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02/17/2006: "Unification calls reverberate at Lui Ngai Ni celebrations Sapam Arnua"

Unification calls reverberate at Lui Ngai Ni celebrations Sapam Arnua The Morung Exrpress February 16
UKHRUL: The traditional seed-sowing festival of the Nagas of Manipur, Lui-Ngai-Ni, was celebrated yesterday at Ukhrul with a strong call for the unification of the Naga people and an honourable solution to the Naga peace process.
With the theme of this year`s celebrations chosen as `One Culture, One People`, speaker after speaker at the formal inaugural function held at the Ukhrul headquarter playground spoke of the inevitability of Naga unification and the need to protect Nagas` unique culture and identity.
Chief Guest at the function, Mani Charenamei, observed that the Naga society is engaged in a struggle for preservation of their cultural identity in the age of globalisation. He said Naga unification is a necessity if the Naga people are to preserve their identity and observed that all artificial boundaries need to be removed
While observing that unification has been the wish of the Naga people since decades back, he said lately, a new hope for unification has emerged. Every Naga holds a responsibility in this regard, not only those who are engaged in the ongoing peace talks with the Indian government, he said.
Ramthing Hungyo, president of the Tangkhul Naga Long in his welcome address said the `South Nagas` has been suffering under the Manipur Administration since a long time.
They have been socially, economically and politically exploited, and denied infrastructural and economic development, with the Central funds meant for them diverted to valley districts, he charged.
Hungyo called upon the Manipur government to release the Naga people of Manipur to enable them to unite with their brethen.
The UNC president Puni Modoli, who presided over the inaugural function, said the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was supposed to attend the festival, could not make it due to his preoccupation with the forthcoming budget session of Parliament, but has sent a goodwill message.
At his instance, the gathering also observed two minutes silence in remembrance of Naga Hoho president Horangse Sangtam, who passed away recently in Bangkok
Referring to the ongoing peace talks between the NSCN(IM) and the government of India, Modoli said that in the last nine years of the peace talks, the Indian government has not made any initiative for bringing an end to the Naga political problem, but with the latest rounds peace talks has offered new hope.
The Nagas must be prepared for any eventuality that may develop, he said, expressing his hope that an honourable solution to the Naga issue will emerge this year.
In the meantime, the VIPs attending the gathering were presented with shawls and mementos bearing the picture of Lungnila Elizabeth, murdered daughter of state education minister Francis Ngajokpa.
Among those attending the gathering were MLAs RK Theko, Wungnaoshang Keishing, Henry Paotei, Danny Shaiza and A Aza, MHRC chairperson WA Shishak and NSCN leaders A Zamir and V Horam.
Earlier, the Lui-Ngai-Ni celebration had commenced at dawn with a traditional invocation to the Almighty for a plentiful crop this year.
Lighting of the sacred fire with fire made by the traditional method (meiba chingba), blowing of horn, and traditional ho-shouting by a Zeliangrong troupe marked the beginning of the formal inaugural function.
Cultural programmes took up most of the afternoon, with folk songs, folk dances and cultural demonstrations put on by various tribal troupes. Yet to come are a traditional fashion show and a Miss Lui-Ngai-Ni contest on February 17.
Unification of Naga areas is the route to solution: Rio Nagarealm.com
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said the "route" to solution to the five-decade-old Naga insurgency problem lies in unification of Naga areas of the North East, a demand made by insurgent group NSCN(IM). "Intregation or unification of Naga inhabitated areas is the route to the solution," Rio told PTI here when his reaction was sought to the Naga group's key demand on the sideline of a function.

Admitting that the peace process between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) "has not taken pace as it should have been", the Chief Minister said "the Government and the NSCN(IM) should try to find out a solution during the six-month ceasefire" extended recently.

Union Minister Oscar Fernandes had led the government delegation at the four-day talks with NSCN(IM) leaders in Bangkok last month where the ceasefire was extended for another six months.

