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03/26/2007: "Fresh clashes, killings, but talks will continue • Next Round on March 29th Kuknalim.com"

Fresh clashes, killings, but talks will continue • Next Round on March 29th
Kuknalim.com
NEW DELHI, Mar 25:: In the backdrop of fresh clashes between rival Naga rebel factions, the Government will hold formal talks with the NSCN-IM here on March 29, the second round of parleys...

after two top leaders of the group arrived in the country in December last year.

Apart from the violence in Nagaland, where three NSCN-IM cadres were killed yesterday allegedly by the rival Khaplang group, both sides are expected to discuss several key subjects, including unification of Naga-inhabitated areas of the northeast and a "charter of demands" given by the rebels for a solution to the dragging problem.

"We are expecting tangible discussions, something concrete," senior NSCN-IM leader R H Raising said today.

The NSCN-IM team, to be headed by chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, is likely to press for "total control" by the government over NSCN-K cadres who were allegedly behind recent attacks on NSCN-IM members.

Two NSCN-IM cadres were kidnapped yesterday at A G Colony in Kohima town and later shot dead allegedly by NSCN-K militants. In another incident at lower NST colony in Wokha, NSCN-K members opened fire on cadres of NSCN-IM, killing a woman and injuring another.

"Definitely, this issue (the clashes) will figure in the talks. They (NSCN-K) are being helped by some external forces," Raising said.

A group of ministers led by Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes and the Centre's interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah will represent the government.

The result of the recent Manipur assembly polls is also expected to cast a shadow on the proposed talks since the Naga United Council backed by the NSCN-IM failed to have the desired impact in four hill districts of the state. The Congress formed the government in Manipur after getting a majority in the assembly.

Muivah had arrived in India in December last year, while Swu came to the country in the first week of January. Since then, they have been in Nagaland for discussions with NSCN-IM cadres, civil society members and political leaders on the group's key demands.

The NSCN-IM last held talks with the government in Delhi on March three, when both sides had "detailed discussions on political issues" that remained inconclusive. –PTI

UNLF raps NPMHR on the knuckles Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 25: Sharply reacting to the statement of the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights, wherein it accused the UNLF of confining 400 Kuki refugees at Myanmar, the outfit today said that the very statement not only exposes the narrow outlook of the rights body but also shows their lack of integrity.
In a statement, the outfit said that a team of media persons had independently confirmed that the propaganda spread by the KSO and some Kuki organisations that 400 Kuki refugees were kept captives by the UNLF at Myanmar was wrong as all the villagers had returned home.

Apprehensive that the media persons will spill the beans and expose the truth to the whole world, KSO volunteers confiscated their cameras while they were returning to Imphal, UNLF recalled. Since their blatant lies and misinformation campaign could not bear fruits, KSO turned its attention to Delhi instead which must have pleased the Government of India, UNLF said.

Despite knowing the truth and without trying to ascertain the facts, the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights has blindly accused the UNLF of keeping the villagers hostage, said the outfit and added that it is not surprising for the NPMHR is infamous for interpreting the universal concept of human rights along ethnic lines.
Everyone knows what type of an organisation the NPMHR is. Though human rights is a universal concept, the NPMHR did not utter a word when thousands of Kukis were killed and rendered homeless during the pogrom unleashed by the UNLF, maintained UNLF.

The Kukis were killed and their villages razed to the ground under the scheme of Naga expansionism for Nagalim, said the outfit adding it was ethnic cleansing. A deafening silence when it concerns the NSCN (IM) and a loud yell when it comes to the UNLF exposes the double standard of the NPMHR, said the outfit further. No mention of human rights violations was made when the Indian security force used the villagers of Dingpi and Khengjoi areas as forced labour, human shields and when their women folk were raped, charged the outfit.

