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07/09/2006: "Apex Angami body reasserts land-rights over Kohima Illegally-held lands in “Angami Country” to be penalized: APO"

Apex Angami body reasserts land-rights over Kohima Illegally-held lands in “Angami Country” to be penalized: APO The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 8 (MExN): Implying its rights over State Capital Kohima as an area exclusive under the traditional and historical hold of the Angamis, the Angami Public Organization (APO) has asserted that while different tribes and settlers have converged into the capital “it does not change the fact that this land, be it forest or unoccupied or occupied, still remains an Angami country”.
“It is by coincidence of history that the erstwhile Angami country has been chosen to be the capital of the state. As a result it has attracted all other tribes to come and establish their homes, villages and towns within the Angami country. However, it does not change the fact that this land, be it forest or unoccupied or occupied, still remains an Angami country” the APO asserted in a statement issued by Mhiesizokho Zinyu, president and TL Angami, Vice-President.
The APO to this effect, reasserting its rights over the traditional and historical boundaries of the “Angami country”, has notified to all concern, including the Government of Nagaland that no recognition of village or allotment be made in the Angami areas without the approval of the APO; that illegally-obtained lands, in any way would face penalization, it warned.
“The Angami Public Organization do not object to any settlers coming from any parts of the state to settle peacefully in the Angami Country, but would not allow any tribe or community to alienate the traditional and historical rights of the Angami people by use of force, manipulation or sheer number of settlers” the APO cautioned.
The APO informed that in the cases of those who have already settled through manipulation, fraud or false documents to obtain such (land) recognition, settlement etc in the “Angami country”, would be subjected to review. If any manipulation is detected, necessary action would be taken according to the laws of the land.
The Angami Public Organization reminded that every Naga tribe has its own traditional and historical boundary which, according to the apex Angami civil body, has been in existence from time immemorial and such (the lands) are inalienable and cannot be changed regardless of the existing tribe in occupation of them.
Nagaland DBs tour educates people on customary laws The Morung Express
Dimapur, July 8 (MExN): The Nagaland DBs Association conducted its 1st phase seminar and touring programme on inter-tribal customary laws in Nagaland, at Mon and Longleng Districts on July 28 and July 30 respectively. The team was led by NDBA President, T Siyang Chang and General Secretary Lungrahei Zeliang, in both the Districts.
At Mon District, Deputy Commissioner M Patton, exhorted the DBs to uphold the sanctity of being traditional law interpretors. “Maintain respectable status of our fore-fathers in the customary practices and usages which are degrading at present time and the DBs should bridge-up with the old and the new Naga generations” according to a report issued by General Secretary Lungrahei Herie. Konyak Naga customary laws were highlighted by Thanglong, Ex-MLA and senior citizen. This was followed by a discussion on inter-tribal customary laws.
The NDBA also informed that it met some of the leaders of the NSCN-K faction at Mon District. The association stated it approached the organization's leaders to refrain from fratricidal killings and strive for peace and unity among the Nagas to bring about a viable solution for the ethnic Naga people.
At Longleng District, Deputy Commissioner Wepretso Mero stressed on the importance of DBs in the present Naga society and encouraged them to be sincere and loyal towards the assignments and duties authorized to them, especially on customary laws and usages.
Further, a discourse on Phom Naga customary laws was presented by Henshet Phom, Vice-Principal, Yigli College while Metpong, President of Phom People’s Council stressed on the necessity of customary laws in the Naga society as well as its importance for the days to come. The NDBA officials and other dignitaries also took part in the discussions and deliberations.
The 1st phase programme was successfully concluded with a mass spoken prayer. The 2nd phase of the seminar and touring programme of the NDBA will be covering four Districts i.e., Dimapur, Peren, Kohima and Phek respectively.
Sumis celebrate Tuluni festival Kuknalim.com
ZUNHEBOTO, July 8:: The most awaited time of the year for the Sumi community, the Tuluni festival, was celebrated with much pomp and gaiety...

