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01/09/2006: "Nagas awaiting next round of talks with abated breath"


Nagas awaiting next round of talks with abated breath Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Jan 8 : With 23 days to go for the expiry of the current cease-fire term between the government of India and the NSCN-IM, it is the Naga society who are now all focussed on the next round of talks between the NSCN-IM representatives and that of the Government of India.
The proposed mid-January talks between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM will decide the matter regarding the cease-fire terms, according to top NSCN-IM sources who informed Newmai News Network today in Dimapur.
As of now, the popular speculations doing the round among the Who’s Who of the Naga circle is that the current cease-fire term is definitely going to be extended again for another term after it expires on January 31.
The recent salvo thrown up by no other than NSCN-IM supremo Th Muivah threatening to pull out of the ongoing peace process, has been the reason for the panicky striking the public psyche that the days of turmoil in Naga areas are not far behind. Th Muivah had given the threatening statement in an interview with Subir Bhaumik, a BBC journalist in Bangkok on November-3 last year. But the people heaved a sigh of relief when NSCN-IM home minister Rh Raising said two days ago that interim solution is on the card.
The NSCN-IM leader had said this while talking to a Dimapur media establishment adding that interim solution was the corridor to permanent settlement of the Naga issue. The various Naga Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) including the Naga Hoho, the Naga Mothers Association and the Naga Students’ Federation have been running against time campaigning not to abrogate the ongoing peace process. The government of India had, on various occasions, expressed optimism that the NSCN-IM would not call it quit regarding ongoing cease-fire.
But the comments of frustration spewed out by the NSCN-IM's collective leadership from time to time owing to the snail's pace of the peace talks, had put the government of India in an uncomfortable situation.
Praag to submit fresh proposal The Morung Express News Dimapur | January 8
Michael C van Walt van Praag of the Netherlands-based non-profit organization called Kreddha International Peace Council for States, Peoples and Minorities will be submitting a fresh proposal during the next round of talks at Bangkok slated for January 13-14. Praag’s proposal will form the basis of discussions between the NSCN (IM) and the government of India.
Sources said that though the government of India denied the involvement of the international mediator because of various ‘internal political reasons’ it was agreed upon in the last December 16-17 meeting between the two sides that the Dutch based Praag would put forth the proposal.
As the Indian negotiators were not comfortable with the term “third party mediation” the government had earlier described as ‘’without any basis’’ the reports that Mr Michael C van Walt van Praag from the Netherlands had been nominated to mediate between the centre and the NSCN (IM).
On the contrary, it was informed by reliable sources that Praag in fact had a one to one separate discussion with both the two parties involved in the talks on the premise that outside expertise was required to come out with ideas and more importantly to bring an understanding on some issues. Despite the statement issued shortly after the December talks by Oscar Fernandes, Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation, that the question of appointing a mediator did not arise, sources pointed out that the presence of Praag could not be disputed.
The source also disclosed that New Delhi has requested the NSCN (IM) to have patience stating that because of internal political reasons, the former could not fulfill the demands of the NSCN (IM). However, the Government of India has noted the demand of the NSCN (IM) as genuine. Another top ranking NSCN (IM) official also said that the delay in the peace process wagon moving forward was due to New Delhi’s ‘system management’ constraints and the difficulty involved in getting around a plethora of procedural norms.
Political Process The Morung Express Jan 9 Today's Editorial
The recent admission made by the Amsterdam based Naga International Support Centre (NISC) of a major deadlock in the peace parleys between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) is not without basis and more so because the Dutch based human rights organization is known to be close to the Collective Leadership. Nevertheless, the disclosure of divisions at the decision making set-up of the Indian Government between the hard line elements out to stall any design aimed at placating the Nagas and the moderate section working for a negotiated political settlement is not unexpected by any stretch of imagination.
