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10/14/2006: "Focus on autonomy in Naga talks Nagarealm.com"
Focus on autonomy in Naga talks Nagarealm.com
New Delhi, The Centre and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) will focus on analysing the Indian Constitution vis-à-vis giving special status or greater autonomy to Nagaland during the three-day talks to be held in Amsterdam from Tuesday. While exploring the basic framework, both the parties are expected to find out which articles of the Constitution will apply, not apply or apply with modifications to Nagaland in future. Indian and Naga negotiators had agreed upon this during the parleys in Bangkok in July this year. The proposal was the brainchild of Michael van Walt van Praag, head of the Dutch NGO, Kreddha.
In its 30-point charter of demands, the NSCN (I-M) has made a case for a separate constitution which would have provisions similar to those earmarked for the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This means greater autonomy for Nagaland than the existing provisions in Article 371 A.
Though the Centre is yet to decide on granting a separate constitution to Nagaland, home ministry officials are of the view that accepting the Naga proposal could encourage other militant outfits and separatists groups to come up with similar demands elsewhere in the country, especially in the Northeast. According to home ministry officials, the recent “quit notice” served by the NSCN (Khaplang) on the NSCN (I-M) would also figure during the talks. The NSCN (I-M) has been alleging that the government is yet to give up its policy of inciting one group against the other in the Northeast to maintain its equilibrium.
Delhi is sending a strong team to Amsterdam. Led by Union minister of state Oscar Fernandez, the team’s other members are minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office Prithviraj Chauhan, minister of state for home S. Raghupathy and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s special representative K. Padmanabhaiah. [MANAN KUMAR, telegraphindia]
Violence will alienate people, NPMHR reminds The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 13 (MExN): The Naga Peoples’ Movement For Human Rights (NPMHR) expressing shock over the recent spurt of violence reminded that the inhuman acts are alienating the people. The violence has inflicted a deep physical and psychological wound on the people, it reminded. The NPMHR strongly condemned the killing of an innocent boy late Inato, who became a victim of a factional clash at Zunheboto on September 29, 2006.
“We are also anguished that an innocent student late Shimmei Shingnaisui, was kidnapped and murdered in cold blood. Such an inhuman cowardice act of crime is alien to our society,” the NPMHR stated in a release. It also stated that the killing of a policeman late Hovizo Puyu in broad daylight in Kohima is a grim reminder of unprecedented violence in the society. These gruesome crimes demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the state security system to protect its citizens.
While on the other hand the recurrence of the highhandedness of the state security machinery against the public is increasingly becoming a threat to the safety of the people as exemplified by the brutal killing of a student late Lumtiplung Kamei by the 11th IRB personnel on September 28, the NPHMR added.
The NPHMR cautioned that when a law enforcing agency itself becomes a threat to the people it is expected to protect, and also when crimes are perpetrated under the guise of national struggle, there is this imminent danger of creating alienation among different sections of the people.
“This will serve only to create confusion among our people and give more space to forces inimical to the Naga cause to further their policy of dividing the Nagas. At this crucial juncture when we need a concerted effort from all walks of life for strengthening our struggle, it is regrettable that we often fall prey to the insidious neocolonial design of division, extermination and self destruction,” the NPHMR lamented While expressing its deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, the NPMHR extended its solidarity and support to the people against all acts of violence, and reaffirmed its endeavor to establish a society based on justice and dignity for all. The NPMHR also cautioned against introduction of any kind of fanatism and extremism in the society which will only tarnish the history of the Naga movement. The NPMHR called on the Naga people to be on guard against the rise of all sorts of extremism which is alien to the Naga culture of tolerance and mutual co-existence.
Peace must prevail at all costs: Singh Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA: Commander 5 Sector, Brig HGV Singh on Friday said that Nagas were on the verge of making a "historical breakthrough" with the ongoing peace parleys reaching a crucial juncture and said peace must prevail at all costs. "We do not support any faction but the existing peace and tranquility must prevail at all costs", Singh said. Singh also said that any kind of solution should be through dialogue across that table and not through violence and conflict.
Brig HGV Singh was speaking at the launching programme of the Vibrant Community Centre a pilot project of the Assam Rifles initiated by the 17 AR, at Lower Primary School (Sector A) at Kigwema village. The Centre will be a unique centre in the entire area, which would serve as a common place for imparting vocational and educational training. Vocational subjects will include carpentry, tailoring, typing, weaving etc. Educational subjects will include computer training, lectures on meaningful subjects, conduct coaching classes etc. Entire curriculum will include interesting on the job learning for all age groups of the society
The Assam Rifles has also set up a multi-purpose centre to include activities such as computer education, weaving, tailoring, carpentry, a library, career counseling and guidance. The idea was conceived by 17 Assam Rilfes and is being implemented for the benefit of entire mass. The Centre would also publish a fortnightly bulletin containing hosts of activities scheduled for the week. Activities at the centre would be conducted jointly under the supervision of solicited people of the village and competent instructors from 17 Assam Rifles.
