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10/28/2006: "Thousands flee as Nagaland militants clash Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu"

Thousands flee as Nagaland militants clash Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu
Guwahati: Over 4,000 people have fled their houses in Nagaland's Zunheboto district after a gunbattle broke out between the rival militant factions — National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak Muivah) and the NSCN (Khaplang). The Deputy Commissioner told The Hindu over phone that about 160 cadres of NSCN(I-M) and about 100 cadres of the Kahplang faction had been engaged in a fierce battle at Amiphoto Colony since Thursday morning. Two Khaplang faction cadres were killed. The militants used rocket launchers, mortars, AK-47, AK-56 and snipers in the heavy exchange of fire which began around 9 a.m. and continued till 6.30 p.m. on Thursday. The battle resumed on Friday morning and continued till 6 p.m.
The official said if the ongoing efforts to end the battle "peacefully and amicably' failed, the district administration would use force on Saturday to flush out the militants. "It is a systematic violation of the ground rules of ceasefire by both the factions," he said. The Deputy Commissioner said three companies of the Assam Rifles and two of the India Reserve Battalion have been kept ready. He said that although no civilian was injured, around 4,000 people vacated their houses and took shelter in relatives' places elsewhere in the district. The district administration has kept Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio posted. One Khaplang militant who died on Thursday was identified as Abel Zeliang of Tamelnglong district of Manipur. The other militant is yet to be identified.
Rival factions of NSCN clash in Nagaland The Hindu
Kohima, Oct. 28 (PTI): Heavy clashes broke out between the two rival factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland at Zunheboto town, reportedly causing the deaths of some cadres of both groups. Heavy exchanges of fire took place on Thursday between the two factions at a residential colony of the district headquarters of Zunheboto, forcing some people to vacate their homes, sources in the district administration said.
Police said the exchanges of fire, which stopped last evening, resumed early this morning, causing further tension in Zunheboto. Unconfirmed reports said three cadres, two from the Isak-Muivah faction of NSCN and one from the Khaplang faction, were killed during the day-long hostilities. There was no official confirmation about casualties since no police personnel or members of public organisations could enter the area. The Nagaland government today appealed to leaders of the warring groups to ask their members to vacate populated areas of the town to end the trauma faced by the common people. In a statement issued here, state Home Minister Thenucho appealed to the militants to vacate populated areas and confine themselves to designated camps. He asked them to heed the "cries" of the people of the district, which has witnessed bitter rivalry between the two NSCN groups during the past few weeks. Thenucho said the carrying of arms by militants in populated areas is a clear violation of ceasefire ground rules. He said directives must be issued by the Ceasefire Monitoring Group to the cadres to vacate towns and villages.
Bomb blast targets shop Staff Reporter Nagaland PostDIMAPUR, OCT 27 (NPN):
One salesman was injured inside M/s Gurbachans Radios at NL Road Dimapur when unidentified miscreants hurled a crude bomb inside Gurbachans Radio Friday at around 4.30 p.m. The salesman identified as Manoj Chakraborty sustained injuries on his right ankle.
This is the second time the shop has been targeted. One of the salesmen said they were busy attending to customers when they heard a sound like that of a stone being pelted followed by shouts of 'bhago(run)' followed by a loud explosion
One advocate shopping inside identified as Mr. Shohe miraculously escaped without injury.Six TVs, eight refrigerators, one washing machine, two stabilizers, one inverter, six microwave ovens, one tape recorder, one juicer, three mixer grinders and four speakers were damaged in the blast. DC Dimapur KN Ngullie and SP Dimapur Bidhu Sekhar and other police officials and chairperson DMC Tovihoto visited the blast site. Police did not rule out extortion as the reason for Friuday's blast.
NSCN mounts pressure on Cong MLAs ahead of polls Source: The Sangai Express / (Courtesy The Telegraph)
Kohima, October 27: Naga politicians of Manipur will be risking reprisals by militants if they choose to represent national parties in the Assembly elections next year, an MLA from Senapati has said. With barely three months to go for the polls, the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) has allegedly begun intimidating Naga politicians in the four hill districts of Manipur where the community is the dominant force.
RK Thekho, a Congress MLA from Senapati district, told The Telegraph that the militant group was issuing threats through the United Naga Council (UNC).

“The NSCN (I-M) does not want us to contest (seats) under the banner of National parties. We are going to face the toughest time (of our careers),” he said. Thekho, who was here to attend a Naga Hoho-organised conclave, said it was a misconception that Naga politicians of Manipur were not pushing for integration of the Naga-inhabited areas of the region.

“We are only 11 in a House of 60,” he said. The MLA said a private member’s Bill on Naga integration would face certain defeat in an Assembly where the majority was opposed to the concept of a “greater Nagaland”.

Thekho said a political agreement, be it in the form of “integration or sovereignty”, was the only way out of the impasse. He suggested that the role of the Naga Hoho in the process be “redefined with greater responsibilities”.

In Manipur, the United Naga Council is the apex organisation of the community and its alleged rapport with the NSCN (I-M) is the main source of worry for the politicians.

Thekho said the NSCN (I-M) was trying to “wipe out the Congress from the Naga-dominated areas of Manipur” to get even with the United Progressive Alliance at the Centre, whom it has accused of always circumventing the demand for integration of Naga areas. The Congress is likely to face the heat in Nagaland, too. One of the reasons is that Congress leaders have been vocal against the activities of the NSCN (I-M). The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland has often accused the Congress of patronising the Khaplang faction of the NSCN and attributed the feud between the two groups to instigation by the party.

