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08/18/2006: "NSCN-IM questions NSCN-K’s policy Nagaland Post"

NSCN-IM questions NSCN-K’s policy Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, AUG 17 (NPN): In the backdrop of recent developments and the quit notice served to a particular community by the NSCN-K, the NSCN-IM has alleged that the rival faction's "resort to divisive exhibition in order to escape isolation remains a reality impossible to deny" and questioned whether rejection of "one's own brethren across artificially imposed boundaries be recognized as an act justified of patriotic nationalism."
The NSCN-IM in a press release said it was unfortunate that though the rival faction was well aware of its wrong misdemeanors as proclaimed patriotic nationalists, the "facts of their wrong principles and egoistic obstinacy" has led them to become tools in the hands of adversaries.
Calling to reason whether the Naga civil societies representing the mass Naga people have failed on their part or whether the NSCN-K has betrayed the Nagas, the NSCN-IM wondered why the rival faction was issuing threats to all Naga representatives and leaders.
"Is tribalism their (NSCN-K) objective or Naga nationalism above all else?" the NSCN-K asked adding Nagas have confronted different adverse situation during the course of struggle and that everytime the "Khaplang group happens to be across the fence."
Accusing the rival faction of remaining hand in glove with the opposing forces to undermine all endeavours of achieving permanent peace, the NSCN-IM said that no Naga can be excluded, murdered or chased out of "our own land at ones insane whims."
Advising the NSCN-K to reconcile with their wrong ideology of anti-people and introspect where they are focused on, the release added "Are they to liberate or strangulate the Nagas with their ideological dictates?"
Stating elements succumbing to adverse forces have thrived to humiliate the Naga people and stain the social fabric and the unique Naga identity, the NSCN-IM however said proper sense of mind would ultimately prevail over all wrongs and national unity and integrity of the Nagas would remain indisputably intact over any force.
"All wrongs committed on innocent Nagas in the name of nationalism will be adjudicated upon the criminals and terrorists according to their deeds, as right will always win over wrong at any stage of time," the release added.
The NSCN-IM also cautioned that the rival faction would be held accountable in the event of any eventuality of "divisive and bloody misadventures in Nagalim as declared."
"The GPRN will not permit anti-Naga campaigns to prevail in Nagalim and respond befittingly in the same coin against all inimical forces, for our national principles will reign supreme over all antagonistic forces," the NSCN-IM said.
NGOs do not represent Nagas: NSCN-K Nagaland Post DIMAPUR, AUG 17 (NPN): Accusing NGOs such as Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA and NPMHR of directly supporting the rival faction's "genocide" of Naga civilians as well as unarmed civil wings of NSCN-K and NNC/FGN since 1990, the NSCN-K said these NGOs cannot take themselves as representatives of the Nagas since Naga society is tribal and clan-oriented.
The NSCN-K also questioned the wisdom of Naga NGOs and churches for allegedly condemning the NNC/FGN for signing the Shillong Accord and staying in transits peace camps, but supporting NSCN-IM talks for solution "within Indian Union."
CCM, NSCN-K, Y. Wangtin Konyak in a press release said "they should not forget that it was Th. Muivah and Isaac Swu who murdered nearly a thousand of NNC/FGN workers accusing them to be Shillong Accordists."
Alleging that the acts of some NGO leaders were encouraging the NSCN-IM to commit more fratricides in Nagaland, Wangtin asked as to who would recover the blood of the Nagas shed by the rival faction in Shillong Accord issue and in the name of sovereignty.
"If the IM signs an agreement for solution within Indian Union, Th. Muivah and Isak will face the same charge sheet they imposed on NNC after Shillong Accord of 1975. Same yardstick will be applied on some NGOs leaders unless they realize their mistakes and keep away from IM sell out plan," the NSCN-K warned.
Asserting that the NSCN-K is the "the sole authority over the National Police who will decide the fate of the Nagas" and the "Alfa and Omega of the Naga political movement,"
Wangtin urged patriotic cadres in IM group to stand boldly against the 'sell-out policy' of their leaders and denounce the "extinct organization" in the interest of the nation under NSCN government.
"A day will come when NSCN will be worshipped like God and some NGO leaders who are proud of IM today will bow down before the NSCN. But it will be too late for them," the senior NSCN-K leader claimed and added that Nagaland would obtain sovereignty at any cost.
Asking Nagas not to be discouraged by the rival faction's alleged statements including
"Sovereignty is obsolete, sovereignty is not possible in this modern days, sovereignty is dead-word, solution within Indian union, federal relationship," Wangtin further said that no one can dictate the Naga sovereignty movement or hijack the sovereignty instinct of the Nagas.
He also said the NNC/FGN should prepare to avenge the killings of its cadres by Th. Muivak and Isak on Shillong Accord issue and that they should "not try to swim in the political bloody water."
