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11/05/2006: "Statehood was not a sell out, says Jamir The Morung Express"

Statehood was not a sell out, says Jamir The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, NOV 4 (MExN): Former Nagaland Chief Minister and Goa Governor SC Jamir has termed as “juvenile, ridiculous and baseless”, on the several allegations leveled against him by the NSCN (IM) and expressed pain that it was unbecoming of an organization which professes to fight for the cause of the Naga people to issue such blatant lies and concoctions to defame any person.
Pointing out that as an elderly citizen who has been closely associated with almost all the political and historical events of the Naga people in the latter half of the last century till date, Jamir in a press statement issued from Panaji, Goa, reminded the younger generation of Naga leaders at the helm of affairs whether underground or over ground, “that we are all part of the same Naga family”.
“It would not do anyone of us any good if we keep on hurting each other either physically or emotionally. We must realize that the solution to our problems will have to come through the collective wisdom of all sections of the Naga community, and not through any individual or organization or faction”, Jamir stated.
To put the record straight on the various allegations, Jamir began by stating that whether one likes it or not, “Statehood has been one of the best things to have happened to the people of Nagaland thus far and pointed out that it was a result of political foresight of the then Naga leaders and that Statehood “was not a sell out at all, but an achievement of the Naga people”. Jamir also pointed out that Statehood was not the final aspiration of the Naga people as was obvious from the ceasefire agreement of 1964 and the subsequent six rounds of talks at the highest level.
Stating that the concept of Statehood was relatively new to the Naga people at that point of time, the former Chief Minister maintained that the leaders who shouldered the responsibility during that period represented the people and had all resolved to provide the best available opportunities to the Naga people.
Drawing attention to the oft-repeated controversy surrounding the offer made by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to meet AZ Phizo, and how it was alleged that it was Jamir who had blocked this initiative, Jamir pointed out on how he had told Nehru that the proposed meeting should take place in consultation with P. Shilu Ao, the Chief Executive Councilor of Nagaland. “I was and I still am of the firm conviction that New Delhi should consult the State Government before taking any drastic political decision since it would undermine the importance of the fledging State at that point of time”, Jamir affirmed and stated that he was proud that Nehru himself rephrased his statement on the floor of Parliament by saying that he (Nehru) was prepared to meet the Naga leader (Phizo) “in consultation with the Government of Nagaland”.
“Even today, the Government of India cannot bypass the State government while taking any major political decision on the Naga political issue”, Jamir stated and added that the constitutional position of the State government needed to be understood by all concerned.
The former Nagaland Chief Minister also reminded that in this context, he had stated in no uncertain terms in the past that as and when an honourable and final settlement is arrived at between the Government of India and the Naga people, the Congress party and its government would even volunteer to resign to help smooth switching over to the new arrangement.
NSCN(K) working against the aspiration of the Nagas: NSCN(IM) The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 4: The acts and conduct of NSCN, Khaplang group contradicts its claims of working for Naga nationalism, said a statement issued by ministry of information and publicity, government of the people of Nagalim

In a press release, the NSCN (IM) said that the Khaplang group "bring to light their mischievous fight against the aspiration of the Nagas all for their spiteful glory".

NSCN (IM) is undertaking the initiatives to expedite all possible means to find an amicable and honorable political solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue vis-୶is Naga-Burma with a hope to end bloodshed and terrorism in their land, the statement pronounced. It added that the present propagandas and acts with divisive and disruptive objectives clearly unveil the Khaplang group`s agenda `serving as tools of our adversaries to undermine all good-will efforts to our aspirations and to drown the incessant clamoring and desires of the beleaguered Naga people".

The recent bombing at commercial centers, killing innocent Naga citizens including school going children, frisking in highways in full military combat gear and in IRB uniforms, firing indiscriminately in thickly inhabited areas to spread fear psychosis clearly indicated Khaplang`s motives, it said.

The recent disapproval by the Khaplang against the Naga students hailing from the four hills districts of Manipur state from being allowed to appear under the Nagaland Board of School Education, NBSE also uncovers their irrationality and anti-nationalism, NSCN (IM) stated.

NSCN(K) vows to avenge killing of its cadre The Imphal Free Press

Imphal, Nov 4 : The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has taken strong exception to the killing of its cadre allegedly by the NSCN-IM in Nagaland yesterday.

The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region in a press statement today said that one Pehihouheng of Dungki village under Peren district of Nagaland was killed in Samziuram/Jalukie yesterday by the rival faction. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region statement alleged that Pehihouheng was caught while he was on some mission by the cadres of the rival faction and brutally tortured and then killed him. The outfit further stated that the NSCN-IM should not have resorted to such act of brutality if the outffit is a genuine revolutionary group fighting for some exalted cause.

The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region press note then said that all the acts of brutality have been the tactics of the Tangkhuls. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region statement then alleged that educated Nagas who had joined the NSCN-IM have now become just ordinary cadres/sepoys because they are not Tangkhuls.The outfit further stated that only non-Tangkhuls without conviction and without principle have been awarded the posts of kilonsers and other decorated assignments.

The press statement of the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region further alleged that the brain behind all the ugly activities have been the Tangkhuls. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region then pledged that the outfit would take revenge ten times for the killing of its cadre Pehihouheng. The outfit also stated that the call of the NSCN-IM to the Zeliangrong people that there would be recruitments of 2000 NSCN-IM cadres and also that the recruited cadres would be paid salaries is just a bait to lure the Zeliangrong community. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region disclosed that some Zeliangrong boys have already joined after the NSCN-IM`s informations sent to Zeliangrong villages for the recruits.

NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region said that from where the NSCN-IM cadres would be able to pay these 2000 more cadres when the outfit (NSCN-IM) could not even sustain itself with present strength.The outfit urged the Zeliangrong people not to get lured away by the NSCN-IM policy.
Meanwhile, there have been some reshuffles in the portfolios of the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region, according to the press statement of the outfit. N. Wilungbou has been given the post of Chairman-in-Charge of the region, Raguangning is its vice-chairman, Hopeson has taken assignment of finance in-charge while Kamson has become the regional secretary ofthe NSCN-K.
Jamir clarifies on NSCN (IM) allegations The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOV 4 (MExN): Responding to a barrage of allegations made by the NSCN (IM), Goa Governor issued a lengthy clarification to this effect. On allegations that he had written against the visit of the leaders of NSCN (IM) to Nagaland in 1999 when he was the Chief Minister, Jamir clarified that it was in fact his government which advised Delhi to bring the NSCN (IM) leaders to Nagaland to enable them to see the ground situation for themselves. “Therefore, to say that I was against the NSCN (IM) leaders’ coming to Nagaland in 1999 is false, baseless and politically motivated”, he stated.
On the accusations that he was the ‘stumbling block’ to solution of the Naga political problem and the statement of the NSCN (IM) that without him around, solution would hardly take a few months, Jamir stated that for the last three years or so, he had been out of the Nagaland political arena. “If at all I was hindering the political process in any manner when I was in Nagaland, great progress should have been brought about in the last three years after my departure from active politics”, he stated adding that the young leaders seem to be groping in political darkness because they are ignorant of the political events of the last fifty years or so. “Now they have landed in a position where they can neither move forward nor backward, they seem to have found in me a target yet once again”.
Jamir also maintained that nowhere in the booklet “Bedrock of Naga Society” has it been mentioned that Statehood is the final solution to the Naga political problem and pointed out that Statehood was one of the best things to have happened to the Nagas so far” but that it was not the final solution. “It would be far more better if one were to read the booklet and quote from it rather than to put words into the booklet”.
On allegations that he was behind the recent quit notice issued against the Tangkhul community by the NSCN (K), Jamir stated that he failed to understand how any sane person could correlate the Peace Offensive declared in 1995-96 and the quit notice. “Nor do I understand what my visit to Longwa (Mon) or to Chazouba (Phek) have anything to do with the quit notice”, he stated.
Regarding the claim that Rs 103 crore was “secretly channeled to Nagaland to crush the Naga people’s national aspirations on pretext of security measures”, Jamir stated this must be a figment of someone’s imagination because the functioning of any government is transparent in as much as the funds are all budgeted and audited. Jamir also maintained that the claim that he had formulated/consulted with “AZ Jamir and Kughalu Mulatunu” in Goa to issue the quit notice would have been hilarious if not for the gravity of the matter. “The same goes for the claim that I had given 35 motorbikes to the NSCN (K) last month during my birthday celebrations”. Jamir stated that any person capable of making such wild claims should seek medical assistance and desist from making a fool of himself or demean the organization he represents. “I am an honourable citizen of the country. I am a Naga, but I do not belong to any factions. I believe in the Naga political problem but not in factional problems”.
Pointing out that the only good thing these baseless and imaginary allegations have brought is that they have shown the discerning readers that the authors cannot be taken seriously even though they claim to be struggling for the cause of a people. “As an elderly Naga, my only appeal to the Naga people is to learn from history, rectify the mistakes if any and carve out a destination which the future generations can be proud of”, Jamir stated and added that the youngsters who did not experience the atrocities of the past, should respect the sacrifices and contributions of those who steered the destiny of the Naga people thus far. Pointing out that Naga history did not begin with the present, Jamir stated that it evolved and the process of evolution of Naga history should not be distorted to suit one’s interest.
NSCN (K) fumes at cadre's slaying by IM Newmai News Network
Imphal, Nov 4: The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has taken strong exception to the killing of its cadre allegedly by activists of NSCN-IM in Nagaland yesterday. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region in a press statement today said one Pehihouheng of Dungki vil-lage under Peren district of Nagaland was killed in Samziuram/Jalukie yesterday by the rival faction.
The statement alleged that Pehihouheng was caught by cadres of the rival faction, brutally tortured and killed while he (victim) was on some mission.
The outfit further stated that the NSCN-IM should not have resorted to such act of brutality if the outfit is a genuine revolutionary group fighting for some benign causes contending that all such acts of brutality have been the tactics of the Tangkhuls.
It alleged that educated Nagas who joined the NSCN-IM have now become been reduced to ordinary cadres/sepoys because they are not Tangkhuls. The outfit further stated that only non-Tangkhuls without conviction and principle have been awarded the post of kilonsers and other decorated assignments. The statement alleging that Tangkhuls are responsible for all the heinous acts being committed also asserted that the outfit would take revenge ten times for the killing of its cadre Pehihouheng.
The outfit also stated that call of the NSCN-IM to the Zeliangrong people that there would be recruitment of 2000 NSCN-IM cadres and that the recruited cadres would be paid salaries is merely a bait to lure innocent Zeliangrong youths.
The outfit further disclosed that some Zeliangrong boys have already joined after the NSCN-IM’s informations sent to Zeliangrong villages for the recruitment.
The NSCN-K question-ed from where the NSCN-IM would be able to pay these 2000 cadres when the outfit (NSCN-IM) could not even cope with the present strength. The outfit urged the Zeliangrong people not to be lured away by the NSCN (IM)'s carrot and stick policy.
Meanwhile, there have been some reshuffles in the portfolios of the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region, according to the statement. N Wilungbou has been given the post of chairman-in-charge of the region, Raguangning is its vice-chairman, Hopeson has taken assignment of finance in-charge while Kamson has become the regional secretary of the NSCN-K.
Is honeymoon with peace over in Nagaland? Nagarealm.com
Somehow, the northeastern part of India seems to be never in the news radar. The situation in Nagaland seems to be getting complex by the day. Over 4,000 people have fled their houses in Zunheboto district in the state after a gun battle broke out between the rival militant factions — National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak Muivah) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Khaplang).
Reportedly about 160 cadres of NSCN (IM) and about 100 cadres of the NSCN (Kahplang) engaged themselves in a fierce battle using rocket launchers, mortars, AK-47, AK-56 and snipers that killed two Khaplang faction cadres. The situation in Zunheboto was brought to control after leaders of local NGOs of the powerful Sema tribe negotiated with the commanders of the warring factions. Following the negotiations the militants belonging to the two factions vacated their pitched positions in the residential areas of the town. The NSCN (Khaplang) called the retreat as honoring to the wishes of the Naga people.

