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03/05/2007: "Peace talks remain inconclusive Kuknalim.com"
Peace talks remain inconclusive Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, Mar 4:: The Government of India and NSCN (I-M) resumed the dialogue, but talks remained inconclusive after a ‘detailed discussions on political issues’, and the two sides are likely to meet again on March 29, sources said...
The first round of talks to be held this year and after arrival of the two NSCN (I-M) leaders in India, last year was reported to have gone along the expected lines. The Government of India, pleased as they were after Congress managed to retain power in Manipur, made all the right noises. The Minister of State for Labour, Oscar Fernandes also hosted a dinner for the visiting Naga delegation.
The ruling party in Manipur was nursing serious apprehension over the impact of the presence of the NSCN (I-M) chairman and general secretary, Isak Chisi Swu and Th. Muivah in neighbouring Nagaland, during Manipur polls. However, to their relief, the Congress Party bagged seats this year and the Naga United Council failed to make the desired impact in the Hill districts.
The talks yesterday that lasted for over two hours and held in secrecy away from the media glare, was different, in that for the first time a Dutch NGO Kreddha (International Peace Council for States, Peoples and Minorities)’s counsellor Michael van Walt van Praag took part in the negotiations, in India. The Dutch, has been acting as an unofficial mediator in the Naga peace process.
However, sources in the Home Ministry said they have not given the Dutch NGO any official recognition and as far they are concerned, it is a bilateral talks between the Group of Minister and NSCN (I-M). “Who the NSCN (I-M) brings along for talks is up to them,” the official said.
Meanwhile, R H Raising, a key member of the four-member negotiating team was quoted as having said that the outcome was very positive, and they had respectable discussions. The NSCN I-M team was led by Muivah, but did not include chairman Isak Chisi Swu. The Naga delegation also included R H Raising, M Angami and Samson, while the Government delegation headed by Union Minister of State Oscar Fernandes, Minister of State for Prthiviraj Chavan, S Reghupathy, besides Union Home Secretary, VK Duggal, Interlocutor, K Padmanabhaiah.
“It is imperative for both sides to continue these discussions,” Raising said. The NSCN (I-M) delegation is likely to head back to Nagaland for further consultation with the Naga civil society.
Coinciding with the ongoing talks, a three-member team of the rival NSCN (Khaplang) faction also arrived in New Delhi. The arrival of the delegation has sent jitters because the Khaplang faction is never known to come calling when negotiation with the rival faction is on. (Agencies)
Crucial Naga talks in New Delhi RxPG news India Channel By Syed Zarir Hussain, IANS, [RxPG] Guwahati
An internationally acclaimed rights campaigner, Praag was earlier the general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization -. The UNPO claims the support of over 100 million people in 52 member countries and works for protecting the human rights of nations, peoples and minorities not represented in international forums such as the UN.
Indian peace negotiators are beginning fresh peace talks in New Delhi Saturday with leaders of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - in the presence of a Dutch mediator.
A group of ministers led by Oscar Fernandes and New Delhi's main peace interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah are meeting top leaders of the NSCN-IM, the main rebel group in Nagaland state.
'We want the government to come up with a response to our demands and help expedite a solution to the longstanding problem. The ceasefire is now on for 10 years and people are getting edgy,' a senior NSCN-IM leader told IANS by telephone on conditions of anonymity.
The NSCN-IM, led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and T. Muivah, had entered into a ceasefire with the Indian government in 1997. The two sides have since held at least 50 rounds of peace talks aimed at ending one of South Asia's longest running insurgencies that claimed an estimated 25,000 lives since India attained independence in 1947.
The NSCN-IM is one of the oldest and most powerful of about 30 rebel groups in India's northeast and wants to create a 'Greater Nagaland' by slicing off parts of neighbouring states that have Naga tribal populations. The three regional governments of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have already rejected the NSCN-IM's demand for unification of Naga-dominated areas.
'Unification of Naga inhabited areas is our historical right. This is the main bone of contention where the government is dithering,' the rebel leader said. Joining the peace talks will be Michael C. van Walt van Praag from the Netherlands as a 'third party mediator'.
'Praag would be playing the role of a facilitator or a peace broker and he is expected to submit a list of independent proposals to resolve the problem in the fresh talks,' the rebel leader said.
