ULFA Leader Appeals UNHCR for Political Asylum

ULFA

The United Liberation Front of Asom, which reportedly run training camps inside Bangladesh, went for engaging the United Nation’s refugee rights body to pursue the case of their jailed leader Anup Chetia.

As New Delhi starts talking tough with Dhaka regarding terror issues, the banned Indian armed group leaders, who are taking shelter in Bangladesh, have foreseen a difficult time ahead. After the Mumbai terror attacks in November, which aroused unprecedented public anger against the terrorists as well as the authority, the new Indian Union Home minister P. Chidambaram echoed the sentiment of the people with the strongest words in the Parliament.

The leaders of the United Liberation Front of Asom, who reportedly run training camps inside Bangladesh, predicted the outcome and hence they went for engaging the United Nation’s refugee rights body to pursue the case of their jailed leader Anup Chetia. Apprehending India’s next course of action to be tougher, the General Secretary of ULFA recently appealed for political asylum in a safe country.

Anup had written to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on December 7 urging for refugee status and political asylum. Besides Anup, who had been behind bars in Dhaka for a decade, his solicitor Muhammad Abdus Sattar also sent a letter to the Representative of UNHCR Bangladesh Office in Dhaka asking for intervention. Both the letters have been included in the December 15 issue of the ULFA’s electronic fortnightly mouthpiece ’Freedom’.

Answering the questions from Parliamentarians in the Lok Sabha on December 16, the Home minister commented, “A message must go that Bangladesh is duty-bound to honour its commitment and assurances.” Asserting that the ministry had information regarding the presence of Indian insurgents in Bangladesh soil, Chidambaram stressed on Dhaka’s prompt actions against Northeastern insurgents, who were operating from the neighbouring country.

Chidambaram also commented that Bangladesh must realise that it would only be hurting itself in the long run if it did not share a good relationship with India and its borders with India were not secure. He also added that the ULFA and other insurgent groups had been working with the Bangladeshi terror outfit Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) to continue disrupting activities in Assam and other parts of Northeast.

The ULFA leader Anup described, in his letter to António Guterres, head of the Geneva based UNHCR, as being held at Kashimpur Jail in the outskirts of Dhaka. He pleaded that he was ’no longer a convict to be held in a jail’ as, Anup argued that he had completed seven years of imprisonment for entering Bangladesh illegally carrying foreign currencies and a satellite phone.He also repeated declaring the aim of ULFA to restore Sovereignty of Assam (meaning a Swadhin Asom out of India). As this is in direct conflict with the Government of India’s policy of national integrity, Anup argued, he became an enemy of New Delhi. Eventually the organisation was proscribed and Indian Army launched operations against ULFA resulting in deaths of many of its cadres, Anup stated.

Disclosing about his birth at Jerai Gaon in Tinisukia of Assam, Anup, whose real name is Golap Barua, added, “I was arrested in India and was mercilessly tortured and finding my life was in danger I escaped using a ploy with the Indian authorities. Since then I have been trying to avoid capture by the Indian authorities.”

India has seriously been pressurising Bangladesh government from the very beginning of my arrest in this country to hand me over to the Indian authorities, Anup said adding that he had already denounced his Indian nationality. More over there is no extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh, which inspires Dhaka has so far rejected New Delhi request to hand him over.

Apprehending his life ’will not be safe soon after his release from the prison’, Anup urged for his safety and appealed for intervention by the UNHCR Bangladesh Office to grant him ’a refugee status and political asylum’. Anup claimed that the ’long ten years and eight months in Bangladesh prison has taken its toll’ and he was ’craving for a normal existence’.

Meanwhile the letter addressed to Pia Pyrtz Phiri, the Bangladesh Representative of UNHCR, by his advocate Muhammad Abdus Sattar termed Anup as a ’Freedom Fighter’, whose life was under threat as Dhaka might extradite him to India. Apprehending his possible handing over to Indian authorities, Anup applied for political asylum to Bangladesh government. The government in Dhaka summarily rejected his prayer, following which a Bangladeshi human rights organisation filed a writ petition to the Supreme Court (of Bangladesh) against that rejection, the advocate elaborated.

The apex court issued a ’Rule to Bangladesh Government as to why Anup Chetia shouldn’t be given the asylum and the Rule has not yet been disposed of’. The case is pending in the court, said Sattar adding, “Without considering the legal and political status of my client Anup Chetia, I came to know that there is a covert move possibly emanating from the terrible pressure created by the Indian Government, the Bangladesh authority is preparing to hand over Anup Chetia to Indian authorities very soon.”

