Reacting to the “unwarranted political situation created by the so-called Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT)” NSCN (I-M) through it MIP said it was compelled it to “break its silence” and inform Naga people in particular and the world in general, of its stand on collection of taxes.
NSCN (I-M) asserted that it obtained the mandate from the ‘National Assembly’ after the “failure and surrender” of the NNC to the “enemies through the Shillong Accord(1975)” .
NSCN (I-M) said it “is a recognised entity” accepted by the world community and even the government of India as the only “authentic political organisation of the Nagaland people” running the “Naga national government” for decades and defending the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
NSCN (I-M) said Nagas have been paying taxes to it for decades, and so had “every legitimate right to levy taxes from the people” being the “ organisation upholding the righteous cause of the Naga nation”.
It asked “what is ACAUT” and what authority its committee had “ to dictate the Naga people or NSCN?”. It said ACAUT did not respect the gestures of the NSCN(I-M)leadership when they attempted to bring understanding with ACAUT.
NSCN(I-M) described the October 31 rally in Dimapur as an “acrimonious rally” fully backed by “Indian armed forces” and what situation ACAUT wanted to create with the “militarised rally”.
On ACAUT’s stand of “ One government, one taxation”, NSCN (I-M) asked, which government, who was running it and to whom should tax be paid? It advised ACAUT to “have the courage to speak out the truth”.
NSCN (I-M) also slammed ACAUT for sharing the platform with “anti-national elements, retired and worn out Indian government officers and agents of Indian intelligence wing” whom it accused of “continuously spreading manipulated and concocted lies that has been poisoning the minds of the Nagas through mass media”.
It said ACAUT has “unwittingly or deliberately become the platform of those anti-Naga national elements” propagating hatred and sowing seeds of dissension among the Nagas “ in the name of unabated taxation”.
NSCN (I-M) asked ACAUT whether it was “too blind to see that more than 80 organisations” including DMC were extorting taxes?
NSCN (I-M) asked Naga Council “ the proprietor of ACAUT” to “chastise your pampered child so that Nagas are not hoodwinked and serious misunderstanding does not arise between us” and warned it will not remain a silent spectator to the “challenge placed before the Naga people” nor allow the hard earned peace process to be undermined in the name of “unabated taxation or any pretext”.
Further, NSCN (I-M) said it has taken a very serious view of the “situation created” by the ulterior motive of ACAUT to tarnish its image before the world and “jeopardise the Indo-Naga political dialogue” and weaken the Naga cause.
NSCN (I-M) said battle lines have been drawn once again between the “patriots on one hand and the traitors and reactionaries combined, on the other”.
~NP
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Manipur Govt. told to remove restrictions on visitors to Irom
[caption id="attachment_9469" align="alignleft" width="320"]
Sharmila, who is on a fast since November, 2000, is being currently forced-fed through her nose by the government[/caption]
The National Human Rights Commission on Wednesday issued a notice to the Manipur Government seeking immediate removal of the “arbitrary restrictions” imposed on visitors wanting to meet activist Irom Sharmila. She has been on an indefinite fast since November 2000.
The Commission, in its notice to the State Government Chief Secretary, has said that Ms. Sharmila, who is facing charges of attempt to commit suicide, must be permitted to receive visitors, a statement by the NHRC said here on Wednesday.
Known as the “Iron Lady”, Ms. Sharmila has been on a fast for over 12 years, demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in her home State.
The Commission has asked the Chief Secretary to report to it by December 6 on the steps taken in response to this recommendation.
The notice was issued after the Commission took suo motu cognisance of the “arbitrary restrictions imposed on access to Ms. Sharmila”.
The rights body has recommended that the Manipur Government immediately remove the restrictions as these are in breach of India’s obligations under the international human rights standards and principles, and a grave violation of human rights.
The Commission has also observed that it believes that if the Manipur Government could deny permission to its Special Rapporteur, a retired Director-General of Police and to Special Rapporteurs of the UN, to visit Ms. Sharmila, it is unlikely that it gives others access to her.
“It would appear that, while keeping her alive, since her death would create problems for the State Government, it is trying to break her spirit through this enforced isolation, for which there is no judicial mandate, though she is in judicial custody,” the statement said.
The Commission said that Ms. Sharmila is a person of concern to it on three counts.
She is, firstly, a person in custody, on the terms of whose imprisonment the Commission has received some complaints. Secondly, it has been represented to the Commission, and to the UN Special Rapporteurs who have visited India, that the terms of her imprisonment have deliberately been made harsh because she is a human rights defender.
