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05/19/2007: "Naga Hoho constitutes Peace Committee The Morung Express"

Ibobi to tap Delhi on NSCN OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, May 18: Barely three days after coming out all guns blazing against the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today told the Assembly that all he could do now was complain to the Centre about the outfit’s “illegal activities”.
“I will convey to the central leaders the serious concern of members of the House over illegal tax collection by the Naga militants on national highways, particularly on the Imphal-Kohima road. If necessary, I will head a delegation of political parties to New Delhi to apprise the Centre of the problem,” Ibobi Singh said.
Ibobi Singh’s assurance came at the end of a heated discussion, which was initiated by senior Opposition member Okram Joy Singh. Other ruling party and Opposition members participated in the debate.
Ibobi Singh did not deny the illegal tax collection by the NSCN (I-M) along the Imphal-Kohima highway, but pleaded inability at this stage to stamp out the menace.
“I have repeatedly complained to the Prime Minister, the home minister and even to the interlocutor, K. Padmanabhaiah, about the NSCN (I-M)’s illegal tax collection along the Imphal-Kohima highway. But the complaints did not yield any positive result,” Ibobi Singh said.
On May 15, Ibobi Singh warned the NSCN (I-M) that the government would not tolerate the outfit’s meddling in administrative affairs. Ibobi Singh’s tough talk came after Ukhrul deputy commissioner abandoned his post and fled to Imphal after being intimidated by the NSCN (I-M).
The chief minister said Pal has gone back to Ukhrul and re-assumed charge.
When Joy Singh pointed out that this tax collection was jacking up prices of essential commodities, the chief minister said extortion would stop only if Imphal is connected by rail with Jiribam via Tupul of Tamenglong district. He said the Imphal-Jiribam highway was also being developed as an alternative lifeline.
NSCN (I-M) flays Thomas Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, MAY 18 (NPN): AICC general secretary in-charge Nagaland Ranjit Thomas has attracted flak from the NSCN (I-M) over a statement he purportedly made during his recent visit to Mokokchung wherein he was been reported in some sections of the local press as having stated that "the Naga peace talks should be determined and talked by the people of Nagaland but not someone else".
Reacting to the statement, the MIP of the NSCN (I-M) said an emergency council meeting of at its headquarters Friday questioned if he (Ranjit) knew "the head and tail of the Indo-Naga conflict and the peace talks."
Further, the NSCN (I-M) said that as the AICC general secretary had made a political statement as in-charge of Nagaland, it might be "reflecting the stand and policy of the AICC."
Further it questioned Ranjit if his statement "represent the political stand and policy of the Government of India or his own-self or the Congress party."
It said since Ranjit Thomas represented the policy makers of Indian Government in general and the Congress party in particular, it asked if it was "another game of treachery" or the "Indian way of sincerity" toward the "hard earned Indo-Naga peace talks". Ranjit's statement was also described as "another attempt of an insult to the injury, an act of putting salt and chillies in the wounds of the Nagas."
The NSCN (I-M) said it held the Nagaland Pradesh Congress "responsible and answerable" for "bringing this kind of irresponsible person to confuse and exploit the peace loving Naga people" adding such statements only created confusion, misunderstanding and disunity among the people.
It said through his statement, the AICC general secretary was prescribing that "the Indo-Naga political talks should be within the parameter of the Indian Constitution" while reasserting " it is historical fact that repeated request of the Indian Government to the Nagas for joining the Union of India was turned down by the Nagas". It said Nagas have been "divided and subdivided into several arbitrary impositions." and added "India must know that there is no question of seeking the solution within the parameter of the Indian constitution."
The NSCN(I-M) lambasted the Congress for "inflicting wound after wounds upon the Nagas" since the time of Jawaharlal Nehru, when the party "sanctioned" the killings and molestations and rapes of thousands of Nagas and on the other hand, "giving immunity from any kind of accountability" to the perpetrators.
The NSCN (I-M) acknowledged that it was the Congress under the leadership of PV Narashimha Rao who "came to the collective leadership" by acceding that the Naga issue was a political issue and to be solved politically and assured them (collective leadership) of an honourable and acceptable solution. It also added that the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi have also assured that both parties "will seek for honourable solution."
However, the NSCN (I-M) said that by such "divisive statement, one can know that the Indian mastermind the 'Quit Notice' and all related chaos in Nagas lands to inflict communalism" aimed at confusing the Nagas and to divert the aspirations for self-determination.
NSCN (K) responds to report Nagaland Post
Dimapur, May 18 (NPN): The NSCN (K) Friday reacted sharply to reports about unity and reconciliation move among the factions and the threat issued by rival NSCN (I-M) over mob uprising. A statement issued by Deputy Kilonser of Kilo Affairs, NSCN (K) Y Wangtin Naga; said the NSCN (K) had recently sent a delegation to its Chairman SS Khaplang in order to seek his opinion on the issue of unity and reconciliation.
By recounting the past experiences, Wangtin said Khaplang had only said that he was not averse to unity and reconciliation among the Nagas but cited some "practical conditions" based on the principle of Naga political sovereignty.
Wangtin said Khaplang did not say unity should be minus the Tangkhuls or plus the Tangkhuls and therefore, the latter said there should be no speculations by any individuals or groups on this issue. The NSCN (K) flayed the correspondent of The Telegraph for distorting facts and citing the names of its senior leaders N. Kitovi Zhimomi, AZ Jami and Kughalu Mulatonu in the report on unity. The faction viewed that the report published by The Telegraph was a deliberate attempt to sow seeds of discord and division among the NSCN (K) leaders.
