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04/26/2007: "India’s divide-and-rule policy resurfaces, says NSCN-IM The Morung Express"

India’s divide-and-rule policy resurfaces, says NSCN-IM The Morung Express

Dimapur, April 25 (MExN): The NSCN-IM states that ‘India’s’ divide and rule policy has resurfaced, amply exemplified by the April 22 rampage at Wungram colony, Dimapur where a drunken misdemeanor was manipulated into a serious communal issue by adverse elements.
An MIP note stated that the ‘deliberate systematic policy of assimilation and divide and rule by India to weaken the Naga peoples’ aspirations have been unyielding despite its refutation” the NSCN-IM stated. It said that “the incitement of tribalism and kindling ethnic cleansing in-within Nagas has been the instrument in its proxy war to subdue the Naga peoples’ national movement” it stated claiming that “the media have been maneuvered to disseminate psychological campaigns by instigating divergent dissensions.”
One such demonstration of the divide and rule policy was the Sunday incident. It reminded that inebriated Naga youths engaged in a brawl. Following this, hundreds of people belonging to the victim’s tribe was incited into uncontrollable vandalism and arson leading to destruction of properties and entire homes of innocent people belonging to the perpetrators (of the youngsters’ initial incident) community. The April 22 rampage happened right under the noses of the Dimapur administration, Assam Rifles and the IRB and the police, the NSCN-IM stated. They could do nothing more but watch without making any effort to normalize the situation. “The occurrence has left hundreds of innocent women, children, men and dotage victims homeless and inflicted, traumatizing physical and mental sufferings” the NSCN-IM lamented.
Where takes place a crime, the criminal should be identified and punished for the crime committed and no crime is permissible in any society. But any crime that may take place should not be identified with an entire community of the criminal for that/no community, in any way, is or would be responsible for socially detested acts and crimes, the note stated. The NSCN-IM also had a word for the media: “during any volatile circumstances when crises or sensitive social disharmony is eminent, if the media does not (project) events in its correct perspective, the impacts would incline towards negative outcomes, thus negating its ethical credibility.” Stoking the situation in interpretation and presentation may aggravate the situation in impulsive uncontrolled emotions against all civility and human co-existence, the organization reminded. Further, adversaries have found the wisest and still ‘safest technique’ “that is indirect assault.” In such a situation, the NSCN-IM stated, the only weapon to safeguard common aspiration is to meticulously ponder the logic, reason and merit why “the Nagas had to undergo such a situation.” It is unfortunate that the Nagas have “failed’ to read between the lines of the Government of India’s so-called friendly policy, it observed. “Divisive stratagems using the bait of pelf, power, possessions and developments have alienated some renegade Nagas from rescuing our rich cultural, possessions and traditional heritage will-associated with our proud identity as a people, overlooking our selfless sacrifices in defending our dignified existence. Nagas will stand its ground resolutely against all divisive elements against our inalienable rights” the NSCN-IM affirmed.
‘Give our wounded past a healing chance’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, April 25 (MExN): The NSCN-IM makes an appeal to “give our past mistakes a healing touch” for the truth that ‘to err is human and to forgive is divine.’ Rather than spawning hatred and division between family brethren, a brighter, better tomorrow would be the outcome should a “rational conscience” be used, it explains.
The NSCN-IM called for “reason with rational conscience” and positive contributions rather than search for destructive “avenues” to create communal dissentions and discord. “Our actions today will mould (sic) our future destiny and so we have to prudently cultivate positive mindsets with vision for a better and brighter tomorrow. Following the maxim to err is human, to forgive is divine,’ let us give our past mistakes a healing touch and take civilized approaches than spawning hatred, division and vengeance in between brothers of a family” an MIP note stated.
On the NNC the NSCN-IM pointed out that it had compromised itself ‘conditionally into Indian state union’ under the Shillong Accord and entered into transit peace camps. “Delving into the dawn of fratricidal killings, the accordists may explain why they had to kill so many innocent Naga people who denounced the treacherous Shillong Accord. It was the birth of the NSCN that the Naga political aspiration was resuscitated and rescued” the NSCN-IM maintained adding that through its effort the uniqueness and political situation of the Nagas is acknowledged by India.
Meanwhile the NSCN-IM clarifies to an article appearing in a section of the local media on April 25, ‘No Brigadier in NNC,’ that “the NSCN-IM when referred to NNC implied of the new NNC that did not join the Transit peace campers.” That the NNC does not have “brigadiers” as asserted because “Brigadier” Siesou and his personnel do not hail from their fold but “the new NNC” an NSCN-IM note stated adding that the claim that Ayo is “colonel” is also false against his status of being “2nd Lieutenant.” He is physically handicapped due to his hearing problem and weak eye-sight renders him unfit for ‘their false rank claims,’ it asserted. So the article is nothing but to defame the “brigadier,” it added.
Community leaders meet over Sunday incident ‘Fiery Sunday blown out of proportion’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, APRIL 25 (MExN): The Sumi and Tangkhul communities today decided to bring together the leaders of Wungram colony and Sumi leaders of Purana bazaar to a negotiating table on April 26, 2007 at 2:00pm to amicably resolve the existing issue between them.
