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03/22/2007: "Swu adheres to integration stand Kuknalim.com The Telegraph"

Swu adheres to integration stand Kuknalim.com The Telegraph

KOHIMA, Mar 21:: National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) chairman Isak Chishi Swu today said his organisation would remain firm in its stand on integration and unification of Naga areas...

as it is the right of the Naga people to live as one people under one administrative umbrella.

Addressing the people on the occasion of the 27th Republic Day of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) at Camp Hebron today, Swu said artificial boundaries created to suppress the right of the people must be removed.

“This is not our creation, the government of India masterminded the division of the Nagas into many Indian states and therefore, it is the responsibility of the government of India to address this issue boldly,” the NSCN chairman said.

Swu called upon the people to be aware of utterances from “confused elements” who were bent on sowing the seeds of discord, hatred and confusion among the Nagas.

“We are clear that no nation on earth can take away the right of the Nagas, and certainly not the organisation claiming to represent the Nagas, because the government of India has clearly weighed, measured and absorbed those elements into their system.” He said the “enemy” has plotted a plan for a systematic breakdown of Naga traditions and many Nagas have easily been swayed and persuaded away from the cause of the Nagas.

The NSCN leader said the Naga people’s real problem lay beyond the Khaplang group and the almost defunct Naga National Council.

“We know they are not our enemies. Our battle, both political and military, is not in Nagalim. It is covertly orchestrated in Delhi and Rangoon (Yangon) and transported to our towns and villages,” he said. Swu said the NSCN would support the move for reconciliation and unity within the Naga family. However, he said there is no basis for reconciliation and unity as long as active support of Indian military and intelligence agencies is solicited. (Telegraph

SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, YARUIWO ISAK CHISHI SWU ON THE OCCASION OF 27TH REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION OF THE GPRN ON 21st MARCH 2007.
Praise the Lord!

My dear countrymen, it is my bounden duty to acknowledge and salute the great commitment of our people as we celebrate the 27th Republic day of our Nation. Glory be to God Almighty for sustaining our tiny Nation through the many challenging decades, enabling us to overcome the worst political storms. I am filled with pride at this hour because the spirit of liberty and freedom of a people has never been defended with greater honor and sacrifice. The vision of our forefathers for Nagalim is alive today as it was 50 years ago. God values Nagalim and so shall we.

The greatness of any Nation is determined not just by the glorious pages of its history but it is the ability of a people to cope with the challenges at a given time and situation. Nagas have insurmountable courage and the innate ability to rise to the occasion when called for. We own a vibrant culture and a close knit socio-economic fabric, sharing a common destiny; possessing the zeal to politically, spiritually, morally regenerate and revitalize ourselves to pursue what belongs to us here on earth. I thank God for the gift of oneness. This is also the main reason why the Collective Leadership decided to come home and interact with the Naga people.

Unfortunately for the Nagas, the enemy has plotted a plan for a systematic breakdown of our age old traditions and many Nagas have easily been swayed and persuaded at times, away from the righteous cause that we set out for. When we fail to recognize the politics of our neighbors, we fail in our own; when we fail to identify the just from the unjust; the truth from falsehood, uncertainty envelops our mind and confusion becomes our greatest enemy

NSCN was formed in 1980 to avoid eternal shame and enslavement of the proud Naga people. The treachery committed at a crucial time demanded a crucial decision for a new direction and vision for the Nagas. Today NSCN seeks to rededicate and equip itself dutifully for our nation backed by firm and committed support from the people.

The ongoing Peace process with the Government of India has had had its share of uncertainties but we are proud to acknowledge the fact that NSCN has been more than a match for our mighty neighbor. We hold crucial advantage over the GOI because our negotiation is based on the principle of two entities, recognition of unique history and situation of the Nagas. We pursue the workable solution that will fulfill the aspiration of the Nagas while also respecting the interest of India. We shall continue to explore and work out the possibilities for an acceptable solution for both the parties basing on mutual respect for each other’s right. NSCN’s stand for the people is unshakable and it is the repository of their rational decision.

I urge the Naga people to be aware, at this juncture, of robust utterances from confused elements bent on sowing the seeds of discord, hatred and confusion among the Nagas. We are clear that no nation on earth can take away the right of the Nagas and certainly not the organizations claiming to represent the Nagas because the GOI has clearly weighed, measured and absorbed those elements into their system.

I also wish to assure our people that NSCN, being the National Political Council of the Nagas, will leave no stone unturned to cleanse itself from within. Corruption and individualistic approach shall be dealt with firmly and replaced with common approach inducing transparency and conforming to national principle. All forms of injustice within the ranks and file of both the civil and military wings shall be thoroughly unearthed and do away with. Errant individuals tarnishing the good image of the council shall be monitored and punished accordingly. Discipline, revolutionary ideas, physical, moral and spiritual integrity would be instilled to the members on a war footing. We have come to take stock of home situation and revitalize the National council and therefore, interaction with the people for closer understanding and co-ordination is uppermost on our mind.

