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11/16/2005: "IM to inaugurate foundation stone"

IM to inaugurate foundation stone Newmai News Network
Kohima, Nov 15: As a symbolic declaration of freedom and sovereignty of the Nagas, the NSCN-IM would inaugurate a foundation stone at Parashen, Sen- denyu on Nov 16 at 10 am.
Convenor of the NSCN (IM)’s Steering Committee, Qhevihe Chishi would formally inaugurate the foundation stone at Sendenyu, erected to commemorate the historic day of March 22, 1956 when the former president of Naga National Council, A.Z Phizo, who is also regarded as the Father of the Naga Movement, unveiled the NNC flag atop the Senden-yu hill and the Naga move- ment was taken forward.
IM release six captives: In a new development, the NSCN (IM) this morning released six out of the seven arrested on charges of inciting a mob to ransack its office and staging a public rally against the NSCN in Pfutsero recently.
The Pfütsero Town Committee, PTC chairman is however reportedly in their custody and is ‘yet to be released’ sources said adding that all of them underwent an NSCN court trial before release.
Stating that they are on conditional bail, a senior NSCN leader disclosed that “their case has not been cl-eared.” Asked on the con- ditions of their release, the leader said, “they would be called in whenever an investigation needs to be do- ne and they have to repor-t,” the senior leader said.
K. Mero, secretary of Chakhesang Mission Church, when contacted over phone, said he was aware that last night they were released and taken to Dimapur. They were later summoned at Hebron camp this morning, he said.
The Chakesang Public Organization president Vedayi Chakesang was not available for comments.
Meanwhile, the leaders of the NSCN-IM have reportedly left for the next round of Indo-Naga peace talks in Bangkok from November 18 to 20.
NSCN (IM)-GoI talks postponed The Morung Express
Dimapur, Nov 15 (MExN): The next round of talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India, which was slated to be held in Bangkok has been postponed. According to Indian Home Ministry sources the coming winter session of Parliament beginning on November 23 has been cited as the reason for deferring the talks. However, there was also speculations that the Government of India wanted to buy some more time before coming to the negotiating tables. No new dates have been decided upon.
NSCN-IM Releases Hostages Nagarealm
KOHIMA, NOV 15 : The NSCN (IM) today released the seven Chakhesang leaders it abducted from Pfutsero town in Phek district of Nagaland last week in response to a public appeal. “The NSCN has released all of them unconditionally,” Chakhesang Public Organisation president Vedayi Nyekha said over phone from Hebron, the NSCN (I-M)’s general headquarters near Dimapur. Officials of the Chakhesang Public Organisation and members of Chakhesang Baptist Churches Council had gone to Hebron to secure the release of their leaders.

Pfutsero Town Council chairman Dingulo Khutso, Chakhesang pastor Nuvosaye Vese and village elder Puneru Chakhesang were among the seven kidnapped by the NSCN (I-M) on November 10.

NSCN (I-M) activists had picked them up in retaliation to their “active participation” in a rally against the outfit at Pfutsero last month and alleged ransacking of its “office” during the rally.
The Naga Hoho had yesterday appealed to the NSCN (I-M) to release the public leaders immediately, saying what-ever be the case it was un-fair to “abduct” one’s own people.
Ceasefire violation to be taken up with GoI THE Morung Express News DIMAPUR: In the backdrop of allegations that the ceasefire ground rules were being openly violated by both factions of the NSCN, Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring/Supervisory Group/Board Lt Gen (Retd) RV Kulkarni today said that the matter would be reported and taken up with the Government of India at an appropriate time. Kulkarni clarified that his role was merely to ‘monitor’ and implement the ground rules as agreed between New Delhi and both the factions of the NSCN. “My role is only to monitor the situation and it is the responsibility of the Government of India to enforce the rules through the various agencies under its control”, Kulkarni told The Morung Express over phone from Kohima. Mentioning that he was in touch with functionaries of both factions, Kulkarni also pointed out that any movement of armed cadres had to be checked by security forces and the police as per the ground rules. On the assassination of former DGP Hesso Mao allegedly by NSCN (K) cadres, Kulakarni said he was waiting for the official police report and refused to divulge further. Kularni however said that Hesso’s killing was ‘not a normal crime’ and the motive behind it had to be ‘thoroughly investigated’.
