North East - Developments & Debate
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Man held for 'molesting' NE woman
NEW DELHI: Vasant Vihar police, on Saturday, arrested one Dinesh for allegedly assaulting four persons from Manipur, including a 24-year-old woman, in Munirka village on Tuesday. In this regard, a case was registered under Section 354 (assault or use of force on woman in order to outrage her modesty). The accused works as a sweeper in a hotel in the locality, although the victims claimed he was their landlord.
The four victims claimed they were assaulted around 9.30 pm on Tuesday . Three of them, including the woman, lived as tenants in Dinesh's property in the village. One of the victims was a visitor.
Seeking anonymity of the victims, Madhu Chandra , spokesperson of North East Support Centre and Helpline, said all the victims were temporarily residing in Munirka. "John (25), Richard (23), Calvin (24), and Jenny (all names changed) were assaulted by the landlord and his men. John and Calvin are working in private companies in Delhi," said Chandra.
The victims claimed that it was only after they called the Kuki Students' Organization, Delhi (KSOD), general secretary T. Douminlian, that a formal complaint at the Vasant Vihar police station was registered at 1.30 am on Saturday and the accused apprehended. The police, however, denied this claim.
Source
NEW DELHI: Vasant Vihar police, on Saturday, arrested one Dinesh for allegedly assaulting four persons from Manipur, including a 24-year-old woman, in Munirka village on Tuesday. In this regard, a case was registered under Section 354 (assault or use of force on woman in order to outrage her modesty). The accused works as a sweeper in a hotel in the locality, although the victims claimed he was their landlord.
The four victims claimed they were assaulted around 9.30 pm on Tuesday . Three of them, including the woman, lived as tenants in Dinesh's property in the village. One of the victims was a visitor.
Seeking anonymity of the victims, Madhu Chandra , spokesperson of North East Support Centre and Helpline, said all the victims were temporarily residing in Munirka. "John (25), Richard (23), Calvin (24), and Jenny (all names changed) were assaulted by the landlord and his men. John and Calvin are working in private companies in Delhi," said Chandra.
The victims claimed that it was only after they called the Kuki Students' Organization, Delhi (KSOD), general secretary T. Douminlian, that a formal complaint at the Vasant Vihar police station was registered at 1.30 am on Saturday and the accused apprehended. The police, however, denied this claim.
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ULFA military chief in China: Top UNLF leader
New Delhi: Paresh Baruah, the military chief of the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), seems to be enjoying hospitality in China as his presence in the neighbouring country has been confirmed by the arrested head of a Manipuri militant group.
United National Liberation Front (UNLF) chief RK Sanayaima alias Meghen, arrested last month in Bihar by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), confessed during interrogation that he had met the elusive 'commander-in-chief' of ULFA during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
Highly-placed sources said the Manipuri militant leader also told NIA investigators that both of them had intensive talks in Shanghai about the activities of the two outfits, future plans, arms procurement, and the casualties suffered during the offensive launched by security forces.
The Shanghai World Expo was held between May 1 to October 31, 2010.
Sources said 54-year-old Baruah has been mostly based in Yunnan province of China bordering Myanmar but he frequents northern Myanmar's Kachin areas.
Interestingly, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna had informed the Rajya Sabha last month that India had taken up with China the issue of Baruah's presence in that country in the wake of reports that Chinese authorities have issued a visa to him.
"Government has seen media reports of such visit. The matter was taken up with the Chinese side, which has denied his presence in China...," Krishna had said.
The ULFA leader, against whom an Interpol Red corner notice was issued on February 14, 1997, has been steadfastly opposed to any peace dialogue with the government to bring a lasting peace in insurgency-hit Assam, even though most of his colleagues including 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa are ready for talks.
Centre's interlocutor PC Haldar on Wednesday indicated that the dialogue with the ULFA may begin in the next few weeks as the government and the outfit's leadership were inching closer to start the parleys.
Rajkhowa, after a meeting with Haldar on Thursday appealed to the government to facilitate extradition of ULFA's general secretary Anup Chetia from Bangladesh in the interest of the peace talks.
Though Rajkhowa was mum about Baruah's participation in dialogue, Haldar said, "It is not about holding talks with Paresh Baruah or anybody else. For us we are holding talks with the ULFA, not with individuals."
New Delhi: Paresh Baruah, the military chief of the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), seems to be enjoying hospitality in China as his presence in the neighbouring country has been confirmed by the arrested head of a Manipuri militant group.
United National Liberation Front (UNLF) chief RK Sanayaima alias Meghen, arrested last month in Bihar by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), confessed during interrogation that he had met the elusive 'commander-in-chief' of ULFA during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
Highly-placed sources said the Manipuri militant leader also told NIA investigators that both of them had intensive talks in Shanghai about the activities of the two outfits, future plans, arms procurement, and the casualties suffered during the offensive launched by security forces.
The Shanghai World Expo was held between May 1 to October 31, 2010.
Sources said 54-year-old Baruah has been mostly based in Yunnan province of China bordering Myanmar but he frequents northern Myanmar's Kachin areas.
Interestingly, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna had informed the Rajya Sabha last month that India had taken up with China the issue of Baruah's presence in that country in the wake of reports that Chinese authorities have issued a visa to him.
"Government has seen media reports of such visit. The matter was taken up with the Chinese side, which has denied his presence in China...," Krishna had said.
The ULFA leader, against whom an Interpol Red corner notice was issued on February 14, 1997, has been steadfastly opposed to any peace dialogue with the government to bring a lasting peace in insurgency-hit Assam, even though most of his colleagues including 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa are ready for talks.