Two things should be taken note of based on the statement issued by NISC. One of them undoubtedly is the insecure mindset of some of the Indian agencies in particular the Intelligence Bureau working under the Home Ministry and certain hawk elements in the Defence Ministry who would like to cling on to the assumption that the 8 year old peace process should be treated as a zero-sum-game in which only one side wins at the end. Such a premise also completely ignores the political side of the peace process so much so that a few hardliners on the Indian side would want to reduce the problem to the ridiculous by viewing it as a mere law and order issue which is definitely not the case.
Some of the assumption and post-accession mindset being carried into the talks table by the hard line section is also a complete negation of the basic premise on which the process itself began—which was to find an honorable-negotiated-peaceful-political -settlement to the over 50 year long problem. That the peace process has seen the personal involvement of at least four Indian Prime Ministers should also be taken as a political mandate of the people in India who is in no way opposed to the Nagas having their rights honoured in a settlement. If this is the case, it is appalling to note the circumstances under which a peace process is being dragged on its feet by those who have no mandate to decide on what should essentially be a political decision making process.
The other issue that cannot be ignored here is on the dictates of coalition politics, which may have impelled the Prime Minister to go slow on some of the intricate issues such as unification of contiguous Naga inhabited areas. There are now speculations doing the rounds that any decision may entail trouble for the UPA government knowing fully well, on what is now an open secret, that the political parties in the Left Front backing the Manmohan Singh government from outside, remain opposed to any redrawing of territorial boundaries as highlighted and documented in the UPA Common Minimum Programme (CMP). This could well be the “differing voices within political parties” as pointed out by the NISC in its statement.
Consequently this lack of a coherent approach among the political parties and the absence of an all party consensus on how best to address the Naga peace process has only created a situation of unease for the Government thereby stalling any forward movement towards negotiating a peaceful settlement. If at all New Delhi is serious and committed for a negotiated settlement, the political leadership should start taking control of the process itself before it is completely hijacked by the whims and fancies of the Indian security apparatus. Concomitantly, the Prime Minister should now immediately call for an all party meeting to discuss threadbare the entire gamut of issues relating to the peace process and rally for a consensus appreciating the urgency for a peaceful negotiated settlement.
NSCN (K) support for Muivah to hinge on talks outcome Karaiba Chawang The Morung Express
In a significant statement, top NSCN (K) leaders while interacting with a group of Journalists at Mon town yesterday said that they would back a settlement if the NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th. Muivah was able to successfully negotiate the demand of sovereignty. “During these talks if Muivah can bring sovereignty we are with them”, said the organization mouthpiece Kilonser AZ Jami, who only recently joined the faction after serving under various capacities both as MIP Kilonser and Secretary of the NSCN (IM) Steering Committee.
While expressing doubts over the sincerity of the Government of India in resolving the Indo-Naga conflict, the NSCN (K) leaders nonetheless underlined the assertion that for any solution to be arrived at there was a need to obtain mass based consensus of the Naga public besides a prior understanding between the two NSCN factions.
The NSCN (K) insisted that unification of the rival factions must precede solution and pointed out that this was the main bone of contention with the NSCN (IM). Further pointing out that on many occasions the government of India had hinted on its willingness to start political dialogue with them, the leaders said they had declined the offers and instead decided adopt a “wait and watch” policy.
“If we interfere, it may disturb the talk, so we decided no to talks”, Jami said and added that there was no question of supporting or not supporting the talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India. “We decided to enter into a ceasefire to create conducive atmosphere, where people can exchange views and interact freely under the direct or indirect superintendent of India”.
The NSCN (K) top brass also expressed pessimism that a peaceful solution was still a dream because of too many killings.
Clearing all doubt and apprehension, the NSCN-K said that the ongoing truce with the government of India was not necessarily meant for political negotiation, but to give peace a chance.
Leaders of the NSCN-K also pointed out that its ceasefire with New Delhi was quite different from that of the NSCN (IM). They said that the rival faction’s ceasefire was only for political negotiation, whereas they have no such commitment, and the NSCN (K) were at a liberty to pull out of the truce as and when they desired so.
