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09/15/2006: "NSCN (IM) responds to C-in-C Gen Kholi Morung Express News"

NSCN (IM) responds to C-in-C Gen Kholi Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 14 The NSCN (IM) in response to the statement issued by Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army, NSCN (K) with regard to “certain allegations” made against the collective leaders has pointed out that Gen Kholi should be more realistic and accurate with facts. “Leaving aside all accusations let us first take into account of who should be made responsible for explanation of any act committed and the reasons that led to such a deed”, stated a press communiqué issued by MIP, NSCN (IM).
Stating in clear terms that in the Naga Army set up, the Commander-in-Chief is the overall head of all military operations and actions of its army, the NSCN (IM) in its communiqué pointed out that the C-n-C plays the vital and crucial role in all decisions or policy making in the military functions of the Naga Army in the Naga national struggle. “Any action of the military is subjected to its Commander-in-Chief; hence any query upon civil authority leaders is out of question and inappropriate on military matter. Therefore, Gen Kholi the C-n-C since the NNC/FGN times till date in the Khaplang camp should bring to light the reasons of all the accused acts of the Naga Army”, the NSCN (IM) stated in pointed reference to the charge made by Gen Kholi that it was under his former comrade in arms Isak Chishi Swu and Th Muivah, now Chairman and General Secretary of the NSCN (IM), which led to the killing of a great number of innocent Nagas. The NSCN (IM) has meanwhile also acknowledged that “it was through the intervention of Gen Kholi Konyak who told the accordists that not a drop of blood of Messr. Isak and Muivah should be shed in Eastern Nagalim that prevented them (accordists) from committing the crime and saved the two leaders from the jaws of death”.
In this regard, the NSCN (IM) pointed out that in the aftermath of the infamous Shillong Accord, “the stooges of the Indian government and the accordists tried to suppress the Naga people’s aspiration through aggressive means and inhuman elimination of the Naga people who went against this treacherous accord, thus giving birth to fratricidal killings in Nagalim”.
In the backdrop of the aggression upon the Naga people’s voice, the Naga people formed the NSCN headed by Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang, Th Muivah and Gen Kholi Konyak as the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary and the Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army respective to resuscitate the Naga people’s freedom movement, the MIP stated in its communiqué. Coming to the context of unification of the Nagas, the NSCN (IM) stated that there remained “certain unanswered questions that have been obstructing all good-will gestures”. “As the Naga people are fighting for our freedom against the Indian nation, the NSCN/GPRN have been repeatedly asking the Khaplang group to disassociate from our enemy camp”, it stated and questioned as to why the Khaplang cadres in collaboration with the Indian Army fighting against the NSCN (IM). “The peaceful settlement of Mr Kitovi, their General Secretary along with his followers at the heart of Mokokchung town even prior to their ceasefire declaration is ample proof of their brotherhood in arms against the Nagas”, the NSCN (IM) stated.
Significantly, the NSCN (IM) pointed to the joint operations of the NSCN (K) with the NNC/FGN. “Khaplang and Gen Kholi also rejected and condemned the Shillong Accord (NNC/FGN) and joined the fold in forming the NSCN, but today their joint operations with the NNC/FGN against the Naga Army is an open declaration of their acceptance and embracement of the infamous Shillong Accord (acceptance of the Indian Constitution).
Further, while stating that Nagas have been striving for a unified land of the Nagas presently under the arbitrary occupation of Myanmar and India, and to liberate the Naga nation from all alien subjugation to live as a people, the divisive policy or issue of quit notice to Naga tribes/family by the NSCN (K) clearly demonstrated their isolation from the Naga issue and portraying that they were mere tools of the enemy to divide the Naga people on tribal lines as well as arbitrary boundaries.
Message of NSCN (IM) on unification: The Morung Express

