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05/02/2007: "NSCN (IM) Chairman holds India responsible‘Nagas should not be blamed if talks collapse’ The Morung Express"

NSCN (IM) Chairman holds India responsible‘Nagas should not be blamed if talks collapse’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 2 (MExN): The Chairman of the NSCN (IM) Isak Chishi Swu has send out a clear and firm message to New Delhi pointing out that if peace negotiations with the Government of India collapse, “it will not be from our part because Nagas have displayed boldness and sincerity. “Up until now the courage, conviction and decisiveness of India is found wanting. This is the greatest obstacle to the path of solution”, Swu stated in his address at Council Headquarters, Hebron on Wednesday during a two-day ‘party meeting’ of the NSCN (IM).
Addressing a massive gathering of NSCN (IM) workers and officials, Swu asked his comrades to be prepared for any eventuality “because when your enemy is indecisive, it is the most provoking period and a dangerous one”.
The chairman also made it clear that while the peace process with the Government of India to find peaceful solution to the Indo-Naga issue was paramount, yet any solution will be meaningless until and unless the right of the Nagas is recognized. “NSCN will explore all possibilities towards the path of solution in accommodative spirit but not at the expense of our right and honour”, the NSCN (IM) leader stated adding that this was ‘inalienable to the Nagas’. He also send out the message that the NSCN (IM) will never walk the way of the ‘treacherous 16 point agreement or the infamous Shillong Accord of 1975.
Significantly, the NSCN (IM) chairman also pointed out that though Delhi had opted for a solution through political dialogue after a lengthy outpouring of its military might upon the Naga people, however the Government of India’s ‘tactical policy’ on the whole has never really changed. “Their ambition is to divide the Nagas on communal line using selfish individuals as their tools”, Swu stated and further alleged that any petty misunderstanding between two Naga brothers offers the military and law enforcing agencies of India to sit back and enjoy, eagerly awaiting it to turn violent and communal.
Swu hints at forming revolutionary front DIMAPUR, MAY 2 (MExN): Chairman Isak Chishi Swu while stating that the NSCN (IM) was committed to living in peace and harmony with its neighbors because ‘we share the same destiny’ did not rule out forming a united front with fellow revolutionary groups in the region to counter the ‘common enemy’. “In such an understanding I see the future of peoples and nations preserving their identity and history in south-east Asia”, Swu stated while addressing a party meeting of the NSCN (IM) at Council Headquarters Hebron. The NSCN (IM) Chairman also affirmed that it supported and sympathized with all revolutionary groups fighting for their survival. “Engaging the enemy on many fronts is one practical necessity”, he stated adding that ‘a monster has to be challenged from all angles’.
NSCN-K cautions Rio on Wungram The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 2 (MExN): The April 22 outrage at Wungram colony, Dimapur has “clearly unmasked” the true colors of “self-vested NGOs,” the Church and the state government, the NSCN-K asserts. On this, the organization has cautioned Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio that he would be held responsible “to justify any punishment that he meets.”
Referring to the Sunday upsurge, the NSCN-K in a note issued by “under secretary” Akato Aye called the attention of international civil societies to find measures to “vex” the ‘anti-Naga and anti-people activities.’ The organization stated that assets worth “millions” of the NSCN was razed in Mokokchung, the residences of NSCN-K Ato Kilonser N Kitovi Zhimomi and CFSB supervisor Kughalu Mulatonu were bombarded by the NSCN-IM. All these activities ‘clearly unmasks the collaborated terrorism against the NSCN’ it stated.
The NSCN-K further took note that the DAN government carried out a spot-verification of Mokokchung after a week and TN Mannen, Nagaland Commissioner declared it as ‘breakdown of law and order.’ “After one week of fighting between the NSCN and the Isak terrorists at Amiphoto, Thenucho (Home minister) visited Zunheboto but made no comments against the Isak terrorists despite putting a halt of all transport from Zunheboto-Kohima-Dimapur national highways” the note explained adding that the NSCN-IM “carried out terrorism” on the house of Kitovi Zhimomi. “…but the Neiphiu Rio’s DAN neither visited the spot nor given a comment” the note rued.
The note asserted that the United Nations and India must clearly understand that Neiphiu Rio must be tried in the ‘International Tribune Criminal Court’ for ‘crimes against humanity’ and the open funding of NSCN-IM. This is the “hardest evidence” it stated. “Neiphiu Rio is supposed to have planned ‘rehabilitation packages’ for the Isak terrorists and the handling of Mokokchung and Zunheboto crisis conveys a clear message to the world of the act of terrorism. It should be clear to Neiphiu Rio that such actions convey equal reactions from the NSCN and he will be responsible to justify any punishment that he meets” the NSCN-K cautioned.
