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10/02/2006: "‘Swear off support received by India’, NISC challenges The Morung Express"

‘Swear off support received by India’, NISC challenges The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 1 (MExN): “Comedians with guns are dangerous goons because they are not guided by conscience,” the Naga International Support Centre referred to the NSCN (K) and the NNC in a statement received here today.
On the label ‘the Neo International Satanic Organization’ given to it by the NSCN (K), the NISC responded: “That of course is a witty acronym and good fun when plaster is needed on a wound that needs to be healed.” Granted, comedians have a way with words but they are all meant to sharpen the senses, to make aware and to show what is disruptive and insincere, the release said.
To call someone a prostitute could similarly be meant to show how “blatantly corruptive and money minded some people or organizations are,” the NISC said. “Granted again, but NISC is not amused but surprised.” The support centre stationed at the Netherlands is also taken aback, “not because of criticism on its policies but on the below the belt standards of both what the K-Group and the NNC are showing.”
Terming the allegations by both organizations as not witty but demeaning “because what they are accusing of is gutter language and it lowers the standards of themselves,” the NISC posed the question: “For other than creating havoc against their own people, the Nagas, what have these remnants of the NNC and the K-group to show for?”
The statement further asked if the NSCN (K) and NNC fought against ‘aggressor India’ after the Shillong Accord and whether Khaplang and his men continued fighting ‘the Indians’ on behalf of all Nagas to create a free homeland. “The answer is absolutely no.”
The NISC thus questioned, “So, who are they to quit on any Naga tribe? What do they do for the Naga Nation in the making?”
Stating that if the Khaplang group is really sincere and the NNC along with them, the NISC has dared both organizations to “come out and swear off the support they receive from India.”
In order to reconcile on the basis of sincerity, NISC has called “on the common sense of leaders of both organizations based on the plebiscite of 1951, the desire of all Nagas to be free.”
The NSCN (K) and NNC has also been asked to be true representatives of the people “instead of persisting in acting like comedians with guns.” “On reconciliation based on truth for the Naga stand, the issue is no longer with either organization they have to abandon it.”
Until and unless they abandon their support from India, the adversary of the Nagas, they remain the enemies of the Nagas.
NSCN-K bans Tangkhul Naga Long Advises all Nagas, ‘NNCs, FGNs, and I-K cadres’
to adopt safety measures’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 1 (MExN): Seeking assistance from the “United States, Russia, China, France and Great Britain on its war on terror”, the NSCN-K has banned the Tangkhul Naga Long, the apex tribal body of the Tangkhul community and warned that any of the Long’s “activists” found on Naga soil will be met with a penalty.
Asserting that in the wake of the ‘Quit Notice’, the Tangkhul Long “instead of submitting to the NSCN by tendering an apology for all the bloodiest terrorism” had declared that ‘no one will cow down and leave Nagaland.’ “When a mere non-existent unarmed NGO challenge the powerful NSCN that has been fighting occupational India and Myanmar for more than six decades, this sheer act of terrorism and bloodthirsty instinct of the Tangkhuls is enough to be a lesson for the Nagas. With the immediate release of this press statement, the so-called terrorist-sponsored Tangkhul Long is banned and any of activists found in the Naga soil will meet a penalty” notified a release issued by Shempai Khiamniungan, Deputy Kilonser, Ministry of Law and Justice, GPRN. It also expressed cognizance that those in the NSCN-IM and any Tangkhul living in Nagaland have decided to leave the state and resolutions likely after October 3, Ukhrul meeting. This good sense must prevail or they will reap what they have sown, the release stated adding that there was no other remedy to terrorism than through the quit notice and that, they must leave.
The release also asked police personnel not to “imitate the terrorists and protect Isak-Khodao terrorists in Dimapur” while warning that police personnel or any agencies killed in civvies will not be a responsibility of the NSCN. “The GPRN has not detailed its Naga Army in Dimapur without weapons, as they are not into dancing classes but to fight terrorists” stated the NSCN-K and advised all Nagas, ‘be it NNCs, FGNs or even Isak-Khodao cadres’ to adopt all safety measure so that no Naga is caught in crossfire since ‘every Naga life is worth more than thousand lives of terrorists’. The NSCN-K, informing of its stand against terrorism, also sought assistance from the United States, Russia, China, France and Great Britain. It also called joining the NSCN to fight against the “terrorist financing institute, the Neiphiu Rio’s DAN”.
