Naga rebel leaders with flag. Image Credit: Tehelka

FOR 64 YEARS, the Naga struggle for sovereignty has been based on the idea of ‘urra uvie (our land belongs to us)’. Over the years, a sense of a collective Naga identity has been instilled and the idea of sovereignty based on their historical rights and cultural identity has become real. Warring factions created a sovereignty hyperbole, something akin to the idea of Kashmir’s azadi, where the fight for independence was about “all or nothing” and the cause that justified the violence was sovereignty.

However, at the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) meeting on 29 February in Dimapur, Nagaland, addressing thousands of Nagas from all walks of life and all Naga-inhabited areas (Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland and Myanmar), National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Kitovi-Khole) Chairman Gen Khole Konyak explained that independence for Nagas in the present international context was not possible nor was Greater Nagaland. “It is a practical reality, necessitated not because of the aggressive posture of the Government of India but a realization that Naga nationalism must be evoked in the right spirit through practical wisdom as opposed to idealist views on sovereignty and independence,” he said.

A statement that, for the first time, touched on the issue of sovereignty in a public forum and gave an inkling of what the future might hold.

“Sovereignty, or the denial of it, has been a bone of contention between the Nagas and the Government of India since 1947,” says Father Abraham Lotha, a Naga intellectual. But what has resulted in this changing definition? A change that is being seen as a progressive and positive step.

Over the past six decades, there has been a paradigm shift and the idea of globalization and inter-dependence has taken root not only in India but among the Nagas as well. Exposed to the idea of a global village, young Nagas aped the hairstyles of their favorite Korean movie stars and political stands of the ‘underground’ softened. Sovereignty underwent an adjustment.

“How we defined sovereignty 50 years ago does not fit into today’s context,” explains a Naga rebel. “Both sovereignty and self-determination are still key, but we will adjust our demands to the needs of a modern world.”

‘Shared sovereignty’ is the new catch-phrase in Nagaland, says Father Lotha. “We aren’t very sure what ‘shared sovereignty’ means. We don’t know what we will give to India and what India will give us. But what we do know is that no country is sovereign in the old understanding of the word; we are all inter-dependent.”

Another contributing factor was the military stalemate. As the decades passed, the death toll mounted. The Indian government’s military response to a political problem created a deadlock. While it contained the ‘insurgency’, sporadic violence continued. “The harsh and sad reality of India is that for every soldier killed, there are a hundred waiting to take his place,” explains a senior army officer. “Yes, you can create an irritant, but you cannot win in a battle of attrition.”

The implication of this mindset is that violence cannot provide any solution. Whether it is in Kashmir or the Northeast, the Centre has shown its willingness to take on losses and bide it’s time for an opportune moment.

‘The demand for complete sovereignty has vanished from the younger generation,’ says 28-year-old Zakie

But the protracted violence in Nagaland and other parts of the Northeast has created ‘conflict fatigue’. The local population — the support base of the movements — has grown wary of the violence, extortion, lack of normalcy and development. They are stuck between the cause: sovereignty, which is close to their heart, and the reality, which falls horribly short of what was promised.

“The demand for complete sovereignty has vanished from the younger generation and the Naga intellectuals,” says businessman Zakie, 28. “Complete sovereignty is neither possible nor will it be to our advantage. Though there is a sense of optimism after the recent FNR meeting, many people are jaded. We have heard these promises before.”

Former Union Home Secretary GK Pillai believes that, “When the Naga groups came to the negotiation table; the understanding was that sovereignty is something that the Indian government cannot give. However, the negotiation must result in a win-win situation, an honorable solution. The first step is for the Naga groups to go back to the people and explain to them, we were fighting for X, but we are getting Y, which is an honorable solution and in the best interest of both parties. They need to get the people to support the agreement. Then we will have a lasting solution.”

A young member of the Naga underground very candidly expresses, “This political struggle has been on for many years now, but there is a growing feeling that if we don’t do something now and seize the moment, it will not be wise on our part. We will talk to the people, understand what they want and then go ahead with the negotiations.”