The Nagaland Chief Minister is in the national capital to attended the 52nd meeting of the NEC.
Kevi to head Naga Hoho before next election The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 16 (MExN): Before a fulltime President of the Naga Hoho is elected, incumbent Vice President Keviletuo Kiewhuo has been entrusted to take charge as chief of the influential social body. The Naga Hoho, while remembering its departed President Horangse Sangtam who passed away in Bangkok on February 6, decided in an executive council meeting that the federal assembly earlier scheduled for February 10 would be deferred to February 28 when a new President would be elected. Detailed information will be communicated to all the federating tribes from the office of the Naga Hoho Federal Assembly, a release said.
Before delving into discussions, the executive members observed a one-minute silence in remembrance of their late President.
The meeting then took on a more serious disposition. “While acknowledging the recent developments of various threat perceptions, distortions of statements and confusions that have been created over various issues confronting the office of the Naga Hoho, the meeting reviewed and critically analyzed the various factors involved,” Naga Hoho General Secretary Neingulo Krome said in the release. Towards these trends, the meeting called upon “conscientious awakening of responsible leaders and sought the collective wisdom of the Naga society at large in controlling any destructive elements.”
NSCN (IM) budget session on March 7
DIMAPUR, FEB 16 (MExN): Yaruiwo (President) of the NSCN (IM) Isak Chishi Swu, in exercise of his powers under their Yehzabo (Constitution) has summoned all Tatars (Members of Parliament) to their budget session which is to be conducted at Hebron Council Headquarters on March 7. The proceeding of the session is to commence at 9 am. All Tatars have been instructed to reach Hebron on March 6. “The Honorable Members are requested to submit their Agenda to the Secretary, Tatar Hoho on or before February 28, 2006,” the summons said.
Tsubongse Sangtam passes away The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, FEB 16 (MExN): Tsubongse Sangtam, member of the Second Nagaland legislative Assembly passed away on February 16 at Dimapur after a prolonged illness. Family sources said that jaundice and intestinal infections were the cause of his demise. Late Tsubongse had a judicious political career. He was elected as a member for the Second Nagaland legislative Assembly in 1969 and was appointed as the very first Parliamentary Secretary in Nagaland for the period 1966-1970. He also served as the Working Committee Chairman of Tuensang and Mon Public Organization (TMPO) and later as Executive Chairman, TMPO, now known as Eastern Nagaland Public Organization (ENPO) and was serving as the advisor of the same organization. He was a member of the interim body of the government from 1970-1971 where he served as Deputy Minister for a brief period. He was selected to the 2nd Nagaland Legislative Assembly by the Tuensang District Regional Council in 1969.
Meanwhile, several leaders have condoled the passing away of Tsubongse Sangtam. These include chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Goa governor S. C. Jamir and Leader of the Opposition I. Imkong.
Condolence for Tsubongse Sangtam The Morung Express
PHED & Land Revenue minister
• I am deeply shocked to hear the demise of Tsubongse Sangtam, former deputy minister and a senior citizen of Tuensang town, after a prolonged illness on 16th February 2006 at Dimapur. Late Tsubongse played a key role in the development of Nagaland, especially in Mon and Tuensang districts during its nascent period in sixties and seventies. As a dedicated and true leader, he worked tirelessly in different capacities with a keen interest for the up-liftment and development of Nagaland in general and Tuensang district in particular. On his death a vacuum has been created which would be difficult to fill in.As the present minister in charge of Tuensang, I. P. Longon and my wife join in the family member and the people of Nagaland in this moment of grief and pray to God almighty to grant solace and strength to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.
P.Longon
PHED and Land Revenue minister, Nagaland
Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly
• I am shocked to know about the sudden and untimely demise of Tsubongse, Ex-Parliamentary Secretary and member of Second Nagaland legislative Assembly on 16th February 2006. Late. Tsubongse had a distinguished political career and served selflessly for the welfare of the people in general. After having been elected as member for the second Nagaland legislative Assembly in 1969, he was appointed parliamentary Secretary for the first time in Nagaland. His name was so enrooted in the minds of the people that cannot be obliterated from the state for his concern for the development activities in the state in general and for the backward areas in particular. With his death we have lost an illustrious and distinguished figure from the state of Nagaland and the void created will be difficult to fill in. At this hour of gloom and sorrow I sincerely express my heartfelt condolence to the members of the bereaved family and pray to Almighty God to provide solace and comfort to overcome the tragedy that has befallen on them. May his departed soul rest in eternal peace in heavenly abode.
Kiyanilie Peseyie
Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly
Tuensang-Mon Legislatures’ Union
• The Tuensang-Mon Legislatures’ Union, Nagaland is shocked to learn the sudden demise of Late Tsupongse Sangtam, Ex-Minister and Executive Chairman TMPO, who left for his heavenly abode on February 16 at Dimapur. He was one of the prominent leaders from these two districts, which will be difficult to fill the vacuum that had been created due to his death. The undersigned on behalf of the Tuensang-Mon Legislatures’ Union convey this sympathetic message to the bereaved family members and pray to Almighty God to let his soul rest and peace.
P.Chuba Chang
Secretary, TMLU
Switzerland of the East awaits Tourists Bureau Report Kohima, Zee news
Feb 16: Seeking to come out of the fear psychosis caused by decades-long insurgency, nagaland is
itching to make up for lost time in attracting tourists, to live up to its nomenclature as the `Switzerland of the East`.

