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08/03/2006: "Genetic study traces origin of Nagas The Morung Express"


Genetic study traces origin of Nagas The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): A genetic study among the Nagas and Hmars of eastern India conducted by Saha N, Tay JS Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore has come out with a surprising finding that the Nagas were found to be quite distant from the mainland Han Chinese and Malays as well as from the Bengalis and Oraons. However, they appear to be related to the Hmar and Lepcha. Evidence supporting the ethno historic origin of the Nagas from China or the South Seas is lacking, according to the study.
A total of 148 Nagas (65 urban and 83 rural) and 81 Hmars from northeastern India were tested for 15 blood genetic markers, according to the study. Both the Nagas and Hmars lacked haemoglobin variants and G6PD deficiency and had a high frequency of PGDC. According to the findings, considerable genetic admixture of the urban Nagas from the Hmar and other neighbouring populations is evident.
GoI, NSCN-IM closer now: Rio Correspondent Nagaland Post
Longsa village (Mokokchung), Aug 2 (NPN): State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said extension of the ceasefire between Government of India and NSCN (I-M) recently was a message that the groups involved in the process were coming closer and had a better understanding now. Greeting people at a celebration of Tsungremmong festival here on Wednesday, the chief minister said extension of the ceasefire had brought a sense of relief and peace of mind to the people of the State. Rio said Nagas were presently in a period of transition - growing only now - as they were yet to achieve their long-cherished aspiration of living as one people. "They are in the making," he said.
The chief minister applauded the uniqueness of the Nagas but at the same time lamented that although the Constitution of India has protected them because of their uniqueness, they were yet to be recognized by the Naga society due to infighting among them. The chief minister expressed appreciation to the Longsa villagers for preserving the rich culture and tradition of the Nagas and pointed out "Nagas celebrate a lot of festivals but the notion underlying the celebration of these festivals is to preserve our rich culture and tradition which we have inherited from our forefathers".
Rio also agreed to look into the demands of the villagers put up in a representation that included among others improvement of Longsa-Surhoto road, the main road connecting Longsa from highway, playgrounds and setting up of a police outpost etc. The festival was organized by the Longsa Village Council with the patronage of Tourism Department, Nagaland. Ministers including Khekiho Zhimomi, Tokheho Yepthomi and Imkong L. Imchen and a host of dignitaries attended the celebration.
Forgiveness and reconciliation- The Nagaland Post Opinion
The Nagas had armed conflict with Indian forces to liberate themselves from the grip of Indian administration. But why do the Nagas need reconciliation among them? Because the Naga National workers had split into three organizations and with the different organizations coming into existence, a new trend in the national movement took place. Instead of exerting forth their united strength to attain the national goal, they fought among themselves for the sake of their own organizations causing deep wounds to one another and the public. That is why the need for forgiveness and reconciliation arises.
A Naga reconciliation meeting was ceremoniously held at Kohima in 2001 and Naga Hoho had appointed a Reconciliation commission but the progress was stunted by issue based problems. But now the time has come for the Nagas to save themselves from their own destruction which is worse than the problem between the Nagas and the government of India by rising above the inner issue peripheral matters among the factions.
The power of the name of Jesus Christ is above all barriers and impossibility in term of humanity. When a team of three persons viz, Rev. L. Bizo, P. Inaho and myself met with the NSCN (IM) president Isak Swu and the general Secretary Th. Muivah at Bangkok on July 21-24' 2006 in reply to our joint statement presented to them they said, "For Khaplangs, we had bitter experiences and we cannot forgive them politically but in the name of Jesus Christ only we can forgive them".
Regarding the continued factional clashes they said, "Unless we are attacked, we will not attack". It is really marvelous! If NSCN (IM) can forgive their rival NSCN (K) in the name of Christ, why not NSCN (K) forgive NSCN (IM) in the name of Christ too? We are confident that they will. So also is the same with FGN and all of the Nagas. FGN and NSCN (K) were participants in the Atlanta meeting for reconciliation.
