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01/30/2006: "Talks on Naga ceasefire further extended"

Talks on Naga ceasefire further extended
Bangkok | January 30, 2006 1:35:15 PM IST Webindia

The ongoing peace talks between government's mediator Oscar Fernandes and Naga insurgent outfit Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah) here have been extended further into the day.
''All issues, including extension of the eight and a half-year-old ceasefire, are on the table,'' sources told UNI. The ceasefire is due to expire tomorrow.
A seven-member delegation of the Naga Hoho Council, the representative body of all Naga tribes, has also arrived to meet Mr Fernandes.
According to NSCN (I-M) sources, the Naga side has raised questions about the alleged violation of ceasefire by security forces.
''We have also expressed concern about the alleged support by intelligence agencies to the Naga rival faction, Khaplang,'' they added. The talks are being held at Holiday Intercontinental Hotel in Central Bangkok. UNI XC AK AT AKK1256
Govt, Naga talks in Bangkok deadlocked Web posted at: 1/30/2006 3:26:46 Source ::: IANS New Peninsula Bangkok: The Indian government and Nagaland's dominant rebel group failed to make any headway in talks here yesterday to extend a truce that ends January 31, and both sides decided to meet again today.
A two-hour meeting yesterdaybetween an Indian team led by central minister Oscar Fernandes and leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) ended without any outcome. The two sides began parleys Saturday.
"We had very a serious discussion," NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah said after the meeting.
The Indian government and NSCN-IM agreed to a ceasefire in 1997 and began negotiations to end five decades of insurgency in the northeastern state that borders Myanmar.
The truce was subsequently extended in July every year but discussions between the two sides ran into problems last year, mainly due to the NSCN-IM's demand to create a new state by integrating all Naga-inhabited areas in India's northeast.
The governments of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have already rejected the NSCN-IM's demand for creating a "greater Nagaland". The last extension of the ceasefire was only for six months, and expires January 31.
During yesterday's talks, the NSCN-IM leadership is learnt to have lodged strong protests about the Indian government "encouraging other elements who are disturbing the peace process". This, said sources, was an apparent reference to a rival faction of the NSCN led by S S Khaplang, a Naga rebel leader from Myanmar.
Unless the government took steps to control "these elements" and made a firm commitment for peace, the NSCN-IM would not extend the ceasefire, the rebel leadership is understood to have told the Indian negotiators.
4-point Naga poser to decide C-F fate today Bharat Bhushan Bangkok
CAUGHT IN a bind because of its commitment to resolve the Naga issue peacefully and yet faced with a stalemate in the peace talks, the negotiators of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) today posed some blunt questions to their Indian counterparts.
In the formal talks for ceasefire extension, Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of the NSCN (I-M), led a team of 14 negotiators to ask four basic questions to his Indian counterparts — minister of state for programme implementation Oscar Fernandes and former home secretary K. Padmanabhaiah.
The Nagas wanted to know: why should the ceasefire be extended if it does not serve any purpose? Why is the Indian government propping up groups trying to derail the peace process? Why has the government not come up with any response to their proposals for a settlement made as far back as 2001?
And, finally, what is New Delhi willing to commit to the Nagas and within what time frame? The questions reflected both the anger and frustration of the Nagas.
The answers to these questions, they said, will decide the fate of the ceasefire between the Naga outfit and the Indian security forces. The ceasefire agreement began in 1997 and has lasted eight and half years. It has been extended by one year at a time, except in last July when the period was shortened to six months at the insistence of the NSCN (I-M).
However, this has failed to produce the desired pressure on New Delhi to reach a settlement. The ceasefire comes to an end on Tuesday, January 31. Although nobody seriously expects the Nagas to revoke the ceasefire, the NSCN (I-M) leadership is under pressure to show results.
Muivah blames the Indian side for lack of progress saying, “The last six months have been willfully wasted. If the ceasefire is not serving the purpose at all, then it is common sense to conclude that one cannot go for ceasefire for the sake of ceasefire.”
Fernandes, who is also the leader of the group of ministers dealing with the NSCN (I-M), admitted that not much had been achieved. “Frankly speaking, not much progress could be made in the last six months. But we hope that in the coming period we would be able to break some new ground,” he said.
However, he pointed out, “You cannot deny though that barring a few incidents, peace and tranquility has been maintained, a basic requirement for any negotiated settlement.”
Agreeing with Fernandes, Muivah said, “A ceasefire agreement is for creating an atmosphere conducive to peace and therefore it must be taken seriously.” However, he felt that the ceasefire entailed obligations which ought to have been fulfilled by both sides — suggesting that New Delhi was not keeping its part of the bargain.
“There have been some untoward incidents in the last six months and people are not at all happy. We take these violations seriously and I believe so does the Indian side,” he said. He felt that the Naga issue was essentially a political one and required a political response to it from New Delhi or else it would become “a big issue.”
Padmanabhaiah, however, blamed the shortened ceasefire period for lack of progress. “The shortened six month period created many misapprehensions and misinterpretations of the prevailing situation. A lot of time was spent on attending to the issues that arose out of this,” he claimed.
Dismissing such an explanation, Muivah felt that perhaps it was the “weakness” of the Indian government that prevented it from either taking the peace process forward or dealing with those trying to disrupt it.
“Some groups are being set against us deliberately. They are encouraging them to be on the offensive. This is a deliberate policy to betray the peace process. We are not frightened by such attempts of the government of India. A day will come when it will have to face the consequences of this policy,” he warned. (Courtesy The Telegraph)
Nagas want space for peace Press Trust of India
BANGKOK, Jan. 29. — Naga insurgent outfit Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah) today said unless the Central government took “positive” steps on the Naga issue, it saw no need to extend the ceasefire which expires on 31 January.
“We very, very strongly told the negotiators that unless the government took steps to control its armed forces, we will not extend the ceasefire agreement,” Samson Jajo, secretary of the collective leadership of NSCN (I-M), said today at the end of the second day’s talks. “The Indian side is insisting on the extension of the ceasefire for another year,” Jajo said adding “Why should we if the government is not taking any positive steps.”
Asked what positive steps the Nagas were demanding, he said a list of proposals had been submitted to the government.
“On the first issue of integration (of Naga-inhabitated areas of north-eastern states), no decision has been taken yet by the government,” he said. Another issue worrying the Nagas, Jajo said, was the “attitude of India’s armed forces”. He alleged “the situation is quiet different from what it was two to three years ago. The armed forces are helping (NSCN) Khaplang.”
Jajo accused the armed forces of violating the truce. “New Delhi should show positive steps they have taken which we can show our people,” Jajo said. “They told us that steps could not yet be taken as the government had been busy with state assembly elections,” he said.
The second day of talks featured oveseas affairs minister Mr Oscar Fernandes, who is heading the group of ministers for talks with NSCN (I-M), and its general secretary T. Muivah. Mr Fernandes was helped by negotiator Mr K. Padma-nabhaiah. Jajo said Mr Fernandes and Muivah met for formal talks which was followed by a brief meeting. The talks will continue tomorrow.
“We did not discuss any new issue. Nothing came out of the meeting today,” Jajo said adding “if we want to extend the ceasefire, the government has to control the violations.” The truce had come into force in October 1997
NSCN-I-M talks tough on truce extension Kuknalim.com
BANGKOK, Jan 29: In a hardening of stance, NSCN(IM) today said unless the Indian government took “positive” steps on the Naga issue, it saw no need to extend the cease-fire which expires in two days...