The Khaplang camp loudly speaks of unity but do not practice the ethics of unifying values, morals and qualities. The NSCN/GPRN has repeatedly asserted our willingness in the unity of the Nagas. We have time and again been sending various feelers in our desire to unify. Our door is always open to all the Nagas for unification and reconciliation. But unification can never take place as long as it is simply in words and not in deeds. A unification process has to be founded on certain ideals and modalities to materialize. And this modality is to be based on the Naga national principles. One has to stop associating with our adversaries. One has to part away from anti-Naga activities. One has to stop collaborating with the enemies of the Nagas. Then only there is a meeting point of unification in its true practical sense. For the Nagas national freedom struggle and the sacrifices laid transcend all reasons of irrationality. Let us unite for the Naga people’s cause rather than our egoistic whims or individual materialistic ends, so that a new era of peaceful and integrated Naga family to strive on with the rest of the world could be brought about.
Don’t resort to fake names: NSCN (K) to rival The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, SEPT 14 (MExN): The NSCN (K) has pointed out that the rival “Isak-Khadao group” was resorting to using fake names in seeking clarification from the NSCN (K) and stated that it was not them but the Naga people who are calling Th Muivah and his Tangkhul followers as non-Nagas, anti-Nagas, anti-peace and terrorists. They alleged that this group of people had infiltrated into Naga territory from Manipur since the 1970s and that they had completely manipulated the entire traditional system of the Nagas in their attempt to rewrite the Naga history.
Claiming that the “Isak-Khadao’ group were issuing press statements using bogus names such as Wanthang Konyak and Among Sanglir Ao seeking clarification from the NSCN (K), the latter clarified that there was no Konyak by the name Wanthang and hardly any Aos known as Among Sanglir. Instead the NSCN (K) advised that they should be bold enough to write their actual names, instead of using fake names “because, Nagas know their cheating game”.
On the allegation on Indian security protection, the NSCN (K) stated that it was sixty years of having a matured government and did not require the protection of any outside forces, but the unity amongst the Nagas. Clarifying that it had nothing to do with the Indian Army and IRB, the NSCN (K) instead alleged that the rival’s ceasefire monitoring cell had all along been under the protection of Indian security since 2003 and also that Indian security forces shielded them right from Dimapur airport to Hebron camp. “It is a fact that Th Muivah and Isak used Indian passport and visa and all their foreign meetings are being managed by the Indian government which is an undeniable fact”, the NSCN (K) stated. About the targeting of three leaders A Z Jami, Kughalu Mulatonu and Y Wangtin Naga, it was stated that the resolution of quit notice was adopted by the Council. “The decisions were taken by the GPRN authorities who are working under the leadership of SS Khaplang, N Kitovi Zhimomi and General Kholi. Thus there leaders alone cannot be held responsible” as it was in the interest of Naga national policy, the release infromed .
NSF meets Rio on affiliation The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, Sept 14 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation, who met Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at his official residence today over the affiliation issue, said that it would resort to agitation if the Centre fails to respond to their demands in time and said that the situation may go from bad to worse. Rio was reported to have told the student leaders that the State government has taken up the issue with utmost sincerity and now a final decision has to be taken by the Prime Minister to resolve the issue. NSF General Secretary Elu Ndang said the Federation may make another trip to New Delhi to meet the central leaders and press upon the latter to expedite affiliation. However, a definite date for the vist has not been set, he added.
Chakhesang Church detests cycle of violence The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, SEPT 14 (MExN): The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council today expressed deep resentment over the frequent outbreak of violence due to factional clashes in different parts of Nagaland. A statement received here today said, “We strongly condemn this fratricidal killings and elimination of fellow Nagas which is the most detestable crime against humanity.”
While outrightly condemning the killings, the CBCC has appealed to “all national workers regardless of faction not to indulge in such acts of crime which is not only against the law of the land but against the Biblical principles.”
Expressing serious concern over the prevailing tension and violence at Pfutsero Town where heavily armed cadres of different groups move around freely in full uniform in public inhabited areas “with its devious plan of using innocent public as human shields,” the church council lamented, “The factional groups have forcefully occupied a number of private houses and already displaced several families in different colonies at Pfutsero Town.”
Under the circumstances, the CBCC has appealed to the State Government and all other concerned authorities to intervene immediately so as to provide a sense of security and confidence to the general public. “We also appeal to the Government of India to implement in letter and spirit the ceasefire ground rules and ensure the armed factional groups stay away from the public inhabited areas,” the press statement jointly signed by CBCC Executive Secretary Rev K Luruo and President Nungoyi Khesoh said.
“The CBCC shall continue to stand committed to work and pray for peace, unity and reconciliation among the warring Nagas and advocate complete stoppage of bloodshed among the Nagas. May the peace of God prevail in our land.”
Unreasonable statement peeves KIM Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 14: Reacting to news reports published in some section of the media whereby recent news items and articles issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur president P Gangte were termed 'unfortunate and uncalled for', the KIM president has questioned the logic and motive behind the statement which did not provide any corroborative reason.

