09/16/2006: "Nagaland and Sovereignty"

Nagaland and Sovereignty
Sanjay K. Pandey
Assistant Professor, School of International Studies, JNU.
The Hindu 12 February 2003

'Special status' is one of the strategies adopted by federal systems to satisfy the demand of national groups for political and cultural autonomy.

Talking to the media, the NSCN (I-M) leader, T. Muivah, asserted "The question whether Nagaland's sovereignty is negotiable or not doesn't arise. The destiny of Nagas should be left to Nagas themselves. Sovereignty of Nagaland belongs to the people of Nagaland". The statement has created doubts and misgivings in the minds of many people. To grasp the real intent and import of this assertion one has to first examine the concept of sovereignty. Sovereignty in simple words is the principle of absolute and unlimited power. It is generally considered an essential attribute of the `state', which distinguishes it from other organisations and groups. The concept arose in Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when the emerging national monarchies in England, France, Spain and elsewhere were trying to assert their authority over rival claimants, such as the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire, and the feudal vassals.

The traditional concept of sovereignty is considered no longer applicable to modern systems of government, which operate according to the principle of checks and balances and distribution of power among a number of institutions, none of which can meaningfully claim to be sovereign. This is particularly evident in the case of federalism - one combining a central government and a number of constituent regional governments each having exclusive jurisdiction over some matters - which is based upon the paradoxical notion of shared sovereignty. But, the concept of sovereignty retains its appeal, especially among groups and regions fighting for self-determination and independence.

However, a distinction should be made between claims of sovereignty and demands for independence. During its last years the former Soviet Union witnessed what has been described as the "Parade of Sovereignties", when 41 constituent units declared themselves to be sovereign states. But only 16 of these actually aspired to independence beyond sovereignty.
Fifteen seceded without war and with relatively little bloodshed while Chechnya is still fighting for independence from Russia. The other units, which are now part of Russian Federation or the other successor states of the dissolved Soviet Union, did not aspire for independence but for more autonomy. What the Nagas led by the NSCN (IM) are demanding is not outright independence, which they seem to have realised is unachievable. Mr. Muivah's statement "A better understanding of the reality of Nagas by Indian Government would enable the Nagas to understand the reality of India ten times more" in fact points to this realisation. What they demand is recognition of their "uniqueness" which they define in terms of their distinct tribal identity, culture, way of life and their faith - Christianity. More than this, they insist "Nagaland was never part of India and that is the uniqueness of our history". Before the coming of the British, the only contact they had with the outside world was in the form of salt trade with Assam.

Though the British brought the Nagas and the other tribal areas in the Northeast under political control, they were declared "excluded areas" and "backward tracts". The British adopted a policy of non-interference in local tribal affairs. The Naga leaders claim that when the Simon Commission came to India in 1927 some Nagas met it and asked that they may be "left alone". They point out that the Nagas under the aegis of the Naga National Council led by Angami Zapu Phizo declared their independence on August 14, 1947, a day before India's independence. This was ratified by a 99 per cent affirmative vote in a referendum held in May 1951, according to them. They believe that these two actions provide firm legal and ethical basis for their claim of separateness. At present, the majority of the Nagas and their leaders realise that outright independence is unachievable. But they still insist on recognition and respect for their uniqueness and honour, for which thousands of Nagas sacrificed their lives.

In fact, the present breakthrough in the talks was achieved only after a Joint Communique was signed by K. Padmanabhiah, representative of the Centre, and Mr. Muviah stating "The Government of India recognises the unique history and situation of Nagas". `Special status' is one of the strategies adopted by federal systems to satisfy the demand of national groups for political and cultural autonomy. It arises when a constituent unit contains a population, which is in a majority in that unit but otherwise a minority in the entire federation. The arrangement is also referred to as "asymmetrical federalism". It is important to remember that the demand for `special status' by national minorities is not just a demand for additional powers but also for national recognition - a symbolic declaration of their "distinct identity" and "uniqueness". These arrangements vary from country to country and each case has some lesson for us.

Canada was perhaps the first modern federation to take recourse to a `special status' arrangement to accommodate the aspirations of the French-speaking majority in Quebec province. To assuage the feelings of the embittered people of the province two attempts were made in 1987 and 1992 to restore some of the privileges and to provide recognition to Quebec's distinct status within the federation. But both the attempts failed because of the strong opposition of the English-speaking majority in the country. Thus the demand for `special status' by some units ( inhabited by national minorities ) in a federation is resisted by people of other units, who either feel discriminated against or are apprehensive that such demands may lead to secession. When this division becomes a platform for political mobilisation and electoral politics the problem gets compounded. Spain was a unitary state till the constitution of 1978 gave `special status' to Catalonia, the Basque country and Galicia as a price for holding together the multinational country.