NSCN-IM moots ‘tax collection’ reforms The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 2 (MExN): For the NSCN-IM, the people are undoubtedly the “inexhaustible perennial spring” of money and the one fact that can sustain any revolutionary struggle. “Transparent earning, transparent spending and transparent tax collection system” with a “scrupulous” collection of taxes is imperative to the NSCN-IM according to “Lt. Gen (Retd).” VS Atem.
Delivering a paper in the NSCN-IM party meeting at Camp Hebron, the former military chief of the organization declared that while there are no industrial resources or “factory” the people is the “minting machine” for the NSCN-IM.
“…it is money that can answer many things,” Atem explained. “NSCN has no factory, nor industries that generate or manufacture money. The only minting machine that produces money for the NSCN is the people and the people are the inexhaustible perennial spring of resources in terms of manpower and money as well” he said. For this reason the NSCN-IM is required to use all the resources “with proper plan and extreme frugality” he reminded. “There is no doubt about it” he reaffirmed. Atem expressed conviction that transparency in financial management is imperative since it can “strengthen us” but it can also “destroy us.”

He observed on this suggestion: “We need to develop a full-proof clean and transparent tax collection system. Transparent earning, transparent spending and transparent tax collection system with a scrupulous collection of taxes contribute tremendously towards all-round development of the people and the government.” VS Atem further advised that to plug the leakages in the collection process, it is required to come up immediately with full-proof, “concrete anti-embezzlement” measures. “This will help our tax collectors heal of the sinful disease that was pervasively prevalent even in Jesus’ time” he maintained. And the people should be convinced: “we need to convince the people that we are using their money judiciously and honestly. I also feel that it is high time for us to professionalize the job of tax collection with strong measures to check corruption by the taxation officers” Atem added. Other points highlighted by “Lt. Gen (Retd).” VS Atem included land systems, “justice and law enforcement,” “public distribution system,” “healthcare system,” “human resource development” and “communication and information system”.
Moatsü brings hope for cultural integration Morung Express News
Dimapur Seen as an evidence of hope, the Moatsu Festival of the Aos, this year, is found to be crossing tribal boundaries to bring together all the Nagas under one banner of cultural intimacy. Whether pre-planned or pure serendipity, the chief guests for the annual festival of the Aos in most areas seem to be people of another tribe, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in Dimapur, MLA Atomi Zhimomi in Ungma village and T.M. Lotha invited as chief guest for Moatsu in Khensa.
Acknowledging that this was a very good thing, the NSF president, Pushika Aomi said that this could be one of the steps that could break the “ism” problem faced by the Nagas. At the same time, Pushika shared that such a trend should not be confined to occasional and special events alone but should be made more frequent so as to help in the unification of all Naga tribes.
At the same time, Rev. Kari Longchar, expressing happiness at the positive trend, said that no festival of the Nagas belonged exclusively to one tribe, but was a declared holiday of the whole state. Therefore the festivals are a common property of all the tribes in Nagaland. Rev. Kari further added that such celebrations should not merely including a guest from another tribe but also other groups like dancing troops to show solidarity which would make its mark in the Naga society with oneness, unity and understanding.
Meanwhile joining the rest of the Ao community, the Ungma villagers today celebrated Moatsu with much pomp and gaiety at the 6th Senayangba Memorial Cultural Festival organized by the Salukum Rogo, Ungma. The chief guest for the day was Atomi Zhimomi, Member of Legislative Assembly, Nagaland.
The chief guest while speaking on the occasion disclosed that his historical ties with Ungma went back to the days of his grandfather who used to come to Ungma on a horseback. “Today, sixty years later, I come to Ungma in a modern motor vehicle”, he said, citing that times have changed.
“Nagas have come a long way. We’ve progressed a lot and we have a long way to go. The times have changed, and surely, the generations have changed too. Sixty years back, we were fighting the British Raj, then later against the Indian Government and today, we are fighting against ourselves. Times have changed, we have progressed, but on this regard,
I think we are going backward”, he said. He said that Nagas must learn to co-exist and that though they talk about integration, harmony, sovereignty, political settlement, etc., they cannot achieve them unless they adopt the philosophy of “unity in diversity”.
He said that Nagas are now politically and religiously mature, politically because they do produce, in his words, “good parliamentarians and legislators”. “Religiously, I think we have also matured. Every village in every district or constituency has a Church– though the sad thing is that the schools in the villages are not as good as the Church buildings”.
However, in the economic and social fields, Nagas are certainly at the infant stage, in his view. He said that Nagas are “economically infant” because majority of the people are poor and they live on “hand-to-mouth”. “There is no saving. We are economically behind because we are not self-employed, we are not self-reliant. We are depending too much on the government”, he explained. The social front is where we are weakest because we have “ism” in our society, according to him. “We have tribalism, which is corrupting our society. Tribalism is what “poisons” the Naga society. Tribalism does not bring peace, progress or prosperity. Tribalism is man-made and if we are determined, if we have the will, we can certainly remove this barrier” he said. Zhimomi expressed hope that Nagas can learn to live in unity saying, “Our greatest advantage, our greatest asset, is that despite so many tribes and so many languages, at least we have one religion. Nagaland for Christ. That should be the umbrella where we should all come together, irrespective of name, community or language.”