A host of dignitaries including 17 AR CO, Col SK Jha, Major Ravinder Singh and Captain Maheshwor Singh, Dr Akho Yhokha, Project Director, Nagaland State Dairy Product Co-operative, ASU President Medo Yhokha were among those who attended the function. The function was chaired by Kedozo Yhokha, adviser KSU and culminated with a vote of thanks proposed by Zapuo, VCC Kigwema who also lauded the efforts of the Commander, 5 Sector and Commandant 17 Assam Rifles for such a pioneer project.
A new deal for Nagaland Sibal announces a slew of initiatives P. Sunderarajan The Hindu
DIMAPUR (NAGALAND): Union Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal on Friday announced a slew of initiatives to bring modern developments in science and technology for the social and economic development of Nagaland. The package covered a wide gamut of issues from better training facilities for the youth of the State to programmes to help it tap better its rich potential in terms of bamboo production and to help the State in being better prepared to meet natural calamities.
The highlights of the package include a programme to upgrade the science laboratories in four select colleges and retraining of science teachers, establishment of a bio-informatics infrastructure facility and organisation of a month-long vacation training programme for school children at Nagaland University in Kohima; a course in basic science for 20 school children of the State in Class X and XI at the Darjeeling sub-centre of the renowned Kolkata-based J.C.Bose Institute and provision of assistance to the Nagaland Science and Technology Council for formulation of a project on documentation of traditional medicinal practices based on indigenous herbs and plants.
Bamboo gasifiers The package also provides for induction of six bamboo gasifiers with capacity ranging from 25 kw to 75 kw during 2007 for providing electricity to villages and institutions like health sub-centres,, residential schools and small enterprises, establishment of another integrated bamboo processing and treatment facility at Tuli, in addition to the one coming up at Dimapur; and support for two entrepreneurial units for manufacture of bamboo composite material or for revival of closed plywood units based on conversion to bamboo.
Mr. Sibal, who was here to lay the foundation stone for a Rs.4.8-crore Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre being set up by the State Government with financial and technical support from his Ministry, said the National Mission for Bamboo Application under his Ministry was also prepared to support establishment by entrepreneurs of an additional unit for industrial scale bamboo shoot processing, with capacities for processing passion fruit, pineapples and other fruits as well, and to support the setting up of a bamboo plant hardening facility.
Regulatory regime In addition, NMBA would support a review of the access and regulatory regime for bamboo, including its felling and transportation and the regime for fiscal and other incentives to encourage value added products.
The package has the following components that are meant for the region as a whole: provision of telescopes to schools at the rate of 40 in Assam and 20 each in the other States, provision of 20 telemetry stations for better monitoring of seismic activities, and support for establishment of a fabrication unit for turbines for mini and micro-hydel projects with technical assistance from IISc, Bangalore.
KAPIL SIBAL ANNOUNCES MEASURES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NAGALAND THROUGH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Press Indo Bureau
Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Kapil Sibal, today announced a series of measures in science and technology for the development of Nagaland. Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre at Dimapur, he said that the North East may be physically far off from New Delhi but is in the hearts of the people across the country.
In his welcome address, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio said that the Ministry of Science and Technology can take the lead in giving shape and direction to Look East Policy of the Government. He said the Centre will add to the growth and development of not only the State but also the entire country. The laying of foundation stone of the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre was the dream and vision of the people of Nagaland, he added.
Following are some of the measures Shri Kapil Sibal announced to bring about development in Nagaland through science and technology. Establishment of 50 micro/ mini-hydel (< 100 Kw) projects in (25 each in 2007 and in 2008) for remote villages in Nagaland, based on indigenously developed technologies (IISc Bangalore). One such project of capacity 2 x 50 kW is in advanced stage (likely to be completed by December 2006) of completion at Thuvopisu village in Phek district of Nagaland. IMD will establish Doppler radar in Dimapur within 2006-07 DES/ IMD will establish 8 Automatic Weather Stations in Nagaland by December 2006.
Extension of the neighbourhood mapping programme to Nagaland. 30 schools will be taken up at one time in Nagaland, in Phase I, covering 5,000 students. Over a period of 15 months, 150 schools will be covered, and 25,000 students. Provision of one mobile diagnostic facility in Nagaland, on the DST/ TIFAC model implemented in Uttaranchal.
Induction of 150 nano-membrane filters for rural areas to provide clean drinking water in Nagaland. To strenghthen science education, DST will take up a programme for upgradation of science laboratories in 4 selected colleges, and re-training of science teachers.
