north east online - north east india news: Feb 25, 2008

Monday, February 25, 2008

Border order put on alert for Meghalaya elections

The Border Security Force along the Indo-Bangla border in Meghalaya and Assam have been put on alert for the ensuing assembly elections in Meghalaya.

Apprehending that anti-national elements may try to infiltrate into the state for carrying out subversive activities to disrupt the election process, BSF Inspector General of Police PK Mishra on Monday said all the troops along the border have been instructed to be extra vigilant to thwart any attempt of infiltration into the country.

The BSF has also requested the civil population residing along the border areas to co-operate with the BSF and inform any unkown person were seen moving in the border areas.

The BSF has also set up additional patrol bases along the border to enhance the vigil.

All northeast state capitals to have rail links

The Central government has earmarked Rs 100 million for connecting all northeastern state capitals by rail in the next five years, Minister of State for Railways R Velu said in Aizawl.

"Fund constraint would not slow down (the) ongoing railway projects in the region as five of the eight new line projects had been declared national projects and the new projects would add 685 km new lines in the land-locked region," the minister said while speaking at an editors' conference on Monday.

Mizoram Governor Lt. Gen (retd) MM Lakhera inaugurated the two-day conference with focus on the northeast.

The minister said the construction of a 98 km long broad gauge line from Jiribum to Tuipui in Manipur would open up new business opportunities.

"Since the Indo-Myanmar border is 100 km from Tuipui, this new railway line would open new opportunities for trade with Myanmar and other South East Asian countries," the minister said.

Velu also said out of eight new line projects under Northeast Frontier Railway, five have been declared national projects. The anticipated cost involved in these projects is about Rs 5.695 million.

"The railways will convert all metre gauge rail lines in the northeastern region into broad gauge and will start several new lines," he added.

Of the total 2,578 km railway network in the region, 1238.73 km is broad gauge. Of this, 1,227.6 km is in Assam.

Tripura has only 67 km of rail tracks and the Northeast Frontier Railway is laying new line to connect the rail network to state capital Agartala.

Of the rail lines under construction in the state, 21 km is ready to be opened for running passenger trains up to Dhailai district headquarters Ambassa, 90 km from Agartala.

The new railway projects in the region include Kumarghat-Agartala in Tripura, Jiribam-Imphal in Manipur, Dimapur-Zubza in Nagaland, Harmuti-Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, Bogibeel rail-cum-road bridge in Assam and Mainaguri-Joghigopa in Assam, Azra-Byrnihat and Dudhonoi-Deepa lines in Meghalaya.

Government trying to derail peace process: ULFA

The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has termed the arrest of Assamese rights leader Lachit Bordoloi on charges of alleged links with the outfit as an attempt by the government to derail the peace process.

Bordoloi, a member of the ULFA-chosen People's Consultative Group (PCG), was arrested on Monday under the Explosives Substance Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for allegedly aiding and abetting terrorism.

A Guwahati court on Tuesday remanded Bordoloi and Air Deccan executive Sumanta Dutta to five days in police custody - both arrested for helping the ULFA in an alleged plot to hijack an aircraft. The duo denied the charges - the ULFA too rejected police allegations of any hijacking plot.

"When the PCG was constituted in 2005, we gave in writing the names of the members that we have entrusted to liaise with the government for exploring possibilities of peace talks. Under the circumstances, it is not a crime if any PCG member was in touch with us," ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in a statement.

The ULFA said the arrest of the PCG member was nothing but an attempt to stall any move for the revival of the peace process. The PCG had held three rounds of peace talks, including a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The peace initiative collapsed in September 2006 after a six-week ceasefire between the ULFA and New Delhi was called off by the central government that blamed the outfit of indulging in violence and stepping up extortions.

"The PCG was trying to take the deadlocked peace process forward and the arrest of Bordoloi is nothing but an attempt by the government to scuttle any peace move," the ULFA statement said.

A well-known Guwahati-based lawyer, Nekibur Zaman, was also put under the police scanner and was questioned by a special six-member Intelligence Bureau team from New Delhi at a city hospital where he is currently admitted with a fractured leg.

The series of police actions follows confessional statement by Monoj Tamuly, an ULFA militant arrested Saturday from near Guwahati.

The arrested ULFA rebel apparently disclosed during police interrogation about plans by the outfit to hijack a plane for which cadres received specialised 18-day training somewhere in western Assam about six months ago from an ISI operative.

"The plan to hijack a plane was hatched and we also met in New Delhi with some of our top leaders to discuss this (hijacking plan) on November 14 last year," Tamuly told IANS Sunday while being brought to court in Guwahati.