``Had the right exposure given in time, it could have been a gold mine for the country. The British did not want it opened up and then came prolonged insurgency to keep it isolated,`` Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta told visiting newspersons from Kerala.

The tiny hill state has everything from high literacy to rich cultural base, soothing climate and picture-perfect locales for holidaymakers.

It now needs an active role by tour operators, better air and rail connectivity and above all an assurance by the Centre and state authorities on developmental activities.

Datta said the land was considerably peaceful now and things have started changing for the better.

With the insurgency under control, the visitors have started trickling in especially for the famous hornbill festival held in the first week of December in the recent years, according to the tourism officials.

However, it was too early to take in the number of visitors. Another factor keeping away visitors is that some categories of tourists need special permits for entry, they admit.

Blessed with cool climate and picturesque landscapes, the state can easily emerge as a top hill station on par with Nilgiris or Nainital, given the right impetus now, observed Suresh Kumar from Tamil Nadu, a regular visitor to the region for years on official assignments.

A letter to the people of Nagaland The Morung Express letter to the Editor
• Nagaland- the land we call our home. We are indeed fortunate and blessed to call this soil our own. But, today, our motherland is in a state of serious disarray. I don’t know who is to blame for intiatng the crisis which we are in now. And frankly, I don’t really care to know. What happened in the past doesn’t matter as much as what is happening today or what is going to happen in the near future. So, I don’t see the logic in letting the past poison the present and the future. And what is happening today? Killings, murders, extotions and all sorts of evil. I’m proud to be a Naga, but I’m ashamed of what is happening today.
There are certain groups who say that they are fighting for our freedom, integration and peace. Yes, I too want us to live freely--as one, in peace. But, I find it ver hard to support or believe any of the above mentioned groups. Why? Their deeds are quite inconsistent with their words. Freedom is the power or the right to act, speak and think freely. On one hand, they say they are fighting for our freedom. But, on the other hand, they don’t let us act, speak or think freely. Whether they admit it or not, they are of the notion that whaever they say or do is right and that we must follow them. How can they talk to us about our freedom when they don’t let us be free from them? They have made us fear them by threatening, and even killing, those who dare to speak against them. And, in my humble opinion, where there is fear, there is no freedom. How many of you can truly say that you can say or do something the mentioned groups don’t approve of, without being apprehensive? They also say that they are fighting for integration (of te Nagas and also of Nagaland). How an they integrate us when they themselves are fighting among themselve? They are the ones who are segregating and dividing us Nagas. Their blame-games are only getting us into deeper turmoil. And its quite shocking when they talk about peace. How fickle and cruel are they who say, “We are all brothers” and then kill their own brothers. So, you tell me - how can I, or anyone else, trust them wholeheartedly? I hope and pray that they change some of their ways and do what is best for Nagaland.
What is best for Nagaland? The people of Nagaland merging together as one and striving for peace. We must take a stronger stance against evil and evil doers. We just can’t sit and wait anymore. We just can’t whine and then wait for someone else to fight for or do what is right. We have the power to make Nagaland a better place. The lull which we are in now greatly upsets me. We are the ones who can, and will, determine the future of Nagaland. Our tomorrow depends on what we do or don’t do today. Wake up people of Nagaland. There’s no point in just sitting around and pointing fingers at others when things go wrong. We must speak up and do something before its too late. Nagaland will witness the most gruesome bloodbath if we just wait and sit and for time to take its own course. Nagalnad will be the beautful and harmonious place, we want it to be, if we stand up and make an effort. A free, integrated and peaceful Nagaland: Its not about Christianity or any other religion. Its not about the Sema’s or the Angami’s or any other tribe. Its about human beings. Its about the people living in Nagaland. Its about a Nagalnd where people live freely as one, without fear. Its about the Nagaland where there is no bloodshed or animosity.
I have sent this letter to Nagaland Post, Nagaland Page, Eastern Mirror and Morung Express. This letter has touched upon some sensitive issues. And, as I said, there is fear in the minds of the Nagas. So, the newspaper(s) which doen’t publish this must fear the certain groups I’ve mentioned , because I don’t see any other reason for them to not publish this. I sincerely believe that many of you have the same thoughts as me. The only thing is that I’m one of the first ones to speak my mind and tell it like it is. Speak your mind and make a difference. Contribute in making Nagaland a better place -- the Nagaland ,you and I , dream of. Theja
Response to Naga Hoho General Secretary & CPO