“We very, very strongly told the Indian government negotiators that unless the government of India took steps to control its armed forces we will not extend the cease-fire agreement,” Samson Jajo, secretary of the collective leadership of NSCN-I-M, told PTI today at the end of the second day’s talks between the two sides here.

“The Indian side is insisting on the extension of the cease-fire for another year,” Jajo said adding “why should we if the government is not taking any positive steps.”

Asked what positive steps the Nagas were demanding, he said these were in a list of proposals already submitted to the government.

“On the first issue of integration (of Naga-inhabitated areas of other adjacent northeastern states), no decision has been taken yet by the Indian government,” he said.

Another issue worrying the Nagas, Jajo said, was the “attitude of India’s armed forces.” He alleged “the situation is quite different from what it was two to three years ago. The armed forces of India are creating problems, they are helping (rival NSCN-Khaplang (faction).”

Jajo accused Indian armed forces of violating the truce.

“New Delhi should show positive steps they have taken which we can show our people,” Jajo said.

“The Indian side told us that steps could not yet be taken as the government had been busy with state assembly elections,” he said adding they had promised that positive steps would be taken.

The second day of talks featured the Overseas Affairs Minister, Mr Oscar Fernandes, who is heading the group of ministers for talks with NSCN-I-M, and the NSCN-I-M general-secretary, T Muivah. Mr Fernandes was helped by veteran negotiator, K Padmanabhaiah.

Jajo said said Mr Fernandes and Muivah met for formal talks which was followed by a brief meeting between the two. The talks will continue tomorrow.

“We did not discuss any new issue. Nothing came out of the meeting today,” Jajo said adding “If we want to extend the cease-fire, the government of India has to control the violations. Otherwise why should we?”