Shurhozelie, president of the Nagaland People’s Front, accused the Congress of “reactivating” the NSCN (K) for the elections, due a year from now.
The Nagaland unit of the Cong stayed away from the Naga Hoho-organised conclave on Oct 25.

An appeal- Nagaland Post Opnion
Pertinent to the recent incident encountered at Zubheboto Town, the GPRN earnestly requests the Naga people to bear and co-operate with us in the process of our endeavor to eradicate anti-social and anti-peace elements from our hearths.
The Sumi people under the aegis of Sumi Hoho re-initiated a peace and unification process which confronted set-backs owing to unprincipled infirm and instable reciprocations from the Khaplang brothers as demonstrated previously, that resulted in their (Sumi Hoho's) futile efforts to usher in peace and unifications; and host the latter to perpetrate their usual anti-social activities unabated in within. Despite failures in response to good-will gestures and silent observations of consequent culmination of events that followed the return of the Khaplang pawns in the midst of populated areas in full gear in all provocations, no interventions of a third party to neutralize or protect the Nagas was noticed and nefarious activities continued, compelling the GPRN to take stock of the situation. His Excellency, the Yariuwo Mr. Isak Chishi Swu the Supreme Commander of the Naga Army who belongs to the Sumi Tribe and Zunheboto Town being the Head Quarters of his hearth cannot be permitted to be the heaven of anti-peace and anti-social activities, which every Naga in track with recent events is well aware of.
Thus, compulsion of circumstances has led to the present situation to evacuate destructive and disruptive elements in which process suffering we bear. To be more precise, the killing of innocent Naga public like Lt. Tinumeren, member of Trade and Commerce, Mokokchung Town, Lt. DGP Hesso, Lt. Mayarping (UDA), Lt. Shimmei Shingnaisui (Students), Lt. Hovizol Puyo (Policeman), P. Hopeson (Tangkhul) etc. the bombings in public places at commercial centers extortion threats and bind merciless harassments are also notable features. In addition to all woes, the recent comment of the Indian imposed state of Nagaland's Home Minister remains to be ridiculous. When the Khaplang cadres are rampantly engaging in anti-social activities throughout Nagalim under his nose, what was he doing then? Was he assisting and rescuing them and allowing spaces for these nefarious activities to take place or remained to be a blind spectator to wake up today? While the Khaplang cadres armed and assisted by our adversaries' stooges and in full combat gear lodged under the wings of IRB camps at Athibung, Chumukidema or Zunheboto exercising their bloodied and colourful activities, where were the voice of Ceasefire Ground Rules then? The Khaplang cadres in full IRB gear along with Nagaland Police vehicles frisking at the national Highway 39 harassing travelers through this route near the Nagaland Police Camp at Chumukidema is also a beautiful display of their coordinated exercises. (To be contiued..)
Issued by MIP, GPRN, NSCN (IM)
Responding to Lotha IK men- Nagaland Post Opinion
The undersigned belongs to Lotha community and also hails from the same village of Hon'ble Kilonser A.Z Jami, Kilonser A.Z Jami joined the Naga National movement long before I was born. But, as I grew up, I have been associating with him in one way or the other. I know who he is, his mindset and also his capabilities. As a believer in the living God Jehovah, I feel and think that he (A.Z Jami) is a called out person of God as he had called out Abraham from among the heathens and out of the land of ungodly people.
Out of illiterate and unchristianed parents, God had raised this man for a purpose. While in study, he competed with the children of even several generations of educational civilization.
He was the first university topper among the Nagas from Guwahati University, when it was the only university in the entire Northeast Indian. Had he been from some other Naga tribe he could have been in the zenith of humanly honored and glory. But alas! He is so unfortunate to be from the Lotha tribe. On many occasions, I heard him lamenting how he happened to be a Lotha.
While he was in the IK (formerly IM) group he maintained a good rapport with all leaders of other Naga tribes. All Lotha cadres, big or small enjoyed his blessings. He stills testifies. "I don't remember any instances or any single leader, when and who had done or said bad things to me. They respected me as a senior member and an elderly man". Only a few Lothas in the IK group who had been recruited by him, thereafter getting positions, started to envy his leadership and the respect he commanded among the colleagues and cadres.
The Lotha IK representatives! Do you think that by abusing and defaming A.Z Jami with the meanest words you could invent, you will become better and stronger? The so called Lotha representatives of IK group! How the name of A.Z Jami has become a terror and hatesome to you? Do you think that by abusing and accusing him with false and unthink of allegations, you will be praised and honored by other people? That thing really displays your real picture. Come on, Lothas in the IK camp, tell me, if there is any of you in whose appointment or promotion, A.Z Jami had not given his word and exercised his influence for you? God only knows what reward each one will get for paying him (A.Z Jami) back with evils for the good he had done for you, while he was in IK group. Prepare to accept God's judgment accordingly. I say this, because I was with A.Z Jami, while I was in the IK group and I know what he had done for the Lothas (both underground and over ground)
The so called Lotha genuine freedom fighters! Are you not ashamed of other people? Because of people like you, Lothas are always going downwards in every field and not upwards. Lotha people with your kind of mindset; there is not a single motor able road in Wokha district to be reckoned with. This is an example. Are you not asshamed in what position the Lothas are at present? The Nagas attained statehood more than forty years ago and other major tribes have been in the chief ministership by turns. However, the Lothas, as a major tribe, where is the chief minister from the tribe? It is because of people like you, who are jealous of any person who could do something for the Lothas. At the same time, your political future is doomed. And, where are you heading now? "If the Lothas considers these group of people as genuine freedom fighters, as they claimed, and pledged their support, then I am afraid that Lothas will surely cut a sorry figure in spoiling the image of the Lothas and the society. Talking about so many killings, tortures of innocent Lothas and extortion or intimidation, Lothas knows who have been and is doing and committing the crimes. Don't get excited time only will tell.
Libemo Lotha, Secretary,
Ministry of Kilo (Home), affairs GPRN, NSCN (K).
‘Stay out of conflict’ NSCN-IM cautions State Govt, AR The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 27 (MExN): Pointing out that it has taken up the ‘task of cleansing the anti-social elements propagating and involving in destructive, divisive and obstructive acts due to which innocent people are enduring with,’ the NSCN (IM) has told in no uncertain terms that “the Indian Nagaland State agencies and the Assam Rifles are also requested to remain outside of our conflict so that all differences can be ironed out without complications owing to external differences”.
In a press communiqué, the NSCN (IM) stated that this process which is being initiated be given all cooperation and appealed that this was for the benefit of social well being and peaceful living. It also appealed to residents evacuated at the site of the war zone and to all others, to “remain detached from involvement” in the issue “to alleviate ourselves from the shackles of threat”.
“Unless the inflexible is reined, the path to peace and a solution will remain far, for the obstinate tool of our antagonists preserves to clog the conduit to all good-will aspirations of the Nagas, obstructing all sincere efforts”, it stated. The NSCN (IM) also termed as ridiculous, the recent comments of Home Minister Thenucho, pointing out that when the NSCN (K) cadres were rampantly engaging in anti-social activities throughout the State “under his nose, what was he doing then?