Centre's interlocutor PC Haldar on Wednesday indicated that the dialogue with the ULFA may begin in the next few weeks as the government and the outfit's leadership were inching closer to start the parleys.
Rajkhowa, after a meeting with Haldar on Thursday appealed to the government to facilitate extradition of ULFA's general secretary Anup Chetia from Bangladesh in the interest of the peace talks.
Though Rajkhowa was mum about Baruah's participation in dialogue, Haldar said, "It is not about holding talks with Paresh Baruah or anybody else. For us we are holding talks with the ULFA, not with individuals."
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No fresh violence in Assam-Meghalaya border
SHILLONG: No fresh incident was reported today from the ethnic violence-hit Assam-Meghalaya border areas, with the administrations relaxing curfew on both sides.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ssam-Meghalaya-border/articleshow/7269208.cms
SHILLONG: No fresh incident was reported today from the ethnic violence-hit Assam-Meghalaya border areas, with the administrations relaxing curfew on both sides.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ssam-Meghalaya-border/articleshow/7269208.cms
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There are no factions amongst ULFA. There were SULFA earlier. SULFA=Surrendered ULFA. Some of them are still active now I believe.
He is supporting negotiations because he has been caught. Paresh Baruah does not want any negotiations, and has not been caught till now. There is a split amongst ideology in ULFA as it seems now.
Rage, ULFA's backbone has been broken almost 10 years back. They were successful only in some sporadic activities from time to time. Tarun Gogoi inviting a terrorist to join politics, who has ordered the killing of tens of people is a shame. One more step in accommodating terrorists and criminals in our sham democracy. Why is the law not catching upto him?
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Rajkhowa writes formally to Gogoi for peace talks
Guwahati, Jan 17 (PTI): Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has received a formal letter from ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa expressing his outfit's willingness to hold peace talks with the government.
Stating that the outfit's central executive council would be meeting soon, the Chief Minister said, "I have received a letter from Rajkhowa about ULFA's willingness to sit for the talks ...
"The talks process is moving in the right direction. I can't say exactly on which date the talks will be held as it will be decided only after the ULFA executive council meets and decides. When the talks will be held is now up to them," Gogoi said last evening on the sidelines of a meeting here. "The decisions taken at the meeting will be communicated to the government for the beginning of the peace talks," he said.
Source
Guwahati, Jan 17 (PTI): Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has received a formal letter from ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa expressing his outfit's willingness to hold peace talks with the government.
Stating that the outfit's central executive council would be meeting soon, the Chief Minister said, "I have received a letter from Rajkhowa about ULFA's willingness to sit for the talks ...
"The talks process is moving in the right direction. I can't say exactly on which date the talks will be held as it will be decided only after the ULFA executive council meets and decides. When the talks will be held is now up to them," Gogoi said last evening on the sidelines of a meeting here. "The decisions taken at the meeting will be communicated to the government for the beginning of the peace talks," he said.
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Mizoram launches policy to end jhum
BB Lahkar
AIZAWL, Jan 16 – Jhum cultivation, a bane of Mizoram, will change into settled agriculture in five years and poverty will be removed from the State in 10 years, State Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla promised on Friday while launching the ambitious Rs 2,873-crore New Land Use Policy (NLUP) here.
Addressing a crowded audience at Vanapa Hall here after unveiling the NLUP website, the Chief Minister said the project aims to provide permanent livelihood to 1,20,000 jhumia families within the coming five years. He also announced that there would be no below poverty line (BPL) families in the State after 10 years.
Later, speaking to newsmen at his office chamber, Lalthanhawla informed that a lot of planning had gone into working out the project to ensure best possible results. Denying that his Government was trying to benefit only Congress members through the NLUP, he said, " All efforts have been made to benefit all sections of the people by constituting monitoring committees at village, district and State level to ensure transparency."
He claimed that even the Government of India is impressed by the project and if successful, it will be replicated in other States in the North East and rest of the country. A baseline household survey was entrusted to the Young Mizo Association (YMA) in September, 2009 which identified 1,58,000 families as eligible for assistance. Of this, 1,20,000 families were finally selected for providing assistance under the project.
The successful implementation of the NLUP will bring about a massive 16 per cent rise in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the State, PL Thanga, vice chairman of the NLUP Implementing Board informed. "In several areas, we will be adopting the cluster approach so as to enable technical and marketing support to the beneficiaries," he added.
Crops suitable for cultivation in different areas of the State have been identified, he said, adding, "For instance, orange has been identified for cultivation along the border with Myanmar." In Vairangte area, an 'arecanut village' has come up with as many as 500 families taking up the cultivation of arecanuts.
"The State is targetting to achieve self-sufficiency in fish, poultry and pig production by the end of the current year itself", Thanga stated.
Muga, the golden silk of Assam, may not remain the exclusive preserve of Assam after NLUP. The Implementing Committee has identified 6,000 hectares which are suitable for rearing muga silkworms. Mulberry trees on which the silkworms feed are extensively found in Mizoram, Thanga disclosed. Nearly 3,000 families in two clusters will take up muga cultivation, he added.
Source
BB Lahkar
AIZAWL, Jan 16 – Jhum cultivation, a bane of Mizoram, will change into settled agriculture in five years and poverty will be removed from the State in 10 years, State Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla promised on Friday while launching the ambitious Rs 2,873-crore New Land Use Policy (NLUP) here.
Addressing a crowded audience at Vanapa Hall here after unveiling the NLUP website, the Chief Minister said the project aims to provide permanent livelihood to 1,20,000 jhumia families within the coming five years. He also announced that there would be no below poverty line (BPL) families in the State after 10 years.