We hope that the declaration of the NSCN (IM) collective leadership for forgiveness of their rival NSCN is a positive step towards reconciliation among the whole Nagas. The greatest and only power for forgiveness and reconciliation between God and man and between man and man is the cross of Christ. But God gave a condition for forgiveness of our sins, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you.
But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses." (Mat. 6:14-16). If the cross is not powerful enough to make you forgive others, their wrongs, there is no other power to forgive your sins or to make you forgive other's wrong.
Forgiveness is a testifying of Christ and unforgiveness is a denial of Christ. What a great power and a great light in the world, "IN THE NAME OF THE JESUS CHRIST" is ! Let us not deny Christ but testify Christ. God knows your sorrows and the wound in your heart. If you cast them to God and forgive those wounded you, your sorrow will be translated into the glory of God and your Blessing. Rev. L. Souhie Mahsi
Keep hard earned peace alive: Rio The Morung Express
Dimapur, Aug 2 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today reiterated support on the Cease fire extension between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) and called upon the people to keep the hard-earned peace alive. Rio was addressing a gathering during the Tsungremong Festival at Longsa Village under Mokokchung District.
Rio said that, the earlier experience during the 1960s when the ceasefire broke down should not be allowed to repeat itself. He said that there are some people who wanted the cease fire to be abrogated and that a repetition of ordeal will affect the people of the state, specially the developmental process.
He further reiterated that India and Britain have recognized the uniqueness of Naga political struggle but Nagas themselves are refusing to accept the uniqueness of Naga politics. The Chief Minister further said that extension of Ceasefire by another one year could be a clear message that the Delhi and the NSCN (IM) is coming closer with understanding.
Memei hopeful of new Naga Hoho President The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUG 2 (MExN): The Memei (Mao) Hoho has congratulated Bandangmayang Jamir Ao, who succeeds late Horangse Sangtam as the President of the Naga Hoho. In a press communiqué issued by Patrick K. Lerite, Publicity Secretary, Meimei Hoho, it was pointed out that the “Aos are the most elite Naga tribe of Nagaland, the Sumis are the dare devil fighters in the Naga freedom struggle and the Tangkhuls are the most important back bone of the Naga political movement” and that without the three groups and the rest of the Naga political struggle will come to naught. At the same time the Memei Hoho lamented that in the three tribes the most strong anti-Naga elements were present dancing to the tune of the Union Home Ministry and stated that “the dirty forces have to be identified, convince them for good or counter effectively and overcome them”.
The Memei Hoho identified the real threat to the success of the Naga settlement process from two sections of the Naga people, namely Naga politicians who support the freedom struggle and enjoys the fruits but, do not support the peace process and those who physically involve in the struggle but are against any give and take solution. “But, they will not succeed under the watchful eyes of the Naga people and the Naga Hoho”.
The Memei Hoho hoped that the Naga Hoho under Bandangmayang Jamir with his strong team will continue to lead the Nagas to the right direction and prayed that God will forgive the mistakes and sins of the Nagas and speed up the peace and settlement process.
Return MBBS seats, NSF tells Minister The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUG 2 (MExN): Giving its first official response on the JEE result fiasco as was first reported in The Morung Express, the apex students’ body, NSF has stated that after thorough verification it was found that School Education Minister Imkong Imchen had done injustice by accommodating two un-qualified candidate in the recent JEE conducted under the Department of IT & Technical Education. It also pointed out that the Minister’s claim of the two additional seats allocated in response to his request has no justification. The NSF disclosed that besides the Minister’s son, the other student illegally allotted a seat was the son of an Engineer.
Describing the action of the Minister as deplorable, the NSF urged the concern Minister to immediately withdraw the two un-qualified candidates and allot the same to the merit students in the waiting list without further delay.Pointing out that the will of the people was supreme and such gross injustice meted out to the common people by the Minister who was supposed to be the representative of the people, the NSF stated that by his action, the Minister had demoralized the hope of the people.