“Was he assisting and rescuing them and allowing spaces for these nefarious activities to take place or remained to be a blind spectator to wake up today?”
It also questioned that no one raised their voice of the ceasefire ground rules when its rival cadres ‘armed and assisted by our adversaries’ stooges and in full combat gear lodged under the wings of IRB camps at Athibung, Chumukedima or Zunheboto carried out their ‘bloodied’ campaign.
“The Khaplang cadres in full IRB gear along with Nagaland police vehicles frisking at the national highway 39 harassing travelers through this route near the Nagaland Police Camp at Chumukedima is also a beautiful display of their coordinated exercises”, it was alleged.
On the Zunheboto incident, the NSCN (IM) maintained that the place cannot be permitted to be the haven of anti-peace and anti-social activities. “Thus compulsion of circumstances has led to the present situation to evacuate destructive and disruptive elements in which process sufferings we bear”, it stated and made reference to the killing of innocent Naga public like Lt Tinumeren, member of Trade and Commerce, Mokokchung town, Lt DGP Hesso, Lt Mayarping (UDA), Lt Shimmei Shingnaisui (student), Lt Hovizol Peyo (policeman), P. Hopeson (Tangkhul), etc. “The bombings in public places at commercial centers, extortion threats and blind merciless harassments are also notable features”, it stated.
Five DAN MLAs issue concern note The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 27 (MExN): Expressing deep concern over what it termed as the complete breakdown of law and order situation in the State, five members of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) legislature group including its Chairman Dr Hokishe Sema today held a consultative meeting at the Chairman’s residence in Dimapur today and reviewed the situation in the State. The five members all sitting MLAs—Dr Hokishe Sema, Obed, Huska Sumi, T. Tali and K. Therie—later issued a press communiqué stating that it was the constitutional duty and responsibility of the elected members and the State government to provide security to life and property of the people. “Law and order is a state subject and therefore, the State Government is fully responsible for any internal disturbances occurring within its political boundaries”, the communiqué signed by all five members stated.
Pointing out that the State government is a welfare government and that “we cannot run away from the constitutional responsibilities to maintain peace and order in the State”.
Later speaking to The Morung Express, Huska Sumi said that the statement of the group was to express their concern over the breakdown of the law and order situation and ‘to save the situation’. Former Finance Minister K. Therie conveyed a similar message that breakdown of law and order was the responsibility of the State government
Safe passage for NSCN (K) on cards The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 27 (MExN): Even as the ongoing factional standoff between the two rival NSCNs in Zunheboto district continued, an all out effort was underway to halt offensive on both sides. It was reported that DC Zunheboto was in touch with both factions to avert more bloodshed. Additional sources also added that the Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto requested the NSCN-IM to provide a safe passage to cadres of the NSCN-K who are reportedly inside Amiphoto colony, surrounded by about 200 rival cadres. However, it is reported that the NSCN-IM set a precondition that the rival cadres surrender their arms before a safe passage is given. The DC reportedly met NSCN (K) leaders on the ‘safe passage deal’. However no confirmation was received from the NSCN (K) at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the two rival factions exchanged insistent firing from morning till afternoon between South Point and DC Hill area. It was also reported that stray bullets into civilian areas were putting at stake lives of innocent citizens. It was also informed that Nagaland IGP has arrived at Zunheboto to take stock of the situation.
Anticipating an intensified fight, reinforcement from both the factions have reached Zunheboto, it was reported. All offices, shops and the only petrol pump at Zunheboto remained closed. It was also informed that vehicles plying between Zunheboto and Kohima, Dimapur were allowed to pass around 9:30 to 10 pm yesterday. Sources added that residents of Amiphoto colony have already left their residences while residents of South Point colony have started shifting to other colonies for refuge.
Meanwhile, with fierce fighting between the two NSCN factions continuing for two consecutive days, Zunheboto District administration today said that they may be compelled to use ‘force’ from tomorrow, if the cadres of both the factions refuse to budge from the town.
“IGP and other police officials are with me now; we are having a security coordination meeting. We are trying our best to find peaceful solution.

