News 16 August, 2000: Insurgency

GUWAHATI, August 4: The NF Railway in the wake of the recent bomb blasts, has suspended operation of all night trains from today, reports UNI. According to official sources these included the popular evening local commuter trains. The decision was taken following the blast at Lunapara and Goreshwar within a span of 48 hours by the Bodo ultras that derailed two trains killing nine jawans. Meanwhile, a bomb threat last night at Rangiya railway station had further jeopardised the security position. "We were informed about the bomb threat by both Army and Railway police. (UNI; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 5, 2000)

Violence erupts in W Tripura areas, curfew imposed

AGARTALA, August 4: Violence rocked Teliamura and its adjoining areas in West Tripura district on Thursday evening once again. The situation turned explosive following the death of one non-tribal rickshawpuller in CRPF firing. In the ensuing series of violent incidents several non-tribals including CRPF jawans were injured. Eight people have been rushed to the hospital here. The civil administration has imposed indefinite curfew in Teliamura and adequate security arrangements have been made to check any communal fall out. The trouble started when the 89 battalion CRPF personnel detained two Bengali youths suspecting them as United Bengali Liberation Front members from Mohacherra area under Teliamura police station. One country-made gun was recovered from their possession, claimed the police. As soon as the news of the arrest spread, thousands of non-tribals including women gheraoed the CRPF personnel demanding their immediate release. The mob went violent and resorted to brickbatting at the CRPF. The jawans resorted to a lathicharge but failed to disperse the violent mob. At that moment the subdivisional police officer Bijoy Nag accompanying the personnel gave the order to open fire. The CRPF jawans fired 31 rounds, in which one rickshaw-puller, Gauranga Sarkar, was killed on the spot. (Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 5, 2000)

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Magisterial inquiry ordered into Thangmeiband killing

IMPHAL, August 4: The bodies of the two college students who were killed Wednesday night in firing by personnel of 12 Bn Assam Rifles at Thangmeiband Lilasing Khongnangmakhong were finally accepted today by the families of the deceased after the state government had assured them to conduct a magisterial inquiry into the facts and circumstances leading to the incident. The bodies were taken away by the families after post-mortem at RIMS mortuary this afternoon. A procession carrying the bodies was also taken out by the residents of Thangmeiband and Mujikhul along RIMS road, Nagamapal road, Thangmeiband road and then to the respective residences. Meanwhile, a public meeting was held at the DM College campus to discuss the future course of actions to be taken up in connection with the incident. A joint action committee was also formed during the meeting to demand shifting of Assam Rifles posts from public residential areas and inquiry into the incident. It may be mentioned that the deputy CM L Chandramani Singh who is in charge in the absence of Chief Minister, during a meeting held in his office chamber today in connection with the incident, had announced that a magisterial inquiry would be conducted by the deputy commissioner of Imphal West, H Imocha Singh, IAS, into the killing and the report would be submitted to the government within a month. He also had said as soon as the report was received, possible steps would be taken up for ex-gratia payment to the families of the deceased and punitive action would be taken up against the culprits. The meeting was also attended by the minister of forest, environment and law, Prof Gangumei Kamei, Thangmeiband Kendra MLA, Radhabinod Koijam and family members of the two deceased. (E-Pao; The Imphal Free Press; Imphal; August 5, 2000)

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NSCN sore with India for not trying to get Muivah freed

NEW DELHI, August 5: Negotiations between the Centre and the insurgent National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) have made not any headway in the last six months because the Centre has not done anything to secure the release of NSCN(IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, who is imprisoned in Thailand. NSCN(IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu said, "Prominent Indian leaders, including three former prime ministers - Chandra Shekhar, HD Deve Gowda and VP Singh - and intellectuals like Rajinder Sachar [former chief justice of the Delhi high court], Surendra Mohan [former MP], Swami Agnivesh [Bonded Labour Liberation Front], and Nandita Haksar have been supporting us. So far, however, no government officials have helped us." Swu was speaking to Northeast Vigil, a fortnightly, non-profit, mediawatch ezine on the Northeast catering to the needs of researchers and scholars looking for news on the region. This is the first time the NSCN(IM) chairman has spoken to the Indian media after the arrest. Swu, who is in constant touch with Muivah, said his organisation has requested the Thai government to release him. Many international organisations, including the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, have urged his early release, he said. A symposium of the Thai Friends of the Nagas urged both the Thai and Indian governments to recognise Muivah as an essential participant in the Indo-Naga peace negotiations and demanded his immediate release. Among those who made the appeal were Somchai Hamlaor, secretary general, Forum Asia; Menelaos G Tzelios, general secretary, International Federation for the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious, Linguistic and other Minorities, US; Luingam Luithui, secretary general, Asia Indigenous People's Pact; Christian Erni, International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs; Frans Welman, Indigenous Council, The Netherlands; Valentino Dolara, Documentation Center for Threatened People, Italy, and a representative of the Burma Lawyers' Council. On Muivah's arrest, the NSCN(IM) chairman said, "We have learnt from a reliable source that Indian intelligence agents tipped-off Thai immigration officers," and maintained that "he tried to jump bail in order to attend a meeting in Europe with the representatives of the Indian government." When asked how Muivah could be arrested in a country where he had been living for so many years, Swu said, "He was not living in Thailand. He used to visit the kingdom as a tourist from time to time." He categorically asserted that the NSCN(IM) had no links with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, but said, "We maintain a friendly attitude towards all our neighbouring countries, including China." On being asked whether it had been a ploy by India to have Muivah removed from the talks so the Indians do not have to contend with a formidable negotiator, he replied, "We are interested in the peace process and we do not look on the Indian government as an enemy. We do not know if it was a ploy to remove Muivah from the negotiations." Regarding allegations that the Indians were trying to divide the NSCN(IM) rank and file, he said that the Indian government would not be so childish as to play such games during talks. Muivah was arrested on January 19 this year while travelling from Karachi to Bangkok on a fake South Korean passport. He was, however, released on bail only to be re-arrested on January 30 while trying to take a flight to Bonn via Amsterdam from Hatyai airport in south Thailand. Muivah was on his way to Bonn for the peace talks with the Indian government. Muivah has since been sentenced to one year's imprisonment for trying to jump bail. Thereafter, the talks between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) came to a standstill. The ceasefire agreement between the two sides, which has been in force since August 1, 1997, was extended for one more year Monday. (Correspondent; Rediff.com; August 5, 2000)

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ISI plot to blast Assam refinery revealed

GUWAHATI, August 6: Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence is trying to motivate ULFA militants to blow up one of the refineries on the eve Independence Day in Assam. According to the additional director general of police (operation), GM Srivastava, "We have reports that the ISI is desperate to create unrest in the state. Their attempt to motivate the ULFA militants to target important installations like refineries is aimed at ending the possibilities of talks. Besides, such violent incidents will also increase the dependence of ULFA on them." Srivastava however refused to divulge more about the recent ISI and ULFA meet abroad. Srivastava, who contained the extremist violence over the last couple of years in the state however said the ULFA militants have not conceded to the ISI's demands as it might complicate their problem more. He pointed out that the NDFB and ULFA militants have been asked to launch offensives by their leaders on or before Independence Day. Some action groups of the militants are reported to be trying to cause trouble but cannot do so in view of the strict security vigil, Srivastava told The Asian Age on Saturday. The additional director-general of police did not rule out the possibility of isolated incidents but claimed that security has been stepped up throughout the state and the Army has been asked to provide backup to the district administration. Srivastava said reports suggest that central government establishments are the prime targets and accordingly security arrangements in and around such vulnerable places have been tightened. Referring to the NDFB, Srivastava said their cadres have chalked out offensives at a recent meeting at the residence of self-styled commander-in chief Ranjan Daimary's close family member. These cadres were also in touch with their C-in-C over telephone before masterminding two bomb blasts on the railway track last week. On security arrangements, Srivastava told The Asian Age: "We have started security checks at various places and are monitoring strangers. Besides, additional security forces have been deployed at all vulnerable places in the state to foil any plan of the ultras on the eve of Independence Day in Assam." (Manoj Anand; The Asian Age; New Delhi; August 7, 2000)

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Manipur govt orders magisterial probe into killing of students

