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04/03/2007: "Hebron talks fail but funeral to take place Wednesday; Devil sign 666 in suspect`s house intrigues The Imphal Free Press"

Hebron talks fail but funeral to take place Wednesday; Devil sign 666 in suspect`s house intrigues The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Apr 2: Even though no agreement was reached at the talks between representatives of the Senapati-based civil organizations and top leaders of NSCN(IM) Monday, the organizations have decided to perform the last rites of the two kids on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Christian sign of Satan, "666" on a wooden sculpture of a man has become the talk of the town in Senapati. However authorities were tightlipped about a Devil worship angle to the tragic kidnap and murder episode. On the other hand, the state police has sent intimation to the monitoring cell of the NCSN(IM) through the Union ministry of home affairs asking it to hand over the suspected culprits to the state authorities.

Meanwhile, people, mostly womenfolk and school students, staged dharnas at various places in the state particularly at Senapati and Imphal today also.

The team of representatives of the civil organizations of Senapati led by Veino Solomon, held talks with the NSCN authorities at Hebron in Nagaland today. During the talks the representatives of the civil organizations insisted that the NSCN(IM) agree to the five point demand put forward by the representatives. However, the NSCN(IM) informing that a cabinet of the GPRN had already resolved on a decision on the matter declined to sign the paper.

Instead, they reportedly told the representatives that the GPRN had decided to complete the investigation conducted by them within seven days. Even as the representatives insisted on making public the findings of the investigation from time to time, the NSCN authority rejected the proposal stating that they could not review the decision of the cabinet as publishing of the investigation report was not included in the cabinet decision. With the NSCN authorities remaining firm on their decision no amicable agreement could be reached and the representatives of the civil organizations left Hebron and are likely to reach Imphal tomorrow, a report said.

The representatives of the civil organizations left Senapati with a draft 5-point demand from the outfit. The demands urged NSCN(IM) authorities to hold consultation with the members of the core committee on the abduction of the two school kids before announcement of punishment to the culprits and meeting with the core committee at least once in a week during the investigation period and relay of the progress of the investigation. They also pressed the NSCN(IM) to conduct investigation at the top level led by a person not less than kilo kilonser of the outfit.