Taking advantage of some provisions in the Constitution, the other units also demanded and got these special powers. But the Catalan leaders who demand special treatment and recognition as nations within a "multinational Spain" have resented this "leveling up" or the "coffee for everyone" approach. In fact they speak of a special "co-sovereignty" status within Spain that they, and not other autonomies (units) would have. The Malaysian system is one of the best illustrations of this approach. Although it has a highly centralised system of government, Malaysia has given the states of Sabah and Sarawak powers that normally fall under the central jurisdiction. These Bornean States have considerably more autonomy than the 11 other States in areas such as taxation (in particular customs and excise), immigration and citizenship, trade transportation and communication, fisheries and several social affairs sectors. The purpose is to protect the distinctive characteristics and interests of the two states.

The Indian Constitution also contains "special provisions" for certain States and regions. Article 371(A) ensures that "religious or social practices of the Nagas", "Naga customary law and procedure" and "ownership and transfer of land and its resources" is protected. There are reports suggesting that the NSCN (IM) leaders want special arrangements for a separate flag, citizenship, defence, trade and currency for their proposed territory. These are symbols of sovereignty and as the above discussion shows symbols play important role in such matters. Hence, some of these demands need serious consideration. Indeed, recognition of the principle of "divided sovereignty" and genuine operationalisation of state (province) level sovereignty will provide ample protection to national minorities' identity and scope for their language and culture to flourish. This will give them the much-needed sense of security.
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.
Naga factions are not terrorists: Gowda The Morung express
DIMAPUR, SEPT 15 (MExN): A team of mass communication students from Nagaland University (NU) led by I. Sino Phom, Deputy Course coordinator centre for mass communication N.U, who are currently in New Delhi for a month long internship in various media organization, had visited the former Prime Minister, H.D Deve Gowda. He was in the office as Prime Minister for a period of 11 month (June 1996- April 1997).
In what can be called as one of the rarest opportunity to meet such an eminent person, the visiting team was eager to know about the Naga political issue, being the pioneer of the Naga political issue to the National platform. It also mentioned that the former Prime Minister said “Naga Factions are not terrorists but patriots and for peace process top be successful Government of India must win the confidence of the people”, when asked about Naga political issue by the student of Mass Communication Nagaland University at his official residence on Wednesday.
A press communiqué issued by Deputy Course coordinator, NU stated that on being asked about the sincerity of the present government on the Naga Political Problem, the former Prime Minister said “it is not good to give any comment on it” and further expressing his concern for the entire sisterly state of the North East and especially Nagaland, he said “a new dimension has been given to Naga problem which the union Government didn’t give due concern till 1996. India being a democratic country electorate is the master and the country can move forward only when they master release their power, he added. The former Prime Minister encouraged the visiting team to be an agent of change in Naga society and also gave his best wishes.
Don’t let your generation curse you: Wangtin The Morung express
DIMAPUR, SEPT 15 (MExN): Y. Wangtin Naga, Central Council Member of the NSCN (K) says that despite his open declaration before the Naga people for unification of all Nagas at the time of his joining the national struggle, the “ceaseless killing and deployment of secret mission command by Isak group for assassination of Naga leaders” made him change his mind. “I thought, even the factional clashes also should immediately be stopped, but I was so sorry to see the dying face of my leader Late Ngampan, Kilonser, murdered by secret mission of Isak group”, the Central Council Member stated in a press communiqué.
Wangtin stated that he was equally distressed to learn of the killing of A.K.D Angami, Imnung Jamir and Saloni, Angami Region Chairman NSCN (K), Education Kilonser NNC/FGN and Ex-Tatar of NNC respectively.
Pointing out that these four leaders had been assassinated within May-September of 2006, the NSCN (K) leader asked the NSCN (IM) to explain to the Nagas the purpose of their continued killing of Naga leaders for no cause “who after dropping sovereignty issue slipped down for integration but failed. Further engaged themselves in the issue of affiliation of private schools of four Naga district of Manipur to NBSE which faced another humiliation failure”, Wangtin stated.
Asking the leaders, “irrespective of factions” the benefit of killing Naga leaders from other factions, Wangtin stated that failure to explain to the Nagas the benefits of such killings, such leaders must resign from national service. Wangtin stated that even the innocent Tangkhuls had failed to indict their leaders Th Muivah, VS Atem and Raising when they refused to unite with the Nagas. “If they really want to opt out from the process of peace and reconciliation”, the only alternative left for these leaders, Wangtin stated, was for them to leave the Nagas and Nagaland.