Maintaining that any solution between GoI-IM would in no way be final for the Naga nation, Wangtin said there are many Naga patriots who look forward to building a terrorist-free nation.
NBSE affiliation issue misconstrued – NSF The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 17 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) held view that the movement for affiliation of all private schools in the four Naga hill districts of Manipur to the NBSE has been misconstrued by the NSCN-K and the NPCC (I) and to this, the federation lamented that the movement has been responded to by serving of a warning.
“The affiliation movement for all private schools in the four Naga hill districts of Manipur to NBSE initiated by the NSF has been misconstrued by the NSCN(K) and NPCC (I) as an initiative that threatens job opportunities and scholarships for Naga students of present state Nagaland” stated an NSF release issued through its President V Phushika Aomi, Speaker WH Maring and General Secretary K Elu Ndang.
“The Federation has indeed issued a vision statement of the affiliation movement in all local daily newspapers wherein, it clearly emphasizes about the biased education policy and imposition of Meitei Mayek (Meitei script) upon the Naga students by Meitei-dominated Manipur government; as such the affiliations of these private schools to NBSE in no way will encroach the job opportunities and scholarships meant for students within the present state of Nagaland because every state government has its own job reservation policy based on bona fide citizenship of the concern state and scholarship is a union government’s policy directly funded by Union Government’s exchequer” the NSF stated.
The NSF lamented that the issue has bee replied with a warning. “Unfortunately, the attempt to clarify on the affiliation movement by the NSF has been responded by serving warning. It is very discouraging to note that the sincere effort and concerns of the NSF for our Naga brothers and sisters in other parts of Naga homeland is being questioned” it was stated and appealed to all sections of the Naga society not to take otherwise the stand of the Federation on the issue but fervently support the affiliation of schools to NBSE in the interest of the younger generations.
Akuluto public leave decision to Sumi Hoho Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, AUG 17 (NPN): Condemning the August 9 factional clash between the rival NSCNs at Sutemi village and subsequent violation of the June 14 ceasefire agreement signed between the two factions under the aegis of Sumi Hoho, the Akuluto area public said it was upto the Sumi Hoho to decide on "the consequences of the violation committed by the factions."
A joint release issued by chairman, Akuluto Area G.Bs Association, VC Khutovi and Akuluto Range Students' Union (ARSU) president G. Zhukheto Sumi informed that the Akuluto area public in an emergency meeting held on August 16 at town hall, Akuluto, also resolved not to permit any armed faction to halt in the village premises.
However, public would have no objection to any faction taking shelter within safe distance from the village vicinity, so that villagers would be able to render necessary help when circumstances arose.
Armed factions desiring to pass through or meet the village authority under Akuluto sub-division, are also to send advance official information to the village council concerned.
The meeting also resolved that in the event of factional clashes involving killing of armed cadres, the body/bodies of the deceased would be taken to the police station for identification and transported to the victim's village, for which the public would bear no cost or responsibility.
If no claims are made by the relatives or groups of the deceased, then the Akuluto Area Public Forum shall bury the deceased within the premises of the village in which the victim was killed, the release also informed. In connection with the submission of the resignation by the members of the Akuluto Area Public Safety Monitoring Cell, the house requested the team to continue to serve with their responsibility in the interest of the public in general for a period of another one year and applauded their efforts to serve the public. The Akuluto Area Public further expressed gratitude to the Akuluto Area Union Dimapur (AAUD) for its support and guidance.
Five Naga MLAs meet Rio on affiliation issue Our Correspondent Kohima | August 17 The Morung Express
A team of five MLAs representing the four Naga districts of Manipur met Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today at his official residence and had a long discussion on the affiliation of all private schools from four Naga districts of Manipur to NBSE. The five MLAs are D. Shaiza, W. Kheising, Henry Pauthei and Samuel Jendai.
Leader of the team Samuel Jendai said that they were very happy with the positive response of the state Chief Minister over the issue. Neiphiu Rio was reported to have told the visiting MLAs that Nagaland Government would support the affiliation of all private Schools from the four Naga district of Manipur to NBSE. “Chief Minister told us that all possibility would be explored to fulfill the affiliation issue”, Samuel Jendai said after meeting with Rio.
The Nagaland Chief Minister would meet Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh by the end of this month and appraise the latter to take up the issue at the earliest.
The five MLAs have expressed happiness over the positive response and unstinted support of the Neiphiu Rio DAN government on the affiliation issue. “We are very happy with the response of the chief minister, he is quite positive”, said Samuel Jendai, Leader of the team and MLA from Tamenlong district.
The delegation was supposed meet the Leader of Opposition, I Imkong today and return to Manipur, however, the latter is reported to be out of station, therefore the meeting likely to take place tomorrow. The MLAs would also call a press conference after meeting with I Imkong.