Ours is a people’s movement and our strength comes from the people. It is issue based and principle based. All through our struggle, we have relied on our people for sustenance and survival because the Naga people is our bank both political and in the economic aspect. Of late we are exploring the possibility of reducing the burden of taxation on our people but at the same time it is also to be remembered that this phenomena is of political nature and a universal one. We are always ready to listen to our people and we are also very must concerned about their grievances.

On the question of reconciliation, I see it as a temporary phenomenon. Our real problem lies beyond K and NNC peoples. We know they are not our enemies. Our battle, both political and military, is not in Nagalim. It is covertly orchestrated in Delhi and Rangoon and transported to our towns and villages. We simply ask our Naga brothers to sever all ties with Indian forces and intelligence agencies. NSCN truly supports the move for reconciliation and unity within the Naga family yet there is no basis for reconciliation and unity so long as active support of Indian Military and intelligence agencies is solicited. This is the reality Nagas cannot turn a blind eye to. Ignoring this fact would tantamount to going against the very principles that Nagas stand for. This is the crux or the problem. We reaffirm again that NSCN is for peace and reconciliation but unfortunately our good gesture is being exploited, nevertheless, even as we encounter these practical challenges, we shall listen to the rational voice of our people.

NSCN firmly stands for the integration and unification of Naga areas because it is the right of the Naga people to live as one people under one administrative umbrella. Artificial boundaries created to suppress the right of the people must be removed. This is not our creation, the GOI masterminded the division of the Nagas into many Indian states and therefore it is the responsibility of the GOI to address this issue boldly. For us there is no bigger or smaller Nagalim. The land which our forefathers inherited is unmistakable. The great desire of the Nagas to live in peace and harmony with its neighbors is our wish and that is our commitment.

Just as the Israelites in the olden days who wept in the wilderness for their disobedience, today we see our land laboring under the sheer weight of confusion, hatred and animosity. Today, we see one brother turning against the other for our minds are imprisoned in the same old prison where Israelites once languished! We are made poorer and diminished because we nourish worldly pleasures at the expense of God given right. We remember how Israelites ignored God’s choice for them and went on to address their whims and fancies. To them returning back to Egypt as slaves became a better option than marching on towards Canaan as liberated people. Come, dear Nagas, let us reason together and pursue the purpose of God for us. Let us rise above the sins of the past and progress to the mount of liberation. India-instilled mentality will only lead us to our doom. We must be aware of and do away with spoon feeding philosophy that has been filtered deliberately into our psyche.

The term “factionalism” is used by the Indian media to mislead the people and to undermine the Naga issue. I wish to point out that NSCN is not a faction. It is the organization having political talks with the GOI at the Prime ministerial level. It is representing the Nagas in the International arena and recognized by the international community. True revolutionaries must be differentiated from enemy agents in the guise of revolutionaries. Clear distinction must be made between those who fight for the righteous cause of the Nagas and those claims to fight for Nagas but dwell in Indian Army camps. Nagas have given their mandate to the NSCN and this is our strength.
I wish to appreciate the contribution of Naga civil societies who have, from the very beginning, played a constructive role in the National struggle. They are the good partners of the people in the resistant movement. I acknowledge the role played by church in being the spiritual guide to the Naga political aspiration. Naga GB’s, since the early days, have bore the brunt of enemy’s brutality because of their committed stand on the national issue. They are the ones manning our towns and villages while listening to gunfire in the far off jungle. May we continue our struggle without doubt or fear. These organizations remains our strongest fort and so the enemies are trying to break down the walls but we shall stand together, move together and walk together come what may.

I appeal to my Naga brothers and sisters to retrospect on our past and take firm decision on the present and reason together to decide the future of Nagalim for it is the most precious gift of God to the Nagas on earth. Let God be proud of the decision of the Nagas. We are for Him.

KUKNALIM!

NSCM (I-M) celebrates its 27th R-Day Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Camp Hebron (Off Dimapur), March 21: GPRN/NSCN (I-M) has urged the Nagas to be aware, at this juncture, of robust utterances from "confused elements bent on sowing the seeds of discord, hatred and confusion among the Nagas".
Addressing people at the 27th "Republic Day" celebration of the NSCN (I-M) at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur today, NSCN (I-M) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu said "we are clear that no nation on earth can take away the rights of the Nagas and certainly not the organizations claiming to represent the Nagas because the Government of India has clearly weighed, measured and absorbed those elements into their system".

Swu assured the Nagas that NSCN (I-M), being the "National Political Council of the Nagas", would leave no stone unturned to cleanse itself from within.

"Corruption and individualistic approach shall be dealt with firmly and replaced with common approach inducing transparency and conforming to national principle. All forms of injustice within the ranks and file of both the civil and military wings shall be thoroughly unearthed and do away with. Errant individuals tarnishing the good image of the council shall be monitored and punished accordingly. Discipline, revolutionary ideas, physical, moral and spiritual integrity would be instilled to the members on a war footing" the NSCN (I-M) leader said.

