All-Woman Bank in Arunachal

Tuki inaugurates branch, website

By Ranju Dodum

Nabam Tuki at the inauguration of the bank branch at Naharlagun. Telegraph picture

Itanagar, Aug 20 : The first "all-woman" bank branch was inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh today, giving women cause to cheer.

Inaugurating the all-woman branch of the Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Apex Bank at Naharlagun, chief minister Nabam Tuki said the move was another stepping stone towards empowerment of women of the state.

He also inaugurated the bank's website and opened a savings account for his mother at the branch, which will be manned completely by women and also offer locker facilities to women.

According to the 2011 Census, Arunachal Pradesh has a female-male ratio of 938:1000, which is below the national average of 940. In 2001, the ratio was 893:1000.

Speaking to the bank's staff, Tuki said women self-help groups all over the state should be mobilised with the support of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) to encourage them.

He also lauded the bank for introducing the micro ATM, which he said would act as a "game changer" allowing "even illiterate customers to avail its facilities".

Responding to a memorandum submitted by the bank's employees, Tuki admitted that there was a need to build a permanent head office for the bank. He said funds would be made available for the purpose in the next state budget.

The Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Apex Bank is the only financial institution run by the state government. The bank was revived by the state after it ran into financial trouble in 2007.

All You Need To Know About The Inner Line Permit Issue in Manipur

What exactly is the Inner Line Permit, and why is the issue so sensitive?


People take out a cycle rally in Imphal East district on Tuesday demanding for Inner Line Permit System in Manipur.

On Tuesday, fresh clashes erupted between two groups over the Inner Line Permit issue in Manipur.

For the past several months, the state has been wrangling with mass protests for implementing the Inner Line Permit.

While a 13-member all-party committee was formed in 2014 to look into the demand of various social organisations for introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), not much progress has taken place. The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has been spearheading the agitation, and many people have gone on an indefinite fast, defying repeatedly imposed curfews.

Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited period. It is obligatory for Indian citizens from outside certain states, to obtain such a permit.

ILP is a British era document. This provision was made by Britishers under an Act called as the Bengal Frontier Provision Act, 1873. But it is still used in independent India to protect tribal cultures of the North East.

At present, the ILP is in force in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. In Manipur, large scale protests have called for its implementation for years.

Under the ILP system, a certificate can be issued to outsiders only for travel in the areas covered by ILP. A non-resident also cannot buy property in these areas. Long term residence however, is allowed under certain kinds of ILP. Such provisions though are not valid for Central government employees and security personnel.

In 2012, the Manipur state assembly passed a resolution urging the Government of India, to implement the ILP system in Manipur.

The Manipur Assembly introduced the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill this year, but it was withdrawn on July 15 because the JCILPS felt it protected immigrants more than native Manipuris.

There is no ILP in Manipur because Manipur was never under British rule. In 1949, the King of Manipur signed a document merging the region with the Indian Union. Before 1949, Manipur was a sovereign state with an elected government.

The argument of JCILPS is that since Manipur can no longer protect its indigenous culture and distinctiveness after the 1949 merger, the ILP system must be put in place.

The free entry of 'outsiders' both from within and outside the Indian state is a central cause for the demand for ILP. Some believe that absence of a permit system can make indigenous communities in Manipur a 'minority', both culturally and demographically.

ILP proponents assert that after independence and subsequent accession of Manipur to India, the influx of foreigners and other Indians into Manipur has increased exponentially. Illegal immigration from Bangladesh, Burma and Nepal has also gone up. This has led to increased competition for employment opportunities among other things. Local youth have to compete with outsiders for jobs.

Moreover, outsiders are often ready to work for lower wages.

ILP advocates also say that Manipur had not acceded to the Indian Union when the Constitution was drafted, and hence it had no say in the framing of the Constitution. Many advocates thus support constitutional amendment to make the ILP system possible.

Proponents also argue that since Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland, which have similar indigenous cultures and problems post independence, have implemented ILP, Manipur should also be included in the system.

