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08/06/2006: "Spelling Out Peace IMPHAL FREE PRESS"
Spelling Out Peace Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS
The ceasefire between the Government of India, GOI, and the NSCN(IM) has won another year of status quo during which to try and break the status quo. No government troops or combatants of the NSCN(IM) would fire at each other for the period, pending another extension of the truce or else a final solution, except of course in the case of one or the other violating the ceasefire ground rules. It is anybody’s guess which is the more likely outcome at the end of another year on July 31, 2007. Although according to press reports that there have been some positive developments after the latest round of three-day negotiations in Bangkok, giving hope for a resolution to the 55 year old bitter unrest in the Naga hills, the proof of the pudding as they say will have to be in the eating. Hence it would be prudent to wait until the pudding has been tasted before jumping into any conclusion in haste, either out of a sense of euphoria that some new ground is believed to have been broken, or else out of an apprehensive sense of expectation that the peace thus won may also introduce other wars. It needs no reminder that both of these extreme sentiments coexist in Manipur. At the end of another year, or perhaps earlier, it will be known whether these vaunted developments are a matter of fresh sugar coatings, or else the sign of a new dawn. We do hope it is the promise of a new dawn that can shed light on everybody concerned and not a sectarian solution that can lead to more mayhem.
Many closely following the ceasefire, whether in support or in apprehension of its fallouts, would be interested in what has been described as the truce’s grey area – its ground rules. Apart from never letting the larger goal of a permanent solution to the Naga problem out of sight, entangled as it may have become against the backdrop of today’s realty, many would vow that it is also absolutely essential to smooth out first and foremost the ground rules in the meanwhile. This will be for the benefit of those who have signed the ceasefire agreement as well as those on whom there are direct consequences showered upon, often non-consensually. It must also be noted that today the peace process itself has tended on many occasions, to be a separate problem for the state administrations in Nagaland and its neighbouring states. In Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, which all have said the ceasefire does not officially extend into their territories, the legal demarcation between what is within the law and what is outside it in dealing with the matter is much clearer than in Nagaland. How for instance is the Nagaland government supposed to deal with the issue or define its law keeping role when the breaches of the law involve those covered by the ceasefire – the ongoing feud between the two factions of the NSCN being the most prominent example?
The ground rule must also make one more thing absolutely certain. This is particularly for the GOI to answer. What is its stand on the existence of a parallel governments outside of the Indian Constitution? On underground organizations which have not signed any peace truce with the government its position is pretty clear – they are illegal. But what about the ones run by the organizations the GOI is currently holding negotiations with, including of course the NSCN(IM)? Are these organizations at liberty to run their own courts, collect ‘taxes’, issue decrees, run jails etc? If yes, then are the people also at liberty to decide which government they prefer to be under and rest their loyalty with or be in legal awe of? These questions are important because they have a direct bearing on the welfare of a lot of people in Nagaland as well as other neighbouring northeastern states, even in the midst of this supposedly “peaceful interlude” before a final settlement. Recall also the jail run by the NSCN(IM) in Ukhrul before the Assam Rifles busted it. What is the Government of India’s advice on how the people generally should react to such developments? Allow us to reiterate. The ground rules of the ceasefire must remove all the ambiguities on these matters, and after this has been done, they must be strictly monitored and enforced, if necessary by an external agency.
DAN committed to bring changes: Dr LothaOur Correspondent The Morung Express Kohima | Aug 5
Minister for Health & Family Welfare Dr. TM Lotha today asserted that Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government is committed towards bringing positive change in the Naga society.
Towards this, he said, the government was doing several things for the youth, realizing that no concrete change is possible unless the youths are fully developed.
Addressing the 34th annual session-cum-freshers day of Kohima Lotha Students Union at the State Academy Hall, the Minister recalled that the government had declared the year of youth for two consecutive years. Through the government’s sponsorship, many youths got placement not only in India but abroad as well, he said. They are doing well and many have come back to take up entrepreneurship ventures in the state, he added.
Lotha students present a song at the KLSU Annual Session at the State Academy Hall, Kohima on August 5. (MExPix) The health Minister called upon the younger generation to change their mindset, attitude and behaviour ‘if they really want to see a better change in the Naga society.’