In case, if it is not possible we may pressurize them to leave tomorrow”, DC said, although, he said, using of ‘force’ doesn’t mean responding through arms or sending force.
Zunheboto Deputy Commissioner, after having a security coordination meeting with the top state police officials at Zunheboto also said that there had been heavy exchange of fire even today, however, there was no casualty or injuries from either groups, except for one NSCN-K cadre who was killed by his own comrade by mistake, he added.
However, at the time of filing of this report, the firing was reported to have halted.
NPCC corners DAN govt over law and order The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 27 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation which seems to be going out of control and the State Government is not putting any efforts, it stated in a press communiqué issued by Zhenito Secretary, Media Cell NPCC.
While pointing out that the Home Minister, Thenucho has already made appeals to the underground groups to vacate the public inhabited areas, the NPCC nevertheless wanted to know what further steps has been taken by the Government to restore normalcy in the affected areas where factional clashes have become daily affairs.
“The Home Minister who is answerable to the law and order situation seems to be least bothered to perform his duties and simply appealing to the underground groups to vacate from public areas”, it stated adding that when factional clashes continue to remain unabated there was a strong belief that the overall situation in the State has been going from bad to worse with the DAN Government’s policy of ‘equi-closeness’.
“The Home Minister is talking about the Consultative Committee for Peace and the participation of the civil societies, NGOs and the church in helping the proper social environment for the success of the peace process in the State. But on the other side, the DAN Sub-Committee for Peace has been disbanded having differences with the NGOs. In such a circumstances, the Consultative Committee for Peace comprising of other NGOs, church and civil societies may not have the same views and opinion for the peace process to be achieved”, the NPCC stated.
Pointing out that Thenucho being the Home Minister should understand to differentiate the ongoing ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN factions, the NPCC maintained that the factional clash between the underground groups is not the subject matter of the present Cease Fire arrangement and it is the State Government responsibility to create confidence in the minds of the people in a situation where their lives security is at stake through underground clashes, it further stated.
The NPCC also asked NPF President, Dr. Shürhozelie, Minister for Planning &
Coordination and Urban Development, what is his formula/agenda of a ‘political and human approach’ to tackle the situation of underground clashes. “Dr. Shürhozelie’s political and human approach is very much required in the context of the present prevailing situation where people have to vacate their houses because of underground clashes. Since factional clashes does not come under law & order problem, as termed by Dr. Shürhozelie, NPF president and Minister, in such a situation the affected persons will have to bear the consequences without the State Government coming to their rescue”, the NPCC stated in response to an earlier statement made by the NPF President.
The NPCC pointed out that it was surprised to come across the statements of Imkong L. Imchen, Minister for School Education that “generally politicians go by the views of bureaucracy whereas bureaucracy does not have the courage to make decisions”. The views expressed by Imchen is nothing but an exposure of being an inexperienced politician because it is the politicians who makes the policy while bureaucrats execute the works, the NPCC stated. Regarding finding solution to the Naga Political issue, it is not the ‘bureaucrats to give inputs to the politicians to effect solution’, but every sections of the Naga people should be involved in the process for a lasting solution, the NPCC maintained. Further referring to Imchen’s statement that “the factions and the political parties were neither sincere nor dedicated to solve this problem in a meaningful way till today”, the NPCC pointed out that this was a reflection of DAN Government sincerity when they have declared to the people that if voted to power they will bring solution within three months. The NPCC also reminded NPF press secretary that he had no moral right to question the authority of NPCC president to substantiate his allegation with proof and evidence when the NPF President Dr. Shürhozelie is silent on the issue raised by NPCC president.
Sumi Hoho condemns The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCT 27 (MExN): While condemning the ongoing factional clashes at Zunheboto town between the two NSCNs, the Sumi Hoho has expressed its sadness over such deplorable and ugly state of affairs committing in the name of the freedom fighter and under the banner of “Nagaland for Christ”, in spite of tireless efforts put in by the Sumi community and repeated appeal made by different Naga civil societies including Naga Hoho and ENPO for peace and reconciliation which was not positively responded. The Hoho further stated that it is not merely a factional clashes but it is a war against the wishes of its own peace loving people for whom they are fighting for. “The Sumi Hoho is utterly surprised to have come across a news item “NSCN (IM) cadres captured Zunheboto town with the support of people of Zunheboto town under the caption “killing, Shelling reported as NSCNs clashes at Zunheboto” appeared in local dailies on October 27 by NSCN-IM (MIP) Spokesman, Kraibo Chawang,” stated Sumi Hoho President and General Secretary in a release.
The Hoho while condemning such fabricated and divisive statement stated that the Sumi people never supported any particular faction in their armed conflict adding its only support was for genuine Naga political issue which is every Naga concern.
Who tell lies lead the Nagas nowhere- Nagaland Post Opinion
In the past, more than fifty years ago, the Nagas pro-claimed "Nagaland for Christ". Therefore, many senior leaders of Naga nation take the service of Naga nation as a sacred task. And also they were fully convinced that God is leading Naga nation, and through His protection the Nagas withstood the brunt of Indian Military tyranny in the past fifty years. Thus they never involved in the anti-social activities and telling lies.
But it is be wondered that the renegade leaders, NGO leaders and even some church leaders are telling lies on the Nagas national affairs. For instance, Muivah and Isak proudly said they condemned Shillong Accord of 1975, but they were scrupulously involved in the Indian elections and now they are beading to accept the fundamental principles of the Indian constitution.
Also, some NGO leaders and some church leaders denounced the Shillong Accord and Transit Peace Camp as the main factor for the division and killing among the Nagas, but on the other band they are supporting Peace process of Muivah and Isak, which is nothing but a selling process of Naga national rights to Indian. They are shouting at the top of their voice to stop killings but directly or indirectly they are supporting killers and murderers (IM group) and thus adding more fuel into fratricidal killings.
Indeed, the public leaders, church leaders or renegade leaders know very well what was the accord and why the killings was started, but they are intentionally telling lies. That is to say they are committing greatest sins in the sight of God. Instead of telling lies, the Naga NGO leaders, Church leaders or all Nagas should admire God's wonderful work for the Nagas and follow Him.
Because he is leading the Nagas like He led the Israelites to their Promised Land cannan.
On 22nd Sept. 2006, four Chakhesangs (2 male and 2 female) came to Kohima Transit Peace Camp saying, they were sent by Holy spirit of God to pray for Nagas nation at Kohima Transit Peace Camp. They wonderfully admired that God had done Shillong Accord to save Nagaland like He bad divided Red sea to let Israelites go on the dry land and saved them from the mighty bands of Egyptians and God had given this Peace Camp to the Nagas to let the Nagas work for achieving their national goal through Peaceful means.