Further, the NSCN (K) cautioned Timothy Kaping, "an imposter and accomplice of the terrorists writing in the name of NISC on the issue of unity and reconciliation," to desist from meddling in the affairs of the Nagas.
On the recent threat issued by NSCN (I-M) over mob uprising, a separate statement issued by NSCN (K) Cabinet Secretary Nitoyi Aye said such resolutions adopted by the rival faction was another "ugly head of fascism and Nazism which ignited the destructive Second World War".
The NSCN (K) cautioned that Nagas are freedom-loving people and therefore, any attempt to curb their liberties by any individual or group would be "very costly".
Describing the move of the NSCN (I-M) as an "unambiguous attempt to crush any sort of dissent by the people", the statement alleged "some Naga puppets of Manipur terrorists in the I-K group" were trying to destroy the Nagas for their own comforts and pleasures under the patronage of "those terrorists".
The NSCN (K) cautioned that under no circumstances would it allow the NSCN (I-M) to commit such "destructive acts" against the Nagas. It reminded the rival faction that Nagas mandated the freedom fighters to fight foreign occupational forces and aggressors but not to act as self-styled law-enforcing agencies. In the light of this, the statement said, a meeting of the Council of Kilonsers and officers of NSCN (K) held on Friday unanimously resolved to "repulse the evil designs" of NSCN (I-M) at any time, anywhere.
The NSCN (K) urged Government of India and the occupational forces not to stand between the NSCN (I-M) and the Nagas and not allow the NSCN (I-M) to persecute the Nagas and create havoc among the Nagas. It alleged that Indian authorities were lending all logical supports to NSCN (I-M) under the pretext of ceasefire openly to crush the Nagas.
Naga Hoho constitutes Peace Committee The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 18 (MExN): After a lot of hurdles, setbacks and unsuccessful ventures in the past, the Naga Hoho, apex Naga tribal organisation, today decided to involve in the Herculean task of peace and reconciliation among the various Naga underground factions and tribes by constituting a ‘Unity and Reconciliation Committee’ to work for bringing about peace and unity in the Naga society. The decision for instituting the committee has been taken at a crucial meeting of the Naga Hoho at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur which was attended by about fifty Naga tribal representatives from seventeen Naga communities including the Eastern Naga Peoples Organisation. The participants in the meeting brain-stormed on the question ‘why the Naga people should continue fighting each other instead of coming together towards solving the Indo-Naga political problem,’ one of the participants at the meeting told The Morung Express.
He said that after thorough deliberations, the participants resolved to constitute a ‘working committee on peace and reconciliation movement representing various tribes. The respective Hohos have been entrusted to nominate the persons to be the member of this committee’.
According to top Naga Hoho leaders, the respective tribe Hohos will select their nominee and forward it to the Naga Hoho, from which a convenor of the committee will be appointed from among the nominees. The exercise to conduct the selection of the nominees for the committee will be completed latest by June 10-15.
Highly reliable sources disclosed that the number of tribes selected to form this committee constitute eight tribes and some NGOs. The most significant and notable feature of today’s Naga Hoho meeting was the participation of the non-member of the Naga Hoho, Eastern Naga peoples Organisation (ENPO) who participated on the invitation o the Naga Hoho.
Naga Hoho, General Secretary, Neingulo Krome described the ENPO participation as a ‘new beginning’ and ‘very encouraging’.
Hoho President, Bendangmayang Jamir said that the ENPO has decided to take up the issue during their General Session in May 24 at Tuensang. Jamir said that the ENPO representative expressed their desire on Naga unity, solidarity in consensus with the Naga Hoho.
On being asked what compelled the Hoho to constitute such a committee, Hoho General Secretary, Krome said that for a long time, the Naga people have been urging the Naga Hoho to form such a committee for peace and reconciliation. He said that this move comes as a response to the people’s desire. He said that the primary objective of the committee is to urge the undergrounds to stop killings, to urge the Nagas to get over tribal differences and also encourage a healing process in the society.
Naga Hoho President Bendangmayang, on the sidelines of the Committee said, “We will approach the different factions to come to one platform, come to one opinion. That Committee will appeal to different national groups to come to one clear opinion to find an honourable and acceptable solution, a consolidated opinion for the cause of the Nagas.”
On being asked about the committee, academician Prof Lanunungsang said, “It will be a Herculean task on the part of the Committee because they will have to move from pillar to post in search of peace, love and reconciliation without which Nagas cannot move ahead.”
Sovereignty should be basis for unity NSCN (K) explains position on unity, reconciliation The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 18 (MExN): The NSCN (K) today reaffirmed what it had earlier stated on unity and reconciliation among the Nagas pointing out that Chairman SS Khaplang had expressed “his feelings that he is not averse to unity and reconciliation among the Nagas”. In a press communiqué by Y. Wangtin Naga, Deputy Kilonser, it was also pointed out that Khaplang had cited “some practical conditions basing on the principle of Naga political sovereignty”. “It is our Chairman’s general view point and he did not say unity should be minus Tangkhuls nor should be plus Tangkhuls. Therefore, there should be no speculations by any individuals or groups on this issue”, the NSCN (K) leader stated.
Wangtin also informed that in the backdrop of calls by many Nagas for unity and reconciliation of different Naga groups, the Council of Kilonsers, GPRN, recently sent a delegation including himself to seek the opinion of Khaplang on this issue.

