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05/07/2006: "Nagas mull strategy for peace talks"

Nagas mull strategy for peace talks OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Dimapur, May 6: United Naga Council, the apex body of Nagas living in Manipur, has mooted twin strategies to pressure the Centre to take the peace process with the NSCN (I-M) forward. Talks between the two sides will resume in Amsterdam from May 18.
The UNC has appealed to all churches in Naga-inhabited areas to hold “special” prayer meetings tomorrow followed by peace rallies in the four Naga-dominated districts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Uk-hrul and Chandel on May 13. The Naga peace process, which started in 1997, hit a hurdle with the Centre remaining non-commital on NSCN (I-M)’s most crucial demand of integration of all Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella. Various Naga organisations and the Nagaland Assembly endorsed the demand.
NSCN (I-M) spokesperson Karaiba Chawang admitted that the eight-year-long peace process has reached a crucial stage and the three-day Amsterdam dialogue would be very crucial to the progress. “It will be a testing time ahead,” he said. Expressing disappointme-nt at the fire-fighting approach to the crucial peace process, leader of Opposition in Nagaland I. Imkong said, “We only know how to create a hue and cry at the last moment when the ceasefire is on the verge of expiry”.
Yangkong unconquered even in death Morung Express News Dimapur | May 6
A pioneer of the ‘Naga Freedom Movement’, even in death Late Yongkongangshi Longchar remained unconquered steadfast in his resolve that his mortal remains should not be brought back to his homeland to be surrendered to India. As a mark of respect for this wish, family members and well-wishers from across the Naga Homeland joined in at different places to coincide with Late Yongkongangshi’s funeral service at Westbourne Park Baptist Church, London held today at 10:30 am (GMT) after which he was laid to rest at the West London Crematorium at Kensal Green. Yongkongnangshi Longchar, more popularly known as Yongkong and a close associate of AZ Phizo, breathed his last in his London residence on April 24 after elapsing into a coma a few days before. He was 83 and had been suffering from complications in his spinal nerves and heart.
Mourning relatives at Dimapur coinciding with the Funeral Service at London today spoke out about how Yongkong had earlier conveyed his desire that neither his bones nor ashes should be brought back to a ‘factionalized land’ and till the day Nagas gets freedom. A staunch believer of unity, Yongkong had opposed tooth and nail the division among the Nagas.
Several speakers spoke of the unflinching commitment that Yongkong had for the cause of the Naga nation. “I have been sent on a mission by the Naga people. Until I fulfill this, I cannot return home”, he reportedly told Congress leader I. Imkong when the latter had gone as part of the delegation to bring back the remains of Late AZ Phizo. “Our leader Yongkong sacrificed everything he had for the cause he believed in”, Imkong said in his brief address during the service held at IMC organized by the Sungratsu Union Dimapur. Family members also shared about how they had pleaded with him many times to return home during his last days. “However for him Nation came first. All other things were secondary”, a family member told the gathering at Dimapur. A similar programme was also held at the State Academy Hall, Kohima. Later during the service, the title of ‘MAINSHILONG’, meaning resolute and unwavering in the Ao dialect, was bestowed on Yongkong by the Ao Asetkong Union of Dimapur. Among those who attended the Dimapur service included CLP leader I. Imkong, Naga Council President Savi Leigise, senior citizens, public and Church leaders besides a horde of family members and well-wishers. Born to Martsüden Longchar in 1923 at Sungratsü Village under Mokokchung district, Yongkongnangshi joined the resistance against India in 1956 and was deputed to England as a ‘Kilonser’ the following year. The octogenarian also served as General Secretary under the political set up of the NNC for a brief period. Yongkong never married. He was of the conviction that since he was fighting for the Naga cause he would not marry and have children.
A tribute to Yongkong Morung Express News

