SHILLONG, January 21: Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, today charged Pakistan with backing some insurgent outfits and criminals to unleash violence in the northeastern states. "This is one of the factors which has impeded economic development in some of the states in the region," he said. The Prime Minister was addressing a two-day meeting of governors and chief ministers of the eight northeastern states including Sikkim on the twin issues of development and security at Hotel Polo Towers here this afternoon. "It is now well established that Pakistan is backing some of these groups as part of its larger game-plan to try and destabilise India," Vajpayee claimed but did not cite any evidence on the matter nor did he reveal any step to counter Pakistani designs. Today’s meeting on developmental issues started shortly after the Prime Minister reached the state capital here at 11.30 am by helicopter from Guwahati. He was accompanied by the Union minister for home, LK Advani, finance minister, Yashwant Sinha, defence minister, George Fernandes and deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, KC Pant besides Union ministers from the region, Bijoya Chakraborty and T Chouba Singh. Continuing, the Prime Minister reiterated his government’s ‘deep’ and ‘abiding’ commitment to the rapid economic and meaningful social development of the region and disclosed that the outlay for these states has accordingly been increased to Rs 25,283.52 crore in the 9th Plan showing a hike of nearly Rs 10,000 crore above the 8th Plan outlay of Rs 15,439 crore. Saying that the national development initiative for the year 2000 has been started with this conference, the Prime Minister pointed out "this shows the importance and urgency we attach to the overall development of the Northeast. Our effort is to ensure that these states are soon at par, if not ahead, of other states," he said. Vajpayee however stressed that increased funding alone cannot solve the economic and social problems of the region. "We need to address other issues that have sapped the resources of these states and diverted the attention of the administration. Citing one such issue that he said is a matter of great concern, is that huge sums meant for specific projects get diverted. The other is the non-involvement of the people in development efforts. The Prime Minister, who is here on his maiden visit to the state lauded ‘some’ state governments for showing determination in confronting the anti-national and anti-social forces which, he said has emboldened the people to come out against the insurgents. "However, a lot more remains to be done to create a proper environment for investment and implementation of development programmes, he emphasised. The financial bankruptcy of most of the Northeast states came up for active discussion during the conference with the Prime Minister calling upon them to improve their management of finances so that they can reduce the gap between their non-Plan revenue expenditure and revenue resources. He, however, commended some states for their prudent fiscal discipline. Sources said Centre will further strengthen monitoring of development expenditures in the region specially because corruption has become deep-rooted and rampant in all the states of the region. With financial crisis gaping at several states in the region, four states in the region have accepted the proposals of the Centre to streamline their fiscal management. The sources, however, declined to identify the states. Vajpayee also stressed the need for ‘effective governance’ saying it was essential for economic development of the region. "The state Governments in the region must ensure time-bound implementation of projects as also transparency in their functioning. Urging the northeastern states to revive the tradition of community driven initiatives that was once the mainstay of the society, the Prime Minister lamented that elections to local bodies have not been held for quite sometime. The Prime Minister said he was aware of the fact that the Northeastern Council (NEC) has not lived up to the expectations and assured that the Council will be revitalised and also meets twice a year. Tomorrow the Prime Minister will preside over another meeting of the governors and chief ministers of the Northeast states on security issues. Later he will address a public meeting at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium where he is expected to make some announcements aimed at expediting the development process in the region. (Bedabrata Lahkar; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; January 22, 2000)

SHILLONG, January 21: The Northeast states have been asked to cut down wasteful expenditure and maintain utmost transparency in developmental matters so that the benefits actually accrue to the common people. This was one major issue discussed in the meeting of the governors and chief ministers of the states in the region, Union finance minister Yashwant Sinha and deputy chairman of the Planning Commission KC Pant told newsmen this evening while briefing on the discussions held ‘in camera’. The states were also asked to identify "thrust areas" so that the Centre can earmark necessary funds for the same. Sikkim, for instance, has already identified tourism as its thrust sector while Meghalaya has projected border trade, horticulture and tourism as its thrust areas. The two Central leaders said that the meeting also stressed that the delivery system in the Northeast needed to be improved so that the money trickles down to the grassroots. "The very very inadequate credit deposit ratio in the region is a matter of grant concern", said the finance minister. He revealed that today’s meeting decided to hold a conference in Mizoram in February next with representatives of banks and financial institutions, finance ministry and state governments to find a solution to the problem. A task force will also be set up to act on the suggestions, he said. He said that a second task force will be set up to find out the financing needs of the key tea industry in the region. Both Sinha and Pant lamented that the Northeast states were not taking advantage of the Rs 3,500 crore corpus under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund under the NABARD. The meeting also discussed the uniform sales tax implemented by the states in the region. There have been problems on some items but the chief minister s have been asked to evolve a pattern so that the problem can be sorted out amicable. "We want to avoid rate wars in the region", they pointed out. They expressed confidence that the various measures being taken as a follow-up of the conference would give a "powerful fillip" to the developmental process in the region. (Special Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; January 22, 2000)

