Bodo militants attack which killed 55

[Hindustani78]

Indian army helicopter land on NH 153 Close to the ambush site where 2 Assam Rifles troopers were killed three other injured in a militant attack near Jagun in Tinsukia district, Assam on Sunday. PTI Photo(PTI1_22_2017_000192A)

“The people of the North-East and particularly Arunachal Pradesh will always remember the ultimate sacrifice of these brave personnel – the “Friends of the Hill People”, the Chief Minister said. Condemning the incident, Khandu emphasised that all steps should be taken to bring the perpetrators of the attack to book.

Khandu announced ex-gratia from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund as per government laid down norms to the next of kin of one of the martyred personnel, Khamtai Wangsu from Pangchou Village under Longing district of Arunachal Pradesh, an official release said. Militants on Sunday ambushed an Assam Rifles vehicle, killing two security personnel and injuring three others, while two of the ultras were also killed in the ensuing encounter in Tinsukia district of Assam on Sunday, days ahead of the Republic Day.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ed-in-Arunachal-encounter/article17079256.ece

NEW DELHI: January 23, 2017 00:45 IST
Updated: January 23, 2017 00:45 IST

Two soldiers were killed and three injured in an encounter with terrorists after an Assam Rifles vehicle was ambushed in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday. Two terrorists were neutralised during the search operations later.

The vehicle was escorting a large number of tourists attending the Pangsau festival when it was attacked with grenades along the Assam-Arunachal border.

The United Liberation Front of Asom–Independent and the Coordination Committee (CorCom), an umbrella group of six banned underground organisations of Manipur, claimed responsibility for the attack.

(With inputs from PTI)

 

[kvpak]

Indian army should get out of Bodo lands.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...-to-disintegrate-manipur-ibobi-singh-4490062/

Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh Saturday alleged that the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre was trying to disintegrate the territorial integrity of the state. “Back in 2001, on June 18, the then NDA Government at the Centre had declared the extension of ceasefire without territorial limit.

“18 people were killed across Manipur soon after and there was complete turmoil in the state for over two months. It was the creation of the BJP in collusion with NSCN(IM) in the name of peace talks. Till this day nobody knows the framework of the agreement signed then between the Centre and the NSCN(IM).

“This time also the same thing is being repeated and the BJP leaders are crying hoarse that the Manipur Chief Minister is hand-in-glove with the United Naga Council (UNC) and sponsoring the indefinite economic blockade. They are simply trying to create unrest,” Singh told reporters at a press conference here.

“The government is creating seven new districts in the state for administrative convenience aimed at speedy development across Manipur. It has got nothing to do with the claims of UNC and their blockade,” the Chief Minister said claiming the Congress would resist any move Manipur’s “disintegration”.

Regarding the opening of National Highway No. 2 for essential commodities to reach the land locked state, Singh has the Drivers’ Union and the Transporter and Drivers’ Council members were refusing to ply their vehicles on the road due to safety reasons.

“They do want to exchange their lives with ex-gratia relief. Still we are talking to them,” he added.

One loaded oil tanker was punctured by bullets but did not explode. (PTI file photo)
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...sam-highway/story-8vvYCMPqJ5lDwBHqNNSMrL.html

Suspected armed militants on Tuesday ambushed a convoy of trucks and oil tankers along a national highway which connects Assam with the Manipur capital Imphal, a police officer said.

There were no casualties despite fierce exchange of fire between the security forces and the tribal militants near Khongkhang around noon, the officer said.

About 300 trucks and oil tankers proceeding from Jiribam, adjacent to Assam, under armed escort of Central Reserve Police Force and Seema Suraksha Bal personnel were attacked along NH-37, the officer said.

The militants chose a difficult section of the highway with numerous hairpin bends to launch the stealth attack on the commercial vehicles.

One loaded oil tanker was punctured by bullets but did not explode.

A driver present on the scene said: “It took over 30 minutes to plug the bullet holes, as petrol was gushing out of the tanker. The vehicles were halted during this time.”

As the security personnel, escorting the vehicles, retaliated, the militants fled. Additional forces were rushed to launch a combing operation.

The militants are believed to have fled to the mountains, a security personnel added.