If you could heed our voice which is blowing in the air, we bid a lone last adios, remembering you as a hero, a patriot and a leader to follow. In your honor, we tender you affectionate stillness in barrage of bullets stead. You serenely rest as an ipitome of Naga spirit and freedom. Your assignment is attained as your vow till your final breath has arrived. Your pledge to Phizo in East Pakistan is a promise we would struggle to maintain before you depart for your voyage home eternally. Whilst you grieve for the joy of home and the rainbow flag fluttering in Nagaland, your honor has entered the annals of the Naga freedom movement. It would be a preconceived notion if we forget to acknowledge that ‘we are where we are’ due to patriots like you. We benefit from the life we live for the sweat and the tears you shed. We salute you.
To his grandson-you lose a grandfather and we lose a leader.
Akieseto Khate, Vice President Naga Students’ Union Shillong
2 FGN men killed in Phek Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, May 6 (NPN): In the continuing violence factional violence, two NNC/FGN cadre members were killed and three others injured after an attack by an armed group of the NSCN (I-M) at Phek Village in the wee hours of Saturday.
Police sources said 'ss' Pvt Nukuzo Lohe of Yoruba village was killed on the spot while 'lanc/corp.' Veto of Chozuba village, died of injury while on way to hospital. Four other FGN members including '2nd lt.' Vesapra of Dzülhami village, 'sgt. maj.' Nuvotso of Thurutswu, 'l/corpl.'Ravota Vasa of Sathazu and 'pvt.' Rukuzo Khesoh of Chozuba village, also sustained bullet injuries and were admitted to Civil Hospital, Phek.
Sources told this Correspondent that the incident took place after the NSCN (I-M) attacked the 12-member FGN group inside the camp. According to reports, the bodies of slain cadre members were handed over to relatives. Further details were not available. It may be mentioned heavy exchange of firing between the rival NSCN factions was reported on Friday from Manipur's Senapati district but casualty, if any, was not known. The gun battle in Tinkhai Khulen area began at around 8 am and lasted for several hours, the sources said. Earlier on May 2, the two factions clashed at Khundong village in Tamenglong district.
Sangtamtilla village gets community hall Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR: The 'Op Sadbhavana' community hall cum library at Sangtamtilla village was formally inaugurated by Maj. Gen AK Samantaray, VSM, chief of staff, 3 Corps on Saturday.
Addressing the villagers after the formal inauguration, AK Samantaray, said that the inauguration of community hall cum library was a proud moment for the people of Sangtamtilla village as their long aspired dream has come true. He also said that the project was a step forward to win the hearts and mind of the local people and also a step in bridging the gap between the Army and the local population and to understand each other.The Major General later presented books to the library. Besides he and his wife also planted Ashoka trees on the occasion to imbibe environmental awareness among the people.
The project was undertaken by 5003 ASC Bn as part of 'Op Sadbhavana', under the able guidance of Brig Balbir Singh, DDST, 3 Corps and his team.
Presentation of various cultural items and songs were the highlights of the programme.
Nagaland can be gateway of ‘Look East Policy’-Shurhozelie Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, May 6: Nagaland could become the gateway of the Centre’s 'Look East Policy' through the three International Trade Centres(ITC) set up by the state government...

in the border areas to harness benefits of the policy, according to Planning Minister Shurhozelie.

Mr Shurhozelie, who was inaugurating a market complex at Phek town yesterday, has pointed out that the ITC at Avankhu village under Phek district is the shortest route connecting South East Asian countries and it has the prospect to become a very successful ITC. He was of the opinion that if once developed, the ITCs will bring economic development not only for the state, but for the entire country.He said the newly opened market complex will provide opportunities to local youths for their self-employment which will bring economic development for the state. UNI

Marching in memory of their Nagarealm.com
UK, MAY06 : Almost 80 ex-soldiers went on parade on Sunday during a service organised by the Epsom branch of the Burma Star Association to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Kohima, the turning point in the war against Japan. The association's standard was carried in procession to St Martin's Church for the service, which was conducted by the vicar and branch chaplain Reverend Simon Talbott.