Moreh deadlock on I Ibobi Sangai express
MOREH, Aug 17 : The talk held between representatives of the Government and the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Sunil Agarwal failed to break the ice and another round of meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow.
MLAs K Ranjit, Bijoy Koijam and Thangso Baite represented the Government and the talk with the JAC was held at the Moreh IB today at 6 pm.
The JAC demanded the punishment of the killers, to restore communal harmony at Moreh and to open a post of IRB and police commandos.
The Government assured to speed up the investigation and to try and nab the culprits and appealed to the JAC to lift the bandh. The Govt also promised to provide Rs 1 lakh as aid to the family of Sunil Agarwal before the Shradha ceremony.
However both parties could not come to a meeting point and another meeting has been scheduled tomorrow. The Meitei Council, Moreh and Hill Tribal Council are also set to meet tomorrow to defuse the tense situation at the border town.
Meanwhile, the godown belonging to father of Sunil Agarwal was looted by unidentified miscreants last night. Goods kept inside the godown were stolen.
Media persons who had gone to cover the story were manhandled by some miscreants and the disc of the camera of a correspondent was damaged by the miscreants.
Naga NGOs supporting NSCN-IM’s holy war, says NSCN-K ‘NGOS, social in nature, should not involve in politics’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, August 17 (MExN): The NSCN-K charged Naga NGOs such as the Naga Hoho, Naga Students Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers Association (NMA) and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) of supporting what was termed as “IM’s holy war”.
“Those NGOs such as the Naga Hoho, NSF, NMA and NPMHR are directly supporting I-M’s holy war genocide of the Naga civilians as well as unarmed civil wing of NSCN and NNC/FGN since 1990. They consider themselves to be representatives of the Nagas. However, Nagas are tribal and clan-oriented society and in no case those leaders represent the Nagas” according to a statement issued by Y Wangtin Konyak, CCM, adding it should not be forgotten that the NSCN-IM had taken the lives of “nearly a thousand NNC/FGN workers accusing them to be Shillong Accordists”. The NSCN-K questioned why the Naga NGOs are supporting the NSCN-IM’s “talks for solution within Indian Union” while openly condemning the NNC/FGN.
“These acts of some NGO leaders encourage I-M to commit fratricide in Nagaland. The question asked is – who will recover the blood of the Nagas shed by I-M in Shillong Accord issue and in the name of sovereignty? If the I-M signs an agreement for solution within Indian Union, Th. Muivah and Isak will face the same charge sheet they imposed on NNC after Shillong Accord of 1975” the NSCN-K stated adding that the same yardstick would be applied on ‘some NGO leaders’ unless “they realize their mistakes and keep away from I-M sellout plan”. The NSCN is the sole authority over national politic who will decide the fate of the Nagas, it added. The NSCN-K further stated that there are some patriot cadres in the NSCN-IM who should boldly stand against the “sell-out policy” of their leaders and denounce the “extinct organization in the interest of the nation under the NSCN government, “because it is Alpha and Omega of the Naga political movement”. It was asserted that ‘a day will come when NSCN will be worshipped like God and some NGO leaders who are proud of I-M terrorist today will bow down before the NSCN but it will be too late for them.’
“No one can dictate the Naga sovereignty movement nor hijack the sovereignty instinct of the Nagas. However small and weak the Naga nation may be, she is in no case inferior to India. The I-M assertion is ‘fox on the sour grapes’. There are more than 19 nations in the world that are smaller than Nagaland in terms of population and size” the organization stated.
“The NNC/FGN should prepare to avenge the killing of its cadres by Th. Muivah and Isak on Shillong Accord issue, because they are also ready to sign similar agreement. One thing, NGOs are social in nature, therefore they should not try to swim in the political bloody water” the NSCN-K stated adding that any solution between the government of India and the NSCN-IM will in no way be final for the Naga nation, because their solution is bound to be a “surrendered solution.”
Disruption of Independence Day programme uncalled for: Rio Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Aug 17:: Maintaining that his government's "good intention" to strengthen education in the Nagaland's backward areas was misuderstood by tribal Chang protestors, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said...
their disruption of Independence Day celebrations at Tuengsang was uncalled for.

Activists of Chang Tribal Council and Chang Students Union had prevented Transport Minister I Sangtam from hoisting the national flag at Tuengsang parade ground and the people from joining in the function to protest the government's decision to set up a deputy inspector of school office at Tobu in Mon district.

Tobu has been the scene of violence between the Chang and Konyak tribes in the last two decades over land ownership. The authorities were forced to shift the venue of the celebration.

"The land dispute at Tobu between the two tribes has been there for long and successive governments tried to resolve it. The cabinet took the decision to set up the DIS office in April so that quality education could be imparted in backward areas. But why should the Chang people react in such a manner now?" Rio told reporters here.