The decision was taken during a joint meeting of the Tangkhul and Sumi frontal organization at Western Sumi Hoho office following a serious deliberation on the recent upsurge of communal violence at Wungram Colony that took place on April 22.
Terming the incident as ‘unfortunate’, the meeting also decided to disown anybody from the two communities who incite communal situation in the future and appealed to all other communities residing in Purana Bazaar area to maintain peace and communal harmony. In a bid to hammer out the actual episode that led to the fiery incident of April 22 and prevent further occurrence of such unwanted upheaval, it was further decided to select 5 members from each community to represent at the meeting slated tomorrow and resolve amicably the tragic unrest.
Speaking at the meeting Sumi Hoho president, H.S. Rotokha also termed the incident as unfortunate and sensed misgivings by some people who are trying to separate the two tribes by inflaming such communalism and shared his sympathy to the displaced families.
It was revealed that the meeting had long discussions where every member expressed what they felt in their mind. Terming the various inputs as natural when a crises of such a magnitude had taken place, a source revealed that no decision could be chalked and hence the meeting tomorrow. Though the source added that everyone was not of the same opinion, the problem should be resolved and not left pending. “And I think it can be resolved,” he added on a positive note.
The Sumi frontal organizations were represented by the Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho while Tangkhul Naga Long (Tangkhul Hoho), Tangkhul Hoho, Dimapur, Tangkhul Shanao Long and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long represented the Tangkhul community.The meeting was chaired by WSH president, Hokto.
Also MIP Kilonser, A.Z. Jami said that the NSCN (K) was not willing to comment on the Wungram incident at the moment because they had nothing to do with the incident. Terming it as a very sad episode, Jami said that the incident had blown up, as it was hard to control the mob but he said that the NSCN (K) would merely wait and watch out for the turn of events.
The Secretary of Collective Leadership of NSCN (IM), Samson Jajo said that the meeting of the Collective Leadership had discussed the Sunday incident at Wungram and decided that the situation must be controlled as soon as possible. Acknowledging that some sensitive issues had cropped up, the meeting expressed that the need of the hour was to put a stop to the situation. Jajo however said that the NSCN (IM) would not play any role to defuse the situation since the different NGOs were working on the reconciliation between the two parties involved. Samson also sought to clarify the news item which appeared in The Telegraph that mentioned that three boys were picked up the NSCN (IM) and tortured at the Wungram colony which started the incident, saying that the report was completely false.
He further reasoned with the people that the incident which sparked the whole tragedy must not be blown out of proportion but a fight between some youngsters and hence such incidents should not be repeated.
Civil society flay Fiery Sunday tumult The Morung Express ‘Shameful, and has dishonored the Nagas’ image’
Senapati April 25 (MExN): The Naga civil society voices its resentment and revulsion at the April 22 rampage at Wungram colony, Purana Bazar in Dimapur. Various organizations make known their condemnation of such incidents as the one that shook the state last Sunday.
Zeliangrong Baudi (Hoho) The Zeliangrong Baudi also minced no word as it termed the Wungram incident as “disgraceful” and has dishonored the image of the Naga people. Such mob action would only breed more hatred and communal contention, the Hoho reminded.
A note from the Hoho’s president Dennis Elung stated that rampage was shocking committed by a mob of a particular community, the first of its kind in the Naga Society.
“The fact is disgraceful and unfortunate for the Nagas to experience it in this crucial time when Nagas are in the Peace process. The motive of the arsonists/vandals in committing such act should be condemned by all as such greed and hatred will breed communal contention and disintegration” the Baudi stated. The unprecedented incident occurred within and among the Nagas, has affected the image of the Naga Christian nation and reasons however logical can never justify such act of terrorism, it stated.
“No right thinking citizen or human being can accept reasons or excuses for committing premeditated rampage. It is neither human nature nor beast but of evil scheme planted in the hearts. Therefore both the communities are appealed to restrain it from furthering its course of evil action by finding possible best and sustainable solution so that the matter is put to check within” the Hoho further stated and advised the Naga people against resorting to such “primitive fashion of forceful invasion of others villages, land or property, which is no more acceptable in the present society.”
The Hoho reminded again: “Violence only beget violence, revenge beget revenge.” Appreciating the Tangkhul community for their forbearance and tolerance in the face of loss and pain as witnessed on the ‘Fiery Sunday’ the Hoho acknowledged that forbearance is forgiveness of the hurting hearts which is the true spirit of Christianity. It also stated that Sumi community, as one of the Naga people, should be proud of for their contributions to the Naga nation. The Hoho appealed to all the Sumi Christian associations and Sumi Hohos to initiate steps to restore and comfort the hurting community in the spirit of Christ while the rest of the Nagas join hands in bringing normalcy “which will be beautiful to behold our Nagas picture of integrity and love as one nation before the world.” The Zeliangrong people express their consolation for the effected community and pray for comfort and joy amidst the suffering and loss, it added.