Further, he said, “Unless and until the political, religious, economic and social fronts, the four pillars of the society are uniformly developed and mature, Nagas as a society, as a state, as a people, as a nation is impractical”. He challenged all Nagas to “do away with isms”.
He concluded his speech by suggesting that Nagas must mingle with each other and advised to reach out, to travel, to make friends, to intermingle to know one another and to maintain equi-closeness with all communities and tribes so that Nagas can share their views, ideas, dreams and visions with each other. “Then only we can expect our society, our nation, to have peace, progress and prosperity,” he concluded. (With inputs from Limalenden Longkumer in Mokokchung)
‘April 22 incident reflection of still-primitive ways of Nagas’ The Morng Express Dimapur, May 2 (MExN): Referring to the April 22 arson at Wungram colony, Purana Bazar, the Poumai Hoho strongly reminds that the misdemeanor or mistake committed by a few individuals should not be interpreted as by a community. The Hoho vehemently condemned the unprecedented action of the mob that destroyed properties worth Crores of rupees.
“The mistake committed by a few individuals should not be taken as the crime of the whole community/colony as a whole under any circumstances, but let the law of the land be allowed to take its own course of action upon the (perpetrators)” a note from the Hoho issued through its general secretary H Sosu stated. It held view that the act reflected that Nagas are still lagging “far behind,” having no respect and love for one another as brothers in true spirit and “very fast in action with evil desire.” The Hoho appealed to all sections of the society not resort to “primitive type of forceful attitude” against one another, which, it reminded, is no longer applicable in the modern times. “Since time immemorial Nagas have been living together as one race under common Naga customary law through which any differences, problems could be sorted out” it stated.
“Today, our life security is in the hand of the Almighty God only. We can boast nothing of our own without God. Even a mighty nation can be easily destroyed of the people don’t have the fear of the Lord” the Hoho reminded the people.
The Hoho also appreciated the Tangkhul community leaders for their restraint and self-control in the face of the misery and pain. “We, the Nagas must follow the tenets of Christ above human greed and material gain” the Hoho stated while sharing in the grief and loss of the victims of the April 22 outrage. It ahs appealed to the government and public alike to contribute to the welfare of the affected, displaced communities.
Ceaseless false allegation of MIP only for more killings- Nagaland Post
The reflection of the so called NSCN-IM which appeared in Nagaland dailies on April 27, and I have responded the first paragraph under the heading "let MIP ask Muivah to give explanation to the nation", which appeared in Nagaland dailies on April 28 and 29. Also in the second paragraph, the MIP of NSCN-K said, 'delving into the dawn of fratricidal killings, the accordists may explain why they had to kill so many innocent Naga people'. I am compelled to respond it again as the MIP of NSCN-IM asked to give explanation. And the explanation is started with the reports of execution order of the Ex-C-in-C of the NSCN Army, Brig. Thungbo Heimi, dated 11th March 1980 as follows:
To,The Executive- Th. Muivah, Isak C. Swu & S.S. Khaplang Government of People's Republic of Nagaland
Subject- Report on the Action Against Anti-nationalists
Hon'ble Sirs,
The undersigned have the honour to state the following few lines of necessary action record. That, as per order dated Oking the 9th December 1979 to take action against the anti-nationalists; I issued subsequent order to the Socialist Naga Army to execute the Orders immediately. Accordingly, the following anti-nationalists were arrested, some executed and some discharged from the national service.
1. On the 10th December 1979 at 1710 hrs IST, under the Command of Capt. Akhui (then Adj. of GHQ who was later discharged) and Lt. Atem (Medical Officer GHQ). Our soldiers arrested the anti-nationalists naming in the GHQ. They were arrested with arms in a sudden dramatic raid
1. K. Mayanger, Kilonser Executed, 2. Lt. Col Supong Ao Excuted, 3. Lt. Col. Vesazo Khamo Executed,
4. Capt. Imsü Executed, 5. Sgt. Mayangliba Executed, 6. Sgt. Maj. Wetelo Executed,
7. Sgt. Tinu Ao Executed, 8. Pte. Nungsang Executed, 9. Sgt. Chuba Discharged,
10. Sgt. Kimzuk Dischrged, 11. Sgt. Lhichinyi Discharged,12. Sgt. Shilu Disarmed,
13. Corpl. Alem Disarmed
2. On the eleventh December 1979, an action party under the Command of Lt. Shangam, 2/ Lt. Zehon, 2i/c and 2/Lt Vungo, its Adt. was dispatched to the 2nd and 3rd Battallions area to carry out the Order of the Government. They did promptly discharge their assigned duties. Report about their action has been already submitted.