Some weeks ago, two drivers were injured in a similar attack while some vehicles were also damaged as the militants fired from automatic rifles. However, no arrests were made.

There have been ambushes of police personnel in the Imphal-Moreh sector of the Trans Asian Highway-1, claiming lives of some personnel and injuring several others.

Recently, tribal militants also opened fire killing a civilian and injuring three others in Noney district along NH-37.

The police said a similar ambush was carried out by NSCN(IM) militants also.

The Manipur government has said despite its request for 60 companies of central paramilitary forces, only 29 companies were sent to Manipur to escort vehicles along NH-37.

As there is no security cover along NH-2 that passes through Nagaland, the route has remained impassable.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...-rawat-reviews-security-situation-in-manipur/
By: PTI | Imphal | Published:January 25, 2017 5:36 pm

Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Wednesday reviewed the security situation in Manipur during a visit at Imphal. (Representational Image)

Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Wednesday reviewed the security situation in Manipur during a visit at Imphal. Rawat was “briefed on the prevailing security situation in the state by local commanders”, a release by Assam Rifles said.

The Army Chief also reviewed operational preparedness of the formations during his visit to the state and appreciated the endeavours of security forces, it said. Lauding efforts of soldiers for ensuring peace and tranquility in the state, he appreciated the close coordination between the state government and the security forces, the release said.

The General also called on Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and discussed the situation in the state.

He was accompanied by GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi, and GOC-in-C 3 Corps Lt Gen Anil Chauhan.

The state had witnessed unrest due to protests and economic blockade by United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ock-Assam-on-Republic-Day/article17096598.ece
Guwahati January 26, 2017 10:58 IST
Updated: January 26, 2017 15:47 IST

Serial blasts by ULFA (Independent) shook northern Assam on Thursday as the State was celebrating Republic Day amid tight security.

Bombs were detonated in Charaidow, Sibsagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, police said.

There was, however, no report of any casualty or damage to property in the blasts.

The improvised explosive devices (IED) were of low intensity and were used only to register the presence of the militant outfit, police said.

In Dibrugarh town, the blast took place just 500 metres away from Chowkidingi Parade ground where the national flag was being unfurled at an official function. Due to high security in the area, the militants threw the bomb into a drain near a tea garden where it exploded, police said.

In Charaidow district, IEDs exploded near a petrol pump at Dholbagan and at Bihu Bor. In neighbouring Sibsagar, two blasts took place at Lengibor and Majpani.

In Tinsukia district, the insurgents detonated two IEDs — one inside an empty water tank at Sisimi village and another near Dhola bridge in Sukan pukhuri area, the police said.

Tight security measures were in place for Republic Day, with patrolling by police and para-military forces at vulnerable areas.

 

[Hindustani78]

By: PTI | New Delhi | Published:February 3, 2017 10:11 pm

The key National Highway number 2 (NH 2) is blocked since November 1 by UNC cadres leading to normal life being severely affected there. The Council is protesting against creation of seven new districts in the state.

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/economic-blockade-in-manipur-likely-to-end-soon-4506563/


The over three-month-long economic blockade in Manipur is likely to end soon with the Union Home Ministry saying “substantial progress” has been made in the talks held today with the Manipur government and a Naga group spearheading the agitation in the poll-bound state. The tripartite talks, among the officials of the Centre, Manipur government and representatives of United Naga Council (UNC), were successfully organised here. The Ministry successfully brokered the talks and the economic crises will end soon in Manipur, official sources said.

They said an agreement in this regard has been reached between the agitating Naga group and the state government which is likely to be signed shortly. The key National Highway number 2 (NH 2) is blocked since November 1 by UNC cadres leading to normal life being severely affected there. The Council is protesting against creation of seven new districts in the state.

“A meeting to formally sign the accord to end the crises has been called on Tuesday and it is hoped that the blockade would end soon after that,” a source said.

A late-night statement issued by Home Ministry said there was “substantial progress” on the issues in the talks.

“The issue of creation of 7 new districts and the ongoing economic blockade was discussed in a tripartite meeting today at New Delhi between UNC, Government of Manipur and Government of India. There was substantial progress on the issue in the talks. A few points needed further discussions at their organisation level.

“Next tripartite meeting is expected on 7th Feb, 2017 on the issues,” it said.

