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02/27/2007: "Peace Crusaders appeals for permanent peace The Morung Express"


Peace Crusaders appeals for permanent peace The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, FEB 26 (MExN): The Pekreila and Tangkhul Peace Crusaders have appealed to NSCN (K), NSCN (IM) and NNC to restore permanent peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ through Love and Forgiveness. Calling for peace and reconciliation in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Crusaders rued that the Naga Nationalists have forgotten God’s promise of Naga Nationhood building and are instead killing one another for supremacy. The press note said that all must repent and sought the Almighty’s forgiveness in order to attain the goal of achieving Naga Nationhood and Sovereingty,
It stated that the present generation acknowledges and praises Almighty God for sustaining and upholding the Naga Political struggle. It further added that the dialogue between the GOI and NSCN (IM) can never be materialized as long as the three warring factions keep on fighting to gain supremacy, thereby widening the gap for unity and reconciliation. They must adopt ‘give and take’ policy with flexible spirit as one happy family in the name of the Almighty God.
The ‘Pukhrelia (Tangkhul women married to other tribes) and Tangkhul Peace Crusaders’ was inspired by the Holy Spirit when they observed fasting prayers and sought God’s intervention that peace and unity among the Nagas may be restored. The Crusaders contacted 7 Church women leaders from Kohima and sought their wisdom, advices and suggestions. On their advise they had a chain of prayers for 24 hours. Thereafter, the crusaders selected 4 Pukhreilas to seek the help of Sumi Hoho president, Zunheboto to organize a meeting with Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, whom they met on January 4. The Crusaders admitted that they found the Ato Kilonser to be very humble, kind and a God fearing person. They appealed to him to revoke the ‘Quit notice’ served to the Tangkhul community and also requested him to let the Naga students from Manipur to appear their matriculation exam without any disturbance. Kitovi assured them that he would help in whatever possible way he can. He also gave 14 points to NSCN (IM) representatives of Tangkhuls namely, Atem, Raising, angelus, Hangshi, Khayao and Phungthing.
Accordingly, the Crusaders conveyed the message to the NSCN (IM) leaders on January 16 and also made an appointment with Th. Muivah where they passed on the message to him at Hebron Hq. on January 22 and in return, Muivah also gave 3 points to them to be conveyed to Kitovi, the press note informed. In order to prevent any untoward incidents, the Crusaders approached the Western Sumi Hoho for immediate intervention in regard to the final ‘quit notice’ served on Tangkhuls as fixed on February 5’ 2007. Accordingly, the Sumi Hoho, Totomi Hoho, Students’ union and Sporting Associations met them on February 4 and assured that they would extend all possible help to safeguard the innocent Tangkhuls.
The Crusaders expressed happiness over the peaceful atmosphere and thanked all the factions for maintaining great restraint. In conclusion, the note optimistically stated that the present temporary peace can be made permanent through repentance and surrendering oneself to the Almighty.
NNC condemns Myanmar army Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Feb 26 (NPN): The NNC Monday strongly condemned the military junta of Myanmar for the ongoing offensive against Eastern Nagas. NNC IPR official Mhasi Angami in a statement alleged the operation was launched in "complete violation of international laws" and at the behest of Government of India to wipe out the Nagas and occupy their "free land".The NNC also alleged that India and Myanmar reached a secret military understanding prior to launching the offensive for their military and economic interests in south-east Asia. The NNC appealed to the international communities to condemn the offensive and intervene in the matter. Further, it made it clear that Eastern Nagas were still free people and that they would never join the Union of Myanmar.

FGN welcomes 8 NSCN (I-M) men Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 26 (NPN): The FGN Sumi Region has welcomed eight NSCN (I-M) men led by 'captain' Obed Awomi who joined the FGN on January 4, 2007.
Commander 6th Brigade and supervisor, FGN Sumi Region, brig. TS Zhimo in a press release said the eight former NSCN(I-M) men also deposited three AK-47 rifles, two M20 pistols, one M16 rifle, one M21 rifle, four Chinese grenades and a large quantity of ammunition to the FGN armoury. Zhimo also informed that 'capt' Awomi has been given full authority over finance and taxation of the FGN Sumi Region with effect from February 3.
Meanwhile brig. TS Zhimo also revealed that he alongwith three of his bodyguards were captured by the NSCN(I-M) on December 15, 2006 and confined for fifteen days at the NSCN (I-M) camp at Pfutsero. Zhimo said they were then , shifted to the Hebron Camp. However, through divine intervention and of some NGOs and God, they were released on December 26, 2006, the release added. After his release, Zhimo said he re-joined the FGN "for the safety of Nagas."
‘No settlement sans Angamis’ consent’ Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, FEB 26 (NPN): Giving a sketch of the "Western line of the Angami boundary" dating back to the 1530s, the Angami Public Organization (APO) has said since there was no other community living between the "border of Angami people and Assamese" during those period, no settlement in these areas can be taken without the consent of the Angamis.