So also, the renegade leaders, NGO leaders or church leaders should admire and accept God's wonderful work of 1975 and brought Peace to the Nagas. If the Naga public leaders or church leaders deny God's wonderful work none of them can effort to bring peace among the Nagas, instead they will add more fuel into the burning fire and the killing among the Nagas may continue for some more years.
Lt. Col.V. S. Joneo, Chaplain, Naga Army, Federal Government of Nagaland.
Prisoners of Uncertainty? The Morung express Editorial
Growing restlessness and lingering lethargy enveloping the Naga skyline is causing an uneasy sense of acute cynicism and unfocused anger, just churning restlessly for its release. The internal and external conditions that has a cause-effect relationship with this contradicting restless lethargic cynicism has potential to do more harm than good, unless constructive and positive interventions with painstakingly thought out strategic processes are made. Knee-jerk reactions to the problem would only prove counter-productive.
Unmet needs to satisfy the human yearning for some semblance of a dignified life and the human desire to have some basic knowledge of where their future is headed towards, has created an air of uncertainty. The acute sense of uncertainty has resulted in an indulging rush for the exclusive survival of the fittest. The questions around uncertainty has in part been responsible for a climate of fear; a climate that is being manipulated by the ‘powers that be’ with detrimental effectiveness.
The vicious cycle of the fear of uncertainty has the knack of causing and conditioning insular thinking and attitude. It makes a society stagnant, dogmatic and virtual prisoners of their past. The society ceases to be open towards new ideas and becomes resistant to any forms of change and is guided by emotions and subjective feelings. In essence, the ownership to determine its own future is usurped by the powers that be. Hence, the society draws more inward and exclusive. Insecurity compels it to rally around families, clans, villages, tribes and any other forms of human association where there is a perceived sense of security.
As uncertainty grows and vulnerability sets in, fear is expressed in different forms. For instance, differences between individuals suddenly take the form of clan or village differences and issues are personalized; the social safety net weakens; growing tendency to exert more power and control rather than seeking the path of dialogue and understanding; historical and social narratives are distorted and there is an acute lack of space to deliberate about the future and to imagine a better world. All discourses begin and end with the past. With no room for imagination, hope is missing. Hence, the past is relived over and over again; the future is held a prisoner of the past.
When faced with the questions of uncertainty and insecurity, it becomes quite convenient to seek a paranoid strategy which involves denial of internal destruction, while simultaneously projecting it on others. It involves engaging in depressive self-blame and the society becomes unforgiving and punitive, with a sense of hopelessness and passivity. Furthermore, while feeling vulnerable, it also shows signs of being accustomed to being in control while also believing that its ownership is being usurped by others. It has a perceived sense of dichotomized emotion of feeling power and yet, powerless.
In this defining moment in history, Nagas need to muster moral courage and political will to decisively refuse to be paralyzed by fear and despair. Nagas must face up to reality, acknowledge one’s own self-destructiveness and proactively act to contain its consequences, guided by a vision for the future. Through political action, Nagas have to begin the difficult process of transforming negative energy into a constructive force that builds bridges within and without, by creating value-based alternatives.
In perilous times such as these, Nagas have no other option but to transcend the past and the present and to confront with the realities of the future to create a society that is truly worth living in. History will judge whether the Nagas of today are willing to cast aside their fears and insecurity and to decisively live in a world of reality, of ambiguity and turmoil, but also a world of hope and life.
Perhaps it could begin by setting free the prophetic imagination!
Personal opinion towards adverse campaigns on Naga political dialogue The Morung Express In Focus
Today an average Naga may be wondering what is the progress of the political dialogue between Government of India (GoI) and Nagas...9 years, what is the outcome??
One has to consider that the Naga society is infested with decaying tendencies under the spell of our common adversaries, maybe from India or Naga or both! As the political dialogue has been delayed, it is good time for them (adversaries) to have active campaign against the Nagas’ political settlement.
Influential and business segments both in the Nagaland state as well as from outside along with their local partners have been trying to figure out the ‘heavy taxation and the upper hand of the cadres’, which they propagate and magnify adversely, without understanding the gravity of the issue and the sacrifices our valiant Nagas have rendered. On the other side, the upper class Nagas have been enjoying the benefits of the turmoil, (it may disturb the sentiments of some people) and for them peace time is unwanted. They projected the cadres are leading a high flying life and have got business interest in the whole deal.
Recently the story has taken another turn. Sections of the National media has projected the antagonizing statement of the Nagas involved in the political dialogue and bring to the National attention that the Nagas is still with the insurgent mindset. What could not be done from 1946 to 1975 has been done very respectfully by the concerns in the Naga political dialogue with GoI.
India and Nagas are not enemies. The fight was for recognizing the inherent identity and political stand of the Nagas, the Naga traditions and to get a respectable position in the world political arena. Today, the Naga leaders are successful in this aspect. No Naga should worry that the situation will roll back to pre-1975.
A convincing positive line of thought has to come from the rank and files to the grass root level. Without antagonizing or decrying or agitating the negating segments of the society, a positive note has to be created – in a convincing tone and in a convincing language.
It is for the good of Indian Union, not the Naga people that results of the dialogue should come. No one need to predict and worry about on what the Union of India will decide or offer or what the concern Naga representatives will decide or accept. It is not a mere decision to organize a feast – it is a decision involving multitude of political, economic, diplomatic, international, national and regional aspects, including that of South East Asia. And we sincerely trust that our representatives (leaders) are well equipped and will work out the best that is possible for the Nagas, and above all we have faith that Almighty God will NEVER, NEVER let down His people who call on His Name!
Awareness campaign from person to person, house to house, village to village and community to community has to be strategically implemented. Such public awareness campaign, which envisages imparting basic knowledge about the whole issue, and arming them with communication skill to stand against the adverse campaign, is equally important as training and arming the army.
If there is a better option(s) from any section of people for Naga political settlement, please spell out. Otherwise, these small talks should be avoided and rumors should stop. If someone cannot understand the depth of the issue and cannot project an alternative clear cut logistic road map for the settlement, let them not cast aspersions.
I humbly make a further appeal to the Nagas wherever you are and to whatever group you might be associated with: we are all Nagas by blood and that cannot be changed. Let us not linger in the past and hold on to its memories anymore. Let us not allow this to become wall of differences among us and entertain our adversaries by making ‘war dance’ to their tune of deception. Let us stop circling in the wilderness due to our own follies. Let us look beyond with a simple faith to have a glimpse of the ‘Promised Land’. There might be many questions unanswered right now – but we have a vision and a hope that somewhere beyond the killing fields and the chaos there is a place where our dreams will be realized.