Later, speaking to newsmen at his office chamber, Lalthanhawla informed that a lot of planning had gone into working out the project to ensure best possible results. Denying that his Government was trying to benefit only Congress members through the NLUP, he said, " All efforts have been made to benefit all sections of the people by constituting monitoring committees at village, district and State level to ensure transparency."
He claimed that even the Government of India is impressed by the project and if successful, it will be replicated in other States in the North East and rest of the country. A baseline household survey was entrusted to the Young Mizo Association (YMA) in September, 2009 which identified 1,58,000 families as eligible for assistance. Of this, 1,20,000 families were finally selected for providing assistance under the project.
The successful implementation of the NLUP will bring about a massive 16 per cent rise in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the State, PL Thanga, vice chairman of the NLUP Implementing Board informed. "In several areas, we will be adopting the cluster approach so as to enable technical and marketing support to the beneficiaries," he added.
Crops suitable for cultivation in different areas of the State have been identified, he said, adding, "For instance, orange has been identified for cultivation along the border with Myanmar." In Vairangte area, an 'arecanut village' has come up with as many as 500 families taking up the cultivation of arecanuts.
"The State is targetting to achieve self-sufficiency in fish, poultry and pig production by the end of the current year itself", Thanga stated.
Muga, the golden silk of Assam, may not remain the exclusive preserve of Assam after NLUP. The Implementing Committee has identified 6,000 hectares which are suitable for rearing muga silkworms. Mulberry trees on which the silkworms feed are extensively found in Mizoram, Thanga disclosed. Nearly 3,000 families in two clusters will take up muga cultivation, he added.
Source
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Mizoram Sees Rapid Land Degradation Due to Jhum Cultivation
Aizawl, Aug 14 : Mizoram has experienced land degradation at an alarming rate owing to the destructive slash-and-burn system of cultivation.
Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) has identified a total of 20.64 per cent of Mizoram as degraded land, which scientists said is alarming.
The findings stated that 28.18 per cent of Mizoram's geographical area was identified as temporary wasteland, project director of the Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) RK Lallianthanga said here today.
The reports in 2003 had identified 21.21 per cent of the state as wasteland and the rate of increase was alarming, according to MRSAC, he said.
Dr Lallianthanga said four reports being completed by the MRSAC prepared through remote sensing pictures had been handed over to development departments under the state government.
The reports prepared in collaboration with the Shillong-based North East Space Application Centre, the National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad, and Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad, were Wasteland Mapping, Land Degradation Mapping, Land-use Cover Mapping and Wasteland Inventory Assessment, he said.
The bamboo cover in Mizoram was 45.57 per cent, while actual dense forest cover was only 7.29 per cent and area covered under jhumming activities was around 47.4 per cent annually. The wetland area, rivers, lakes and ponds, were a mere 0.66 per cent, extremely small compared to the plain areas.
Source
Aizawl, Aug 14 : Mizoram has experienced land degradation at an alarming rate owing to the destructive slash-and-burn system of cultivation.
Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) has identified a total of 20.64 per cent of Mizoram as degraded land, which scientists said is alarming.
The findings stated that 28.18 per cent of Mizoram's geographical area was identified as temporary wasteland, project director of the Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) RK Lallianthanga said here today.
The reports in 2003 had identified 21.21 per cent of the state as wasteland and the rate of increase was alarming, according to MRSAC, he said.
Dr Lallianthanga said four reports being completed by the MRSAC prepared through remote sensing pictures had been handed over to development departments under the state government.
The reports prepared in collaboration with the Shillong-based North East Space Application Centre, the National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad, and Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad, were Wasteland Mapping, Land Degradation Mapping, Land-use Cover Mapping and Wasteland Inventory Assessment, he said.
The bamboo cover in Mizoram was 45.57 per cent, while actual dense forest cover was only 7.29 per cent and area covered under jhumming activities was around 47.4 per cent annually. The wetland area, rivers, lakes and ponds, were a mere 0.66 per cent, extremely small compared to the plain areas.
Source
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Can't agree more man. The shitbag as if has not done enough damage to the state, now this is being done. I don't know since when do our all politicians want to play the @#$%^ political game with terrorists!? Whether it is that Kasab or this, politics of terror is becoming a nationwide phenomenon.
Loved this part.
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Centre asks NDFB to shun violence
Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 17 – The Centre wants the anti-talk faction of NDFB headed by Ranjan Daimary to abjure violence before formal talks get underway.
The Centre's pre-condition was conveyed by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to the delegation of Bodo National Conference (BNC), when they called on him here this afternoon.
Chidambaram told the delegation that was led by BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary that Ranjan Daimary faction was still indulging in illegal activities like extortions, kidnappings and killings.
The Home Minister made it clear that the outfit has to shun violence before the Centre begins the dialogue process, said a member of the delegation. The Centre has already appointed P C Haldar as its interlocutor for talks with the pro-talk faction.
Chidambaram acknowledged receipt of a letter written by Daimary offering unilateral ceasefire, besides expressing its intent to sit for talks. The anti-talk faction leader is currently lodged in Guwahati Central Jail.
The BNC is currently doing the round of the capital, meeting Central leaders to press for early resumption of the political dialogue with pro-talk faction and start of negotiations with the Ranjan Daimary faction.
Sources in the delegation said that they want the Centre to involve both the factions in the same dialogue process.
The 20-member delegation included State Minister, Chandan Brahma, BTC deputy chief Khampa Borgoyary, Bodo Women Justice Forum chief and NDFB (anti-talks) leader Anjali Daimary, general secretary Govinda Basuma, Biswajeet Daimary, besides Bwiswmutiary and representative of various organisations, including Bodo Sahitya Sabha and All Bodo Women's Welfare Federation.