Speaking to the media during a Meet the Press programme at Manipur Press Club today, P Gangte asked all concerned whether any attempt towards reconciliation and to bring the two people together again by a process of forgive and forget be called unfortunate and uncalled for.
He also asked them if making factual accounts of the incidents were unfortunate or uncalled for.

He also reminded that KIM has appealed to NSCN (K) to drop the quit notice as the Kukis know the trauma and suffering resulting from the quit notice which was served to them by the UNC with directives from NSCN (IM) .
Pointing out the difference between the quit notices served by UNC and NSCN (K), he observed that the former was because of Kukis being Kukis while in the latter definite accusations, which may hold true or not, were made against the targeted sections.

UNC wreaked vengeance with the help of NSCN (IM) for the killings by Kukis when they were still non-Christians but the vengeful killings made by UNC were when all have become Christians, asserted Gangte. Despite the statement made by some Naga civil organisations, P Gangte reiterated the stand of KIM to appeal to NSCN (K) not to enforce the quit notice served to Tangkhuls in Nagaland but to provide an alternative that would be more humane and Christian.

Alleging that the appeal made by the Naga bodies to NSCN (K) was nothing but shedding crocodile's tears as they still avoid taking up any concrete initiative to undo the damages done to their Christian brethren, he termed such attitude of the Naga bodies really unfortunate and uncalled for. Speaking during the programme, chairman of KIM Election Committee TS Ngamkholun Haokip clarified that the notice issued by one Kamkhohao Khongsai was null and void. He added that Kamkhohao was expelled from KIM for his anti-KIM activities last year for three years. He also asserted that P Gangte has been duly elected as the 4th president of KIM and is the legitimate president. Ngamkholun further cautioned all Kukis not to participate in any illegal election called by unauthorised persons.
Night of terror visits Dimapur again

Crude bomb blasts 6 Police arrests 0

DIMAPUR, SEPT 14 (MExN): The same MO, the same weapon of destruction, similar casualties. In the latest crude-bomb attack on business establishments in Dimapur, Popular bakery, situated in the heart of town, this evening at around 8 pm suffered an explosion as yet to be identified gunmen hurled a ‘home-made bomb’ into the bakery. 4 persons including the proprietor of Beijing Restaurant, Paul Siung, who was out buying provisions at the store, sustained injuries. Paul received injuries in the calf of his left leg. Moncy from Thurivallah, a grocery store owner, received back injuries while Sanjay and Sarvas Kumar, staff of Popular Bakery, suffered multiple injuries with nails which burst from the bomb remaining injected inside their flesh at the time of filing this report.
(left) SDPO Dimapur Vilhousie Peseyie inspecting the site of the blast. (right) Proprietor of Beijing Restaurant, Paul Siung, who was among the injured. (MExPix)

The latest incident tallies the number of such explosions in recent months to six. Police say the non-cooperation of shopkeepers in revealing vital information is hampering investigation. Police also say the recent blasts are related to the serving of ‘demand notes.’ Today’s crude bomb, Police revealed, was made of a 2-inch pipe filled with gunpowder and nails which caused the injuries after the fuse was lit. Dimapur Deputy Commissioner KN Ngullie and DMC Chairman Tovihoto Ayemi rushed to Metro Hospital to visit the injured and to take stock of the situation.

Grocer shot dead

Minutes after the explosion at Popular Bakery, terror revisited the commercial hub of Nagaland as a person was shot dead while having tea at a dhaba located at Kalibari Road also known as Marwari Patti at around 8:40 pm. Eye witness accounts say the deceased, identified only as Akhtar, a grocery store owner, was having tea at ‘Jain Sweets’ with two of his acquaintances when two identified gunmen entered and shot him. The two who were seated with Akhtar reportedly fled the scene after the incident. Police found Rs 18,750 from Akhtar’s possession.

Police found 4 shells at the site of the murder. A bullet of a .32 pistol was reportedly fired in the air. 3 empty shells of an M20 pistol were also recovered. Two of these bullets entered the deceased’s body while another made an impact on the floor, missing the intended target. A shaken proprietor of the tea stall, Ashok Mitra, identified the perpetrators as only ‘two dark-complexioned men.’ He informed that Akhtar and one among the two of his companions were regular customers. Police later moved the body into a truck to take it for an autopsy.