Further, the release while cautioning that a “second exodus” is to be undertaken by the Long, warned that any Naga who tries to be a party to it would not be excused of criminal charges and also advised its rival to “understand the Naganess.” It maintained that even government employees from the community in Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Zunheboto, Phek, Kohima, Wokha and Peren has left and have stationed themselves in Dimapur and Mokokchung ‘whereas those involved in terrorist activities have left Nagaland and returned to Ukhrul.”
First hiccup for NBCC: No meeting, says NSCN-K ‘Define terrorism and clarify why NSCN-IM’s crimes are not condemned’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 1 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s ‘Healing and Reconciliation Movement’, received a first hiccup today with the NSCN-K making clear that it would not meet the Church until and unless its statement on the ‘Quit Notice’ is withdrawn and that the term ‘Terrorism/terrorists’ is defined.
NSCN-K Kilonser AZ Jami said that the Council of Kilonsers, GPRN has written to the NBCC that the Church’s recent statement terming the ‘Quit Notice’ issued to the Tangkhul Community as “unchristian” and “shortsightedness’ should be withdrawn first before any meeting for talks as such. “There will be no talks or meeting until and unless their statement is withdrawn. Our stand is firm and clear” said the Kilonser over phone. The NSCN-K also questioned the ‘intentions’ of the Church and demanded a clear response for the grounds behind issuing the statement which, according to the Kilonser, makes them “skeptical”.
“We are skeptical about the NBCC’s intentions. We are writing an official letter to them. They have issued a statement on the quit notice and termed it as ‘unchristian’ and ‘shortsightedness’. If the quit notice is unchristian and shortsighted, then this means that the terrorism, killings and crimes against the Nagas by the Isak-Khodao is Christian and farsighted” said the Kilonser while making clear that the NBCC statement is “harmful”. “If there should be any meeting or talks, let them first withdraw their statement and we will meet them. We will talk and sort out everything. But let them withdraw the statement first” the NSCN-K made clear.
In the same vein, member of the Ceasefire Supervisory Board, Kughalo Mulatuno while demanding withdrawal of the “unchristian” statement, asked the Church to define the term “Terrorists”. The member strongly held that a church that “preach peace” should ‘stick to the Bible’ but should it address political questions, perspective should be clear-cut. “Arson, rape, kidnappings and killings by the I-K group is Christian and farsighted? What were NBCC doing when crimes were committed against the Nagas by the I-K from 1993 to 2006? There have been clashes but the NBCC never condemned (the NSCN-IM)” said the member while reminding that after the Mokokchung incident it was the NBCC which wrote to the Government of India to abrogate the ceasefire and termed the NSCN-K as ‘terrorists.’
“If a church does not know what it is doing, does not know truth, does not know peace, how will they know which elements makes peace and truth?” asked Mulatuno. “They should stick to the bible. They should define what terrorism according to the NBCC means. It is time to differentiate between milk and water. There will be no meeting if the statement is not withdrawn” he said. He reminded even the Bible teaches that ‘if there is a log in your brother’s eye, remove the plank from your own eyes before removing your brother’s’.
Mention may be made here that the NBCC September 29 proposed a series of round-table Kilonser-level talks, pursuing its ‘Healing and Reconciliation Movement’ to bring the warring factions to dialogue. The NBCC was slated to meet NSCN-K leaders in first week of October.
‘Talks with NSCN holds key to peace in Manipur’ The Morung Express
Imphal, OCT 1 (AGENCIES): Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said that negotiations with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) hold the key to peace in Manipur.
Addressing a press meet here, Ramesh said the time was not for redrawing geographical boundaries but to create new economies. He said the Constitution of India and the country’s territorial integrity are “sacrosanct and non-negotiable.”