'The proposals may not be acceptable to us or to the Indian government, but his impartial role, we believe could bring in positive results and also help patching up differences between our group and New Delhi.' Praag is currently the executive president of a Hague-based non-governmental organisation called Kreddha, which works for the prevention and resolution of violent conflicts within existing states. Praag has been unofficially assisting the NSCN-IM and New Delhi in the talks since 2001.
An internationally acclaimed rights campaigner, Praag was earlier the general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization -. The UNPO claims the support of over 100 million people in 52 member countries and works for protecting the human rights of nations, peoples and minorities not represented in international forums such as the UN.
'This would be a very crucial round of talks and could determine which way the peace process moves from here on,' another NSCN-IM leader said.
Centre rules out role for Dutch NGO in talks with NSCN-IM Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, Mar 4:: The Centre has ruled out any role for the Netherlands-based NGO Kreddha in its talks with the NSCN-IM and insisted that the parleys must be a "bilateral affair", official sources said in the wake of overtures from the NSCN-IM that Kreddha and its Dutch "executive president" Michael van Walt van Praag be given some sort of formal role in the talks, the government made it clear that the rebel group was free to consult the NGO but it could not have a role in the discussions, sources in the Union home ministry told PTI.
"The talks with the NSCN-IM will be a bilateral affair, just as they have been since the group agreed to a ceasefire in 1997," a source told PTI. Van Praag had arrived here last week after visiting Nagaland amidst speculation that he might be roped in for parleys held on Saturday between the NSCN-IM and a government team led by Union Minister of State Oscar Fernandes.
During the talks, the two sides discussed political issues and agreed to hold another round of discussions in the last week of this month. NSCN-IM leaders have recently claimed that Kreddha and van Praag were playing a key role as mediators in its talks with the Centre.
During 1991-98, van Praag served as general secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO), another NGO which lobbied for the NSCN-IM at various forums.
Kreddha describes itself on its website as an "international peace council for states, peoples and minorities" led by "eminent persons" from across the world. --- PTI
NISC asks NSCN-K to spell out agenda for Naga solution North East Press Service
Kohima, Mar 4 (NEPS): The Amsterdam-based Naga International Support Center, NISC, asked the NSCN (Khaplang) to spell out their political agenda as to how they would bring solution to the Naga political issue, when they did not fight against the so-called their "enemy-the Indian government."
In an open letter to the NSCN-K, the NISC explained about the contradictions of the outfit that at one point it claimed that Indian Government was their enemy, occupying the "land of the Nagas"; on the other they did not engage in driving out its armed forces. Strangely, the outfit did not try to meet the Indian leaders to "negotiate" for an "honorable settlement" either, argued the open letter.
The Rights body also asked the outfit to come forward with "credible policies" to achieve "sovereignty" on behalf of all Nagas and with whom they aspired and planned to achieve their desired goal.
The open letter reminded that the Nagas had been fighting against their invaders for long, while some, through money, weapons and imposition of statehood, had sided with their adversaries. They made life difficult for the "civil society and the Naga forces", it stated, asking the outfit to come together as one to "sincerely pursue the goals of what the NNC once stood for, to stand for the sovereignty of the Naga people."
The NISC body said it supported the right of self-determination of all Nagas, including the NSCN-K. They also said it would happily discuss matters with the outfit when the latter kindly revoked the "death threat" served to them.
NSCN (I-M) not to involve in by-election Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, MAR03 [NPN] : The NSCN (I-M) has said it would maintain outmost restraint in the forthcoming by-elections to Dimapur-1 and Tuensang Sadar-11 assembly constituencies, as per a resolution adopted during its cabinet meeting on Saturday.
"The GPRN remains true and re-affirm to its principles in letter and in spirit, free from infringement and any other coercive subversive," said a press release issued by home secretary, NSCN (I-M), Bohoto Kiba. The NSCN (I-M) also warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any of its cadre-members violating the 'Azha
NISC asks NSCN-K to spell out agenda for Naga solution Nagarealm
Kohima, MAR05 : The Amsterdam-based Naga International Support Center, NISC, asked the NSCN (Khaplang) to spell out their political agenda as to how they would bring solution to the Naga political issue, when they did not fight against the so-called their "enemy-the Indian government."
