and a direction towards a better world for realisation of their dreams.
Centre sets deadline for ultra talks Spl Correspondent Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, Nov 19 – Learning from past experiences, the Centre has made up its mind not to drag negotiations with DHD (J), UPDS and NDFB (pro-talk) indefinitely and set a year’s deadline to resolve their demands. Former Director of Intelligence Bureau (DIB) PC Haldar, who has been appointed interlocutor for the talks with the three outfits has left for Guwahati on Thursday to start preliminary discussions with the militant groups, highly placed sources disclosed.

The Home Ministry has set some kind of deadline for Haldar, if a source in the Ministry of Home Affairs is to be believed.

Haldar has been appointed interlocutor in consultation with the Assam Government and would hold talks with the three insurgent groups from Assam, as he knows the area and its problems, said union Home Minister, P Chidambaram last month.

He said that following the decision of the DHD (J) to lay down arms and move its cadre into the designated camps, the stage has been set to hold talks with the group as well as some other groups who have evinced their interest to hold talks. ‘’So it has been proposed to hold talks with the DHD (J), UPDS and the NDFB,’’ Chidambaram had said.

“We are keen to end the negotiation process within a year’s time,” said sources.

Unlike negotiations with BLT, which dragged on for years, this time the Union Government is stressing on early resolution of the vexed problems ostensibly to send a signal to other outfits in the North-east to come on board.

Interestingly, all the three outfits had submitted their charter of demands and have held number of rounds of discussion with the Union Home Ministry.

On the NSCN (I-M) dialogue, which has been continuing since 1997, sources said Government of India has now directly entered into the picture and efforts are on to resolve it without further delay.

Amendment Act: Meanwhile, the Centre is all set to introduce Armed Forces Special Powers Amendment Act 2009 in the Winter Session of the Parliament. Of the 62 new Bills proposed to be introduced during the current session the AFSPAA 2009 is listed in serial number 49.

The Union Home Minister in an interaction with newsmen last evening said that the Bill has been cleared by the Law Ministry and is now pending a Cabinet clearance. The Bill will now come up for clearance of the Union cabinet, he said, declining to reveal further.

The Bill was sent to the Union Law Ministry after differences between Union Home Ministry and Defence Ministry re-assessment. “There was no differences of opinion but different opinion,” said Chidambaram.

The Justice Jeevan Reddy Expert Committee had recommended scrapping of the Act, but the Centre obviously is not interested and wants to dilute some of the ‘offensive clauses’.

‘ULFA using China as base’ Ians
GUWAHATI, Nov 19: The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has set up bases in China and other foreign countries with the help of money extorted in the State, two senior ULFA leaders have told police interrogators.
This is the first time the ULFA, which is fighting to secede the oil-rich Assam from India, has accepted setting up bases in China.
ULFA “foreign secretary” Sasha Choudhury and “finance secretary” Chitraban Hazarika, now in police remand since November 6, told interrogations that apart from Bangladesh they have bases in China and other foreign countries.
“Crores of rupees have been extorted from (Assam) and transferred to (ULFA) leaders in Bangladesh, China and other countries where they have established hideouts,” the Special Operations Unit (SOU) of Assam Police quoted the two leaders as confessing. The interrogation report was submitted to the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Guwahati on Tuesday, a copy of which is available with IANS.
“Several foreign agencies and NGOs provided logistic assistance to the ULFA leaders in foreign countries. They are trying to muster support from China, Bangladesh and other foreign countries for ULFA,” the interrogation report quoted the arrested men as saying. IANS
3 soliders 3 civilians injured in attack on AR convoy at Singjamei bazar
The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Nov 19: At least six persons, including three personnel of Assam Rifles, were hurt during a bomb attack on a convoy of the AR this evening around 5.50 pm at Singjamei Parking along Indo-Burma road under Singjamei police station in Imphal West district.

According to official sources, the incident occurred when a convoy of 34 Assam Rifles posted in Thoubal district was returning to their camp.

Some unidentified person suspected to be UGs hurled one hand grenade which exploded under the Assam Rifles Gypsy vehicle travelling in third position in the convoy.

The blast injured two Assam Rifles jawans in the back seat and three other civilian passers by.

The impact of the blast also caused damages to the Gypsy vehicle in which the soldiers were travelling.

All injured persons, including one personnel of the Assam Rifles were evacuated to RIMS hospital soon after the blast.

They were identified as, R/M Hadan Sanwar 22 of Arunachal Pradesh, (splinter injuries at his right foot), Oinam Bimola Devi, 52 wife of O Biren of Singjamei (she injured at her left arm), Arambam Karan Singh, 28, son of A Nabadip Singh of Hajao Assam presently running a workshop at Kakwa, (injured at his left shoulder), Nepram Memi Devi, 52, wife of late Babu of Bashikhong (admitted to RIMS hospital she fainted at spot soon after the blast). The two injured Assam Rifles personnels unidentified as R/M, Hardip Singh and R/M Binodkumar were given treatment at Army unit hospital at Mantripukhri, IGAR (South) Complex this evening.

Soon after the blast an official team of Imphal West led by SSP, Imphal West L Kailun, SDPO Herojit and other civil police inspected the blast site.

Local MLA of Singjamei AC I Hemochandra also was present.

Police recovered one lever of Indian made hand grenade from the explosion site.

One of the injured victims, Oinam Bimola who runs a groccery shop near Sigjamei parking said the incident happened all of a sudden as she was about to return home by catching rickshaw.

She said whe saw some army vehicle moving towards the north along the Singjamei road and sudden heard a blast sound. After that she noticed many shops along the Singjamei bazar attempt to immediate pull down their shutters.

She said when she was able to collect herself she realised she had been hit by a splinter in the left arm.

Rebels use marriage as tool OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Shillong, Nov. 19: Northeast militants are marrying local women in Bangladesh to make it difficult for authorities to either zero in on them as Indians or push them back.
Though it is second marriage for most, it helps the militants cling to Bangladesh soil.
“After marrying the local tribal women, there is no difficulty for Northeast rebels to procure documents to prove that they are Bangladeshis,” a BSF official said.
Bangladesh has its share of Northeast tribals and rebels find it easy to assimilate themselves in their society.
“Unfortunately, Bangla-desh authorities have failed to arrest this marriage of convenience,” the BSF official added.
A Meghalaya police official admitted that several cadres of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), including senior leaders like Hep Koit, have married Khasi women settled in Bangladesh.
The HNLC has been facing funds crunch, coupled with dwindling arms and amm- unition reserve, forcing cadres to marry their way to financial stability.
The rebels then sustain themselves by working in betel nut plantations.
The villages from where HNLC cadres chose their wives are mostly from Sylhet and Maulvi Bazar districts of Bangladesh.
The marriage strategy, however, is not the only hurdle the Bangladesh security forces have been facing — difficult terrain has been equally daunting.
During a meeting of the BSF and BDR held in Sylhet early this month, the BSF handed over a list of 97 camps of Northeast militants based in Bangladesh.
A BSF official said the BDR men had admitted that because of the difficult terrain, they were finding it difficult to locate the camps.
A BSF source said it took BDR men seven hours to trek through jungles to reach National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) camps at Rangmati in Bangladesh.
The BDR has shown serious commitment to tackle militants thriving on Bangladesh soil, but find it hard to crack down on hideouts because of inadequate infrastructure.



Frans on 11.20.09 @ 10:30 AM CST [link]


Monday, November 16th

‘Naga culture a rich melting pot’ morungexpress



‘Naga culture a rich melting pot’ morungexpress

Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar being feted by the Naga Council of Dimapur during the concluding session of the cultural festival held in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the council, at Urban Haat, Dimapur on Friday. (Morung Photo/Sorei Mahong)
The governor was impressed by the gathering of assorted peoples and the cultural displays on the concluding day of the cultural festival in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Naga Council Dimapur. Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar said the event was an “excellent instance” of harmony, relationship and intermingling of communities.
“It is an excellent instance of intermingling of communities, of harmony and relationship, regardless of caste, creed or religion,” the governor said in his address as the chief guest of the closing ceremony here at Urban Haat Cultural Centre.
Kumar also said such cultural events held in “cosmopolitan” Dimapur – the commercial hub and the gateway to Nagaland – would not only promote harmonious relationships among various communities but also project a positive image of Nagaland to the outside world. This way, people from outside the state can come and savor for themselves the wonderful culture of Nagaland, Governor Kumar said.
The governor said the Naga Council should see to it that the festival is organized every year so that various tribes and communities can come together to display their culture, talent and the desire to be a composite of Nagaland. On this, the governor, who is also the chairman of North East Zonal Cultural Centre, assured full support from the NEZCC.
The governor further said he was impressed by the “attention to details” and the “meticulous planning” of the festival. He congratulated Naga Council for the success of the event. The council’s president Savi Liegise in his presidential address reiterated that the goal of the festival was to foster trust and harmony among all citizens of Dimapur and to create a sense of oneness.
Congress MLA representing Dimapur-I, KL Chishi, Rev. Pughoto Aye of Forum for Naga Reconciliation and a representative from the non-Naga community conveyed their greetings. A message from Lok Sabha MP CM Chang was also read out.
Highlights of the closing ceremony included performances by winning troupes of the folk dance and song competitions, prize distribution in various competitions, classical dance performances by Mrs. Ruchi Jain and music by Nise Meruno.
Member Secretary of Planning & Organizing Committee of the festival, TL Merry offered the vote of thanks. The event culminated with fireworks and a musical rendezvous by various artistes.
Anti-Naga Stance Of Nehru Family Vis-A-Vis Political Package P. Lakhao Morungexpress
•-The Naga children join the nation’s children to celebrate the November 14 children’s day every year, to commemorate the birth of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. But, most ungratefully Nehru and his descendants, all powerful political leaders are anti-Nagas. Jawaharlal Nehru abrogated the 9 point Akbar Hydari Agreement between the Government of India (GOI) and the Naga National Council (NNC) of June 9, 1947 and declared to crash the Naga’s dream of self determination. The bush war that ensued cost tens of thousands Naga lives and thousands more suffered the brutalities of the Indian security forces.
When Nehru died, the mantle of power was passed on to ‘his daughter Indira Gandhi, who abolishes the Privy Purse to the former Indian princely rulers, and adopted other populace measures and she was at its heights. But, Indira utterly failed to resolve the Naga issue. In the step of Nehru, she thought Nagas can be forcibly subdued and adopted repressive measures guided by the Indian political intelligence agencies, the SB and other networks against the Nagas.
The ultimate outcome was the haphazard 1975 Shillong Accord signed by the Naga underground NNC leaders under duress. This dubious deceitfulness of Indira Gandhi had cost thousands of precious Naga lives in the hands of the Indian security agencies and among the Naga factional groups directly or indirectly till to this day.
Down the line, Indira Gandhi daughter-in-law Sonia Gandhi, the president of the ruling congress party and the power behind the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh had steadfastly harping that the territory of Manipur will not be disturbed in the last two consecutive Manipur Assembly election campaigns in the Imphal valley. In other words, the Naga hill regions of Manipur will not be amalgamated with. other Naga territories, which further, goes to say that the Naga territories of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh states will not be merged to form a common Nagaland or Nagalim.
Sonia Gandhi’s radical views to maintain the integrity of Manipur has not been of political conviction or love of the Meiteis or hatred of the Nagas. But, simply to win. the two MPs seats to capture power in New Delhi and win majority of the 60 assembly seats to stall a congress party government in the tiny state of Manipur. This greed of power irrespective of the ground realities is what always has been for Nehru and his descendants.
Sonia Gandhi’s utterance against solving one issue (Naga issue) at the cost of a section of people unrest (Meiteis) is not encouraging, is most negative and is a political sin. Only people lacking political will and political wisdom repeat such fouls ideas. Naga issue is a human issue. The state has divided the Nagas and they have to explore ways and authoritatively call upon the states to be affected by the birth right of Naga integration. Failure to convince the opposing group will be nothing short of “failed politics” of the congress party in the unrest Nort East region.
Common Nagas blindly but, with fullest confidences follows the underground great leaders, A. Z. Phizo, Isak Chishi Swu, T. Muivah, S.S. Khaplang and others on the demand of sovereignty and other clauses to safe guard the rights of the present and future Nagas. But, what is integration is well understood by every Nagas. For the interest of the Meiteis, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh states, Nagas interest have not to be sacrificed.
Any formulae to solve the Naga issue without Naga integration will be more worst then the 1975 Shillong Accord misadventure. To reverse the like 1975 Shillong Accord, the only option is, the cease fire have to go on or reverted to bush war or civil war may be ensued pursuing the Naga integration course. Naga integration have not to be compromised as without which, the solution will be a “piece meal” solution. For all the ills Sonia Gandhi will be responsible.

P. Lakhao, Convenor
Shepoumaramth Right Watchdog
Senapati District
Will of the people must be respected Lipichem Morungexpress

Yimchunger men performing a dance during the recently held Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization summit held at Kiphire.

Kiphire | November 14 : The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) yesterday held a summit in Kiphire in reaffirmation of their December 18, 2007 Tuensang summit resolution, with all the leaders of different political groups, civil society and tribal leaders.
On December 18, 2007 at Tuensang the ENPO had passed three resolutions: Nagas should unite without territorial demarcation; unity and peace should be there in the ENPO’s jurisdiction and that the will of the people should be respected. The Kiphire summit is a reaffirmation of the Tuensang summit where all the gathering both “over-ground” and the political groups unanimously agreed to adhere to the resolutions.
‘Lets forgive one another and move for peace’
Delivering the keynote address, the president of the ENPO Mongo Phom said, “Every tribe and its leaders talk of peace in Nagaland but so far no tribal could bring out aims and object to peace in Nagaland as the ENPO does.” He said “let’s forgive one another and move for peace in our land.”
ENPO general secretary Toshi Wungtung read out the resolution of the Tuensang summit. ‘It is for the solidarity of all Nagas we are doing this,’ he said adding that the objective of the summit is to be more sensitive to the need of the people.
Leader of “GPRN/NSCN” Wangtin Konyak also addressed the gathering. Comparing the struggle of Nagas to that of the Israelites’ he said ‘everyone should involve in Naga struggle which is very necessary so that our struggle will be fruitful.’ Leader from the NSCN (IM), TT Among shared his opinion to the gathering and said that in ‘Nagaland there is no faction,’ only minor differences amongst the various groups. ‘Take things positively and our work will be fruitful,’ he encouraged. He also cautioned the ENPO, ‘don’t confuse us, in the past at times we were confused by the organization.’
ENPO leaders said the government of India agrees to address social and cultural issues and this is encouraging. However the ‘demographic aspect’ of it, is an open chapter, the ENPO leaders said, with the government of India as “70% of our people are living in Burma and Arunachal Pradesh.” On the recent reported political package to the Nagas by the government of India, the ENPO leaders said ‘we do not know what the package is and it is just a proposal so it is very early to comment.’ Commenting on the cessation of hostilities initiated by the ENPO after its Tuensang summit, ENPO leaders said all Nagas are talking of peace but the ENPO’s initiative was successful. However, it was lamented that “no frontal Naga organization has appreciated the initiative of the ENPO and the reason may be best known to them.” The evening part of the summit was a cultural programme. Sangtam and Yimchunger community members performed cultural dances.
National symposium hold to harness potential of spices in northeast ICT By Peter Chachei by ANI
Dimapur (Nagaland), Nov.14 (ANI): India’s northeastern states hold immense potential for the large-scale cultivation of spices. To encourage its production, a national symposium on spices was organized in Dimapur recently.
The objective was to delve upon ways to harness the existing potential of spices in the northeast region through technology. Themed “Harnessing the potential of North Eastern States for spices through Production Technology Intervention”, the conference was organized by the Indian Society for Spices (ISS) and the Central Institute of Horticulture, Medziphema, Nagaland.
The symposium brought together research organizations, development agencies and farmers on a single platform to exchanges ideas and strategies for boosting the production of spices. Over 200 farmers, entrepreneurs, stake holders, scientists and academicians from across India attended the symposium.
“The Indian society serves as a formal platform to exchange ideas and do what we don’t find based on the inputs from the farmers and traders. We also find newer research been done through the research institute,” said Dr. Anandaraj, President, Indian Institute of Spices Research.
“Spices are very important crop in the north east especially in Nagaland like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom. We’ve got a lot of export potential but due to scientific management we cannot tackle all these problems but here the spices society of India has given the opportunity to host this spices symposium which is the first time in the history of Nagaland,” said Dr N Benjong Aier, Mission Director, Horticulture, Nagaland Government.
The Spices Board of India has prepared a 350 crore programme for the northeast under which an additional 1,500 hectares of land would be brought under cardamom cultivation.
The program would focus on crop improvement; increase economic return by reducing market risks in terms of yield, integrated pest management and post-harvest technologies.
There is a growing demand for organic spices in the International market and northeast states can offer spices at competitive prices. (ANI)

Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/feature/national-symposium-hold-to-harness-potential-of-spices-in-northeast_100274834.html#ixzz0WzEYVHIy

ULFA facing major crisis R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 15 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is facing a major crisis as majority of the central committee members of the outfit are now behind the bars and only four of the top brass of the outfit are at large, and they are out of India. Police sources told The Assam Tribune that among the central committee members of the outfit, chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa is reportedly in Bangladesh, while, the commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah is reportedly moving in three countries-China, Myanmar and Thailand. The deputy C-in-C Raju Baruah is also inBangladesh and he travels to Nepal from time to time, while, another central committee member Jiban Moran is in Myanmar.

Police pointed out that most of the central committee members of the ULFA are now behind the bars. Foreign Secretary Sasha Choudhury and Finance Secretary Chitraban Hazarika, who were picked up in Bangladesh recently, are in police custody, while, vice-chairman Pradeep Gogoi, Cultural Secretary Pranati Deka, Publicity Secretary Mithinga Daimary and Adviser Bhimkanta Buragohain are in jail going through trials. Onecentral committee member Robin Handique already breathed his last and three other senior members – Ashanta Baghphukan, Robin Neog and Benning Rabha were missing since the operation all clear launched by Bhutan Army to drive out the militants camping in that country.

On the functioning of the ULFA, police sources said that Paresh Baruah is the main

person running the outfit at present and during questioning by police, Sasha Choudhury and Chitraban Hazarika also corroborated the fact. Though the ULFA suffered another major setback after the A and C companies of the 28 battalion ofthe outfit declared unilateral cease-fire to express their desire to solve the problems through talks, the remaining cadres of the battalion are still active in some parts of upper Assam and are maintaining their bases in Myanmar.

Police sources revealed that according to information available, the ULFA has three main camps in Myanmar—the headquarter of the 28 battalion, Naga base, which is maintained along withmembers of the NSCN (K) and the Aarakan camp. Sources said that according to information available, apart from Jiban Moran, other prominent ULFAmembers including Bijoy Chinese alias Bijoy Das, Antu Chowdang, Haren Phukan and Sujit Mohan are in the Myanmar bases of the outfit. Chowdang, who is reportedly very close to Paresh Baruah, is believed to be the main man masterminding the operations of the outfit in upper Assam, sources added.

Sources said that efforts are on by the ULFA to revive the 27 battalion in the areas of Nagaon, parts of Karbi Anglong , Morigaon and Sonitpur. After his release on bail, the commander of the battalion, Pallab Saikia has taken over the reigns of the wing and he is trying to revivethe outfit along with other hardcore militants like Baccha Singh and Sagar Toppo, sources said.

The 109 battalion of the ULFA is mainly responsible for transhipment of arms and explosives from Bangladesh and is headed by Drishti Rajkhowa, who is running the operations from Bangladesh. Sources said that Rajkhowa is not staying in Dhaka but he is living near the Indo-Bangla border. The members of the outfit mostly use the international border in Garo Hills of Meghalaya and the riverrine border in Dhubri for smuggling in weapons fromBangladesh.

The 709 battalion, headed by dreaded militant Hira Sarania is active in lower Assam districts and there have been instances when members of the battalion even launched joint operations including kidnappings along with the members of the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB). According to intelligence inputs, despite deployment of SSB personnel along the international border with Bhutan, the militants of the 709 battalion managed to take advantage of the terrain along the international border to establish some transit camps in the neighbouring country and India has already taken up the issue with the Government of Bhutan, sources said.

Bangla PM to begin India visit on Dec 18 Assam Tribune
DHAKA, Nov 15 (PTI) – Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina will pay a three-day visit to India from December 18, during which the two countries are expected to ink three agreements, including one on combating terrorism and organised crime. Hasina, who will be in New Delhi on her first visit since assuming office this year, is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on December 19, state-run news agency BSS said quoting officials. It said she would directly fly to New Delhi on December 18 after attending the climate change summit in Copenhagen.

Foreign secretaries of the two sides met here yesterday to review bilateral issues ahead of the visit and “looked into progress on the understanding reached during Foreign Minister Dipu Moni’s visit to India in September last,” officials said.

Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao told newsmen she had come here in the “context of preparations for a very significant visit of the Bangladesh premier” to India.

Later at a regular press briefing the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Mohamed Mijarul Quayes said the priority issues his country would table at the summit would be sharing of water in common rivers, particularly Teesta, power import, connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan and other border issues.

Quayes said the two countries were expected to ink three agreements — on mutual legal assistance on criminal matters, transfer of sentenced persons and combating international terrorism, organised crime and illegal drug trafficking.

Quayes said cooperation on dredging in major rivers, and upgradation of railway systems is also expected to come up for discussion.

He evaded a question on the issue of transit, being pursued by India for a long time, but said there should be “a space for negotiations”. He, however, hinted that New Delhi could seek transit to a third country through Bangladesh during the visit.

India has already offered Bangladesh the facility to use its territory to be connected to Nepal and Bhutan and agreed to provide railway transit for goods transportation between Bangladesh and Nepal.