Asked about possible action against the district administration for its failure to hold the August 15 celebrations, he said the government would act on explanations from the deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police as soon as they were recieved.
Rio's office and the chief secretary had separately sought explanations from the Chang Tribal Council and officials and said appropriate action will be taken against those who disrupted the celebrations.
The Chang Tribal Council today held Rio and his government responsible for the incident and said the DC and the SP should not be made scapegoats. Chang Khukie Setshang (Chang Tribal Council) president Kainang Chang and general secretary S Yemba Chang said despite the fact that the Chang and Konyak tribes were heading towards resolving their prolonged dispute over ownership of land at Tobu, the government had gone ahead with its decision to set up the DIS office with a "divide and rule policy".

The Nagaland unit of the Congress today urged Governor Shyamal Dutta to dismiss the Rio government for its failure to hoist the tricolor, saying it showed the government's "worthlessness" in running the affairs of the state and the incompetence of district administration in curbing any disruptive force.

State Congress president Hokheto Sumi said the government should be dismissed for its inability to fulfil its constitutional obligation and responsibility. --- PTI
NSCN-K bans students body, clarifies cadres action Newmai News Network
The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has banned two student organisations namely; Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, LNKR (Liangmai Students Union) and the Rongmei Students Organisation, Manipur, RSOM with immediate effect and have further been warned with dire consequences if the students’ body carry out their activities in future.
Regional Council Member (RCM) of the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region Kamson said that LNKR and RSOM have not been recognised by the Zeliangrong Union, the apex body of the Zeliangrong. Kamson further stated that any organisations of the Zeliangrong community which are not recognised by the Zeliangrong Union would not be allowed to exist in the Zeliangrong Region.
Meanwhile, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has asked the Rongmei Students Organisation, Manipur (RSOM) and the Zeliangrong Union (ZU) to surrender before the outfit at the earliest time possible. Reasoning its decision, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region leader Kamson said that ZU and RSOM had condemned the August 12 incident without knowing the truth and said that the report of two journalists and a law student who had been reportedly assaulted by the NSCN-K cadres in Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district was exaggerated and wrong.
Kamson said that on August 12 at Zeiladjang village cadres of the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region stopped and interrogated Nitin Sethy of the Down to Earth journal; Aphian Gonmei of a Tamenglong based newspaper Dih Cham and Namdithu Pamei, a law student. Kamson further stated that these three persons while responding to the interrogation did not co-ordinate to each other in their answers so the NSCN-K cadres gave a small slap to each of them to give a proper answers.
“Just a small slap to a person while interrogating and that also for giving a cooked up answers from three different persons with three different statements who are in the same team, is a negligible and small reaction from a revolutionary group”, explained Kamson.
The NSCN-K leader while reasoning of his cadres’ action of August 12 has said that with the ongoing tussle between the two NSCNs, they are on the alert at every moment. He added that these three persons had entered the village but since the village people failed to identify them, the NSCN cadres had taken up pre-emptive measures by trying to verify their identities and thus, interrogated them.
Kamson said that their cadres did not beat or assault them as condemned by the RSOM and ZU but a small slap to find out the truth. The NSCN-K leader urged ZU and RSOM not to “simply bark” without knowing the truth and asked these organisations and other civil bodies not to condemn in future for such kind of incidents.
Kamson said that keeping in mind with the call of the Zeliangrong Union that Zeliangrong Region be a peace zone, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has been restraining itself from many things. He said that his outfit has exempted various taxes from the region and that every activity of the outfit has been done in the interest of the Zeliangrong community or the Naga interest.
Suisa memorial award needs scientific management By Jacob Shaiza Sangai Express
Indignantly, the Suisa Memorial Award was in the news recently but for the wrong reason. The award was instituted in the name of Suisa, a prominent Naga movement ideologue and former Lok Sabha MP. Wrong reason was no way to honour a person of the stature of Suisa but for the immature and incompetent persons who manage the award. Proper planning with application of scientific mind is apparently not seen with the persons who runs the shows. TKs/TEDCOM who manage the Suisa Memorial Award need to redefine its role and objectives in a more transparent manner and re-establish its credibility as the frontal body of the Tangkhul educational movement.
Running an organisation without proper management system is a risky venture, particularly when it involves such high profile role of managing an award. This is so because every organisation requires the making of decision, the co-ordinating of activities, the handling of people and evaluating the performance directed toward its objectives. Because in the context of TKS/TEDCOM its missio-nary objective is to encou-rage and to produce quality students to build up quality human resources and ethically do it so as to serve the general welfare. But sometimes mistakes are committed but to err is human. The real danger lies in not recognising tho-se mistakes.
Pertinently, it is worth pointing out that scientific management is the art of knowing exactly what is to be done and the best way of doing it, showing justice a fair play all the way.