SHILLONG, January 21: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Friday pledged that his government would strive for a rapid economic and social development of the northeastern states, but expressed concern over the rampant misappropriation of funds and the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the region. Vajpayee ruled out the possibility of creation of any new states in the Northeast, but emphasised on the need for effective devolution of powers to local bodies and village communities through the Panchayati Raj institution and other local self-government bodies in the region like the district councils. Addressing the chief ministers and governors of the northeastern states and Sikkim on regional development and security issues here, Vajpayee announced the launching of his government's national development initiatives for the year 2000. Promising to make sure that the Northeast states can come up at par with other parts of the country, the Prime Minister said, "One of reasons why these states are lagging behind, and therefore need a helping hand is that many of them became a part of the planning process much after the other states." He announced the increase in the Ninth Plan outlay for the region to Rs 25,282.52 crore. This is almost Rs 10,000 crore more than the Eighth Plan outlay of Rs 15,439 crore. Stating that funds alone would not solve the region's problems, the Prime Minister said, "Large sums of money do not find their way to the projects for which they are intended. This is a matter of concern." The other point of concern, Vajpayee said was the non-involvement of the people in development efforts and the lack of community participation. The Prime Minister categorically stated that the governments in the Northeast and Sikkim must improve their financial management, and stressed on the need for effective governance. He called for time-bound implementation of projects and transparency in their functioning. "This is necessary for the people to repose trust in their elected representatives," he said. The Prime Minister said that the hopes and aspirations of the diverse ethnic and linguistic identities in the Northeast must be fulfilled within the existing administrative framework. Stating that the Panchayati Raj can be a solution, Vajpayee regretted that election to local bodies have not been held in the region, as elsewhere, for quite sometime. The Prime Minister gave the official stamp on the finance ministry's decision to continue with the exemption of central excise and tax for specific industries for the first ten years. Vajpayee said he was aware of the fact that the Northeastern Council (NEC), supposed to be the region's apex development agency, has "not lived up to exceptions." He stated that the NEC was being revitalised, and would henceforth, meet twice a year. (Special Correspondent; The Northeast Daily; Guwahati; January 22, 2000)

SHILLONG, January 21: Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, on Friday charged Pakistan of aiding and abetting separatist insurgency in the Northeast and added that militancy has impeded economic development in the region to a large extent. Speaking at the meeting of the chief ministers and governors of the region, Vajpayee said, "It is now well established that Pakistan is backing some of the militant groups as part of its larger game plan to try and destabilise India". Vajpayee said the issue of insurgency and extortion in the region was a matter of serious concern as the militants were indulging in subversive activities at the "expense of the region's development or the fear psychosis created by them among the people". The Prime Minister said he looked forward to a "purposeful discussion on the issue of insurgency and its socio-economic impact, apart from the manner in which it has affected law and order in the states". On Saturday, the Prime Minister will hold a high-level security meeting which will open with a 20-minute audio-visual presentation produced by the ministry of home affairs. PTI adds from Dhaka: India and Bangladesh have agreed on a strategy to deal with cross-border terrorism, and alert the people about the machinations of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). "We have agreed for information exchanges to understand their (ISI) machinations, and take effective steps against the conspirators to alert the people," visiting minister of state for external affairs Ajit Panja said here on Friday. On whether instances of insurgent outfits in the northeastern states taking shelter in and operating from Bangladesh came up during talks, Panja said policy-wise discussions had taken place at the ministers' level, and individual cases would be taken up at the officers' level meeting. Panja, who discussed bilateral and regional security issues and problems of cross-border terrorism with his Bangladesh counterpart Abul Hasan Chowdhuri, said follow-up steps would be discussed at the Indo-Bangla joint working group on border management meeting in Dhaka within a week and at the home secretary level meeting in New Delhi next month. The meeting also focussed on opening the entire gamut of multi-model transportation link between the two countries. Panja called for speedier improvement in multi-modal communication in the region involving India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar to combat the menace of cross-border terrorism, drug trafficking and smuggling. (GW Pohti; The Northeast Daily; Guwahati; January 22, 2000)

SHILLONG, January 21: Over-zealous sleuths of the elite Special Protection Group (SPG) on Friday embarrassed a number of VVIPS coming to attend the northeastern chief ministers' meeting at Hotel Pinewood here. SPG personnel on duty at the hotel entrance even frisked Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar much to the embarrassment of other dignitaries present in the lobby. Even the motorcade of Assam chief minister, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, was stopped mid-way to the hotel with Mahanta made to walk to the venue. But some officials came to his rescue and allowed his car to come in. Some senior police officials from other states were also subjected to similar frisking by the SPG. (Staff Reporter; The Northeast Daily; Guwahati; January 22, 2000)