On the other hand, Senapati police OC when contacted by IFP said that officially they were in the process of disposing the dead bodies which are still in their custody. Keeping the same for a long time in their custody would amount to a health hazard for the surroundings "but we are not doing so considering the sentiments of the people," he said. He conceded that the sentiments of the people were greatly hurt and police and security forces are on alert to check any outbreak of mob trouble. The officer in-charge also went on to say that as the coffins containing the dead bodies are being kept at the corridor of the station foul smell is emanating out of the decayed bodies, and office work at the station was being affected and there was need to dispose the same at the earliest. Meanwhile, around 3000 women and school students of three schools at Senapati started an indefinite sit-in protest from today at Senapati public ground. A dharna was also staged at Khurai along the Imphal-Ukhrul road where around one hundred women and school children participated.
Tribe Hohos send SOS to Delhi Delhi hoodwinked by Assc Members?
Rengma Hoho highlights grievances to Justice Singh The Morung Express
Dimapur, April 2 (MExN): The Delimitation Commission of India is not aware of the current readjustment exercises and the consequent tumult arising in Nagaland over the delimitation and that the Nagaland commission is acting on its own covertly? Contrary to the readjustments going on, the Associated Members and Member of the Delimitation Commission of Nagaland did not brief the Delimitation Commission of the ongoing process of delimitation in the state but only pressed the DCI to maintain status quo asserting that the Naga civil society, including tribal Hohos, have “all agreed” to the status quo.
This startling revelation came to light when a delegation of Rengma Hoho officials Delimitation Commission of India met with DCI chairman Justice Kuldeep Singh on March 28 at New Delhi. The Rengma Hoho had also submitted a memorandum to the Commission that the Delimitation Act 2002 should be fully implemented in Nagaland. The delegation pointed out to the commission that seat readjustment within the district without transferring seats from one district to others, is infringement of the Act itself. And the ongoing process in Nagaland is not delimitation process at all but major tribes’ manipulation of the delimitation process to continue to retain seats beyond their entitlement by depriving the rights and entitlement of minor tribes in Nagaland, the Commission was informed.
On this, the Commission reportedly told the Rengma Hoho delegation that the Associated Members and Member of the Delimitation Commission of Nagaland did not brief the DCI about the matters highlighted above. The members of the Delimitation Commission of Nagaland had only pressed the DCI to maintain status quo “which was agreed upon by all Hohos, public organizations.” The DCI was also apprised of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly undertaking a resolution to that effect. The Rengma delegation, on its part made clear to the Commission that the Rengma Hoho is not in agreement to the resolution to maintain status quo but stands for complete delimitation implementation in Nagaland. The DCI reportedly assured the Hoho that “justice would be done.”
The Rengma Hoho was also invited to a meeting on March 21 by Minister Dr Shurhozelie, to discuss delimitation for Kohima district. At the meeting it was found that NPF party leaders including ministers and MLAs of Kohima had already worked out a new draft ‘proposal’ for Kohima’s 7 constituencies including Tseminyu Assembly Constituency, in a meeting held on the 19th. The Hoho was told that the meeting was simply to endorse the proposal. No Rengma leader was invited/included while the proposal was being prepared on the 19th. It was only then that the Hoho came to know of the draft and on this, refused to comply for endorsement and rather demanded complete delimitation. Further, a meeting attendance roll was passed around for signatures. However, it was later discovered that the “attendance roll” actually the back of the draft paper. The Rengma Hoho, meanwhile, is outraged and has rejected the status quo stand of the NLA.
Phom Peoples’ Council demands Delimitation in Toto
the Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC), the apex tribal body of the Phom tribe has in clear terms demanded for the full implementation of the Delimitation Act 2002 (amended in 2003) as per Working Paper—I in the district of Longleng according to the 2001 census. In a representation to the Chairman of the Delimitation Commission of India, the PPC vehemently objected to the resolution passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on August 20, 2005 seeking ‘exemption of Nagaland from the Delimitation Act 2002’ as also the 14th session of the 10th Nagaland Legislative Assembly to effect minor readjustment within the district. “This is clear violation of our constitutional right and directive and methodology of the Delimitation Commission”, the PPC stated in its representation signed by N. Metpong, President and P. Manpong, General Secretary. The PPC also stated that it objects in Toto the Associate Members from Nagaland to the Delimitation Commission of India, which is purely one sided and undemocratic, it stated. “No member is represented from the tribes or district which genuinely stands to gain Assembly seats from the Delimitation Act 2002”, the PPC stated.
The PPC while making it clear that it was strongly opposed to the present readjustment of Assembly constituencies within the district and renaming of 49 A/C Tamlu as Yongnyah, stated that it supported the representation earlier submitted to the Delimitation Commission by the Joint Action Committee representing the tribal hohos of Longleng, Wokha, Kiphire, Peren and unit hohos of Kohima and Dimapur district.
‘Avoid constitutional, law and order crises’
the Kohima based tribal Hohos of the three districts of Longleng, Peren, Wokha and Tseminyu sub-division of Kohima district has unanimously decided to give unconditional support to the Joint Action Committee on delimitation at a meeting today and appealed to the Delimitation Commission to implement delimitation in letter and spirit as enshrined in the Act, adding that failure to implement the Act will be a mockery to democracy and “inviting law and order problems which will lead to a constitutional crisis”, it stated. In a press communiqué signed by Lotha Hoho President (Kohima) N Ngullie, Phom Union Kohima President NM Puchem, Rengma Public Union Kohima President SK Rengma and Zeliangrong Union Kohima President K. Mark Guing, the hohos demanded from the Member and Associate Members of the State Delimitation Commission, to implement the Delimitation Act 2002 (as amended in 2003) without any bias according to the tribal population of 2001 census figure.
NSCN-IM deny hand in children murder case The Morung Express
Dimapur, April 2 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has denied allegations that it is involved in the recent abduction and the subsequent murder of two children from Senapati. The two school-children Moheni Martin and Heiinii Hubert were abducted from Senapati last December and their bodies were recovered only a few days back.
A MIP note from the NSCN-IM termed the allegations as ‘false.’ Even while lamenting that “every issue that crops up” is always placed on the NSCN-IM to ‘stain its image,’ the MIP note observed that “such crime was not even expected of Khaplang members though suspicion of their involvement is not ruled out.” Denouncing “all inhuman acts of killing” and condemning them, the NSCN-IM asserted to bring the culprits to justice. “But as truth prevail over all falsifications, Meitei sources or any other adverse elements’ usual misleading propagandas will not succeed in sowing apprehensions, as black will remain black and white as white” it stated while making a ‘commitment’ to deliver justice.
In regard to the “misapprehensions” upon the NSCN-IM in the Lungnila Elizabeth murder case, the MIP note stated that “in no way justice is being obstructed.” “The GPRN affirms that just action will be served upon the guilty as and when the acts of crime committed are unearthed and authentically established” it asserted reminding that in a judicial system penalization cannot be based on impulses, external pressure, assumptions and suspicions. In the murder case, the NSCN-IM informed, one James Kuki was apprehended as suspect. During probe, the main culprit, stated as an ex-Manipur Police Commando and a collaborator of the UNLF, was apprehended by the Manipur government.