He said dredging of the Ichhamati river, border issues, law and order, and security issues and Ashuganj as a port of call under the existing water transit protocol could be taken up by India.

Foreign Minister Moni had earlier said the two countries planned to sign several “landmark treaties” during Hasina’s forthcoming India visit as her own tour prepared the grounds for inking the deals.

During Moni’s visit, India agreed to facilitate transit facility for Bangladesh to Nepal and Bhutan, provide at least 100 MW power on priority basis, increase trade and communication facilities and resolve other outstanding issues.

The two sides also agreed to settle three major border related issues on enclaves, lands in adverse possession and un-demarcated border lines under a package.

LTTE not only armed, trained ULFA too: Former rebel Sentinel
NEW DELHI, Nov 15: On top of revelations that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) bought arms from the Tamil Tigers, a former ULFA leader now says the Assamese separatist group also got military training from the Sri Lankan rebels.
Former ULFA spokesman Sunil Nath said that a small ULFA team from Assam went to Jaffna in Sri Lanka in the early 1990s when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) controlled the northern peninsula.
“We got in touch with the LTTE through a Tamil Nadu politician.” Sunil Nath told IANS in a telephonic interview from Assam. “He (the politician) in turn contacted the LTTE.”
According to Sunil Nath, who has since quit the ULFA and is now a journalist, two Assamese guerrillas were picked to spend some time getting training from the LTTE. But the ULFA men returned to India within a week. According to another former ULFA militant who is now a businessman, they came back ahead of time “because the LTTE training was too tough for them”.
Sunil Nath said the ULFA delegation in Jaffna also met Mahattaya, then the number two in the LTTE. The Tigers executed Mahattaya in 1994 on charges of being an Indian spy. The LTTE, which the Sri Lankan military defeated in May this year ending one of the world’s longest running armed conflicts, has claimed repeatedly that it never interfered in India’s internal affairs. Indian officials have always contested the LTTE claim. The ULFA seeks to secede oil-rich Assam from India.
Sunil Nath said that when the ULFA men returned to India by sea, an LTTE guerrilla accompanied them and went on to travel to ULFA camps in Assam. “The LTTE guy was in his 20s,” he said. “I also met him. We had some discussions.” While Sunil Nath could not name the LTTE man who visited the ULFA camps, Indian official sources said the Tiger was later based in Karnataka under an assumed identity. However, he fell from the LTTE’s grace and hurriedly flew out to Europe, where he now lives.
Sunil Nath’s comments followed the discovery last month of an ULFA document stating the group paid Rs 2.3 million to the LTTE to buy weapons from them.
The document was one of several related to ULFA’s financial transactions that the Indian Army’s 19 Kumaon Regiment seized along with a large cache of weapons and explosives buried in a pit in a forest in Tinsukia district on October 19.
The discovery included 35 kg of RDX explosives, one AK-56 rifle, a grenade launcher, four pen pistols, a carbine machine gun, two 9 mm pistols, detonators and a huge quantity of ammunition and assorted weapons.
Besides training and selling weapons to the ULFA, Indian officials say the LTTE also trained young men from Tamil Nadu to become insurgents. All of them were, however, arrested in the crackdown on the Tigers following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 by an LTTE suicide bomber. IANS
Huge quantity of NDFB explosives recovered From our Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Nov 15: A joint team of 19 Madrasa Regiment of the Army and Assam Police recovered a huge quantity of explosives and other materials of the Ranjan Daimary-led NDFB inside dense jungles in Chirang reserve forest at Laopani in Kokrajhar district today.
Acting on a specific information, the team of Army and police conducted a search operation in the reserve forest and found the explosives and other materials of NDFB at Laopani in the district along the Indo–Bhutan border. The materials included three Chinese grenades, three FM channel receivers, three HE-36 grenades, eight UGBL grenades, two pencil timers, one 12V battery, two IEDs, eight IED circuits, four IED time-device guns, six IED timers, 156 detonators, one hand grenade, 55 AK-47 ammunition, one pistol and three country-made pistols.
Security forces arrested two NDFB militants — Sudem Basumatary and Jaiklong Gwra Brahma — of the Bismuri area recently.

Frans on 11.16.09 @ 04:27 AM CST [link]


Saturday, November 14th

UNC submits memo to PM, objects Pillai's statement The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network



UNC submits memo to PM, objects Pillai's statement The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal: The United Nagaland Council (UNC) in its memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Friday while urging the latter for the expedition of the 'Indo-Naga peace talk' has also strongly objected to the recent statement of Union Home Secretary GK Pillai in Nagaland where the latter had stated that physical integration of Naga inhabited areas would not be possible under the present circumstances in the North East.

In the missive to the Prime Minister, the UNC said that the Naga civil societies communicate the desire of the Naga people of Manipur on the impending Indo-Naga "political peace talk to make our unwavering political position for correct assessment towards finding negotiated settlement" .

The United Naga Council then expressed its support and upholding the "three point principles" adopted by the Government of India and the Naga people representatives some years back.

The three-point principles are that the talks 'will be held at the highest level in unconditional term and in the venue of the talks should be in third country.

Meanwhile, the UNC memorandum to the Prime Minister said that the recent Union Home Secretary's statement on Naga integration is a divisive mechanism and a sinister attempt of the Government of India to disturb the ongoing peace talks in dealing the sensitive Indo-Naga political problem.

"Expressing disagreement on the unethical and unilateral utterance, the Naga people in Manipur under any circumstances cannot agree to his proposal which contradicts the above historical agreed principles," mentioned the Naga body missive to the Prime Minister.

The UNC then claimed that the integration of 'contiguous Naga areas' is inherent and intrinsic feature to the political, socio-cultural and economical determination of the Naga people.

"It is a solidarity bond of common-hood and oneness," added the UNC missive, "The Naga people have already given the mandate to the Nagas' representatives to pursue the dialogue for negotiated settlement by upholding the political and historical rights of the Nagas during the 'consultative meeting' held in 2002.This mandate still stands valid.

Therefore, Your Excellency is requested to take necessary steps for maintaining respect to the agreed principles of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talk and expedite the process for an early negotiated settlement," pleaded the UNC memorandum.
‘Nagas have lost the essence of peace’ DIPR
Mokokchung, November 13 (DIPR): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has been actively involved in the reconciliation and peace process in Nagaland and in this regard, the NBCC Peace Caravan Committee comprising of 20 members visited Mokokchung for a programme at Imlong Place on November 13.
President of Ao Senden, Lendinokdang, while exhorting the gathering, said that Nagas have lost the essence of peace during the pursuit for territorial supremacy. He also said that various organisations are working towards the peace process and it is the responsibility of every Naga to make sacrifices to this cause. He also held that permanent peace in Nagaland would prevail only through an amicable solution to the Naga political problem.
NBCC Peace Caravan members, S Mono and Rev. Dr. Visor H Zeliang, also delivered short speeches and shared on their experiences and the responses from various sections of the society during their tour to various places in Nagaland. They also sounded clear and loud the objective of the Peace Caravan, which is to carry the message of peace and reconciliation through spiritual awakening and by mending the broken relationship, so that the slogan ‘Nagaland for Christ’ becomes a reality for the Nagas.
Earlier, ABAM president Mar Pongen chaired the programme while invocation was pronounced by Rev. Luin and a special number ‘He Touched Me’ was presented by CTC students. The programme was attended by Ao Senden and Watsü Mungdang representatives, church leaders and members from all the churches in Mokokchung town.

'Dalai Lama's visit vindicates India's stand on Arunachal' Nagaland page

Itanagar, November 13: The Dalai Lama's successful visit to Arunachal Pradesh and his statement that the state was a part and parcel of India and not a disputed territory has vindicated India's stand on the issue, Congress Lok Sabha member Takam Sanjoy said today.
"The statement of the Dalai Lama that Arunachal including Tawang is part and parcel of India vindicates our position," Sanjoy, who represents Arunachal (West) which includes Tawang, told a press conference here.
Asked about Centre's decision to allow the Dalai Lama to visit Tawang, home to a 300-year-old Buddhist monastery and the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, ignoring strong opposition from China, Sanjoy said "There is a perceptible change in the Centre's attitude".
"Prime minister Manmohan Singh flew into Arunachal within a week of his visit to China last year and announced a huge Rs 24,000 crore package and visited the state again this year and allowed the Dalai Lama to visit Tawang despite objections from China."
Sanjoy said he did not agree with the recent views expressed by the External Affairs ministry that finding a solution to the border dispute between China and India was a complex one.
"I had told foreign secretary Nirupama Rao during the meeting of the Standing Committee not to be confused by statements from China," Sanjoy said.
"I don't know about the border in other states, but in Arunachal it is well defined," he said demanding that the state government be be taken into confidence in negotiations for resolving border disputes.
Stating that the Centre was slow in building infrastructure along the Sino-India border in Arunachal Pradesh, he said "while the Chinese have constructed highways on their side of border, we don't even have a mule track."
Sanjoy, who is leaving for Rome to attend the 2-day 'World Parliament Convention' from November 18 on the status of Tibet to be inaugurated by the Dalai Lama, regretted that people in the country were unaware about his state.
"We are of Mongoloid stock. Whenever we go to big cities we are taken for Japanese, Nepalese or Chinese. While Arunachalee students can tell the locations of all Indian cities and towns on a map, their counterparts in the mainland seldom know where Arunachal is.
"If this is allowed to continue it is not healthy," he said suggesting that 5 to 10 per cent space in the CBSC syllabus should be devoted to the culture, political status and natural beauty of north eastern states. (PTI)

Don’t want you here, Nagaland tells Buta Singh Akhilesh Suman | The Pioneer
New Delhi Nagaland has given a jolt to Buta Singh by refusing to welcome the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) team. The State Government has said the visit would be a futile exercise as there are no SCs in the tribal territory.

“I write this letter to let you know that Nagaland is a tribal State where all the indigenous inhabitants of the State belong to Scheduled Tribes,” State Chief Secretary Lalthara has written to the Commission.

The State Chief Secretary’s letter to Joint Secretary T Theethan of the Commission quoted the figures of the latest census (2001) to press his point.

“There is not a single Scheduled Caste population within Nagaland State,” Lalthara said in his letter. The Commission had written in July to the State Chief Secretary to make arrangements for the stay and provide logistical support for the Z security covered to Buta Singh and 12 other members of the official delegation.

“The State, therefore, has no programme or scheme relating to Scheduled Castes, nor any social security or other protective measures relating to the SC community,” the letter said.

“In view of the above situation, you may like to advise the Commission to review their proposed visit to Nagaland State, as no worthwhile or meaningful discussion or interaction could possibly be made with Nagaland Government officials and its public leaders on the issue of Scheduled Castes,” the top official of the Nagaland Government wrote in his letter.

After its first latter of July 22 to the State Government, when the Commission dispatched another letter on October 29, the Chief Secretary wrote back to it on November 4 and faxed the same on November 12 after The Pioneer published the news of ostensive merry-making exercise in the garb of Commission’s visit to the North-Eastern States.

Interestingly, Nagaland is not the only State where the Commission sent proposal of the visit to take care of the SC issue. On July 22, same communiqué was sent to Andaman and Nicobar for a State review of the SCs condition by the full Commission in Port Blair, but this too was not entertained by the State Government. Surprisingly, during his entire term which comes to end soon, Buta’s team did not care to visit States like Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and AP, where there is sizeable SC population.

Cultural troupe from Myanmar to perform at Imphal, Kohima, Guwahati Source: Hueiyen News Service / Manipur Information Centre
New Delhi, November 11 2009: A cultural troupe consisting of 20 members from Myanmar is arriving Kolkata from Yangon on November 27 to perform their cultural dances at Kohima, Imphal and Guwahati in the North East India under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the Embassy of Union of Myanmar, New Delhi.

The cultural troupe will reach Kohima on the next day and stay for three days in Nagaland. During their visit in Nagaland, they will perform their items in the Inaugural function of Hornbill Festival at Kohima on December 1 . The Myanmarese troupe will reach Imphal on the next day and will give their performance in Imphal on December 3 .

On the next day, they will leave for Guwahati and perform their dance items in Guwahati on December 5.The cultural troupe will leave Kolkata for Yangon on December 7 .

To work out the logistics for successful visit and performances of the cultural troupe from Myanmar to North Eastern states of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam in the first week of December, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of DoNER Jayashree Mukherjee today convened a meeting at the Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, Maulana Azad Road here.

The meeting was attended by the representatives from Assam, Nagaland and Manipur, Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, New Delhi. .PBharat Singh, Commissioner (Culture) from Manipur attended the meeting.

The meeting decided to appoint one Interpreter of the Myanmar Cultural Troupe as stand-by by the respective State Governments.

State Governments will appoint one Liaison Officer for receiving them with formal welcome. Performance venue and the time will be selected in advance.

Their performance should be with the performances of local cultural troupes. Elaborate arrangement will be made for drawing huge crowd by way of advance publicity and media coverage. Either the Chief Minister or the Culture Minister of the States concerned will inaugurate the performance.
The State Government in consultation with the Ministry of DoNER and North Eastern Council will arrange transport, accommodation and security of the visiting troupe.
Govt offices in Mao areas completely neglected Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 12 2009: Government offices, healthcare and schools at Mao of Senapati district bordering with Nagaland are in woeful state and full shortest.

It seems that state authority neglected a lot.

The deteriorated conditions of these government institutions at Mao located along the NH-39 and its surrounding villages were observed when a joint of volunteers of Mao Students Union and media persons visited.

The Primary Health Centre which also housed the office of the Rural Family Welfare Centre was found manning by only one regular doctor.

As revealed by the only doctor posting there, Dr Dihe, the primary health centre at Tadubi is the oldest healthcare centre of its kind.

At least two or three doctors are to station but only one is posting.

One of the two nurses posting in the centre had also transferred.

No other nurse posted there to replace her.

The PHC is serving the villagers of Tadubi, Mao Pundung, Emoinu, Makhan, Makhan etc.

but due to posting of only one doctor, villagers are facing problems in availing medical treatment.

Citing the problems of the villagers, authorities have been pressed to send required doctor but so far no positive response could get.

Even though an Ayush doctor under the National Rural Health Mission posted, due to non-supply of the required Ayush based medicine are yet to supply.

A total of 14 staffs including grade-IV are manning the healthcare centre.

Out of these four are on contract basis but most important staff, doctor and nurses were not posting here.

Besides the shortest of staff, the building of the centre and staffs quarters are also in woeful state due to long non-repairing the same.

Earth walls of the building have been broken down.

Roofs are also started leaking which also affected to ceilings.

Even though doctors and nurses are provided by government, they will not willing to stay at the quarters owing to the deteriorating conditions, Dr Dehi observed.

The veterinary dispensary here also haven remaining defunct state for the last around five/six year even though five staffs, a doctor, a field assistant along with three attendants are posting.

Veterinary doctor posting there, Dr Saimon said that due to no proper and required minimum infrastructures, the dispensary could not served the purposed till date.

Some part of the dispensary and staff quarters have been damaged by a major landslide occurred in the area in 2007, he added.

Some land of the dispensary has been encroached by villagers and built their houses.

If the structures are not repair well, it would not be possible to start functioning the veterinary hospital.

The primary health centre constructed at Makhan Centre in 2003 is yet to inaugurate and open for public service, president of the Makhan Union, A Kansipi told to the joint team.

Villagers are facing difficulties in carrying ailing people up to the PHC at Tadubi.

On the other hand, government schools and colleges in area are running without regular headmaster or principal.

Due to no regular administrators, shortest in these institutions are not timely look after.

Vacant posts of five departments of the only government college in Senapati Hill College are not filling up since its establishment, revealed the principal in-charge Kh Laolii the media persons.

The college is only for arts stream subjects.

Lecturers of education, economics, history and political science are lying unfilled since the establishment of the college.
Agatha Sangma visits Nagaland Eastern Panorama
Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Agatha Sangma paid her two days maiden visit to Nagaland recently.
On her arrival at Dimapur Airport, while interacting with members of the media fraternity on her arrival, she expressed her happiness and pride to be from the Northeastern states and representing them in the present Parliament.
When asked about various central funds and their implementation in the state with emphasis on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) schemes, Agatha said that the Centre has given certain guidelines to ensure strict implementation of the NREGA schemes in all the states. Putting forth the system of ombudsmen, where individuals will be selected to monitor the scheme, she said that NREGA is implemented at the state level and if they are doing a proper job at the state level, there is lot of scope to uplift the economic status of the rural people. Regarding the development in the North East, she said that the North East is basically rural in nature, but has a lot of potential. Stating that the Centre is the funding agency for development in the Northeastern states, Agatha said that much of the state development is being carried out under the Department of Rural Development and the minister in charge of the department, and she further said that she would like to see development and that the funds are being implemented properly. For the upliftment of the youth of the North East states, Agatha said that there is a lot of affiliation between her and the youth of the region and she feels that she could do her best to ensure that the youth of the region move forward by the incorporation of inclusive development for the youths of the region.
Agatha Sangma during her visit to the state inaugurated the Temvu Karu Agri- Link Road funded under NREGA scheme at Medziphema Village.
Addressing the gathering, she said that it was a rare opportunity for her to witness the completion of a project and to have a first hand experience of the project. She said that Union Ministers rarely turn up in such places. Agatha appreciated the DAN government led by Neiphiu Rio and the fact that the state government is doing its best to bring such Central related schemes to the people and expressed hope that these will improve the condition of the people. Meanwhile, Medziphema Villagers submitted a memorandum to the minister urging for supply of drinking water under the NRDWP scheme in the area.
Other highlights of the programme included folk songs and dances by Garo, Kuki and Angami tribes. The Union minister was accompanied by the director of Rural Drinking Water, RK Singh; Lok Sabha MP, CM Chang; State Agriculture Minister, Chumben Murry; NCP general Secretary North East, Neiba Ndang, Azheto Zhimomi MLA, Government officials and a host of other dignitaries and public leaders of the area. She also addressed the 35th annual social of Patkai Christian College Dimapur.
She also called on the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at the private residence of the Chief Minister in Dimapur.
Bridging one border, two peoples Longrangty Longchar Morung
Mokokchung | November 10 : It is a general view that the border areas of Assam-Nagaland is a conflict zone that witnesses border conflicts from time to time between the Assamese and the Naga villagers. Yet, to some extent, peace and trust between the two neighbors have been maintained during the last few years after the formation of Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland) in August 2005. This committee, which is purely a voluntary organization, has taken the role of an independent assessor – whenever border disputes arise – and through sharing free, undiluted and truthful information. The committee keeps the authorities updated on the ground realities and so contains situations from flaring up.
In an interaction here today, the coordinator of the BPCC (A-N), Temsu Wathi Ao, who is the architect behind the formation of the committee, said it was formed on August 19, 2005 at Saring village, Longchem under Mokokchung district. A meeting was held, attended by responsible likeminded members of the society from both the states of Assam and Nagaland. These people shared the same concern in maintaining peace in the border areas.
The journey started. The committee recognized peace as its primary concern and coordinated between the people living on either sides of the border to bring about peace and harmony. The office bearers of the BPCC (A-N) comprise of responsible Assamese and Naga leaders who work in close coordination whenever border incidents occur.
“As and when incidents occur, which have huge chances of flaring up, they are controlled at the very beginning by involving the executive members of the committee who contact their counterparts living on the other side of the border, and who in turn inform the district administration and the police about the facts of the incident,” Wathi said. The success of the BPCC (A-N) is that, people living on both sides of the border can contact each other and seek information regarding what actually happened. This leaves no room for rumor mongers who spread disinformation for vested interests.
“The main problem with regard to the border conflict is that whenever there are any incidents, there are some third forces who spread rumors among the people thereby making the problem complicated which otherwise could have been solved easily and amicably,” said Wathi. The BPCC (A-N) also work for preventing rumors and finding facts, he added.
He said that easy connectivity through the use of mobile phones greatly helps the committee in resolving issues. The committee members undertake spot verifications and pass on their information to their counterparts on the other side of the border through mobile phones.
“The use of mobile phones has greatly helped the committee since we can talk with anyone at anytime whenever situation arises,” Wathi said. His main duty is to make and receive phone calls from either the Assam or Naga BPCC (A-N) executive members or the district administration and police regarding any border conflict. He verifies fact and assesses ground situation. The information is then relayed to the concerned parties.
“Whenever a situation arises, the administration of the affected district would contact the executive members of the BPCC (A-N) and the information would be relayed to their counterparts living in the other state. Often the executive members of the BPCC (A-N) would undertake a spot verification and find out the root cause of the incident,” he said.
Most incidents are related to cattle lifting, carjacking, and extortion by anti-socials – mostly suspected NSCN cadres, it was informed. Small incidents, if left unattended, have the potential of flaring up into major issues. However, Wathi said that the committee is simply a neutral body and that it is not for any border solving. It is a group to bring about peace between the people of the two states through the spirit of love and brotherhood. Significantly, the motto of the BPCC (A-N) is “Love thy neighbor.”
The most remarkable aspect of the committee is that after its formation in 2005, it wrote letters to both the Assam and Nagaland government to stop raiding and evicting villages located in the Disturbed Area Belt. The governments were expected to inform the BPCC (A-N) about such raids, otherwise the government would be held responsible. After this directive, there are no more raids on the villages, Wathi informed.
Another unique feature of the BPCC (A-N) is that, unlike other committees formed in the past, it was formed by affected people living in the borders and it comprises of both Assamese and Naga people equally. Presently the committee is headed by an Assamese and a Naga as the president and the vice president respectively. Such a border peace committee cannot be fruitful unless the affected people are involved and that it would be useless if such a committee exists for a few months and dies out. Wathi said that the committee was formed for long-term and that it is there in both the good and the bad times.
The BPCC (A-N) has also its own share of problems. Wathi informed that the executive members whenever they have to go for spot verifications have to meet all other expenses – from their own pockets. He said that the governments should allot some funds to the BPCC (A-N) so the members can carry out their works more effectively. He said that ten MLAs from Mokokchung during one of the DPDB meetings in Mokokchung, promised to provide some fund to the BPCC (A-N). Besides, the committee still is not registered and the process of registration is facing problems this involves two states. But Wathi expressed hope that the group would be registered in the days to come.
Asserting that the BPCC (A-N) is going from strength to strength, Wathi disclosed that the committee is setting up sub-committees in other border areas. “We want to replicate this model right from Mon district to Nuiland (Dimapur),” he said.
Personally, Wathi said that to maintain peace in the border areas, the people of Assam and Nagaland should recognize each others’ contributions and the age-old cordial relations should be upheld through one-to-one relationship and through cultural exchanges. Besides, he said that the people of Assam and Nagaland should be content with and stick to whatever land they have and should maintain a status quo over it.
It may be mentioned here that the border areas in Mokokchung have seen a lot of tension in the recent past. And while the governments of both Assam and Nagaland make claims and counter-claims over villages and its areas, no concrete solution has been found so far. But with the involvement of the BPCC (A-N) and the subsequent sharing of information and interaction between the people of Assam and Nagaland, the people are optimistic of a lasting peace between the two neighbors. And a renewal of the age-old relationship shared by the Ahoms and the Nagas.