The recent infighting was a direct fall out of the killing of a senior NSCN (IM) functionary Tatar Hoho by the Khaplang faction that had served quit notice to all Thangkuls living in Nagaland accusing them to be supporter of the IM faction. The threat took a serious turn when the Khaplang faction targeted some persons from Thangkul community following, which both groups attacked each other in different parts of Nagaland and Manipur.

Government of India called this infighting a systematic violation of the ground rules of the ceasefire agreement by both the factions. It had also appealed them to end the battle "peacefully and amicably' failing which it said it reserves the rights to use force to flush out all such militants.

The NSCN (IM) has been accusing New Delhi of tacitly helping the Khaplang faction to weaken their strength. They blamed the Indian army for the supplies of automatic weapons to the Khaplang faction that has led to their recent resurgence. The Indian army has stoutly denied all such allegations. Nagaland is a mountainous state in the northeast of India bordering Myanmar with a population of nearly two million people that are predominantly Christians. Nagas are culturally and ethnically different from the rest of India. They are divided into 32 warring tribes. Nagas till a century ago were ‘Headhunters.’ It was under the British rule and due to the influence of American Baptist missionaries that Naga’s forged a strong sense of nationhood in the 19th century based on common traditions and Christian faith.

The Nagas were the first ethnic group in the northeast to revolt against New Delhi’s rule. Legendary Naga leader Angami Zapu Phizo and his Naga National Council (NNC) on August 14, 1947 asserted that the Nagas were never a part of India and demanded the status of a sovereign nationhood. The NNC in May 1951 demanded a referendum to determine their future as a free nation claiming that 99 percent of the Nags support the idea of the right of self-determination. However, New Delhi summarily rejected their demand that marked the beginning of the long haul of the armed struggle in Nagaland. By 1952, the NNC launched a guerrilla movement, attacking villages and Indian security posts. In 1956, Phizo formed a parallel government called the Naga federal government (NFG) and its armed wing, Naga federal army (NFA). The Indian government in April 1956 launched a military crackdown on Naga insurgents and Phizo sneaked into then East Pakistan and then to London. He led the NNC from there until his death in 1990.

India made efforts to broker peace with the NNC and in 1963 and gave statehood to Nagaland on September 6, 1964. A ceasefire was signed between the Indian government and the NNC. But despite the truce, the Naga rebels continued their offensives that made the government to abrogate the truce in 1969. However by then chinks had appeared in the Naga struggle. Members of the powerful Sema tribe broke away and in 1968 formed the revolutionary government of Nagaland (RGN) led by self-styled ‘General Kaito’. In 1971, India banned three prominent Naga groups; the NNC, NFG and NFA and Indian troops also launched a massive anti-insurgency operation. In 1973 for the first Army action forced the guerrillas to surrender. On August 14, 1973, the RGN, under the leadership of General Zuheto Swu, joined the Indian mainstream and a number of its cadres were inducted into the Border Security Force. Then came the Shillong Accord that was signed on November 11, 1975. The Naga rebels led by Kevi Yally, the younger brother of Phizo, accepted the Indian constitution. However some people within the NNC opposed the accord and prominent among them were T. Muivah, Isak Swu and S. Khaplang.

Muivah was then NNC general secretary and Swu a senior minister. Khaplang, a Burmese Naga, was president of the Eastern Nagaland Revolutionary Council, a wing of the NNC formed to protect Naga interests in Burma.

There was another twist in the Naga tale when the trio of Muivah, Swu and Khaplang decided to sever ties with their parent body and formed the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) in 1980. Swu was made the chairman, Khaplang the vice-chairman and Muivah the general secretary. The NSCN emerged as the most powerful and radical rebel army in Nagaland, sidelining the NNC and NFG. The NSCN-led insurgency became bloody over the years. But soon the NSCN was mired in internal problems, with leaders differing on major policy issues on clan and tribal lines. The NSCN split in 1988 with Khaplang forming a parallel NSCN (Khaplang). By 1992, the two NSCN factions were engaged in a fratricidal war over territorial supremacy. The two Naga rebel groups then signed a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government in 1997. Since then the NSCN (IM) have been engaged in negotiations with the government of India.

The main demand of NSCN-IM is to create a ‘Greater Nagaland’ by uniting 1.2 million Nagas through the unification of Naga-dominated areas in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh states. Nagas second demand is to draft a separate Constitution, independent of the Indian constitution. They are ready to incorporate some important sections of the Indian constitution but would still like to have their own constitution. The government of India has serious objections to both the demands. It’s not in favor of redrawing the boundaries of its northeast states for the territorial unification of Nagaland. The affected states have already rejected to entertain any such idea and there were protests against it in Manipur some time back. The Indian government is also not ready to concede anything thing on sovereignty issue least a separate constitution for Nagaland. India and the NSCN-IM so far have held more than 50 rounds of negotiations in the past nine years but have made no substantial progress in a in a bid to solve one of the oldest disputes in South Asia that has so far claimed more than 25,000 lives. Given the facts and the hard realities on the ground one wonders whether the honeymoon with peace in Nagaland is over. [Syed Ali Mujtaba, indolink] [ Syed Ali Mujtaba is a journalist, based in Chennai, India. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba@yahoo.com ]

Underground hand suspected Nagarealm.com
KOHIMA, NOV03 [NPN] : Though no major through has been made, the state police strongly suspects the involvement of underground cadres in the forcible declaration of a specific winning number of the state weekly lottery draw on October 28 evening.
Police sources did not rule out the involvement of some underground elements with the connivance of some lottery agents in the incident. The ongoing investigation was believed to have learnt that some lottery agents had sold a large number of lottery tickets bearing a particular winning number on the evening of October 28, throwing suspicion of the possible connivance. Meanwhile, at least three persons including two staff of the State Lottery Department have so far been reportedly arrested by the police in connection with the incident.