Source
Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 17 – The Centre wants the anti-talk faction of NDFB headed by Ranjan Daimary to abjure violence before formal talks get underway.
The Centre's pre-condition was conveyed by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to the delegation of Bodo National Conference (BNC), when they called on him here this afternoon.
Chidambaram told the delegation that was led by BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary that Ranjan Daimary faction was still indulging in illegal activities like extortions, kidnappings and killings.
The Home Minister made it clear that the outfit has to shun violence before the Centre begins the dialogue process, said a member of the delegation. The Centre has already appointed P C Haldar as its interlocutor for talks with the pro-talk faction.
Chidambaram acknowledged receipt of a letter written by Daimary offering unilateral ceasefire, besides expressing its intent to sit for talks. The anti-talk faction leader is currently lodged in Guwahati Central Jail.
The BNC is currently doing the round of the capital, meeting Central leaders to press for early resumption of the political dialogue with pro-talk faction and start of negotiations with the Ranjan Daimary faction.
Sources in the delegation said that they want the Centre to involve both the factions in the same dialogue process.
The 20-member delegation included State Minister, Chandan Brahma, BTC deputy chief Khampa Borgoyary, Bodo Women Justice Forum chief and NDFB (anti-talks) leader Anjali Daimary, general secretary Govinda Basuma, Biswajeet Daimary, besides Bwiswmutiary and representative of various organisations, including Bodo Sahitya Sabha and All Bodo Women's Welfare Federation.
Source
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13 ultras surrender in Manipur
Sobhapati Samom
IMPHAL, Jan 17 – Thirteen hardcore militants of five underground groups including a self-styled commander and captain have surrendered to Assam Rifles officers at their headquarter at Mantripukhuri near here on Monday.
The self-styled commander Ningthoujam Ranbir Singh alias NRK Singh of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Oken) and self-styled captain Thokchom Sanahalba Singh of the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup were among the surrenderees.
The other surrendered militants were from KCP (Oken), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, United National Liberation Front and United Naga People's Council and handed over a huge cache of arms and ammunition which included two AK Rifles with magazines, one M-16 rifle with magazine, eight pistols with magazines, one Lathod with four bombs,14 live rounds of AK 47, 45 live rounds of Pistol, 10 live rounds of M-16 and one Kenwood Radio set.
Maj Gen CA Krishnan, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) speaking on the 'home coming' ceremony of the militants assured that the government will ensure in providing a way for their future life under the existing surrender policy.
Last year, 83 militants of various underground outfits had laid down their arms and surrendered to Assam Rifles.
Source
Sobhapati Samom
IMPHAL, Jan 17 – Thirteen hardcore militants of five underground groups including a self-styled commander and captain have surrendered to Assam Rifles officers at their headquarter at Mantripukhuri near here on Monday.
The self-styled commander Ningthoujam Ranbir Singh alias NRK Singh of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Oken) and self-styled captain Thokchom Sanahalba Singh of the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup were among the surrenderees.
The other surrendered militants were from KCP (Oken), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, United National Liberation Front and United Naga People's Council and handed over a huge cache of arms and ammunition which included two AK Rifles with magazines, one M-16 rifle with magazine, eight pistols with magazines, one Lathod with four bombs,14 live rounds of AK 47, 45 live rounds of Pistol, 10 live rounds of M-16 and one Kenwood Radio set.
Maj Gen CA Krishnan, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) speaking on the 'home coming' ceremony of the militants assured that the government will ensure in providing a way for their future life under the existing surrender policy.
Last year, 83 militants of various underground outfits had laid down their arms and surrendered to Assam Rifles.
Source
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Paresh sticks to sovereignty demand
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 19 – Though the leaders of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), who are in favour of talks with the Government are busy preparing the groundwork, the commander-in-chief of the outfit, Paresh Baruah, is yet to change his stand on the issue of talks.
After a long gap, Baruah has started contacting persons close to him over phone and he has recently made it clear that his stand on the issue of talks with the Government remains the same and he would come for talks only if the Government of India agrees to talk on sovereignty of Assam.
A member of the People's Consultative Group (PCG), Hiranya Saikia, told The Assam Tribune today that Paresh Baruah started talking to him over phone after a long gap and the stand of the militant leader on the issue of talks remains the same. "Paresh Baruah did not talk to me for about a year and he started calling up regularly since the last 15 days or so. He made it very clear that he would come for talks only if sovereignty of Assam remains the core issue of talks. He asserted that he would not give up the ideology and principles of the ULFA," Saikia added. He said that the ULFA C-in-C also claimed that he was fully prepared to continue the arms struggle till the goal of the ULFA is achieved. He also revealed that he has already conveyed the stand of Paresh Baruah to the Central and State Governments.
Saikia expressed the view that talks with ULFA without Paresh Baruah would be meaningless and majority of the
organizations, which took part in the Sanmilita Jatiya Abhibartan, also expressed the view that talks should be held not with a faction of the ULFA but by involving all leaders. He said that according to information available with him, the ULFA has a four member standing council comprising the chairman, vice chairman, general secretary and the commander-in-chief. The standing council is the most powerful body of the outfit , which can also veto the decisions of the general council. But now only the chairman and the vice chairman are in Assam, while, the C-in-C is abroad and no one knows the views of the general secretary Anup Chetia, who is under protective custody of Bangladesh, he added.
