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10/12/2005: "Muivah treads with care on tricky terms"

Muivah treads with care on tricky terms BHARAT BHUSHAN
Bangkok, Oct. 11: “Don’t put the cart before the horse and ask the Nagas at this stage what they want,” Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), thus commented when asked, what he meant by “sovereignty” of the Nagas, after the second round of peace talks today. Muivah’s repeated references to Nagas being “sovereign” have led many in India to believe that there is no possibility of an acceptable settlement with the NSCN (I-M).
Engaging in what might be described as “creative ambiguity”, Muivah told the Indian negotiators that at this stage of the talks there was no need to explain what Nagas meant by “Independence”, “Sovereignty” or “Freedom”. He seemed to suggest that the Nagas should not be forced to give categorical answers at a time when substantive issues have just begun to be addressed as this might prevent a settlement.
The Indian negotiators led by minister of state for programme implementation, Oscar Fernandes, and special representative for Naga talks, K. Padmanabhaiah, wanted a clarification about the meaning of these terms. Their belief was that unless this was done, the direction of the peace process might not be clear. The Indian side is believed to have impressed upon the Naga delegation that of the 31 proposals made by them to settle the Naga issue, only five were contentious. These issues, the Indian side believes would help Nagas define their “uniqueness.” The issues are — a common citizenship, joint defence of Naga territory, a separate Constitution for Nagaland, a separate state flag and control over natural resources. The Indian negotiators argued that if the government decides to address these issues and resolve them in a manner acceptable to the Nagas, then they should have no objection in exercising their sovereign decision for Nagaland to be with India.
In this context, it was also discussed how the people of Sikkim had exercised their sovereignty to join India, while at the other extreme, the Bangladeshis had exercised theirs to be independent of Pakistan. Giving the negotiations a chance to succeed, Muivah said: “I told them — ‘Let the relationship between the Nagas and India define itself through the terms of the agreement. If a solution has to be arrived at, it has to be on mutually acceptable terms. The terms of the agreement shall define the position of the two sides’.”
Muivah believes that insisting the Nagas to clarify their position on “sovereignty” might entail the Indian side denying Naga history of independence and self-governance. “That would be insulting and would upset our people,” he explained. He said he understood the problems that India had with some of the proposals given by him. However, he said: “Suffice it to say for now that we want an extremely close relationship with India. It is for India to decide for itself what that relationship means.” Another important issue that continued to dominate the second day of discussions was the question of investigating ceasefire violations leading to the death of an NSCN (I-M) cadre. Muivah wants “joint investigation” of such incidents. “If this is not done, we told them, that, the sentiments of the people would be hurt because of the gross injustice involved.” The Indian negotiators said that the NSCN’s co-operation should be there in the investigations and modalities should be worked out.” The two sides decided that the next round of talks should be held in Bangkok with the NSCN (I-M) suggesting dates in November. However, the dates will be confirmed once the schedule of the winter session of Parliament is announced.
Sumi Hoho snubs NSCN-K for outburst OUR CORRESPONDENT Calcutta Telegraph Dimapur, Oct. 11: The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) has been snubbed by the Sumi Hoho, the apex body of the Sumi Naga tribe for the former’s outburst against the Hoho president recently. In a recent press release, the NSCN (K) termed Hoho president Scato Rotokha as a “traitor” who is hobnobbing with its rival, the NSCN (Isak-Muivah). Rotokha today said time will only tell “who the traitors are”, adding he did not worry about what the militants are saying. He was referring to the recent four-point peace agreement between the Sumi Hoho and the Khiamniungan Tribal Council. Khiamniungan tribals are warriors who reside in Tuensang district and many of them do not support the NSCN (I-M).
Last week, Rotokha and the tribal council’s member, P. Pongom, signed a peace agreement. “We were not intimate neighbours during the head-hunting days,” Rotokha said. But now, he said, both organisations have resolved to live peacefully in order to build a better tomorrow. The meet appealed to the warring rebel groups to stop the killings. There has been a number of killings during factional fighting in Tuensang district in which all three major outfits — the NSCN (I-M), the NSCN (K) and the FGN/NNC (Adinno) — have been involved. The Konyak Students Union has demanded the expulsion of the additional deputy commissioner of Tizit for the ongoing factional clashes in the area. Arrests: Mizoram police yesterday arrested 41 non-tribals who were staying in Kolasib district without valid inner line permits, reports PTI. Kolasib SP L. Khiangte said the arrested persons would be produced in court and pushed back into Assam if convicted of the offence of entering the state without ILP.