However, serious allegations were leveled against both the rival faction and the mass based civil society groups pointing out that Muivah was playing games with the support of NGOs leaders who were out to gain cheap popularity. The Organization also alleged that these groups were misguiding the NSCN (IM).
The NSCN (K) also warned that it would mark those leaders who blindly support the NSCN (IM).
Reiterating that their principle objective was sovereignty and that it was still relevant to them, the NSCN (K) said that it would seriously watch whether the rival group would live up to the national principle.
After the long interaction, visiting Journalists and NSCN (K) leaders prayed for the unification of the Nagas and also prayed to bring understanding upon the leaders of both the group.
MIP Kilonser AZ Jami, Council Member Convever Ngampan, Dy. MIP Kilonser Seyechung, Central Council Member Y. Wangting Konyak and hordes of secretaries were present during the interaction.
Delhi Nagas outcry on attempted murder The Morung Express
New Delhi, Jan 8 (MExN): The Naga Student Union Delhi (NSUD), NPMHR Delhi Unit and North East Joint Action Committee (Delhi) has facilitated in filing a case against Rajesh, Tingku and his friends for attempt of murder against L.S. Richard and friends at House No.6, A.K. Apartment, Mahipalpur, Delhi on the 25th December 2005.
“It was on Christmas Eve at 11.30pm when the 5 Nagas were badly beaten which include a woman L.S. Maria, and a physically handicapped male, Mr. L.S. Joseph. They were beaten up blue and black by more than 10 persons led by Tingku after they were instigated by Mr. Rajesh, the neighboring household of those victims. In the incident two male, Mr. L.S. George and Mr. Puvito Neikha got serious injury in their heads which the Medical Report of Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj, Delhi had recorded in their Casualty Card, dated 26th December 2005. Medical Legal Case was registered immediately but the police have not taken any action so far,” a release said.
In the aftermath of the incident, the victims had filed FIR on December 28 for necessary action. “Nevertheless, the S.H.O., Vasant Kunj, Delhi Police Station had not taken any necessary action so far and we failed to see any concrete step being taken in this regard,” the release said.
The three organizations jointly condemned this “type of unforgivable repetitive act and attitude towards the Nagas and North East people.
NSCNs suffer major casualties in Tizit shootout The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JAN 8 (MExN): According to reports received, both factions of the NSCN suffered casualties during a shootout in Nokyan village under Tizit sub-division. It was reported that NSCN (K) cadres attacked the ceasefire designated camp of the IM faction. An NSCN (IM)) source revealed that only one of its cadres was killed. However, the NSCN (K) said four to five IM cadres were killed in the ensuing fire and some arms and ammunition were recovered. It was informed that the NSCN (IM) camp at Nokyan was overrun. The NSCN (K) source, , further said the ‘Indian authorities’ were deaf to the voices of the Konyak people.
Muivah missed golden opportunity for unity’, says Wangtin Konyak The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JAN 8 (MExN): The NSCN (K) has blamed the manner in which the Naga political struggle for complete sovereignty has today been sullied due to the selfish motive of certain leaders who managed to manipulate the Nagas including the Naga Hoho, NSF and NPMHR.
“The Chief Minister of Nagaland Mr Rio’s claim of the Naga peace process going in the right direction and solution within a year is nothing but his political gimmickry in the hands of certain NSCN (IM) leaders”, stated a press communiqué issued by Y. Wangtin Konyak, Central Council Member NSCN (K).
Wangtin underlined that the government of India was denying the rights of the people because of the division among the Nagas. He also said that nothing could be achieved out of the NSCN (IM) talks as the Naga people did not participate in this talk.
While acknowledging that Th Muivah was born to be a leader, Wangtin stated that he had become a victim of his emotional attitude and had missed a golden opportunity to achieve his dream had he listened to the people’s advice.
Instead of making criminal political talks, his political boat could have sailed smoothly. His main aim of entering into ceasefire agreement was a game plan to wipe out both NSCN and NNC and late Tali Mongru General Secretary NSCN (K) was a victim of such game”, it was alleged. Wangtim also alleged that, some NSCN (IM) leaders want to keep the Nagas divided for their personal gain and pointed to the killing of Late Lawrence Angami, Region Secretary NSCN (K) on August 30, 2003 in the midst of peace-reconciliation programme organized by the Naga Hoho and NBCC which was followed by the rejection of a unilateral ceasefire offered by the NSCN K on March 2004.
NSCN factional clash claims two lives in Nagaland Kohima Webindia