Samuel Medaliang, General Secretary Zeliangrong Economic Development Authority (ZEDA) Assam, Manipur & Nagaland & Member, Naga Council Dimapur
Our humble appeal to Naga leaders and public The Morung Express Perpsective
During the last 50 (fifty) years struggle with the Indian Army, the Nagas had signed the first cease fire with the GoI in 1964 and it ended in 1967 without any tangible result being found between the two entities. Then the infamous Shillong Accord was singed in 1975 between the GoI and the NNC. And after condemning this accord the Nagas continued to fight with bloodshed with the Indian army under the aegis of the NSCN then they have come to an understanding with the GoI and signed the ongoing Indo-Naga Ceasefire in 1997. Since then this ongoing ceasefire has lasted for 9 (nine) years without much result being achieved till date. For defending their rights, land and the people, many brave Nagas have sacrificed their precious lives on this sacred altar. Many known and unknown Nagas heroes have shed their lives and blood not only in their homeland, even in the foreign soils too. In the process many of our people have been tortured, killed even our women and girls being raped and molested by the Indian Army. There have been spectacular gross violations of human rights perpetrated by the Indian Army upon the innocent Nagas throughout the length and breadth of Nagalim, many of them remained alive as living witnesses till date.
We feel it is high time for both the Gal and the Nagas to have better understanding to bringing an honourable & meaningful solution to this protracted demands of the Nagas. Now is the time for both the common Naga people and their elected representatives to work together to strengthen the Indo-Naga peace process towards a meaningful solution. There is no rhyme or reason for the elected Naga people representatives (specially from Manipur) to play hide and seek game rather spell out the aspiration of the people i.e. unification of all Naga inhabited areas under one political roof. And there will be no compromise to this common aspiration so the Government of Manipur should also understand these legitimate rights of the Nagas.
It is also our appeal to all Naga brothers and factions to join hands in this ongoing peace process and to strengthen it so that an honourable solution is being worked out between the two entities at an early date. We also would like to apprise the Indian Government and Authorities that Nagas would never accept any kind of solution without unification of its contiguous areas of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur. Unification of its territories would be the precondition to the final solution of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process. GoI should also come out with an open mind and polities towards this end.
It is our humble appeal to all Naga brothers and sisters irrespective of factions to join hands together by forgetting our past deeds against each other rather we all must work together for bringing about an honourable solution for which cause many have suffered and sacrificed together. Further we also appeal the leaders of NSCN (K) to rescind their recent dictate of issuing quit notice to the Tangkhul Community in the State of Nagaland in the larger interest of the Naga public. Here we would like to quote John F. Kennedy, the then President of the United States of America, he said. “Our task now is not to fix the blame for the past, but to fix the course for the future”.
Therefore, let us volunteer ourselves to work as the messenger of peace and pave the way for bringing about better understanding among ourselves and our neighbours. So that we all can contribute our mite and might in building a better society in the days to come for ourselves and that of our posterities to come.
KUKNALlM
Ashinpou Gangmei Social Worker, Nungba M-9862027118
Athuan Abonmai Social Worker, Tamei M-9436086457
Guilty of complicity KPS Gill The Pioneer
It is truly astonishing that a man who has lied so often and so obviously on the subject, should still be constantly sought out for his opinion and assessment on the course of terrorism in the South Asian region and, in fact, the world. It is, moreover, incomprehensible that world leaders still tolerate, acquiesce in, and even encourage this man's continuous mendacity, his baseless boasting, and his incessant and false posturing. Gen Pervez Musharraf must be one of the few dictators in the world who has made such an utter mess of his country, and of regions well beyond, during his tenure, and still gets such excellent Press globally, and constant support and praise from the leaders of the 'free world'.
In return, Gen Musharraf harangues and threatens the very leaders and nations that support him and his perverse regime and its monstrous intelligence wing, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), claiming that the West would be 'brought to its knees' by terrorism, if Pakistan and the ISI did not support the 'Global War on Terror'.
Gen Musharraf is, in fact, the most effective agency of Pakistan's propaganda machine, and has relentlessly propagated fabrications and half-truths, largely or entirely unrelated to the situation on the ground, and that prey on public, Western - and particularly American - ignorance. The sheer brazenness of these fabrications, and the Pakistani propagandist's strategy of offence as the best form of defence, is illustrated by Gen Musharraf's recent counter to Indian allegations of Pakistan's role in terrorism, to which he responded, "There are 21 such places in India where violence continues. The situation in Assam is also visible. So New Delhi should first correct its own matters and then talk to Pakistan."
The reference to Assam is significant: First, it seeks to divert attention from the core problem of Pakistan-backed terrorism in widening areas of the country. Second, it brushes under the carpet the fact that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the principal insurgent group in Assam, and the lesser surviving groups in the State, all secure operational bases and safe haven in Bangladesh and also receive significant assistance, weaponry, training and tactical advice from the ISI-DGFI (Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, the ISI's Bangladeshi counterpart) combine that has kept these movements alive long after their complete loss of public support and their abandonment of the original ideology and mandate for which they were purportedly created. In this, consequently, Gen Musharraf is essentially pointing to problems that his country has at least some role in keeping alive.
The mischief and mendacity in Gen Musharraf's reference to Assam become clearer when they are taken in the context of an earlier statement (on August 28) by Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tasneem Aslam who declared authoritatively, "India remains afflicted with several insurgencies, including in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Bundelkhand, Gorkhaland, Bodoland and Khaplang, which are being suppressed by force."
The audacity of the statement is startling - not even the smallest effort has been made to check out facts before such a statement is issued at the level of the Government. For instance, Bundelkhand (in central India) has never been the location of an insurgency; 'Gorkhaland' is not a location, but was the demand of a brief movement by people of Nepali extraction living in a small area around Darjeeling in West Bengal, which was resolved as far back as 1988. The insurgents in Nagaland have been in a continuous cease-fire and process of negotiations with the Government for the last nine years.
The major parties to the Bodoland movement have settled for peace with the Government. And finally and most barefaced of all, Khaplang is the name of a factional leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, one of the militant groups in Nagaland currently negotiating with the Government, and not of a place or even an insurgent movement. And yet, nearly two months after this statement was made, none of this has been publicly challenged, no call for explanations has been made by India or demanded by an alert and informed media. The statement, however, will have worked its damage, projecting the idea of an India that must answer for the multiplicity of insurgencies on its soil, rather than a Pakistan that needs to explain its role in a specific set of terrorist movements and actions.