“Only territorial autonomy can be negotiable,” he added. Asked if the Centre has taken steps for bringing insurgent outfits of Manipur to the negotiation table, the Minister said that the Government of India was ready to talk to anyone who gave up arms.
Jamir puts edn ahead of politics Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, OCT 1 (NPN): Goa Governor SC Jamir today put education ahead of politics when he said education should be the priority in one's approach to the future as it involved various dimensions of the human life without neglecting any of them.
Addressing a seminar organized by the Naga Students' Union Mumbai at the Marathi Bhawan, Mumbai University, Kalina Campus, Jamir observed that the most distressing trend in the Naga society today was that a large majority of the elite section of the community was obsessed with politics only.
"And in the bargain other more important aspect of human activities have been either marginalized or sidelined," he said. Jamir said education must make an individual sensitive to love which is expressed as humility, gentleness, consideration, patience and courtesy, respect and good taste, purity of mind.
"A mind that pursues knowledge without love is a mind that functions with ruthlessness and efficiency and can be very destructive," he added.
Stating that education must also lead to a well-rounded development of the physique, Jamir said the body, emotions and mind made up the total human being and education must seek to help the individual bringing about a harmonious development of these. The Goa Governor also said if Nagas were to catch up the rest of the country and the world, they have to change their mindset and outlook and learn to march ahead with the time. Exhorting on the role of the educated Naga youths towards building their future, Jamir said the youths have to identify the areas of change to fit in with the present civilization.
"You should fully equip yourselves with the knowledge that you need and develop a passion that will drive you, that will become the very raison d'etre of your life," he said. He further said the students that the very purpose of studying outside the state would be defeated if they were to isolate themselves by not intermingling with other peoples.
"You have to maintain a subtle balance between retaining your identity while also making the transition to become a part of the larger group, national or global identity," Jamir said. The former state chief minister and veteran politician suggested forming of "Plural Associations" whereby the students could develop partnerships cutting across regional and ethnic associations based on their interests and activities in career, academics, music, social service and others.
Longsa should be paradigm for others to emulate: Dr Lotha Source: NEPS E Pao
Wokha, October 01: : Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr TM Lotha expressed his happiness on the fast development scenario that has been taking place in Wokha including his Longsa Village.
He was speaking as Chief Guest at the dedication function of the Longsa Village Gate here.

The Minister recalled how things had changed bringing a massive revolution in the overall lifestyle and mindset of the villagers in Longsa Village from the past. Due to the late arrival of Christianity in Longsa Village coupled with orthodoxies prevailed, people in the village, in olden days, had the general impression that “rice is everything for them,” he said.

Over the years, everything took revolutionized and the people started adapting themselves with that changed environment and gradually discarding old systems, Dr Lotha said, adding that the people in the village today started realizing the values of economy that when he or she was economically sound, they could accomplish many things.
“Once you are financially sound, you can flourish in many ways,” he said. “You can buy lands, paddies, send children for education, get jobs, run business and expand them, and even invest your money to others to rescue them from their economic morass”.

“The question is,” the Minister explained, “how to get the money.” He asserted that the only way was the villagers should change the way of unproductive traditional way of cultivation and go for “beneficial production cultivation.” “Then money comes in,” he pointed out. “Then we can surely improve our life style”.

Dr Lotha said the villagers should opt for horticulture cultivation that would make them economic freedom. At the same time, the village road communication was well developed unlike the past and every nook and corner of the villages could now be easily accessible,” he mentioned, adding, “Once the villagers change themselves with the beneficial production cultivation such as horticulture, they can thrive manifold ways”.

The Minister also recalled how past elections brought sharp divisions in the village but expressed his profound happiness on the unprecedented show of unity villagers displayed in the last election in the village.
“Such unique unity even at the time of election in the village should be maintained in the future too,” he stated.

“Because when unity is there in the village, peace will prevail and then development will definitely follow, economy thrives, advancement comes and then everybody will be happy and all these will become a paradigm for other to emulate”.