“They should first know how to love the Nagas and thereby adapt to Nagas way of life. They should stop fooling the Nagas that they will bring heaven down”, he stated. Wangtin also disclosed that so far, 19 Konyak youths have joined the NSCN (K), after the assassination of Late Ngampang. Pointing out that their defection was of great significance, Wangtin stated that there was no place for killers in society and even cautioned any Konyak boys who killed any Konyak leaders or even the other Naga leaders under no circumstances will they be excused either by the NSCN (K) or by the Konyak community, “because Konyaks are peace loving people”. Stating that the most important thing was to win the confidence of “our brothers” in national politics, Wangtin maintained that even if the NSCN (IM) leaders planned to destroy the entire Naga nationalist who oppose their system, their age factor will not permit them to do it. “Don’t let your generation curse you even after you die. Hope you will know where you are and what you are”.
No logic behind fratricidal killings: ENSF The Morung express
DIMAPUR, Sept 15(MExN): The Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) has appealed to all underground factions to shun violence and stop fratricide killing. The federation has stated that the students’ community does not understand the logic behind killing each other, adding that the violent situation is afflicting fear psychosis in their minds. “The ENSF want absolute peace in Nagaland and allow every student to concentrate in their studies. Every single student lives is the most precious to the federation. Therefore, the ENSF condemn every act of violence and fractional killing in and around educational institution and students based areas,” a release stated. Retaliation and hostile attitude should be erased from the mindset of every national worker and they should be reoriented to the set goal in true spirit, it said.
It also requested the various Naga underground groups to abstain from further bloodshed among brothers in the name of sovereignty. “The upcoming students’ communities are not fool; they need not be taken for a ride. The national workers need to display their political mature-ness through rationality rather than emotionality,” the ENSF said. The student body also acknowledged the genuineness of the Naga political movement, but lamented that the present political scenario of the movement now depicts an ugly picture in Naga society as the genuineness of the cause seems to be fading away. The federation has also held contempt of the ideological conflict between various factions which becomes an antigen to Naga cause.
Truth of the Hard Truth- Nagaland Post Opinion
The circumstances of the present hoodwinked by adamant accusations to give reason for preserving on with divisive maneuvers without introspecting what one has actually been engaged that has culminated to the undesired situation has been the bane of the present.
In retrospection of the past if rationality, good sense and prudence elude ones mind, the perception of all happenings may result in the wrong and unconstructive conclusion. To understand the truth of our situation we have to rationally reason without bias or inclination in our retrospection. The Naga freedom struggle has confronted various forms of obstructive forces in its course, which were all with the singular objective to undermine the Naga aspiration. The Nagas oppositional elements nurtured by our adversaries continue to subsist till today.
Their (enemy's) goal is to keep the Naga family divided by whatever means so that we fail in our aspirations and remain as their subjects. The 1964 cease-fire collapsed with the GOI wrong judgment to subdue the Nagas spirit of nationalism by military force and forced social assimilation that led to the signing of the Shillong Accord, which was out-rightly rejected by the Nagas. In the aftermath of this infamous condemned 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. With the armed operation undertaken by the accordist upon the Naga patriots who stood for the Naga nation even against the face of death, Messr. Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah were also arrested to be killed for rejecting the Shillong Accord on three occasions during which their graves were even dug.
It was through the intervention of Gen. Kholi Konyak who told the accordist 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 the backdrop of the aggression upon the Naga people's voice and the inability to out-rightly reject and condemn this treacherous accord by the NNC/FGN the Naga people formed the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) in 1980. The formation of the NSCN was beaded by Messr. Isak Chishi Swu, S.S Khaplang, Th. Muivah and Gen. Kholi Konyak as the chairman, vice chairman general secretary and the commander-in-chief (C-n-C) of the Naga army respectively to resuscitate the Naga people's freedom movement.
The Nagas have gone through different kinds and phases of situation and circumstances between the devil and the deep blue seas. We had confronted aggressions by the Burmese, Indian army and treacherous collaborations in within that had used all unthinkable stratagems and diabolic designs to exterminate the Nagas and extinguish or struggle for freedom. In the face of all these situations many unanticipated and undesired incidents and circumstances had taken place in our past where people have lost or sacrificed their lives in the process of sustaining the Naga national movement. Today, the Khaplang camp has come out with certain allegations upon the collective leaders for the killings of many Nagas and the hampering of all unifications efforts. But to 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. In the Naga army, the commander-in-chief is the overall head of all military operations/actions of its army.
Though the presidents is the commander of the army, 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 matters. 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.
(To be continued...) Issued by:- MIP, GPRN, NSCN (IM)
Girl hurt in NSCN factional clash in Tousem The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Sep 15: An 18 year old girl reportedly sustained bullet injury when two rival factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland engaged in a prolonged firefight near Makoi village in the interior area Tuosem subdivision of Tamenglong district.
The name of the injured girl has been identified as Goulumliu Riamei daughter of Kinsung Riamei and she had been reportedly evacuated to Tamenglong district hospital for treatment.

