[Previous entry: "NSCN (IM) Chairman holds India responsible‘Nagas should not be blamed if talks collapse’ The Morung Express"] [Next entry: "AR to intervene in factional clash if demanded The Morung Express"]

05/03/2007: "Isak sounds herald for reforms within NSCN-IM Self-serving interests ‘eating away our foundation’ The Morung Express"

Isak sounds herald for reforms within NSCN-IM Self-serving interests ‘eating away our foundation’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 3 (MExN): Taking strong cognizance of issues confronting the NSCN-IM today, Chairman Isak Chishi Swu is deeply concerned that indiscipline, selfishness and immorality have eaten into the very organization. To redress these regressions, Swu has sounded a herald for reforming the organization, which he said, is the need of the hour.
“A time has come for NSCN to inject fresh and innovative ideas into the civil and military wings. A reformed NSCN party equipped with result-oriented ideas in its military and civil set-up is the need of the hour” Swu said addressing the party meeting of the NSCN-IM at Camp Hebron held May 2-3. He challenged the gathering with questions of purpose and institutional accountability to the purpose itself: whether in the pursuit of the “national goal” the socio-political and economic upheavals ‘in our own backyards’ are being forgotten; whether the Naga nation is moving in the right direction; whether the NSCN is fulfilling the “promise” to the Naga people.
“Unless NSCN rises from the self-induced sleep, we shall be humiliated on account of our own weakness; our great struggle will be diminished and Naga history will be losing” he cautioned. Swu, while acknowledging the gathering as revolutionaries with enormous responsibilities, “but somehow burdened by indiscipline, selfishness, self-righteousness and immorality.” These elements, he lamented, “have eaten into the very foundation of our institution.”
The chairman queried whether the organizational entities of the NSCN-IM has abused power and authority granted to them “by heaven and the people.” ‘You may profess innocence,’ he pointed out, and loyalty towards your nation but for once why not look deep within you and acknowledge the presence of subtle hatred, envy, selfish, arrogance, avarice against your co-worker, not to mention the same against the civilian population.
“Your idea of self-enrichment is turning away many men and women who believe in the Naga struggle. Your lifestyles bereft of revolutionary ideals have shut down thousands of mouths from praying for the salvation of Nagalim. Do not turn your self into a parasite of Nagalim” he reproached.
Swu also challenged the gathering to “unmask yourselves and see who you really are in relation to your people and your nation.” He reminded that “we first tackle our hearts” and ponder on how patriotic the NSCN has been since the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India. “…integrity towards God, your history, your people, your community, your family and to yourself is the demand of the hour” he reminded the meeting. He said that any issue viewed with clarity and vision shall be the organization’s strength and transparent and honest deliberation must be called without compromising on the national principle. “…we stand on the threshold of a new chapter for Nagalim. It is up to us to decide our own destiny. Let our commitment to the cause be a cherished testimony to the present and future generations” the chairman encouraged while acknowledging that the NSCN-IM shall constantly seek the wisdom of elders for a better understanding of the problems at hand. “We will continue to solicit the moral support of various countries and international organizations for self-determination” he added.
Factions seem sidetrack the “real Naga issue”: Dr Lotha Oken Jeet Sandham
Khensa (Mokokchung), Mar 3 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr TM Lotha expressed pain and anguish on the prevailing state of affairs amongst the various Naga underground groups in the State. Speaking as Chief Guest at the Moatsu Festival here on Wednesday, the Minister came down heavily on the senseless fratricides amongst the Naga underground factions, and asked, “What do they gain if they kill their brothers and sisters.”

He said they seemed to have forgotten the Naga people’s mandate for sovereignty, and rather they seemed to be fighting for “dominance and supremacy.” Seeing the ongoing mindless acts amongst the underground factions in the State, they seemed to have “sidetracked” the “whole issue,” he said adding, “the question of sovereignty is not there.”

Asking logic behind this menace, Dr Lotha was categorical that the 60 years old Naga political issue should not be projected in that present fashion. “My parents suffered, you suffered, I am also suffering and even our kids are experiencing similar situation,” he stated. In the process, they had lost in terms of human lives, properties, and besides facing unprecedented economic and developmental deprivation, he added.

“I think we have suffered more than our shares,” he pointed out. “It is time for the whole Naga people to realize and understand to lid all these acts.” “Unless the Naga people come together, this problem will continue and the Naga people will ever remain backward,” he further cautioned.

