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02/21/2007: "Naga tribes flex muscle in Indian state election FEATURE Reuters By Y.P. Rajesh"

Naga tribes flex muscle in Indian state election FEATURE Reuters By Y.P. Rajesh
SENAPATI, India, Feb 7 (Reuters) - A powerful rebel group in India's troubled northeast is using its muscle to influence state elections this month, in an attempt to boost its campaign for a separate homeland for the Naga tribes. The United Naga Council (UNC), widely seen as a mouthpiece for the rebels, has ordered Nagas not to affiliate themselves with any political parties in elections in the remote state of Manipur, accusing the parties of ignoring the "Naga cause". The result is a slew of independent and often pro-rebel candidates in Naga-dominated parts of the state, in what is seen as a victory for the rebels and a fresh threat to the stability of the region.
"The fact that very few candidates sought party nominations shows that there was voluntary acceptance of the UNC wish," said Prem Singh, the top election official in Senapati district, the hub of Naga politics in the hills of Manipur. "Or perhaps, it was due to fear or coercion."

Ahead of the three-stage vote which begins on Thursday, the council also ran advertisements in local newspapers indicating who Nagas should vote for. A few Nagas who dared seek mainstream party nominations were prevented from campaigning and their workers threatened with violence, authorities and candidates said. The UNC's aim: to generate fresh momentum in support of a decades-old demand for a new state comprising all Naga-dominated areas in the northeast, a so-called "Greater Nagaland" to include the present Nagaland and large swathes of other states. A third of the 3-million-strong tribe live in neighbouring Manipur, mostly in its hills, and two other northeastern states.
But Manipuris in the plains strongly oppose losing territory to a "Greater Nagaland" and the conflict provoked bloody riots in the state in 2002. Land disputes also led to clashes between Nagas and the Kuki tribe in the 1990s. "The UNC has taken charge of the vote in the hills," said Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of Manipur's Imphal Free Press daily. "They are not a political party and they are setting up proxies to do their bidding in the assembly, and that can create havoc."

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) NSCN (I-M) rebel group refused to speak on record. But a top leader said they were hoping their candidates -- standing as independents -- would win 11 seats in the 60-member Manipur assembly and "play a major role". The Naga rebellion is India's oldest insurgency, a 60-year revolt in which tens of thousands were killed in Nagaland before a truce was declared in 1997. Negotiations with New Delhi have made little progress since then.
FEAR OF CHAOS In the plains of Manipur, protecting the state's "territorial integrity" has become a catch-phrase in this month's election campaign. Analysts say that any new attempt by Naga legislators to raise their demands in the state assembly would inflame passions. Peace in Manipur -- a revolt-torn state of 2.6 million people far removed from India's mainstream -- is considered crucial to boost development and unlock the potential of the country's northeast, New Delhi's gateway to ASEAN. Attempts to reach UNC leaders proved futile as the group's main office in Senapati had been shut down and its chief, Paul Leo, was incommunicado.