The accused is still under the Manipur government’s custody, it stated. Following the arrest of the “main culprit,” the NSCN-IM had requested the Manipur government “for cross-examination and interrogation” which was denied. Due to these “technicalities” the murder case of Elizabeth faced “setbacks to be solved” and now it is up to the Manipur government to hand over the accused to the NSCN-IM for “adjudicating the case,” to deliver justice to the victims or own responsibility for obstructing justice, it asserted.
So far the Manipur government has neither granted access to the accused b the NSCN-IM nor has it come out with any result from their investigations in the case despite the accused murderer being in their custody, the MIP note stated. “Therefore, the GPRN obstructing justice does not arise” it added.
Children no more safe; Senapati women demand justice Morung Express News
Senapati Women folks of Senapati today held a sit-in-protest here in the main town, demanding justice for the kidnapping and killing of two innocent school children Moheni Martin and Hubert Hriinii. School children of Brooke Dale, Little Angel English School and St. Anthony’s School also participated in the protest. School children held placards, some of them read, ‘We want Security.’ ‘Will I be the next?’, ‘Punish the guilty,’ ‘Capital Punishment for the killers,’ ‘The criminals have no place in this decent world,’ ‘Handover the culprit to the public,’ etc.
Women of Senapati sit in protest at the rally as pictures of Moheni Martin and Hubert Hriinii (right) document their pain at the abduction, and sebsequent murder of the two children.
Since the day skeletal remains of the missing kids were discovered, Senapati town remains tense and the women folks have taken the lead to mobilize public support. It may be recalled that on March 29 the women rallied demanding justice and to book the culprit and hand them over to the people. The women called upon the overground and underground to deliver justice on time. ‘Until and unless the people involved are found out and befitting punishment given, justice is at stake. Therefore, all culprits involved are needed to be found out and let the public know them and the final punishment could be carried out after people’s consent,’ said one of the women present in the rally. ‘Our children are not longer safe. They are now afraid to go and come in. Once our society lived in peace but now we are living in fear due to the presence of some anti-social people carrying out their criminal jobs,’ rued another woman. The women decried such dastard and bestiality act. The NSCN (IM) must now show their credentials to the people as the main culprits are in their custody, some women opined. Sources informed that the three suspects Manikho, Brawn and Adai are already in the custody of NSCN (IM) and the Core Committee and public leaders are meeting with the former group at camp Hebron for the submission and signing of an agreement.
The Government of Manipur has assured the public to book the culprit within ten days time and carry out the investigation with the highest level of professionalism and the ex-gratia to be paid under the existing norms in the State. An Imphal-based newspaper reported that the State Government is asking Delhi to tell the NSCN (IM) to hand over the suspects to carry out further investigation. This time the Senapati women have taken the matter more seriously and are relentlessly rendering their tireless effort in carrying out rallies and sit-in-protests since the kidnapping of the kids first came to light last year. Women shared the pain and agony of the Lungnila Elizabeth’s murder case and expressed the displeasure over the freeing of James Kuki, the kingpin, without any credible reasons given to the general public for his release.
The sources said that a ball of stone with a human face carved on it was found in the gutted down house of Brawn at Viewland colony. In the front side of it was 666 number imprinted and behind with a code SKA. Sources revealed that some loud bursting sound was heard at the time of burning the house. It has become the talk of the town.
Murder of Hriini Hubert and Muheni Martin IM gives 7 day promise to crack case By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Apr 2 : In protest against the brutal killing of Muheni Martin and Hrinii Hubert after being kidnapped for ransom, an indefinite protest session has begun in Senapati district from today even as the NSCN (I-M), in whose custody three of the murder suspects are being kept, has given the assurance of making public the finding of its probe into the case within seven days.
According to a reliable source, in view of the mounting pressure, the Cabinet of the proscribed NSCN (I-M) has taken a resolution to the effect of expediting the probe and making public its findings and to disclose the identities of the culprits within seven days.
The resolution of the Cabinet was conveyed to the representatives of the Core Committee during a joint meeting with the leaders of the NSCN (I-M) at Hebron Camp of the outfit located at Dimapur today. The representatives of the Core Committee were also informed that a directive had already been issued to Revolutionary Court of the outfit yesterday to execute the same judiciously. Apart from this assurance, the joint meeting which lasted for four hours, however, could not arrive at any conclusion on the other demands of the Core Committee. Following this a mass public meeting is likely to be held at Senapati tomorrow to discuss the matter, the source informed. It may be noted that the Core Committee had earlier given 10 days time to NSCN (I-M) to produce the culprits. Meanwhile, an indefinite protest session has begun from today at Senapati demanding punishment of the killers of the two innocent students. On the first day of the protest session which was held from 10 am to 6 pm today, students from various schools of the district and their mothers took part in the protest. The protestors demanded both the State Government and the UG group to produce the culprits and to give them befitting punishment and to make public the findings of the investigation/interrogation of the suspects. Placards inscribed with slogans like ‘Don not shelter and defend the killers’, ‘Criminals do not have place in this world’, ‘We want justice’, ‘Hand over culprits to the public’, ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’, ‘Will I be the next victim?’, ‘No more kidnapping’, etc were seen being used by the protestors.
The protest session being launched under the aegis of Senapati District Women Association is being supported by many social organisations and people living in different parts of the districts like Rereikhumai Taphou, Mount Everest, Phyamai Taphou, Namthan Rongmei Taphou, Kuki Taphou, Oinam Taphou, Saranamai Women Society, Emesiiphro village, Taphou Makeng, Punipfsomai, Medical Colony, Revenue Colony, PWD Colony, Agriculture Colony, Horticulture Colony apart from students of Brookdale School, St Anthony School and Little Angel School.
According to police sources, the investigation process into the case has been hampered as the suspected killers are in the custody of the NSCN (I-M). Consequently, the State Government has sought the assistance and intervention of the Centre to secure the release of the suspects from the custody of the outfit. However, another suspect identified as Gulong who has been in the police custody has been released on bail on medical ground. Integrated Women Development has strongly condemned the killing of the two innocent kids being kidnapped for ransom and pledged support to the agitation being spearheaded by the Core Committee in this connection.
Komrem Baptist Churches’ Association, Tarung has also come out strongly against the brutal killing of the two innocent children by their kidnappers even after taking the ransom amount from their parents. Family members said that the funeral service of the two kids may be held tomorrow at 9 am and urged all to attend the same.

-De Facto or De Jure Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

The bones of two innocent primary school boys lay unclaimed in Senapati, ironically for the cause of justice. The agony the parents and families of the boys must be undergoing cannot even be imagined. And it has been an extended agony for them, climaxing in untold the tragedy they are facing now. The boys were kidnapped on December 14, 2006 and their whereabouts or fate remained unknown till March 26 this year, when their skeletal remains were discovered in the vicinity of Senapati town adjacent to a new village called Viewland. And now, because justice remains denied in the case, the dead children are still being deprived the last rites as per their parents’ religion. This is a plea then for the justice mechanism to speed up to allow the souls of the dead children to rest in eternal peace, and to give the torture their families are going through some respite. It is difficult to imagine how anybody can ever come to reconcile such a colossal loss, but the families must at least have the consolation that their children have finally been paid all earthly dues. In a way, the angst of the families are perhaps a test by fire to come to see that in the deaths of Hriinii and Moheni is a supreme sacrifice made to atone the sins of others. May their young wasted lives, and those of so many other innocent children sacrificed on the altar of a society whose conscience has been dwarfed by prolonged exposure to a culture of violence, result in a renewed commitment by one and all to end crime against children.