At least one cadre each of the two NSCN factions- NSCN-IM and NSCN(K)- were killed in a gun battle in Nokyan village under Mon district in Nagaland yesterday.
According to official sources here today, the NSCN-IM had opened a designated camp in Nokyan village, but the Konyaks, who are a majority in the district, had raised objections through their apex body, the Konyak Union, to the concerned authorities.
They had apprehended factional clashes which could result in loss of civilian lives.
But, the authorities had allegedly given the issue a go-by.
There were about 60 NSCN-IM cadres in the camp.
According to reports about 80 cadres of NSCN (K) raided the rival camp and in the ensuing gun battle, one NSCN (K) cadre was killed.
The NSCN-IM cadres reportedly fled the camp and were now taking shelter in the village.
Later, the NSCN (K) entered the camp and discovered a body of an NSCN-IM cadre in a bunker.
The stand off continued in the area and a was feared.
Meanwhile, the NSCN (K) claimed that at least five NSCN-IM cadres were killed in the raid, while the latter admitted to only one casualty.
UNI AS SG PC RN 1420
NSCN (IM) cadre among four killed in turf war
Itanagar | January 09, 2006 12:39:51 PM IST

Four Naga militants, including a NSCN-IM cadre, were killed on Saturday in a factional fight at Nokjan in Mon district of Nagaland, official sources said today.
The NSCN-IM member was from Luaksim village under Kanubari circle of Tirap district in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Khaplang and IM factions of the NSCN were reportedly engaged in a turf war for territorial dominance in anticipation of more developmental activities in Tirap and Changlang districts.
The Khaplang cadres were believed to be operating from their camp in Changlang. Nagaland Police handed over the body of Wangjam to his relatives, the sources added. UNI UPB SG YA SSC1205
File suit for manhandling NE students in Delhi NET News Network
Guwahati, Jan 08: Reacting against repeated highhandedness and humiliation against students from northeast, the Naga Student Union Delhi (NSUD), Naga People Movement for Human Rights Delhi Unit (NPMHR) and North East Joint Action Committee (Delhi) has filed a case against Mr Rajesh, Tingku and his friends for attempt of murder against L.S. Richard and friends at House No.6, A.K. Apartment, Mahipalpur, Delhi on the 25th December 2005.
Informing this, a joint press communiqué by the three organizations added, “ On Christmas Eve at 11.30 pm when the 5 Nagas were badly beaten which include a woman L.S. Maria, and a physically handicapped male, Mr. L.S. Joseph. They were beaten up by more than 10 persons led by Tingku after they were instigated by Mr. Rajesh, the neighbouring household of those victims. In the incident two male, Mr. L.S. George and Mr. Puvito Neikha got serious injuries in their heads which the Medical Report of Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj, Delhi had recorded in their Casualty Card, dated 26th December 2005. Medical Legal Case was registered immediately but the police have not taken any action so far”.
The statement further informed, “ In the aftermath of the incident the victims had filed FIR on 28th December 2005 for necessary action. Nevertheless, the S.H.O., Vasant Kunj, Delhi Police Station had not taken any necessary action so far and we failed to see any concrete step being taken in this regard. The victims have been feeling insecurity because they were threatened by those culprits that whoever inform the incident to the police would be finished off and The Nagas in Delhi are disturb by the fact that many Nagas and Northeast people are becoming more and more vulnerable and they have become a target for abusing, sexual harassment”.
The three organisations jointly condemned this type of unforgivable repetitive act and attitude towards the Nagas and North East people, “We demand that compensation should be paid, the culprit be arrested at an earliest notice and put behind the bar .We would like to lobby the North East MP’s and raise this issue in parliament because this is not the only first incident that had torn and humiliate the Nagas and North East in Delhi. We would like to urge the other organisations to extend their support and solidarity for the safety of North East in Delhi”.

Myanmar trader killed, 4 injured in bomb blasts near Moreh Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Jan 8 – A Myanmar businessman who ran a restaurant at Namphalong market, a border business centre of Myanmar neighbouring Moreh town of Manipur, was killed while his wife and three other Myanmarese citizens sustained serious injury in two separate bomb explosions along the border on Sunday morning.