IMPHAL, August 6: The state government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the killing of two students by the personnel of the 12 Assam Rifles posted at Chingmeirong in Imphal near their post on Wednesday around 9.45 p.m. The Home department has issued an order in this connection and appointed the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West district H Imocha Singh as the inquiry authority to probe into the circumstances leading to the killing of two youths and to recommend measures for preventing such incidents in future. The Deputy Chief Minister, Leishangthem Chandramani Singh, who is the CM in-charge of the state, announced the decision during a meeting, held in connection with the killing, in his office chamber on Friday evening, sources said. He also reportedly promised that the government will provide assistance to the victims and punish the culprits once the report is submitted. He appealed to the family members as well as the local clubs and organisations to collect the bodies and perform the last rites. The family members also agreed to take the dead bodies as the Manipur government has instituted a magisterial inquiry into the incident. It may be recalled here that two youths identified as Ngasepam Ashothama (26), son of Chandramani of DM College campus, Imphal and Abung Longmei of Muji Khul in Imphal were allegedly gunned down by a frisking team of 12 AR when they were coming on a scooter around 9.45 pm of August 2 last. Ngasepam Ashothama was studying in TDC second year in DM College of Arts while Longmei was studying in 12th standard in Oriental College, Imphal. However, the Assam Rifles authority has stated that the two youths were underground activists and they were killed after they opened fire at the AR troop when the party stopped them for a routine check. (Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 7, 2000)

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4 NE CMs welcome PoT Bill

NEW DELHI, August 6: Four Northeast Chief Ministers of Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and Assam on Saturday hailed the proposed Prevention of Terrorism (PoT) Bill saying it will strengthen police and other forces in effectively dealing with terrorism in their states and other parts of the country, reports UNI. Participating in the conference of Chief Ministers on internal security, they expressed concern over influx of people from across the border and "increasing activities" of some "fundamentalist" organisations involving young people and alleged that these were abetted by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Meghalaya Chief Minister EK Mawlong said the proposed Bill would be of "great help to the states affected by militancy to contain such activities." They also stressed the need for introducing identity cards for the citizens. Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir said the concept of having a Central law and a Central law-enforcement agency was laudable, as national integrity of the country was of prime importance. The proposed agency should be authorised to take up cases only with prior reference and concurrence of the concerned state governments. A national consensus was required to be evolved on the issue. The proposed authority should not "usurp" the authority of the state government, he added. Manipur Chief Minister W Nipamacha Singh also "fully endorsed" enactment of the proposed Prevention of Terrorism (PoT) Bill, 2000, saying this would strengthen the police and other forces to deal more effectively with the internal security of the states, including Manipur, affected by insurgency. Participating in the conference of Chief Ministers on internal security, Nipamacha Singh said the proposed legislation would also strengthen the law-enforcement agencies in dealing with terrorism and subversion in other parts of the country. Despite opposition of some women's rights organisations and NGOs, "We urge you, sir, to take a bold stand and proceed with enactment of the Bill at the earliest," he said and added that the internal security situation prevailing in the country required bold and timely action, he added. The need for enacting an effective anti-terrorism law could no longer be deferred without seriously compromising the internal security of the country. "We are confident that under your able leadership the Bill will soon be enacted and implemented all over the country," Nipamacha Singh told the Prime Minister and Home Minister. (UNI; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 7, 2000)

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Rights defenders flay pot bill

IMPHAL, August 6: The Committee on Human Rights (COHR), as well as known academician, Prof N Sanajaoba, came down heavily on the Prevention of Terrorism (POT) Bill, 2000, drafted by the Union Law Commission, in a meeting with media persons. According to the COHR convenor, Pardesi, the Bill seeks to give the police force unlimited power to arrest and detain suspects and put them in jail without trial. Pardeshi said POT if it becomes act, will give powers to police force to award punishment and impose penalties on any journalist or lawyer in case of their failure to furnish militant related information, when demanded by government investigating agencies. Another provisions of the Bill will empower police force to confiscate property of any suspected persons, he continued, adding that the Bill violated all civil rights as enshrined in the Indian constitution. Objecting to the introduction of POT Bill, 2000 Prof Sanajaoba maintained that stringent draconian anti-terrorist Acts including Armed Forces Special Power act, Punjab Security Act, and the National Security Act, were already and there was no need for the POT Bill at all. He said a national convention on the proposed Bill, attended by more than 300 eminent human rights activists from all over India, was held at the JNU city centre, New Delhi, on July 29, and the congregation unanimously emphasized strongly the need to oppose the entry of the POT Bill in the Indian Parliament. A signatory memorandum of the participants, including himself as the representative of the Northeast region, calling for opposition to the entry of the Bill into the parliament, was submitted to the President of India, KR Narayan, Prof Sanajaoba said. (E-Pao; The Imphal Free Press; Imphal; August 7, 2000)

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ULFA using new route to Bangladesh

GUWAHATI, August 7: The militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) have started to use the North Bengal corridor frequently to go to Bangladesh from their camps in Bhutan. Police sources said that the militants mostly use the Assam-West Bengal-Bangladesh corridor. Sources said that normally small groups of ULFA men go to Bangladesh from Bhutan. The militants have taken the chance of shortage of security forces in the North-Bengal area for frequent movement. However, no mass exodus of militants from Bhutan to Bangladesh was witnessed after the Bhutan government threat to use force, if necessary, to evict the militants camping in that country. Police sources revealed that the ULFA militants frequently come down to Siliguri and Coochbehar for treatment from the camps in Bhutan and they even use the area as temporary shelter. Sources said that the militants also procure weapons and ammunition from North Bengal areas. Sources said that weapons smuggled in from Bihar and Nepal are easily available in certain areas of North Bengal. Moreover, parts of weapons are also smuggled out of the government arms factory in Munger in Bihar to manufacture weapons and these are also procured by the militants, sources said. On the links between the ULFA and the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), a militant outfit fighting for a separate state, police sources said that the KLO militants are given training by the ULFA in its camp based at Kalikhola in Bhutan. Sources said that according to information available, about 35 KLO militants were given training on handling weapons last year by the ULFA. The ULFA and the KLO also carried out some joint operations in the North Bengal area and the leaders of the ruling CPM were mainly the targets of the ultras. Sources said that a few months back one Paresh Paul, a CPM leader was killed by a joint team of ULFA and the KLO, while, only yesterday, a CPM worker Nitai Das was gunned down at jalpaiguri. Sources said that the ULFA militant involved in the killing of Paresh Paul was recently arrested in Assam and he was taken for trial in Bengal. It may be mentioned that Dhubri police recently arrested a hardcore ULFA militant, who was the second in command of the Kalikhola camp of the ULFA, told the police that about 20 KLO militants were receiving training in the Kalikhola camp last month. (Staff Reporter; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 8, 2000)

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AASU flays Mahanta for supporting Super TADA

GUWAHATI, August 7: The All Assam Students Union (AASU) has criticised Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta for extending support to the proposed Prevention of Terrorist Act (POTA) in the Chief Ministers' conference in New Delhi on August 5 last. In a press statement issued here today, AASU general secretary Amiya Kumar Bhuyan expressed surprise at the stand taken by the Chief Minister regarding POTA, commonly referred as 'Super TADA' while several of his colleagues in Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and its allies had opposed the legislation. The AASU stated that the Chief Minister should have taken into account the protest registered by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), leading lawyers from the state, and also prominent intellectuals against the POTA before announcing his support to the legislation in New Delhi only to 'appease the Central government'. The AASU also criticised the Chief Minister and the AGP for not having a clear stand regarding the controversial IMDT Act which has put up a major hurdle in detection and deportation of illegal migrants in the state. The students body said the people of Assam would not forgive AGP which rode the six-year-long Assam agitation against foreigners to power in Dispur, for failing to speak out its stand on the IMDT Act. The AASU is very critical of the resolution adopted in the recent AGP workers' meet regarding the IMDT Act where in the party favoured suitable amendment to the Act while there is a popular demand for scrapping of the same. The resolution exposed that the regional party hoped to regain the seat of power in the next election through votes of 'illegal migrants' against the aspiration of the indigenous people of the state, the AASU said. At a time when three Prime Ministers of the country advocated scrapping of the controversial IMDT Act and the state Governor in his report on problem of illegal migrants had clearly suggested scrapping of the Act, it is surprising why the AGP having veterans of Assam agitation in its ranks could not take a clear stand on the repeal of the Act, the AASU statement said. Regarding the Chief Minister's support to the POTA, the AASU reminded the AGP of its pre-election promise to withdraw Army from the state if the party was voted to power in the state in 1996. "The people of Assam has not forgiven the AGP for failing to keep its promise," the statement added. (Staff Reporter; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 8, 2000)

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Hoho against involvement of Nagaland Govts in peace process