UPA govt acknowledged 'uniqueness' of Naga history: Muivah Webindia
Bangkok Successive Indian governments had failed to recognise the ''uniqueness'' of Naga history which must be the basis for a solution to South Asia’s oldest insurgency, however, the present UPA government has acknowledged this fact, says the leader of the Naga insurgents' struggle for a separate homeland. Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah) said, ''We went to New Delhi at the initiative of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh because for the first time, they recognised the uniqueness of Naga history.'' The NSCN (IM) leader was in Bangkok at the head of the Naga delegation to the two-day talks with main Indian government negotiator Oscar Fernandes who was accompanied by New Delhi’s special representative K. Padmanabhaiah.
''When we say 'uniqueness of Naga history', politically we mean that Nagaland was never conquered by anyone. Nagas were never under alien occupation, except a small portion by the British,'' Mr Muivah told UNI. The UPA government has acknowledged this fact while earlier governments ''just ignored it'', he pointed out. ''They had no respect for historical fact. The father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi too said the Nagas have every right to be independent.'' ''An honourable solution must be based on the uniqueness of Naga history,'' he insisted. ''They have their history, we have our history. We respect their history. Let them respect our history. Until that is done, there will be no solution,'' he asserted. The NSCN (IM) leader outlined the three principles for a negotiated settlement: ''We will not accept occupation of Nagaland by force; we will not accept suppression of Naga people; and we will not accept the imposition of Indian will on us. These three points are very clear.
''We will accept only a negotiated settlement. This is our philosophy. This is our politics. This is our democracy,'' he added. Expressing satisfaction with the latest round of talks, he said: ''We are happy to have these kind of talks with the Indian representatives because both sides are now more serious about all issues.'' Mr Muivah emphasised that both sides have to respect the ceasefire in place since July 1997. During the talks in Bangkok, the Nagas raised the issue of the recent killing of some NSCN cadres by security forces in Meghalaya. Ceasefire violations must be investigated jointly otherwise popular sentiment in Nagaland would be hurt, the Naga leader said. During the talks, the Indian delegation conceded that the Meghalaya incident was a serious issue and has sought NSCN's cooperation in probing the matter. Mr Muivah said the NSCN (IM) had proposed a ''federal relationship'' with India. ''When we say a federal relationship, we mean that security of both the parties should be taken into serious consideration and that can be done only when we have federation of the two parties.'' However, a resolution of the dispute ''will take a long time,'' he said, adding, ''it is hard to have a time frame''.
He expressed doubt that the ceasefire could continue indefinitely. ''It all depends on how serious both the parties are about all issues, including violations of the ceasefire.'' ''Sometimes they say that Meghalaya is outside the ceasefire area, this kind of argument is naive.'' While noting a ''lack of political will to solve the problem'' on New Delhi’s part in the past, he agreed that the latest round of talks had been positive.
Situation tense after factional clash: KSU Kohima | October 11, 2005 Webindia
The Konyak Students's Union (KSU) has claimed that the situation in Lapa Lampong village of Mon dishrict remained tense following last week's clash bewteen the rival factions of NSCN. In a release issued here today, KSU president Manpong Konyak said the situation remained tense after the clash, which left 52 families were displaced and damaged buildings, plantations and vehicles. Normal classes in the village schools have also been disrupted. The KSU has also taken strong exception to the remarks made by the ADC and demanded his expulsion. When asked about the situation, the ADC had reportedly replied that it was a political problem, which the centre and state government cannot solve. He also allegedly termed the visiting KSU team as a "non-entity".
"Such remarks made by an officer is uncalled for as he is supposed to deliver goods to the public," the KSU president said. The KSU also alleged that the ADC was in an inebriated state when the factional fighting was on. Meanwhile, the people of Pfutsero town in Phek district took out a protest rally yesterday against the fratricidal killings on October 6 last at Rukizu ward of the town where the NSCN-IM and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) engaged in a gun battle. The rally condemned the "anti-people" activity of the groups for having violated the plea of the people not to camp within the town with arms for the security of public life. The rally also lamented that the government "failed to intervene and curb the internal disturbances." UNI AS MS AKP1105 Last year, Mr Muivah was in Nagaland for Christmas for the first time in 42 years. ''I was very happy to be with my people.'' He, however, laughed when asked if he would spend 2005 Christmas again in Nagaland: ''I don’t think so this time.'' UNI XC PK GS1948
Naga student leader lends support to peace process
By Meren Longkumer, New Delhi: A student leader from Nagaland has called for a speedy resolution of the decades-old Naga problem during a function to welcome students from the northeast state who have come to study in the Indian capital. Naga Student Union Delhi president S. Sebastian Kamei said he was voicing the aspirations of the Nagas to live under a united homeland and asked for continued support from the students.