• This is my response to the Naga Hoho General Secretary’s statement and the statement of the Chakhesang Public Organization:
“I stand by the story I wrote for the news-organization I work for, ‘Mathrubhumi’, a newspaper published from Kerala that was reprinted in The Morung Express at my behest.
I was told by authoritative sources in India government organizations functioning in Nagaland that Mon and Tuensang districts will seek to dissociate from a greater Nagaland if it comes about. When I cross-checked that information with another arm of the Indian government, I was told that the two recalcitrant districts may settle for an autonomous development council in the process of political bargaining. Both these Indian government bodies are periodically charged with being partial to the Konyaks.
Now, anyone accustomed with the history of the Nagas association with independent India know that the within the proviso of the Art 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution providing special status to Nagaland, Tuensang region had a specific status for ten years after the formation of the Nagaland State. In that light, the possibility of this demand arising did not seem out of synch.
I had raised the issue of the alienation of the Konyaks informally with representatives of the NSCN (I-M). While they had acknowledged the reality, they had sought to convince me how misplaced these grievances were.
With Nienglo Krome, I had formally raised the issue in an interview, which I did not tape record as he would have felt uncomfortable at this change in our mutual norms of interviewing. I had congratulated him at being elected the general secretary of the Naga Hoho as I consider him to be a human rights activist of high calibre. I was even more impressed at he being elected as the representative of his tribe, the Chakhesangs.
I was told the words that I printed in my story. I was also told that the Konyaks have refused to join the Hoho as they had reservations about its current chairman. Additionally, Krome told me that efforts are on to bring the Konyaks back into the fold of the Hoho. Hence, I find his current position contradictory in terms of his stated goal creating harmony among all Naga tribes ahead of the exhausting negotiations with the Indian government for more political and economic autonomy.
Finally, for the Chakhesang Public Organization, my only response is that it is better to know about the pitfalls that lie ahead than topple over them. The Naga people have a right to know about them too. That was my motive for having The Morung Express to print this story. Not any profit motive, either on my part or that of The Morung Express.”
Pinaki Bhattacharya Correspondent, Mathrubhumi
Journalist assaulted in Assam, Gogoi faces boycott By Indo Asian News Service
Guwahati, Feb 17 (IANS) A journalist in Assam was seriously injured Friday when policemen allegedly assaulted him at Kakopathar, the scene of violent clashes last week that left nine people dead.
The journalist, Robin Dhekial Phukan, had gone to Kakopathar in Tinsukia district to cover a visit by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Reporters later boycotted a news conference by the chief minister to protest the incident.
Phukan, a correspondent of the Assamese newspaper Asomiya Pratidin, was allegedly beaten by police.
'Our correspondent is now in hospital with serious injuries after the police assaulted him,' Manjit Mahanta, executive editor of Asomiya Pratidin, told IANS.
Mahanta said incident occurred when police assaulted local people who were wearing black badges and shouting slogans against the chief minister and his government.
'Our correspondent was also present there and some policemen suddenly pounced on him and assaulted him before forcibly taking him to the police station without any provocation,' Mahanta said.
From the police station, Phukan was taken to a hospital at Kakopathar.
'Doctors at Kakopathar said he had serious injuries and referred him to the main hospital in Tinsukia,' a journalist in Tinsukia said on telephone.
Senior police officials refused to comment on the incident.
'We had told the chief minister that henceforth we will boycott all government functions in protest against the unprovoked attack on journalists,' a member of the Tinsukia District Journalists Association said.
The assault on Phukan was the latest in a series of attacks on journalists in the northeast in recent weeks.
Ratan Luwangcha, bureau chief of Poknapham, a mass circulated Manipuri daily, was shot at and critically wounded by gunmen Feb 9 in Imphal.
The Kangleipak Communist Party, a rebel group, has claimed responsibility for this attack.
Last month, Prahlad Goala, 32, a reporter of Assamese daily Asomiya Khabar, was killed by miscreants.
'Goala was brutally killed for writing a series of stories that exposed corruption and a nexus between a forest warden and timber smugglers,' said Atanu Bhuyan, editor of Asomiya Khabar.
Police arrested the accused forest warden K.Z. Zaman Jinnah on suspicion of murdering Goala.
Chin Diaspora gear up for 58th national day NET News Network
Aizawl, Feb 15: Millions of Chin people scattered across the globe are gearing up to observe the 58th Chin National Day with the never-fading dream that one day they would go back to their homeland.
In Mizoram the Chin National Day, February 20, will be observed in Aizawl under the aegis of the Chin National Day organising committee which comprises of various Chin social organisations and political parties.
