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05/01/2007: "'Nagas killing Nagas is self-destructive': Jamir Kuknalim.com"

'Nagas killing Nagas is self-destructive': Jamir Kuknalim.com

DIMAPUR, Commenting on the Indo-Naga political issue, Dr SC Jamir said that the two parties are like “the deaf and dumb” communicating in language that neither of them understands. There is a “language barrier”, he remarked.

The Goa Governor and former Chief Minister of Nagaland said, Nagas today are a lost and uncertain people and questioned as to where they stand today, adding that their vision is blurred due to lack of ‘truth’ among leaders, the church and the people in general.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of a community hall at his native Ungma village near Mokokchung on Saturday. Dr Jamir challenged the people to think of ways to wake up from the slumber of self-destruction. Nagas killing Nagas is self-destructive; there can never be peace, unity or solution as long as Nagas don’t realize that they are “bleeding”. If the numbers of “aggrieved families” keep increasing, there can be no unity, he said, questioning if Nagas are back to the days of “head-hunting”.

The Governor called upon the people to have clear vision for the future of the land stating that Nagaland is a gift from God with no wrath of natural calamities like earthquakes or cyclones and no poverty plaguing the land but expressed sadness that Nagas are taking the path of self-destruction. He asked the people to adopt to the changing times and to speak the language of the 21st century and spread their wings and soar.

“Any nation that does not fear God will never last”, he said adding when there is no fear of God, there will be corruption at all levels and bankruptcy of truth, which will leave everything in ruins.

Unless the people get rid of the parochial ideas and move ahead with common vision towards the future for common good, the society will get from bad to worse, he said.

The veteran leader from the Ao Naga community wished that the new community hall will be not just a mere meeting hall but also act as a platform for the youngsters to develop their skills of art and other talents. In his concluding remark Dr Jamir dared his native villagers to “let the inauguration of the new community hall be the inauguration of new ideas”.

The community hall, construction of which began in the year 1998, was completed at a cost of Rs 1.3 crore. (Agencies)
NSCN (K) belittles Myanmar move Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, April 30: The Khaplang faction of the NSCN has dismissed Delhi's efforts to clear out its camps and flush out ULFA militants from Myanmar, claiming that the military junta in that country would not fully co-operate with Indian security forces, The Telegraph reported on April 30.
It also distanced itself from ULFA as far as mutual logistical arrangements within Myanmar are concerned. The NSCN (K) said the Assam outfit had already shifted to the Kachin area from Sagaing division of Myanmar.
A spokesman for the NSCN (K), Wangmi Pangmei, said his organisation still had "respect and regard" for ULFA and its "revolutionary" cause, but there was no tie-up of the kind that is often alluded to by Indian security and intelligence agencies.
On reports of an impending joint military operation by India and Myanmar to flush out Northeast militants holed up across the border, the NSCN (K) said such an offensive would be unable to replicate the success of Operation All Clear in Bhutan.
It argued that unlike ULFA and NDFB militants, Naga rebels were not aliens but an integral part of that country.
He was specifically reacting to the Myanmar military administration's assurance last week that it has accepted Delhi's request to flush out militants of the Northeast from its territory.
"Please don't be fooled by these reports. Myanmar will never work according to Delhi's will. We don't think there will be much co-operation from Myanmar,” the spokesman said.
A.Z Jami mourns Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR: The convener, Council of Kilonsers (NSCN-K), A.Z Jami has mourned the demise of his former colleague Angelous Shimrah of NSCN (IM) on April 29 at Dimapur.
In a condolence message, Jami said Late Shimrah was a gentleman, outspoken and a man of integrity at the same time he assumed that Angelous died without exercising his potentials for the society and the nation due to certain technical reasons. A.Z Jami further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul.
Heavy firing along Nagaland border Correspondent Assam tribune
DERGAON, April 30– A heavy exchange of fire that took place between the rival NSCN factions along the Assam-Nagaland border last night has increased the already mounting tension among the residents of the border areas. According to information, the firing took place between suspected NSCN factions in Tarani, Kalajan and Borgang areas. The areas have for long been under NSCN(I-M) domination but very recently the Khaplang faction has reportedly enhanced their presence in the areas. Last night’s firing was presumably the fallout of this tilt in the balance of power.