The FNR meeting, in which four resolutions were passed and a desire expressed to create a common platform, is being seen as the ‘first step’. Though there are still hurdles, the progressive approach provides hope that the contours of a lasting peace could be seen by the end of this year.

KASHMIR TOO has reached a military stalemate and life in the Valley is anything but normal. Azadi is the war cry and various separatist leaders rally around the cause to assert their dominance. Does the Naga movement hold a lesson for India’s other longstanding dispute?

Pillai feels that though the Pakistan factor makes Kashmir a different ballgame, “the idea of globalization, soft borders and being exposed to what is happening in Pakistan has resulted in a shift”. “Pakistan is no longer an option; the options are azadi and India. This shift has taken 50 years. You have to give it time,” he says.

The longer the movement lasts, the graver the consequences are for the local populace. So, is a shift in mindset required from both sides?

Dilip Padgaonkar, one of the interlocutors sent to Kashmir last year, believes that the solution lies within the idea of India itself. “In the Valley, sovereignty is co-equal to a ‘State’. When that is the understanding, in a region where people feel oppressed, the demand for sovereignty comes up. Realpolitik or armed conflict is a nonstarter. The idea of India allows for people to follow their political aspirations. We have seen that the Constitution of India has proven to be very flexible and allowed space for this kind of aspiration. The most recent example of this space is the creation of Gorkhaland, a purely constitutional solution to people’s aspirations.”

Hurriyat (G) leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s visit to New Delhi and interactions with different civil society members are being seen as a softening of his otherwise hard line stand. Could this be a step in a new direction?

Over the years, there has been one constant, the Indian government will not give complete sovereignty. This is the stark reality facing the rebel outfits: Is prolonged conflict in pursuit of an outdated idea of sovereignty worth it, especially when New Delhi is comfortable with protracted deployment? Maybe there is a lesson to be learnt from the Naga rebel outfits — to stay relevant, you must evolve.

At the end of the day, the groups have to realize that in a people’s movement, the mandate is in the hands of the people.

*The opinion is written by Avalok Langer

*The writer is a Correspondent with Tehelka and can be reached at avalok@tehelka.com

(Courtesy: Tehelka)

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Sometimes it is better not to disturb an existing order of things, if the disturbances or changes might bring more trouble and suffering than the status quo. It is absolutely vital to bear this thing in the minds of policy planners, more so when the outcome is unpredictable. The present step of ‘only pedestrian zone’, in spite of its stated objective of reducing traffic congestion in and around Khwai bazaar thereby giving breathing space to the public, only ended up giving more trouble and inconveniences to the public. Yes, it definitely serve a purpose that the current step called ‘only pedestrian zone’ will certainly provide free running space for all the babus, high ranking officers, state forces, army and paramilitary officials for they are out of the purview of ‘only pedestrian zone’ norm. What a joke! What a mockery of democracy, rule of law and principle of equality. It is absolutely nonsense to make public suffer in the name of the public.

In Manipur, a habitual tendency has developed among these officials/persons that they are above law and laws are meant for ordinary mundane called public and so called public also seem to have reconciled to this idea. It is a common sight and experience that all the said officials and babus violate traffic norms at their own sweet will, whether it is one way or no parking zone norm. They stop their vehicles right in the middle of the road, sometimes obstructing regular flow of traffic. Now time has come for our babus and law enforcers to obey traffic norms for it is meant for all and appropriate concerned authority to book those violators irrespective of their official positions. If the Indian democracy is not a casteist democracy and upholds equality of rights among all citizens as declared in its constitution, do not make Khwai bazaar an elite cluster zone. Make it a public space as it is meant to be. If certain norms must be followed, apply them to all with the inevitable exception of those officials who are absolutely necessary for enforcement of those norms and regulations.

Why Congestion?

