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10/29/2006: "NSCN (IM) demands UN certified mediators Morung Express News"
NSCN (IM) demands UN certified mediators Morung Express News
Dimapur NSCN (IM) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu disclosed today that the negotiations between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) had entered a critical juncture ‘if not a stalemate’ and pointed out that New Delhi may not be sincere to its proposal put forth at the negotiating table. Addressing the UNPO General Assembly at Taipei, Taiwan, Swu demanded that ‘a third party intervention endorsed by the UN through the initiation of the UNPO be undertaken’. “We trust that the UNPO will take all necessary steps in lobbying for our case in the United Nations and other international arenas. We have been suppressed, our rights have been denied and our voices drowned long enough yet we see the present time as the most opportune one to seek the attention of international organizations to play a more active role in the Indo-Naga issue”, the NSCN (IM) Chairman stated in his address, a copy of which was received here.
In the context of the last round of negotiations held at Amsterdam on October 17-18, Swu stated ‘Nagas have realized that interdependence has replaced independence in the geo-political landscape of today’ and pointed out that the NSCN (IM) had proposed for a ‘special federal relationship between India and Nagalim, which would clearly be defined under the terms of the political agreement’. Disclosing the basis of a relationship between India and Nagalim, the NSCN (IM) Chairman told the UNPO General Assembly that ‘it would be two entities inseparable yet not one within the other’. He said that Nagas had done much in the past nine years of peace process to move closer to India as possible. “Anything below this would tantamount to political tragedy for our people and betrayal to our nation”, Swu stated in his address.
NSCN (IM) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu addressing the UNPO General Assembly at Taipei, Taiwan on October 28.
Using the platform of the UNPO, the NSCN (IM) Chairman said that the Government of India must prove to the world community that she is indeed the world’s largest democracy which respects political, historical and cultural rights of oppressed nations and peoples around the world. “We have the confidence in the present Indian leadership that neither the bane of party politics nor constitutional intricacies will hamper their correct judgment. A just and honorable solution to the Naga problem would usher in peace in the entire region; equally bringing an end to one of the world’s longest running conflicts”, he said.
Pointing out that the UNPO has been the guiding light to all suppressed nations, peoples and ethnic minorities and that its active participation was helping resolve conflicts around the world and representing the unrepresented in political forums and human right platforms as well as dealing with social, cultural, environmental concerns, which was praiseworthy. Reminding that the very existence of small nations and peoples; their history, political right, culture, society, environment etc. is being threatened more than ever for economic and technological pursuits of the big and wealthy, Swu pleaded that they should not be abandoned to their fate or allow the feet of the strong and mighty to trample upon. “The principle idea of democracy, freedom and the right to self determination cannot effort to have double meanings. Self determination of peoples and nations; their cry for justice and political identity must be differentiated from the howl of terrorists. For those who profess justice and equality in the world, the voice of the suppressed nations and peoples must be valued regardless of size or geographical location”, Swu went on.
The Chairman also shared the opinion that the ethnic groups and peoples who seek to apply for the UNPO membership be given serious consideration, particularly to those seeking observer statuses. Deserving peoples and nations must be given a chance to participate in this platform to view their political, historical social, cultural and economic issues, he said in his address.
Swu appealed to the conscience of international community to ensure that honorable and acceptable solution recognizing historical and political right of the Nagas is reached. “We wish to participate and contribute to humanity and world peace as a responsible entity. I find no greater platform than this august assembly to witness on behalf of my people and also on behalf of the oppressed peoples and Nations of the world”.