"Ours is a people's movement and our strength comes from the people. It is issue-based and principle-based. All through our struggle, we have relied on our people for sustenance and survival because the Naga people is our bank both political and in the economic aspect. Of late we are exploring the possibility of reducing the burden of taxation on our people but at the same time it is also to be remembered that this phenomena is of political nature and a universal one. We are ready to listen to the grievances of our people," he said. On reconciliation, Swu said he saw it as a temporary phenomenon since the real problem of the Nagas lay beyond NSCN (K) and NNC.

"We know they are not our enemies. Our battle, both political and military, is not in Nagalim. It is covertly orchestrated in Delhi and Rangoon and transported to our towns and villages. We simply ask our Naga brothers to sever all ties with Indian forces and intelligence agencies. NSCN truly supports the move for reconciliation and unity within the Naga family yet there is no basis for reconciliation and unity so long as active support of Indian Military and intelligence agencies is solicited. This is the reality Nagas cannot turn a blind eye to. Ignoring this fact would tantamount to going against the very principles that Nagas stand for. This is the crux or the problem.

We reaffirm again that NSCN is for peace and reconciliation but unfortunately our good gesture is being exploited," the NSCN (I-M) leader added. The Republic Day celebration was also attended by NSCN (I-M) General Secretary Th. Muivah along with a host of fellow cadres and representatives from several NGOs.