UNC, ANSAM, NWUM, NPMHR (South) “…this mayhem have shocked and pained the Naga society. Down the ages, darkness of dirty ‘ism’ must be done away. This very sensitive and tragic event should be a wakeup call for all Nagas of the danger on what negative trend of community conflict can damage the cohesion of Naga struggle internally besides portraying a faulty image of the Naga nation in front of the whole international community” civil society from the south cautioned.
A note issued jointly by the UNC, ANSAM, NWUM and NPMHR (South) stated that such barbaric act of violence as the one on the fateful Sunday is only exploiting the structuring process of peace in the Nagas’ land. “Igniting fire from an individual petty and silly issue (into an ethnic) conflict is absurd it expressed in the backdrop of the Naga people unceasingly rendering all efforts to build and evolve understanding among the Naga brethrens.
“It is also a time to resolutely retrospect, introspect and reason consciously to bury the feelings of hatred, jealousy and vendetta for the good cause of the peoples struggle. Without prejudice, Nagas throughout our homeland should collectively put efforts to find amicable understanding and dismiss misgivings once for all to respect human values and work out mechanism to prevent such happening to take place in future” the organizations advised the people.
The southern civil society also appealed to all sections “of sensible society,” individuals, villages or tribes not to casually take the law into own hands to solve a problem. “Justice of any kind must be done according to the law of the land or under the customary law. We value to end violence and live together united as one family,” it added.

Tangkhul Hoho, Nagaland
The Tangkhul Hoho while appreciating the peace pledge arrived at to diffuse the issue appealed to all to shun violence and practice true Christian tenets. While taking note of the cause of the incident where drunken misdemeanor of youngsters turn the issue into an unprecedented event, the Hoho stated that whatever the case may be the April 22 arson was condemned. The Hoho in a note from its president Joseph Shingnaisui strongly condemned the ‘uncivilized behavior’ and razing of houses leading to the displacement of a considerable number of families. “This kind of acts is beyond imagination and which is against the culture of the Nagas” it reminded.
The Hoho also extended its sincere gratitude to the various governmental agencies, the Naga Hoho, the Naga Council, NBCC, NOW, the Church, tribal Hohos, NGOs and institutions and individuals as well as well-wishers for not only rendering selfless service in evacuating the affected but also in arranging relief and provisions and in cash and kind.

The Naga Students’ Union, Pune
The Naga Students’ Union, Pune, also vehemently condemned the burning of houses at Wungram colony. The union felt that the consequences of action of individuals should not be faced by a whole community of men, women and children. “It reflects that we the Nagas are yet to learn tolerance and respect for humanity and we are very tribilistic in our approach” the NSUP stated in a note issued by its president Chongphe Angh Phom. The union strongly condemned the incident and at the same time appealed to the competent authority to rehabilitate those affected, at the earliest. It also requested all to maintain vigil so that such incidents do not occur in the future.

The Naga Christian Forum Manipur
The Naga Christian Forum Manipur termed the as a shame and contravention of the Christian belief of accommodation to friends and foes alike. A note from the executives of the forum stated that the incident is a great shame and loss of the health of society. It was pointed out that the culture of a Christian society calls for charitable attitude, speech and action towards ones’ neighbors including enemies. “It is a matter of great shame and loss of the overall health of the society. Any unchristian mindset and behavior whoever exhibits deserves condemnation by the society,” the forum stated.
The NCFM also called for serious introspection and initiation of a process for healing and urged the “responsible for the cause and equally those responsible for the extreme reaction” to seriously introspect if there had been anything in their being that could be the primary reason that have given birth to one of the most undesirable trend n the Naga society today. “This will start the process of a long term healing so that this is not repeated” the forum explained. Also calling for humility, understanding and love the forum urged that ‘all relationships, differences and grievances be maintained and settled through the spirit of humility, understanding and love becoming of a modern Christian society.’
Assam Rifles Jawans shoot mob… with cameras The Telegraph
Legend has it that emperor Nero played the fiddle as Rome burned. Many centuries later, a group of Assam Rifles personnel requisitioned to control mob violence in the Nagaland town of Dimapur has been accused of video recording the “event” from the safety of building terraces as an entire colony went up in flames.
“Is the Assam Rifles playing the role of Doordarshan?” a caustic Nagaland government is understood to have asked Delhi. Ostensibly unnerved by the sight of a mob baying for blood, the Dimapur administration sent an SOS to the 31 Assam Rifles Battalion around 1.30 pm that day. The paramilitary force allegedly not only responded to the call late, but sent a team that was armed with video cameras instead of the usual tools of their trade.
Perched on terraces of buildings around the colony, the uniformed personnel allegedly shot videos of the mob setting houses and vehicles ablaze. “We are very unhappy about how the Assam Rifles is functioning and Mr Kumavat (special secretary of internal security in the ministry of home affairs) knows it. They were acting like Doordarshan,” Nagaland chief secretary Lalhuma told The Telegraph from Kohima.
The Assam Rifles refuted the allegations, saying the civil administration did not requisition any of its units to subdue the mob. The public relations officer (defence) for Nagaland, Lt. Col Bhargav, said the media was being “misinformed” about how the paramilitary force operates. “Whenever there is a violation of ground rules (of the ceasefire), we ensure they are warned and flushed out,” he said.
The officer skirted the controversy over jawans using video cameras to record the mob violence, saying it was “a separate issue”. The Assam Rifles, which calls itself “Friends of the Hill People”, has 46 battalions in the Northeast. Lalhuma said the Assam Rifles need not be anybody’s friend or foe. “We want a force to maintain peace.”
On why the police were being spared the criticism despite being just as inactive during the mob frenzy in Dimapur, another official said it was “a delicate situation with more than 5,000 people gathering in the colony”. The Assam Rifles is suspected of not stopping the mob because the buildings that were targeted belonged to top NSCN (I-M) leaders.
AR refutes ‘no-action’ story on Sunday rampage The Morung Express
Dimapur, April 25 (MExN): Reacting to a news item in The Telegraph, “Jawans shoot mob... with cameras” on April 25, the Assam Rifles today issued a strong refutation that the contention made in the article, including statements of some senior functionaries, are ‘totally baseless, motivated and bereft of any truth.’ A release form the AR clarified that the sudden turn of events at Wungram Colony, Dimapur on April 22 started off with an ‘unlawful assembly’ which soon turned violent. Being purely a law and order problem, it was required to be dealt or addressed by the State Police and civil administration, the AR stated.