The Government of India-NSCN (IM) ceasefire was signed on August 1, 1997 with the agreed ground rules which included cessation of ‘active’ military operations by security forces while curbing activities of the NSCN (IM) such as kidnapping, extortion, killing etc. Further on January 13, 2001, both sides met in New Delhi to finalise the ‘Revised Agreed Ground Rules’ that governed the modalities of the ongoing cease-fire.
A similar agreement was signed with the NSCN (K) on May 28, 2001.
Rio conducts high level security meet The Morung Express News DIMAPUR: A high level security meeting was held yesterday evening at the Chief Minister’s residence to take stock of the overall security environment in the State following the brutal killing of former DGP Hesso Mao on November 8 allegedly by NSCN (K) cadres and the abduction of six public leaders of Pfutsero town by the NSCN (IM) on November 10.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and included Home Minister Thenucho, Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring/Supervisory Group/Board Lt Gen (Retd) RV Kulkarni. Both the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police also attended the crucial meeting. According to highly placed sources, Rio in no uncertain terms told the meeting that there was a need for taking ‘appropriate action’ to enforce security measures in the State.
NPCC miffed at govt inaction at economic blockade New Kerala
Kohima: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has seriously viewed the 'total failure of the state government' in taking stock of ongoing 'economic blockades' at Noklak and Chare under Tuensang district by different underground groups. NPCC President Hokheto Sumi in a statement here today said the economic blockade at Noklak, which has been imposed by the 'so called national workers' for almost on for a month. It has gravely affected the common people of the sub-division, as they have been facing acute shortage of essential commodities. He alleged that even the district administration, instead of coming ahead for the rescue of the people are sitting relaxed saying that there are sufficient essential commodities.

Stating that national workers should be working for the welfare and development of the people, the NPCC alleged that the 'so called national workers are trying to strangulate the innocent public by imposing economic blockade'. The NPCC also expressed surprise that present Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government led by the Nagaland Peoples' Front (NPF) party, which calls itself a government for the welfare of the people, was comfortable to remain a silent spectator and allowing a free hand to the underground elements to terrorize the people. "It is the DAN government's intention that the public be tortured, otherwise how can the government allow the underground groups to continue with economic blockade," he questioned. The NPCC hoped that the government initiates immediate action to take stock of the aggrieving situation and find measures to assist trucks bound for Tuensang to reach their destinations safely. The NPCC further hoped that the mindset of the people should change from the rule of gun to rule of law, the release added.
Australian Government asks citizens to defer travel to India Sydney | November 15, 2005 5:08:51 PM IST Webindia

The Australian Government has advised its citizens defer to travel to India. In India, particularly, Jammu and Kashmir because of terrorist activities, they have also been advised not to travel to Ladakh via Manali or by air. Besides, the Australian Government has also warned its nationals to avoid going close to Government buildings, public transport and commercial and public areas.
They have been advised to reconsider their plans while visiting to northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur due to the uncertain security situation. Australia's Foreign Department travel advisory also talks about exercising caution and monitor developments' because of the risk of terrorist activities in other parts of India. Australians have been advised to 'pay close attention to personal security' and monitor media reports related to security risks. Australians have been at the receiving end of at least three terrorist attacks in Indonesia. (ANI)
Uncertain security situation in NE’ The Morung Express
NEW DELHI, NOV 15 (UNI): The northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur have been declared places where ‘extreme caution’ should be exercised ‘due to the uncertain security situation’, according to the comprehensive travel advisory issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade few days back. Australians have been advised to reconsider their plans to visit these states.
On a more serious note, Australia has advised its nationals to stay away from Indian hotels and other tourist locations as terrorist attacks are likely in ‘the next few days’. Australians in India have also been advised to exercise caution while travelling in the country following attacks on hotels in Amman, Jordan. The advisory has also cautioned Australians not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir as the state was plagued by ‘armed clashes and terrorist activities’. Besides hotels and popular tourist destinations, the Australian government has also warned its nationals to avoid going close to ‘prominent government buildings, public transport and commercial and public areas’ that could be ‘potential targets for terrorist attack’. They have also been asked to monitor media reports for information about ‘possible new safety or security risks’.
