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02/15/2006: "Naga Hoho to meet soon to elect President"

Morung Express News Kohima |
THE NAGA Hoho today said that it would meet shortly to decide on who will lead the organization following the untimely death of its President Horangse Sangtam who passed away on February 6. “However, nothing has been worked out on this matter”, Vice-President Naga Hoho Keviletuo Kiewhuo told The Morung Express.
He said that that the Naga Hoho constitution provided provisions for the Vice-President to take charge during the absence or demise of the President and accordingly he is taking care of the organization at present. “But we will do it at the earliest to elect a new President” said Keviletuo.
The Naga Hoho Federal Assembly was scheduled to meet on February 14 but due to the sudden demise of the President, it could not be held, informed Keviletuo. He also said that though the President is no more with them, there aims and objectives will remain the same unless decided upon by the Federal Assembly of the Naga Hoho. However Keviletuo said that any change if any in the Naga Hoho aims and objectives will be streamlined by the Federal Assembly. “We cannot just go ahead and twist the thing as we like, because everything is decided by the Federal Assembly.
“Even if our President is no more we will remain consistent and persistent in everything we do and there will be continuity in whatever we do”, he informed.
Nagaland nod to state funding of elections Morung Express News Dimapur | February 14
The Nagaland government has given its approval for state funding of elections. Planning and Coordination Minister and President of the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) Dr Shürhozelie today said, “We have no objection to state funding (of elections).” While noting that the concept is good, the legislator questioned, “Will people follow it?” The government had earlier replied to the Centre accepting Delhi’s intention, he said. The NPF was one among the 44 political parties to be invited to the nation’s capital to attend a meeting called by the Election Commission on February 15 to discuss the issue. Shürhozelie had entrusted NPF Secretary General Chubatemjen to attend the meeting. However, the representative could not make it to Delhi because of the cancellation of Guwahati flights. The Party with the highest number of seats in the assembly had earlier taken a decision on whether to support state funding in its Central Executive Committee (CEC) discussions.
The Centre’s Election Commission (EC) has called a meeting of recognised national and state political parties at Delhi for February 15 to elicit their views on the proposal of the government over state funding of elections.
The Commission asked the political parties to send their views on the recommendations of the Union Cabinet in this regard by January 31.
It has invited the views from six national recognised and 44 state recognised parties.
The national parties have been asked to nominate two representatives while state recognised parties have been told to nominate one for the meeting, the sources said.
The Union Cabinet, at a meeting on December 22, decided to refer the proposal of state funding of elections to the EC with a view to building consensus on the issue.
The government has sought the EC’s views on extending facilities like rent-free accommodation to each recognized political party, free telephone calls during polls, printing papers, and petrol and diesel in certain quantities to each candidate of recognised political parties.
Lui-Ngai-Ni with a difference: UNC Newmai News Network February 14
IMPHAL: Unlike the past celebrations of the Naga seed-sowing festival, the Lui-Ngai Ni, this year’s Naga festival will be extraordinarily grand and the celebration will be stretched out for two days in order to accommodate all the Naga tribes living in the state of Manipur in the cultural programmes.
The United Naga Council has informed Newmai News Network that in these two days celebration which begins from February-15 at Ukhrul headquarters, “cultural excellence of the Nagas will be displayed”. The UNC then urged all the Naga villages far-off and near who find inconvenience to reach Ukhrul headquarters to observe the day in their respective villages “to evoke God’s blessing for the bumper harvests this year.”
Meanwhile, tourists from outside the state have started heading to the hill town of Ukhrul to witness the Naga cultural extravaganza.
UNC general secretary Azang Longmei said that this year’s Lui-Ngai-Ni celebration is going be extremely exciting. UNC’s information and publicity secretary S.Milan echoed that the 2006 Naga Seed-Sowing festival at Ukhrul town would further promote the rich Naga cultures. Another UNC leader Kaikho sated that displaying of Naga cultural items during the celebration would attract more tourists thereby promoting the rich Naga traditional and cultural features.
Lui-Ngai-Ni has been celebrated every year on February-15 since 1987.
It has been declared as one of the tourist festivals of India. In the past years the festival had attracted huge tourists. It has been celebrated in a rotation wise in the four hill district headquarters of Chandel, Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and sometimes even in Imphal. Next year the venue of the celebration has been fixed at Chamdil in Chandel disrict.
SARAS: National Exhibition cum Sale Victor J T February 14 Morung Express