It is important to trace out the reasons for traffic congestion or problem in the said area in order to draw up a sensible and suitable policy. Look around the Khwai bazaar, entire Manipur is here. Imphal city in general and Khwai bazaar in particular is all in one. Three important centers merged in the area. This area of Imphal is not only historical and cultural zone but also political and commercial capital of the state. All the important centers/offices such as Kangla, Mapal Kangjeibung, Governor’s Residence and Office, State secretariat, Chief Minister’s Bungalow, quarters of MLA’s, Judges, State Assembly, many banks (SBI, UBI, ICICI, Punjab National Bank, UBI, MSCB, AXIS etc.), are located within the three kilometer radius of this area. Besides, national highways pass right in the heart of Imphal city. Can anyone tell us, which modern city has the reflection of unplanned and unsystematic order as Imphal does today? All these have made the area an awkward mosaic, a zone of hell for all of us. Therefore we have here a city without planning. It is therefore no surprising to see that all roads lead to this point.

Moreover there seems to be complete lack of coordination between Transport Department, Town Planning Department, Imphal Municipality Council etc. This is clearly reflected in the rampant construction of buildings, hotels without any parking slot attached to them as done in the malls in metros. For instance Nirmala Hotel, Classic Hotel, Gambhir Singh Shopping centre do not have parking slots. Moreover most of the banks and offices also do not have parking slots. It is undeniable fact that all of them utilize public roads as their parking area. This is a clear indication of how norms and regulations are being violated in the most blatant manner by those influential and super-rich proprietors of big hotels, private hospitals, shopping malls etc, etc.  This need to be checked strictly and strict application of required RR is called for. Until mindset of the ruling babus and planners cannot see beyond this area, this area will never rest/free from congestion. More congestion and anarchy is the fate of Imphal city in the coming years if those at the helm of affairs do not learn to think pragmatically without further delay. No city on earth can bear the burden of such a conglomeration of important centers on a limited space of just around two square kilometers.

Some comments and suggestions:

First, we must painfully concede that in Manipur, suggestions and comments are never meant for taking due considerations and accommodation but for throwing in the dustbin of offices. But until the policy planners take up certain radical steps and adopt a qualitative outlook, Imphal City and its core zone i.e. Khwai bazaar area will soon become more congested, suffocating and unbelievable hell for its dwellers. A policy should be formulated not on the basis of intention but on the basis of findings after systematic, scientific and surgical research and surveys of the issue, problems and facts and materials surrounding them. It certainly calls for seeing and doings things beyond conventional pattern of doing things.

First step in this direction is the prevention of further concentration of malls, offices and shops in the said area and proper planning for developing new market areas as done in the metros. A city that does not grow and expand will certainly die. This unavoidable fact need to be understood and properly taken care of.

Secondly, politico-administrative centre including their offices should be shifted from the said area in and around the outskirt zones of Imphal area. If the State Assembly, Secretariat, Governor’s Residence along with offices, quarters and bungalow be shifted in suitable places of the Imphal area this would not only reduce traffic congestion but also decentralize development.

Thirdly, some of the important nationalized banks should be immediately shifted from the Khwai area in multiple directions in appropriate places so as to reach their services to various sections of the public. There is no reason as to why all the important and large banks should be located in and around Paona Keithel, Thangal Keithel and M.G. Avenue. It is another matter if their sole purpose is to serve those traders in the said areas more conveniently and not for the entire public.

Fourthly, the national highway 39 (now NH 2) which passes right in the middle of the city’s core zone be diverted immediately.

Fifthly, IMC, Town Planning Department should strictly see to prevent rampant construction of buildings by enforcing necessary RR.

Sixthly, two pedestrian over-bridges should be constructed immediately at both ends of the flyover so as to enable pedestrians to cross the road without disturbing flow of traffic as well as avoiding risk for casualty.

Transport Department also equally needs to work pro-actively to see that Manipur do not become dumping ground/destination for old vehicles as is being witnessed today.

Until such time we should stop doing things at ad-hoc and piecemeal basis, which only lead to untold misery and suffering to the public. As pointed above, if our policy makers and planners do not go beyond conventional thinking pattern, this city will never be free from congestion, traffic or otherwise and gradually it would die a suffocating death.