Mr Sattar concluded his letter saying, “Considering the gravity of the situation I should earnestly solicit your kind, effective and swift intervention so that Anup Chetia is not handed over to Indian authorities and would request you further to take the trouble to arrange his asylum in any possible country to save his life.”

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Tripura Govt Slams Bankers in Northeast

Agartala, Dec 21 : The Tripura government today expressed displeasure over the services of commercial banks operating in the Northeast and demanded immediate improvement of banking system in the region.

Addressing State Level Banker`s Committee (SLBC) meeting here, Tripura Finance Minister Badal Choudhury said despite the initiatives from the Central government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other forums for improvement in banking services in the region during past few years satisfactory steps were not taken to improvise the services.

A high-level committee under the chairmanship of RBI Deputy Governor was constituted and asked to submit report on improvement of banking services in the region, including improvement of Credit Deposit Ratio (CDR), financial institutions and micro-credits but most of them remained on paper as a result of which no improvement has taken place, Mr Choudhury underscored.

He demanded to review the previous resolutions of the meeting related to improvement of banking services in the region and finalise the time bound action plan before resolving any more decisions.
Besides, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Chairman-cum-Managing Director UBI, General Manager RBI and other top officials of other commercial banks and financial institutions also attended the meeting and stressed to expand the banking services in rural areas.

”Despite opposition from the State government, commercial banks in the State had already shifted as many as 14 branches to semi-urban locations” Mr Sarkar said, adding at a time, when RBI liberalised the formalities for opening new rural branches to ensure 100 per cent banking coverage, the banks in Northeast were closing the branches from rural pockets.

He also demanded to open at least one branch for three-four villages in the State, while the bankers assured to look into the issues promissing Rs 200 crore would be invested by the nationalised banks in the State during next year.

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Interpol pledge Mumbai probe help

Mr Noble said India was experienced in using Interpol services


T
he head of the global police agency Interpol has pledged to assist India in its investigations into last month's attacks in Mumbai.

Ronald Noble told Indian Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram that he was ready to help with DNA, fingerprinting and distribution of information.

The news comes as two luxury hotels targeted in the attacks prepared to partially reopen.

The November attacks left at least 170 dead and many more wounded.

In a statement, Mr Noble said the Indian government and Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) were experienced in using Interpol tools and services to pursue "terrorist fugitives".

"India understands that it cannot be expected to find the answers to this incident without the support of the global law enforcement community, and we will help ensure that this happens," said Mr Noble.

Security has been stepped-up in India following the attacks, which India has blamed on Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

LeT and the Pakistani government have denied any involvement.

'Complete deterrent'

The Oberoi and Taj Mahal Palace hotels were among the locations targeted by the 10 gunmen in November, along with a railway station and a Jewish centre.

Both hotels were due to reopen unaffected sections of their buildings on Sunday, with increased security.

Rattan Keswani, president of Trident Hotels which owns part of the Oberoi, said everyone wanted to be sure there was "a complete deterrent" to any future attacks.

"We need armed presence, and we are adding to it," said Mr Keswani, adding that the hotel would be fitted with surveillance systems, baggage scanners and strict security.

Mr Keswani said there was "a huge amount of sadness in everybody's mind" but that he was proud of his staff for committed "100%" to reopening the hotel.

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Goa bans Christmas beach parties

Goa's beach parties attract thousands of tourists every year


C
hristmas and New Year beach parties in tourist resorts in the Indian state of Goa have been banned because of security concerns, say the authorities.

No specific details have been given but officials said there was "obviously" a security threat.

The decision follows the attacks in Mumbai last month in which more than 170 people were killed.

The ban will be a major blow to Goa, which relies on the thousands of tourists attending the famous parties.

"Taking into consideration all the aspects, we have decided that beach parties would not be allowed from December 23 to January 5," Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat told reporters.

He said traditional ceremonies and parties being held in hotels will be unaffected.

Kishan Kumar, Goa's police inspector general, told Reuters: "Obviously there is a security threat, but we cannot say anything more specific at the moment".

Security has been tightened around India's coast following the attacks in November and several foreign governments have advised their citizens against travel to the country.

Goan business leaders said tourism was a "lifeline" and the decision would seriously affect trade.