In the meantime, the publicity and information secretary of the Zeliangrong Region, NSCN(K) informed media offices in Imphal that the firefight begun about 5.30pm last evening and it continued till the wee hours today. The girl sustained injuries as result of indiscriminate firing by cadres of NSCN(IM), the NSCN(K) alleged and maintained that cadres of the outfit restrained from firing to prevent civilian casualties.
Clarifying that no cadre of the NSCN(K) are working with the MPA cadres as alleged by the NSCN(IM), the NSCN(K) Zeliangrong Region also alleged that the rival group has been giving wrong information to the Army that cadres NSCN(K) and MPA cadres are camping together at Chingkhoglong village in Tamenglong district.
FGN slams IM leadership The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Sep 15 : Coming down heavily on the NSCN (IM) leadership, FGN has asked the NSCN (IM) leaders who are still at home to first condemn the leadership of Isak and Th Muivah if they really stand for sovereignty and for the cause of Naga national principle.
A statement issued by Sgt Mathiulan of Naga Army, FGN slammed the IM leadership for the 30 point proposal submitted to the Government of India and for holding Indian passports.
The FGN further alleged that all Nagas were aware IM leaders draw monthly salaries from the GoI at the rate of Rs 25,000 for a kilonser, Rs 15,000 for a tatar (MP), leacy (MLA) Rs 8,000, rezou peyu Rs 5,500 and Rs 5,00,000 for maintenance of a battalion.
Further asserting that the IM leaders have been rolling in luxury inside big buildings and owning hundreds of luxurious cars, it said that they were Indian mercenaries and the battles they have been fighting are just proxy wars.
It remarked that being Indian mercenaries, NSCN (IM) leaders have no right to talk about Naga national issue and no amount of their statement could ever justify killing of Nagas. It would only invite the wrath of Naga people, it added.
Even if NSCN (IM) leaders open its door for reunification or reconciliation, no Naga would ever join them except for those young gullible Nagas who have been deceived by them or lured with Indian money, concluded the statement.
Nagaland only state to implement bamboo policies Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, SEPT 15 (NPN): Chief minister Neiphiu Rio today said Nagaland is the only state in the country to have implemented bamboo policies. Rio who is also the chairman of Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), during his visit to the Common Facility Centre (CFC), 5th Mile, Dimapur, said though the country as a whole has initiated many policies on bamboos, the central government had yet to fully exploit the potential of bamboos. The construction of the CFC started in month of February this year at an estimated cost of Rs. 5 crore.
To be renamed as Resource Centre, it would be equipped with gasifiers for generating power, treatment plants for bamboos and hi-tech machineries. After lighting a bamboo charcoal kiln at the centre, the chief minister said that given the abundance of the 'poor man's timber' in the state, bamboo could become an employment-generating "machine," especially to the local youths.
Talking to Nagaland Post at the site, Rio said with the scheduled opening of the Resource Centre next month, it would become an ideal training centre for young entrepreneurs as well as a place to utilize the facilities provided. He also expressed optimism that the centre would be a revenue-generating centre. Ruling out opening of big industries in the state at the present juncture, he said people should instead seriously take up bamboo as a profitable enterprise,
The chief minister was accompanied by MLA and advisor NBDA Khutovi Sumi, Agriculture Production Commissioner Alemtemshi Jamir who is also the secretary of agency, team leader NBDA Norman Putsure and other officials of the NBDA. Presently, around eight lakh bamboo saplings of various species have been planted at the site covering around 34 acres and the department is also planning to open a bamboo park and recreation zone at the centre.
Promises contradict performance The Morung Express Editorial
It is now quite common to experience the practice of promises contradicting performance, especially in relation to governments and political parties involved in electoral politics. Ironically it is through the promises they make that they win the confidence of people; and inevitably, the very same that gets broken time and time again by the many parties that assume political power. The degrees to which political parties deviate from their promises betray a lack of will and commitment to truly serve the needs and aspirations of the people they claim to represent.
What does the habit of promises contradicting performance truly represent and what are its implications to human society? Does it mean that once in power, politicians take the people for granted? Or, are the people so naïve and powerless that every time their politicians betray the promises made, they so ignorantly become indifferent to the abuse of trust and the arrogance of power. Nonetheless, it does certainly raise fundamental questions of trust, democratic governance and accountability to the people.
The politics of forgetting, or more specifically selective amnesia is a common trait amongst government, and in particular, political parties in power often conveniently prefer to forget the promises they made while in the opposition or on the campaign trail. While they refrain from making precise promises once they are at the helm of political power, they are compelled by circumstance to declare programs and packages, primarily resulting from the necessity of coalition politics and of course the nature of support on which they are founded.
Though governments formed on coalition politics may have its share of limitations, it does however cause problems related to the politics of forgetting. Due to the inherent nature of coalition government, selective amnesia on the part of government is much more difficult and cannot be conveniently dismissed. The promises made in the heat of campaigns just cannot remain a promise it must be translated into performance that adequately responds to the need of the people. Coalition governments do provide a minimum level of accountability from within the partners. However in practice this does not necessarily imply that all coalition governments perform in accordance to their promises nor are they held accountable in a manner that reflects coalition politics of check and balance. When a coalition government performs in contradiction to its promises and actually gets away for doing so, it reflects serious breach of trust and an indifferent attitude towards the people they represent. More seriously it implies that either the people have become an accomplice or the coalition government has gotten too powerful to the extent of ignoring the rights of people.
Nagas are in an era of coalition politics. A higher standard of conduct and commitment in its performance to fulfill its pledge is expected. Tragically, the legislature – both government and opposition – continues to function behind rhetoric of improvement and development without actual performance. The barrage of speeches without action has become the norm. Nagas must critically question whether the present situation has resulted because of the public’s indifferent attitude or because politicians have become too powerful to care for the public anymore?
Failed promises deface Tml district Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 15: Remnants of numerous foundation stones that have been laid, official buildings that have been inaugurated without the required basic infrastructure and incomplete development projects sponsored both by the Centre and the State Government have become the hallmarks of the underdeveloped Tamenglong district of Manipur.