Tuluni festival, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of one of the largest tribes of Nagaland, is not only a time for merry-making but also a time for the Sumis to come together to reinforce the spirit of brotherhood and mutual-giving which so characterizes the Sumi people.
The year’s celebration in Zunheboto began with an impressive meeting and a traditional feast hosted by the MLA of 35/AC and Chairman NKVIB, Ino Hukavi Zhimomi and his wife Inoli Visheni at their residence at DC Hill, Zunheboto town. Huskha Yepthomi, Vice President NPF, Nagaland. Kashito Yepthomi, President NPF (Divisional), Kiyelu Awomi, Secretary and other divisional officials were present.
The meeting also witnessed a huge participation with Area Unit NPF officials, GB’s, village council chairmen, VDB secretaries and village-level NPF officials at the occasion, symbolizing solidarity.
Speaking on the occasion the Vice-President NPF Nagaland appreciated and acknowledged the developments and ‘farsighted’ programmes of the NPF-led DAN government as well as the impact the undertakings have made on the people of Nagaland.

The MLA Huska in his address, highlighted many 'vision-packed' development projects and schemes under his constituency. Yepthomi also urged the elders to preserve their traditional values and cultural heritage, “It is our identity and we are known as Nagas and in particular, Sumis. We should celebrate and enjoy the festival with pride remembering our forefathers, respecting their values”.

Apart from the much awaited and the most delicious mouth-watering Sumi feast, the MLA Huska and his wife gave away the much-revered Red Blankets to all the village elders and officials and also other valuable offerings respecting the traditional heads' honest and peaceful leadership. The blankets symbolized gratitude of the people as well.

The grand Tuluni celebrations concluded for the day by giving thanks to God with a word of prayer from Zhekheto Awomi, Deacon SBCZ. (MExN)

