Indefinite highway blockades: a means to armstwist non-performing government

From our Special Correspondent

IMPHAL, July 17: Imposition of indefinite blockade along the two National Highways 37 and 39, has been the most effective means to armstwist the non-performing government. It is not tribals in the hills alone who are making best use of the highways in this manner. Some non-tribal residents in the valley had tried to make their demands heard by resorting to blockades.

It is somewhat pathetic that the successive ministries in Manipur have not been able to convince the the Central Government on the imperative need to raise a highway protection force. Whenever the people flounder in protracted blockades and general strike the government is sandbagged forcing the sheepish Chief Minister to approach the central leaders. In all instances the central leaders had turned a deaf ear. One classic instance is how the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had nothing to say or do during his visit in Imphal while the State was facing blockade for over 100 days.

When he rushed here people hoped that he would do something to end it. He went to Senapati district, met some Naga leaders and went back. As far he is concerned it is of consequence or interest that something was happening in Manipur. And yet the central leaders disapprove of the way some alienated youths harbour an anti-mainland attitude.

When Pranab Mukherjee was the Defence Minister he had come in Imphal. While talking to reporters he said that law and order is a State subject and as such they should use the police and paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control.

However, the hands of the police and paramilitary personnel are partially bound by the provisions of peace offers by the Central Government. Some high profile police officers had been in the soup as their activities were not to the likings of the central leaders. There had been many objectionable incidents in presence of the personnel along the highways.

The situation along these two highways is appalling and this kind of insurgency related activities are not heard in any of the National Highways. It has been seen the hard way being a mountainous road it is not possible to give cast iron safety to all the trucks and buses plying along the highways.

The feeble and faltering steps of the Manipur government in making attempts to raise a highway protection force are pathetic.In absence of such a force a handful of CRPF or IRB personnel are escorting the trucks and buses along the two highways. But most of the drivers are vulnerbale to the extortionists and other anti-social elements. But the centre is not taking proper note of the imperative need to raise such a force.

Apart from the presence of the extortionists of all hues the highways are impassable in the rainy days due to multiple landslides. Attempts are being made to construct rail lines in this State fraught with mountains. Perhaps the next two generations may have to wait patiently to see the first train to roll into Manipur.

Prices are the highest in Manipur. All commodities have to be brought by truck involving huge expenses. This is further aggravated by the unfettered extortions. And yet the economic exploitation is one of the ingredients of the burgeoning armed movement.

Ceasefire review meeting between NSCN (I-M) and GoI held

From our Correspondent

DIMAPUR, July 17: The monthly ceasefire review meeting between the NSCN (I-M) and Government of India (GoI) representatives headed by ceasefire monitoring (CFMG) chairman, Maj Gen (Retd) N George, deliberated on three issues – NSCN (I-M) azha (order) on Changki villagers, taxation  (extortion) and recent assault of two students by NSCN (I-M) cadres.

Talking to media persons after the meeting held at Chumukedima police complex on Monday, the CFMG chairman said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere where both sides raised issues relating to ceasefire ground rules and recent incidents.

On the Changki issue, George said he told the NSCN (I-M) representatives that use of force or threat was not the solution. The NSCN (I-M) which has been acting as mediator in the internal conflict of Changki village has drawn flake for issuing azha to a number of Changki villagers. George said in today’s meeting Nagaland Commissioner, Banuo Z Jamir, also requested the NSCN (I-M) to revoke the azha and suggested forming of a 3-member committee comprising of eminent Naga personalities to resolve the issue, which has been dragging for almost six years.

The CFMG chairman also handed copies of the azha issued by the NSCN (I-M) to Changki villagers to convey the seriousness of the matter.

On the recent incident where two students were assaulted by NSCN (I-M) cadres for their alleged involvement in a theft case, the CFMG likewise told the CFMG members of the NSCN (I-M) that though the NSCN (I-M) may act as mediator, but that the latter should not resort to use of force to extract information or confessions.

According to George, the NSCN (I-M) side reportedly expressed regret over the assault of the two students.

On the rampant issue of extortion (taxation) by underground groups, George impressed upon the NSCN (I-M) that such forceful collection was not in the interest of peace or the ongoing peace talks.

Citing instances of the NSCN (I-M)’s recent tax drive including demands issued to pineapple farmers, BSNL office at Jalukie and another demand by the NSCN (I-M) to villages under Peren district for raising of a battalion, George told the NSCN (I-M) representatives that such actions were detrimental to the peace process and would not bring any solution.

Apart from N George and Banuo Jamir, CFMG members from the government side who attended the meeting included ADG (OPS), L Thechamo Lotha, Brigadier RPS Mann IGAR (N), Col GS IGAR (N), Col Manohar Sharma, DIFP, CRPF, Ashok Kumar Kanaujai, SO DIG, CRDF, AN Pandey, DIG (Retd) SO CFMG member, G Rengma and DSP (Retd) assistant to chairman CFMG, Shokum Yimchunger.

The NSCN (I-M) was represented by CFMG convenor, Vikeye Sumi, K Mero, Among Lim, G Tokishe Swu and Y Kiyezhu Sumi.

Former Chief Minister of Manipur passes away

From our Special Correspondent

IMPHAL, July 17: Wahengbam Nipamacha, former Chief Minister of Manipur breathed his last in the intensive care unit of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal on Tuesday morning. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and many others expressed their deep shock over the death of the leader. He died at the age of 80. He was suffering for a long time. At first he was admitted in the private hospital. After his condition became serious he was brought to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences. Doctors and paramedics tried their level best to save him but in vain.

Nipamacha who represented the Wangoi Assembly constituency several times did not contest the January Assembly elections. Being an old timer he pehaps knew that time had come for him to retire from active politics. He was also the Speaker and Minister. Chief Minister Ibobi said that Manipur lost a leading politician. Nipamacha was known for his frank opinion and controversial remarks.