“The delegation met him and have had face to face discussions on various issues including the unity and reconciliation move”, Wangtin disclosed adding that “by recounting the past bitter experiences, he simply did not want to go further, but expressed his feelings that he is not averse to unity and reconciliation among the Nagas by citing some practical conditions basing on the principle of Naga political sovereignty”.
NSCN (IM) questions Cong on peace talks The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 18 (MExN): An emergency Joint Council meeting of the NSCN (IM) was held at Council Headquarters today taking strong exception to the statement of the AICC General Secretary incharge of Nagaland Ranjit Thomas wherein the Congress official had said that the “Naga peace talks should be determined and talked by the people of Nagaland but not someone else”. Ranjit’s statement it may be mentioned was carried in this daily based on his interaction with media persons at Circuit House, Mokokchung on Thursday evening.
“The house questions Mr Thomas, if he knows the head and tails of the Indo-Naga conflict and the peace talks”, the NSCN (IM) stated in a hard hitting response. “Since he is giving political statement as AICC General Secretary incharge of Nagaland, the house expect that he might be reflecting the stand and policy of the AICC”, it stated. The NSCN (IM) also questioned if his statement represents the political stand and policy of the government of India or his own self or that of the Congress party.
The NSCN (IM) reminded that after fighting for decades, a Congress government under the leadership of PV Narashimha Rao came to the Collective Leadership and stated that the Naga issue is a political issue and it must be solved politically and assured the Nagas through Collective Leadership for an honourable and acceptable solution to both the parties. It pointed out that for several times the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi had assured that both parties will seek for honorable solution.