Maintaining that tremendous changes have taken place in the Naga society over the last 2-3 years, he said “We need to pick up more; we need to keep on learning.”
Dr. Lotha also strongly observed that change must take place from the individual “if we really want to change the Naga society. We want advancement. We do not want backwardness. We want a better change,” he advocated and asked the people to come forward and be ready to compete with the rest of the world.
“We are capable but we do not allow ourselves to develop,” he regretted and urged the youths to explore their talents and refrain from wasting their time. Asking the youths to be serious, he said “unless you change yourself first, you cannot tell others to change.” Encouraging the students to develop a sense of competition, he said one must do his best and try to show the best to the world. Dr. Lotha also regretted that human values are being lost in the Naga society, saying that people are not paying due attention towards work culture. “We should re-dedicate ourselves and willingness to work if we really want to bring change in the Naga society,” he said. He urged the youths to correct their mistakes and revive all the human values.
Earlier, Yilobeni, President Kohima Eloe Hoho and Medo Yhokha, president, Angami Students Union also spoke. Former NSF president Achumbemo Kikon shared on the session’s theme “Towards building a sustainable future.” YL Jami, Joint Secretary
Resolve Naga issue without compromising Manipur’s integrity: MP Newmai News Network
Imphal: Dr. Th. Meinya, Member of Parliament from Manipur urged upon the Central Government to find a lasting and amicable solution to the Naga problem at the earliest but it should never be at the cost of the territories of the neighbouring states.
Dr. Meinya raised the Naga issue during the zero hour in the Lok Sabha yesterday. In his speech, the MP congratulated the UPA government under the leadership of the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for extending the cease-fire with the NSCN (IM) for another one year effecting from this month.
While welcoming this step, he expressed hopefully that this vexed Naga problem would certainly find a lasting solution for Nagas without disturbing the territorial boundaries of the neighbouring states. He asserted that this was the commitment of the UPA Government in its National Common Minimum Programme. He pointed out that there was no reason why the Naga imbroglio should defy a solution forever. Dr. Meinya reminded the Union Government that Manipur got merged into the Union of India on October 15, 1949 with a clearly defined territorial boundary. The wish of the people was that Manipur map of 1949 should always be protected and properly maintained by the Union Government and that there should be no compromise on the territorial integrity of Manipur. By adding this he said,” This is the pride of the Nation, Manipur”. He further emphasized,” We are always for peaceful solution of all issues”.
ANSAM welcomes ceasefire extension Newmai News Network Imphal | August 5
The All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) today said that the recent round of peace talks held at Bangkok between the Government of India (GOI) and the Naga people that arrived at a consensus on Naga framework is a new impetus in the nearly sixty year of Indo-Naga conflict.
The statement submitted to Newmai News Network said that the ANSAM appreciates the framework that would be defined as ‘new and unique’ recognizing the uniqueness of the Naga history. The signed statement of ANSAM president Paul Langhu hoped that’ this historic start shall embark upon substantive issues within the agreed time frame’and added that “this perhaps shall imbibe positive approach to prove the agreed framework in deeds”. While extending good wishes to the negotiators, the ANSAM welcomes the ceasefire extension between the GOI and the Naga people for a period of one year at the latest round of talks held at Bangkok.
In the meant time, the Naga student body also urged upon them to sincerely expedite the Indo-Naga peace process in honoring the aspiration of the Naga people.
NSCN-K hits out at rival Nagaland Post DIMAPUR, AUG 5 (NPN): The NSCN-K has said the rival faction in connivance with the state government was, of late, heaping accusations against the former and para-military forces for violation of ceasefire ground rules while turning a blind eye to its violation of the ground rules.
Secretary, MIP, NSCN-K in a press release said the July 24 and 26 incidents at Ukhrul and Chandel respectively where the NSCN-IM allegedly got itself "entangled in their own trap as far as implementation of the ground rules are concerned," were proofs that the rival faction was not practicing what it preached.
