[Previous entry: "Factional guns boom in Nagaland The Imphal Free Press"] [Next entry: "Press Release Comedians with guns are dangerous goons because they are not guided by conscience Standards of the Naga National Council and the K-Group questioned on sincerity"]

09/28/2006: "Public meeting at Ukhrul on Oct 3 over quit notice John K Kaping Kangla on line"

Public meeting at Ukhrul on Oct 3 over quit notice John K Kaping Kangla on line

Ukhrul, Sep 27: Responding with seriousness to the "quit notice" served to the Tangkhul community in Nagaland by the NSCN(K),NNC/FGN the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), an umbrella body of the Tangkhul community, is going to hold a public discussion meeting to be held at Ukhrul Town Hall on October 3.

A source from the TNL however did not disclose any further agenda or programme besides the public discussion.The announcement of the public discussion meeting by the TNL remains the "talk of the town" and as the public eagerly views the situation, high public turn-out from across Ukhrul district is likely at the meeting.

Meanwhile, The Tangkhul Baptist Churhes Association(TBCA) along with its council of executives ventured out as a peace team to Nagaland for talks with the leading social organizations from September 22 to 25 over the notice issued to Tangkhuls by NSCN(K) and quit notice issued at Pfutsero area by NNC/FGN on September 27.

The team simultaneously met the leaders including the presidents, Naga HoHo, APO, secretaries of the NBCC and CNBC and the representatives of the Naga Students` Federation (NSF), the XChristian Education Secretary(TBCA) Raingam Vashum informed throgh a press communique.
NCP Nagaland unit supports peace process The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, SEPT 27 (MExN): The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) held its 3rd National Convention at the Ranger’s College Ground, Dehradun, Uttaranchal State on September 17 and passed the resolutions on organizational matters, economic and political situations of the country. It was informed that a delegation of the Nagaland State NCP led by its President Y Sulanthung H Lotha tabled the issue of the current Indo-Naga Peace Process at the convention.
“The Nagaland State NCP is happy to announce that the convention had adopted a resolution to fully extend its support to the ongoing Indo-Naga Peace Process and to pursue a proactive approach to the process both at the centre and the state.
The state unit is also happy to state that this is the first time that the Indo-Naga Peace Process has received such unanimous support from the National Party in its National Convention,” a release stated.
It also stated that the convention has taken serious note of the natural calamities that are taking a heavy toll on the economic situations of the farmers.
“As agriculture is the main stay of Indian Economy and Society, it was resolved to sustain the farmers by supporting them with loans at the minimum rate of interest on farmer-friendly terms. It has also resolved to support them through various self-help groups and NGOs,” a release stated.
It stated that the NCP is committed towards a transparent and people oriented system of governance. The RTI Act in India has the full backing of the NCP in its attempt to ensure good governance. The NCP, Nagaland State would also like to take this opportunity to urge the state government to involve in all political parties on issue of common concern specially the Naga issue which is sensitive and dear to the hearts of ever y Nagas. It further appealed to all Naga national workers to stop fratricide killings and work for strengthening peace, harmony and brotherhood among members of Naga family.
Wangtin had acknowledged Muivah as ‘Moses’-NSCN-IM The Morung Express
Dimapur, Sept 27 (MExN): Tatar Ngami Konyak of the Konyak region, NSCN-IM, has criticized Kilonser Wangtin Konyak stating that if the latter wishes to speak or write something on the Naga political history, senior national leaders be consulted. Tatar Konyak maintained that Wangtin himself had acknowledged NSCN-IM General Secretary Th Muivah as “you are the Naga Moses who will lead into the Promised Land Nagalim for Naga sovereignty”.
“If he wishes to speak or write something about Naga political history he needs to seek advise and guidance from senior national leaders; it was in January 2005 he was the General Secretary of the Konyak tribe who led the Konyak delegates to meet the Collective Leadership at Council HQ, Hebron, where he told Th Muivah, General Secretary NSCN that ‘you are the only capable leader for the Naga people; you are the Naga Moses who will lead into the promised land ‘Nagalim’ for Naga sovereignty” stated the Tatar in a release.
The Tatar also stated that Kilonser Wangtin joined the NSCN-K after just five months of his meeting the Collective Leadership at council headquarters, Hebron and had now started condemning the leadership and Naga NGOs who have been working for the Naga people “which is not only self-betrayal but bring shame upon the entire Konyak people.”
Further, Wangtin on joining the NSCN-K after a ceasefire between the “Assam rifles and the Khaplang group”, started uttering “beyond his capacities and knowledge” and that the history of the Naga movement is a “new chapter” to him, stated the Tatar.
TNL convenes meet to discuss quit notices Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, September 27: In the backdrop of the "Quit Notice" served on the Tangkhul community at Nagaland State by the NSCN (K) on August last and subsquent another "Quit Notice" at Pfutsero on 27 September 2006 by the NNC/FGN, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body of the Tangkhul community has called for solidarity and unity and urged all to attend a meeting to be held on October 3 at Town Hall, Ukhrul.

