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05/03/2006: "50 Indian military trucks cross into Burma"

50 Indian military trucks cross into Burma Ngunte Mizzima News

About 50 Indian military trucks believed to be carrying weapons crossed the border into Burma last Thursday, according to eyewitnesses. “Five trucks full of soldiers followed the 50 trucks,” a resident in Moreh said. The backs of the trucks were reportedly covered with plastic sheets. The Burmese embassy in India refused to comment on what the trucks were carrying. Security was tightened in Moreh, an Indo-Burma border town, from April 24 to 26 in the lead up to a border-trade meeting in Dimapur, Nagaland on April 26.
6 additional battalions sanctioned for NE The Morung Express
Agartala, May 2 (AGENCIES): The central government has sanctioned six new India Reserve (IR) Battalions for the north-eastern states for counter-insurgency operations and to effectively maintain internal security in the region, an official said Tuesday.
“The states have been asked to raise these IR battalions with cent percent central financial assistance, as per the scheme to progressively reduce their dependence on the Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) for tackling insurgency and internal security problems,” a senior union home ministry official said on conditions of anonymity.
These six battalions, which would amount to around 6000 soldiers, are in addition to the existing 32 presently deployed in the eight northeastern states.
New Delhi has also offered support to further train the personnel of the existing 32 IR battalions under expert instructors drawn from the army and other security agencies.
With the six new battalions, the total number of IR battalions in Assam and Tripura will be eight each, followed by six in Manipur, five in Nagaland, four in Mizoram, three each in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, and one in Sikkim.
“The concept of IR battalions was mooted by the Ministry of Home Affairs following increasing problems of insurgency, law and order, and the emerging internal security scenario in the country, which put considerable pressure on the CPMFs,” informed the official.
The eight states have been asked to arrange specialised commando training to the new IR battalions, whose personnel are recruited locally and therefore better suited to tackle the militancy problem. The central government also utilises the services of the IR battalions in other parts of the country as and when required.
NPF gets foot-hold in Congress bastion The Morung Express
Here’s to the warriors from the Conquering Warrior Chief: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, replete in Naga warrior regalia, salutes the people of Mokokchung on his visit to the district on the occasion of the Moatsü festival celebrations May 2. (MExPix) Morung Express News Mokokchung | May 2
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today charged the Congress Party for the failure of regional political parties during the past state assembly elections while crediting the common people for recognizing the NPF party’s capability and supporting through out the present term of reign in office. He was speaking as the chief guest during the inauguration of the newly acquired NPF Mokokchung Division office building here today at Sangtemla Ward Mokokchung.
Citing an example of one lady candidate Chubala who was allegedly threatened by the Congress for contesting the last state general election, Neiphiu condemned the rival party for not operating on democratic principles. Citing on this, the Chief Minister called upon party supporters as well as concerned citizens to work in unity.
He also lauded the present members and all those responsible for contributing to the DAN ministry’s survival. “No regional party in the state has completed 5 year term of office due to selfishness” said the Minister while calling upon the NPF and allied party members to identify the mistakes committed by past members. “We should not be selective and self-interested in choosing the leaders rather we should invite every one to come to the platform and participate” said Rio while terming the present government as the “peoples’ party”.
The Chief Minister also challenged the present party members “Are we going to serve the common people or serve our-selves?” While reminding that the government is to help the down-trodden people, he also conveyed a message of solidarity to the people of Mokokchung in general and in particular to the Ao tribe. He appealed to be ever ready for service to the masses. He further congratulated the members of the division for being able to establish a permanent office and said that it would be the first of such kind for the state regional party. The Chief Minster was accompanied by Minister for Industries Khekiho Zhimomi Education Minister L Imkong Imchen, Minister for Forest Khetho and other dignitaries
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also graced the premier festival of the Ao Nagas, Moatsü, at Chuchuyimlang, around 30 kms from Mokokchung which is being declared as a tourist destination by the State Government. Extending greetings to a mammoth gathering of Moatsü revelers of Chuchuyimlang and neighboring villagers and a galaxy of VIPs, high officials and public leaders he expressed happiness for being able to attend the festival.
He said Moatsü and such festivals are able to be celebrated due to cooperation of the people adding that the Nagas celebrate with certain cultural relevance and. Likewise Nagas need to unite to bring about peace and prosperity to their land, he said and called on every Naga to unite for a common cause. “Moatsü is a reminder that our forefathers valued friendship with nearby villages” he reminded. Rio also said that Nagas should not celebrate festival with stolen, extorted or ill-gotten money but with hard earned-money and wealth. He took the opportunity to announce that the concerned Central authority in Delhi has approved the revival of the Tuli Paper Mill and has sanctioned Rs. 360 crores for the purpose and called upon the people of the area to ensure that peace and tranquility reigns to felicitate the success of the Mill. Cultural troupes from nearby Ao villages, Chang and Phom villages also performed a variety of songs and dances to a mammoth gathering of people.
NSCNs clash in Tamenglong The Morung Express