One more thing our policy makers and law enforcing agencies should always bear in mind is, the public are neither guinea pigs nor Imphal city a laboratory. Please don’t make another blunder in the name of solving traffic problems by adopting another hit and trial method. At the best, the new traffic regulations are nothing short of prescribing medicines without ever diagnosing the ailments. We would not talk about the result for it is there for everyone to see. Let’s bear the pain, it’s only a trial!

*The opinion is written by Yenning.

*The writer can be reached atyenning05@rocketmail.com or you can visitwww.hoipolloiandmundanity.blogspot.comfor further readings.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

2. This paradigm of administrative system reminds us of the introduction of Diarchy System in some of the Provinces of Indian States by the British India Government. This feudalistic system of governance based on English feudal-system did not work due to a number of reasons but undoubtedly some of the main causes are the gaining momentum of socio-political Independent movement; and also of the unworkable differences between the English experience of feudal system and that of the Indian ones. Whereas the British India’s attempt was purely experimental with no bias whereas in this case, it is done with a rider—that the interest of the Nagas alone can override the rights and aspirations of the others! In whatever counts one may try to positively respond to it, knowing the dilemma of the GoI, the illogical and sense of injustice inherent in it and after duly weighing the political-prudence-balance, it cannot help working out for even the sum of the simplest calculation for answering 2 and 2 are 4. The unabashed attempts to reward elements who are bent upon dismemberment of the country in some form or the other are being rewarded for their numerous crimes! In fact, they have even been given so ‘much of respect, lift’ and status that even when they issue warning to people other than their own with dire consequences on some popped up reason as headlined in the local dailies does not seem to attract any breach in the letter and spirit of Cease fire agreement between the two parties!

3. In order to understand it may be essential to examine some of the MYTHS that had been created connected with the Naga polity assumed out of proportion attention and importance; and these somehow have to be looked into and explode them! And some of such myths are—

(1) “Birth Right”: – According to their own claim, they seem to have inalienable birth right to land, even to the extent of negating the right of other people than the Nagas. From this wrong premise they proceed and made use of the strength of their polity whether of the underground or of the over ground and they seemed to be all united even including some tribes of the Old Kukis who had chosen to be in the Naga fold! There appears room for proper education on this score if we all want to live together in peace and prosperity; and that all human do possess their birth right.

(2) “Not an inch of Naga territory”:- Of this oft repeated phrase which is on their lips, one wonders who grant them their right on an “inch of Naga territory”? Where is Naga territory? The boundary of the State of Manipur is believed to have been in existence since AD 33—long, long before the term Naga became known and recognized. Individuals do have their own territory or land legally, socially and traditionally. It is not based on something like the Line of Control (LOC) along the Indo-Pak border which is based mostly on some imaginary line and some features on the ground till the two warring neighbors come to an understanding for giving cognition of the same. Having occupied certain tract of land does not entitle one legally till the same is confirmed or established by law.

(3) People in power had scattered the Nagas into different tracts of lands and dismantled their sovereignty since time immemorial! :- To answer this question, we have to further question the following, and we will let The BEDROCK OF NAGA SOCIETY published by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (I) [p 2-4] respond for as quoted below: QUOTE:

“Did we have an independent political existence at all immediately before the British rule or even during the British days? Were we an independent nation? A political entity or a nation has to be on historical facts. It pre-supposes the existence of a definite political structure that governs a clearly demarcated area of land which is inhabited by a people who accept this arrangement and have close contacts with each other. It also demands that the political structure would be a monarchy, a democracy, an autocracy, an oligarchy, a dictatorship or any other that is universally accepted by political scientists as independent, self-governing and well defined political entity or a ‘nation’. Other areas in the North East like Assam, Manipur, Tripura and the Cacharis had their territories and their kingdoms. Did we?

The stark and inescapable truth is that neither did we have a definite and unified political structure nor did we exist as a nation. We were actually a heterogeneous, primitive and diverse tribes living in far flung villages that had very little in common and negligible contact with each other.