Workers of mainstream political parties in Manipur's hills said there was widespread fear in a region where every third Naga is suspected of owning an AK-47 rifle. "The situation is very tense," says Dominic, a member of India's ruling Congress party in Senapati who refused to give his second name due to fear of the UNC. "There are very clear instructions from them on whom to vote and very clear threats of what will happen if disobeyed," he said before disappearing into a narrow alley in the dusty hill town. Thousands of troops have been deployed to ensure a fair vote. But that has failed to discourage the rebels. "We are going to push our agenda more strongly than ever," the top NSCN (I-M) leader said. "Our silence itself is a message to the electorate." (Additional reporting by Biswajyoti Das in Guwahati)
NSCN (K) bans candidates from contesting Newmai News Network
Imphal The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has banned all the candidates in the Tamenglong Assembly Constituency from contesting in the ensuing Manipur Legislative Assembly Election.
The Zeliangrong Region of the NSCN-K has said that it has decided to boycott the Assembly election in the Tamenglong A/C alone because the rival NSCN-IM has ruled the roost in the constituency by carrying out all sort of dictatorial activities. It urged all the voters not to turn out on Election Day. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region while giving reasons for its latest move, has said that Independent candidate Khangthuanang Pammei was made to sign under duress with regard to its alleged apology done before the NSCN-IM kilo-kilonser. It added that the purported apology note of Khangthuanang appeared in the local newspapers issued by the NSCN-IM was nothing but apology note made by the NSCN-IM and forced the candidate in question to sign on it under the barrel of guns.
“Who is a Zeliangrong and who is not a Zeliangrong?” question the NSCN-K statement adding, “Is Samuel Jendai alone a Zeliangrong and not the rest of the candidates in the Tamenglong A/C?”. The NSCN-K Zeliangrong Region questioned as to why the NSCN-IM and the UNC campaign only for Samuel Jendai. Adding that if at all to ban then ask all the candidates to withdraw from their candidatures but singling out a candidate to stop from the fray is not acceptable to the Zeliangrong people. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region also ridiculed the commonly used term of “ blessing of the UNC or the NSCN-IM”.
It said that only God can bestow blessings and curses and no one else. “If the NSCN-(IM) and the UNC can give the blessings, point out the person in the NSCN-IM and the UNC and we will not hesitate to go and start worshipping right away”, said the statement. The statement of the Khaplang faction of the NSCN, Zeliangrong Region also accused Samuel Jendai, a consensus candidate of the UNC of bribing the NSCN-IM and the UNC leaders with lakhs of rupees. Further lambasting the rival faction, the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region alleged that several NSCN-IM kilonsers and its military leaders are now camping in the Tamei Assembly Constituency intimidating and threatening the public under the barrels of AK-47s to vote only for N. Awangbow.
The NSCN-K also said that the govt. of India and the NSCN-IM are now openly working together “which is why the Indian security forces failed to do anything even as the NSCN-IM cadres are carrying out unlawful activities right under the nose of the Indian security forces”.
The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region further alleged that the govt. of India has been supplying rejected bullets to its security forces if the latter is to be posted in the area where NSCN-IM cadres operate. “Seeing all these pretentious activities of the NSCN-IM and the security forces, we do not want the activities of any Indian agency in the Zeliangrong Region and we want to live as before where the Zeliangrong community lived happily with extreme cordiality among the community”, said the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region. Adding that “We do not want MLAs, MPs or DCs in our land, we just want to live as Zeliangrong people”
NSCN-IM for positive debate, reconciliation and forgiveness The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 20 (MExN): The NSCN-IM is of the view that ‘non-issues’ should not be given attention but rather “healthy debate” related to the Nagas’ political agenda.
“We should not continue negative deliberations on non-issues but promote healthy positive debates related to the Naga national political agenda through which beneficial results for all of us can be expedited” stated a MIP note from the NSCN-IM. “Unless we erase the negative apprehensions but continue to foment hatred in-within by permeating communalism and negative criticisms, all reconciliation, unity and peace efforts will be futile” it reminded. “If we continue to prevail in internal strife of tribalism, factionalism, dissent and other divisive tendencies, we and our future generations will be bogged down in the chasm of deprivations and obstructions of live” the NSCN-IM stated and reminded that this “will all be due to our insanity”. The NSCN-IM on these called to “realize our mistakes” and take the “right path” with reconciliation and forgiveness “instead of languishing in our narrow egotisms”.
However, it also a word for the NSCN-K – namely the recent “thanking of Imkong” for a “contribution” of Rs 5 lakhs made by the CLP chief. The MIP termed this as ‘travesty’. The note also mentioned “sponsoring Rs 50 lakhs to the Meiteis, Mr Okram Ibobi Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, towards the formation of his government”, the demand of Rs 90 Lakhs made on Minister Khekiho Zhimomi and “consequent payment of Rs 25 lakhs” at Zunheboto. These are instances which “fits their freedom coffers” the NSCN-IM said of the rival group. While self-contradictory allegations are heaped on the NSCN-IM, such instances are the demands made are the NSCN-K’s “cheap manifested price tags” it asserted but also added that “unless we uptake sincere approaches of peace pragmatically but continue to dwell on evasive policies, unity and peace will remain far-fetched”.
It also took note that the recent “good-will communiqué” of Education Kilonser Tongmeth Wangnou was misinterpreted. He is a man of principle and a conscious leader from the Konyak community, the NSCN-IM stated.
No takers for forgiveness & reconciliation – NSCN-K The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 20 (MExN): The NSCN-K is certain that there are “no takers” for the NSCN-IM’s calling for forgiveness and reconciliation as much as the GOI-NSCN (IM) talks have “almost” failed. Now that NSCN-IM Chairman Isak Swu and General Secretary Th. Muivah have ‘flown so high, they are finding difficulty in landing’ so they are now seeking ‘exit-routes’, a note from NSCN-K Deputy Kilonser Seochem Sangtam asserted. “The so-called peace process between the Government of India and the I-K terrorists is almost failed. The duo’s proclamation for forgiveness and reconciliation finds no takers; their unity and reconciliation offer to the NSCN/GPRN has been rejected by the latter because they spurned and rejected the peace ventures of the NSCN during the past eleven years; the duo have flown up so high that they now find it difficult for landing” the NSCN-K noted. Th. Muivah has now come to fully understand that his agenda of integration of Naga area has proved fruitless and integration is a by-product of sovereignty and so if he and Isak could not bring about sovereignty, how could the Naga areas be easily integrated, the Kilonser queried. Due to these, the two NSCN-IM leaders are desperately seeking exit-routes to ‘Eastern Nagaland’ and then to Myanmar; the joint forces of the Indian army and the NSCN-IM had brought them to Dimapur and now they are planning to be in Tuensang to sneak into eastern Nagaland with the help of the Assam Rifles, the NSCN-K asserted. The note highlighted the “exit plan” of the two leaders to ‘escape’: After reaching Tuensang, they will go through Tobu and sneak into eastern Naga areas. And once they cross the so-called international boundary, Th. Muivah will abrogate the ceasefire between them and the Government of India. This is the last resort and exit plan of Th. Muivah” it added even while asserting that they will hardly get any refuge in the eastern areas due to massacres committed in the past.
An Appeal For Truce Among Naga Political Factions Xavier P Mao The Morung Express Column
21st century is known as the century of Dialogue and Negotiation. Therefore, I propose a dialogue among all the Four Naga factions namely the 2-NNC and the 2-NSCN to be mediated by two representatives each from Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, United Naga Council, All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur, Naga Women’s Union Manipur, Naga Baptist Church Council, one representative each from each Naga Tribal Hoho and five nominees each from each Naga Political faction and about 10-15 Naga intellectuals from different walks of life having integrity and honesty to be selected by each Naga political faction. This proposed multilateral negotiation among the four Naga political factions to be mediated by different prominent Naga NGOs and Social activists shall sit together for a series of consultations to thrash out the serious differences existing among the Nagas once and for all; for the general good and development of the Nagas. So far we Nagas have been relying almost exclusively on the use of physical force in our struggle for sovereignty and in the internal struggle for power and economic interest. If we continue to rely on brutal, senseless physical force, we will be condemned to live a marginalized existence with a primitive mind-set. As modern education spreads within the Naga society we should also adopt the more powerful, civilized and effective method of struggle, that is, relying on ethical rational and emotional forces; in other words, truth-force and soul-force as our weapon of struggle against any form of injustice, oppression and exploitation. It is high time for the Nagas to engage in the pursuit of the goal of development, iron out internal differences through dialogue and uphold a policy of “Live and let live”. We have been wandering aimlessly for too long and having blood bath among ourselves since the 1975 Shillong Accord and the 1988 split of NSCN. If some of the far more pluralistic and culturally diverse societies of the world can live in peace, why can’t a much less diverse society like that of the Nagas do the same?
The present trend in which the infighting is proceeding is seriously detrimental and counter-productive for the society. There is no disagreement among the great human beings that the least coercive type of influence is the best. Of course, this would be true only if freedom could be regarded as an absolute value. Freedom is valued and cherished by all great and small. Reason and rationality cannot be developed truly and fully if they are under any control or restraints, physical or psychic. We have learnt from history that absolute intellectual freedom is achieved by only a few great minds in the world. The average human mind is molded by a so-called free educational process, only accepts certain prevailing assumptions and view points rather than the alternative view point which might be inculcated by an older or newer political or religious idealism. Psychic coercion has far reaching deleterious consequences, as all coercion is. Its ultimate value depends upon the specific social purpose for which it is recommended.
As almost all Nagas profess to be Christians, at least we must try to imbibe that essential message of Christianity, i.e. the ideal of love, the spirit of good will, self-sacrifice and forgiveness. This involves for a Christian, freedom from personal resentments, and a moral purpose, free of selfish ambition. It is the temper and spirit in which a political policy is carried out, which a Christian is truly designated rather than a particular political technique. It can be strongly argued that the social and moral effects of moral good will are tremendous in any conflict situation. In the case of the Nagas, the factional fighting is so intense that each faction is so obsessed with the wrongs and guilt which the other faction commits against it, that it is unable to see its own wrong-doing. In such a situation, a non-violent temper will surely reduce these animosities to a minimum and therefore preserve certain objectivity in analyzing the issues of the dispute.