The current spell cease-fire agreement between the Centre and NSCN-I-M, signed six months ago, expires on January 31. The truce had gone into force for the first time in October 1997.(PTI)
Two days before ceasefire ends, NSCN(I-M) hardens stance PRESS TRUST OF INDIA Posted online: Monday, January 30, 2006 at 0155 hours IST
BANGKOK, JAN UARY 29 : In a hardening of stance, Naga insurgent outfit Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah) today said unless the Indian government took ‘‘positive’’ steps on the Naga issue, it saw no need to extend the ceasefire which expires in two days.
‘‘We very, very strongly told the Indian government negotiators that unless the Government of India took steps to control its Armed Forces we will not extend the ceasefire agreement,’’ Samson Jajo, secretary of the collective leadership of NSCN(I-M), said today at the end of the second day’s talks between the two sides here.
‘‘The Indian side is insisting on the extension of the ceasefire for another year,’’ Jajo said, adding ‘‘why should we, if the government is not taking any positive steps.’’
Asked what positive steps the Nagas were demanding, he said that these were on a list of proposals already submitted to the government. ‘‘On the first issue of integration (of Naga-inhabitated areas of adjacent Northeastern states), no decision has been taken yet by the Indian government,’’ he said.
Another issue worrying the Nagas, Jajo said, was the ‘‘attitude of India’s Armed Forces’’. He alleged that ‘‘the situation was quiet different from what it was two to three years back. The Armed Forces of India are creating problems, they are helping (rival NSCN) Khaplang (faction)’’.
‘‘New Delhi should show positive steps they have taken which we can show our people,’’ Jajo said.
‘‘The Indian side told us that steps could not yet be taken as the government had been busy with Assembly elections,’’ he said, adding that they had promised that positive steps would be taken.
The second day of talks featured Oveseas Affairs Minister Oscar Fernandes, who is heading the group of ministers for talks with NSCN(I-M), and NSCN (I-M) general secretary T. Muivah. Fernandes was helped by veteran negotiator K Padmanabhaiah.
Jajo said said Fernandes and Muivah met for formal talks which was followed by a brief meeting between the two. The talks will continue tomorrow.
‘‘We did not discuss any new issue. Nothing came out ofthe meeting today,’’ Jajo said, adding that ‘‘if we want to extend the ceasefire, the government of India has to control the violations. Otherwise why should we?’’
The current spell ceasefire agreement between the centreand NSCN(i-m), signed six months ago, expires on January 31. The truce had gone into force for the first time in October 1997.
NSCN-IM asks Govt to show ‘positive steps’ Sentinel
BANGKOK, Jan 29 (PTI): The NSCN (IM), currently holding talks with the Government of India here, today said that unless New Delhi showed "positive steps" the ceasefire agreement could not be extended.
"The Indian side is insisting for the extension of the ceasefire for another year," Samson Jajo, secretary of the collective leadership of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah), told PTI.
"But New Delhi should show positive steps they have taken which we can show our people. Otherwise an extension of the ceasefire is not possible," Jajo said, adding that the talks, which began here yesterday, will continue further.
The Indian side at the talks, which entered the second day today, is headed by Overseas Affairs Minister Oscar Fernandes aided by K Padmanabhaiah, a veteran negotiator with the NSCN (IM) for some years now. The NSCN (IM) side is led by its general secretary Thuivaleng Muivah and other senior members.
"The Indian side told us that steps could not yet be taken as the government had been busy with State Assembly elections," Jajo said, adding that they had promised that positive steps would be taken by them.
Asked what "positive steps" the Nagas were demanding, Jajo said these were in a list of proposals already submitted to the Government. "On the first issue of integration, no decision has been taken yet by the Indian Government."
The NSCN (IM) has been demanding the integration of all Naga inhabited areas in the North-east.
Another issue worrying the Nagas, Jajo noted, was the "attitude of India’s armed forces."
He alleged that "the situation is quiet different from what it was two to three years ago. The armed forces of India are creating problems, they are helping Khaplang (faction of NSCN)."
The current ceasefire agreement, which was signed six months ago, expires in a couple of days. NSCN (IM) chairman Isaac Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah have met Indian officials several times since the ceasefire started in 1997.
Seperatists reiterate Nagaland demands ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia
Separatists from the northeast Indian state of Nagaland have refused to extend a nine-year-old ceasefire unless the government agrees to their demands.

The separatists are holding peace talks with the Indian government in the Thai capital Bangkok aimed at saving the truce, which is due to expire on Tuesday.

The Naga Council wants to create a Greater Nagaland to unite around 1.2 million Nagas in the states of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Naga leaders have threatened to go back to war if the two-day dialogue fails to make headway.
Uncertain situation cause of lack of industry: Rio New Kerala
Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the uncertain law and order situation in the state for over five decades was the reason it was yet to be industrialised. Speaking as the chief guest in the inaugural function of a workshop for generating 25,000 employment opportunities and empowerment of women, Mr Rio said limited job opportunities in the private sectors was the root cause of unemployment in the state. Job opportunities would be created as per the assurance by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his visit to Nagaland in 2003, he added.