The very reason for this double standard is to sow the seeds of discord amongst the different community and also to alienate the UNLF from the public. If the NPMHR is really a human rights organisation then they should go to the spot to record the truth instead of taking instructions at New Delhi. The decisions taken by the KSO and the NPMHR in playing into the trap of India will amount to shooting themselves on the feet, asserted the outfit.
K eliminates CAO of rival IM group Newmai News Network
Kohima, Mar 25 : NSCN-IM’s Central Adminis- trative Officer (CAO) of the Sepoumaranth Region along with another officer whose was holding the rank of Raje Peyu of the same outfit were killed after they were abducted in Kohima last evening by suspected NSCN-K cadres.
The slain NSCN-IM leader has been identified as K.Athikho Mao while the other slain Raje Peyu has been identified as Daihe Mao.
Reports said that the two NSCN-IM leaders were abducted from the Lower AG Colony of the Nagaland capital in the morning on Saturday by the suspected NSCN (K) men and later killed at around 5 pm on the same day.
The two slain NSCN-IM leaders were found blindfolded with hands tied.
Athikho hailed from Chowainamai village of Senapati district while Daihe belonged to Khong-nem village of the same district.
Meanwhile, the Naga Peoples' Organisation (NPO) has organised a condolence meeting today at Senapati Mini Stadium in which more than one thousand wishers turned up. Various civil organisations also reportedly attended the condolence meeting.
The bodies of the two slain NSCN-IM leaders were also brought to Senapati today and taken to their respective villages after the meeting, according to the reports.
NPO president in-charge Patrick Alew informed Newmai News Network this evening that the meeting strongly condemned the killing of the NSCN-IM leaders in Kohima yesterday.
The NPO demanded that the culprits should openly disclose their identities and then furnish reasons for the killing.
Patrick Alew also said that the Saturday incident at Kohima was a cowardly act and urged all the right thinking people to come out and condemn it.
A separate report said that around hundred rounds were fired in the air by the NSCN-IM cadres at a place somewhere in Senapati today as a mark of respect to their departed leaders.

Naga talks in Delhi on March 29 The Hindu
New Delhi, March 25 (PTI): In the backdrop of fresh clashes between rival Naga rebel factions, the Government will hold formal talks with the NSCN-IM here on March 29, the second round of parleys after two top leaders of the group arrived in the country in December last year.
Apart from the violence in Nagaland, where three NSCN-IM cadres were killed yesterday allegedly by the rival Khaplang group, both sides are expected to discuss several key subjects, including unification of Naga-inhabitated areas of the northeast and a "charter of demands" given by the rebels for a solution to the dragging problem.
"We are expecting tangible discussions, something concrete," senior NSCN-IM leader R H Raising said today. The NSCN-IM team, to be headed by chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, is likely to press for "total control" by the government over NSCN-K cadres who were allegedly behind recent attacks on NSCN-IM members.
Two NSCN-IM cadres were kidnapped yesterday at A G Colony in Kohima town and later shot dead allegedly by NSCN-K militants. In another incident at lower NST colony in Wokha, NSCN-K members opened fire on cadres of NSCN-IM, killing a woman and injuring another.
"Definitely, this issue (the clashes) will figure in the talks. They (NSCN-K) are being helped by some external forces," Raising said. A group of ministers led by Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes and the Centre's interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah will represent the government.
The result of the recent Manipur assembly polls is also expected to cast a shadow on the proposed talks since the Naga United Council backed by the NSCN-IM failed to have the desired impact in four hill districts of the state. The Congress formed the government in Manipur after getting a majority in the assembly. Muivah had arrived in India in December last year, while Swu came to the country in the first week of January. Since then, they have been in Nagaland for discussions with NSCN-IM cadres, civil society members and political leaders on the group's key demands. The NSCN-IM last held talks with the government in Delhi on March three, when both sides had "detailed discussions on political issues" that remained inconclusive.
The NSCN-IM is one of the oldest and most powerful insurgent groups in the northeast and wants to create a "greater Nagaland" incorporating Naga-inhabitated areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. However, these three states had rejected this demand. The Centre and the NSCN-IM have held numerous rounds of talks in India and abroad since they agreed to a truce in August 1997.
Three NSCN (IM) activists killed in factional fight in Nagaland Zee News
Kohima, March 25: At least three NSCN(IM) activists were killed while another was injured in factional fighting between two groups of NSCN in separate incidents in Nagaland. Two NSCN(IM) activists were kidnapped yesterday at A G Colony of Kohima town and later shot dead by NSCN(K) ultras, police said today. In another incident, NSCN(K) activists opened fire on some members of rival NSCN(IM) group, killing a woman cadre on the spot and injuring another at Lower NST Colony of Wokha Town yesterday, the police said.