The PCG member also said that the previous peace process, which started in 2004, had the backing of Paresh Baruah, but at that time the move fell through after the Government of India did not fulfill its commitment.
Source
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 19 – Though the leaders of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), who are in favour of talks with the Government are busy preparing the groundwork, the commander-in-chief of the outfit, Paresh Baruah, is yet to change his stand on the issue of talks.
After a long gap, Baruah has started contacting persons close to him over phone and he has recently made it clear that his stand on the issue of talks with the Government remains the same and he would come for talks only if the Government of India agrees to talk on sovereignty of Assam.
A member of the People's Consultative Group (PCG), Hiranya Saikia, told The Assam Tribune today that Paresh Baruah started talking to him over phone after a long gap and the stand of the militant leader on the issue of talks remains the same. "Paresh Baruah did not talk to me for about a year and he started calling up regularly since the last 15 days or so. He made it very clear that he would come for talks only if sovereignty of Assam remains the core issue of talks. He asserted that he would not give up the ideology and principles of the ULFA," Saikia added. He said that the ULFA C-in-C also claimed that he was fully prepared to continue the arms struggle till the goal of the ULFA is achieved. He also revealed that he has already conveyed the stand of Paresh Baruah to the Central and State Governments.
Saikia expressed the view that talks with ULFA without Paresh Baruah would be meaningless and majority of the
organizations, which took part in the Sanmilita Jatiya Abhibartan, also expressed the view that talks should be held not with a faction of the ULFA but by involving all leaders. He said that according to information available with him, the ULFA has a four member standing council comprising the chairman, vice chairman, general secretary and the commander-in-chief. The standing council is the most powerful body of the outfit , which can also veto the decisions of the general council. But now only the chairman and the vice chairman are in Assam, while, the C-in-C is abroad and no one knows the views of the general secretary Anup Chetia, who is under protective custody of Bangladesh, he added.
The PCG member also said that the previous peace process, which started in 2004, had the backing of Paresh Baruah, but at that time the move fell through after the Government of India did not fulfill its commitment.
Source
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Arunachal Cong denounces China's visa issue
Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Jan 19 – Close on the heels of the recent row over China issuing stapled visas to two Arunachalees, the ruling Congress party in Arunachal Pradesh (APCC), in an extended executive body meeting here on Tuesday registered its strong protest on the issue, besides denouncing the oft-repeated Chinese claim on Arunachal Pradesh territory.
Adopting a resolution in this regard, the party urged upon AICC president Sonia Gandhi to push the Central government to resolve the issue bilaterally and diplomatically with the neighbouring country.
The meeting, which was presided over by Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and PWD & UD Minister Nabam Tuki, unanimously endorsed all the resolutions adopted in the 83rd plenary session of AICC held recently in New Delhi.
During the meeting, it was decided to hold rallies, public meetings in all 60 Assembly constituencies of the State to highlight the programmes and achievements of the Congress-ruled governments at the Centre as well as in the State.
The Congress leaders further decided to constitute a third party monitoring committees drawing members from the council of ministers, CLP members and party functionaries in order to monitor the execution and progress of various welfare schemes being taken up under the Prime Minister's package and other Centrally-sponsored schemes.
Addressing the party executives, including senior leaders, ministers, MPs and heads of all frontal wings of the State Congress, AICC secretary in-charge of Arunachal Pradesh Sanjay Bapna urged the ministers to focus on the party workers, visit their respective constituencies frequently and more importantly, encourage the womenfolk to use the benefits for their own development.
The AICC leader, before winding up his speech, assured the members that all the points discussed in the meeting will be communicated to the party high command for their early consideration.
Source
Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Jan 19 – Close on the heels of the recent row over China issuing stapled visas to two Arunachalees, the ruling Congress party in Arunachal Pradesh (APCC), in an extended executive body meeting here on Tuesday registered its strong protest on the issue, besides denouncing the oft-repeated Chinese claim on Arunachal Pradesh territory.
Adopting a resolution in this regard, the party urged upon AICC president Sonia Gandhi to push the Central government to resolve the issue bilaterally and diplomatically with the neighbouring country.
The meeting, which was presided over by Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and PWD & UD Minister Nabam Tuki, unanimously endorsed all the resolutions adopted in the 83rd plenary session of AICC held recently in New Delhi.
During the meeting, it was decided to hold rallies, public meetings in all 60 Assembly constituencies of the State to highlight the programmes and achievements of the Congress-ruled governments at the Centre as well as in the State.
The Congress leaders further decided to constitute a third party monitoring committees drawing members from the council of ministers, CLP members and party functionaries in order to monitor the execution and progress of various welfare schemes being taken up under the Prime Minister's package and other Centrally-sponsored schemes.
Addressing the party executives, including senior leaders, ministers, MPs and heads of all frontal wings of the State Congress, AICC secretary in-charge of Arunachal Pradesh Sanjay Bapna urged the ministers to focus on the party workers, visit their respective constituencies frequently and more importantly, encourage the womenfolk to use the benefits for their own development.
The AICC leader, before winding up his speech, assured the members that all the points discussed in the meeting will be communicated to the party high command for their early consideration.
Source
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ULFA general council meet likely in Feb
Correspondent
NALBARI, Jan 20 – The much-awaited executive body meeting of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was held at a secret location in Nalbari district today after about eight years.
The executive meeting reportedly passed five resolutions including the decision to hold the general council meeting within the month of February. However, the ULFA leadership maintained secrecy regarding the decisions of the executive body meeting.