APO said "the Western line of the Angami boundary in the south west starts with the Zeliang Naga tribe and then extends to Karbi Anglong (Mikhir Hill) border and then from Mohung Dijooa agreement of which was made with British India government during 1840-41 and then toward north along Jamuna river-Kalapahar range and then join Doyang river bank at north point border with the Lothas near Golaghat." APO vice president T.L Angami, press secretary Kekhriengulie Linyu and Chakhro Public Organization (CPO) president T. Shiiya on behalf of the APO, in a joint representation to the chairperson, Local Commission on Nagaland-Assam Boundary, hoped that the chairperson would be able "to convince the Government of India the need to take immediate step for redressal of our legitimate demand."
Maintaining that the Angami settlers came to the plain in and around Dimapur many centuries before the British first came to Angami country in 1832, the representation said "at that time Angami country covered all lands in Hotizha (Niuland as it is presently called) Dimapur (Kuda, as we call it) was once occupied by the Dima Raja, a Kachari pretender to the throne."
It also said the Kacharis left Dimapur area for Maibong in 1936 after their attempts to drive away the Angamis who had come down to the foothill, were "decisively destroyed" while attempting to invade Chiepama village during 1530s. After the Kacharis left, the Ahoms never came to settle in the area and thus the Nagas slowly established their dominance over the entire area stretching from the foothills to the areas bordering with the Khasi and Jaintia hills, Nowgong and Sibsagar district, the APO representation stated. APO said this this fact was clearly acknowledged by the British government of India when they first came to this part of the country in 1832 and subsequent notification of creation of the Naga hill district in 1867.
However, after many centuries the British government began to extend its administration toward the Naga country and, side by side with the British conquest of the Naga territory, the Naga areas were systematically sliced out and added to the better administered district of Assam in the name of administrative convenience, APO in the representation said. "In this way large track of Naga forest have been progressively detached from the dominance of the Nagas. For all such detachment, Nagas had made various agreements with the Government of India,"
the representation said while pointing out that the present boundary conflict between Assam and Nagaland was due to failure of the Government of India to implement the said agreements.
‘School issue’, Manipur elections all initiatives for people, says NSCN-IM The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 26 (MExN): The “school imbroglio” and the recent elections in the hill districts of Manipur where the United Naga Council are involved in efforts are all initiatives in the interest of the Naga people and not as speculated by some, the NSCN-IM says and extends support to defend the people’s interest.
“The recent school imbroglio is the concern and initiatives of the Naga students community and not as speculated by some. The recent elections in Southern Nagalim are also initiatives by the United Naga Council and NGOs in support of the Naga people’s interest and not as supposed” an NSCN-IM MIP note stated and to this expressed solidarity to defend the interest of the Nagas “be it East, West, North or South but does not recognize the Indian constitution”. Stating that “misled minds may misinterpret everything negatively to achieve their foolish ambitions”, the NSCN-IM assured to fight against all adverse and inimical forces or individuals who are against ‘national principles’ and nation, at all costs. “For straightening the records, the NSCN is for the sovereignty and integrity of our nation, and the freedom of the Nagas. We will continue to fight at any cost for our inalienable rights unit it is restored” it asserted assuring commitment to the people.
The NSCN-IM also took note that ‘immature efforts’ are on to ‘falsify facts’ and for this clarifications are being made “though media wars are detested today”. On the Naga movement, the NSCN-IM stated it commenced before the inception of the statehoods of states like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland. For this, the plebiscite on May 16, 1951, registered “99.9 %” in favor of independence and the mandate was entrusted on the NNC/FGN. However, this mandate was betrayed with the signing of the Shillong Accord in 1975. The failure to condemn this accord and subsequent killing of Naga patriots led to the birth of the NSCN “to resuscitate the Naga people’s aspiration”, it stated.
“Today the NNC/FGN may clarify why they had remained mum and immobile all these years, instead of casting divisive criticisms or proclaiming their undying spirit of nationalism now” the MIP note stated. The banner of “Nagalim for Christ” is a banner the Nagas chose for their land and its usage is the decision of the people and “not decided by Mr. Chungbui Newmai”. In a Christian church there may be firm Christian believers and non-Christian believers attending it together but the cross symbol of the Church cannot be removed or altered for the sake of a few non-believers and in any revolution mistakes occur “beyond our reach” but the nation cannot perish for the sake of some, it stated.
Highlighting several points stated as allegations by the NSCN-K against the NSCN-IM, the note asserted that they (rivals)are only falling prey to India’s designs.
No problems’ in DAN, says Rio OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 26: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio today ruled out any misunderstanding among the partners of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government over the March 8 byelection to the Assembly constituencies of Tuensang Sardar-II and Dimapur-I.
Asserting that the contest would be a friendly one, Rio expressed confidence that his party, the Nagaland People’s Front, would win both seats.
“We have no problems on this. We will go for a friendly contest,” Rio said, stating that the DAN coalition partners have reached an understanding on this arrangement. The chief minister’s sympathies, however, lie with the NPF. “I belong to the NPF party and so I will campaign for the party candidate. I don’t know about the other party,” Rio said.
With D-Day drawing near, all major political parties have been resorting to heavy politicking in both constituencies.
In Tuensang, the BJP’s candidature was earlier rejected by the returning officer on technical grounds, while their party observer went missing on the day of scrutiny. The party alleged that the observer was made to sign a “bond” under duress by gunmen. BJP candidate Wongto Chang who was permitted to contest as an Independent candidate was forced out by suspected Naga militants.