Sources from the TNL said that cooperation with fullest understanding of the critical phase of Naga history at this juncture is profoundly required from one and all.

Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Baptist Church Association (TBCA) Executive council team led by Raingam Vashum, Christian education secretary, a Church Minister team representing the collective voice and desire of all the Nagas, visited Kohima and Dimapur from Sept 22-25 and met many leaders, including Naga Hoho president, NBCC general secretary, CNBC general secretary, president APO and NSF.

The team revealed the desire and aspiration of the Tangkhuls to develop and grow together as a free people despite the adversaries constantly trying to keep the Nagas a divided people riven with dissension.

This amounts to playing into the hands of the Government agencies which want to stop Nagas from freely developing their common political, social and economic future, they said.
NSCN (IM) rejoinder to Wangtin- Nagaland Post
Mr. Wangtin Konyak who joined the Khaplang group af-ter a ceasefire between the Assam Rifles and the Khaplang group by some of his big bosses started uttering beyond his capacities and knowledge.
The history of the Nagas’ struggle movement for sovereignty is new chapter to a person like Mr. Wangtin Konyak who has only joined the Khaplang faction recently.
If he (Wangtin) wishes to speak or write something about Naga political history, he needs to seek advice and guidance from senior National leaders.
It was in Jan. 2005 when he was the Gen. Secretary of the Konyak tribes, led the Konyak delegates to meet the Collective Leadership at Council Head-quarters, Hebron where he told Th. Muivah Gen. Secy, NSCN that "You are the only capable leader for the Naga people. You are the Naga Moses who will lead into the Promised Land "NAGALIM" for Naga Sovereignty".
Mr. Wangtin Konyak joined the Khaplang group after five months of his meeting the Collective Leadership at Council Head-quarters, Hebron and started condemning the Collective Leadership and those Naga NGOs who have been working selflessly for the Naga people which is not only self betrayed but bring shame upon the entire Konyak people.
Ngami Konyak, Tatar, On behalf of Konyak Region, GPRN, NSCN (IM).
Remembering to heal The Morung Express Editorial
In life, we suffer the loss of loved ones but none could be more painful when one loses them to unnatural circumstances. Many innocent Naga lives have been cheated off their youth and from their aspirations to becoming fully conscious of their potential to generate life giving realities. It is perhaps the painful experiences of having a loved one killed, violated, missing, threatened or humiliated that gives the most anger and may often seem unforgivable because faith and confidence one destroyed are not easy to rebuild. These are circumstances most experienced in situations of armed conflict.
The pain and hurt emerging out of these experiences creates two forms of dilemmas: the dilemma of truth and the truth about dilemma. Recognizing that there is in every story a view and the other point of view it is of utmost importance to acknowledge the various views in a balance manner that would make transcendence possible. In the final analysis the key towards transformation lies in our ability and will to address issues of hurt, injustice and humiliation.
During these moments of dilemma, we are faced with our own internal-self as the enemy within. The reasoning side of us wants justice, while ‘feeling’ cause emotions of rage, anger, hate, fear, shame, humiliation and insecurity. If not appropriately addressed, the ‘reason’ is co-opted by ‘feeling’ and there is an instinct to equate revenge with justice because there is an assumption that revenge will vindicate and relieve the anger, fear, shame and humiliation. Revenge could provide feelings of relief, vindication and pride but it does not last, since through the act of revenge the victim becomes the offender and more negative energy is created. However, it only leads to internalized shame and guilt with internal contradictions abound.
The process of acknowledgement and being heard are therefore critical steps in opening up space to move forward. Indeed, the act of remembering represents a symbol of recognition and is empowering. A symbolic act of remembrance may help each of us to feel like we can all do something and to live out the visions by striving and embracing the ideals of our common humanity. By remembering we have a choice to see it as an invitation that is nudging us towards healing to make spiritual, emotional and societal transformation possible.
It is in the desire to open our hearts and renew ourselves that we commit to lead a life of involvement and participation to reclaim dignity; embrace those feeling disempowered, and to support those whose loved ones are gone from our physical earth. This involves empowering and caring for those who have survived traumatic situations and by doing so it leads to a deepening faith, renewed vision and practical ways to nurture the processes that bring God’s healing, hope, justice and peace to individuals, communities and nations as a whole.
If the Nagas are to be a dignified Nation of nations it is essential that we Remember to Heal.
NPO wants Kuki houses evicted from Turibari area The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Sep 27: The Turibari issue is going to kick up more ruckus with the Naga People`s Organisation (NPO) cautioning the state government to resolve the issue at the earliest or else bear responsibility for any eventuality. Turibari area located just above the Kangpokpi town hill-lock along the IT Road under Senapati district is on the boil at the moment.