Gasification of bamboo for electricity DST/ NMBA is prepared to support, for off-grid and remote villages, a programme of induction of six bamboo gasifiers in 2007 (in the 25 Kwe – 75 Kwe range), to provide electricity to villages, or to institutions (residential schools, health sub-centres, small enterprises). Government of Nagaland/ NBDA to identify eight-ten such locations within December 2006, based on availability of bamboo, end-use, management capabilities and willingness (and ability) of counterpart institution/ community to operate and distribute electricity on commercial lines. Shri Kapil Sibal is on a three day visit to Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
Datta, Rio seek Delhi’s support The Morung Express
Kohima, Oct 12 (MExN): Alarmed by the NACO warning that Nagaland HIV/AIDS scenario is turning into a South Africa-like situation, State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Governor Shyamal Datta today sought the Centre’s support to combating the further spread of the epidemic.
Making a remark during the workshop, Rio said that the Centre should provide support in preparing a Nagaland AIDS policy, which is likely to be introduced soon, resolving political conflict in the state, exposure trips on HIV/AIDS for different stake holders, key populations, and officials involved in HIV/AIDS programme. Chief Minister said that Nagaland has a political will to fight HIV/AIDS, which is why the Legislators Forum on HIV/AIDS was formed. But said that since the state is confronted with multiple problems like unemployment, political conflict, drug abuse etc., the fight against the epidemic will need multi-dimensional approach.
Rio also called upon the people of the State to maintain responsible behaviour, so that this dreaded disease is contained without allowing spreading further. State Governor Shyamal Datta, while making a final remark urged upon the Government of India to help establish an integrated health-care delivery system in Nagaland. “Let Nagaland be the first state to have this integrated health care delivery system”, Datta told the visiting NACO Additional Secretary and Director General, Sujatha Rao. He also said that such facilities will play a significant role in reducing stigma and discrimination. Governor also lauded the Churches for breaking their silence after a long time, which was responded with applause from the participants.
AFPSA repeal: Women take to streets Newmai News Network
Responding to a call given by Apunba Lup, women protestors today held protest rallies in Imphal against New Delhi and Okram Ibobi Singh government’s refusal to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958. The slogan shouting rallies were peaceful.
The Apunba Lup, which is spearheading the campaign against the AFSPA appealed to the people to hold protest rallies and storm Imphal Raj Bhavan and offices of Deputy Commissioners in the other districts to make fresh demand for repeal of the act. Though protestors were carrying placards and festoons were heading for Imphal Raj Bhavan police did not allow them to march further than Sanjenthong and Keishampat junction, two main entry points towards the Raj Bhavan gate. A large number of police personnel armed and unarmed were deployed at all the entry points of Imphal to foil any attempt by the protestors to reach the Raj Bhavan gate. Barricades were also kept ready. The first group of slogan shouting protestors led by leaders of the Apunba Lup came from Wahengbam Leikai site towards Keismapt. The police stopped them near the Keisampat bridge without any trouble. The protestors were turned back about a half an hour later another group of protestors came towards Keismapat from Kwakeithel side on foot.
The police again stopped them near the bridge and turned them back. Police took away festoons and the placards from the protestors. A similar scene was enacted at Sanjenthong.
Meanwhile The Apunba Lup said that it would boycott the visit by President APJ Abdul Kalam in Manipur on October 16. The President will attend Manipur Unviersity’s convocation on this day and visit Mao and Churachandpur on the same day before leaving Imphal. The Apunba Lup announced the boycott in support of the demand for repeal of the AFSPA. It said that a general strike is imposed on the day from 5 am till 2 pm. Three students organizations namely Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur, All Manipur Students Union and kangleipak Students Association also said they would boycott the President’s visit. Students will boycott classes on this day. The student bodies said they are boycotting the President because the Centre has failed to protect the life of citizens in Manipur.
Power and Justice from Naga National Perspective The Morung Express Perspective
Today the word “Power” might be defined according to different writers and scholars point of view. Power can do justice and also it can harm Justice. Naga National movement has a unique sense about the Word “power.” Where do our National powers come from? It has a beginning as well as to do justice we have to see the past into consideration. The word Power may seems to have a negative connation but the following thought might give us a clue to understand our base.
1. This writer felt that even in this post modern world, say a sweet which cost 25 or 50
Paise have an ownership seal. Our present territories have its owner. Yet our neighbors claims ownership on this part of territory as their own.
2. People of Nagas were considered as tribal, inferior and probably uncivilized. Unfortunately these bunches of people have no proper education but they are the protagonist of the so called democracy so they used all their intellectual thought wisely. They applied the so called “acceptability approaches” however, it was completely turn down by our neighbors.
3. The peace loving people does not means that they have to be passive and when our neighbors intrude in to our territory on Oct 1955. No Nations on earth can just watch and let others take away theirs own lives and land. Naga peoples have no expectation but to do its National duty.