The delegates and representatives from Nagaland, RD Block that took part in the recent SARAS Exhibition cum Sale, which was held in Kolkota, Salt Lake Stadium showcasing the ethnic and genuine products / produce from Nagaland. Achila Quinker Yanthan, BDO, seated on the left front row. (Pix courtesy: RDB)
DIMAPUR (MExN): Hordes of delegates, visitors from India as well as from outside India – that compromised thousands of potential buyers thronged the Salt Lake Stadium in the recently held SARAS, All India Exhibition cum Sale, which was held February 1 – 6, at Kolkota, West Bengal.
“The rich culture, biodiversity and the tradition of the Naga people’s received high accolades and appreciation by people, not only Indians, but people coming from different states and abroad ( tourist). The display of various items; woodcrafts, traditional attires as well as the salubrious stodgy and locally products/ produce fruits and other edible items of and from Nagaland received high accolades, and huge response and demand from many communities,” averred Achila Quinker Yanthan, Block Development Officer, DRDA, Sanis, who headed the delegates and the representatives from Nagaland.
While talking exclusively to The Morung Express, she articulated, albeit the fact that Nagaland is a small State, in comparison to the other States of India, the State has massive potential, or for that matter, a reservoir of untold natural resources which needs to be tapped, shedding all selfishness and expectations of colossal compensation in terms of ownership of land, the State of Nagaland, without any hitch, can catch up with her neighboring countries, making the state and its populace self- reliant and prosperous, elevating self employment, and thus bringing down the epic proportion of unemployment - drastically.
She added that, the year 2006, being declared as the “Year of the Farmers,” the farmers from the state of Nagaland, even from the far flung areas, in away, have been blessed, that will eradicate their hardship, which is a classic scheme conceived by the present government.
“The farmers,” she urged, “should come forward and avail this opportunity, which will, in the long run benefit them (farmers) ten fold, thereby, paving the path to successful and bountiful profit.”
Three Stones Feb 15 Today's Editorial The Morung Express
Traditionally, when fire is lit for cooking, three-stones are commonly erected not only to provide stability and support for the earthen pot placed over the fire, but to channel and distribute the heat produced by the fire in an equal manner. The dialectically interrelation and interdependence between the three-stones is critical in providing a stable foundation. In the absence of one of the stones, the harmonious stability would vanish; leading to disorder. Just in the same way that these three-stones are the foundation of stability for the pot, the dialectical interrelationship between the forces of history, geography and politics have shaped and defined a people’s existence.
It is nonetheless evident that in the course of human history incompatible differences emerge over numerous issues and inevitably leading to confrontation of all kinds. In the process, the harmonious relations between contradicting elements are destabilized; and as a result no act is neutral. Perhaps it is in the midst of these contradictions that human beings are at their worst. In the vicious cycle of human affliction we must find a way to rediscover the three-stones; the stones of stability and harmony between contradicting elements. In the context of protracted issues, it may be meaningful to engage in a discourse on the three-‘re’ symbolizing the meaning behind the three-stones, namely; ‘resolution,’ ‘reconciliation’ and ‘reconstruction.’
The three-stones of ‘resolution,’ ‘reconciliation’ and ‘reconstruction’ are critical processes in the transformation of political structures and just-relations. While it is true that these three elements share a dialectical relationship, it lies in the wisdom of a people to make it live in a real and meaningful manner. The avoidance of any of these elements would prevent the holistic growth of a nation. Resolution on its own would be unsustainable and many not lead to transformation of systems; Reconciliation on its own many not fully address the politics of injustice and Reconstruction by itself would not address the roots of the issue. Therefore, on its own, each one of them is incomplete; they depend on each other to bring out its fullest meaning and hence needs to be nourished collectively.
Each one of these three-stones has its own complexities and yet when they interface with each other they are rich in content. One may ask, so where do we start? The best possible option in a spectrum of answers is to address all these stones simultaneously in a parallel way. Recognizing that each one of the three-stones confronts different facets of the same problem, it is critical that they are addressed together and not as separate components.
Resolution is fundamental in finding a solution that addresses the core issues of a problem, Reconciliation is essential in enabling addressing the wounds to make healing possible and Reconstruction is vital in moving into the future and recreating a new nation. Perhaps the by-product of the interaction between these three stones is what people term as ‘sustainable peace.’
Are Nagas ready to address these three-stones simultaneously in a judicious perspective? Perhaps that itself is an issue to contend with!
NPC, APO condems killing of NSCN(K) leader Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Feb 14: The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) today condemned the killing of the chairman of the Angami region of NSCN(K), A K D Angami, and his bodyguard recently In a release here, NPC chairman N Theyo, terming the killing brutal, said such factional killings would lead nowhere and no one would benefit from it.
Stating that violence would beget violence, the NPC appealed to the factions to avoid confrontation.

The NPC recalled the productive efforts of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council which initiated peace talks between the Centre and Federal Government of Nagaland in 1964. It urged for similar initiative by church bodies now. The NPC also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased.

In a seperate statement, the Angami Public Organisation (APO) appealed to all Naga underground factions to stop killing and kidnapping and instead work for the betterment of the Naga society.