NSCN (I-M) celebrates 27th Republic Day The Morung Express
NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chishi Swu addressing the Republic Day gathering. (Right) Cadres treating the programme to music.
DIMAPUR, MARCH 21 (MExN): The NSCN (I-M) today celebrated its 27th Republic Day at Camp Hebron, the Council Headquarters of the organization. Chairman Isak Chishi Swu took the salute and delivered his address, the same printed in newspapers earlier.
An ENPO representative, calling for ceasefire between the groups of ‘Naga national workers,’ pressed on the need for unity of the Naga family. Making reference to the reconciliation initiative of the NSCN (I-M), he said any such program has to be clean and clear.
Naga Council Dimapur President, Savi Liegise, also stressed on the need for togetherness. “We need to revitalize ourselves,” he added.
From the NPMHR, Atoho Kiho, reminded that the Nagas were yet to achieve their goal. “Let this day be a reaffirmation for our commitment,” he said.
Conveying NMA President, Khesheli Chishi’s inability to attend the function because of her husband taking ill, Grace Shetsang of the Naga Women Union Manipur appealed to the GPRN to positively frame policies for reduction of HIV/AIDS and atrocities committed against women.
National Democratic Front of Boroland and A’chik National Volunteers Council representatives expressed their solidarity to the NSCN (I-M) and said the Naga people’s movement served as inspiration for the oppressed indigenous peoples of the region. Tangkhul Naga Long President, Stephen Ankang, while saying that his community had “sacrificed a lot for the Naga freedom struggle”, appealed to all Naga tribes to speak against the ‘Quit Notice.’
AY Odyuo, who was announced as speaking on behalf of the Lothas, said, “The Lothas as a whole are against targeting certain tribes or individuals.” Sharing the same view, senior citizen Bendangnangshi asked the youth to control themselves and said the situation in Mokokchung was flaring up following the death of a retired policeman, reportedly shot by members belonging to a faction. Several songs and cultural presentations were also performed. Meanwhile, it was also informed that the Jacob Battalion had a grand function with the Yimchunger CAO as chief guest where members of both civil and army of the GPRN attended.
FGN for all genuine peace, unity efforts
‘’Break of day appearing over Naga struggle’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, Mar 21 (MExN): Observing its 51st “Republic Day,” the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), states that ‘the break of day’ is appearing over the horizon of the Naga struggle after withstanding the bitterness of the ‘divide and rule’ onslaught. On this as a reference, the FGN is for all ‘genuine’ efforts towards peace and Naga unity.
“Today, I am proud to say a word of praise of my people because we have over come the most difficult period and the break of day is appearing with renewed vigor and strength in the horizon of Naga solidarity” stated ‘Gen. (Retd)’ Viyalie Metha, FGN president, in his message on the FGN’s Republic day. “I assure that the FGN will be there to extend a helping hand to all genuine efforts towards peace, tranquility and Naga solidarity” he assured. The Nagas have withstood the bitterness of ‘the enemy’s’ divide-and-rule experiment in the land but all credit to individuals, civil organizations and the church in particular ‘and also some international voluntary organizations’ for their effort for peace and harmony, he stated.
The Kedahge also appealed to the people to look back at the “memories” of the past 50 years of ordeal and remember the sacrifices made by leaders “who had the wisdom to bring our people together for a stronger nation and the subsequent sacrifices of their all.” Stating that the Naga people will never forget that Nagaland was created from the leaders “blood, sweat and tears,” he expressed gratitude to all “national workers” in the FGN and the Naga National Council (NNC) for their “continued sacrifice in wealth and life in order to protect, preserve and promote Nagaland.”
Tracing the history of the struggle, the Kedahge reminded of the following “irrefutable facts” to be remembered: that Nagas were completely and sovereign in their own way of life; that they were never subjugated to any other nation at any point of time and along with the change of the modern world, Nagas declared their “independence” to the world on August 14, 1947 “which was confirmed and sealed with 99% in favor by Naga voluntary plebiscite on may 16, 1951.” The Nagas then “formed their own government called the Federal Government of Nagaland” on March 22, 1956 and has attained its “51st anniversary today” and this is “our simple history.”
However, on the other hand, Nagaland also had existed so long under the suppression of India and her militarized oppression. “Ever since India got her independence from their British rulers, India has been trying to annex militarily weaker neighboring countries including Nagaland” Metha stated adding that after killing the Father of the Nation “for obvious reasons,” the Nagas began to be terrorized. “Yet rows of India’s evil agenda to bring the Naga people into submission had failed and our people stood resiliently. As a result of Indian aggression, the Naga people were entangled with restrain and self-defense rather than working for progress and prosperity till today” he stated, quoting late NNC leader AZ Phizo’s words ‘our enemy is our whetstone.’
Further expressing unhappiness that a number of “pseudo-nationalists and few so-called academicians” have fallen prey to the enemy for “temporal easy life,” the Kedahge cautioned thus – “in the field of education, we have acquired much qualified scholars in various fields; in religion we still have a number of orthodox (Tsana) traditional religions, yet a great majority of our people has proclaimed Christianity; we have many highly-qualified theologians today. But we are failing to live up to the expectation. Let us all try and live in fear of God and according to His will” he advised. On a final note ‘Gen.’ Viyalie Metha cautioned against violating the ‘Yehzabo’ which the FGN has responsibility to enforce so “to protect and protect the traditional values of the Naga people.” Nagas should be equal vanguards for this, he added.
Speech of gen.(Retd) v. metha on republic Day- Nagaland Post
Dear countrymen
On this occasion of historic day of our nation, I extend my heart greetings to all our people on behalf of the Federal Government of Nagaland. Let us all give thanks to the Almighty God for his abundant love and ceaseless care for our people and our nation. I take this graceful opportunity and request all Naga people once again to look back to the memories of the past fifty years ordeal of Naga history and remember the tremendous sacrifices of our past leaders who had the wisdom to bring our people together for a stronger nation and the subsequent sacrifice of their all, in defense of God given Nagaland. Naga people will never forget that Nagaland was made of their toil, tear, blood and their ultimate lives. At the same time, I give my grateful thanks to all national workers in the federal Government of Nagaland and the Naga national council, whose continued sacrifice in wealth and life in order to protect, preserve and promote Nagaland.
As the saying goes, "History repeats itself, on all occasion of national days, it is our duty and responsibility to trace the national history and repeat the same old, yet irrefutable facts that:
1. Nagas were completely independent and sovereign in their own way of life.
2. Nagas were never subjugated to any other nation at any point of time and along with change of the modern world Nagas declared their independence to the world on August 14, 1947 which was confirmed and sealed with 99% in favor by Naga voluntary plebiscite on May 16, 1951.
3. Nagas learnt to live together and formed their government called the federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) on March 22' 1956 and has attained its 41st Anniversary today. And that is our simple history. On the other hand, Nagaland also had lived as long, under the suppression of Indian aggressor and Indian militarized oppression. Ever since India got its independence from their British rulers, India had been trying to annex militarily weaker neighboring countries including Nagaland. After murdering Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Indian nation) for obvious reasons, the Indian leaders began to terrorize Naga people on war footing to subdue Nagaland under its power. Yet rows of India's evil agenda to bring Naga people into submission had failed and our people stood resiliently.