“Now, is Mr Ranjit Thomas representing the stand of the policy makers of the Indian government in general and the Congress party in particular?”, the NSCN (IM) wanted to know while also questioning whether this was another game of treachery of which the Indians are popular of. “Is this Indian way of sincerity toward the hard earned Indo-Naga peace talks?” The NSCN (IM) termed this as “another attempt of insult to injury, an act of putting salt and chilies in the wounds of the Nagas”.
The NSCN (IM) also stated that the statement of Ranjit was tantamount to “prescribing” the Indo-Naga political talks to be “within the parameter of the Indian Constitution”. “It is a historical fact that repeated request of the Indian government to the Nagas to join the Union of India was turned down by the Nagas”, it stated and making it clear that there is no “question of seeking the solution within the parameter of the Indian Constitution”.
It was also pointed out that from the time of Jawaharlal Nehru it has been only the Congress Party that has been “inflicting wound after wounds upon the Nagas”. “By the sanction of the Indian Congress party, hundreds and thousands of Nagas were murdered, countless of women folks were molested and raped and they have been atrociously given immunity from any kind of accountability. Subsequently, suppressing the rights and aspirations of the Nagas, Nagas have been divided and sub-divided into several arbitrary impositions. This is known historical fact”, the NSCN (IM) stated.
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress was also held responsible and answerable for bringing what the NSCN (IM) termed as “irresponsible person to confuse and exploit the peace loving Naga people” and pointed out that it was through these kinds of statements which brought “confusion among the people and create misunderstanding and disunity”.
“From this kind of divisive statement, one can know that the Indian mastermind the ‘Quit Notice’ and all related chaos in Nagas land to inflict communalism and simply aiming to confuse the Nagas and divert Nagas aspirations for self-determination”.
NBCC in search for unity The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 18 (MExN): Regarding the position of the NSCN-K on unification and ‘sovereignty’ addressed to the NSCN-IM, the church cannot say whether a settlement should be ‘sovereignty’ or something less “in whatever expression” but only the underground groups can make this decision, says the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC). It, however, reminded that the ultimate beneficiaries, or the victims, of any eventual settlement would be the people.
A release from Rev. Kari Longchar, NBCC’s director of Peace Affairs stated the pronouncement is a significant opening for dialogue that can lead to removing misunderstanding at this crucial stage. “The church cannot say whether a settlement should be sovereignty or something less in whatever expression” the church said with the acknowledgement that only the groups who have fought can make this decision.

If the leaders of the groups will take the “risk” to be transparent with one another, “throwing lesser agendas to the winds,” then the public understand the difficulties and compulsions faced by the leaders, it was stated.
However, the NBCC stated, the options for all the groups are the same but very limited. “But if the groups can come together to a mutual understanding at this time, what seems to be limited will prove to be the right plan of for the Nagas. The people, the ultimate beneficiaries or the victims of an eventual settlement are deeply anxious that the leaders will show statesmanship. NBCC is ready to extend practical help” it added.
NSCN-K resolves to oppose ‘Azha’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 18 (MExN): In a sharp reaction and strong disapproval of the recent order issued by the NSCN (IM) to deal with cases of ‘mob uprising’, the NSCN (K) has termed such a move as “an unambiguous attempt to crush any sort of dissent by the people” and that under no circumstances, the NSCN (K) will allow such destructive acts against the Nagas. “It will not tolerate any attempt to infringe on the fundamental rights of the people for whom they are fighting against the foreign occupational authorities and forces. God forbid”, stated Nitovi Aye, Cabinet Secretary, in a press communiqué.
Pointing out that the Naga people mandated the freedom fighters to fight against the foreign occupational forces and aggressors and “not to act as self styled law enforcing agencies”. “Therefore, the Council of Kilonsers and officers in a joint meeting on May 18, unanimously resolved to repulse the evil designs of the I-K terrorist at any time anywhere”, the NSCN (K) press communiqué stated.
The NSCN (K) further termed such a move as an attempt “to curb the freedom and liberty of the Naga people under the pretext of controlling law and order situation in Nagaland. Referring to the order, wherein it was stated that “any popular agitations by the Nagas would be put down with iron hand”, “to the extend of causing grievous injury and death” and that “use of force is justified” in such situations, the NSCN (K) termed such a move as an attempt as “another ugly head of fascisim and Nazism which ignited the destructive second world war during the first half of the 20th century.
“The Nagas are freedom loving people and therefore, any attempt to curb the liberties of the Nagas by any individual or group would be very costly”, the NSCN (K) stated adding that no one should try to infringe on the fundamental rights of the people guaranteed by national and universal laws.
The NSCN (K) further alleged that some “Naga puppets” are trying to destroy the Nagas for their own comforts and pleasures under the patronage of those terrorists. “If they really want to do such things to their hearts content, they should go to Ukhrul and Senapati and do as they like”, it stated. In this context, the NSCN (K) urged the “Indian authorities and the occupational forces” not to stand between “the I-K terrorists and the Naga people and allow the former to persecute the Nagas and create havoc among the Nagas with terrorist acts”.
“Rather, the Indians should leave Nagaland bag and baggage immediately without any outside force abetting the terrorist to create more troubles in the Naga society and in Nagaland”, the NSCN (K) stated while pointing out that it took a “serious note of the Indian machineries lending all logical supports under the pretext of the ceasefire to the I-K terrorists openly and covertly to crush and annihilate the Naga people”.
NSCN-K rues write-ups in media The Morung Express