Significantly, what really went wrong with TKS/TEDCOM to be mired in controversy? Simple investigation shows that TKS/TEDCOM failed to have fixed criteria for selecting schools and students for the award. This is the crux of the controversy and naturally, this is the self-invited damage that could have been avoided. The risk of making decision based upon the whim of the TKS/TEDCOM managers is therefore tasted in a very bitter manner.
Unfortunately, the victim of this improper planning was infant Jesus English School, Ukhrul, who in the past two years was given the award for achieving cent per cent result in the HSLC exam. And repeating the same success story this year the school were deservingly awaiting for the cent per pass award. But the decision taken by TKS/TED-COM at the wrong time denied the reputed Infant Jesus English School the honour of receiving the coveted award for the third consecutive year. Unprofessional was the manner of TKS/TEDOM in doing away with the award without going through the normal practice of serving advance notification to all the schools. Consequen-tly, the Private School Association hit back against the TKS/TEDOM for its unjustified decision which is not going to boost the morale of the schools and its students in any sense of the term.
The TKS/TEDOM management have failed to take into consideration the necessity of keeping the private schools in good humour for the simple reason that realistic education begins with the private schools and continues with the private schools. A wiser application of non-rigid methods could have made a big difference in upholding the values attached with Suisa Memorial Award. After all, productivity and satisfaction go together in a really scientifically managed programme.
May be something co-uld going wrong with the leadership within TKS/TEDCOM. In today's wo-rds a leader must be capable of envisioning the future reality of his or her society and be able to effectively and convincingly communicate it to the people. The fact that Infant Jesus English School returned the award given to it for the last two years is nothing but communication mismanagement on the part of TKS/TEDOM requiring serious thought and communicate the corrective measures taken to the people in the manner befitting the issue.
From the journalistic and ethical point of view the role of press in Ukhrul affairs is non-existent. Had there been a responsible press many controversial issues could have been avoided or solved with a new direction and guidance. 'The Aja' is the only paper in Ukhrul. But the irony is that this paper managed and edited by husband and wife duo is surviving just for name sake, and the paper is being churned out without any journalistic content worth the name. From being run as the guardian of the society, this paper has been scorned for the increasing evident of being managed with business and profits as the primary aims. This is the tragedy of press in Ukhrul being run by persons who have sca-nt respect for press ethics.
In the business term monopoly and exploitation often go together. Ridiculously, 'The Aja' paper enjoying the monopolistic status as the sole running paper among the Tangkhuls is exploiting the Tangkhul people rather than guiding them as demanded by journalistic ethics. The Tangkhuls will be immensely blessed if Ngathingkhui and Valley Rose redefine their role and use the power of press in the guidance of the society by maintaining certain standard of dignity and integrity.

God helps those who help themselves By Ramthing Hungyo Sangai Express
'God helps those who help themselves' and 'Practice what you preach'. So goes the unfailing proverb. I believe them. We all believe in this or that god and thus follow their doctrine this way or that way. But the whole truth if we do not do something about what we believe, nothing is going to happen for good or bad. This is exactly what I wish to share with the readers of this esteemed daily.
Today, Manipur is a forsaken land where only the evils and the notorious ganglords survive. Our 'once upon a time' beautiful land is now in the strong grip of the most corrupted leaders, devilish gun slingers with license to kill or maim, a police force which is ever ready to extort money from any incidence or arrest, a security force ever ready to pounce on any Mongoloid to be UG with the claws of AFSPA, a State Govt with no vision and direction, and citizens with deeply communalised divisions. Thus the whole scenario of the State of Manipur is in complete confusion, chaos and anarchy, similar to the wild wild west of yesteryears when Amigos, Gringos, Yankees, Apachees and the Chayenees reigned terror.
Besides lawlessness and notoriety, the entire hill and valley people are so frustrated and angry at everybody anywhere, anytime that they burst into flames at any irritant without rhyme and reasons. Our ignominious representatives and the bureaucracy shamelessly competes in looting the development and relief funds meant for the poor and the hungry section of the people. The State Govt is unable to understand who is governing whom and is in a state of shock and daze. The UGs are the quickest to impose their 'enlightened diktats' upon any civic body wherever their rooster is held high. Damn well! We all know dogs eats dogs in our land. Needless to say more of our sins and evil ways.
What do we do, then? Amidst all these smouldering cauldrons, there is just one man who attract me most. He is none other than the soft-speaking with never-angry-faced and hardly smiling Ibobi Singh, our Chief Minister. I hold him high in my esteemed for three special reasons:
1. He is the only Chief Minister (only after Rishang Keishing former CM) who has made maximum number of tour/visit to the six hill districts of Manipur during his tenure of 4+ years. No doubt, most of these tour have been schedule with an eye on the up coming Assembly election in 2007. Nevertheless, he did visit. This is one good thing that other don't do.