A recent inspection tour jointly conducted by Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM) and mediapersons at Tamenglong district headquarters and Tamei sub-division was a revelation of the half-hearted efforts being made by the Government to develop one of the most backward districts of the State. Though the construction of the 33/11 KV Power Sub-Station at Tamei under NLCPR with funding through DONER was to begin in 2004 with the target of commissioning it by 2007, the project is yet to take off the ground, literally. It is still lying in the stage of the foundation stone which was laid by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on February 8 this year.

The construction of the JNV at Tamenglong for which the Chief Minister had also laid the foundation stone in January last year is no different. Even the land development work is yet to be completed. The PHC at Tamei was inaugurated by the Chief Minister on February 8 this year.

But the smooth functioning of the health centre has been crippled due to lack of basic infrastructure. Apart from inaugurating the centre without the required furniture and equipment, condition of the staff quarter has become so apathetic that the doctors and other paramedical staff are putting up at the building which once served as the PHC.

The are also no chair, table and other furnishing items at the DIET Centre at Tamei which had also been inaugurated by the Chief Minister on the same day as the PHC. ZSUM has urged the Government to look after the infrastructural requirements of both the PHC and the DIET Centre.

Apart from the delay in the completion of the work on the road stretching from Tamei via Konphung (Nagaland border) to Tening in Nagaland with funding from NEC, the suspension bridge constructed over Barak river had been swept away in the water current thus cutting off the communication and transport line. Over and above this cracks have also started appearing on the bailey bridge construction over Magui river along Manipur-Nagaland border even before its inaugural. Aggrieved over finding sub-standard materials being used for the construction of the Composite Water Supply scheme at Tamenglong District at an estimated cost of Rs 4.65 crores under RSVY, the student body imposed restriction on all construction related activities of the said scheme. The team also inspected the ongoing construction work of the Imphal-Tamenglong Road, which has reached Tamei. It was found that WBM work on Tamenglong side of the road has been almost over, but nothing has been done on the Senapati side of the road.

ZSUM urged the contractors concerned to expedite the road work. Taken serious note of snapping of the optical fibre cable of the Telecom at various points during the course of repairing the drainage as these cable have not been laid properly, the student body has also drawn the attention of the authority concerned to the manner of executing the OFC laying work from Tamenglong to Nungba.

While inspecting the condition of the educational institutions at Tamei and Tamenglong, the joint team found nothing worthwhile to write home about. The inspection team also covered the construction work of the ITI being taken up at Tamenglong. Though the construction of the staff quarters is almost completely, the construction of the main building has stopped after erecting of the pillars, as the contractor has allegedly not come to the work site any more.
State Assembly condemns ISKCON, Vengnuam incidents; Investigation into ISKCON blast making progress: CM The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Sept 15: Manipur chief minister, O Ibobi Singh, speaking before the state Assembly, has declined to disclose the details of the ongoing investigations on the August 16 ISKCON blast at Imphal and the August 20 firing at the Evangelical Baptist Church at Churchandpur.