The shocking deaths of the two boys have also thrown the spotlight on another vexing unresolved problem – just what are the relations between de jure and de facto governments supposed to be. There can be no denying today that the people are expected to negotiate and maintain the fine balance between the two. It is also common knowledge that there exist a great number of de facto governments, all of which collect taxes, run their own justice dispensing mechanisms, legislate law through diktats and decrees etc. While the relation of the de jure government with most of them is clear for it never recognized them to be parallel governments regardless of whether this is a reality, in the case of the NSCN(IM) and to an extent the NSCN(K), the matter has been made a lot more complex. This is so because in the ceasefire agreements which these two organisations entered with the Union government and the peace parleys they are holding subsequently, the state governments have been totally left out. To put it to the point, the states (most pertinently Nagaland and Manipur) are at a total loss as to how the matter is to be dealt with. It is almost as if the Union government has given de jure status to the de facto governments the latter two were running, so that the states virtually and almost by the legal norms have to treat them as parallel governments.

This became adequately clear in the manner chief minister, Okram Ibobi, spelled out his government’s plan of action with regards to the three suspects in the kidnap and murder of the two Senapati boys, all of whom are now reportedly in the custody of the NSCN(IM). Ibobi is left with the only option of requesting the Union government to have the NSCN(IM) hand over the three to his administration. Niphiu Rio in Nagaland has had similar problems when he too had to request the Union government to exercise its influence to end an open war between the two NSCN factions in Zunheboto, as if his own administration was powerless, or not authorised to handle the situation. This calls for a re-look of the Ceasefire Ground Rules by the parties concerned, most notably the Union government. Surely, it cannot be in its or the states’ interest in the long run for the state administrations to be belittled in the manner they have been. But in the meantime, even as the Union government re-examines the issue, let justice in the case of the murder of the two Senapati boys be done first. Let the guilt of the suspects be established beyond all reasonable doubts preferably by the legitimate establishment, and suitable and exemplary punishment awarded. Let the Union government also take note that another case, that of the kidnap and murder of Lungnila Elizabeth, remains unresolved because of a similar ambiguity of administrative jurisdictions.
JAC claims DAN misled Commission Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, April 2 (NPN): In what is seen as a strong indictment against the DAN government on delimitation, the Delimitation Commission of India has charged the State government with misleading the Commission on the issue and asked for a detailed explanation from the State government. A seven-member Joint Action Committee (JAC) of tribal hohos of Wokha, Kiphire, Longleng, Peren and Tseminyu sub-division claimed that the Chairman of the Delimitation Commission of India Kuldip Singh made the indictment on the State when the delegation members met him in New Delhi on March 28. The JAC claimed that during the meeting, Singh disclosed that the State Member and Associate Members of the State Delimitation Commission did not speak for the tribes and districts which stood to gain additional seats. The JAC also claimed that Singh had disclosed that even the tribal legislators of the five districts and sub-division remained silent on the matter. The JAC further disclosed that Singh reportedly told the delegation members that the State government and the Associate Members had insisted only on the tribal population as per the 2001 census to determine distribution of seats and which had been agreed to by the Commission since similar requests from Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya were also agreed to. The JAC submitted a memorandum to Singh with a proposal based on the average of Census 2001 tribal population of 17,74,026, which is 29,567 population per assembly constituency. As per the proposal, Mokokchung and Zunheboto districts will each lose two seats, Mon and Tuensang will each lose one seat while Wokha, Dimapur, Peren and Kiphire will each gain one and Longleng two seats. The JAC comprised of hoho leaders E Konpemo Ovung, Idailung Thou, B.S Ngalang, Thsesong Yimchunger, Tsapikiu Sangtam, Yansathung Jami, and Dennis Zeliang. It also requested Mr. Singh for "just implementation" of the Delimitation Act, 2002, as amended in 2003. Earlier, the JAC in a separate representation addressed to the State Member, Associate Members and State Election Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of the five affecting districts, rejected the ongoing exercise for re-adjustment of assemblies constituencies within the districts and demanded total implementation of delimitation in Nagaland as per the 2001 Census population figure. "Democracy is all about equal representation of the people and the people can be equally represented only when the ratio of population per assembly constituency seat is proportionately distributed. No Naga is superior or inferior to the other. All Nagas should have and should be given equal opportunity in all aspects," the representation stated. It also pointed out that it was the bounden duty of the State government, State Member of Delimitation Commission, Commissioner, Nagaland; and the Associate Members to carry out the delimitation exercise in letter and spirit for "just implementation" of delimitation in the State as per the Act. Further, the JAC presented the same proposal it had submitted to the Chairman of the Commission based on the average scale of tribal population of 2001 Census and urged the authorities to consider its proposal.
Urbanization alarming: Minister Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur: Minister for Urban Development, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu said the urbanization process in Nagaland is alarming considering the urban infrastructure deficits. He said that since Nagaland achieved statehood the total population had increased by 5.3 times in terms of absolute number while urban population had increased by 18.4 times which is remarkable. He also said that while the decadal average national urban population growth rate is just about 21.40 percent that of Nagaland is 69.44 percent which is alarmingly very high. The minister said this while inaugurating the millennium market at Dimapur on Monday.