The villagers of the border areas have demanded an immediate solution to the problems along the border. Law and order situation in the border has deteriorated of late forcing the villagers to spend sleepless nights.

Ukhrul pays tearful adieu to Angelus Shimrah The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, April 30: The people of Ukhrul paid their last homage to the mortal remains of Angelus Paiza Shimrah, Kilonser and one of the senior leaders of the Government People Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) NSCN.

Angelus P Shimrah was 64 years old and is survived by his wife Mrs Zingnimla and six (6) sons.

He served the outfit in various capacities for thirty (30) years, three months and 4 days as one of the most important functionaries of the NSCN.

More than thousands of people thronged the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) ground today to receive the mortal remains of the leader at 7 am to pay their last respect to the departed soul.

A public condolence service was also held to honour the departed leader who breathed his last on April 29 at 2 am at Zion Hospital Dimapur.

Shimrah was reportedly suffering from Leukemia for quite sometimes.

During the service, A Puni, Kilo Kilonser, recalled that the late leader will definitely go dawn to the annals of Naga history as a far sighted leader He also dubbed Shimrah as the Dr Ambetkar of the Nagas.

Ahao Raising, secretary Steering Committee stated that the demise of Sir/Amei Shimrah is a great loss not only for the family members but also for the whole of the Naga people and added that vacuum created by his demise will be hard to fill.

Raising added that AP Shimrah who was 6 years senior to him was a man of integrity and a perfectionist.

According to VS Atem, Emissary to the collective leadership AP Shimrah was a decision maker, strategist, a systematic and constructive man, politically and educationally and his pen was mightier than the sword.

AP Simrah, said to be one of the most erudite members of the NSCN set-up was among the few senior leaders who did not own his own private house, plot or any other luxury items.

At the time of his death he was staying in a rented house in Dimapur.

He joined the Naga movement in 1976 under AZ Phizo and later become a founder member of the NSCN and went on to hold many importants post in the outfit including the post of secretary, foreign affairs and also led the steering committee which is said to be the highest decision making body of the NSCN (IM).

Representatives from various civil organizations like, Naga Hoho, NPMHR, UNC, TNL, TKS, TSL, TMNL, RKL, HSL, Nagalim Churches Association, Inter Churches Forum, Catholic Union Ukhrul and Manipur and Hunphun Village authority and Paoyie Katamnao Long as well as many ranks and files of the NSCN including CAO, Wung Region, V Horam Deputy Home, Lumpa Tatar, Konyak Tatar Col Paisho, Lt Col Nganingkhui, Tongmet Education Minister, John, and CAO of Siphoue Maram Region were among others who attended the service.

During the service all the shops in Ukhrul Town downed their shutters and vehicles stayed off the road to pay respect of the departed soul.

The mortal remains of AP Shimrah was taken from the TNL ground, Ukhrul at around 12.30 noon for his native Paoyie Village 26 kms away from the District Hq.

The funeral service of Shimrah will be held tomorrow at 9.30am at his village.
Fresh trouble in Assam Rifles Kishalaya Bhattacharjee/Nitin Gokhale(Guwahati)
A fortnight after a Home Ministry panel dismissed reports of unrest in Assam Rifles as being localised, 54 jawans from battalions in Nagaland signed a petition to Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

Men in uniform are not allowed to write collective petitions.

An NDTV series in February and March had highlighted the growing discontent within the ranks of the oldest paramilitary force.

List of grievances Led by Havaldar Shashi Kant Sharma of 30 Assam Rifles, the petition lists grievances similar to those voiced by their colleagues in Manipur.

The jawans have demanded parity with the Army pointing out that while disciplinary matters are dealt with under the Army Act, their pay and perks are that of central paramilitary forces.

Unlike the Army, jawans of Assam Rifles serve in the field continuously. For the jawans, these are serious service discrepancies.