Today’s meeting was attended by UNC president Gaidon Kamei and the Council’s information secretary Sangkhel Stephen, both of whom are lodged in Imphal central jail since January after Manipur police arrested them on November 25 last for leading the indefinite blockade.

Both the leaders were brought to the North Block in police custody for the talks which were led by Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, Home Ministry. The talks continued for over five hours, the sources said.

Due to the blockade, normal life in Manipur has been badly affected and prices of essential commodities have sky rocketed.

Written by Samudra Gupta Kashyap | Guwahati | Updated: February 3, 2017 9:45 pm

Dimapur: Security personnel patrol as bandh supporters blocked the highway during a strike call given by Joint Coordination Committee against 33% Women Reservation and killing of two person in Police firing in Dimapur, Nagaland on Friday. PTI Photo (PTI2_3_2017_000275B)

Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution (Special provision with respect to the State of Nagaland) states, “Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, (a) no Act of Parliament in respect of (i) religious or social practices of the Nagas, (ii) Naga customary law and procedure, (iii) administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, (iv) ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the State of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides.”

While tribal bodies have always taken resort to Article 317(A) in respect to various socio-economic issues, civic elections in the state have not been held since Article 243(T) of the Constitution, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in local bodies, came into force in 1993.

Dimapur: Bandh supporters block the highway during a strike call given by Joint Coordination Committee against 33% Women Reservation and killing of two person in Police firing in Dimapur, Nagaland on Friday. PTI Photo (PTI2_3_2017_000273A)

Written by Samudra Gupta Kashyap | Guwahati | Updated: February 3, 2017 9:24 pm

Himanshu Prasad Das Director of newly releases Assamese movie Shikira Ahibo Bakul Tolor Bihu (Shikira is coming to Bakul Tolor Bihu) being arrived in Panbazar Police station after a Police ,Suliman Ali (Crime Branch ) lodged a FIR against him for writing a letter to militant group United Liberation Front of Assom (ULFA) to help him to run the movie in different cinema hall of Assam in Guwahati on Friday 3rd February 2017.Photo-DASARATH DEKA
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...maker-who-got-ulfa-chief-to-warn-hall-owners/

Guwahati-based Himangshu Prasad Das, who had last month attracted newspaper headlines by writing to ULFA chief Paresh Barua against cinema hall owners who had allegedly removed his film despite good audience, on Friday got a call from the police which asked him to appear in the Panbazar police station here.

“We have registered a suo moto case against the filmmaker after seeing media reports that he wrote a letter to ULFA leader Paresh Barua complaining that some cinema hall owners had allegedly removed his film on January 25 even after it was drawing good audience. We summoned him to the police station and wanted to know why and how he wrote the letter to the leader of a banned militant outfit,” Guwahati Police Commissioner Hiren Chandra Nath said.

The police have slammed Sections 120,B, 121, 121A and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, read with Section 66F of the IT Act, Police Commissioner Nath said. “We have not arrested him as yet, but we can arrest him in the interest of the investigations,” Nath told The Indian Express.

Film-maker Das, a 2008 alumnus of the National School of Drama said most cinema-hall owners had removed his film on January 25 deliberately to make more money from Hindi films. Das admitted he wrote an “open letter” to Paresh Barua, but said he had written such letters to leaders of various other organizations including the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU).

Das’s film ‘Shakira Ahibo Bakul-tolor Bihuloi’ was released on January 20, with Chinmay Sharma, owner of Anuradha cinema in Guwahati saying he had clearly told him (Das) that only five days were available because the hall was booked for ‘Raaes’ three months in advance. Das’s “open letter” on the other hand got a response from Paresh Barua with the latter issuing a statement through a local television news channel warning cinema hall owners for “conspiring” against Assamese cinema.

© The Indian Express Online Media Pvt Ltd

 

[Hindustani78]

New Delhi: February 04, 2017 00:15 IST
Updated: February 04, 2017 02:57 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...Manipur-tripartite-talks’/article17184714.ece
State government likely to partially agree to demands of Naga body.
In a breakthrough in the ongoing economic blockade of Manipur, following the indefinite strike called by the United Naga Council, which has continued for four months now, the State government is likely to partially agree to the demands of the Naga body.