In an open letter to the NSCN-K, the NISC explained about the contradictions of the outfit that at one point it claimed that Indian Government was their enemy, occupying the "land of the Nagas"; on the other they did not engage in driving out its armed forces. Strangely, the outfit did not try to meet the Indian leaders to "negotiate" for an "honorable settlement" either, argued the open letter. The Rights body also asked the outfit to come forward with "credible policies" to achieve "sovereignty" on behalf of all Nagas and with whom they aspired and planned to achieve their desired goal.
The open letter reminded that the Nagas had been fighting against their invaders for long, while some, through money, weapons and imposition of statehood, had sided with their adversaries. They made life difficult for the "civil society and the Naga forces", it stated, asking the outfit to come together as one to "sincerely pursue the goals of what the NNC once stood for, to stand for the sovereignty of the Naga people." The NISC body said it supported the right of self-determination of all Nagas, including the NSCN-K. They also said it would happily discuss matters with the outfit when the latter kindly revoked the "death threat" served to them. [Oken Jeet Sandham, Asian Tribune]
Muivah meets Oscar impromptu Nagarealm
NEW DELHI, MAR04 [SNS]: It appeared that everybody was waiting for the Manipur elections to conclude. Even though the NSCN-IM leader, Mr T Muivah, arrived here in December there had been no formal contact with the Centre to continue the peace talks further.
However, last night, the Union minister, Mr Oscar Fernandes, held talks with the NSCN leader for nearly one-and-a-half hours. Mr Muivah was accompanied by three other leaders of the rebel faction. Mr Fernandes had with him among others the interlocutor for the Naga Talks, Mr K Padmanabhaiah, and the home secretary, Mr V K Duggal. Though there was no official word about the talks it was described as “very positive” by one of the participants.
It is understood that the two sides agreed to meet again in the last week of the month. According to sources, Muivah is expected to return to Nagaland soon to continue consultations with tribal and civil society groups on NSCN-IM’s key demands including the integration of all Naga inhabited areas of the North East specially Manipur. This demand had cast a shadow over the recent assembly polls in the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur.
The people of Manipur are not willing to concede this demand of the Naga group.
However, it must be satisfying for the Centre that the Congress has returned to power in the north eastern state. The feeling is that this could prove helpful in bringing about a a change in the atmosphere. The Centre and the NSCN-IM have held numerous rounds of talks in India and abroad to find a solution to the vexed issue hanging fire for more than 50 years.
Exemption from Delimitation Act can be only through amendment: Tribal leaders The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 4 (MExN): Leaders of tribal Hohos from four districts, in a representation letter to the Chairman of the Delimitation Commission of India stated that any exemption of Nagaland from the preview of the Delimitation Act must be done only through an amendment of the Act.
“If at all Nagaland is exempted from the purview of the delimitation exercises it can be done only by amendment of the Act by the Parliament and any action of the Delimitation Commission should be made by public Notification in the Official Gazette, but not by the way as a hand note as circulated by the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner, Nagaland,” stated the release.
The representation letter came out against the recent news report from the Additional Chief Secretary that Nagaland has been exempted from the preview of the Delimitation Act and allowed to maintain status quo.
“(A news) report said that the Delimitation Commission of India has agreed for exemption of Nagaland from the purview of the Delimitation exercises and allowed it to maintain status quo with minor adjustments within the Districts without transferring any Constituency from one district to another. (News clippings enclosed). The claim of the Commissioner if true is unconstitutional” stated the release.
It may be mentioned that a representation letter was submitted to the Chairman of the Delimitation Commission of India by the leaders of tribal Hohos, namely the Phoms in Longleng, Yimchungers and Sangtams in Kiphire, Zeliangs of Peren and the Lothas of Wokha demanding the full implementation of Delimitation Act in Nagaland.
Open letter to the Khaplang Group The Morung Express
Something rarely discussed publicly are the differences in style of leadership and power of government between the NSCN-IM and the NSCN-K. The leaders of the Kaphlang Group, notably Mr. Kaphlang himself who for a long time has not spoken publicly, are from Naga tribes who are autocratic in nature; they are headed by absolute rulers called Ahngs. In contrast most other Naga tribes have a heritage of the village state democracy, which essentially means all in a village have a say in affairs through the Tribal Councils. Supreme Naga leaders do not uphold the democratic institutions the once united NSCN stood for. Before the forced and bloody split in 1988 the NSCN upheld the principle that all Nagas are equal and it followed this principle through organizing and securing democratic representations of all tribes within its ranks of government and in its armed forces. Consequently NISC asks you:
Is this cultural difference between the Ahng system of government, the supreme leader system and the village state democracy system the basis of the differences between the Nagas? Coming from a culture where a ruler determines we understand it is difficult to accept the greater majority of Nagas are democratically oriented people. But then in a sovereign Nagaland, which is wished by all Nagas, would you then not represent a minority?