Huge publics attended the function, which was chaired by Biponthung Ezung, Chairman, Longsa Village Council. High ranking civil and police officials from the district, prominent public leaders were among other who also attended the function. Earlier, the Minister formally cut ribbon and formally dedicated the Longsa Village Gate t the people of Longsa. He also donated Rs 1 lakh for the Construction of Church Building in the village, Rs 50000 to the Longsa Village Council, Rs 20000 to the Construction Committee of the Longsa Village Gate, etc.
Standards of the Naga National Council and the K-Group questioned on sincerity- Nagaland Post
Comedians with guns are dangerous goons because they are not guided by conscience
The Naga International Support Center is shamelessly called by the Khaplang Group 'the Neo International Satanic Organi-zation'. That of course is a witty acronym and good fun when plaster is needed on a wound that needs to be healed. Granted, comedians have a way with words but they are all meant to sharpen the senses, to make aware and to show what is disruptive and insincere.
To call someone a prostitute could similarly be meant to show how blatantly corruptive and money minded some people or organizations are. Granted again, but NISC is not amused but surprised. NISC is also taken aback, not because of criticism on its policies but on the below the belt standards of both what the K-Group and the NNC are showing.
The allegations by both organizations are not witty, they are demeaning because what they are accusing of is gutter language and it lowers the standards of themselves. For other than creating havoc against their own people, the Nagas, what have these remnants of the NNC and the K-group to show for?
After the Shillong Accord did they fight against aggressor India? The answer is absolutely no!
After Khaplang split off from the NSCN, did he and his men continue fighting the Indians on behalf of all Nagas to create a free Homeland for all? The answer is absolutely no. So, who are they to quit on any Naga tribe? What do they do for the Naga Nation in the making? Nothing but negative and disruptive acts that serve the interests of the adversaries
If the Khaplang group is really sincere and the NNC along with them, then NISC dares both organizations to come out and swear off the support they receive from India. To be true and sincere to the Nagas is to show that they are the true representatives. Who else can be the true representatives but those who fight to be free?
Consequently, those who exist because of the support of India are comedians who try to confuse the Nagas, but are really only tools of the Indian secret agencies.
So, in order to reconcile on the basis of sincerity NISC calls:
• on the common sense of leaders of both organizations based on the plebiscite of 1951, the desire of all Nagas to be free.
• on being true representatives of the people instead of persisting in acting like comedians with guns,
• on reconciliation based on truth for the Naga stand, the issue is no longer with either organization they have to abandon it.
Until and unless they abandon their support from India, the adversary of the Nagas, they remain the enemies of the Nagas.
Naga International Support Center (NISC)
Quit Notice - Right capsules- Nagaland Post
Tangkhul, a small handful minority tribe in Manipur's Ukhrul is a people of "bloody rodents and cannibals" and this has been authenticated by the terrorist sponsored Tangkhul Long (Stephen Angkan) just a day after their meeting in Dimapur according to the statements made on the 22nd Aug. After the NSCN's first Quit Notice. Tangkhul Long, instead of submitting to the NSCN, tendering an apology for all the bloodiest terrorisms committed by Tangkhuls in the Isak-Khodao gang declared that, "No one will cowdown and leave Nagaland."
When a mere non-existent unarmed NGO challenge the "powerful NSCN" that has been fighting occupational India and Myanmar for more than six decades, this, sheer act of terrorism and bloodthirsty instinct of the Tang huls is enough to be a "Lesson for the Nagas."
The Tangkhuls that lashes "Reign of Terror" are meeting on the 3rd October at Ukhrul for their "Second Exodus" and thereafter, prepare another form of terrorism against the Nagas. Hereafter, any Naga whoever tries to be a party with this Tangkhuls will not be excused of severe criminal charges in the history of the Nagas. The Nagas, in the Isak-Khodao camp are advised to understand the Naganess . Not mere Tangkhuls but even Government employees in Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Zunheboto Phek, Kohima, Wokha, Peren has left and have stationed in Dimapur and Mokokchung. Whereas, those involved in terrorist activities have left Nagaland and returned to Ukhrul. With the immediate release of this press statement, the so-called terrorist sponsored Tangkhul Long is banned and any of activists found in the Naga soil will meet a penalty. The Tangkhuls of the Isak-Khodao group and any Tangkhul living in Nagaland, it is learnt that they have decided to leave Nagaland and resolutions likely after the 3rd October, Ukhrul meeting. The good sense must prevail or Tangkhuls will reap what they have sown.