SHILLONG, January 22: The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, today announced a Rs 10,271 crore agenda as a new initiative for the socio-economic development of the Northeast states including Sikkim. Announcing the package at a Press conference at the Raj Bhavan here this afternoon at the end of his two-day visit to Meghalaya, the Prime Minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment for the accelerated economic development of the backward region. "Funds will not come in the way of development of the Northeast", he assured adding "money will be made available for implementing the viable projects in the region." But he could not spell out what amount in the package would be outside the normal plan allocations. Part of the package would be within the plan while portions, being identified, would be financed by making additional allocations, he clarified. He declared that the long-delayed Northeastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences in Shillong will be upgraded into a national institute at a cost of Rs 422.60 crore. The upgraded institute will offer studies in eight medical super specialities, five surgical super specialities and ten non-clinical specialities. It will also have a 500-bed referral hospital. The Centre has also decided to fence the remaining portion of the Indo-Bangladesh border and construct border roads with a total outlay of Rs 1,335 crore. The work on the project would be launched in April this year, he said. Responding to another query on the package, Vajpayee took his own time, after some promptings by Union home minister, L K Advani, to say that the package "is not time-bound." He, however, added that the package would be implemented speedily. Despite the smile he wore, the PM looked tired and had to be briefed by Advani, seated next to him, before answering. On several occasions, the home minister had to take over from the Prime Minister to tackle the Pressmen’s queries. To a query whether the new package would meet the same fate as the earlier packages announced by successive Prime Ministers— the only response from the PM and home minister was silence. The briefing ended abruptly, barely 20 minutes after it started with most questions of the newsmen unanswered. The plea of the scribes to extend the time was turned down on the pea that his flight would be delayed. (Bedabrata Lahkar; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; January 23, 2000)

SHILLONG, January 22: The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, today reiterated that the Centre will be firm on its earlier stand of having no negotiation on the question of sovereignty with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) and other militant outfits in the Northeast. He said that discussions are being held with the NSCN(IM) to find out ways to hold "meaningful dialogue" with the outfit for an ultimate solution to the problem of insurgency in Nagaland. Though today’s meeting of the governors and chief ministers of the Northeast states was on the crucial issue of security, again held ‘in-camera’, both the Prime Minister and the home minister, L K Advani preferred to remain silent on the outcome of the two hour-long parleys at the Hotel Pinewood. The meeting was also attended by the Union finance minister, Yashwant Sinha, defence minister, George Fernendes, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, the Army chief, and directors-general of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Advani however said that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was giving assistance in terms of money and arms to several militant outfits in the region. They are also going to Pakistan to receive training in subversive activities, he alleged but declined to name the outfits. (Special Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; January 23, 2000)

GUWAHATI, January 23: The Nagaland chief minister, S C Jamir has expressed serious concern over the demographic invasion by Bangladeshi nationals to Nagaland and said that the infiltration has destabilised the socio-economic fabric of the State. In a memorandum to the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, the chief minister said that the Bangladeshi nationals are actively involved in gun running for various insurgent groups and are even inciting them to fight each other. The Bangladeshi nationals are deliberately abetting political instability and turmoil in the region and are even forming underground terrorist groups and especially targeting Indian nationals. He said that the Bangladeshi nationals are building up effective propaganda machinery to win over the minds of the tribals and create anti-India feeling among the people. He further said that systematic take over to business and economic activity by the Bangladeshi immigrant population is a matter of serious concern as with economic power in their hands, they would make the local people an easy prey to their anti-India views. The chief minister offered several suggestions to tackle the problem of infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals. He suggested greater coordination between Centre and states and setting up of suitable special bodies to deal with the menace. He said that instability of the Governments is a primary reason for the growth of insurgency and unchecked infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals and suggested that efforts should be made to maintain political stability of the region. He stressed the need for identifying nationalist forces in the region including individual leaders who would be able to act in the interest of the nation. He said that steps should be taken to build up pro national sentiment among the people. The chief minister said that attention should be given to the Assam-Nagaland boundary issue and settle it on the basis of ground realities as was agreed to by the chief minister s of both the states in May, 1993. Jamir expressed concern over the fact that the duly elected state government has been totally left out of the purview of the negotiations between the Union government and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) (I-M). He said that the political, constitutional and legal consequences of bypassing the state Government, which is the true representative of the people, are fraught with dangerous implications. The chief minister said that at present the Union government is negotiating only with the NSCN (I-M) but since there are many factions, unless dialogue is held with all the groups, it may turn out to be a futile exercise. The government of India should also publicly announce the parameters of the negotiations as the insurgents are insisting on sovereignty and creation of a greater Nagaland, he added. He said that the insurgents form only a very small minority of the population and the majority of the people of the state are for peace and progress. Though the negotiation was preceded by a cease fire, the insurgent groups are violating the ground rules by indulging in killing, intimidation, robbery and other acts of terrorism. "The cease-fire has become a mockery as far as the people of the state are concerned. The NSCN (I-M), in fact, abrogated the ceasefire by their attempt to assassinate the chief minister on November 11 in which two policemen were killed and five others were injured. The state Cabinet, therefore, decided that the state government representatives would no longer be associated with the monitoring of the ceasefire," the memorandum added. Jamir further said that the presence of security forces in the state is not adequate and demanded that the pre-Kargil strength of the security forces must be restored in Nagaland immediately. (Staff Reporter; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; January 24, 2000)