Gun battle ceases Eye witness: Public resort to forced evacuation Cadres of NSCN factions leave Zunheboto town The Morung Exoress
KOHIMA, OCT 28 (MExN): After enduring a spate of terror, the harried public of Zunheboto town today finally resorted to storming and ‘chasing’ out cadres of the two NSCNs, from the town, particularly from Amiphoto colony where cadres were encamped against each other. The public reportedly resorted to stoning the NSCN fighters, and ‘took back’ bunkers in Amiphoto colony. Reports said that thousands of Zunheboto public gathered at around 9:00 in the morning and proceeded to storm Amiphoto colony where about 200 cadres of the NSCN-IM had surrounded rival fighters. People from all walks of life, including women and children took part in ‘storming and stoning’ out the cadres. The ‘forced evacuation’ lasted till 4:00 pm it was informed adding that those from the NSCN-IM left towards Sukhalu village while the NSCN-K cadres proceeded south towards Asukhomi village.
Curiously, it is reported that the ‘storming’ was led by women folks and not by expected Sumi civil organizations like the Sumi Hoho. No Sumi public leaders, including the Sumi Hoho, were seen when the people gathered in the morning except a few GBs/DBs who later “vanished” when the public proceeded towards Amiphoto. “The public are not too happy about Sumi organization leaders not being present. They should have led us” said a source. Even while there are claims that cadres of both the NSCN factions left Zunheboto town from the pressure exerted by the district administration, police and security forces, it was alleged that they “appeared” only after the fracas calmed down. It was also informed that before the public took to ‘storming’ the colony, leaders from both the factions were met with where assurances to leave were reportedly given. (As people gathered, cadres reportedly fired some shots to ‘deter’ the public, it was added). However, in spite of the commitment given by both the factions to leave in the morning, gun fight was reported to have gone on till 12:30 noon, wherein the evacuation was delayed. However, the firing ceased after 12:30 pm and only then the district administration and police could convince the cadres to leave the town. Dobashis and police dropped cadres of both the factions to the outskirts of the town, DC said.
Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, while expressing gratitude to the cadres for ‘respecting’ the call of the district administration and public, attributed the return of normalcy to the crucial role played by the public, especially women folks. Zunheboto Deputy Commissioner also said that considerable properties have been damaged and animals killed in the two days of factional clashes, As public pressure mounted, at least 2 companies of IRB, 2 companies of Assam Rifles, Dobashi and police personnel had a tough time pressurizing cadres of both factions to leave the town. Meanwhile, the police man who was reported killed/missing yesterday in a gunfight is safe and sound. He said that he along with his wife was trapped in their house due to the gunfights. Two grenades were also lopped into his compound but fortunately, he escaped. Also all injured cadres have been admitted in the civil hospital and are reported to be out of danger.
Earlier, when NSCN-IM leaders were met with, they reportedly said they would leave if the NSCN-K leaves too. The leaders asked that they be treated “equally”. In the same vein, Brigadier Nikki of the NSCN-K is reported to have said that the public should treat both the factions “equally” and that he has no grudge and would leave respecting the public’s sentiments.
‘Impoverished thinking’ behind factional feud: Datta The Morung Exoress
Dimapur, Oct 28 (MExN): Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta today said that the turmoil in Zunheboto town is a result of “impoverished thinking” and the violence would have ceased ‘long ago’ had “we been honest to ourselves”.
“Factional clashes and killings are the functions of impoverished thinking. Without a positive mind no society would progress” Governor Datta said addressing the reunion gathering of Shalom Rehabilitation Center at 7th Mile, Dimapur. Referring to the Zunheboto situation he said “I do not know why we are fighting our own brothers. Why are we fighting against each other? Is it politics? The politics of violence has no place in this world. Politics thrive on people’s support. People don’t want violence. They (the NSCNs) are not cross-border enemies or foreign elements but our own brothers. Brothers are fighting against brothers”.
Referring to a recovering addict’s testimony earlier in the programme that “I have to be honest to myself” to face realities of life, Governor Datta urged that this mindset and conviction be acknowledged.
“We have to be honest with ourselves. The situation in Zunheboto would have ceased long back if we had been honest to ourselves. People don’t want violence. We have lost generations. If we had the grace to respect and forgive, so many lives would not have been lost” he reminded.