Naga people were not directed from out side so we do justice to ourselves by giving our consensus to our National actors. People’s Will (Power) were given in order to liberate from unwanted elements part that is aliens to us. Our neighbors are blinded by the spirit of Hitlerism and mussilonism. This land has a human habitation as our neighbors have it habitation. Our National actors were patriotic and even willing to suffer a double portion for the cause of this Nation. People’s will was given to wipe away our humility, insult inflicted from outside force, a force of perversion. We as a Nation has non by our side but we never succumb to out side perversion force. Our National actors do Justice by their sweats, pain, and tears for this beloved Nation. Their inner core flow the bloodline of Justice and they uphold the people’s will and they value it. For them it’s an honor to served this beautiful country.
This writer also sense that some of our National actors irrespective of any camp also see that there will be few who do Justice for this nation. Today a thought has to go further.
Where do our National actors Power is anchor upon? Where are you standing? Is it upon mumbling, grumbling, confused Naga People or What? Today what is the voice of your people in their inner being or their consciences? People’s desire also cut across your so called groupism. Today is Pilate’s attitudes are in us including Naga people in general. Who will like to wash off his hand? Let us learn to say that no one is righteous. Today if People’s desire is pushed to the periphery, upon which power are you standing strongly? If people’s Will(power) are not actively and wisely used it will have a different version at the ends of the Nagas story.
Perhaps, Justice define from one perspective might not be acceptable to Naga People in general. So all the laws passed by our National leaders at their respective camp have to take Naga people will in to greater weight. According to Donald W. Shriver Jr “The greatest triumph of Justices is not in actions that preserved the integrity of law but in action that preserved the integrity of the community.” Law passes to kill among our National workers and also killing even the innocents’ persons. For instance a harmless child Inato was killed on 28 Sept at Zunheboto town, Bro Shimmei Shingnaisui a student was killed on 2 Oct and Bro Hovizol was killed on 3 Oct. And many others killing in the past and what the future will hold, we are living uncertainty situation create by our own people. Which Justice will our National actors define for this Nation?
Today, Justice is a far cry for Naga People. Perhaps those who are killing irrespective of any camp have a fresh blood stains in their hands cannot give justice to million of Nagas people. How many of our National actors are entangled by Indian luxuries and those who are not in a position to do justice even to one’s own self are talking for Nagas justice. We better learn if we are not a men or women of Justice. Including the public have all of us have a good baggage’s of injustice done in the past and even today.
Today million of Naga People inner struggle may be reflected on the following focus about its desire.
(1)People’s Will(Power) entrusted to our National actors were not placed to give them psychological trauma. Naga people are looking on the eastern side when will the dawn approach on this part of land. Where a deep seeded wounds are yet to see healing. Naga people are looking forth when will we lift our head unashamed and also to list among 192 members in the world body.
(2)Indian government had kidnapped 14 August 1947 from our hands. Naga People desire is to see our National flag flying high at the UN. Our representatives placed at abroad and even to contribute for the world peace. We should not forget to be a champion for other oppressed Nations around the world.
(3) Naga People do not want another “Indian Creative Solution” but “people acceptability” solution. We cannot affords to loss another precious generation.
(4) Naga people are pleading to our National actors to utilize its Power to do Justice. Give us a man that is alive to rebuild our Nation not a death body which gives us tears, and hatred among ourselves.
(5) The world knows what we do and how we live back at our home. We have become a cheap Nation not a costly Nation.
(6) Any extension of olive branches among our National actors have to be realistic and pragmatic not another social ethics or lip-service. It should flow from the inner core of the hearts. And also lay down a means to come together to talk. National actors have to take a greater courage than before to let a historical event to begin in our land.
(7) Any intervention from outside force for peace is good but it is always better to begin back at home. Because it is our own creation and even to re-create we have to think out among ourselves. Peace begins at home not from outside.
(8) The final and safest path that Naga people can never make another mistake is the old rugged Cross.
If Naga people voices are not heed by our National actors today, for which people are you working? Naga million voices have been tune down for how many years? People’s Will (Power) are entrusted to do Justice nothing less and more. So our National actors have to refresh their thought for this Nation. This writer would confess that he is writing without consulting his ability. This is not a final say however, a thought of sharing. This writer leave a space and rest to our National Actors from the different camps to see how are they applying People’s Will (Power) and are they doing Justice for this Nation. All the think tanks of our Nation have to give a constructive thought for rebuilding this Nation. H. Apise Purana Bazar, Dimapur
Battle of the mind Fratricidal killing amongst Nagas is self destructive The Morung Express Perspective B Thohii Hiimai
Endless litany of woes is what the Nagas have been experiencing all through this in the journey of political struggle for rights. Price being paid is the lives of many falling to the smoky barrel of the gun, and excessive abuse of human rights perpetrated by the adversary in what is called ‘counter insurgency operation’ on the one side, and, on the other side, a self destroying fratricidal killing amongst Naga national workers and systemic targeting of innocent civilians. This violence, in common language, is a stark and total violation of human rights, dignity and value of life.