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Minister in Mumbai police furore

I
ndia's government is under pressure to respond following a minister's controversial remarks over the killing of top officers in the Mumbai attacks.

Minority Affairs Minister AR Antulay suggested there could have been more to the deaths than just the militants.

Mumbai's anti-terrorism chief Hemant Karkare, who was among those killed, had been investigating suspected Hindu radical attacks in Maharashtra state.

Mr Antulay refused to confirm or deny he had submitted his resignation.

Mr Antulay's suggestion that the deaths could be linked to the investigation into the alleged Hindu radical attacks led to outrage among opposition politicians.

They said the minister's statement had embarrassed the country and they urged him to resign.

'Irresponsible'

Mr Antulay on Friday said he "stood by the truth".

The Times of India quoted him as saying: "Whether Karkare was a victim of terrorism or terrorism plus something, I do not know."

He added: "Karkare and two other police officers were definitely killed by the Pakistani terrorists. Even a fool knows this. What I asked was who sent Karkare and the two officers there?"

When asked about the reports of his offer to resign, the minister told the Press Trust of India news agency: "I am neither confirming it nor denying it."

Mr Antulay's Congress party has distanced itself from his remarks, saying it did not accept the "inference and innuendo that underline" them.

Federal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vyalar Ravi has said the government will "examine" Mr Antulay's statement and "respond accordingly" in parliament.

Santosh Gangwar, a leader of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, has said Mr Antulay's "irresponsible statement has created a problem for the country".

Mr Karkare, the head of Mumbai's Anti-Terrorist Squad, was one of several top officers who lost their lives in the attacks which began on 26 November.

Mr Antulay suggested a link to the investigation into the role of Hindu radicals in two bombings in Maharashtra state which killed at least eight people in September.

An army officer, Prasad Shrikant Purohit, and a female priest have been held in connection with the blasts and are accused of providing logistical support for Hindu militants to make bombs.

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Divine Edict

Congress supporters celebrate victory

MIZORAM: ELECTIONS Polls muddy the Church-State divide

By Debarshi Dasgupta
Church As EC?

* The Church released a code of conduct for the Dec 2 assembly polls
* It co-manned election booths with representatives of political parties
* MPF even distributed campaign literature instead of party officials
* The Seventh Day Adventists and Baptists have contested the Presbyterian Church’s role
* Critics say the church has no business meddling in elections

Elections in Mizoram this year have defied norms. Quite contrary to the usual threat of violence that defined them, they were subdued and sterilised because of the involvement of the almighty Church in the election process.

While in the past it has always issued statements outlining its demands and positions, this is the first time a church-backed vigilante group—the Mizoram People Forum (MPF)—stepped in to “oversee the conduct of free and fair elections”.

This has won the Church great praise but also generated unease about a religious institution issuing political diktats and enforcing them by its volunteers.


A copy of the MPF guidelines

Alongside the Election Commission’s code of conduct, the Church issued its own code proscribing, among other things, door-to-door campaigns, organisation of community feasts, use of loudspeakers and music bands.

The MPF even put out guidelines describing an “ideal candidate” as somebody upright and free from corruption and alcoholism. In Mizoram, about 60 per cent of the population adheres to the influential Presbyterian Church that backs MPF.

Explaining the need for the Church’s intervention, moderator of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod (MPCS) Rev H. Vanlalauva says, “In the 2003 polls, there were reports of voters being influenced by money power.

There was also fear of violence and rumours that certain candidates would be kidnapped. To avoid such situations, the church felt the need to step in to ensure peace.”The political class, however, is divided over the Church’s intervention. Unlike some who appreciate its role, BJP state president Kahawvel Thanva alleges the Church supported the Congress that won the elections.

“That always happens with us. Those who lose accuse us of siding with the winners,” says Rev Zosangliana Colney, MPCS’s executive secretary.

Church officials say they neither named any candidate or party, nor did they discriminate on the basis of religion. The code too was framed in consultation with all parties including the BJP and the NCP, they add.

Though the code had no legal binding, offenders, MPF secretary Lalbiakmawia Ngente says, were censured “morally and socially”.

This is a point that rankles Henry Zodinliana Pachau, a lecturer at the Mizoram University in Aizawl. “What’s worrying is that they are determining what is good. I wouldn’t want my freedom to be clipped in the name of religion,” he says.

“Moreover, the Church has no business getting involved in elections. That is the responsibility of the state. Who knows, next elections there may even be a Church party?” he adds.