The NSCN-K said the misadventures such as the Ukhrul incident where some thirty armed NSCN-IM cadre rescued four of their comrades who were being taken for trial under police escort and also the diktats earlier issued by NSCN-IM CAOs to SPs of various districts, were all clear violations of the ceasefire ground rules.
It said the NSCN-IM under the veils of their self-proclamations such as having the backing of the Naga populace, pro-Naga, true national workers and pioneers of peace and reconciliation, was continuously trying to project the NSCN-K and the Indian para-military forces as scapegoats, particularly the nSCN-K as anti-Naga.
The NSCN-K also alleged that the rival faction was using the state government and some Naga NGOs and frontal organizations to make itself presentable in the sight of the Naga public.
"However, the I-M themselves are the stumbling block as far as unity, reconciliation and above all Naga sovereignty is concerned," the release stated.
Taking a dig at the report of one Grace Lyn Collins, a Korean-American, after her visit to Nagaland from May 16 to 27 last, the release said the disparaging remarks made by Collins including "Khaplang groups are without question used by the GoI against the IM…unfortunately, the NNC and Khaplang groups have forgotten whom they are fighting against and who their real enemy is," and "Any onlooker would think Khaplang and NNC were very large political voices as they get so much press," again proved that the NSCN-IM has even gone to the extent of propagating to the outside world against the Nagas, particularly the NSCN-K and NNC.
Cautioning that the existence of such elements would only bring divisions and destruction in the Naga society, the NSCN-K said it was time that the Naga people come out with a bold and clear mind to denounce the group or organization responsible for the turmoil in the Naga society in order to set the right platform for the destiny of the Nagas.
Further, questioning the alleged silence of the GoI to the violations of the ground rules by the NSCN-IM, the NSCN-K also asked why GoI has to abuse "sovereignty" of the Nagas by using the rival faction under the guise of peace talks at the expense of Nagas' sweat and blood.
Changes should first come from within: Dr Lotha
North East Press Service
Kohima, Aug 5 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr TM Lotha expressed serious concern on erosion of the work culture and moral ethics in the present generations. He said while the whole world was changing for every moment with the invasion of newer technologies,
the Nagas could not afford remaining complacent but instead should out of the box and compete with the rest of the world to become the “best.”
Speaking as chief guest on the occasion of the 34th Annual Session-Cum-Freshers’ Day of the Kohima Lotha Students Union (KLSU) here at the State Academy Hall today, the Minister stated there was a massive global change which also affected the normal lives of the Naga society. “Unless we go along with this (changes), we will continue to suffer and regress ourselves,” he cautioned. “But such changes will only come about as and when you change yourself.”
Dr Lotha also did not subscribe to the ideas of some people that they should wait for fortune and luck to knock them to become someone. “Such luck and fortune will only come to those who labor hard,” he explained.
He also stressed the importance of excelling in other areas so as to compete with others. “Your educations from the schools, colleges and universities will not be sufficient unless you have the knowledge of the extended educations and excelling in other areas,” the expressed.
The Minister said the Nagas had adopted the life styles of advanced countries, while they were not morally, mentally and physically prepared even to live with values and ethos. “You don’t know your resources and incomes and yet you are adopting everything that has been with the people of highly civilized countries,” he rued. “This way, you are not going to bring any changes and rather you are a liability to the Naga society.”
“The Koreans, Japanese and Chinese are becoming global competitors and they could excel in many areas because of their hard labors,” he said. “But why are you lagging behind so much for the fact that we are from the same stocks because you are yet to explore the potentials stored in
you.”
Calling upon the youths to discard the culture of easy life and develop the spirit of confidence in competing with the rest of the world, the Minister asserted that they were second to none and further urged them to change their attitudes and mindsets within themselves and utilize their “gifted talents.”
He also informed about the commitment of the 3 and ˝ year old DAN Government in the state that it had given priority for the development of youths with more infrastructures. Many of them had already availed facilities, he added.
Presidents of Kohima Eloe Hoho, Yilobeni and Angami Students Union Medo Yhokha spoke on the occasion and lauded the contributions made by the Lotha students towards the welfare of the students’ community and also the cause of the Nagas.