Calling factional clashes a part and parcel of politics, Rio said it was the combined duty of the Centre and the state to tackle it. “To deal with the militants under the ceasefire ground rule is not easy,” the chief minister said, claiming that the state government had adequate force to stop factional clashes in the civilian areas. He, however, said his government preferred a more patient approach to preclude unwanted situations. “They are not unlawful organisations any more, so we cannot deal with them like unlawful units,” Rio said, referring to clashes between the NSCN factions, which the Opposition Congress termed as a law and order problem. “We need to be patient,” he said, in reply to the Opposition’s charge that the government has failed to contain such clashes.
Therie’s formula for free & fair elections The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 26 (MExN): MLA K Therie, strongly reminding that “poverty of courage of the electorate will only fail free and fair elections,” puts forward a number of suggestions how the oncoming bye-elections to the Dimapur-1 and Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituency seats may be made free and fair. He is of the view that utilizing one’s vote can change the future of the state and even the nation.
The MLA, in a press communiqué, pointed out that VCC and GBs of respective polling station concerned should have a meeting with voters ‘to decide to vote without fail.’

Any voter having abstained from voting without valid reasons (like in the case of sickness or otherwise justified by the law) may be penalized by the ward or colony concerned as per customary laws or as the local self-government deems fit. Magistrate, DBs, GBs, VCC members and DMC members with women representatives should identify voters before they are allowed to enter the perimeters of the polling stations. Further, polling agents should be aware of their voters one by one” prior. Group transportation should be banned with the close of campaign hour (48 hours). Any “new person” or group found in the colony or ward without valid reason should be reported to the administration immediately and they should be arrested and detained as per law ‘for trespassing with ill-intention to disturb the polling’. Any person or group, trespassing into the perimeter of the polling station without authority should be penalized according to law, MLA Therie stated. He also had a word for polling officials: “Presiding and Polling Officers should follow rules and regulations strictly without making any compromises”. Also, proper protection must be given to identifying local authorities while unauthorized weapons should be “sanitized”, he suggested. While acknowledging that free and fair election is what the people desires to see for the two constituencies, the MLA also lamented that “past and present elections have taught us that barely 30% of votes are based on issues” as against “100% of the votes based on issues” in civilized nations.
DAN’s equi-closeness policy creating more division: Z. Lohe The Morung Express
Congress kick starts its Bye-Election campaign with positive note
Dimapur, Feb 26 (MExN): Kicking off its Bye-Election campaign with a positive note today, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) proudly declared that it is coming to power in the next General Election. Dimapur-I, which was and is still a stronghold of the Congress has the sympathy of the people, said former DDC Chairman Yanger while urging the members to go ahead with principles maintaining the solidarity and unity of the party.
Former Speaker Z. Lohe also speaking at the campaign called upon the members and the people to forgive the past mistakes, to unite and to move ahead to bring peace in the state. Brushing aside all the allegations of Congress being anti-Naga, Lohe reminded that both the NSCN factions were brought to the negotiating table by the Congress and that peace dialogue between the GoI and the NSCN was upgraded to Prime-ministerial level after the Congress came to power at the centre.
Lohe, on the other hand, has accused the DAN’s policy of equi-closeness, which he alleged has brought more division between the different tribes and also more factional feuds among the factions than unity. Z. Lohe, while maintaining that people will suffer without Congress, has assured that Congress, if it comes to power, will mend all abnormal situation created by the present DAN government. Hokheto Sumi, President NPCC coming out clearly, called upon the people not to vote for other parties who, he alleged, have failed to bring any development despite being in power for more than 4 years. Nielo Rengma, former minister while asserting that people are tired of the present DAN Government and that the coalition government failed to bring out a common consensus candidate, urged the members to take advantage of the divided house. Meanwhile, Congress who kick started its Bye-Election campaign today at 4 pm at NST will cover the whole of Dimapur by March 2.
EC to check bogus voting Electoral Rolls for Dimapur-I, Tuensang II to be revised The Morung Express
Dimapur, Feb 26 (MExN): Offering a new twist to the hectic bye-election campaigns for the all-important Dimapur-1 Assembly Constituency and 54 Tuensang Sadar-II Assembly Constituency seats, the Election Commission has decided to go in for revision of electoral rolls in both the constituencies to thwart rigging of polls and “influx” of bogus voters.
Chief Election Officer (CEO) CJ Ponraj today convened a meeting at Kohima with the Deputy Commissioners of Dimapur and Tuensang districts where the conduct of the bye-elections and review of electoral rolls in both the constituencies figured as the main agenda. The decision to go in for revision of electorate’s rolls was necessitated by the fears that non-constituency electorate would be brought in “in truckloads” to hold weight for candidates’ ballot bag. The date for the revision of electoral rolls is expected within the coming few days, sources informed. However, additional sources in the know-of-matters said the decision to go for revision of electoral lists for both the constituencies, was more influenced by the concern that rolls from previous elections would be either clubbed in with the rolls for 2006 or that ‘new entrants’ (bogus voters from other constituencies) would be added to existing ones. This would mean the list for Dimapur, particularly, would be doubled i.e., a ration of 5-15. The concern that polls would be rigged is being accentuated in particular to the crucial Dimapur-1 seat, where the NPF is expected to make a win. Dimapur Deputy Commissioner K Nzimongo Ngullie assures the administration’s best effort for free and fair bye-elections. The polling would be scrutinized by General Observer and Expenditure Observer from the Center, besides observers from the political parties in the fray.