As a result of Indian aggression, the Naga people were entangled with restrain and self defense rather than working for progress and prosperity till today Even as a number of pseudo nationalists and few so called academicians who had fallen prey to the baits of enemy for temporal easy life, the foothold of the Federal Government of Nagaland and the Naga National Council; that is to day the foundation of the Naga sovereignty is growing from strength to strength. As has been rightly told by our leader A.Z Phizo that, "Our enemy is our whet-stone"
Today, I am proud to say a word of praise to my people, because we have overcome the most difficult period and the break of day is appearing with renewed vigor and strength in the horizon of Naga solidarity. Our people in general had withstood the bitterness of enemy's 'divide and rule' experiment in our land I say well done to the individuals, the civil organizations and the church in particular and also some international voluntary organizations for the concern with renewed efforts towards peace and harmony in our land. I assure that the Federal Government of Nagaland will be there to extend a helping hand to all genuine efforts towards peace, tranquility and Naga solidarity. It is also my bounden duty to say a word of caution to my people today. In the field of education we have acquire much qualified scholars in various fields. In religion we still have a number of orthodox (Tsana) traditional religions, yet a great majority of our people has proclaimed Christianity. We have many highly qualified Theologians today. But we are failing to live up to the expectations. Let us all try and live in fear of God and according to his will Federal Government of Nagaland is responsible for the enforcement of the Yehzabo of Nagaland which is to preserve and protect the traditional values of the Naga people. Let no Naga be the unfortunate violator but be equal vanguards. May God bestow his blessings abundantly upon Nagaland.
Kuknalim Gen. (Retd) Viyalie MethaPresident (Kedahge) federal government of Nagaland.
‘Peace is possible through empowerment of women’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 21 (MExN): Stating out that exclusion of women in decision making was one of the important factors for the failure to bring about a lasting solution to the conflict situation in Nagaland, Rosemary Dzuvichu said it is ironic as the immense contribution of Naga women towards peace is recognized even by the outside world. Speaking at the second day of the “Peace is Possible” seminar Rosemary said women were the most effected by the 50 odd years of the Naga struggle for self determination having faced abuse and losing their rights to security and protection yet they had never been considered when decisions were to be made to resolve conflicts by leading tribal Hohos, Naga Hoho or even the State Government.
Emphasizing that there was a big difference between being a “full fledged member” of the Apex bodies and being “invited” for consultations and dialogues on peace, Rosemary said that though the State and non-state agencies had used women as ‘mediators’ or ‘peace makers’, so far they had not tried to directly involve women in the negotiations for peace. The reason for this, she said was the strong patriarchal mindset which still engulfs all decision-making bodies in the state saying that “we were living in a gender insensitive society” which was evident in the minimal presence of women in village councils, Putu Menden, State Legislative Assembly, municipal councils or town committees etc. The ability for women to be more vocal, braver and more persuasive than men and the inherent deep respect that many Naga men had for their women as mothers, sisters and wives are an added support for women as mediators and peacemakers and this needed to be recognized and accordingly efforts be made to include women in all peace initiatives.
“Gender equity should be seen as ‘partnership’ and not as a threat by our Naga men” stated Rosemary adding that empowerment of women not only economically, but also politically in decision making bodies is the best way to ensure lasting peace. Women, she continued, must therefore be empowered politically and the space given for them to a part of decision-making at all levels in the state and society. Holding the slow economic empowerment of women in the state due to a static and rigid culture, she added that institutions of local governance like the Gaonburas and the Doobashis need to be seriously reviewed saying, “A democracy cannot exist without the inclusion of the other half of the population”
Winding up her address, Rosemary said that Naga women must also take a journey into their own weakness and rededicate themselves towards peace building and peace keeping and that the recognition of 1000 women nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize and since then the Peace Prize being won by Professor M. Yunus for initiating economic empowerment of thousands of rural women, proved that peace is possible and recognized through the empowerment of women in all countries.
Peace is Possible through Conflict Resolution The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 21 (MExN): For achieving peace in the society, besides dialogue, resolution and reconciliation, reconstruction is also very much important for any peace to be permanent, Aküm Longchari, the Managing Director of The Morung Express said at a seminar on Peace is Possible here at the IMC centre today. Longchari, who was speaking on the topic of ‘peace is possible through conflict resolution’, much to the surprise of the audience said that it is through honest dialogue that ‘we transcend insecurity and the fears of uncertainty.’
“This dialogue will facilitate the interplay between resolution, reconciliation and reconstruction. These three processes are intertwined with one another, and each one on their own is limited though together contribute to the dynamic of transformation” said Longchari.
Central to his lecture, Longchari said that peace is about creating a condition of a shared humanity where everyone can have a dignified existence. “The question of peace is in essence directly related to the idea of a shared humanity, for no peace would be possible to sustain or even arrive at if it does not lead to a condition of a shared humanity” said Longchari.
Longchari said that a shared humanity does not limit peace as mere absence of war and violence, but constructs peace as a dynamic and interdependent existential reality in which people live with dignity; and freely determine and exercise their freedom. “A shared humanity is constantly conscious and engaged with the process of defining and building the future” he added.
“Peace is possible, when we are committed to listening and reasoning together with clarity and foresight. Through honest dialogue we can explore together new and respectful approaches to address conflicting interests in more creative, imaginative and peaceful ways. Peace becomes meaningful when we are able to overcome the core issues of conflict, and not by avoiding them. By transforming injustice to justice, peace is possible” he said.
The lecture of the Managing Director of The Morung Express evoked instant response from the audience. Rev Kari Longchar, after the lecture said that the inclusion of the word ‘reconstruction’ has been mentioned for the first time and said that the church will also look in that direction while involving in the Indo Naga Peace talks.
8.55% growth in State’s economy Nagarealm.com
Kohima, MAR20 [NPN] : Nagaland Governor K. Sankaranarayanan said the economy of the State was growing at 8.55 per cent owing to ceasefire and prevalence of peace in the State. Addressing the 14th session of the 10th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, the Governor said the per capita income in the State was estimated at Rs.21,002, which was slightly higher than the national average.

