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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
37 years on, Nagas remember Oinam massacre during Operation Bluebird
1 2 3 4 5 6 Imphal: Nagas commemorated the 37th anniversary of the Operation Bluebird at the Maram Union Secretariat Complex in Tahamzan (Senapati), Manipur, on Wednesday. They marked the event as the dark day of July 9, 1987, when the Indian Army's counter-insurgency operation turned into what many regard as one of the worst cases of human rights violations in northeast. The event was organised by the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and hosted by the Paomei Naha Union (PNU) with attendance from key Naga organisations, including the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Students' Federation (NSF), Naga Women Union (NWU), Naga Peoples Organisation (NPO), ANSAM and other apex Naga tribal bodies, and well-wishers from across Naga districts. Many speakers revisited the trauma of the incident, describing how in the early morning of July 9, 1987, Assam Rifles personnel descended upon Oinam village and over 30 surrounding villages, following the attack by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) on an Assam Rifles outpost that resulted in the killing of nine soldiers and looting of arms. To recover the weapons, Operation Bluebird was unleashed and an unprecedented reign of terror followed. According to testimonies shared, 27 civilians were killed, three women raped, five sexually molested, two women forced to give birth in public view, 340 villagers were tortured, 96 arbitrarily arrested and detained for weeks, 125 houses burned, 172 dismantled, 10 churches desecrated and 6 schools destroyed. NPMHR secretary general Neingulo Krome described the operation as 'a calculated and systemic assault on the civilian population'. "This brutality gave birth to the NPMHR as a cry for justice and a stand for the dignity of the Naga people," Krome said and reminded the gathering that Operation Bluebird was not just an isolated military crackdown but a historical wound that continues to fester. The operation, carried out under the draconian provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act ( AFSPA ), has since become a case study in extrajudicial killings, torture and impunity.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Voices Of Power: Regional Exchange And Solidarity Building In Defense Of Indigenous Peoples Rights
In building unity and support for Indigenous women paralegals and rights defenders, IPMSDL gathered Indigenous women partners and members from the Philippines, Northeast India, Bangladesh, West Papua, Burma and Borneo last June 20, 2024 for the 'Voices of Power: Regional Exchange and Solidarity Building in Defense of Indigenous Peoples Rights' in Penang, Malaysia. The regional gathering was one of the side-events during the two-day International Festival for Peoples Rights & Struggles that brought together hundreds of attendees from people's movements from around the world. The regional activity followed a series of online discussions, local para-legal training, rights and anti–judicial harassment campaigning led by Indigenous women. 'We gather to hear the lived experiences and challenges faced by communities and the different but common struggles on Indigenous women and Indigenous Peoples against criminalization due to their defense of their rights, lands and territories,' said Paul Belisario, IPMSDL global coordinator. Opening the event was a traditional prayer and ritual by Indigenous Dayak from Sabah, asking for the ancestors and spirits to bless and guide everyone. Ananya Chakma shared the experiences of Bangladesh's Jumma peoples displaced from the militarized Chittagong Hill Tracts under the guise of development projects. 'In order to occupy the land of Indigenous Peoples, they always target women, children and their families, threatening their lives and safety,' she said. From Manipur, Sorokhaibam Panthoi Chanu and Kiranmala Laishram exposed the brutality following India's military forces using extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and a militarization. Under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which legalized attacks and perpetuated impunity among our women suffer the most,' they stressed, urging the repeal of AFSPA and respect for Indigenous autonomy. Naw Paw Pree from Burma presented accounts of airstrikes on schools and churches, including the March 2024 bombing in Doo Tha Htoo, northern part of Mon State, Burma. 'End military dictatorship and ethnic chauvinism,' she contended. Meanwhile, Filipina activist Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa uplifted the role of Lumad women in Mindanao, portraying them as educators, warriors, and healers despite the continuous militarization and ancestral land theft. Her rallying cry—'Kamalitanan, maghiusa!'—then called for unity amid struggle. Her speech was seconded by Eufemia Cullamat, which emphasized that Lumad women, especially those choosing the road for liberation and revolutionary struggle, have always been sacrificing their lives and becoming martyrs. Sayang Mandabayan of West Papua condemned Indonesia's transmigration program for eroding Papuan identity, capturing their lands and criminalizing and imprisoning Indigenous activists for self-determination. These became a huge toll to women and children left in refugee camps and forcibly removed from their communities. A survivor of political imprisonment, she reminded the world that West Papua bleeds behind silence but they will not disappear. Common in the sharing was the heavy militarization linked to development projects and land grabbing by government and corporate interests. Each also shared how the paralegal training project, network building, sharing of stories and rights campaigning offered overall education and learning, awareness raising and capacity building in terms of IP women rights, IP rights, and immediate paralegal and legal knowledge necessary for IP women to identify steps in protecting themselves, their communities, organizations and families. The event also cemented and initiated the ground work on how Indigenous women from different places can support one another, exchange experiences and meaningful experiences to challenge any attacks and rights violations. Giving solidarity and support, Datuk Dr. Haji Sangkar Rasam, Chairman of Felcra Niaga Sdn Bhd and Head Branch of Peoples Justice Party Keningau, also extended inspirational message and stories of Indigenous Peoples persistence to push for their welfare and own development. In Penang, the affirmation that there is still a lot of work needed to be done for all Indigenous women and Indigenous Peoples further emphasized the key role of solidarity building between and among Indigenous women and communities. The actions and steps to safeguard ancestral lands, the safety and protection of communities and leaders, and the strengthening of local struggles to realize a self–determined future is a step by step journey. And with these regional exchange, bold strides are now being led by brave Indigenous women. The event is made possibe with the support from FIMI-AYNI, The Christensen Fund and Possible Futures.