3. On the 31st December 1979, Mr. N. Lorho Mao, Speaker and Mr. Khezeto, Secretary were sent from GHQ to be executed. Its action Commander was Capt. Meren (Heimi). Thus the two anti-nationalists were executed on the 2nd January 1980.
4. The next day i.e, on the 3rd January 1980, Lt. Col. Lhoshe at the head of an action party was sent to Hasik Lungkhu and his party arrested Mr. Ngathingkhui Ahum, ex-Chaplee Kilonser, (2) Lt. Jacob Ahum with his wife, (3) Mrs. Wungthingla and (4) Mr. Ramyo Ahum. Mr. Ngathingkhui Ahum and Lt. Jacob were executed and the rest were discharged from the national service.
5. On the 29th January 1980, Mrs. Thepuse Venuh, Miss Methanulu and Sgt. Dichili Chakesang sent by the former Federal Headquarters and reached our GHQ and they were also discharged from the national service.
Dated: Oking, The 11th March 1980 Sd/- Brig. Thungbo Commander-in-chief, Socialist Army, Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland
The above mentioned document proves that the Naga leaders were not killed by the NNC/FGN Army but the NSCN Army carried out the execution. But according to the statement, the MIP of IM Group accused the NNC/FGN for starting the fratricidal killings. So the MIP of the NSCN-IM group must give explanation with the document of execution order, reports and list of NSCN cadres who were killed by the NNC/FGN, before the killings of the NNC/FGN leaders and Naga Army Officers by the NSCN in the last part of 1979 and the first part of January 1980. The NNC/FGN leaders who were killed by the NSCN as mentioned above were staying in Eastern Nagaland after returning back from China in 1976 saying that they will not accept the accord, and some of them like Ino Mayanger Ao, Ino Ngathingkhui Ahum Tangkhul, Lt. Jacob Ahum Tangkhul, Veniyi Rakho Chakesang denounced the Shillong Accord and came to join the national workers in Eastern Nagaland. But they were all killed by the NSCN. If the accord was the main factor for the contention among the Nagas, the leaders who denounced the accord should not be killed.
If the accord was accepted by the NNC/FGN as accused by the NSCN-IM, the aspiration of the Naga people as a nation might be buried or ended there in 1975. And the talk between IM group and GOI for the integration or a special federation relationship with India might not arise today. But the NNC/FGN did not accept the accord and therefore the GOI backed the evil design of Muivah and Isak to overthrow the NNC and FGN, and hence joined hands with the renegade leaders and fought against the NNC/FGN in the past 27 years. As a result, the NSCN cadres killed thousands of innocent Nagas. The fight is going on unabated, and the ceaseless false allegation leveling against the NNC/FGN by the NSCN-IM is only for killing more innocent Nagas which is absolutely contrary to Ino Isak's announcement for peace and reconciliation.
The action of the IM group is truly telling to the Naga people that by themselves (IM group) killed innocent Nagas who denounced the Accord. And after killing of thousand Nagas, the IM group submitted 30 point competencies proposal and now they are demanding a special provision under the Indian Constitution which clearly illustrated that they are trying to implement the accord or clause 13 of 16 Point Agreement, and they became as accordists by their own action. Hence, the MIP of NSCN-IM ought to clarify why they had killed thousand Nagas in their own interest of a special federal relationship with India.
As God has never failed to lead Israelites to the Canaan land, so also God our Lord is unfailingly protecting and leading our people and nation which is the fulfillment of His word. He said, "India can never defeat the Nagas because their power comes from the Lord" through Dessan Tagore (Indian). And only because of His guidance, the Nagas had never fallen into any foreign denomination and neither entered into any treaty or accord to sell out our national right or sovereignty in this running history of our nation. We are therefore proud to say that our history is unique, which is neither achieved by the renegade leaders or anyone else but by the grace of God. Thomas, NNC member
Unifying Force Editorial Morung Express
Following the tragic incident on April 22 last at Wungram Colony, Purana Bazaar Dimapur, there are lessons, both good and bad, to be learnt for the Naga people in general coming out of the frightening and ugly episode. On the upside, the moral strength demonstrated in order to forgive one another as shown by the Sumi community belonging to Purana Bazaar under the aegis of the Western Sumi Hoho and the Tangkhul community of Wungram Colony under the Tangkhul Hoho needs to be appreciated and replicated in other areas of conflict as well. And now that the unfortunate incident has been buried with honest intent by both parties, for the civil society leadership it should be a good time for quiet reflection and reasoning for the future of the Naga people.