Border gates at Moreh town have been sealed indefinitely, as a precautionary measure, reports from the border said. The first bomb blast took place at Mahinga Hotel at 7:20 am killing the Myanmarese proprietor of the hotel on the spot while his wife sustained serious injury. Another bomb exploded after two hours near another popular hotel Morning Star injuring three Myanmarese citizens.

According to the sources, the identities of the victims are yet to be ascertained as the Myanmarese authority refused to leak any information in this regard. Indian officials here suspect the involvement of Myanmar-based underground outfits in the twin explosions.

Moreh town slowly limped back to normalcy since Friday after three days of continuous tension between womenfolk and securitymen over the arrest of a youth by troops of 24 Assam Rifles based there. The town wore a deserted look for three complete days as the indefinite bandh was in force in the town. However the issue has been settled soon after the handing over of the youth to local police by the Assam Rifles team.

Meanwhile, the tension that erupted in the tribal-dominated Churachandpur town, 75km south of Imphal, following the killing of IGP (Intelligence) T Thangthuam on New Year’s eve has ebbed.

The tribal students of the district apart from calling a 24-hour statewide general strike on Saturday, have been demanding a CBI probe into the killing of the IGP. Superintendent of Police L Dorji told this correspondent over telephone that the situation in the town was under control with the deployment of maximum security forces.

NH-39 bandh called off The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jan 8: The proposed indefinite band due to commence from January 9 along the NH-39 by the Southern Angami Public Organisation, (SAPO), Kohima has been called off following an understanding reached between the Manipur government, Nagaland government and the SAPO representatives.

The SAPO proposed to call the band in demand for handing over of culprits involved in the killing of van driver Vilhoukho Phira hailing from Kikwema near Kohima whose dead body was recovered near Saiton under Moirang police station on December 4 last year.

The understanding was reached during a meeting held today at the premise of Hotel Jatphu, Kohima. As emissary of the Manipur chief minister, two senior minister of the SPF government namely arts & culture minister Ph Parijat and medical minister L Nandakumar met SAPO leaders and apprised them about the steps being taken up by Manipur government in connection with killing. The meeting was also attended by Thenacho, home minister, Nagaland, according to source.

It may be recalled Bishnupur police, in the aftermath of the incident, have arrested two person suspected to be involved in Vilhoukho`s killing and both of them are now lodged in Jail at Imphal.

Memorandum submitted to CM on Mangaibou issue Newmai News Network

Imphal, Jan 8: Nine social organisations have submitted a joint memorandum to chief minister O.Ibobi Singh yesterday demanding five points to be implemented with regard to the Tamei MLA and the engineers episode.

The joint memorandum was signed by president of Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) Poujeng Kamei, president of All Zeliangrong Students Union (AZSU of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur) Ningthoudai Golmei, president of Village Authority Chairmen Council of Tamenglong district (AVCC TML Dist) Thuanmonang Gangmei, president of Zeliangrong Women Union (ZWU) Aniliu Gangmei, President of Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi (LNKR), Humaliabou, general secretary of Zeliangrong Students Union (ZSU of Manipur) Namsungchapbou, chairman of Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF of Nungba zone) Titus Kamei, secretary of Zeliangrong Youth Front ( ZYF of Tamenglong zone) Aronga Pamei and co-ordinator of Zeliangrong Students` Union of Tamenglong district Taluiyang Kahmei.

The five demands of the nine organisations are to execute the improvement work of SDO and SDC office cum quarters at the subdivisional head quarters at Tamenglong - three type-2 quarters at Tamei with A/A amount of Rs.10 lakhs sanctioned under the ACA programmes of the PWD, 2004-05 and to execute the improvement works of mini secretariat building at Tamenglong with the A/A amount of Rs.20 lakhs sactioned under the same programmes

Immediate termination of PWD SE Kh Irabot and other engineers involved is also one of the demands.The memorandum also demanded the withdrawal of FIR filed by "certain government employees" against MLA Z.Mangaibou and to implement the ACA programmes of 2005-2006 for the construction works of SDC office at Kuilong and the construction of SDO residential quarters at Tousem under Tamenglong district.