NEW DELHI, August 7: In a new twist to the already complicated scenario, the Naga Hoho, the apex body of all the Naga tribes, has opposed the involvement of the state Government in the Naga peace process. Naga Hoho general secretary Vihuto Yepthomi, addressing a seminar on "Northeast: Looking for Prosperity', organised jointly by Interaction India and Focus Northeast, here, said that Centre should not involve the state Government as talks were only between the NSCN(IM) and the Government of India. The Naga leader, who has been playing a leading role behind the scene, on bringing both the sides together for the peace talks, was referring to the demand for a greater Nagaland by the NSCN(IM). He claimed that Naga dominated territories of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh were once part of the greater Nagaland, which was divided by the Centre to dominate the Nagas. "Unite all the Nagas," Yepthomi called. The general secretary, who was a bureaucrat with the Nagaland Government and retired as its state Home Secretary, said that the only way out of the Naga problem was a political solution which should be created and acceptable to both the sides. Development has come to standstill and people do not want the situation to turn back to the days of militancy, he added, stressing that the situation in his state was normal. He revealed that representatives of his organisation as well as few other NGOs had visited Bangkok four times to meet the NSCN(IM) leadership and Myanmar twice to meet the NSCN(K) faction. "Just last week we were in Bangkok to prevail upon the NSCN(IM) to extend the ceasefire for the fourth time," he added. (Staff Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 8, 2000)

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Nipamacha endorses POT bill 2000

IMPHAL, August 7: Going against popular opinion, the state chief minister W Nipamacha has fully endorsed the introduction of proposed Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2000, and its enactment as an Act. The chief minister made his statement supporting the proposed draconian law while addressing the fellow chief ministers at the first ever conference of state chief ministers on internal security held at New Delhi on August 5 last, according to belated report. According to the report Nipamacha asserted that the enactment of the Act will strengthen the hands of police and security forces in tackling the internal security situation in states like Manipur. He strongly urged the Prime Minister to take a bold stand and proceed with its enactment at the earliest 'despite opposition from some women rights groups and NGOs'. In his address, the chief minister once again reiterated the demand that the insurgency problem in northeastern states should be treated as national problem. With regard to the situation in Manipur, while remarking that the number of killings by insurgent groups had gone down, the CM asserted that the state government's main concern now was the large scale extortion of huge amount of funds from government employees by insurgent groups. The CM further urged the Centre to take up with the governments of Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand the issue of activities carried out by insurgent groups belonging to the state in these countries with a view to stopping such activities. Nipamacha also urged the Prime Minister to extend the border roads and border fencing projects to the Indo-Myanmar border for checking cross border movements of insurgents and illegal induction of arms, ammunition and drugs. (E-Pao; The Imphal Free Press; Imphal; August 8, 2000)

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Centre to raise 3 new BSF battalions for NE

GUWAHATI, August 8: Concerned over unabated influx and militant activities, Centre has decided to raise three Border Security Force (BSF) battalions in Assam and Tripura during the current month. One battalion will be raised in Assam for guarding the Indo-Bangla border while two others for Tripura to contain militancy. Centre's decision came following a joint demand of the state Government and the All Assam Students' Union (AASU). Both the state Government and the AASU have been demanding of the Centre to deploy more forces in view of large scale infiltration and growing ISI activities. The situation in Tripura has worsened due to the stepped up activities of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), which is ruling the roost in bordering areas of the state taking advantage of undulating terrain. To contain them, the Centre has decided to strengthen the force. According to highly-placed official sources all formalities have been completed and the battalions will be raised as early as possible. "There are already two battalions in Dhubri sector along the international border. The new battalion will help in strengthening the existing forces," sources observed. It may be mentioned here that during the recent tripartite meeting the state Government had requested the Centre to make arrangement for effective patrolling along the border. Meanwhile, the general secretary of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU), Amiyo Kumar Bhuyan has expressed his anguish over the Centre's move saying that the single battalion is not sufficient to guard the entire border. Talking to this reporter, Bhuyan said that AASU had demanded four battalions for Dhubri and Karimganj sectors due to large scale infiltration, but Centre has granted only one which will not be able to cover the entire border. "Indo-Bangla border is a vast area and existing BSF battalions have met with little success to stop infiltration," the general secretary said and demanded of the Centre to raise three battalions immediately. Sir Bhuyan further revealed that despite repeated demands and a series of discussions, Centre has not shown its willingness to seal the border completely. (Staff Reporter; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 9, 2000)

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Police ignores DNA test request

IMPHAL, August 8: The CRPF has today alleged that its repeated requests for DNA test of the blood and semen stained garments of the alleged rape victim of Lamdan village have been ignored by the state police. "In case the request of CRPF to preserve a portion of the semen/blood stained garment for DNA test is not accepted, the entire investigations of the allegation is likely to be jeopardized," CRPF DIG (Ops) JS Bisht said in a statement. The statement said after the FIR in connection with the alleged rape by the CRPF personnel on July 19 last was lodged with the Loktak Police station the next day, the aggrieved party had produced a semen and blood stained garment of the victim for necessary investigations. The CRPF authorities have been requesting DGP Manipur repeatedly to get the semen/blood stained garment cut into three pieces. One piece could be used for forensic investigation, the second piece could be sent for DNA matching and the third could be retained for any unforeseen requirements, the statement said. The statement added that if the entire blood/semen stained garment is subjected to forensic examination, the same is likely to be damaged and no evidence for DNA test would be available. It may be recalled that the daughter-in-law of the Lamdan village chief was allegedly raped by personnel of the CRPF during search operation one day after the PLA militants ambushed a patrol party of the Para military force. Four CRPF personnel were killed while another was wounded in the attack. The village chief charged that his daughter-in-law was assaulted in front of his eyes. (E-Pao; The Sangai Express; Imphal; August 9, 2000)

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Tension in Ukhrul after Assam Rifles picks up 9 civilians

IMPHAL, August 8: Tensions has gripped Ukhrul after troops of the 20th Assam Rifles allegedly picked up nine civilians including six women Government employees on charges of having links with militant outfits yesterday. The six women picked up by the AR have been identified as KC Ramhorla, V Hilta, RS Lily, RS Khaliya, RS Janny, and RK Ningchimla. They are all from Tolloi village, Ukhrul and are employees of Integrated Child Development Scheme, ICDS. The three men are RK Luithing (driver), Y Yungrei (student) and RK Pamching (labourer). The civilians were reportedly picked up from Tolloi junction while they are returning from office after a meeting. Sources said that they were charged with having close links with the NSCN(IM) and supplying medicines to the outfit. The employees were reportedly carrying medicines for distribution to children when they were picked up. All the civilians were detained for the night at the Ukhrul Army post. The Tangkhul Sanao Long (TSL) has alleged that their representatives were not allowed to meet the civilians by the AR personnel. (E-Pao; The Sangai Express; Imphal; August 9, 2000)

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NE ultra camps still operating in Bangla

NEW DELHI, August 9: The Union Government today admitted that training camps are still being run by the north-east based militant outfits including ULFA in neighbouring Bangladesh. The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, ID Swami in a written reply told Narendra Mohan that reports indicate that there are camps in Bangladesh which are being used by Northeast militant groups for safe havens, sanctuary and training purpose. This sets at rest speculation that training camps operated by militants from the region had been closed down after Sheikh Hasina's Government took over power. This has been the contention of the Bangladesh government also which has been from time to time claiming that all training camps has been uprooted. Meanwhile, in a written reply to a question tabled by Joyashree Goswami Mahanta, Swami disclosed that surveillance along the Indo-Bhutanese border has been stepped up and the situation monitored on a daily basis after the National Assembly of Bhutan passed resolution authorising the Royal Government of Bhutan to use military option to evict ULFA militants if the issue is not resolved through dialogue. India and Bhutan remain in constant touch to find a solution to this problem of cross-border terrorism and are cooperating with each other, the Minister said. The Minister further added that there were no reports with the Government of India to suggest that ULFA and the Bodo militants have procured Chinese weapons from Tibet. (Staff Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 10, 2000)

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Plea for DNA test of victim's garments ignored, alleges CRPF

IMPHAL, August 9: The CRPF has alleged that its repeated requests for DNA test of the blood and semen-stained garments of the alleged rape victim of Ladman village have been ignored by the state police. This was disclosed by the DIG (OPs) JS Bisht of CRPF in a press communique here. It said, after the FIR in connection with the alleged rape by CRPF personnel belonging to 112 Bn CRPF on July 19 was lodged with the Loktak police station the next day, the aggrieved party had produced a semen and blood-stained garments of the victim for necessary investigations. The CRPF authorities have been requesting DGP Manipur DS Grewal repeatedly to get the semen/blood-stained garment cut into three pieces. One piece could be used for forensic investigations, the second piece could be sent for DNA test and third could be retained for any unforeseen requirements, it added. In spite of repeated request by the CRPF authority, the entire semen/blood-stained garments of the rape victim has been sent for forensic science examination, the source said adding that if the entire garment subjected to forensic examinations, the same is likely to be damaged and no evidence for DNA test would be available. It said the CRPF had requested the DGP on August 4 not to use the entire sample for examination and to retrieve a portion of the garment for DNA test and for preservation. Mention may be made here that the daughter-in-law of the Lamdan village chief was allegedly gang raped by the personnel of 112 Bn CRPF posted at Lamdan Rongmei village in Churachandpur district on July 19 evening during a search operation. Meanwhile, two members of the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) comprising member Lisam Rabindra and Member Yambem Laba along with the officials of the commission conducted an on-the-spot study into the Lamdan rape case this afternoon. During the on-the-spot study programme, the members of the commission enquired the villagers about the incident, the actions of the CRPF men. They also visited the residence of the rape victim during their tour-cum-spot inquiry visit. It may be noted that MHRC had taken up a suo motu case in this regard based on newspaper reports. At the same time, members of the commission had visited the Phainom village in Saikul subdivision where eight houses of the village were raged to ground by a mob following a family feud. (Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 10, 2000)