Chief minister Ibobi who was replying to a calling attention motion raised by two Opposition members, BD Behring and L Ibomcha Singh, said tabling the enquiry report before the House at this time "will be premature". However, he said "the investigation is making considerable progress positively". Later the house adopted an unanimous resolution condemning both the incidents which occurred in religious places.

The chief minister while giving his statement to the house stated that both were very unfortunate incidents which occurred rarely in the country. The incident at ISKCON complex was the first of its kind that occurred in a religious place in Manipur. So, "we must condemn the incident in the strongest term", he said. He said that those individuals involved in committing the crime and the group responsible for the incident were inhuman and it was a barbarous act.

It may take time but surely the criminals will be brought to book by the police one day, he said adding that to uncover the culprits behind the blast at the soonest would not only be to the credit of the state home department but also provide a morale boost for the state police.

Before this while calling the attention of the house MLA BD Behring observed that on the day of ISKCON blast no adequate security deployment was seen despite the huge crowd. He saw the crowd and lack of security personnel on his way home from airport, he said and observed that in the previous years where wasn`t so large a crowd, heavy deployment of security was seen.

In this regard CM clarified that there was no reduction in the number of security personnel on that day. He said the miscreants hurled the bomb taking advantage of the darkness of the night. BD Behring also expressing his dissatisfaction over injury caused to two foreigners out of four who were attending the occasion and criticised the apparent lack of vigil upon the foreigners by the state CID. In a state where entry of people from foreign countries is restricted, there should have been a close vigil upon the foreign visitors by the CID which is responsible for the task, he observed.

He also urged the state government to table the detailed report on the incidents that led to the killing of one innocent and injuring four others in the shoot out at Evangelical Baptist Church, Churchandpur on August 20. Supplementing the observations made by BD Behring, MLA L Ibomcha Singh terming both the incidents as unfortunate expressed unhappiness at the attitude of the Union government in not sending even an official from the Centre to look into the incident despite the fact that news of inflicting injuries upon even foreigners reached the entire world.

He also cautioned the state government that such incidents may happen on any religious occasion in future in the state and urged the state government to expedite the investigation and without any delay detect the culprits. Both the MLAs also drew the attention of the house on the agitations that have been launched regarding the detention of TIPS leaders. They also demanded a report from the government on action taken to bring an end to the public agitations.

Clarifying on the firing incident at the Evangelical Baptist Church, the chief ministerwho is also in charge of the home portfolio stated that the innocent civilian was killed in the exchange of fire between a column of Rajputana Rifles and combat dressed cadres of an hill based militants group.

Elaborating on the incident, he said that Army troops were proceeding towards the area for a follow up action in connection with disclosures made by two valley based underground cadres. While the troops were heading towards a hideout of some underground activists as per disclosure of the apprehended cadres and when they were passing in front of the church to their vehicles, the combat dress hill based militants fire upon them apparently assuming that the security forces were about to attack them. The troops retaliated to the firing leading to the killed of one innocent person and injuring others, Ibobi stated to the house.

‘Ban on Meitei Mayek successful’ The Sangai Express Imphal, Sep 15 : The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has claimed that the ban on Meitei Mayek (Meitei Script) in the Naga areas has been very effective.
ANSAM announced the banning of the Meitei Mayek in the four districts a week ago while the banning of the CDs/cassettes of both the videos and the audios in Meitei language in the Naga areas will begin from September 17 as per the ANSAM declaration.
ANSAM has said that the banning of Meitei Mayek in the Naga areas is in full swing and claimed that so far, more than 30 vehicles which had Meitei Mayek on their number plates were caught and released after warning the drivers.
The script was erased with black paint by the ANSAM volunteers plying on the National Highway 39 in Senapati district today, stated ANSAM information and publicity secretary Souni Khapa. He disclosed that the campaign to ban the script will intensify in the days to come. The ANSAM leader warned that using of the script in Naga areas in any form will be totally banned. ANSAM will appreciate the cooperation of the vehicle owners. “They (vehicle owners) will be held responsible for any untoward incident in the event of failing to comply with the ANSAM orders,” cautioned the ANSAM leader.