History proves that infighting, leading to fratricide, only favors the adversary. So NISC ask you if it would not be wise to come together and face the occupying power so that once by achieving the same goal through unity sovereignty then means that all Nagas can elect their government through party representation. If the majority of Nagas elect the program and thus the form of Government you envisage, then the democratic process enables you to head the Government of Nagaland in its entirety?
At times you state the ‘enemy’ is the Indian Government. It is the Indian Government which ordered its Armed Forces to occupy the land of the Nagas. Consequently in your view the sovereignty of the Nagas, the internationally acclaimed right to self determination, thus the right of the Nagas to govern themselves, was and is brutally denied. You stand for that and you say you do all in your power to achieve this.
Yet, strangely, your army does not engage in driving out those enemy forces. Neither do you meet the leaders of India to negotiate an honorable settlement so this long term conflict can end.
Why do you give priority to fighting against your fellow Nagas?
In being autocratic in nature kindly answer this question too:
Do you still have close ties with S.C. Jamir, the former Chief Minister of Nagaland State , the man who has been accused of being the orchestrator of the 1988 crisis?
Till today but then through S.C. Jamir it is out in the open that Delhi provides arms and ammunition to both the forces of the Federal Government of Nagaland, FGN, and your group. How do you rhyme this with your call for sovereignty for all Nagas?
We do mention the FGN for in contrast to the past you work closely together and both FGN and you are using Indian made weapons and AK 47’s. There is ample evidence to that effect.
To issue a ‘quite’ notice on a Naga Tribe supposes that you do have cultural, governmental and humanistic power and insight to do so. Please enlighten us and tell who are you and by which authority do you think you can do this?
To quit on anyone officially and serve them with a death threat if that anyone does not follow up on your notice is in any democracy against the law. Is it not this ‘quitting’ on anyone of your choice you show this autocratic nature?
Reliable sources revealed the Government of India asked you to chase all Tangkhuls out of Nagaland State. You in line with that request served a whole tribe with a quit notice. You followed this up by kidnapping a 17 year old Tangkhul student from Kohima town and you cold-bloodedly killed near Kohima Science College .
You know very well the Tangkhul tribe bases its customary laws on the village state democracy where you do not. Some high profile leaders of the NSCN are Tangkhuls. The feud between the aspirations of you the Kaphlang and Thuingalang Muivah of the NSCN now call by you Isak Khodao (IK), you know Khaplang, began before 1988. Consequently we ask you:
What is the reason for this quitting on a tribe? Is it because of the Tangkhul representation in the NSCN you could not get what you want from? Is this is your reason to persecute the Tangkhul?
Furthermore NISC asks you to come forward with credible policies on how to achieve sovereignty on behalf of the Nagas, all Nagas, and how and with whom you aspire and plan to achieve this deserved goal. Do you have a plan for the future state of Nagaland, a free state for all Nagas?
The Nagas have been fighting against their invaders for a very long time. Some Nagas, through money, weapons and imposition of statehood, have sided with their adversaries. They make life difficult for the civil society and the Naga Forces.
Don’t you agree that the combined forces of the Nagas are operating on behalf of the Naga populace and so should restrict or eradicate the connections between those who, for reasons of their own, pay lip service to the occupying forces and those who genuinely and rightfully seek sovereignty for your people?
The Naga International Support Center calls on you to come together as one to sincerely pursue the goals of what the Naga National Council once stood for; to stand for the sovereignty of the Naga Peoples.
Lastly: Rather than serving the Naga International Support Center , NISC, a member with a death threat which we believe lowers your credibility; let it be known to you too that NISC supports the right to self determination of all Nagas, you included. If you are not willing to do so NISC is certain the Government of India is pleased with the effects of its divide and rule policy; for many years it has paid off handsomely.
Do you actually want to play in their hand?
When you kindly remove the death threat from on the NISC and we would be pleased to discuss matters so mutual understanding leading can be reached?