But the main culprits involved in the incident are still at large and police are on the hunt to nab them. It may be mentioned that two armed miscreants reportedly entered the State Lottery office Draw Hall-B on the evening of October 28 during the 7.15pm online lottery draw (Lucky3 Silicon weekly draw), forcibly selected the number bearing 903 as the winning number and coerced the judges to declare the number as the winning number. The State Lottery department later declared the winning No 903 as null and void and asked the agents and company concerned not to entertain any claims against the number.
Yesterday once more Nagarealm.com
Not surprisingly, the latest round of talks between India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaac-Muivah) have ended without a breakthrough.
The sticking points remain the same — the Naga demand for unification of Naga-inhabited areas in a new state, Nagalim, and special federal arrangements between this entity and India. The Indian side, represented by Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes and interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah, was amenable to a special status, and not more. With this, the New Delhi-NSCN (I-M) talks are once again stuck in replay mode, with the 50 or so peace talks since the ceasefire of 1997 having ended in stalemate.

Clearly, an end to the Naga conflict — one of South Asia’s longest running, which has claimed 25,000 lives — requires imagination and flexibility on both sides. There are two aspects to the Naga demands. One relates to political autonomy and is relatively easy to fulfil. NSCN (I-M), to its credit, has gradually reduced the scope of its demands from independence from India to autonomy within the Indian Union. The Indian government needs to come up with outside-of-the-box solutions that will meet Naga demands without violating the Constitution. The Jammu & Kashmir model could be a good starting point. More complicated, and perhaps impossible to fulfil, is the demand for unification of all so-called Naga areas that are now a part of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur under a single Nagalim. The Nagas have never been a unified and sovereign group. There is little agreement even among the Nagas over who is or is not a Naga, and which areas are Naga ones. Naga nationalism is a work in progress, feeding off anti-India sentiment. For the peace process to move forward, Nagas must accept that Nagalim is not feasible, while New Delhi needs to come up with an acceptable autonomy package. Neither side can expect the other to accept its position, cent per cent. Compromise is the essence of civilised political life. [Hindustantimes]
3665 State students enrol to NBSE Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 04: A staggering 3665 Naga students from Manipur would appear matriculation examinations in Nagaland for which the process of enrolment and filling up of examination forms are on in full swing, claimed general secretary of Naga Students' Federation (BSF) Elu Ndang. Talking to The Sangai Express, Elu Ndang declared that all Naga student bodies have made necessary preparations to exert strong pressure on the Union Government to realise their mission to affiliate all schools in Naga areas of Manipur under the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE).

He further cautioned of massive stir at unprecedented level if the Union Government fail to honour the aspirations of Naga students. NSF, ANSAM and other Naga student bodies would press their points and urge the Union Government particularly Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh to resolve the issue of school affiliation according to the aspiration of Naga students. Elu conveyed that the HRD Minister had already forwarded the matter to the Prime Minister for his justified opinion.

To press home the validity and urgency of their points and arguments upon central leaders, the Naga student leaders would most probably lobby at the national capital in the last week of November. However, no definite date has been set as yet, disclosed Elu.

The NSF general secretary observed, "If the Union Government fails to concede to our legitimate demands then we have no other alternative other than launch different forms of intense stir". Stating that Nagaland Government is quite supportive towards the move to affiliate all schools in Naga areas of Manipur under the NBSE and has been extending unstinted cooperation in the campaign, the NSF leader noted that the only impediment delaying resolution of the issue is the official approval from the Centre.

Responding to a question, Elu Ndang said NSF would extend all possible cooperation to all Naga students of Manipur who wish to give their matriculation examinations in Nagaland under the NBSE in terms of their accommodation and transportation. It is pertinent to mention here that a large number of school text books prescribed by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur were consigned to flames in the district headquarters of Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel some time back as part of the campaign to affiliate school in these districts under the NBSE. The next step in the campaign covered ban on sale of Manipuri films and music cassettes in these districts. Moreover, some Govt schools buildings were vandalised in these districts after the decision of the State Government to make educational certificates issued by schools affiliated to NBSE invalid in Manipur. All the while, the State Government has been maintaining that the campaign to affiliate schools located in Manipur under NBSE as politically motivated and carried out at the behest of NSCN (IM) as a part of its long standing agenda for greater Nagaland. On the other hand, the Central leaders have been refusing to intervene in the issue saying that education is a State subject.
NSC-IM responds to NSCN-K on affiliation The Morung Express
Dimapur, Nov 4 (MExN): The NSCM-IM has questioned the NSCN-K’s censure of students from the Naga-dominated Hill districts being allowed to appear examinations under the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and has termed the opposition as “irrationality and anti-nationalism”. “The very recent disapproval by the Khaplangs against Naga students hailing from the four hills districts of the present Indian Manipur state from being allowed to appear under the NBSE also uncovers their irrationality and anti-nationalism. These Naga students who are being imposed to study the Meitei scripts invented in recent times, syllabi of the Meitei history wherein Naga people’s history is excluded poses a threat to the Naga identity” stated a MIP/GPRN release. It stated that initiatives by Naga student bodies and civil societies to ‘rescue’ the Naga students who are ‘caught in the web of the unresolved school affiliation imbroglio and their educational careers imperiled’ are to be reflected upon by all Nagas humanly in the spirit of brotherhood.
“Do not our children pursue their education at Shillong, Delhi, Guwahati etc? Do they deprive the students’ community there in their respective institutes of their privileges by studying with them? Or instances of availing scholarships which are borne by the state’s exchequer but according to the deserving students listed by the state and sent to the Human Resource Development Department Delhi for allocation?” the NSCN-IM queried. It maintained that the seats or other privileges extended by the Indian government to their states ‘will continue to come from them’ “but it is not us who will be depriving each other of any privileges or facilities”. The NSCN-IM asserted that the incitement of negative perception to spread distrust and division by adverse forces should not sway “our rationality and divert our attention from serious political issues at hand”. “The Naga people should not succumb to this divisive and ‘deviational elements’ aimed at hijacking our aspired national cause to live as an integrated people securing our unique identity from external invasions” the releases stated.
Nagaland trying to revive rural tourism The Morung Express
BENREU (PEREN), NOV 4 (NDTV): After a break of 56 years, a Naga village last week revived the centuries old tradition of gate pulling as their own way of getting on the world tourist map.
Sixty young men from Benrue village in Nagaland’s Peren district carved out of a single tree trunk, a massive gate, which will be placed at the entrance of the village, is symbolic.
It represents security not only for the villagers but any visitor who seeks shelter in the village.
The Mt Pauna Tourist centre is named after the third highest mountain in Nagaland located in this area.
Governor Shyamal Datta gesturing to MLA Vatsu Meru at Benreu village during the recent inauguration of Mount Pauna Tourist village. Others in the picture include Nagaland Speaker (extreme left) and Tourism Commissioner (extreme right).
Benreu village, which has just been declared a tourist centre, found no better way to mark the occasion.
“We are now making the community manage this infrastructure. We cut down on overhead expenses and at the same time bring out the best in the community and provide training. The idea is to get them to become confident to manage this kind of a resort,” said Khekiye Sema, Tourism Commissioner.