Rs 250 crore was provided for the generation of 25,000 employment opportunities over the next two years and Rs 15 crore for the empowerment of women through self help groups. The state government had declared the year 2004-05 as the year of youth empowerment. Mr Rio observed that the unemployment problem had been augmented by the absence of national or regional level technical institutes in the state. Pointing out that agriculture sector provides 80 per cent of total employment in the state, the chief minister said more jobs could be created in the tourism sector.

Mr Rio emphasised on the urgent need to revive the Tuli Pulp and Paper Mill, which was also committed by the former prime minister.Speaking in the function, Mrs Gauri Chatterjee, Secretary, Department of North Eastern Region (DoNER), said the ministry had already spent Rs 400 crore during the last two years for 74 projects in the state. Nagaland Chief Secretary P Talitemjen Ao chaired the meeting which was attended by government officials from various departments.
The meeting also observed two minutes silence on the occasion of the Martyrs' Day.

Political Talks In Bangkok Lemyao Shimray Kangla on line

Bangkok, Jan 29: The Peace talks between the representatives of India and NSCN was held this afternoon in Bangkok city at Plaza Athinie at 5-6 O'clock.

Indian delegation members were Oscar Fernandes, K. Padmanabhaiah and Ajit Lal, IB Jt. Director. The NSCN delegation was headed by its General Secretary,
Chief Negotiator.The prominent leaders Lt. Gen.(Retd) V.S.Atem, Emissary to Collective Leadershp; Rh. Raising, Kilo Kilonser; A.Puni, Executive Steering Com mittee Member, Dr. N. Sonba, Steering Committee Member; Tongmeth Wangnao, Education Kilonser; Alezo Venuh, Dy. Chaplee; Shikato Swu Dy. Kilo Kilonser; Nihoto Chishi Dy. Kionser and others were attended.

In one hour time talk, Indian delegation insisted for extending of cease-fire for another one year beyond January 31. It was also requested that the Government of India needs more time to hammer out a peaceful political solution. Since the Government of India is going to conduct Assembly election in some states, it cannot take any decision on the Naga issue. On the other hand, NSCN has stressed for positive steps towards solution. If Government of India could not take or show any positive steps taken for honourable solution there is no need to extend cease-fire beyond January 31.

The other points, which NSCN has cautioned the Government of India was that it has to check and control the activities of the Indian armed forces, specially the Assam Rifles. If Government of India can assure these two points then only the NSCN will consider the extension of cease-fire. The talk was adjourned till tomorrow’s 3.30 O’clock, which is 30th Jan 2006. Extension of cease-fire will decide in tomorrow’s talk the next round of talk.
India's 1st hydro-electric plant in Nagaland Monday, January 30, 2006 10:42:42 am PTI ]Times of India
KOHIMA: Moving a step further in consolidating the unique community strength in Nagaland, the country's first community-constructed mini-hydro-electric power plant has been successfully commissioned at Chizami village in Phek district.
Funded by Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, the 100x2 KW power plant was jointly set up by the village councils of Chizami village and nearby Sumi village with the technical assistance of Nagaland Renewable Energy Development Agency.
"It was for the first time any ministry under the Government of India sent directly the cheque worth Rs 1.29 crore to the village council for setting up of the project without routing through the state government," MNES Secretary AM Gokhale, who visited the project site recently, said.
Gokhale, who had earlier served as Deputy Commissioner of Phek district in late seventies, exuded confidence that the two village councils would run the plant efficiently and urged the state power department to make arrangement for evacuating surplus electricity from the hydro-electric project.
Later, Gokhale inaugurated another community managed gassifier unit in Pfutseromi village under the same district where firewood is used to generate electricity.
Two-member DoNER team arrives in Nagaland New Kerala
Kohima: A two-member delegation of the Department of North Eastern Region (DoNER) ministry arrived in Dimapur yesterday to review the implemention of various projects funded by it.

The delegation, comprising DoNER secretary Gauri Chatterjee and joint secretary Rajendra Mishra, reviewed projects in Dimapur, including the Referral Hospital, the new fly over, ISBT thermal power plant and the Kuki Dolong project.

They later left for Kohima to participate in a workshop beginning today.

The workshop was being organised by the state government in collaboration with the DoNER ministry to chalk out an action plan for generation of 25,000 employment opportunities in the state as committed by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his visit in 2003.

Various state government departments, representatives of several Union ministries, financial institutions and other organisations dealing with manpower development would take part in the workshop.

Meanwhile, the state government has submitted a proposal to the DoNER ministry seeking a new fly over in place of the existing ''all fly over'' in Dimapur.