Earlier, KLSU president Yiben Humtsoe welcomed the chief guest, guest of honor, other dignitaries and participants to the function, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Benjamin, vice president, KLSU.
Centre blamed for ULFA deadlock Nagaland Post
GUWAHATI, AUG 5 (UNI): The civil society of Asom today blamed the Centre for creating a deadlock in the ULFA peace talk and urged announcement of an immediate unilateral ceasefire.
Political parties, students' organisations, ULFA's representatives and intellectuals assembled at the call of the Guwahati University to remove the constraints on ULFA and centre talks.
The round table conference was attended by representatives of the Congress, BJP, AGP, left parties besides, students' organizations like AASU and AJYCP, ULFA's representatives PCG and a galaxy of intellectuals of the state.
The meeting resolved that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi should intervene to remove the hurdles and urged the Centre to take a fresh initiative for the peace process.
It also urged the Centre to announce unilateral ceasefire to be reciprocated by the ULFA. The meeting also resolved that five central executive leaders should be released by the government to facilitate the talk.
There was also suggestion of appointing an interlocutor but it was objected by the PCG while there was strong suggestion that some sort of secrecy be maintained when the peace process was on for the future of negotiation.
Former DGP Hare Krishna Deka, former Chief Secretary H N Das, Editor Manoj Goswami and Prasanta Rajguru, AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Kr Bhattacharya, former Union Minister Bijoya Chakravarty and head of the department of Political Science of Guwahati University Niru Hazarika were present in the round table conference.
Cong flays BJP leader for remark on Naga problem Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Aug 5:: Taking strong exception to BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy’s statement that the UPA government was ‘least interested’ to resolve the Naga problem Nagaland Pradesh Congress today said it was the P V Narasimha Rao-led Congress government that had declared the Naga issue a political problem and initiated the current peace process.
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president Hokhet Sumi said in a statement that it was the UPA government which had upgraded the peace talks from bureaucratic to ministerial level and peace parleys were made a monthly affair for speeding up the peace process.
Ridiculing Rudy’s assertion that the Naga problem would have been solved had the NDA government continued at the Centre, the NPCC said, “They (NDA) were sleeping over the Naga political issue without making any headway and never showed any interest to solve it.”
The NPCC pointed out that as a union minister, Rudy had visited Nagaland only once on the eve of the 2003 Assembly elections in the state when he had not spoken anything about the progress made by the Vajpayee government on the Naga peace process or any other developmental activities.
“It is only after he took over the party’s organisational matter in Nagaland that Rudy is trying to project himself as being knowledgeable on the Naga issue and is talking about solving the Naga problem,” the NPCC said.
The former Union Civil Aviation Minister who is also the BJP’s organisational in-charge of Nagaland was here since Thursday in connection with the BJP’s organisational elections in Nagaland. – PTI
Another two bite the dust in another 'Commando' style By Donn Morgan Sangai Express
Who are the cheapest human race on earth? It is the Kukis of Manipur. They are now officially worth just Rs 50,000 each in cold-blooded extra-judicial murder by the State police: thanks to KSO experts negotiators. Yes, this might not be the usual ex-gratia payment but it was the hasty manner in which the lives of two Kuki youths, who were allegedly shot dead as KRA cadres at Langol area by IW police commandos, where so casually settled. Shocking as it was this was another rubbing of salt to a multiple wounds which have not yet healed since that gruesome slaying of three Kuki kids at KR Lane in October 2004 by the IE police commandos. In between as many as four Kuki youths had been shot death in most mysterious circumstances in Imphal areas. The KR Lane triple-murder, the Khongsai Veng bloody drama were not the first and the Langol Laimanai execution will not be the last. The Chief Minister of Manipur and his glory seeking boys have once again bought themselves out with 'arranged and tutored non-Kuki militants', laced with crisp bank notes. The general public have also been completely duped once again.
The Kuki students' negotiators ought to know in future that when it comes to extra-judicial killing of Kuki civilians followed by full general strike, they ought not to greedily take it as a text-books issue or political issues. They also know the law of the land to counter cheap tricks and other false intimidations.