Dr Shürhozelie said that though urbanization process is relatively recent phenomenon in Nagaland, an increasing share of its population is now living in urban areas mainly due to rural-urban migration in search of employment opportunity and better livelihood. In this regard, the minister stressed "by this current trend, half of our population will be living in towns and cities in the next couple of decades and this reflects the magnitude of challenges that lies ahead."
While highlighting that urbanization is a relentless process which has to be factored in all developmental thinking and processes like investing in infrastructure and improving the quality of life, he said that rapid urbanization has not only outpaced infrastructure development, but has also brought about "terrible" downside of proliferating slums, increasing homelessness, growing urban poverty and crime, relentless march of pollution and ecological damage. In this regard, the minister said that "integrated framework" is needed to improve the quality of living for ordinary people. Dr Shürhozelie said that in the context of the Look East Policy, state-of-the-art urban infrastructure is pre-requisite for the private and corporate sector players but expressed regret that the present traffic in Nagaland is moving at snail-pace and load shedding every alternate hour. He further said "vehicular growth has been recorded very high and is expected to grow even more whereas our roads and parking facilities has not really increased. The city of Dimapur particularly occupies a strategic location and could be truly a gateway to the South Asian countries."
He also urged the Nagas to usher in an era of responsibility to move forward the progressive path of development. Earlier in the inaugural function, the invocation prayer was pronounced by Rev N. Tzudir, pastor of DABA, short speeches were delivered by Tovihoto, chairman of DMC, K. Nzimongo Ngullie, deputy commissioner of Dimapur, and MLA Atomi Zhimomi and vote of thanks was proposed by Dr S.C Deorani, principal secretary for Urban Development who also chaired over the function.Later the market complexes at Purana Bazaar and Chumukedima were also inaugurated the minister.
AR Recruitment rally underway in Kohima Morung Express News
Kohima Several youth from different parts of the state today turned up at the open recruitment rally into Assam Rifles which got underway here at the Kohima Local Ground.
During the rally, the aspirant candidates will go for physical test, medical test and documentation. A total vacancy in this rally stands at 145. Flagging off the rally, Brig. HGV Singh, SM, Commander 5 Sector Assam Rifles termed the rally as “big opportunity for the young boys of Nagaland.”
He said that Assam Rifles has been rendering commendable services for the north eastern states and the troops from this area are amongst the best. Also stating that the Assam Rifles is the oldest central police organization of the country, Brig. Singh said that it has earned laurels both in peace and war. He urged the aspirant candidates to participate with confidence and determination to serve the nation. Brig. Singh said that while embarking on the life of discipline, adventure and challenge, they must remember that there are no shortcuts.
He maintained that only strongest and fittest who meet the criteria will be selected in the rally.
“However, who are not selected during this rally should not lose heart and should continue trying to explore their potential,” he added. Kohima Deputy Commissioner R. Ramakrishnan, IAS and Lt. Col. SI Jakhalu (Retd), secretary, Rajya Sainik Board also spoke on the occasion. Col. Gautam Ganguly, CO 26th Assam Rifles was also present on the occasion.
A Cry for Acceptance, Unification and Reconciliation Mhaphüvi Naleo Column The Morung Express
Nagas cannot afford to be proven wrong because of our likenesses or differences. More than any other reason, we are brothers and sisters of the same family. We cannot expect every action or idea to be uniform. So it is for this reason our diversity colors the beauty of our nation. This beauty cannot be replaced by any other input or ideology except to remain united, accepting one another, respecting one another and forgiving one another in the midst of all the differences
Oh what a pity for those like minded people. The famous Aristotle’s saying, “Birds of the same feather flock together” has finally become a reality where a community becomes exclusive. These breed of people cannot accept the views of others but are always craving for their own selfish gain. They become oppressive and are doubtful of others’ accomplishments. Therefore, what is proven right is that, Unity in Diversity is correct. This community accepts, respects and has love for others inspite of their differences. It is the most stable and secured community.
Nagas cannot afford to be proven wrong because of our likenesses or differences. More than any other reason, we are brothers and sisters of the same family. We cannot expect every action or idea to be uniform. So it is for this reason our diversity colors the beauty of our nation. This beauty cannot be replaced by any other input or ideology except to remain united, accepting one another, respecting one another and forgiving one another in the midst of all the differences. No one can break or separate us from this God-given community, and should never be broken. This is our stronghold and identity as a nation (not to forget her geography).
Now it has been more than half a century, and we are still demanding this right from the Indian Republic. There has never been a time that we have given up or failed in our pursuit for this cause. We are rightly demanding what is ours. The world is also alarmed and has heard our cry for justice. Recently in our local daily news, people from different countries of the world (appeared as Naga Solidarity Group) have supported us by saying that “Naga people’s right to a peaceful solution and to live as a sovereign people is undeniable.” We feel proud that we are respected and there are people who empathize with us. It is also a comfort and blessing to hear that many pastors and churches in America are praying for Nagas for this right cause. But why is it that they are not working along with us to solve it at the earliest? Why do they still remain silent or seem to be deaf to our just plea? Are we still barbaric to run our own course of history? Are we too small to become an independent nation? Is it because we do not have enough arsenals, jets or technology to compete with others? The answer is no, never ask us that way.