Deforestation blamed for hydro power failure Karaiba Chawang
Kohima / January 29 The Moring Express
WITH HYDRO power projects in the State failing to generate power up to its set capacity, Power officials are blaming this on the shortfall of rain and river water this year, due to massive deforestation.
Officials from the power department, including Doyang Hydro Project, said this year because of the lack of rain, the two hydro projects- 74 MW Doyang HPP run by NEEPCO and the 24 MW Likimro HPP could not generate power up to its set capacity.Officials pointed out that the cause of this shortfall in both rain and river water could be due to deforestation over the years. “Even the Dhansari River is drying up”, said Chief Engineer (Power) DA Shishak, although he did mention that the adverse impact of deforestation on hydro project needs to be seriously studied.
Doyang Hydro Power Project, commissioned with 74MW capacity, has failed to generate power up to its target this year due to shortfall in rainfall, an official from the power department said. Initially, as per the agreement between the State government and NEEPCO, the State of Nagaland is to get 12MW as its share. But at present Nagaland’s share varies, according to its demand.Similar condition dogged the lone State owned 24 MW Likimro Hydel Power Project.
Shishak said that at present only one 8MW turbine, out of the 3 turbines, is running. Even this is not fully generating power up to its capacity due to shortfall in the river water.
Shishak, however, expressed hope that with the onset of monsoon season the present difficulties will be overcome, and all the 3 turbines would be functional.
However, the Chief Engineer also said that 24 MW Likimro Hydel Power Project would be handed over to a private party shortly. He said although nothing has been worked out so far, the only State owned mini hydel power project is likely to be taken over by a private company in a short while. “We are planning to hand over to somebody, though nothing has been worked out so far”, said the Chief Engineer, expressing hope that power regeneration will also be improved. If this attribute is true on reports of rampant deforestation, the prospect of Nagaland, which is believed to be a potential abode for many such hydro- power projects remains bleak. But, Kohima DFO L. Kire has different view. He said that though lean river water and subsequent shortfall of water in the hydro power project reservoir may be partly attributed to deforestation, it will be wrong to put the whole blame on it.
Kire said that the world climatic condition has drastically changed because of so many reasons and the shortfall of rainfall cannot be only due to deforestation.
Moreover, Kire said one phenomenon that always threatens the hydro project is the siltation in the reservoir. As years run up, silt accumulation in the reservoir increase and reduce its capacity, thereby reducing power generation. “Every hydel project has its own life span”, Kire said adding that the impact of deforestation on river water need not be so alarming.
Meanwhile, sources close to Doyang Hydro Project said that the its second phase is likely to start this year as the necessary amount has been sanctioned.
DONER team reviews Dimapur projects The Moring Express
DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (MExN): A 3-member team of the Department of North Eastern Region (DoNER) ministry arrived in Dimapur today. The team led by Mrs. Gauri Chatterji, Secretary DONER on a four-day visit reviewed the implementation of various projects funded by it in the state, including the referral hospital at Dimapur, thermal power project, Niuland and Ganesh Nagar Road, inter-state bus terminus. The DONER team was accompanied by top officials from the State government.
The team left for Kohima later in the evening to take part in a two day seminar to chalk out a strategy and action plan for generation of 25,000 employment opportunities in Nagaland, announced by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The seminar beginning Monday is being organized by the state government, in collaboration with DoNER Ministry. Apart from various state government departments, representatives of several Union ministries, financial institutions and other organisations dealing with manpower development would take part in the seminar.
Rio asked to look into faulty appointments The Moring Express
DIMAPUR, JAN 29 (MExN):In an open letter to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Yimchunger Tribal Council (YTC) has alleged of discrepancies in recruitment for jobs in the more recently instituted district of Kiphire.
“It is pertinent to be mentioned here that initially we the Yimchungers were not much in favour of joining Kiphire District apprehending that we might be sidelined and neglected with the regard to development, economy, employment opportunities etc as we would be reduced to a minority in the new district,” the YTC said.
However, upon arriving at a point of agreement which was reduced into writing in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the same being duly signed by the 5 elected MLAs representing the people of the region, the present Kiphire District was created, it was stated.
30% of Gr-IV post shall be reserved for landowners and the remaining to be shared among the three tribes on the population ratio, according to the MoU.
The YTC stated that it was ‘aggrieved and discriminated’ and appealed to Rio to deliver justice without delay lest it was compelled to annul the MoU mentioned above and opt out of Kiphire district.
Citing an instance, the appointment of Constables under Kiphire DEF by the Superintendent of Police, Kiphire is said to have been done in “the most arbitrary and illegal way.” Out of 155 (One Hundred and Fifty Five) regular constables appointed, there are only 25 (Twenty five) from Yimchungers, and out of 124 (One Hundred and Twenty – Four) constables new recruits who are awaiting sanction for payment of salaries, there are only 9 (Nine) from the Yimchunger tribe, the petition said.
“Appointments were never made after advertising the number of posts vacant through any of the media or by observing any of the norms of appointment,” it was alleged.
Hope and struggle for Naga youngsters Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, Jan 29: Trapped in a landscape of unemployment and backwardness, girls from the northeast see a future in the business of beauty. At the end of a long journey to Delhi...

they are taking tips from a former Miss India in making the leap from obscurity in Nagaland to glitz and glamour in the big bad city.