Dimapur, May 18 (MExN): The NSCN-K takes note of certain statements made in the media by newspersons as well as observers. Dy. Kilonser of Kilo Y Wangtin Naga expressed dismay at a “Telegraph” correspondent supplementing some of the purported writings of the NISC in the local papers on May 14 and over the issue of unity. In the supplementary was mentioned NSCN-K leaders like N Nitovi Zhimomi, AZ Jami and Kughalu Mulatonu. This is a deliberate attempt on the part of the Telegraph correspondent to sow seeds of discord and division among the NSCN leaders. Therefore, it is advisable that any media persons writing on the political matters must be more careful and constructive” the Kilonser opined.
The NSCN-K leader also reacted to the writings of one Timothy Kaping Tangkhul in the name of NISC where many queries to the NSCN-K on the issue of unity and reconciliation were put forth. He is an “imposter and an accomplice of terrorist” who had written in earlier occasions as well in the name of NISC and NSG “dragging in the name of many foreign nationals” Wangtin asserted. He was warned to not meddle into the “affairs of the Nagas with his bad blood.” If there really exist the NISC and NSG, they should maintain neutrality in their dealings, Wangtin stated adding that siding with a particular group by way of encouraging and abetting more killings would not be acceptable to the NSCN-K “notwithstanding our desperate need for national and international sympathy and support in our cause.”
Eastern Nagas express resentment over neglect The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 18 (MExN): The Eastern Naga Students Association (ENSA), today criticised all factions for what they termed as a “lopsided Naga political concentration”. The ENSA expressed resentment that ‘despite thousands of Naga political issues being born in Eastern Nagaland, they were now deserted as everyone was busy with the Indians.’ The association questioned the leaders that if sovereignty was to be achieved through talks and ceasefire with neighbours, then why not also with the Myanmar.
The release issued by the General Secretary Y. Khomong Khiamniungam, on behalf of the “neglected people” stated that the Naga people desired to live in peace by keeping Eastern Nagaland a battle field, using the people as a human shield. They condemned the fact that Eastern Nagas were still referred to as foreigners or Burmese which was an insult to the sacrifices and blood they had shed to redeem Naga sovereignty. The ENSA hit out that mere talk of extended Nagaland and structuring of the geographical map was not enough and they, now wanted to see the verbal concern in action and called for sincerity and transparency on the Naga issue
The ENSA strongly cautioned the leaders - without particularizing any faction - not to “forget their home where they had survived when the days were not like that of today”. They stated that they were there when the NNC was formed and still existed today andtherefore felt no guilt to remind the leaders to look at all angles of the situation. While asserting that they still stood for the principles of the early Naga leaders, they said that the Naga leaders in Nagaland would be answerable for the blood of the innocents if they fail the promise of sovereignty and freedom.
DeStructuring Structures of Violence The Morung Express Editorial
Violence plays an integral role in destroying human hopes and dreams. It takes many forms, some are direct physical force that is visible to the eyes; and some are of more subtle forms, which are indirect and less visible to the eye, mostly in the form of structural violence. Violence with great sophistication takes away people’s capacity to decide their own future and denies them their humanity.
The institutionalization of violence in Naga society is no different. While, what is seen most often to the naked eye is the brute direct violence that is so prevalent in our day-to-day lives. But yet violence in its structural form is ebbing away the Naga spirit and character. In practical terms, it has been structural violence that has been the most damaging, and yet also the least addressed. It is the structural violence that facilitates the maintenance of state domination and diminishes possibilities of non-violent alternatives. In doing so the problem of violence is intrinsic to the nature of the State.