Uphold rituals
Benreu’s villagers have realized that their future lies in the past, though most of them are Christians, the religious tradition of animism is being kept alive for the tourists to come and see.
“The village has decided that it will uphold the beliefs and rituals observed by the non-believers in major affairs of the village for as long as even one person continues to practice the old way,” said Ngiambe, a villager.
Despite efforts, tourism hasn’t really taken off in Nagaland. Last year, domestic and foreign tourists totaled a paltry 3000. But all of them gave rural tourism the thumbs up after visiting three village tourist centres promoted by the Nagaland government in the last few years. Benreu is the fourth village dedicated to rural tourism and is confident it will cash in on the tourist boom, but whenever it comes.
The gate will be put in its righful place in a few days and any visitor who passes through these gates becomes the honored guest and responsibility of the entire village.
It is this factor that the government of Nagaland is banking upon to promote tourism in Nagaland.
NSCN (I-M) statement- Nagaland Post Opinion
Similar to the maxim 'Empty vessel makes much noise' tall claims by Khaplang cadres abounds. But uncivilized times when body counts were considered a victory is of the past. The civilized aspect of victory through diplomacy with the least casualty has dawned in this sea where the attitude and ways of yore are disdained. Khaplang pawns continue persistently with misleading and unfounded claims on the events of confrontation with the Naga Army but all in vain. For the people have distinguish the savage and its ways are well established. The Zunheboto incident manifesto the heroic claims of heroes, who shat and urinated in their beds and hearths lavishly, waiting for the women and their folks to come to their rescue from their now evicted camp. It is when one witnesses our heroes' sign of presence that is filled with full of human excrements and the stench of piss aroma, you will know that they came and left in heroic spirits.
The Naga Army cannot perform heroic feats like them (Khaplang) who left behind their fallen comrade and four other injured at the site of encounter. The Naga Army strictly abides by our code of conduct and is committed to respect all the fallen and the injured with all military honours, either comrades or foes. For our patriots and heroes have no categorizations in the Naga Army and the martyrs are hailed and condoled, and their sacrifices remembered and recorded down our history. But to profess and back up their false savaged claims, always their count is high and word 'Alee command of the dead' is inserted to their heroic claims. To be more accurate, with the people to be the witnesses remain the facts and the truth to learn. The story goes on and or but to our loss and dismay, for all turmoil hatched by our heroes further widens the rift amongst ourselves. Least realizing the shame and loss we inflict on ourselves, we smear our image by propagating vulgar, dirty, cheap and false allegations and distorted assertions with the hope to win the deceptive victory designed by our adversaries to crush our aspirations. Why don't we sensibly retrospect and introspect ourselves before we are bled to death by the plot of our foes? We should restrain ourselves from ugly language, attitudes and deeds not to demean the Naga people's image. With our national principles and aspirations uncompromised, we have to collectively seek beneficial ways instead of capitulating to self inflicting cheap approaches.
Issued by: Joseph S.O. MIP : GPRN. NSCN (IM)
Operation freedom- Nagaland Post Opinion
Under operation freedom jointly carried out by the combined forces of the Eastern Command, Naga and the Southern Command, Naga Army, Federal Government of Nagaland, this statement is hereby released to the Naga general public. The mission of operation freedom to liberate our people from the clutches of terrorists and restore the democratic life of our people, the NSCN (IM) camp at Phek district was raided upon by our forces from 5th Sep. 2006 and it was overran on the 8th Sept. 2006 after inflicting severe destruction and casualties on them. This was followed by the attack on their camp at Iphonumi in Zunheboto district on 25th Sept. 2006 where materials were seized from them. The third encounter took place at Cesezu village on the 3rd Oct. 2006 in which sadly Sgt. Hangtai Khiamniungan was killed.
From the 25th to 27th Oct. 2006, under the command of Capt. Kusai our force assisted the NSCN (K) cadres at Zunheboto which is in consistency with the declared understanding of carrying out joint defense by the FGN and the NSCN (K). In the largest encounter with the NSCN (IM) terrorists at Sukhai village in Zunheboto district on the 30th Oct. 2006, it was very unfortunate for us where Lieut. Vepora Chakhesang and L/Corpl. Pongom Khiamniungan were killed and another soldier suffered minor injuries. In all these missions we factually release our reports which is in tradition of our people. The dead are not hidden but sent to the native homes to be laid in eternal rest which is the tradition of our people even from the times of head hunting days.
However, it is perplexing that the NSCN (IM) takes extra and special measures to hide the facts. ON enquiry of the parents, it is reported that the parents are told that the missing sons and daughters are sent on Alee command (Foreign Mission). Let the Nagas know that in the NSCN (IM) fold, even a Private Tangkhul soldier enjoys much more privileges than other Nagas. A Tangkhul dead Pte soldier will be usually sent him with such conceivable honours. What happen to the other Nagas in the NSCN (IM) fold even in the case of death?
To state the matters as they were, at the site of clashes and its surrounding areas, temporary tombs are later on found by the public. On excavation the unidentifiable skeletal remains of the death where all the bones of the limbs are intentionally broken are found. This exposes the method by which their dead comrades are hastily packed in gunny bags and buried temporarily to avoid publicity and factual exposure. This is not Naga tradition but an alien culture and practice which the NSCN (IM) group is introducing in our land today to establish their supremacy by destroying the heritage of our people. We pity the dead, but for the living and their write ups, I express my wonder whether all the dead in our present encounters are also sent in Alee Command, and that perhaps the NSCN (IM) would be able to recall them to life to be united with their respect families.
Col. Sishu Theba, Joint Commander, Operation Freedom, FGN
Full support for Naga integration N. Awangbou The Morung Express In Focus
Many attempts were made by the Indian Government for the last sixty years to suppress the Naga freedom movement through military means but never borne fruit. These futile attempts made them realized now that the Naga problem is a political one and therefore it can never be solved militarily.
Though slow, the wheel of peace process is moving forward. Results are not expected overnight since it is a complex issue. Today, the uniqueness of Naga history has been acknowledged by the Indian government and based on this promise, an honourable solution is at sight. In the process of the Naga struggle for a lasting political solution they have passed through untold miseries but the mindset of the Nagas is still, “No retreat no surrender”.