Lastly, in so far as she is held in conditions that are onerous because of her peaceful opposition to an aspect of government police, a law whose repeal she seeks, she is a prisoner of conscience.
Two Members of the Commission, accompanied by senior officers, had met Sharmila on October 23 during its visit to the State. She was found frail but alert and did not complain of any physical ill—treatment.
However, she repeatedly said that she was rarely allowed visitors, whereas all others in the custody of the State Government routinely receive visits from family and friends.
The State Government officers could not give any satisfactory reply to the Commission on this “egregious exception” made to the practice in her case, but was informed that permission to meet her must be issued by either the Chief Minister or the Deputy Chief Minister, the statement said.
Sharmila, who is on a fast since November, 2000, is being currently forced-fed through her nose by the government[/caption]The National Human Rights Commission on Wednesday issued a notice to the Manipur Government seeking immediate removal of the “arbitrary restrictions” imposed on visitors wanting to meet activist Irom Sharmila. She has been on an indefinite fast since November 2000.
The Commission, in its notice to the State Government Chief Secretary, has said that Ms. Sharmila, who is facing charges of attempt to commit suicide, must be permitted to receive visitors, a statement by the NHRC said here on Wednesday.
Known as the “Iron Lady”, Ms. Sharmila has been on a fast for over 12 years, demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in her home State.
The Commission has asked the Chief Secretary to report to it by December 6 on the steps taken in response to this recommendation.
The notice was issued after the Commission took suo motu cognisance of the “arbitrary restrictions imposed on access to Ms. Sharmila”.
The rights body has recommended that the Manipur Government immediately remove the restrictions as these are in breach of India’s obligations under the international human rights standards and principles, and a grave violation of human rights.
The Commission has also observed that it believes that if the Manipur Government could deny permission to its Special Rapporteur, a retired Director-General of Police and to Special Rapporteurs of the UN, to visit Ms. Sharmila, it is unlikely that it gives others access to her.
“It would appear that, while keeping her alive, since her death would create problems for the State Government, it is trying to break her spirit through this enforced isolation, for which there is no judicial mandate, though she is in judicial custody,” the statement said.
The Commission said that Ms. Sharmila is a person of concern to it on three counts.
She is, firstly, a person in custody, on the terms of whose imprisonment the Commission has received some complaints. Secondly, it has been represented to the Commission, and to the UN Special Rapporteurs who have visited India, that the terms of her imprisonment have deliberately been made harsh because she is a human rights defender.
Lastly, in so far as she is held in conditions that are onerous because of her peaceful opposition to an aspect of government police, a law whose repeal she seeks, she is a prisoner of conscience.
Two Members of the Commission, accompanied by senior officers, had met Sharmila on October 23 during its visit to the State. She was found frail but alert and did not complain of any physical ill—treatment.
However, she repeatedly said that she was rarely allowed visitors, whereas all others in the custody of the State Government routinely receive visits from family and friends.
The State Government officers could not give any satisfactory reply to the Commission on this “egregious exception” made to the practice in her case, but was informed that permission to meet her must be issued by either the Chief Minister or the Deputy Chief Minister, the statement said.
ACAUT not against ‘Naga movement’
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 29 (MExN): The Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) has stated that the “cry of the common man being undeniable,” the ‘Public Awareness Rally’ will be held as scheduled on October 31 and has “requested” the NSCN (IM) to extend co-operation for the rally. This was stated in a press note issued by the Media Cell, ACAUT. It may be mentioned that the NSCN (IM) had taken a decision to “disallow” the rally.
In this regard, the ACAUT has clarified to the NSCN (IM) that it is not against the Naga political solution or the Naga movement. “It is not opposed to any of the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) as is being made out nor is it against any organisation and individual,” it stated. However, the ACAUT is “against a system which has diluted the peoples mandated movement of its sheen and mass support much to the dismay and angst of the Naga people.” “Time and again, ACAUT has reiterated that multiple and unabated taxation has done nothing but harmed the interest of the Naga people and the common man.”
Further, according to ACAUT, “unabated taxation is affecting every strata of society and consequently the emotional appeal of the Naga movement for sovereignty is being undermined.” In that, the ACAUT has merely appealed “to the leaderships of the NPGs to rein in wayward cadres and put its house in order.”
The ACAUT has also mentioned about the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister on August 30, asking the State Government “to set its house in order too, namely the illegal collections by police and other departments, the DMC imbroglio, the issue of illegal immigrants and corruption in developmental works, etc.” The press note stated that the State Government refused to acknowledge this despite time extension on expiry of the ultimatum. “The ACAUT was left with no choice but to announce the go ahead with its programme on October 31.”