This Gandhian's goal is Naga uplift Rashmi Sarmah TIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

GUWAHATI: Indians may now be re-discovering Mahatma Gandhi and his ideology, albeit as 'Gandhigiri' popularised by Bollywood, but one person has spent his entire life trying to promote the great leader's philosophy in a remote part of the country.

For several years, Natwarbhai Thakkar, Nagaland's most famous Gandhian and recipient of several national awards, has been working to bridge the gap between Nagas and rest of the country. A Gujarati from Dahanu Road in Maharashtra, Thakkar is known for his developmental and humanitarian works on Gandhian lines in the state.

In fact, Thakkar is one of the few non-Nagas to have been accepted by the Nagas into their community. His wife Lentina, who is the first Naga gram sevika trained in the Sarania Ashram in Guwahati, has helped keep up his moral. To promote all-round development of the people of Nagaland, this humble septuagenarian established the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram in 1955 in the remote Ao Naga village in Makokchung district, when he was 23.

"I was motivated by the atmosphere of idealism the country was charged with under the leadership of Gandhiji during the freedom movement. I found my guide in Acharya Kakasaheb Kalelkar, a Gandhian stalwart, who encouraged me to work for integration of people in the frontier regions with the rest of the country."

“Quit Notice” reality behind and beyond- The Nagaland Post Opnion
Of late, much hype is being created specially through print media to the extent of drawing criticism from so called international fraternities for Nagas, against NSCN (K) serving "Quit Notice" to Tangkhul community from Nagaland. Projecting the move as communal and ethnic cleansing in nature. To certain extent such contention could be agreed upon. However before giving arbitrary verdict or judgment without proper public trial let us first delve into ethnic historical composition of Naga society in general and present constitutional framework by which multi-ethnic people of NE India are despite certain grievances impartially administered with proportionate representation in almost every aspect as enshrined in the Indian constitution. It has been recorded by various historians both natives and foreigners about obscurity of Naga origin and its diverse route of migration through ages to present geographical habitat of the Nagas. At no point of time were any particular identified group of people within particularly demarcated geographical area given a commonly agreed ethnic definition such as "Naga".
However, necessitated by modern re-organization of states into various states particularly after 2nd World War and quite considerably post-colonial re-organization era in Asia, Africa and Latin American. The ethnic people of NE-India began asserting their identities in similar trend as were contemporary to these infant nation states.
At this juncture, tribal people identifying themselves as Nagas and composed of twenty 20 tribes including Kukis submitted memo to British India empire in assertion of its independence and desire to remain so without joining Indian union. That expression permeates down to grass-root level of independent Naga village republics resulted in plebiscite nearly after two decades later. This memorandum to Simon Commission and plebiscite has far reaching political and social implications that which we are experiencing specially in our present Nagaland state today as in identity conflict as to who are and not a Naga.
If tradition or culture is to be a factor of defining the ethnic race and as such present ethnic tribal asserting themselves as Naga including Tangkhuls is qualified, then entire Mongoloid stock in SE-Asia would be deemed qualified as a Naga for instance tribal people living in between Burma, China and India has so much in common with Thais of Thailand and Vietnamese or the Chinese.
However, evaluation of tribal identity of Naga as people and nation is unique and more closely subscribe to Rousseau's theory of social contract, where early people decided to bond together to survive through mutual contract in order to withstand ravages of time and to progress ahead with common needs and general welfare being inter-dependent.
Similarly, now called Naga despite republican and independent village entities in nature even within tribe, the advent of imperialism, colonialism and modern concept of nations state stimulated us to bond together as people and to assert our independent existence in the face of colonial and neo-colonial threatening forces. Pertinent reference to be made here in the context of Tangkhul-Naga Meitei identity crisis is-at no point of time in the history has Tangkhuls in any manner been associated with Nagas politically, socially or culturally. Since formation of Naga club, submission of memo to Simon Commission in 1929, formation of NNC in 1946, plebiscite of 1951 till formation of Nagaland state-1963, there had been no instance of any Tangkhuls representatives claiming themselves as Naga or any such participation in these crucial phases of Naga struggle for independence.
On the other hand Tankguls are historically, culturally, linguistically and politically has maximum affinity and closer relationship with Meities of Manipur valley than with the Nagas since pre-colonial ages. Even within the present Indian states framework, Tankghuls enjoy fair amount of any such state's privileges as entitled to any citizen from Manipur state. It is to be noted that Tangkhul enjoy vast majority of political provisions within twenty Manipur state legislative assembly seats allotted to hill tribes of Manipur, since foundation of Manipur statehood till date, Tangkhuls are the lone tribe that has twice occupied coveted chief minister's seat of Manipur assembly amongst the hill tribes, Reishing Keishing Tangkhul is at present representing Manipur in lone Rajya Sabha seat in the Indian parliament. It was during his tenure as chief minister of Manipur, he boldly made a declaration that not an inch of Manipur's hill area would be merged with Nagaland.
Isak Sumi, Military spokesman (Naga army) People Army of Nagaland NSCN (K).
New tactics of ISI Okenjeet Sandham Kangla on line