The Union Home Ministry, which held tripartite talks with the UNC and the Manipur government on Friday to find a solution to the ongoing blockade of two national highways, said “substantial progress” had been made.

More time sought

“Substantial progress has been made on the issues of economic blockade and creation of new districts. Some issues need more discussion at organisation level. Both the Manipur government and the UNC have asked for time. We will meet again on February 7,” Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, North-East, MHA, said.

The UNC was represented by its president Gaidon Kamei and his publicity secretary Shankhen Stephen, along with seven others. Both Kamei and Stephen were arrested last year and were in a Manipur jail.

Arrangements were made to bring them to Delhi to attend the talks.

An official familiar with the meeting said the breakthrough could be achieved as the Manipur government conceded to the UNC’s demand to partially roll back its decision to create seven new districts.

The official said the blockade would be lifted in the next two-three days.

Four-month blockade

The economic blockade imposed by the UNC, a conglomerate of Naga bodies, against the Manipur government’s decision to carve out seven new districts, has continued for over four months now.

×
The UNC operates under the patronage of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), with which the Government of India signed a framework agreement in 2015 to find a solution to the decades-old Naga issue.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...rms-pay-‘extortion-money’/article17195281.ece

National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) cadres at the outfit's headquarters in Dimapur, Nagaland. File photo | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

NIA probe reveals that at least 12 government departments in Nagaland regularly paid “extortion money to a terror outfit.
A probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed that at least 12 government departments in Nagaland regularly paid “extortion money” to members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), a banned terrorist organisation that was allegedly behind the 2015 ambush in Manipur in which 18 soldiers were killed.

Recently, one of the absconding members of the NSCN-K posted a photograph on Facebook, where Vikram Misri, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, posed with NSCN-K’s military commander Niki Sumi, who is wanted for having planned the ambush.

He carries a reward of Rs. 10 lakh on his head.

Not a meeting

As per the Facebook post, the photograph was taken on the occasion of Naga New Year Festival on January 17 at Lahe in Myanmar. An official of the Ministry of External Affairs said: “A photo is not a meeting.”

An NIA official said the extortion racket was done in an organised manner and meetings were held in government departments to discuss the amount to be paid to banned organisations like NSCN-K.

More received money

The NIA’s investigation has found that the government departments paid extortion money to two more outfits: the NSCN-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Naga National Council (NNC). The Government of India has signed a framework agreement in 2015 with the NSCN-IM to find a solution to the decades-old Naga issue.

“We have records of at least 12 governments departments that were paying extortion money to the NSCN-K, the NSCN-IM and the NNC. These offices maintained receipts of the amount paid to these outfits and, in some cases, we have seized the ‘minutes’ of the meetings held to discuss the amount to be paid. The records in our possession are 2012 onwards, but the racket has been going on for decades. As per the documents, around ₹3 crore was paid to various outfits,” a senior NIA official said.

The NIA had conducted raids on Nagaland government offices on January 18 while investigating a case it had filed in 2016.

On July 31, 2016, a senior militant of the NSCN-K, identified as S. Khetoshe Sumi, was apprehended by Assam Rifles in Dimapur, Nagaland.

He was the NSCN-K’s ‘in-charge of finance’ for the Kohima and Dimapur regions, and his main responsibility was funds collection

through illegal taxation of government departments. After the NIA took over the investigation on August 17, one more accused — Victo Swu alias V.K Sumi — was arrested on September 28 in Kohima. The NIA filed a charge sheet against the two accused on January 25 this year.

“During the investigation, many incriminating documents were seized from government offices in Kohima, which proves Khetoshe Sumi and V.K Sumi, along with the other absconding accused, were involved in the case in connivance with government officials. These documents are being sent to the Central Forensics Science Laboratory,” the charge sheet said.

The charge sheet said: “The accused raised funds for a terrorist organisation through illegal tax collection and extortion from government offices.”

×
An NIA official said around 150 personnel from across India were flown to Kohima to conduct simultaneous raids on the government offices. “We don’t rule out the arrest of government officials. We have voice samples and signature specimens which point to their involvement,” he said.