The entity power that the Nagas are struggling for political rights has, without doubt, incessantly applied repressive campaign, carried out through legislative and executive mechanism of administration, to suppress the Naga insurgence of nationalism since inception. In consequence, this has inflicted deep scar to the Nagas both physically and psychologically.
However, the undaunted spirit of nationalism persists despite tortuous ordeal gone through for the past more than half a century today. It is this ‘spirit’ that refuses to flicker out has taken the Naga political struggle to what is today, now engaged in peace process for lasting peace.
But what is today beginning to threaten this ‘spirit’ is the apparent hardening of mistrust and differences between the rival faction groups and hatred expressed in violence, characterized by internecine viciousness, which is neglecting the aspirations of the common Nagas. Naga factional conflict is, I think, based on personal differences between the leaders of rival groups that happen to be divided along the lines of group loyalty and the maintenance of group boundaries, so they are marked by higher levels of immutability than are many other forms of conflict. It is underpinned not by historical, political ideologies, religious and social/ethnic identities but by psychological element of obduracy of the mind in refusing to take the ‘common aspiration’ above personal incompatibility by the rival faction members.
Thus, intractability of the conflict is created by uncompromising, non-conciliatory and defensive attitude and idiosyncrasies obstinately uphold by the parties in the conflict. Very discouraging an element as this, casts a thick cloud of doubt on the prospect of a lasting peace in the future, and so, too, is inevitably impacting the population’s mental health. That the faction groups not being able to sail on a same boat of unified cause, despite propagation of same political goal for the Nagas, is a clear result of because of the battle of the mind.
Factional problem is at its most basic a struggle between the rival faction groups for hegemony, obduracy of the mind and refusal to open door for reconciliation process. This is the hardest problem the Nagas are confronted with today. If obduracy of the mind, as a result of illusion of the ‘truth’, is unreasonably active at play, it is bad, but this wrong can be reasoned out by enlightening about the ‘truth’ through democratic process of dialogue. On the contrary, if obduracy of the mind is unreasonably active at play despite knowing of the truth, it is the worst, most dangerous and most intractable kind of conflict that will persist.
In the first case, reconciliation is not too difficult a process to achieve provided that both are willing to accept the truth and, thus, show accommodation in dialogue for true reconciliation to begin. In the second case, however, reconciliation process is a difficult one to achieve, if not impossible, because here the ‘truth’ is deliberately suppressed by both parties for ulterior personal mileage, despite knowing of the truth. In this case human’s worst vice of pride and ego are the toughest problem to be reconciled with in a conflict resolution. The on-going factional conflict amongst Naga rival faction groups is the case of persistent obduracy of the mind.
Recent spurt of infighting and killing of each other by rival groups is a witness of that, and if any reading can be read out of this vicious cycle of killing, it is a clear message on the wall that avenue for reconciliation is not as prospective as wish for by common Nagas. Portent of this violence is only doom: more death lurks with its fatal scythe. No Naga would wish this to continue. Therefore, reconciliation, now seemingly running elusive, has to be sought and worked for by the Nagas.
For cessation of violence and to allow reconciliation process to begin, a call for ceasefire from the conflicting faction groups is imperative. It is a must for peace sake. In the period of ceasefire, a mechanism of ‘peace keeping’ by setting up ‘peace monitoring cell’ for peace enforcement is a must for creating a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. Involvement of the civil society organizations in peace keeping is a must, as we cannot expect external force to be the third party. Sincerity of both conflicting parties and neutrality of the third party – civil society – have to be maintained so as not to create suspicion from any side. Suspicion can and often leads to intense localized fighting. While maintaining relative peace at this period, a mechanism of ‘peace building’ by the civil society in the peace process is very important. Here the force of the people plays a crucial role in ‘peace building’ so as to prevent collapsing of ceasefire.
In the process of ‘peace building’ two elements are crucial: Reconstruction and Reconciliation. Reconstruction means the physical aspects of rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure. This is an easier process to achieve as seem in many cases of ruined nations after war bouncing back on foot again in the physical aspect. Reconciliation, a second element is a psychological aspect which requires participation and involvement of both parties and civil society in willing to accept peace by understanding each other points of view for lasting peace. This being a psychological element, it is a difficult process to achieve, but it has to be worked for, despite difficulties, for peace.