KOHIMA, Sep. 15: New tactics of ISI Of late, serious disturbing trends have been taking place which would adversely affect not only demography of the region but also internal security of the country. The recent disclosures of the findings about the appointments of the hundreds of the Pakistan`s ISI agents in the Social Welfare Department of Asom and ISI`s calculated risk to launch AIDS/HIV war to the personnel of the Indian Army and paramilitary Forces indicate that everything is fragile in the system.

According to the Opposition Asom Gana Parishad, AGP, of the 300 appointments made in the State`s (Asom) Social Welfare Department, 250 belonged to a particular community with some of them being ISI agents. They have already sent letters to the Prime Minister, State Governor, Union Ministers of Home Affairs and Social Justice and Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha, demanding CBI inquiry as the matter had "serious ramification on the internal security of the country."

The report, which was actually submitted last year July, has been made known to public only recently. "It is very dangerous for (the) security of the state in the near future," Harmohan Kakoti, a DSP, who conducted the probe on the appointment of ISI agents in the Social Welfare Department in Asom, said in a report.

On the other hand, an intelligence report reveals that the ISI has already taken calculated risk to spread HIV virus among personnel of the Indian army and paramilitary forces. The ISI`s designs meant to be implemented with the help of several anti-national militant organizations having bases in Bangladesh and making frequent forays into India`s northeastern states with the sole aim of destabilizing the country. The sources however disclosed that ISI has reportedly been successful in spreading HIV/AIDS to the personnel of the Indian armed forces stationed in the region.

Already there are sad reports that more personnel of the Assam Rifles are dying of AIDS than in operations against the militants in India`s northeastern states where the deadly disease is highly prevalent. The personnel were reportedly infected with HIV through sexual contacts with women mostly in the areas in the vicinity of the international border. There are more than a million uniformed men deployed for long durations in the remote parts of India from northeastern states to Jammu and Kashmir.

Region`s economic underdevelopment with the prolonged insurgency and the chasm that existed between the people of the region and mainland people are some of the reasons that also have given room to the illegal immigrants and the outside elements to exploit maximum advantages. Besides the rampant influx of illegal immigrants from across the international border through the porous international border is also one of the areas spawning anti-national activities.

The Tarun Gogoi Government in Asom has been accused of providing legal shields to such illegal immigrants for their narrow political mileage. Gogoi had even criticized the Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajay Singh, when the latter highlighted about the entry of 6000 illegal Bangladeshis daily into Asom soil. Assam is, in fact, the breeding ground for illegal immigrants who have created massive economic imbalances, leading to serious socio-economic-political crises in the region. In fact, the long stretch of Asom forest bordering Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh has been over the years disappeared and been systematically occupied by the illegal immigrants. Unfortunately, these illegal migrants have been given legal protection with resident certificates, pattas, etc for narrow political mileage. As a result, the real Assamese people have been reduced to minority in most of the border districts and they are now voiceless.

Nagaland is the next target as abnormal Muslim population has been noticed. In the last few years, there is a dramatic change in the socio-economic feature of the State. The lack of work culture, easy money, easy life style, etc are the main causes that these Muslims mostly coming from Assam have taken opportunities to stay in Nagaland. These Muslims started doing all the manual works, house construction, taxi driving, rickshaw pulling and even cultivation today. They run almost half of the shops in Dimapur, the biggest commercial hub of the State and also the capital, Kohima.