‘Shalom Reunion 2006’, a gathering for past and present recovering drug addicts was attended by guest of honor Most Rev Jose Mukala, Bishop of Kohima, UNODC project Officer Dr Joyce Angami Prodigals’ Home Director K Ela and Kripa Foundation Director Dr P Ngullie besides well-wishers and citizens of Chumukedima and around. Earlier five separate interactive sessions were held. Among the highlights included testimonies by recovering drug addicts Jaydeep Sharma and Wati, musical performances and others.
Zunheboto public evict NSCN factions Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Oct 28:: Thousands of people of Zunheboto gathered and marched towards Amiphoto Colony, the scene two days of fierce gun battle between the two NSCN rivals and compelled the armed cadres to leave the town...
The were led by led by the Sumi Totimi Hoho,Sumi Kukami Hoho and the also members of the Sumi Hoho. The standoff, which had left two dead and many others injured virtually paralysed normal life in the town as important routes including that of Government Hospital and main state highway were blocked by the NSCN (I-M). Educational institutions were also been affected.
The district administration and security forces had made fervent pleas to both factions to leave but these were ignored.
Enraged by the continuing standoff, the public broke through the barricades of the Deputy Commissioner's residence and proceeded towards Amiphoto Colony in two batches shouting slogans. Several leaders of NGOs including the Sumi Totimi Hoho, Sumi Kukami Hoho and Sumi Hoho led the impromptu rally and met with the commanders of both the factions.
The public asked the cadres to immediately vacate the town and go to the jungles in view of the harvest season approaching examinations of the school children. After much reasoning and deliberations both the factions finally agreed to leave on the condition that none of the factions was allowed to remain. A 60-member armed cadre of the NSCN (K) proceeded towards Shotomi village while members of the NSCN (I-M) cadre left towards Sukhalu Village.
NSCN (K) kilonser (MIP) AZ Jami told Nagaland Post over phone that the plan of the NSCN (K) was to intentionally let the NSCN (IM) men foray inside "our territory" and then give the rival faction a "crushing defeat."
He however said the NSCN (K) men had to vacate the town in deference to the public sentiment and wish. NSCN (K) military spokesman Isak Sumi in a press statement also said "we evacuated Amiphoto Colony just out of love for the people. Since we have been invaded by the alien mercenaries from Manipur we put up our resistance but finally for the sake of the Naga people we finally left the place in order to pave way for normal life to be retained."
Meanwhile, the dead body of the slain NSCN (K) cadre, Kivika killed on Friday, could only be handed over to the family members on Saturday as no one was allowed to proceed towards BOC area where the dead body was kept. (NPN)
Zunheboto Sumi Legislators grateful Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, OCT 28 (NPN): The Zunheboto District Sumi Legislators have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Zunheboto Town women, public leaders and district administration for making all efforts in persuading the NSCN factions to cease the latest factional fight in Zunheboto town.
Minister for Work & Housing Tokheho, on behalf of the Zunheboto District Sumi Legislators, in a press release also appreciated leaders of both the NSCN factions for responding to the call of the people of Zunheboto. Tokheho said the factional clash has affected all aspects of life in Zunheboto, especially the student community whose examinations were drawing near. "The Zunheboto Sumi Legislators would like to appeal to both the NSCN factions to kindly understand the feeling of the people and pursue a better way in the interest of the Nagas," the release added.
Angry mob damages Zunheboto DC’s residence Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Oct 28:: A mob today ransacked the residence of Zunheboto deputy commissioner, C.K. Nihekhu in protest against what they termed the state government’s failure to stop the gunbattle between NSCN factions. The fierce encounter at Amiphoto Colony has been raging since Thursday. Kivigho Chishi, superintendent of police (Zunheboto), said the mob damaged Nihekhu’s bungalow. The state government had set 1 pm as the deadline today for the militants to move out of the locality. But the rebels paid no heed.
Angry residents also vented their anger on NSCN (Isak-Muivah) cadres, but the latter fired several rounds in the air to disperse the crowd.