Whether people will agree or not, the apex tribal body the Naga Hoho is not doing enough to take on the leadership mantle in times of such crisis. For whatever reason, the Naga Hoho which was to meet on April 27, five days after the tragedy, to take stock of the situation, ended up postponing a crucial meeting ‘till further notice’. Agreed the apex tribal body has valid reasons for taking the extra cautious line when it comes to the tricky issue of reconciliation of the underground groups, having burnt its finger already more than once. But the Naga Hoho cannot bury its head on the ground when other important issues have to be faced and dealt with. It has to show more resolve and strength of character if it does not want its credibility further eroding. The present leadership within the Naga Hoho will have to do some serious thinking on the direction it should go so as to uphold its legitimacy in the eyes of the Naga public both in the present and the foreseeable future.
Leave aside the more contentious issue of history and politics for now and instead the Naga Hoho must initiate a process of cultural dialogue and to tap the huge reservoir of goodwill that actually exists at the people to people level among the different tribal groups. The Naga Hoho must seriously consider some practical measures to go about this task. One suggestion is to organize an annual or bi-annual cultural get together on the lines of the Hornbill and Lui-Ngai-Ni festival observed by the Government of Nagaland and Nagas of Manipur respectively. At present, both festivals are limited by the presence of only a handful Naga tribal group. Only a full fledged festival involving all tribes can lend cultural integration to the Naga people. It is quite surprising that despite clamor for political and territorial integration, serious efforts have not been sustained to bring people together through the common denominator of culture. This has to change and the Naga Hoho if it wants to remain relevant to the situation will have to step in and correct this divide.
The rich cultural heritage is no doubt the comparative advantage as far as Nagas are concerned. An all out effort must be made to facilitate the congregation of the different tribal communities in celebrating the common cultural heritage of the Nagas. A common festival can also be used to build bridges of understanding and to generate a feeling of brotherhood. It can also be a rare time to interact and share stories of common struggle and aspirations. The unifying force as manifested during festivals such as the hornbill and Lui-Ngai-Ni goes to show that there is a strong desire for unity at the people to people level.
The very significance of such festivals should be seen in the fact that a cultural link binds the common destiny of the people. Leaving aside ideological rhetoric and the divisive political agenda, a common festival can be used a forum for cultural diplomacy as the first step towards resolving political differences that exists. Non political activities such as cultural exchange programs can also be taken up by the Naga Hoho. The unifying force manifested through culture presents a small window of hope for the Naga people. This is both an opportunity and a challenge.
A Naga International Support Center, NISC:Letter of Condolence and spirit The Tanghkul
Deeply shocked by the sudden demise of Mr. Angelus Paiza Shimrah early yesterday morning at Dimapur, on behalf of the Naga International Support Center I condole Zingnimla and her children, the NSCN which he served from 1976 as well as the Naga Nation as a whole. I remember how we met just outside Dimapur when he was a member of the Steering Committee where we reviewed problems and prospects concerning the Nagas. Later when on his way to Rome to connect with the Vatican’s Justice and Peace office we went around some of the country side in the Netherlands to visit cattle farms. He showed a keen interest in automated milking and talked to farmers who showed us their ways in agriculture, husbandry and farm management.
On a lake nearby we sat down to frankly talk about how to achieve what the Nagas stand and about is conviction on, with others, designing a Naga specific constitution.

I remember a soft spoken and thoughtful friend who, with respect to the history of his people, as a member of the Steering Committee was held in regard as an architect of policies. Pure at heart he weathered storms, also when he had to take stern against action aagainst some in his own organization.

Angelus was a man of principles, a fair man, a forgiving man, a man too who knew no one is without fallacies and included Nagas and himself. He knew that no one can be trusted at all times, again including himself,.

I hope his untimely death serves a purpose, the purpose of not just remembering an outstanding Naga, but one who is an example for the next generations, the generations who are due to take over from where he had unfortunately to leave off. The young men and women who know nothing but occupation and soldiers around them are in dire need of the examples he set.

I will remember him fondly.
Frans Welman
Naga International Support Center
Are the Nagas going mad in the Naga Hills? The tangkhul.com
A Naga International Support Center, NISC, www.nagalim.nl A human rights organization Press Release Amsterdam, May 1 2007 :Are the Nagas going mad in the Naga Hills? In the last few weeks major disturbances took place in the Naga Hills:
1 - Intensified fighting amongst Nagas themselves,
2 – The killing of innocent children,
3 – The burning of Wungram village
Let there be no misinterpretation or mistake made:
The Naga International Support Center strongly condemns any atrocity committed by Indians or Nagas.
In Nagaland on cease fire tension is on the rise again. It is a tension with a long history which, time and again, flared with violence. On the surface this time it looks like it is a tension amongst Nagas themselves, a result of psychological side effects of war and uncertainty? Many people lost their lives in the war which started over 50 years ago and tension and fear was instilled then. But it was a war of between Indian and Nagas, the Indians invading and occupying Nagaland. Now with the cease fire in operation for a decade it is Nagas lash out violently at Nagas. Is this a result of the psychological impact on the people caught in a seemingly endless war, or are other factors at work? Who are perpetrating turmoil in Nagaland?