Unless the people in Asom along with the rest of the region have a serious coordinated plan to check the surge of illegal immigrants, there will be unending social chaos and destruction in the region. The findings of ISI appointees in Asom`s Social Welfare Department is a dangerous trend and the authorities should constitute a Committee to check all the departments before these elements start accessing to the key areas of the Government.
Manipur: Never Ending Story... U A Shimray The Morung Express Perspective
Imphal city is the only State’s capital situated in the vast valley [except Dispur of Assam] in the North Eastern region. The tiny Manipur state manifests unique physical features and socio-cultural entity. Topographically, it is divided into hills and valley areas, which the Hills surround the narrow Valley. Out of state’s total population, the non-tribal communities including Meitei, Pangan and migrants constitutes a largest share of population accounting 65.57 per cent. The tribal constitute only 34.43 per cent. The Scheduled Caste population is very minimal.
Hooded-face’s Day Out: Learn More…
No doubt, Imphal City is replete with myths, folklore, heritages and historical background. The largest and famous women’s bazaar or popularly known as Ima Keithel [Mother’s market] is situated in the middle of the city. Today city is filled with educated unemployed youths, AIDS is rampant, corruption is infested to all institutions and insurgency is very much mobile.
Today, what store in Manipur is – bandhs, strikes, dharna, road blockade, protest, rally, burning and destroying common properties and it’s becoming a way of life. Imphal is very absorbing city if one closely observe. The more one seek, more mysticism reveals in its own way. Indeed, frustration of the educated unemployed manifests itself in different forms. Take a simple example- a man in Ninja-like outfit Rickshawpullers covering their faces and performed their daily business. Seldom asked by the people why they are covering their faces. Even the Traffic Police dare not to ask such question. It is not just a hooded-face’s day out. The faces are hidden not because of pollution or neither because of law nor because of style, but the faces behind the scarf are the stigma of Educated Youth.
Sometimes, in Manipur democracy is intolerable. Every now and then we experience strikes, bandhs, in other words, “public curfew,” road-blockade known as “economic blockade”, and Hindi boycott [by Underground]. Undergrounds’ “diktat” [also read in different terms like extortion, levy tax, percentage-cut and donation] to government servants, contractors, businesspersons and politicians is no a new kind of business in the state. Even the media are not spare. Observing the present scenario, “diktat” tradition became too agonizing.
One interesting query here is what going on in government offices? The public is “just” watching the drama of unholy nexus of Politicians and UG, Engineers/Bureaucrats and UG, Businesspersons/Contractors and UG and even Social Organisations and UG…so on. This is open secret. Indeed, there is serious allegation of high-level politicians and bureaucrats having “link” with the underground outfits. In every Department/employees donate yearly “percentage” to the UGs [irrespective of Valley or Hills]. And every contract works are scan and undergone UG’s percentage cut. When say, there is “parallel authority” no one can say NO. So the losers are the poor common people. The long silence of the socially responsible organisations, NGOs over the issue of allegation, nexus, percentage cut…implies that something fishy is there. So there is no “question and answer” just between the licensed gun [State] and un-licensed AK 47.

Meetei Mayek, Board Affiliation…
Is Meetei Mayek movement relevance for the tribal community…? In respect of social, cultural and political situation, a movement does not hold any prospect for the tribal. Every tribal community has their own respective languages and use Roman script for writing purpose. Donald Horowitz (1985) comments that the “language is a symbol of domination.” Indeed, language is one important cultural component having immense social and political implications. And most importantly, language is cultural heritage and identity.
Unfortunately, in North Eastern region, languages used by the dominant groups often adopted as the official language. For instance, Bengali in Tripura state, Assamese in Assam state, Manipuri or Meiteilon in Manipur state and English is popular in Nagaland. In such situation, these languages became inevitable for communication as Lingua Franca. Meiteilon is commonly used as lingua franca between the various ethnic groups in Manipur. However, majority of the tribal groups cannot read or write Meiteilon because it uses Bengali script [And now MEELAL is spearheading to replace all the Bengali script by Meetei Mayek]. The linguistic problem in Manipur began during the early 1980s when the Government of Manipur attempted to introduce Meiteilon as compulsory subject in matriculation examination. But, the tribal put strong resistance and issue was settled by keeping Meiteilon as an optional for the tribal students in lieu Additional English subject is offer.
Today, Naga areas are uneasy over the issue of School affiliation to the Nagaland Board. However, the issue is not “instance coffee” solution. This affiliation required strong technical support because the issue touches inevitable state political jurisdiction and Acts. At the same time, it needed “white paper” in order to bring amendment. It is understandable for the Naga side that the issue bears strong sentimental attachment and “one-ness” Naga politics. However, one should also acknowledge that so-called “emotional politics” is not the right approach in such given present situation. Such delicate and legal involved issue needs thorough examination and proper homework before executing. Improper execution could bring unhealthy repercussions to the society.
Nonetheless, an avenue of emotion things often fails in long run. Today’s world is a world of diplomacy. Also, time to give and play mature politics so that the statesmanship is maintained. It is easy to burn down or destroy things because the given materials are vulnerable. But construction is not an easy thing. One important culture that I learn from my village elders is that Naga tradition prohibits to burn down or destroying one’s properties only nature can destroy it. Indeed, our emotional politics causes so much destruction either in the valley or hills. In 18 June uprising so much damage had been done our public properties, MEELAL activists’ burn down Manipur oldest library, and Naga civil organizations burn down many public properties. So, the question is where our rational thinking?
So much is damaged by emotional politics and it is really hitting the ethnic relationship. We all know the history of neighbour-relationship that had nurtured for so many centuries. So, let us learn from one another rather than capitalising ethnic hatred that have been embedded by the state agency. So the most important thing is to respect one another and acknowledge the important of political struggle and rights.