"My government places high hopes on the Look East Policy of the central government and I believe the policy can turn this remote State into a gateway between India and the emerging economy of the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN)," the Governor said. He also said the manufacturing sector was also growing at 6.22 per cent and the secondary sector at 8.18 per cent, with industrial infrastructure being built to support entrepreneurs.

On capital projects, the Governor said the New Assembly Complex at Kohima and a host of new directorates and other buildings were nearing completion. Modalities for construction of Nagaland House-cum-Emporium at Navi Mumbai had also been finalized, he said. He also disclosed that government purposed to establish a "Naga Parliamentarium" in Kohima to showcase the evolution of democratic institution of the State. Besides, he said, there had been proposals to shape the new Peren town into a Model town and to shift the district headquarters in Dimapur to a new location for providing better access to the public for which the land acquisition proceedings were under way.

The other proposals included construction of a new high court complex on a land measuring twenty acres at Merema, where the Chief Justice of India was likely to lay the foundation stone; establishment of a Forest School and a Regional Veterinary Institute, constitution of a Nagaland Livestock Development Board etc. The Governor said a water policy was currently under evolution to overcome the scarcity of drinking water. Besides, he said the land revenue department proposed to introduce land patta books to all towns and administrative headquarters where records of right were created. Another proposal is for the establishment of emergency operation centers at state level and in all district headquarters during 2007-008 with funds received under the UNDP Disaster Risk Management Programme. The Governor also said since tourism has the potential to out rival all other economic activities in the State, the DAN government took up with Government of India the issue of reviewing the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to facilitate more tourist flow. On Power sector, he said power is powerful catalyst for all-round development and disclosed the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) was aimed at creating rural sub-transmission and distribution network to achieve a hundred per cent rural household electrification by 2009. The Governor also disclosed that a Drivers' Training Institute at Dimapur had been sanctioned by the Centre. The City Development Plan (CDP) for Kohima town with rupees seven crore development perspective under JNNRUM had been approved by the central government, the Governor said and added the ADB project "reform agendas" had also been approved and that the release of first installment by ADB for urban infrastructure development at Kohima was expected during 2007-2008.
Apang urges Centre to help solve border issue with Assam The Morung Express
Itanagar, March 21 (Agencies): The Centre should help in finding a pragmatic and lasting solution to the long standing boundary dispute between his state and Assam, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang said today.
Terming the vexed dispute as not simply a regional but a national problem, Apang said, “The boundary commission appointed for the purpose should urgently resolve the issue”.
Apang was replying to a query by independent member R K Khrimey, during the zero hour discussion, on deployment and patrolling of para-military forces on the Assam-Arunachal boundary to prevent illegal operation and smuggling of forest products.
Comparing the problem to a chronic cancer, Apang said that people of state, living along the inter-state boundary areas and the forest department were facing the odds. “Our tribal people are disturbed from carrying out their traditional forest-related activities at these foothill areas while the forest department is helpless due to lack of resources and trained manpower”, he explained. While suggesting that construction of permanent high boundary walls along these areas would solve the problem, Apang said that the state did not have similar problems with neighbouring countries including Bhutan and Myanmar with whom the state shared long and porous boundaries.
Indian troops destroy poppy along Indo-Burma border The Morung Express
Senapati, March 21: Indian authorities have gone on an overdrive to check the menace of opium. With the help of troops from the Assam Rifles they have launched an operation to destroy poppy fields along the Indo-Burma region.
In a significant move, a joint team of troops of 10 Assam Rifles and a team from the Narcotics and the Affairs of Border, Manipur destroyed large stretches of poppy crops in remote Toupiching in Manipur’s Chandel district bordering Burma.
During the operation started in January 2007, the joint team headed by Assistant Sub-Inspector Gopendro with two constables from Narcotics and Affairs of Border, Government of India destroyed opium crop worth Rs 20 crores.
“Such action will deter any person from growing the crop in the future,” said Public Relations Officer of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) in a statement. However villagers along the border wondered how long the security forces can stop the cultivation of opium.
Opium cultivation has been reported in the remote hilly slopes of Manipur’s border areas over the past couple of years. They depend on it for their livelihood. Some say the villagers have no option but to cultivate poppy as they have no market for rice and other agricultural crops given the topographical disadvantage of the region.
In a related development, troops of 22 Assam Rifles seized around 250 kgs of contraband ganja during a random search of vehicles in Senapati district on March 16.
The troops arrested the driver of the van, Jalaluddin of Duantarapur Silchar, along with his companion Soba F of Senapati, another Assam Rifles statement said. The seized ganja along with the driver and the vehicle were handed over to Tadubi police station in Senapati district of Manipur. (Mizzima News)
Prisoners of Uncertainty? The Morung Express Editorial
Growing restlessness and lingering lethargy enveloping the Naga skyline is causing an uneasy sense of acute cynicism and unfocused anger, just churning restlessly for its release. The internal and external conditions that has a cause-effect relationship with this contradicting restless lethargic cynicism has potential to do more harm than good, unless constructive and positive interventions with painstakingly thought out strategic processes are made. Knee-jerk reactions to the problem would only prove counter-productive.
Unmet needs to satisfy the human yearning for some semblance of a dignified life and the human desire to have some basic knowledge of where their future is headed towards, has created an air of uncertainty. The acute sense of uncertainty has resulted in an indulging rush for the exclusive survival of the fittest. The questions around uncertainty has in part been responsible for a climate of fear; a climate that is being manipulated by the ‘powers that be’ with detrimental effectiveness.
The viscous cycle of the fear of uncertainty has the knack of causing and conditioning insular thinking and attitude. It makes a society stagnant, dogmatic and virtual prisoners of their past. The society ceases to be open towards new ideas and becomes resistant to any forms of change and is guided by emotions and subjective feelings. In essence, the ownership to determine its own future is usurped by the powers that be. Hence, the society draws more inward and exclusive. Insecurity compels it to rally around families, clans, villages, tribes and any other forms of human association where there is a perceived sense of security.