APO Vice-President Rokoneivi Thepa and Press Secretary Kekhriengulie Linyu reminded the cadres that fratricidal killings would not solve the Naga political problem. UNI

Nagaland boasts of 360 species of orchids Kuknalim.com

KOHIMA, Feb 13:The North East has about 650 species of orchids where Nagaland alone stands at an impressive 360 according to the latest state level biodiversity strategy and action plan of Nagaland report. According to the report, orchids constitute a unique group of flowering plants in the state.

The exquisite beauty of the flowers in varied colours and shapes has attracted commercial floriculturists, said the action plan, and published by the department of Forest, Environment, Ecology and Wildlife.

Nagaland supports rich and luxuriant vegetation. The state is endowed with rich varieties of orchids.

The region is blessed with tropical to alpine humid forests with heavy rainfall and high humidity, which provides a suitable habitation for this unique flower, the report said. UNI

KYKL to probe scribe`s shooting The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 13: The underground Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, KYKL, announcing its decision to conduct its own probe into the shooting of AMWJU general secretary Ratan Luwangcha, has put a series of posers before the Kangleipak Communist Party, KCP, Noyon group, particularly with regard to the charges the latter has levelled against Luwancha.

The KYKL, in a statement issued to media offices, said the matter is not one on which it can remain silent, since the incident has reinforced the doubts many people feel about the underground groups and their activities and exposed them to ridicule as being ignorant of democratic norms.

While seeking the cooperation of the media community and the public in general in its proposed probe, the KYKL also called on the KCP, Noyon group, to extend its unstint cooperation.

In this connection, the KYKL has asked the KCP to make public a white paper, as demanded by the AMWJU and the Editors Forum, Manipur, within a week specifying all evidence in support of the charges levelled against Luwangcha.

The KYKL also asked the KCP to identity the members of the extortionist gang that it had accused Ratan Luwangcha of consorting with.

With regard to the KCP`s claim that it had previously served a warning to Ratan Luwangcha, the KYKL asked the KCP to clarify whether it had given the warning to Ratan Luwangcha individually, or whether it was announced generally in a press meet where Ratan happened to be present.

The KYKL statement in the meantime stated that prima facie, the charges levelled by the KCP (Noyon) did not appear to hold water.

On the assertion by the KCP that Ratan Luwangcha possessed property and vehicles beyond his means of income, the KYKL said this did not appear to be true on a first inquiry,

It noted that as per available information, Luwangcha`s old home has not been repaired, while the motorcycle he is currently using was bought on a loan from his `paper, the Poknapham. The Gypsy his brother is using was also reportedly bought at an auction, it said. It is also reported that Luwangcha`s mother is working as a tea vendor near RIMS hospital, the statement noted.

The KYKL further said it found it hard to believe that a intelligent person like Ratan would have ignored a warning from the KCP, given its reputation, if any such warning had been served on him.

While noting the reports that unidentified persons had threatened to wipe out Ratan`s family if he did not accept the charges against him, the KYKL asked the KCP not to take any action against any member of Ratan`s family, or members of the media community or any civil society organisation which had made public its condemnation to the attack on Ratan.

The KYKL said that if any action is taken by the KCP against anyone in this matter, it would react appropriately.

The group also sought a debate among underground groups on the AMWJU`s appeal that no action should be taken against members of media organisations without informing the AMWJU first.

Governor calls on Sharmila The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 14: The Governor of Manipur, Dr. SS Sidhu, met with anti-AFSPA activist Irom Sharmila Chanu this afternoon at the JN hospital, Porompat after Sharmila expressed a desire to meet with him.

The Governor, who was touring the hospital to take stock of the development works taking place there, took some off to meet with Sharmila, who is continuing a four-year long hungerstrike demanding the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

The Governor enquired after Sharmila`s general heath, and had an exchange of views, an official statement issued from the Raj Bhavan said.

Irom Sharmila had earlier submitted before the JM1C, Imphal east, her desire to meet the Governor, and the judge had passed necessary orders for arranging a meeting.