Resistance to aggression and attacks easily makes aggression more stubborn and intensified conflict easily arouses dormant passions, which completely obscure the real issues of a conflict. Many a times, the real objective of the goal of the Naga struggle is completely destroyed consciously or unconsciously. In this context, non-violence will reduce these dangers to a minimum. Non-violent method preserves moral, rational and co-operative attitudes within an area of conflict and thus adds the moral forces without destroying the goal. The moral resources and spiritual caliber/character /capacity of the leaders can make a big difference in the society. But unfortunately this is not visible at present in our society. Rational and moral forces should be increased for the improvement of the relations among the four factions, and the society as a whole.
It is a time-tested principle that hate cannot drive out hate and violence cannot drive out violence for good. Therefore, if any attempt to wipe out the other factions will accentuate the animosities and prejudices of the other faction and their supporters. So if the present path of coercive weapons is continued this will bring forth the most violent passion of which ignorant men are capable. The attitude of repentance and forgiveness, which recognize that the evil in the opponent is also in the self, and the impulses of love and empathy, which claim kinship with all human beings in spite of intense social conflict, are the peculiar gifts of Christianity to the human spirit. If the continuous factional fighting is put to a stop somewhere, the Naga society may drift toward catastrophe. In other words, whatever achievement we have made till now as we are just stepping out of the pre-literate society, may gradually be destroyed. We will continue to suffer from cruelties and be harassed by animosities, which destroy the beauty of human life. There are both spiritual and brutal elements in human life. The perennial tragedy of human history is that those who cultivate the spiritual elements usually do so by isolating themselves from or misunderstanding the problems of collective men, where the brutal elements are prominently evident. These problems, therefore, remain unsolved, and force clashes with force, hate clashes with hate, blood clashes with blood, with nothing to of mitigate the cruelties or remove the futilities of the social struggle.
The unutterable violence and hatred by Nagas against Nagas and the barbaric factional killing do not give us hope for decent politics in Naga society. Peace making ideas are lost in the overall discourse in the Naga society; even the noble ideas of freedom struggle are lost. What apparently remain are the vanity of physical prowess, vengeance, selfish economic interest and indiscipline at the expense of the masses, without leaving a clear demarcation line from mafia or any criminal organization. These are the strong feelings echoed by many Nagas today. Naga population is a little more than 3 million. In the context of globalization where free flow of people is on the increase, our people can easily become extinct when we no longer have creative capacity and do not allow constructive criticism. To reverse the Naga situation, intense negotiation among various Naga groups and primarily the four factions are imperative. Dialogue should be conducted as many times as possible meaningfully. Then only the human spirit will triumph over the dark forces of ignorance, ill will and prejudices. If and only if dialogue is successful among the four factions of NNC (I & II) and NSCN (I & II), a progressively higher justice and more stable peace can be achieved within the Naga society. With such social milieu, we can build a future for flourishing and prosperity of Naga civilization along with the rest of human kind, a future which is worthy of our pursuit.
Nailing At Naga Tribalism K.C. Angami The Morung Express Perspective
Kohima The contours of Tribalism are appearing among the Nagas, the seeds scattered by unscrupulous public leaders/selfish individuals/communities, tribe excesses in opposition to bear/tolerate the activities violating the traditional and customaries of tribalwise statute adaptations earning enemies and degrading self tribe. Most commonly in greediness for worldly material gains by educated/uneducated/unemployed/employed/Governments servants/public leaders in jolt-headed actions thrashing the well knitted existing adaptations and amiable manners of the natives villages of Nagaland without any hesitation and respect in the reverse order of “When I am in Rome, you Romans behave like me.”
The epicenter of tribalism is considered initiating from the commercial hub of Nagaland, Dimapur and its surroundings roughly with equal halves population of Nagas of all tribes and non-Nagas finally expected to be in category of “The River of no return” to both ends of generations in frustration. The spreading of tribalism can well be cited penetrating into inner areas of districts like Zunheboto District, serving “Quit notice to Tangkhuls” after factional fight and killing at Zunheboto, a clear case of Tribal excesses creating “Tit for Tat”, not only tribalism, but also unmistakably inviting further challenges among the factions, very difficult to defuse on humanitarian ground/religious approaches as the excesses gravely hurt the sentiments of a community beyond human negotiations. A wise saying in Naga tradition, an intentional mistake committed does not taste like a chilli conforming to “look before you leap”. The historic continuing mythology of the Nagas, revenge is the first step and intrinsic character from the times of head hunting. Head hunting was valour and bravery existing till today termed as coward in civilized societies, creating orphans, families in shedding tears for their killed beloved ones in aims and objectives of Independent/Integration with factional fight appearing almost daily in News media. The furies of initiating waves of tribalism is more or less single sided and animated approach overriding the peaceful living civilians finding difficult to attend to their daily works for earning their livelihood, “all the Negroes are black but all the blacks are not Negroes” is a meaningful thrushing theme in proof and reality requiring no explanation, not only for the Nagas but also true to all human races of the world. The open fact is that the Nagas of Nagaland are sincerely and gracefully conceding in many respects for early Indo-Naga solution and on its contrary, further advantageous steps or claims may out balance the human ethic of toleration beyond control reaching tools and plants in parallel of tribalism moulding the proposed administration under the same umbrella meaningless. In cognito of being Nagas the Government of India may not initiate any intermediate solution in continuing process of factional fightings. In fact the present situation prevailing among the Nagas is the Golden mirror to the Central Government baiting Nagas to bite to prove originality and strata spectrum for setting sound foundation to the loyal generations for all times to come in tradition and in National defence avoiding exploitation of the North East Tribals. The Statehood of Nagaland was accorded conforming to the Constitution of India specified in sub-section (1) of Section (3) of Nagaland Act 1962 as 16th State, Manipur 19th State immediately before the commencement of the Constitution under Chief Commissioner’s Province dated 21.1.1972, Tripura 20th State dated 21.1.1972, Meghalaya 21st State dated 21.1.1972, Sikkim 22nd State dated 21.4.1975, Mizoram 23rd State dated 14.6.1986 and Arunachal Pradesh 24th State dated 20.2.1987, later 5 States created under North Eastern Areas (Re-organisation) Act 1971. Many States in dominion of India came into existence after Nagaland and many years of development from grass root level by the native inhabitants in respective areas of 16th Major tribes in 11 Districts, leniently conceding many facilities to other States Nagas and non-Nagas without any gratitudes treating Nagaland as step-fatherly to the denizens/Government of Nagaland cannot/should not be tolerated in any forum. The so-called Nagas of adjacent States in self sufficient primitive in slumber ignorance of politics, presently becoming more conscious tending to over-ride or dictate the Nagas of Nagaland into the vicinity and taking control under the common nomenclatural name of Naked Nagas besides having well-designated tribal name like Angami, Serna, Mao, Tangkhul, Yimchunger, etc, is a pathetic approach to the Government of Nagaland. In repercussion of tribal excesses and failure to control by respective tribes will land-up to Free Naga Nagaland, Free Naga Manipur, Free Naga Assam, Free Naga Myanmar in the days of yore. The early attainment of Nagaland Statehood and its acquired developments cannot be divided or shared to other States Nagas avoiding her generation benefiries. Developments and improvements of societies and organizations in self district is the first and foremost priority instead of showing or boasting around in others’ district/districts/states as even species of animals care for their offspring.
The various developments so far strictly acquired and ecology strictly maintained by the Nagas of 16 Tribes in 11 Districts of Nagaland is an open knowledge of the elite Nagas and at their fingers ends of every tribes. If at all, any complaint arises, blame your representatives, not the Government of Nagaland or Chief Minister as per mythology of Angamis, inhabitants of Kohima District. The receiving end is the constituency, district share for development in thy areas.
Goitres strengthening the necks should not be laughed at including selves goitres.
Assam cops spark tension in Nagaland OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 20: Tension is brewing along the Nagaland-Assam border in Sector C, under Mokokchung district of Nagaland, some 300 km from here. The Nagaland government complained of incursions by Assam police into Nagaland territory yesterday. The policemen allegedly arrested four Nagas from Anaki-C village and set ablaze four houses and destroyed a tea garden. Officials of the district administrations of Mokokchung and Sivasagar are meeting at Mokokchung to resolve the problem. The Nagaland government has rushed additional security forces to the locality to control the situation.
Nagaland commissioner T.N. Mannen said Assam police arrested four persons while a local villager told The Telegraph over telephone that in retaliation, his group has taken 60 Assamese people hostage. However, 40 of them were later released.
Mannen said around Sunday noon, Assam police personnel entered Anaki-C village and arrested six persons. They returned around 4 pm with arms and harassed villagers. He alleged that the jawans threatened the villagers, sparking panic. Mannen said he had spoken to his Assamese counterpart to immediately release the arrested persons and stop further incursions into Nagaland.
The commissioner revealed that ever since the Assam-Nagaland border dispute erupted, Dispur has not been co-operating with the Nagaland government and has always been trying to create problems in the border areas. He claimed that Assam had an ulterior motive in claiming land of the Nagas as its own and was trying to push its forces into Nagaland territory. He termed Dispur’s move a “well-planned kind of action”.
Mannen said in a similar incident a few months ago, Assam police had picked up some workers and local villagers from Yajang village under Tuli subdivision. The arrested persons were released followed the intervention of the district administration.
“There is another dispute at Ralan range (in Wokha district) over the construction of a water pump on land which the Assam government claims to be its own,” he added. Alleging that there have been repeated incursions from Assam, Mannen said the area was definitely under the grip of tension. He said Assam has always adopted an aggressive attitude. “We cannot allow Assam to take aggressive action,” he said. The commissioner said a team of the local boundary commission had arrived here to study the problem and Nagaland would present its case before the commission. He underscored the need for appropriate measures to resolve the long-pending issue.
Twelve, including a woman file papers for bypolls Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Feb 20:: Altogether 12 candidates, including a woman, have filed nomination papers for the ensuing by-election to Dimapur-1 and Tuensang Sadar-II assembly constituencies, scheduled to held on March 8...