“Despite that, two columns of 31 Assam Rifles led personally by the CO were immediately mobilized as a pre-emptive measure to monitor the situation and be ready to intervene. When IGAR (North) was contacted by the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner, he was informed that AR troops are mobilized to act / intervene as required and the State government was free to employ them if they felt so, subject to a formal requisition and after the resources at their disposal had been pressed into service to quell the mob” the AR stated. Accordingly, the Assam Rifles columns were in place by 11:45 am. However, none of the companies of Police, IRB or CRPF which were already in place were used nor was any requisition made for AR troops, which is a mandatory legal requirement for employing PMF in aid to civil authority.
“Assam Rifles as a PMF as per laid down procedure comes into play in such public situations only when Police forces are unable to control and a written requisition is made to employ/deploy PMF or Army. The statement that AR troops had been requisitioned is highly incorrect and objected to” the AR stated. Despite every one being aware that the forces at the disposal of the State were not first utilized (as clearly brought out in the article also) nor any requisition made by civil administration to employ AR forces in such a delicate situation, the contention that “AR is suspected of not stopping the mob because the buildings that were targeted belonged to top NSCN (IM) leaders” is a figment of imagination, fallacious, malicious and clearly motivated, it pointed out.
‘Ugly’ Wungram incident portrays Nagas in ‘poor light’ Newmai News Network
Imphal The United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR-South), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM) have deeply lamented that the Wungram Colony arson of April 22 have portrayed the Naga community in the poor light in front of the whole world.
“Down the ages, darkness of dirty ‘ism’ must be done away. This very sensitive and tragic event should be a wakeup call for all Nagas of the danger on what negative trend of community conflict can damage the cohesion of Naga struggle internally besides portraying a faulty image of the Naga Nation in front of the whole international community,” rued the Naga frontal organisations.
Issuing this statement to Newmai News Network tonight, UNC, ANSAM, NPMHR-South Sector and NWUM while echoing of the ugly incident of Wungram Colony in Dimapur which burnt down more than 30 houses and unaccountable household of properties by a mob, have said, “when the Naga people are sleeplessly rendering our efforts to build and evolve understanding among the Naga brethrens, such barbaric acts of violence are exploiting the structuring process of peace in our land. Igniting fire from an individual petty and silly issue to ethnic conflict is absurd.
The statement further said that without prejudice, Nagas throughout “our homeland” should collectively put efforts to find amicable understanding and dismiss misgivings once for all to respect human values and work out mechanism to prevent such happening to take place in future.
It is also a time to resolutely retrospect, introspect and reason consciously to bury the feelings of hatred, jealousy and vendetta for the good cause of the peoples struggle, said the joint statement of the UNC, ANSAM, NPMHR and NWUM.
The Naga bodies then appealed “all sections of sensible society, individuals, villages or tribes not to casually take the law into our own hand to solve any problem. Justice of any kind must be done according to the law of the land or under the customary law,” adding, “We value to end violence and live together united as one family”.
Scary Sunday Editorial The Morung Express
The deliberate and brutal attack carried out by mob elements at Wungram Colony, Purana Bazaar Dimapur on Sunday April 22 targeting homes and property belonging to a particular community has left a bitter trail of misgiving in its wake. Violence in whatever form or manifestation, whether through mob fury, armed cadres, police high handedness, individual recklessness etc. cannot be condoned under any circumstances and needs to be out rightly condemned. For the Naga people, it is a cause for deep shame and disappointment that society has for whatever reason started producing citizens capable of such acts of violence along tribal lines. As Christians it is required that one has the highest respect for all life and in protecting life itself, which is the need of the hour. Rather than beget hatred, this tragic incident should be used to strengthen the Naga people’s resolve towards harmony and peaceful co-existence. The aggrieved community members on their part should display wisdom and maintain outmost restrain and not provoke the situation but to remain calm.
For the Naga people as a whole, it is a loss of face in the eyes of the world and exposes the underlying ‘tribalism’ that lurks beneath the surface, waiting to explode anytime. Like communalism that threatens the very social fabric of Indian nationalism, tribalism too in the Naga context cannot be simply brushed aside as a mere aberration and requires urgent attention of civil society groups in order that a cure be found to this deadly disease, which is posing a threat to the peaceful coexistence of Nagas tribal based society.
While it is time for the Naga people to speak up loudly against violence and hate speech of any form, it is of utmost importance that people are educated against casting aspersions along tribal lines. Perpetrators whoever commits any crime should be personally held accountable rather than trivializing the issue along tribal lines. No tribal hohos, organizations and even the Naga underground groups should stand by nor harbour such kind of communal elements in any manner. Rather, every Naga irrespective of tribal lineage should in a united manner, voice their disapproval against the increasing level of violence that is threatening to destroy the social fabric that sustains peaceful co-existence of the people.
The failure of the State machinery to respond to the crisis of April 22 comes as no surprise and only confirms the worst fear that public faith in law enforcing agencies is slowly waning. The poor level of public confidence on the state machinery to ensure their safety and the latter’s complete inability to respond to such crisis situation is a cause of concern and needs to be rectified. The April 22 incident was clearly a case of lawlessness and confusion. Both the district administration and police in the State need to be properly trained and sensitized on dealing with such untoward crisis such as mob violence and riots. What is cause for even more worry is that crime and violence are no longer uniquely underground problems but rather it has penetrated public space and therefore requires immediate interventions by the people themselves who undoubtedly remain the most powerful factor to bring about a sense of reasoning and moral changeover in a society ridden by hurt and mutual animosity.
Protest over factional clashes Kuknalim.com
KHAIBUNG, April 25:: Sending out a strong message that guns and bullets could not bring peace in Naga society, thousands of placard-holding people, including women and school children, voiced their resentment and protest against frequent clashes between the NSCNs in a peace rally-cum-bandh organized by Ghaspani-II West Villages Union (GWVU) at Khaibung Local Ground, Ghaspani, Dimapur Wednesday. Perturbed by the continued factional violence in the area, the protestors from more than ten villages under GWVU joined the rally, carrying placards that read "Don't turn our area into battlefield", "We need peace", "We need reconciliation", "Bullets bring no peace", etc. The rally-cum-bandh was organized in the wake of the recent factional clashes between NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K) in which two youths and an elderly woman were injured and two underground cadres were killed in a village.