Education did not exist and awareness about the world outside was total absent. Each village was practically an entity in itself. A village does not make a nation. The main contact between the villages was through the savage practice of head-hunting. Mutual suspicion and distrust was rife. People led an insular and isolated life. Internecine warfare was the order of the day. There was no trust or interaction between different tribes. In these circumstances, the question of a unified ‘Naga Nation’ did not arise. No one can dispute these historical truths. There is enough documentation recorded by the British administrators; some as late as the end of the 19th century, which gives correct picture as it existed. We cannot ignore such historical evidence and rely on emotional outburst alone.

We continue to claim we were an independent nation till the British conquered us. Did we have a boundary for our nation? As late as the 1940’s, when the British rule was almost over, large parts of today’s Nagaland did not even exist on their maps. Instead of showing villages the maps showed large blank white spaces with the words ‘Un­administered and Un-surveyed’.

Did we have a ruler or a Government? The writ of a village chief did not extend beyond his village. Did we have a capital city where the government sat? The British Deputy Commissioner sat in Kohima out of convenience. Was this capital city of independent Naga nation that we claim existed before the British? Did we have a currency or a coinage like other kingdoms or nations?

We lived on barter till the British introduced the rupee. Did we have armed forces to defend our nation? Did we have common laws, rules and regulations for our nation as a whole? Did we have an administrative apparatus that looked after the welfare of the people? Did we have roads that linked the nation? These questions cannot be ignored, especially by those who are educated and claim to be the intelligentsia of our society?

Let us face the reality that existed. Let us not distort history and let us not fool ourselves any more. The plain fact is that we never existed as an independent, unified nation any time in our history. Yes, each village existed independently, but is that the equivalent of a Naga Nation? Even the names Naga or Angami or Ao or Sema or tribes by some other names. We led a primitive and brutish life in our villages, uncivilized and unlettered. The word of Christ was unknown and unheard of. Life beyond the village boundaries was unknown Justice was rough and summary. Disease went unchecked. Slavery was common. People lived and died without ever leaving their villages. We had no idea of the concept of a nation or independence or nationhood. Is it right to make these tall claims that we were an independent nation before the British conquered us? Let us be honest about our ancestry and our history. We Nagas always prefer honesty to falsehood, however painful the truth may be. UNQUOTE.

4. The romance and the gravitational pull, as it were, of the Naga Independent Movement has been witnessed and quite a number of Kukis were in their ranks; and the ugly part of the same has also been witnessed and experienced with the change in the leadership when non­mainland Nagas took over the reins of NSCN (IM). The drastic change towards the Kukis with a vengeful objective was so charged that the new leadership had forgotten that they are Christians; and wreaked vengeance on the Kukis for the alleged killing of the Nagas- particularly the Tangkhuls and the Kabuis perpetrated by the NON-Christian KUKIS AS per their propaganda published in The Freedom English daily. The intensity of hatred can be gauged from the fact that they indulged their killing spree even inside the church and on Sundays too. Without narrating the horrifying details of excessive killing style, suffice it to say here that the leadership in the UNC and the NSCN (IM) did not feel obligated even to shed their crocodile tears on the pretext that their volunteers might have exceeded in their act of violence which is but human. But there was no such motivation. I am reminded of a South Korean Pastor who is credited to have said concerning their counterparts in North Korea: FORGIVE US FOR NOT FORGIVING YOU!

Absence of even such basic feeling as shown by the UNC which continues to be the mother of issuing Quit Notices and continuing their so-called economic blockade just because they happened to control parts of highways, and without much except green jealousy to deny the legitimate demands of people inhabiting the Sadar Hills irrespective of tribes etc. Their policy only fit to the old saying: DOG IN MANGER POLICY which my admired R Rungsung in his Response vehemently disagreed with me. There is nothing derogatory about it as it is part of undeniable statement of historical facts.