Meanwhile, all the candidates in the fray from Dimapur-1 are expressing concern that the other contesting parties would resort to “influx” of bogus voters from outside to secure a win. The worry for them is that the other candidates would file in bogus voters but “whether or not there would be any genuine voters.” For the BJP for instance, Nagas being Christians should go in for a fair fight: “This is my honest appeal to all the voters that there should be no rigging or bogus voters in the true spirit of Christianity” Ato Yepthomi, chief of Nagaland BJP said. The right choice for the right candidate should be made and not otherwise with undesirable ways and means, he said. BJP candidate for Dimapur-1 Kevise Angami shared a related line of thought: “Proxy voting is a shame” he said simply. For JD (U) candidate Limatemjen the question is no as much whether there will be bogus voters: “will there be any genuine voters” he wondered over telephone. Independent candidate Dr Roland Lotha also toed the JD U)’s thought: “As far as the polling is concerned all the candidates are worried about proxy voting” he said with the assertion that if such is allowed to take place, “democracy will be murdered”. Most functionaries from various parties expressed underhand concern that major parties like the NPF and the Congress would resort to the services of fake voters since ‘they have nothing to lose by winning’. Interestingly, when attempts were made to contact the NPF and the Congress for comments on poll-rigging and bogus voting, calls made were not received.
Rigging complaints being looked into Correspondent The Hindu
IMPHAL: Complaints of rigging at Kangshung A, Kangshung B and another polling station in a school in Chandel district, where repolls were held on Sunday, are being examined by the Election Commission. Imphal-based journalists who visited the polling stations saw that only agents of one particular independent candidate were inside the booths.
Supporters of the candidate did not allow other agents to enter. Besides only those who would vote for the candidate were allowed to cast their votes.
Gunned down Pureilomba Khan, the "chief project officer" of the proscribed Muslim outfit, the People's United Liberation Front (PULP), was gunned down in a hotel at Dimapur, Nagaland, on Monday, the police said.
Misleading campaigns- Nagaland Post Opinion
Immature efforts to mislead and confuse the Naga people with falsifications of facts have been going on in vain. Though media wars are detested today, it becomes necessary to clarify to wrong notions for it may mislead the uninformed.
Much has been debated and clarified in the past on the history of Naga National struggle. But some quarters have inflexibly negated facts and continued to adamantly propagate incorrect accounts not realizing the negative impacts it may bear upon us. The Naga national movement began prior to the Indian independence.
This movement started before the inception of Indian statehood of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland etc. In reassertion of our determination for sovereignty, the Naga people through the plebiscite on May 16, 1951 voted 99.9% in favor of independence. This solidarity and mandate trusted upon the NNC/FGN was betrayed with the signing of the infamous Shillong Accord in 1975; an un-conditional surrender into the hands of India bounded under their constitution.
The failure to condemn this treacherous accord and the killing of Naga patriots who went against this sell-out accord led to the birth of the NSCN, to resuscitate the Naga people's aspiration. Today, NNC/FGN may clarify why they had remained mum and immobile all these years, instead of casting divisive criticisms or proclaiming their undying spirits of nationalism now. As the saying goes "If you do not prevent a crime from taking place right in front of your face, you your-self becomes a part of the crime".
The banner "Nagalim for Christ" is a banner the Naga people had chosen for our land and people, and hence its usage is the decision of all the Nagas and not to be decided by Mr. Chungbui Newmai. In a Christian church there may be firm Christian believers and non-Christian believers attending it together, but the cross symbol of the church cannot be removed or altered for the sake of a few non-believers. In our revolution, mistakes have taken place in the past beyond our reach, but for the sake of some the nation cannot perish and our faith and strength in God will continue to grow, for is our only salvation.
As for the Khaplang group's version on how the 1988 crisis in the NSCN took place, they keep changing their misleading allegations time and again that Isak and Muivah took huge sums of money from the Indian government to surrender; Isak and Muivah had constructed palatial buildings at Arunachal, Jorhat, Golaghat, etc,; Isak had gone to Delhi to surrender to India; Muivah tried to form autonomous Wung Tankhul state etc, etc, to continue their sinister game of playing into the hands of our adversaries; to divide the Naga family.
They in fact, became victims of the Indian government's ploy to create division within the Nagas by falsely implicating that the leaders were preparing surrender to India. Their short-sightedness, infirm principles and impulsive natures took the toll that led to their treacherous attach on the Council Head Quarters of the Naga Army.
The beginning of the assault by Khaplang's men upon Naga patriots started with the killing of the Dy. Commander-in-Chief and his child on his back while he was trying to stop them from committing the heinous mistake.