Naga International Support Center A Human Rights Organization
Let us reason together the Words of God and reunite Thomas NNC Member The Morung Express
The Naga nation had never fallen into any domination of foreign country in the human history. Because God had bestowed our sovereignty from time immemorial and wonderfully He is leading our nation up to date. The Naga people had experienced God’s protection and guidance in this running history of our nation. It might be as God has chosen us by himself to glorify His name.
God says “What my Spirit has done is He has visited the people in Nagaland, and they shall not be idolatrous that shall fall down before idols like the people of India. For I have separated Nagaland unto myself and I have with my finger drown a line around Nagaland”, said the Lord through Sister Gwen Shaw (American) on 11th October 1982 in Jerusalem. Also God says “I have set my foot on Naga soil in 1817. And I have chosen this nation for my own glory, and have anointed this land in 1872. By my Spirit I even declared ‘Nagaland for Christ”, said the Lord through Rev. Donal Bal Lama, Siliguri, W. Bengala.
“Nagaland, Nagaland my nation of God’s Covenant promise from Altar in Israel, to my Altar in Nakura Kenya, I have opened and revealed my plans and purpose for my chosen Naga people” said the Lord through Brenda Kelly U.K. Prophetess to the nations December 8, 2005. “The Nagas are Israel. They are part of Spiritual Israel. They partake of the promise which God gave to Abraham; ‘In you, all nations will be blessed’. Nagaland is a nation under God”. Said the Lord through Dessan Tagore (Indian) in December 1982. Also God said through many of His servants (Nagas) the same word that “I have chosen Nagas by myself”.
Also the Naga national flag emblazoned with rainbow is indeed a great significance that God is leading our nation and He has chosen us by himself. God said in October 1999 through an American woman in Jerusalem while the Feast of Tabernacles prayer meeting of the world was in process “I have given the rainbow flag to the Nagas. It is not inscribed by the Nagas of their own accord. I have given only two flags to the mankind: one to the Israelites and the other one to the Nagas”.
When the sovereign Republic of Nagaland known as “Federal Government of Nagaland” was established on March 22, 1956, the Kedahge (President), Eno Khriesaneisa and Eno Wheha, Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the FGN read the Bible verses I Peter 2:9-10 and Matt. 6:33. Eno A.Z.Phizo, NNC President and Eno Kruzhalie, Ahng read out Zechariah 4:6 and Rom 8:33. The Federal Government of Nagaland also proclaimed in the Preamble of Nagaland Yehzabo (Constitution) that “We, the people of Nagaland, solemnly acknowledging that the sovereignty over this earth and the entire universe belongs to Almighty God alone, and the authority of the people to be exercised on the territory is a sacred trust from God”.
As God our Lord is leading our nation the Nagas declared to remain Independent as in ancient time when the imminent withdrawal of the British Government from her South East Asia colonial countries in 1947. Thus the Naga nation never wafted into the Union of India and Burma. God says “I have given the Kingdom to the Nagas” through Naga Army Chaplain Kipfelhou on 13th August 1974.
But newly independent and nascent Indian Government invaded Nagaland in 1954 and committed torturing, killings the Nagas and destroying Nagaland. The Indian atrocities and crimes committed in Nagaland went on far beyond what the capacity of human beings can endure. When the Naga people were facing untold sufferings and perishing, peace was brought to Nagaland through the mercy of God. But the Indian Government, instead of trying to end the war unilaterally abrogated the peace agreement with the Nagas in 1972 and escalated war against the Nagas once gain. Yet God told to the Nagas that “Fear not, my little flock, it is your father’s pleasure to give you the Kingdom. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict” through Naga Army Chaplain Kipfelhou on August 13, 1974. Also, the Almighty God wonderfully intervened in the Indo-Naga war and sent a Message to India through the Prime Minister of India, calling by name, Mrs. Indira Gandhi “Do not persecute My children any more and set the Naga people free. I Jehovah am calling you, if you do not hear My voice, you will suffer and I will let your people also suffer”. Said the Lord through Naga Army Chaplain Kipfelhou on 13th August 1974.
The President of the Naga national Council, Eno A.Z.Phizo also mentioned the Message of God to India in his 34 pages letter to Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister of India in 1988 that “God has wonderfully intervened in the Indo-Naga war and God directly spoke to India through the Prime Minister and the President of India, and the message was to set the Nagas free. The Message to India is a wonderful document. A document like this one exists no where in the world. God revealed Himself to India and to the Nagas declaring Himself who He is and what is in relation to God and man; thus giving us the insight to know Him better like never before, and that He loves all of us alike if we obey Him”. (See Phizo’s letter 17 & 11).