2. Secondly, he has made several sweet sounding promises to the tribals, who are barely surviving due to poverty and backwardness. You know, during the French War, Florence Nightingale's sweet and soothing words could relieved the pain and injuries of the dying French soldiers and, thus, many breathed their last painlessly gazing at the face of and listening to the lovely and beautiful words of Nightingale. Such is the power of sweet promises to the desperate and helpless people.
The tribals knew the CM's promises are not to be fulfilled but just political vocabulary and many will die before they could see those promises becoming a reality. Yet, I like him because at least he dare make those promises without any compunction face to face with the poor and wretched tribals out there in their land. His promises gave them a momentary glittering of hope and happiness.
3. Thirdly, Ibobi is the only Chief Minister in 13/14 years who is throwing tirades after tirades against the UG's evil activities of disturbing in the development of the people. Bravo Mr CM! You have a gut here where your ministerial colleagues are hiding behind the curtain of UGs.
But if one gives a little thought over his call against the UG activities, one begins to see the insincerity of the Chief Minister.
Recently, we read from local and national dailies the allegation of payment of huge amount of money to some valley based UGs and taking a loan from a hill based outfit. Of course, he denied. But who bother to know the truth. After all it is Manipur where every legislator is expected to have open nexus with UGs and, hence, tolerable and normal. Even the Home Ministry in Delhi has lost count of such reporting and now they, too, wields 'forget it, man! I got my cut' of attitude. However, I support him for his gut in throwing the gauntlet to the UGs as the Head of the State.
Our Chief Minister has to do much more than just preaching on various platforms if he really mean to bring to a stop all the disturbances of UGs in the valley or, for that matter, in the hills, too. I have a strong reading that the Congress will roar back in the upcoming Assembly election early next year (or even if it is pre-poned) and I am 95% certain of O Ibobi Singh becoming the next Chief Minister again (in case he is elected, of course, with the help of UGs. Come on, let us be candid. In Manipur every candidate vie for this or that UG's support). He has to be a serious man of 'Practice what you preach'. Only then gods will come to his help.
I have a set of Ten Commandments of what I wish he does as Chief Minister in the next term (and not in this term as he is absolutely too busy with many worries for the election).
1. He must delink his nexus with UGs, if any. That act will be the beginning of trust by Delhi for complete support.
2. He must do away with his allegedly acquired image of 10% Chief Minister and never allow his Ministerial colleagues to acquire the infamous nickname of 6% Ministers. This will be the base foundation of unwavering confidence of the people.
3. To nib in the bud all civil and employees agitations by way of attending to issues and demand and redress them before getting out of control.
4. to use Damocles Sword over corruption in the administration. This will instil a sense of hope to the youngsters in the Govt.
5. To formulate well planned practical and realistic strategies towards handling insurgency related issues and problems.
6. To dissuade all civic bodies in the valley from having any nexus with UGs and utilise the potential of these bodies to do good.
7. Recognise the counter insurgency capability of our police forces, extent incentives and press them into co-ordinated approach.
8. To formulate/steps to wean away young vulnerable sections of population from joining UGs.
9. Combine with short and long term economic planning to attract the young and promising section of the youth so as to instil confidence on the Govt.
10. Earn the unflinching and united support of all ministerial colleagues and legislators of the State and equal support from party High Command and the Prime Minister.
This is my humble Ten Commandments to begin with and if an attempt is diligently made, I can foresee peace and development taking place in the 4th and 5th year of the next term of Congress rule. Today our Chief Minister is a lone ridder in this battle. Why not we all give him our mite to make Manipur a place worthy of living by human beings. Remember, let us all practice what we preach. Only then our god will help us to help ourselves.
(The writer is a ex-president of Tangkhul Long)
A bit of suggestion to NBCC- Nagaland Post Opinion
The Nagaland Baptist Coun-cil (NBCC) is an offshoot of American missionaries who ventured to bring new civilization to the animist Nagas.
Those were the days where pioneer missionaries had to face lots hardship in carrying out multiple activities due to dearth of leaders and workers and therefore, it was something like a jack of all trades unable to put them in proper structure. Nevertheless, over the years, the NBCC has grown as a fully developed organization. Thanks to those who have work ceaselessly for strengthening the NBCC.
Today, the NBCC has different wings and Committees to carry out its ministry systematically more importantly, the Nagaland Missionary Movement to oversee its mission activities and spread the word to the ends of the world by feeding spiritual food to the believers and non believers alike; the Nagaland Development Outreach for engaging the Churches in the developmental activities and to bring physical strength to Nagaland Churches. Hence, it would be more appropriate if each wing under the NBCC get involved within its right parameter, albeit, all are same feathers of a flock. Instances of activities like leading Naga choir around the world would be more appropriate if NMM leads and the distribution of siblings and materials to the Church organizations would appear befitting if carried out by the NDO. When there are different departments, each department should mind its business for healthy growth.