A total of six candidates have filed their papers from Dimapur-1 and an equal number from the Tuensang Sadar-II assembly constituencies. Candidates, who will contest from Dimapur-1, include Atomi Zhimomi (NPF), Kevise Angami (BJP), Aheto V. Yepthomi (Congress), and Raj Kumar Paira, also of Congress, who has been kept as standby, S Limatemjen (JD(U) and Roland Lotha (Nagaland Democratic Party). The constituency has a total number of 17,155 voters.

Candidates in the fray in Tuensang Sadar-II include H Wongto Chang (NPF), Y Wongto Chang (BJP), C Kejong Chang (Congress), N Mosha (also of Congress kept as standby), and two Independent candidates - Mrs Rhakila and N Kaimang Chang. The Tuensang Sadar-II seat has an electorate of 18,304. According to official sources, the scrutiny of the nomination papers would be over by late Tuesday while the last date for withdrawal of nomination is February 22. The by-elections were necssitated following the deaths of two BJP MLAs including Dr Hokishe Sema and Lakiumong. (UNI)
Asom-Nagaland agreement on border disputes Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Feb 20:: The Asom and Nagaland governments on Tuesday resolved to coordinate with each other whenever there is any allegation or report of encroachment of land in Asom-Nagaland border areas. The resolution was adopted by senior officials of the Sivasagar (Asom) and Mokokchung (Nagaland) district administrations following Sunday’s incident in which a team of Asom Police intruded the Anaki village, purportedly inside Nagaland, and burnt down some houses besides arresting six villagers on allegation of encroachment of land belonging to Asom. Reports said the police personnel intruded the village in the morning hours when the villagers were attending church services and took the six villagers in their custody before retreating. However, they returned again at around 4 p.m. and threatened the villagers with dire consequences before setting fire to the houses. Following this incident, government officials of the two States met at Mokokchung on Tuesday and adopted a few resolutions.