Among the special guests were the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Adrian White, and the mayors of Epsom and Ewell and Reigate and Banstead and the chairman of Mole Valley District Council. [Thisishertfordshire]

Naga tribes and Nagaland government- Nagaland Post
Naga lifestyle is an attrac-tion indeed among the 16 major tribes of Nagaland and others with the highest prestigious seat, meant to be occupied by a particular tribe (presently Angami) whoever becomes the chief minister of Nagaland state is emitting the open and hidden images of the Nagas, living in the North East states of India and also to the nations of the world. Are we the Nagas solemnly aware, cautions of it? A question in the past, the present and the bigger for the future. Mostly, the peripheral co-existence of the Nagas and its governance are known to be animated and strictly in adherence to democratic system in nature in chronology of Mongoloid race. The Nagas are known to be hard working in professions associated with seasonal works- of cultivation, huntings, games sports, festivals, gennas in common platform by both male and female together from time immemorial till to date. The advent of new religion, Christianity and civilization reaching the Nagas of the then Naga hills, transformed the lifestyle of the Nagas within a span of approximately 200 years or say to the third, forth generation under the full anticipated protection, inner line permit, tribal quotas, introduced during the British-India rule over India till date, is considered, the second gift of nature to the Nagas and the tribals of the North east India. But now, one can easily visualize the Nagas deteriorating in human qualities, exploiting one another and among the tribes, lacking in disciplines and measures of control, in general. Can the Nagas solve Indo-Naga solution with different created factions pointing loaded arms at each other waiting for a sound of whistle in different districts of the North East states?
In such a situation, can any chief ministers of state solve the Indo-Naga problem with brain loaded with intelligence? Cease-fire with arm in hand, free movement is considered meaningless, but rather cease-fire without arms may be a better choice for solution.
The present created situation and cease-fire is a ground created for Jack of all trades and master of none, keeping down the Nagas, prolonging the solution, hampering/sharing development funds, neglecting generations, which a great, great loss to the Nagas. Lately, the government of India, realizing the actual backwardness of the Nagas, came forward and poured generous funds for various schemes and projects. Have we (Nagas) transformed the funds provided into a state asset for the coming generation? If not then it can be easily exposed and made known by any investigation agency by the government, like retired judges, government servant/retired servant, CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) etc., instead of criticizing the political parties of the state.
The Nagaland servants conduct rules 1968, amended from time to time is common to all grade of government servants and it’s immediate application will definitely improve the per-formances of the government servants known to all Nagas. A corrupted servant known to all Nagas must be removed in order to develop sanctity. The Nagas avoid statutes, rules, traditional customary laws, thereby earning pun-ishment and failing which, it encourages limitless corruption and deterioration of the existing generation as has been happening already from time to time. The Naga public leaders, key post holders are well aware of the fact that citizens have full faith in them. So, as politicians, the present generation will take their example as a yardstick.
K. C. Angami, Kohima.
Shansham : A home for addicts The Morung Express

Inmates of the Shansham Rehab Centre at Mon. (MExPix)
DIMAPUR, MAY 4 (MExN): Pouched on the side of a hill, Shansham Rehab Center at Mon came as ‘home’ for the souls spoiled by the substance abuse.
Mon district, which is being disillusioned by opium for years, still account for highest rate of substance abuse in the state no other Rehabilitation Center.
Launched on June 26, 2005, in commemoration of International Illicit Drug Trafficking and Abuse Day, the Shansham Rehab center is struggling in its small way to proffer relieve and show escape way to the addicts. The present home was constructed and given to the Shansham Organization by Assam Rifle for setting up of Rehab Center. However, the latter has been asking the Organizations to shift, citing security reason. So far the Center has about 200 clients, and at present, the Center homes about 20 inmates. This is the only Rehab Center in the whole district which home about 20,000 substance abusers, and catered various activities like sports, music etc besides counseling. However, like any other Rehab Centre, Shansham Organization is struggling to withstand the test of trial. Equip with meager resources, the Centre mainly depends on individual well wishers, community, Government, and other humanitarian agencies for sustenance.
“We have received a piece of land and has started earth cutting for construction of the Center”, said Shakai Director of the Organization. However, the center would need more infrastructures, as such the appeals to the community for assistance continues, he added. The Center main sources are the community and well wishers so far, with supports from the Assam Rifle.
Albeit, district administration chose to belittle the figure of drug addictions amongst the adults and its trafficking, many cases has proven that Mon district is still under the total grip of drug addiction menace. Social workers and NGOs put statistics at approximately 20,000 drug related cases annually, although, there is no official record. Moreover, at least 16-20 substance abuse related deaths are reported annually from the district, said social workers.“About 90% of the families are affected by substance abuse even in Mon town alone, plus there is high rate of school dropouts, delinquency, HIV related cases, broken family overdose amongst the youths etc”, said Shakai. He also said that drug addiction has taken a dramatic turn. Earlier, it was popular among the well heels, but now it has started attacking the poor and marginalized section of the society. Even the district sub-jail, which account for the highest inmates, about 90% are drug addiction related cases. Perhaps, given this fact, Shansham Rehab Centre could be a haven for those souls eager enough to escape from drug addiction and related evils.
Church wants dialogue, education for peace in northeast Catholic India
Diphu (ICNS) –- A regional peace conference the Catholic Church initiated in northeast India has asked for dialogue and responsible education to end the ills of their strife-torn region.