During his time one youth, Sanamacha was arrested by Assam Rifles. He was never seen again despite the fact that the Assam Rifles claimed that he was released. When people continued to agitate demanding to know the whereabouts of the missing boy an exasperated Nipamacha asked whether he should mould Sanamacha with clay and hand it over. There was a thin lady DSP and while discussing something about her in the Assembly Nipamacha who was the Chief Minister in those days said that he could not believe that she is a police officer. “She has arms as thin as a weed” he said. The DSP elected not to make an issue of it.He also regaled the reporters once about his heated exchange with some army officers. In presence of high Union Home Ministry officials the army officers contended that the Manipur police had nexus with militants and that is why most of the militant groups had said that they would not attack the police. In his capacity as the Home Minister also it was a humiliating charge. He said that he hit back by saying that the army officers are also having a nexus with the NSCN(IM) militants since they are not arresting them in Manipur where the ceasefire is not extended.

The mortal remains of Nipamacha were consigned to the flames at his home constituency with full State honours. Nipamacha leaves behind his wife.

Fuel scarcity hits Manipur

From our Special Correspondent

IMPHAL, July 17: Some petrol pumps in Manipur after a long time started selling petrol and diesel on Tuesday morning. However, each oil pump is selling petrol at Rs 700 to the four wheelers and only two litres is given to the two wheelers. This is against the announcement of Moirangthem Okendra, Minister of Conumer, Food and Public Distribution. Announcing lifting up of the blockade imposed by a Naga group on the vehicles of Manipur, the Minister said that there would be free sale of petrol.

This correspondent toured several oil pumps on Tuesday morning. There were long serpentine queues of cars and two wheelers near all oil pumps. The employees in the oil pumps sell the fuel at slow motion. The owners are not happy that they are given such a small quantity despite the fact that they have to be in the queue for some hours. They fail to understand why the government cannot ensure free sale of fuel. Hoarders of all sorts are rulling the roost, they said.

But it is easier said than done. As already reported, the oil pumps sold the fuel two days after the announcement of the Minister. Besides as against the free sale there were restrictions. The vehicle owners had to stand in the queue for long hours for their share of petrol. It was disgusting that while there was slow motion sale of petrol in the oil pumps several roadside vendors were openly selling petrol in bottles. People in a hurry for office, dropping children to school or rushing a patient to the hospitals have to buy petrol from the roadside vendors. Naturally many sections stand to gain from the artificial scarcity.

By noon or so, most of the oil pumps closed down saying that the stock had exhausted. There was no official to check the stock position. The vehicle owners suspect that just a fraction was sold and that the lion's share was secreted for siphoning off to the roadside vendors at huge profit.

Despite appeal by the Minister there is panic among the owners since the 98-hour blockade by the United Naga Council is approaching. In Manipur the petrol business has been a multi million one since there is a heavy demand and there are blockades and general strikes round the year.

Two-day workshop on CCAs held

From our Correspondent

DIMAPUR, JULY 17: A two-day workshop on Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) and Framework for Management Plans, organized by Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development (NEPED) and Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), got underway on Monday at Hotel Japfu, Kohima.           

Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Nagaland, Temjen Toy, in his inaugural speech said NEPED has been in existence for more than 15 years and that it started extending services by planting trees in jhum lands, planting cash crops and subsequently trying out micro financing, strengthening jhum, addressing climate change and facilitating the Community Conserved Areas. He said that the communities have been doing a great ecological service to mankind by conserving forest but there is a lot to be done for continuity. He said that the workshop has been organized at the right time to chalk out management plans, which needs to be formulated according to the needs of the different areas.

While acknowledging the traditional knowledge of the villagers, Temjen said that we need to empower them with ideas and act as facilitators. He also said that there is need for scientific inputs keeping in mind the conditions of the region. He hoped that something tangible would come out of the workshop and wished the participants and the resource persons the very best.

Executive Director, FES, Jagdeesh Rao, who gave a briefing on the workshop objectives said that there is a need to mainstream conservation alongside the dominant notions of development so as to integrate concerns of sustainable use (of the resources) and ensure livelihood security of the people. NEPED and FES have initiated the preparation of a management/conservation plan for one CCA to comprehend various issues involved in developing such plans. He further underlined the need to bring together experiences of evolving conservation/management plan from across the country as well as share the experiences so far in the context CCAs of Nagaland.

Team leader, NEPED & Commissioner & Secretary, Government of Nagaland, Amandeep S Bhatia, delivered the welcome speech and JV Sharma, TERI, gave the keynote address.

Mizoram allocates Rs 410 crore to end jhum cultivation

Aizawl, July 17:  Under its New Land Use Policy (NLUP), Mizoram is laying emphasis on ending the age-old jhum shifting cultivation and has allocated Rs 410 crore in this year’s budget to enable about 30,000 more tribal families to shift to stable farming, a minister said on Tuesday. “In this year’s State budget, Rs 370 crore has been earmarked for the execution of the NLUP. Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana, Rs 40 crore has also been sanctioned for the same NLUP,” Mizoram Finance Minister H Liansailova told the State Assembly during its on-going budget session. He said, “Already 90,139 farmers families have benefited under the State Government’s flagship scheme, and 29,861 more families would be benefited during this financial year.” “The Planning Commission has appreciated the Mizoram government for launching such a unique scheme. The NLUP’s success could be a model for other Northeastern States,” he added. The Mizoram government initiated its New Land Use Policy (NLUP) in January 2010 to put an end to the age-old shifting or slash-and-burn method of cultivation, and help the tribal farmers to shift to stable cultivation of various cash crops. (IANS)