Role of Thangal General in anti-British movement By GP Singh Sangai Express
The tribals of India, including those of the north-east, played notable role not only in the repulsion of the Muslims but also in the liberation of the country from the British colonial rule. They raised a banner of revolt not only against the Muslim rule but also against the British rule in India. The veil of mystery befalling some of the phases of anti-Muslim and anti-British tribal movements in India is yet to be lifted. The roles played by the tribal people of north-east India in particular in frustrating the attempt of the Muslims to establish their rule and that of the British to consolidate their imperial authority in the north-east have not been highlighted either in the tribal history of India or in the medieval and modern history of India to the extent it deserves.
The year 1857 was admittedly a landmark in the history of anti-British movement in India. The movement began in 1857 as a Mutiny as the sepoys (native soldiers to the British service) ignited its spark that blazed up into conflagration. In its second phase it turned into a Revolt and in the third and final phase it assumed the character of a national movement also called first Indian war of Independence.
The flames of 1857 movement spread to different parts of India including the north-east (Assam, including the Khasi-Jaintia Hills of present Meg- halaya and North Cachar Hills, and Manipur, both valley and hills). Volcanos were also burning beneath the north-eastern region and the people were waiting for a moment when its smouldering fires would burst into devastating flames.
The events that took place in 1857 in different parts of India kindled the spark of patriotism in the heart of Thangal General (a Thangal Naga tribe of Manipur) too and he joined the movement. He was one of the 34th Native Infantry Mutineers who mutinied at Chittagong on 18th November 1857 against the British Raj. These Mutineers after burning their lines, breaking open the jail and releasing the prisoners, and plundering the treasury marched through the jungles of HiII-Tipperah and reached Sylhet, and Cachar where three Manipuri princes were arrested for entertaining hostile design towards the British and sent to Alipur Jail. At Latu in South Cachar, the rebels numbering about 200 came up soon afterward and in fierce fighting that ensued they killed Major Byang of Sylhet Light Infantry. Twenty-six of the rebels were also killed. Few days later they were attacked by Sylhet Light Infantry under Lt. Ross. They together with some Manipuri princes headed for Mani- pur which also felt the impact of the movement. They were repeatedly attacked by regular troops. Only three or four escaped death or capture. Thangal General was one of those who escaped and thereafter took service in the royal court of Manipur state.
The above statements are evidenced mainly by the Proceedings of the Govt of India, Home & Foreign Deptt 1858-59, Volume of Letters from Govt. of Bengal, Foreign Deptt, Fort William proceedings of the Home Deptt 1857, Reports of British Officials, Official correspondence and Secret deliberations letters of 1857, and other Official Records and Documents relating to 1857 preserved in some of the north-eastern states archives, West Bengal Archives, Calcutta, and National Archives of India, New Delhi, and History of the Assam Rifles (one of the monumental works) by LW Shakespeare.
There is also an incidental notice of repercussion of 1857 Revolt in some parts of north-east India in Notes on the Thadou Kukis, by William Shaw. The author while touching upon the role of the Kukis in the said Revolt unequivocally states: “Indian troops mutinied in Sylhet and Cachar and after killing their officers gathered together and reached Manipur” It is, however, a supplemental evidence. The role played by the populace and potentates of Assam and Manipur in anti-British Revolt of 1857 is still a unrecorded part of the chapter on the said Revolt in modern history of India. After an interregnum of over three decades Thangal General rose to prominence.
— to be contd

ULFA opposes new Army installations in State By A Staff Reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Sept 15 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has opposed the move of the Army to set up another military installation at Changsari adjoining the one already in existence and Misa. Describing the move as a “sinister” one aimed at destroying human lives and the green cover, ULFA commander-in-chief “Colonel” Paresh Baruah said it is a “new aggression” against the freedom loving people of Asom.

Baruah, in an e-mailed statement this evening, said despite assurances extending olive branch to the masses in the state, the “colonialist” Government of India has planned to displace hundreds of “our people” for the new military facilities. Once completed, the projects would force eviction of innocent peace loving people, destruction of tea gardens, habitations, flora and fauna.