Appealing all the Naga people in the name of Maotsu Festival to unite and work for peace, the Minister stated the Naga people had a very unique underlining character that cemented the whole Naga family members. “If I say Naga, it becomes natural cementing bond and this affinity should be constantly nurtured,” he stated. He also reminded about it was DAN Government’s commitment to bring permanent peace in their land. He said today the general mood of relative peace was felt everywhere and further expressed that they did not want to go against the wishes of the people whose desire was total peace to prevail in their land.

State School Education Minister Imkong L Imchen also spoke on the occasion. He lamented the manner in which the underground factions---be it NSCN-IM or NSCN-K or Federal---were heading for. He said the factions took the present ceasefires as a “license to kill the Nagas.” “It s tragic and travesty of the ceasefire itself,” he asserted. The underground factions had totally forgotten the “Naga Sovereignty issue, so also the 1951 Plebiscite,” he said adding they had little concern for the political issue but seriously concerned on their “mindless fratricides.”

Sending a goodwill message and greetings to all especially the different underground groups, the Minister appealed to them to bury their hatchets and work for the common cause of the Naga people. Various cultural dances, folk songs, tug of war enthralled the mammoth crowd. The Chief Guest Dr Lotha also donated Rs 1 lac towards the fund of the Khensa Village Council. Imsumeren chaired the program.
Swu talks of ‘indiscipine and immorality’ By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, May 3: NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu called upon his comrades to refurbish the tainted image of the outfit, as stated by a press release.
At the inaugural session of the party meeting at Hebron Camp on Wednesday, Swu spoke at length against “indiscipline, selfishness, self-righteousness and immorality” among party members which had undermined people’s faith in the NSCN(I-M). He admonished errant coworkers for deviating from the Christian principles and exhorted them to practise “integrity towards God, your history, your people, your community, your family and to yourself”.
The work of revolutionaries is to lead their country to freedom; their demeanour should inspire and not mortify the people’s just demand for independence, he said. “Have you not abused the power and authority granted to you by Heaven and the people of Nagalim? Why don’t you look deep within and acknowledge the presence of subtle hatred, envy, selfishness, arrogance, avarice against your coworker, not to mention the same against the civilian population?”, the NSCN (IM) chairman asked. He also spoke about cooperation and ties with other revolutionary groups of the region so as to etch out independent identity for the ethnic groups of Southeast Asia.
Swu lashed out at the Indian Government for trying to divide Nagas along sectarian lines. He criticized the Indian media for “churning out probabilities and negative possibilities in their attempt to frustrate the older generation and corrupt the new”. He, however, maintained that the NSCN (IM) would continue to abide steadfastly by the Nagas’ rights and honour.
DHEP president released from NSCN K custody The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 3 (MExN): The president of the landowners’ Union of DHEP, O Mozamo Ngullie was taken into “custody” by the NSCN-K of the Lotha region on April 26 at Suruhoto under Zunheboto. He was however released unharmed on the 29th.
The union came to know of this incident only after being informed by the president. A note from the union stated that Ngullie assured his members that the NSCN-K had taken him into their custody purely for “obtaining clarifications” relating to the functioning of the union and not for otherwise. In a meeting of the union, Ngullie made clear that the NSCN-K cadres had provided him with all “required” hospitality and took care of him with “absolute love and compassion.” Further, no ransom was demanded nor any ill-treatment meted out to him but rather all necessary security was provided, the union stated.
Ngullie thanked the NSCN-K organization for their “special care” as well as his colleagues and the Lotha Hoho of Doyang unit, particularly the chairman, for their help and concern during the moments of anxiety.
While expressing surprise and shock at the development, the union hopes that such incidents would not take place again. It also thanked the NSCN-K Lotha region for the safe release and return of the union’s president. The union welcomed the statement of the NSCN-K Lotha region that killings amongst Nag brothers and bloodshed should stop. In this regard the union appealed to all concerned to cease violence and hostilities to usher in permanent peace in the land.
The union affirmed that it has been rendering dedicated service to the affected people ‘without favoritism’ and on this resolved to take up all-round developmental activities for the welfare of the affected land owners of DHEP a per merit of cases.