''This problem is not an individual one. Hundred per cent of Assam Rifles jawans have their consent in this and we all are facing it, but we are scared of speaking out. If one is exposed, then he will be made to appear mentally deranged or court martialled or he will be punished in a manner in which he is harassed and leaves his job.

''This is the aawaz of every jawan. So if you mask faces, everyone of us will speak the same words as Haider Ali did,'' said a jawan.

Overwhelming supportThe issues were first raised by Assam Rifles officer Haider Ali, who was arrested on January 16.

Months later, authorities have not been able to Court Martial him despite several courts of inquiry because of overwhelming support from jawans.

The footage of one of the inquiries was sent to NDTV by Haider's colleagues.

If the Union Home Ministry thought it could bury the problem by forming a committee, clearly it has underestimated the resolve of the much-exploited Assam Rifles jawans.

Unless long-term and real measures are taken to settle the issue, India's primary counter-insurgency force in the northeast will continue to suffer.

Torched cement laden trucks: Three KYKL men held with arms By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express

The KYKL activists and the seized guns and ammunition
IMPHAL, Apr 30 : There KYKL activists who were involved in burning down four Tata trucks loaded with Cement bags on April 23 on the bank of Sekmai river in Kanglatongbi area and Khurai Angom Leikai have been arrested by a combined force of Imphal West District Commandos and 22 Maratha Light Infantry.
Disclosing this during a press conference, Superintendent of Police of Imphal West District, Clay Khongsai informed that following a special tip off that some militants are moving around in a Maruti car in Imphal area, the combined force of Imphal West District Police Commandos and personnel of 22 Maratha Light Infantry conducted checking and frisking exercise at suspected places.
At around 12.45 pm today, the combined force intercepted a white-colour Maruti car bearing registration no. MN06L-3426 at Sagolband area. During the course of verification, the two occupants of the car were found to be KYKL activists.
They are Leishangthem Ngouba alias Cyprus (25) s/o Babu and Loushangbam Bungba Mangang alias Binikanta (22) s/o L Chandra. Both are residents of Khurai Sajor Leikai.
After arresting them, the combined force also recovered one 9 mm pistol (Mouser) along with four live rounds of ammunition from the residence of Ngouba.
Following the lead provided by the arrested duo, another KYKL activist identified as Irengbam Ibomcha alias Binodkumar (35) s/o Irabot of Pourabi Makha Leikai was also arrested from his house along with one 9 mm pistol (Norico) and four live rounds of ammunition.
Apart from extorting money from the people, their involvement in setting the four Tata trucks loaded with cement bags on the bank of Sekmai river at Kanglatongbi area as well as at Khurai Angom Leikai on April 23 after hijacking them has been confirmed, the SP claimed.
They have disclosed that the Tata trucks have been set on fire for not complying to the demand for payment taxes to the outfit for transportation of the Cement bags, the SP added.