The villages were reportedly troubled by the underground factions' demand for more than 150 kg of rice and 50 kg of pork and their cooking within a time frame. Such conduct on the part of the NSCNs also made the villagers apprehensive of even going to the church and paddy fields and also sending their wards to schools. Participating in the rally, former executive secretary of Kuki Baptist Association Rev. T. Hansing expressed sorrow over the fact that there was no respect for human rights due to the gun culture in Naga society. He said corruption, killings and extortion in Naga Society were making the poor innocent people suffer physically, mentally and economically. The Reverend pointed out that loss of lives and property during factional conflicts only fuelled the simmering fear psychosis among the innocent people.
"Are we going to have peace, depending only on the government which has failed to do so?, he questioned, adding, "Guns and bullets can't bring peace. It can come only through God."

Quoting the old adage "one servant cannot serve two masters", the head GB of Heqheshe village, Yetoyi, said although Nagas had "six governments", yet they continued to suffer for the last five decades due to the orgy of hatred and killings. While saying "the public are stronger than guns or bullets", he said the public should remain neutral in a situation when they were meant to support any factions. The convener of GWVU, Zenith Belho, who also addressed the rally, took a serious note of the underground factions killing each others in the name of "sovereignty and freedom."

He rued the fact that killings and violence were going on even after several years of the ceasefire between the NSCNs and the Government of India. Belho called for a ceasefire among the Nagas for peace in the State.