Following the sense-less killing of Nagas by the Khaplang men, the Naga Army personnel wanted to retaliate but was stopped by the General Secretary Th Muivah, saying that they (Khaplang cadres) were wrong and will regret killing ones own brother some day.
This ensued with the random spree of killing of more than a hundred innocent Naga patriots. Today with their blood stained hands and minds, instead of seeking for forgiveness and reconciliation, justifying one self or projecting a Good Samaritan image is quite ridiculous. They are trying to also sow divisive seeds within the NSCN in all earnest but in vain, for the Nagas know who is who and can differentiate black from white.
The recent school imbroglio is the concern and initiatives of the Naga students community and not as speculated by some. The recent elections in Southern Nagalim are also initiatives by the United Naga Council and NGOs in support of the Naga people's interest and not as supposed. The NSCN/GPRN will extend our support and solidarity to defend the interests of the Nagas, be in East, West, North or South but does not recognize the Indian constitution.
The NSCN/GPRN will fight against all adverse and inimical forces or individuals against our national principles and nation at all costs, for none is above the nation. Misled minds may try to wrongly misinterpret every thing negatively to achieve their foolish ambitions but cannot sway the Nagas, for our goals are crystal clear to one and all.
For straightening records, the NSCN is for the sovereignty and integrity of our nation, and the freedom of the Nagas. We will continue to fight at any cost for our inalienable rights, until it is restored. The NSCN/GPRN remains committed to our people and our cause.
Issued by: MIP: GPRN/NSCN(I-M)
Response to Rev. Seksim Kasar, general secretary, CNC, GPRN/NSCN (IM)- Nagaland Post Opinion
Reverend Seksim Kasar, General Secretary, CNC, GPRN/NSCN (IM) has written about the Peace March in Kohima on January 27, 2007 under the caption, 'Hypocrisy and prejudice must be shaken off if one is to correct others". The march was organised by the Pastors Fellowship of the capital. I was one of those who took part in that march.
Amongst those who took part in the Peace March, I saw some who were relatives of some victims of factional fighting. Unlike the others who preferred to safely stay home, they marched for a purpose all across Kohima town with a desire in their hearts that peace must prevail in our land. To them, it was not a joke. To suggest there was hypocrisy in what they did was insensitive of Rev. Seksim. He said those people's minds were poisoned by the speakers and they went home with fires in their heart. I went home with a feeling that there is still hope for peace and reconciliation of our people. I believe that others also went home with the same feeling strengthened in their hearts.
Some of the speakers spoke against the misuse of Nagaland for Christ. It should be stated they did not speak against the idea. Judging by what he has written about "Nagaland for Christ" it seems Rev. Seksim has not understood why many Nagas are shocked that the sacred idea has been so misused. But if Rev. Seksim thinks Jesus Christ is happy with his argument who am I to say anything although I am amazed? It is said all of us tend to judge ourselves by our high ideals and slogans. But others judge us by our actions, by what we actually do which hurt them.
The phrase, "Satan's hand" in our land was cited that day. A Reverend would know best what it implies as evil is labeled as Satan in Christian term. It is not necessary for somebody to enlighten us whether killing one's own brother is God's hand or Satan's hand at work. It is nothing but thoughtless transgression of God's sanctified law to rationalize one's killings using Christ's name.
Our Church leaders that day genuinely articulated what they ought to say and what the public expects to hear from them. None of the speakers said that black is white or white is black. What they said was that wrong is wrong. Is this poisonous as mentioned by the Reverend? Their honest expression cannot be considered as unwise and unrestrained tongue. To consider so would be hypocritical on our part. It was a day when some of our Church leaders were being candid and honest to themselves for the sakes of all of us. We should thank them.
We all know there are many hypocritical Nagas. Some of them may be Reverends. However, the peace march can never be christened as a hypocritical measure. The Church leaders or Rev Seksim may be hypocritical but that is not the subject. The subject is about Naga peace. What counts is the subject of the matter. The peace march may be having its own flaws but the intention and the people's desire and longing for peace is more important. No force on earth, however strong it may be, cannot dictate upon this. To me, the peace march represents an attempt by some of us wretched Naga sinners striving to reform our wretched society. And as a matter of fact, among them are some good men who would do something so that evil shall not triumph. The intention of the peace march is focused on just peace for the Nagas and what they said that day are not lies or propaganda of any sort. In fact they said what the general public fears to say.
It is a known fact that apart from making appeals, all other Naga NGOs, institutions, tribal organizations, etc., are in a lukewarm state today. It's a beautiful thing that the Church is establishing itself in view of the desire of our people in the most challenging task confronting our society. Their search for where we have wronged each other with an intention of peace and forgiveness illuminates a ray of hope and perspective. The past and the root causes are not overlooked and these are clearly established in their booklet launched in Dimapur at the end of last Serptember.
The popular view of our people today is unreservedly an honourable, acceptable settlement through healing and reconciliation. And the people are waiting for the end results of what would transpire from their discussions and consultations with our factional leaders. Hence, to a layman, the idea of the Church poisoning or setting fire to the hearts of the people does not at all arise. If their intention is to poison, they could have done it long ago in their local Churches. This notion is a cynical judgment which demoralizes the thinking of our people.