A conference statement addressed to the people in Northeast India, particularly in Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya asked them “to multiply and unite their efforts against the manifestations of intolerance and violence” in the region.

It said the Church is concerned that the violence and intolerance are affecting hundreds and are spreading across new regions throughout the Northeast. Such violence breads aggressive fanaticism and inter-ethnic rivalries, the conference said.

Thousands of people are forced to leave their homes and become displaced persons "simply because they come from different community or culture,” the statement noted.

While expressing solidarity with the victims of ethnic violence, the conference noted that cultural differences have indeed been the cause of numerous conflicts. “We believe that mutual acceptance leads to peace,” the statement said.

The region’s people are different in color, language, religion, life-style, customs and values, but they are also united by common problems, challenges, threats, dependence on nature and by a common aspiration for survival and for a better life, said the statement dated May 3.

Stressing the need of dialogue it said dialogue is not “only a means of communication but is an expression of equality between partners, of the art of living together, by developing respect for common moral values.”

The statement also appealed to political and religious leaders to use their authority and influence to strengthen the spirit of tolerance and mutual understanding to seek reconciliation and peace.
Teachers and parents are responsible for education and training of children and youth and they should inculcate in children the spirit of openness and respect for other peoples.

Education should foster the ideals of altruism, compassion and solidarity with the victims of poverty, disease and illiteracy and reject violence, it said. The statement also appealed to media people to be responsible in covering the cultural and socio-political life peoples in the region to avoid manifestations of irreverence and intolerance towards ethnic groups.

The government including security forces should uphold human values, respect for human dignity and ensure peace, justice, equality and fraternity for all irrespective of race, color, language, religion, ethnicity and gender, the statement said.