Inspector general (Range), G.K. Rengma, and DIG (Range), L.L. Doungalsupervised the situation in the town along with the district administration. (Agencies)
NSCN-IM on Zbto standoff The Morung Exoress
Dimapur, Oct 28 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has clarified on the Zunheboto developments following a standoff with its rivals. According to MIP Secretary Shaheni, NSCN-K “renegades” were kept at siege for sometime to “convince them that they as Naga brothers are being misled and on the wrong path and to realize their futility in confronting the GPRN and on humanitarian grounds that they not be victimized by adversaries’ policies to surrender in good spirits”. They were chocked on their life line without even the necessary amenities of survival, stated the NSCN-IM. So in order to avoid “excess human toll” in the confrontation, the NSCN-IM ‘though could have pounded the NSCN-K camp,’ gave an opportunity to them to understand the tolerance of the Naga Army and to spare their lives.
“Following the circumstances and situation developed through this confrontation, the Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto appealed to the GPRN, Naga Army to give safe passage to the Khaplang cadres to which it was consented.
But to our dismay, the Khaplang followers despite being cornered without any other options but to either die or surrender rejected this offer and so they were in the process of being accosted with the reciprocation” the MIP stated. However, in the final moments Sumi Hoho members, public leaders etc intervened and requested the Naga Army field operation commander to spare the NSCN-K cadres on humanitarian grounds to which it was consented. After the assurance and assertion from the public not to shelter or host them in their midst in future, the NSCN-K cadres were allowed to leave at 4:30 pm and permitting them a safe passage up to Sotomi village.
Later on, the NSCN-IM cordoned the camp site of the NSCN-K while one body of a fallen rival cadre and four injured personnel were retrieved by the police in their custody. “It is also to be noted that the assurance given by the concerned that led to the rescue of the obstinate Khaplang cadres that in future any contravention of the given word to avoid hosting of such anti-social elements at hearths, especially in heavily populated areas, the NSCN/GPRN will be impelled to take necessary action on its failure upon the concerned in the future” the NSCN-IM cautioned. It also cautioned Sotomi village against ‘hosting’ the NSCN-K as the village was only permitted for the boundary of escorted evacuation/safe passage guided by the public. Otherwise, the NSCN-IM will intervene ‘from flushing them out’ from all inhabited areas throughout Nagalim, it added.
NSCN (K) on vacating Amiphoto The Morung Exoress
DIMAPUR, OCT 28 (MExN): The NSCN (K) stated that it was “out of love for our people” that they vacated Amiphoto colony, Zunheboto today.
“We were invaded by alien machineries (hired killer) from Manipur. In order to give breathing space to the public we vacated Amiphoto so that public resumes normal life. Wherever it may we will create similar situation and let the GOI and State Government to vacate the habited”, stated Isak Sumi, Military Spokesperson of the NSCN (K) in a press note received here.
The NSCN (K) also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and best wishes for early recovery to their injured soldiers.
Naga leaders, NGOs, Church ‘telling lies’ on Naga issue The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 28 (MExN): The Federal Government of Nagaland today asserted that Naga NGOs, “renegade leaders and “even some church leaders” are “telling lies” on Naga political affairs which is in contrast to the past years when “Nagaland for Christ” sincerely led the people’s aspirations.
“In the past, more than fifty years ago, the Nagas proclaimed ‘Nagaland for Christ’. Therefore many senior leaders of Naga nation took the service 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” according to Lt. Col S Joneo, Chaplain, FGN. However, “renegade leaders”, NGO leaders and “even some church leaders are telling lies on the Naga national affairs” like for instance “Muivah and Isak proudly said they condemned Shillong Accord of 1975, but they scrupulously involved in the Indian elections and how they are heading to accept the fundamental principles of the Indian constitution”, lamented the FGN.
According to the FGN “some NGO leaders and some church leaders” denounced the Accord and the Transit Peace Camp as the main factors for the division and killing among the Nagas today. However they are supporting the peace process of the NSCN-IM which is nothing but selling the rights of the people to India, it stated adding that “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 to the fire.”
