Nagalim.NL News

Home » Archives » May 2007 » Swu, Muivah tighten grip THANNGANING HUNGYO The Telegraph

[Previous entry: "NSCN (K) claims hand in killing rival cadre Sangai Express"] [Next entry: "The Naga International Support Center, NISC, lauds Mr. Khaplang of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN-K for his initiative to reunite with the NSCN-IM and has a few questions for you to consider."]

05/15/2007: "Swu, Muivah tighten grip THANNGANING HUNGYO The Telegraph"


Swu, Muivah tighten grip THANNGANING HUNGYO The Telegraph
New Delhi, May 14: The recent restructuring in the top echelons of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has been remarkable, witnessing as it did a change of guard in the committee of political affairs, widely regarded as the “power centre” of the outfit.
The “collective leadership”, comprising Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu, has taken this step as the duo is aware that it has to wrest a greater degree of direct and influential control over the organisation it heads. The two top leaders have shifted gear so that they can wield greater control over political affairs. The fact that Muivah holds additional charge of defense is significant. Muivah and Swu’s return to Nagaland after decades in exile was not merely to hold consultations with civil society and other socio-political groups, but to breathe new life into the organisation which was losing ground after nearly a decade of engaging in parleys with the Centre. The reorganisation, engineered by general secretary Muivah, was long overdue. The Manipur elections had caused the reshuffle to be stalled and delayed introduction of top posts in the NSCN (I-M) hierarchy. The immediate trigger for the restructuring in the outfit was the death of Angelus Shimray, considered a political ideologue of the organization, a person whom Delhi dubbed “a sensible man”.
Now, having realized that more importance has to be placed on organizational dynamics, the outfit has brought GenNext into the decision-making process, an exercise introduced to do away with the “old school” of functioning. The young brigade has been inducted in an attempt to build a new leadership and to discard the dogmatic approach that has been followed for long. Sources said the allocation of the kilo (home) portfolio to Azheto Chophy, till recently a member of the steering committee, was made to meet the exigencies of tribal politics. But analysts argue that the lesser-known Chophy was given the major portfolio as he has a clean record. The collective leadership wants Chophy to prove himself and has therefore provided him a litmus test.
Altogether, 32 new posts of deputy kilonsers (ministers) have been created and filled. Again, the steering committee — the highest decision-making body of the outfit — was expanded from 12 members to 20 to accommodate other senior operatives who would naturally lose face if they were reduced to tatars or MPs.
Guards who fired at robbers in police custody Staff Reporter The Hindu
Weapons were not registered and licences could be fake
• The private security agency has branches in around the country
• Police say they conducted random checks with people who possessed weapons CHENNAI : Five employees of a private security agency, including its manager, were arrested on charges of possessing fake gun licences.
Tiruvottiyur police registered a case a week ago following a robbery bid at a private steel yard in Tiruvottiyur. One of two security guards had opened fire from his gun to scare away the intruders. Police investigations showed that the weapons were not registered and the licences could be fake. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Washermenpet) S. Rajendran said the gun licences possessed by the security guards appeared to be fake. According to their confession, they had purchased the weapons in Bihar and Nagaland. The private security agency has branches in around the country.
Interrogation of the agency's branch manager revealed that the weapons had not been registered with the local police station concerned as mandated by law, Mr Rajendran said. The arrested were Shoukath Ali, Shahabudeen Khan, Mohammed Bismillah Ansari, Mohammed Rasheed Alam and the manager T.O. Singh. Cases under the Indian Arms Act and forgery were registered against them and a city court remanded them to judicial custody.
A senior officer said the police conducted random checks with people who possessed weapons. "We thought the security guards had only done their job by opening fire to scare off the robbers. But our investigations showed the weapons were not registered." The case shows that police need to be more stringent in verification of weapons, the officer said.
AZ Jami’s demand: Get Narendra Modi out! The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 14 (MExN): Drawing contrast with Gujarat’s greatest son, Mahatma Gandhi, NSCN-K Kilonser AZ Jami wants the openly-sectarian Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, out of the system. The NSCN-K Kilonser is convinced that Modi is nothing but an “intolerant, heartless and Hindu fanatic of the highest degree” under whose patronage minorities in the communally-sensitive state continues to live in fear and suppression.
Expressing his disgust at Modi, Jami stated in an article that if the BJP projects itself to be a “Nobel” and a ‘welfare party”, fanatics like Narendra Modi should be ejected from the party for good. But there remains more to be done: “And if the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, the frontal organizations of the Hindu extremism want a pure Hindu state of India, why not immediately cut political, social and religious connections with Muslim-dominated Kashmir and the Christian-dominated Northeast, particular the hill states?” He opined that Muslims and Christians cannot be yoked together with Hindu extremists and so it is advisable for India to let go of Kashmir and the North Eastern people for them to decide their own future.
“Indian leaders, why are you taking unnecessary troubles to pass anti-conversion laws against universal laws and humanity” Jami queried. “The people of other faiths are devoted and have strong attachments to their respective religions as much as Hindus have attachment and are devoted to their religion. Therefore the Hindus must respect religious sentiments of others as much as they themselves respect their religion sentiments” Jami exhorted. The NSCN-K Kilonser also called India “a republic of hunger” and “a republic of starvations and suicides.” Why? Because while the Government of India and its leaders are boasting about India’s nuclear capability and high-tech arsenal, the people of the country are starving every day, Jami explained. “Thousands are dying on the streets and in the rural areas for want of food and clothing. So instead of spending trillions of rupees on arsenal why not spend a few billion on your starving people?” Jami challenged India’s leaders.