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Rights bodies urge MPs, MLAs to oppose PoT Bill

IMPHAL, August 9: The Northeastern Committee on Human Rights (NECOHR) and the Committee on Human Rights Manipur (COHR) have urged the Members of Parliament and MLAs to oppose the Prevention of Terrorism (PoT) Bill, 2000. NECOHR and COHR will galvanise massive protest into a flurry activities in association with other human rights groups to oppose the PoT, 2000 Bill. Speaking to mediapersons the convenor of the COHR Chongtham Surjit said here that there are enough criminal laws in the country. Surjit said if the Bill is allowed to become a law, innocent people will be dumped in jails without trial, tortured in the custody of security forces and properties of individuals will be confiscated by the security forces. Even the Press and lawyers may be punished without any trial. NECOHR, COHR are the members of the All India Coordination Committee of Civil Liberties, Democratic Rights and Human Rights Organisation, which was formed on July 4 last to launch a movement against the PoT Bill. COHR participated in the all India sit-in-protest held at New Delhi on July 29, a national convention against the Centre's move. It may be mentioned that the PoT Bill is being moved to replace the defunct Terrorist and disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA). Participating in the Press conference former Deam of Law, Gauhati University Prof Naorem Sanajaoba narrated in detail the opinion aired by the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). He also recalled observations made by the chairman in connection with the Bill, the Central government is seeking to enact. Sanajaoba said that NHRC was set up on the basis of the enactment of a Bill in the Parliament to check the trampling of the human rights in the country. The Central government should not take lightly the views of the NHRC chairman that the PoT Bill when enacted will be misused to trample human rights. Since there are sufficient criminal laws this Bill is not necessary. Prof Sanajaoba further asserted that the Law Minister Ram Jethmalani who was armstwisted to resign recently had also expressed the view that this Bill cannot be enacted. He is a topnotch criminal lawyer and, as such, his views on the proposed Bill cannot be taken lightly. He said if the Manipur Human Rights Commission which is like a branch of the NHRC remains impervious to the Bill without giving its opinions, it will be a serious and unfortunate chapter. (Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 10, 2000)

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'CRPF's allegations sub-judice'

IMPHAL, August 9: Strongly reacting to the allegation by the CRPF that the state police has refused to the proposal of the CRPF for a DNA test of the soiled garments of the housewife who was allegedly raped by CRPF jawans at Lamdan village, a top police official said the allegation of the CRPF is sub judice as the matter is under investigation. The CRPF authorities had yesterday issued a statement that the police was not co-operating with the proposal of the CRPF to preserve the soiled garments of the woman and to undergo DNA test and establish the fact behind the allegation. Speaking to The Sangai Express the police official said the CRPF have been flatly denying that its personnel were involved in the rape of the housewife after the woman in question lodged an FIR with the police and even as an investigation is still on to establish the fact and identify the culprits. He said the CRPF couldn't justify their denial merely on the basis that a DNA test was not conducted. A rape case is a sensitive issue and the CRPF authorities would do wise to wake up to the sensitivity of the case, added the police official. He assured that the state government has taken serious note of the case and would do its best to get to the bottom of the matter and book the guilty if any. Meanwhile the Manipur Human Rights Commission today visited Lamdan village and met the rape victim and other villagers who faced the brunt of the CRPF personnel's wrath on July 19 and conducted a spot enquiry. Commission member Y Laba told the villagers that justice would be delivered even though it may take some time. He added that the MHRC has taken up a case in this connection. (E-Pao; The Sangai Express; Imphal; August 10, 2000)

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RPF finance chief Suresh Bhaiya escapes police dragnet

IMPHAL, August 9: The Finance Chief of the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) Suresh Bhaiya had a hair breadth escape from the dragnet of the police commandos at 10 am today at Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai. However, police managed to arrest one contractor and seized his gypsy. It is said that the contractor transported the RPF Finance Chief and a woman believed to be an important functionary of the outfit. The arrest was made near a bus stand at Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai. The arrested contractor has been identified as G Rajen Sharma, 35 of Uripok Khaidem Leikai. Shortly after the escape of Suresh Bhaiya and the unknown woman, the police commandos arrested the contractor. With the help of its additional forces including personnel of 17 Assam Rifles, a massive combing operation was launched at Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai. However, there was no report of having arrested any suspect during the combing operation. Police sources said that a commando team badgered the contractor's gypsy. During the spot enquiry the jittery contractor disclosed that the escaping person was Suresh Bhaiya. On learning it, additional forces were sought for launching the combing operation. The commandos confiscated incriminating documents and a pair lady shoe from inside the Gypsy. (E-Pao; The Matamgi Yakairol; Imphal; August 10, 2000)

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NE ultra camps still operating in Bangla

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Plea for DNA test of victim's garments ignored, alleges CRPF

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Rights bodies urge MPs, MLAs to oppose PoT Bill

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'CRPF's allegations sub-judice'

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RPF finance chief Suresh Bhaiya escapes police dragnet

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Efforts on for ceasefire with NSCN-K

IMPHAL, August 9: The GOC of 3 Corp, Lt Gen TS Shergill, has said that efforts are on to bring the NSCN-K within the ambit of the ceasefire, now enforced in Nagaland with the NSCN. The Lt Gen said ground rules for enforcing a ceasefire agreement between the Centre and the NSCN could be amended depending on the situation. He said Nagaland government representatives were attending ceasefire monitoring cell meetings. He insisted on unity, agreement and a common approach among insurgents towards restoration of peace in the Northeast. He denied that the Army and NSCN were jointly operating against the NSCN-K and said the Army was against fratricidal wars. The Lt Gen said after the withdrawal of Army units in view of the Kargil war, the CRPF and BSF had been asked to contain insurgency in Manipur. He left it to political leaders to continue talks with the insurgents, saying the Centre would repatriate NSCN leader T Muivah to India to enable him to participate in talks. The Lt Gen added that the next meeting of the ceasefire monitoring cell would be held on 19 August to review enforcement of ground rules and continuance of the ceasefire. The GOC of 57 Mountain Division, Maj Gen Arvind Sharma, is optimistic about the surrender of insurgents in the near future. NSCN-K order: The NSCN-K today asked the people to remain indoors during Independence Day celebrations, a report from Kohima says. A release issued by a member said the Nagas determined their fate on 14 August, 1947, as an independent sovereign nation, a day ahead of the Indian republic. The Nagas should not take part in celebrations on 15 August. He said the NSCN alone was working for a permanent settlement of the Naga problem. The presence of the Army in Nagaland symbolised forceful aggression, he alleged, adding that the Nagas were never Indian and never would be. The 1951 plebiscite had declared Nagas as sovereign. A report from Imphal said the NSCN has given a call to boycott Independence Day celebrations there. (UNI; The Statesman; Calcutta; August 10, 2000)

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Ceasefire to include Assam, Manipur

GUWAHATI, August 10: The NSCN ceasefire is to be extended to all Naga areas of the region. This has been agreed upon in the latest Bangkok negotiations, NSCN chairman Isak Chishi Swu claims. The NSCN chairman Swu talking to UNI exclusively through internet from somewhere in Southeast Asia, however said, "the sincerity of the Indian government will be known after the implementation of the understanding its representatives arrived at with us." The ceasefire is at present effective only in Nagaland but the NSCN has viewed non extension of it to all the Naga areas as the biggest hurdle in the peace process. The NSCN is active in the hills of Manipur as well NC hills of Assam as well. The NSCN chairman Swu has however expressed unhappiness over the progress of dialogue with the government of India. In regard to NSCN general secretary T. Muivah's arrest and subsequent imprisonment in Thailand, Swu said it was part of the attempt to sabotage the dialogue. About the outcome of the talks, he said, "We agreed upon to extent the cease-fire for a period of one more year, and that the government of India would declare that the ceasefire area covers all the NSCN areas. (Mrinal Talukdar, UNI; The Asian Age; New Delhi; August 11, 2000)