The writer is Assistant Professor, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore
Ugly pasts The Sangai Express editorial
Time, they say is the best healer but there are times when the cut is so deep that time also fails to heal completely and the pain still persists. And the Naga-Kuki ethnic clash that took place in the early part of the 90s can perhaps be clubbed amongst the scars which time has not been successful in completely healing. The pain still seems to persists and while Black Day is observed by the Kuki community to recollect the day in which 117 of their kindred were killed in a single day on September 13, 1993, the people of Manipur should learn a lesson from this ugly episode that violence does not pay in any sense and ethnic clashes do nothing except leave a trail of destruction, orphaning and widowing many. It is difficult to provide the exact number of people killed or the number of villagers uprooted and displaced from their homelands, but there are numerous accounts of gory deaths and mayhem from the clashes between the two dominant tribal groups of Manipur. Even as the Naga-Kuki clash singed the hill districts of Manipur, the Meite-Meitei Pangal communal clash erupted in which numerous minority Meitei Pangals were hacked to death amid rumours and false propaganda. This was not all, as the Kuki-Paite clash followed at Churachandpur district which again left many dead and orphaned and widowed many. The pain, the shame and agony of these past should not be brushed aside for there are valuable lessons that we can learn from these ugly incidents. Manipur is home to a number of community and ethnic groups and any stand off between any of these groups of people will do nothing except add to the tears and misery of the people. This is the number one lesson we have to learn from the three gory pasts we have just mentioned.
On the other hand we cannot allow ourselves to be caught by the hatred and senselessness of the past and the best way is to look forward and work for an environment where our children can enjoy the fruits of peace, communal harmony and love between different sets of people. The Black Day observed by the Kuki people on September 13 should ideally be observed by the State, not to rekindle the spirit of hatred and animosity but to declare to each other that we will not allow such senseless killings to occur in the future. The victims of the September 13 massacre were innocent Kuki villagers no doubt, but it is also true to a certain extent that it was a manifestation of how we as a people had failed to provide security and protection to our fellow brethren. It was also a telling example of how the State machineries failed totally to protect its citizens and this what we should all be ashamed of. To move forward and search for the healing touch for all the ugly incidents of the past, we have to look forward and take a leaf out of the past to ensure that it is not repeated in the future. The present is the product of the past and the future will be shaped by the present. Can we as a people, assure that such incidents will not occur again ? This is the question that we need to address to on a priority basis. And the first step is to stop pointing accusing fingers at anyone but adopt a reconciliatory stand. This would be the most noble and bravest act of all.
SP ex-secy slams Centre for AFSPA By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Sep 14: Samajwadi Party ex-national secretary and in-- charge of North East region Mahavir Singh has slamm-ed the Union Government for continued imposition of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 in Manipur even after the Act has failed to serve its purpose.
Though the Act was imposed to fight militancy, it has, on the contrary, bred more militancy and since the imposition of AFSPA 1958 in Manipur, numerous militant groups have mushroomed. On the other hand, under the immunity guaranteed by the infamous Act, gross violations of human rights by security forces have become the order of the day, Mahavir noted.
Consequent upon rampant killings and human rights violations by security forces, the people of Manipur have become all the more alienated and massive civil uprisings against the State have become a re-gular feature, he observed.
Maintaining that the ever worsening unemployment problem was the primary reason behind the growth of insurgency in the State, he flayed the Congress led Governments in the Centre and the State for their failure to take up any concrete step to address the growing menace.
Taking part in the press meet, president of Manipur Pradesh Samajwadi Party Dr S Dhananjoy announced that the party would field 35 to 40 candidates in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Govt dithering on talks: NDFB From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
UDALGURI, Sept 14 – The militant outfit National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) observed its 18th Martyr’s Day at its designated camp in Udalguri today, where the NDFB chairman Ranjan Daimari’s three-page written address to the NDFB cadres and Boro people was read out. In his address the NDFB chairman accused the Indian Government of trying to lengthen the peace process with NDFB by not starting the peace talks and harping just on the issue of submission of the charter of demands. He also warned the Government of India against making the mistake of trying to weaken and finish off NDFB under the guise of a ceasefire.