NISC response to NSCN (K)- Nagaland Post
The Naga International Support Center Members surprised about the invitation of the secretary of the GPRN of the NSCN-(K), no name provided unfortunately, ( that was published in the Nagaland Post website, Opinion section, July 1, 2006) is warmed by the gesture and accepts the invitation to experience the ground realities in Nagaland. Please arrange for us all needed to get visa and remote area permits.
As we understand it, if we may have falsely accused the Government of India naturally for a good understanding we invite you in turn secretary of the NSCN (K) to show us substantially and convincingly where we have gone wrong. Please also show us why you have entered into a ceasefire with the Government of India but have not begun peace talks yet?
Furthermore the NISC is not against or writing against the NSCN (K) per se, on the contrary the NISC is a human rights organization that supports the right to self determination for all Nagas. Please Mr. secretary as we see it, the Government of India has occupied the Naga Homeland and is thus the nation which should, as it has signed the charter of the United Nations in which the right to self determination of all peoples is enshrined, show us the vision, the objectives and the policies of the NSCN (K) through which that goal is to be achieved?
Since we do not have such written document from organization yet and since we keep on receiving reports, which because rightly as you say the ground realities are extremely difficult to verify indeed, which tell that you do collaborate with the Assam Rifles and the Armed Forces of India, we find it almost impossible to grasp where you stand.
Now that you say we have falsely accused the Government of India, though an occupying power, we do invite you to unequivocally share with us why you defend the Government of India. Please tell us what is your reason for this is?
And oh yes we do deny strongly your accusation too that we are collaborators in 'unabated' killings. In fact we find that insulting as a human rights organization NISC does not condone any killing amongst people anywhere and we make no exception for Nagas of any background.
We abhor and condemn fratricidal killings and appeal to the good sense of all involved to stop this senseless behavior. Not only many lives are lost but also it plays into the hand of the occupying nation.
In your cease fire agreement with the Government of India you have agreed to
To uphold and protect the law of the land which is nothing but the constitution of India pure and simple. In what sense are you standing for the Naga national cause? I do not think anybody can fool the Nagas least the NISC.
Could you please send us the official text of your cease fire agreement?
And, for you information the NISC is not at the behest of anyone so no Muivah, no Phizo no Khaplang either. Come forward with your objectives to show that you do take it up for the Naga Peoples and their long wished plight for self determination?
So, indeed, please arrange a trip to Nagaland for us secretary, arrange the papers that the Government of India requires and until today has denied us. You can contact us through our website www.nagalim.nl or directly through our email address nisc@nagalim.nl
Dr. F.A.M Welman,
Secretary Naga International Support Center.
NSCN (K) offensive against NSCN (IM) The Sentinel
IMPHAL, July 8 (Agencies):The underground NSCN(K) claims to have launched a counter offensive in Tamenglong district to drive out cadres of the rival NSCN(IM) out of the district, even as it expressed regret over the killing of a civilian at Tamei in the process. In a statement, information and publicity in-charge, Zeliangrong region, NSCN(K), said the counter operation had been launched in view of the failure of the NSCN(IM) to vacate Tamenglong within the month of June despite the warning it had issued earlier.
The operation, in which the NP battalion of the NSCN(K) is taking part began from 11 pm last night. Apart from the death of a civilian, NSCN(K) cadres captured a sergeant major of the NSCN(IM), identified as Agai, son of Damchuilung, it said. Referring to the death of the civilian, the statement said the NSCN(K), prior to the launch of its counter-operation, had asked civilians not to venture out of their homes after 10 pm at night.
It said the deceased, identified as Kabenbou s/o late Winibou of Tamei, was spotted venturing out very late at night. He was asked to stop but failed to do so, and he was killed when the NSCN(K) cadres opened fire. The statement expressed the group’s deep regret over the death. Reiterating that the NSCN(K) does not want bloodshed, the statement further said the captured NSCN(IM) sergeant major had been released unharmed after giving some friendly advice.
Naga social worker addresses NE seminar Crrespondent Nagaland Post
Guwahati, july 8 (NPN): A two-day seminar was organized by the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD), Guwahati with the theme "Contribution of women to peace building" on July 7 and 8 at its conference hall with participants from all the Northeastern states.
Heikeding Nampeung, Convenor of the Union of Co-operative Society (UCOS), Jalukie under Peren district was one of the resource persons at the seminar. The Convenor of UCOS was invited by OKDISCD to speak at the seminar on the success of UCOS under his initiative that has considerably changed socio-economic life of many downtrodden people living in and around Jalukie area specially the womenfolk who are living an economically independent and peaceful life.
Speaking at the seminar, Heikeding said that UCOS was formed with the principle of "practical work culture to develop the human person - to inculcate civic sense of living" and aims for an integrated development with interdisciplinary approach through joint venture to foster self development, self economy, self employment, self reliance, self sufficiency and thereby to develop agro based and allied small scale and cottage industries.
He said that the main objective of UCOS is to "transform the individual human person from social and economic darkness to light". "The society in Nagaland as a whole is covered by darkness of chaos, fighting and killings which has darkened the economy of the Naga society. The people's aims and aspirations are in the dark, every individual person is compelled and confined to forget the meaning of peace, justice and human rights."
Heikeding said that "to free ourselves from this bondage of social and economic darkness, our humble initiative was to start from the grass roots - the farmers' field, to develop agri through joint venture for self sufficiency and gradually into commercial scale". According to him, good agriculture brings balanced economy and good culture. "No agriculture means no culture and no culture means no good society."
He said that the bureaucrats, officers and clericals under various governments in general and Nagaland in particular must have the smell of the soil to transform the socio-economic darkness into light. "The bureaucrats must sacrifice their greed for easy money and politicians must sacrifice their selfishness and protect the interest of the farming community."
It is worth mentioning here that S.N. Phukan, General Manager of SBI (Former DGM of SBI, Nagaland) and Dr Rajkhowa, Director of ICAR, Jharnapani has considerably contributed and supported towards the success of UCOS.
Centre perturbed by ULFA activities Nagaland Post
GUWAHATI (Agencies): Disturbed by the growing illegal activities of the banned ULFA, the Union Home Ministry has summoned Asom Chief Secretary S. Kabilan for a meeting on Monday, according at Guwahati-based Assam Tribune.
Sources in the Home Ministry said the Centre was perturbed by reports of the ULFA indulging in massive extortion. The report of the outfit serving an extortion note on the Director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has further rattled the Centre. Before, the outfit had served a similar note on the public sector ONGC demanding Rs 500 crore.
Sources said the Union Home Secretary V. K. Duggal was going to chair the meeting with the Asom Chief Secretary. The meeting is also likely to be attended by senior IB officials. The meeting assumes significance because at the last meeting with the People's Consultative Group (PCG), the Centre had assured fresh consultation with the Asom Government on the issue of release of the five ULFA detenues to pave the way for direct talks with the outfit.
RJD renews faith in state integrity The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, July 8: The Rastriya Janata Dal, Manipur Pradesh celebrated its first foundation day today at its office premise located at Babupara, Imphal. Former Manipur chief minister W Nipamacha, who is president of the party said RJD is committed to preserving territorial integrity of Manipur.