Professionals, young leaders dominate poll scene in Nagaland

Many new faces from professional backgrounds and youths are trying their electoral fortunes in the March 5 assembly election in Nagaland.

Representing the entire spectrum of political outfits as well as independent candidates, these fresh contenders are even going out of party line of thinking and are speaking about change in Naga society, while many have chosen youth empowerment as a favoured issue to woo voters.

If there are over half a dozen medical practitioners, then an equal number of technocrats are in the fray.

Many civil servants, before reaching superannuation, and young Naga entrepreneurs are also contesting the elections.

Nagas with legal professional background are not new, and this election is no exception.

Although their perceptions and perspectives differ on issues confronting society, they are all comfortable with laptops and denim, media savvy, like to speak about change, and have equal concern for the growing unemployment problem.

Five former presidents of Naga Students Federation (NSF), a premier students body, NSN Lotha (Independent), Achumbeo Kikon (LJP), Neiba Krono (NPF) and Vikiho Sumi (NPF), Hokhet Shikhu (RJD) are facing the electorate in multi-corner contests in Tuyi (Wokha), Bhandari (Wokha), Pfutsero (Phek), Pughobot and Surohoto assembly segments respectively.

TN Mannen, the former additional chief secretary before his superannuation, joined RJD and is pitted against Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF) secretary Akang Ao at Impur seat in Mokokchung district. Both of them are from the same village.

In the prestigious Kohima town seat, bureaucrat turned politician Z Obed of Congress is facing NPF candidate Dr Nieki Kire, a new entrant.

Senior Congress leader and former minister KV Pusa is pitted against NPF candidate Dr Atha Vizol, a fresher and the doctor son of former chief minister Vizol, a patriarch of regionalism in Nagaland.

Two other prominent youth leaders, Abu Metha, Press secretary to former chief minister Neiphiu Rio and Savi Leigeisie, president of Dimapur Naga Council and a publisher of an English daily are contesting on NPF tickets from Dimapur-II and Dimapur-III seats respectively.

Abu Metha, the Editor of the English Daily Eastern Mirror, who led a youth movement, Excel, believed he could win as for the past three years he had worked for youth empowerment through music, sports and entrepreneurship development.

There are also a few retired technocrats and bureaurats in the fray.

Another interesting facet of this election is that many youth organizations have either issued guidelines for a free and fair election or invited contenders to a common platform to share their promises before the electorate.

Certain student bodies have asked political parties not to create a nuisance as students are appearing for HSLC and Higher Secondary examinations immediately after the assembly election.

In Nagaland, comprising 60 assembly segments, at least ten political parties are trying their electoral fortune. The electorate number 13 lakh.

Six militants arrested with 10 kg of explosives

At least six militants of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) were arrested in Assam in stepped up offensive by security forces after it unravelled a plot by the outfit to hijack an aircraft, officials said on February 15.

A police spokesman said the ULFA group was arrested from Goroimari village on the outskirts of Assam's main city of Guwahati on February 14 while trying to sneak into the city with a huge consignment of explosives in a boat.

"Not only did we manage to capture the six militants, but we also averted a major disaster as the group was carrying about 10 kg of RDX aimed at unleashing a reign of terror in Guwahati," Debojit Hazarika, police chief of Kamrup Rural district, told IANS.

In the last week, the police have arrested at least 10 ULFA militants from areas around Guwahati in separate raids - the latest in a stepped up anti-insurgency drive.

"The heat is on and we are getting the desired results with many dreaded ULFA militants in our net already," another police official said.

The recent raids come in the wake of leads provided by Manoj Tamuly, a hardcore ULFA militant, who was arrested by police last week from the outskirts of Guwahati.

Tamuly, during interrogation, told police and intelligence officials about a plot by the ULFA to hijack an aircraft for which cadres received specialized 18-day training somewhere in western Assam about six months ago from a Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) operative.

"A plan to hijack a plane was hatched and we also met in New Delhi with some of our top leaders to discuss this (hijacking plan) on November 14 last year," Tamuly told IANS while being brought to court in Guwahati.

Based on confessional statements of the arrested ULFA rebel, police swooped down on over ground sympathisers of the outfit and arrested a rights leader, Lachit Bordoloi, and an executive of a private airline Air Deccan, Sumanta Dutta, from Guwahati. Bordoloi and Dutta were arrested on charges of aiding and abetting the ULFA and helping in their plot to hijack an aircraft.

The duo denied the charges.