The sudden emphasis on insurgencies in India's North-East, rather than any other regions afflicted by comparable problems, is not accidental, and is significant in both Ms Aslam's statement and Gen Musharraf's specific reference to Assam. This is evidently part of a strategy to shift focus towards an ethnically and geographically distinct region in India, and may well be a prelude for greater covert activity by Pakistani and Bangladeshi intelligence, through local militant groups including the ULFA, in the foreseeable future.

This brazenness is directly related to India's failure to expose Pakistani propaganda, and to adequately demonstrate to the world, Pakistan's continuing role as the source of Islamist terrorism in India and internationally, and of support to terrorist groups across India's North-East. This is despite the immense volumes of hard evidence that is available in terms of arrested cadres from Pakistan and their narratives of Pakistani military and intelligence involvement in their recruitment, training, arming and deployment; the thousands of clearly identifiable weapons and tonnes of RDX, detonators, communications equipment and other materials, overwhelming proportions of which could be traced back to Pakistan with sufficient forensic attention and international cooperation.

In effect, India is part of the conspiracy of silence and appeasement that has allowed Pakistani deniability and falsification to flourish. Through the current 'peace process' and the charade of the 'joint mechanism' for counter-terrorism India continues to provide international legitimacy to a terrorist state and Gen Musharraf's criminal regime.