In conclusion, we cannot blame the past alone without doing anything what we ought to do today in our present situation. We are the problem if we failed to do that. The solution for our peace only lies in addressing our problems. Whatever reservation or consideration one may have, let us not make the initiators of peace victims. The Church leaders must not get disheartened as the people are holding fast with hope. Let peace march on. Zakie Khate.
Assam Rifles gets NSCN (IM) camp vacated From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Feb 26 – Troops of 13 Battalion of the Assam Rifles have got vacated a camp of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaac-Muivah) in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, the native place of the outfit’s supremo Thuingaleng Muivah. Sources in the office of Public Relations Officer of Assam Riles said the troops raided and got vacated a camp of the outfit near the Shirui village in Manipur’s hill district Ukhrul. It said that the operation to over-run the camp was started on February 5 and ended on February 16. The AR troops cordoned off the complete camp for 12 days which comprised approximately 20 hutments along with about 60 to 70 armed cadres of the outfit. Since all supply and movement routes were cut off, the NSCN (IM) cadres had no option but to vacate the camp, claimed the PRO and added the cadres left behind their rations and administration material. The camp was cleared and destroyed except the Church.
Nagaland in Myanmar - A military sponsored Festival Nagaland Post Lahe, Nagaland, Myanmar: Once a year in January Myanmar's part of Nagaland can be visited by foreigners who have the funds to pay for flights and are not scared to travel over hazardous mountain trails. The rest of the year this part of Myanmar is sealed of from the outside world. For reasons unknown the military junta through a subsidiary travel, agency organizes a trip for foreigners and well to do citizens of Myanmar to attend the Naga harvest festival in January. Advertised as a highlight of culture the caravan of pick up trucks laden with excited visitors from all over the world arrived in the especially for the purpose built bamboo quarters. Relatively luxurious these quarters are due to the single rooms with mosquito nets and every day room cleaning with a battery of toilets and wash rooms, pails of hot water available too. The compound, slightly away out of the village of Lahe, was off limits for Nagas themselves. I experienced one day after a shoot in the village with members of a tribal group as I wanted to show them some digital photos on my laptop. The reception, manned by personnel of Diamond travel agency and military stopped those Nagas and I had to bring the laptop out. Their reason?
"Well Sir, this is for your own protection. We do not know what could happen in the camp, so no others than our visitors are allowed inside; orders of the high command Sir!", came as a recurrent answer. I quote this standard answer for it was used for anything aside the festival. Lahe has a military camp overlooking the village and on the festival ground armed soldiers with were around all the time.
The festival itself, due to the well expressing Nagas of some six different tribes was astonishingly impressive, yet equally undoubtedly, orchestrated by the travel agency led by the military. High military commanders were present and the Minister of Hotels and Tourism were received like celebrities. Decorated first by lovely and traditionally dressed Naga ladies they gave the signal to for the opening procedures of the festival. They were seated center stage and announced the good policies they had promulgated for the Nagas; samples of their well meant intentions were lined up beside the stage. Guarded by soldiers on display were different goods; sacks of rice, television sets, communication devices and much more. As they received a warm applause for their efforts with pride the military presented these good to assembled Nagas.
"Quite ironical," said a Naga in the group who invited me for a meal inside the home they were temporarily housed, "it is very difficult to talk here. The walls have ears you know! Here the military control everything, or do you think we wanted a festival organized by them? We are not free to celebrate, they arrange it all. They show off to you people, but in the villages their soldiers coerce, subdue, suppress and forcibly recruit young men for their army. They post Buddhist missionaries among us; they have this policy to make us Buddhists. I will show you a small thing about their ways, small but significant," he whispers as the others were standing by listening but moved closer to check on what he said and showed a few pairs of black shorts. The Naga smiled and continued:
"You see these shorts were given to us by the organization. This does not belong to our traditional attire. It is alien to us, but we were asked to wear it. Can we refuse?", he asked rhetorically, just to make sure I understood its importance. Talking to several Nagas in Lahe while sharing rice beer with the villagers, more and more it became apparent this Naga Festival was a show for tourists, a show for the military junta to impress the outside world,. Rather than a genuine harvest celebration, to an extent still the case, it was the military who once a year offered foreigners a glimpse of Naga life in Myanmar.
Though heavily guarded by soldiers this military organization could not prevent the foreigners to ask questions too, questions they actually could not answer for they essentially had little or no knowledge of Naga culture; they only wanted the visitors to see what they wanted them to see. Consequently going to other villages was only possible by spending extra money on the cars which had brought us to Lahe. Since the program provided four full days at Lahe it was obvious that it was next to impossible to go around on ones own; going by car with a group of eight people was not option for me either. To me that was like a hit and run visit, without their prior knowledge it was like intruding on them.
Going on foot was impossible too for provided there were willing guides available it would take a minimum of three hours to walk to the nearest one and three hours back. Instead I stayed in Lahe and witnessed the spectacle of tribes doing their dances.