For the NSCN-Isak-Muivah (IM), the Naga Organization which on behalf of the Naga People fights against the Indian Forces who occupy the Naga Hills andis a successor of the erstwhile Naga paramount body the Naga National Council,NNC, before it entered into an Accord leading to disarmament the Federal Naga Army, the answer to this question is a simple one: now that the peace talks are deadlocked the Indian Government instigates with renewed drive its divide and rule policy. For years the leaders of the NSCN-IM have pointed out that the Indian Government played this devastating game of divide and rule and they say this was only to be expected.
Remarkably, see the report below, the NSCN-Kaphlang (K), a split off of the NSCN in 1988 under cir*stances not entirely well known by the Naga populace and on cease fire with the Government of India too, stated just after the horrendous incidences in Nagaland that it will not begin talks for peace as long as the NSCN-IM talks are on. Yet without talks on conditions it extended their cease fire for another year. Were there no issues for them to talk about with the Government representatives now that Nagaland is burning? Should they not have brought that up or at least talk about safeguarding the Naga People during a cease fire? In this respect it is perhaps more important that the Government of India did not raise the inhumane issue of the Quit Notice by the K against the entire Tangkhul tribe when talking about the extension. The question is can a self respecting Government, any Government, on the basis of human rights alone, be credible when it does not intervene? After all the Government of India claims that Nagaland is part of India so the K and its quit notice is subjected to the Government of India. History shows when one people quits on another ethnic cleansing could be the result. But, the Government of India neither raised the question nor did it openly condemn it. Also it did not call for the arrest of leaders of the K for this infringement of human rights. Does this mean that the Government of India encourages the NSCN-K?
Remarkable it is too that the former high ranking member of the NSCN-IM, A. Z. Jami, who served the NSCN-IM for many years after Khaplang split off violently, defected to become part of the NSCN-K.
A. Z. Jami who defected from the IM some two years ago and is now a top leader of the NSCN-K said that:
“unless the ongoing peace talk between the Govt of India and the NSCN-IM is wound-up the NSCN-K will never enter into the dialogue process with the Govt of India.” NSCN-K Kilonser A.Z. Jami reasoned that his outfit does not want to get things complicated and so it will not hold talks with the Govt of India so long as the latter is in the process of dialogue with the NSCN-IM. Calling the NSCN-IM as the terrorist group, A.Z. Jami said that whatever settlement may be the outcome of the ongoing talks between the “terrorist group” and the Govt of India, the NSCN-K will be at the negotiating table as soon as the talk of the rival faction gets over. “Let them (NSCN-IM) have whatever solution they like to have but we will only start the dialogue with the Govt of India the moment the Isak-Khadao group (NSCN-IM) winds up,” declared A.Z.Jami.
A.Z. Jami was once the Kilonser (minister) of the NSCN-IM in the Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) before defecting to the Khaplang faction of the NSCN few years ago. A.Z.Jami had also held numerous fat portfolios of the NSCN-IM when the leader was in the outfit. NNN. End of report of Newmai network.
If we are to believe A.Z. Jami then we cannot but conclude that he has been a terrorist for a long time and now underwrites the ‘quit notice’ on the Tangkhuls one of which, Muivah of the M in the IM, he has replaced with Khadao, the vide president of the NSCN-IM. Consequently he, as a spokesperson of the K has eradicated Muivah, a Tangkhul and a Naga.
Another remarkable thing happened: the Wungram arson though carried out by a wild mob of the Sema tribe is said to have been ordered by a Sema chief who has close relations with the K. NISC questions: when knowing that in Wungram colony it was primarily Tangkhuls living and that it is common knowledge to many that some of them are NSCN leaders, what then was the rationale behind this?
Of course things happened before the mob set fire to the village. But then, before going berserk a respectable and civilized community would want an investigation on the allegations made against members of the Wungram community.
All in all due to the fratricidal killings and due to the occupation of their land the Nagas cannot investigate impartially who are the culprits of the horrid deeds against themselves. It is impossible to tell with certainty what party is responsible for the killing of schoolchildren, the burning of a village and last but not least the killing of Nagas in gunfights. Consequently:
The Naga International Support Center calls on the authorities, national and local, to form an impartial team of investigators assigned to look into the three issues stated above.
NISC recommends a body which is knowledgeable about the parties in conflict as well as the relations they have with the Government of India yet is capable of securing an impartial stand.
NISC is convinced that this type of investigation will lead to the real culprits behind the atrocities they committed, their motivation and if they operated alone or were coerced to act for others. The question which remains now is: if the authorities themselves are guilty of instigating so the power of the NSCN-IM to operate as an equal partner at the negotiating table fades, will they allow an impartial investigation?