Furthermore, most political parties in Manipur and outside, support the implementation of ILP. The BJP has very strongly demanded its implementation for the past few months, after being opposed to it for a long time. Regional parties in Manipur mostly support the ILP, and although the Congress did not take a strong stand on the issue in its 2012 election manifesto, it is officially opposed to the ILP system. Long time Congress ally the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is also opposed to ILP.

However, CM Okram Ibobi Singh, a member of the Congress party, has supported the ILP and asked the BJP-led Modi government to implement it. Thus, even within political parties there seem to be differences on the ILP. Meanwhile, agitations and curfews continue, life in the region comes to a standstill and lives are lost in the pursuit of the ILP issue.

Naga Peace Accord: Why Now?

By Namrata Goswami

The Naga Peace Accord, a framework agreement as it has been termed, signed between the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Government of India on August 3 is significant for several reasons. 

First, it shows the flexibility and realism of the NSCN (IM) in terms of the willingness to alter goals, from complete sovereignty and Greater Nagalim to acceptance of the constitutional framework albeit with a provision for the grant of greater autonomy to Naga inhabited areas outside of Nagaland through the establishment of autonomous district councils. 

This indeed had been a sticking point in negotiations as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur had categorically stated their opposition to any territorial division. Second, the signing of the accord at this moment in time discloses that the platform of social support for the NSCN (IM) comprising Naga civil society groups are insistent on a peaceful path to conflict resolution. 

The accord arrived at now ends the ceasefire process in existence since 1997 and locks in the NSCN (IM)’s commitment to peaceful dialogue. The urgency to get a peace deal breakthrough had risen in the backdrop of the rival NSCN (K) abrogating its cease-fire with the Government of India on March 27, 2015, and following it up with the June 4 ambush in Manipur that killed 20 military personnel.

Third, the leaders of the NSCN (IM), Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu (who has been unwell for some time now), have been forthcoming since 2011 to sign a framework agreement that pledges to preserve the culture, history and traditions of the Nagas and grants greater autonomy to Naga inhabited areas outside of Nagaland. Fourth, Modi’s own promise to resolve the Naga conflict within an 18 months’ timeframe must have been a factor in the signing of the framework agreement.

If the news about a non-territorial resolution framework agreement holds true (details of the Accord are yet to be released), then it is worth deep consideration by Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur. It would enable them to maintain the territorial status quo while only giving up developmental privileges in their Naga inhabited areas to a new Naga non-territorial body. 

A non-territorial resolution framework also favours the Nagas as their core demands – such as recognition of their “unique history” and culture, Naga leverage over deciding the development path for the Naga inhabited areas, etc. – are met through the grant of greater autonomy. 

This is an optimal solution that would address the concerns of all the relevant parties. For the Indian government too, it results in recognizing the Naga’s “unique” history and culture within the territorial and sovereign framework of the Constitution.

The fact that such a non-territorial resolution package had gained wide acceptance in Nagaland can be discerned from the fact that former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio along with all 60 Nagaland State Assembly Members including MLAs of the Opposition parties came out in support of such a framework in the year 2012. 

Being politicians, none of these MLAs would have openly supported such a framework had there been no support for it in Naga society. A resolution of one of the oldest armed ethnic conflicts in the Northeast offers a way forward to resolving many other ethnic conflicts in the region such as those involving Kukis, Meiteis, Bodos, Dimasas, Hmars, and Karbis. 

The recent Bodo violence in Assam against immigrant minority communities only highlighted the dangers of an ethnically slanted territorial council that failed to safeguard the physical security of minorities in Bodo inhabited areas. In that light, a non-territorial resolution framework is perhaps the only feasible outcome to the multiple ethnicity-driven conflicts in Northeast India. 

Manipur ILP Clash: Curfew in Moreh

Imphal, Aug 19 : Indefinite curfew has been imposed in Manipur's border town Moreh in Chandel district after miscreants burnt shops and hotels and looted properties during a clash between two groups on Tuesday.