The FGN also asserted that public leaders, the church and “renegade leaders” are aware of the Accord and why the killing started “they are intentionally telling lies” which is to say “they are committing greatest sins in the sight of God”. They should rather “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 Canaan”.
The release also stated that on September 22, 2006 four Chakhesangs arrived at Kohima Transit Peace Camp saying that they were sent by the “Holy Spirit of God” to pray for the Naga nation at the camp. They “wonderfully admired that God had done Shillong Accord to save Nagaland like he had divided Red Sea to let Israelites go on the dry land and saved them from the mighty hands of Egyptians and God had given this peace camp to the Nagas to let the Nagas work towards achieving their national goal through peaceful means”.
So also Naga “renegade leaders”, the Church and NGO leaders should “admire and accept God’s wonderful work of 1975” and bring peace. If this is denied more killings among the Nagas will continue, the FGN stated.
NSCN-K Lotha region lauds Jami The Morung Express
Dimapur, Oct 28 (MExN): Following an earlier statement in the ongoing media war between the NSCN-IM and the NSCN-K, the latter stands behind Kilonser AZ Jami as a “a person of God as he had called out Abraham from among the heathens and out of the land of ungodly people”.
According to Libomo Lotha, Secretary, Kilo Affairs, AZ Jami “is a called out person of God” and all Lothas “big and small” enjoyed his blessings. “Out of illiterate and unchristian 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 toppers among the Nagas from Guwahati University when it was the only university in the entire north east India. Had he been from some other Naga tribe he could have been in the zenith of humanly honor and glory” Lotha asserted in a response to a “Lotha IK men” statement. AZ Jami, while he was with the NSCN-IM, maintained good rapport with all leaders of other Naga tribes and that all Lotha cadres “big and small” enjoyed his blessings. Lotha quoted AZ Jami: “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”. The Secretary questioned NSCN-IM Lotha Region if “abusing” and “defaming” Jami “with the meanest words you could invent” would “make you become better and stronger” or that “how the name of AZ Jami has become a terror and hatesome to you”.
Lotha questioned the region “if there is any of you, in whose appointment or promotion, AZ Jami had not given his words and exercised his influence for you”.
Further, Libomo Lotha asserted that it is for “people like you (NSCN-IM Lotha Region), Lothas are always going downwards in every field and not upwards” and due to this mindset there is “not a single motorable road in Wokha district to be reckoned with”.
He stated that the political future of the NSCN-IM Lotha Region is doomed and “where are you heading now”. “If the Lothas considers these groups of people as genuine freedom fighters, as they claimed and pledge their support, then I am afraid that Lothas will surely cut a sorry figure in the annals of Naga national movement” Lotha stated adding that “talking about so many killings, torture of innocent Lothas and extortion or intimidation, Lothas knows who have been and is doing and committing the crimes”.
War in peace Nagaland Post Editorial
When two elephants fight, the ants underneath get trampled, so goes a saying. In the light of the gun battle that has been waging in Zunheboto, normal life has been totally thrown out of gear in the district and in particular the headquarter since several weeks back. The helpless people are left to watch destruction of properties and perpetual danger to their lives. Charges and counter-charges fly between the ruling and opposition parties as much as the vitriolic attacks by the rival factions in the media. With both rival NSCN factions digging in for another showdown in Zunheboto, the state security agencies are literally caught in a dilemma as to what to do. The main problem lies with the unwillingness on the part of the security agencies to use force lest it be construed as a serious violation of the cease fire or so goes the thinking. Whether this is a plea for lack of political will or simply a case of abdicating responsibility is a point of debate. Nevertheless, the people, whether in Zunheboto or Phek or anywhere are totally fed up of the activities of the armed elements who appear to have used the cease fire to regroup, recruit and harass at will. These actions are not peaceful and have clearly shown that the armed elements are not willing to heed to the pleas of the people. Nagas want an end to violence among the factions. It has been nearly ten years since the cease fire with the NSCN(I-M)came into being followed by the other with the NSCN(K)in 2001.Hundreds of people have been killed even after the cease fires came into effect and the toll is rising. Factional violence continues at sporadic intervals as both