A high-level ULFA leader on condition of anonymity said that the ULFA leadership this morning gathered at the Charia residence of deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua and then left the village for a secret location. Sources further said that executive body meeting, presided over by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, was attended by vice-president Pradip Gogoi, deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua, foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury, finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika, adviser Bhimkanta Burhagohain, publicity secretary, Mithinga Daimari, women wing chief Kaberi Kachari, cultural secretary Pranati Deka and executive member Anu Burhagohain. It is said that the meeting continued for more than one hour and was attended by two-thirds majority members of the executive body of the outfit.
The sources added that the executive meeting decided to send a letter to ULFA's commander-in-chief Paresh Barua to invite him to join the proposed peace talks. They also decided to mount pressure on the Union Government for handing over ULFA's general secretary Anup Chetia, who is in the custody of Bangladesh government. The ULFA will ensure the participation of Chetia in the general council meet.
It may be mentioned here that the ULFA's last executive body meeting was held in Bangladesh in 2003.
Source
Correspondent
NALBARI, Jan 20 – The much-awaited executive body meeting of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was held at a secret location in Nalbari district today after about eight years.
The executive meeting reportedly passed five resolutions including the decision to hold the general council meeting within the month of February. However, the ULFA leadership maintained secrecy regarding the decisions of the executive body meeting.
A high-level ULFA leader on condition of anonymity said that the ULFA leadership this morning gathered at the Charia residence of deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua and then left the village for a secret location. Sources further said that executive body meeting, presided over by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, was attended by vice-president Pradip Gogoi, deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua, foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury, finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika, adviser Bhimkanta Burhagohain, publicity secretary, Mithinga Daimari, women wing chief Kaberi Kachari, cultural secretary Pranati Deka and executive member Anu Burhagohain. It is said that the meeting continued for more than one hour and was attended by two-thirds majority members of the executive body of the outfit.
The sources added that the executive meeting decided to send a letter to ULFA's commander-in-chief Paresh Barua to invite him to join the proposed peace talks. They also decided to mount pressure on the Union Government for handing over ULFA's general secretary Anup Chetia, who is in the custody of Bangladesh government. The ULFA will ensure the participation of Chetia in the general council meet.
It may be mentioned here that the ULFA's last executive body meeting was held in Bangladesh in 2003.
Source
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NE capitals to be connected by rail within 7 yrs
SHILLONG, Jan 20 – The Railway ministry has drawn up an elaborate plan to develop railway infrastructure in the Northeast, connecting all State capitals in the next 5 to 7 years.
Currently, there is a plan to connect Itanagar and Agartala during the 11th Plan while Aizawl, Imphal and Kohima would be connected in the 12th Plan.
Shillong and Gangtok are expected to be connected in the 13th Plan, an official statement said.
In addition, work for gauge conversion of existing lines is also being taken up.
At present, there is a network of only 2,447 km in the entire region which accounts for four per cent of the national network.
Of the total railway network, about 97 per cent is in Assam and two per cent in Tripura. "Therefore, a very accelerated programme of rail connectivity is required to provide the basic infrastructure capacity for the region to realize its economic potential," it said.
According to the release, there is a demand to increase the rail network in the Northeast to six per cent of the national network in the next 10 years.
India is going to construct the Agartala-Akhaura (Bangladesh) line to connect Tripura to the Bangladesh Railway network having the potential to transform the face of the transport infrastructure in the NE, the release said.
It has been decided that the projects of the Railways designated as National Project will be supported by the Centre in the ratio of 75-25 where 25 per cent will be given from the Gross Budgetary Support of Railways and 75 per cent from the Government of India.
It has also been decided to create a fund for development of rail infrastructure in the region. – PTI
Source
SHILLONG, Jan 20 – The Railway ministry has drawn up an elaborate plan to develop railway infrastructure in the Northeast, connecting all State capitals in the next 5 to 7 years.
Currently, there is a plan to connect Itanagar and Agartala during the 11th Plan while Aizawl, Imphal and Kohima would be connected in the 12th Plan.
Shillong and Gangtok are expected to be connected in the 13th Plan, an official statement said.
In addition, work for gauge conversion of existing lines is also being taken up.
At present, there is a network of only 2,447 km in the entire region which accounts for four per cent of the national network.
Of the total railway network, about 97 per cent is in Assam and two per cent in Tripura. "Therefore, a very accelerated programme of rail connectivity is required to provide the basic infrastructure capacity for the region to realize its economic potential," it said.
According to the release, there is a demand to increase the rail network in the Northeast to six per cent of the national network in the next 10 years.
India is going to construct the Agartala-Akhaura (Bangladesh) line to connect Tripura to the Bangladesh Railway network having the potential to transform the face of the transport infrastructure in the NE, the release said.
It has been decided that the projects of the Railways designated as National Project will be supported by the Centre in the ratio of 75-25 where 25 per cent will be given from the Gross Budgetary Support of Railways and 75 per cent from the Government of India.
It has also been decided to create a fund for development of rail infrastructure in the region. – PTI
Source
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Successive shutdowns disrupt life in Northeast
SILCHAR/AGARTALA, Jan 22 (IANS) - Continuous shutdowns in southern Assam have affected rail and road traffic as well as supply of essential goods between the northeastern States and the rest of India, officials said Saturday.
According to a district administration official, life was severely disrupted when a 36-hour shutdown by the joint action committee of Dimaraji tribals that ended Thursday was followed by a 100-hour strike by the Indigenous People's Forum (IPF), an umbrella organisation of different Non-Dimasa tribals, comprising Kuki, Naga, Paite and Hmar.
The Dimaraji tribals observed the strike demanding a separate state (for the Dimaraji tribals) comprising four districts of southern Assam - Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Nagaon and Cachar.