As printed in all local newspapers, two Kuki youths were accosted allegedly by two police personnel riding on a Kinetic Honda near Khuman Lampak bus station, under Imphal East P.S. and handed over to an Imphal-West (IW) police team sometime in the afternoon. This was seem by some persons, through they would not have known the reason behind it. In the case filed by the fathers of the two slain youths, both their sons were abducted in Khuman Lampak area on the 26th July 2006, and were killed by the IW Police commandos at Langol Laimanai falsely as hard core cadres of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA).
The KRA did issue a press-release stating both the victims were not members of the outfit. Then, to make the matter worst than the twist and turns of the fifth day of a closely fought test match cricket, an FBI/American law enforcement style suddenly came. In what appeared to be 'prison mole', i.e. planted undercover agent, one Md Nasir of Hatta-Golapati, IE district, was conveniently 'picked up' the very next day as KRA activist by IW commandos (CDOs) to identify the slain youths as hard core KRA activists who recruited him while on prison term.
Then, like the FBI/ATF a probable hoax phone call was made to the office of the Imphal Free Press (IFP) by a person who identified himself as KRA leader giving a telephonic message to pay a 'Martyr's salute' which is strictly a police and military term, certainly not used by the Kuki militant outfits to persons who were not their hard core cadres. In the official absence of the SP, IW, Clay Khongsai IPS, the senior officers-in-charge had done a little too much without diplomacy with CM-in-charge on the helm. Overdone, dare we say, since the chain of events happened too quick. You can't fool all the people all the time. Now in Manipur, the military and its PIB/Defence Wing have realised and respectfully acknowledge the presence of expert in para-commando and investigative journalists. Hence, the Army/AR officers apparently think twice before filing an FIR, keeping in mind the importance of evidences, bullet wounds and circumstantial evidence.
Nowadays, the Army/AR used more convincing physical evidences which can be accepted in a court of law. In any gunfight, both sides have to have firearms and a casualty in any gunbattle or ambush. Handgrenades and demand letters cannot be classified as firearms since they just cannot discharged bullets like automatic rifles or pistols.
Interestingly, the physical evidences used by IE/IW police Cdos in the slaying of seven 'suspected' Kuki militants the Hatta-Gollapati- war cemetery areas plus the three KR Lane murder in alleged staged-encounters were similar rusty fragmentation hand grenades and demand letters. In all those four separate staged encounters, none of the grenades were hurled upon the police Cdos. Since all those hand-grenades placed near the victims had their safety-pins on, they could not have posed any serious threat to policemen even if the usual official versions were to be bitterly believed.
No sane UG militants would walk around openly with hand-grenades tightly tucked inside their jean pockets in Imphal proper as a side-show. And no sane hard core militants would have try to lob a hand grenade without taking off the all important safety-pin which would ignite the fuse cap. In the KR Lane 'staged encounter' two handgrena-des were neatly placed few inches apart to the left side of only one of the 3 innocent victims. There was no firearms, neither empty cases any pockmarks, as were the cases in many controversial 1 to 5 men alleged encounters as claimed by the police Cdos. How on earth is the real fact that not even a single commandos got hurt or injury in 90% of so many fierce gunbattles over the past 5 years or so? Most of the militants were officially killed in retaliatory firing.
Have you ever seen a police Cdo's vehicles with multiple bullet or shrapnel marks aftermath a gunbattle? How come almost all of them remain unscratched time and time again? In three recent real encounters police commandos and IRB personnel didn't stand a chance. On 25th Dec 2004, a five men team of IE Commandos completely failed to respond in a daring ambush, all were killed sitting inside the burned out gypsy. Another party lost an SDPO, OC and a couple of commandos on their way to respond a gun-battle, not a single UG was killed, as was the case when seven IRB personnel were killed in one to one ambush.
Once a convoy of IE Commandos led by the SP, IE, himself were completely trapped by automatic and UMG firing by 5 or 6 militants only to be rescued just on time by the 17th AR. Col. Jagmohan's crack team successfully stormed the building in an audacious cavalry charge and neutralising 4 militants armed with AKs and machine guns. Taking into account the overwhelming numerical superiority with 4:1 ratio, it's a shame to the so-called police commandos helplessly cut off from their SP pinned down by small arms fires after making a hasty retreat from the hostile compound, an Indo-Japanese office building. The much talk about commandos had clearly no answer to the 4 or 5 Bushido-inspired militants precision firings.