Meanwhile, two Home Ministry officials, who yesterday reviewed implementation of ground rules with NSCN(K) leaders at Mon, left for New Delhi. They also held a similar meeting with NSCN (I-M) leaders at Dimapur on Friday.
Nagaland Commissioner Ta N Mannen, who is also a member of cease-fire monitoring mechanism, said in both the meetings, the government representatives of truce surveillance panel expressed their serious concern over factional killings and urged leaders of both groups to send their cadres to mutually agreed designated camps to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the State.
Bureau Report

Men of faith raise voice for unity Church welcomes ‘Americans for Nagas’ appeal The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MARCH 24 (MExN): Replying to the solidarity and concern demonstrated by more than 30 prominent Church leaders from the North, South, East and West of the USA, several Naga clergymen today sermonized that the petition from America should serve as an eye-opener for the Naga people.
Rev Dr Wati Aier termed some of the signatories as “greats in the Baptist Church.” To make such an appeal only means the Americans have love and concern for the Naga people, he said. Some of those who appended their signatures in their request for Naga groups to come to a consensus are already in retired homes. To bring such a number together is no mean feat, Wati said. “Nagas should not take this appeal lightly. If we take it lightly we are not sensible people.”
Reverend Zhapu Terhuja, General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, termed the appeal as a good sign and “a great message” as it did not support any faction. He said a reply to say thank you would be an obligation.
Reasoning that words are but only words, Father Abraham of the Catholic Church called for the implementation of any such kind of initiative. He termed the letter as a ‘wake-up call’ for the Nagas.
Peace Director of the NBCC, Rev Kari Longchar, welcomed the concern which appears as support to the reconciliation and healing process initiated by the Church. He said that other Church leaders around the world could be contacted through the Americans. A prayerful approach has to be employed in the process, he said.
Coining the letter as an “emotional appeal”, Rev Dr Keyho said the Americans were ‘God’s servants’. He advocated that measures have to be taken to bring the divided house of the Nagas together without any motive of condemnation and justification. “That is our destiny.”
Kukis take to Delhi streets again The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 25 (MExN): The Kuki Students’ Organization will be holding a ‘peaceful protest’ in front of Delhi Police HQ, New Delhi, on March 26, from 11:00am.
The KSO stated in a note issued by Lamtinthang Haokip, General Secretary, that the demonstration is to protest against the brutal attack by Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Delhi Police on protesting Kuki Students on March 23 as well as demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Kuki students who were arrested, harassed and jailed in Tihar. Also, the racist slurs of the Delhi Police who, after beating the arrested students, told them to “go and protest in China for you look like Chinese” would be highlighted.
Other points for protest include inhumane treatment of seriously injured protesting Kuki students, numbering 21, who were forcefully ejected from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to Parliament Street Police station and then to Patiala Court on March 24 despite their serious injuries. Delhi Police admitted them to AIIMS hospital, but were forcefully taken away to Tihar jail later where they still remain unattended, the KSO stated.
The abduction of 400 Kuki displaced persons by Manipur valley-based militant group, United National Liberation Front (UNLF) in collusion with the Myanmar military junta, the ongoing forced human displacement caused by the terror tactics of the UNLF who tortured, torched, killed, uprooted and displaced the Kukis from their homes in the wake of the ‘state sponsored’ counter-insurgency military operation in Chandel, Manipur will also be a focus. “More than 39 villages from Chandel, Manipur have been displaced by the UNLF. The planting of destructive landmines and IEDs by the UNLF in Chandel has killed 33 innocent Kuki villagers in Chandel district alone. Moreover many innocent villagers have lost their limbs to the deadly mines” the organization informed. The students will also be highlighting “the unaccountable and irresponsible attitude of the Government of Manipur as well as the Centre who still remain a silent spectator to the deteriorating serious problems of its citizens who are in crisis.”