Decades of bloods and tears left an indelible imprint on the minds of the Nagas and today the Nagas desire a real peace. But to achieve this goal the unification of the Nagas is a key issue. Solution without unification is no solution at all. Therefore, lasting peace and unification are inter-related. It must be understood that talks and agreement in the past had failed because of this key factor. This mistake must not be allowed to repeat and if the Indian government is genuine and sincere enough in its approach, it must understand that integration of the Naga areas is a pre-requisite to Naga solution.
The Naga apex social organizations call for affiliation of all private schools in Naga areas in Manipur to NBSE is a positive step. It is a step to fulfill the Nagas’ desire to dwell together. Integration should be an instrument ushering an atmosphere of reunion among all sections of Naga society. There cannot be a true integration without bringing the students community together. Besides, the NBSE syllabus is simpler and according to the standard of the students. The BSEM has become an avenue where educationists demonstrated their skill in setting questions forgetting which class they were setting for!
The poor tribal students who could not afford to go for an extra tuition were left with no choice but to struggle with all their might for just a simple pass. This attitude of the BSEM made the poor tribal students in Manipur helpless and frustrated.
In the context of our neighbours, the Nagas harbour only goodwill and forbearance. Nagas’ outlook requires that all live and continue to live peacefully as good neighbour. Age-old socio-economic and traditional ties among the neighbours must not break but must continue even if the boundary lines are redrawn. The Nagas seek to unify only those areas which they have been living since time immemorial and not an inch more. The desire of a divided people to live together is nothing wrong but a natural basic human instinct as the Psalmnist says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!..”Psalm.134. To live together under one administrative unit has been a fervent prayer of all the Nags for centuries. It is everyone’s desire to live freely without any exploitation from any corner. There must be a mutual respect for each other and the aspirations of one’s neighbuors should not be suppress unjustly. The demand of unification is legitimate as the Nagas were living in their own ancestral land and never covet any land of its neighbours. Therefore the aspiration of the Naga’s must be understood and respected. At this crucial juncture, as a social worker, I’m fully in support of the integration of all Naga areas in one administrative unit and I pledge to work towards strengthening the peace process and to find a lasting solution. I will also fully abide by the directives and calls made by the United Naga Council (UNC) and also work for the welfare of the tribal community.
The writer is intending candidate 9th Manipur General Assembly Election, 52 Assembly Constituency, Tamei
Establishing Truth The Morung Express Editorial
The controversy surrounding the conduct of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) from Nagaland doing anti-Naxal duty in the jungles of Bastar in Chhattisgarh has now pitted civil liberty/human rights groups against the State establishment. It therefore comes as no surprise that such rights group are branded as nothing more than mere ‘propaganda tools’ working at the behest of the left-wing extremists. Continuing in this tradition, the latest mouthpiece is none other than the Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh who has once again conveniently portrayed the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) Chhattisgarh as a larger propaganda campaign against the Salwa Judum (peace march), described by the DGP as a “social movement launched by the tribals of Bastar against the Naxalites/Maoists”.
But then credit must be given to the DGP for having suggested that the Government of Nagaland consider sending a team of journalists from Nagaland to Bastar where they can ‘visit freely and evaluate the ground realities and clearly differentiate between fact and fiction’. The only problem to such a noble gesture is firstly, whether the Nagaland government will be serious enough to even consider sending independent observers (journalists). For the manner in which the police establishment and the Home Ministry in Nagaland have been behaving ever since the deployment of the Naga battalion in Chhattisgarh i.e. hides information, sending journalists from Nagaland is certainly not a wise option for the establishment here.
The other problem with this offer by the Chhattisgarh DGP is simply put, his own diminishing credibility in the eyes of the public and judiciary. The DGP may keep announcing that such ‘propaganda’ is an old tactic that the Naxalites/Maoists have used against the Chhattisgarh police, CRPF, BSF, Naga IRB etc. But coming from an officer whose own record does not speak much of his credibility, the Naga public may well have to be cautious and separate the fact from fiction of what the DGP has recently stated. It is also disappointing that the DGP in his refutation to allegations of atrocities committed by Naga IRB jawans did not address the issue but rather went on extolling the jawan’s professionalism. The Naga public certainly does not need to know about the capability of its jawans as every one here knows that they are second to none when it comes to proving themselves as expert guerilla fighters. The statement from the DGP therefore appears to be nothing but a face saving public relation exercise and to ensure that he can keep the Naga IRB boys well grounded to fulfill his mission of defeating the Naxalite inside the deep, hitherto inaccessible jungles of Bastar, which obviously the non-Naga forces are not up to the task.
As for the response of the Nagaland government, both the Chief Minister and his Home Minister should have taken a more serious view of the allegations. In fact going by their statements made in the media, both appear to be nonchalant. Rather than run from the issue, the truth must be established. But this cannot be accomplished merely by swallowing what the DGP has to feed (the plenty of accolades for the Naga jawans). If the Nagaland government is so confident (as it has clearly stated) of the innocence of the Naga IRB jawans, it should have no reservation in appointing an independent fact finding team to clear this ‘air of controversy’ once and for all. Whether, the State government is up to the challenge will decide the truth or lie of the present establishment.
Boro body’s concern over NDFB talks By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 4 – The All Boro Peace Forum (ABPF) has expressed concern that the Bodo peace process has not progressed an inch despite the fact that the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) has been on a ceasefire for more than a year. Pointing out that the actual process of political dialogue has not even started, the Forum said it is an example of utter negligence and lack of sincerity on the part of the Government of India.