The ACAUT stated that it “sincerely wishes that an honourable political solution is found for the Naga nation,” and also told “the Indian government and its paramilitary forces that it strongly condemns interference in matters which are purely the internal kitchen matters of the Naga family.” “That the Assam Rifles chose to take advantage of family dispute and surround Hebron Camp is most condemnable and an act of betrayal. This action has jeopardized the job of the ACAUT and periled the lives of its members for which the Assam Rifles shall be responsible,” stated the ACAUT and appealed to the Indian government that “in the interest of peace, this provocation be stopped immediately.”
~MExN
WHERE DO WE STAND?
Politic is a complex to visible but that always can be determined by the reflection of the deeds. It is also possible to predict one’s political stand by various dimensions and there is also Cartesian point where all the dimensions meet. Sometime, it can also be defined by complex scientific methods, complex social and politico theories or philosophies. However, people follow different paths depend on the destination that we follow.
Today, when you looked at the faces of Nagas in Burma, the sense of wariness prevailed in every Nagas not because of the fear or inability but the lack of opportunity and strategies being laid for. Eventually, we become neither here nor there! Sometime, the myths which we believe make more muddle on our stepping. The question arise then, WHERE DO WE STAND?
Nagas in Burma are most marginalized and isolated group of people, yet we are struggling to for equality that every nation have. Do we gained enough today? The answer to this question is so obviously, “NO”. Our struggles and thinking stopped right here at “NO”. It is a word that made us weaker and smaller and never! We have seen enough, we need the paradigm-shift!
If we look at the history that we’ve come through, we are the people with uniqueness. Indeed, we have different goal and destination. Nevertheless, this does not meant that the necessary to be isolated from the ground of globalization or global political-shift. Today, no Naga can say firmly “we have achieved …..”! Our political playground become smaller and smallest, it is very hard to see it clearly at the present. We tend to stand firmly for our nation in the midst of the world but pragmatically not beyond our own house! We fight in our house and we die in our own house, what a waste of precious lives we’ve already lost!!
If we started counting, the first achievement is forming “Eastern Naga Revolutionary Council” on 7th April, 1965 followed by peace-pack on 9th April, 2012. These reflect our strengths or politic. We were/are not strong enough to preserve and protect our rights. The consequence of this is; we are enslaved by our consent! We become homeless in our own home and strangers in our own lands. We are completely controlled. The unheard prayer echo for Savoir is stopped at the thick jungle of Pakai hill. I believe, this unheard prayer would definitely be reached to everywhere at least through Facebook!
Today, it reflects more of our strengths. We are left alone at the jungle; we think it was our right to be alone. Yet, we never realized that we are being isolated by the people. Government of Myanmar seems to be not serious with our Naga problem. I am afraid that our demands are not fulfilled. I am more afraid that if we do not have anything to demand. On the other hand, other ethnic groups seem to be assumed that Naga have good relationship with Government of Myanmar. When these ethnic groups are against the Government of Myanmar, they hate Naga more. Being left out in Laiza conference is a good reflection!! Not only in the Burma but also we have serious problem in India too. The India government is very clear that they can’t adjust two Naga groups in the table. We have very few Nagas in India who support the Nagas of in Burma. What more do we have to hope for? Does this situation make you to realize what to do? Tell us, WHERE DO WE STAND?
Whether we think we can or think we can’t, we’re right! It is we who have to choose if we have something to choose. And every choice has its consequences! Looking at the others where they stand and we MUST look at our stand very DEEPLY & CAREFULLY! We are neither here or there, where do we stand!
Ke Jung
Today, when you looked at the faces of Nagas in Burma, the sense of wariness prevailed in every Nagas not because of the fear or inability but the lack of opportunity and strategies being laid for. Eventually, we become neither here nor there! Sometime, the myths which we believe make more muddle on our stepping. The question arise then, WHERE DO WE STAND?
Nagas in Burma are most marginalized and isolated group of people, yet we are struggling to for equality that every nation have. Do we gained enough today? The answer to this question is so obviously, “NO”. Our struggles and thinking stopped right here at “NO”. It is a word that made us weaker and smaller and never! We have seen enough, we need the paradigm-shift!
If we look at the history that we’ve come through, we are the people with uniqueness. Indeed, we have different goal and destination. Nevertheless, this does not meant that the necessary to be isolated from the ground of globalization or global political-shift. Today, no Naga can say firmly “we have achieved …..”! Our political playground become smaller and smallest, it is very hard to see it clearly at the present. We tend to stand firmly for our nation in the midst of the world but pragmatically not beyond our own house! We fight in our house and we die in our own house, what a waste of precious lives we’ve already lost!!