Nagas’ problem in the ‘peace building’ is not on element of ‘reconstruction’ as there is no full scale war that has left destroyed infrastructure, but it is more with psychological element of ‘Reconciliation’ that is proving to be very difficult to achieve. Naga civil society has tried, during ceasefire period between the rival groups, to bring reconciliation between rival faction groups, estranged by differences at the seemingly personal level of faction leaders, but unfortunately it failed to achieve desired result. So, why reconciliation is a process too difficult to achieve amongst national workers is a crucial question that calls for serious rethinking and review by the Naga leaders today and, at the same time, a challenge to continue working for it for lasting peace.
It is utopic to hope that leaders, everywhere, will not have differences in approach and view on an issue even though the goal is one and the same. What is important is the belief in the democratic principle of willing to listen to each other’s points of view and resolve the standing differences. This is a universal truth. Instances of many struggling nations, now freed, showed that during struggling period there were differences amongst national workers but they, at the same time, adhered to the democratic principle in resolving differences for common good. This is apparently wanting amongst Nagas.
At this crucial moment when the civil society organizations are involved in the peace process as never was in the past, hoping for honorable solution to Indo-Naga political problem to put sufferings and pains behind and march forward in peace and progress, it is very important for rival faction groups to open their hearts for true reconciliation. Refusal to do so would mean ignoring the aspiration of common Nagas who make up the backbone of the Naga society.
The issue is real and it needs to be resolved through the concerted efforts of all Nagas. Letting the issue to rest with blames and counter-blames that one group or another is hand-in-glove working with external anti-Naga elements alone without trying to extinguish the flame of internal differences burning within by the Nagas themselves would be a self-delusion.
In the current situation we cannot but ask apprehensive questions, what prospect of peace lies beyond any possible solution to Indo-Naga political problem without resolving ‘intra conflict’ now reigning. It is for the Nagas to choose their own destiny: real peace or elusive peace with persistent conflict. A wrong move made today, as a result of obduracy of the mind, would be too late to rue tomorrow, as the wise saying goes “a missed opportunity is a missed opportunity”. So obduracy of the mind has to be dismantled and reconciliation process must begin.
ULFA losing base in stronghold Nagaland Post
BOKPARA, OCT 13 (AGENCIES): The Army in Assam has intensified its operations against the militant outfit ULFA deploying more troops to Upper Assam. In Upper Assam, the ULFA's original stronghold people are disenchanted with the outfit going so far as to say they no longer want the ULFA there. There is an auditorium, which is the only structure that ULFA has left behind besides a trail of almost three decades of violence.
Bokpara is the original ULFA homeland where once every single member of the village supported the outfit in hope of change. Today, times have changed, the same people now don't talk of a separate homeland nor do they want to talk about ULFA. Bokpara barely four kilometres from Dibrugarh town surrounded by tea gardens was the district headquarters of ULFA in the 80s. A slice of insurgent history of India's northeast this Ahom village has seen it all.
This was declared as liberated zone by ULFA till the army came in 1991. It was here that ULFA tried to broker peace between Muiviah and Khaplang of the NSCN. "What a time it was, we thought Assam was neglected and birth of such an organisation will relieve us of our miseries. Then I realised that we became part of that organisation. They told us about a national threat and the Mukti Bahini wanted our support in bringing about socio-economic change in Assam," said Mandeswar Das Headmaster Bokpara Primary School. "NSCN's Khaplang and Muivah were also here, Paresh Baruah came and said he is very happy with our work," he added.
Since then almost all male members of the village have gone through army torture. Mandeswar himself was jailed thrice. "We have changed, our mindset has changed. We know Assam is not just of the Assamese. The Independence we spoke of is impossible and not necessary. We were ULFA but today we are all working and we wont let them in here," said Mandeshwar. Eighty-year-old Birabala Gogoi whose elder son had also joined the outfit has bitter memories. Her younger son now runs a small tea garden. "I don't want them to come back here again. That period has gone. Now there is peace here. They used to torture us. I had to cook food whenever. It scares me to think of those days," said Birabala. Bokpara has changed but that may have other reasons. The outfit which was originally looked upon as more of a Ahom organistaion is slowly losing its Ahom base even though it's creating new bases.