As uncertainty grows and vulnerability sets in, fear is expressed in different forms. For instance, differences between individuals suddenly take the form of clan or village differences and issues are personalized; the social safety net weakens; growing tendency to exert more power and control rather than seeking the path of dialogue and understanding; historical and social narratives are distorted and there is an acute lack of space to deliberate about the future and to imagine a better world. All discourses begin and end with the past. With no room for imagination, hope is missing. Hence, the past is relived over and over again; the future is held a prisoner of the past.
When faced with the questions of uncertainty and insecurity, it becomes quite convenient to seek a paranoid strategy which involves denial of internal destruction, while simultaneously projecting it on others. It involves engaging in depressive self-blame and the society becomes unforgiving and punitive, with a sense of hopelessness and passivity. Furthermore, while feeling vulnerable, it also shows signs of being accustomed to being in control while also believing that its ownership is being usurped by others. It has a perceived sense of dichotomized emotion of feeling power and yet, powerless.
In this defining moment in history, Nagas need to muster moral courage and political will to decisively refuse to be paralyzed by fear and despair. Nagas must face up to reality, acknowledge one’s own self-destructiveness and proactively act to contain its consequences, guided by a vision for the future. Through political action, Nagas have to begin the difficult process of transforming negative energy into a constructive force that builds bridges within and without, by creating value-based alternatives.
In perilous times such as these, Nagas have no other option but to transcend the past and the present and to confront with the realities of the future to create a society that is truly worth living in. History will judge whether the Nagas of today are willing to cast aside their fears and insecurity and to decisively live in a world of reality, of ambiguity and turmoil, but also a world of hope and life. Perhaps it could begin by setting free the prophetic imagination!
How to save Meitei identity Dr Mohendra Irengbam Contd previous issue Sangai Express
National education according to Rousseau, “...an education that must give souls a national formation, and direct their opinions and tastes in such a way that they will be patriotic by inclination, by passion, by necessity. When he first opens his eyes, an infant ought to see the fatherland, and up to the day of his death he ought never to see anything else.”
Nationalism is one of the most persistent forces in history, as components of cultural and political self-determination in the search for a unifying ethic. But from the study of world history, the idea (nationalism) can be sustai-ned only if it avoids a descent into tribalism and intolerance of other ethnic groups.
Nagas are missing a point in their education- that their future lays not in borders but in new relationship with Meiteis, Asomese and the people of Arunachal Pradesh. It is not too far to remember in history how the Nazi nationalism of the Third Reich crossed the border to annex parts of neighbouring countries which were partly inhabited by Germans. We all know the outcome.
It would be prudent for Nagas to realise that the ethnic concept of nationalism now is far outweighed by the pluralistic, multi-cultural concept because of the ever changing po-pulation of any country due to legal or illegal immigrants as in the case of Manipur, Asom, Tripura, Britain or France.
Meiteis have learnt it many years ago and have since been guiding their nationalism as pluralistic Manipuris not as Meiteis. It was not for nothing that Johnstone (I am sorry to quote him again, page 73) wrote: “The average intelligence of the Manipuris being higher than that found among the cultivators of many other native states...”
The Naga ethnic challenges have shattered Meitei pluralism and have increased the tension between the need for cultural-ethnic distinctiveness and integrative tendencies. Meiteis should not however get hold of the wrong end of the stick. We should not act like a bull in a china shop. There is more to it than meets the eye.
What should Meiteis do to save our identity?
We have to bite the bullet as our horizons remain clouded for the next decade for us to be able to have a clear view of our destiny ahead. We should not be on cloud nine because Sonia Gandhi for the present Congress government assured us that the integrity of Manipur would be intact, until a settlement would arrive between the Naga insurgents and the GoI of any political party.
We should now stop acknowledging our ‘error.’ It was simply an event in time. We must now assert ourselves. We have our primitivism (of Ibudhou Pakhangba) and pragmatism (able to deal with practical requirements). We don’t need to be liked, we would rather be respected.
Meiteis have pride and prejudice
A flurry of adjectives is available to describe Meitei national characters. In fact you can pluck them from thin air to make a thesaurus. Some are good but most of them are bad but still effectively applicable in shaping our destiny.
To name a few: arroga-nt, defiant, obstinate, pugnacious, self-believer, contrite, morally self-confident, readiness to spit in the eye of fate regardless of consequences. Most Meiteis can fit with some or all of them. For me they will fit as snugly as a pair of chamois leather gloves on my hands.
How to shore up Meitei identity
This is a $64,000 question. But I have a game plan, a strategic plan for the tussle between them and us. Until the Nagas stop banking on fantasy- land there is need for our circumspection. Contrary to receive wisdom there is nothing particularly difficult about it. It is not like drawing blood from stone. Here it goes.
History is good depending on who wrote it. We need to learn a lesson from the recent Indian history. How the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China under Prime Minister Chou En -Lai kicked the Indian Army in the arse, literally. Not that the Indian jawans were cowards but they were simply not prepared under Krishna Menon as the Defence Minister. Nehru never believed that China would ever confront India milit-arily believing that the mighty snow capped Himalayas would be on his side until the first skirmish at Long Ju in 1959.
The true story is however contrary to the popular yarn. After China crus-hed India in the 1962 war, the Indian Army commissioned Lt Gen Henderson Brooks and Brig. P S Bhagat to study the debacle. “The fault lay at India or more specifically at the doorsteps of Jawaharlal Nehru and his clique. It was a hopelessly ill-prepared Indian Army that provoked China on orders coming from Delhi. The misadventure paid the price in men, money and national humiliation.”
The Chinese for four years (1956-1959) were constructing the Aksai Chin road in Ladakh following their occupation of Tibet, right under the noses of the Indian Army. They were training, equipping and acclimatising the PLA at high altitude warfare in Tibet to destroy Nehru’s emerging image of Asian leader. Indeed, Chou En- Lai destroyed Nehru in two weeks. The Chinese feat was so stupefying that not a single Asian country gasped a feeble sound of sympathy for India. I was a house surgeon at the Irwin hospital in New Delhi when the Chinese invaded India in October 1962. As I was the secretary at the Doctors’ Mess it fell on me to recruit doctors to go to Lucknow for one week’s military training before being carted away to the battlefront. I was already qualified as I had NCC- ‘C’ certificate. But the war finished as soon as it started after the Chinese declared unilateral ceasefire and withdrew from the plains of Assam above Tezpur as well as from other sectors. Mani-pur and the eastern part of Assam nearly became Chinese territory. Nehru never recovered after this humiliation. He died in 1964 from a heart attack. One evening I went to listen to Nehru when he spoke at the Ram Lila ground near the hospital. Some women speakers were moaning to Nehru how our jawans were not provided with warm snow clothings and that the women in Delhi were knitting woollen sweaters for them and so on. Nehru stood up to speak (in Hindi) and referred to the Chinese soldiers mocking-ly as monkeys (ye bandhar log...) to draw laughter.