“Therefore the concern Minister must unconditionally apologize to the aggrieved students in particular and the students’ community and the people”, stated a press communiqué issued by NSF Speaker WH Maring. The NSF also urged the government to do away with all forms of injustice caused to the common people and to keep its promises before the people.
Referring to the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the NSF reminded that the selection of candidates for the seats should be in accordance with the objective consideration of merit only and as such pointed out that there was no question as to why the two un-qualified candidates should be selected.
“The Federation at any cost cannot allow any forces/power/authority to snatch and defeat the very spirit of competition. Selection of candidates should be aimed at to tap human resources on merit basis” it stated.
Corruption Menu The Morung express editorial
The last few days, people in Nagaland are waking up to find that funds meant for providing basic health and education services are either going missing or is being misused by unscrupulous elements who are out to cheat the system and in the process doing great disservice to the State. The fraud attempt made by a public leader to en-cash funds worth crores of rupees meant for HIV/AIDS program in Nagaland and the reports of the missing 29 cheques amounting to Rupees 5, 22,000 meant for primary schools under the much touted Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) program are all indicative of the deep rooted corruption in the State. It is safe to assume that at least in Nagaland at present, there is no fear of been corrupt because it is easy to cheat the system and the public and still get away without being caught and held accountable. Corruption in the State is therefore a low risk high profit activity and this more than anything else gives ample room for corruption to proliferate and yet go unnoticed.
It is against this backdrop that much credit would have to be given to the local media for unearthing the series of corruption related incidents. This will hopefully also allow the public to raise their voice against the injustice prevailing in the system. People’s active participation is required to thwart the designs of the corrupt. With the judiciary in Nagaland yet to acquire the vibrancy as a justice dispensing organ, the print media has a bigger role than most people would expect. At the same time, the media can remain a partner and as a watch dog of society without necessarily taking on the role of an activist. And since the local media works for the people, it is also important that mass based civil society groups should be more forthcoming in demonstrating its own support and standing behind the media as a legitimate partner in bringing transformation of society. As far as this newspaper goes, people’s right to information cannot be compromised with and it is the paper’s duty to tell the public about what is what and who is up to what. Only a well-informed society ensures healthy working of democratic institutions and this is something The Morung Express stands for.
With regard to the charges of nepotism leveled against a DAN Cabinet Minister in the selection process for the prestigious Joint Entrance Exams (JEE), it is unacceptable that the State government has yet to issue any official statement to either clarify or inform the people as to what measure is being taken to address the issue. How to restore public faith in the present recruitment channels be it NPSC, JEE etc. is therefore an immediate task of the government. The position taken by apex students’ body, the NSF demanding for the withdrawal of the MBBS seat given to the two unqualified candidates—one a Minister’s son and the other an Engineer’s son—and allotting the same to the merit students’ should be accepted immediately by the government without further delay. The concerned Minister should himself take the initiative to deliver justice that was denied in the first place. To err is only human and the Minister has an opportunity to restore his credibility in the eyes of the public. All he has to do is to undo the wrong done and reclaim his rightful place as a leader of the future.
HRD to discuss text books issue on Aug 9 Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 02: The contentious text books issue, which arose after the All Naga Students' Association, backed by the Naga Students' Federation raised the demand to affiliate private schools in the four Naga dominated districts of Manipur to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education will be discussed by the Union Human Resources Development Ministry on August 9 at New Delhi.
Disclosing this, a well placed source said that officials who were present at the 4th North East Zonal COBSE Conference held at Guwahati on July 13 this year will attend the meeting.