"With the rest of the Chin people in other parts of the world, Chin people in Mizoram will observe the Chin National Day with songs and dances. As our national day does not belong to a particular political organisation but to all the Chin people, the organising committee also comprises of people from all walks of life," said Vanvana, the organising chairman.
The Chin National Day, which coincides with the Mizoram statehood day, will also be observed in several parts of India with the main observation in New Delhi besides Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Norway, Germany, Japan, Korea, United States, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore. The Chin national day was first celebrated in 1948 to mark the end of feudal system in Chin state in Burma.
Oppressed by the Myanmar military junta, the Chin people have fled their homeland and taken refuge in several parts of the world with the dream that one day they would go back to their motherland.
AR accused of gang raping NET News Network
Agartala, February 15: Assam Rifles has been accused of gang rapping three women including a six month old pregnant while conducting anti-insurgency operation in a remote village in Tripura. Police registered a case against the Assam Rifles jawans and initiated investigation.
The incident reportedly occurred on wee hours of February 10 when the Assam Rifles jawans conducted anti-insurgency operation in remote Sachindra Roaja Para in Dhalai district and arrested one Partida Tripura with two country made guns. The incident came to light on February 12 when a six month pregnant lady Rupabati Reang (30) came to Chawmanu hospital with serious injury in her female parts. She had to be aborted. Her husband Pradhanjoy Reang filed a case to the Chawmanu police station that his wife was rapped by the Assam rifles jawans.
Subsequently when police went to investigate the matter two other lady Ravanshree Tripura (18) and Rungtirung Tripura (22) also reported of similar atrocities on them while two others Mantadevi Tripura and Genashree Tripura reported of being molested by the jawans. Ravanshree also was treated in the hospital. However, Assam Rifles denied the incident.
Arindam Nath, SP , Dhalai, admitted that they have received allegation and said some discrepancies has appeared in the statement of the Assam Rifles and the local people. He said the incident was reported late as the place in located in a remote area and police is investigating the case.
'Govt willing to talk to all pol groups in J-K, NE' Sangai Express
New Delhi, Feb 16 : Declaring Government's willingness to hold talks with all political groups in militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast to address their "real or imaginary" grievances, President APJ Abdul Kalam today made it clear that terrorism, militancy and extremism would be firmly dealt with and the rule of law will be upheld.
Government remained deeply committed to national security and pursued a two-pronged approach of reaching out to disaffected sections of the society while dealing firmly with terrorists and other anti-national forces, Kalam said in his address to the joint sitting of Parliament.
"There has been an improvement in the law and order situation across the country, especially in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeastern States. The number of incidents of civilians killed and persons kidnapped in both Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast have registered a decline in the last year," Kalam said.
Kalam said the Govt is engaged in talks, including at the highest level, with a large number of po- litical groups in both regions. "These talks have progressed in a constructive manner and have contributed to relieving the sense of alienation among some of our people." "My Government has also expressed its willingness to talks to all political groups to address their grievances, real or imaginary. At the same time, my Government is steadfast in its resolve to combat terrorism, militancy and extremism and to uphold the rule of law," he said.
Referring to the recent terrorist strikes, the President said "we acted swiftly to deal with terrorist attacks in va-rious parts of the country, including in our national capital and in Bangalore. "I was deeply distressed and pained by the senseless killing of so many innocent citizens, including a distinguished scientists," he said.
"Government will act without fear or favour in bringing the gulity to book and will wage a relentless war against terrorism. We will work with all those committed to this battle from across the world," Kalam added.
"I am happy to inform you that the Rs 24,000 crore package for Jammu and Kashmir has been successfully launched and substantial progress has been made in several sectors," Kalam said.
He said the response of the Central and State Government agencies and civil society at large to the unfor- tunate earthquake in the state was commendable.
"The Government's courageous decision to disburse financial assistance for rehabilitation directly to the affected persons has been appreciated by the people," Kalam said, adding "according to the latest reports, most of the restoration work is nearly complete."
He said substantial help was received from other State Governments, public sector organizations and NGOs from all over the country.
Referring to Srinagar-Muzzafarabad bus service, he said it was operating normally and the Government's initiative in this regard had been universally acclaimed, most importantly by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
"I pay tribute to the commitment of the people of the state to peace which has given an impetus to the peace process and normalization of the situation at the ground.