The issue of violence becomes more problematic in cases of protracted armed confrontation caused by political issues. In these cases, we see how the powers that be create more and more structures that enhance violence so that it supports the status quo and the interest of the powerful. It is true that structures of violence are created to sustain violence, in other worlds, adding violence to violence, because many people profit out of conflict. For instance, the budget, in areas of conflict, there is a relatively large budget to sustain war, but once the conflict is resolved, the budget is reduced which is against the interest of those who are benefiting from the conflict. Therefore to ensure that the budget does not decrease, structures are created to ensure that violence continues and people in power fulfill their interest.
There is no confusion that for peace to be achieved, the structures that support and breed violence must be removed. The structures of violence must be de-structured and by doing so it gives a chance to begin building a future of hope. The structures that give life to violence by breeding injustice, inequality, poverty, discrimination, militarization and oppression must be confronted and replaced by a more democratic structure; a structure that respects human life. It is imperative that this process of structural transformation be initiated through non-violent means where empowerment and participation of people is critical yeast.
If Nagas are really serious in struggling for their inherent rights to decide their own future, they must stop supporting the existence of an oppressive system and transcend the present structures and follow-up all their talk with concrete steps so that the alternative system that they envision emerges out of their struggle to redefine who they are and how they relate to one another as human beings.
IM's decree dubbed cruel Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 18: Responding sharply to the resolution of the NSCN (IM) to quell any popular uprising by the Naga people with an iron hand as published in The Nagaland Post and the Morung Express on May 16, the NSCN (K) construed that the move is a diabolic conspiracy to curb the freedom and liberty of the Naga people in the name of maintaining law and order.
A statement issued by the Cabinet Secretary of NSCN/GPRN, Nitovi Aye while quoting such phrases as "upto the extent of causing grievous injury and death" and "use of force is justified", put up the rival group said it is in the same league with the notorious Nazis and the Fascists which ignited the disastrous Second World War.
Observing that the Nagas are by nature freedom loving people, Nitovi cautioned that any attempt to curb their liberties and fundamental rights by any group or individual will cost dear and produce far reaching consequences. The recent move of the IM group is a clear ploy to crush any sort of dissent by the people. The GPRN/NSCN further asserted that some Naga puppets of the IM cadres hailing from Manipur have been trying to destroy the Nagas for their own benefits and pleasures under the patronage of the IM leadership.
"If they really want to do such things to their hearts content, they should go to Ukhrul or Senapati and do as they like", iterated the Cabinet Secretary while declaring that the GPRN will not allow the IM group to execute their evil designs against the Nagas under any circumstances. The outfit will not tolerate any attempt to infringe on the fundamental rights of the people for whom they have been fighting against the alien occupational authorities and their armed forces, it pledged.
Asserting that the ‘freedom fighters’ have been mandated by the Naga people to fight against the alien forces and aggressors and not to act as self styled law enforcing agencies, Cabinet Secretary Nitovi informed that the outfit's Council of Kilonsers and Officers, in a joint meeting held in the forenoon today, unanimously resolved to repulse the evil designs of the IM group "at any time, any- where". While urging upon the Indian authorities and the security forces not to stand between the IM cadres and the Naga people and allow the former to persecute the Nagas, the outfit demanded that the Indians should leave Nagaland immediately so that the Nagas could look after their welfare as well as their grievances themselves. It also took serious note of the alleged logistic support extended by the State machineries to the IM group under the pretext of the cease-fire only to crush and annihilate the Naga people openly and covertly.
CM not to take NSCN(IM) `tax` collection lightly =The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 18: Admitting that the NSCN(IM) had been imposing various kinds of "illegal tax" on truckers from the state, chief minister O Ibobi Singh has said that the government had brought this to the knowledge to the Union government, Nagaland government and the ceasefire monitoring cell.