These are the circumstances - our ignorance, our indifference, our pusillanimity, our inability to understand and neutralise the strategic intent of Pakistan's propaganda and terrorist machinery - that create the enveloping circumstances which allow Pakistan to remain the principal breeding ground of Islamist terrorism in south Asia. India's security forces are constantly called upon to make sacrifices for the defence of the country against Pakistan-backed terrorism; thousands of security personnel and even larger numbers of innocent civilians have lost their lives in Pakistan's covert war on India. To continue to give Pakistan and its leadership the latitude it currently enjoys is nothing less than criminal complicity in this enterprise of terrorism. India's political leadership and the higher echelons of its policy establishment are squarely guilty of this complicity.

KLA riders on Kut extravaganza Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Oct 27: Laying emphasis on celebrating the annual Kut festival in its traditional and truest spirit, the Kuki Liberation Army has imposed a complete ban on associating the harvesting festival with extravagant events.
A KLA statement issued by the outfit’s central information and publicity secretary Malsawm Kuki pointed out to the State Level Kut Committee that Chavang Kut - the only State recognised important harvesting festival of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo families in Manipur had not been celebrated as it ought to be since the last many years.
Highlighting importance of celebrating the occasion without deviation from those advocated by the older generation, the armed outfit laid down certain guidelines for the Kut Committee to honour.
Prohibiting holding of Miss Kut contest from this year itself, the statement opined that such extravagant item is not a part of the festival besides warning of dire consequences to all concerned not honouring the KLA instru- ction which also include ban on use of ‘wine’ and other unwanted/unnecessary items.
On the otherhand, the outfit proposed cultural dances as the main item of the festival, songs and dances (tradi-tional/modern) be an important part of Kut festivities, fashion parade with emphasis on Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi costumes, invite well known artistes of these ethnic groups, honour individuals with excellent achievement in their respective fields and hike incentives of individual or group performers. The mentioned points are to be strictly honoured and followed by the Kut Committee and failure of it shall be regarded as open disregard to the values of the custom and tradition of the community concerned with the festival, said the KLA and reiterated that ‘there shall be no pardon whosoever disobey it’.

AASU calls for unconditional ULFA talks From Our Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Oct 27 – Calling on both the ULFA and security forces to shun violence, All Assam Students Union (AASU) and Asom Unnati Sabha (AUS) today said there should be unconditional direct talks between Government of India and the militant outfit to usher in a violence-free atmosphere in the State. A delegation of AASU and AUS comprising president and general secretaries Sankar Ray, Tapan Kumar Gogoi, Rohini Kumar Gogoi and Dr Samujjal Bhattacharjya, respectively met Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, here this afternoon to urged him to revive the ULFA peace process. The visit by AASU and AUS in connection with the ULFA peace process is significant, and comes close on the heels of Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi's clarion call on civil society groups to mediate in the peace process.

When asked whether AASU and AUS were willing to mediate to break the current logjam, Bhattacharjya tried to skirt the issue by saying, they wanted direct talks between ULFA and Centre. “We don’t think there is any need for mediation. There should be direct talks,” he asserted. AASU and AUS have been consistently pursuing a policy based on non-violence and advocating solution of the problem through discussion, they said. Briefing newsmen, the leaders said that the Union Home Minister heard them out and assured that the Government of India accepted their views for consideration. The AASU and AUS leaders insisted that they wanted both the army and ULFA to shun violence. "We want a no violence commitment from both sides," they said. At the same time, Bhattacharjya said they wanted Government of India to take fresh initiative and as a good will gesture should release the five ULFA prisoners. Then the Government of India and ULFA should take steps to resolve the problems through discussions, he said. The suspension of army operation unilaterally announced by the Government of India had created a peaceful atmosphere, they said. The suspension of army operation should be continued and ULFA should also reciprocate, they said. When asked about the violence resorted to by ULFA, AASU and AUS leaders said ULFA should also reciprocate to the cessation of violence.
Welcoming Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami's initiative to bring the two sides to the negotiating table, Bhhatacharya urged her to continue with her initiative. All concerned should strive for an environment of non-violence as a commitment to the people of Asom. Any killing is painful and AASU and AUS are opposed to it, the memorandum submitted to Patil said.

Three killed, 20 wounded in Assam blast By IANS
Guwahati, Oct 27 (IANS) At least three people were killed and 20 injured Friday when a bomb concealed in a bag and kept on a bicycle went off at a crowded marketplace in Assam. A police spokesman said militants suspected to be from the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) triggered the blast at the busy vegetable market in Dhekiajuli town, about 140 km north of here.
'The market was crowded with evening shoppers when the bomb went off killing three people on the spot and wounding 20 others,' Assam Police (Intelligence) chief Khagen Sharma said.
The injured were shifted to hospitals with multiple wounds. 'At least 12 of the injured were stated to be critical,' Sharma told IANS. 'This is the handiwork of the ULFA as no other militant group is active in that area,' Sharma said. No rebel group has owned up the blast.