For more background information on the Indo-Naga Conflict visit our website:
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K to stay away from talks Sangai Express
Dimapur, Apr 28:The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) is hell-bent on not to hold political dialogues with the Govt of India so long as the latter continues peace-talks with the rival Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN. The cease fire between the Govt of India and the NSCN-K has been extended on Thursday for another one more year but the road to the negotiating table is still not in sight.
Talking to Newmai News Network this afternoon over phone from Mon district of Nagaland, NSCN-K top leader A.Z. Jami said that unless the ongoing peace talk between the Govt of India and the NSCN-IM is wound-up the NSCN-K will never enter into the dialogue process with the Govt of India. NSCN-K Kilonser A.Z. Jami reasoned that his outfit does not want to get things complicated and so it will not hold talks with the Govt of India so long as the latter is in the process of dialogue with the NSCN-IM.
Calling the NSCN-IM as the terrorist group, A.Z. Jami said that whatever settlement may be the outcome of the ongoing talks between the “terrorist group” and the Govt of India, the NSCN-K will be at the negotiating table as soon as the talk of the rival faction gets over. “Let them (NSCN-IM) have whatever solution they like to have but we will only start the dialogue with the Govt of India the moment the Isak-Khadao group (NSCN-IM) winds up,” declared A.Z.Jami.
A.Z. Jami was once the Kilonser (minister) of the NSCN-IM in the Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) before defecting to the Khaplang faction of the NSCN few years ago. A.Z.Jami had also held numerous fat portfolios of the NSCN-IM when the leader was in the outfit. NNN
Name minister with Ulfa link, Assam minister to MP Hindustan Times
Guwahati, Do politicians and parties across the northeast enjoy a nexus with outlawed militants? Some might seem to if the social set-up and demographic patterns are taken into consideration, said an Assam minister on Tuesday. The issue of politician-militant nexus has dogged the region ever since the elite northeast study group — supercop KPS Gill was a key member — had submitted a report to the Centre five years ago. The report claimed MLAs in the region pay militant groups an average Rs 11 lakh to stay in power. The debated was stoked again last week when Khiren Rijiju, the BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh, said in the Lok Sabha that an influential minister in the Tarun Gogoi Cabinet was an Ulfa member who did not surrender. Rijiju also accused some militants of running the show in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
"Link with militant outfits depends on how you look at the social and demographic set-up in the region. There’s no point making vague allegations," said Sarma. "If one has specific information, he should name the minister instead of beating about the bush."
According to Sarma, "virtually everyone knows everybody" in close-knit societies across the northeast, and no political leader can claim not to have been the neighbour, friend or colleague of one militant or the other. "If Sarbananda Sonowal (Asom Gana Parishad MP from Dibrugarh) had friends in the university who joined the Ulfa later on, does that mean he has links with the outfit?" he asked. Notably, elections in Assam are said to be won or lost depending on which side the Ulfa or outfits such as NDFB is on. In Nagaland, the Congress is believed to be pro-NSCN (Khaplang) while the regional Nagaland Peoples’ Front and its BJP ally is accused of patronizing the NSCN (Isak-Muivah). Likewise, Opposition leaders have accused Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga—an ex-rebel himself—of being in league with certain tribal militant groups.
More recently, Thounaojam Shyamkumar Singh became a Manipur Peoples’ Party MLA from Andro constituency. He was arrested in New Delhi on October 9 for being a sympathiser of the outlawed United National Liberation Front.
UNLF Gen Secretary arrested Newmai News Network
General Secretary of the Manipur based proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) Narengbam Marjit Singh alias Thabal alias Yaima alias Sharma (49) (centre with bald head) is being taken to the court of the Guwahati Chief Judicial Magistrate this afternoon in Guwahati.The Manipur police personnel are seen holding the UNLF leader in civvies while going to the court. (Photo:Newmai News Network)
Guwahati/Imphal General Secretary of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), General Secretary Narengbam Marjit Singh was caught by the Manipur Special Commando Group in Guwahati in the wee hours today. According to sources, the UNLF General Secretary was arrested from a rented house in Noonmati area of Guwahati. The police team had recovered Rupees 47 lakhs in cash along with some computer gadgets, four mobile handsets and other related documents. The top brass of the Manipur based militant outfit UNLF was produced before the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Joosmita Sarma in Guwahati in the afternoon. The troop of Manipur police has received a transit order from CJM Court to move with the militant leader to Manipur. In other catch by the Guwahati city police, a four member group of cadres of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are arrested from a city hotel last night.