NSCNs face-off in outskirts of Dimapur The Morung Express
NIULAND/DIMAPUR, MAY 3 (MExN): The NSCNs were locked in fierce combat since 4 am today at Nikhekhu village, about two kilometers before Niuland, scattering villagers from their homes. Though there were no casualties, the face-off went on for the entire day as both the factions stubbornly refused to leave the area.
Police sources reported that the NSCN (IM) had blocked the exit of the NSCN (K) and called in reinforcements, demanding that the latter group lay down their arms and surrender. It was only after a day-long negotiation by the district administration led by the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, K.N Ngullie and several other NGOs like the Western Sumi Hoho, Naga Hoho, Sumi Tutami Hoho etc that the situation was finally diffused and the two groups finally vacated the village around 5:30 pm.
Ngullie, the DC, Dimapur said that the situation was now under control and the villagers had returned to their houses in their presence.
A senior member of a Hoho who was present at the negotiation said that the reason for the clash was the NSCN (IM)’s resentment over the efforts of the NSCN (K) to penetrate an area that was not their domain. The NSCN (K) had entered Nikhekhu village yesterday and this move had spurred the other group to defend a place which had previously been their area.
In a separate press release issued by the MIP, the NSCN (IM) stated that the Khaplang cadres led by “SS. Maj.” Vikato had forcefully intruded into Nikhekhu village around 11 am yesterday and obstinately disregarding all request and occupied houses, had dug bunkers and built defences in the village.
They further alleged that Vikato had announced a challenge to them of armed confrontation and threatened villagers through hand mics that the houses of those who left the village would be burnt down.

Further saying that the Khaplang group had used the villagers as human shield and consequently the NSCN (IM) had come forward to evict them and return normalcy to the area. The release added that the Khaplang boys had escaped fenced by the AR towards the Assam Rifle Camp continuing that it remains to speculation why the NSCN (K) always appeared in their “terror permeating” strategies under the shadow of the AR and asked them to accept their traitotous identity or part with their anti-social, anti-naga campaigns under false pretexts and join the “Naga people’s national fold”.
Meanwhile, Supervisor of UT-1 Akato Chophy stated that the NSCN (K) boys had simply been trying to defend themselves when the other group suddenly attacked them early this morning. Saying that they had come to the village yesterday in peace, merely to visit and meet the people after having been in the jungle around Nikhekhu. “If we had come for war we would have attacked their many camps here and there or gone to those villages where NSCN (IM) leaders are staying” he said. Chophy also said that the boys had not wanted to leave the village but was waiting for the other group to do so, but they had relented after listening to the public. “We listened to the public and will continue to do so”, he said adding that the NSCN (IM) had tried to take revenge for Wangrum inferno by creating a similar situation in Nikhekhu. Saying that the people were fed-up with the NSCN (IM) for having their finger in every pie, Akato communicated to the people of Dimapur that the NSCN (K) would make their presence felt in Dimapu. “Even though we may not have a big presence in Dimapur like the NSCN (IM), we have a very big presence in the hearts of the people and for us, that is what matters most” he said continuing, “we are here to stay because we are home”.
Rs 1,23,03,580/- cheque goes missing Gauhati HC directs Vigilance probe into Sugar Mill scam The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 3 (MExN): The Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench has directed the Commissioner Vigilance, Government of Nagaland to hold an enquiry to find out as to how a Cheque amounting to over Rs one crore had been withdrawn from the concerned bank and also where the money had gone. The court passed the order in relation to allegations made in a petition stating that all the entitlement and benefits pertaining to ex-seasonal employees of the erstwhile Nagaland Sugar Mills Co Ltd (NSMC) amounting to Rs 1,23,03,580/- had gone missing into the wrong hands with involvement of NSCN (IM) functionaries also surfacing.
In response to the petition, the State respondents also filed an affidavit in opposition stating that all the entitlement and benefits pertaining to the ex-employees of NSMC amounting to Rs 1,23,03,580/- had been released vide Cheque no 331998 dated 23-04-04 for disbursement by the Director of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland. The affidavit made by the State respondents also stated that the said Cheque had been handed over to one Visheke Sema, the Chairman, Adhoc Committee Seasonal Ex-employees, NSMC Ltd Dimapur vide a letter dated 26-04-04.