A section of the Nagas have been demanding creation of a Greater Nagaland by slicing off parts of neighbouring Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh that have sizeable Naga populations. Speaking Tuesday, Kamei hoped that negotiations would lead to a peaceful resolution of the Naga issue and pledged support for the ongoing talks between the Indian government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) headed by T. Muivah and Issac Swu. "Finding an honourable and lasting permanent political solution" should be the outcome of the ongoing peace process, he said. The Tuesday function, organised by the Naga Student Union Delhi for the new students, was a fun-filled affair packed with traditional folk dances and songs. The gathering included students from the other northeast states. The Oct 11-15 event will see students taking part in sports, debates, music and other programmes. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a popular seasonal folk song by the Tangkul Katamnao Long, a music group formed by students of Tangkul tribe from Nagaland. The students also presented a lively folk dance that represented the entire agricultural cycle from seed sowing to harvest. The structured dance and the graceful dancers with their elegant and symmetrical hand and feet movement awed the audience. Fita Snock, a first year political science student said reflecting the community's love of sports: "I will be playing badminton and volley ball. This is the week to get sporty take your mind off books."

Hundreds of students from the northeast come to Delhi University each year. Some also come here in search of jobs and to build their careers. Lucy, a graduate from Delhi University, said: "There are less job opportunities in our states, so I came here to work and gain some experience while I do my post-graduation." For many though, it is the competitive exams that lure them to Delhi. With growing competition, students find that their stay in the national capital is advantageous because there were several coaching institutes that can help them in their preparation.
Naga farmers spend the most on children’s education Vineeta Pandey
Wednesday, October 12, 2005 00:16 IST DNA INDIA
NEW DELHI: It is in deep pockets of misery where you find the value of education most. Or, so it seems from the latest survey on farmers households, conducted by the government. According to the study, the not-so rich farmers of the north-east are leading their counterparts from rest of the country in terms of money they spend on children's education. According to government's Situation Assessment Survey of Farmers on the Consumption Expenditure of Farmer Households released on Monday, the per capita monthly expenditure (MPCE) on education was found to be highest among the farmers in Nagaland amounting to Rs 77.21. Then come the robust and the rich states -- Haryana (Rs. 48.01), Punjab (Rs. 42.87) -- and the most literate Kerala (Rs. 42.36). However, the expenditure on pan, tobacco and intoxicants was also found to be the highest in the north-eastern states. In Meghalaya, per capita consumption of pan, tobacco and intoxicants per 30 days, was highest at Rs 43.30 followed by Mizoram (Rs. 40.53), Arunachal Pradesh (Rs. 30.75) and Tripura (Rs. 29.96). The all-India average on these items was Rs 13.83. Farmers in Kerala were found to be the most aware when it comes to health and medical issues. While the quacks are a big no no here, most farmers in this state believed in consulting a doctor. The per capita monthly medical expenses was recorded to be the highest in Kerala (Rs. 97.78), followed by Punjab (Rs. 63.04), Tamil Nadu (Rs. 48.76), Maharashtra (Rs. 47.71) and Haryana (Rs. 46.98). Farmers in Kerala were also found to have been highest spenders on durable goods (Rs 95.81), followed by Jammu and Kashmir (Rs 48) and Himachal (43.32). The sex ratio in farmer population was highest in Himachal Pradesh (1089 females per thousand males), followed by Kerala (1048) and Uttaranchal (1014). It was lowest in Assam (849), followed by Punjab (859) and Tripura (870).
Assam govt to probe ethnic violence Indian Express
With ethnic clashes in Assam claiming 30 lives—six of them yesterday—the state government today announced a probe into the killings. Most of the killings were executed by militant groups claiming to be fighting for the rights of the Dimasa and Karbi tribes. Six persons were killed near Diphu yesterday even as Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and former CM Prafulla Kumar Mahanta were touring the violence-hit areas. The state government today announced a judicial probe by retired Guwahati High Court judge PC Phukan. The report would be submitted in three months. As most of the killings occurred in remote villages, even the police came to know of each incident very late. The ethnic violence was triggered on September 26 with the murder of three Dimasa youths near Diphu, the headquarters of Karbi Anglong, a district dominated by the Karbi tribe. The administration initially considered it a law and order problem, but the violence escalated with Karbis and Dimasas attacking each other’s villages. While five persons were killed in two separate incidents on October 3, three were killed a day later. On October 8 seven persons were killed in three villages. Five more died as armed militants attacked five villages belonging to both communities on October 10. The police blame the Dima Halam Daoga (DHD) and the United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), militant groups claiming to represent the Dimasa and Karbi tribes respectively for the violence. ‘‘Villagers are being targeted by the two groups to create tension between the tribes,’’ Karbi Anglong SP Pankaj Sharma said. Police said the assailants used AK-47 and SLR weapons to carry out the killings. Interestingly, both groups have ceased tensions with the government and informal discussions between each group and the state government has been on for several months now. Villagers are in a state of panic. Militants armed with sophisticated weapons recently set fire to a number of houses belonging to both tribes in different parts of the district. Unofficial sources put the number of people rendered homeless due to arson at around 7,000. The number quoted by the police was 4,000. The district authorities have opened 13 camps to shelter people who have been either rendered homeless or have fled their villages due to fear. Some houses belonging to Nepali and Bihari settlers have also been burnt down, sources said. Meanwhile, opposition parties have started blaming the Congress government headed by Tarun Gogoi of having failed to tackle the situation. Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president Brindaban Goswami said the state government had utterly failed to protect the tribal people.