The shutdown, which ended Thursday morning disrupted rail and road traffic between Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and southern Assam and the rest of India.
Within hours of the shutdown ending, the Indigenous People's Forum (IPF) called a 100-hour long strike beginning Friday evening demanding bifurcation of the Dima Hasao district.
The Assam government has further tightened security in the troubled areas, mostly mountainous places.
Following the strikes, the Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) has again cancelled several trains for an indefinite period in Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and southern Assam.
"Keeping in mind that the separatist outfits may create violence ahead of and during Republic Day celebrations, the NFR has also suspended passenger trains during night in entire Assam," a railway statement said.
The metre gauge railway line from Guwahati passes through southern Assam's mountainous North Cachar Hills district connecting landlocked Tripura's capital Agartala and parts of Manipur and Mizoram with the rest of India.
"Because of the strikes and the suspension of train services, the supply of food grain and fuels is likely to be affected in Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur and southern Assam," Tripura's food and civil supplies department director K.D. Chaudhury told IANS.
Rail transport is the main mode of transport in the landlocked region for supplying foodgrain and other essential items.
Source
SILCHAR/AGARTALA, Jan 22 (IANS) - Continuous shutdowns in southern Assam have affected rail and road traffic as well as supply of essential goods between the northeastern States and the rest of India, officials said Saturday.
According to a district administration official, life was severely disrupted when a 36-hour shutdown by the joint action committee of Dimaraji tribals that ended Thursday was followed by a 100-hour strike by the Indigenous People's Forum (IPF), an umbrella organisation of different Non-Dimasa tribals, comprising Kuki, Naga, Paite and Hmar.
The Dimaraji tribals observed the strike demanding a separate state (for the Dimaraji tribals) comprising four districts of southern Assam - Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Nagaon and Cachar.
The shutdown, which ended Thursday morning disrupted rail and road traffic between Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and southern Assam and the rest of India.
Within hours of the shutdown ending, the Indigenous People's Forum (IPF) called a 100-hour long strike beginning Friday evening demanding bifurcation of the Dima Hasao district.
The Assam government has further tightened security in the troubled areas, mostly mountainous places.
Following the strikes, the Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) has again cancelled several trains for an indefinite period in Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and southern Assam.
"Keeping in mind that the separatist outfits may create violence ahead of and during Republic Day celebrations, the NFR has also suspended passenger trains during night in entire Assam," a railway statement said.
The metre gauge railway line from Guwahati passes through southern Assam's mountainous North Cachar Hills district connecting landlocked Tripura's capital Agartala and parts of Manipur and Mizoram with the rest of India.
"Because of the strikes and the suspension of train services, the supply of food grain and fuels is likely to be affected in Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur and southern Assam," Tripura's food and civil supplies department director K.D. Chaudhury told IANS.
Rail transport is the main mode of transport in the landlocked region for supplying foodgrain and other essential items.
Source
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Paresh firm on sovereignty
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 21 – A couple of days after the banned ULFA released a still photograph of elusive ULFA 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah, the outfit today distributed videos to the media showing Baruah dressed in a camouflage fatigue dancing to the tune of Bihu songs along with 100-odd armed cadres in an unknown location.
The video also showed the armed cadres shouting slogans in English demanding independence.
An e-mail attached with the video footage stated that the 'slogans are the slogans of the indigenous people, which the Government of India and the so-called peace brokers should realize.'
The e-mail signed by Arundoy Dohotia, self-styled commander of the publicity wing of the outfit, said that the ULFA was formed to fight for regaining "our independence."
"The ULFA is not against political resolution of the Indo-Asom pending political conflict. We are sincere to get our birth right through political dialogue and we are ready to intensify our armed liberation struggle as well."
The statement also mentioned that there was no division in the ULFA and collectively 'we want independence, no matter what the way would be.'
"Through the latest move, we are not trying to display our military strength, we are much more than this and the Indian colonial Government knows it very well," the statement said.
The statement further added, "Strong determination is our strength. Our message to the Government of India and so-called peace brokers — don't dictate us to compromise. Come and kill us. You can't kill our spirit and motto."
Source
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 21 – A couple of days after the banned ULFA released a still photograph of elusive ULFA 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah, the outfit today distributed videos to the media showing Baruah dressed in a camouflage fatigue dancing to the tune of Bihu songs along with 100-odd armed cadres in an unknown location.
The video also showed the armed cadres shouting slogans in English demanding independence.
An e-mail attached with the video footage stated that the 'slogans are the slogans of the indigenous people, which the Government of India and the so-called peace brokers should realize.'
The e-mail signed by Arundoy Dohotia, self-styled commander of the publicity wing of the outfit, said that the ULFA was formed to fight for regaining "our independence."
"The ULFA is not against political resolution of the Indo-Asom pending political conflict. We are sincere to get our birth right through political dialogue and we are ready to intensify our armed liberation struggle as well."
The statement also mentioned that there was no division in the ULFA and collectively 'we want independence, no matter what the way would be.'
"Through the latest move, we are not trying to display our military strength, we are much more than this and the Indian colonial Government knows it very well," the statement said.
The statement further added, "Strong determination is our strength. Our message to the Government of India and so-called peace brokers — don't dictate us to compromise. Come and kill us. You can't kill our spirit and motto."
Source
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Division in ULFA comes to fore
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 22 – The security agencies are apprehensive of the sudden activities of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) commander-in-chief Paresh Barua and according to intelligence inputs, the ULFA leader has also instructed his loyalists to go for fresh recruitments.