Denying this Visheke Sema filed an affidavit in opposition stating that as Chairman, Adhoc Committee Seasonal Ex-employees, he had never received any letter from the Director of Industries and Commerce informing about the release of the said Cheque and that he never received the said Cheque either from any official respondents or Government department. It was also stated in the affidavit that Visheke Sema and others went to meet the Director of Industries at Kohima and submitted an application requesting him to release the amount of Rs 1,23,03,580/- for payment to the seasonal employees but the Director asked them to meet him on 27-04-04 at his office.

Visheke Sema, who is respondent no 7 further, states in the affidavit that on 27-04-04 at about 7 am the deponent however received a telephone call from one Mr Azheto, a high functionary of the NSCN (IM) asking the deponent to meet him at the 4th Mile residence of Khekiho, Minister Industry and Commerce. On arriving at the residential gate of the Minister along with one Saban Rai, Secretary of the Adhoc Committee, a messenger informed the deponent that he should proceed to the residence of one Mr Vishito also of the NSCN (IM) and residing at 4th Mile.
On meeting Mr Vishito the deponent was asked to receive an amount of Rs 30,00,000/- and issue a money receipt on behalf of all the seasonal employees of the company. The deponent flatly refused to do so and left the residence of Mr Vishito only to return at the insistence of Mr Rai to make proper enquiries on the matter. The Chairman, Adhoc Committee Seasonal Ex-employees further stated that on his return, he was threatened and compelled to receive an amount of Rs 16,31,000/-. It was further stated that Mr Vishito had already made payment for sum of Rs 13,69,000/- to twelve of the employees who had also reached the residence of Mr Vishito.
Of the money received amounting to Rs 16,31,000/- the deponent (Mr Visheke Sema) made payments for Rs 12,95,298/- only to the employees on first come first basis while the balance amount of Rs 3,35,702/- only was handed to Mr Saban Rai, Secretary of the Adhoc Committee for making necessary payments to the employees of the company.
Later it may be mentioned that the deponent (Mr Visheke Sema) had received legal notice from the lawyer (dated 3-01-05) of some of the seasonal employees, questioning the non-payment of the retirement schemes. The deponent had on 15-01-05 replied that with the exception of Rs 30,00,000/- only which has been distributed to some employees of the company, the deponent never received the Cheque no 331998 amounting to the total Rs 1, 23, 03,580/-.
The court observed that this being the position of the deponent so far, it was now for the official respondent to clearly prove with records as to whom the Cheque no 331998 amounting to Rs 1, 23, 03,580/- was issued and how a part of the money meant for payment to the employees of the Sugar Mill Company fell into the hands of certain unauthorized persons who were not at all suppose to have custody of such money. “It is the official respondent who can best explain this situation and not the answering deponent”, the court observed in its judgement while giving the Vigilance Commissioner a period of one month from the date of receipt of this order (26-04-07) to hold enquiry and necessary compliance.
UNLF chief pays tributes to Angelus The Morung Express The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, May 3: The chief of the United National Liberation Front, RK Sanayaima, has paid a fond farewell to senior NSCN(IM) leader, Angelus Shimrah, who passed away recently.
Sanayaima, in a statement released to the press, also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family, and prayed for the peace of his soul.
Giving a revolutionary salute, to the deceased leader, Sanayaima observed that though ideological and policy differences exist between the UNLF and the NSCN(IM), the sudden demise of his beloved friend, Oja Angie, has made him realise that such differences do not erase the friendships of the past. Sanayaima recalled that he had met Angelus Shimrah for the first time in 1976, when as leader of a two-man UNLF delegation he travelled to the Eastern Naga base area to meet leaders of the NNC.
Accompanied by 78 cadres of the ‘Tangkhul region’ from Ukhrul, Sanayaima recalled, the trip to the NNC headquarters, passing through the Somra Tract, and Burmese Naga Hills, took 20 days.
At the time, senior NNC leaders, including Thuingaleng Muivah, were away in China, and the team stayed on in the camp to await their return. During their year-long stay, Angelus was their constant companion and many fruitful discussions were held with him, Sanayaima noted.
Angelus, who had once been a teacher at the Don Bosco School, Imphal, was a man who was well aware of the basic unity underlying various aspects of life in Manipur, Sanayaima stated, and observed that a close friendship developed between them.
Oja Angie, he recalled, was a compassionate disciplinarian, and was also a thinker.