There can be no better "Lesson and Cure" for Tangkhuls without this "Quit Notice" and there will never be another remedy to terrorism without this. The NSCN does not want the Tangkhuls to cowdown to Nagas as Tangkhul Long has defined but they must leave. Even if the heaven falls and kisses the earth. Tangkhuls will never be allowed to exist in the Naga soil. The NSCN (GPRN) has informed the police personnel not to imitate the terrorists and protect the Isak-Khodao group in Dimapur. Police or any agencies killed in civvies will not be responsible of the NSCN. The GPRN has not detailed its Naga Army in Dimapur without weapons, as they are not into "Dancing Classes but to fight the terrorists". While the NSCN is on the lookout for Tangkhuls, the Nagas, be it, NNCs, FGNs or even the Isak-Khodao cadres are advised to adopt all safety measures so that no Naga is caught in the crossfire. Every single life of a Naga is more than thousand lives of Tangkhuls. The NSCN (GPRN) is in a War on Terror and the UN's big fives, the US, Russia, China, France and Great Britain is informed of this and seeks an immediate assistance. A month's absence of Tangkhuls in Nagaland has largely heightened the interest of the Nagas and rejuvenation of peace. Make no excuse, it’s Nagas' struggle and got everything to do with the Nagas. Join the NSCN in its fight against the terrorists and terrorist financing institute, the Neiphiu Rio's DAN.
Shempai Khiamniungan, Deputy Kilonser, Minister of Law and Justice, GPRN, NSCN (K).
So Near, yet so far in Assam The Morung Express Wasbir Hussain
More than Delhi, ULFA stands to lose if it were to back out of the peace initiative now
During the past year, the government and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) — by far the most potent separatist group in northeastern India — were simultaneously engaged in the complex game of war and peace. ULFA was against a formal ceasefire although it expressed its desire to talk peace. Sounds weird, but that had been the case and, not surprisingly, such a stand where the sound of the peace bugle was getting drowned by the roar of ULFA bombs was not getting the two sides anywhere near a breakthrough for peace in Assam. New Delhi seemed to have realised this and surprised insurgency watchers on August 13 by unilaterally announcing a 10-day suspension of military operations against ULFA as a ‘goodwill gesture’. ULFA reciprocated five days later by saying it would also put its offensive on hold. New Delhi has since followed up its Independence Day gambit by extending the temporary truce twice to give a further push to the pursuit for peace in the state of 26 million people.
Today, if one is talking about the chances of direct talks between the government and ULFA in the days to come and the possibility or the shape of a solution to the 27-year-old insurrection in Assam, it is because of the rebel group’s September 2005 move to set up a peace panel called the People’s Consultative Group (PCG).
The PCG, none of whose 11 members belong to ULFA, was mandated to clear the roadblocks and prepare the grounds for direct talks between the rebel leadership and New Delhi. What the PCG, headed by celebrated Assamese writer Indira Goswami, has achieved during the three rounds of formal talks it held with government leaders between October 2005 and June 2006, and the subsequent informal meetings, is to impress upon New Delhi that this opportunity for peace talks with ULFA must not be lost. After all, for the first time since its formation in 1979 to fight for a ‘sovereign, socialist, Assam’, ULFA has formally set up a peace panel and has announced a halt in its offensive, albeit temporarily.
The ground situation has certainly changed since New Delhi’s August 13 truce announcement. Take a look at the following statistics before the cessation of hostilities: according to Assam Police figures, between September 8, 2005 (the PCG was formed on September 7, 2005) and June 2006, ULFA militants had triggered off as many as 52 blasts. During the same period, at least 41 civilians were killed and 135 injured in ULFA violence. And in the 10 days preceding New Delhi’s truce announcement, ULFA had launched several grenade or bomb attacks, killing a dozen people, including six security personnel, and injuring up to 40 others.