5. Attempt to re-write the history of the area on falsehood innocent blood with a vengeful objective was unleashed during the 1992-96 Ethnic Cleansing War against the Kukis under the aegis of UNC and the ANSAM in the form of NLG (Naga Um Guards) acting as the vanguards of the NSCN (IM) resulting in the death of nearly a thousand innocent Kukis mostly of children, women and old people; and thousands displaced from their ancestral homes and villages. Despite immense human sufferings, the UNC, ANSAM and the NSCN (1M) which had a good deal of membership as Christians had remained immune and unmoved by these!

6. We have not forgotten how the Honorable Chief Minister of Manipur was subjected to undignified welcome-placards which no decent people would resort to such unrestrained emotional outburst which of course was only manifestation of frustration in being narrow minded and selfish-motivation. And even without such a supra provision they are more likely to indulge in the kind of superlative indulgence on, the kind of insinuation that may not go down well with the people and their tolerance. Let us all behave like good Christians, Hindus and Muslims and live happily and prosperously. ‘What profited a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?

*The article is written by P Gangte.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

Talking to the media while being brought to the special court of NIA at Guwahati today, the arrested rebel leader asserted that there has been no sign of any development in Manipur over the last 64 years of its merger with India.

With exception to the roads and bridges constructed by the British during the Second World War, India has not taken up any developmental work for the welfare of the Manipuri people.

The roads and bridges being constructed by India in border area is only for its defense and the inter-village roads have been developed by the people of Manipur  themselves using spades and daos.

Pointing out that better road communication, water and electric supply and education are essential for development of a society, the rebel leader said that the hours of electricity supply being received by the people of Manipur after commissioning of the Loktak Project is common knowledge.

The rebel leader observed that just after commissioning of the project, vast tract of agriculture land around the lake have been submerged under water which not only seriously impacted on the livelihood of the people but also caused numerous problems.

On the other hand, safe drinking water supply is something of a luxury even for people living in the heart of the capital city Imphal.  So, what would be the situation in the hill areas is known to all.

The rebel leader further observed that the system of education in Manipur right from the primary to the highest level in Manipur has deteriorated day after day. Setting up of shopping complex and parking lot after closing down schools and colleges only goes to show how far the education system in Manipur has gone down.

Denial of the taste of real freedom to the people living in far flung and remote areas of India is one of the main causes for resurgence of Maoists in the hills, the rebel leader contended.

He went on to say that it is very unfortunate that the people of Manipur are under the notion that they would not be able to survive without depending on others. It is also wrong to assume that development pace in the region has been retarded on account of the insurgency problem.

The people know very well who and how many percent of the fund provided for developmental works are being utilized. There can be no development in Manipur until and unless the leaders perform their duties sincerely and with dedication.

It would be a great loss if the educated Manipuris have been absorbed into the Indian system, the rebel leader said. While congratulating the people of South Sudan, which became an independent nation recently, the rebel leader has also appreciated the Sudan Government for understanding the historical background of South Sudan.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

Sources said the Centre is willing to guarantee maximum autonomy to Nagaland under various provisions of the Constitution, to resolve the vexed Naga problem.

The Naga outfit has proposed a federal relationship with the Centre with additional financial and legislative powers, while the Government of India is keen to offer financial package for socio- cultural development of Naga people, said sources.

“Sustained negotiations over the past few months have led to a set of proposals for an honorable political settlement based on the uniqueness of Naga history and situation, which was recognized by the Government of India in 2002, as well as the contemporary realities and a future vision consistent with the imperatives of the 21st century,” a statement issued at the end of a fresh round of political dialogue on Monday, said.

The Central team was led by the Government of India representative and interlocutor, RS Pandey and NSCN’s team was led by its general secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah.

“While the differences between the two parties have narrowed, some of the proposals would require further negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable solution. By appreciating and respecting each other’s position and difficulties, both the parties are confident of working out a settlement in the shortest possible time,” the statement said.

(Courtesy: The Assam Tribune)

Consumers line up for their filled LPG -(File photo). Image Credit: Sangai Photo

IMPHAL, Jul 17: The Rajiv Gandhi Grameen LPG Bitrak Yojana taken up by the Government of India with a view to promote use of LPG in remote areas of the country is all set for launch in Manipur.