Govt.'s agency Nagaland Post Editorial
The story of Tehelka and how the portal exposed the infamous defence gate scandal in 2001, creating a niche in the annals of Indian investigative journalism has led to the filing of charge sheet against former defence minister George Fernandes, his close associates and a retired naval chief. The law of the land finally responded, although belatedly and that was perhaps more in part due to the changed political environment. Tehelka's expose would have died a natural death had the same political forces remained in power. If that is so, then it means those in power use the law to settle scores with political rivals and that itself is a cause for deep concern. In this case, the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has filed the FIR based on some evidence about bribery and other documents. What kept the CBI from investigating the expose made by Tehelka in 2001? It has taken almost five years for the agency to take note of the alleged bribe and other irregularities mentioned in the Tehelka expose. There have been other instances also in the past where the CBI had acted in a manner that smacked of political vindictiveness against the opponents of those in power.The agency is under the union ministry of personnel which comes under the home ministry. The former defence minister George Fernandes could have taken the CBI to task for what it is doing yet instead, he felt more convinced that Sonia Gandhi was responsible for his predicament. If George had questioned the action of the CBI, he would not have been far off target for being used by political opponents. In fact, what has not gone right with George is that he is no longer in power. If the CBI acts only when it is asked to do so by the political bosses in the home ministry, then it means the agency is a political police; even though in reality it is the country's premier investigation agency. Something needs to be done in order to ensure that the CBI ceases to be used as a tool by politicians in power. If the agency is to prove itself, it must see to it that past cases that are pending have to be taken to their logical conclusion instead of filing new FIRs every now and then. The problem is that whoever comes to power feels secure to have the agency under their control and that seems to be the ailment.
Apunba Lup calls for boycott of President’s visit From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Oct 13 – Working Committee of the Apunba Lup, a conglomerate of civil society organisations, All Manipur Students’ Union, Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur and Kangleipak Students’ Association have announced boycott of the forthcoming visit of the President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The Apunba Lup aqlso imposed a nine-hour general strike from 5 am till 2 pm of October 16 while the student bodies said they would boycott classes on the day.
A leader of Apunba Lup said, “We have called a nine-hour Statewide general strike during President’s visit to Manipur because his visit doesn’t solve any of our State’s issues’.
Apunba Lup sponsored mass rally cum sit-in-protest were also held across the State on Friday despite the tight security arrangement in the State capital
Army admits torturing ULFA suspect in Assam . By IANS
Guwahati, Oct 14 (IANS) The Indian Army engaged in anti-insurgency operations in Assam is once again mired in a row over torture in custody of a separatist suspect, forcing authorities to apologise and order a court of inquiry. Hundreds of people Friday blocked a highway for hours near Khowang in Dibrugarh district, 450 km east of here, protesting against alleged third-degree torture meted out to a farmer, Nipul Saikia, after he was picked up by soldiers from his house five days ago. 'I think Saikia was not treated properly and so we have ordered a court of inquiry. I would like to assure you that the guilty would be punished,' Major Gen N.C. Marwah, general-officer-commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Mountain Division, said.
Saikia was picked up from his home Monday on suspicion of being a linkman of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and was kept in their custody until Thursday before he was admitted to the Dibrugarh Medical College with serious injuries. 'Saikia was brought to hospital with rectal bleeding and his condition was serious. The injuries were suffered probably due to electric shocks,' a doctor attending on him said, requesting not to be named.
The GOC visited Saikia at the hospital and tendered his personal apologies to him for the incident. There were similar protests in the eastern Tinsukia district where people in their hundreds took to the streets and blocked highways to protest the detention of about 20 villagers, including women and children. The villagers were picked up by the army earlier in the week after an explosion triggered by the ULFA injured a soldier in the area.
The army authorities Friday released 10 women and children after the protests. The army is engaged in a massive military operation in eastern Assam against the ULFA after New Delhi last month called off a six-week ceasefire blaming the outfit of stepping up attacks. In July, the army punished Major Nishant Sharma and Rifleman Sudip Gurung after finding the duo guilty of killing a villager in custody. The military court ruling came after the Assam government lodged a protest with the army saying the villager, Ajit Mahanta, was shot dead after being picked up by the army on suspicion of having links with the ULFA. His body was found in a bag in a hospital in neighbouring Dibrugarh town in eastern Assam the next day after he was picked up. The army then claimed Mahanta was shot dead when he tried to escape. The Assam government's decision to seek a probe into Mahanta's death followed widespread public protests in eastern Assam that prompted police to open fire killing nine protestors. 'These kinds of torture and excesses by the army in the name of countering militancy would further alienate the masses,' an analyst said.
NCP to lobby Central govt for AFSPA repeal The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Oct 13: Nationalist Congress Party president and general secretary Sharad Pawar and Tariq Anwar respectively will be requested to put pressure on the Central government to revoke the Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 from the state. Conveying this at a press conference held at the Press Club here today, Vinod Sinha, general secretary, Nationalist Youth Congress in-charge Northeast, said that the party is committed to the repeal of AFSPA. Sinha also disclosed that he will meet Union home minister Shivraj Patel and apprised the later about the Manipur peoples` popular demand for the repeal of AFSPA.