The NPO today urged the state government that the latter resolve the matter urgently or else the former would take up its own course of action. The NPO further urged the government to evict all the houses/huts erected and built by the Kukis in the area saying that the rightful ownership of the area is the Naga community. The NPO while issuing this statement to Newmai News Network today said that the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) had forcibly asked the Kuki public to construct their houses in the Turibari area and about 30 houses had been erected so far.

The NPO president M Dili said that on Monday about 30 cadres of the KNF(P) in full combat uniforms were seen loitering in the Turibari area which had sent a wrong signal to others thereby causing a fear psychosis among the Naga residents in that area.

The NPO claimed that the Nagas are the rightful owners of the Turibari area but several years ago the Nagas had donated the land to the Nepalis. It said that in 1974 the government had set up a cattle breeding farm but since the Kukis have started constructing houses in the area at present, the state government should take up action by evicting the erected houses or return the land to the Nagas. The NPO urged the state government to evict all the houses erected in the Turibari areas immediately or else the state government should be held responsible for any eventuality.
Mention may be made that CrPC 144 had been clamped in the area few days ago as a pre-emptive measure by the district administration.
‘Naga mircha’ to heat up global taste buds Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, SEPT 27(NPN): The famous Naga Raja Mircha, known as the hottest chilli in the world is all set to hit the international market under the popular brand name ITC (Indian Tobacco Corporation). A team of officials from the ITC arrived here in the state today as part of an exercise to identify the farmers of Nagaland and create awareness through a daylong workshop on prospects and marketing aspects of 'Naga Mircha' held in collaboration with the state Horticulture Department and People Networking Trust (PNT) at Hotel Japfu.
ITC is willing to sign a tripartite MoU alongwith Nagaland government and farmers to buy dried Naga Mircha if the state and the farmers can fulfill the requirement of the company, both in terms of quality and quantity, said Ninad Bosle, vice president of ITC Export Division.
To begin with, ITC has identified Naga Raja Mircha because the hottest chilli can be exported to Korea and Japan, countries that prefer hot chillies, he said.
Besides, ITC is also interested in herbal plants found in the state such as ginger, turmeric, bamboo and pine apple, he added.
The Naga Raja Mircha, considered as the hottest chilli in the world today, with 11.66 SHU as tested by CFTRI, has beaten the earlier known hottest chilli in the world -Mexican Chilli. "There is no commercial production of Naga Mircha as of today in Nagaland but, to start with, 100 Metric Ton (MT) can do if the state can provide," Bosle said. ITC first came to the state during the last Agri-Expo and the firm had identified the potential of Naga Raja Mircha. However, lack of research and necessary data such as actual production of the chilli, seemed to be hitches in ITC's quest. "Once we start, we'll put up our own agronomist to conduct research on Naga Mircha", Bosle assured.
Sanjiv Bisnt from the Spice Division of ITC in his presentation on cultivation/post harvest on chillies in India pointed out that Nagaland with very low chemical usage has high chances of converting to organic farming. The ITC officials enlightened farmers from the three districts of Mon, Peren and Kohima attending the daylong seminar with power point presentations and screening of documentary films on the activities and achievements of the ITC Company.
Earlier, Thangi Mannen, Commissioner and Secretary Horticulture, Nagaland, gave a brief power point presentation on the prospects of Naga Mircha. In her presentation, she said that the objective of the project was to improve resources, quality of life and economic opportunity for the farmer of the state.
ITC was established in 1910 as a tobacco company and gradually became a top tobacco company. While retaining the original brand name, the company slowly made inroads into different markets such as spices, agriculture, hotels, printing and packaging, fashions and greeting cards.
PCG pulls out of ULFA peace talks Nagaland Post
GUWAHATI, SEPT 27 (UNI): The Peoples Consultative Group (PCG) today pulled out of the peace process, blaming the Centre for derailing the entire exercise to bring ULFA to the negotiating table. The ULFA- nominated PCG members collectively came forward, saying though PCG would keep contact with the common people ''it would no longer be a part of the peace process.''
Addressing a joint press conference, PCG member Arup Borbora alleged that the Centre had shown complete disregard towards the entire peace process.
Another PCG member Lachit Bordoloi said the Centre could have carried forward the peace process easily, if the five top jailed ULFA leaders, whose presence is needed for the crucial central executive to take the final decision for peace talk by the ULFA, were released.
The Centre toughened its stand insisting on a letter from the ULFA before the release, which the militant organization did not give and the Government too did not relent. ''People of Asom will never forget the insult. The Centre has once again proved that it does not value the aspirations of the ordinary people,'' said Mr. Lachit Bordoloi. The nine -member PCG has of late been sidelined as the Centre was talking directly to Mr Rebatoi Phukan and Mrs Mamoni Roysom Goswami.