The two sides resolved that in cases of encroachment, the concerned administration/police/forest officer would inform his counterpart within 24 hours about the development for joint verification and that no arrest or unilateral action would be taken before the joint verification. The meeting also resolved that arrest of the citizens of Nagaland will be done by the authorities of Nagaland and citizens of Asom by the authorities of Asom. However, these provisions will apply only in case of allegations regarding encroachment of border lands and not for heinous crimes.

Further, in case of issues which cannot be resolved at the ADC and SDO levels, the matter will be taken up at the DC’s level. The meeting further resolved that villagers must inform their local counterpart about the areas proposed to be covered, whenever they go for fresh jhum cultivation and that status quo should be maintained as far as the existing jhum fields are concerned. Further, it resolved that regular border level meetings would be held and efforts would be made to constitute a border peace committee involving villagers of both sides. Finally, the meeting resolved to ensure peace and tranquility in border areas and ensure amicable resolution of issues, till the border issue was resolved by the Local Commission on Border, constituted by the Supreme Court. (NNN)
NSCN (I-M) ridicules rival Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 20 (NPN): Drawing attention to news reports over the disclosures by the NSCN (K) on money transactions with various political leaders, the NSCN (I-M) has ridiculed the rival and described the activities as "a few examples that fit their freedom coffers."
A release issued by the NSCN (I-M) said "the recent thanking of Imkong by Khaplang (NSCN-K) for contributing Rs.5 lakh to it and denial of its claim by the former, is a travesty and a ridiculous characteristic well associated with them that are confirmed through their earlier claims on sponsoring Rs.50 lakh to the Meiteis, Mr Okran Ibobi chief minister of Manipur towards the formation of his government."
The NSCN (I-M) further said that the demand made on Mr. Khekiho, Industries and Commerce Minister, for Rs. 90 lakh and subsequent "payment of Rs. 25 lakh to the Khaplangs recently at Amiphoto Colony, Zunheboto" were some of the examples. Further, it said the demand for Rs. 12 lakh from Ao legislators which was also confirmed by some "adds to their ventures, besides numerous other misadventures in the name of their sovereign nationalism."
Referring to the "ambiguous and self-contradictory allegations regularly" leveled against it, the NSCN (I-M) said, on the other hand, the NSCN (K) implicated itself of involvement in the "Indian elections" by issuing acknowledgements of cash transactions to fund elections in Manipur for the formation of the government in Manipur and also being bought by Nagaland state politicians for their support in the elections. It said all these showed the rival had its price tag for involvement in elections. On the other hand, the NSCN (I-M) asserted that "unless we uptake sincere and pragmatic approaches for peace but continue to dwell on evasive policies, unity and peace will remain far-fetched". It said branding Nagas as terrorists would also "imply including one's self to the same brand, unless he is a non-Naga."
It also criticized alliance of the rival with Meitei outfits the latter of which were against the aspiration of the Nagas and termed it as "an exercise of unprincipled ethics of Naga nationalism." "Taking lakhs of rupees from Nagaland sate politicians to assist them in Indian elections and accusing others to divert the attention of their nefarious deprivation of Naga people's democratic rights also reflects their anti-people motives," it said. The NSCN (I-M) also flayed what it described as misinterpretation "on negative sidelines" over its kilonser Tongmeth Wangnao's recent "good-will communiqué". It described Tongmeth as "a man of principle dedicated to the Naga nation and one of the foremost conscious leaders belonging to Konyak tribe, having concern for welfare of his tribe in particular and the Nagas in general."
The NSCN (I-M) said it was "the conscious logic conclusion of one and all to assume why one of the seniormost Kilo (Home) Kilonser in the Khaplang organization decided to join the Naga national mainstream." It also stressed on building "a process where understanding, forgiveness, reconciliation and acceptance of one and another can develop." "Unless we erase the negative apprehensions that foments hatred within by permeating communalism and negative criticism, all efforts for reconciliation, unity and peace will be futile," it added.
Integration by-product of sovereignty: NSCN-K Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Feb 20 (NPN): Describing integration as a "by-product of sovereignty", the NSCN (K) Tuesday questioned as to how NSCN (I-M) leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah would integrate the contiguous Naga areas so easily when they had failed to bring sovereignty. In a statement, NSCN (K) deputy kilonser, MIP, Seochem Sangtam described the talks between the Government of India and the NSCN(I-M)as a failure while the proclamation of Swu and Muivah that they have forgiven all those who committed wrong against their faction and to achieve reconciliation "found no takers." The NSCN (K) said it had rejected the unity and reconciliation offer of NSCN (I-M) as the latter had spurned its peace overtures during the last eleven years.
The NSCN (K) claimed that after Swu and Muivah were safely brought to Dimapur under the joint protection force of the Indian Army and the NSCN (I-M), both were now "desperately trying" to find out an exit route to Eastern Nagaland and then to Myanmar.
"They are planning to come to Tuensang under some pretext to sneak into Eastern Nagaland with the help of Assam Rifles and some Lainung cadres who are under the NSCN (I-M)'s payroll at Dimapur," the NSCN (K) claimed. However, the NSCN (K) said Swu and Muivah would hardly get any refuge in Eastern Nagaland as they had "massacred hundreds of villagers here without rhymes or reasons" earlier. The NSCN (K) also claimed that once Swu and Muivah sneak into Eastern Nagaland through Tobu via Tuensang, they plan to abrogate the ceasefire agreement with Government of India as "this is the last resort and exit plan of Muivah".
The I-K groups’ misadventure/folly- © Nagaland Post Column
In 11th Nov, 1975 Shillong Accord was signed to the dismay of the General Public of the Nagas. However, in tune with the 1951 Naga Plebiscite, the Naga's struggle for Sovereignty continued under the banner of NSCN which exist till today. But the general Public are being made a scapegoat and rendered to a state of dilemma by some vested interested people in guise of Naga Sovereignty, misusing the name of the NSCN in the long run. In the process, these so-called leaders engaged in peace talk with the Government of India to continue with their own kind of businesses at the expense of the Naga general public. But, their ten years of the so-called peace talk has become fruitless contradictory to their puppet Nagaland Chief Minister's claims since 2003, that the proceedings are fruitful and in the right direction. As a result, thousands of students' careers have been jeopardized and the present NGO leaders lives in both the Manipur and Nagaland state have been put at ransom.
Why? This same group of the so-called leaders in the I-K group is directly taking part in Indian election through the services of NGOs of Manipur and Nagaland state under the banner of Naga Sovereignty. Their involvement in the Manipur state election clearly shows that they are an agent of AICC President Sonia Gandhi and BJP Leader LK Advani, because they (I-K group) were giving a free hand to suppress the 'Freedom of Rights' of the people and made the voters to cast their vote against their will. And with the outcome of all these years of enjoyments in luxurious life styles in different foreign countries they are trying to go back to the place where they learnt their terrorists' activities via Tuensang with the protection of Assam Rifles and his cohorts.
The Naga people should retrospect all the misadventure of the I-K groups' so as not to be cowed down themselves by their threat, but stand for their own rights. And at the same time, the NSCN will not remain a silent spectator while the I-K group or the money mongers are keeping the general public at ransom and suppressing their freedom of rights and expression in the name of Naga Sovereignty. Joseph, Revenue Kilonser
NSCN-K bans Manipur poll - Tamenglong situation ‘worries’ outfit Nagarealm.com
Imphal, FEB20 : The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland today imposed a ban on polling in Tamenglong Assembly constituency of Manipur, expressing concern over the “deteriorating” law and order situation in the district headquarters during the election campaign there. Tamenglong, along with two other constituencies of this Naga-dominated district, go to the hustings in the third and final phase on Friday. The outfit, however, did not impose any restrictions on polling in the two other constituencies of Tamei and Nungba in the district. “The Indian election has created many problems. If the process is going to disturb peace and spawn enmity among the people in the constituency, it is better that no election is held here. We do not want any MLA or MP. That is why we have imposed a ban on the election so that people can live in peace,” the outfit’s information and publicity secretary in-charge (Zeliangrong region) said in a communiqué here today.