‘Our party will not compromise under any circumstances on the territorial integrity of Manipur’ Nipamacha said maintaining protection of territorial integrity of Manipur is first priority for the party. Outrightly rejecting the allegation levelled against him during his tenure as Manipur chief minister that he extended support to formation of South Nagaland, Nipamacha clarified that the allegation was baseless and have any foundation.

‘I have no hesitation in committing suicide by jumping down from the top of the Sahid Minar if anybody have proof on the issue of state’s territorial integrity’ he added. People of Manipur should remain vigilant on state’s territorial integrity issue, Nipamacha said adding that current peace talk between the government of India and the NSCN(IM) lacks transparency.

There could be a number of people who love Manipur, but that has to be shown by action not by word, Nipamacha observed. Commenting on RJD’s new initiative to strengthen and expand its influence in the north eastern states, Nipamacha disclosed that the party is giving special emphasis to the region towards bringing peace and development. He also disclosed that RJD is likely to field at least 20 candidates in the forthcoming state assembly election.

Today’s function was also attended by S Natum, MLA, who is also general secretary of the party, Haokholet Khongsai, vice-president, Hellaluddin Khan, vice-president, Dr W Thoiba, vice-president, H Lokhon, vice-president, SL Paokhosei, National Council member, RJD.

NE CMs: ‘Look-East’ Policy unproductive
Panel to consider NE chapter in 11th Plan: Ahluwalia Staff Correspondent & agencies The Sentinel
SHILLONG, July 8: The chief ministers of the north-eastern States expressed their concern over the ‘unproductive Look East’ Policy of the Centre, and placed a demand for development of infrastructure in the region. The eight chief ministers of the region had a discussion with the Planning Commission of India today on the approach paper of the 11th Five-Year Plan starting from April, 2007.
Disclosing his interaction with the chief ministers of the region to newsmen here today, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said: “The chief ministers were quite critical about, what they call, unproductive ‘Look East’ Policy in spite of India being a signatory to the South Asia Free Trade Association (SAFTA). We admit that the much-talked-about border trade between the North-east and the South Asian countries is still a nonstarter in spite of the ‘Look East’ Policy. We will definitely consider the chief ministers’ views.”
Emphasizing that the 11th Five-Year Plan will accord priority to foreign trade in view of the potential of getting foreign resources to propel the region’s economy, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission said: “Given the location of the region, importance of the ‘Look East’ policy and prospect of border trade not explored in the past, there is a huge potential for this with the neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar and China.”
Disclosing that the chief ministers proposed a separate chapter for the north-eastern States in the 11th Plan, Ahluwalia said: “The proposal will be given due weightage.”
He said that infrastructure, agriculture and its allied sectors, employment generation and other areas should be emphasized.
Commission member B N Yugandhar said most of the CMs felt that border trade should be liberalized and freely allowed.
Ahluwalia said the concept of border trade did not exist five years ago when the approach paper for the 10th Plan was formulated. That time there was no question of SAFTA or the ‘Look East’ policy to be considered. But with the process of globalization, the situation changed and the issue assumed significance in the present day context, he said.
Barring Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, the meeting was attended by all the chief ministers of the region. DONER Minister PR Kyndiah, planning ministers of the eight sister States, chairmen of State Planning boards, NEC officials and others attended the meeting.
The Deputy Chairman said the 11th Plan would focus on borer trade as well as infrastructure development and connectivity of both road and airways.
To build infrastructure, where the Public Private Participation (PPP) was not possible in the North-east, the Centre would step in, he said, adding that the Union Cabinet already okayed a special accelerated road development project to build 7,000 km roads in next six years with an investment of Rs 15,000 crore. Phase I of it was already in operation.
In Railways also, efforts were being made to bridge the connectivity gap and on air, the States would be asked to ensure operational airport for regional connectivity, he said.