On September 14, 1988, NDFB cadre Bangbur Gwra Boro was killed by security forces in Rowta. He was the first member of the NDFB to die for their cause of a sovereign Boroland. Since then the NDFB is observing the day as Martyr’s Day or ‘Mungkhlong Sun’. This year the NDFB observed the day at the designated camp at Udalguri, where rich tributes were paid to the martyrs by the NDFB leaders, cadres and people of the locality.

In today’s Martyr’s Day function at the Udalguri designated camp, the NDFB army chief, S Susrangra, and deputy Speaker, D Degra also spoke about the greatness of the martyr’s and the resolve of the NDFB to continue its struggle. Apart from the NDFB leaders and cadres, a few people from the nearby villages of the designated camp were also present on the occasion.
PM must intervene in peace talks: ULFA By ANI Thursday
Guwahati, Sep 14 (ANI): The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh since the peace talks between New Delhi and the ULFA is deadlocked after the outfit was asked for a letter with details of the negotiation process. The ULFA has demanded the release of five of its imprisoned leaders, which has delayed progress in the talks. According to the ULFA, the talks cannot progress without the release of the detained leaders. Indira Goswami, who has been nominated by the ULFA to mediate with the Centre, has said that the release of the jailed rebels is necessary for the talks to progress. She also said the Centre is unjustified in asking for a formal letter without an executive meeting. Goswami is leading an 11-member team of Assamese civil society leaders, collectively called the People's Consultative Group.
A 10-day suspension of operations by the Army was announced by New Delhi against ULFA on August 13. This was later extended by another 25 days. (ANI)
India, Myanmar talks "most productive": Indian official Nagarealm.com
New Delhi, SEP14 [IRNA] : Indian Union Home Secretary V K Duggal described the secretary-level talks held between Indian and Myanmar as "most productive." Duggal, who led a 16-member Indian delegation at the annual talks held here Wednesday, said: "We have discussed all the issues which includes security, border management, trade, drugs and smuggling besides free movement of people and release of prisoners."
India asked Myanmar to crackdown on north-east Indian insurgent groups operating from that country as the two countries grappled with the boundary dispute on the first day of their home secretary-level talks.
Both sides, however, declined to elaborate on the question of a crackdown on the militants similar to the 2003 Bhutan Army operation against ULFA or on the possibility of a joint operation.

The sources said the Indian side took up the issue of insurgent groups like the United Nationalist Liberation Front (UNLF) and People's Liberation Army (PLA) operating from across the border.
The Myanmarese delegation, while not acknowledging the presence of these insurgents on their territory, are understood to have promised to look into the issue raised by India, the sources said.

The talks are to resume on Sept 16, the last day of the four-day visit of the Myanmarese delegation, which is visiting Ladakh tomorrow. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Brig Gen Phone Swe is leading the visiting delegation. India shares a 1,643-km border with Myanmar with Arunachal Pradesh alone accounting for 520 kilometers followed by Mizoram with 510.

Manipur shares 398 kilometers of its boundary with Myanmar and with Nagaland another 258 kilometers. Both sides also discussed ways for further strengthening of cooperation in tackling activities of arms smugglers, drug peddlers and other disruptive elements along the border.

The status of various infrastructure projects in Myanmar, particularly in the road and power sectors in which the two countries have agreed to cooperate, was also reviewed. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is building the 151-km-long Tamu-Kalemyo-Kalewa road in Myanmar and it is likely to offer to maintain the road. The Myanmarese delegation later called on Home Minister Shivraj Patil and invited him for a visit to Yangon besides presenting him a momento.