"You might feel tired smiling but it is very essential," says former Miss India, Anjana Kuthiala.

Thousands of youngsters are flocking to Delhi to find a job and get ahead.

So too is Nzano already talking the language of the beauty competition question round.

"If I become Miss northeast, I will advise those youngsters to always give their best and expect the best in everything they do".

Nzano and Sarah are still chasing their dream but for many northeasterners it turns out to be a mirage.

The first ever survey of migrant workers from the Northeast done by a Naga NGO called Youthnet has found that most of the Naga graduates computer literate live in difficult conditions.

About five or six of them live in small apartments and work up to twelve-hour shifts as salespersons or in call centers, hotels and restaurants.

Training

The Nagaland government shipped four hundred graduates for three months training in Chandigarh and then left them to fend for themselves in Delhi.

The survey found that half of the Nagas are unhappy, few have job contracts and most wanted to return to Nagaland.

"Actually when I came to Chandigarh to take courses my expectation was so high that I thought I would be in high-tech world," said Noseho Peter, salesperson at Lifestyle.

Her colleague Nagaho Achumi says, "we don't have any other kind of
job to fit us except in call centres or hospitality [business]".

Every morning in Delhi youngsters like Peter set out in their thousands, smartly dressed to be the face of the glitzy malls - to work for just Rs 4000 a month.

"Our seniors feel people from the North East are little lazy and laid back. But I find that they are very hard-working," said Hekani Jakhalu, the president of YouthNet in Kohima.

"Feedback from the employers shows some of the best employees come from the North East".

In malls in Delhi behind the counters of exclusive brands there is always somebody from the northeast.

But behind the calm and well-groomed exterior there is not just pressure to earn a little more but a sense of alienation of being in a place where they don't quite belong.

"We say we are Indians but we look different from the other Indians. I think they should also get educated - should know where Nagaland is," said David Nagone of the Delhi University.

The money too is important. Salesperson Janet quit her job in Lifestyle for work that pays more.

The new job will get Rs 5500 a month but still like many others she wants to gather experience and then go back home to Nagaland.

"In Kohima we don't have much job opportunity so we make a career here [Delhi].

"We do something so that when we go back home, I can do something with myself".

Sexual harassment But for Sarah and Nzano Delhi is still okay as they are learning to dance the tango. They have not come face to face with the daily grind of eking out a living or fighting off unwelcome advances by men who mistakenly believe that northeastern women are "easy".

Almost every woman questioned in the survey spoke about sexual harassment.

Coming from a culture where segregation is unheard of and women are almost never harassed.

"They tend to look down on them, the way they dress, the way they talk," said Nagone.

"Actually we Nagas are very open, friendly type. Sometimes friendliness is taken in wrong ways".

The survey warns that widespread unemployment in the Northeast which pushes out thousands of youngsters may just force them along the road Russian and Eastern European women were compelled to take. (NDTV)

New Delhi shoves ULFA for warpath again By: Oken Jeet Sandham
The Government of India is surprised at the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)’s decision to join the brigade of four North East militant organizations in boycotting the coming Indian Republic Day celebration in the region. Because the banned ULFA through its designated 11-Member People’s Consultative Group (PCG) had already held their 1st round of talks with the Representatives of the Government of India in October last year. The talk was primarily to create conducive climate for ULFA
leaderships to hold future political dialogues with the Center.

The ULFA and its nominated 11 PCG members are not happy for quite some time on the dilly-dallying tactics and insincerity of the Government of India as far as next round of talks are concerned. This indifferent attitudes of New Delhi forced the banned outfit to launch a series of violence throughout the State over the last about two weeks, threatening the 100-Day relative peaceful environment in the State. Finally, New Delhi has no option but to announce to hold next round of talks with the PCG of the ULFA on February 7 next.

Earlier, the people generally blamed the ULFA for most of the turmoil in the State. But after seeing New Delhi’s lackluster approach and lack of sincerity towards the Assam issue, they have now come out openly against the leaderships of the Government of India. They charged the Government of India for making the ULFA to return to the warpath again.

The PCG and ULFA were also greatly perturbed when Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh failed to highlight anything about their 1st round of talks held in Delhi and not even mentioning for the next of round of talks, when he paid a 2-day visit to the State (Assam). The Prime Minister had, however, said, “A group of sympathizers of the ULFA had met me sometime back and we had a good discussion. They want to come for talks again. We hope to engage them in a peace process.”

This vague statement of the Prime Minister had disheartened the PCG and provoked the ULFA to further intensify their violent activities in the State. It is “not encouraging” to the peace process.

The PCG initially thought that PM would at least highlight something positive about the peace process while addressing publics in Assam as both sides accepted in their 1st round of talks in Delhi that ULFA issue should be resolved through political dialogue. But they now felt insulted by the insensitiveness of the Prime Minister towards the Assam issue.