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Suspects involved in last week blast CRPF camp held; attacks in three towns foiled: Himanta
All suspects entrusted with carrying out blasts in four major locations of Assam, including the one that occurred in Bokakhat last week, have been arrested by police and the grenades meant for the purpose recovered from them, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday (June 27, 2025). The 'key person' involved with the plan is still absconding, though police have his whereabouts and he will be nabbed soon, Mr. Sarma said. Two motorcycle-borne miscreants had lobbed a grenade at a CRPF camp at Bokakhat on June 24, injuring three police personnel who were inmates of the camp. Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Sarma said, "The plan was to carry out blasts in Bokakhat, Guwahati, Tezpur and Lakhimpur. Police have arrested all those who were to carry out these blasts." The three remaining grenades meant for the blasts and a pistol have been recovered from houses of the accused, he said. Maintaining that 'criminal-minded' people were behind the plan and attack rather than militants, Mr. Sarma said, "Further inquiry is on to determine who instigated these persons to carry out the attacks. They are giving conflicting statements at the moment." He said those arrested are apparently not members of any militant organisation, though one of them had been with the ULFA but was jailed for a long period. "These are criminal-minded people, one has been jailed in cattle lifting related case, another in drugs case, etc. Operations are still going on. One person, who was the key in this, is yet to be arrested. He is not in Assam, but we know his whereabouts," Sarma, who also holds the Home portfolio, added. To a question if such blast could lead to bringing back AFSPA, the Chief Minister said, "AFSPA is not related to sporadic incident. It is used in case of prolonged insurgency. It is also out of our state and we will do nothing to bring it back." The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is currently in force in the three districts of Tinsukia, Charaideo and Sivasagar.
Business Recorder
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
59th session of UNHRC: Eight-member Kashmiri team leaves for Geneva
MIRPUR: An eight-member delegation comprising Kashmiri leaders and human rights activists has left for Geneva to attend 59th session of the Human Rights Council (UNHRC), it was officially said. 'Led by the Chairman Kashmir Institutes of International Relations Altaf Hussain Wani, the high level delegation is scheduled to brief Geneva based diplomats members of human rights council and world human rights groups about the unabated human rights violations perpetuated by Indian troops against civilians in the UN recognized disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir', leader of the delegation A H Wani told APP before leaving for Geneva early Sunday. The delegation would also seek the international Human Rights groups' attention towards the Indian state's infringement upon religious freedoms and rights of the Kashmiri people. Moreover, the use and abuse of black laws such as AFSPA,UAPA and Public Safety Act against javelins, arbitrary detention of political leaders, killing of unarmed civilians and the issue of un-named mass graves discovered in many areas within and outside the valley of Kashmir would be highlighted at the august forum to seek rights bodies' urgent attention towards the simmering situation in the region.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP govt successful in bringing peace & devpt to state: Saikia
Guwahati: Establishment of peace in the state, following almost all the militant outfits joining the mainstream, and the subsequent withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from 24 districts and one sub-division, are significant achievements of the present state govt, said BJP's state president .Saikia, who is also a Lok Sabha MP, described the four years of the present BJP govt in the state as successful. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He stated, "In recent years, several major peace accords have been signed between the BJP-led Assam govt and the central govt, including the Karbi, Adivasi, Dimasa, and Ulfa peace agreements, since 2023. These agreements have opened the path for peace and progress in Assam."He added that the Assam Police's strict actions will play a decisive role in curbing future jihadi activities. "The govt's zero-tolerance policy on drugs and corruption has continued through a statewide crackdown by the crime and anti-corruption branch," he added that the border disputes with neighbouring states had long disturbed the peace and obstructed the northeast's progress. Tackling the complex issues of constitutional and traditional boundaries, CM Sarma, with the Centre's guidance, has taken historic steps to resolve decades-long disputes and restore peace to the achievements on the completion of the four years of the present govt on Saturday, he said that during the recently concluded budget session of the Assam assembly, the Assam Panchayat (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was unanimously passed. Through this, the 'panchayati raj' system at the grassroots will become more empowered and reiterated that public healthcare has been a priority and commitment for the BJP-led govt. By strengthening healthcare infrastructure, the Assam govt has placed public health at the top of its agenda. "With the establishment of the first AIIMS in the Northeast, Assam is set to become a state with 24 medical colleges in the coming years," he state President also mentioned that various economic indicators, including GSDP growth, per capita income, economic development rate, fiscal strength, and poverty reduction, reflect Assam's steady rise. "Over the last nine years, the state's economy has stabilised. The state budget has consistently grown from Rs 66,142 crore in the last Congress budget (2015–16) to Rs 43,891 crore in 2024–25," he added that while the Congress govt could spend only 63% of the allocated budget in 2015–16, the BJP-led govt has increased budget utilisation to 85% in the 2024–25 financial year. President Saikia emphasised that the remarkable transformation of Assam over the past four years has been possible due to the spirit, resilience, and trust of the people in the BJP govt.