But Mrs. Indira Gandhi did not take heed to the voice of God, instead she sent more than five hundred thousand Indian Army and carried out a sweeping operation against the Nagas with a view to force the Nagas to accept the Indian Constitution. Also she promulgated the President rule in Nagaland on March 22, 1975, so as to give wide ranging power to the Indian Army. Which was on the Nagaland’s Republic Day. But God said to the Naga national workers on the same day evening “Do not fear, I will bring peace to Nagaland. This year 1975, you will enjoy Christmas with your parents and family members”, said the Lord through Naga Army Chaplain Yethihü. During such heavy and sweeping operation, the word of God was hard to believe by the Naga national workers. Yet, it was fulfilled when the Shillong Accord was signed on November 11, 1975, initiated by the Church leaders. After signing of the Accord, and peace was restored in Nagaland, God spoke again to the Nagas on 2nd December 1975 through Naga Army Chaplain Vephi Dozo that “The Shillong Accord is not the outcome of human wisdom, but I, Almighty God had done it before it was signed. I don’t want bloodshed between Indians and Nagas, and so I brought peace so as to solve the Indo-Naga conflict through peaceful means. God also warned the Nagas that “Be careful, the Indian leaders will apply their cunning policies in order to make you the Nagas commit mistake in your national affairs”. And also God had given His guidance to the Nagas that “Do not pronounce to accept the Constitution of India, if you once accept it you will be bound by the laws of India. See your Nagaland Yezahbo (Constitution) Article 139 & 140 and write a statement”.
Following God’s guidance the Kedahge (President) of the Federal Government Eno Zashei Huire wrote a statement on 30th December 1975. As God gave mouth and wisdom to the Naga national leaders, the Nagas not only escaped from the bound of Shillong Accord, but also diverted the Indo-Naga conflict from the battle filed to the political warfare. Thus God gave the Nagas a chance to fight their enemy with the might of truth and historical facts through peaceful means. Therefore, it is undeniable fact that God saved Nagaland from nearly doom by signing an illusion Shillong Accord. God says “The Nagas are not going to resume armed warfare against India, though it is not yet concluded”, through Naga Army Chaplain Vephi Dozo on August 16, 1996.
Knowing the NNC/FGN is not defeated even by signing the accord in 1975, the Indian leaders played another game of divide and rule policy to split the NNC/FGN once gain. Thus they gave necessary backing to Th.Muivah and Isak Swu in their evil design to overthrow the “Naga National Council” and the “Federal Government of Nagaland”. As a result Isak and Muivah defected from the NNC/FGN on their own volition and formed a socialist government on January 31, 1980. They also rejected peace which brought by God to the Nagas and condemned God’s chosen leader A.Z.Phizo, President of the NNC as traitor. This was the genesis of contention and division among the Nagas. Hence, killing among the Nagas started. The NNC and the Nagas who opposed socialism became the number one enemy of the renegade leaders, and the Indian Government backed them to fight against the NNC/FGN. Still then the India failed to make Nagaland as Hindu state. God says “India can never defeat the Nagas, because their power comes from the Lord God, who is opposed to Hindu rulers, who derive their power from this pantheon are thus in the conflict with the supreme Lord by persecuting His children, the Nagas, the Israel in India”, through Dessan Tagore (Indian) in December 1982. When the ugly fratricide started among the Nagas, there too God intervened and spoke to Muivah and Isak through Evangelist Athiu from Zeliangrong and a woman of Isak-Muivah group in 1984 that “Stop killing, and rejoin the NNC. If you don’t obey Me I will work against you and many people will be killed”. But Isak and Muivah did not take heed the word of God and then after what had happened became history and witnessed by all Nagas. God our Lord also revealed to Imsu Jamir in October 2006 addressed to all Nagas that “A dark burning smoke fire is appearing from four corners. This is a warning to the Naga national workers who are the evil designers, enemy of the Holy Spirit, deceivers, liars and murderers. I will not spare those blood thirsty people who are fighting against the Nagas in the name of national workers unpunished. You have committed sin against God and the servant of the Lord. I will not give freedom to those who committed unpardonable sins against God: rather the wrath of God has mounted upon their heads”.