The State Government will be represented by the Deputy Secretary of the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur, Babudhon Sapamcha and Secretary of the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur, Ph Nandakumar Sharma. The Secretary (Education) of the Union Human Resources Development Ministry will meet the team of COBSE, North East Zone during the meeting, said the source. The text book issue was discussed during the Guwahati meeting on July 13 after the representatives from Manipur raised the matter.

A copy of the proceedings of the 4th North East Zonal COBSE Conference held at Guwahati which is in the possession of The Sangai Express said that the Manipur Board and the Manipur Council raised the issue. The proceedings read, "The Manipur Board and the Manipur Council raised the issue of certain groups pressuring schools in Manipur to follow the books of Nagaland Board. In this connection, Prof DV Sharma apprised the members that he has already taken up this matter with the Ministry of HRD, Department of Secondary and Higher Education, New Delhi, at appropriate level. It being an issue of inter State relationship, it would be better to leave it to the Government of India for intervention at appropriate item.

Boards/Councils may follow the directives of their respective Governments, in this connection." The resolutions adopted after the deliberations include apprising the issue raised in the meeting to the Education Secretary of the Government of India for his urgent intervention in this regard. Following the demand raised by ANSAM and backed by NSF to affiliate the schools in the hill districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education, a large number of text books prescribed by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur were consigned to the flames. A well placed source disclosed to The Sangai Express that the SPF Government may take some tough decisions with regard to the text book issue before the matter is discussed at New Delhi on August 9 by the Union HRD Ministry.
Jawan shoots self to death Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 02: A rifleman belonging to the singhat post of 9 Assam Rifles pulled the trigger of his own service weapon (AK-47) and succumbed to injuries at around 1 pm yesterday.

The deceased has been identified as Isham Konyak son of Inang Konyak of Nagaland.

While a case has been registered on the incident by Singhat police the body has been handed over to AR authorities after autopsy at RIMS morgue.
AAY rice : Rice under AAY scheme has been distributed for Tamei area.
The rice has been sold at subsidised rate of Rs 6 per kilogramme.

Several families of the area have been benifitting from the scheme.
Reports said that the poorest of the poor people were happy to recieve the AAY scheme.
Kohima on Four Lane map Kuknalim.com
Kohima: In a major plan to boost communication in the North East, Agartala, Aizawl, Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima and Shillong are proposed to be linked to four-lane National Highways...

under the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) III-B and Special Accelerated Road Development Programme – North East (SARDP-NE). Minister of State for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, KH Muniyappa, in a written reply said in the Lok Sabha that Guwahati, which falls on the alignment of East-West corridor is already being upgraded to four-lane standards.

The four-lane connection to Aizawl, Imphal, Kohima, Itanagar and Shillong is to be implemented on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis. The preparation of Detailed Project Reports of consultants is in progress.

Besides, Gangtok is proposed to be linked through improved two-lane National Highway under SARDP-NE. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for projects under NHDP – III B and SARDP-NE are under preparation and the Government has so far not taken investment decision, except in the case of connectivity to Shillong and part connectivity to Kohima. –Agencies

Nagaland sits on treasure trove of gems Kukbalim.com
KOHIMA, Aug 2:: If Nagaland has to develop economically, the chances are rock-hard. Path-breaking research in geology of the state’s remote areas has revealed multi-mineral deposits and precious stones that could change the face of its economy, if utilised properly.

Nagaland University has used its geologists and palaeontologists to discover the treasures of chromium, nickel and cobalt deposits, along with precious stones like chalsodony and opal. There are also liberal deposits of serpentenites and chert stones that are used in the cutting and polishing industry. The brick-coloured chert stones here reveal that the hill range was once submerged.

A source said platinum deposits have also been found. According to researchers, the rocks in the region resemble the ones in the Kargil area of Kashmir. According to geologists, the area is a goldmine for international researchers who see the belt as unique. The areas of Phek and Kiphire districts on the Indo-Myanmar border, where the Indian tectonic plate got submerged below the Burmese plate, has thrown up a rare combination of minerals. “It is the mixed mineral deposits which are both academically and economically rich,” said Prof. G.T. Thong, a geologist.

The centre will sponsor a field workshop for researchers in the Kiphire-Phek area this year. The workshop will impart training to geologists working in the Northeast.