Because of her frail health, the Governor felt it appropriate that he should meet Sharmila at the hospital rather than bringing her to the Raj Bhavan in an ambulance, the statement said.
Second bandh in two days hits Assam
A 12-hour All Assam Students Union (AASU) closure call, the second after an ULFA-sponsored one in two days against killing of eight villagers in police firing in Tinsukia on Friday, crippled life in Assam on Tuesday.
Sources said that around 400 AASU members were arrested amidst stray incidents of violence like stone-pelting and vehicle damage. Attendance at government offices was low, and financial and educational institutions closed. Only Railways and air services were normal.
AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya said, “Kakopathar, Makum, Doomdooma and Pengeri police circles—in Tinsukia—are under Army “siege” since the last week. Two of those killed in the firing Gopal Bailung (70) and Wahida Ahmed (25) were hit inside their residence compounds belying the government claim that the police acted to “control” the mob.”
ULFA appeals for peaceful Assam Bandh NET News Network
Guwahati, Feb 12: The proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on the eve of its 12 hour Assam Bandh on Feb 13 called against army atrocities in upper Assam’s Kakopathar and Chabua urged the people to maintain peace and discipline while observing the protest.
The outfit’s C-in-C Paresh Baruah through a press release while condemning the killing of innocent people by security forces on Friday also cautioned everyone not to get swayed by anyone trying to instigate protesters in order to brand the democratic protest as violent.
Meanwhile, concerned over the fate of the peace process against the backdrop of the ongoing police and Army actions in Assam's Kakopathar which left nine dead, mediator for ULFA talks Indira Goswami has taken up the matter with National Security Adviser MK Narayanan and requested him to immediately halt the operations.
Rattled by public furore, army today paid a compensation of rupees one lakh to the wife of Ajit Mahanta, whose death in army custody recently triggered violent protests in the area leading to nine deaths in police firing. GoC 4 Corps Lt Gen Arbind Sharma visited Mahanta's house and handed over a cheque of rupees one lakh, Rs 5000 in cash and assured her of another rupees one lakh. The General also assured her that the Army would give her a job, take care of the education of their two children and build their house.
Mahanta was picked up from Tirak village in Kakopathar area in Tinsukia district by the army last Sunday on suspicion of being an ULFA linkman. His body was recovered from a gunny bag in Assam Medical College Dibrugarh the next day. The army had earlier said Mahanta died when he was trying to escape from their custody.
Meanwhile, in press conference, Assam minister Pradyut Bordoloi today held BJP and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) responsible for Friday’s tragedy. The minister accused the parties of instigating the villagers of Kakopathar and Chabua.

Healing touch Assam Tribune editorial
The Assam Government and the Army authorities are going all out to give a healing touch to the people affected in the unfortunate incidents in Kakopathar and Makum in Tinsukia district, but one fails to understand what prevented them to take such steps immediately after the death of Ajit Mahanta in Army custody rather than allowing the situation to go out of hand. The people of the locality peacefully protested the death of Mahanta for three days and the people became agitated because of the failure of the Government to pay heed to their peaceful movement. Of course, the possibility of instigation of the people cannot be ruled out, but timely action could have prevented such flaring up of the situation. The GOC-in-C of Eastern Command of the Army, Arvind Sharma recently visited the residence of Mahanta to express condolences and assured to take against all those found guilty. He also paid cash compensation to the family and announced that the two minor children of the deceased would be adopted by the Army to see them through their school life. The court of enquiry instituted by the Army has already started its proceedings and the family members of Mahanta deposed before the Court on February 13. These are positive gestures, but such measures should have been taken immediately after the unfortunate death of Mahanta after he was picked up by the Army to prevent death of nine persons in police firing in Kakopathar on February 10. In fact the Army authorities should take all possible measures to ensure that no innocent person is harassed during the anti-insurgency operations as any such incident will alienate the men in uniform from the common people.

On its part, the Government of Assam has also started damage control exercise and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced the decision to order a probe by a retired Judge of the Supreme Court to enquire into the events leading to the death of nine persons in police firing. The Ministers are also making a beeline to Kakopathar to pacify the people, while, the Government announced compensation of Rs five lakh to the family of Ajit Mahanta and Rs three lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in police firing. But one fails to understand what prevented the Chief Minister from sending Ministers to pacify the people, who were protesting the death of Ajit Mahanta. Timely action on the part of the Government could have prevented loss of innocent lives. Normal life in the State has been affected by Assam bandh on two consecutive days- the call for one was given by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the other by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the State Government must take the blame for the loss suffered by Assam during the bandhs as its failure to assess the situation and to take prompt action resulted in escalation of the situation. The Kakopathar incident also resulted in widespread protests by different political parties and organisations, but no one should try to instigate the people to take drastic steps, which may lead to another unfortunate incident like the one in Kakopathar.

What is most unfortunate is that the incidents in Kakopathar may jeopardise the peace process initiated by the Government of India to bring the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to the negotiation table for a political solution to the problem of insurgency. The ULFA reacted sharply to the incident, while, the People’s Consultative Group (PCG),formed by the outfit to hold initial parleys with the Government to pave the way for talks, has threatened to withdraw from the process if the Army operations are not suspended immediately. Incidentally, the Kakopathar incident occurred just three days after the second round of talks between the Government and the PCG, where the Government assured to take up a series of confidence building measures to create a congenial atmosphere for direct talks with the ULFA and the PCG has alleged that the Government failed to maintain the spirit of the talks. After nearly three decades the Government managed to melt the ice with the ULFA also expressing its desire for talks and if the entire process is jeopardised now, it will be the most unfortunate happening for Assam.