The cadres of the PLA outfit were arrested on information given by the Guwahati City Police from a hotel in Fancy Bazaar at about 12.15 am last night. The cadres are, Yum Tombam Bung (28) alias Ratan, a self styled sergeant PLA, Nongmaithem Amuba Singh (34) alias Nelson, Nongmaithem Narendra Singh (29), Yumbem bam Malem (38) alias Ibotomba Singh, 2nd Lieutenant PLA. A case has been registered in this connection at Panbazar Police station in the city and the accused had been produced in the CJM court today.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police, Y Joykumar informed journalists in Imphal that a seven member Manipur police following a specific tip off, had rushed to Guwahati on Tuesday and arrested the top UNLF leader. The police chief said that in the past one month Manipur police have been on the sprawl going to different parts of India including Kolkata, Bangalore, Guwahati and Dimapur to arrest various militant leaders based in Manipur. He said that these measures have been initiated as top government officials from Manipur have been summoned to big cities outside Manipur demanding money by the militants based in Manipur. The DGP said that since the underground elements since difficult to settle the extortion matters, have been asking the government officials to go to various parts of India to discuss their extortion related cases.
Failure of Centre-ULFA peace talks leads to spurt in violence Sentinel
NEW DELHI, May 2: Failure of the peace initiative with ULFA in Asom had a direct bearing on the security scenario in the North Eastern Region going by the spurt in violence in recent months.
A Union Home Ministry document revealed that while the number of incidents had doubled in the first quarter of 2007 against the corresponding period last year, civilian casualties registered over three-fold increase.
The MHA report said that till March 31, 2007 there have been 156 incidents in Asom compared to 85 during the same period last year, showing that the number of incidents had nearly doubled.
Likewise, 99 civilians were killed during the first three months this year, which was more than three times compared to the figure of 31 during the corresponding period of 2006.
It said ULFA, with which the Government observed over a month-long ceasefire last year but called it off following the outfit’s refusal to come to the negotiating table, accounted for over 50 per cent of the violent incidents in 2006.
In the first quarter of 2007, ULFA militants unleashed large-scale violence ahead of the National Games in Guwahati in February, and in the first two weeks of January alone they killed 70 Bihari migrant workers.
While the MHA said that the increased ULFA violence in Asom has been a “disconcerting development”, the situation in other northeastern states is hardly encouraging.
Manipur continues to be affected by insurgent activities of a large number of militant outfits divided on ethnic lines, the MHA report said.
It said 166 incidents occurred during the first quarter of 2007 resulting in the killing of 23 security personnel and 28 civilians. The situation was better during the corresponding period last year as 12 security personnel and 17 civilians were killed in 131 incidents.
The report also pointed out that inter-factional clashes in Nagaland continue to disturb the otherwise peaceful environment. The marginal increase in violence was mostly on account of internecine clashes between factions of the NSCN. The number of incidents rose from 59 during the first three months of 2006 to 61 during the same period this year.
However, the situation in Tripura has shown a “marked improvement”.
While Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh continue to suffer from low intensity violence, Mizoram and Sikkim remain by and large peaceful. (PTI)
Annual convention of the BPPF
Asom will prosper if Bodoland prospers: CM From our Correspondent Sentinel
ROWTA CHARIALI, May 2: “Bodoland was once most trouble-torn area, but after the peace accord announced by the Congress, the entire BTC region has become one of the most peaceful areas of the State. We have proved to be a good alliance which has brought peace and tranquillity in this part of the North-east region. If Bodoland prospers, Assam will prosper.”
This was stated by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi while addressing the open session of the first ever historic annual convention of the Bodoland People Progressive Front (BPPF) here at Udalguri stadium as the chief guest which was attended by more than 20,000 people cutting across caste, creed and religion.
Addressing the open session in a mammoth gathering moderated by BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary, Gogoi clarified that the Congress in the State has a close relationship with the BPPF. “We have certain differences of opinion, but it is simply like family differences. Both Congress and BPPF often look for peace and tranquillity of the State and we are committed to good governance”, the chief minister added.
He also appealed to all insurgent groups like the ULFA, NDFB, DHD and UPDDs to shun violence and follow the path and ideology of the BLT, which after signing the peace accord, contributed a lot to the preservation of peace and tranquillity in the region.
The open session was also addressed by Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Health Minister, MP SK Bwismuthiary among others.
Earlier, Rihon Daimari, PHE Minister and president of the reception committee read out the welcome address in brief. Subsequently, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary hoisted the party flag followed by homage to Bodofa UN Brahma and other martyrs of the Bodoland agitation.
As the multi-cultural procession was cancelled due to inclement weather; a cultural show was held instead, where all ethnic tribes of the State participated.
The three-day long historic annual convention of the BPPF which got underway on April 26, adopted 17 resolutions among which strengthening alliance with the ruling Congress and setting up an agricultural college at Udalguri were noteworthy.
“There cannot be existence of any rival political party in the Bodoland Council as long as I am alive”, remarked Hagrama Mohilary while delivering his presidential speech at the open session of the three-day long first historic annual convention at Udalguri here.“Since people of the BTC region have seen the level of development in the area and the prevalence of peace and harmony are on, they are with the BPPF and we cannot imagine existence of any other rival parties in the region at least till I am alive”, Mohilarly stressed.In his brief presidential speech, Hagrama termed Gogoi as a guardian and well-wisher of the BTC.