The advisory has cited suicide attacks on hotels in Amman, Jordan on November 9 for issuing such drastic warnings. Kuki blockade called off
Assam minister under CBI scanner for murder By Indo Asian News Service
Guwahati, Nov 15 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Tuesday said a senior minister in his cabinet would be dropped if the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) files a chargesheet against him in the murder of a Britain-based businessman. Social Welfare and Revenue Minister Gautam Roy and his son, also in the Congress party, are under the CBI scanner for their alleged role in the murder of businessman-turned-politician Protul Chandra Deb.
'I do not know if the CBI has interrogated him (Gautam Roy) and his son. But if the CBI charge-sheets the minister or, for that matter, anybody in my council of ministers he would not only be excluded from the cabinet but would not even get the party ticket to contest the elections,' Gogoi told journalists here. There is no official confirmation by the CBI if the minister was formally interrogated or not although local media reports say Roy was summoned by the investigating agency to New Delhi and served with a questionnaire to clarify certain points relating to the case.
Roy has denied he was interrogated by the CBI.
The Assam government had earlier handed over the probe to the CBI after Deb's London-based daughter Shipra Deb met union Home Minister Shivraj Patil seeking justice.
Protul Deb, 67, was abducted by gunmen in March last year on a visit to his village in southern Assam's Hailakandi district where the family has business interests.
Shipra Deb, a geneticist working in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has visited India twice to trace her father. The CBI arrested two people in September and then managed to exhume the body of Deb, buried in a forested area. Shipra Deb has reportedly pointed an accusing finger at the minister and his son, also a young Congress leader, for being allegedly involved in the kidnapping of her father and the subsequent murder. The minister denies the charges.
Dimasa house torched, fear returns to KA NET News Network
Guwahati, Nov 16: After a brief lull, the strife torn Karbi Anglong district in Assam once again stand in the threshold of another spell of ethnic frenzy after a Dimasa house was torched in the heart of Diphu town this evening.
Raising eyebrows at the mysterious role of security agencies, an enraged DHD supremo Dilip Nunisa pointed out, “ If this can happen in the heart of Diphu town straight under the nose of security forces, you can understand what Dimasas are going through in other parts of the district”.
An abandoned house belonging to one Bhagyalal Jigdung was torched at around 5:45 this evening at Beltola near Don Bosco School. Shimmering tension prevails in the district after the news about the incident spread. “ Today’s incident is an warning to Dimasas living in Amolapatty area in Diphu town who had been asked by a Karbi group to leave the area by Thursday. Now, anyone can imagine what is in store for these people after tomorrow,” stated Nunisa.
Meanwhile, a source from DHD’s designated camp at Dhansiri informed that a state of anger and futility about the ongoing ceasefire prevails in the camp. Many feel that if violence against the Dimasas continues than there is no point maintaining ceasefire.
Assam becomes aggressive on border NET News Network
Aizawl, Nov 16: The tension in the Assam-Mizoram border at Bairabi is feared to deteriorate further after a team of Assam government officials dismantled two Mizoram Agriculture department resting sheds inside Mizoram on Monday. "A team of police and Forest officials headed by a police inspector coming from Hailakandi (Assam) dismantled two resting sheds in Bairabi near the Assam border constructed by the Mizoram Agriculture department and collected all the materials on Monday" said a delayed report from Bairabi yesterday. Hailakand district officials had on November 8 last destroyed another resting shed constructed by the Mizoram Agriculture department, against which the latter have filed an FIR with the Bairabi police station. The resting shed was constructed at the cost of Rs 23,000 under the integrated wasteland development project.