(Temsu Wathi Ao is the District Informatics Officer in NIC, Mokokchung. Hailing from Lirmen village located in the Assam Nagaland border, Wathi has firsthand account of the problems being faced by the people living in the border areas. Having done most of his schooling and college studies in Assam, Temsu Wathi Ao was also the ‘Coordinator for the Undivided Sibsagar District’ when he was in the All Assam Students’ Union during the year 1979-83. His stint in the AASU and also his schooling in the Assam institutions gave him the opportunity to make essential contacts with the Assamese people, which ultimately led to the formation of the BPCC)
Wear culture to preserve it: Neiphiu Rio (DIPR photo
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is seen here addressing the people at the Zunheboto Road Show inaugural programme on November 13.)

Zunheboto, (DIPR): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has pointed to the need to preserve culture, to preserve identity. He said this at the Zunheboto Road Show-Ahuna festival at the Zunheboto public ground on November 13. Rio, who was the chief guest, said ‘if we lose our identity, everything will be lost.’
On the theme of road shows, Rio said that the policy of the government in combining road shows with tribal festivals is to let people at the grass-root level know what the government is doing for their benefit. So government departments as well as self-help groups were asked to actively participate in the event. With regard to the Naga culture and festivals of Nagaland, the chief minister said that Nagaland will be known as ‘land of festivals’ and the Hornbill Festival as the ‘festival of festivals.’ He urged the people to give their best and also identify how best they want to be identified as. At least 29 government departments and 40 SHGs participated in the exhibitions. Earlier the chief minister inaugurated the 75-bedded Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital Zunheboto.

Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital inaugurated
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the upgraded 75-bedded Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital in Zunheboto on November 13. In a short programme, Rio dedicated the hospital to the people of the district. According to the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Viheshe, the hospital was earlier 50-bedded and known as District Hospital of Zunheboto. Its nomenclature was changed to Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital Zunheboto in 1992. It might also be mentioned that Hezukhu was one of the pioneers of Zunheboto district and the father of Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi.
ONGC reaps double bonanza in Assam Bikash Singh, ET Bureau
GUWAHATI: ONGC, the oil & gas PSU major, has found uranium in Borholla and struck oil in Kasomarigaon, both in Upper Assam.

A K Hazarika, director (onshore) told ET: "We have started examining our oil wells log data. During one such examination, we found uranium in the Borholla well. Already, we have inked an MoU with Uranium Corporation of India (UCIL) and are carrying out a joint study. We are going through the log data of several abandoned wells to trace Uranium."

Mr Hazarika added: "There are several areas in the North East, including Mizoram, which are believed to be uranium-rich. In Kasomarigaon we have found a new oil well. It is producing 70 cubic metres of oil per day."

He further said: "I am going to Nazira in Upper Assam on Thursday to have a meeting with my team and talk on the development of the new well. For refurbishing our facilities, we have come up with an investment plan. The project aims at re-engineering and revamping surface facilities, which are more than 30-40 years old. Under this we are investing around Rs 2,376 crore. Orders have been placed and ground work will start soon."

The ONGC board on March 5, 2009 approved sanctions for investment proposals for renewal of Lakwa and Lakhmani surface facilities in Assam. The project will sustain production and uninterrupted exploitation for the next 25 years and maintain high standards of safety and environment. Revamping and renewal of surface facilities in other such assets in Assam will also be taken up in a phased manner.

When asked about ONGC’s plan of re-entering the hydrocarbon sector in Nagaland, Mr Hazarika said: "Nothing has moved much on this front."

ONGC had earlier stopped E&P activities in Nagaland after militant outfits threatened to stop E&P activities in 1994. ONGC is once again in the process of starting operations in the state. It has opened a liaison office at Dimapur in Nagaland.

Land of Commissions morungexpress
Recently, our government has coined the slogan ‘land of festivals’, which is meant to project not only the image of Nagaland as a tourist destination but also to promote the comparative advantage of the State and its people, which is found in the rich socio-cultural capital and abundant natural resources. This is very good and with all the right publicity and brand selling, Nagaland is indeed the envy of not only the northeastern sister States but also the rest of India. But what lies beneath the surface and is it as beautiful on the inside? If we are to use a terminology from the world of beauty contests, we often give great value to a contestant who has not only great physical beauty but someone who is also a wonderful human being on the inside. Is Nagaland, our pride and joy, as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside? This will require an honest appraisal to really find out the health and spiritual well being of our State and its people.
Nagaland prides itself as the land of culture and tradition and its people are known for their warm hospitality. In fact another trait that Nagas were known all over the world for was their honesty and hard work. However, today it is quite embarrassing to attach this quality to ourselves. Today, dishonesty and the unending greed for money and power have destroyed the moral fiber of our society. There is widespread corruption and the primary objective of everyone is clearly on swindling public money and amassing more and more wealth. In all this melee and aggrandizement the biggest loser is Nagaland, its development and the vast majority of its people who continue to live as second class citizens. Resources are disproportionately distributed and this is clearly evident from the lopsided development right across Nagaland and also the class structure that has been created in the process. While the image of our State can always be corrected through the wonderful medium of the so called public relation exercise, what will happen to the inner self—the life being, the heart and soul of the nation?
There is nothing wrong to be proud of our rich cultural heritage. But we need to also accept some of the truths—where we have failed. While Nagaland is a land of festivals, it is also a land of omission and commission. As mentioned, corruption has become a cancerous growth eating into the vitals of our system. No doubt there are still honest people around, yet an overwhelming majority will go to any length to siphon off public money. It is quite ironic that while our Ministers emphasize on quality when it comes to building our roads, bridges and other assets, yet they encourage the culture of paying commissions by demanding the same. What quality of work can one expect when commissions have to be first paid? It is not only the present dispensation but successive State governments have indulged in this scam. There are unconfirmed reports that deductions and collections of irregular commission altogether amounts to more than 25% of the contractual works. Our State politicians and Ministers while they condemn the so called ‘extortions’ from underground groups must explain whether what they are themselves indulging in amounts to extortion or not. It will be interesting to get a response to this. Otherwise, critics should not be blamed if the corrupt state machinery is equated with the extortionists and criminals roaming the State.

Rebels overrun IRB camp in Assam, loot armoury Nagaland Page


Guwahati, November 13: About 200 tribal militants armed with guns and machetes overran a paramilitary post in Assam Friday, injuring 4 troopers and decamping with more than 20 automatic weapons, officials said.
A police spokesperson said heavily armed militants attacked a camp of the paramilitary India Reserve Battalion (IRB) at Chekarcham, bordering Manipur, about 360 km south of Assam's main city of Guwahati.
"The IRB troopers were taken by surprise when about 200-odd people armed with guns and crude implements attacked the camp and started hitting the security personnel. Four troopers were injured, while about 20 others present at the camp were literally taken hostage by the group," a senior police official said.
Police suspect the group could be from the newly floated Hmar tribal rebel group active in the border area, although not much was known about the outfit.
"The group did not use firearms, but attacked the IRB troopers with crude weapons like sticks and machetes. Later, they looted the service weapons of the troopers numbering about 20 rifles," the official said.
The injured IRB troopers were shifted to the Silchar Medical College Hospital with multiple injuries.
"The group left the camp after decamping with the weapons," the official said.
A massive hunt is now on by police, army and paramilitary troopers to nab the group and get the weapons back. (Agencies)



Author highlights India’s failing ‘Look East’ policy by Mungpi Mizzima


New Delhi (Mizzima) - In order to achieve peace and stability in India’s North Eastern region, India must reverse its ‘Look East’ policy, and stand firm in its support towards democratic reforms in neighbouring military-ruled Burma, a prominent Indian journalist said in a newly released book.

Subhir Bhaumik a senior journalist and academic researcher, in his recently released book titled “Troubled Periphery: Crisis of India's Northeast” published by Sage, details how India’s policy towards Burma and Bangladesh have overlooked the practical implications in North eastern India.

Bhaumik, BBC’s East India correspondent, has been following India’s ‘Look East’ policy and the change in its approach towards the Burmese military generals, whom India in the late 1980s shunned.

But with the formulation of the ‘Look East’ policy, India in the early 1990s changed its policy towards the Burmese generals, who came to power in a military coup in 1988, and began courting and appeasing them.

But Bhaumik, in his book, describes that India is following a failed policy for over a decade and is playing a catch-up game with China in order to gain a foothold in Burma.

“Unless we have a truly federal and democratic Burma and a secular and democratic Bangladesh, the stability of the Northeast cannot be ensured. The Burmese generals have made a fool of India -- and why should we play a catch-up game with China in Burma,” Bhaumik said.




Rather Bhaumik said India should stand firm in its support for a democratic movement in Burma, which will in the long run serve the interest of India.

India has proclaimed that the change in its policy towards Burma is in its national interest – countering growing Chinese influence in Burma, seeking the Burmese generals’ support in flushing out North Eastern rebels, and fulfilling India’s growing energy demand by seeking to get a foothold in Burma’s natural gas.

But Bhaumik said, in contrast to India’s objectives, India is losing out on the Burmese natural gas to China, and the Burmese generals had never kept their promise of flushing out Indian rebels from their soil.

China’s National Petroleum Corporation on November 3 announced that it is beginning the construction of a dual gas and oil pipeline in Kyaukphyu town of Burma’s western coastal state of Arakan. The pipeline will connect Burma’s western coast with China’s South-western Yunnan Province.

The pipeline will be used for transporting natural gas from Burma’s offshore Shwe Gas fields, for which China won the sole purchasing right, while the oil pipeline would be used for transporting oil purchased by China from Middle East and African nations.

India claims that insurgencies in North-east India has caused severe set-backs in developmental projects, and have time and again urged the Burmese military to flush out Indian rebels from its soil.

But Bhaumik argues that none of these has happened and Burma’s military rulers are playing with India. He added that India cannot afford to have too many military regimes in its neighbourhood, and thus should support the democracy movement in Burma and join forces with the West on this issue.

“India’s only alternative is to back the movement for democracy -- what have we gained by backing the generals for 10 years -- neither has India's security concerns been addressed, drugs flow into India from Burma as ever before, so do Chinese arms,” Bhaumik argues.

India in the early 1990s formulated the “Look East” policy with the aim of integrating with the growing Southeast Asian economies. And with Burma being the immediate Southeast Asian neighbour, India made a drastic change in its policy towards Burma and shook hands with the military regime, whom they had condemned for brutally crushing student protesters in 1988.

But Bhaumik said, “If Burma remains a basket case, India’s Look East will bump into the Great Wall called Myanmar [as Burma is now called] and go no further. All the grandiose transport links through Burma will remain on paper.”

“India not only has to overcome the democracy deficit in its northeastern region. It has to play a decisive role in overcoming the democracy deficit in the immediate neighbourhood,” Bhaumik said in his book.

The author also strongly suggests that if India is worried about the rising Chinese influence in the neighbourhood, particularly in Burma, that is all the more reason that India should wholeheartedly support the cause of democracy in Burma.

“We should not play a catch-up game with China, we should play a major role in giving to our Burmese brothers, what every Indian enjoys in some measure -- fruits of democracy, however limited,” Bhaumik added.
Yangon to crack down on UG camps Indo-Myanmar Liaison meet IndoBurma News
November 11, 2009: Imphal, Attended by top Army officials of the two neighbouring countries, the 38th IndoMyanmar bi-annual liaison meeting was held at Leimakhong today.
Sources: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 10 2009: Attended by top Army officials of the two neighbouring countries, the 38th IndoMyanmar bi-annual liaison meeting was held at Leimakhong today.

A 15-member Myanmarese delegation led by Brig Gen Tin Maung Ohn attended the bi-annual liaison.

The Indian delegation was led by Chief of Staff 3 Corps, Major Gen SS Pawar.

Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, Major General SS Pawar described the meeting as a landmark event in the friendly relation the two neighbouring countries have been maintaining and informed that various important issues have been discussed.


Frans on 11.14.09 @ 08:08 AM CST [link]


Wednesday, November 11th

The Making and the Un-Making of the Naga Nation Impung Chang



The Making and the Un-Making of the Naga Nation Impung Chang

A Lotha Naga warrior performing a dance during the celebration of Tokhu Emong, a post harvest festival of the Lotha tribe at Dimapur, on November 7. (Photo/Caisii Mao)

I have always felt a sense of sheer joy and pride in claiming the name NAGA, and I often wonder what is it that propelled a collective of tribes who hardly knew each other almost a century back to come together and call themselves a Naga Nation. Surely, there are some underlying factors that heralded this process of nation building. Another question that I often ask myself is – what is it that makes me a Naga? Is it something in the blood or is it something in the shared culture, or are there some external factors that came about through colonialism? Moreover, how do I know that I am a Naga? Is it up to certain tribes or political groups to decide who is and who is not a Naga, as certain groups tried to claim in the case of Southern Nagas a few years back?
Although there is no doubt that it was the colonial anthropologists who first coined the term Naga and made it part of the common usage, it was with the formation of Naga Club in Kohima that the term took on a social and political dimension that was integral to the subsequent formation of a Naga identity. Through rest of the 20th century, as the Nagas witnessed and experienced their land and way of life being systematically occupied and subjugated, the idea of a Naga nation became more firmly rooted as an idea worth aspiring and fighting for. However, today, as a result of tribalism, the compromising posture of the Naga elite, the divisions created by the state and the indifference bred into the minds of people through years of colonial occupation, the concept of a Naga identity is increasingly facing the threat of disintegration.
“Nations” do not just exist; rather they emerge and evolve like many other social institutions through a difficult and rather inconsistent process. Various social, cultural, economic and political factors go into the making of a nation. Benedict Anderson talks of the rise of ‘print capitalism’ as a quintessential factor in imagining a national community. Jochen Hippler talks of nation-building as “a process of socio-political development, which ideally – usually over a longer historical time span – allows initially loosely linked communities to become a common society with a nation-state corresponding to it”. In the case of Nagas, certain cultural factors related to the coming of colonial modernity among the Nagas, such as modern education and print culture had an important role in providing resources and tools for imagining a nation. The growth of a Naga middle class and exposure to global events and processes also did not fail to contribute towards this imagining. However, the principle factor behind the emergence and formation of a Naga identity was political. In other words, the nation had been found and built on the basis of political resistance to imposition of colonial rule over the Nagas, whether it was the British or Indian. It is in the context of this political struggle that many tribes have come together and have articulated themselves under the umbrella of a common identity known as Naga.
The initial articulation of a Naga national identity came from a group of men in Kohima called the Naga Club. They were all beneficiaries of modern education and a newly emerging print culture. They had opportunities to travel beyond their villages into places and lands far away. Some of them even went to France during the First World War, thereby expanding their geographical and political horizons. The Naga Club had representatives from Angami, Zeme, Liangmei, Kuki, Sema, Lotha and Rengma tribes. As the Naga national movement gained momentum from the 1940s, the concept of Naga nation expanded to include many more other tribes aspiring to be independent of colonial rule. In the 1950s, several tribes from Tuensang and the hill tracts of Manipur joined the Naga national movement. This was largely a result of the early efforts of Naga national leaders like Phizo and T. Sakhrie. They travelled extensively, from village to village, bringing disparate groups of tribes within the fold of the Naga nation, with the objective of fighting the yoke of colonial rule. It was the political aspiration of all these tribes to be independent that was instrumental in them coming together as a nation. The nation-building process among the Nagas at the time was understood to be inclusive and any Naga tribe who agreed with the political goal of independence was brought into the fold of the Naga nation and all of them contributed a great deal towards the national movement.
From the beginning, there were always attempts on the part of the state to break this inclusive character of the nation-building process. From the 1950s, the state utilized not only its armed forces but also its extensive intelligence apparatus to divide the unity among the various Naga tribes and nurture suspicion and fear of each other. One of the first attempts in this direction came when in 1957 the Intelligence Bureau of the Indian government brought together some of the Naga bureaucrats and elite to form the Naga People’s Convention, which subsequently created the Nagaland state. The creation of Nagaland state pushed the efforts made by our national leaders to forge unity among all the Naga tribes backwards. Large majority of the Nagas inhabiting what is today Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Burma were excluded from the Nagaland state that was formed. Moreover, funds began flowing from the Indian government to the Nagaland state, thereby pampering a sizeable section of Nagas living in the Nagaland state and leaving the Nagas outside the Nagaland state under-developed, not to say the more disheartening situation of the Nagas living in Burma. This creation of developmental inequality over the last fifty years further separated the Nagas of the Nagaland state from the rest of the Nagas.
The counter-insurgency measures of the Indian government have also not failed to generate fear and suspicion among the tribes. The state has always found in tribalism an effective instrument to further divide the Nagas. Transcending narrow tribe based loyalty and nurturing a national loyalty, while at the same time acknowledging the distinctness of each tribe, was an important objective of those who began the Naga nation-building process. However, in order to break the Naga nation, the state has often tried to pit one tribe against the other. The unequal development among the tribes, largely a result of colonialism, has only further contributed to this, wherein some of the more forward tribes tend to isolate and look down upon some of the more backward tribes. Tribalism has not failed to break the Naga national movement at various junctures despite the fact that the early leaders of the movement constantly fought against such trends.
The state and other vested interests have been so successful in creating hurdles in the Naga nation-building process that today, some Nagas, ignorant of their own history and self, have the audacity to say that certain other Nagas are not ‘genuine’ Nagas. Some Nagas are referred to as ‘second-class’ citizens and are deliberately excluded and alienated from the Naga nation. For one, I know that it would be impossible for me to treat our eastern Naga brothers and sisters who are suffering under the military regime in Burma as second-class citizens. At various junctures in the history of the Naga national movement, they have borne the burden of sheltering the Naga Army against the Indian army. Similarly, the people of Tuensang and Mon contributed extensively in both, men and material, towards the Naga movement, especially in its early phase. Many men and women gave their life for the movement. Unfortunately, this has often gone unrecorded and unacknowledged. The valuable contributions made by the Nagas living in the hill tracts of Manipur since the 1960s cannot go unnoticed. Their role has been integral to the sustenance of the movement following the infamous Shillong Accord of 1975. In the 1980s and 90s, it is they who faced the brunt of the Indian military operations. When one considers all this history, the trend to profile certain tribes as trouble makers or the roots of all problem, and to question their genuineness as Nagas is nothing but malicious moves to undermine the basis of Naga nationalist aspiration. Naga national identity had been envisioned on the basis of being inclusive rather than exclusive, and on the basis of a common political goal.
To come back to some of the questions I began this article with, it can be said that while there are many cultural factors that bring the myriad Naga tribes together as a nation, it is the shared experience of a political reality and struggle, and a common political aspiration that ultimately becomes the basis of a Naga nation. What makes me a Naga is my involvement in a history of building a nation of different peoples in the face of colonial incursions. It is primarily a political identity. Once we acknowledge that, we begin to see why we need to be inclusive, loving and understanding to each other. It is up to us, the youth, to dream once again the dream that the founding leaders of our nation dreamt, to recover the real basis of who we are and thereby overcome the hurdles many vested interests have put in our way of building an inclusive and united Naga nation.

(The writer is a Post-Graduate in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi)
India for augmenting border trade with Myanmar STAFF WRITER (PTI)
Imphal, Nov 10 India will explore ways to augment border trade with Myanmar, and delegates from the two countries would meet soon to deliberate on the issue, a senior government official has said.

A joint conference of delegates from both the countries would be organised soon to find ways and means to enhance border trade, V L Kantha Rao, Director of Commerce Department, Government of India, said.

The assurance was given at a meeting of official teams from both the countries at Tamu, border town of Myanmar, yesterday.

Rao said for smooth trade national highway 39 should be properly developed and maintained.