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Vigil along Indo-Myanmar border beefed up to prevent smuggling

MOREH, August 8: Security has been beefed up along the Indo-Myanmar international border to prevent smuggling of arms and narcotics through this border town in Chandel district, police said on Monday, reports PTI. There were reports of arms and contraband items like narcotics being smuggled into the region through Moreh and several other unguarded border points, mostly in thick jungles, police said. They said it was not virtually possible to keep a strict vigil along the 350-km long international borderline in Manipur with Myanmar. Interior Chandel district alone shares about 230 kms of international boundary with Myanmar. Arms including five pistols, two carbines and a large quantity of ammunition of weapons like AK 47 and .9mm pistols had been recovered during operations between 1998 and till now. Personnel from Customs, Assam Rifles and Border Security Force (BSF) seized about 8100 tablets of new narcotic drugs, locally known as ayaba or 'speed' between 1998 and till now. The sub-divisional police officer of Moreh, P Ranjit said the police and security agencies were active in the border town and along the national highway number 39 (Moreh-Imphal road). Official sources said the highly sophisticated weapons used by militants operating in the region also proved that a large number of arms were smuggled into the region from across the border. The sources said quoting reports that some Manipur-based militants had set up camps in areas on the Myanmar side. Col H S Pathania, Commandant of the 7th Assam Rifles battalion which has operational area in Thoubal and interior Chandel districts, told PTI that security personnel were aware of the reports of some underground groups being sheltered on the Myanmar side. He said security personnel were also aware of the reports of 'inflow' of arms to this region. A security official said some Manipur-based militants had set up their camps at Kondong village, interior Namphalong and Tamu-all on Myanmar side. Official sources said smuggling continued through Moreh, considered the major gateway of smuggled items to India before opening of Indo-Myanmar border trade five years back, even after trade between two countries began. Sources said narcotic substances including heroin (now in less number) and amphetamine type of tablet continued to be smuggled through this town and some "unguarded" border points. The tablet manufactured out of amphetamine and some synthetic substances was in great demand in some areas, sources said. One tablet costs Rs 100 in Moreh, Rs 400 in metropolitan centres and even fetched a big sum in foreign countries, Rs 1000 in Indian currency for one tablet, the sources added. (PTI; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 11, 2000)

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Mithi seeks adequate forces to tackle insurgency in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, August 7: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Mukut Mithi has pleaded with the Centre for adequate paramilitary forces in view of the increased insurgency in the two districts of Tirap and Changlang, reports UNI. Mithi was speaking at the Chief Ministers' conference on internal security at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Saturday. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister AB Vajpayee, Home Minister LK Advani, other prominent ministers and senior officers. While making the case for extra paramilitary forces for the state, Mithi said the present police force in the state was inadequate and insufficiently equipped to tackle insurgency, adding it would take some time for the state to develop its own capabilities to deal with internal security, though the process had already been initiated. He urged the Centre to direct the army to take positive steps to flush out militants and also asked for the retention of the two CRPF battalions in the state for undertaking normal duties. He also pointed out the need for evolving a formalised system of sharing of intelligence by various agencies including that of the army. He said internal security operations could be conducted in an effective manner if border policing was conducted by joint teams of the army, para-military forces and state police in a coordinated manner. Mithi also sought the Centre's help for making funds available for development of adequate infrastructure as it was a pre-requisite for creating employment opportunities. Unemployed youths of the state were lured by the easy money available through insurgent activities, he said. Regarding criminal justice, he stated that the state was in an unenviable position, as there was no separation between the judiciary and the executive. He informed that a permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court would be inaugurated at Itanagar on August 12. Hoping that the criminal justice system would be revamped in the days to come, Mithi said that he visualised the evolution of a new system which would be a healthy combination of the modern and traditional. Mithi also requested the Centre for early solution to certain pending issues related to internal security. (UNI; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 11, 2000)

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Pallel OC gunned down, bandh called today

IMPHAL, August 10: Unidentified gunmen shot dead the officer-in-charge of the Pallel police station and injured another havildar in an early morning strike at Komlakhong junction around 200 metres south of Pallel police station. The deceased officer has been identified as Sub-Inspector Sorokhaibam Joychandra (60) of Lilong Chajing Mamang Leikai and the injured havildar is K Pralhada (50) of Khurai Kongpal. He has been admitted to JN Hospital. According to reports reaching here, SI Joychandra and Pralhada were coming out for a wo police personnel and talked about compromising an earlier dispute with Joychandra while the other followed a little behind. A few minutes later, one of the two gunmen in back whipped out an AK 47 rifle and pumped several bullets into Joychandra's body. He died on the spot. Pralhada received bullet injuries at his right hip. The source added that the police had picked up some NSCN(IM) cadres on charges of trying to extort money from shops and public on two occasions earlier. Today's incident could be retaliation of the arrest. In the meantime a 12-hour bandh had been called by the Pallel Bazar Board Action Committee and Pallel Meira Paibi Lup from 6 am to 6 pm tomorrow in protest against the killing. Earlier high-ranking police officials and police commandos rushed to the site after the incident and conducted massive search operation in and around Pallel and Komlakhong. (E-Pao; The Sangai Express; Imphal; August 11, 2000)

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Truce covers all Naga areas: NSCN

IMPHAL, August 10: The NSCN(IM) today claimed that the present ceasefire between the outfit and the Government of India covers "all Naga inhabited areas." This claim was made in a statement received here today. Reacting to the claim by the chief minister of Manipur W Nipamacha and the GOC 57th Mountain Division that the ceasefire confines only in the state of Nagaland, the statement issued by the outfit's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the talks at Bangkok reached an 'official agreement' that the ceasefire coverage includes Naga inhabited areas. "That difference will be the key to let loose all hell," the statement out the outfit said. The statement further said the actions and conducts of the Assam Rifles in Senapati and Ukhrul districts in particular are becoming more disturbing. It alleged that the Assam rifles are imposing strictures even on farm and khadi activities, besides disrupting normal social life. "If such uncalled for operations are not immediately halted, the Government of India and the AR shall be held responsible for the ultimate eventualities," the NSCN warned. Stating that NSCN always respects the faithfulness of Indian soldiers the statement said such admirable qualities should not be misappropriated in Nagalim as in the past. "For the common interest let us remind ourselves of the Kargil episode but not compare," it said. (E-Pao; The Sangai Express; Imphal; August 11, 2000)

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Infiltration at Assam-Bangla border: Assam Police doing a better job

DHUBRI, August 11: Infiltration of Bangladeshi citizen is a perennial problem for Assam. Thousands of Bangladeshis enter Assam every month through the porous border between the two countries. To check the illegal entry and to detect and deport the infiltrators, there are battalions of BSF persons posted along the borders. One wonders how the infiltrators manage to give slip to the hawk's eyes of the BSF at the border. How many infiltrators the BSF detected and deported? In 1999, altogether 64 Bangladeshis were detected in the border areas. Out of them, 26 were detected by the BSF and the rest by Assam Police. This year up to end of July, 32 Bangladeshis were detected out of whom only four were detected by the BSF. The BSF remains in the front line in the border, and as surely every attempt of border-crossing should have come to their notice. But from the statistics mentioned above, it is evident that either there is some type of dereliction in the guarding of the borders by the BSF or there is some undesirable compromise between the agents of the infiltrators and the BSF. The Assam Police, on the other hand, remains in the second line of defence, along the border. Compared to the facilities availed by the BSF (like, good housing facility, sophisticated defence equipment, sophisticated communication system and vehicle for easy mobility), the Assam Police enjoy very poor condition of living, communication and mobility. Despite such short-comings, the major portion of infiltrating Bangladeshis was detected by the police at the border areas of Dhubri district which deserve appreciation. The latest hunt of the Assam Police was a batch of 3 Bangladeshis at Kakripara (Mankachar) border on August 1. They were Sona Mia, Habibulla Sheikh and Abdul Sabur all of whom hailed from Kurigram district of Bangladesh. These new entrants were handed over to the BSF to push them back, a high police official sources at Dhubri informed. (Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 12, 2000)

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POT bill statement was my personal view: CM