In all of their support for us, their unison voice is to be united and reconciled within yourself. Without doubt, God demands the same from us. It is not an individual struggle, a clan struggle, a village struggle, a tribe struggle or a group struggle. It is a call for NAGAS’ STRUGGLE. A struggle where everyone participates for a glorious future. No one can claim to be superior or inferior for this hope but everyone has equal share and responsibility. So no one is exempted whether freedom fighters or government officials or church leaders or the general public. To bring unification, acceptance and reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility. Without this, how do we see our future? Do we expect another civil war for the mighty group to win? God forbids, never dream or think of it again. Enough is enough, no more tears and no more bloodshed.
It is high time to think deeply and avail the privilege. It is the opportune time when we can prove ourselves worthy to be a sovereign people: There needs to be transformation within the revolution: not only fight for the right but also to live as a human being – life of peace, truth, acceptance, respect, unity, love, etc. so that we not only solve the problem but also live a better life. Those grudges and misperceptions must be bargained as Dr Wati Aier stated for a “just peace” in our society, We cannot afford to let these things kill us again anymore. We are not blind people who hit everyone who come in our way. We are a unique people placed uniquely before God. We know who are our brothers and sisters. Therefore, it will be unwise on our part to consider our own brothers and sisters as not one of us. Mistakes are made but foolish is the man who does not learn from it.
For sure it will not be that easy to arrive at a given consensus and have a constructive debate when we have already pushed ourselves to the extreme periphery. But without a common political unification and acceptance, the problems still remain unsolved. In spite of the many obstacles and differences, it is only through unification, acceptance and reconciliation which will bring lasting peaceful existence. Pluralism will only complicate our cause. It can never bring concreteness, substance and bonding in one spirit. No matter what it strives for, it only pleases the surface area. To be honest, it is difficult to picture Nagas to be an independent nation without unification, acceptance and reconciliation, because it will only lead to a civil war where the hearts of many generations will be torn into pieces.
So where to go now? Where do we start? Who should be responsible? Let us come out of our misperception and be accountable for this big cause. As a Christian populated state, we cannot think of other better ideologies but to remain faithful to the biblical teaching. Without God it is also hard to think of unification and reconciliation. Before we forgive each other, we must ask God to forgive us and lead us with a testimony.
No one is exempted from this cause. The church needs to pray hard and try to eliminate the evils in our society. We have to work without wavering till we see transformation in our society. State ministers and bureaucrats need to seriously examine their responsibility as leaders. We are tired of listening to very good sermons especially on development, and law and order in the state when in reality there is full of favoritism, corruption and insecurity of the people. Development is your work but what about just and pure democracy in governance. Is there no such thing in your agenda/program? Whatever it may be, we now stand on the threshold to decide our future either of victory or suffering for some more decades. Let us take the privilege of creating a just and peaceful atmosphere in our state and not forgetting to participate in the acceptance, unification and reconciliation of all Naga brothers and sisters. It’s high time for us irrespective of all groups, government bodies, organizations, NGOs and all sectors of unions to join together for this cause. We are all equally responsible as our freedom fighters.
The top pastors of the United States are praying and have concern for us, saying that it is a God-given privilege to be united; accept and reconcile within ourselves. Shall we be more serious than those who empathize with us? It is our responsibility and we cannot rely totally on others to solve our problems. No doubt, there has been lots of progress in peace talks thus far but we cannot be satisfied with its progress only. What do we lose if we can give a testimony to the world community that unification and reconciliation are always attainable? They are serious. Their support for us is not a joke nor to please us. Are we serious about it?
Shalom Bible Seminary, Sechüma
Testing time for Ibobi as Manipur fails to rest Women protestors marching towards CM bangalow this afternoon for submitting a memorandum Newmai News Network
Imphal It is another testing time for the three weeks old Secular Progressive Front (SPF) government headed by chief minister O Ibobi Singh with the ever increasing unrest atmosphere in Manipur. Even as the Senapati kids’ murder issue is reining the roost in the state, protestors today confronted with the Manipur police commandos along the National Highway 39 near Manipur University gate in Imphal. The police had to use tear-shells to disperse the irate protestors.
Strongly opposing the construction of National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Kiyamgei Loukon in the south of Imphal city, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the construction of NIT on their land went berserk this morning by spilling mobil oil and burning of tyres along the National Highway-39 which had prompted the Manipur police commandos to fire tear gas shells and rubber bullets injuring at least eight persons.
Another group of protestors still tried to march into the chief minister’s official residence this afternoon against the killing of one Ch Onil last night in the heart of Imphal.
Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the killing of Onil marched till the chief minister’s residence and submitted a memorandum demanding the culprits to booked and award befitting punishments. Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has already been biting his tail as he is facing the heat from the people with regard to the kidnapping and the subsequent murder of two school-going kids in Senapati. With the reports that the culprits are now in the custody of the NSCN-IM in Dimapur, the chief minister has been pleading the Union government to pressurize the Naga outfit to hand over the culprits to the state government. However, facing the extreme social unrest has been synonymous with O Ibobi Singh. In the year 2003, security forces personnel had arrested Thangjam Manorama Devi, raped and then killed in the outskirt of Imphal in which the Manipur valley erupted whereby forcing the state government to clamp indefinite curfew. The unrest lasted for about two months but Ibobi Singh and his SPF government survived.