‘Leave name out of issue’ Rejoinder to ‘Only Nagas and Nagaland’ In Focus The Morung Express
• Sir – I, N. Yeshito Chishi would like to place a rejoinder on the Press Statement by Shempai Khiamniungam, Deputy Kilonser, Ministry of Law and Justice (GPRN), dated May 13 under the caption ‘Only Nagas and Nagaland’in a local daily (not The Morung Express).
As stated in the press release, I acknowledge that I had indeed been witness to the discussions held on 27th October 2002, at Mokokchung in which N. Rio had said that NPF, if voted to power would maintain equal closeness with all factions of underground and to bring them together to find a political solution during NPF regime. However, due to ideological differences I was sidelined and eventually dropped from the General Secretaryship of the Party (NPF) on January 4, 2004. Since then, I have maintained a low profile and have disassociated myself completely from NPF and have rejoined the Indian National Congress in 2005 under the leadership and presidentship of Imkong and Hokheto Sema respectively. Therefore, I clarify my position and would like my name to be left out in any future controversies on this issue.
N. Yeshito Chishi Ex-M.L.A, Atoizu
The Doctrine of Nagaism The need for Pragmatic acceptance Moa Aso
“Let’s do away with Naga tribalism. Let’s do away with a Naga being killed by a Naga. Let God’s love for the Nagas prevail.” God did not award the death penalty to Adam and Eve for having breached His Commandment. Punishment other than death penalty was inflicted upon the duo for their commission of sin. The primary reason for such consideration was that God in His fullness of love and wisdom envisaged the ultimate reunion of God and the fallen men, most importantly, the human soul. This vision could have been defeated if Adam and Eve were physically eliminated for their sins at Eden Garden. God, however, manifested His eternal love for mankind through the fructification and resurrection of Jesus Christ wherein His relation with mankind is being restored through Christ and Christ alone. In this Christian era, society needs more of reformative measures than retributive ones, more of love and compassion than hatred and killings.
For sure, Nagas are a struggling people for recognition of their sovereign nationhood. Interestingly, they are also a superior human race with superior human values and virtues; simplicity, honesty, hard work, high intellectual, bravery and courage, among others. Nagas are not as cheap (chalu) as many seem to appear in today’s society. In fact, Nagas are people with character and this virtue has to be developed and cherished furthermore. The recent killings and cheap paper war between the two factions of NSCN was very unfortunate. Every Naga citizen has a burden; the burden to solve the longstanding Indo-Nagalim political problem. The nightmare of “Nagas killing Nagas” in the name of Naga national movement in the past 30 years must now be put to a logical end. The truth is, violence begets violence. It is closely observed that the ill impacts and consequences of fratricidal killings in Naga society far outweigh the merits. The question of Naga nationalism has a direct relevance with that of Nagaism. Some of the basic rules to this doctrine are:-
1) “Nagas are brothers by blood and by descent and not by choice or circumstances.” A Naga who kills a fellow Naga is not truly a Naga. Nagas are brothers by blood and not by circumstances. It is a taboo to kill ones own brother under any circumstance. The spirit of Naga brotherhood must reign supreme in all aspects of a Naga’s life. Highest respect and love for the life of every Naga citizen must be paid.
2) “Nagas are one nation with common history, common future and common vision.” Every Naga tribe whether big or small is an inherent constituent unit of the Naga nation. Nagaism does not recognize the present state artificial boundary imposed by the former British colonials. Nagaism recognizes the unity, integrity and sovereignty of Nagalim.
3) “Nagas by nature are democratic and peace loving people.” Naga (customary) law does not sanction death penalty in their system of administration of criminal justice. However, Nagas have globally earned good name for their courageous performance in war. In the ancient days, Nagas carried out the infamous head hunting war purely in defence of their village-states and not otherwise. Even crisis within the society was settled democratically and amicably as per Nagas’ rule of (customary) law. Meaning, every crime of the individual among the Nagas must be settled according to the laws and customs of Nagas.
4) Tribalism is an act of anti-Nagaism. Nagaism does not recognize any decision on Naga national agenda taken on communal or tribal line. Any national decision must be on national basis.
5) Anti-Nagaism is antithesis to Naga nationalism.
6) Nagas are courageous and patriotic. Courage and a Naga go hand in hand. They are very brave and courageous people with high sacrificial spirit for noble deeds and principles of truth.
The greatest challenge for the Nagas in the 21st Century is the task to conquer tribalism and foster the spirit of Nagaism. Nagalim belongs to every fellow Naga. Let us defeat the element of suspicion, hatred and violence within the Naga society. Let us renew the spirit of oneness and brotherhood. Let us begin to abhor the killing of a Naga by another Naga. NSCN must rethink and reorient their revolutionary policies and ideals compatible to that of Naga laws, Naga faith and Naga needs. Let God’s will prevail for the Nagas. Our sins of wrongful commission and omission must not be allowed to impede the working of God’s will in Nagalim. There’s a time for everything. It’s a time for the Nagas, especially the national workers, to come to each other’s positive point of view and create a wonderful new beginning in the new year and a new century with the true spirit of Nagaism in Nagalim.
The Principles of Nagaism needs to be virtually realised in order to further this crucial Naga nation building from within. The absence of absolute pragmatic wisdom and power to sincerely realise ourselves that we are brothers by blood and by descent is the greatest weakness on our part that enables the enemies to triumph in their pursuit for dividing and destroying the Nagas as a nation. The past killing of a brother by another brother must be stopped. It is not yet too late. Let us practically accept, strengthen, and cherish the bond of our true brotherhood.
Naga tribals keen on strong inter-tribal relations Nagarealm.com
Kohima, May14 [ANI] : Of late, factional clashes in Nagaland may have gone up, but most tribals do not want political differences to cloud inter-tribe relations. Recently a rival tribe burnt down an entire colony of a Naga tribe in Dimapur.