factions vie for territorial supremacy. Such violent incidents have certainly disturbed public tranquillity and caused apprehension in the minds of the civilians and also raising serious questions about the adherence to the cease fire ground rules by factions. Allegations of political patronisation, serious offences committed by armed cadres, extortion and intimidation etc are issues which do not escape the minds of the public. Every mandated government is supposed to shoulder the responsibility of protecting the life and property of its citizens by guaranteeing that the rule of established law prevails under all circumstances. There is no reason or justification in singing sings paeans over peace amid the wreck and ruins being wrought by those who have scant regard for the basic rights of the people. All warring factions must seriously consider these issues and restrain from actions that negate efforts for peaceful solution to the Naga issue. The Naga people are not convinced by the remorseless propaganda being churned out day after day; the Nagas want to move ahead and not left behind; while the world around them enjoys the fruits of progress. Moving ahead means having to shed old mindsets of bigotry and fatal tribalism. The present situation in Nagaland looks as if there is no one who is either responsible or willing to shoulder responsibility of enforcing the rule; a case of none willing to bell the cat and risk being blamed for breakdown of cease fire. Such a situation bodes ill for the people who had reposed so much hope for return of normalcy.
Public herd away NSCN cadres from Zunheboto Newmai News Network
Kohima, Oct 28: Unwilling to provoke wrath of the people cadres of the NSCN factions holed out in their respective strongholds in Nagaland’s Zunheboto district today left the district headquarters.
Fed up with seeing the two NSCN factions conti-nuing their clashes, thou- sands of citizens came out in the open in Zunheboto district compelling activists of the NSCN-IM and NSCN-K factions, which were engaged in a fierce gun battle for the last few days in Amiphoto Colony of the district, to leave for safer zones.
The standoff, which largely affected normal life of the people in the district, especially Amiphoto Colo-ny, claimed the lives of two cadres besides causing injuries to several others.
During the stand off, the cadres reportedly used rocket launchers, mortars, AK-47, AK-56 and snipers. Earlier, the citizens made several pleas to the district administration and also the State Government to ensure cessation of hostility that had endangered the lives of the people.
But seeing no solution, they on Saturday took to the street to herd out the cadres from the area.
The citizens after damaging the gates of Deputy Commissioner’s official re-sidence proceeded to- wards Amiphoto Colony of the district. Leaders of several Sumi NGOs led the rally and met with the commanders of both the factions. The rallyists then asked the two factions to immediately vacate the areas and leave for the jungles as school examinations and the harvest season were nearing. Later, both the factions agreed to leave the areas
Rally against Assam Rifles ‘excesses’ Sentinel
IMPHAL, Oct 28: A mass rally in protest against the custodial torture of a local man by the Assam Rifles personnel was taken out recently at Koutruk village under Lamsang police station. Around 1000 people of the locality took part in the rally.
He was released after being produced before the duty magistrate by the Patsoi police. Locals quoting the discloser made by the man said that he was rounded up on the night of October 18 by Assam Rifles personnel and kept in their custody for the night and tortured on charges of his being an activists of an underground organization.
The next day, he was brought to Sekmai police for handing over but on seeing his badly deteriorated health condition, the police declined to receive him. After that, on the third day he was again transported to the Lamsang police station. There too the police were reluctant to received him, the locals said. However, the Lamsang police finally agreed to receive him after he was medically checked up by a doctor at a Government hospital. The locals also said that he was badly tortured, there were several bruise marks all over his body. He was given third degree treatment in custody, they said. They also stated that the man in question is innocent and is a cultivator leading a normal life with his family. They strongly condemned the excesses committed by the security personnel towards an innocent without any verification. The mass rally was kick off from a local ground at Koutruk and after following the main road of the village, concluded at the same originating place with a public meeting. The meeting demands befitting punishment to the AR personnel by the concern authorities. It also decided to continue other forms of agitation to pressurize the State Government for justice. (Agencies)