According to information received from IOC, process to launch the scheme in Manipur is almost complete.

With the Centre issuing strong instructions to launch the scheme as early as possible, the scheme would be launched in the State by January next year at the latest.

The process of selecting LPG distributors for the scheme would be finished by August 10.

Draw of lots for selecting the LPG distributors would be held at Hotel Classic on August 10. After verifying whether the plots specified by LPG distributors have land disputes or not, those who do not have land disputes will be selected as permanent distributors.

Among the North Eastern States, draw of lots for selection of LPG distributors has been done for Mizoram.

The selected distributors would be allocated at Wangoi and Patsoi in Imphal West, Kwakta, in Bishnupur district, Sugnu in Thoubal district, Henglep, Thanlon, and Singhat in Churachandpur district, Chakpikarong and Machi in Chandel district, Tousem and Tamei in Tamenglong district, Saikul, Saitu, Purul, and Paomata in Senapati district, Chingai, Kasom Khullen, Phungyar, Kamjong and Shangshak in Ukhrul district.

The sub-dealers will provide LPG facility to each households and commercial units of the sub- divisions mentioned above.

As a rule, LPG permanent distributors working under IOC should have 4500 customers each.

However, in view of the sparse population in remote areas, the newly selected would be allowed to have only 600 to 700 customers.

It is believed that the new   initiative would reduce lumbering in hill areas to a considerable extent. As such, the Government of Manipur has also urged upon the IOC to launch the scheme at the earliest.

Generally, trees are cut down extensively in hill areas during winter to use as firewood.

However, there is certain apprehension whether the scheme can be implemented effectively in many remote areas in view of the highly deplorable transport infrastructure in these areas. The IOC is also considering whether two or three truck loads of LPG can be taken to Henglep and Thanlon in a month where condition of roads are quite pathetic, conveyed the source.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

The landmark event at which the top leaders of the seven revolutionary organizations came to an understanding with a common vision and faith at such critical juncture of the revolutionary movement was a clear indication that the movement is treading on the path to victory.

Noting that waging the liberation movement separately by different groups could not build up the necessary strength and unite the mass, the revolutionary groups were working for years to form a joint body.

Revolutionary Joint Committee (RJC) formed in 1992 was the first joint body of revolutionary organizations comprising of KCP, RPF and PREPAK. This was followed by the establishment of Manipur People’s Liberation Front (MPLF) in 1999 by RPF, PREPAK and UNLF.

However, these joint bodies could not bring the different groups together nor could they direct a collective struggle because of which the revolutionary movement could not fully convince the mass.

On account of the failure of revolutionary groups to work collectively, several armed groups sprang up in Manipur in addition to many other similar groups nurtured and sponsored by alien forces.

Lauding the recent initiative of the seven groups including UNLF to form a joint body, the UNLF Central Committee stated that UNLF would work in its best capacity for the proposed joint organization.

The alien forces and their masters can be defeated only when people of both the hills and valley unite and wage the liberation movement collectively after overcoming the alleged divide and rule policy of the Government  of India and its repressive measures.

“The UNLF firmly believes that the only way for survival and victory of all the smaller Nations of Western South East Asia who are fighting against the alien rule of India is to unite together and take on India collectively”, the Central Committee in a press release issued today.

This belief has been strengthened by the recent initiative of the seven organizations to work collectively.

It further pledged that UNLF/MPA would sacrifice everything in the efforts for unity.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

He further advised the so-called Naga crusaders to stop scheming for straining the cordial relationship between the hill people and plain people who have been living in harmony since ages.

Former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing was speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony of Tal Phangnaba organized by Samurou Sangeet Natya Vidyalaya at Naorem Chaprou Panthoibi Shanglen (community hall)     today.

He also condemned the quit notice served to Meiteis by Naga Crusaders.

It would be in the best interest of all concerned to stop conspiring for devastation of the whole State as if there is conflict between the hill people and plain people who have been living together for centuries, he stated.