He further recalled that after the talks with the Naga leaders, when in April 1979, they left the Eastern Naga base area and returned to Manipur via Arunachal Pradesh, Angelus accompanied them, and also stayed with him for a long time afterwards in Manipur.
Further, in December 1980, when Isak, Khaplang and Muivah formed the NSCN, Angelus Shimrah was instrumental in building a close relationship between the NSCN and the UNLF, Sanayaima recalled. He further observed that the passing away of Angelus Shimrah was a great loss for the liberation movement of the region.
Causes of April 22 Wungram incident- Column Nagaland Post
We are deeply pained to have projected the good image of our Naga brothers and sisters through this ugly carnage. We also wanted to say sorry to those women and children who were traumatized with no fault of theirs. We are not writing this article to endorse the incident or to justify the action which we never wanted. We only wish to bring out some of our humble opinion to our brothers and sisters that sometimes such thing happens to open our eyes to see and to know better things.
We would like to say that Sumis never wanted Tangkhul brothers and sisters to leave Zunheboto in particular or Nagaland in general. Fighting can erupt among the brothers or they might have destroyed each other's property but that does not always mean that sense of brotherhood is done away with. We need to understand that one human life is worth more than 30 houses burnt. Had we so intended, we could have easily manhandled or even killed those three guilty Tangkhul brothers who started the fire. But we were not after precious human life. We only wanted to express our accumulated resentments. We always wish that our patriotic Tangkhul brothers to come out openly with their brave heart and live a free life as other Nagas are doing since time immemorial. We want you to feel secure and live a normal life but may be your life style is not allowing you to live a safe life. We are all aware that any news they (Tangkhuls) make is a bad news like killing, hurting, threatening…etc. which has attracted so much criticism and hatred resulting into a quit notice served to them by Aos at Mokokchung, by Chakhesangs at Phek and recent outburst of anger on them by Sumis. Unless Tangkhul brothers start building up your harmless image in Nagaland, Tangkhuls will be considered outsiders by other Nagas. So, it is now high time for you ( Tangkhul ), to ponder over and ask yourselves why no one can truly love you in Nagaland. Know that true love and happiness cannot be won by guns but by Heart. In order to co exist as brothers in a society, one should do good deeds and contribute goodwill as well, which we hardly receive from our Tangkhul brothers here.
We always wonder how come so much grumbles and hearsay about Tangkhuls can be rumored when we hardly see any Tangkhul in the open street. Conclusively, everybody take it for granted that something fishy is going on unseen. People talk about Law of the land and customary law, but are we really ingeniously capable of handling those evil designs concealed in a sick mind by the so-called "Law of the land or customary law?
Weren't all those inhuman tortures and subsequent executions meted out to Sumis in particular and Nagas in general in the past few years under the Tangkhul commands without any proper investigation done under the very nose of the law keepers? When a God given precious life is lost, no one cares. But when houses are burnt, everybody including those so-called intellectuals and scholars care. One should always remember that a coin has other side too. Law is only applicable to something which can be substantiated, but not on something without proof. But when the people's sentiments are toyed beyond their limit and when people find out that the Law cannot protect their very life, they begin to opt for self-defense rather than wait for the law indefinitely. We also wish to say that it is always better to sort out something for good even if we have to fight or quarrel for that matter, rather than to be friends or brothers in disguise.
However, we honestly acknowledge that Tangkhuls are Nagas and our brothers. And for which we are concerned especially for the future that lay ahead of us. We earnestly request our Tangkhul brothers to forgive us if we have hurt them in our action or opinion. But as we express our opinion, if there is anything, which is worthy of adopting by you for introspection, we are ready to forgive you too, and we are sure our relationship will be strengthened further.
Hevishe Sumi, Toito Sumi, Vitokhu Sumi, Romeo Sumi, Duncan Basti, Dimapur
Plight of foreign wives- Nagaland Post Opinion
I wish to express my appreciation to our CM for his efforts to get the RAP rigmarole done away with. He needs to tell the Centre that the Government of Nagaland will jolly well give RAPs, PAPs to whomever they wish, thank you very much.