IMPHAL, August 11; The chief minister, Wahengbam Nipamacha, in a hurriedly called press conference today clarified that his statement on the Prevention of Terrorism, POT Bill 2000 during the conference of chief ministers in New Delhi which concluded on August 5, was his own personal view and not that of his Cabinet. Nipamacha also candidly admitted to a query by a pressman that id he had also expressed the opinion that even the TADA could not be implemented successfully and so there can be no guarantee that the POT will be a success either. But as a chief minister of an insurgency torn NE state, he would endorse any government of India Bill seeking to fight terrorism. Apart from the POT Bill, there are also other moves to contain insurgency in the state, the chief minister said. As for instance, the chief minister said the Centre has given him indications that Central assistance to the tune of Rs 200 crores for police modernization that the state has been receiving would now be increased to Rs 1000 crores. Further, five more battalion of the Assam Rifles are also being currently raised to be deployed in the NE region. The chief minister said he had requested the Centre to deploy at least two of these new battalions in Manipur. He said he had been assured that at least one would be posted in Manipur. The Centre has also agreed to refund to the state all its insurgency related expenditures, the chief minister said. On the Indo-Naga peace talk, the chief minister said the state government is not officially aware of "informal ceasefire" operating in the state. He said the Union home ministry had earlier clarified to the state government there was nothing as an "informal ceasefire." Army authorities were creating more confusion amongst the public by making such controversial statements and they ought to clarify for the benefit of all, the chief minister said. The chief minister said he would be pressuring the concerned authorities for effecting the shifting of the Assam Rifles from the Kangla by August 14. (E-Pao; The Imphal Free Press; Imphal; August 12, 2000)

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Extension of ceasefire to Manipur alarms state government

IMPHAL, August 11: The statement of Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of NSCN(IM) published by a section of the press here that the ceasefire between the Indian government and the NSCN(IM) is also extended to all Naga populated areas including those of Manipur is very "alarming." This was stated by the Deputy Chief' Minister, Leishangthem Chandarmani during a press conference called by the Chief Minister soon after his return from New Delhi today. He announced that the Manipur Government will seek the terms and conditions of-the ceasefire from the central government soon. For the time being the matter will be discussed in the state cabinet. If need be, a delegation will go to New Delhi to contact the central leaders on the issue. Chief Minister Nipamacha said that the ceasefire between the Indian government and the NSCN(IM) cannot and should encompass the Naga populated areas in Manipur. He recalled that from the very inception of the ceasefire, the central government has been saying that it is effective in Nagaland only. He said that during his recent meeting with the Union Home Minister, LK Advani, he had given his opinion that there had been bloody killings among the army personnel and NSCN(IM) members as no peace talks were held and the ceasefire was extended. Referring to the army's statement that there is an informal extension of ceasefire in Manipur, he had notified the union government time and again that the NSCN(IM) members have been moving freely in front of the army with or without weapons. Besides, they are holding public meetings periodically during which anti-national statements are made. Nipamacha said that it may be because of such criticisms that the NSCN(IM) had made threats to him. The Assam Rifles had issued a press release soon after the ambush at Tadubi, which said that the ceasefire had been extended to Manipur informally. The state government took a serious note of it and the Chief Secretary had brought it to the notice of the central government. The Assam Rifles statement has caused confusion among the people and the people. He said that this issue would be brought up in the apex security coordination committee of which the army and other paramilitary forces are also represented. (E-Pao; Matamgee Yakairol; Imphal; August 12, 2000)

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Police dragging feet in rape probe, says CRPF

IMPHAL, August 11: The slanging match between the CRPF and the state police over the mode of investigation into the alleged rape of the daughter-in-law of Lamdan village chief has taken a serious turn with the former accusing the latter of dragging their feet in the investigation. Reacting to a statement of a police officer quoted by a regional daily yesterday as saying that the CRPF should cooperate with the investigation team instead of making uncalled for statements the CRPF DIG (Ops) JS Bisht said in a statement today that "it is the local police who are dragging their feet in the investigation of this sensitive case and not the CRPF." Strongly reacting to the charge that the persistent demand for getting DNA test is uncalled for the DIG said by no stretch of imagination can the statement of CRPF calling for DNA tests be termed as uncalled for. The CRPF is also cooperating fully with the investigation. The list of eight personnel who accompanied Assistant Commandant D Bishwas for search operations in the village has been furnished. The CRPF is also prepared to produce these eight personnel before the Judicial Magistrate for conducting test identification parade as per the law, so that the victim may identify the two personnel who allegedly raped her. Stating that the police officer's statement implied that the CRPF are not cooperating, Bisht said he should substantiate his statement. Reacting to the remark that DNA test is not required and that such a test is required only when there is no concrete evidence and that if the evidence is circumstantial, the CRPF said there is no such provision in the law. A police officer is supposed to make use of all the methods, he said. The CRPF reiterated its demand that DNA test be conducted. (E-Pao; The Sangai Express; Imphal; August 12, 2000)

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ULFA fears sudden attacks, orders cadres to leave Bhutan

GUWAHATI, August 11: Patrolling by the security forces has been intensified along the state's borders with Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya after the police could secure a copy of the notice issued by the "assistant publisher", one Sushil Saikia of the "general headquarters" of the ULFA at Deothang in Bhutan, asking all inmates of the headquarters to vacate the camp and seek refuge in safe areas in the neighbouring states and in other parts of Bhutan. According to highly-placed sources in the police department, the notice, issued recently, has asked the inmates of the camp to wait until further orders after they have taken refuge in the neighbouring states. The notice said that the Indian Army, along with its Bhutanese counterpart, is likely to launch a sudden raid in the "general headquarters" sometime before or after the Independence Day. The notice, procured by the police through a mole it had sent to Bhutan, asked the inmates, however, not to panic and to keep their cool. No other detailed instructions about where exactly they should shift, how to shift with their weapons and whom to contact in the neighbouring states, etc. were, however, issued, sources said. No sooner the copy of the notice was received than the Assam Police has alerted its counterparts in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, where vigil has been hightened. Sources said, the Assam police and paramilitary forces have intensified patrolling in the areas bordering these states so that no ULFA militant can sneak into them. Already, several such fugitive militants have been held or eliminated in encounters in these areas, sources said. However, according to another source in the security agencies, the ULFA's notice was actually a diversionary tactic to engage the police and the security forces in areas other than the Bhutan border so that the militants, already holed up in the camps in Bhutan, can continue to come down to Assam and create violence in the bordering districts. Pointing out to the fact that several ULFA militants, some of them of the highly-dreaded variety, have already sneaked into the state to create large-scale violence during the Independence Day celebrations, sources said, the outfit has sought to use the wide publicity in the media about the reported toughening of stand by the Royal Government of Bhutan against the militants and its readiness to launch operations against them to flush them out of Bhutan, to their advantage. (Staff Reporter; The Sentinel; Guwahati; August 12, 2000)

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Centre-NSCN talks in Sept

GUWAHATI, August 11: The next round of talks between the Centre and National Socialist Council of Nagalim is likely to be held in September. A Union home ministry official told The statesman over telephone from New Delhi today that the meeting would discuss the ground rules of the ceasefire. The NSCN had been demanding a review of the ceasefire ground rules particularly its extension to all Naga-inhabited areas. The matter had also come up at the recent two-day talks at Bangkok. NSCN chairman, Isak Chishi Swu, is reported to have claimed that the Centre had agreed at the Bangkok meeting last month to extend the area of ceasefire to all Naga-inhabited areas. These areas, apart from Nagaland, are some parts of Manipur and Assam. The official, however, denied the NSCN leader's claims. Officially, the ceasefire remains restricted only to Nagaland, he said adding, however, that there is an informal ceasefire between the two sides in Manipur and North Cachar Hills of Assam. He said that there was no question of any agreement on extension of the ceasefire jurisdiction to anywhere outside Nagaland, when there is no agreement on the definition of ceasefire itself. The NSCN believes that the ceasefire is only with the security forces and that they can kill or maim others who they consider their enemies whereas the government views it as a cessation of all criminal activities like murder, kidnapping and extortion, no matter at whom such acts are directed, he said. The official complained the NSCN had not been observing the ground rules of ceasefire. Under the circumstances, there was no scope for expanding the area of the ceasefire, he said. "First let them say that they accept our definition of ceasefire, then we shall see. Otherwise, extending the ceasefire would, in effect, mean expanding the area of killings and other criminal activities, which we wont allow." The ceasefire was extended by another year with effect from 1 August following a decision to this effect at the Bangkok meet. The ceasefire first came into operation on 1 August 1997 and had since been periodically extended. However, the truce has not helped in putting an end to violence with many being killed, mostly in clashes between Naga rebel groups. The NSCN (Khaplang group) general secretary, Dali Munro, has been one of the victims. Even the Nagaland chief minister, SC Jamir, had a narrow escape from an attack by the NSCN. The Church and various NGOs in Nagaland having been urging both the NSCN factions to unite because they feel that no permanent peace is possible as long as the two groups remain at loggerheads. (Statesman News Service; The Statesman; Guwahati; August 12, 2000)

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NSCN(IM) warns CM to withdraw statement on ceasefire extension