He said the land acquisition plans shows that the Government of India is bent on extending the peripheral control of Misa military station and opening up inaccessible areas by railway tracks. “Once completed, this would allow movement of the aggressor military and other forces to move deep into Asom to eliminate the freedom loving people,” he stated.
PM must intervene in peace talks: ULFA By ANI
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)
NEC to digitalise cultural heritage of NE ethnic groups
To showcase culture of 50 ethnic tribes Sentinel
AIZAWL, Sept 15: The North Eastern Council (NEC) would be documenting various traits of the indigenous identity of 50 ethnic groups across the NE region in order to preserve their cultural heritage.
The project would include documentation and recording of vanishing traditional dances, music, songs, rituals, customs and social practices of the tribes through still photography, films, videography and audio recordings and literature,the official sources said here today.
Cultural Exchange Programme including organisation of folk festivals, formation of cultural troupes to different parts of the country and within the region under the aegis of established and recognised groups at state and national level. Support for making and procuring vanishing indigenous crafts, musical instruments, rituals and dance equipments to be reserved and displayed in museums, archives and libraries, NEC officials said.
Detailed scheme guidelines, detailing eligibility criteria, funding pattern, procedure for giving sanction have already been prepared and all proposals are sanctioned in accordance with these guidelines, the official sources added.
The officials also said there are more than 50 major ethnic groups 80 per cent of which are living in the hill areas. UNI
AASU march for Stilwell opening Our Reporter and UNI Sentinel
LEDO, Sept 15: ‘Reopen-Stilwell-Road’ slogans rent the air in Ledo today when thousands of people under the banner of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) staged a padayatra demanding reopening of the forgotten road connecting India and China via Myanmar.
“The Stilwell Road is lying unused for the past six decades. This can be a window to the East for the North-east, and it can change the economy of the entire region,” said AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharjya, who led the huge procession. He added: “If the ‘look east’ policy is to succeed, the road has to be reopened, and we will not compromise on this point. Our agitation will continue till the road is reopened.”
Successive chief ministers and Union ministers from the region have been seeking presidential intervention for the reopening of the road “but the Commerce and External Affairs Ministry is unmoved. That only shows their neglect to the North-east,” Bahttacarjya said.
The AASU is of the opinion that if India and Pakistan could have bus and train services, why the existing Stilwell road could not be reopened.
AASU general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi said that the reopening of the road would lead to economic and cultural development of the North-east.
All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union advisor Gumjun Haider said that the reluctancy on the part of the Government to reopen the road only exposed its negligence towards the North-east.
The padayatra was joined by NESO general secretary NSN Lotha, Asom Unnati Xabha president Rohini Gogoi, noted economist RN Deka and others.
The pretext on the part of the Government is that between India and China lies 252 km of unadministered territory which is a haven for a dozen guerrilla groups operating in India, Myanmar and Kachin.
Technically from Ledo in Asom the Stilwell road stretches to Kunming, capital of Yunan province in China with a distance of over 1,100 km. It was a functional strategic road till 1952 as it was built during the World War II, but later Beijing-Delhi relationship soured and all seemed to have forgotten the road.
The road covers a stretch of 38 miles on the Indian side passing through Asom and Arunachal Pradesh. About 50 per cent of this stretch has been repaired with the initiative of the Asom and Arunachal Pradesh governments. Now the trade bodies have been demanding repair of rest of the road.
India and Myanmar made it clear that they were not willing to meet the demand to have the road reopened as they believed that if it was reopened insurgent groups would spearhead their subversive activities. The Union Home Ministry had stated this as being the prime reason for keeping the road closed. The decision irked several states in the North-east as they had been lobbying with the Centre to reopen the road in order to increase the volume of trade.
Our Correspondent from New Delhi adds: AGP MP Sarbananda Sonowal urged the Centre to fulfil its commitment by reopening the Stilwell Road to boost communication network between the North-east India and South East Asian nations. In a memorandum to the President and the Prime Minister, the Asom MP reminded them of the commitment which they had made during the Dihing Patkai Festival in January, 2003 and the ASEAN Car Rally in April, 2005 for the reopening of the Stilwell Road.
ULFA response: Deadline set Staff Reporter and PTI Sentinel
NEW DELHI/ GUWAHATI , Sept 15: The Centre is understood to have extended by five days the suspension of Army operations against the ULFA in Asom to give the banned group more time to provide a commitment about participating in direct talks.
An indication to this effect was available when the Home Ministry said the government would wait till September 20 for a written communication from the ULFA to join direct talks. The government had earlier suspended Army operations against the ULFA till September 15. When contacted, key mediator Indira Goswami told PTI that she too believed the ceasefire, which was extended for the third time last month, had been again extended by five days.
She said since National Security Advisor MK Narayanan was travelling abroad with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Home Ministry probably wanted to wait till he returned early next week.
An inter-ministerial meeting is also likely to be held here next week to review the peace process in Asom. The ceasefire is being extended despite reservations from the Army, which has warned that the ULFA is using the suspension of operations against it to regroup and extort money from traders and businessmen.
Meanwhile, in a press statement, ULFA ‘c-in-c’ Paresh Barua came down heavily on the proposed military installation at Changsari here.
“Once completed, the project would force eviction of innocent people and destruction of tea gardens and habitations,” he said.
Expressing concern over the “ill-intention of the Government of India”, the outfit said,“It is the duty of every citizen of Asom to oppose further Indianization of the greens of Asom and resist expansion of military bases.”

Nagalim.NL News

09/16/2006: "Nagaland and Sovereignty"