The gates of Dimapur's Wungram colony are not open to all. Police pickets have been set up and round the clock vigilance is maintained. Residents are shell-shocked after the fateful night of April 22. The burnt items are still strewn around the area.The Tankhul community does not want such a thing to happen again. They want to live in peace with other Naga brethren.

"Although, we are suffering now, I still believe that our Naga society, NGOs and elders will be able to bring about a good solution," Kihito, a resident of Wungram Colony, said.

Esther, another Wungram Colony resident, said, "The kind of incident that happened this time, I hope it will never happen again. We are all Nagas, I am a Tanghul. Even Tangkhuls are Nagas. Whatever has happened we don't have any hard feelings about this incident. But, I hope that after this incident, something good comes out".

The number of people killed in factional clashes in the last two years stands at around 270. The main reason for factional clashes is the rivalry between two Naga groups -National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) and National Socialist Council of Nagalim—Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM).

NSCN (K) gave a quit notice to the Tanghuls last year. Since 2005, clashes between the two Naga groups have claimed over 100 lives. The Central Government has taken a note of the escalating tension in Nagaland. The Government feels that such clashes are a violation of the ceasefire agreement between these two groups.

In 1957, the Government began diplomatic talks with representatives of Naga tribes, and the Naga Hills district of Assam and the Tuensang frontier were united in a single political entity that became a Union territory - directly administered by the Central government with a large degree of autonomy. This was not satisfactory to the tribes, however, and soon agitation and violence increased across the state - included attacks on Army and government institutions, as well as civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes.