ABPF advisor Bhramon Baglari said in a statement here that the Centre should not take for granted that peace has returned to the heart of Boroland through the creation of the Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD), “which is nothing but an insult to the entire Boro people who are the sons of the soil of Asom.” He said the indigenous Boro people, who have been living here on their own land since time immemorial, have been made rootless and disintegrated by the present BTAD Act under the amended Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

“This Act, that provides for the creation of a mere district council can never be a solution to the Boro problem. Rather it should be scrapped forthwith for the safety and security of the indigenous Boro people and a new political solution through political talk with the NDFB should be brought up in no time to restore peace and normalcy in the state of Asom,” said Baglari.

Baglari said the Centre has time and again been calling upon the different underground groups in the region to resolve the different issues through peaceful political dialogue and consequently almost a dozen ethnic underground outfits have come forward for political dialogue after declaring ceasefire. But not a single issue concerning the different ethnic groups has been resolved by the Government of India.

He pointed out that the Indo-Naga political dialogue started in 1997 but there has been no solution in sight due to the lack of sincerity on the part of the Government of India.

HNA defers ‘quit notice’ to Meiteis From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Nov 4 – The Hmar National Army, armed wing of Hmar National Assembly, responding to the appeal by Churachandpur-based civil societies, has decided to defer the ‘quit notice’ served to the majority Meitei community in Manipur.

The 45-day deadline lapsed on Thursday without any positive response from the government.

Stating this in a press statement, the HNA said it will give peace another chance respecting the sentiments and desires of the public.

Conference on good governance concludes Assam Tribune
DIMAPUR, Nov 4 – A two-day regional conference on fostering good governance organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India, concluded yesterday at Chumukedema in Nagaland. Inaugurating the conference, Governor of Nagaland, Shyamal Dutta cited examples from his past experience of working as bureaucrat where the main task of administration was to control almost all aspects of public lives. But as the things have changed, and are changing at a rapid pace after liberalisation and globalisation, the main task of the government is that of a facilitator, rather than that of controller or regulator, he said. The Governor exhorted the people of North East to develop knowledge, skills and competence to effectively take part in the global economy. He said the ‘Look East’ policy of Government of India can only work when Eastern part of India can look at North East with trust and confidence. He said that the need of the hour is the participation of men and women with dreams, rather than of memories, as people with dreams are futuristic and generate hope around them, while people with memories create despair.
Eight killed in two blasts in Guwahati By IANS
Guwahati, Nov 5 (IANS) At least eight people were killed and more than a dozen wounded in two blasts in Assam's main city Guwahati Sunday evening, police said.
The first explosion took place in Fancy Bazaar in the centre of the city at 6.45 p.m., killing three people on the spot while two more succumbed to their injuries on way to hospital, police said.
The blast left at least a dozen shoppers and traders injured. About 15 minutes later, another blast took place at Pathar Kuwari locality on the outskirts of the city. The second blast claimed three lives.
Sharmila`s protest fast completes six years, Lup planning rallies The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Nov 4: Manipur government is holding consultations with the concerned authorities of the Union government as well as Delhi government to bring back Irom Sharmila from New Delhi to Imphal. Today state chief minister held meeting with the concern Central ministers as well as with ministers of Delhi government and discussed the matter, an official source said here.

Meanwhile, Sharmila would be completing sthe sixth year of her fast unto death stir tomorrow. On the occasion, the Working Committee of Apunba Lup is planning to hold a meeting at BOAT as also torch rallies at various places in the state in the evening to mark the completion of six year of her fasting. The state government has decided to deploy armed security personnel as part of security measures in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents during the proposed torch rally. Official source here said that after the official level meeting on November 1 last, ministerial level meeting was held today at New Delhi to discuss the evacuation of Sharmila to Imphal from the national Capital. In the meeting with the concerned ministers of union government and Delhi government, state chief minister, O Ibobi Singh was assisted by state chief secretary, Jarnail Singh and additional chief secretary, AE Ahmed, who is also the looking after the charge of principal secretary home, the source disclosed.

Mention may be made that state additional chief secretary along with state DPG AK Parashar had on November 1 last held meetings with officials of the MHA and Delhi police chief and discussed the legal procedures for bringing back Sharmila to the state. Even though the source declined to disclose details of the outcome of the official level meeting, the ministerial level meeting held today was the follow up of the last meeting. State chief minister along with state chief secretary and additional chief secretary had left Imphal yesterday for national capital.