While acknowledging the sacrifices made by both the factions for their causes, GWVU also submitted a memorandum to the NSCNs and the SDO (C), expressing its sadness over the frequent factional clashes in the villages of the area. The memorandum furthrer raised a crucial question: "Will this current trend of fratricidal killings not prove expensive and detrimental to the unity of the Nagas and their struggle to survive as a nation?" (NPN)

The divide and rule policy of India resurfaces- Nagaland Post
In what appears most inflict-ing upon the Nagas during the bi-lateral process of negotiation expedite a lasting solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political conflict, the insincerity of India has resurfaced. The deliberate systematic policy through subtle interplay of assimilation and 'divide and rule' by India to weaken the Naga people's aspiration have been unyielding, despite its refutation. The incitement of tribalism and kindling ethnic cleansing within Nagas has been the instrument in its proxy war to subdue the Naga people's national movement. The media have been maneuvered to disseminate psychological campaigns by instigating divergent dissensions and discords deviating Naga people's attention away from crucial issues.
Unfortunately, one such demonstration resurfaced recently on April 22 at Wungram Colony Purana Bazar, Dimapur through the exploitation of an incident where an inebriated Naga youth happened to engage in an unprovoked brawl with an innocent Naga youth belonging to a different tribe leading to the latter's injury and abuse. Following this incident, adverse elements manipulated the incident and sinisterly diverted it into a communal issue. This led to inciting hundreds of people belonging to the victim's tribe into erratic and uncontrolled arson and vandalism, leading to destroying of properties and entire homes of the innocent people belonging to the perpetrators tribe. The incident that took place right under the Administration's (the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Indian Army- Assam Rifles and the puppet Nagaland state's armed forces- IRB and Police) watch-manship's nose without much efforts to control or normalize the unfortunate situation, otherwise which would have been reigned. This occurrence has left hundreds of innocent women, children, men and dotage victims homeless and inflicted traumatizing physical and mental sufferings.
Where there takes place a crime, the criminal has to be identified and punished for the crime committed. No rime is permissible in any society. But any crime that may take place should not be identified with the entire community of the criminal, for that no community, in any way, is or would be responsible for socially detested acts and crimes. When a state that proclaims guardianship of another nation but remains a mute spectator to a situation developing hostile upon innocent inhabitants, the arbitrary administrator's authority's authenticity and responsibility becomes questionable. One can clearly conclude and perceive the adversary's tireless effort to thwart the just aspiration of the Naga people, conspicuous of the continuous attempt to sow seed of misunderstanding and hatred amongst brothers.
The divisive elements incited by external forces in-within the Naga family with the intent to disunite the Naga people, thus subduing the people's determined aspirations by creating communal divide in within has continued in all inhuman callousness. The adversaries agenda is the, when the Naga family is fragmented then the integrity of that people and its land vis-à-vis its political aspiration is subsequently undermined beyond rescue. The Nagas are perched at a juncture where we have to critically apprehend the deviational forces or it will inherit us our own self defeat. The disharmonious elements out to distract and divert our attention away from crucial issues have to be overcome and isolated or else it will annihilate our future hopes and aspirations. Nagas have to logically assess our priorities that our dignity as a people for which we have long aspired and sacrificed and rationally addressed domestic issue in all civility.
During any volatile circumstance when crisis or sensitive social harmony is eminent, if the media does not project events in its correct perspective, the impacts would incline towards negative outcomes, thus negating its ethical credibility. For stoking fuel into dying embers may aggravate the situation into impulsive uncontrolled emotions against human co-existence. As the media plays a crucial in such conditions, it should dispense its role in a positive and humane manner so that the welfare and well being of the people are protected from impartial and negative consequences. As the past cannot be re-done, we could at the least embark on peaceful remedial initiatives so that the ugliness of the past may subside behind better amicable resolutions to all mistakes and reconcile for better associations of brotherhood in the days ahead.
Once upon a time, it was a direct assault but now the adversaries have found the wisest and still safest technique, policy or tactics that is the indirect assault. In such situation, the only weapon to safeguard our common aspiration is to meticulously ponder over the logic, reason and merit why the Nagas have to undergo such a situation. It is unfortunate that the Nagas have failed to read between the lines of the Government of India's so called friendly policy. The systematic assimilation into Indianized mindset in the form of developments, grant-in-aids, employments, mechanical life and other assurances has hypnotized ignorant Nagas in identifying themselves with their own ethnic cultures and history today. Naga people's aspiration is sought to be diverted and submerged into tribal and sectarian conflict orchestrated and permeated by selfish stooges in coordination with adversary's machineries (their pay-masters). Divisive stratagems using the bait of pelf, power, possessions and developments have alienated some renegade Nagas from rescuing our rich cultural, customary and traditional heritage well associated with our proud identity as a people, overlooking our selfless sacrifices in defending our dignified existence. Nagas will stand its ground resolutely against all divisive elements against our inalienable rights. Nagas are committed to peaceful resolutions by respecting and honouring India's interests but not at the cost of our inalienable birth rights. It is upto India to prove itself in upkeeping its honoured commitments to peace in maintaining its image as the largest democratic nation in the world.
Ministry of Information and Publicity, NSCN (IM)
Nagaland Post Reactions to april 22 incident- Nagaland Post
It is a shocking surprise to wit-ness an act of open vandal-ism in broad day light committed by some Sumi irate mob, first of its kind in the Naga Society. The fact is disgraceful and unfortunate for the Nagas to experience it in this crucial time when Nagas are in the peace process. The motive of the arsonists in committing such act should be condemned by all as such greed and hatred will breed communal contention and disintegration.