At my old age, I am proud to see when many Naga Churches are producing talented leaders, but at the same time, am pained when I discover such unsystematic pattern of activities appearing in the dailies. Proper coordination among the various departments under NBCC is indispensable now. While serving the ministry of Jesus Christ, our Lord, the leaders of Naga Churches must learn how to become more humble and work with dedication. Jesus knows where one goes. May God provide wisdom to NBCC leaders! J. Alemsangba Ao, Dimapur, Nagaland.
NSCN (K) issues ‘Quit Notice’ Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 16 (MExN): In what was termed by the NSCN (K) as “a significant move to push forward for the renewal of unity and restoration of permanent peace among the Nagas of Nagaland”, the Sumi region, Chakhesang region, Konyak region, Angami region, Lotha region, Sangtam region, Ao region and Tisary region covering districts of Zunheboto, Phek, Mon, Kohima, Wokha, Kiphire, Mokokchung have issued “Quit Notice to the Tangkhul tribe of Manipur” from August 17, 2006.
The “Quit Notice” statement was issued by Vihoto Aye, Regional Chairman, Sumi Region; Akhro Chakhesang, CIO, Chakhesang Region; Col (Retd) Angba Konyak, Regional Secretary, Konyak Region; K.K Angami, Regional Chairman, Angami Region; C. Lotha, Caretaker, Lotha Region, Yangsepa Sangtam, A/Regional Chairman, Sangtam Region; I. Wati, Regional Chairman, Ao region and Maj Kurichu, A/Chairman, Tisary Region.
The NSCN (K) alleged that Nagas “have for a long time borne the brunt and cruelty of the Tangkhuls responsible for masterminding terrorisms against the NSCN and innocent Nagas”. “After weighing the pros and cons of the Tangkhul Criminalism, the above mentioned regions of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland have agreed to implement overall strict measures to restrict any Tangkhul (IM or Indian Government employees) existence in Nagaland to ensure pro bono publico”, it was stated.
The NSCN (K) in its quit notice further informed that previously, the Zeliangrong, Konyak and Sangtam Region had also issued “Drive out Notice” against the Tangkhuls. “The entire Naga society is aware of the anti-Naga and anti-nationalistic egos and pride of this tribe and as quid pro quo, the Quit Notice is made effective”, it was stated.
The NSCN (K) pointed out that the Naga army in the above mentioned regions has been urged to enforce all operative codes to root out the “terrorists from the Naga soil in view to provide a committed terrorism-free Nagaland to the future generations”, the quit notice stated.
Curfew imposed in Moreh Newmai News Network
Imphal, August 16: Chandel district magistrate has imposed curfew indefinitely at Manipur’s border trade hub of Moreh with effect from 10 am today in view of the mounting tension following the gunning down of All Manipur Students’ Association President Sunil Agarwal by a Kuki militant group. A report reaching here said the district magistrate imposed the prohibition fearing a flare up between different communities as a backlash of the killing of Sunil. Tension gripped the town ever since the dead body of the student leader was recovered in the morning of August 12. Though, Kuki National Front (KNF-military council) has claimed responsibility for the killing, agitation by the Moreh residents continued. The militant group said it awarded capital punishment to the killer for his anti-party activities. The official source said the curfew would be relaxed tomorrow if the situation improves.
‘Vital leads’ in Manipur temple explosion probe Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, AUG 17 (IANS): Security agencies Thursday got some "vital leads" as they probed an attack on a temple here in Manipur state in northeastern India Wednesday that killed four people and wounded 34, even as 10 injured foreign nationals including three US citizens were being evacuated.
"We are working on the case and have got some vital leads although we cannot divulge any details at this stage," senior police official Radheshyam Singh told IANS.
Unidentified militants tossed a Chinese-made grenade at the temple of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the heart of this Manipur capital when Janmashtami festivities marking Lord Krishna's birthday were on Wednesday evening. There were some 10,000 devotees, including about 10 foreign nationals, when the blast took place. The nationalities of many of them were not immediately known.
"There was an Iranian woman among those injured and we are providing a security blanket in the hospital where they were being treated," Singh said. The official said all the other foreign nationals who came to take part in festivities were safe, although he was unable to give details of their nationalities.
There were plans to evacuate all the 10 foreign nationals, including the three Americans, from Manipur in a special aircraft.
"We are yet to get details of the evacuation plan," another senior police official said.
A 50-year-old American, Bryan Nash, who was injured in the explosion, was battling for life at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences here. "Nash's condition is still stated to be very critical by doctors who had operated upon him last night," Singh said. Manipur is home to about 19 rebel groups with demands ranging from secession to more autonomy. Most of the militant groups belong to the majority Metei community, most of them Hindus. No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
"The attack is highly condemnable," the People's Liberation Army (PLA), a frontline, outlawed rebel group in Manipur, said in a statement.