The ULFA, fighting for an independent homeland in Assam since 1979, also denied any hijacking plot.

"From what we have heard from Tamuly and Dutta during interrogation, the ULFA was seriously contemplating the hijacking plot," said Debojit Deuri, additional police chief of Guwahati.

The ULFA and New Delhi entered into a ceasefire in August 2005 but the truce was called off after six weeks with the central government blaming the outfit for stepping up violence and indulging in extortions.

The ULFA said it would sit for peace talks with New Delhi only if the government agrees to discuss their main demand of sovereignty or independence and release five of their top jailed leaders.

New Delhi has already rejected a discussion on ULFA's demand for sovereignty.

NSA Narayanan to review security scenario in NE

National Security Adviser MK Narayanan arrived in Kohima on Saturday on a visit to Nagaland to review the security scenario in the North-east in general and the state in particular, official sources said.

Narayanan will meet Governor K Sankaranarayan, his two advisers, senior civil and police officials and Army commanders during his two day visit to the state.

The NSA arrived in Kohima in a chopper after arriving at Dimapur on a special flight, accompanied by home ministry officials.

In the afternoon he will hold a high-level meeting at police headquarters to review the situation ahead of March 5 assembly election in the state. He will also hold discussion with Army's 3 Corps Commanders.

Narayanan's visit to Nagaland assumes significance in view of fresh developments in the insurgency situation in the North-east with militant outfits taking shelters in neighbouring countries, ULFA's conspiracy to hijack aircraft, reported forciable recruitment of Arunachalee youth by NSCN(K), proliferation of small arms in the region originating from China and other countries. The visit is also significant in the backdrop of on-going peace dialogues with various groups including NSCN(IM).

Narayanan had accompanied Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his recent visit to forward Army bases in the border state where it was decided to step up offensive against militants by security forces, particularly against ULFA.

Assam Rifles in Manipur accused of extortion

Assam Rifles, engaged in anti-insurgency operations in Manipur, is mired in a row over allegations that its men manning a highway were demanding bribes from truckers to let their vehicles enter Silchar in Assam.

The All Manipur Truck Owners and Drivers Welfare Association has accused the Assam Rifles troopers of detaining 12 trucks carrying iron scraps to Silchar at Keithelmanbi, about 25 km west of Imphal.

"The trucks were stopped by Assam Rifles personnel on February 14. They demanded Rs.2,000 per vehicle saying the road (National Highway 53) belonged to them," a spokesman for the association told journalists on February 17.

"In fact Assam Rifles troopers were already collecting Rs.500 from each vehicle for the past two or three months and now they have suddenly jacked up the amount to Rs.2,000," he alleged.

With the drivers refusing to pay the money, the trucks were allegedly detained for two days and later forced to return to Imphal.

The association has lodged a complaint with the police. Under pressure, the Assam Rifles was forced to order an investigation.

"We have ordered an inquiry and action will be taken if anyone is found guilty," Assam Rifles spokesman Col. L.M. Pant said.

This is not the first time that security forces are embroiled in a controversy. Two years back an overdose of adventurism by an army captain and his platoon over power supply interruptions in Manipur led to a bizarre row with the state government filing a criminal case against the army unit.

An army captain and some 50 uniformed soldiers brandishing weapons allegedly entered a power installation at Yurembam on the outskirts of Imphal and forced officials to shut down power supply.

Manipur Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh had to personally come to the power station to cool tempers and made the soldiers withdraw their siege and restore power to the city.

The city was without power for more than an hour due to the army action.

331 candidates in fray for Meghalaya Assembly polls

Altogether 331 candidates, including six former chief ministers, are in fray for the single phase March three Assembly elections in Meghalaya.

A total of 349 candidates had filed nomination papers. After scrutiny, five were rejected, while nine withdrew yesterday, the last day of withdrawal, sources in state Election Commission said on Tuesday.

The Election Commission has countermanded the polling in Baghmara constituency after sitting Congress MLA S Sangma, who had also filed his nominations, died of cancer. Three other candidates had also filed nomination for the seat.

A total of 12,32,907 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in 60 constituencies to decide the fate of 331 candidates, and interestingly there are 20000 more women voters than men as per the final voters list.

Six former Chief Ministers - D D Lapang, Purno A Sangma, Salseng C Marak, E K Mawlong, F A Khonglam and J D Rymbai are seeking mandate.

"Adequate security arrangements have been made with 40 companies of additional paramilitary forces deployed. A total of 39 election observers are overseeing the conduct of the polls," Chief Electoral Officer P Naik said late on Monday night.