Then came the Naga students two months long economic blockades along the only two lifelines of Manipur giving food scarcity in Manipur.But Ibobi Singh managed to get out of the intense situation and the All Naga Students Association,Manipur, ANSAM, who was demanding to withdraw the Manipur Integrity Day in the state holiday list, called off its agitation after 52 days.
Insurgency in Manipur By Lt Col H Bhuban Singh (Retd) Sangai Express
Chairman Mao Ze Dong once remarked that insurgents were like fish and they needed water (meaning the people) to sustain a revolution. Confucius, a pre-Christian era Chinese philosopher said:
“By gaining the people, the Kingdom is gained, By losing the people, the Kingdom is lost.”
Now, the people, or a nation or even a community is not an inert object. It is very much like a living thing. If you bully the people too much, it will withdraw, sulk and revolt. It can feel pain, can feel happy and can feel proud if successful and victorious.
Manipur was a very peaceful place before Independence, when there was British Rule through Maharajas. Rule of law existed everywhere except for some idiosyncratic ways of Maharajas which were dictated by religion and self-ego, like ban on cow-slaughter, total prohibition of liquor for Hindu Meiteis, public whipping of cow-thieves in market places, requirement for women to cover their heads in front of Maharaj as, no public hanging of any condemned man during the month of Kartik (Mera), which is the sacred month of offering Tarpan to departed ancestors etc. So strict was the ban on cow-slaughter that Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh refused in 1942, the request of the Viceroy to allow cow-slaughter for successful war effort, which was personally conveyed by Sir Andrew Clow, the then Governor of Assam, who came to Imphal and met the Maharaja at his Palace Durbar Hall. The far-sighted and intelligent British did not insist on cow-slaughter but quietly withdrew perhaps because (as I think) they felt that bull-dozing their way on cow-slaughter and antagonizing the Maharaja (which meant annoying the entire Meitei population) would have caused more damages to the total war-effort. I saw some of these things, which I had narrated above with my own eyes, as I was big enough and was a college student, when Independence arrived. Meitei Manipuris are very orthodox people. We are the followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhuji. So orthodox were we that when my uncle H. Amuba Singh and my aunty went to Nabadwip on pilgrimage in mid-1930s, they took sufficient quantities of chengpak (sun-dried flattened parboiled rice). They lived on chengpak, molasses (chini) and water only since they did not like to eat the impure food prepared by Bengalis, who were the kiths and kin of our Lord Mahaprabhuji! During our school-days, we were not permitted to take lunch without bath. We always put Tilak on our faces. Now, very few do. Though Mangoloid in appearance, we thought we were as good Indians as anyone else. So, we accepted our Indianness in totality.
Meanwhile, the Nagas were gaining ground. Simon Commission visited Kohima in 1929 and met about one dozen members of Kohima Club and submitted a memorandum requesting the Commission to put Naga Hills District directly under the British Crown. This visit and submission of memorandum were arranged through the kind courtesy of Mr. I.R. Hutton, the then Deputy Commissioner of Naga Hills District of Assam. It looks to me that James Hutton plan on Naga Hills, was to do a Ceylon (now Sri Lanka then a part of India) and get Naga Hills District out of British Indian Empire. When Indian Independence was imminent, this same Kohima Club transformed itself into Naga National Council (NNC) in 1946, at the behest of Mr. Charles Pawsay, the then Deputy Commissioner. Pawsay was rewarded and became Sir Charles Pawsay. Thus, a mere club became a National Council or Parliament, if you like and a nation was born. Mr. A.Z. Phizo declared Naga independence on 14 August 1947, one day ahead of India.
The Nagas were egged on to revolt and take up arms, by the British and American agents. This made the Nagas bold. Phizo ran away to Britain and died a fugitive. In 1957, Tuensang Frontier Agency was sliced off from the erstwhile NEFA (North East Frontier Agencies) and got merged into Naga Hills and this new district came to be known as Naga Hills and Tuensang District, but still a district of Assam. While the hostiles kept the Naga pot boiling, the moderates deigned to become good Indians, if Government of India could make Naga Hills and Tuensang District a full-fledged State of India. Possibly, the moderates were sincere and really desired to become good citizens of India. Or more probably, the British used the moderates to gain as much politically for the Nagas as possible, while they (British) interfered obstinato. Nagaland was granted statehood in 1963. Manipur one of the oldest of Princely States (as old as Maharana Pratap Singh’s Udaipur) was left out. To usher peace, in the new State, they even proposed a Peace Committee under the leadership of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan.
The Peace Committee ended in a fiasco when Reverand Michael Scott was forcibly deported from India as persona-non-grata. Whenever the Statehood case of Manipur was brought up, the Delhiwalla’s pet reply was always “You cannot compare yourself with Nagaland. It is a special case”. Ultimately Manipur gained Statehood in 1972 - a good nine years later.
That was a rude awakening for the pious and docile Meiteis. They saw that obstinacy was rewarded. As a result, according to what I visualize, insurgency came and reached the Manipur Valley in early 1960s, as if to say that we could also be as obstinate as the Nagas.
Almost immediately after the Naga Statehood, came the establishment of United National Liberation Front (UNLF) in November 1964. Then, the Revolutionary Government of Manipur (RGM) was formed by the fall of 1968. The Peoples’ Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) was set up in October 1977. People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was raised on 25 September 1978. Now, there are as many as 17 or 18 insurgent outfits in Manipur, each having their limited objectives, which are expressed on tribal or community lines. — to be contd