Another surrenderee prefers AR haven By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 6: Following a habeas corpus filed at Gauhati High court by Nilla-chandra, father of Momo- cha and a subsequent directive issued by the court, Momocha (17), who has allegedly confined since his surrender was produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chandel located at Imphal. Giving his statement before the court, Momocha identified himself as Ngai-rangbam Mocha alias Shantikumar s/o Ng Nilla-chandra and Jamini of Ma- yang Imphal Thana Leikai, and has four siblings. Momocha is one of the five youths of Laimanai village who were reportedly assured jobs in Assam Rifles by one ‘recruitment agent Yengkhom Soma-nanda of the same locality. On March 13 this year, all the youths were produced as cadres of different UG outfits giving up arms in a grand function christened ‘Home Coming Ceremony' at Mantripukhri HQs of IG AR (S).
Barring Momocha, all other youths ---H Ingo, H Lemba, H Gobin and S Gobin were released earlier by the Court.
He has studied upto IX standard at Langmeidong High School. As he pleaded to stay with 37 AR, the court allowed him to stay with the AR unit.
Yesterday too, another victim of the surrender drama Taorem Hemanta of Matai village opted to stay with AR before the court claiming that he is a genuine surrenderee, thereby reducing to nought his parents seeking legal assistance to claim him back from the Assam Rifles.
Meanwhile, a PIB (DW) statement conveyed of Mocha alias Nanao admitting to be a cadre of UNLF and following his surrender, has chosen to stay with AR till rehabilitation by the State Government. It disclosed that the former UNLF cadre surrendered before 37 AR along with an AK-56 rifle and a magazine on March 27 and had undergone initial screening as per Surrender cum Rehabilitation policy. The surrenderee also refused to identify Heikrujam Nillachandra as his father, as mentioned in the petition filed at the Gauhati High Court, contending that his father is one Ngai-rangbam Nillachandra. A melodrama unfolded in the court room as his mother collapsed hearing his unexpected plea to stay with AR despite being urged by his parents and sisters to disclose the truth without fear and apprehension.
Declaring that the statement presented by Momo- cha was distorted, Heikru-jam Nillachandra insisted that Momocha is his true son and wept inconsolably.
When his identity card of school days issued by Langmeidong Junior High School was produced before the court by family counsel Meihoubam Ra-kesh, Momocha acknow- ledged the document but still refused to own the name telling that his name is Mocha.
At the end of procurement of statements, Rakesh pointing to his parents and sister, asked Momocha if he knew them to which he (Momocha) replied in the afirmative. But contrary to the claim of the parents, he identified Nillachandra as clan brother and Jamini as his (Nillachandra) wife and the elder sister as their daughter. After hearing the statements, the judge allowed the Assam Rifles to take Momocha to their camp at Leikun. The shocked and heart broken mother collapsed again while coming out of the court room and was rushed to RIMS in a police vehicle.
"The AR men have thoroughly brainwashed my son in their custody. Refusing to recognise parents is unthinkable and there is no greater sin one can commit. Such evil attitude adopted by my son is not a result of his conscious mind", noted Nillachandra with despair and apprehension writ large on his face.
The crest-fallen father repeatedly pleaded his counsels to rescue his son from the clutches of AR.
Before and during the proceedings today, stringent security measures including water canon were put up by police and AR personnel and no Meira Paibi was permitted near the court complex.

Three ZRNF cadres slain by AR at Sapermeina The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 6: Three suspected activists of the recently formed underground group Zaliangrong Revolutionary National Front ZRNF who were said to be involved in burning down an inter-state passenger bus last night at Sapermeina were gunned down by the personnel of 14 AR at an isolated spot located between the G. Khullep and N Songlun village about 3 km north of Sapermeina police station last night around 10.30 pm.

According to official sources, the incident took place soon after the suspected ZRNF cadres forcibly stopped and set ablaze an inter-state passenger bus bearing registration No MN01-1589 at the gun point near G Khullep village along the NH-39 around 10.15 pm.

AR troops who got wind of the incident chased down the suspected militants and killed them after a short gunfight. Sources disclosed that the militants set fire to the passenger bus for failing to meet monetary demand served by the outfit. The bus was proceeding towards Imphal without passengers after developing a mechanical fault.According to the SP, Senapati, Chandramani Singh, troops of the 14 Assam Rifles upon getting wind of the incident, launched an operation to nab the militants. The escaping militants, who were in a Maruti vehicle, were challenged by the AR troops, but instead of stopping they opened fire upon the troops. All three militants were killed in the ensuing gunfight. Giving details, a statement issued by the PIB, defence wing, said that when the occupants of the Maruti van opened fire on them, the alert troops punctured the front tyre of the vehicle using a tyre-buster.

The militants thereafter tried to escape on foot but all three were killed after a short gunbattle that lasted around 15 minutes. Conducting a search of the area, the troops recovered one M-16 Rifle with four live rounds, a 9mm pistol with two live rounds, one .22 pistol with one round, two Chinese made hand grenades, one mobile handset and one WT set.

The bodies of the suspected ZRNF along with the seized arms and ammunitions were handed over to the Sapermeina police station this morning, and later they were brought to the RIMS morgue for identifications. One among the three was identified by his family as Nehemiah Rongmei 29 son of Mujiklung Rongmei of Nongnang Awang Khul, though the family members said he was a businessman. The identities of the other slain victims are yet to be confirmed.