Kolasib district officials rushed to the area this morning to look into the situation and prevent further untoward incidents. Sources said the officials will meet their counterparts in Assam, but further details could not be received from them while filing this report due to tele-communication problems. The sources also stated that the officials intended to bring up the issue to the Assam government, not only the district level. Sources from Bairabi has earlier stated that the Hailakandi officials headed by DC and SP put up a 'Welcome to Assam' signboard inside Bairabi on November 6 last. There have been a border dispute in the area since long time back with no clear-cut demarcation of the border. The situation worsened following an alleged extortion incident by MZP activists in Bairabi from non-Mizo truckers. In retaliation, residents in Hailakandi have prevented all vehicles carrying passengers and goods from entering Mizoram since early this month. Train service to Bairabi was also disrupted by the tension. The train services to Bairabi was however restored since four days back after reduction in tension, but without carrying any goods. Other vehicles are still being prevented from entering Mizoram through the Hailakandi route.
At a meeting convened by Mizoram chief secretary, Haukhum Hauzel last week on the matter the chief secretary had declared that the Mizoram government has not officially recognised the issue as a state level issue but rather as a local village incident to be resolved by the local authorities. In response to the official statement of the chief secretary, the Former Underground Welfare Society (FUWS) came out with a statement on Tuesday wherein it termed the chief secretary's statement as a "humiliation to the Mizos". The FUWS said that many Mizos in the area have been confiscated of their paddy fields and driven away from their own land. "With this being the problem the statement which said there is no border dispute in the official level is a humiliation to the Mizo people," the statement said.
Dark clouds hover over peace initiative NET News Network Guwahati,
Nov15: Dark clouds hover over ULFA- Centre peace talks after the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) today urged the Government to release all the central executive members of the outfit and disclose the whereabouts of the missing members during the Bhutan operation for smooth continuation of ongoing peace initiative. Announcing this, senior PCG member, Lachit Bordoloi further said that Consultative Group might contact the Bhutan Government regarding this and also requested the Indian Red Cross Society to enquire about the 18 missing ULFA members in Bhutan.
“ULFA leaders like Bening Rabha, Abhijit Deka, Nitul Chakroborty among others are missing since Bhutan operation in Dec 2003 and the both the governments must give a clear picture about their existence,” Bordoloi said while briefing the media this afternoon. “I have not seen my husband since the Bhutan operation and though I was send back to India, whereabouts of my husband is still a mystery,” said Anima Devi, wife of Bening Rabha, who was present in the press briefing along with the wives of Abhijit Deka and Nitul Chakroborty. Meanwhile, wives of the above mentioned ULFA cadres have filed affidavit and on the basis of that Manav Adhikar Sangram Samity (MASS), a human rights organisation has filed a case in the Gauhati High Court. On the other hand, in a statement issued to the media this evening the proscribed outfit alleged that the Indian army had killed members of ULFA fiercely during the Bhutan operation though they could have been arrested. “ The ULFA cadres were said to be handed over to the Assam police which was vehemently denied by wife of Prakash Gogoi, who has been missing since the operation”, stated the release. The release also flayed the Government for intensifying conspiracy to exploit the organizers of PCG as weapons against ULFA. ULFA statement further said that the continuous killing of the ULFA cadres has raised question on the sincerity of the Government. “When the peace process began on Nov 3, Indian army tortured villagers to divulge whereabouts of the ULFA members”, the statement added.
Manmohan outlines new economic strategy Assam Tribue
NEW DELHI, Nov 15 – Outlining a new economic line of “walking on two legs”, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the government was committed to removing shackles on businesses but warned that failing to address questions of equity and justice in favour of only market and individual forces would result in an unsustainable path of development, reports PTI. He also pledged to reverse the poor infrastructure for which there was need for massive investments but felt a check on wasteful subsidies and better targeting was needed as part of fiscal responsibility and prudence in expenditure management.