BPPF (H) hampering peace talks with Centre: NDFB
From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
NALBARI, April 2 – The militant outfit NDFB and the Hagrama Mahilary-led BPPF is heading towards a conflict following the Medaghat killing, which is causing great concern among the peace-loving Bodo people. A tense situation has been prevailing in the entire BTAD area due to repeated clashes between NDFB cadres and former BLT men. While the NDFB is organising a peace rally at Medaghat where a NDFB cadre was killed allegedly by former BLT men on March 26, the BPPF (H) in advance organised a mamoth counter-rally at Barama yesterday.

Addressing the gathering, BTC chief Hagrama Mahilary demanded the government to restrict the NDFB cadre in designated camp to stop their attrocities on the common people.

Meanwhile, the NDFB which is under a ceasefire agreement with the Central government, said that the Hagrama Mahilary-led BPPF is hampering the on-going peace process between Centre and the NDFB leadership.
Talking to this correspondent over telephone, the Agriculture and Natural Resource Secretary M Gerema held BTC chief Hagrama Mahilary responsible for the delay in the much-awaited peace talks. Pointing fingers at the BTC executive member Hitesh Basumatary as the main culprit for the attack on the NDFB’s public liaison office of Medaghat, the outfit said that some Bodo leaders have no concern for peace, legitimate rights and development of the long suffering Bodo people and instead are mongering after power and money.

Gerema further alleged that while the public and injured NDFB cadres identified the names of the culprits and the number of vehicles that were used in the attack, the BTC chief is sheltering those persons. The NDFB leader further stated that the BPPF(H) also formed another terrorist outfit Bodoland Royal Tiger Force (BRTF) with the former BLT men and the youth of BPPF(H).

On the other hand, the arrest of a NDFB cadre Lakra Narzary by Gossaigaon police yesterday also created great sensation in the BTAD area. Meanwhile, a day long bandh was observed at Kokrajhar and Gossaigaon yesterday in protest against his arrest.

NDFB rally calls for peace with ex-BLT Our Correspondent Assam tribune
BARAMA, April 2 – People today gathered at Medaghat in Baksa district in NDFB-sponsored peace rally demanding an end to the ongoing conflict between NDFB and ex-BLT men over the killing of an NDFB cadre at its Medaghat liaison office recently. The people urged upon the Bodo leadership to refrain themselves from fratracidal killings in the interest of permanent political solution to the Bodo problem. Peoples from ten different districts, representatives from different Bodo organisations including All Bodo peace Forum, Bodo Women’s Justice Forum, BPPF (R), ARSU ad top brass of the militant outfit NDFB joined the peace rally.

NDFB leadership also took out a protest rally from Barama Girls’ High School and submitted a memorandum to the Baksa deputy commissioner demanding immediate arrest of BTC executive member Hitesh Basumatary who was allegedly involved in the Medaghat killing. The processionists also carried a cut out of Hitesh Basumatary hanging on a post.

Addressing the rally, NDFB general secretary B Swimkhar said the NDFB has been fighting for political rights to Bodos freeing them from exploitation over the last 20 years. During 1991 to 2005, mistrust and fratracidal clashes among the Bodos rocked entire Bodoland and now when the NDFB came into a ceasefire agreement, the situation has rapidly turned difficult. When we are demanding state govts to give appropriate punishment to those involved in Medaghat killing, BTC chief Hagrama Mahilary is trying to add fuel to fire only due to the involvement of his EM colouring the entire incident. It is very informative for the people’, Swimkhar stated. Stating that Mahilary should show transparency by arresting the culprits of Medaghat killing. The NDFB leader said Hagrama was trying to mislead the Boro people. Reacting to the pre-mature statement of the BTC chiefs Swimkhar said that “as we want lasting peace in Bodoland we should try to unit the Bodo people for peace and mutual understanding. He, however, admitted that all ex-BLT men and youth wing of BPPF are not guilty. Only some miscreants among them are trying to derail the peace process.
Speaking in the meeting, chief adviser of All Bodo Peace Forum Bhraman Baglary called upon both NDFB and ex-BLT to maintain peace and amity to resist any subversive incidents.

Later talking to this correspondent, general secretary of NDFB B Swimkhar said peace talks between NDFB and Central Government is yet to pick up due to lack of centre’s sincerity. ‘As we declared ceasefire for an unconditional talk, centre now has set pre-condition demanding a charter of demands from the outfit’, he added. Swimkhar stated that the Central Government should resume the process of talks without pre-condition. Denying the charge of violation of truce ground rules by NDFB cadres, the NDFB leader demanded the government to take stern action through law if there is any allegation. He said that ex-BLT men in BTAD are extorting huge numbers from the development schemes of different blocks.

I will try my best to integrate NE people with mainstream: Borbora staff Correspondent Sentinel
SHILLONG, April 2: The newly-appointed Air Officer Commanding in Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Eastern Air Command, Air Marshall PK Borbora, pledged to go an extra mile to remove the feeling of ‘alienation’ felt by the people of the north-eastern States.
In an interaction with the media at the Eastern Command headquarters in Shillong today, Borbora, who called himself ‘the son of the soil’, lamented that the people’s sense of being alienated is perceived on the feeling that the government does not go by its commitments, and this makes things to go on simmering. “As a man who will head the command, I will do my best to bridge the gap to integrate them (people of North-east) with the mainstream,” Borbora said.
“For so long, the North-east has got fragmented and between these developments, the feeling of being ignored has driven a wedge that stops the North-east from contributing to nation-building,” stated Borbora adding: “Those days are now gone since the Centre has looked at the North-east with a different set of eyes.” In stating this, Borbora listed the numerous flaws, sentimental and emotional aspects that stop officers in the armed forces from reaching the top of the ladder.
“There should be reason as to why the Goalpara Sainik School has produced only one NDA graduate in 20 years,” said Borbora. It is worth mentioning that Borbora is the first person from the north-eastern region to reach the coveted position in the IAF.
When asked on the turmoil in different parts of the North-east, Borbora said: “It is the Government’s wisdom to follow its policies. The tribulations and the reasons for conflict vary from place to place, and so it requires a different yardstick to address those problems.”
The AOC-in-C also ruled out any possible threat or war with China in the near future. In spite of China’s development of defence technologies and their transfer to Pakistan, Borbora said the situation has changed in recent times where no country can launch a war for a piece of land.
“In fact, India and China are joining hands on energy resources,” Borbora said, citing that with the two countries being growing economic power, anything procured for defence will be ‘for deterrence and not for aggression’. Borbora formally took charge as the AOC-in-C today.