A squad of commando-trained special weapons and tactical (SWAT) team would have successfully do the needful. How or why should a 30-40 so-called commandos with bullet-proof vests and assault rifles and machine guns failed to respond tactically like other SWAT team? The combined forces of IW/IE commandos and IRB under the command IG (L/O) reportedly made a hasty retreat somewhere in the Koubru mountain areas on a search and rescue mission when a squad of KNF militants ordered them to back off through walkie-talkie handset in direct visual range. The excuse being the physical safety of the hostage. Well, then, why did the combined commando/IRB forces took up the mission on the first place if they were to care about the lives of the abducted persons?
The self styled police commandos need to honour their elite name tag, i.e. commandos. They should refrain from extra-judicial killings, pick pocketing, collections of tax from liquor vendors and erring rickshawallahs and drunken assaults on civilians, etc. It would be the best interest of the State Govt to send young junior police officers for special urban and jungle warfare training and proper interrogation methods to Israel. Apart from having the most potent intelligence agency in Mossad, Israelis have the elite Shinbet/Shabak, the legendary Shayarat Matkal crack commandos and special forces para-commandos of the elite Golani and Nahal brigades. They even trained the Indian army, US Marines special forces, US Army's Ranger, Sri Lanka Army Commandos in different time periods. There are many CHIKIMS, especially from Manipur and Nagaland in all these elite Israeli combat commandos units.
These highly trained Kukis of the elite Israeli special forces could come in very handy and convenient in training selected members of the so-called Manipur Police Commandos. The IRB personnel ought to be send to Vairengte, Mizoram, since they are para-military forces, or division for 'inspiration'. The Manipur State security forces need to have some sense of honour, dignity, responsibility and mental courage, and some sort of military expertise while on CI Ops.
Coming back to the Langol Laimani double execution on the 26th July, it was a shame that a President's medal of Gallantry Award recipient like ASI Bobby could have filed an FIR that two KRA cadres had been gunned down by his team in a desolate spot in an 'encounter' wherein the victims did not carry firearms in the 'shoot-out'. Remember his IW commando team were not responding to a call. Even if their shaky report were to be believed, they could be suspended for sheer stupidity and reckless endangerment of their own lives since they reportedly open fire when 'the' handgrenade was thrown towards them by one of the victims.
When a handgrenade or a bomb is thrown SF personnel must have to hit the dirt, cover their ears and heads, lie down still for atleast 5 to 8 seconds. Fragmentation grenades are deadly within 100 ft or more. It can be a short, regular or delayed fuse, so once it leaves the hand one must have to take cover, forget about aiming and shooting. How did the team knew that the grenade was not going to explode?
Moreover why didn't they disabled and arrest them instead of point blank multiple shots as taught in the police academy? One of them received a shot on the back of his head and multiple gunshot wounds on chest and stomach area, all entry points had straight frontal trajectory. Shot from the front with high velocity rifle bullets with a coup de grace on the back on the head or vice-versa? The other suspect seems to have shot dead as he came charging onto commandos 'dangerously' armed with KRA demand letter, cutting him down with assault rifles before the alleged KRA activist cut-off the commandos' head with a KRA letter head. With the credits for the killing of a KNF Defence Minister still up for grasp, another Presidents Gallantry award is on the card. People, hear this, CM O Ibobi's boys are back in town for business. Give them a friendly warm welcome should you cross their paths. Boys are, well boys.
From now, the KSO and Kuki public leaders should refrain from calling general strikes and economic blockades if nobody has to pay directly for crime agai-nst humanity. All these loud noises and threats have become something of a joke to the family and the Kuki nation. Period.