Governor to officially launch state women commission The Moung Express
Kohima, March 25 (MExN): Nagaland governor K Sankaranarayanan will officially launch the recently constituted Nagaland State Commission for Women on March 28 at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will grace the occasion also grace the occasion as the guest of honour.
In tune with the Union government’s objective to safeguard women’s rights and to promote their empowerment, the Nagaland Women Commission Act, 2006 has been enacted. As per the provision of this act, the Commission, consisting of a chairwoman and two women members nominated by the state government, has been constituted.
“Women and children represent more than two thirds of the country’s population and their holistic development received the much needed impetus after the National Commission for Women was constituted in 1992 by an Act of Parliament as the national body for protecting and safeguarding the rights of women,” a release received here said.
The main task of the Commission is to study and monitor all matters relating to the constitutional and legal safeguard provide for women, to review the existing legislation and suggest amendments, wherever necessary.
It also looks into the complaints and takes suo moto notice of the cases involving violation of the rights of women. Efforts are made to provide support, legal or otherwise, to helpless and needy women. Ensuring custodial justice is another important function.
The Commission has been empowered to monitor the proper implementation of all the legislations aimed at protecting the rights of women achieving equality in all spheres of life and equal participation in the development of the nation.
The function will be chaired by Sano Vamuzo, chairperson, NSCW. Short speeches will be delivered by Khesheli, president Naga Mother’s Association, Banuo Z. Jamir, principal secretary (Home), Nagaland and Rosemary Dzuvichu, expert member, National Commission for Women.
English terminology not consonant with the aims of NE people: Jamir The Morung Express
Dimapur, March 25 (MExN): The Governor of Goa, Dr SC Jamir said the connotation of sovereignty and independence, which is the main demand made by several separatist outfits in the region, may not be consonant with the real aspirations of the people of the region and said that there is a communication gap arising out of these usage. A copy of his speech which he delivered at the North East Poetry Festival held at Guwahati, which was also received here, stated that the limitations in vocabulary or terminology in the mother tongues of the different tribal language have forced the different separatist groups of the region to borrow certain words from the English language like “sovereignty” or “independence”.
“Being unable to locate the appropriate phrases or words to articulate what we really want, we have to borrow and substitute some foreign phrases or words or terminology to express our aspirations. This communication gap is genuine and severe” stated Jamir.
“Our concept of ‘independence’ or ‘sovereignty’ may not be consonant with the real connotation of these words and concepts” said Jamir and added that perhaps the people and the leaders of the region have no yet been able to conceive of the real meaning of their aspirations, which can be articulated and conveyed in a manner and language to be understood by the people and the Government of India.
To support his view, Jamir cited on instance where the Nagas have made a memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929, where it was stated “that the British Government will continue to safe guard our rights against all encroachments from other people who are more advanced than us… that we should not be thrust to the mercy of the people who could never subjugate us but to leave us alone to determine for ourselves as in ancient times.”
“The real meaning underlying this demand is that their tribal identity and their way of life should be preserved and protected. This has a very different connotation and a different meaning from the concepts of ‘sovereignty’ or ‘independence’, as is literally understood” Jamir stated.
Jamir called upon the people need to re-look at the way of preserving their tribal identity and stated that niceties of English words and phrases appear to have obscured the essence of the real issue and prevented a solution to the vexed problems facing the region. ‘Idealism, however noble it might seem to be, has to be related to reality’ stated Jamir and added that the people have already shed enough blood on this idealism.