It would be best appreciated if the Naga and Kuki armed groups as well as those operating in the valley concentrate on seeking ways and means to strengthen mutual love and cordiality among different communities.

Conflict and confrontation are manifestation of shunning development and progress, he asserted.

If one has to name the oldest and biggest political party in the country, it is obviously Congress, the seasoned politician claimed.

He went on to claim that the same party has been safeguarding the integrity of both India and Manipur.

Being a big party, there   may be tainted individuals/politicians within the party.  Such tainted individuals should be expelled from the party and strengthen the party.

Those serving the people should understand that development and prosperity of the society would secure their own welfare, he asserted.

Calling upon the people not to be swayed by money at the time of elections, he exhorted the public to vote for candidates who are committed to welfare of the State and the people.

He also appealed to support MPCC vice-president Sagolsem Achouba.

Observing that Manipur is known across the world for its rich art and culture and sporting excellence, Rishang Keishing he would consult with Sagolsem Achouba for development of Samurou Sangeet Natak Vidyalaya and establishment of a college for the Vidyalaya.

MPCC vice-president and president of the Vidyalaya Sagolsem Achouba said that he would put in his best efforts to establish a college for the Vidyalaya.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)

V Shekhar, who earned his fortune and wealth at Moreh, in Manipur, is today charged not only with smuggling drugs but also for engineering the murder of one Rajesh Dagar some time back.

A native of Tamil Nadu, Shekhar made Moreh his home and soon established himself as a big businessman and apart from being the president of Tamil Sangam, Moreh; he also headed the Moreh Chamber of Commerce as its president. Moreh has an appreciable Tamil population.

The cross border trade through between Myanmar and India through Moreh runs into crores of rupees in a single day.

The police officials have brought the International cocaine smuggler, Shekhar, for trial in the capital court, on Thursday. The smuggler is also charged for the murder for Rajesh Dagar, a fellow operative who parted ways with Shekhar and started his own gang.

The criminal is kept at an unknown location in relation to his high-end contacts. The smuggler is believed to have earned a fortune out of the business. The police officials have also recovered American dollars from his possession.

The police officials are now tracking down his property in Manipur and Chennai. Upon investigation, the officials found that the black money earned from smuggling was invested in numerous property ventures by the criminal. CSP Neetu Kamal has stated that the criminal will be presented before the court on Friday.

The police officials also believe that the held criminal can provide valuable information about Satyendra, wanted in Rajesh Dagar murder case. The wanted criminal Satyendra is the younger brother of the Rajesh Dagar. It is believed that he along with Shekhar planned the murder of Rajesh by hired guns.  Dagar was a fellow operative of Shekhar in the gang; however, he went on to start his own gang that led to the rivalry between the two.

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express / dailybhaskar.com)

President of the RPF, Irengbam Chaoren has been nominated as the Convener of the Co-ordination Committee.

The Co-ordination Committee is the fruition of a joint meeting of the seven armed groups wherein the perspectives each group held of the ‘liberation movement’ in not only the North East region but also in South East Asia were discussed threadbare.

The joint meeting attended by all the leaders of the outfits was held from July 8 to 9, said a joint statement signed by Ksh Laba (President of KCP), I Chaoren (President of RPF), N Oken (Gen Secretary of KYKL), Kh Pambei (Acting Chairman of UNLF), N Nongdrenkhomba (Chairman of PREPAK), Laangamba Luwang (Chairman of UPPK) and L Paliba (Chairman of PREPAK, Pro).

The leaders present discussed in detail the failure of all the armed groups to come together and work as one as well as the impact of the failure on the people of Manipur, said the statement.

The Co-ordination Committee is the first step towards the realization of a United Front, said the statement and added that this is among other decisions adopted during the two day conclave.  The step towards a United Front was taken in view of the need for all groups to come together and wage a united struggle as well as in the face of the growing demand from the people to all the armed groups to unite as one.

Unity is now on target, said the statement and effused optimism that the coming together of all the armed outfits will go a long way in infusing a fresh lease of life to the ‘liberation movement.’

(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)