“We cannot ignore the dualism in our society and economy any longer. There is an India that wants to move forward even faster. There is an India that is unable to catch up. “The challenge before any government in this vast and diverse land is to allow those who can and wish to run to do so, even as we help those who are unable to even walk to be able to do so. No government can ignore either challenge,” he said addressing the two-day Hindustan Times Leadership Summit. He said irrespective of political ideology, he believed that any government in a complex society like India will be required to “walk on two legs” to take the nation forward.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, SP General Secretary Amar Singh, CPI leader D Raja, Air Chief S P Tyagi, industrialists, diplomats and media personalities were among those present. The Prime Minister said the biggest constraint in realising a better future for India was poor infrastructure. “We need far better roads, railways, airports and ports so that they oil our wheels of progress...we still need to address major policy and implementation issues in the power and coal sectors”. While the dream for a better future required massive investments, people must realise that these require financial resources and there were limits to what government could generate. “Governments need to show fiscal responsibility and prudence in expenditure management so that fiscal and monetary stability is not impaired. We need to put a check on wasteful subsidies while targeting these to the genuinely needy and disadvantaged. “Citizens must be convinced about paying atleast a modicum of user charges for the use of public utilities– for preventing wasteful usage and generating resources for investment in better services. Enterprises in both the public and private sectors must run efficiently, compete with the best in the world and generate profits which can be ploughed back for social development,” he said. Elaborating on the dualism, the Prime Minister said the Government has to enable those Indians who want to take on the world to compete globally to test their skills and sell their wares on the global stage. “In the past, we shackled them with rules and regulations. Regrettably, in many areas, we continue to do so even today. Even where we have unshackled them on paper, we are yet to do in practice. Bureaucratic mindsets and corruption continue to act as roadblocks to enterprise and progress,” he said.

Structure of Chin-Kuki-Mizo's social institutions By Sominthang Doungel Sangai express editorial
The Chin-Kuki-Mizo society, like most tribal societies, is segmentary. It has different clans, which followed different system of dialects, sacrificial rites, priest (thiempu) and chief. Their social life during the pre-British were bounded by many fears arising out of their animistic belief. Inter-clan feuds had also been a common feature among them in the early period. As a result many people were made captive who became to be known as 'SOH' le 'Kol' (slaver).
Family: Family occupies the most important and prominent place in the history of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo. Their family is a nuclear family which ultimately become a joint family. In the Chin-Kuki-Mizo family the father exercise all supreme authority over matters pertaining to the family and the women folk have no significance roles in decision making. Traditionally the wife is a subordinate to the husband in the household management. A wife never called her husband by his name. But when a son or daughter is born she addressed him as the father of the child. On the death of a father the eldest son is all responsible who like the father exercise the same nature of power.
Marriage: The form of marriage in the Chin-Kuki-Mizo right from its inception was a marriage by pu-rchase. The price of a bride varies from clan to clan. However, if both the two parties mutually agreed the price may not be required at all. A bride's price is determined in terms of 'Sel' (Mithun). For instance the price of my wife who is from Khongsai (Lunkim) clan is eight sel (mithun) (though I was not required to pay at all then). There are also some clans who charged up to ten mithuns. The price can also be paid in certain articles or goods which were equivalent to mithun. It is also customary for a man to marry his mother's brother's daughter (cousin) which in local term is called 'Neite'. But to-day this practice is hardly seen and parents preferred marriage outside the family. There's a marriage by arrangement, marriage by mutual love. Inter clan marriage was never allowed in the past. But, in the present day such practices have been observed without any nullification. There is also no restriction with regard to marriage between different linguistic groups of tribe. Usually marriage involves a series of three visits by the gro-om's party to the bride's party at the end of which marriage ceremony is performed. This visits and marriage is possible only if the to be bride's parents consented. Other than the Church the marriage is not bound by any court or authority to register.
Divorce: There are certain recognised reasons under which divorce could be claimed. Such as adultery, issueless, imper- forated vagina etc. A mithun is given to the wife if divorce is due to the husband breach of marriage vows. If the divorce is caused by the wife, the bride price is returned to the husband.
Chief: Every village has its own chief who in theory is despot within his jurisdiction. His words are law in his own village. All disputes and cases have to be decided by him. He is also assisted by his Council of Advisors. He imposed customary punishment to the erring subjects. In the modern administration, justice is carried out by the village authority with chief as the chairman. Dispute which could not be settled by the village authority are usually referred to the area court (Area Kuki Inpi). If the Area Court fails to settled the disputes, it is then referred to Kuki Inpi (apex body) for final settlement.