There are only a few of us foreign wives of Nagas here in Nagaland. We are jolly well tired of this RAP/PAP business, too. Seldom do we receive our permit renewals on time. One of us has been permit-less since August 2006! As for myself, I too am here illegally since 17 March. The police and State Home Department could care less, apparently, whether we have permits or not, very nice of them. But the problem arises when we want to leave India on a trip. You would think the police would be happy to issue us with the required Police Clearance to leave the country, since we are here illegally anyway (with their full knowledge and apparent blessing). In fact, once the SP said to me that since I was leaving, there was no need to take action against me. But he still wanted my permit renewal to come first! They want the permits to come (which allow us to stay) before they will allow us to leave! We can neither stay (legally) nor leave without those darn permits. My husband jokes that he should build me a tree house, so that I am not on Indian soil. But then the tree trunk is fixed to Indian soil!
I'm not sure if the Nagaland Home Department is doing all it could do to ensure that we get our permits on time. But I am sure the main problem is with the Union Home Ministry, some of whose officials are either anti-Christian, anti-Naga, or both. They are just trying to harass us, rather our husbands.
Do the Naga people and the Government of Nagaland want us to live in Nagaland or not? If so, they need to speak up and help us. Why should foreign wives of Nagas, who are, the Centre insists, Indian nationals (when it suits the Centre), have to endure this red tape? Whenever I mention this problem to anyone, during the past 33 years, whether here or in USA, the stock reply is always the same: How can this be, seeing you are married to a Naga? My answer: the Indian Government doesn't see it that way. All they see is the foreign passport we are carrying.
On another subject: I think not only Naga "tribalism" has to go, but the very Naga tribes themselves need "to go". Isn't it enough to be simply a Naga?
And another: I wonder why Nagas cannot seem to do anything right, whether UGs, Government, Government departments, educational system, churches, families (something is wrong with Naga boys), villages, etc. etc. Thank you for enduring my comments!
Margaret A. Shishak, Director of Music, Patkai Christian College.
Human Rights – Vs – Indo-Naga issue Ashon Lungleng MExp Perspective
UNITED NATIONS – “Human Rights could be generally defined as those which are inherent in our nature and without which we cannot live as human beings”.

Justice D.V. Madan said, “The concept of human rights is the result of man’s inhumanity to man.”

Human Rights is viewed as an on going attempt to define human dignity and worth and to create human rights culture in future for society. The basic Principles of human rights culture will survive only if people continue to see a point in it doing so. It needs to be constantly defended. The concept of human rights tells the detailed story of the attempt made to define basic dignity and worth of the human beings and his or her most fundamental entitlement. The denial of human rights and fundamental freedoms, not only is an individual and personal tragedy but also creates conditions of social and political unrest sowing the seeds of violence and conflict within and between societies and nations. To avoid these problems, various international agencies including United Nations laid stress for the protection of human rights.
The UN determined and reaffirmed faith in fundamental human rights in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men, without distinction as to race, language or religion. A declaration made by the UN in 1992 requires the member state to safeguard and promote the identity of the ethnic, cultural and religious minorities living within its jurisdiction.
The immediate objective of UN Security Council is to maintain international Peace and Security and to settle any disputes through peaceful means.
India, one of the founding members of UN, has argued even for a permanent seat in UN Security Council, but is India really a peace loving state ? It is doubtful. Is there no room at all to solve Indo-Naga political problems through peaceful means ? It is painful to hear that Sumi (Sema) tribe of the Nagas came and set fire under the directive policy of Indian Union Govt., in Wungram Colony, Dimapur Nagaland, a residential place of NSCN- (IM) families, around 11:30am and the fire lasted till 7:00pm, on 22nd of April 2007, of which the Nagaland State Govt. is helpless and remain a mere spectator. It is very shameful, being a member of UN, using barbaric act, tried to bring a division, confusion among the Nagas. Denying the human dignity and principles of humanism, for how long India, using divide and rule policy, barbaric act, would solve the Indo- Naga political problems ? It is true that India has lost its ethical values and decencies. Rather to remain a mere spectator, a peace loving Nations and member of UN should understand that India has affront to human dignity and disavowal of the principles of the UN charter. Is satisfaction for India would come when several Naga families remain homeless ? Is these the love and peace that the Indian leaders are talking about ? Gandhi says: “our religion is based on Ahimsa, which in its active form is nothing but love, love not only to our neighbours, not only to our friends, but even to those who may be our enemies”. Being the member of UN, if India is not so respectfully looked upon by others to what extend has India contributed to the indifference ?