UNLF, PREPAK decry bomb attack By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Aug 17 : Strongly condemning the bomb attack at ISKCON yesterday, the proscribed UNLF today said that it was terrorism and nothing else.
In a statement, the outfit said that the bomb attack was meant to portray the armed movement in the wrong light before the international fora and added that the involvement of the enemy cannot be ruled out. The outfit also urged the people to be on the guard to destroy such culture. UNLF also shares the pain and grief of the bereaved family members, it added.
The PREPAK has also strongly condemned the attack.
In a statement, the outfit said that the attack at the Temple was nothing but an attempt to paint the revolutionary movement in the wrong light. PREPAK also shares the grief and pain of the bereaved family members as well as the injured civilians, it added.

Delhi points finger at KYKL By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Outla-wed militant group Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) is suspected to be behind yesterday’s blast at ISKCON complex in Imphal, a senior Union Home Ministry official said here today. Though none has claimed responsibility for the blast which claimed four lives and left 66 others, including two Americans, injured, the hand of KYKL is suspected, he said. KYKL, which was formed over a decade ago, has been indulging in extor-tions and are said to have demanded a hefty amount from the ISKCON’s chief priest. Refusal to pay the amount led to the lobbing of “Chinese-make hand grenades” at the Sankir-tan place from outside the complex when the shrine was teeming with Janmas-thami devotees, the official said. He said the Centre was in constant touch with the Manipur Chief Secretary and Director General of Police and reviewing the situation from time to time. PTI

Ibobi attacks ultras From Our Correspondent Assam tribune
IMPHAL, Aug 17 – Delivering his Independence Day speech, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi yesterday dwelt on the achievements of his government and added that the State’s ailing financial health has picked up only after his government secured a Rs. 985.37 crore grant-in-aid for the 2005-06 financial year.

While criticising the ultras, Ibobi questioned why they are looting in the name of sovereignty. He said all major developmental activities are stalled because they want their cut from them. The Sericulture project that has targetted to employ 30,000 can’t proceed because 14 truck-loads of material are being stranded in Guwahati because of unbearable extortion by both the hill-based and valley-based insurgents.

How long can this go on? Don’t they know that guns have never been successful in achieving a political goal. Citing the example of Punjab, Mizoram, Asom and the case of NSCN, the CM called on the ultras of Manipur to come out for peace talks within the framework of the Indian Constitution. On the occasion, five police personnel received meritorious medal for excellence in service. The people were conspicuous by their absence at the function. Even as roads and streets of Imphal wore a deserted look because of the boycott call by dozens of ultra groups operating in Manipur, security personnel kept a tight vigil in Imphal.

ULFA representatives to hold talks in New Delhi By IANS Friday August 18, Asom (ULFA) are meeting Indian government officials in New Delhi to discuss the outfit's stand on the suspension of military operations last week. Guwahati, Aug 18 (IANS) Representatives of the outlawed United Liberation Front of A two-member team of civil society leaders chosen by the ULFA to begin talks will meet National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan and Home Secretary V.K. Duggal at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) at 6 p.m. Friday.
'We are meeting the two officials with a view to smoothen the peace process. One of my colleagues, Rebati Phukan, has come from Guwahati and he is carrying some message from ULFA,' Indira Goswami, a noted Assamese writer and sought by the ULFA to mediate for the talks, told IANS over telephone from New Delhi.
The ULFA, which is fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, is yet to formally respond to New Delhi's snap decision Aug 14 to halt anti-insurgency operations against the outfit for 10 days.
'We are always positive although I cannot say for sure what message my colleague is carrying with him from ULFA,' Goswami said.
Local media reports quoted an unnamed ULFA leader as saying that the outfit had 'positively responded' to the government suspension of military operations.
'We have decided to suspend all operations by our 28th battalion,' the ULFA leader was quoted as saying.
The 28th battalion of ULFA is believed to be the main unit whose cadres were responsible for a wave of bombings in the run-up to Independence Day that killed at least a dozen people and wounded 60.
There is no independent confirmation to the media reports about ULFA's decision to respond to the government's 'goodwill gesture' of suspending security operations.
'We shall be seeking the release of five jailed ULFA leaders during our meeting so that the outfit is able to hold direct talks with the government,' Goswami said.
Talks between the government and ULFA representatives began in October last year but have not yielded any breakthrough. A group of 11 civil society leaders in the region - collectively called the People's Consultative Group (PCG) - welcomed the halt in military operations and said they hoped the talks would now move forward. 'We are very optimistic that the peace process would be productive,' said Goswami, who heads the PCG.