Land and mode of inheritance: Land can be owned by an individual if it is in the area where the MLR and LR Act 1960 is extended. But in the hill areas where the said Act does not extended it belongs to the chief. Transfer of land in the hill areas is not possible as it entirely belongs to the chief. But land where MLR and LR Act of 1960 was extended can be transfer and inherited by the eldest son if the father died. The mode of inheritance among the Chin-Kuki-Mizo is counted in the male line. It is their custom and tradition that all the parental properties are inherited by the eldest son of the family. In the absence of male heir, the nearest kin inherit the deceased's properties.
Settlement area (KHO) : In the pre-British period, the Chin-Kuki-Mizo lived in one spot for not more than 7-10 years. Because, they were in search of more productive land and their life was much migratory in nature. For selecting a village site the eldest would first slept one night at the proposed site by taking with them a cock. If the cock did not crow before down the site would be considered not suitable.
On abandoning the old village, the old hearth wo-uld be doused with water so that none of the misfortunes and curse of the abandoned village should follow them.
Type of houses: Houses of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo in the early days were not bu-ilt strong and durable. Bamboo and thatches were usually used for buil-ding. Houses were raised 4-5 feet high from the gro-und. The floor were usually were made of splitting bamboos. Except the main doors, they did not have windows or ventilations. Som Inn (Bachelors Dormitory): Som inn or the bachelors' dormitory is one of the institution of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo which fostered and nurtured the youths into a responsible and matured person in the society. The bachelors ch-oose a leader from amon-gst them and it was customary for the inmates to obey their chosen leader. The dormitory leader mobilized the youth and rendered free and compulsory services to the society. All the male youths of the village who had attained the age of puberty were made to sleep in the dormitory in the night. The village dormitory served as a sleeping place, recreational centre for unmarried. It was also used for imparting and training the young boys. It also served as an inn for a man from another village.
Musical instruments: It is rather abstruse to ascertain the year as to when the Chin-Kuki-Mizo star-ted using musical instruments, but it has been used by them from time immemorial. They had different kinds of musical instruments. To name a few their instruments include Khu-ong or drum, Goshem (ba-mboo pipe) which is made of dry gourd and dry bamboo pipe, 'Dahpi' (big gong) and 'Dah Cha' (Small gong), 'Selki' (mithun's horn), 'Theile' (Flute) whi-ch is made of dry bamboo pipe, Harps, cymbals etc.
Dances: By nature the Chin-Kuki-Mizo love social bustles, singing, dancing and drinking are ingrediently blended forming a common feature of life. They have various types of dances which have their own uniqueness. The dances are generally performed by both men and women with elegancy and affinity. Their music and songs are classical melancholic and sentimental. Most of the songs are sung with the accompaniment of drums and music.
Games and sports: The Chin-Kuki-Mizo are sport loving and competitive minded people. One of their common games is wrestling. This game was occasionally done in the bachelors' dormitory as a routine exercise. Visitors to a village were usually challenged by the local youth and a fair competition was fought till one become the winner. Weight lifting was another popular game. In the early days in every village of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo, there would be one or two stone used for weight lifting. Young men competed among themselves either in the morning or in the evening. There are different games played by man, women and children.
Economic life: In the early period, jhuming constituted the main basis of the economy of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo and it still remains. The people could managed themselves with the kind of food they produced from the jhum. They had limited wants and were contented with their economic life. Their staple food was rice. Besides paddy, maize, millet, yams, sweet potatoes etc were also grown. Buying and selling were most counted much, business was transacted through barter system. Cottons were grown and yearned into thread. They knew how to dyed their clothes by using a species of dwarf indigo grown in their village.
Goats, cows, buffaloes, dogs, pigs, mithuns etc were domesticated by them. Mithun occupied a key role in the social as well as in the economic life of their early life. They kept them for trading and for festival purpose. Rice beer was very common and no ceremony was performed without rice beer. Nevertheless young men and women hardly drank as drinking in the presence of elders by young men and women was considered unseemly.