Niki Sumi (in picture) is the military advisor of NSCN (K)

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/north-east...manipur-says-united-naga-council_1974616.html

Imphal: The United Naga Council, after tripartite talks in New Delhi failed to break the logjam, said on Tuesday it will continue with its indefinite economic blockade of Manipur to protest the creation of seven new districts which affects the local Naga residents.


The Nagas have enforced the blockade since November 1, 2016, over the alleged lack of consultations with the stakeholders in Manipur before the decision was taken to create seven new districts, including two where the Naga community has substantial presence. The state will go to polls on March 4 and 8 to elect a new assembly.

The Manipur government's representatives told a tripartite meeting in New Delhi on February 3 that the decision could not be rolled back due to the Model Code of Conduct in force in Manipur since January 4, UNC General Secretary S. Milan said.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 25.

"Land is inseparable to the Nagas' identity, traditions and culture, and thus we reject the creation of the seven districts. Article 371 (2) of the Constitution protects the right of the Nagas to their land," he said.

He said the Naga bodies had submitted a memoranda on their stand to the President as well as to the Governor.


First Published: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 - 23:06

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...topped-along-nagaland-cm-t-r-zeliang-4512898/

Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang Tuesday said that border fencing by Myanmar government at Pangsha in Tuensang district of the state has been stopped with the intervention of the central government.The External Affairs Ministry had taken up the issue with the Myanmar government that has agreed and already stopped the border fencing in the area, Zeliang told a press conference here.

He said though official communication has not yet been received, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval rang him up yesterday and informed him about this development.

Detailed discussion on border fencing between the two countries would be held later, the chief minister said. Naga organisations like the Naga Students Federation, recently appealed to the Prime Minister to stop the works on the border fencing between India and Myanmar, saying that the people there are peace loving and have been rendering much effort to maintain peace and tranquillity along the area.

The Nagas have a sizable population in Myanmar. Zeliang also revealed that a Naga summit of all the Naga people bordering Myanmar will be held soon.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/no-m...uncil-if-blockade-continues-govt_1975700.html

PTI | Last Updated: Friday, February 10, 2017 - 19:38

New Delhi: The Centre is unlikely to hold fresh round of talks with a Naga group spearheading the economic blockade in poll-bound Manipur for over three months now, after no breakthrough was achieved in two rounds of meetings with the stakeholders to resolve the crises.

The National Highway number 2 (NH 2) is blocked there since November 1 by United Naga Council (UNC) cadres which has affected normal life.

Though the dates for polls have already been announced by the Election Commission, Union Home Ministry sources today said that it may be difficult for poll officials to reach on duty in the present scenario.

Referring to the security scenario in the northeastern state, they said law and order is a state subject and the Centre cannot interfere.

Asked whether it would be conducive to conduct elections in Manipur considering the prevailing situation there, the sources said "final call" on it needs to be taken by the EC.

About 176 companies (about 17,600 personnel) of central paramilitary forces are already there, and more number of such policemen can also be provided, they said.


First Published: Friday, February 10, 2017 - 19:33

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/manipur-recommends-outlawing-united-naga-council_1976118.html

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Saturday asked the Centre to outlaw the United Naga Council (UNC).


In an hour-long meeting on Saturday morning, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) took the decision to outlaw the UNC.

The UNC is charged with imposing indefinite economic blockade since November 1, 2016 causing hardships to the people. The Centre has been trying to bring about a negotiated settlement between the UNC and the Manipur government by holding tripartite talks.

In its latest stand the UNC said that it will continue the blockade. Quoting Home Ministry sources media reports said that the centre shall not hold talks with the UNC if it continues the blockade.

Briefing reporters on Saturday Congress spokesperson Khumukcham Joykishan said: "During the blockade some persons were killed and wounded in ambushes. Some trucks were also torched. People are asking why the UNC should not be declared as an unlawful organisation".

Explaining the inordinate delay Joykishan said that the state government was waiting for the outcome of the tripartite talks. He further said that the ruling Congress is seeking cooperation from all sections of people.

He said, "The NDA government has assured of all assistance to end the blockade. We sincerely hope that the Centre shall extend meaningful cooperation now."