Prime Minister Vajpayee’s two-day visit to Shillong and his meeting with the governors and chief ministers of the seven northeastern states and Sikkim have certainly enabled him and his senior cabinet colleagues accompanying him to better appreciate the ground realities of the economic and general law and order situation of the region. The Prime Minister has correctly diagnosed the malady of the northeastern States. Diversion of huge sums of money meant for specific projects to other purposes and non-involvement of the people in the development efforts are two main reasons. Increased funding alone is unlikely to solve the fiscal problems of the states of the region because apart from weak governance, insurgency and extortions have sapped their resources. Even conceding that the Centre is really concerned about the slow pace of development of the northeastern states because they are late-comers to the country’s planning process, the 9th Plan allocation at Rs 25,283.52 crore as against Rs 15.438 crore in the 8th — a hike of nearly Rs 10,000 crore — is indeed generous. The eight impoverished states would certainly welcome the Rs 10,271-crore package as a new initiative for the socio-economic development of these states with open arms. But one is apt to be a little sceptical as to what the package would mean in real terms. First, there is no time-bound programme for its implementation. Secondly, its not clear what parts or percentage of it are covered in the earlier plans. Judging from the virtual non-implementation of the Rs 6100-crore Deve Gowda package nobody can blame an amount of doubt that has been generated. As the Prime Minister was accompanied by home minister Advani, finance minister Yashwant Sinha, defence minister Fernandes besides Planning Commission deputy chairman KC Pant, a package of this sort was actually expected. Among the attractive and welcome projects assured during the Central ministerial team’s visit are the upgradation of the NE Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences in Shillong into a national institute offering studies in several super specialities in medicine and surgery and other facilities at an estimated cost of Rs 422.60 crore, banking infra-structural development under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and NE Development and Finance Corporation (NEDFi), setting up of an Export Development Fund (EDF); establishment of a Central University in Mizoram; setting up of a Central non-lapsable pool of resources to sanction annually projects up to Rs 500 crore to build up infrastructure; development of Bodo areas; establishment of computer information centres in all the 446 blocks of the NE States, etc. The security related projects include raising of three India Reserve Battalions for Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur at Rs 45 crore to be spread over three years. All these assurances are indeed welcome as also the decision to fence the remaining portion of the Indo-Bangladesh border and construct border roads at a total cost of Rs 1335 crore. It is an irony that notwithstanding the Assam accord and subsequent promises the border has remained porous allowing continued infiltration endangering the socio-political fabric of Assam and the Northeast. With both the home minister and defence minister accompanying Vajpayee it was natural that the insurgency and security issues received prominence. Insurgency, as Assam chief minister Prafulla Mahanta pointed out, is a national problem and the Centre should take full financial and other responsibilities to tackle it more effectively. Both Vajpayee and Advani have alleged Pakistani involvement in aiding and abetting the insurgent outfits and even offering training facilities to the militants. The danger being there all the time, more vigilance and effective means to meet the challenge are called for. Assam’s plea for writing off the funds spent on insurgency-related expenditure as was done in the case of Punjab certainly deserves fulfilment. The Prime Minister has done well to reiterate categorically that there would be no negotiation with the NSCN or any other militant organisation on the question of sovereignty. There is always scope for meaningful dialogue with the militants but without any compromise with the basic issue of the country’s sovereignty. The outlawed outfits must be prepared to accept the realities of the situation and give up the unattainable goal of independent Assam or independent Nagaland or Manipur. If that happens the Prime Minister’s visit to the Northeast would certainly be reckoned as genuinely successful. As regards the economic package, the states of the region must be prepared to utilise Central funds with care avoiding all infructuous expenditures and maintaining strict fiscal discipline. (Editorial; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; January 24, 2000)