IMPHAL, August 12: The NSCN(IM) which is holding peace talks with the Government of India has warned the Manipur Chief Minister, Wahengbam Nipamacha to withdraw his statement disputing the extension of the ceasefire to the Naga inhabited areas in Manipur and support the peace process. If he does not do these, he will live to regret the "Ugly designs and bidden agenda." This warning was given to the Chief Minister today in an open letter by Q Tuccu, Kilo Kilonser (Home Minister), Ministry of Kilo Affairs, GPRN. The GPRN does not know what to make out of the statement of Nipamacha. However, Nipamacha may be meaning that the ceasefire does not extend to Manipur and that he does not support the Indo-Naga peace process. Instead he opposes it. Or may be it is a challenge to the NSCN(IM). The Naga areas had been included in Manipur by an accident of history, the open letter a copy of which was faxed to this newspaper contended. It further said that it smacks of the divide and rule policy, and that the GRPN will never allow the age old friendship between the Nagas and the Meiteis to be betrayed by the narrow minded politics and politicians. The Kilo Kilonser said that it is a known fact that the four districts, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Senapati and Chandel, are a part of "Naga territory from ancient times and recorded ,as such from the Ahom era." The Nagas and the Meiteis are two distinct people who have been living in harmony and respecting each other's distinct cultures and civilisations. The Naga people's movement for integration of all Naga inhabited areas began long before Manipur attained statehood. Contrary to the friendship between the Nagas and the Meiteis, the successive ministers in Manipur have "deliberately" kept the Naga areas backward and deprived the people of their share of developmental funds. The letter charged Nipamacha with not constructing taking long detours via Imphal to go to each other's areas. Tuccu, the Home Minister of GRPN further said that the Meiteis have recognised the justness of the Naga demands. He recalled that in 1972, the Congress Party had passed a resolution stating that it did not oppose The Naga integration movement as antiparty, anti-national, anti-state and un-constitutional. Senior Meiteis like B Sheelbhadra Yajee and H Nilamani were signatories to the agreement between the United Naga Council and the all India Congress Party. In 1997, the collective leadership had issued a statement which said "For us the Meiteis and the Nagas are brothers and sisters of the same parents beyond dispute. They are inseparable under any circumstances. Their fates are bound with each other." The leaders had emphasised that the ultimate solution would be made by the Naga and the Meiteis. It ominously tells Nipamacha that if he wants to challenge the right to protect the Naga people and their right to self-determination or if he plays dirty politics to undermine the peace process, the GRPN will expose his policies. Besides, the GRPN will take whatever steps it thinks necessary to bring about peace to the Nagas who have suffered so much for so long. It wants to know what "cynical politics" prompts him to reject the ceasefire and a peace process that the Nagas, the Meiteis and the Indians have yearned so long. The NSCN(IM) warned the Chief Minister to withdraw "that statement and support the peace process," if not he will live to regret his "ugly designs and hidden agenda." (E-Pao; Matamgi Yakairol; Imphal; August 13, 2000)

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NE trains run empty due to bomb scare

GUWAHATI, August 13: The pre-independence day bomb scare has made the Northeast Frontier Railway trains run empty even as all flights of the three airlines that service Guwahati are overbooked. The two back-to-back bomb blasts by Bodo militants near Rangiya last week coupled with disruption due to floods has terrified railway passengers triggering mass cancellation. Half the compartments of the otherwise crowded trains were literally running empty. "It is true the people are scared after the twin bomb blasts," said Robin Kalita, secretary to the general manager of the NF Railway. "Unless it is urgent, everyone is postponing their visit till August 15," he said. Traditionally, both the Bodo and United Liberation Front of Assam militants target communication infrastructure in the run up to the Independence Day celebration. A single blast can disrupt the vital railway link between the north east and rest of the country for days. "We have intensified patrolling along railway tracks and the culverts," informed a senior officer of the 21 Mountain Division of the Indian Army, which overlooks the whole of Lower Assam. The NF Railways trains, which are usually booked out two months in advance, are now running almost 30 per cent empty. "I cancelled my ticket to Madras last Tuesday and today (Sunday) I went to book another one for Monday. To my pleasant surprise, I got a confirmed ticket," says Tanmoy Bordoloi. The twin bomb blasts on the night of august 8 coupled with the threat to Rangiya railway station has forced the authorities to suspend night running of all trains in Assam. "This has further scared the passengers," said a senior official. However, the Chief Public Relations Officer, NF Railway, Utpalparna Hazarika attributed the sudden slump in demand to the lean season along with the bomb scare. "The summer vacation is over and the lean season is here. Demand will increase after September 15 during the puja vacation," she said. But the railways' loss is airlines' gain as all flights to and from Guwahati are overbooked. "There has been tremendous demand and it is because of the independence day bomb scare," said Moroomi Barua of Paradise Tour and Travels. "There is possibility of the militants striking at railway and road infrastructure knowing that this makes the biggest psychological impact," said a senior police officer admitting that they are all on tenterhooks. Already nine army jawans were killed last week when the militants bombed a meter gauge train at Goreswar, near Rangiya. "With the commissioning of the railway track in the south bank of the Brahmaputra, we will be relieved of this tension," said Hazarika informing that trains should start running by the year end. (UNI; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 13, 2000)

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Naga ultras' threat to Nipamacha

IMPHAL, August 13: Two days after reports of a threat from the NSCN-IM to the life of W Nipamacha Singh, the organisation has in an open letter warned the chief minister to withdraw his statement that the jurisdiction of the Centre-NSCN ceasefire does not extend into Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur. In a thinly veiled threat to the chief minister, the NSCN-IM said "he ( Singh) would live to regret his ugly design and hidden agendas". The letter, signed by the NSCN-IM "home minister" (kilo kilonser), Q Tuccu, also asked Singh to support the peace process. Nipamacha Singh had, soon after arriving from New Delhi, told reporters that the ceasefire between the Naga militants and the Centre did not extend to Manipur. His deputy, Chandramani Singh, had told reporters that the Union home ministry had stated there were no formal or informal ceasefire in the territory of Manipur. Both were reacting to NSCN-IM's claim of a ceasefire in the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur. "How shall we interpret your not wanting the ceasefire between the NSCN-IM and Government of India to extend to Naga areas, which are by accident of history within the state of Manipur?" the letter asked. Calling the statement a part of the traditional "divide and rule policy of the Indian state", the letter said it was designed to create misunderstanding between the Naga and Meitei peoples. But the NSCN-IM, the letter declared, "will never allow the age-old friendship between our people and the Meitei people to be betrayed by narrow-minded politics and politicians who play with the lives of people for their narrow selfish ends. "The Naga people and the Meitei people are two distinct peoples living in harmony and respecting each others distinct cultures and civilisation. The Naga people's movement for the integration of all Naga inhabited areas began long before Manipur achieved statehood within the Indian union. "The Naga movement can be traced to the movements of Jadonang, and many other members of Naga National Council hailing from Manipur. Nagas in Manipur also took part in the great plebiscite in 1951." The letter recalled the Congress's 1972 resolution which agreed to support Naga integration when the United Naga Integration Council joined it. Congress leaders like Sheel Bhadra Yajee and H Nilamani were signatories to the agreement, it said. (Statesman News Service; The Statesman; Calcutta; August 14, 2000)

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No ambiguity in ceasefire rules, says Army official

JAKHAMA (NAGALAND), August 13: A top Army official in Nagaland today said there was no ambiguity in the interpretation of the agreed ground rules of the ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN(IM). "The ground rules of the ceasefire are very clear; any extortion, forced tax collection and movement of armed activists in populous areas, national and state Highways are a clear violation of the truce," GOC Major Gen RN Kapur told reporters here. Claiming that the security forces had exercised great restraint and not fired a single shot except killing one NSCN (K) activist in self-defence, early this year, he said "it is for public to judge whether underground factions have honoured the truce in letter and spirit." The senior Army official attributed the present fear psychosis among the people to inter-factional clashes. Maj Gen Kapur, who recently took over the command of inspector general of Assam Rifles, Army and BSF in Nagaland, said his troops would in all earnest work towards promoting the peace process. Stating that another militant outfit, the NSCN (K), was honouring the unilateral ceasefire offered by the security forces that expires on 15 October, the GOC disclosed that the modalities of a formal ceasefire between the outfit and the Centre were being prepared. (PTI; The Statesman; Calcutta; August 14, 2000)

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Ceasefire with NSCN only in Nagaland, says Centre