One of the interesting aspects for academics will be the large presence of micro-fossils in the area found earlier by palaeontologists R.P. Kachara and Venkatachalapathy. However, there has been a problem with the state government on taking the initiative either for oil or mineral exploration as the issue is seen as politically sensitive due to insurgency.
“We need collaborative efforts with the government for exploration,” said Dr B.V. Rao of the department of geology at Nagaland University. A source said explorers might face hurdles in the form of protests by local people because of the presence of quartz, opal and other precious stones found in the area. (N. Dholabhai)

State washes hands off ITFT controversy Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Aug 2:: In what is seeing as a tactical move, the state government washed its hands and off the controversy surrounding ITFT Chandigarh and passed the bucks to the North Eastern Council (NEC)...

State chief secretary Lalhuma, while addressing the Lady Bug Toy Production Unit at ITI Kohima, said selection of youth of the state to ITFT Chandigarh for vocational training was not the choice of the state but that of NEC.

"There may be lapses and anomalies in the ITFT Chandigarh, but it is not the state's choice, it is the NEC which chooses the institute. The state is only a beneficiary by getting full sponsorship from the NEC for the different course offered at the institute," the chief secretary said.

Lalhuma's statement assumes significance after much controversy over the reputation of ITFT Chandigarh last year and also the recent survey report of the institute submitted by 'Youthnet', which had presented the institute in a bad light.

It may be mentioned that the state government through the Chief Ministers' Corpus Fund had send altogether 1113 youths from the state in different batches to undergo different vocational courses at ITFT Chandigarh.

Several of them had returned either midway through their courses or without getting placement, while others got placement in different private and corporate establishment in different part of the country.

Meanwhile, Lalhuma also revealed of certain changes in the pattern and criteria of NEC sponsorship for youth from the region to undergo different vocational courses.

NEC will continue sponsorship but it had stopped the bulk sponsorship, he said and revealed that for Nagaland, NEC has decided to stop short-term courses (3-months training).

The state will now send about 50 youths for 3-year courses and 50 for post graduate courses, he added.

The chief secretary also disclosed that the NEC secretary had recently agreed in principle to grant sponsorship for two seats each for undergoing pilot and ground engineer to the state. (NPN)

Boost for NE communication From Our Spl. Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Aug 2 – In a major plan to boost communication in the North East, Agartala, Aizawl, Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima and Shillong are proposed to be linked to four-lane National Highways under the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) III-B and Special Accelerated Road Development Programme – North East (SARDP-NE). Minister of State for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, KH Muniyappa, in a written reply said in the Lok Sabha that Guwahati, which falls on the alignment of East-West corridor is already being upgraded to four-lane standards.

The four-lane connection to Aizawl, Imphal, Kohima, Itanagar and Shillong is to be implemented on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis. The preparation of Detailed Project Reports of consultants is in progress.

Besides, Gangtok is proposed to be linked through improved two-lane National Highway under SARDP-NE. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for projects under NHDP – III B and SARDP-NE are under preparation and the Government has so far not taken investment decision, except in the case of connectivity to Shillong and part connectivity to Kohima.

ASDC-CPI (ML) pact in Karbi Anglong By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 2 – After going their separate ways for over five years, the Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist (CPI-ML) and the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) have decided to “work together” to uproot the Congress from the two hill districts of the State, Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills. Though a full merger of the two entities is still not certain, they could be a major force in the Autonomous Council elections slated at the end of the year.

Announcing this during a joint press conference here this morning, CPI-ML’s Jayanta Rongpi and ASDC’s Holiram Terang said Congress rule over the past five years has “shattered” the two hill districts with the ruling party creating new problems instead of resolving the long-standing demand for an autonomous state there. They accused the Congress of using militant groups and inciting ethnic tensions in the two districts to retain power.

They said that of the Congress had sparked off tensions among communities in the hills. There have been as many as five ethnic clashes there in recent years, they pointed out. The fire is still simmering, they stated. The Congress has destabilized the social fabric in Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills,” said Rongpi.