National highway 39 connects three north eastern states -- Assam, Nagaland and Manipur -- and terminates at Indo-Myanmar border.
Bridging one border, two peoples Longrangty Longchar Morungexpress
Mokokchung | November 10 : It is a general view that the border areas of Assam-Nagaland is a conflict zone that witnesses border conflicts from time to time between the Assamese and the Naga villagers. Yet, to some extent, peace and trust between the two neighbors have been maintained during the last few years after the formation of Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland) in August 2005. This committee, which is purely a voluntary organization, has taken the role of an independent assessor – whenever border disputes arise – and through sharing free, undiluted and truthful information. The committee keeps the authorities updated on the ground realities and so contains situations from flaring up.
In an interaction here today, the coordinator of the BPCC (A-N), Temsu Wathi Ao, who is the architect behind the formation of the committee, said it was formed on August 19, 2005 at Saring village, Longchem under Mokokchung district. A meeting was held, attended by responsible likeminded members of the society from both the states of Assam and Nagaland. These people shared the same concern in maintaining peace in the border areas.
The journey started. The committee recognized peace as its primary concern and coordinated between the people living on either sides of the border to bring about peace and harmony. The office bearers of the BPCC (A-N) comprise of responsible Assamese and Naga leaders who work in close coordination whenever border incidents occur.
“As and when incidents occur, which have huge chances of flaring up, they are controlled at the very beginning by involving the executive members of the committee who contact their counterparts living on the other side of the border, and who in turn inform the district administration and the police about the facts of the incident,” Wathi said. The success of the BPCC (A-N) is that, people living on both sides of the border can contact each other and seek information regarding what actually happened. This leaves no room for rumor mongers who spread disinformation for vested interests.
“The main problem with regard to the border conflict is that whenever there are any incidents, there are some third forces who spread rumors among the people thereby making the problem complicated which otherwise could have been solved easily and amicably,” said Wathi. The BPCC (A-N) also work for preventing rumors and finding facts, he added.
He said that easy connectivity through the use of mobile phones greatly helps the committee in resolving issues. The committee members undertake spot verifications and pass on their information to their counterparts on the other side of the border through mobile phones.
“The use of mobile phones has greatly helped the committee since we can talk with anyone at anytime whenever situation arises,” Wathi said. His main duty is to make and receive phone calls from either the Assam or Naga BPCC (A-N) executive members or the district administration and police regarding any border conflict. He verifies fact and assesses ground situation. The information is then relayed to the concerned parties.
“Whenever a situation arises, the administration of the affected district would contact the executive members of the BPCC (A-N) and the information would be relayed to their counterparts living in the other state. Often the executive members of the BPCC (A-N) would undertake a spot verification and find out the root cause of the incident,” he said.
Most incidents are related to cattle lifting, carjacking, and extortion by anti-socials – mostly suspected NSCN cadres, it was informed. Small incidents, if left unattended, have the potential of flaring up into major issues. However, Wathi said that the committee is simply a neutral body and that it is not for any border solving. It is a group to bring about peace between the people of the two states through the spirit of love and brotherhood. Significantly, the motto of the BPCC (A-N) is “Love thy neighbor.”
The most remarkable aspect of the committee is that after its formation in 2005, it wrote letters to both the Assam and Nagaland government to stop raiding and evicting villages located in the Disturbed Area Belt. The governments were expected to inform the BPCC (A-N) about such raids, otherwise the government would be held responsible. After this directive, there are no more raids on the villages, Wathi informed.
Another unique feature of the BPCC (A-N) is that, unlike other committees formed in the past, it was formed by affected people living in the borders and it comprises of both Assamese and Naga people equally. Presently the committee is headed by an Assamese and a Naga as the president and the vice president respectively. Such a border peace committee cannot be fruitful unless the affected people are involved and that it would be useless if such a committee exists for a few months and dies out. Wathi said that the committee was formed for long-term and that it is there in both the good and the bad times.
The BPCC (A-N) has also its own share of problems. Wathi informed that the executive members whenever they have to go for spot verifications have to meet all other expenses – from their own pockets. He said that the governments should allot some funds to the BPCC (A-N) so the members can carry out their works more effectively. He said that ten MLAs from Mokokchung during one of the DPDB meetings in Mokokchung, promised to provide some fund to the BPCC (A-N). Besides, the committee still is not registered and the process of registration is facing problems this involves two states. But Wathi expressed hope that the group would be registered in the days to come.
Asserting that the BPCC (A-N) is going from strength to strength, Wathi disclosed that the committee is setting up sub-committees in other border areas. “We want to replicate this model right from Mon district to Nuiland (Dimapur),” he said.
Personally, Wathi said that to maintain peace in the border areas, the people of Assam and Nagaland should recognize each others’ contributions and the age-old cordial relations should be upheld through one-to-one relationship and through cultural exchanges. Besides, he said that the people of Assam and Nagaland should be content with and stick to whatever land they have and should maintain a status quo over it.
It may be mentioned here that the border areas in Mokokchung have seen a lot of tension in the recent past. And while the governments of both Assam and Nagaland make claims and counter-claims over villages and its areas, no concrete solution has been found so far. But with the involvement of the BPCC (A-N) and the subsequent sharing of information and interaction between the people of Assam and Nagaland, the people are optimistic of a lasting peace between the two neighbors. And a renewal of the age-old relationship shared by the Ahoms and the Nagas.

(Temsu Wathi Ao is the District Informatics Officer in NIC, Mokokchung. Hailing from Lirmen village located in the Assam Nagaland border, Wathi has firsthand account of the problems being faced by the people living in the border areas. Having done most of his schooling and college studies in Assam, Temsu Wathi Ao was also the ‘Coordinator for the Undivided Sibsagar District’ when he was in the All Assam Students’ Union during the year 1979-83. His stint in the AASU and also his schooling in the Assam institutions gave him the opportunity to make essential contacts with the Assamese people, which ultimately led to the formation of the BPCC)
‘We should all work together to bring peace’ DIPR
Kohima, (DIPR): A peace caravan led by Rev. Kari Longchar, Director for Peace Affairs, NBCC Kohima, held a meeting with the government administrative officials, NGOs and public leaders at the DC’s Conference Hall on November 9.
“We should all work together to bring peace in Nagaland,” said Rev. Longchar. “The greatest challenge facing our society today is how to bring about peace in our society. In the past the Church has been the sole steward of peace, but now with the administrations and civil societies joining hands, it has gradually ushered in an era of peace and prosperity in our society,” he added.
Delivering a short speech, Dinesh Kumar, the Deputy Commissioner of Mon, upheld and appreciated the initiative taken by the NBCC in organising the peace caravan in all the districts of Nagaland. “In every society peace is required and the civil society – stakeholders, NGOs, public leaders and the Church – has a vital role to play in spreading the message of peace among the people. Peace also includes government properties, public properties; and therefore it should not be targeted,” reminded the DC. In order to bring peace and prosperity in the society all the administrative heads, NGOs and public leaders should cooperate and work hand in hand, he added. The DC also said the need of the hour is to bring permanent peace in Nagaland.
Khoiwang, president of Konyak Union, delivered a short speech at the function chaired by Hotokhu Zhimomi, president of Kohima Pastors’ Union. Earlier, Chemyuh, executive secretary of KBBB, introduced the team of ‘Peace Caravan’. Rev. Sheita, KBBB evangelist, and Rev. Tenga Seb, executive secretary for CRBC, pronounced the invocation and benediction respectively.

Ethnicity and Postmodern Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

The border tension between Nagaland and Manipur at Jessami in Ukhrul district which broke out last month has thankfully receded but the event should be an eye opener to all as to how and why there is a need for accommodating both tradition and the modern in inter ethnic relations. It will be recalled trouble broke out when a BSF camp located on the border on the Manipur side of the border was occupied by Nagaland Armed Police, NAP, after the BSF vacated the premises. The interesting fact is, both sides had no issue on the matter as long as a central force was the occupant of the premises perhaps in the understanding that the force belonged to both or to neither as the case may be, and also that its occupation would not be permanent. The minute the NAP moved in, the question of territory arose, initially between adjacent villages on either side of the border, but before long the matter became an interstate issue. The issue however is not unique and numerous border disputes exists at many different levels not just between states, but also between districts of a state, as the news of the Zeliangrong Students Union, ZSU, protesting a land acquisition move at Kamranga Khasia village by the Jiribam administration for a government project of setting up a Police Training Centre, claiming the village land falls within jurisdiction Zeliangrong tribe dominated Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district, bears evidence. Such disputes exist even between villages.
If there is any vital lesson to be learnt from these episodes, it is the need not just of the government, but of the people at large, to respect traditional outlooks and at the same time accommodate the demands of modern polity and administration. The consequence of any failure to do this is, among others, a dreary stagnation of the mind which would then be a perennial stumbling block to all modern development projects. Not any less would be the kind of conflict of interest with potentials for violence as witnessed at Jessami, Tungjoy, Dzuko Valley etc. The skirmishes also manifest in other forms. As for instance, in the manner in which seven Assembly segments in the unreserved valley district of Thoubal have become entrapped in the reserved Outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency where the villagers have only the right to vote but not to contest. It is also there in the resistance of the hill districts of Manipur to the introduction of any modern land tenure system, the Manipur Land Revenue and Reforms Act in particular, or in the de facto existence of a separate district called Sadar Hills with headquarters in Kangpokpi, although de jure it is still part of the Senapati district, not for anything else, but because of objections of Nagas to what they believe is a bifurcation of their traditional homeland by the official creation of a separate Sadar Hills, comprising largely of Kuki majority areas. Traces of this same contradiction can be seen in the campaign for and against the introduction of the 6th Schedule in Manipur as well, and in fact, it is also evident in the clash of notions of territory between what the NSCN(IM) proposes to be “Greater Nagaland” and those of neighbouring communities.
The hill-valley divide in Manipur, which is today reduced almost to the status of a cliché in journalism and academics, is an apt metaphor of this dichotomy between tradition and modern. On a positive note, perhaps it is in the imaginative resolution to this metaphoric struggle that the difficult frontier between the ethnic world and the inevitable modern world ahead can be gainfully mapped and traversed. The challenge is to ensure ethnic worldviews are not destroyed, for outside them, ethnic communities have been known to lose their sense of purpose and inner motivations. High rates of alcoholism, drugs abuse, HIV/AIDS prevalence, juvenile delinquency, low self esteem, promiscuity etc in Manipur and many northeast states in modern times may already be an indication of such a depletion of collective morale. The challenge is also equally to usher in the modern at a pace and in idioms that the traditional ethnic societies can comprehend, absorb and internalise without detriment. Both these projects are vital and both must be accommodated into a “post-modern” system in which the two are not mutually exclusive.

Myanmar promise on flushout - Assurance given at bi-annual liaison meet between armies OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


A member of the Manipur Polo Association presents a kangjei to a Myanmarese delegate in Imphal on Tuesday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Imphal, Nov. 10: Myanmar today assured India that it would not allow militants from the Northeast to take shelter in the country and carry out subversive activities from its soil.
The assurance was given by a strong delegation of the Myanmarese army to the Indian army during a meeting at Leimakhong army cantonment, the headquarters of the 57 Mountain Division at Leimakhong in Sadar Hills this morning.
This is the 38th Indo-Myanmar bi-annual liaison meeting. A 15-member Myanmarese delegation led by Brig. Gen. Tin Maung Ohn attended the meeting.
The delegation arrived yesterday and will return tomorrow.
The Indian army delegation was headed by chief of staff of the 3 Corps, Maj. Gen. S.S. Pawar. The meeting reviewed the security scenario along the international border and cooperation and relationship between the two countries.
After the meeting Gen. Pawar termed the meeting fruitful, cordial and smooth. Both sides exchanged views on working on security measures required for controlling insurgency in both countries and to check cross-border movement of insurgents.
The meeting also discussed the need to flush out Northeast insurgents from Myanmar. “The Myanmarese delegation assured us that insurgents from the Northeast would not be allowed to work from their soil. They also assured us that they have started working on this,” Gen. Pawar said.
This is for the first time that the Myanmarese army has given a categorical assurance to India that the country would not allow militants from this side of the border to take shelter in the country and intends to flush them out.
Top army officers on this of the border have been complaining that militants from the Northeast set up camps in Myanmar and the country is not doing anything to flush them out.
Till today, the Myanmarese response was that it would oust the rebels if their camps existed in the country.
The assurance given by the Myanmarese delegation is being considered by the army here as an acceptance of the fact that Northeast insurgents were camping there. The Indian delegation also informed the Myanmarese delegation about construction of fences in the Moreh sector. In the first phase, the border fencing would be constructed from border pillars 71 to 81. The Myanmarese team said it was aware of the fencing plan.
The team visited Loktak lake this afternoon before witnessing an exhibition match of Manipuri polo, arambai (warfare) and tent pegging at Imphal pologround.
The event was sponsored by the GOC, 57 Mountain Division Maj. Gen. Shakti Gurung, and organised by Manipur Equestrian Association, All Manipur Arambai Association and Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association.
Popularity at its lowest - No arrest can break outfit’s backbone till Barua in net, says ex-general; intelligence reveals attack plan The Telegraph


A deserted Ganeshguri flyover during the Assam bandh called by Ulfa on Monday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Ulfa started its movement three decades back, vowing to wage a war against the cause of underdevelopment and illegal migration of Bangladeshis, which was threatening the demography of Assam.
Today, Ulfa’s popularity has reached its nadir. Public support is long lost and its leaders are deserting the organisation. But peace is still a far cry.
The arrest of Ulfa’s “foreign secretary” Sasha Choudhury and “finance secretary” Chitrabon Hazarika has dealt a blow to the organisation. It is very encouraging to see the Bangladesh government taking steps against Ulfa, which till now was enjoying a safe haven in the neighbouring country. Hopefully, such action will continue against Ulfa and other Indian insurgent group leaders who are living in Bangladesh.
The surrender/arrest of Choudhury and Hazarika should not be a cause for excessive rejoicing because the political wing of Ulfa has been ineffective since the organisation lost its aim, and that was a long time ago. The organisation has been run single-handedly by Paresh Barua, the self-styled commander-in-chief, and the military wing has been enjoying more powers. Till Barua is either brought to book or agrees to peace talks, this organisation has the capability to survive and strike.
The organisation has seen many major setbacks in the past — like the arrest of “vice-chairman” Pradeep Gogoi in 1998 in Calcutta when he was seeking medical treatment, Lohit Deori, the main architect of the Bhutan camps, who surrendered in 2000 because of major differences with deputy-commander Raju Barua, the Royal Bhutan Army’s professional operations to flush out militants from their country, and the 28th battalion’s A and C company commanders returning to the mainstream in 2008, along with a large number of their cadres.
Still, the organisation remains an irritant to the people of Assam. There are reports that Paresh Barua, with some militant leaders of Manipur and Tripura, has jointly opened another access for receiving extensive training in guerrilla warfare, explosives, espionage, selective assassination, electronic communications and equipping the cadres. If this report is true, then security forces and intelligence agencies have to be on their toes.
Ulfa has the capability to reorganise and acquire new leaders. In the past, there were occasions when its top leaders had faltered but the delayed action on the part of the authorities allowed its leadership to overcome the crisis.
Now Sasha Choudhury and Chitrabon Hazarika’s interrogation should be well utilised for spreading anti-Ulfa propaganda to curb recruitment, extortion, the futility of the organisation.
Most of the Ulfa general committee members are with us. Add to this the two company commanders of 28 battalion and Lohit Deori to spread the message to the public that the cause for which the organisation was started has been achieved.
The Centre is now paying considerable attention to Assam and the people of the state are lucky and proud to have Prime Minister Manmohan Singh elected from their state. The correct and well-executed message from them can help make the leaders/cadres still work for the organisation to understand the damage it is causing to their motherland.
The government, too, has to show large heart and stop imposing feeble restrictions on peace talks. This effort will help lay the ground for achieving ultimate peace. Assam, the land of lofty tradition and customs, has seen enough of insurgency and now deserves peace.
Controversial AFSPA be amended, PM tells tribal leaders Ians
AGARTALA, Nov 10: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has assured tribal leaders from Tripura that the Central Government would suitably amend the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) 1958 that gives unlimited powers to the paramilitary forces to shoot on sight and arrest anybody without a warrant.
The assurance, say tribal leaders, came when a five-member delegation of Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) met the Prime Minister in New Delhi late last month and submitted a detailed memorandum.
Home Minister P Chidambaram, Tribal Welfare Minister Kantilal Bhuria, Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanaswamy, National Security Advisor MK Narayanan and Home Secretary GK Pillai were present at the meeting.
“Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram unambiguously assured us that the Centre is now working to modify certain provisions of the AFSPA,” said Rabindra Debbarma, former Tripura minister and INPT general secretary.
Home Ministry officials in New Delhi told IANS that amendments to the controversial legislation had been finalized and sent to the Union Cabinet for approval. Once the Cabinet clears it, it will be applicable throughout the country — be it Jammu and Kashmir or the northeastern States.
According to the INPT, a regional party and an ally of Congress, over 1,500 tribal youths have been either detained or arrested under AFSPA over the years. “The demand for repealing the AFSPA was one of the issues in our ongoing movement against the Left Front Government,” Debbarma said, adding that the repeal of the draconian law was a major issue in the entire Northeast.
Besides Tripura, the AFSPA is also in force in Manipur, Assam and Nagaland.
Human rights activist Irom Sharmila in Manipur has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 10 years, demanding rescinding of the controversial Act, which was enacted by parliament to quell the Naga insurgency in Northeast India in 1958.
Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Sekhar Mooshahary and Central intelligence officials in a recent meeting of police chiefs of Northeast in Shillong also discussed the issue. IANS
Don’t talk silly: India to China Ians
NEW DELHI/BEIJING, Nov 10: Wary of the Chinese practice of using state-controlled media to air provocative views, India on Tuesday described as a “bit silly” a Chinese daily’s comment that India had not learnt its lessons from 1962 war. “Such language” will not help bilateral ties, India underlined.
India’s reaction came on a day China voiced its “strong dissatisfaction” and accused India of “disregarding the solemn position of China” in allowing Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to visit Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims to be part of what it calls “south Tibet.”
“Talk of India not learning lessons from 1962 is silly. We are far from 1962 and history does not always repeat itself,” Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said here.
“We are not woefully prepared as we were in 1962 and such language will not help. China’s articulations in recent weeks have been nothing but an irritant,” Tharoor said.
He was reacting to a report published in China’s state-run newspaper Global Times in which Hu Shisheng, a researcher at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said that India seemed to have “forgotten the lesson” of the 1962 war.
“India may have forgotten the lesson of 1962, when its repeated provocation resulted in military clashes. India is on this wrong track again,” Hu wrote.
“When the conflict gets sharper and sharper, the Chinese Government will have to face it and solve it in a way India has designed,” he wrote.
Hu’s remarks were seen here as a sign of China’s increasingly aggressive posturing and its unhappiness with New Delhi for letting the Dalai Lama visit Arunachal Pradesh.
Venting its “strong dissatisfaction” with India, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang on Tuesday said in Beijing that India had ignored requests to stop the Dalai Lama’s trip to Arunachal Pradesh.
“The Indian side disregarded the solemn position of China in allowing the Dalai Lama to visit the disputed area of the eastern section of the China-India border region,” Qin told reporters.
“China expresses strong dissatisfaction about that.” The visit “fully exposes the Dalai Lama’s separatist nature,” Qin said. “His attempt will not succeed.”
India on Monday made it clear that the Dalai Lama’s visit to the State was on his own initiative and underlined it had nothing to do with it.
“The Dalai Lama is free to travel anywhere in India... I have not heard the suggestion comes from us as we do not deal with the spiritual travels of spiritual leaders. He has to visit his flock as he sees fit,” Tharoor had said on Monday. IANS


Frans on 11.11.09 @ 01:05 PM CST [link]


Sunday, November 8th

Burmese army targets India rebels By Subir Bhaumik BBC News, Nagaland



Burmese army targets India rebels By Subir Bhaumik BBC News, Nagaland

Burmese troops have surrounded a base of Naga separatists in the country's northwest and begun bombing it, Indian military officials said.
They said Indian troops have fanned out in the hills opposite this base in Sagaing to arrest any rebels who may try to flee into Indian territory.
The base is operated by the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).
There are around 300 rebels at the base, Indian intelligence agencies say.
Most of them are NSCN guerrillas, but around 50 of them belong to the separatist United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa).
Two Burmese light infantry regiments are involved in the attack, they said.
But Burmese military officials or diplomats were unwilling to provide details.
Villagers around Maniakshaw in Sagaing said they could see the Burmese troops firing mortars, targeting the camp.
Diplomatic pressure
Indian troops confirmed heavy shelling of the Naga rebel base since late on Thursday but were not sure whether the Burmese had launched an infantry assault.
Burma's military junta has been under Indian diplomatic pressure to launch assaults against northeast Indian rebel bases in its territory for some time now.
But the junta has cited counter-insurgency commitments elsewhere in the country for not starting an offensive against these bases located mostly in Sagaing division in the hilly northwest of the country.
The Bhutanese army demolished the north-eastern Indian rebel bases in the southern part of the kingdom in December 2003 in an operation.
The success of that operation has prompted India to push its other neighbours in the east to initiate similar military action against the rebels from the northeast.
Bangladesh's new Awami League led government has also started a crackdown against north-eastern rebel hideouts on their hideout.
The separatist United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) has alleged that Bangladesh police has picked up two of the senior leaders from Dhaka this week and expressed apprehensions that they may be handed over to India.
‘Eastern Nagaland should get rid of the backward tag’ morungexpress
Tuensang, November 7 (MExN): The Lok Sabha MP C M Chang while addressing the 19th General Session of Chang Officers’ Association today at the Jubilee Memorial hall, Tuensang insisted that the people from eastern Nagaland should get rid of the “backward tag” as it is “derogatory and insulting”.
Besides the 25 % reservation in all government jobs, he affirmed that the eastern Nagas should venture out and “compete to be a part of the mainstream”, stated a press note issued by the press secretary to the MP.
The note stated that the MP lamented over the mushrooming of community wise Officers’ Associations and said that it has “created more conflict and confusion”. He cautioned that this negative trend should not be encouraged.
Meanwhile, the MP also extolled the Chief Minister for his efforts in bringing Nagas closer, saying that the “results are showing”. The note also claimed that when the MP along with the chief minister and senior cabinet minister went to meet the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh to “offer unconditional support” after Chang was elected to the parliament, the PM expressed his optimism that the “protracted Naga political issue” will be resolved during the tenure of the 15th Lok Sabha.
Talking about his past experiences as the president of erstwhile Tuensang and Mon Officers’ Association, he claimed that there was “more unity” amongst the members of the two districts working “under one umbrella”. He also added that addressing the officials have reminded him of his days as a government official serving in different capacities before being elected to the parliament. Exhorting the Chang officers, the MP maintained that officers are best equipped to educate the people and also ensure that conflicts between different sections of the society are avoided, it stated.
Moreover, the note also mentioned that the MP cited the Tobu conflicts in the early 90s, claiming that he was the one who took initiatives by convincing with the leaders of both the parties and that the situation was restored to normalcy.
Two students from NE thrashed in S Delhi TNN
7 November 2009, 03:04am IST
NEW DELHI: In yet another incident that points to rising violence against students from the Northeast, a 21-year-old student's nose was fractured
while another student was badly beaten up by a group of unidentified men near South Extension-II on Thursday. The police said they have registered a case and have detained a few suspects.