The Working Committee of the Apunba Lup, WCAL, in the meantime, is planning to hold a meeting at BOAT tomorrow afternoon to the mark the completion of 6 years of fasting by Irom Sharmila for the repeal of Armed Forces Special Act, 1958. The Lup is also planning to organise torch rallies at various places on the night of the same day. Official source said that armed personnel will be deployed at various selected points in order to maintain law and order and also to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the rally. Armed police will be deployed at various points to stop and disperse the rallies.They will be under the command of top ranking police officers of district level, source said. For the Imphal west police, armed police personnel will be deployed at Singh and Co, Moirankhom, Keishampat bridge western side, Khoyanthong on NH-39, western side of Sanjenthong, southern side of Raj Bhavan (outside the Raj Bhavan), Nitaipat Chuthek near southern gate of Raj Bhavan and CM`s bungalow and general Post Office, Imphal. Barricades will also be put at the said points apart from detailing women police personnel with the armed police. Personnel of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th IRB and 7th battalion MR will also be conducting mobile patrol in their areas responsibilities for maintaining law and order as per circular of the state DGP on 08-08-2006, source said.

Their task is to stop and disperse the rally proceeding towards Imphal city and silent zone areas.
Apart from this, six mobiles of Imphal west police commando and reserved line, Imphal west will carry out patrolling in and around the Imphal areas. All the officer-in charge of police station in Imphal west district and Imphal east district has been instructed to take up security measures and pass situation reports about their respective areas of jurisdiction to their respective control rooms at district head quarters, source said. District magistrate, Imphal west has been requested to detail executive magistrates at locations were armed police are deployed for magisterial duty.

Imphal west district police has also informed the director, fire service, Manipur to keep four fire tenders with crew in front of Imphal police station, Singh and Co. Moirangkhom, Keishampat bridge and southern gate of Raj Bhavan from 6 pm of tomorrow.

NCP pledges to remove AFSPA The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 3: The Nationalist Congress Party, NCP will bring peace in the state and remove AFSPA, if it is voted to power in the coming election. This was stated by the NCP Manipur president Radhabinod Koijam while inaugurating a new office of the party at Thaingmciband Kabarambam Leikai today. He also pledged that NCP will work in favour of the people and protect the territorial boundary and identity of Manipur.

Stating that election is knocking at the door and NCP is born to serve Manipur, he called upon the party workers to work hard instead of mere talks like other parties. Calling Manipur has become almost a land of "pressures" he said to begin something here is as good as teasing on a graveyard or crematorium. Referring to his silence for long, Radhabinod said that it doesn’t mean he has been out of the game rather it was a silent prayer for the people of Manipur who have been bearing the pain of AFSPA, non-governance, frequent bandh and dharnas.
“These whimsical and violent actions cause direct as well as collateral damage. Every group claims to fight for its own identity either in the form of demanding sovereignty or statehood,” states a defence release.
‘Insecurity gives way to insurgency problems in NE’ Sentinel
KOHIMA, Nov 4: Mutual distrust, fear of exploitation and insecurity among the ethnic tribes of the conflict-ridden North Eastern states have led to mushrooming of various armed outfits.
Stating this, a Defence release here said of the eight sister states, Arunachal Pradesh is only peaceful. But other states are conflict-ridden despite elected governments.
It said out of the three major states like Asom, Nagaland and Manipur, Asom had been ruled by martial race of Ahoms for almost 600 years. The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is the largest militant organisation in the state. Formation of the PCG (People's Consultative Group) on September 7, 2005, initiation of peace process between the Union Government and the ULFA and the outfit's pronouncement to exercise restraint in reciprocation of the Army's announcement before 59th Independence Day had sent waves of optimism. It said, ''Between September 8, 2005, and June, 2006, the outfit has triggered 52 bomb blasts killing at least 41 civilians and injuring another 135.'' In ten days preceding New Delhi's truce announcement, the ULFA had launched several grenade and bomb blasts killing a dozen of people and injuring another 40, it said.
It further said recently Black Widow Group of Dima Halam Daoga (DHD) killed 13 North East Frontier Railway staff in South Assam, besides other damages. Extension of almost a decade-old peace process in Nagaland had been welcomed by the people. This process has led to discernible progress, prosperity and good governance in Nagaland. Although there was peace between security forces and two major groups of NSCN, but still there was no peace, it added.
The release said the presumed aim is increased influence and territorial control, which had led to a large number of inter-factional killings besides collateral killings and injuring innocents, damage and destruction of property and creating tension.
Recent killing of a minor boy Inato Sumi, injuring his aunt in Zunheboto, killing of Shimmie Shinuisuis, a Tangkhul youth and a police official Hovizol in Kohima are few examples.
The state of Manipur has almost two dozen outfits irrespective of the size. UNLF, PREPAK, KYKL, Kuki outfits are some of the organisations. All these outfits indulge, extortion for wealth gains; inter-factional clashes or clashes with the Security Forces aimed at either retaining control or influence over a small territory. Killing of minor Suryakanta Singh, Meira Paibi leader T. Menaka Devi. Issue of diktat to Naoram Basanta of Kakching by UNLF and extortion note to a Cabinet Minister by KYKL are some of the recent examples.
These whimsical and violent actions cause direct as well as collateral damage. Every group claims to fight for its own identity either in the form of demanding sovereignty or statehood.
The release said violence is wide spread, which include intimidation, extortion, killing, destruction and it needs to be understood in its physical and psychological nature.
Physical effects of violence are killings and destruction of property and psychological effects is trauma and stress disorder called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it said.
''Some of the physical effects can be restored at a cost, time and effort, but loss of life cannot be. PTSD affects infants, young and old alike with varying degrees. It further said, “We need to ponder over certain issues like what cause are we fighting for? Is the cause affecting only few with vested interests or the society at large? The region is yet to find answer to these questions.
“However, there seems to be a silver streak on the horizon when 809 BRU militant have laid down arms, to join the main stream besides Kuki outfits signing Geneva Accord, not to use Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and hope that more will follow the suit.” UNI