Rongpi and Terang also accused the Congress of reneging on its promise to bring government to their doorsteps. Instead, it has shifted the power center to Dispur with no important official being present in the two districts. They also alleged that there is massive corruption and lootraj.

The CPI-ML and ASDC leaders said the Congress had also promised to realize the dream of an autonomous state in the hills. But despite being in power in Delhi, Dispur and Diphu, the party has done nothing. Instead, the ruling party is even trying to curtail the powers of the autonomous councils.

The two leaders also accused the Congress of complicating the insurgency in the hills, with an eye on votes, instead of resolving the problem. They said the ruling party is making full use of the opportunity provided by the ceasefire with the militant groups and using them to garner votes. This is being done without seeking a political solution to the insurgency problem, they said. It has created a volatile situation in the two districts, they warned.

Rongpi and Terang said they have decided to come together to prevent the Congress from taking advantage of the division among the democratic forces. The CPI-ML and the ASDC will work together to defeat the Congress. “We want to organize the anti-Congress forces. We will strive to unite all other democratic forces that believe in the autonomous state. This is just the beginning,” said Rongpi though he said the inclusion of the BJP in this front has not been discussed. Terang said the ASDC faction led by Dharam Sing Teron is also not out of the scheme of things.

He said the prime motivation of the joining of forces is to “uproot the politically bankrupt Congress.” The Congress does not have the people’s mandate. They have been elected only because of the division in the opposition votes, he said. “There should be a rapprochement and realignment of forces.”

A joint coordination committee has been formed to pursue the common goal of an autonomous state, expose the Congress’ failures and corruption in the rural employment scheme and establishing permanent peace in the hills by resolving the insurgency problem. The joint coordination committee consists of Jayanta Rongpi, Selawar Bey, Chandrakanta Terang, Daniel Teron and Rabi Kumar Phangso of the CPI-ML and Holiram Terang, Cemang Kro, Rabindra Rongpi, Bharat Kumar Timung and Mansing Rongpi from the ASDC.

The two parties have also decided on Monday to organize joint public meetings at Manja (September 2), Balipathar (September 3), Dokmoka (September 4), Rangmangbey (September 6) and Dongkamokam (September 8). Asked whether this is a move towards eventual merger of the ASDC and the CPI-ML, Terang said it would “depend on the future.”

New Delhi wants 'consent letter' from ULFA before talks By IANS Thursday August 3
Guwahati, Aug 3 (IANS) New Delhi is seeking a formal letter from the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for the release of the outfit's five top jailed leaders and to begin direct peace talks with the rebel leadership. National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan explained the government's position to noted Assamese writer Indira Goswami in New Delhi late Wednesday. 'The government wants a formal letter from the ULFA seeking the release of the five jailed leaders and giving consent to sit for direct talks,' Goswami, sought by the ULFA to mediate for talks with New Delhi, told IANS.
'I shall be communicating the government's stand about the letter to the ULFA leadership.'
The ULFA, a rebel group fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, has offered to hold direct talks with New Delhi if five of its senior leaders were released from jail. The ULFA also wants the issue of sovereignty or independence to be discussed when formal peace talks begin.
In October last year, the ULFA nominated an 11-member civil society team called the People's Consultative Group (PCG) headed by Goswami to begin exploratory talks with the government.
Three rounds of talks have been held between the PCG and the central government emissaries - one of the meetings was chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and another by Home Minister Shivraj Patil. While the prime minister said his government was ready to discuss 'all issues' with the ULFA, the home minister reacted positively to the demand for releasing the jailed rebels and called for restraint by both security forces and the militants for facilitating a bilateral ceasefire. But the peace process was threatened with security forces killing at least 16 ULFA rebels in the past three weeks.
'We are very disturbed and the government of India is to be blamed if the peace process breaks down,' Goswami said. The ULFA is one of the most organised rebel armies in the northeast that is home to more than 30-odd separatist groups fighting for demands ranging from secession to more autonomy. More than 15,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam since the ULFA's inception in 1979.


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