According to the cops, the victims Yanshum Thung (21), a BA final year student at Dyal Singh College, and Niuto (23), who is pursuing MBBS from Safdarjung Hospital hail from Nagaland and were returning to their Kotla Mubarakpur residence when some miscreants threw momos at them. The two were returning from Gautam Budh Nagar at 8.30pm and had stopped at an eating joint when a boy allegedly threw food at Yanshum. On this, Yanshum retaliated.

"We had stopped near South Ex Part II and were having food when some men threw momos on us. When we asked the four men at the corner of the road why they were throwing momos, they started abusing us. However, some locals intervened and the matter was settled. We left for our house in a few minutes,'' one of the victims told police.

"After this, when Yanshum and Niuto proceeded towards an ATM near their house, the same men again came and threw a stone at them. Yanshum's nose was fractured, he started bleeding and fell unconscious. Niuto, meanwhile, was was allegedly beaten up by the five accused with sticks. He also suffered injuries,'' said a senior police officer.

The assailants fled the spot and the victims informed their friends who, in turn, called the police. Both were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre where a medical examination was conducted. The two were discharged on Friday. A group of students from Northeast also reached the spot and complained of alleged racial abuse by area locals.

"We have registered a case under Section 325 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) and 323 (hurt) and 34 (common intention) at Kotla Mubarakpur police station and have detained few suspects for questioning,'' said a senior police officer.

A member of Lotha Community from Nagaland, K Jami told Times City, "We received a call late in the night and rushed to the spot. The two were badly beaten up by the locals. We have filed a complaint and are pursuing the matter with the authorities.''
Three held for attacks on 2 Naga students Times of India
NEW DELHI: Three youths one of them a relative of a Delhi Police sub-inspector were arrested on Saturday for their alleged involvement in a
racial attack on two students from Nagaland on Thursday night. The incident had happened in the Kotla Mubarakpur area of south Delhi.

Those arrested were identified as Ritesh Kumar (the cop's kin), Shahrukh Khan and Sumit Kumar all between 19 and 21 years of age. The trio were arrested following a test identification parade on Saturday at Kotla Mubarakpur police station. All three are said to have confessed to the crime. They were later granted bail, police said.

Yanshum Thung (21), a BA final year student at Dayal Singh College, and Niuto (23), an MBBS student at Safdarjung, were allegedly abused on Thursday night when they went for dinner to a roadside eatery. Later, they were beaten up badly by the accused.

During their interrogation, the accused are claimed to have said they wanted to teach the Naga students a lesson for hanging out with girls. "When Thung and Niuto were having dinner at a kiosk in South Extension, the three first abused them and then threw momos at them. This led to an altercation but the matter was resolved and both parties left the place,'' said a senior police officer.

But sometimes later when Yanshum and Niuto had gone towards an ATM near their house, the same youths came and threw a stone at them. Yanshum's nose got fractured. He started bleeding and became unconscious. Niuto was then beaten up by the three.

The youth who allegedly threw the stone has been identified as Shahrukh, whose father owns a shop in Kotla Mubarakpur, said the police.

A member of the Lotha community of Nagaland to which the two students belong alleged a cover-up by the police. "One of the accused's relative is a sub-inspector with Delhi Police while his father is a lawyer. They easily managed to get bail,'' he said, not willing to be identified.

A case under Section 325 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) and 323 (hurt) and 34 (common intention) was registered at Kotla Mubarakpur police station on Thursday night.

2 Nagaland officials suspect - Wildlife crime bureau tracks 4 calls on poacher’s cell phone A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, Nov. 6: The rhino horn racket trail has led the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to two senior government officials in Nagaland.
These officials were found to be the subscribers of two telephone numbers found on the cell phone of a dreaded poacher, Harmuj Ali, who died in an encounter with forest guards at Orang Rajiv Gandhi National Park in Assam on the night of October 17.
Sources in the bureau today said the agency had tracked down four phone numbers found on Harmuj’s cell phone to Nagaland.
“Two of these phone numbers were registered in the names of senior state government officials based in Dimapur, another was registered in the name of a private school based in Kohima and one belonged to an individual in Mokokchung,” a senior official of the bureau said.
One of the two is a senior education department official and the other is a medical officer. Both are based in Dimapur, the bureau official said, declining to give further details.
He said the Nagaland police had been contacted.
The official said several phone calls had been exchanged between these numbers and that of Harmuj on the day the poacher and his associates killed a rhino at Orang.
“There were also several missed calls on Harmuj’s cell phone from these numbers after he died in the encounter. The calls kept coming from these numbers till late in the morning the day after the encounter,” he added.
The numbers were handed over to the Calcutta-based Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, which then contacted the cell phone companies for details of the call lists.
However, the SIM card recovered from Harmuj’s mobile was indeed stolen from the employee of a Guwahati-based construction company.
“The employee of the company had already registered a complaint with the police regarding the stolen SIM card,” a police official here said.
The police had picked up the person from Hatigaon following information from the wildlife crime bureau but had allowed him to go after he said his SIM card had been stolen.
The rangers of Orang have also managed to arrest two poachers involved in the killing of the rhino at the national park on October 17.
Md Majibur Rahman, who was picked up from Dholaguri Pathar village in Sonitpur district, was present at the encounter site at the park. He managed to escape but his two associates, Harmuj and another poacher, died in the shootout with forest guards.
His accomplice, Babar Ali of Basasimilu village under Dhekiajuli police station, provided logistical support to the group in carrying out the killing of the rhino, forest officials claimed.
Harmuj had been arrested several times earlier on charges of killing rhinos both at Kaziranga and Orang.
Forces map rebels’ escape The telegraph A STAFF REPORTER
Guwahati, Nov. 4: The efforts of security forces to convince Ulfa’s 28 battalion cadres who are still underground of the futility of armed struggle have started paying dividends.
Highly placed sources today said at least five cadres of the battalion, including a self-styled sergeant major, had fled their camps in Nagaland and taken shelter with the army. They will formally surrender soon.
Rinku Changmai of Borhat Changmai village fled the outfit’s camp in Mon district of Nagaland with an AK-47 rifle, a 9mm pistol and a grenade on Sunday. The army has kept him at an undisclosed location.
Self-styled Sgt Maj. Niren Sharma, and three other cadres of 28 battalion, Khagen Konwar, Bolin Konwar and Rinjit Tanti, fled their camps in Nagaland in the past two months and took shelter with the army, the sources said.
“These militants have also brought several weapons with them,” an official involved in counter-insurgency operations in Upper Assam said.
He said a few more cadres of the battalion would join the mainstream soon.
The sources said many cadres of the 28 battalion were interested in severing ties with Ulfa but were unable to decide whether to join the pro-peace group or to surrender.
“The pro-peace group is heading nowhere with no settlement with the government although it has been more than a year since it declared a unilateral ceasefire,” the official said, adding that this had left the cadres in a dilemma.
Jiten Dutta, a leader of the pro-talks group, confirmed that many cadres of the 28 battalion were showing interest in joining the group but were unable to make up their minds because of the impasse the pro-talks group had landed in.
“Had the government shown a positive response towards our demands, we are sure many more cadres, including some senior ones, would have joined us,” he said.
Dutta, however, denied having knowledge about some cadres of the 28 battalion fleeing camps in Nagaland and taking shelter with the army.
Another leader of the pro-talks group said disillusionment among its cadres was the reason behind a few of them escaping from the designated camps a few months ago. These cadres have surrendered before the security forces, he added.
A top Assam police official, however, said a few faulty moves by the army had compelled the cadres of the Bravo company of the 28 battalion not to join the pro-talks group, comprising cadres of the Alpha and Charlie companies.
“Had the army been cautious and not carried out a series of killings of Ulfa cadres just before the ceasefire declaration of the pro-talks group, the entire battalion would have come overground.” He said the killings had scared B company cadres, including its leader, Bijoy Chinese, who then decided to stay away.
‘Let sense of justice work for the cause of Nagas’ morungexpress

(LEFT) Home Minister Imkong L Imchen releases the souvenir ‘Atura’ to commemorate the golden jubilee of the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur on Friday, November 6, in Dimapur. (Photo/Caisii Mao) (RIGHT) An Ao cultural troupe presents a traditional dance during the celebrations. In the background is seen the banner of the ASTD flanked by banners depicting the six ranges of the Ao community in Mokokchung district. (Morung Photo)
DIMAPUR, November 6 (MExN): The Ao community of Dimapur on Friday congregated at the ‘Senden Riju’ located at Purana Bazaar (near ISBT) to commemorate a special occasion of the community in Dimapur. The event was the celebration of the fiftieth year of existence of the ‘Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur’ (ASTD). The golden jubilee celebration was graced by Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L Imchen.
“Aos should regard all Nagas as their own relatives,” said the Home Minister in his address as chief guest. As such, he stressed, not only the Ao community, but all of the Nagas should live as one.
Heaping glowing tributes to Rev. Dr. E W Clarke, the first Christian missionary to the Naga Hills, Imchen said “we are here today” because of the missionary’s selfless work. The Home Minister pointed out that the Ao community was fortunate that Rev. Dr. Clarke had set up his mission first in Molung, an Ao village in Mokokchung district, way back in 1872.
Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur completes 50 yearsHe, however, rued the fact that despite all the talk about unity and brotherhood among the Nagas, sadly it is only superficial. “We are so rich in factionalism and tribalism and too rich in jealousies,” he said. “There are too many obstacles; only when we overcome them will Nagaland be peaceful,” opined the chief guest. Striving towards eradicating all these barriers, he appealed, must be our aim.
Calling upon the Ao community, Imchen said that the community must live as one: “We must help and strengthen one another so that we will go forward” instead of letting petty differences create divisions among the community. Concerned about the rather trivial differences that were prevalent within the community, he said that when the Nagas as a whole have been trying to strive towards unity, the Ao community is going against each other.
He expressed discontent and sadness over the excommunication of Changki village from the Ao community by the apex body of the Ao community – the Ao Senden. “Don’t cast out any clan or village,” instead let forgiveness and forgetting differences whether present or past be the order of the day, he said. “We the Aos have a gift of the sense of justice. If we use it to our advantage and work for cause of the Nagas as a whole,” he said, it would bring a whole lot of good to the people. The chief guest also released a book ‘Atura’ (the prime of life) on the occasion commemorating the fifty years of existence of the ASTD.
Commissioner and Secretary to the government of Nagaland spoke on the theme ‘Atura’. MLA S I Jamir and Parliamentary Secretary Er. Saku Aier also spoke on the occasion. Besides MLA Nuklotoshi, distinguished guests from the Zeliangrong Baudi, Sumi Hoho, ENPO Dimapur and the Ao Senden were also in attendance at the celebrations.
NBCC’s peace caravan rolls out morungexpress
Dimapur, November 4 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council has issued the final program schedule for its “peace caravan” November 9 to the 13th. The “peace caravan” is with the envisaged purpose to bring about reconciliation, unity and peace through prayers and interactions with civil society, public leaders and communities and “administration.”
A copy of the schedule received here requested the “associations” to bear the travel expenses as well as those of hosting. Four church leaders led by an executive secretary from every association are requested by the NBCC to participate in the “peace caravan.”
“The purpose of the caravan is to destroy the evil forces of violence and bloodshed by the power of Christ and to pervade every corner of our land with the spirit of love, forgiveness, harmony and peace,” according to the Baptist church.
The NBCC said the exercise has been organized to engage, address, promote and mobilize the people to the need of healing, peaceful coexistence and structural change in the society. “It is to conscientize (sic) the minds to the suffering and need of the common people. It is a call for spiritual awakening to create a consciousness to restore our broken social relationships and to rebuild and transform our land to a more just and caring society,” the NBCC stated.
The NBCC explained the vision of the “peace caravan”: “When we obey God, He works miracles, when he performs miracles His people experience and celebrate divine victory. Trusting in God when Israelites walked encircling the mighty city of Jericho fell down.
When NBCC marched length and breadth of Nagaland for one month in the spring of 1996 heavy fighting between Indian army and Naga army stopped and the era of Cease-fire emerged. Now let us carry out Peace Caravan in faith that genuine peace, reconciliation and unity may be realized in true sense.”
“Let us march in the name of Jesus of Nazareth cleansing our land from various evils including violence. This spiritual war may be fierce; but victory is ours under the banner of the cross. Let us dedicate ourselves and enter into this spiritual battle with the full armor of God,” the NBCC appealed.
The NBCC has requested all executive secretaries and director to talk with tribal leaders and administration well ahead of the event so that no other programme will clash with the meeting.
The church requested arranging two meetings with every association first with the leaders of the church, hohos, civil bodies and administration and the “second one is a big public rally.” If a rally is not possible, a big prayer meeting of all churches may be organized, it stated.
Nagaland can become NE’s fashion paradise Morung

Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalthara (centre) and others at the launch ceremony of the Fashion Technology department of GOUN, in Kohima on Wednesday, November 4. (Morung Photo)

Kohima | November 4 : The introduction of a fashion technology course by the Global Open University, Nagaland, here today has sent a giant ray of hope for Naga youths and upcoming designers to flourish in the fashion world. Gracing the inaugural ceremony of this newly created department in the Kohima campus, Chief Secretary Lalthara asserted that it was initiated at an appropriate time, while admitting that Naga youth are “very fashionable and fashion conscious”.
GOUN brings fashion technology course to Kohima campus
Expressing optimism that the Naga youths will gain popularity in fashion technology through such a department within a short time, Lalthara said that Nagas are very colourful and know how to colour textile and designs. He wished that the newly created department have a separate course for students here for designing the textile with ethnic touch and innovation, thereby making Naga designs popular. Also expressing happiness over the setting up of the said department, Lalthara was hopeful that Nagaland would become a paradise of the northeast in fashion technology one day.
Earlier, Dr. P R Trivedi, pro chancellor and plenipotentiary of GOUN, and Ratnadeep Lal, chairman and founder of IIFT, New Delhi, also spoke on the occasion. The function was chaired by Avinuo Kire, AAO, GOUN, while Imotemsu Ao, director of GOUN, delivered the vote of thanks. The GOUN Kohima campus is located at Pezielietsie Colony, High School Road.

Tribals can't be evicted to grow jatropha' Q&A: Kanti Lal Bhuria, Tribal Affairs Minister Sreelatha Menon / Business Standard
New Delhi The forest department and tribals have never been on good terms, Tribal Affairs Minister Kanti Lal Bhuria tells Sreelatha Menon
Under the Forest Rights Act, 13 tribal rights have been listed, but the government is talking only about protecting one right, that is, land. What about the other rights?
First, we want to ensure that tribals get this basic right so that they are no longer under the threat of eviction. It can be followed by more measures for their uplift. Once land ownership titles are distributed, we will visit villages at random and check how many tribals have got the titles. We don’t want forest rights on paper. As for the other rights, once ownership is granted, we will add other things.
The law does not give a deadline for implementing the Act. So, why are you pushing for completing distribution of pattas by December 31? Isn’t this illegal?
President Pratibha Patil had committed to give tribals the right over their lands and she wanted it to be done by December 31. So, we are urging states to distribute all land titles by then. It is another matter that many states have not even started the process. There are Naxal-affected states which have their own problems while states like Nagaland in the North-East have already provided land ownership to tribals, who form a majority of their population.
The law provides local forest dwellers the right to manage the forest produce. So, would you consider the joint forest management committees formed by the forest departments as illegal?
If the joint forest management committees are against the law, we will go into the matter. We will ask officials in the ministry to go into this matter and assess whether there is anything illegal about them.
Will you ask for disbanding of the committees? You yourself have said that the forest department has been the worst exploiter of tribals.
We have to study the matter. It is true that the relationship between tribals and the forest department has been that of the exploiter and the exploited. I said this before the prime minister and the environment minister at a recent conference of chief ministers on the Forest Rights Act.
When I was tribal affairs minister in Madhya Pradesh for five years in the 90s, I saw how forest department workers harassed tribals. Once, in Dindori district, nine people of the Baiga tribe collected some honey in the forest. They have been doing this for ages. But forest department workers misused the Forest Conservation Act to arrest them and they remained in jail for months. In many states, there are lakhs of cases under this Act against innocent tribals. They are tired of all this and that is the reason they are getting drawn to Naxalism.
The law gives tribals the right to grow what they want and to manage the produce. So, will you oppose the jatropha and rubber plantations that are being thrust on forests and tribals by the environment ministry through its forestry project? Don’t these go against the law?
We will oppose plantations and other projects if tribals have been removed to implement these.
But don’t tribals have a say in what should be done on forest lands?
We can act if their land is snatched from them. We spoke to Jairam Ramesh (environment minister) and he understands the matter. He agrees that everything should be in the interest of tribals. If something goes contrary to their interests, he is willing to remove it.
But this is contrary to law. Isn’t he bound to stop these projects?
We will check if the projects are being done with the consent of tribals and forest dwellers. If something is against their wishes, it won’t be allowed. Even the environment minister agrees with this.
Don’t you think that such actions alienate tribals? How are you planning to win back their trust while the government tackles Naxalites?
The prime minister has also admitted that tribals are not benefitting from welfare schemes and that the shortcomings in the system of transferring benefits should be plugged. As he said, only sensitive officers will be posted in tribal areas while anti-tribal officers will be kept out. Officers who are insensitive to tribals don’t listen to them and this pushes tribals to Naxalites, who offer them sympathy.
How will you know who is anti-tribal?
This can be easily done. These are officers who make tribals run around a 100 times for a simple matter.
What about the continuing arrests of tribals for encroachment even before land titles have been distributed, even in your state of Madhya Pradesh?
Land ownership is only for claims before 2005. All cases after that will be dealt with sternly.
Tribals may have been given the right to manage and sell the forest produce but it is still in the hands of middlemen and state government bodies. Tribals are not benefiting, whether it is tendu leaf and bamboo in Madhya Pradesh and Orissa or some other product elsewhere.
We will create a system to help tribals manage their own forest produce. We have asked for inclusion of timber in the list of secondary forest produce. This will make tribals earn royalty from the sale of timber. The money earned from the sale of timber should be used for welfare of tribals.
Bamboo and tendu leaf are still with state governments. States are blatantly violating the law and issuing orders appropriating the right to sell these.
We will address these issues gradually. First, let us get their land claims recognised. The rest will follow.
What about displacement of tribals for industrial projects?
The prime minister recently responded to my appeal at a conference on the Forest Rights Act and asked for a share for tribals in all projects. With such a sensitive prime minister, we cannot go wrong. What we can do is to provide them not only jobs in mining projects but also give them a share in royalty from these projects for a lifetime. I feel the Haryana rehabilitation policy for the displaced is a good model. It provides income for the displaced for 33 years, besides the cost of the land.
What do you plan to do next?
I have asked the prime minister for an amendment to the Constitution to create an all-powerful tribal advisory council at the Centre that will monitor all development activities in tribal areas and advise states and ministries on development.
Handloom Expo-09 opens in NagalandNovember 07, 2009 (India) Fibrefashions
Nagaland Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation (NHHDC) has organized the Special Handloom Expo 2009 under the aegis of Union Ministry of Textiles. The expo that opened on November 5 will continue till 15th of the month.

All districts of the states of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam, except smaller districts are marking their presence in the Expo, which is being conducted with the objectives of developing rural sector and to expose and teach ideas of marketing to the crafts-persons of region.

Ms. N Hukhuli Sema Managing Director of NHHDC said this after inaugurating the expo. Such kinds of expos have been organized since last three years which are witnessing tremendous response from local crafts-persons, she informed.

The department found it difficult to accommodate all the applicants in the expo as it was receiving a large number of applications from local crafts-persons to set up stalls in the expos.

District level expos have been held in almost all the districts by the department till now, with an objective of promoting handloom and handicraft manufactured by local craftsmen considering that the national handloom expo would be coinciding with the Hornbill Festival, which is called as the ‘Festival of Festivals’.