Yes, ULFA has not carried out any violence since August 14, but are the two sides anywhere near talking peace in the changed circumstances? Unfortunately, the breakthrough, if at all, out of all the rounds of talks so far between the ULFA-appointed PCG and the government seems to have ended with the truce, that is uneasy to say the least. The stalemate has actually begun only now. While ULFA is sticking to its demand for the release of five of its jailed senior leaders — all members of the group’s highest policy-making central committee — for them to meet and take a decision on entering into direct peace negotiations, the government is pressing for a written commitment from ULFA saying it was indeed interested in a peace dialogue. New Delhi is also worried on another count, and precisely to allay that fear, the PCG members have been sending out signals that the freed militants would not leave the country after their release.
There is a precedent of top ULFA leaders jumping bail and going underground after a meeting with Prime Minister Narasimha Rao in 1992.
The following are some of the roadblocks thus far, preventing a possible face-to-face meeting between ULFA and the government of India:
• New Delhi asking ULFA to name its negotiating team. ULFA saying the team cannot be named unless the five senior leaders are freed.
• New Delhi asking ULFA to give its consent for the talks in writing. ULFA responding by saying the government must also state in writing that it would discuss the group’s key demand of ‘sovereignty’.
• ULFA demanding to know the whereabouts of 14 of its cadres ‘missing’ after the Bhutanese military assault in December 2003, and the authorities remaining silent on the matter.
The lack of an institutionalised response mechanism with the government is largely responsible for the hurdles in negotiating insurgency. Well, by now New Delhi, as also everyone else, knows that ULFA’s main demand is sovereignty. Now if ULFA is to state its demand in a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office or the ministry of home affairs, it is bound to result in a reply from New Delhi saying India’s sovereignty was not negotiable and that the government cannot discuss the issue under any circumstances. That would hardly lead to any breakthrough on the talks. What both ULFA and the government should stick to is to insist on unconditional talks, now that a lot of ground has been covered since the rebel-appointed peace panel emerged a year ago and went on to hold talks at the level of the prime minister and the home minister.
The inability of the government agencies to speak in one voice is further complicating matters. As if the current impasse is not enough, the Army has suddenly decided to join issue. An Army statement last fortnight, issued through the Press Information Bureau (Defence Wing), said ULFA was heavily under the influence of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence and was actually engaged in extortion and regrouping during the ongoing truce period. The Army statement also said that ULFA was engaged in a fake currency racket and that its leaders were running big businesses in Bangladesh. Later, a section of the media quoted unnamed Army sources as saying the statement was ‘unauthorised’. It is time people made up their minds on such delicate issues.
But, deadlocks are meant to be broken and, even on this occasion, it could break sooner than later. It is important to note that, more than New Delhi, ULFA stands to lose if it were to back out of the peace initiative now, without valid and justifiable grounds. A question may be asked as to why has ULFA suddenly decided to go into peace mode. It would be simplistic to assume that the rebel group has taken this initiative because it is facing reverses or that it has ceased to be a cohesive group in the wake of the sustained military offensive since 1990. What cannot be denied, however, is that ULFA is under pressure from the civil society in Assam to resolve its problems in a peaceful manner.
Now, assuming that the two sides agree to actually talk peace, what is that ULFA could settle for to bring the curtains down on its armed struggle? That’s the million-dollar question because it isn’t so simple to imagine that any agitating outfit can achieve sovereignty. Ethnic groups in Assam like the Bodos have been granted autonomy. The Karbis and the Dimasas too enjoy some amount of autonomy. But can the majority Assamese also be given autonomy under a new constitutional arrangement? Then again the definition as to who are the ‘Assamese’ is also a crucial question. If the Bodos, Karbis, Dimasas etc are also to be bracketed under the broad term ‘Assamese’ and regarded as part of the greater Assamese society, which they actually are, will a possible autonomy package include them too and further increase the autonomy these ethnic groups are already enjoying? Things are hazy to say the least, and much will depend on ULFA also continuing to talk in one voice until an acceptable solution is arrived at.