Moreover, God warned particularly Tangkhul people saying “I, the Lord, have already recorded the pride of Tangkhuls relying on worldly wisdom. Unless you relent from your present worldliness, I will throw down this Tribe in the like manner I have thrown down the Babylon. It will be a bliss to the Tangkhuls provided they accept today’s Peace Mission (Sumi Prayer Group) otherwise no future peace programme will be extended to them. Your hands are being stained with blood, the time is coming when no wise or intellectual will be able to say anything. Hence, shun violence and stop bloodshed, failing which, I shall make you the lowest Tribe of the nation. If you hearken unto My voice and obey My Commandments by ceasing bloodshed, one day these Peace effort shall be clearly manifested among mankind”, said the Lord to Sumi Peace Prayer Group on 24th February 1996 at Tangkhul Baptist Church, Kohima. But despite God’s repeated warning, Isak-Muivah group continued killing more Nagas. And rather went on stating fallaciously “The NSCN during decades of Naga freedom struggle have never ever been engaged in killing innocent people either stranger or compatriot at any point of time”, stated on Sept. 18, 2006. “We don’t live the wrong life or fight the wrong war” said on Feb. 16, 2007.
(To be continued in tomorrow’s issue)
NPF will win Dimapur-1 by-election: Hewoto Staff Reporter Nagaland Post DIMAPUR: The NPF party Sunday expressed confidence of winning the Dimapur-I A/C by-poll with a margin of more than 70 percent. Director of election campaign for Dimapur-I A/C, Hewoto Awomi, at a press briefing said as per the instruction of the chief minister maintain peace and unity, which is also the manifesto of the NPF, the NPF party has pledged that the by-poll election would be conducted in peaceful atmosphere. He also said this time there was no underground factions coming out against the election. Saying a positive response from the people was a must, Hewoto appealed to the people of the constituency to practice free and fair voting. Hewoto was also hopeful that the DAN government would complete its full tenure come to power in the next general election slated for 2008. "Whether we win or lose, it doesn't matter but we are against the Congress," said the parliamentary adding that if the NPF candidate wins, it would give "double provisions" to the MLA of the constituency. He also said the main agenda of the NPF for nominating its candidate for the by-poll was for all round development of the constituency for which he appealed to the voters to cast their vote for Atomi Zhimomi and experience the development done by the regional party.
Votes and notes Nagaland Post Editorial
Elections in Nagaland are among the most expensive in the country and any intending candidate must assess the fund requirement before deciding to take the hazardous plunge. Unless an intending candidate has the money-even it means having to beg steal or borrow-standing for election would be courting certain disaster. Theoretically it may be said, there are three ranges among constituencies with varying degrees of expenditure. The rarest and lowest price is around rupees fifty lakh. The second range is between one to two crore rupees and the highest is from rupees two crore and above. Though a majority of the constituencies fall within the middle range; the law of economics plays a strange and unexplainable part where more are being elevated to the highest range. The electorate expect candidates not only to feed them but also pay them for making themselves available. Sometimes lack of adequate money power is offset with use of muscle power. Ideally, a combination of plenty of money power with plenty of muscle power is a sure recipe for success. How much money a candidate spends is also determined by the army of "youth volunteers" one has to maintain for months. The bill could come to crores of rupees if 'donation' to various armed outfits are taken into account. For the sake of discussion, a candidate for the Dimapur-I assembly constituency would have to spend not less than rupees three crore and to "tip the scales", would have to spend much more. This means that for around twenty one thousand voters, a candidate would have to spend around Rs.1500 per voter. In reality, the 'note-for-vote' phenomenon does not percolate to the genuine voter. It goes to those who will cast votes in the names of genuine voters through impersonation. The 'contract' for the number of votes in a polling booth is also delivered through booth capturing. Such offences have become part of the election system, spawning a breed of 'polling experts' in as many years. Interestingly, voter impersonation and booth capturing are rampant and accepted as part of the game by all parties including the public. These are part of the unwritten understanding adhered to by polling agents including officials. It is clear that the vicious cycle of corruption is given the biggest boost during elections and later all that money has to be recouped by hook or by crook. After amendment was made to the Anti Defection Law which stipulated that the size of a ministry should not exceed 15 percent of the total strength of the house; getting a berth in a ministry is no longer what it used to be. Though the parliamentary secretaries have virtually become ministers of state, yet they have no authority or power. It means that even if the expenditure for election is increasing, the chances of being in power as minister have significantly decreased. Unless money and muscle power are checked very stringently, where both the giver and taker are penalised, election would remain a farce and a mockery of democracy. Besides such offences ensure that the entire edifice of our government and society is built on the foundation of ill-gotten money and ill-gotten power and that is why the state is ailing.