In 1960 (July), a further political accord was reached at the Naga People's Convention that Nagaland should become a constituent and self-governing state in the Indian union. Statehood was officially granted in 1963 and the first state-level democratic elections were held in 1964. Insurgencies were quelled in the early 1980s. Violence has re-erupted and there has been ongoing conflict between rebel group factions since the late 1990s. [Rokono Nakhro]

IM Kilonser refutes report Newmai News Network
Imphal, May 14 : NSCN-IM Finance Minister (Chaplee Kilonser) KP Huray has reacted strongly to the reports of the newspapers based in Imphal a few days ago that Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul Pankaj Pal was threatened and intimidated by the NSCN-IM functionaries in Ukhrul.
The NSCN-IM Kilonser said that the reports were concocted and baseless, fed by some vested interest elements who are hell-bent to tarnish the image of the outfit.
Huray said that no threats or intimidations were served on the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul by the NSCN . The NSCN-IM leader said that since the two ‘Governments’—NSCN-IM and the Government of India—are engaged in a political talks there should be mutual respect between the two Governments and not to undermine one another. He further said that disrespect and condemnation for one another would not be healthy for such peaceful initiatives. Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Pankaj Pal was escorted to Imphal under heavy security following alleged threat and intimidations issued out by the NSCN-IM, according to newspapers reports. It further reported that the development had been prompted by a case where the IAS officer had reportedly awarded a contract work to someone else in the Ukhrul district against the wish of an NSCN-IM kilonser. Senior NSCN (IM) leader RH Raising had also refuted the story.

Chain Reactions Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESS

The spiral of numerous ethnic insurrections in Manipur, often with one literally dove-tailing the other is evidence to the complicated nature of the issue in hand. It is not too rare to read reports by journalists and commentators from outside the state telling the story with patronising bewilderment that Manipur is witness to 30 and odd different insurgencies at one time. The number 30 is never accurately spelled out, giving the impression that they have lost count, and that these dime-a-dozen insurgencies have very little significance left. Often these stories also imply, in the same tone of condescension, that these insurgencies are floated as if they were cottage industries by people who want a little quick buck. A lot of these perceptions are understandable and even may hold some water, but when they are presented as the total picture, it betrays either intellectual dishonesty, or more probably, an abject failure to grasp the picture in its entirety. The broad brush, any painter will testify, is a tool often used to shroud and mystify a subject so as to disguise and give credence to ignorance of the inner dynamics of the subject.

And so, in the portrayal of insurgency in not just Manipur but the entire northeast region, the popular resort has been to rely on images of primitive clannish tribal loyalties, mutual and irreconcilable atavistic hostilities amongst tribal groups, primordial xenophobia reminiscent of the days of savagery, etc. This approach leaves little room for a resolution apart from keeping the warring parties separated from each other (just as the instinctually determined hostility between cats and dogs is resolved by keeping them apart). This approach is quite unlike in the case of other deadly conflicts, such as was seen in Punjab. In these situations, the same analysts would forward economic and political causes and consequently profoundly actionable economic and political solutions. One is reminded of the outburst of one of literature’s most famous characters, Shylock: “If you prick us do we not bleed.” The Jewish blood and the Christian blood are both red, so why different standards in assessing them.

But if the portrayal of the phenomenon of the multiplication of ethnic insurrections as wild assertions of primeval loyalties is to be treated as only a smokescreen to hide abject inability to comprehend the deeper currents, what then are the real issues? What then has led to this phenomenal proliferation of ethnic insurgencies? Observing just the last decade of the multi-pronged conflicts in Manipur should provide some clues. A prominent historical landmark in this regard would be the Naga-Kuki feud in the early 1990s. Before this cataclysmic development, militancy amongst the Kukis was barely heard of. It was only after this period that Kuki militant groups began spawning, and the existing ones began reorganising themselves into much more potent fighting forces than they previously were. But the culprit, rather than the supposed instinctual animosity that so many have, and still rely on, always was in our opinion, aggressive sectarian nationalism against the backdrop of a weak administration, morally de-legitimised by corruption and inefficiency.