Hussain is Director, Centre for Development and Peace Studies, Guwahati
Gogoi’s remarks irresponsible: PCG Nagaland Post
GUWAHATI (Agencies): With the peace process deadlocked, the blame game is on and the People's Consultative Group (PCG) has accused Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi of making "irresponsible statements." PCG member Lachit Bordoloi said that the Chief Minister made false statements in a recent press meet after the PCG decided to withdraw from the peace process because of lack of sincerity on the part of the Central and State Governments. The Chief Minister had alleged that he was bypassed by the PCG in the entire process.
Strongly reacting to the Chief Minister's statement, Bordoloi said that contradictory statements by the person of the stature of the Chief Minister could seriously affect the entire process. He pointed out that immediately after its formation on September 8 last year by the ULFA to hold initial parleys with the Government to pave the way for direct talks, the PCG met the Chief Minister to seek his cooperation in carrying forward the peace process. He said that the PCG requested the Prime Minister's Office to request the Chief Minister to attend the first meeting between the Government and the PCG and accordingly Gogoi attended the meeting. The second round of meeting with the Government of India was at the official level and immediately after the meeting, the PCG members met Gogoi to brief him about the outcome. Bordoloi said that even before the third round of meeting held on June 22, the PCG members met the Chief Minister at his official residence and requested him to attend the meeting, which was chaired by the Union Home Minister. "We wanted the Chief Minister to attend the meeting, but he told us that he would not be able to do so as he was not keeping well at that time. But he assured full cooperation of the State Government to carry forward the peace process," he added. He further said that when the process was deadlocked, the PCG wrote to the Chief Minister seeking his cooperation.
"After all those developments, the Chief Minister should not give a statement alleging that he was bypassed by the PCG. The PCG tried to involve him in the entire process in every stage," Bordoloi said. The PCG member also alleged that such contradictory statements are unbecoming of a Chief Minister of the State and said that the State Government is also to be blamed for the deadlock. He said that release of the five jailed central committee members of the ULFA was a stumbling block in the way of the peace process and as it is a state subject, the Chief Minister should have taken a bold step in this regard to carry forward the process.
Commenting on the reports of difference of opinion among the members of the PCG on the decision to withdraw from the peace process, Bordoloi said that it was a unanimous decision of the PCG. He said that two members of the PCG-Diganta Konwar and Dr Brojen Gogoi could not attend the meeting in which the decision to withdraw from the process was taken, but they were consulted over telephone. When asked whether the PCG informed the ULFA leaders about the decision to withdraw from the peace process, Bordoloi refused to go into details but admitted that the ULFA leaders were informed about every step of the PCG. Meanwhile, the People's Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam (PCPIA) has decided to launch a statewide movement demanding that the Government should carry forward the peace process.
The chief convener of the PCPIA, Dilip Patgiri said that the PCPIA is opposed to any kind of violence and the resumption of the Army operations in the State deteriorated the situation. He said that the Government should again suspend the operations and the ULFA should reciprocate to create a congenial atmosphere for carrying forward the peace process. He pointed out that the common people of the State would be the worst sufferers if the operations against the ULFA and retaliation by the outfit continues. The PCPIA has, meanwhile, postponed its programme to stage a demonstration in front of Bhutan embassy in Delhi along with the family members of the ULFA men missing since the operations in the Himalayan kingdom.