Separate contract okayed for oil exploration in Nagaland Indo Asian News Service
New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs (CCEA) Thursday decided to split the production sharing contract for a block in north-eastern India to facilitate more exploration in the area that falls in Nagaland.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters after the CCEA meet that the decision was taken following a petroleum ministry proposal to carry out additional exploration in the Nagaland portion of block AA-0N/7 by signing a separate production sharing contract.
The operator of the block, Canoro Resources, had signed the original contract in February 1999. While 1,125 square kilometres of the block is in Assam, the rest falls in Nagaland.
The petroleum exploration licence for the portion in Assam was granted in 2001, while that for Nagaland in 2006.
‘There has been no exploration on the Nagaland side, as it was logistically difficult,’ said Chidambaram.
As per the CCEA’s approval, a separate production sharing contract for the Nagaland portion will be signed effective from Aug 9, 2006. The exploration period will be valid for seven years.
‘There is no financial expenditure involved on behalf of the government. The contractors under the signed production sharing contracts have commitments to carry out exploration work programme, which may lead to discoveries of hydrocarbons,’ said a government statement.
Preserving oral history of the Tenyimis The Telegraph
The Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation (TPO) of Nagaland — an umbrella organisation of 10 Naga tribes — is all set to begin a massive hunt to rescue from obscurity the oral history of the “Tenyimis”.
The 10 tribes consider themselves “blood brothers”, a term which implies that they evolved from the same ancestors.
The Tenyimis comprise the Angami, Chakhesang, Rengma, Pochury, Mao, Poumai, Zeliangrong, Maram, Thangal and Inpui tribes.
The tribes are spread over Nagaland, Assam and Manipur.
The first hearing on the oral history of the Tenyimis will take place at the Conclave Conference Hall in Kohima, Nagaland on November 14 when the TPO research committee will record the oral history from the elders of the Tenyimi on the day.
The TPO has already sent out word to all the Tenyimi eminent scholars particularly in the field of archaeology, sociology, anthropology, genealogy, history and linguistics to participate in the hearing.
Z.M. Sekhose, the president of the Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation, said after the hearing, the TPO would arrange field visits to certain known Tenyimi villages/settlements by members of the research committee.
The members of the research committee will document the historical importance of the places.
Road closure If the road is bad for use, then close it to draw the attention of the authorities. This is exactly what the residents of Thangmeiband in Imphal city are planning to do.
And as usual, the women are taking the lead. Five meira paibi organisations of Thangmeiband have formed a joint action committee to ensure that the authorities this time pay attention to the prevailing condition of Thangmeiband Watham Road.
This road connects Imphal city and the Lamphel area of Imphal West district, which has various important government offices.
But no vehicle could pass through this road for the past several months, as a sewerage project taken up along this route has not been completed.
Nationalist Congress Party MLA Radhabinod Koijam, who is a former chief minister, had even highlighted the problem faced by the people in the area because of the poor road condition in the recent sittings of the Assembly. However, the government is yet to wake up to the problem.
The action committee has now announced that it would close the road for good from November 11 if it was not repaired by November 10.
Footnote The Assam government has decided to tie up with leading studios in Mumbai to send students from Jyoti Chitraban Film and Television Institute to undergo training before they complete their courses.
The secretary of cultural affairs department, Swapnanil Barua, said
for technical expertise the department would tie up with studios in Chennai.
He said such exposure would really help students of JCFTI boost their confidence to do well in Bollywood.
“There is no dearth of talent in Assam. But they lack confidence and exposure. We are in touch with FTI Pune and trying to tie up for more exposure of our students,” he said.
JCFTI has already produced talents like Amrit Pritam who worked for the Oscar-winning film
Slumdog Millionaire as an associate recordist for its Hindi-version, Slumdog Crorepati.
He also designed the sound of Aamir Khan’s blockbuster Ghajini.
Another alumni of JCFTI, Debojit Sangmai, has worked in hits like Black, Khakee, Lagaan and Rang De Basanti as sound recordist.
Young designer presents dedication to Nagaland morungexpress

(L to R) Akumnaro Imsong (Left) walking the ramp with a model displaying her design. Right: A model accessorized in traditional Naga Jewellery.

The ‘Neift Annual Design Ceremony’ passing out ceremony fashion show of North East Institute of Fashion Technology from Guwahati was held on November 3 at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Delhi. The mega event was presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India in association with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The opening of the show featured the collections designer of Meghna Rai Medhi with a strong line-up of 25 International and Indian models. A sequence as a dedication to Nagaland was presented in a combination of Red, Black, and White Blue etc. the colours which finds a special place in Naga Design Methodology. The super models were accessorized in traditional Naga Jewellery and artefacts. The Naga students tried to put their best foot forward through their sincere efforts and students like Nourhevonuo Pusa with theme-The Zodiac, Akumnaro Imsong with Antiquity, Kaisa Mahe - Kaleidoscope, Pukho Kanai-Dreams of Reality, Dzieswvonuo Kesiezie –Egyptian and Rebecca Mero with her theme-Fusion were outstanding. The young students used variety of assorted fabrics and it was a welcome sign to see the use of many north east traditional weaves and handlooms and even blended jute which will make these eco-friendly fabrics as the new designer fabrics.
Chief Executive Officer of NEIFT Vikram Rai Medhi told media, “We want our young designers from north east to find a footing in the national fashion industry and that is why though we have our institute at Guwahati, we are organising their passing out ceremony at the Capital”.


Frans on 11.08.09 @ 08:51 AM CST [link]


Tuesday, November 3rd

Delhi appoints interlocutor - Former IB chief to liaise with 3 pro-talks N-E rebel outfits OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph



Delhi appoints interlocutor - Former IB chief to liaise with 3 pro-talks N-E rebel outfits OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

New Delhi, Oct. 30: Former intelligence bureau (IB) director P.C. Haldar has been appointed interlocutor for talks with three Northeast militant outfits — Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel), United People’s Democratic Solidarity and the pro-talks faction of National Democratic Front of Boroland.
Home minister P. Chidambaram today made the announcement and said the Assam government would be kept in the loop when the Centre’s interlocutor negotiates with the outfits.
The home minister said that following the decision of the DHD (J) to lay down arms and move its cadres into designated camps, the stage had been set to hold talks with the outfits.
Haldar is a 1970-batch Bihar cadre IPS officer. The terror attacks in Mumbai, Jaipur, Bangalore and elsewhere in India were carried out during his tenure as director of IB.
The announcement comes close on heels of the appointment last week of Lt Gen. (retd) Vijay Madan as interlocutor for holding talks with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM).
Apparently, the government is sending a message to the militant outfits of the Northeast that if they lay down arms, Delhi will take the extra step to initiate a dialogue.
UPDS was formed in March 1999 to fight for Karbi people’s rights and despite talks since 2004, the problems remain unresolved.
The NDFB is engaged in talks while another faction, led by Ranjan Daimary, is still using guns to destabilise the Bodo areas.
Co-opting the three outfits with help of an institutional mechanism and streamlining the peace processes may yield dividends in tackling the anti-peace talks factions or, in the case of DHD, help in reconciling differences among the Dimasa outfits. The faction led by Dilip Nunisa is engaged in a dialogue with the Centre.
The involvement of an interlocutor for holding talks with outfits of the Northeast first came more than a decade ago when Swaraj Kaushal mediated between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM).
Later, former home secretary, K. Padmanabhaiah, handled the same job. He was relieved of the task from September this year.
Padmanabhaiah had liaised with the NSCN (IM) for years and even though the peace talks continued, no breakthrough could be achieved.
With Haldar’s entry, the government hopes to keep tabs on the Assam outfits and take forward the talks in the form of a political dialogue.
DHD (J), one of the most notorious outfits in the region, has laid down arms and the government does not want to leave any space open for a reversal of a hard-earned bargain. Home secretary G.K. Pillai had visited Guwahati on October 9 and chaired a meeting of state home secretaries and state intelligence chiefs of the northeastern states.
Pillai had also visited Kohima, Nagaland on October 13-14 and interacted with the powerful civil society in the state even as the home ministry was preparing a “package” to resolve the problem with the Naga rebels.
Establishing peace in Nagaland is top priority: Governor Gaya (Bihar) by Noor Khan

Gaya (Bihar), Oct 25 Specifying that establishing peace in Nagaland as the top priority, Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar today said he would stand up to the expectations of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.

"Establishing peace in Nagaland is my top priotiy," Kumar, a retired IPS officer and Congress's former MP from Aurangabad in Bihar, told reporters here.

"I will endeavour and stand up to the expectations of PM and home minister in this regard," he said.

Kumar is currently on a three-day tour of Bihar on the occasion of Chhath, most pious festival for offering prayers to Sun god.

FGN, Federal Naga Army affirm not a part of “Accordist or Non-accordist” morungexpress
Khiamniungan Region FGN members, Federal Naga Army officers and KTC officilas.
Tuensang, November 1 (MExN): The armies of different ranks and files and the regional authorities of Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and Federal Naga Army have affirmed in a meeting with Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) that it shall not be a part of “Accordist or Non-accordist”.
W Chuba Lam, president and N L Tangsoi, general secretary of KTC in a press note received here stated that the Naga Army of Federal Government and regional authorities under Khiamniungan region had a meeting on October 28 at Noklak village and reviewed the prevailing situation Nagaland in the context of “Naga Home Land issue”.
The regional authorities led by Midan Peyu Khiamniungan region and army officials headed by GOC Eastern command Maj. Gen. Pukho and Brig. Yamthong, Brig. Hangchiu, Col. Bumoi and army officials’ Subordinate officers took the stand to remain as Federal Army under the political foundation of NNC, it stated.
The note also added: “The regional set up has reteriated to maintain peace with all Naga groups and societies, be it overgrounds or undergrounds. Its forces shall also refrain from offensive patrolling with neighbouring regions against all sorts of groups. This peaceful approach has been taken to maintain peace and harmony in the region and so as to uphold and covenant with the Lord God by the KTC on March 17, 2007.”
Moreover, the meeting was witnessed by KTC and assured its support for “peaceful approach so as to keep in line the guidelines of FNR and the guidelines of the central government for evolution of Naga People’s consensus on the long struggle of Indo-Naga issue”.
God’s revelation for Nagas L. Ezung MorungExpress
•God so loves the mankind of the World that, through the Holy Spirit He has revealed and has directed to spread these messages of warnings to all the people so that, they be Saved from sufferings and deaths.

1. PORK IS DEADLY
God the Almighty has asked His people not to buy Pork unless and until one knows fully that, the same Pig or Piglet was absolutely healthy and grown in your immediate neighbourhood. God has warned that, many people will die of related sickness and diseases that will be transmitted from the animals/Pork to human beings due to the disease infected Pork sold in the local markets by some unscrupulous people for earning money at the cost of human lives

2. DEATHS OF CHILDREN
God Has also revealed that, many Children studying in Class -X and below will die before they complete their 2009 Final Exams. The loving, God wants that, every Child should be saved from such deadly designs of the Satan through the observing of Fasting and Prayers for the children in every home by the Parents.
3. IMMORALITY OF NAGAS GIRLS OUTSIDE NAGALAND
The Almighty God has also revealed His warnings and He calls upon those Naga Girls concerned to repent from their immoral ways of living while they are pursuing their various studies from outside Nagaland. The Omnipresent God has revealed that, some Naga girls are selling their bodies for earning money to live in luxuries while away from their parents and away from Nagaland. God wants them to refrain and repent from such sinful ways of living so that they live a life full of blessings.
4. ADULTERERS IN CHOIRS
God has also directed those youths, boys and girls concerned who are involved in acts of adultery while serving the Lord and the Churches Member or Members of the Choir in their respective Churches. God warns them that, deaths will fall upon them if they do not confess and repent to start clean life.

L. Ezung
Chairperson,
Faith in Action Healing Prayer Centre,
Seithekie Basa, Dimapur
Ulfa willing to talk, not surrender A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph


File picture of weapons surrendered by Ulfa militants
Guwahati, Oct. 25: Ulfa today cited the case of Naga outfits, which are in talks with the government but have still not surrendered arms, while reiterating its stand that it was ready for negotiations but without giving up weapons.
Ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in a press communiqué that if the Centre can hold discussions with the Nagaland outfits, it could do the same with Ulfa.
“We want a political solution and are ready to hold discussions but not by surrendering arms. If the Centre can hold discussions with the Nagaland outfits why not with us?” the communiqué asked.
The Centre has made it clear that it was ready to hold talks with any outfit but only after it surrendered weapons. The latest group in Assam to abide by the Centre’s directive is the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel), which surrendered with arms on October 2.
Rajkhowa said the Centre had taken a similar stand of not holding discussions with the Maoists until they surrendered arms but was forced to not only organise talks with the outfit but also release 23 of its arrested cadres recently.
The Ulfa chairman was referring to the release of jailed alleged Maoist activists in return of a police official, abducted by Maoists in Bengal.
“The Centre’s attitude towards Assam has always been negative. It has no will to solve the problems of Assam and has been maintaining a dictatorial attitude towards the state,” the communiqué stated.
While welcoming the stand of several organisations of the state to take up an agitation programme demanding a solution to the vexed insurgency problem, the Ulfa chairman said the group has always been ready for holding discussions with the government to bring an end to violence.
“There is no doubt that we want a solution and any initiative taken by any organisation towards such a move is always welcome,” he said.
The People’s Committee for Peace Initiatives, a conglomerate of several organisations, had after a lull, last week decided to approach the Centre once again to begin a dialogue with Ulfa. The Ulfa chairman, on the other hand, made an appeal to the other underground organisations which are waging a war against the state, not to target innocent people.
In an obvious reference to the attack on Bhimajuli village in Sonitpur by the Ranjan Daimary faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland, the Ulfa chairman said it was against the ethics of a revolution to attack innocent people and not taking the responsibility for the same.
Daimary had denied involvement of the group in the attack in which 12 people died.
“These groups or organisations are actually terrorists and not revolutionaries which do not own up for such incidents, be the victims their enemy or innocent citizens,” Rajkhowa said. The Ulfa chairman also appealed to the people of Assam to support its movement for a peaceful state, free from the occupational Indian forces and “where people can live without fear and with the head held high”.
Nagaland guv open to peace talks with ultras , Ashok K Mishra, ET Bureau Times of India
PATNA: Nikhil Kumar, the newly appointed governor of Nagaland, has said that insurgents should come to the negotiation table and this alone would

clear the decks for ushering in an era of peace in the trouble- torn state.

"I have been given a specific job and it will be my bounden duty to help peace return to the state. But for all this to happen, the ultras will have to engage themselves in peace talks. The government is prepared to hold peace talks but within the framework of the Indian Constitution," Mr Kumar said here on Tuesday.

Emphasising that Nagaland is an integral part of India and the government has conveyed this in no uncertain terms, Mr Kumar said the peace talks will also help accelerate the pace of development in the state.

Mr Kumar, a former IPS official and son of former chief minister of Bihar Late Satyendra Narain Sinha, was till recently into active politics until he was drafted by the Centre for the gubernatorial posting.

Interestingly, Mr Kumar’s trip to Patna became a talking point in political circles when he attended a tea party hosted in his honour by Congress Legislature Party leader in the Vidhan Parishad Mahachander Prasad Singh. All Congress dissidents, who are gunning for the removal of state Congress chief Anil Sharma, turned up in full strength at the party of Mr Singh, who has himself raised the banner of revolt against state Congress leaders.

All this led to speculation as to whether Mr Kumar's presence at the party was meant to convey his support for the dissidents. Mahachander Singh, however, sought to deny that the tea party had to do anything with the dissident activities.

AJYCP, Naga Hoho meet STAFF Reporter
GUWAHATI, Oct 27 – The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) held two rounds of talks with the leading Naga organization Naga Hoho to discuss the border problem between Assam and Nagaland on October 25 and 26 at Kohima. Both the organizations emphasized on building mutual trust among the people of both the States to find an amicable solution to all the problems.

“Assam and Nagaland have historical relationships and a common cause — to fight for the interest of the NorthEastern region,” mentioned a statement from the AJYCP.

The Naga Hoho president Keviletou Kieuhua, general secretary P Ozukum, its representative from Manipur G Vashum and AJYCP chief advisor Putul Dutta, president Biraj Kumar Talukdar and general secretary Manoj Baruah took part in the discussion.

“Leaders from both the organizations agreed to strengthen the historical and cultural ties between Nagaland and Assam, promote peace among the people living in the bordering areas to avoid any untoward incident. Both the organizations strongly felt that the border tiff between the two States is deteriorating because of the faulty policies of the Union Government,” the statement mentioned.
Zeliangrong impasse over Newmai News Network
Imphal | November 1 : The Zeliangrong General Public Convention (ZGPC) has done away the existence of the Zeliangrong Union (ZU) and Zeliangrong Baudi (ZB) and then constituted an interim body instead for the period of three months with effect from October 30.
The public convention which was held on Friday in Tamenglong headquarters attended by both civil organisation leaders and that of ‘national workers’, has set up an interim body christened as “Zeliangrong Interim Body” for the duration of three months with eleven members comprising from the state of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. The representatives from Assam, Nagaland and Manipur numbering about 1500 delegates participated in the Zeliangrong General Public Convention (ZGPC) and had taken the latest decision for the Zeliangrong community.
One important purpose of the Zeliangrong Interim Body (ZIB) is for the ‘finalisation’ of the Zeliangrong apex body nomenclature and also to work for the amendment of Zeliangrong Union/Zeliangrong Baudi constitution. The Zeliangrong Interim Body (ZIB) will then elect functionaries of the ‘apex body’ and zonal bodies. The ZIB will take care of the general administration and judicial matter within the interim period.
G Gaingam has been designated as the convenor of ZIB. The rest other ten members of the Zeliangrong Interim Body are Disuang Hao of Nagaland, C.R.Zeliang of Nagaland, D.Dikambui of Manipur, Jangamlung Panmei of Manipur, Rev.N Palmei of Manipur, Rev.Dr. Neilalung of Assam, Ijjirang Zeme of Assam, B.Abuiba of Manipur and Chandra Haomei of Manipur.
State government should facilitate, not negotiate, the ‘unity feeling’ Newmai News Network

(From left to right) Dr. Chumben Murry, Minister of Agriculture, Pangnyu Phom, Parliamentary Secretary for RD&REPA, Neiba Ndang, secretary general of NECC, NCP, and Er. Levi Rengma, state NCP working president, at the first NCP state-level convention in Kohima on Thursday, October 29. (Morung Photo)

Kohima | October 29 : Dr. Chumben Murry, Nagaland Minister of Agriculture, expressed hope that the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government would be voted to power in the next general elections and that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) would fare well.
Speaking at the first NCP state-level convention programme at LCS building in the Nagaland capital, Dr. Murry, who is also state NCP president, said that his party is comfortable in the DAN coalition and added that the NCP should not be overambitious but mark its presence. Appreciating Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for being a visionary leader, Dr. Murry said that with the changing times, elected representatives have bigger responsibilities and Rio, as Chief Minister, has the capability to lead the Nagas.
Talking about the initiatives of the DAN government in the Naga political issue and pointing out that certain things take time to build momentum, the Agriculture Minister mentioned the setting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), the overseas Naga convention resulting in the Common Naga Platform. Lauding the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for bringing the Naga factions together, he said they have done a ‘tremendous job’ especially with reference to Nagaland, which is a Christian state.
Dr. Murry emphasised that unity does not include “undergrounds” alone, but “unity should encompass the over-ground section too” and that is the reason the Common Naga Platform came into being where feelings of the Nagas can be voiced. He categorically stated that the NCP stands by Rio and supports the efforts of the government for peace and unity. He, however, noted that solution cannot come about with the efforts of certain sections only but should be a collective endeavour, and hoped that the state government would facilitate, not negotiate, the ‘unity feeling’.
S Pangyuh Phom, Parliamentary Secretary for RD&REPA, said that Naga politicians are emotional as many keep changing parties and join new national parties without proper study. He urged party workers to revive and rededicate themselves and said that the NCP is fortunate to have a CM who understands Nagas’ problems and has good relation with the central NCP leadership.
Stating that the NCP expects more than 10 seats in the next tenure, Phom called upon its workers to have self-confidence, saying with it nothing is impossible. Commending his party workers, he called them the ‘unsung heroes’, and said that with the self-confidence, they should do something for the Nagas. He urged the members present to be aware of the global climate changes and to spread the message of preservation of forests and natural resources.
Neiba Ndang, former Nagaland Speaker and secretary general of NECC, NCP, said that the NCP, though a nationalist party, has the liberty and right to decide for itself unlike the Congress party (in which he served for 3 decades), which has to take the decision of the party high command in the centre, even for small internal matters besides distribution of tickets, portfolios, etc. He said that the slogan of the NCP – peace, progress and prosperity – should stand them in good stead in winning the future election in 2013.