SHILLONG, January 23: Union home minister LK Advani has said that his ministry is currently engaged in devising a "broad strategy" to curb militancy in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast and was working in close collaboration with the defence ministry and the concerned state governments in this regard. Once this strategy comes into place, the government would have a policy ready to deal with insurgency in different states in a location-specific manner. Speaking to this writer here on Saturday, Advani said, "With Pakistan's ISI spreading its tentacles, one of our primary concerns has been to devise a strategy to curb militancy. The home ministry is actively working in this direction in collaboration with the defence ministry and the state governments concerned." While agreeing on the need for a "suffered political initiative" to contain militancy, along with counter-insurgency operations, the home minister said, "There can't be one single formula for a political initiative. The situation (of insurgency) varies from state to state and the approach can be different from group to group." On the possibility of extending a formal invitation to the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for talks, the home minister said, "Things cannot proceed unless the ULFA properly respond to the peace offers and agree to talk for a solution to its problems within the ambit of the Constitution. We must also take note of the fact that the ULFA's support base is fast eroding and the outfit cannot dictate terms." Advani was here for the two-day conference of the chief ministers and governors of the northeastern states and Sikkim, presided over by the Prime Minister. The meet ended here on Saturday. Asked to comment on the persistent demands in Nagaland, both by the state government as well as by the NGOs, to invite all the Naga rebel groups for talks to make the ongoing negotiations with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) (Isak-Muivah) broadbased, Advani said, "We have not invited the (Naga) rebel groups other than the NSCN-IM because we have inherited our policy (to find out a solution to the Naga problem) from the earlier government." The home minister, however, hastened to add: "We have inherited our approach to the Naga problem from the earlier government and as we are proceeding, we are fine-tuning it. The objective ultimately is to restore peace in Nagaland and we shall continue to work in that direction." Advani said that the government was in touch with Bangladesh and Myanmar on jointly dealing with the issue of cross-border terrorism. "If the outside support of the militants can be checked, insurgency can be contained to a great extent," he said. (Wasbir Hussain; The Northeast Daily; Guwahati; January 24, 2000)

SHILLONG, January 23: Was the Prime Minister ill, is he not well versed on the Northeast or was he not properly briefed by his aides about the key affairs in the region although he was here for a high-profile meeting on the problems of this area? Anything could be true. But the fact remains that Vajpayee was far from being the seasoned diplomat-politician, his known trademark, when he appeared before a 100-strong contingent from the print & electronic media for a news conference at Raj Bhavan here on Saturday. When asked by this correspondent as to which would be the nodal agency for the implementation of the mega Rs 10,271 crore socio-economic package for the Northeast and Sikkim, the Prime Minister with some prompting by home minister LK Advani said that it would be the Northeastern Council. He, of course, said that the monitoring would be done by the Prime Minister's Office. Top officials accompanying Vajpayee were shocked because the NEC was not going to be the nodal agency at all. "The entire package would be implemented by the PMO in close coordination with the ministry of home affairs and the respective state governments," a senior Union government official in the Prime Minister's entourage said. (Special Correspondent; The Northeast Daily; Guwahati; January 24, 2000)

SHILLONG, January 23: Demands for separate Khasi-Jaintia and Garo states and re-opening of the Instrument of Accession topped the agendas of the state political parties and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which met Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee during his maiden two-day visit to the state. The Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP), which has been spearheading the movement for a separate Khasi-Jaintia state, in a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, urged the need for creation of a separate state excluding three districts of Garo Hills. The HSPDP also urged that all the territories, mentioned in paragraph 20 of the sixth schedule to the Constitution, should be included in the separate Khasi-Jaintia state. The HSPDP memorandum also alleged that the Meghalaya government has been "trying to subvert the indigenous people of the state for vested interest" and stated that only a separate state only can solve the issue. Meanwhile, another delegation of the Garo National Council (GNC) also met the Prime Minister and demanded a clear statement from the centre on their demand for a separate Garo state. Another statement of the Durbar of the Federation of 25 Khasi states said that the Prime Minister has assured them that he will look into the issue of re-opening of the Instrument of Accession. The delegation, led by its secretary and Syiem of Hima Khyrim Baslajied Sing Syiem, urged the Prime Minister to resolve this long-pending issue. (Correspondent; The Northeast Daily; Guwahati; January 24, 2000)