ULFA welcomes move By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 21 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today extended its best wishes to the two day convention organized by the People’s Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam (PCPIA) to find ways for resolving the conflicts. In a statement sent to the media through e mail today, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said that the convention would find ways for political resolution of the Assam-India conflict.
PCPIA bid to break impasse By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 21 – With the peace process to bring the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) ending in a deadlock, the People’s Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam (PCPIA) is holding a two-day convention at the Pragjyoti ITA Center for Performing Arts from tomorrow to find ways to resume the process. Representatives from different ethnic groups of the state, youths’ organizations and human rights activists from the North Eastern states have been invited to participate in the convention, while, the concluding remarks will be delivered by former Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, Dr Debo Prasad Barooah.

Chief coordinator of the PCPIA Lachit Bordoloi said that the main aim of holding the convention is to find a way to break the deadlock in the peace process as majority of the people of Assam are in favour of political dialogues for bringing an end to the problem. He said that the PCPIA has already launched a movement to put pressure on the Government to resume the peace process and the suggestions given by representatives of different organizations in the two-day convention would be incorporated in the demands of the committee. He said that the PCPIA is hopeful of some constructive suggestions from the representatives of different organizations to break the deadlock.

Bordoloi said that representatives of militant outfits like the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), Dima Halam Daogah (DHD), United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and Adivashi Cobra Militants are expected to take part in the inaugural session of the convention. He pointed out that all these groups are under cease-fire agreement with the Government of India and they would be requested to highlight the progress of their peace talks and the response of the Government so that the people of Assam are aware of the development.

Bordoloi, who is also a member of the people’s consultative group (PCG), formed by the ULFA to hold initial parleys with the Government, blamed the Government for the peace process ending in a deadlock. He alleged that the Government could have carried forward the peace process by implementing the assurances given in the last meeting with the PCG, but that was not done. He alleged that contradictory statements by the Government also complicated matters. On one hand, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh assured to discuss “all issues” while, on the other hand, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued contradictory statements, which created confusion. He also expressed the view that killings and talks cannot go on simultaneously and both the Government and the ULFA must suspend operations to create a favourable atmosphere for talks. It may be mentioned here that the ULFA is sticking to its demand that the Government must give a written assurance to talk on sovereignty of Assam and release the five jailed central committee members of the outfit to carry forward the peace process, while, on the other hand, the Government has made it clear that the issue of sovereignty is not negotiable. However, the Prime Minister recently announced that the Government would talk with any militant outfit if it abjures violence. Reacting to the Prime Minister’s recent statement, Bordoloi said that Dr Singh should clarify his statement. “If the Prime Minister wanted the ULFA to lay down arms for talks, it might not be possible. But if he wants suspension of operations from both sides, we also support that,” he added.