Inter-Tribal Marriages in India with Special Reference to By: Dr. (Mrs.) Priyadarshni M. Gangte Kangla on Line
INTRODUCTION :
Marriage as a social institution is an arrangement that enables persons to live together and co-operate with one another in an orderly social life and institutionalized relationship. It is essentially a rearrangement of social structure. In order to understand how it works. We have to examine how it binds persons together by convergence of interest and sentiment and how it controls and minimizes those conflicts that may possibly occur due to divergence of sentiment or interest. We may as well examine as to how it contributes to its working as a system. In doing so, we may come to an understanding or explanation as to how the system came into existence.
Marriage makes certain existing relationship particularly that of the bride to her family changed. New social relatives are created. It creates a relationship between the husband and the wife in the first place. It also creates new relationship between the husband and the wife’s relatives and between the wife and the husband’s relatives on the one hand, and between the relatives of the husbands and those of the wife who are, on both sides, interested in the marriage and in the children that are expected to result from it. In fact, marriage, like birth, death, or initiation at puberty, is rearrangement of structure that is essentially recurring in any society. It is a moment of continuing social process regulated by custom which is institutionalized may of dealing such event.
When marriage involves some modification or partial rupture of the relations between the bride and her immediate kin, it is least marked or felt, if the husband goes to live with his parents-in-law in a matri-local society. But it is most marked if the bride leaves her family and goes to live with her husband and his family in patri-local society. Her absence makes her own family suffer a loss. But it would be wrong to interpret the same as economic loss. It is the loss of a person in the family, and it is a breach of family solidarity. This aspect is given symbolic expression between the two kin groups in the forms of hostility by attempting to take or kidnap the bride by force. Either the girl or her kin or both, are expected to make a show of resistance at her bring thus taken away. Prof. Radcliff Brown (1960: p.50) says,
“Customs of this kind are the ritual or symbolic expression of the recognition that marriage entails the breaking of the solidarity that unites a woman to the family in which she has been born and grown up”.
In fact, such customs may be interpreted as manifestations of recognition accorded to the structural change that has been brought about the marriage.
The question of prevalence of payment of bride price in some tribal societies is an important aspect in marriage. Such payment of bride price may be taken as an indemnity or compensation given by the boy’s party to the bride’s kin for the loss of their daughter. It may also be regarded that such payment gives the husband and his kin certain rights over his wife and the children she bears.
Another indispensable aspect that should be understood is sets of regulations that govern marriage between persons related by kinship or through marriage. In some tribal societies there are rules which prohibit marriage between persons who stand in certain relationship. In some cases there are certain relatives between who marriage is not merely permitted but is desirable. The term ‘preferential marriage’ is commonly applied to customs of this kind. The most common form of this system is found in the cross-cousin marriage.
Having sufficiently covered some pertinent features on marriage over which attention needs to be focused, it is now expedient that we examine them as to how they are operative among the tribals of the North-East India. For a thorough understanding of the subject matter, it is essential that a brief background as to prevalence of systems of marriage and divorce among the tribals of North-East India is highlighted.
The entire North-East India comprising of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, known as ‘Seven Sisters’ is frequented by different groups of people from time immemorial in the form of migration from Burma and other places. Thus we find people of Mongoloid strains in respect of their physical features, culture, language, etc. They are subsequently identified and differentiated one from the other based on various historical processes of stress and strains; communications difficulties had contributed in no small measure to their being in isolation for a number of generations. In the process, ultimately different groups were either alienated one from the other or aligned among themselves, and thus came to bear various ethnic appellations identifying themselves as distinct tribes with distinct culture and tradition.
Prof. Bhowmick (1980:3) said,
“… present day cultured of these groups bear such mark of incorporation into the core of their cultural matrix.”
There are altogether 131 tribes with identifiable characteristics and traits distributed in different areas of this region (Sharma 1978) and as weaker sections of the people, the Government of India categorized them as ‘Scheduled’ so as to make the upliftment schemes available to them as provided in the Constitution of India.
It is true that this enchanted land known as the North-East region attracted waves of diverse ethnic groups through ages. It has come to stay as the confluence of the most colourful mosaic of ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity (Government of Assam, 1976:30). Together with this, there are different social systems among the tribal groups which can be divided hardly into three categories as follows :
(1) the matrilineal tribes. In this, the Khasis, the Jaintias and the Garos of Meghalaya are included.
(2) the homogeneous patrilineal tribes. The Kuki-Mizo tribes of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura constitute the category.
(3) the heterogeneous patrilineal tribes. The Naga of Nagaland and Manipur and the Arunachali tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are the groups of this category.
The system of marriage of any given society is antiqualetedly high as the society itself. It ultimately becomes the custom, the system of which had not been coded by a legislative enactment. Thus it is the high antiquity of the custom which gives validity. Roy said,
“The birth and growth of a custom is the natural consequence of organized living of people and the progress of human society. With the growth and progress of human society, the rules of human conduct go on multiplying till a stage reaches when they become well recognised and well established body of rules. These rules are compendiously called customs. These rules of conduct must have obviously arisen and followed on account of their utility and necessity. They have been observed because they enjoyed the express or tacit sanction of the community.”
Thus when a particular system of marriage is examined it should be viewed in its right perspective and in the manner the people who adopt such a system takes it. (David Pearl : p.2).
Systems which rules the tribes (based for analysis) :
Khasis :
The Khasis as exogamous group, prohibits marriage of members inside the same clan and is called SANG (Taboo). As matrilineal people, descent through a common ancestress is counted. Marriage with the mother’s brother’s daughter during the lifetime of the mother’s brother is not permissible. Though, as a rule, monogamy is the practice, polygamy is not absolutely unknown. There are instances of a man marrying an informal alliance with another woman. Marriage between those related to the father within three generations is avoided, though marriage with the daughter of a father’s sister is permissible after the death of the father despite not being favoured.
Divorce :
Divorce is rare, extra-judicially permissible and bears no social stigma. Remarriage of divorcee is permissible. A widow cannot remarry within a year of the death of her husband. The bones of the husband are kept by the widow and till such time as the bones are with her she cannot re-marry. She has to hand over his bones to his mother before re-marriage. If she violates and remarries, it is considered as fornication.
The procedure of divorce is that a betel leave will be torn into 2(two) before witnesses. Both the man and the woman take 5(five) cowries (shells) in their hands. The wife hands over hers to the husband. The husband, on his part, will return them along with his to the wife who returns them all to the husband. The husband will then throw the cowries on the ground.
It is the husband who goes to live with the wife at the house of the mother-in-law. Kusum and Bakshi (1982:91) contended that the underlying practice is that patri-local residence works great hardship on the married women.
Among the Jaintias residence is duo-local. The husband stays with his own parents and visits the wife at her parents’ house. His earnings go to his mother’s family. Some orthodox husbands are reluctant even to drink from the mother-in-law’s house. They feel that as they do not give any part of their earnings to the family of the mother-in-law, they have no right to take anything from that family.
It is also a fact that a Khasi father earns for them while living with his wife and children. Whatever he earns remains with them and leaves them behind if he leaves them. The wife also acquires properties from the mixed earnings with her husband. The children have rightful claim. Therefore, when the father leaves them, none of the children and the wife has a right to claim maintenance from him. In the case of Christian wife it is held that the father, in bounden duty, was to maintain his children provided he had the means to do so.
Application of inter-personal conflict of laws :
In general, the youngest daughter known as KA KHADDUH inherits property. In case of ancestral property, transfer is allowed with the approval of the whole clan or family. As for personal property, it is not so rigid.
As against the Khasis matrilineal system, the Kukis are of a very strong patrilineal system. There is no water-tied compartmentalized exogamous clan as the Khasis have. Rule of exogamy prevails within the bounds of three generations on the father’s side. Decent is counted from father to sons’ is against the females among the Khasis. Marriage with the mother’s brother’s daughter who is termed as NEAINU is most preferred marriage.
Marriage with the father’s sisters is not only prohibited but is considered incestuous as against allowance of such marriage after the death of the father among the Khasis. Residence is not only one of the strong factors of patri-local; it is prestigious to maintain a joint family as against the matri-local among the Khasis. Though polygamy is not very much encouraged for commoners, it is a status symbol for persons of standing and position as against the rare instance of such marriage among the Khasis.
Maintenance of children for a man is inherent duty for a Kuki father, though even if his divorcee wife has to return to her natal home as against duty-free for a Khasi father against his divorced wife and her children.
The paradox of life for a Kuki woman is that she is never accorded a full-fledged membership of her clan. She is considered as the ‘beloved daughter’ of the clan, who, on her marriage would assume the full female membership of her husband where she should ‘be loved’ and ‘well treated’ for propagation of the male descendants of her husband’s family/clan, thereby being accorded honour and respect even on her death by payment of ‘corpse price’ called LUONGMAN to her father or brother as the case may be against absolute authority being accorded to the female among the Khasis (Gangte : 1993; p.69).
Payment of bride-price is another instance of male oriented society. The bride-price is a symbolic expression of long term cordial relationship that may exist between the two bodies of relatives honouring the mutual dignity and prestige of both the families of the wife and the husband so that the nuptial matrimonial alliance might not be so easily abrogated by the personal conflicts that may possibly occur as against the unsecured position of the husband being accorded among the Khasis.
Inheritance of all sorts of property is from father to eldest son, exclusive of all other sons, who are left at the discretion of the eldest son, let alone female right of inheritance as against the strong system of youngest daughter’s absolute authority among the Khasis.
Wonder of wonders, in the face of such conflicting of laws that are current among the Khasi tribes and the Kuki tribes, the first Kuki IAS Officer who retired as the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya married a Khasi widow and nothing of personal conflict having ever been heard of the marriage.
Be it as it may, another extreme case of patrilineal is that of the Tangkhul Nagas. A Tangkhul Naga father may earn, and be a millionaire, their inheritance system is such that the father, mother and their unmarried children have to move out to establish a new home, leaving behind all that he had hitherto earned and acquired to his married son. This process continues till his youngest son with whom he has to live, is married.
A conflict of inter-personal law as a result of inter-tribal marriage between the eldest son of a former Nagaland Tangkhul Naga Chief Secretary and his second Khasi wife arose. Incidentally, the Tangkhul Naga Officer had a first Kabui Naga wife who begot him a son, who was his eldest son. On the other, his Khasi wife happened to be the youngest daughter of a Khasi parent. The Naga Officer had landed properties in Manipur and as per inheritance law of the Tangkhul Naga his eldest son, born of the Kabui Naga wife was to inherit his properties. The properties fetched substantially huge monthly income and obviously attracted the attention of both the eldest son and the second wife of the officer. The son was entitled to the properties as per customary law of inheritance according to the Tangkhul Naga. Similarly, as per Khasi rule of inheritance, the second wife was entitled to claim inheritance of the same properties. A bone of contention ensued between the eldest son and the second wife of the officer. Had the son in question been of her own and the properties been in Shillong, Meghalaya, the second wife would have been of her own and the properties been in Shillong, Meghalaya, the second wife would have been a very strong contender to the litigation. Ultimately, the properties being in Manipur where the Tangkhul Naga rule of inheritance prevails it was held in favour of the eldest son.
The law of divorce among the Kukis is very stringent and humiliating as against the simple rituals of tearing a betel leave into two and exchange of 4(four) cowries (shells) in their hands two times before witnesses to ultimately throw them on the ground symbolizing thereby finalization of the proceedings of divorcee among the Khais.
Among the Kukis, divorce is very rare. In as much as the proceeding of betrothal is a lengthy state of affairs through intricate rituals with a set rule for payment of bride-price, divorce is a more complicated affair. In the event of divorce proceedings having been finalized, the bride-price that had been settled had to be re-opened. If divorce is at the initiative of the husband and if he is held responsible by the Village Council, he forfeits reimbursement of the bride-price already paid. In addition, he is required to pay a fine of one Mithun for breach of the marriage alliance. In case the responsibility is held against the wife, her parents are liable to return the bride-price paid, together with a fine of one Mithun.
There was a case of inter-tribal marriage between a Garo Doctor and a Kuki Nurse, who settled in Manipur. It provides the case of both inter-personal conflict of marriage and divorce. The case, however, posed no conflict of laws. The Garo Doctor husband having hailed from a matrilineal society with matri-local residence found at no problem to compromise his position as a man ought to claim as prestige issue in the case of patrilineal society. He resided in Manipur with his wife and three sons and two daughters in his wife’s residence and was ready to abide by the rules governing the patrilineal system of his Kuki wife. In other words, while being at his wife’s residence he fulfils the matri-local system of his own society and at the same time submits himself to the patrilineal system of the Kukis.
As his children grew up and got married, one of the daughters had the misfortune of being divorced. Incidentally, despite the Garo husband’s submissive attitude to conform to the norms of life of his Kuki wife, the fact that the latter was under the patrilineal system was never overlooked and insisted that his family should abide by the Garo rules. The Garo husband continued to live under the Kuki custom and without conflict of laws the problem of his divorcee daughter was settled.
CONCLUSION :
In the foregoing paragraphs attempts were made to focus as to the prevalence of different customs of marriage and divorce as practised among the various tribal groups of North-East India. Inter-tribal marriage and the consequences thereof as conflict of inter-personal laws bring out revealing facts and the conflicts created thereby in integrating the people of North-East India are positive aspects of the different tribal customs. The application of conflict of laws among the tribals appears to have not cast its long shadows of enmity and ill-feelings. The outlook and approach of the people to such inter-personal relationship should bring about the inevitable change that has been the unchanging law of nature.
Omaha event to examine struggles for sovereignty Associated Press


OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - An upcoming conference is set to examine Native Americans' struggle for sovereignty as compared to those of indigenous populations around the globe.

Creighton University will host the 2-day conference, "Nation Within Nations: Living Dialogues on Governance and Cultures," beginning Nov. 2.
The conference will examine struggles of those in the Kurdish area of Iraq, Nagaland in India and the Karin region of Myanmar, among others.

Adae Deer of Wisconsin's Menominee tribe are among the educators and practitioners scheduled to present research and experience on cultures and governance.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

NSWON denounce ‘racist attitude’ morungexpress
Dimapur, October 29 (MExN): The women wing of the NSCN (IM) the ‘National Socialist Women Organization of Nagalim’ today denounced what they called the “racist attitude” of the Delhi authorities to the murder case of a Naga girl recently. It is ‘exceedingly outrageous’ to know that the Delhi authorities are “busy trying to invent excuses for the protection of the culprit,” stated a note from the NSWON.
“…by proving the culprit a pervert, they think it would save the image of their institutions. On the contrary, questioning the mental state of the culprit in such obvious case of homicide is a deliberate perversion of the course of justice. If this is not a case of racism, what is?” the women wing queried. It already has been established beyond doubt that the girl was killed and that the accused himself had confessed to the crime, there could be no need for more evidence to convict the accused, the note said?
Terming the murder as not an “isolated case” the NSWON said it could just be the tip of the iceberg. “An eye opener,” the NSWON asserted. “How many incidences of rape and molestation had gone unreported? How often have the North-easterners been subjected to all forms of maltreatment in the Indian metro cities? How often have reports of abuse been rejected by the police on seeing our face? You take pleasure in jeering us for the way we look, dress, eat and blame us for everything. The wounds of the past have not healed yet. We have been hurt beyond description,” the NSWON added in its message to the Indian communities.


Frans on 11.03.09 @ 11:50 AM CST [link]



Delhi appoints interlocutor - Former IB chief to liaise with 3 pro-talks N-E rebel outfits OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph



Delhi appoints interlocutor - Former IB chief to liaise with 3 pro-talks N-E rebel outfits OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

New Delhi, Oct. 30: Former intelligence bureau (IB) director P.C. Haldar has been appointed interlocutor for talks with three Northeast militant outfits — Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel), United People’s Democratic Solidarity and the pro-talks faction of National Democratic Front of Boroland.
Home minister P. Chidambaram today made the announcement and said the Assam government would be kept in the loop when the Centre’s interlocutor negotiates with the outfits.
The home minister said that following the decision of the DHD (J) to lay down arms and move its cadres into designated camps, the stage had been set to hold talks with the outfits.
Haldar is a 1970-batch Bihar cadre IPS officer. The terror attacks in Mumbai, Jaipur, Bangalore and elsewhere in India were carried out during his tenure as director of IB.
The announcement comes close on heels of the appointment last week of Lt Gen. (retd) Vijay Madan as interlocutor for holding talks with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM).
Apparently, the government is sending a message to the militant outfits of the Northeast that if they lay down arms, Delhi will take the extra step to initiate a dialogue.
UPDS was formed in March 1999 to fight for Karbi people’s rights and despite talks since 2004, the problems remain unresolved.
The NDFB is engaged in talks while another faction, led by Ranjan Daimary, is still using guns to destabilise the Bodo areas.
Co-opting the three outfits with help of an institutional mechanism and streamlining the peace processes may yield dividends in tackling the anti-peace talks factions or, in the case of DHD, help in reconciling differences among the Dimasa outfits. The faction led by Dilip Nunisa is engaged in a dialogue with the Centre.
The involvement of an interlocutor for holding talks with outfits of the Northeast first came more than a decade ago when Swaraj Kaushal mediated between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM).
Later, former home secretary, K. Padmanabhaiah, handled the same job. He was relieved of the task from September this year.
Padmanabhaiah had liaised with the NSCN (IM) for years and even though the peace talks continued, no breakthrough could be achieved.
With Haldar’s entry, the government hopes to keep tabs on the Assam outfits and take forward the talks in the form of a political dialogue.
DHD (J), one of the most notorious outfits in the region, has laid down arms and the government does not want to leave any space open for a reversal of a hard-earned bargain. Home secretary G.K. Pillai had visited Guwahati on October 9 and chaired a meeting of state home secretaries and state intelligence chiefs of the northeastern states.
Pillai had also visited Kohima, Nagaland on October 13-14 and interacted with the powerful civil society in the state even as the home ministry was preparing a “package” to resolve the problem with the Naga rebels.
Establishing peace in Nagaland is top priority: Governor Gaya (Bihar) by Noor Khan

Gaya (Bihar), Oct 25 Specifying that establishing peace in Nagaland as the top priority, Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar today said he would stand up to the expectations of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.

"Establishing peace in Nagaland is my top priotiy," Kumar, a retired IPS officer and Congress's former MP from Aurangabad in Bihar, told reporters here.

"I will endeavour and stand up to the expectations of PM and home minister in this regard," he said.

Kumar is currently on a three-day tour of Bihar on the occasion of Chhath, most pious festival for offering prayers to Sun god.

FGN, Federal Naga Army affirm not a part of “Accordist or Non-accordist” morungexpress
Khiamniungan Region FGN members, Federal Naga Army officers and KTC officilas.
Tuensang, November 1 (MExN): The armies of different ranks and files and the regional authorities of Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and Federal Naga Army have affirmed in a meeting with Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) that it shall not be a part of “Accordist or Non-accordist”.
W Chuba Lam, president and N L Tangsoi, general secretary of KTC in a press note received here stated that the Naga Army of Federal Government and regional authorities under Khiamniungan region had a meeting on October 28 at Noklak village and reviewed the prevailing situation Nagaland in the context of “Naga Home Land issue”.
The regional authorities led by Midan Peyu Khiamniungan region and army officials headed by GOC Eastern command Maj. Gen. Pukho and Brig. Yamthong, Brig. Hangchiu, Col. Bumoi and army officials’ Subordinate officers took the stand to remain as Federal Army under the political foundation of NNC, it stated.
The note also added: “The regional set up has reteriated to maintain peace with all Naga groups and societies, be it overgrounds or undergrounds. Its forces shall also refrain from offensive patrolling with neighbouring regions against all sorts of groups. This peaceful approach has been taken to maintain peace and harmony in the region and so as to uphold and covenant with the Lord God by the KTC on March 17, 2007.”
Moreover, the meeting was witnessed by KTC and assured its support for “peaceful approach so as to keep in line the guidelines of FNR and the guidelines of the central government for evolution of Naga People’s consensus on the long struggle of Indo-Naga issue”.
God’s revelation for Nagas L. Ezung MorungExpress
•God so loves the mankind of the World that, through the Holy Spirit He has revealed and has directed to spread these messages of warnings to all the people so that, they be Saved from sufferings and deaths.

1. PORK IS DEADLY
God the Almighty has asked His people not to buy Pork unless and until one knows fully that, the same Pig or Piglet was absolutely healthy and grown in your immediate neighbourhood. God has warned that, many people will die of related sickness and diseases that will be transmitted from the animals/Pork to human beings due to the disease infected Pork sold in the local markets by some unscrupulous people for earning money at the cost of human lives

2. DEATHS OF CHILDREN
God Has also revealed that, many Children studying in Class -X and below will die before they complete their 2009 Final Exams. The loving, God wants that, every Child should be saved from such deadly designs of the Satan through the observing of Fasting and Prayers for the children in every home by the Parents.
3. IMMORALITY OF NAGAS GIRLS OUTSIDE NAGALAND
The Almighty God has also revealed His warnings and He calls upon those Naga Girls concerned to repent from their immoral ways of living while they are pursuing their various studies from outside Nagaland. The Omnipresent God has revealed that, some Naga girls are selling their bodies for earning money to live in luxuries while away from their parents and away from Nagaland. God wants them to refrain and repent from such sinful ways of living so that they live a life full of blessings.
4. ADULTERERS IN CHOIRS
God has also directed those youths, boys and girls concerned who are involved in acts of adultery while serving the Lord and the Churches Member or Members of the Choir in their respective Churches. God warns them that, deaths will fall upon them if they do not confess and repent to start clean life.

L. Ezung
Chairperson,
Faith in Action Healing Prayer Centre,
Seithekie Basa, Dimapur
Ulfa willing to talk, not surrender A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph


File picture of weapons surrendered by Ulfa militants
Guwahati, Oct. 25: Ulfa today cited the case of Naga outfits, which are in talks with the government but have still not surrendered arms, while reiterating its stand that it was ready for negotiations but without giving up weapons.
Ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in a press communiqué that if the Centre can hold discussions with the Nagaland outfits, it could do the same with Ulfa.
“We want a political solution and are ready to hold discussions but not by surrendering arms. If the Centre can hold discussions with the Nagaland outfits why not with us?” the communiqué asked.
The Centre has made it clear that it was ready to hold talks with any outfit but only after it surrendered weapons. The latest group in Assam to abide by the Centre’s directive is the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel), which surrendered with arms on October 2.
Rajkhowa said the Centre had taken a similar stand of not holding discussions with the Maoists until they surrendered arms but was forced to not only organise talks with the outfit but also release 23 of its arrested cadres recently.
The Ulfa chairman was referring to the release of jailed alleged Maoist activists in return of a police official, abducted by Maoists in Bengal.
“The Centre’s attitude towards Assam has always been negative. It has no will to solve the problems of Assam and has been maintaining a dictatorial attitude towards the state,” the communiqué stated.
While welcoming the stand of several organisations of the state to take up an agitation programme demanding a solution to the vexed insurgency problem, the Ulfa chairman said the group has always been ready for holding discussions with the government to bring an end to violence.
“There is no doubt that we want a solution and any initiative taken by any organisation towards such a move is always welcome,” he said.
The People’s Committee for Peace Initiatives, a conglomerate of several organisations, had after a lull, last week decided to approach the Centre once again to begin a dialogue with Ulfa. The Ulfa chairman, on the other hand, made an appeal to the other underground organisations which are waging a war against the state, not to target innocent people.
In an obvious reference to the attack on Bhimajuli village in Sonitpur by the Ranjan Daimary faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland, the Ulfa chairman said it was against the ethics of a revolution to attack innocent people and not taking the responsibility for the same.
Daimary had denied involvement of the group in the attack in which 12 people died.
“These groups or organisations are actually terrorists and not revolutionaries which do not own up for such incidents, be the victims their enemy or innocent citizens,” Rajkhowa said. The Ulfa chairman also appealed to the people of Assam to support its movement for a peaceful state, free from the occupational Indian forces and “where people can live without fear and with the head held high”.
Nagaland guv open to peace talks with ultras , Ashok K Mishra, ET Bureau Times of India
PATNA: Nikhil Kumar, the newly appointed governor of Nagaland, has said that insurgents should come to the negotiation table and this alone would

clear the decks for ushering in an era of peace in the trouble- torn state.