86 houses set ablaze in Karbi Anglong From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
DONGKAMOKAM, Oct 11 – The orgy of violence continued for the fourth consecutive day today in Karbi Anglong, with miscreants setting ablaze 86 houses last night and this morning under Diphu PS. Miscreants torched 15 houses at Loringlangso, 40 at Bijoy Rongpigaon, 15 at Mensing Hanse gaon, near Doldoli and eight at Dokiju Dimaja gaon near Borlangpher and seven in Diphu town. The house of Sailendra Langthasa former DSP was also torched by the miscreants. Though the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council has not taken any step to provide relief materials to the violence hit people but some NGOs and ASDC and ASDC (P) are providing relief materials to them.

Khorsing Ingti Chief Executive Member (CEM) Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) talking over phone said, that police investigation is on to find out the elements behind the incident. On the other hand publicity secretary of UPDS Tung-eh-Nongloda said that the Government has hatched a conspiracy to engineer a clash between Karbis and Dimasa to derail the peace process. A PTI report adds: The army was patrolling the affected areas while security was on a “maximum alert” to prevent further outbreak of violence. Representatives of political and non-political outfits belonging to both Karbi and Dimasa tribes have jointly visited the affected areas to ease the tension. The clash between the two tribes have so far claimed 19 lives since Saturday while thousands of houses have been burnt and huge losses to property reported.
The district administration has appealed to all sections of people to not to pay heed to rumours and spread panic.

Night curfew in sensitive areas Karbi hills situation ‘under control but tense’; Gogoi puts on halt Bangkok tour Our Bureau
DIPHU/GUWAHATI, Oct 11: The latest spurt in violence in trouble-torn Karbi Anglong has prompted the administration to clamp night curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all sensitive areas in the hill district even forcing Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to put on halt his scheduled Bangkok tour. Gogoi, accompanied by Minister of State for Finance Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister’s Commissioner and the IGP (SB), was scheduled to leave for Bangkok today with a view to wooing foreign investments. The hill district was still ‘tense but under control’ with no fresh incident of violence reported from anywhere today, official sources here said. As many as seven houses, including that of a retired DSP and Dimasa Mohila Samaj general secretary Konika Jigdung, were burnt down by miscreants near Binapani School at Diphu town last night. An LPG cylinder of Konika Jigdung burst producing a deafening sound which was mistaken by many as a grenade explosion.
The Army staged flag march in the vulnerable areas today and security personnel have been deployed in all sensitive areas to thwart any subversive activities by miscreants. Representatives of political and non-political organizations belonging to both Karbis and Dimasas have jointly visited the affected areas to ease the tension. The clash between the two tribes have so far claimed 30 lives since September 26 while thousands of houses have been burnt and huge losses of property reported. The district administration has appealed to all sections of people not to pay any heed to rumours and spread panic.
More than 5,000 people were taking shelter in seven relief camps in Diphu, 5,000 people in camps in Dhansiri and 500 in two relief camps in Bolangphar, the sources said. Hundreds of Dimasa tribes have fled Karbi Anglong and taken shelter in North Cachar Hills district. Many Karbi families residing in NC Hills have also left NC Hills.
When contacted, UPDS publicity secretary Tong Ehh Nongloda said today that miscreants were torching the abandoned houses in the remote areas in the district. "Our cadres and the district administration have been keeping a strict vigil to prevent the miscreants from burning houses," Nongloda said, adding that peace committees comprising Karbis and Dimasas were formed in west Karbi Anglong.
Karbi-Dimasa clash: ABSU’s plea for harmony From our Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Oct 11: The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) has expressed deep concern over the on-going communal clash between the Karbis and the Dimasas in Karbi Anglong district. The ABSU, in a statement, has appealed to both the communities to shun the path of violence and refrain from killing each other. ABSU secretary Gautam Mashahary, in a press release, stated that the people of lower Assam had witnessed one of the worst ethnic violence of Assam in the year 1996 between the Bodos and the Adivasis where hundreds of people from both communities had to lose their lives and property. Mashahary said that such violence would affect the age-old social relationship between the Karbis and the Dimasas as it had happened in case of the Bodos and the Adivasis causing irreparable damage to both the communities. The release said both the Karbi and the Dimasa tribal brothers had been living together peacefully since time immemorial and they must maintain their age-old and racial relationship by easing tension. The ABSU also urged the State Government to deal with the situation in a proper manner so that the district could be saved from further damage.