Despite the efforts of the military to come across as very friendly, the minister addressed several foreigners like they were his friends, it was easy to see through it all. If one was aware of the history of the Naga peoples and their aspirations to be free of both India and Myanmar, to my chagrin very few foreigners had any knowledge of that, one would wonder why there were so many soldiers on the way to Lahe and in the village itself. "For your own protection!", the standard answer came again. Instead we were led to believe the Nagas were wonderfully peaceful and did not have a worry in the world. In the village when talking about the Nagas of India and the relation of the people here another reality unfolded. Mouths opened up to reveal a litany of severe complaints. These complaints revolved around suppression, forced labor, forced recruiting, militarization. I was struck by the policy of the military to turn the Nagas into Buddhists. When strolling through the village I met some young missionaries who when I asked about their purpose openly told me they were assigned to turn the Nagas into Buddhists:
"I studied at the university and this way I will have a better life later," the man said, I have to do it. It is too hard to refuse what the military orders you what to do."
Practically sealed from the outside world this was not what Lahe and the Nagas looked like, but for most of the foreigners who had embarked on this precarious journey it must have been. As they had nothing to compare they could only see what happened in front of them. They had come along for the adventure and for culture, they did not know about the five decades old conflict which, it was obvious to me now, the military junta had given some priority; they wanted the Nagas to become Burmese. Serious business for them because of the agreement with India to get rid of the Naga bases of the NSCN-Khaplang there. Was it because of the NSCN-Khaplang the soldiers were there for our own protection? For more information visit our website www.nagalim.nl or email us nisc@nagalim.nl
Naga International Support Center, NISC www.nagalim.nl A human rights organization Amsterdam.
The Indo-Manipur political conflict — I — Exploring new ways for solution —
By Sanatomba Kangujam Sangai Express
Initiating a dialogue:
The decades old Indo-Manipur conflict, which remained shut off from the gaze of international community has finally come to be exposed by the CNN-IBN in its recent series India’s Hidden War in the North East. The exposure offers two significant openings. One, it has brought to the notice of the world that there has been a political conflict involving India on the one hand and Manipur on the other on the issue of ‘national self-determination’ for Manipur. Two, it also aired the willingness on the part of a major armed-opposition group, namely the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), to resolve the existing conflict on the basis of certain principles. The UNLF has come forward with a four-point proposal for resolving the politico-military conflict between Manipur and India once and for all. The four-point proposal is:
1. A plebiscite to be held under UN supervision to determine whether Manipur shall remain independent or remain ‘subjugated’ under the ‘Indian colonial regime’.
2. Deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Manipur to ensure the process free and fair.
3. Deposit of arms by the UNLF to the UN authority on a date fixed by the UN prior to the date of plebiscite, matched with the withdrawal of Indian troops.
4. Handing over of political power by the UN in accordance with the results of the plebiscite.
The UNLF while reiterating its firmness on the principle of ‘national independence and sovereignty’ had on previous occasion declared its readiness to accept the democratic verdict of the people by asserting that the ultimate sovereignty lies with the masses. Nevertheless, the UNLF has ruled out any possibility of holding peace talk with the Government of India (GOI) alleging that peace talk is a death trap.
Earlier, the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), another powerful armed-opposition group of Manipur had indicated that it was keen for a settlement of the future of Manipur through negotiation with the Government of India, provided sovereignty is on the agenda. The RPF also announced that it would wait and watch the GoI’s response to the proposal raised by the UNLF. However, unlike the UNLF, the RPF declared that its military wing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would neither abandon its arms nor deposit them with anyone even if there is a ceasefire with the Government of India. It reaffirmed that it would never settle anything less than total sovereignty. Recently, the chairman of the RPF, Irengbam Chaoren asserted that independence is the first priority while adding that it has to be achieved through revolutionary struggle and not simply through peace talk.
Unmasking the politics of ceasefire:
Looking at the various moves initiated by different quarters of concern involved in the search for a peaceful resolution of the current conflict, one can draw on certain measures that would be appropriate for a substantive project of bringing peace in the center of engagement. It is quite understandable that the distrust of the armed opposition groups on holding any talks with the Government of India is justified if one examines the experience of the Naga peace process, which has been going on for many years. The peace process has not led to any substantive progress so far and this intensifies the belief of the armed opposition groups that any kind of peace process founded on the principle of ceasefire to be the prior condition of holding talks will eventually lead to a total capitulation of the National Liberation Movement (NLM) as happened in the case of the Mizo National Front. The distrust on any attempt to share the negotiation table with the Government of India is also strengthened by the fact that it would certainly give privilege to ceasefire as the prior condition of the talk. It is significant because any modality of peace talks presented by the Government of India generally gives focus on signing a ceasefire agreement. However, contrary to the common assumption that such an agreement would take the peace process to a substantive level, it has generally led to intensification of factionalism among the co-partners of the National Liberation Movement. It is clearly exemplified by the experiences from the Indo-Naga peace talk that has now resulted into a weakening of the Naga resistance movement. Thus, one can safely assume that the rationale and the strength of the National Liberation Movement itself would be deeply affected in the long run.