If we started counting, the first achievement is forming “Eastern Naga Revolutionary Council” on 7th April, 1965 followed by peace-pack on 9th April, 2012. These reflect our strengths or politic. We were/are not strong enough to preserve and protect our rights. The consequence of this is; we are enslaved by our consent! We become homeless in our own home and strangers in our own lands. We are completely controlled. The unheard prayer echo for Savoir is stopped at the thick jungle of Pakai hill. I believe, this unheard prayer would definitely be reached to everywhere at least through Facebook!
Today, it reflects more of our strengths. We are left alone at the jungle; we think it was our right to be alone. Yet, we never realized that we are being isolated by the people. Government of Myanmar seems to be not serious with our Naga problem. I am afraid that our demands are not fulfilled. I am more afraid that if we do not have anything to demand. On the other hand, other ethnic groups seem to be assumed that Naga have good relationship with Government of Myanmar. When these ethnic groups are against the Government of Myanmar, they hate Naga more. Being left out in Laiza conference is a good reflection!! Not only in the Burma but also we have serious problem in India too. The India government is very clear that they can’t adjust two Naga groups in the table. We have very few Nagas in India who support the Nagas of in Burma. What more do we have to hope for? Does this situation make you to realize what to do? Tell us, WHERE DO WE STAND?
Whether we think we can or think we can’t, we’re right! It is we who have to choose if we have something to choose. And every choice has its consequences! Looking at the others where they stand and we MUST look at our stand very DEEPLY & CAREFULLY! We are neither here or there, where do we stand!
Ke Jung
Imphal airports get international status
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave approval for declaring Bhubaneswar and Imphal airports as international.
Declaration of these airports as international airports will offer improved connectivity, wider choice of services at competitive cost to air travellers resulting in boosting international tourism and economic development of the region and the country,’’ an official statement here said. The grant of international status to Imphal airport holds significance because of Manipur's proximity to neighboring Myanmar.
It is expected that with India becoming more aggressive in its `Look East policy’ and Myanmar opening up, Manipur could become a key regional hub for international flights to South East Asian countries. Imphal Airport, which belongs to Airports Authority of India (AAI), is suitable for 'C' type (Airbus 320 or 321) of aircraft operations in all-weather conditions. It has facilities for night operations, 2,746 metre-long runway, apron to park three A-320s and an ATR-72 at a time. AAI had modified the terminal building, having an area of 6,592 sq m, to integrated terminal building.
The Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar also belongs to AAI and is suitable for operation of Code 'D' aircraft of type Boeing 767-400. The airport is also equipped with facilities for night operations, with a runway 2,743 metres and apron to park six aircraft and navigational aids. AAI has contracted a new domestic terminal building with all modern amenities for handling 400 arriving and 400 departing passengers.
The airport operator has modified and renovated the existing domestic terminal building into international terminal building. The airport has six check-in-counters, custom counters and immigration counters were being provided. The facilities of customs, immigration, health services and animal and plant quarantine at the airport have also been completed.
Hindu
Declaration of these airports as international airports will offer improved connectivity, wider choice of services at competitive cost to air travellers resulting in boosting international tourism and economic development of the region and the country,’’ an official statement here said. The grant of international status to Imphal airport holds significance because of Manipur's proximity to neighboring Myanmar.
It is expected that with India becoming more aggressive in its `Look East policy’ and Myanmar opening up, Manipur could become a key regional hub for international flights to South East Asian countries. Imphal Airport, which belongs to Airports Authority of India (AAI), is suitable for 'C' type (Airbus 320 or 321) of aircraft operations in all-weather conditions. It has facilities for night operations, 2,746 metre-long runway, apron to park three A-320s and an ATR-72 at a time. AAI had modified the terminal building, having an area of 6,592 sq m, to integrated terminal building.
The Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar also belongs to AAI and is suitable for operation of Code 'D' aircraft of type Boeing 767-400. The airport is also equipped with facilities for night operations, with a runway 2,743 metres and apron to park six aircraft and navigational aids. AAI has contracted a new domestic terminal building with all modern amenities for handling 400 arriving and 400 departing passengers.
The airport operator has modified and renovated the existing domestic terminal building into international terminal building. The airport has six check-in-counters, custom counters and immigration counters were being provided. The facilities of customs, immigration, health services and animal and plant quarantine at the airport have also been completed.