The unprecedented incident occurred within and among the Nagas has affected the image of the Naga Christian Nation. Reasons however logic can never justify such act of terrorism. No right thinking citizen or human being can accept reasons or excuses for committing premeditated rampage. It is neither human nature nor beast but of evil scheme planted in the hearts.
Therefore both the communities are appealed to restrain it from furthering its course of evil action by finding possible best and sustainable solution so that the matter is put to check within. Our Sumi brothers or any other Nagas brothers under no circumstances should resort to primitive fashion of forceful invasion of others Villages, land or property, which is no more acceptable in the present society. All sorts of force solution is no solution but division. And all problems or crises however big can be settled amicably by reasoning together. We Nagas cannot go well without upholding brotherhood, forbearance, and integrity. No right can be obtained by means of vicious act of violence. Violence only beget violence, revenge beget revenge.
We appreciate the Tangkhul community for their forbearance and tolerance at the face of lost and pain. We belief forbearance is forgiveness of the hurting hearts which is the true spirit of Christians. We Nagas must uphold Christian principles above greed or material possession. We count the Sumi brothers to be one. Nagas should be proud of their contributions to the Naga Nation. His Excellency, Isaac Chishi Swu, with all his commitment and wisdom to lead the Nagas to freedom, can mean nothing if there is disintegration within our land and people. Let our common vision be to create civilization, identity and reflex it to the world.
This should be the binding factor rather than material possession or separate tribal identity. We therefore appeal to all the good will Sumi Christian associations and Sumi Hohos to initiate steps to restore and comfort the hurting community in the spirit of Christ. We also appeal to the rest of the Nagas to join hands in bringing normalcy in the society, which will be beautiful to behold our Nagas Picture of Integrity and love as one Nation before the world. The Zeliangrong People expresses their consolation to the effected community and prayed for comfort and joy amidst suffering and lost.
Dennis Elung, President, Zeliangrong Baudi (N).
Echoing of the ugly April 22, Sunday Wungram Colony Dimapur incident which razed to ashes more than 30 houses and unaccountable household of properties by a mob of thousand miscreants is unprecedented. This mayhem have shocked and pained the Naga society. Down the ages, darkness of dirty 'ism' must be done away. This very sensitive and tragic event should be a wakeup call for all Nagas of the danger on what negative trend of community conflict can damage the cohesion of Naga struggle internally besides portraying a faulty image of the Naga Nation in front of the whole international community.
When the Naga people are sleeplessly rendering our efforts to build and evolve understanding among the Naga brethrens, such barbaric acts of violence is exploiting the structuring process of peace in our land. Igniting fire from an individual petty and silly issue to ethnic conflict is absurd.
Without prejudice, Nagas throughout our homeland should collectively put efforts to find amicable understanding and dismiss misgivings once and for all to respect human values and work out mechanism to prevent such happening to take place in future. It is also a time to resolutely retrospect, introspect and reason consciously to bury the feelings of hatred, jealousy and vendetta for the good cause of the peoples struggle. We also appeal all section of sensible society, individuals, villages or tribes not to casually take the law into our own hand to solve any problem. Justice of any kind must be done according to the law of the land or under the customary law. We value to end violence and live together united as one family.
K.S. Paul Leo President, United Naga Council (UNC)
Paulhring Langhu President, All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM)
K. Marigold Vice-president, Naga Womens' Union Manipur (NWUM)
Phamhring Sengul Convenor, NPMHR South
The incident that occurred on Sunday, April 22 noon at Wungram colony Dimapur is outrageous. It is hard to believe that such tragedy occurred between modern Naga Christian society.
As per media reports, the immediate cause of the tragedy is negligible however, if there were other causes that have accumulated in course of time, that opens another chapter, love your neighbor as yourself. With no bias, favoritism, inclination, one sidedness to any and taking oneself in the shoes of the shocked and traumatized innocent children, women and aged, I feel a deep pain in the heart and soul, mind and body. A dull and empty feeling must have crept into the soul of the young innocent; ignorant and unable to reason the reality they witnessed.
All said and done, avenged and destructed, how long can we be happy and contended by avenging an eye for any eye?
It is a total disgrace to us (Nagas). I for one, bow my head and countenance in shame and in disgrace before this small world. I appeal the world would not conclude our unique history for the act and deed committed on a holy Sunday.
Vitho Zao Midland, Kohima
‘Wungram fiasco a shame to Nagas’ Sangai Express Newmai News Network
Imphal, Apr 26 : The United Naga Council, Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR- South), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Wo-men Union, Manipur (NWUM) deeply lamenting the Wungram Colony arson of April 22 have said that it portrays the Naga community in poor light in front of the whole world.
“Down the ages, darkness of dirty ‘ism’ must be done away with. This very sensitive and tragic event should be a wake up call for all Nagas of the danger on what negative trend of community conflict can damage the cohesion of Naga struggle internally besides portraying a faulty image of the Naga Nation in front of the whole international community,” rued the Naga organisations.
Issuing this statement to Newmai News Network today evening, UNC, ANSAM, NPMHR-South Sector and NWUM while lamenting the ugly incident at Wungra, Colony in Dimapur where more than 30 houses were burnt besides loss to many household properties, said, “when the Naga people are sleeplessly rendering our efforts to build and evolve understanding among the Naga brethrens, such barbaric acts of violence are obstructing the structuring process of peace in our land. Igniting fire from an individual petty and silly issue to ethnic conflict is absurd.”
The statement further said that without prejudice, Nagas throughout “our homeland” should collectively put efforts to find amicable understanding and dismiss misgivings once and for all to respect human values and work out mechanisms to prevent such happening in the future.
It is also time to resolutely retrospect, introspect and reason consciously to bury the feelings of hatred, jealousy and vendetta for the good cause of the peoples' struggle, said the joint statement
of the UNC, ANSAM, NPMHR and NWUM. The Naga bodies appealed “all sections of sensible society, indivi-duals, villages or tribes not to casually take the law into our own hand to solve any problem. Justice of any kind must be done according to the law of the land or under the customary law,” adding, “We value to end violence and live together united as one family”.