The outfit argued that restoration of peace in Asom there must be some mutual abandonment of certain conditions between ULFA and the Government of India. Such step is also a must to end the deadlock in the ongoing parleys. But the leaderships of the outfit do not subscribe to the idea of some section of intellectuals of the State asking them to abandon combative intention. “These intellectuals have suggested we renounce our aim of the struggle when we have agreed to drop two out of the three
conditions for talks in perspective of political solution,” the ULFA explained, asserting the “liberation of Assam” is the inherent right of the people of Assam. They had even appealed to people to resolutely uphold their “demand for freedom.”

The outfit also questioned those intellectuals as to how they could ask them to sacrifice their cause while they witnessed the deliberate delay of the Government of India towards the endeavor of the PCG.

The Government of India should reciprocate well if they really want solution with the outfit, which had genuinely come forward after dropping at least the two of the three of their pre-conditions for the basis of starting their political dialogues to end the 3-decade old Assam problem. Their (New Delhi) clarion call for holding talks with any militant
organizations in the region would be simply taken as a mere lip service if they neglect those who have come on their own to settle their problem.
ULFA wives seek peace with dignity By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, Jan 29: The band of women ‘warriors’, who had once left their homes owing to their faith in the ideology of Ho Chi Minh and Che Guevera, now want peace to return to the State, and hope for concrete result from the ongoing peace negotiations with the Government and not some piecemeal outcome.
Hema Hansipi alias Malini Ingtipi, Anima Devi, Shyamoli Gogoi, and Kabita Chakravorty, who were captured during the operation by the Bhutan Army against the ULFA and NDFB, unanimously voiced that the talks between the Centre and Peoples Consultative Group should not be jeopardized by any individual or group at this juncture.
Talking to The Sentinel, Hema Hansipi, who is more familiar to the people of the State as wife of the missing ULFA leader Ashanta Bagh Phukan, said that the peace negotiations should deliver what she had been dreaming of for the motherland. Hema who got out of jail in July 2005, is also the proud mother of an adorable daughter named Kareng.
" I want my husband to be alive not for my sake, but for the society. I earnestly desire that my husband should contribute to the development of the society and the State," said Hema.
When asked how she would react if her husband surrenders, Hema said that she would never support her husband if he surrenders before the government. "He should surrender before the people of the State and not before the government," she said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Anima Devi, wife of missing ULFA leader Bening Rabha. "I can never imagine my husband bowing before the government. If he wants to surrender, that should be before the public," said Anima, mother of a six-year-old daughter.
Shyamali Gogoi, wife of missing ULFA Prakash Gogoi, and Kabita Chakravorty, wife of missing ULFA Nilu Chakravorty too expressed their firm stand regarding the question of surrender by their spouses. These one time tough fighters do not wish to see their life partners adhering to the dictates of the government.
"Some of us are living now with our parents, and some with our relatives. Life is a long struggle for us, but we are not losers. The dream that beckoned us to follow the thorny path, is still living in our hearts," they said.
Nagaland-does it suck or does it rock? Nagarealm
The roads here are, to say the least, PATHETIC !!! I'm sure everyone agrees with me here. The roads here have countless numbers of potholes. Some of these potholes are so huge that calling them 'craters' would not be entirely wrong. And when it rains, oh-my-God when it rains, these 'craters' and potholes turn into 'mini- ponds' in which frogs (and sometimes fishes too !!) can be found thriving. SWEAR. And when the "concerned" authorities black top the roads, the new layer is, most of the time, thinner than the thickness of the newspaper you're reading right now. And so, when it rains a bit heavily (God forbid), the so called "black topping" washes away like mud.

On the other hand, these bad roads, as odd as it may sound, have benefits. For example, we don't really need speed breakers or speed bumps/humps (which is the actual term). The " strategically" formed potholes do the job of speed humps really well. We don't need speed limits as well. No sane person would dare drive his vehicle over 60 kph lest it breaks down going through the unforgiving bumps, potholes and 'craters'. But, you know what, as "tempting" as these "benefits" are, I think I'll have the smooth roads PLEASE.

> Entrepreneurship is a word alien to many Nagas. Some even give it the "too risky & too much work" tag. This kind of mental attitude and ignorance is a real hindrance in the path of the development and progress of Nagaland.

But, thankfully, there are atleast a few entrepreneurs here in Nagaland. I really hope that we open up our minds a bit on this issue.
> Summer jobs: Some of you might be thinking, "what's that?". I'm afraid not many know what the words " summer job" means. We Nagas are oh-so-good at imitating others. Why not try out this trend? Btw, I'm not being sarcastic here. I really wish that the trend of summer jobs catches up here.

> It is said that Nagaland is one of the most corrupted states in India. I don't have the lies or the excuses to disagree with this. Scandals are common. Bribery is given and/or taken as if its our birth right.
Anyways, thank God that there , still, are men and women who are righteous and hardworking. May there be more people like them.