The PCG was formulated last year to gauge the mood of the people by ULFA and to create the ambience for a talk in consultation with the common people. The PCG had three rounds of meeting of which the Prime Minister chaired the first one. The third round of talks on July 22 gave the maximum hope with both the Centre and the PCG agreeing for starting the direct talk with ULFA and the release of the jailed ULFA leaders. But after that ULFA and Government toughened its stand with PCG getting sandwiched between them. ''We have almost succeeded. The Governor Lt. Gen. Ajay Sinha is scuttling the peace process'' alleged PCG member Haidar Hussain. With the PCG out, the hope of peace in Asom has also reduced substantially with no group is likely to come forward to do another round of diplomacy to end the violence once and for all.
Annual report - Army in North East The Sangai Express
During the year, continued efforts were made To modernise and upgrade weapons and weapon systems of the Army to prepare it to Address the requirements of modern day warfare and enhance its combat capability.The year saw a number of natural calamities in quick succession and it was once again the valiant soldiers who provided relief and rescued precious lives. The role of the Indian Army in international affairs continued with increasing participation in UN
Peacekeeping missions in areas of intense conflict. In order to perform the varied tasks of national defence, aid to civil authorities, relief and rescue operations and that of UN Missions, a constant process of restructuring, equipping and training the force is also underway.
Modernisation of Army
During the year, continued efforts were made to modernise and upgrade weapons and weapon systems of the Army to prepare it to address the requirements of modern day warfare and enhance its combat capability.
North-East :
The overall situation in the North-Eastern States has been improving steadily. A majority of the Under Ground Groups in this region have been marginalized and sustained operations by the Security Forces have forced a number of other groups to seek Ceasefire/Suspension of Operations.
This has resulted in various peace initiatives of the Government moving in the positive direction. Another significant development has been the emboldening of the masses, which is evident from the people publicly expressing their desire for peace, during public meetings/gatherings.
Assam :
As a result of the sustained operational pressure maintained by the Army, National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) signed a ‘Suspension of Operations’ Agreement on June 1, 2005. This event, alongwith the successful conduct of elections to the Bodoland Territorial Council, has ushered an era of peace and development in the Bodo dominated areas.
Criticism of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) by some of its front organisations is indicative of a very strong desire for peace amongst the population of Assam. ULFA has also formulated a “Peace Consultative Group” to negotiate which the Government of India on its behalf. The Security Forces, have effectively contributed in controlling the ethnic tension/clashes in Karbi Anglong.
Nagaland :
In Nagaland, relative peaceful situation exists. The Army and the Assam Rifles have managed the environment and conducted themselves in very patient, firm and mature manner to ensure that the ‘Peace Process’ gradually moves forward.
The most heartening manifestation of the ceasefire has been the visible enthusiasm amongst the Nagas to openly express their desire for peace.
Manipur :
Sustained operations have been conducted in the three Southern districts of Manipur. The insurgents have suffered heavy attrition and huge quantity of arms and ammunition have been recovered from these areas.
The blocking of National Highway (NH)-39 by agitating Naga Student Unions of Manipur was, to some extent, offset by opening National Highway (NH)-53, as an alternate route to Imphal. Operations were conducted on a war footing on National Highway (NH)-53 and the highway was opened for traffic.
Operations were also conducted astride National Highway (NH)-150 in South Manipur, and the highway was opened for civil traffic after a gap of 16 years. The Security Forces have succeeded in weaning away from insurgency, a total of nine Kuki and Zomi Insurgent Groups, who subsequently agreed for an informal ‘Suspension of Operations’ Agreement with the Army.
Tripura :
Due to sustained operational pressure of the Security Forces on the terrorists, 55 cadres of National Liberation Front of Tripura (Bishwamohan) [NLFT (B)] and 19 cadres of All Tripura Tigers Force (ATTF) surrendered in 2005. More NLFT (B) cadres are likely to surrender, which is indicative of discontentment and frustration among the ranks of the outfit. The overall situation in the State is peaceful.
Mizoram :
The state continued to remain peaceful. A total of 195 cadres of Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) surrendered on July 25, 2005 pursuant to signing of ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with the Group.
Operation Sadbhavana in North East :
With a view to assuage any feeling of alienation which might crop up amongst the local inhabitants as a consequence of Army’s counter insurgency operations, the Operation Sadbhavana have been extended to the North-Eastern region.
Under this programme, small scale developmental and community projects have been undertaken by the Armed Forces for the benefit of the civilians in areas where the civil administration finds difficulty in implementing development programmes. For the year 2005-06, a sum of Rs 7 crore has been earmarked for this programme. (The article was made available by PIB (Defence Wing)
NDFB blames Govt for violating truce By A Staff Reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Sept 27 – The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), which is currently on a ceasefire agreement with the Centre, has warned that it could be ‘compelled’ to have second thoughts if the police continue harassing its men. ‘Captain’ D Bigraisa of the outfit’s ‘central command’ said in a press release today that the government is ‘time and again’ violating the agreed ceasefire ground rules and making baseless accusations in contrast to the agreed rule of seeking donation, which the NDFB is supposed to be allowed to do, from the people ‘in times of need’.