The Shillong Accord of 1975, which has now become history of contestation and a ground for the rise of factionalism within the NNC, can serve as a background here. The Accord led to a discord within the NNC that gradually got culminated into the formation of the NSCN in 1980 under the leadership of Isaac and Muivah. In 1988 the Indian state intelligence allegedly engineered into causing a vertical split within the NSCN that has produced the two factions of the NSCN with two different leaderships, one under Isaac-Muivah and the other under Khaplang. It is pertinent to recall the fact that the split of the NSCN was centered on the issue of coming to terms of negotiation with the Government of India. Thus the Government of India successfully secured the birth of three Naga insurgent factions – NNC, NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K) – through a series of caesarian operations with the intelligence agency officiating as the mid-wife. Even today, the Naga movement is witness to intensified internal feuds following the ceasefire with the Indian Govt. — To be contd
(The writer is a Research Scholar at Dept. of Pol. Sc., Manipur University)

Tribal reservation in Manipur: A boon or a bane — II By John H. Pulamte
Contd from previous issue Sangai Express
Over and above, one section discretely mentioned that, “there will be no ‘reservation’ (for tribals) in appointments made on ‘contract’ basis” which is the common norms in the present days.
The present position
With no effective watchdog to oversee the rights and privileges of the tribal peoples, they are continuously marginalized and exploited in matters of recruitment for services, admission in Government institutions and seats in Government sponsored courses such as medical, engineering and other technical courses.
For instance, had the one-third reservation for SC/STs in all Government jobs is followed in letter and spirit, there will definitely be at least 10,000 more tribal employees in the state at present. Education (S), the department that haves maximum employees after Home department and the one that gives maximum room of employment to tribals, has just 3037 STs out of the total 12140 employees, a shortage of more than 700 posts. The State’s Legislative Assembly secretariat, which is the centre of a democratic system, has only 24 tribals out of the total 305 regular employees – a clear shortage of some 70 posts.
As per the Brochure issued by the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, “Direct recruitment to Group C and Group D posts normally attracting candidates from a locality or region, reservation percentage has to be in proportion to the population of SC & ST in the respective States/Territories”. But, this guideline was mischievously circumvented to benefit one particular section of the population of the state. That is why Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), located in Imphal that has more than 2000 group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employee under its payroll has a little more than 100 tribals. It may be also noted that, there are only 7 tribal faculty members out of the total 220 teaching faculty members in this prestigious institution.
Manipur University was recently converted into a Central University. By all means, the University was bound to follow the State’s reservation norm till its conversion into a Central University. However, at present there are only two tribals out of the total 120 full-time teaching faculty members in the whole departments. In non-gazette teaching staffs, there are also just 48 tribals out of the total 305 employees, which is a shortage of some 46 posts.
Reservation policy that was supposed to benefit the SC/Ss has been cleverly exploited in Manipur first by dividing the groups into different cadres and then ignoring with intent the 100-point roster system. For example, group ‘D’ posts are segregated into Drivers, Chowkidars, Gardener, Ward Boy, Mason, Helper, Peon, etc and are recruited one by one so that most of the posts goes to the major communities. Unlike other states of the country, the state of Manipur has also been cleverly using the term ‘general’ in place of ‘unreserved’ so that only the majority community of the state occupies the ‘open’ seats.
On reservation matter, tribals of Manipur are disappointed for two big reasons - One, their representation in government jobs and government sponsored institution is meager and is not in proportion with their population. Two, the general community (the Meiteis to be specific) who constitute a little more than half of the state total population are getting more than 80% of all the government jobs and seats. The fact that RIMS that was suppose to have more than one-third tribals (particularly in the non-teaching section) is constituted of more than 90 percent Meiteis, tells it all.
Besides, minor modifications and additions are made with departmental rules by selfishly adopting procedures that is in the best selfish interest of some peoples. The one for selection of nominees for MBBS/BDS course in 2003 is a clear example of such exploitation. Thanks to the united voice shown by the peoples who hardly comes together for a common cause in the past, the tribals overcome that hard fought issue in the street, in the corridors of powers and finally in the Supreme Court.
When one looked back, that needless crisis could have been averted had not some unscrupulous officers twisted some rules and regulations with selfish motives and interest. In the mean time, it came to light that careless and doubtable tribal legislators and high-ranking officers were also knowingly or unknowingly encouraging such a sinister move initiated by some individual officers. Instances may be cited here that, tribals are intentionally denied a minimum of 18 Post Graduate seats (a minimum 2 out of 7 annually) in Medical department as the Rules of Reservation prepared by the department in 1995, that is to be enforced ‘as soon as it is published in the state government Gazette’ was deliberately delayed till 2005.
Conclusion
Some pertinent questions that arises here are – Does merit really count in Manipur? Or, is merit the sole criteria for all appointments (including contract, substitutes, part-time, casual, etc) in all government departments and institutions? The answer is a big NO. Most of the current employees of the state government got through the process of recruitment not by merit but purely from connections and influences and sometimes through bribes. It is now not clear whether the aforementioned Manipur Reservation Bill will be re-introduce in the next Assembly session or not. It may have a safe-passage if it is re-introduce. But, it is unlikely that the woes of the tribal with matters of reservation that has been borne by them for the last 30 years will be redressed. When they are aware and conscious of their rights and share, their opposites are also doing the same like, ‘every action has the same reaction’. Chances of the state government going for a special recruitment drive only for the tribal is also a distant dream. — Concluded


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