The incident occurred when a rally organized by a group in support of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Manipur was opposed by Kuki tribals who are a majority here. The Kuki tribals tried to stop the rallying people and pelted stones at them. This snowballed into a clash.

The rally was organized under the banner of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) near the Indo-Myanmar border.

Later, a mob set ablaze some shops and roadside hotels, police sources said. Six people were injured, but there was no report of any casualty, a police official said.

Security forces rushed to the spot to take control of the situation, he added. Additional police forces, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP), have been sent to Moreh from Imphal. Kuki tribals, who opposed the rally, started vandalizing shops, hotels and other business establishments, sources in the police said and added that they had torched an office building, a hotel and two computer shops.

Over 50 shops were looted, an policeman said. The situation was brought under control with more police teams reaching the town, he added. Deputy chief minister (Home) Gaikhangam said that the situation was brought under control. The government has sought help from Assam Rifles which has been deployed in Moreh.

A team of ministers would visit the town on Wednesday, he added. Three civil society organizations — United Committee, Manipur (UCM), All Manipur United Clubs' Organization (AMUCO) and Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) — appealed to all communities for peaceful co-existence.

Notice to Mizoram Government Over Student's Killing

Aizawl, Aug 18 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked Mizoram to submit a report within four weeks on the reported killing of a student in police firing, an official said here on Monday.

"The NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports about the student killing in police firing in Mizoram on August 4. The commission has asked the state Chief Secretary and state police chief to submit a detailed report within four weeks on the issue," a home department official said.

He said: "The NHRC has observed that the incident raises questions regarding violation of human rights of the young student victim."

According to media reports, over 300 protesters had gathered in front of Chawngte police station in southern Mizoram on August 4 to protest over alleged unfair recruitment of 100 employees in Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC).

In order to control the mob, police had to open fire, that resulted in the death of Agosh Chakma, 20, on the spot and injured 15 others.

The members of Mizoram Chakma Students Union had organised the protest demonstration.

After the death of the student, the agitating crowd ransacked and damaged many houses belonging to top politicians, including chief executive member of CADC Buddha Lal Chakma, executive members and elected members of the autonomous body.

The CADC later provided Rs 10 lakh as an ex-gratia to the family of the student and conducting a fresh recruitment process.

NSCN(IM) Chief Muivah’s Speech on Sovereignty Matter of Serious Concern, says Assam CM Gogoi

On August 14 during the celebration of 69th Naga Independence Day at NSCN(IM) council headquarters at Hebron in Nagaland, its General Secretary Th Muivah rejected "rumours" that the outfit was backtracking on integration and sovereignty.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh ,Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Nabam Tuki and Congress leader Randeep Surjewala during a press conference at AICC headquarter had demanded to disclose the details of the Naga peace accord. (Source: PTI)

Demanding that the Centre should make public the Naga Peace Accord, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday expressed serious concern over NSCN(IM) leader Th Muivah’s remark that integration and sovereignty were the “core issues” of the agreement.

“Muivah’s statement is a matter of serious concern. He is still insisting on greater Nagalim and said that the sovereignty issue is still open. By not making the agreement public, the Centre is creating more confusion,” he said at a press conference.
“Assam and the people at large welcome the peace agreement, but all concerned have the right to know which direction it is moving,” he said.

“Whatever be in the agreement, I have already made it very clear that Assam will not accept any interference with its territory,” he said.

Gogoi also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his silence on the issue.

“It is strange that the PM is completely silent on the issue. He himself termed the agreement historic, but did not talk anything about it on his Independence Day speech. The PM is not even talking about the framework. Our simple question is that whether the framework includes Nagalim?” he said.
The Chief Minister also said that during the dialogue process, the Centre-appointed interlocutor R N Ravi did not meet him.