GUWAHATI, January 23 : The Rs 10,271 crore special package announced by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has evoked mixed response in the state political circles. While the ruling Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the opposition Congress feel that the package needs further clarification as to whether it is fresh package or an extension of the earlier one, state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) , however, described it as the most pragmatic and realistic approach towards the problem of the state. The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee in its reaction said that a special package for Assam and the Northeast is always welcome, but it was not clear whether it was a fresh one or an extension of the earlier packages. "Moreover, what is the guarantee that it would not meet the fate of the earlier two packages. We can only hope that Vajpayee's package would be able to see sunshine," said party spokesman Pankaj Bora. The state transport minister and AGP general secretary Pradip Hazarika said the funding of the package has not been elaborated. He, however, welcomed Prime Minister's concern for the region. The state unit of the BJP, on the other hand, is confident that the package would not meet the same fate as that of the earlier two packages announced by HD Deve Gowda and IK Gujral. Party president Narayan Chandra Barkotoki pointed out that unlike the earlier two packages, sectoral allocations have been made in Vajpayee's package. Moreover, upgradation of Assam from the "special category status" to "special special category status" would usher speedy development in the state, he said. The party said that Vajpayee-led government is the first central government after fifty years of independence, that has shown a pragmatic and realistic approach towards the problems of the state and the region. (Staff Reporter; The Northeast Daily; Guwahati; January 24, 2000)

One cannot but have mixed feelings over the Rs 10,271 crore package for socio-economic development of the north eastern states and Sikkim announced by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at Shillong on Saturday. The announcement of the package, which Vajpayee would like to describe as his government's 'agenda' for the region, has certainly generated fresh hopes about the government and its development agencies being able to break through the economic bottlenecks and usher in prosperity in the seven states and Sikkim. At the same time, scepticism has already started creeping in over whether the package can or would be implemented in letter and spirit. After all, one has been witness to Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda making a whistle-stop tour of the Northeast in 1996 and then presenting the region an exclusive economic package amounting to Rs 6,100 crore. Then, IK Gujral added a couple of hundred crores more to the package while keeping his predecessor Gowda's programmes for the region intact. The BJP-led government of Vajpayee scrapped the Gowda package on the ground that it had flaws and cannot be implemented on the ground. Hence, the new Rs 10,271 crore package. The positive aspects of the Vajpayee offer first: The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government at the centre has recognised that the economic profile of the region need to be altered drastically to bring the area at par with the rest of the country. At the same time, it has been recognised that development and insurgency are issues that are inter-related. Having realised that the vicious cycle- lack of development breeding insurgency and insurgency retarding economic progress- was going to continue unless something drastic is done, Vajpayee offered to personally come and camp himself at a north eastern state capital with all his concerned ministers and bureaucrats and thrash out an approach plan. The package is the result of his understanding of the problems in the region and the inputs he got from the chief ministers and governors of the eight states. Having got the package, one would now have to examine how far or how effectively it can be implemented or how different it is from the Gowda bonanza. First of all, the state governments must make themselves ready to absorb the funds under different heads in the package. Secondly, much would depend on formulation of proper project reports. That, more often than not, project reports themselves are faulty was indicated when deputy chairman of the Planning Commission KC Pant said in Shillong on Friday that a crash course would be imparted to bureaucrats from the Northeast and Sikkim by the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, on how to prepare effective project reports. The north eastern states will first have to set their basics right before proceeding to take up projects under the new package. Some of the sops offered in the Rs 10,271 crore 'agenda' are nothing but old wine in a new bottle. Take for instance the decision to provide an amount of Rs 500 crore for rural infrastructure development every year from the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund. This fund always existed at the disposal of NABARD. As finance minister Yashwant Sinha himself told journalists on Friday, NABARD had a corpus of Rs 3,500 crore under this fund in 1999-2000. The north eastern state governments, NGOs and autonomous local bodies in the region have not been availing of this facility much. Now, with the money from this fund being earmarked every year, one can hope of it being utilised more effectively. Under the package, the Bodoland Autonomous Council will get Rs 30 crore every year for three years for development of infrastructure and other facilities. The question now is, whether this amount is going to be properly spent because elections to the BAC are yet to be held and the autonomous body is being run in an ad hoc manner without the elected representatives. The centre's decision to allocate this fund to the BAC is welcome but, it must be ensured that the money is effectively spent. For this, suggestions must be sought from different Bodo organisations so that no questions are raised later. Surprisingly, there is no mention of funds for the fourth bridge over the Brahmaputra at Bogibeel. Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta had stated that even the survey work for this key bridge is not yet complete despite the deadline being over in October last year. The message that stands out now, with the new package being announced, is that the centre is ready to provide help and assistance to the states reeling under the impact of insurgency as well as those states which are peaceful and violence free. Mizoram and Meghalaya are beneficiaries of this new approach. The ball is now in the court of the north eastern state governments and its people. Things will start showing results only if corruption can be put under check and the politicians and bureaucrats begin work with a new zeal. (Editorial; The Northeast Daily; Guwahati; January 24, 2000)