The development came after activists of the NSCN (I-M) abducted an Independent candidate, identified as Khangthuanag Panmei, on Saturday morning. The candidate was freed unharmed a couple of days later. But the NSCN (I-M) claimed that the candidate had agreed to withdraw from the contest. Accusing the Assam Rifles and security forces deployed in the district headquarters of turning a blind eye to the abduction, the NSCN (K) spokesman alleged that the NSCN (I-M) extracted a declaration at gunpoint from the candidate while in captivity saying he would withdraw from the contest. A new chapter was added to the turmoil over the polls today. Women in the district headquarters of Chandel today called a district-wide bandh in protest against the abduction of nine persons, including three women, by unidentified gunmen from their homes late last night. All the nine hostages, including Anal Women’s Union president Sarei Anal, participated in a rally at the district headquarters yesterday. Hundreds of women carried out a procession yesterday demanding free and fair polling in the district. The women protesters warned that the bandh would continue if the hostages were not released unharmed. In another development, the CPI today informed Governor S.S. Sidhu that two of the party’s candidates in Chandel and Tengnoupal seats in Chandel district were forced to withdraw their candidature by militants of two armed groups at gunpoint. The CPI, however, did not name the outfits.

In a memorandum, CPI state secretary B. Sharma said party candidates Onjamang Haokip and D.N. Haokip resigned after receiving threats from two armed groups. “We have apprehensions that more violence will break out in the third phase. So, we request both the state government and the Election Commission to take necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections,” Sharma told mediapersons. [telegraphindia]
‘Countermand Tuensang bye-polls’ BJP candidature rejected, party suspects foul play of Tuensang DC Morung Express News
Dimapur Following the filing of nominations on Monday by six candidates at Tuensang for the ensuing bye-elections to the 54th Tuensang Sadar II Assembly Constituency to fill the vacancy caused by the death of MLA Lakiumong (BJP), the Deputy Commissioner who is also the Returning Officer, has reportedly rejected the candidature of the BJP, Y. Wongto. It may be mentioned that as per the Election Commission schedule, scrutiny of nominations was held today.
Taking a serious note on the part of the DC rejecting its party’s official candidate, an angry State BJP President Ato Yepthomi, while alleging of a ‘deep rooted’ conspiracy, today demanded countermanding of the bye-elections to the Tuensang-II seat and informed that the party was taking the issue very seriously. “This is a deep rooted conspiracy of the Deputy Commissioner without giving us any reasons and we are not take this lying down”, the party President said while informing that they will be writing to the Election Commission of India through the State Chief Electoral Officer. It was alleged that the BJP candidature was rejected by the DC despite the fact that the Election Observers present there did not raise any objections. Ato alleged that during the scrutiny of papers, the party observer Kughavi Achumi who is the State BJP (ST) Morcha President had requested the DC to consider the case but was instead told to leave the office immediately. According to the State BJP President, Achumi wanted that the DC give in black and white, the reason for disallowing the nomination of its candidate. Instead, it was alleged that the DC called for his bodyguard who then manhandled Achumi before taking him away. The party president complained that his Morcha president was untraceable till the time of filing this report. Further according to the BJP President, interestingly, yesterday while filing his nomination, the BJP candidate Y. Wongto was told by the DC to file his form as an independent candidate. “No Returning Officer can tell a candidate to file as an independent candidate when he is on a party ticket”, Ato complained.
NNC ridicules NSCN(IM) stance By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 20: Accusing to NSCN (IM) of getting directly involved in the election process being held under the Constitution of India, the Naga National Council charged the IM leaderships of shirking their responsibility owed to the Naga nation and its people. A statement issued by youth president of Naga-land Youth Movement, Na- ga National Council Chong-bui Newmai claimed that having failed to take the Naga cause towards the right direction, Isak Chisi Swu and Th Muivah have begun to embrace the Indian Constitution as illus- trated vividly by NSCN (IM) cadres’ indulgence in election matters. Observing that after giving up struggle for soverei- gnty of the nagas, the NSCN (IM) had softened its stand redirecting their energy and resources towards integration of Naga inhabited land through various sojourns including the issue of demanding affiliation to Nagaland Board of Education, Chongbui also refle- cted that formation of ‘Uni-ted Naga Democratic Front’ in early part of feb-ruary this year was at the behest of the IM leaderships. Stating that ‘the reality they have shown to the youths of all Nagas is they are for the Indian Constitution and for the integration of the so-called Manipur State’, the youth president further expressed awe on the IM stand.
Explaining on it, Chong-bui said, “In fact, if they are not for the Indian Constitution they would not involve in the Indian elections and of they are not for the Manipur State integration they would not set up a political party under the Manipur State”.
Construing the IM leaderships’ actions as revela- tion of their hidden agenda and fighting against the Nagas in the interest of India, the youth president called upon the Naga you-th to work for the right cause of the Naga Nation by joining hands with the Naga National Council.
Illustrating NNC’s contention that NSCN (IM) cadres have been heavily involved in the election process, Chongbui alleged that not only are the southern Naga people threatened and forced to vote for the UNDF candidates but the IM cadres had been abducting public leaders from Tamenglong and Ukhrul district areas for raising objections to the NSCN (IM) diktats.

Phek public action and its ramification- Nagaland Post Opinion
The events of the past sev-eral days have proved be-yond doubt the power of the people when citizens of any place, state or country unite for a common cause as has happened in the case of Phek town. Armed with only stones, the citizens including daring women carried out a remarkable deed by forcibly chasing out cadres of NSCN (IM) and combined rivals NSCN (K) and NNC who possessed sophisticated weapons, from where they had been camping within civilian populated colonies in the town. This has been highly appreciated by all peace loving citizens all over the state. To proceed against armed cadres might have been sheer suicide but for the solidarity and grim determination of the citizens Being the district headquarters, people from the villages of the district, other parts of the state and the country reside in Phek town due to posting while in government service or business or being locals. In such a scenario, the cadres of the various factions discovered it to be more lucrative living off the people while indulging in unauthorized collections of money as much as five times a day from certain shops, and even staying in particular houses without invitation but inviting risks to life and property of the owners. With the Indian security forces and the Naga IRB forces being restrained from directly intervening during factional clashes, it is no wonder the citizens decided to take matters into their own hands That the cadres of the rival groups also refrained from firing directly upon the citizens (although they fired some shots in the air) speaks a lot for their common sense. Otherwise, things might have gone from bad to worse. When the citizens put up a united front and if this unity continues, then it will lead to peace, prosperity through thriving economy, stable administrative machinery, happy social life, encouraging education and freedom even in religion
Unfortunately, in spite of this magnificent deed, our image has been tarnished because of the vandalism of some miscreant who, no doubt, were instigated by vested interested people in an attempt to ensure that the people of Phek town continues to live in the grip of terror. The problem here is not that of the ruling government alone to solve but is a general one that goes beyond politcizations. Damaging the DC's office and then attempting to physically assault him in his official residence while hurling personal abuses and also injuring the SP-these are heinous offences. The civil administration and its police force are the symbols of our government (whichever party may be ruling) and to attack such institutions has damaged our reputation as a whole although only some misguided youths were involved. The DC and SP had to exercise utmost restraint upon the police personnel and thus prevented them from opening fire. I would like to mention here that during the height of Indian security forces operations, the civil administration aided by the local state police did their level best to prevent Indian army excesses on the civilian population. Also, on behalf of NPF Phek division I request the DC and SP to kindly forgive the excesses meted out to them by misguided youths.
As for the rival factions who have tried to use Phek town and other places in the state for their various activities, they must answer a few basic questions. Firstly, when the Nagaland police forces have been deployed to ensure that students from the four Naga districts of Manipur also appear for their matriculation and class XII exams, why has the NSCN (IM) been trying to vitiate the atmosphere particularly in Phek? And, why did the NNC and NSCN (K) together try to provoke their rival cadres especially at this crucial juncture in the lives of our Naga students? You all say that you are fighting for the Naga nation and fulfillment of Naga political aspirations. But are you really doing so? All your recent actions and activities give the impression that you really don't care for your Naga homeland and its future. If you continue like this do not be surprised when the entire Naga civil population will rise up against you irrespective of which group you belong to I would also like to mention here that during the years when Indian army operations were in full swing, and when (the then undivided) Naga army men had the chance to shoot at them, they hesitated to open fire because they did not wish to cause innocent civilian casualties. In fact, they exercised utmost restraint. Our ancient Naga tradition included fighting face to face and not taking refuge among populated civilian areas. You (all factions) keep talking of reconciliation and unity but where is your so called unity? Because of your constant clashes and killings of your own brothers and harassment of the general public, the Nagas have become a laughing stock of the world. Moving about in civilian populated areas in uniform with arms and ammunition are clear violations of the cease-fire ground rules that were included in the agreements reached between government of India and both the NSCN factions separately. In a bid to avoid further bloodshed among Naga brethren and also to ensure security to lives and properties of the citizens of the state, our Home Minister Thenucho went to New Delhi to seek the intervention of the central security forces since the common chairman of both the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) vis-à-vis NSCN (IM) and Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) vis-à-vis NSCN (K) does not have the requisite authority to enforce the cease-fire ground rules. The home minister was made to understand that he had at his command, adequate Naga IRB Battalions to ensure this. But how can the state government which is only a "facilitator" enforce ground rules when the agreements are between the government of India and the two factions of NSCN? Also, the state government is fully aware that some cadres of both rival factions tend to use populated areas as shield for their violent activities. Do not be misled. For, the government of India apparently is exercising double standards so that Nagas will go on killing their Naga brethren During the 1960s and 1970s, the forerunner of the Congress, namely the Naga Nationalist Organization (NNO) which was ruling Nagaland tried its level best to suppress the movement of the NNC/FGN by imposing national emergency and invoking various black laws. However, such efforts were unsuccessful. Therefore, the Naga public in general is hereby reminded that we all must learn from the lessons of the past. The attainment of Naga political aspiration can only be achieved through oneness, one voice resulting in dialogue accordingly. In this connection, the regional party is in a better position to deliver the goods if given sufficient encouragement and time So, my brothers, if you are really Naga national workers, united forthwith and stop all this bloodshed and harassment of the general public who only wish to go about their daily lives in peace. If you still persist in hunting and fighting each other, at least have the decency and humanity to go to the jungles although how such action will help bring about Naga national fulfillment is beyond comprehension. Further, I call upon the two NNC factions to reconcile and re-unite and then go for overall unification with the other groups. Otherwise, you are only losing the trust and faith of the Nagas in general and Chakhesang in particular. Chivotso Nienu, NPF, Phek Division, Phek.
Kidnapping and UNC diktat lead to tension in Chandel The Imphal Free Press
CHANDEL, feb 20: Tension ran high in Chandel today following the abduction of 15 persons, including Anal Women Union leader Dr Sameri Anal and social worker Morhing Lamkang by unidentified armed persons in the early hours this morning apparently in connection with the ongonig elections. Protesting against the abduction, several hundred womenfolk blockaded roads and staged a demonstration at Chandel district headquarters near the DC office demanding safe release of the abducted the women.
The women who expressed strong objections to the diktat of the unc to various candidate and the public to support their sponsored candidate, submitted a memorandum to the DC, Chandel, urging to provide adequate security and to take steps to ensure the release of the abducted persons.
The womenfolk reiterated their desire for free and fair elections, maintainng that no one can deprive them of their right to vote. They said they are not going to follow the diktat of the unc to support their sponsored candidates stating that unc has no authority to intervene in the polls.