Highly placed security sources told The Assam Tribune that Barua kept a low profile for some time but he has become active after news about preparations by the pro-talk group among the ULFA leaders for holding a meeting of the Central committee of the outfit started appearing in media. Sources pointed out that from the statements of the ULFA C-in-C, the division in the ranks of the outfit on the issue of talks has come out in the open.
Sources said that by releasing a photo of him along with his armed supporters, Paresh Barua tried to prove his strength, but at the same time, it was a "tactical mistake" on his part. The security forces did not have Barua's latest photograph and the faces of most of his supporters were not known to the forces. But after the release of the photo, the faces of some of the hardcore militants including that of Bijoy Chinese are now known to the forces, sources pointed out.
Commenting on the strength of the faction headed by Paresh Barua, sources pointed out that more than 80 persons with sophisticated weapons were with the ULFA leader in the photo released to the media recently, while majority of the ULFA cadres in the camps in Myanmar are still with Barua. There are fence sitters among the ULFA members who may change their loyalty at any given moment and it is an established fact that fresh recruitments, though in small numbers, are still going on. Under the present circumstances, the strength of the anti-talk group of the ULFA cannot be undermined, sources said.
Sources, however, said that though the ULFA leaders who are favouring talks, were not operationally very active for some time, they have hold over the cadres and a good number of cadres including those belonging to the 709, 109 and 27 battalions of the outfit have come forward in support of the peace talks.
Source
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Jan 22 – The security agencies are apprehensive of the sudden activities of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) commander-in-chief Paresh Barua and according to intelligence inputs, the ULFA leader has also instructed his loyalists to go for fresh recruitments.
Highly placed security sources told The Assam Tribune that Barua kept a low profile for some time but he has become active after news about preparations by the pro-talk group among the ULFA leaders for holding a meeting of the Central committee of the outfit started appearing in media. Sources pointed out that from the statements of the ULFA C-in-C, the division in the ranks of the outfit on the issue of talks has come out in the open.
Sources said that by releasing a photo of him along with his armed supporters, Paresh Barua tried to prove his strength, but at the same time, it was a "tactical mistake" on his part. The security forces did not have Barua's latest photograph and the faces of most of his supporters were not known to the forces. But after the release of the photo, the faces of some of the hardcore militants including that of Bijoy Chinese are now known to the forces, sources pointed out.
Commenting on the strength of the faction headed by Paresh Barua, sources pointed out that more than 80 persons with sophisticated weapons were with the ULFA leader in the photo released to the media recently, while majority of the ULFA cadres in the camps in Myanmar are still with Barua. There are fence sitters among the ULFA members who may change their loyalty at any given moment and it is an established fact that fresh recruitments, though in small numbers, are still going on. Under the present circumstances, the strength of the anti-talk group of the ULFA cannot be undermined, sources said.
Sources, however, said that though the ULFA leaders who are favouring talks, were not operationally very active for some time, they have hold over the cadres and a good number of cadres including those belonging to the 709, 109 and 27 battalions of the outfit have come forward in support of the peace talks.
Source
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Chetia's early release unlikely
Kalyan Barooah
NEW DELHI, Jan 21 – The possibility of Anup Chetia being handed over to India soon seems unlikely, as the general secretary's petition seeking political asylum in Bangladesh is still pending in court.
Highly placed sources said that Chetia's early hand over was discussed during the Home Secretary-level talks in Dhaka that concluded on Thursday.
Indian delegation was told that Chetia's petition seeking asylum was still pending a verdict and the matter is sub-judice.
When asked about the general secretary's fate, Union Home Secretary's G K Pillai, who participated in the talks told this newspaper, that Bangladesh is cooperating and wanted to hand over militants sought by India. Pillai said he was satisfied with the talks with his counterpart.
About Chetia, he said India was hopeful of his early hand over, so that he can participate in the proposed negotiations.
However, sources hinted that it might take a while before all legal hurdles including Chetia's petition is disposed of by Court. Bangladesh Government has reportedly not taken a decision about him yet.
Interestingly, both Indian and Bangladeshi officials are closely watching Chetia's next move. If Chetia withdraws his petition seeking asylum from the court, then the entire process might be hastened.
Sources said that India acted on the basis of a letter written by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa to the Union Home Minister, requesting that New Delhi urgently take up Chetia case with Bangladesh to enable him to participate in the ensuing peace process.
Source
Kalyan Barooah
NEW DELHI, Jan 21 – The possibility of Anup Chetia being handed over to India soon seems unlikely, as the general secretary's petition seeking political asylum in Bangladesh is still pending in court.
Highly placed sources said that Chetia's early hand over was discussed during the Home Secretary-level talks in Dhaka that concluded on Thursday.
Indian delegation was told that Chetia's petition seeking asylum was still pending a verdict and the matter is sub-judice.
When asked about the general secretary's fate, Union Home Secretary's G K Pillai, who participated in the talks told this newspaper, that Bangladesh is cooperating and wanted to hand over militants sought by India. Pillai said he was satisfied with the talks with his counterpart.
About Chetia, he said India was hopeful of his early hand over, so that he can participate in the proposed negotiations.
However, sources hinted that it might take a while before all legal hurdles including Chetia's petition is disposed of by Court. Bangladesh Government has reportedly not taken a decision about him yet.
Interestingly, both Indian and Bangladeshi officials are closely watching Chetia's next move. If Chetia withdraws his petition seeking asylum from the court, then the entire process might be hastened.
Sources said that India acted on the basis of a letter written by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa to the Union Home Minister, requesting that New Delhi urgently take up Chetia case with Bangladesh to enable him to participate in the ensuing peace process.
Source