“It is now time to embark on a realistic and pragmatic path to bring solace to the people of the region” added Jamir.Stating that the common theme of the people of the North East people is peace, Jamir stated that from all the corners of the region, people constantly and fervently yearn for peace and security.
However, Jamir stated that unfortunately, the ideals of preservation of tribal identity and sovereignty etc have proved to be the major road-block in finding a lasting and acceptable solution to end insurgency. ‘No meaningful dialogue can be conducted if emotions and idealism continue to be the basis of negotiations’ reasoned Jamir. Jamir stated that political realism and pragmatism have to over-ride political adventurism and unrealistic demands as in the name of ‘sovereignty’ needless miseries and sufferings have been caused to the general public.
Further, the Goa Governor and Veteran congress leader stated that under the cover of sovereignty, many other anti-India forces are thriving in the region and some are in collaboration with insurgents to undermine the unity and integrity of the country and therefore he called upon the people to think over the issue seriously.
Equal Access Editorial Morung Express
With an Annual Plan outlay of Rs. 900 crores, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has once gain managed to juggle the rupees and the paise and presented what he has termed as a ‘pro poor’ budget. Set to be the last budget presentation of the DAN government before facing polls early next year, the slogan of a ‘pro poor’ ‘rural based’ budget should not come as a surprise. However even if there is a streak of populism in the budget, slogans have to be translated into reality and this government must do just that in order to retain its credibility or claim as a people’s mandated government. There is no doubt that some of the concerns being raised by the Opposition Congress over fund misuse need to be corrected. The gain, if any, made over the Year of Farmers 2006, has not percolated down to the desired level and the Chief Minister should himself show personal initiative to ensure that the fruits of development is spread out evenly.
Continuing the Year of Farmers to 2007 is a welcome move. For the NPF led DAN government, it is also an opportunity to evaluate the success and failures of last year’s programme on the year of farmers and make the necessary corrections so as to leave a lasting impression on the farming sector in terms of its sustainability and as an economically productive vocation that will contribute in large measure to the growth of the local economy. The decision to specifically earmark Rs. 20 crores over and above the normal allocations for the “Year of Farmers” programme in 2007-08 as mentioned in the budget should be judiciously utilized. It is also suggested that information related to programmes meant for the Year of Farmers is given more visible publicity in all the local dailies and that too over a longer period of time so that the general public is made aware of the different schemes available. In this way, the attempts to corner all government benefits by a few whose interest it is to bypass public information systems (like advertising in the newspapers) will be curbed to some extent.
Coming back to the budget announced, at the end of the day it is how well the money that is allocated to different departments is properly utilized, which will determine the all round development and prosperity of the State. What should be noted as encouraging in is the attempt made to get the private sector involved in the development process. The setting up of a Public Private Partnership Cell in the Finance Department during 2006 as stated by the State Chief Minister in his budget speech is a welcome move. As mentioned by Rio, private sector participation in agriculture, industries, urban development, power, tourism, water supply, health and education etc will provide the much needed resources and expertise to provide better and efficient services to the public. This is a welcome change of mindset and acknowledgement of the fact that there are some areas in which government involvement should be minimal. This will also allow the government to give greater attention on the core sectors.
Social instability hits NE education scene Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, March 25 – Compared to other parts of the country, the education scenario of the North-east is greatly affected by serious social instability and if the issue is not addressed at the earliest, it may bring more hazards to the education scenario of the region in the days to come. The high rate of school drop-outs and the ever increasing graph of child labour in the region clearly imply that the existing education scenario is stagnant and the authorities concerned must give a serious look into it.