The 15, including several tribal leaders were abducted from their respective houses at Chandel headquarters, and from Mantripantha village by the unidentified gunmen believed to be UGs at around 1:30 am this morning, apparently for failing to support the UNC-sponsored candidate, Francis Huten. The protesting womenfolk also met Mani Charenamei, MP who visited Chandel headquarters this morning over the abductions, demanding his intervention for the release of the abducted persons. The women briefly gheraoed Charenamei at the crossing near the Chandel DC`s office and blamed him for encouraging the violation of voting rights after the public had elected him as MP to look after the interests of the Naga people. The women, who stressed the need for the public to raise their voice to prevent any form of diktat from any organisation said they will intensify their agitation if the abducted persons are not released soon. Chandel DC, Norbert Disinang, talking to mediapersons, said the demands raised by the womenfolk were genuine and said the district administration was taking serious efforts to ensure free and fair elections. While he disclosed that there is no formal report or complaints of abduction or threatening of candidates, he admitted that the administration is aware of informal reports of diktats imposed on several candidates by the UNC. In another development, the womenfolk who were who were kidnapped by the miscreants on their way while proceeding from Tengnoupal for participating in yesterday`s peace rally were released early today un-harmed, according to official sources.
Abductions, diktats, intimidations mar run up to final phase poll, K bans all candidates in Tamenglong AC Newmai News Network
Imphal, Feb 20 : The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region has banned all the candidates in Tamenglong Assembly Constituency from contesting in the third and final phase poll of the 9th State Assembly. The Zeliangrong Region of the NSCN-K has said that it has decided to boycott the Assembly election in the Tamenglong A/C alone because the rival NSCN-IM has imposed its diktats on the people of the Constituency. It urged all the voters not to turn out on election day.
The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region while furnishing reasons for its latest move, said that Independent candidate Khangthuanang Panmei was made to apologise under duress before the NSCN-IM Kilo-Kilonser. It added that the purported apology Khangthuanang which appeared in the local newspapers and was issued by the NSCN-IM was nothing but and apology note scripted by the NSCN-IM. Panmei was forced to sign it under the barrel of the guns. “Who is a Zeliangrong and who is not a Zeliangrong ?” questioned the NSCN-K statement adding, “Is Samuel Jendai alone a Zeliangrong and not the rest of the candidates in Tamenglong AC ?”.
Raising more questions, the NSCN-K Zeliangrong Region questioned as to why the NSCN-IM and the UNC campaigned only for Samuel Jendai. It added that if at all there is to be a ban then all the candidates should be asked to withdraw from the election. Singling out a candidate and forcing him to opt out of the fray is not acceptable to the Zeliangrong people.
The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region aslo ridiculed the commonly used term of “blessing of the UNC or the NSCN-IM”.
It said that only God can bestow blessings and curses and no one else. “If the NSCN-IM and the UNC can give the blessings, tell us the person in the NSCN-IM and the UNC, we will not hesitate to go and start worshipping them right away”, said the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region.
The Khaplang faction of the NSCN, Zeliangrong Region also accused Samuel Jendai, a consensus candidate of the UNC, as bribing the NSCN-IM and the UNC leaders with lakhs of rupees. Further lambasting the rival faction, the NSCN-K alleged that several NSCN-IM kilonsers and its military leaders are now camping in Tamei Assembly Constituency intimidating and threatening the public under the barrels of AK-47s to vote only for N. Awangbow.
The NSCN-K also alleged that the Government of India and the NSCN-IM are now openly working together “which is why the Indian security forces failed to do anything even though the NSCN-IM cadres are carrying out unlawful activities right under the nose of the Indian security forces”.
The statement further alleged that the Govt of India has been supplying rejected bullets to its security forces if the latter are to be posted in the area where NSCN-IM cadres operate.
“Seing all these activities of the NSCN-IM and the security forces, we do not want the activities of any Indian agency in Zeliangrong Region and we want to live as before where the Zeliangrong community lived happily with extreme cordiality among the the people”, said the NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region adding, “we do not want MLAs, MPs or DCs in our land, we just want to live as Zeliangrong people”. A few days back, cadres of the NSCN (IM) had abducted Independent candidate in Tamenglong Assembly Constituency, Khang-thuanang Panmei from his residence and decamped with arms issued to the security escort besides damaging some vehicles. The candidate has since been released, but has allegedly withdrawn from the election after tendering an apology to the NSCN (IM).
Manipur - would you be in safe hands By S Kunjabihari Singh Contd from previous issue Sangai Express
Presently the Act stands withdrawn from seven Assembly constituencies of the Imphal Municipality area being shy of withdrawing from the rest of the State considering the enormous impossibi-lities that would crop up in containing the vexed issue of law and order. Not to be out-beaten, even national parties like the BJP the SP are banking on this plank to woo votes. The BJP desperate to regain its lost stature and secure a foothold in the political arena in the State, even considered it wise to accord second highest priority to this issue in their 28-point poll manifesto. The INC holding the reigns of governance in the State and the Centre, is conspicuous, by their doubly-guarded proclamation that there is imperative need for providing a human touch in the Act, carefully short of assuring total repeal of the Act and asserting that they are in the process of reading between the lines, the recommendations of Justice Reddy Committee constituted to review the Act in July 2004, the report of which was handed over to the Centre in July 2006. This sounds ambiguous, obviously. The iron lady of the Congress Government, in the person of Sonia Gandhi shook off all assignments in New Delhi to visit the State twice in a matter of a week, on the 5th and the 11th of Feb. In the first visit prior to the first leg of poll on 8 February, while addressing voters in the valley, she was in her usual diplomacy to play the territorial integrity card, by emphasising that the boundary of the state would not be disturbed, a clause very sweet to the heart of the Meities and would spill hearts for the cause of the lady. She, however, was conspicuous in skipping reference to integrity, an issue not to the taste of the tribals in their demand for a united Nagaland, while addressing voters in two hill districts of Tamenglong and Churachandpur on 11 February. On both days when she addressed voters first in the valley and second in the hills, she thought it wise to use almost the same script minus territorial integrity while addressing voters in the hills. Political analysts could term it as some kind of somersault playing the politics of convenience. The Congress has reasons to worry in the hills in the emerging context. The PM addressed a few meetings on 18 Feb in the hills prior to the 3rd and last leg slated for 23 Feb when Tamenglong, Chura- chandpur and Chandel districts will go to poll..Ironically, the RJD party chaired by the crowd-puller big time politician Lalu Prasad Yadav with the state unit headed by W. Nipamacha Singh, a former Chief Minister, is quite candid in admitting that they, even when returned to power, which likelihood is remote in any case, wound not be able to scrape the Act. Despite the popular demand of the masses cutting across party lines, they have not picked AFSPA as a poll agenda in the run up to the ninth assembly elections. There perhaps, is logic, in this assertion. The point in focus is - while for some fronts the Act emerges as a core campaign plank, for a few, it is not. Well, one man’s meat is another man’s poison.
A sweeping look at the core of the Act would reveal how formidable a task it would be for any Government to totally scrape the Act from the State, notwithstanding the utterances by some heavy-weights... The Act initially was imposed in the hill districts of the State in the early sixties to rein in erstwhile Naga insurgents. The emergence of NSCN in the hills and Meitei insurgents in the valley (around a whooping, 19 of them, as on now) led to the Act being extended to the whole State as early as September, 1980. The ruling SPF Government led by the Congress, just managed to scrape it from the Imphal municipality area in August, 2004, under enormous pressure and outcry from public on the aftermath of the Manorama Chanu episode when the Assam Rifles was condemned as causing the arrest, alleged torture, rape and subsequent assassination of the girl in July, 2004. In addition, the great Malom massacre when the Assam Rifles armed with the provisions of the Act, trooped innocent civilians inside a make-shift bus stand and emptied their guns in retaliation to an underground ambush inflicted on a column of the paramilitary force that occurred seconds before, passed off without any prosecution, triggered the fast-unto death mission undertaken by a petite Manipuri girl Sharmila Chanu, a vow which has already crossed an unimaginable long spell of six years. Though, understandably, the political bosses are inclined to repeal the Act, given the ground realities obtaining in this trouble-torn state, the army are adamant in asserting that the success of keeping at bay the rampant insurgency activities in the interior areas or the state hinge largely on the provisions of the Act, which, inter-alias, provides:
i) Extra-ordinary powers to any officer of the armed forces except for the Jawans;
ii) They can shoot to kill and the officer need only be of the opinion that it is necessary;
iii) They can arrest anyone, enter and search without warrant on suspicion;
iv) No legal proceedings can be brought against any member except with the approval of the Centre. The MPP, one of the oldest regional front launched in the early seventies formed Government in 1974 riding the waves of intra-state issues. It was short-lived however and had the ignominy of a downward slide to hit the rock bottom and had to rest satisfied with two MLAs in a house of sixty members in the last Government. This time around, the party got a jolt and the stalwarts are already fuming with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Political heavyweights that include former Chief Minister RK Dorendra, former Deputy CM and former Union Minister Th. Chaoba, and another all-time big name Dr. L. Chandramani who had held a number of important ministerial portfolios in several Ministries including that of a Deputy Chief Minister have joined. Quite a new prominent personalities have joined hands in this party. On paper the party looks formidable next to the Congress and all varieties of manoeuvrings are expected to form the next Government. On the eve of the first leg of poll on the 8th, the party exudes confidence. Once again they are riding the local plank of AFSPA and territorial integrity to solicit public sympathy. In the valley, and part of the hills, the INC is, at least, theoretically, going strong striking a chord on the many achievements during the full term of five years in governance, a feat, indeed, rarely succeeded by any political force in the recent past? The NCP of Sharad Pawar, is in terms of propaganda not far behind, headed by another one-time strong man Radhabinod Koijam who had once headed the ministry, though short-lived, apart from holding several ministerial positions. The other fronts have to show their might in wresting popular support, a venture not easy to accomplish, by any standard. In the hills, the independents sponsored by the UNC would have an edge over the others, for obvious reasons. Already the fate of 19 MLAs is sealed on the 8th with another 29 to be decided in the poll on the 14th, while that of 12 MLAs to be completed by 23, February. Several institutional safeguards in the form of introducing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) which does away with the use of traditional paper slips, manning of the polling stations exclusively by the Para-military forces largely BSF and CRPF, as against the usual State police and home guards while the task of, area-domination and sensitising the security cordon assigned with the BSF aided by the State force have improved the scenario considerably. In addition providing adequate security coverage to each candidate, banning of using more then three vehicles per candidate, restriction in pulling up fag-pols, limiting the expenses to Rs 5 lakhs etc are laudable towards ensuring a healthy atmosphere for a free and fair voting.
Nevertheless, incidents of malpractices do happen necessitating re-poll in the polling stations in Thoubal and Senapati districts where around 70 to 80% voting took place on the 8th and even a little more in the second leg on the 14th. What is alarming is the reported non-participation in the democratic exercise in parts of Senapati and Ukhrul and suspected UGs disturbing poll-process in parts of Sadar Hills amidst report of brisk polling even braving the element weather and rains in the hills. The updated technology employed by the ECI, the stringent security deployment and strict supervision in this election has been lauded far and wide. In Ukhrul, a predominantly Tangkhul-Naga dominated district, it is felt that perhaps for the first time polling day belonged to the voters. One can surmise what would be the scenario in the past! In Senapati district the district Hqs of the integration movement in Manipur, not a single voter turned out on the day of repolling in three polling stations in Mao constituency reportedly in response to the dictum of the UGs. In the valley, cases or killing of workers or contesting candidates at least in Jiribam and Keishamthong constituencies over and above the usual skirmishes do take place, hinting at rampant exercise or muscle and money power and other such malpractices.
While preparing this note, a kind of a joke by the prolific writer Khushwant Singh, intrigued me repeatedly. He was one day invited by a close friend to a function to decide the profession of his Harvard-educated son. The methodology was plain. On the D-day, Khushwant and the friend would conduct the boy into a room where 4 conspicuous looking items - a bottle of remi-martin, a pack of 1000 -rupee notes, a colts revolver and a religious book were laid. Thereafter, each would quickly retreat and take positions at two corners of the room wherein one hole each is in position. Both have nothing to do except looking through their respective holes to observe which of the four, the young man, fresh from an institution of the reputation of Harvard, would choose.
According to the father, if the colts attract the young man he would, in all probability, be a muscle man, a dada-giri type; if on the other hand, he chooses the whisky, well, he would end up being a drunkard. If, however, by sheer luck, he prefers the wade of money, he would go for business. In the event of his picking the religious book, the boy would be a saintly, religious person! An immensely bemused Khushwant was anxiously waiting for the opportune moment when the boy would be led into the room. Sooner then later, the boy appeared on the scene and the two counsellors lost no time in wishing the boy best of luck and religiously conducted him into the room. Having accomplished the solemn job, both rushed to their respective posts to cover the proceedings. — to be contd
Infeasibility of plebiscite in Manipur By Dr Mohendra Irengbam Contd from previous issue Sangai Express
The injection of a few crores of rupees in consecutive 5 year plans was mere pocket money for the bureaucrats and Ministers. They were never kitted out to the grass roots. There has always been a lot of dexterous stage-setting in Delhi’s federal policy towards Manipur. Meanwhile there has been a warm climate change in the educational status of the young people. Mushrooming colleges, growth of university faculties have mass produced graduates chasing fewer and fewer jobs. Every other youngster has been an unemployed university graduate. The discrepancy in the supply and demand of jobs has breached the fundamental principle of fair game. Corruption has become rampant. Unemployment has thus rocketed sky high. The socio-economic deprivation in general has forced young people to join insurgency for survival. The policy of the Government of mainstream Indians in Delhi is absolutely central to what has been the policy of the British Government in pre-independent Manipur: ‘leave them alone in their wildness; they will know no better.’ The British did not want Manipuris to advance by educating them and providing infrastructure required for Manipur’s economic foundation. In 1967, I along with my girl friend (now wife Margaret) went to see Christopher Gimson, the penultimate Political Agent in Manipur at his sister’s house at Leicester. He knew my father (Irengbam Gulamjat Singh) very well as the electrical engineer who built the first Hydro-electric power house at Leimakhong.
Hoping that he might want to see a better Imphal I showed him a Manipuri picture calendar. When he saw the page of the tarmac road in the area between Johnstone High School and the gate of the 4th Assam Rifles he remarked that in his time the cost of making a mile of that road would have done for the whole Imphal (with earth and chips of stone and water).
The knock-on effect is a dodgy spontaneous plotting of a course in lawlessness where angels fear to tread. Manipur is a war zone like Baghdad, with the application of AFSPA. There are more than 60,000 Indian troops in Manipur; the 59th Mountain Brigade; recently formed 73rd and 44th Mtn Bgds; a number of Special Forces Para Battalions along with Paramilitary forces such as CPME, CRPF, BSF, IRB, ten Battalions of Assam Rifles, ten battalions of Manipuri Rifles and so on. That means 1 soldier for every 16 Manipuris.
Naga demand for a Nagalim or Nagaland in Manipuri, by carving out four districts of Manipur (apart from bits from Assam and Arunachal) is just hot-air. It is like chasing a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. The British created the district of Naga Hills in 1866. Kohima became the administrative centre after the British wrenched it out of Meitei Chandra Kirti Maharaja at what is known as Jila Durbar. By the beginning of the twentieth century the British annexed Naga territories under one administrative control. India inherited it from British India in 1947. The Naga territories were demarcated and Manipur’s boundaries were clearly drawn.
On November 25, 1949 one day before the assembly wound up its proceedings, Ambedkar gave a moving speech. He said “...the provinces were in no way dependent on the union and the centre could not alter the boundary of this partition.”
The June 18, 2001 uprising in Manipur which produced 18 martyrs should serve as an eye opener for Nagas and New Delhi alike that there will always be a Manipur.
The Delhi Government is painfully aware of the pitfalls of the past history of divided India and how the independent principalities became enslaved one by one by the East India Company. The best legacy of the British Raj is a united India. Delhi will do anything and everything in its ability to keep the integrity of India intact either by power politics or military strength.
I have given my logical if not legal arguments as to the improbability of a plebiscite in the composite Manipur, let alone in the valley. However, this is not an attempt to pour cold water on someone’s aspiration for a plebiscite. We are theoretically in a free democratic country and as such we are free to think and think differently. I have not included references for the sake of brevity. Please do contribute to the debate. Concluded
Violence under pol agenda Sangai Express Editorial
The question before the Election Commission of India and the State Election office is whether the Naga dominated districts of Tamenglong and Chandel are ready to go to polls for the third and final phase of the election on February 23. No election held in India has ever been free of violence and the mayhem at Meham in Haryana in the early 90s and the incidents of large booth capturing in Bihar that were exposed on TV by journalist Nalini Singh are enough indications of the general climate in which elections are conducted in the largest democracy in the world. However there is a significant difference between skirmishes and violence that break out between supporters of rival candidates and violence unleased under a premeditated political agenda. It is this latter case of violence that we are witnessing in Tamenglong and Chandel districts today. The peace rally that was first organised at Tamenglong district some days back, demanding that the people be given the liberty to exercise their franchise rights without fear and intimidation and the criticism levelled against the United Naga Council for trying to brow beat the candidates not sponsored by them can be said to be the precursor of things to come at the two said districts. What followed is there for all to see. One Independent candidate from Tamenglong Assembly Constituency was abducted from his house by NSCN (IM) cadres and was literally forced to opt out of the election. This is not all. Women folk who were planning to take out a peace rally demanding their rights to vote freely at Pallel were rounded up and detained by NSCN (IM) cadres. The vehicle in which they were travelling was also reportedly damaged by the armed cadres. The latest report that has come in say that the women folk who took part in the peace rally at Chandel on February 19 have also been rounded up by armed persons. These developments more than make it clear that if election is held under the prevailing conditions, then the very ethos of democracy will stand defeated. Going to the polls with the gun pressed against the head of the voters cannot be termed election, but selection and what is worrying is all these are being taken up under a premeditated political agenda. The difference between the election held in the first phase of the polling and the election to be held in the third phase polling is palpable. Senapati and Ukhrul districts which went to the polls in the first phase had UNC sponsored candidates as well as candidates not sponsored by them, especially Congress candidates. Despite this there was no major hiccup in the first phase polling. What does this signify ? Maybe the first phase poll passed off relatively peacefully because there was least resistance to the diktats and dos and don'ts issued by the UNC. If this was the case, then the purpose of holding the election in the first phase already stands defeated. On the other hand it could mean that UNC and by extension the NSCN (IM) thought it more politically prudent not to rub the people of these two districts the wrong way. Whichever way one looks at it, a political agenda is being sought to be enforced at the said four hill districts and given the reality and the developments in the last few days, the Election Commission of India and the State Election office need to seriously study whether the time is appropriate to hold elections at Tamenglong and Chandel districts as scheduled.
Myanmar, India to launch joint action By R Dutta Choudhury Nagaland Post
GUWAHATI, Feb 20 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and other Northeast-based militant groups may soon face major problems as the Government of Myanmar has agreed to launch joint offensive with the Indian Army against the militants using the territory of the country as safe haven. Highly placed official sources said that the Indian delegation headed by the Union Home Secretary, VK Duggal had detailed discussion on the activities of the militant groups with senior officials of the Government of Myanmar recently and submitted a list of camps of Indian militant outfits in the territory of Myanmar. The list was prepared on the basis of intelligence inputs and confessional statements of the arrested militants.