"I have been given a specific job and it will be my bounden duty to help peace return to the state. But for all this to happen, the ultras will have to engage themselves in peace talks. The government is prepared to hold peace talks but within the framework of the Indian Constitution," Mr Kumar said here on Tuesday.

Emphasising that Nagaland is an integral part of India and the government has conveyed this in no uncertain terms, Mr Kumar said the peace talks will also help accelerate the pace of development in the state.

Mr Kumar, a former IPS official and son of former chief minister of Bihar Late Satyendra Narain Sinha, was till recently into active politics until he was drafted by the Centre for the gubernatorial posting.

Interestingly, Mr Kumar’s trip to Patna became a talking point in political circles when he attended a tea party hosted in his honour by Congress Legislature Party leader in the Vidhan Parishad Mahachander Prasad Singh. All Congress dissidents, who are gunning for the removal of state Congress chief Anil Sharma, turned up in full strength at the party of Mr Singh, who has himself raised the banner of revolt against state Congress leaders.

All this led to speculation as to whether Mr Kumar's presence at the party was meant to convey his support for the dissidents. Mahachander Singh, however, sought to deny that the tea party had to do anything with the dissident activities.

AJYCP, Naga Hoho meet STAFF Reporter
GUWAHATI, Oct 27 – The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) held two rounds of talks with the leading Naga organization Naga Hoho to discuss the border problem between Assam and Nagaland on October 25 and 26 at Kohima. Both the organizations emphasized on building mutual trust among the people of both the States to find an amicable solution to all the problems.

“Assam and Nagaland have historical relationships and a common cause — to fight for the interest of the NorthEastern region,” mentioned a statement from the AJYCP.

The Naga Hoho president Keviletou Kieuhua, general secretary P Ozukum, its representative from Manipur G Vashum and AJYCP chief advisor Putul Dutta, president Biraj Kumar Talukdar and general secretary Manoj Baruah took part in the discussion.

“Leaders from both the organizations agreed to strengthen the historical and cultural ties between Nagaland and Assam, promote peace among the people living in the bordering areas to avoid any untoward incident. Both the organizations strongly felt that the border tiff between the two States is deteriorating because of the faulty policies of the Union Government,” the statement mentioned.
Zeliangrong impasse over Newmai News Network
Imphal | November 1 : The Zeliangrong General Public Convention (ZGPC) has done away the existence of the Zeliangrong Union (ZU) and Zeliangrong Baudi (ZB) and then constituted an interim body instead for the period of three months with effect from October 30.
The public convention which was held on Friday in Tamenglong headquarters attended by both civil organisation leaders and that of ‘national workers’, has set up an interim body christened as “Zeliangrong Interim Body” for the duration of three months with eleven members comprising from the state of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. The representatives from Assam, Nagaland and Manipur numbering about 1500 delegates participated in the Zeliangrong General Public Convention (ZGPC) and had taken the latest decision for the Zeliangrong community.
One important purpose of the Zeliangrong Interim Body (ZIB) is for the ‘finalisation’ of the Zeliangrong apex body nomenclature and also to work for the amendment of Zeliangrong Union/Zeliangrong Baudi constitution. The Zeliangrong Interim Body (ZIB) will then elect functionaries of the ‘apex body’ and zonal bodies. The ZIB will take care of the general administration and judicial matter within the interim period.
G Gaingam has been designated as the convenor of ZIB. The rest other ten members of the Zeliangrong Interim Body are Disuang Hao of Nagaland, C.R.Zeliang of Nagaland, D.Dikambui of Manipur, Jangamlung Panmei of Manipur, Rev.N Palmei of Manipur, Rev.Dr. Neilalung of Assam, Ijjirang Zeme of Assam, B.Abuiba of Manipur and Chandra Haomei of Manipur.
State government should facilitate, not negotiate, the ‘unity feeling’ Newmai News Network

(From left to right) Dr. Chumben Murry, Minister of Agriculture, Pangnyu Phom, Parliamentary Secretary for RD&REPA, Neiba Ndang, secretary general of NECC, NCP, and Er. Levi Rengma, state NCP working president, at the first NCP state-level convention in Kohima on Thursday, October 29. (Morung Photo)

Kohima | October 29 : Dr. Chumben Murry, Nagaland Minister of Agriculture, expressed hope that the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government would be voted to power in the next general elections and that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) would fare well.
Speaking at the first NCP state-level convention programme at LCS building in the Nagaland capital, Dr. Murry, who is also state NCP president, said that his party is comfortable in the DAN coalition and added that the NCP should not be overambitious but mark its presence. Appreciating Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for being a visionary leader, Dr. Murry said that with the changing times, elected representatives have bigger responsibilities and Rio, as Chief Minister, has the capability to lead the Nagas.
Talking about the initiatives of the DAN government in the Naga political issue and pointing out that certain things take time to build momentum, the Agriculture Minister mentioned the setting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), the overseas Naga convention resulting in the Common Naga Platform. Lauding the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for bringing the Naga factions together, he said they have done a ‘tremendous job’ especially with reference to Nagaland, which is a Christian state.
Dr. Murry emphasised that unity does not include “undergrounds” alone, but “unity should encompass the over-ground section too” and that is the reason the Common Naga Platform came into being where feelings of the Nagas can be voiced. He categorically stated that the NCP stands by Rio and supports the efforts of the government for peace and unity. He, however, noted that solution cannot come about with the efforts of certain sections only but should be a collective endeavour, and hoped that the state government would facilitate, not negotiate, the ‘unity feeling’.
S Pangyuh Phom, Parliamentary Secretary for RD&REPA, said that Naga politicians are emotional as many keep changing parties and join new national parties without proper study. He urged party workers to revive and rededicate themselves and said that the NCP is fortunate to have a CM who understands Nagas’ problems and has good relation with the central NCP leadership.
Stating that the NCP expects more than 10 seats in the next tenure, Phom called upon its workers to have self-confidence, saying with it nothing is impossible. Commending his party workers, he called them the ‘unsung heroes’, and said that with the self-confidence, they should do something for the Nagas. He urged the members present to be aware of the global climate changes and to spread the message of preservation of forests and natural resources.
Neiba Ndang, former Nagaland Speaker and secretary general of NECC, NCP, said that the NCP, though a nationalist party, has the liberty and right to decide for itself unlike the Congress party (in which he served for 3 decades), which has to take the decision of the party high command in the centre, even for small internal matters besides distribution of tickets, portfolios, etc. He said that the slogan of the NCP – peace, progress and prosperity – should stand them in good stead in winning the future election in 2013.

Inter-Tribal Marriages in India with Special Reference to By: Dr. (Mrs.) Priyadarshni M. Gangte Kangla on Line
INTRODUCTION :
Marriage as a social institution is an arrangement that enables persons to live together and co-operate with one another in an orderly social life and institutionalized relationship. It is essentially a rearrangement of social structure. In order to understand how it works. We have to examine how it binds persons together by convergence of interest and sentiment and how it controls and minimizes those conflicts that may possibly occur due to divergence of sentiment or interest. We may as well examine as to how it contributes to its working as a system. In doing so, we may come to an understanding or explanation as to how the system came into existence.
Marriage makes certain existing relationship particularly that of the bride to her family changed. New social relatives are created. It creates a relationship between the husband and the wife in the first place. It also creates new relationship between the husband and the wife’s relatives and between the wife and the husband’s relatives on the one hand, and between the relatives of the husbands and those of the wife who are, on both sides, interested in the marriage and in the children that are expected to result from it. In fact, marriage, like birth, death, or initiation at puberty, is rearrangement of structure that is essentially recurring in any society. It is a moment of continuing social process regulated by custom which is institutionalized may of dealing such event.
When marriage involves some modification or partial rupture of the relations between the bride and her immediate kin, it is least marked or felt, if the husband goes to live with his parents-in-law in a matri-local society. But it is most marked if the bride leaves her family and goes to live with her husband and his family in patri-local society. Her absence makes her own family suffer a loss. But it would be wrong to interpret the same as economic loss. It is the loss of a person in the family, and it is a breach of family solidarity. This aspect is given symbolic expression between the two kin groups in the forms of hostility by attempting to take or kidnap the bride by force. Either the girl or her kin or both, are expected to make a show of resistance at her bring thus taken away. Prof. Radcliff Brown (1960: p.50) says,
“Customs of this kind are the ritual or symbolic expression of the recognition that marriage entails the breaking of the solidarity that unites a woman to the family in which she has been born and grown up”.
In fact, such customs may be interpreted as manifestations of recognition accorded to the structural change that has been brought about the marriage.
The question of prevalence of payment of bride price in some tribal societies is an important aspect in marriage. Such payment of bride price may be taken as an indemnity or compensation given by the boy’s party to the bride’s kin for the loss of their daughter. It may also be regarded that such payment gives the husband and his kin certain rights over his wife and the children she bears.
Another indispensable aspect that should be understood is sets of regulations that govern marriage between persons related by kinship or through marriage. In some tribal societies there are rules which prohibit marriage between persons who stand in certain relationship. In some cases there are certain relatives between who marriage is not merely permitted but is desirable. The term ‘preferential marriage’ is commonly applied to customs of this kind. The most common form of this system is found in the cross-cousin marriage.
Having sufficiently covered some pertinent features on marriage over which attention needs to be focused, it is now expedient that we examine them as to how they are operative among the tribals of the North-East India. For a thorough understanding of the subject matter, it is essential that a brief background as to prevalence of systems of marriage and divorce among the tribals of North-East India is highlighted.
The entire North-East India comprising of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, known as ‘Seven Sisters’ is frequented by different groups of people from time immemorial in the form of migration from Burma and other places. Thus we find people of Mongoloid strains in respect of their physical features, culture, language, etc. They are subsequently identified and differentiated one from the other based on various historical processes of stress and strains; communications difficulties had contributed in no small measure to their being in isolation for a number of generations. In the process, ultimately different groups were either alienated one from the other or aligned among themselves, and thus came to bear various ethnic appellations identifying themselves as distinct tribes with distinct culture and tradition.
Prof. Bhowmick (1980:3) said,
“… present day cultured of these groups bear such mark of incorporation into the core of their cultural matrix.”
There are altogether 131 tribes with identifiable characteristics and traits distributed in different areas of this region (Sharma 1978) and as weaker sections of the people, the Government of India categorized them as ‘Scheduled’ so as to make the upliftment schemes available to them as provided in the Constitution of India.
It is true that this enchanted land known as the North-East region attracted waves of diverse ethnic groups through ages. It has come to stay as the confluence of the most colourful mosaic of ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity (Government of Assam, 1976:30). Together with this, there are different social systems among the tribal groups which can be divided hardly into three categories as follows :
(1) the matrilineal tribes. In this, the Khasis, the Jaintias and the Garos of Meghalaya are included.
(2) the homogeneous patrilineal tribes. The Kuki-Mizo tribes of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura constitute the category.
(3) the heterogeneous patrilineal tribes. The Naga of Nagaland and Manipur and the Arunachali tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are the groups of this category.
The system of marriage of any given society is antiqualetedly high as the society itself. It ultimately becomes the custom, the system of which had not been coded by a legislative enactment. Thus it is the high antiquity of the custom which gives validity. Roy said,
“The birth and growth of a custom is the natural consequence of organized living of people and the progress of human society. With the growth and progress of human society, the rules of human conduct go on multiplying till a stage reaches when they become well recognised and well established body of rules. These rules are compendiously called customs. These rules of conduct must have obviously arisen and followed on account of their utility and necessity. They have been observed because they enjoyed the express or tacit sanction of the community.”
Thus when a particular system of marriage is examined it should be viewed in its right perspective and in the manner the people who adopt such a system takes it. (David Pearl : p.2).
Systems which rules the tribes (based for analysis) :
Khasis :
The Khasis as exogamous group, prohibits marriage of members inside the same clan and is called SANG (Taboo). As matrilineal people, descent through a common ancestress is counted. Marriage with the mother’s brother’s daughter during the lifetime of the mother’s brother is not permissible. Though, as a rule, monogamy is the practice, polygamy is not absolutely unknown. There are instances of a man marrying an informal alliance with another woman. Marriage between those related to the father within three generations is avoided, though marriage with the daughter of a father’s sister is permissible after the death of the father despite not being favoured.
Divorce :
Divorce is rare, extra-judicially permissible and bears no social stigma. Remarriage of divorcee is permissible. A widow cannot remarry within a year of the death of her husband. The bones of the husband are kept by the widow and till such time as the bones are with her she cannot re-marry. She has to hand over his bones to his mother before re-marriage. If she violates and remarries, it is considered as fornication.
The procedure of divorce is that a betel leave will be torn into 2(two) before witnesses. Both the man and the woman take 5(five) cowries (shells) in their hands. The wife hands over hers to the husband. The husband, on his part, will return them along with his to the wife who returns them all to the husband. The husband will then throw the cowries on the ground.
It is the husband who goes to live with the wife at the house of the mother-in-law. Kusum and Bakshi (1982:91) contended that the underlying practice is that patri-local residence works great hardship on the married women.
Among the Jaintias residence is duo-local. The husband stays with his own parents and visits the wife at her parents’ house. His earnings go to his mother’s family. Some orthodox husbands are reluctant even to drink from the mother-in-law’s house. They feel that as they do not give any part of their earnings to the family of the mother-in-law, they have no right to take anything from that family.
It is also a fact that a Khasi father earns for them while living with his wife and children. Whatever he earns remains with them and leaves them behind if he leaves them. The wife also acquires properties from the mixed earnings with her husband. The children have rightful claim. Therefore, when the father leaves them, none of the children and the wife has a right to claim maintenance from him. In the case of Christian wife it is held that the father, in bounden duty, was to maintain his children provided he had the means to do so.
Application of inter-personal conflict of laws :
In general, the youngest daughter known as KA KHADDUH inherits property. In case of ancestral property, transfer is allowed with the approval of the whole clan or family. As for personal property, it is not so rigid.
As against the Khasis matrilineal system, the Kukis are of a very strong patrilineal system. There is no water-tied compartmentalized exogamous clan as the Khasis have. Rule of exogamy prevails within the bounds of three generations on the father’s side. Decent is counted from father to sons’ is against the females among the Khasis. Marriage with the mother’s brother’s daughter who is termed as NEAINU is most preferred marriage.
Marriage with the father’s sisters is not only prohibited but is considered incestuous as against allowance of such marriage after the death of the father among the Khasis. Residence is not only one of the strong factors of patri-local; it is prestigious to maintain a joint family as against the matri-local among the Khasis. Though polygamy is not very much encouraged for commoners, it is a status symbol for persons of standing and position as against the rare instance of such marriage among the Khasis.
Maintenance of children for a man is inherent duty for a Kuki father, though even if his divorcee wife has to return to her natal home as against duty-free for a Khasi father against his divorced wife and her children.
The paradox of life for a Kuki woman is that she is never accorded a full-fledged membership of her clan. She is considered as the ‘beloved daughter’ of the clan, who, on her marriage would assume the full female membership of her husband where she should ‘be loved’ and ‘well treated’ for propagation of the male descendants of her husband’s family/clan, thereby being accorded honour and respect even on her death by payment of ‘corpse price’ called LUONGMAN to her father or brother as the case may be against absolute authority being accorded to the female among the Khasis (Gangte : 1993; p.69).
Payment of bride-price is another instance of male oriented society. The bride-price is a symbolic expression of long term cordial relationship that may exist between the two bodies of relatives honouring the mutual dignity and prestige of both the families of the wife and the husband so that the nuptial matrimonial alliance might not be so easily abrogated by the personal conflicts that may possibly occur as against the unsecured position of the husband being accorded among the Khasis.
Inheritance of all sorts of property is from father to eldest son, exclusive of all other sons, who are left at the discretion of the eldest son, let alone female right of inheritance as against the strong system of youngest daughter’s absolute authority among the Khasis.
Wonder of wonders, in the face of such conflicting of laws that are current among the Khasi tribes and the Kuki tribes, the first Kuki IAS Officer who retired as the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya married a Khasi widow and nothing of personal conflict having ever been heard of the marriage.
Be it as it may, another extreme case of patrilineal is that of the Tangkhul Nagas. A Tangkhul Naga father may earn, and be a millionaire, their inheritance system is such that the father, mother and their unmarried children have to move out to establish a new home, leaving behind all that he had hitherto earned and acquired to his married son. This process continues till his youngest son with whom he has to live, is married.
A conflict of inter-personal law as a result of inter-tribal marriage between the eldest son of a former Nagaland Tangkhul Naga Chief Secretary and his second Khasi wife arose. Incidentally, the Tangkhul Naga Officer had a first Kabui Naga wife who begot him a son, who was his eldest son. On the other, his Khasi wife happened to be the youngest daughter of a Khasi parent. The Naga Officer had landed properties in Manipur and as per inheritance law of the Tangkhul Naga his eldest son, born of the Kabui Naga wife was to inherit his properties. The properties fetched substantially huge monthly income and obviously attracted the attention of both the eldest son and the second wife of the officer. The son was entitled to the properties as per customary law of inheritance according to the Tangkhul Naga. Similarly, as per Khasi rule of inheritance, the second wife was entitled to claim inheritance of the same properties. A bone of contention ensued between the eldest son and the second wife of the officer. Had the son in question been of her own and the properties been in Shillong, Meghalaya, the second wife would have been of her own and the properties been in Shillong, Meghalaya, the second wife would have been a very strong contender to the litigation. Ultimately, the properties being in Manipur where the Tangkhul Naga rule of inheritance prevails it was held in favour of the eldest son.
The law of divorce among the Kukis is very stringent and humiliating as against the simple rituals of tearing a betel leave into two and exchange of 4(four) cowries (shells) in their hands two times before witnesses to ultimately throw them on the ground symbolizing thereby finalization of the proceedings of divorcee among the Khais.
Among the Kukis, divorce is very rare. In as much as the proceeding of betrothal is a lengthy state of affairs through intricate rituals with a set rule for payment of bride-price, divorce is a more complicated affair. In the event of divorce proceedings having been finalized, the bride-price that had been settled had to be re-opened. If divorce is at the initiative of the husband and if he is held responsible by the Village Council, he forfeits reimbursement of the bride-price already paid. In addition, he is required to pay a fine of one Mithun for breach of the marriage alliance. In case the responsibility is held against the wife, her parents are liable to return the bride-price paid, together with a fine of one Mithun.
There was a case of inter-tribal marriage between a Garo Doctor and a Kuki Nurse, who settled in Manipur. It provides the case of both inter-personal conflict of marriage and divorce. The case, however, posed no conflict of laws. The Garo Doctor husband having hailed from a matrilineal society with matri-local residence found at no problem to compromise his position as a man ought to claim as prestige issue in the case of patrilineal society. He resided in Manipur with his wife and three sons and two daughters in his wife’s residence and was ready to abide by the rules governing the patrilineal system of his Kuki wife. In other words, while being at his wife’s residence he fulfils the matri-local system of his own society and at the same time submits himself to the patrilineal system of the Kukis.
As his children grew up and got married, one of the daughters had the misfortune of being divorced. Incidentally, despite the Garo husband’s submissive attitude to conform to the norms of life of his Kuki wife, the fact that the latter was under the patrilineal system was never overlooked and insisted that his family should abide by the Garo rules. The Garo husband continued to live under the Kuki custom and without conflict of laws the problem of his divorcee daughter was settled.
CONCLUSION :
In the foregoing paragraphs attempts were made to focus as to the prevalence of different customs of marriage and divorce as practised among the various tribal groups of North-East India. Inter-tribal marriage and the consequences thereof as conflict of inter-personal laws bring out revealing facts and the conflicts created thereby in integrating the people of North-East India are positive aspects of the different tribal customs. The application of conflict of laws among the tribals appears to have not cast its long shadows of enmity and ill-feelings. The outlook and approach of the people to such inter-personal relationship should bring about the inevitable change that has been the unchanging law of nature.
Omaha event to examine struggles for sovereignty Associated Press


OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - An upcoming conference is set to examine Native Americans' struggle for sovereignty as compared to those of indigenous populations around the globe.

Creighton University will host the 2-day conference, "Nation Within Nations: Living Dialogues on Governance and Cultures," beginning Nov. 2.
The conference will examine struggles of those in the Kurdish area of Iraq, Nagaland in India and the Karin region of Myanmar, among others.

Adae Deer of Wisconsin's Menominee tribe are among the educators and practitioners scheduled to present research and experience on cultures and governance.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

NSWON denounce ‘racist attitude’ morungexpress
Dimapur, October 29 (MExN): The women wing of the NSCN (IM) the ‘National Socialist Women Organization of Nagalim’ today denounced what they called the “racist attitude” of the Delhi authorities to the murder case of a Naga girl recently. It is ‘exceedingly outrageous’ to know that the Delhi authorities are “busy trying to invent excuses for the protection of the culprit,” stated a note from the NSWON.
“…by proving the culprit a pervert, they think it would save the image of their institutions. On the contrary, questioning the mental state of the culprit in such obvious case of homicide is a deliberate perversion of the course of justice. If this is not a case of racism, what is?” the women wing queried. It already has been established beyond doubt that the girl was killed and that the accused himself had confessed to the crime, there could be no need for more evidence to convict the accused, the note said?
Terming the murder as not an “isolated case” the NSWON said it could just be the tip of the iceberg. “An eye opener,” the NSWON asserted. “How many incidences of rape and molestation had gone unreported? How often have the North-easterners been subjected to all forms of maltreatment in the Indian metro cities? How often have reports of abuse been rejected by the police on seeing our face? You take pleasure in jeering us for the way we look, dress, eat and blame us for everything. The wounds of the past have not healed yet. We have been hurt beyond description,” the NSWON added in its message to the Indian communities.


Frans on 11.03.09 @ 11:46 AM CST [link]



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