> BSNL: I'm pretty sure that some of you feel like crying or hitting someone everytime someone mentions, the now infamous, BSNL. Anyways, don't do that right now. You can do anything you want AFTER reading my article : ) . Its true, their service really sucks. But I don't think its all their fault. I've come to know that the people here owes them some few crores. So, in this case, both BSNL and the people who don't/haven't paid their bills are to blame. The majority of the blame goes to BSNL though.

Did you know that there actually are benefits of BSNL's bad service? Let me enlighten you. Well, if it weren't for their awesomely bad services, we wouldn't have had so many laughs- at their expense. As we all know, BSNL is the butt of most jokes. All the local newspapers (including this one) makes fun of them almost every other day. And also, BSNL UNITES us NAGAS -- in hating them, that is.

By the way, Aircel isn't doing great either. Airtel/ Reliance-- hope they do better than the others.

> Sometimes, the weather (especially in Kohima) here becomes quite unpredictable. Its like sunny one minute and it begins to rain the next minute. I've experienced all the seasons viz. spring, summer, autumn, and winter- ALL in just ONE day!!!
But, you know, mother nature has been real kind to us. We very rarely experience the wrath of nature, unlike some other less fortunate places. Thank God for that.

> There are virtually no public toilets here in Nagaland. I blame the public for this ( atleast some of them). I'll tell you why. There is a ... I mean, there USED to be a public toilet at the Kohima local ground. But, now, its more of a septic tank than a toilet. If you haven't been there- PICTURE THIS - sh*t (faeces) of every imaginable shape, size and colour everywhere on the floor. I could almost swear that I've seen faeces that looked like the Taj Mahal and the Leaning Tower Of Pisa. Ain't I disgusting??

On the other hand, if there starts a war (e.g.: WW III ), we don't need to be scared coz we've got the ultimate weapon. We're sure to win. Just fire the "bombs" i.e. faeces and the stink in containers, at the enemy. Nobody would dare come near us. In this way, we'll win the war and eventually rule the world. MUAHUAHUAHHAAHAHAHA.....(that’s my evil laugh). But this will happen only if they don't use their nuclear weapons.

> I've never heard or gone to a concert where there hasn't been a fight or a drunken brawl. And you know what pisses me off more? The stupid comments and jokes passed by some idiotic drunkards. I'm sorry to say that most of us Nagas don't know the real way of enjoying a concert. Most of us are just too self conscious and the others , who aren't self conscious are, more often than not, drunk.
Looking at the brighter side, I'm glad that most of us are music lovers. That’s really cool.

>Murders, extortions, rapes...etc. The small number of people who commit these anti social and sinful acts puts Nagaland , and us Nagas, in bad light.

But thankfully, as far as I know, the number of good and selfless people greatly outnumbers the above mentioned disgraceful people. Why can't we just live and let live and not take the Guns N Roses song title " Live and let die" to seriously?

> As I've said before, nature has been really kind to us. But we have not been kind to nature. Hunting. Pollution. Deforestation. The animals and birds -- we don't see much of them these days, do we?? The trees here are fast disappearing too. And the Dzukou fire- real sad. Btw, what happened to the Kohima Zoo?

>Here’s one topic I quite like. Girls: Most Naga girls are pretty. Thank you Lord. I'm told that we ( Naga guys) aren't bad looking either.

> I'm not going to talk much about politics here. I just have two questions. First, Is it politics or the politicians that suck the life out of Nagaland?? Second: Is there any law or rule in our constitution or anywhere else, which states that an honest and hard working person cannot enter politics??

> There are a few institutions that really rocks like the orphanages, old age homes, rehab centres and the like. May God bless those who run these institutions and also those who help run the institutions.

> I don't think that the prohibition of alcohol has been lifted. If I'm right than why do I see the bootleggers selling alcohol so freely??I can show you atleast 10 places in Kohima alone, where alcohol is sold freely. I'm not for or against this prohibition act. I just don't think that partial prohibition ( as it is now) is a good idea.

There are many more issues on my mind. But you guys must be feeling really bored by now. So, I'll keep the other issues for another article. Well, here’s my verdict:

Overall, according to me, NAGALAND ROCKS!!!

Ok,...one last paragraph. I promise. Bear with me.

Let me give you some of the reasons behind my verdict. I know that we have weaknesses. But I also know that we have our strengths. And I know that no place in this world is or can be perfect. In my opinion, the good things about Nagaland outweighs the bad points slightly. But, we must keep in mind that we still have a long way to go. We still have a lot of things to set straight. But, I know that we have the potential to be the best. The thing I'm uncertain about is the near future. We'll just have to wait and see what comes out of the talks between NSCN (IM) and GOI. Then we'll know whether Nagaland will be rocking the good way or "rocking" because of the bombs and gun fires.
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