Angry Manipur By C Doungel Sangai Express
The dawn of freedom on 15th August 1947 ushered in the era with different connotations, particularly for Manipur and Naga Hills then. In Naga Hills, A.Z. Phizo declared Naga independence on 14th August ’47 and launched freedom movement which though was considered for too advanced. For other neighbouring tribes/communities, India’s independence was looked upon as mere passing of power from whiteman (Britishers) to brown-men. Regardless of the polemics thrown around the merger issue of Manipur - whether forced, legal or illegal, it was taken as natural happening at that historical moment. With the euphoria of independence sweeping through the length and breath of India, Manipur tugged in the north-eastern comer accepted it as a fait-accompli because of the common religious ties (particularly of Hinduism) and also having faith in the safeguards provided in the merger agreement. Apart from provisions for more opportunities of employment and direct attention through Central rule, the king was provided with privy purse. Manipur was made a part ‘C’ state and later a Union territory albeit sans provision to take care of hill affairs in place of Hills durbar.
Meanwhile, Naga freedom movement in Naga Hills gained momentum which culminated in eruption of violent rebellion in 1956. Pandit Nehru who was then the Prime Minister dealt with much benevolence. Naga Hills was amalgamated with Tuensang Area in NEFA in 1957 and placed under External Affairs Ministry. Statehood was given to Nagaland in 1963 after 16 points agreement was signed with Govt of India in 1960. One point of the agreement provided that contiguous Naga areas could merge with consent of the people. Manipur Govt was not consulted while Assam could have been aware as BP Chaliha was a member of Peace Committee headed by Jai Prakash Narayan. Kukis made feeble protests but they were not in any reckoning.
Insurgency in Nagaland did not stop. Rather, it spilled over to Manipur resulting in extension of ceasefire to Tamenglong and Ukhrul sub-divisions (now districts) and Mao sub-divisions (now Senapati segment). Momentum of pressure for merger receded for sometime but simmering discontentment grew in Manipur and Assam. These ultimately gave birth to UNLF /PREPAK/PLA/ULFA/KNA/KNF to counter the threat to Manipur and Assam territorial integrity. Mizos, who also realised that only violent revolt draws quicker attention and yields reward, took a similar course.
On the political front, pressure was mounting for statehood to be conferred to Manipur/Tripura. But whenever they pleaded their case before Government of India, stating that they are equally deserving, the stock answer they were given was that Nagaland is a unique and special case. Statehood to Manipur was belatedly given in 1972 and in the first Assembly general election, Naga integration was an important Issue.
Mutually deterrent nature of insurgent groups inherent in their birth in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur, having created trans-border problem have thus grown more and more complex. Though NSCN (IM) is the mother of most insurgent groups, it has now become difficult for a single group to either take unilateral decision or thrash out solution with Government by isolating the others. In fact, the others harbour deep-seated resentment for being relegated to secondary status despite the fact that they once considered themselves more civilized and advanced. They feel that Nagas of Manipur are lured by better opportunities available by grant of statehood to Nagaland first. They feel ignored when decisions concerning Manipur are taken behind their back. They are therefore coming out in open challenge of NSCN (IM) whom they feel are placed on a higher pedestal. They feel that they have to stand up for their wounded feelings and hurt pride. Thus there is a nagging desire to prove that they can be equally deadly.
Having no more faith that their case will be dealt with in a fair and just manner, even the civil society has joined in being belligerent This deeply embedded distrust would largely explain the psyche why such violent agitations erupted when there was extension of Cease-fire with NSCN(IM) “without territorial limits” in 2000 (which was later withdra-wn) and on the killing of Thangjam Manorama in 2003 etc to cite few examples.
Thus, violent agitations in Manipur are sometimes organised by civil organisations with backing of armed groups. At the same time, loyalties being on ethnic and communal lines, demonisation of one group is used to run down the other and breed violence. Common economic interest which can benefit all in the region are relegated to the background. The fragile law and order most of the time gets such a beating that they often break down completely. In the chaos, mobs get organised into some kind of “posse comitatus” in the form of JACs, Meira Paibis or AMADA etc who themse-lves at times dispense justice.
The security forces no doubt have to perform very odious task but those in authority cannot always take the line of least resistance. It is understandable that those facing bullets in battlefields and exposed to risk of life always may not be in a position to “put on their best manners as in a dinner party”. All the same, there should not be complete breakdown of discipline or sense of fairness should not be cast away. The Armed Forces Special Power Act which is a lawless - law provides some legal protection (I wish that this obnoxious law is lifted as early as possible). Most human rights abuses by State Forces or Army including A.R take place in violation of even this law.
As of today, the insurgency situation appears fluid and it will continue to remain so for some coming years. The state administration as also the Armed Forces or Para-military forces have to ensure that blatant violations of human rights do not take place. Most hill based insurgent groups had entered into agreement with the Army for suspension of operations which to some extent is a sign of progress in the right direction. Some have political demands but others have not spelt out any. Rather some have earned notoriety mostly in kidnapping for ransom. Should they be treated as same? Further, allegations are there about State forces/Assam Rifles units protecting some of these groups because of gainful mutual interests. It is indeed a good thing that Army/ARs undertake many civic actions which give some healing touch but they are no substitute for being professional, firm and just. For, insurgency can not be controlled by handing out candies alone.