KOHIMA, January 27: The Nagaland governor Om Prakash Sharma on Wednesday urged the Prime Minister to take interest in solving the age-old Naga political impasse and appealed the people to have a positive approach with commitment to hard work and discipline to serve the country. Unfurling the tricolour at the local ground here on the 51st Republic Day, Sharma appreciated the people of Nagaland for participating in the democratic process despite rebels' poll boycott calls and life threats. "Democracy's win is people win. Terrorists are frustrated now. People don't need them," he added. "Nagaland could perhaps be one of the costliest states to live in, for the common man is subjected to multiple extortions. I call upon all people to make Nagaland an extortion-free state. Let us prove that we are a civilised society and we can do it," he added. Remembering the journey of Nagaland from the hill district of Assam to the full-fledged state, the governor claimed that the statehood has undeniably brought benefits of development to the people, but also regretted that a lot of energy has been dissipated and opportunities missed through distraction from the assigned goal. Stressing on the economic front, Sharma pointed out that people's well-being is judged on the basis of development. Therefore he appealed the people to adopt a broader approach for all-round uplift of the state. He also blamed the underground elements and their activities for disturbing peace and harmony in the state, jeopardising every prospect of development. The governor said Nagaland was enjoying exemption from payment of income tax for its economic backwardness but the state was subjected to the highest taxation imposed by terrorists and anti-socials. Appreciating the common people and some organisations for the courage against the criminal activities, he once again appealed to the people to strongly to resist the armed marauders, adding: "There is nothing more powerful than the mass fury." Sharma also lauded the media for their positive and constructive role towards social issues. "They are functioning as true watch dogs of the society," he added. (Correspondent; The Northeast Daily; Guwahati; January 28, 2000)

GUWAHATI, January 25: The Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has expressed concern over lack of progress in dialogue between the government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) following the ceasefire agreed in August, 1997. The convenor of the NPMHR, Neingulo Krome, addressing a press conference here this evening said initiation of the peace talks without preconditions had raised hopes among the peace loving Naga civil society for a solution to the 52-year political struggle by Naga people. "But we are yet to see any concrete development and progress towards a solution, the lack of which threatens the fragile peace process itself," he stated adding that the snail's pace in the dialogue was providing an opportunity to vested interests to foment a sense of uncertainty and suspicion belying the hopes of the people. Demanding transparency in the peace talks between the government and the NSCN-IM, the NPMHR convenor said for a viable political solution to emerge the dialogue must transcend the confines of negotiation room and 'civil society' has to contribute responsibly towards forming public opinion. He further reiterated that the Naga militant groups should stop all sorts of fratricidal conflicts and unify for the greater interest of the Naga society. (Staff Reporter; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; January 26, 2000)

GUWAHATI, January 27 : In a sensational crackdown, authorities in Thailand have arrested Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and have kept him under detention at a prison near capital Bangkok, official sources said. Muivah (66) was arrested, along with one of his associates identified as I Shimray, by immigration officials at the Bangkok International Airport on January 19 immediately upon his arrival by a flight from Karachi. The arrest has come on the eve of the next round of peace talks between the NSCN-IM and the government of India's chief interlocutor for the Naga peace talks, K Padmanabhiah. The talks were scheduled to be held in Paris on January 31, the sources said. Speaking from Kohima, Nagaland chief minister SC Jamir told this correspondent: "Muivah is now lodged at the Wlong Prem prison in Bangkok on charges of trying to enter the country with a fake passport." Quoting reports reaching him, Jamir said, "Our information is that Muivah had gone to Karachi to procure arms and ammunition." Contacted on telephone, GK Pillai, joint secretary (Northeast) in the ministry of home affairs in New Delhi said that Muivah is in judicial custody until February 1 after which a court in Bangkok would hear his case. NSCN-IM spokesmen in Dimapur could not be contacted for comment despite repeated attempts. Pillai said that Muivah was travelling on a forged Myanmarese passport at the time of his arrest. Other reports, however, said he was travelling on a fake South Korean passport. Intelligence sources suspect that Muivah could have fallen in the Thai security net after authorities in Bangkok had intensified security measures in the wake of Myanmarese rebels taking hundreds of people hostage inside a hospital at Ratchaburi, west of Bangkok recently. According to Pillai, Muivah's associate, Shimray, who was arrested along with him was in charge of the NSCN-IM's arms procurement cell. The arrest of the Naga rebel leader is seen as setback to the fragile peace in Nagaland as the government of India and the NSCN faction headed by Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu had entered into a ceasefire on August 1997 and has been engaged in direct negotiations. In fact, Muivah has been directly talking with New Delhi's interlocutor for the Naga peace talks, Swaraj Kaushal earlier and K Padmanabhiah now. Significantly, the last such round of discussions were held between the two sides last November at Bangkok. The Bangkok meet was attended by Muivah and Swu, with Padmanabhiah representing the Indian government. The big question that arises now is whether Muivah had a valid passport then while he was in Bangkok in November last year for formal talks with New Delhi's representative Padmanabhiah. One does not know, but Muivah's arrest now on charges of landing in Bangkok with allegedly fake travel documents could put the Indian government in a spot. Because, questions could now be asked whether the rebel leader had valid travel documents at that time. Asked about the possibility of Indian authorities intervening to secure Muivah's release in view of the ongoing peace process, the Nagaland chief minister said, "The NSCN-IM had violated the prevailing ceasefire in Nagaland with Muivah trying to contact aides in Pakistan for arms and weapons to fight the security forces and the people in the state. Beyond this, I won't like to comment." This is for the first time that any top Naga rebel leader has been arrested abroad. In fact, Muivah has been a jet setter, flying frequently across the globe. He had held talks with former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda in Zurich and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in Paris. Besides, Muivah attended talks with New Delhi's interlocutors at Bangkok and Amsterdam among other places. In May last year, Muivah, along with the NSCN-IN chairman Isak Chishi Swu had visited Nagaland after the Indian government gave the duo permission to enter the country to meet with their people and ascertain the situation on the ground in view of the ongoing peace talks. (Special Correspondent; The Northeast Daily; Guwahati; January 28, 2000)