Sources said that the Indian delegation managed to impress upon the Government of Myanmar about the need for launching joint operations against the militant groups using the territory of the neighbouring country as their safe sanctuaries. The Minister of Home Affairs of the Government of Myanmar, Major General Maung Oo also attended the meeting and agreed to launch a joint offensive against the militant groups. Sources revealed that the date for launching the joint offensive is yet to be finalized and the Minister of Home Affairs of Myanmar would finalize the modalities of the joint offensive in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India. Sources also revealed that as per the tentative plan, the Army personnel of India and Myanmar would launch simultaneous operation on both sides of the international border to trap the militants. India also agreed to extend all possible help to the Government of Myanmar for launching such an operation.

Sources revealed that the operation would be more vigorous than the one launched by the Government of Bhutan to flush out the militants belonging to the ULFA, National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) and the Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO) in December, 2003. However, sources admitted that it would be difficult to completely flush out the militants from the territory of Myanmar because of tough terrain and also because of the fact that the militants are using the vastly unused jungle areas of the neighbouring country, which has very little presence of the administrative machinery of Myanmar. “The basic idea of the proposed joint offensive is to reduce the comfort level of the militant groups as both the Governments are fully aware of the fact that it would be difficult to completely flush out the militants from the jungle areas of Myanmar, but the Army offensive on both sides of the international border would definitely keep the militants on the run,” sources pointed out. Official sources also pointed out that the economy of Myanmar is in bad shape and the country needs the support of India to revive its economy. India is also extending help to Myanmar in several development projects including road construction schemes and construction of a mega power project. To get India’s help in reviving its economy, the Government of Myanmar is keen to maintain good relations with the Government of India and this time, Myanmar was very positive on the Indian delegation’s concerns about the presence of Indian militant groups in the territory of the neighbouring country.

According to information available with the Indian security agencies, the ULFA has about 250 to 300 militants in the camps located in Myanmar and the headquarters of the 28 battalion of the outfit is located in the territory of the neighbouring country. As per the estimates, the Manipur based militant groups including the UNLF and the PLA also have almost same number of militants in Myanmar. However, the Government of India does not have any estimate of the number of militants belonging to the Khaplang faction of the NSCN taking shelter in Myanmar. However, it is a fact that the NSCN(K)”s headquarter is located in Myanmar and the chief of the outfit spends most of his time in that country. Sources also said that the ULFA launches most of its operations in the Upper Assam districts from its bases in Myanmar as the militants manage to sneak into India through either Nagaland or Arunachal Pradesh by taking advantage of the terrain. Though the Assam Rifles has been entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the international border, the force is raising new battalions to seal the border and it would take some time to complete deployment of force all along the border.