There had been eleven complaints of violation of the model code of conduct so far, of which eight cases had no basis. Four complaints were withdrawn and investigation was on with the rest, Naik said.

Over 200 candidates in fray for Nagaland polls

A total of 218 candidates are in the fray for the March five assembly election in Nagaland, Chief Electoral Officer CJ Panraj said on February 22.

Prominent leaders seeking re-elections include two former chief ministers Neiphiu Rio (NPF) and KL Chishi (Congress). CLP leader I Imkong is seeking re-election from Jamgpetkong constituency in Mokokchung district against NPF candidate Dr I Longri.

The aspirants represent 12 political parties as well as Independents vying for the 60 assembly seats in the state.

While Congress is fighting for 60 assembly seats, NPF will contest 56, BJP-23, RJD-25, NCP-8, JD(U)-3, JD(S)-4, LJP-3 and Independents-33.

The CEO said as Electronic Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) could be issued only to 43 per cent of the voters, the Election Commission had allowed the electorate to use any of the nine other documents as identity proof.

Tripura election: 50 per cent voting till noon

An estimated 50 per cent voters exercised their franchise for the Tripura Assembly poll till noon on Saturday, state Election Commission sources said.

No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the state so far, they said.

Mizoram observes statehood day

Mizoram on Wednesday observed the 21st anniversary of its statehood. All government offices and educational institutions remained closed for the day.

Mizoram became the 23rd state of the Indian Union two decades earlier after a historic and exemplary peace accord was signed between the Centre and the erstwhile underground Mizo National Front led by legendary Mizo leader Laldenga on June 30, 1986.

NPF committed to peaceful settlement of Naga problem

The Nagaland People's Front (NPF) has said it will work for an alternative arrangement in the event of an acceptable solution to the vexed Naga conflict.

"The party is committed to work and assist in any possible manner on any approach for a peaceful solution of the 'Indo-Naga' political issue, keeping alive at the same time the fire of relentless endeavour to stand out against any force to further divide the Nagas," the party's manifesto, released ahead of the March 5 assembly election, said.

The manifesto was released yesterday by former chief minister Neiphiu Rio and party president Shurhozelie at Mokokchung and Chidema village (near here) respectively.

The NPF, which formed the coalition government with BJP and JD-U after the last assembly poll, promised it would continue to play "a mediatory role for any peace talk with the Centre and pave the way for an alternative arrangement in case of an honourable settlement of the Naga problem".

Noting that the party stands committed to preserve the unique history, honour and identity of the Nagas, it promised to strive for unity and integrity of all contiguous Naga- inhabited areas and remain vigilant to tackle illegal immigration so that the demographic composition of the state is not altered.

12 killed in Assam bus accident

At least 12 people were killed and four seriously injured when a bus plunged into a stream in Assam on Sunday.

A police spokesperson said the accident took place near Sonapur, about 40 km east of Assam's main city of Guwahati. The bus was bound for Guwahati from Silapathar in eastern Assam.

"The bus plunged into a stream some 25 feet after the driver lost control while crossing a concrete bridge on the highway," police official Debojit Deuri told IANS.

Four passengers, including the caretaker of the bus, survived the accident, with serious injuries.

"There were 19 people travelling in the bus according to preliminary reports. Rescue workers managed to extricate 12 bodies," the official said.

"Search is on by divers to look for three more passengers who could be buried in the stream."

A local television channel News Live that is covering the rescue operations showed images of the bus with the bodies dangling out, while police and rescue teams were trying to take out the corpses.

The injured have been shifted to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital.

Divers of the paramilitary Border Security Forces (BSF) are engaged in a massive operation to look for bodies in the stream.

Shillong, Feb 24: Union Tribal Affairs Minister PR Kyndiah today backed Meghalaya Chief Minister DD Lapang, as the frontrunner to retain the post if the Congress returned to power after the March 3 assembly elections.

''If everything goes well, Chief Minister DD Lapang has the chance of becoming the next leader, ''Mr Kyndiah said. ''He is capable of running the state in the next five years,'' the Union minister told reporters here. Mr Kyndiah"'s statement assumed significance in the backdrop of Deputy Chief Minister and Congress candidate Mukul M.Sangma, also a contender for the coveted post. Former chief Minister SC Marak, contesting from Resubelpara assembly constituency, was another strong contender for the hot seat. Mr Kyndiah, the local MP representing Shillong parliamentary constituency, was here to campaign for Congress, which faces strong opposition from the Nationalist Congress Party for the March 3 polls.

north east online - north east india news