India Myanmar army talks in Kolkata Drimi Chaudhuri Hindustan Times
Kolkata, A delegations from the two armies of India and Myanmar met at Eastern Command Head Quarters in Fort William on Wednesday evening, the eastern neighbour looked for more support from India in forms of arms and intelligence inputs. While an 18-member Myanmarese delegation, led by Brigadier General Tin Maung Ohn, was in the city to discuss these issues, another 10-member delegation was doing the same at New Delhi.
According to sources, the Myanmarese Army is looking hardware and maintenance support from Indian Army in handling the Kachin rebels and other insurgent outfits operating in different parts of Myanmar, which shares an international border along Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The Myanmarese team, which is on a four-day visit to Eastern Command from April 23 to 27, arrive din the city on Wednesday afternoon after visiting 3 Corps Head Quarters at Rangapahar in Nagaland. While the first round of discussion was held at the earlier venue, a more detailed discussion took place at the Fort William meeting.
Sources said that besides arms and ammunition, including INSAS rifles, grenade launchers and small arms, along with armoured vehicles, Myanmarese Army also sought technical support from the Army. “Following the discussion at Rangapahar, a Indo-Myanmar joint exercise is imminent. A team from Myanmar would receive training at Counter-Insurgency &Jungle Warfare School of Vairengte in Mizoram. It is likely that 3 Corps would help by providing insurgency management training,” a senior MoD official informed. The meeting further included exchange of intelligence inputs on insurgent outfits and the scenario in smuggling of arms and drugs, sources said.
Wing Commander RK Das, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman in Kolkata, however, refused to comment on the content or the outcome of the meeting. “The Indian side at Fort William was led by Eastern Command Chief of Staff Lieutenant General KS Sivakumar. Issues of discussion included cross-border insurgency, smuggling of arms and drugs, border fencing and management. With Myanmar sharing border with four Indian states, many of the North East undergrounds outfits use Myanmar as hideout, causing serious concern to both nations,” he said. He added that these liaison meets are held every six months to review and strengthen relations, besides discussion on issues of mutual interest. The next meeting between two sides would be held in Myanmar, he said.
Unrest rising in Garo Hills over Commission’s report
From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
TURA, April 25 – Garo Hills, particularly the East district, could soon witness a string of agitations given the unhappiness with the report of the Justice D N Baruah’s Commission of Enquiry by the student and social organisations on whom the blame for triggering the riots of September 30, 2005 has been attributed. Nine people lost their lives in twin firing incidents at Tura and Williamnagar on that day.

A delegation of the Garo Students’ Union met Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang at Tura Circuit House on Wednesday and pressed for constituting a fresh enquiry for Williamnagar. The student body pointed out that all NGOs from East Garo Hills had rejected the Baruah Commission long before it winded up its probe as allegations of being “biased” were levelled against the Commission.

Lapang has remained non-committal to the demands of the student body and said he can do little as it is a judicial matter. The only assurance he reportedly gave to the student delegation was to discuss their demand in the State Cabinet.

The GSU, anticipating such a lukewarm response from the Chief Minister, has called for a public rally at Williamnagar on Friday to decide its next course of action.

Though the rally is being held in Williamnagar there are signs the agitation could spread to other regions in the weeks to come should the government continue to remain silent on the issue that has become a rallying point among most Garos.

The State Government could do a lot to sooth the injury of the people by ordering a fresh probe, feel some people, while others point out that a lot of taxpayer’s money have been spent on the two probes which has done little to bridge the gap between the government and the people of Garo Hills. Politicians have fallen out of favour with the people on account of this issue.

Meanwhile, Lapang laid the foundation of a new school building at Hawakhana in Tura on Tuesday. Funds to the tune of Rs. 10 lakhs have been released from the CM’s Urban Development Fund for the building. The school established in 1962 has been functioning from a dilapidated building all these years.

Lapang also inaugurated a youth convention at Ampati on Wednesday and encouraged the party workers to help mobilise the youth for the coming 2008 elections to the State Assembly where a rejuvenated opposition NCP is keen to take on the ruling Congress.