Hindu
Three Mizo parties forge alliance to oust Congress
AIZAWL: In a bid to end the five-year Congress rule in Mizoram, three opposition parties - Mizo National Front (MNF), Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) and Maraland Democratic Front (MDF) - formed a pre-poll alliance in the state on Tuesday.
The three regional parties felt that a united effort was needed to oust the Congress from power in the forthcoming assembly polls slated for November 25.
A seat-sharing arrangement has been worked out by the trio with the major partner MNF getting the largest chunk of the pie. While MNF will field candidates for 31 assembly seats, MPC will gun for eight and the MDF will contest in only one seat.
MPC, led by retired Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Lalhmangaiha Sailo and former chief minister Brig T Sailo, will contest in Tuirial seat in Kolasib district, Chalfilh, Aizawl North-I, Aizawl North-II and Aizawl East-I in Aizawl district, Champhai South seat in Champhai district, Hrangturzo seat in the central district of Serchhip and Lunglei East in south Mizoram's Lunglei district.
The MDF will field a candidate in the Palak seat in southernmost Mizoram's Saiha district.
MNF senior vice-president Tawnluia made the alliance announcement at a press conference here on Tuesday. Leaders of the MNF, MPC and MDF were also present at the conference.
Tawnluia said the alliance was being made by the three regional parties to form a true democratic government in the state, protect its people, land and religion and for all-round development. He said the alliance partners will kick off a joint poll campaign in Aizawl.
The alliance is also likely to announce the names of the candidates during the poll rally. The united opposition's first election rally would be addressed by all the presidents of the three parties.
The MNF and the MPC had formed a pre-poll alliance in 1998 and swept the polls by defeating the Congress which was ruling the state for two consecutive terms since 1989. MNF had then won 22 seats and MPC bagged 11 seats while the then ruling Congress managed to win only six seats. But, the alliance could not last more than a year and the two parties snapped ties in December 1999
~toi
The three regional parties felt that a united effort was needed to oust the Congress from power in the forthcoming assembly polls slated for November 25.
A seat-sharing arrangement has been worked out by the trio with the major partner MNF getting the largest chunk of the pie. While MNF will field candidates for 31 assembly seats, MPC will gun for eight and the MDF will contest in only one seat.
MPC, led by retired Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Lalhmangaiha Sailo and former chief minister Brig T Sailo, will contest in Tuirial seat in Kolasib district, Chalfilh, Aizawl North-I, Aizawl North-II and Aizawl East-I in Aizawl district, Champhai South seat in Champhai district, Hrangturzo seat in the central district of Serchhip and Lunglei East in south Mizoram's Lunglei district.
The MDF will field a candidate in the Palak seat in southernmost Mizoram's Saiha district.
MNF senior vice-president Tawnluia made the alliance announcement at a press conference here on Tuesday. Leaders of the MNF, MPC and MDF were also present at the conference.
Tawnluia said the alliance was being made by the three regional parties to form a true democratic government in the state, protect its people, land and religion and for all-round development. He said the alliance partners will kick off a joint poll campaign in Aizawl.
The alliance is also likely to announce the names of the candidates during the poll rally. The united opposition's first election rally would be addressed by all the presidents of the three parties.
The MNF and the MPC had formed a pre-poll alliance in 1998 and swept the polls by defeating the Congress which was ruling the state for two consecutive terms since 1989. MNF had then won 22 seats and MPC bagged 11 seats while the then ruling Congress managed to win only six seats. But, the alliance could not last more than a year and the two parties snapped ties in December 1999
~toi
5 hurt in Assam as cops fire at student rally
KOKRAJHAR (ASSAM): Five persons were injured when police opened fire during a student rally at Basugaon in Assam's Chirang district on Tuesday where protesters attacked the men in uniform with stones demanding a separate Kamatapur state.
Though they were denied permission by the district administration to hold the rally, members of the All Koch Rajbongshi Students' Union demanding a separate Kamatapur state and scheduled tribe status for Koch Rajbongshis, began gathering near the venue in morning, police said.
Police prevented the protesters from entering the venue, but they gathered in a field opposite turning a deaf ear to appeals by police to disperse.
Though they were denied permission by the district administration to hold the rally, members of the All Koch Rajbongshi Students' Union demanding a separate Kamatapur state and scheduled tribe status for Koch Rajbongshis, began gathering near the venue in morning, police said.
Police prevented the protesters from entering the venue, but they gathered in a field opposite turning a deaf ear to appeals by police to disperse.
~toi
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