Move against Non-tribal Traders in Meghalaya

The move of the Federation of Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo People (FKJGP) against non-tribal traders in the State without valid trading licence dominated media headlines in the State. The Shillong Times (4 March) in a front-page item reported the demand of the organisation to ?close down all illegal shops and business establishments at Lewduh and other areas sans valid trading licences under the jurisdiction of KHADC.? The report further quoted the statement of the FKJGP which said: ?This operation is part of the move to check illegal business activities by non-tribals in contravention of the Trading by Non-Tribals (Regulation) Act 1954 and also to protect the local economy.?

 

Peace talks with BNLF in Mizoram

The Northeast Reporter provided extensive coverage to the 11th round of talks between the Mizoram State government and the leadership of the Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) over the repatriation of the Bru tribals from Tripura. The reports ?Mizo govt talks with BNLF start today? (9 March),  ?BNLF, Mizo Govt. talks start on cordial note? (10 March) and ?BNLF to sign accord after LS polls? (15 March) dealt in detail with the progress of the negotiations. Quoting the State government officials, the report on 15 March said, ?Both the sides were optimistic during the three-day 11th round parleys which ended late last evening that amicable solution to the Bru problem was in sight.?

 

Law and Order in Nagaland

Commenting on the law and order situation in the State, the Nagaland Page (1 March), in its editorial ?Crimes Ltd?? commented: ?While statistics released by the law enforcing agencies in the state might indicate otherwise, it is a fact that Nagaland today is still under the grip of violence and fear, and it remains to be seen whether the state law enforcing agencies would allow subversive elements, bent on projecting Nagaland as a trouble torn state, to assert its authority over the will of the people or pull up its socks and endeavour towards ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in the State.? The editorial further said: ?The need of the hour for the state police force today is to shed their insurgent-minded view towards criminal activities and give equal weightage to all kinds of crime, whether it is insurgency related or committed by criminals.? Ã‚ 

 

Extra-judicial Killings in Manipur

Throughout the fortnight, media in Manipur published several reports on the alleged extra-judicial killings by the security forces operating in the State.  ?Seven youths killed by security forces during Yaoshang festival? (Imphal Free Press, 12 March), ?Police open fire to quell mob, effigies of Governor, CM, Brigadier burnt? (Sangai Express, 15 March) and ?Sit-in-protest against Army atrocities held? (Imphal Free Press, 14 March) are few of the examples of the prominent front-page coverage the media provided to the developments. Commenting on role of the security forces, Sangai Express (5 March), in its editorial ?True lies?, said: ?If readers of the daily newspapers in Manipur will recall, during the last few years, allegations have been mounting by the day against the security personnel of extra judicial killings of suspects. Come to think of it, perhaps the cheapest commodity in Manipur today is the life of a human being.?