The memorandum warned of taking up strong agitation by the general public of Tamenglong district in the event of the failure of fulfilling the demands.

The memorandum alleged that the image of MLA Z.Mangaibou had been tarnished to the extent of criminal by certain departmental officials by filing FIR against the former. It stated that the MLA from Tamei had been put into such bad light for speaking the truth vis-a-vis saving the government exchequer from the the corrupt officials.

The memorandum further charged that certain oficials from the home department had initiated orders on the MLA without cross-examining the circumstances leading to the December-23 incident.

"If an image of a righteous public leader could have been tarnished to such criminal status for being working for the welfare of the general public,what your esteemed good self office is intending to do with the corrupted, evil designed and anti-social government officials of your government," asked the memorandum submitted to the state chief minister.

The joint memorandum also reiterated the detailed work order numbers/ names and the amount sanctioned with the dates on which the work orders were issued and on which dates the amounts were withdrawn.

Naga Areas: “Nehru Midwifed the Birth of Nagaland through a Caesarean” By: U A Shimray
Generally, Nagas live in village. Naga village is often irregular in settlement patterns and situated mainly on hill tops or the shoulder of a spur, where it is warm, well-defended and there is adequate supply of water. The reason for choosing hill tops for their settlement was a strategic one and it was a necessity of time as they had to keep constant vigil over the invading enemies. Naga village represents a social, political and cultural system and each village is an independent unit. The village functions as a compact and well-knit society where the traditional customs and discipline were observed. Naga village has (I) population of various clan (ii) village territory, land and forest and (iii) sovereignty as its components. Administration was indigenous and economy was local and self-sufficient. In the village, customary laws were to be feared and respected. Every Naga obeyed these laws for he/she himself/herself was the maker of the laws. Naga villages have their own demarcated boundaries viz., streams, rivers, ridges or stone (Though there are inevitable inter-village boundary disputes, which are common phenomenon even now). For the Nagas, once settled in a place, it became a permanent settlement and they rarely moved out to a new place.
Within the given Naga village system, socio-economic practices are traditionally regulated. Administrative institution headed by village Chief and Council administers both executive and judiciary and upholds the customary traditions. Indeed, village territory is an important parameter because it determines the limitation of the village’s economic activities. One villager cannot pursue economic activities in another village territory except hunting and fishing. Village land’s resources within the given territory are accessible to the whole community and to which no individual has exclusive property right in the community land.
Political Border Dispute:
The “P” Stones
As mentioned, demarcation of boundaries is often presented by means of ditches, stone, hill ranges and rivulets. For the Nagas, land is the basic foundation of their livelihood. So, to change or remove any kind of things in the boundaries is serious crime and often results bad consequences. Prior to 1826 (Before the advent of the British), there was clear-cut political boundary between the Ahoms and Nagas. The Ahoms and the Nagas were independent of each other. To maintain peace between the two communities, the boundary was demarcated on the ground by earth embankment constructed under an agreement from both sides which was variously known as Naga Bund or Ladoigar .
The British after settling down Assam, they gradually expanded their political and administrative activities. The British recognized the traditional boundary of the Ahom and Nagas as the political boundary. In order to maintain harmony, the British Government undertook survey of the area and constructed triangular pillars with a letter “P” engraved on it, clearly showing the line as the boundary between the British territory and the Nagas. These “P” stones were constructed to be known as political boundary/”P” stones between the Assam and Naga at that time.
However, today this political boundary is making complex territorial politics in the region. A Report, “A Brief Historical Background of the Nagaland-Assam Border Issue, 1975” stated that the area belonging to the Naga territory which are under the occupation of Assam under two categories:
(A): The area between the present Naga Hills boundary and the traditional boundary of the old Ahom-Nagas which line is now within the Sibsagar District of Assam.