The seeds of Integrity Sangai Express editorial
After Manipur merged with the Indian Union on October 15, 1949, the history of the State may perhaps be divided into two broad phases, pre-June 18, 2001 and post-June 18, 2001. We need not go into the details of June 18, 2001, but it may be said that the seeds of June 18, 2001 were sown on August 4, 1997. Imphal or rather Manipur saw the biggest ever public rally on August 4, 1997, when the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation mobilised the public to come under one platform and pledge to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur in the backdrop of the looming threat posed to its boundary courtesy the peace process between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India. A lot of water has flown down the Nambul river since August 4, 1997 and there has also been a marked change in the social and political realm of Manipur. The August 4, 1997 rally not only sensitised the people to the threat hanging over the territory of Manipur but also drove home the message of communal amity and peaceful co-existence. It is now nine years since the momentous rally was held and we may study the significance of the rally in the backdrop of the developments that have taken place since then. There is no doubt that voices on either side of the Lim divide have become more audible and today it has come to mean an exercise in lung power and raising the decibel level. The proponents of Greater Nagalim too have changed their tactics and strategies and what was once seen as solely the demand of an armed outfit engaged in a peace talk with the Indian Government, is today being projected as the voice of the Naga people. Different political and social strategies have been staged and enforced during the last few years by either side and the 52 days economic blockade, the move to affiliate to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education, the various meetings held to protect the ties and bond of brotherly co-existence etc are all steps that have been adopted by the two parties on either side of the Lim divide.
From Integrity Day, now what direction do we proceed is the question that ought to be occupying the minds of the leaders of AMUCO. Special meetings and functions may be held on August 4 every year to mark the momentous occasion, but integrity day should be a continuing process and this is the message that should be rung out to the people. One day, one occasion, one episode cannot protect the integrity of Manipur and likewise not one single event or one development can break up Manipur. In the backdrop of this fact, the important thing to keep in mind is to ensure that the true message of Integrity Day is not lost in a hazy smoke of communal distrust and latent animosity. We would like to believe that AMUCO's concept of Integrity Day goes far beyond the territorial integrity of Manipur but entails integrating the different communities of the land while at the same time safeguarding the distinct identity and culture of each group of people. Nine years is not a short period of time and perhaps it is right to introspect today and study how far the people or Manipur has progressed or regressed since the first Integrity rally was held on August 4, 1997. When 2007 comes, it would be ten years. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that when the ten year mark is reached, the social relationship between the different communities would have taken a turn for the better.
Jami's Declaration Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, AUG04 [NPN] : Senior NSCN-K leader AZ Jami has in a 'Declaration' withdrawn and recanted all accusations and abuses relating to political issues that he had uttered or written unreasonably against the NSCN-K under the leadership of chairman SS Khaplang while he was in the rival NSCN-IM faction, in letter and spirit with retrospective effect from October 25, 2005. Jami who is presently convenor, council of ministers GPRN/NSCN-K, in the declaration also said "with reasonable case study, analysis and assessment of the things that had happened and the incidents that had occurred and all health and unhealthy developments that had taken place in the past, I voluntarily make this declaration in sound mind and robust health, today the 11th July, 2006."
MP links map State to Naga issue Nagarealm.com
New Delhi, Aug04 [TSE] : Dr.Th Meinya, Member of Parliament from Manipur urged upon the Government to find a lasting and amicable solution to the Naga problem at the earliest but it should never be at the cost of the territories of neighbouring States.
Dr Meinya raised the Naga issue during zero hour in the Lok Sabha yesterday.
In his speech, the MP congratulated the UPA Govt under the able leadership of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for extending the ceasefire with the NSCN (IM) for another year.
While welcoming this step, he expressed hopefully that this vexed Naga problem would certainly find a lasting solution for Nagas without disturbing the territorial boundaries of the neighbouring States.
He asserted that this was the commitment of the UPA Government in its National Common Minimum Programme.
He pointed out that there was no reason why the Naga imbroglio should defy a solution forever.
The State Parliamentarian reminded the Union Government that Manipur got merged into the Union of India on October 15, 1949 with a clearly defined territorial boundary.
The wish of the people was that Manipur map of 1949 should always be protected and properly maintained by the Union Government and that there should be no compromise on the territorial integrity of Manipur.
By adding this he said, "This is the pride of the Nation, Manipur".
He further emphasized," We are always for peaceful solution of all issues".