Exception in Manipur Nagarealm.com
By winning the Manipur assembly elections, the Okram Ibobi Singh-led government in Imphal has managed to buck the trend of a Congress in retreat, as may have been evident in the results in the Punjab and Uttarakhand polls.
But, perhaps, more importantly by winning 29 seats, one short of the majority required in the 60-seat Manipur assembly, the state Congress has fought off any anti-incumbency jitters that may have been present before the three-phase elections were held last month. In fact, this is the first time in its nine assembly elections history that a government in Imphal has managed to last out its whole term and win a second one.
The impressive voter turnout of 80 per cent meant that the elections were not devoid of issues. One did not hear any mention of the repeal of the dreaded Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, at any Congress pre-poll rally, but the lifting of the ‘disturbed areas’ description on seven districts could have given voters some hope for the future. Despite the courageous six-year hunger-strike protest against the AFSPA by Irom Sharmila, who continues to languish in a New Delhi hospital under police arrest, the atrocities committed by the armed forces in Manipur have yet to unnerve the Centre enough for the Act to be repealed. But like other smaller states, Manipur depends largely on central largesse, a possible reason for voters choosing a political alignment that rules in Delhi.
The other issue of Naga identity has seen the United Naga Council (UNC) floundering in the polls — despite ten Independents supported by the outfit winning. The divide between the hills and the valley, in terms of voters opinion on the Greater Nagaland issue, has seen to it that the UNC remains outside the mainstream polity. Unfortunately, the election results do not point to the woeful underdevelopment — especially in the power sector — that Manipur continues to suffer from, regardless of which party is in power. This is an irony for a state which came a close second (after the Services) in the recent National Games in Guwahati. [HINDU Editorial]
Myanmar traders visits Manipur Sentinel
IMPHAL, March 2: For the first time in the 12 years of Indo-Myanmar trade relations, a 32-member Myanmar Trade Delegations team is visiting Manipur.
The officials and traders of Myanmar reached Imphal on February 28. Today they attended a day-long interaction programme at the conference hall of the State Guest House with a view to promote the border trade.
Speaking at the interaction programme, U Aye Ko secretary of Union of Myanmar Border Traders Chamber of Commerce said that between April 2006 and January 2007, there were 76 days of disturbances to border trade with Manipur. He said that if the disturbances are frequent, traders on the other side of the border would have to opt for other more lucrative trading points. He warned that border trade should not be neglected.
He also highlighted some of the proposals that were made in regard to border trade. Included among these were proposals to choose Manipur, Assam and Mizoram as partners for border trade, to increase the number of exchangeable items from 22, etc. U Hla Maung, president Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce said that the delegations` visit aimed to promote Indo-Myanmar trade by focusing on development of border trade and across border trade.
State Commerce and Industries principal secretary PC Lawmkunga, Commerce and Industries director Dhiraj Yumnam and Indo-Myanmar Border Traders’ Union president W Nabachandra were the chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively. The chief guest informed that Moreh has been identified as one of the four most important border trade centres of the country. Consequently, he stressed the need to promote trade and relation through mutual understanding and cooperation.
Lawmkunga said that since the opening in 1995, this border trade has seen many ups and downs and the prolonged problems of insurgency in North-East made border trade difficult. The principal secretary said that the government of India as well as Manipur are making efforts to keep the border trade alive and thriving. In the presidential address, Nabachandra said that the interaction will discuss threadbare the hindrances faced by the traders. He was of the opinion that the frequent bandh and blockade in Manipur is the main hindrance to flourishing foreign trade. He said that without the support of banks and other financial institutions, the Indo-Myanmar trade is employing nearly 15 per cent of Manipur’s educated youths directly or indirectly.
Before leaving Imphal, the 32-member delegations will call upon the Dr SS Sidhu, Governor of Manipur and Jarnail Singh, chief secretary. The interaction is being organised by Indo-Myanmar Border Traders’ Union in association with Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur. Agencies