NEW DELHI, January 28: In the wake of the arrest of NSCN(I-M) general secretary T Muivah, the outfit has sought to postpone the third round of negotiations with the government until first week of February, highly placed sources said today. Following the arrest of Muivah, the outfit contacted the Union government today, requesting that the talks be deferred till February 3. According to the earlier schedule, talks were to be held on January 29 and 30 at Paris and the detained general secretary was slated to attend the meeting. Sources here said, the Indian government team, to be led by chief interlocutor K Padmanabhiah, will leave next month. The NSCN has, however, not given any reason for seeking to defer the negotiations. Meanwhile, the government is still awaiting reports from the Thai government about arrest of Muivah at Bangkok airport on the night of January 19, upon his arrival from Karachi. He was reportedly travelling on a forged South Korean passport. While it is waiting for a formal report from Thailand, the government is treading very cautiously and is keenly watching development in the country. Officials here maintain that there is very little for the government of India to do anything as he would be tried under the laws of that country. The government of India is not seeking his extradition and neither is there any Interpol Red Corner alert notice out in his name. The government of India is, however, worried about the purpose of Muivah’s visit to Karachi. And if Nagaland chief minister SC Jamir is to be believed then Muivah went to Pakistan to buy arms. The MHA also fears that ISI of Pakistan may have won over the NSCN(I-M) faction as well to make in roads into the troubled Northeast. "With the outlawed ULFA already in its bag, the ISI may be out to influence the biggest underground outfit to create fresh trouble", MHA official said. (Staff Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; January 29, 2000)

KOHIMA, January 29: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has denied media reports about the arrest of its general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah at Bangkok on January 19. "Muivah was not arrested as reported in the media but detained for sometime due to technical reasons. He was released the same day," NSCN (I-M) information and publicity secretary Ng Hungshi told PTI over phone yesterday. Muivah was not in judicial custody as reported by Union Home Ministry officials and senior NSCN (I-M) leaders in Nagaland even talked him over phone yesterday, Hungshi claimed. Nagaland chief minister SC Jamir said Thursday that Muivah was arrested at Bangkok airport along with his close associate Athang Shimray. Joint secretary at the Union Home Ministry, G K Pillai, confirmed it. The two were arrested at the airport when they arrived there from Karachi on the charge of possessing ‘fake’ South Korean passport, sources in the Home Ministry said. They said Muivah was released on a bail of 200,000 bahts (Thai currency) on January 26 and is in custody facing trial on February 1. NSCN (Isak-Muivah) and the security forces in Nagaland agreed to a ceasefire on August 1, 1997 and it has now been extended till July next year. (Press Trust of India; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; January 30, 2000)

NEW DELHI, January 31: Top leader of the banned National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), Thuingaleng Muivah, has been re-arrested at Hatyai in south Thailand while trying to flee to Singapore jumping bail. According to official sources here, Muivah was nabbed when he was about to catch a Singapore Airlines flight on yet another false passport two days ago. He was earlier arrested while travelling on a false passport from Karachi to Bangkok and released last week on a 200,000 baht surety. After being released, Muivah took the plea on January 28 that he was unwell and subsequently disappeared. He surfaced in the Thai town of Hatyai next day. The sources said he was liable to be prosecuted on four offences— travelling on false passport, jumping bail, possessing a second passport, of another country and fleeing the country when he had undertaken that he would not leave till the earlier cases were decided. (Press Trust of India; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; February 1, 2000)