The UNC called the blockade to protest against the creation of seven new districts. Both the BJP and the Congress have been passing the buck on the issue with an eye to the upcoming elections.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that law and order being a state issue the Centre cannot intervene without initiatives from the state government. He said that adequate security forces had been sent to Manipur.

However state government officials said that though 60 companies of paramilitary forces were sought just 29 companies were sent. The Manipur High Court has been issuing directives to the government officials to ensure free traffic of the trucks and oil tankers.

UNC President Gaidon Kamei and Publicity Secretary S. Stephen have been in judicial custody since November 25. During detention they were allowed to take part in the February 3 failed talks in Delhi.


First Published: Saturday, February 11, 2017 - 21:03

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/fuel-cooking-gas-to-be-airlifted-to-manipur_1976485.html

Imphal: Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar on Sunday announced that the Centre will soon airlift fuel and cooking gas for the people who have been facing hard times under an economic blockade since November 1 last year.

The United Naga Council (UNC) has imposed an indefinite blockade in protest against the state government`s plan to create seven new districts which, it claims, will lead to usurpation of large tracts of "lands of the Nagas".

"If the blockade cannot be ended in two days, the central government shall airlift fuel, LPG and other PDS items," said Javadekar, who is on an electioneering tour in Manipur.

Addressing an election meeting here of BJP candidate Okram Joy, Javadekar said: "During the last 15 years of the Congress rule, even potable water cannot be supplied to the people. The unique all-women market in Imphal city is in a pathetic condition. The state government is responsible for the present crisis."

He also addressed several election meetings of BJP candidates in Imphal.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, however, claimed that the present impasse was the result of an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah).

"Let us see who wins -- the people or the BJP-NSCN(IM) nexus. The BJP is angry over the creation of the seven new districts which is for administrative convenience," the Chief Minister said while addressing an election meeting here.

Speaking at an election meeting of Congress candidate R.K. Imo, Chief Minister Ibobi said: "It is incomprehensible why the BJP is angry over the creation of the new districts. This party and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) are against it. We have waited over three months in the hope that good sense will prevail. Now we will see who wins the face-off."

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei, who also spoke at the meeting, said no one supports the "anti-people blockade" and that people should unite against it.

Civil society organisations have also underlined the need to join hands to face the blockade observing that "the creation of the new districts is a long-standing demand of the people".


First Published: Sunday, February 12, 2017 - 22:41

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/597221/manipur-blockade-result-congress-conspiracy.html

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today alleged that the over 3-month long economic blockade of Manipur was the result of a conspiracy hatched by the state's Congress government to divert attention from its failures.

"I think there is a political conspiracy to divert the attention from the failures of the Congress government here. I want to know why despite Centre extending all help, the economic blockade is still there," the senior BJP leader said.

"I had told the state to sit for tripartite talks with the UNC and Centre to solve the problem. We have given the state enough central forces, but the state is not using those forces," Singh said after the release of the party's Vision Document for the Assembly elections next month.

The United Naga Council (UNC) has imposed a blockade on two National Highways of Manipur since November 1 last year to protest the state government's decision to create 7 new districts which, the UNC said, would bifurcate ancestral lands of Nagas in Manipur.

The state government, however, has claimed that the decision was taken to improve administrative efficiency.

Supply of essential commodities to Manipur has been severely hit due to the blockade on NH2 (via Dimapur) and NH 37 (via Jiribam) - the two lifelines to the state.

"The law and order is a state subject.... When the economic blockade began, I myself had called up him (Manipur CM Okram Ibobi Singh) several times and told him we will extend all help to lift the blockade," Singh said.

On the framework agreement signed in August 2015 between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) and allegations levelled by Congress that BJP has put the territorial integrity of Manipur under threat, Singh said the state government was trying to 'fool' people by spreading canards.

"I want to reassure all of you here that the central government and BJP will never compromise with the territorial integrity with Manipur. In the framework agreement, even the name of Manipur is not there. So why are they spreading lies? They should pursue healthy politics," Singh said.

Singh lashed out at the Ibobi Singh government for being 'unable' to provide jobs, infrastructure and proper drinking water despite being in power for 15 years.

"If we come to power, we will ensure employment generation. BJP and good governance are synonymous," he said, adding that intellectuals of the state would also have a say in providing good governance.