India’s apostle of peace Nagaland Post Editorial
Millions across India including those outside will pay homage to the memory of India's most famous 'naked' saint Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2 which is also observed as Gandhi Jayanti. Mahatma (Sanskrit for Great Soul) also known as 'Bapu' (father) is also known as the Father of the Indian nation. He was famous for his movement against poverty, alleviation of women as equal citizens and in particular his fight against untouchability and the Indian caste system. In the political arena, Mahatma Gandhi launched the famous 248-mile Dandi March in 1930 to protest against the salt tax imposed by the British colonialists. Equally famous was Gandhi's movement of non-violence against colonialism and for India's freedom from the British yoke. Gandhi remained committed to non-violence and truth even in the most extreme situations. Gandhi was a student of Hindu philosophy and lived simply, organizing an ashram that was self-sufficient in its needs. He made his own clothes and lived on a simple vegetarian diet. He inspired a whole generation of leaders such as- as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Steve Biko, Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi. It was said that Mahatma Gandhi was inspired by the tenets of Christianity and once said he would have embraced the religion but the actions of the British colonialists in South Africa appalled him. Gandhi is revered as a demi-god in India and many organizations have sprung up to promote his idealism. Gandhiji was instrumental in bringing diverse forces under the swaraj movement for independence. His contribution though invaluable, there were some Hindu extremists who denounced Gandhi for his stand on the partition of India. Though Gandhi could have become whatever he chose after India became independent, he continued to pursue his life's mission against all forms of social evils while promoting the spirit of non-violence. On January 30, 1948, on his way to a prayer meeting, Gandhi was shot dead in Birla House, New Delhi, by Nathuram Godse. Godse was a Hindu radical with links to the extremist Hindu Mahasabha, who held Gandhi responsible for weakening India by insisting upon a payment to Pakistan.Godse and his co-conspirator Narayan Apte were later tried and convicted, and on 15 November 1949, were executed. Gandhi's untimely death was a great loss to the Nagas for he alone stood for their aspirations. Gandhi was more considerable towards listening and settling the Naga issue. On one occasion, he even told to the Naga delegation the Nagas have every right to be independent. It was Gandhi who wanted to solve Naga political problem before it turned from bad to worst. He went to the extent of promising the NNC delegation that he would stand for their rights and even face bullets if the Government of India sent soldiers into Nagaland. At Gandhi's funeral procession there were at least some two thousand Nagas who mourned and sang special hymns on the occasion..
Looking Eastward Sangai Express Editorial
Things seem to be falling into place for the ambitious and far sighted Look East policy championed by New Delhi during the last few years and the lifting of the restrictions on trade items between Myanmar and India is one of the more significant steps taken up to open India's door on the Eastern front. The geo-political reality is one important factor for India to embark on the Look East policy for the fact stands that despite the much trumpeted Lahore bus service and the diplomatic attempts taken up to pave the way for friendly ties with India's immediate neighbour Pakistan on the Western front, there has been no significant step in the last few years. Delhi has every reason to be interested on the Eastern region, particularly the North East region for a number of reason. In the first place, four States, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram share a long and porous border with Myanmar. Secondly, the region is important from the security point of view as Arunachal Pradesh shares the border not only with Myanmar but with China as well while the other North East States lie close to Myanmar. The eastern front therefore needs to be on the radar of the Centre constantly. It is also true that India needs to look beyond Pakistan and the Western front, as the new mantra in South East Asia is today economic co-operation and therefore progress. There is some very significant reason why the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is today a formidable body, wielding enormous clout, economically and by extension politically too. India as one of the nuclear powers in the world and with an eye on becoming a permanent member of the United Nations, needs to assert itself in its immediate neighbourhood and the best route is to look Eastward.
The announcement of Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh that the border trade with Myanmar through Moreh will now come without the baggage of restricting the trade items to 22, can therefore be seen not only as a decision strictly dictated by economic compulsions but by other factors such as the security of the country and to extend India's political clout to the South Eastern region of Asia. The decision to free the border trade from any restrictions is therefore an important decision and while New Delhi must have minutely studied the likely outcome from such a policy, the situation also calls for some serious deliberations amongst the people of Manipur and the North East States, particularly amongst the intelligentsia. What are the benefits that the people of Manipur and the North East can expect from the India's Look East policy is a fundamental question that is apt here. Ever since the then Union Commerce Minister P Chidambaram in the company of PA Sangma visited Moreh sometime in 1994/95 and announced the beginning of the border trade with Myanmar, there has been a marked change in the material consumption of the people. Cheap but nevertheless extremely reliable and long lasting goods from Myanmar are being lapped up by the price conscious consumer and today the Indo-Myanmar trade has become the source of livelihood for many petty traders as well as the moneyed class. However, as we have noted, economy and trade and commerce are not the only factors for India to look Eastward and it is also significant that Jairam Ramesh visited Moreh to announce the new policy even as the Defence Ministry recently informed this paper that a crackdown on North East militant camps based in Myanmar may be launched once the location of the camps are identified and the logistics support are available.