Imphal, May 2 (NNN): Factional clashes between the NSCN-K and the NSCN-IM is resurfacing in Tamenglong district with today’s gun-battle between the two factions at a Zeliangrong village.
Reports said that a gun battle occurred early this morning at Aling Saan (Khundong village).However there have been contradictory reports pouring in from both the NSCN factions with regard to today’s clash. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region claimed that three NSCN-IM cadres have been killed and many other injured in the clash, the NSCN-IM maintained that there could be some causalities in the rival camp in today’s clash at Aling Saan.
MK Winning of the NSCN-IM informed Newmai News Network that no casualty had been reported from his faction side. Winning charged that a combined force of UNLF, KNF and NSCN-K came to attack the NSCN-IM at Aling Saan village this morning.
NSCN-IM mourn Yangkongnganshi demise The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 2 (MExN): The GPRN (NSCN-IM) has mourned the demise of Lt. Yangkongnganshi Longchar, who passed away on April 24 last at his residence in London.
In a condolence message, Johny Dilbung, MIP Kilonser, said that the Nagas have lost a veteran noble leader who selflessly sacrificed and committed his all for the emancipation of the Naga people, its land and rights from the yoke of suppression.
Though, he is no more, prominence of his undaunted sacrifices will remain engraved down the history of Naga freedom struggle through all times to come, said the condolence message. It also said that the vacuum created by the death of Lt. Yangkongnganshi will be hard to fill and remain a great loss to the Naga people.
The GPRN, while extending its condolences to the bereaved family, prayed Almighty God to grand solace in their loss, and rest the departed soul in peace.
Take to agriculture: Datta Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Nokpu, May 3 (NPN): Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta on Wednesday called upon the Nagas to take to agriculture for overall development of State's economy.
Extending his Moatsu greetings to people at a function here, the Governor said Nagaland has enormous resources in the agricultural sector but the need of the hour was to have an organized effort from the State government, villagers and neighbouring states, mainly Assam, for the right connectivity so that the produce could reach markets outside the State.
He appreciated the methodology adopted by the Nagas in cultivation and encouraged people to take interest in agriculture for the growth of State's economy. The Governor also expressed plaudits to a group of youths, who had enacted a drama - Moina - based on Ahom king Langki Godapani's marriage with Sentishila of Nokpu village. The drama underscored the need for good neighbourly relationship between the Ahoms and the Nagas for mutual benefits and peaceful co-existence. He said there was an urgent need for building a good relationship between the people of Assam and Nagaland for the prosperity of the two States. On upgradation of Nokpu to a sub-division, a plea made by the villagers through a representation, Datta said the upgradation was not viable at the moment as it involves a lot of money. However, he promised financial assistance, if required, for renovation of the Dr. T. Ao Memorial Indoor Stadium. The Governor was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Ishani Datta, BJP legislator Tiameren Aier and his wife. Tiameren represents Nokpu in the Assembly. It was for the first time that a Governor of the State visited Nokpu. The highlights of the celebration included folk songs, a cultural dance, tug of war and sharpness of Nokpu dao competition.
The function was also attended by Leader of the Opposition, I Imkong, Congress legislators Taka Masa Ao and Nungsangyabang, IGP, O. Alem, DC Mokokchung Abhishek Singh and several senior civil and police officials. Earlier during a brief halt at Tsutaphela police check post, the Governor visited the police barrack and expressed dismay over lack of basic amenities for the personnel. At the same time, he expressed displeasure over mismanagement of the barrack.
Further, Datta assured construction of a tube well at the check post after he was apprised of the problem of potable water.
Factions fracture Naga dream of freedom from India By Simon Denyer (Reuters)

KOHIMA, May 2: Shoukrie says his customers’ complain when he has to hike the prices in his small general store in Kohima. But, he explains, he has no choice. Rebel "taxes" are simply too high. And if it was not bad enough, there are three factions who each come demanding money.

"We cannot survive like this," says Shoukrie, who like many in Nagaland goes by one name. "Yes, we still believe in independence, but that hope is too far away now."
"The situation of Nagaland is becoming a joke. As long as there are so many factions there is no hope of independence or sovereignty."

Here in the remote northeast of India, rebels from the Christian hill tribes of Nagaland fought a fierce insurgency against Indian rule for five decades, until a cease-fire in 1997. But the Indian government and the Nagas, who are the most powerful of the dozens of rebel groups in the northeast, appear no closer to a resolution of the conflict, which security experts say could open the door to peace in the entire region.
Within the Nagas, power struggles and personal rivalries have split the movement. All three factions are observing the cease-fire with the government, but not always with each other.
Rebels themselves admit fellow cadres have not always behaved well, throwing their weight around, behaving as if their guns made them something special.