The NDFB leader said the Assam Police has ‘meticulously mispresented’ this as extortion from the people and trying to dub it illegal. “The NDFB has so far not got itself involved in any kind of so-called extortion as claimed by the police,” he asserted.

Bigraisa alleged that the Udalguri police station, under the direction of the Udalguri SP, is looking for some NDFB cadres for alleged extortion and the police even picked up the father of one of the cadres on September 22 and he was detained in the lockup for the night before being released.

He said the police, with the intention of tarnishing the NDFB’s image, have instigated the local bus association to call a strike from September 24 to 26 affecting bus services and creating problems for the people. Bigraisa said the NDFB has nothing to do with recent cases and innocent victims are being held in fabricated cases. The NDFB has been closely watching all these ‘nefarious activities’ of the police administration and would like to warn them to desist from such activities, he said.

Bigraisa said the NDFB entered into the ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 2005 in order to settle the question of self-determination rights of the Boro people. “During the entire period, the NDFB has been trying to keep the spirit of ceasefire with the sole intention of maintaining the conducive atmosphere so as to lead it up to the successful solution to the long-standing Boroland imbroglio through peaceful talk with the government,” he said.
Centre, Arunachal differ on private power projects Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Sept 27 – Differences have surfaced between the Centre and the Arunachal Pradesh Government on hydel projects in the State, with Chief Minister Gegong Apang disagreeing with Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde over the role of private companies in developing power projects.

Expressing reservation over the involvement of private players in hydroelectric projects in the State, Power Minister Shinde said, “we have alerted the State”.

The Centre had advised the State that private promoters could only distribute the power locally. The State would need the power to be transmitted to other States, for which the Central PSUs were better equipped, Shinde said during a joint press conference with Apang to announce MoUs for setting up nine projects totalling 15,000 MW by the Central PSUs. Asked if he would still prefer private promoters, Apang said: “Private developers are giving us up to 19 per cent free power (from the hydro projects). We have also requested the Centre to increase the share of free power from 12 per cent.”

Apang said he has also requested the Centre to provide transmission facilities to evacuate electricity from all the projects in the State – be those in public or private sectors. Shinde also reminded Apang about the detailed project reports made by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation for two projects, which were given to private companies including Reliance Energy in February this year, saying that whoever used these reports would have to pay for these.

“There has to be transparency,” Shinde asserted.

The State Government had in February given five projects with a total capacity of 4,800 MW to Reliance, Jaiprakash Associates and D S Construction. However, NHPC had contended that the State Government had earlier allotted two of these projects to the company and it had already spent about Rs. 80 crore for preparing detailed project reports. Apang, however, dismissed this contention, saying there was no agreement with NHPC for those two projects. – PTI