NEW DELHI, August 14: The Centre has made it clear that the "ceasefire" with the NSCN(IM) is confined only to Nagaland and there has been no agreement to extend it to all "Naga inhabited" areas. The government made its stand clear following reported statements of NSCN(IM) chairman Isak Swu that at the Bangkok negotiations, it was agreed that the ceasefire would be extended to all Naga areas. The government has further urged the NSCN(IM) in Nagaland to implement the agreed ground rules and stop all violence so that a conducive atmosphere can be created to find a lasting solution to the Naga problem. A home ministry spokesperson said here on Monday that unless there is an end to killings, kidnappings and extortion and people are free from the threat of terror and violence, there can be no conducive atmosphere to find a solution to the Naga problem. Sources in the home ministry said the NSCN(IM) has been interpreting ceasefire as applying only to attacks on security forces and not covering civilians. An official said, "They have interpreted it as not to fire only on forces. Their stand is unacceptable. No democratic government can agree to this. For the government it means secession of all hostilities." It is learnt that the NSCN(IM) have been insisting that Naga areas include districts in Manipur, Myanmar, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. (Correspondent; The Asian Age; New Delhi; August 15, 2000)

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Nothing indiscreet about DNA test: CRPF

IMPHAL, August 14: The war of words between the CRPF and the state police over the investigation of the Lamdan rape case continues, with the CRPF charging that the IG (law and order) in his press release of August 12 last, had totally sidestepped the issue of DNA testing raised by the CRPF, by 'pontifying about the sensitivity of the rape case and the need for discreetness in investigating it.' The CRPF, in a statement here, said that it has never disagreed about the sensitivity of the case, but asserted that by no stretch of the imagination can it be said that DNA tests are not discreet. 'They are like many other forensic tests which are quite routine in police investigations', it said. While agreeing that the statements to the press should be avoided if they are likely either to hamper the investigation or prejudice the prosecution, the statement maintained that this is not true in this case. 'On the contrary, the DN tests will help the investigation, rather than hampering it.' It said. Questioning the 'adamant' and 'unscientific' attitude of the police that DNA testing is not necessary, the statement noted that the CRPF had given very logical and scientific reasons for going through DNA testing, while the police has given none of their standpoint. In this connection, the statement asked the IG (L&O), to stop beating about the bush and make a clear statement as to whether this method is to be used or not. The statement also demanded to know the results of the forensic tests carried out at the FSL, Imphal, further asserting that if the stains found were semen stains, the police should go for DNA testing. If not, they should close the case against CRPF personnel and book the complainant and witnesses for giving false complaint, so that nobody will dare give false complaint of this nature to police in future. If the DNA test prove that the semen stains were of the husband, then also the police should similarly book the complainant and witnesses. If any CRPF persons tests positives in these test, we will be more than willing to hand him over to the police', it said. (E-Pao; The Imphal Free Press; Imphal; August 15, 2000)

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China providing arms to ULFA: ex-militant

GUWAHATI, August 14: Dropping a bombshell, a senior ULFA militant, who surrendered before the state government, stated that the militant outfit is being provided arms and ammunition by the Chinese government. Captain Lohit Deuri, the second-in-command of ULFA's General Head Quarters located at Deothang in Bhutan, stated that Black House, the Chinese external intelligence agency was providing the outfit with arms since 1991. "There is a tacit understanding between Pakistan's ISI and Black House. And as we had close links with ISI, we were able to procure arms from the Chinese agency," said Deuri who was responsible for setting up several ULFA camps in Bhutan. The former militant also gave details about the way arms were transported from China. Meanwhile, 288 militants including six women belonging to six outfits of Assam laid down arms before the Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today. The surrendered militants included several prominent leaders from United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS). Militants belonging to Dima Halam Dauga (DHD), Rabha National Security Force (RNSF) and Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam (MULTA) also laid down arms at the function. Most of the militants who laid down arms today belonged to ULFA, who lost 242 of its cadres today. A large quantity of arms and ammunition were also handed over by the surrendered militants to the state government. These included, 82 kilograms of explosives, 16 AK series assault rifles, Chinese rifles and several rounds of cartridges. Chief Minister Mahanta welcomed the surrendered militants to the mainstream society and assured them all possible help to be rehabilitated. He also gave a brief outline of the various schemes undertaken by the state Government to help surrendered militants. Following various incentives given by the state Government since April 1998, more than 2000 militants belonging to various militant outfits of Assam have laid down arms and joined the mainstream. The number of violent incidents in the state has also come down from 392 in 1998 to 182 in 1999. In the past two years, villagers have killed seven militants who had gone to extort money from them. They also apprehended another 26 and handed them over to the police. (Correspondent; The Hindustan Times; New Delhi; August 15, 2000)

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NSCN lauds Govt move to solve crisis

NEW DELHI, August 14: The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) has lauded the Centre for its "bold initiative" to have started peace talks for the resolution of the Naga problem. In an Independence Day message to the people of Nagaland, NSCN(IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu declared that the peace process had suffered a set back due to arrest of the organisation's senior leader T Muivah in Thailand. While stating the jailed leader was indispensible so far as the Naga peace talks were concerned, he expressed hope that the Thailand Government will release Muivah at the earliest in view of appeals made by "civil societies" from all over the world. His release would help in promoting the Indo-Naga peace process, he felt. Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry, while referring to Isak Swu's pointed reference that the extension of the cease-fire, which was agreed upon between the Government and the NSCN-IM representatives recently, will cover all areas inhabited by the Nagas, has clarified that it would be confined only to Nagaland. There has been no agreement to extend the cease-fire to all the Naga inhabited areas, a Ministry spokesman said. "The Government would like the NSCN(IM) to implement the agreed ground rules of the cease-gfire in letter and spirit. Unless there is an end to killings, kidnappings and extortions and the civil society is free from the threat of violence, a conducive atmosphere for finding lasting solution to the Naga problem cannot be found", the spokesman added. On his part, Swu expressed regrets and apologised to the people for excesses committed by the NSCN cadres. He reminded the people of Nagaland that the NSCN members were their "bucklers and scapegoats". Further referring to the extension of cease-fire between the NSCN and the Centre, he said its main objective was to facilitate "political talks" with a view to find a lasting solution to the "long drawn Indo-Naga political issue". The NSCN has been looking for a solution based on the national principle, he added. Charging the Government with trying to divide the NSCN in the name of forging unity among Nagas, Swu said efforts were being made to create confusion among Nagas in the name of uniting them. (Correspondent; The Hindustan times; New Delhi; August 15, 2000)

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ULFA being run by dictators -- Surrendered militant

GUWAHATI, August 14: A total of 288 militants belonging to ULFA, NDFB and four other groups laid down arms and vowed to join the mainstream here today, with Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and termed it as a big blow to militancy in the state. The total number of militants who shunned the path of violence since April 1, 1998 (the time from when the Centre's special rehabilitation package came into effect), stands at 2,422. One of the most important ULFA leader who laid down arms today was Lohit Deuri, a self-styled 'G-2' in the rebel group's armed wing headed by Paresh Barua. There were also a couple of self-styled lieutenants and second lieutenants of the ULFA's armed wing, while a large number of arms and ammunition including several rifles of the AK series were also laid down. The militants, five of them women, who handed over guns were welcomed by Chief Minister Mahanta with a traditional hand-woven gamocha. The surrendered militants also included five Bodo militants, 25 of the United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) -- a Karbi tribal armed group, 12 of the Rabha National Security Force (RNSF), two of the Dima Halam Daoga (DHD) -- a Dimasa tribal outfit, and two of the Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam (MULTA). Speaking on behalf of the surrendered youths, Deuri said that while he realised that the ULFA was treading on a wrong path, it was also true that the outfit was now being run by a bunch of 'dictators'. "There is no patience in the ULFA ranks today. Anybody who begs to differ or seeks a clarification is given death rap. I have witnessed a number of such executions when I was in the Bhutan camps," Deuri, who joined the outfit in the early 1980s, said. He also claimed that there was no basis of the ULFA's demand for a sovereign Assam, and "it was only when I raised the issue in the general council meeting in 1995 that the top leaders started giving some thought to it.""But today the top leaders are more busy accommodating themselves in cities like Geneva, Bangkok and Kathmandu, leading a luxurious life," he added.Deuri, who hails from Nalbari district, said that the outfit was now caught in a vicious trap and all their decisions are subject to clearance from Pakistan's ISI and other foreign powers. "They are hardly bothered about the people of Assam," Deuri said. He also quoted Barua that a peace accord was impossible. "It is Barua and two or three others who are standing between peace talks and the ULFA, and they will not allow any settlement," he added. Addressing the gathering, Mahanta said that militants who joined the mainstream had already availed of the government's special rehabilitation scheme. "A number of them have also taking to cooperative farming, with the government already registering 25 such cooperatives. Several agencies, like the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, state Institute of Rural Development, Assam Agricultural University have been imparting training to such boys," the Chief Minister added. The surrendered militants have to undergo an year's vocational training during which the government provides them free food, lodging and clothes, apart from a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 each, he said. (Samudra Gupta Kashyap; The Indian Express; New Delhi; August 15, 2000)

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