The Church, especially the MPCS, is a pervasive force in Mizoram where about 87 per cent of the population is Christian.

MPCS’s website says that in 2004-05, it raised Rs 33.5 crore from donors. Of this, only Rs 2.5 lakh came from abroad. Explains Ngente,

“The Mizo society is close-knit and had traditionally sought guidance from its rulers. The Church is now taking over that role.”

For all the talk of the Church being a “supra-state actor”, Mizoram’s chief electoral officer Lalmalsawma argues that MPF’s involvement “supplemented” the state’s role.”Yes, the MPF did play a significant and helpful role but it is not a substitute.

In fact, the Election Commission of India even sent us a congratulatory note for the conduct of the most smooth and peaceful elections ever in Mizoram,” he says.

Should this model of allowing religious institutions an active role in elections be replicated elsewhere? Former CEC James Lyngdoh doesn’t think so. “Almost everyone in Mizoram is a Christian and the Church is so influential that it influences everybody. It is a unique situation,” he says.

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'Deaths from Mumbai police error'

Guests trapped in a Mumbai hotel seized by gunmen last month have told the BBC they were given instructions by police that may have led to more people dying.

Police told a group hiding in the Taj Mahal Palace hotel that it was safe to leave the building, a survivor said.

But members of the group were shot and killed by militant gunmen as they were making their way out.

The senior policeman in charge of the operation in the hotel has denied the allegations against his officers.

'Suspicious'

A prominent Mumbai gynaecologist, Dr Prashant Mangeshikar, was trapped in the Taj Mahal hotel along with hundreds of other guests as gunmen stormed into the building, firing indiscriminately.

Terrified, he and others barricaded themselves into a room and waited.
Eventually, in the early hours of the morning, police officers made it through to where they were hiding and told people it was safe to leave the hotel because the gunmen were cornered on another floor.

Some went ahead but Dr Mangeshikar held back.

"I was a little suspicious that the police were actually sending these guys down a different route where the terrorists were supposed to be," he said.

"I refused to move away and the people who ran ahead of me, about 20 or 30 of them, all of them died."

A dress designer from the city says her aunt was shot dead and her cousin seriously wounded because they followed police instructions to try to leave.

The designer, Shilpa, described the police conduct as disgraceful.

They had no right, she said, to risk people's lives.

The senior policeman in charge of the operation in the hotel has denied these allegations against his officers.

But they add to growing criticism of the police and how they responded to the attack in which more than 170 people were killed.

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4.25 Lakh Birds Culled in Assam, Ops On

Guwahati, Dec 21 : Culling operations in four bird-flu affected districts of Assam continued on Saturday with more than 4.25 lakh birds exterminated so
far.

The H5N1 virus has struck 120 villages in seven districts and the state government disbursed Rs 1,27,85,216 as compensation to the poultry farmers, official sources said.

The state government has decided to set up an expert committee to take appropriate measures to prevent similar outbreak among the avian population in future.

The state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department along with the district authorities launched cleanliness drive and awareness campaign in the affected districts.

The department was also maintaining a strict vigil in other districts with the authorities directed to alert any unusual death among the avian population.

The state forest department has also directed forest personnel to monitor the migratory birds visiting the state during winter.

The seven districts affected by the avian flu are Barpeta, Chirang, Dibrugarh, Bongaigaon, Kamrup (rural), Kamrup (metro) and Nalbari with culling already completed in the last three districts.

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Four Designated Camps for Kuki Peace Talk Leaders

Imphal, Dec 21 : Tripartite talks among Kuki militant groups, Central and Manipur governments have agreed to open four designated camps in Churachandpur district where those participating in peace efforts would be housed, official sources said today.

The talks held yesterday centred on the location of designated camps, alleged violation of ground rules by the militants and financial assistance to them.

The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), formed by Kuki militant groups, had earlier signed an agreement with the Central and state governments.

Under the agreement, the government was to suspend operations against the two organisations and hold peace talks with them, the sources said.

Ground rules to be observed by the government and militant outfits had also been framed.

Sources said yesterday’s talks also discussed issue of identity cards to militants of some Kuki outfits and financial assistance to them.

The three groups also discussed the kidnapping of officials for ransom and extortion by militant outfits involved in the peace process, the sources said.

The groups were warned not to violate the mutually accepted ground rules.

Samay Live

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