"FIGHTING FOR MONEY"

It all reinforces the impression many rebel cadres "are not fighting for the cause of the Nagas, they are fighting for money", in the words of Lhulie Mayse, a farmer in the small hill-top village of Khonoma. Today, only the main faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland is taking part in peace talks with the Indian government -- so far with little to show for it.
Their patience is wearing thin, and they extended the cease-fire on July 31 for just six months, instead of a year. Ordinary Nagas worry the whole process is meaningless without unity, or could even be dangerous.

"It is no use having peace with just one group," said Mayse. "One group will smile, the other group will keep crying."

Before the British arrived in these thickly forested hills the Nagas were headhunters, divided into 32 constantly warring tribes who still speak different languages. Christianity brought by American Baptist missionaries gradually brought headhunting to an end -- although some villages still keep the skulls of their former enemies. The church today is a major factor forging a sense of Naga unity in a Hindu-dominated country. But those tribal fault lines have not disappeared, and find expression in the rebel factions. Some ordinary Nagas fear fratricidal conflict is not far away, especially if one group of tribes feels excluded from any peace accord.
"Reconciliation between Nagas is the only way to reduce this problem to a manageable size," said one Naga intellectual, who declined to be named because of rebel threats in the past. "The effort has to be born here."
Revolution in the Naga psyche - BOOK REVIEW
To paraphrase a line from one notable review of Monica Ali's Brick Lane, here is news from a relatively neglected region--at least as far as narratives in English is concerned.
It is a book of ten short stories by Temsula Ao, who teaches in the department of English at North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, and has published four collections of poetry and a book titled Ao-Naga Oral Tradition. She has also written on the oral traditon, folk songs, myths and cultural traditions of the Ao Nagas in various journals.


In her introduction titled 'Lest We Forget' the author says that two objectives impelled her to write and publish these stories. One is specific and historical: a depiction of how the brutal repression that was visited upon the Nagas by the Indian army during the abortive Naga war of independence that started "in the early fifties of the last century...re-structured or even 'revolutionized' the Naga psyche." The second objective is far more general and amorphous, and one which many a culture faces in this globalized age: An attempt to preserve on paper a now vanishing, "traditional Naga way of life, which, even for our own youngsters today, is increasingly becoming irrelevant in the face of 'progress' and 'development.'"

Therefore it comes as no surprise that the stories, unlike the current output from Bangladesh, depict rural life and are set in villages. With perhaps one major difference, these villages have a far more pronounced jungle setting. Unlike in vastly deforested Bangladesh, in these stories villages are always at the edge of forests, and the jungle shown in many ways to have a profound influence on the lives of the Naga folk. No doubt this age-old influence will die out over time, as the author laments, something which is increasingly evident in the changing ways of our own 'tribal' people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with whom there are many parallels in these stories.

All of the stories in this volume are successful in conveying the above dual aspects, and have been written with an enviable economy of expression. Also, despite the unremitting character of the violence portrayed in the stories, all of them have warmth and some of them, like the one reprinted above, even a goodly slice of humour. The village life, the Nagas, the violence visited upon them, the forest, the Indian army, all have been evoked vividly in a language whose simple tonalities--chosen deliberately and wisely--reflect the contents and themes of such an existence. To Bangladeshis, a society whose traditional village way of life is also disappearing under the onslaught of 'modernity,' who live across the border from the Nagas, who have fought their own war of independence and have had had to undergo brutalities of their own, and who then have also become silent witnesses to excesses in their own 'tribal' areas, these stories should have complex echoes.

There are proofing mistakes, but none too obtrusive to deter from a good read. The reviewer was surprised to note that none of the stories here are translations, but in fact were written originally in English. This fact alone goes a long way in dispelling the myth of 'tribal' backwardness and 'underdeveloped consciousness' that one finds in the subcontinent's metropoles. One wishes the author well, and certainly hopes that she continues to write. [Farhad Ahmed is a free-lance editor/translator]
ANSAM threatens stir against phone woes Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 2 : The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur has threatened to launch a series of agitations if BSNL authority fails to issue SIM cards under the Students' Power Scheme and commissions WLL phones meant for Senapati district immediately.
All the required credentials and money for SPS have been deposited to BSNL in February this year but till date the BSNL authority has been delaying in issuing the SIM cards, contended the publicity secretary of the student body, Souni Ng Khopa today.
The BSNL authority has also not commissioned the WLL phone system in Senapati though equipment for the same have already reached the district, he said and added that WLL facilities have already been opened at the other districts. If the authority concerned fail to look into the woes of the people of Senapati then ANSAM will be constrained to launch a series of agitation and the BSNL should be responsible for any untoward incident, he added.