(B) : Area transferred out, from time to time, from the old Naga Hills District to Nowgong, Sinsagar and North Cachar Hill District. These areas related to the south and south western Naga tribes, the area falling into the present Sibsagar, Mikir Hills (formerly Nowgong District) and NC Hills Districts.
SV Lloyd Reas, S.D.O. Mokokchung and H.H.S. Elter, S.D.O. Sibsagar in 1932, after a joint enquiry, submitted their report to the Deputy Commissioner, Naga Hills in which it was clearly stated that the “P” stones marked the old district boundary between Naga Hills and Sibsagar District. From what has been stated above, it is clear that the boundary between the Sibsagar district and the old NHD was the line on which the “P” stones were constructed. Although quite a number of these stones were either destroyed in the process of cultivation or in most cases deliberately and quietly removed by the people of Assam.
The Nagas, particularly the Angamis, used to make frequently raids in the plain of the present Nowgong District. In order to stop these raids by the Nagas, the first British outpost was opened in Naga territory at Asalu, a Naga village in the present NC Hills District. From the outpost at Asalu, the British force tried to deal with the raiding hordes of the Nagas and finally decided to carve out a separate District for the administration of the tribe with Samaguting as their first Headquarters. The NHD was formed in the year 1866 and the notification issued on 16th December 1867 which NHD included the present Mikir Hills, western Rengma now in Mikir Hills and NC Hills and Part of the present Nagaland. This notification was again amended on the recommendation of the then Political Agent, Captain Butler, of the Naga Hills District vide Notification No. 3386P, dated 24-12-1875 (A Brief Historical Background of the Nagaland-Assam Border Issue).
In 1879, the Headquarter of the NHD was shifted to Kohima. In the process of administrative restructure and convenience of the British Government many areas/tracts were transferred to the various District in Assam. The transfer notifications are- Notification No. 988R dated 24-2-1903 (to Nowgong) and Notification No. 2455 dated 26-9-1923 (to NC hills). According to the Report, total areas transfer to Sibsagar, Nowgong and NC hills comes to approximately 3,298 Sq. Miles.
The Nagas living in these administrative transfer areas from the Naga Hills have their own kith and kin living in the present Nagaland State and is separated by the administration of the State. Also, the Rengma-Naga Hills district and NC Hills under Assam was part and parcel of the then NHD. The Rengma Nagas and the Zemi Nagas (formerly called as Kacha Naga) living in contiguous areas was thus separated from the present Kohima District of Nagaland.
Another factor of the land alienation of the Naga territory, which lay across the Ahom-Naga boundary, began with the advent of opening Tea Estate in Assam. Edward Gait in his book “History of Assam” writes, “The conspicuous success of the Assam and Jorhat companies, the latter of which was formed in 1858 from the Estates of the Messrs. Williamson, led to the most extravagant idea regarding the prospects of tea cultivation. Fresh gardens were open in all directions, and a period of well excitement and speculation supervened. The mania extended even to Government Officers, and three Deputy Commissioners, four Assistant Commissioners and several Police Officers threw up their appointment to engage in tea plantation. …Land was taken up irrespective of its suitability for the object in view of the supply of labour available and was planted out with a wholly insufficient number of tea bushes.”
“The 1925 Notification”: The British India (Assam Government) Notification No. 3102 R dated 25th November, 1925 understand to describe and the fix the boundary (jurisdictional transfer of Naga areas) of the NHD. This notification in fact purely based on administrative convenience, which is regardless to the Naga contiguous territory. The Report remarks- NHD territory changes over time to time without the knowledge and consent of the people. Wherever, such changes were discovered by the Nagas and complaint against, they were told that the British Government existed not only in Naga territory, but in Assam, Burma and Manipur etc. and therefore it made no difference under whose intimate jurisdiction a particular piece of Naga territory is transferred because the Nagas had no separate administration of their own.
The Naga had never accepted the boundaries as notified in 1925. The Naga National Council made it clear to the Assam Governor Akbar Hydari Ali in the year 1947 and its Nine Points Accord that- “present administrative divisions should be modified so as (1) to bring back into the NHD all the forests transferred to the Sibsagar and Nowgong District in the past, (2) to bring under one unified administrative unit as far as possible all Nagas. All the areas so included would be within the scope of the present proposed agreement. No areas should be transferred out of the Naga Hills without the consent of the Naga Council.”
(To be continued)



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