This was observed by noted educationist and former secretary of the Council for Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE) Rita Wilson, who was in the city today to conduct some special programmes for children under the banner of CEC.

Rita, while backing her observation on the region’s education scenario, said that social instabilities in the form of violence and bandhs had taken its toll on the student fraternity of the region and emerged as a serious cause of concern.

“Continuity is seriously lacking in this part of the region – be it on the part of school management or the teachers who lacks motivation. Students here get distracted from their goal owing to the prevailing scenario,” asserted Rita and added, “Violence on a consistent basis and other social stigmas have arrested the growth of education considerably.”

“I am not really concerned about the literacy rate here because it does not always depict the real social scenario of the State. It is the quality of education imparted which matters most,” the noted educationist pointed out. “The role of quality schools in this regard is very pivotal because a child can be made literate anywhere but proper education needs a proper platform which can only be given through a well-equipped educational institute.”

She further added that no matter what the rate the literacy was, it was the quality of education that determined the holistic development of the society and helped in making the young generation global citizens. On the rising numbers of schools being opened in this part of the region, Rita said, “It is good that more and more schools are coming up in this part. What needs to be seen is whether or not these institutions are catering to the need of the parents who desire for overall development of their wards. “Not only in Guwahati, the scenario is almost identical in other parts of the country where the schools hardly bother to provide space for other co-curricular activities which is so very important for a child’s growth,” she added.

“In today’s world, a person, especially the teenagers, needs space — be it physical, mental or emotional space — to grow in their desired way,” she said. Rita, who is also the principal of Starex International School, stressed the need for having a body to regulate the educational institutes where having playground must be made mandatory for a school to operate anywhere in the country.

“It is a matter of national debate which can be solved in a national platform but yes, the problem is affecting the education scenario as a curse,” she maintained.

ABPF: Come out of BTC and join Boro civil society By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, March 25: The All Boro Peace Forum (ABPF) has openly appealed to the BTC leaders led by Hagrama Mohilary to come out from the Council and join hands with the Boro civil society to, what it said, ascertain the rights of indigenous Boros through meaningful dialogue with the Government. The ABPF thinks that dialogue between the Centre and the proscribed National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) can only bring lasting peace and an all-acceptable solution to the Boro problem.
“The accord signed by the Centre and the then BLT in 2003 with a view to solving the Boroland issue within the provisions of the amended Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is nothing but a conspired trap of the Indian Government to deprive the indigenous Boro people of their birth rights,” said Bhramon Baglari, chief convenor of the ABPF.
He said the accord only shields the rights and privileges of the non-indigenous people, but not of Boros, and as such it can never be accepted by the Boros. The accord contradicts the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act, 1886 which ensures land rights of tribal people, he added.
The ABPF, however, supported the ongoing agitation spearheaded by several Boro organizations, including the BPPF-H, against the ongoing delimitation of constituencies. In this backdrop, Baglari said, the BTC leadership should realize the futility of the latest Boro Accord.
“The Boro people’s genuine rights have been curtailed under the amended Sixth Schedule provisions and they have been left at the mercy of non-indigenous elements on their own land,” he said. Immigrants from Bangladesh, who are also trying to establish themselves as ‘indigenous’ people in the BTAD, are part of the ‘systematic invasion’ being carried out by the vested interests, he added. In view of the above facts, the ABPF said that the current delimitation process should be stopped immediately.
Thai tourism delegation to visit North-east Sentinel
AIZAWL, March 25: A Thailand delegation will visit-the northeastern states next month to give an international exposure to the region's tourism industry.
Quoting the commercial council of royal Thai embassy Tharadol Thongruang, tourism department officials here today said a 15 -member team, including travel writers, will visit all the tourist destinations in NE states in the beginning of next month.
''Thai authorities are planning to tie-up with the industrialists of the region to give an international exposure to the tourism industry of the NE'', officials said.
According to the proposal the Thai government is planning to include the tourist destinations of the NE states in the international tourism package of Thailand - one of the largest tourism industries in the world.
''The proposed move will not only benefit the tourism industry of Thailand but will also be good for the Northeast'', sources said adding that apart from Thai officials, Indian authorities are pressing to include Thai tour operators and travel writers in the delegation to understand the tourism potential of the region. UNI