Such brands of nationalisms, always manage to alienate those either excluded or else in the margin of it, and the state institution being virtually absent, these marginal groups have nowhere else to look for security or succour than to raise their own militias. And there is no gainsaying that the early 1990s were the heydays of overbearing Naga nationalism with the NSCN(IM) emerging as the predominant Naga insurgent group, pushing the agenda of Nagalim (Greater Nagaland) with unprecedented aggression. But if aggressive Naga nationalism led to the consolidation of militant Kuki nationalism, this in turn made other communities at its fringe insecure. The confounding feud between kindred tribes, the Kukis and the Paites almost in the immediate wake of the Kuki-Naga feuds, may be thus explained. The truce document ultimately signed between these latter tribes spelled out these underlying causes pretty succinctly. The spiral however does not end here. There are also other parallel spirals. As for instance, aggressive Meitei nationalism is also having similar responses. Hence, even the origin of militancy amongst the Meitei-Pangals may be explained within this frame. The vehemence with which the Meitei Mayek is being opposed in the hill districts etc, may also be part of this same phenomenon. Plenty of lessons here, but who is willing to learn, is the big question.

Naga hand behind poaching at Kaziranga From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
DERGAON, May 14 – Increase in poaching of rhinos in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) has become a matter of serious concern. A total of five rhinos were killed by poachers and one died outside the park this year till date. From the confessions of the poachers, it has been found that they were helped by Naga people with rifles and other weapons. The poacher, Soonti Patgiri arrested by the Forest department and police on May 4, disclosed that he was trained in the use of 303 rifles by Naga people on April 13 at Rangajan in Golaghat. On the other hand, it has been found that a tranquiliser gun traced to Nagaland was used for poaching at KNP.

A huge cache of arms and ammunitions was recovered in Sector 18 of Latabari TE under Bokakhat PS in an abandoned state. The arms included a gas gun made in Switzerland, a tranquiliser gun made in America, 51 rounds of live cartridges and other items.

Later, it was found that the tranquiliser was procured by Nagaland Forest department. It was cleared by ‘Help Grau’ of Pune after checking the serial number and other documents. In a written report, the fact has been intimated to the State forest department.

When contacted, director of KNP SN Buragohain told The Assam Tribune that two forest officials of Nagaland Forest department KR Linko (CCF) and Romesh Ema (conservator) came to Kaziranga on May 9 and discussed the matter with him. The director also revealed that since the matter was being probed by police, the enquiry will show the actual picture. It is pertinent to mention that the Nagaland forest officer had informed that the tranquiliser gun was missing in 2004. But according to an official source the fact revealed by the Naga official is not true. Hence, a proper enquiry into the status of the gun was the need of the hour.
ONGC to invest Rs.100 bn for exploration in northeast India Wire
The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Monday said it would invest more than Rs.100 billion in four northeastern states - Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram - for exploration of gas and oil. The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Monday said it would invest more than Rs.100 billion in four northeastern states - Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram - for exploration of gas and oil. 'ONGC would like to be part of the socio-economic development of the northeastern region which has vast untapped natural resources,' R.S. Sharma, chairman-cum-managing director of ONGC, told journalists
.Sharma along with senior ONGC officials are in Tripura to review the exploration activities in the region. 'Though militancy is affecting the works of ONGC we would continue to work for the betterment of the region and nation,' he said. The ONGC official said the corporation has far made over 330 oil and gas discoveries, explored 660 million tonnes of crude and 350 billion cubic metres of natural gas from six out of the seven producing basins in India.
The ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) has 26 projects in 16 countries, including north America, Russia, Brazil, Iraq and Iran. 'For the giant 740 MW thermal power project in south Tripura's Palatana, five national and international companies, including Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have shown interest to commission the Rs.50 billion project,' Sharma added.
The company had earlier floated global tenders for the project, a co-generation waste heat recovery power plant and ONGC's first major commercial project. It is expected to be operational by 2011. Earlier, ONGC approved Rs.18.17 billion for augmentation of gas production in Tripura to feed the proposed power plant.
ULFA’s concern over clashes By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 14 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today described the clashes in Doomdooma as unfortunate and called upon all sections of people to maintain peace. In a statement released through e-mail, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said that there should not be any division among the tea labourers and farmers. He said that the “occupational forces were trying to instigate the tea tribes to create division among the working classes.” He pointed out that those launching an agitation in the area were only demanding a probe into the killing of Buddheswar Moran and an assurance that such killings of innocents would not be repeated in future.

The ULFA chairman also said that all sections of people of the State must try their best to stop the “unfortunate clashes”.


News: Main Page
News: Archives
Nagalim: Home

Powered By Greymatter