The NCP leader also said that he will be meeting Sharmila at AIIMS when he return back to Capital on October 15. Stating that Sharad Pawar is interested in developing Manipur into a metropolitan city, Sinha said that NCP wants development and welfare, specially for the minority and the poor farmers. Observing that the root cause for most of the problems in Manipur, including insurgency, is due to unemployment, the visiting leader said that NCP will focus on removing unemployment in Manipur through agriculture, horticulture, fishery, bamboo, organic farmers, etc. He said that the party plans to open a regional community exchange centre in Imphal to benefit the youths and farmers of Manipur. He added that the party will focus on employment generation, higher education and that the party takes the HIV/AIDS issue in the state seriously.
NCP, Manipur vice president and spokesperson N Radhakanta said that if the party comes to power in Manipur, AFSPA will be scrapped. Reacting to allegations of using Sharmila`s struggle for gaining political mileage, the VP said that Sharmila is above any political party.
Drug trail: NE militancy turns cover for narco trade Militant groups in the Northeast claim they are fighting for a separate homeland for their people and are against drugs that flow into the region from Burma
Churachandpur in Manipur along the border with Myanmar is the headquarters of Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), one of the smaller militant outfits of the region.
Like several other outfits the ZRA plays moral police. They run a campaign against drug trafficking, arrest drug dealers and destroy whatever they seize. "The campaign will be prolonged and it will take time. We will do it in a sustained manner so that drugs are completely removed from our society," said ZRA leader. In the narcotic hub of Churachandpur, these groups claim they step in to check the spiralling addiction and trafficking where the state has failed.
"We are compelled. There are many laws which prohibit use of drugs but those officials do not do justice to their job and never act on information they receive," added the ZRA leader. The region is also torn apart by decades of ethnic violence and militancy, which has only acted as a cover for the drugs trade to thrive. Just three days after the outfit paraded two drug peddlers and spoke to NDTV, the Kuki National Army (KNA) shot dead three of ZRA's cadres. While many of these groups claim to act against drugs their primary source of funding is drug trafficking.
"Many underground groups are involved in drug peddling but it is not appropriate for me to name the organizations. I can only say underground groups are involved and it is very much a part of their funding. On an average 2-3 kg of heroin reach Manipur every month. Most of the drugs come from Moreh," said ZRA leader. The trade of drugs is not new to this part of the world. It is older than the insurgencies. Myanmar along with Thailand and Laos forms the Golden Triangle of the global drugs trafficking network. India's North East finds itself on the edge of this huge drug producing and drug trafficking zone. Myanmar's drug cartels make the purest form of Heroin with almost 98 per cent purity, which makes its way through porous borders into Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh over ancient routes like the Pangsu Pass.
Some of it is consumed, while the rest is sent out. When it enters India its estimated cost is Rs 12 lakh and when it is sold in bigger cities it fetches an even higher price. But it is not heroin that makes Northeast India's biggest drug zone. The region produces one of the best qualities of ganja.
An estimated 50,000 kg of Ganja makes its way to Indian markets every month from the Northeast. What is procured from villagers in Manipur at 100-200 a kg on credit is sold at Rs 20,000 a kg. Some of the biggest militant groups in the region, which claim to be fighting for separate territories, are said to be the main players in the movement of drugs. "Among the underground groups NSCN IM and K are involved in narcotics. In Manipur, Ukhrul and Senapati districts maximum ganja is produced and these are under IM. In Arunachal in Tirap, Changlang and Lohit large quantities of heroin and poppy cultivation is there and these are under IM and K.
"Because of the big money involved individuals from agencies are also involved. In bordering states most of the UGs are in this trade. Not just narcotics, substances like acetic anahydride and ephedrine which are legally produced in India can be used to make amfetamine or heroin and these are again carried by UG groups to other side to the border to Myanmar and Laos," said Manindra Sarania, Superintendent Central Bureau of Narcotics. In fact many feel that the militancy has become a mask for the drug trade. The lucre of drugs money has seen unlikely alliances between Northeast militants and criminal gangs. One of the biggest militant groups in the Northeast, the NSCN(IM) controls most of the ganja trade in Manipur and Nagaland.
It is their responsibility to ensure that the consignment reaches the Assam-Nagaland border. From that point three to four gangs operate, the biggest of them is the gang of Pakhimiya alias Munnabhai who ensures the product reaches Junagarh near Durgapur in West Bengal. Muslim fundamentalism, a new menace in the Northeast, may also be linked to the drugs trade. All the ganja production in Assam's Char areas inhabited by Muslim farmers is transported to Bangladesh by river route. And now militants instead of only targetting the security forces may be turning their guns on drug enforcement officers. One of the first drug related killings was reported last month when Tarun Dutta of DRI was killed after he intercepted a consignment of 10,000 kg of ganja in Assam. The prime suspect is Pakhimiya but the manner in which he was killed also points to militant involvement. Many feel it is time that militancy in the region be identified and fought as narco-terrorism. Otherwise there is little hope of settling these long running insurgencies. [Kishalay Bhattacharjee, NDTV]