On August 14 during the celebration of 69th Naga Independence Day at NSCN(IM) council headquarters at Hebron in Nagaland, its General Secretary Th Muivah rejected “rumours” that the outfit was backtracking on integration and sovereignty, saying they were the “core issues” and there could be “no solution whatsoever” without fulfilling the two issues

Mizoram Will Do Everything To Ensure Peace: CM

Aizawl, Aug 17 : Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla assured the people of the state that the government would leave no stone unturned in maintaining peace and tranquility.

In his Independence Day speech after unfurling the national flag at the Assam Rifles ground in Aizawl, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said that flagship programme New Land Use Policy (NLUP) has made impressive progress and was well on the tract to realise the set goals of achieving development in the state.

Lalthanhawla He said that 90,139 people have so far been benefitted under the NLUP and assistance for another 44,861 people would be started soon.

The chief minister said that the atmosphere of peace in the state was disrupted on March 28 when the convoy of the Assembly Committee on Government Assurances members was ambushed by insurgents on the outskirts of Manipur border Zokhawthiang hamlet where three policemen were killed and five others injured.

"Counter operation was launched by the Mizoram Police and in the ensuing operation self-styled Sergeant Malsawmkima of the HPC (D), a police deserted, was killed near theManipur border on May eight," he said.

Naga Peace Accord: Vested interests are spreading false propaganda

The negotiation was piloted by the Prime Minister’s Office and the main interlocutor was the former Chairman of Joint Intelligence Committee, R.N. Ravi.

Some crucial talks doing the round in the last few days after the signing of the agreement are about Nagas having a separate flag, separate currency and safeguarding their Naga customary system and land and its resources.

The Accord has brought in sharp criticism from the state governments. The reality is, while details of the accord are yet to be disclosed, it is unlikely to deviate substantially from the underlying principles established under previous regimes, and would essentially reflect a continuity of efforts. It is likely that the deal will pave the way to an election where the NSCN-IM or a successor political party will be facilitated to secure power through polls.

“Wherever Nagas are located they will ask their friends to give them a running commentary of the speech”. “And we decided to call it as framework agreement”. Among these are the circumstances under which it is said to have been signed. Some of these points have already been touched by Zeliang also.

The NSCN-IM leader said the Naga people shall be the master of their own fate and shape their destiny due to their unique history.

I genuinely believe such a decision should be taken after a thorough deliberation on the present development through a “Special Session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly”, so that it will be politically valid and logical. However, he argued “We want integration and want all arbitrary boundaries removed”.

There is expectation from the speech about the territorial sovereignty of the Naga people. Similar statementsreflecting skepticism or hostility have come from a number of political formations. One side they have to work out as to how they can take on board other Naga groups, on the other they have to see that Nagaland and its neighboring States’ interests are protected. Soon after this agreement, breaking news of this event came in all the TV Channels from Delhi and all the online editions of the National Papers. In 2001, Manipur was rocked by violent protests when the centre had unilaterally extended its ceasefire with NSCN IM to areas outside Nagaland.

“The abrogation of ceasefire by NSCN (K) has led to the killing of several personnel of the security forces followed by the death and injury to some civilians in Phek district”.

“Lets work together in the interest of the nation, ” Muivah appealed reaching out to other Naga underground factions.

Further, the possibilities of a split within IM can not be ruled out.

He reminisced that Shillong Accord of 1975 was the worst thing that had happened to the Nagas, as a result of which Nagas began to lose ground it said. Now is the time for the Nagas to grab the opportunity with both hands.

NSCN-IM general secretary T. Muivah declared on Friday that his group has not given up the demand for “sovereignty” for Nagas and integration of all Naga-inhabited areas. This tempered optimism is the only rational approach to perhaps the most complex and intractable of internal conflicts in India. This may, however, mean that Khaplang will gain in influence. The NSCN-Reformation group, while welcoming the Centre’s accord with NSCN-IM with “high hopes” cautioned against to the “vast experience of failed accords and agreements in the past”.