The other related questions for India are : Why is India’s claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council treated with contempt ? Why does its attempt to secure a non- permanent seat in competition with Japan meet with a crushing defeat ? Why, for that matter, is the world so set that the dividing line between nuclear and non- nuclear states must pass between China and India when two are of equal size, have been in armed conflict before and are five times larger than the next most populous country ? Why is India chiefly not in the news ? To cite an example, the New York Times carries at least five stories on China every week and hardly a single item for weeks on India. We do not understand why China is in the mainstream news. It looks that the world is interested even in such secondary policy changes like tax hikes on foreign companies. Only cyclones and earthquakes, poverty, child labour and violation of human rights seem to attract them. The world’s second populous nation and its largest democracy has no concern for them. May be that India is a peace loving country and as such there is no news for them. India, as such, is no threat to any other country except Pakistan. But this cannot be the reason. On nuclear proliferation, it is argued that the dividing line runs between India and China. As Prem Jha rightly feels that India is reaping the fruits of being, however tangentially, on the losing side in the Cold War, While Indonesia, with the list savoury human rights record in Asia, is being rewarded for being, equally, tangentially on the winning side.
Gandhism is particularly relevant in the present scenario, both national and international. He wrote : “I believe that the sum total of the energy of mankind is not to bring us down but to lift us up through the definite, though unconscious, working of the Law of Love”. With terrorism on an international scale and ethnic wars on the rise we can safely says that the world has found out for itself that war has not helped to solve even a single difference till date, whether in Iran, Iraq, or the far East. Even those fail when they are based on meting out humiliation to erring people as was pointed out by Gandhi himself in the instance of the Treaty of Versailles after the First World War, which merely laid the ground for the Second World War twenty years later. All regimes and governments based on coercion, and authoritarianism have failed, negotiations and peace talks are the only way out time and again. It looks as if only a second coming of a Gandhiji could save the Indo-Naga political problems, the leader who follow the law of love, with a pure intention to serve whole heartedly, the people of the nation, is the need of the hour for India too.
The Nagas need a change Perspective MExx
Whether we are good believers or not, the Nagas are Christians based our faith on the Bible. But the Bible no longer finds its root in us.
This is not the first instance where the Nagas annihilate each other, but there is the need to unearth the remotely located causes. One may be condemning the present incidence without studying its reasons. The Bible says, “Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them” (Matthew 7:12).
Intra-Naga hatred took its ugly birth in the 1988 Tangkhul massacre. Why were they picked up and particularized? There must be a genuine reason. Factions started from that episode ushering in an era of bloodshed. Instead of blaming others they must change their attitude. The bible says, “You counsel others, but cannot you teach yourself?” (Rom. 2:21). David bled many people and so God disallowed him to build His temple.
Killing in the war field is natural and bearable. But imagine, skinning alive, piercing the living body with red-hot iron, and pulverizing their victims before taking their lives. Absolutely merciless and inhuman. Who can endure that and for how long? They confess, at the same time repent. Such acts are absolute negation to the slogan ‘Nagaland for Christ.’ This hatred and division is prolonging the settlement of Naga issue. Naga brethren, realize this – others have difficulty living with me. Say to yourself – I am thorny, corrosive, and allergic to others. Prayers for help and consolation of the suppressed reach God. The tears and blood go to God. (Gen. 4:10)
Let me urge us to love and defend each other and bring reformation.
Aqheto Chishi, Ex-G.B.
2 injured in blast; 3 Ulfa militants killed Nagaland Post
Guwahati, May 3 (Agencies): Two people were critically wounded Thursday in a powerful bomb blast near a FCI depot while three hardcore ULFA militants were shot dead by the army in an encounter in lower Assam's Nalbari district Wednesday night.
Police said the explosion took place near a rice depot of FCI where dozens of labourers were working.
"Two of the workers were seriously injured. We suspect it to be an improvised explosive device (IED) planted near the boundary wall of the FCI depot," a police official told IANS.
The two were shifted to a hospital with multiple wounds.
"The casualty would have been higher, but most workers were a little away from the wall and were taking shelter under a tree due to the scorching heat," the official said. Police blamed the ULFA for the blast. In another incident, Army killed three militants of the 709 ULFA battalion, who were taking shelter in the house of one Nabin Barman. One pistol, a grenade and some documents were recovered.