He also said that if the outfit continues collection of "illegal tax" and the concerned authorities fail to respond to the plea of the state government then "we will take our own action."

The chief minister was replying to a calling attention motion raised by opposition MLA O Joy Singh of the MPP in the state Assembly today. Drawing the attention of the home minister, O Joy Singh observed that while transporting essential commodities from outside the state through the Imphal-Dimapur section of the NH-39 the NSCN(IM) imposed various kinds of illegal taxes on the truckers. He said the outfit collected money at 26 points throughout the stretch from the truckers proceeding with essential commodities from Dimapur and other places. They also collected such taxes at 34 points from the truckers while travelling towards Dimapur and other places outside the state. The truckers are unable to travel on this route without extra money as the outfit collects money at any instance, he added. As business cannot be run without profit the prices of goods are increased automatically, he went on to observe.

Not only this, Joy further said that truckers and drivers plying on this route faced harassment and torture allegedly from the cadres of the outfit. He also recalled the hijacking of three Maruti Esteem cars imported by the state government at Nagaland by miscreants.

The acts of the NSCN(IM) are against the truckers and drivers on this route and are not the acts of civilized people nor do they conform to any norms of humanity.

The chairman of the ceasefire monitoring cell may not have any idea of what the outfit is doing, Joy said questioning whether the government of India was in collusion with NSCN(IM) conducting atrocities on the people of Manipur. Stating that the ceasefire between the NSCN(IM) and the Indian government was being carried out under a ground rule, he asked what the Centre and the monitoring cell chairman along with the state government were doing in this regard.

Replying to the observation by Joy, chief minister O Ibobi Singh said that he had several times put up the matter of collection of "illegal tax" by the NSCN(IM) to the concerned authorities of the Union government. He said that he had tabled the issue even in the National Development Council meeting (which chief ministers of all the states of the country including the chief minister of Nagaland attended), at the home ministry level and also at the level of the ministry of external affairs. He had also informed them that the state government would not remain silent if such practices continued further, he said adding that he even asked the Centre whether they had given license to collect tax to the outfit. He had also informed the Indo-Naga peace talks negotiator Padmanabhaiya, monitoring cell chairman Kukarni, the Nagaland chief minister and the Nagaland DGP to look into the matter.

The chief minister also said in the house that the endless problem on the NH-39 would be lessened only after the completion of the Jiribam-Tupul railway line even though it may not be the final solution. He had been insisting on the Union railway minister Laloo Prasad Yadav for extension of the railway line upto Imphal in this regard, he said.

Currently, the improvement work of the NH-53 was underway and security escorts were being provided to truckers on NH-39 three times a week, Singh went on to say.

Guwahati blast injures atleast 20 Press Trust of India NDTV News
A powerful explosion triggered by the banned ULFA in the busy Fancy Bazar in Guwahati left atleast 20 people injured on Friday and sparked public protests.

A bomb concealed in a cycle-rickshaw went off at around 11:30 am (IST) at the market dominated by Hindi-speaking traders, who have been targeted by the ULFA in recent weeks.

A large number of shoppers were present in the area at the time.

The blast was so powerful that it shook the area and partly damaged concrete buildings, besides shattering windowpanes of several shops and offices.

The injured were admitted to nearby Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital, city Superintendent of Police SN Singh told reporters at the site of the attack.

Total chaos

Total chaos prevailed immediately after the explosion and people began pelting stones at the police for failing to provide security in the area. Some businessman alleged that the ULFA was frequently setting off bombs in the area to force them to sell off their properties cheaply out of fear. When the protests appeared to be going out of control, the police used teargas and batons to disperse the demonstrators. Eleven persons were killed last year in a bomb blast by the ULFA at Fancy Bazar.
Conflicts in Manipur: A perspective framework By Ngamkhohao Haokip Sangai Express Contd from previous issue
However, they do not share these religions with their counterpart, the Meitei-Pangal, whose religion is one that is quite apart and incongruent from that of the Meiteis’. A question as to why not a single individual from the tribes follow any of the religions practice in the plain can be a point substantiating the gaps that were between the plain brethrens and the hill people. It also radiates the little connection they have or on the other hand, the freedom the tribal people enjoyed before the advent of outsiders.
The tribal people who were initially grouped based on their origin, their cultural identity, and shared ethos into Kuki-Chin-Mizo (Chikim) and Naga, later on experienced disintegration, especially so amongst the former group. Although the root of this experience is not too far to seek, social scientists are mostly considering the same on the non-active aspect rather than discoursing for pragmatism.
Tracing their terms of relationship on matters of social, economic, and political setting from far past till today will provides the conceptual framework upon which one can build the desire conclusion.
It is now pertinent to poise these queries:
1) What terms of relationship bind the different communities who live in Manipur since time immemorial?
2) How were their relations before the colonial period?
3) What types of urgently required relationships are available in their hands that can bridge the gap between them?
4) Have social scientists, academicians, and the so called social leaders any clear cut analysis on what gaps divide them that are posing as the impediment(s) toward building a political society of peaceful co-existence?
Moreover, the new tendency of social problem enveloping every group of people in Manipur is the worse form of problem culminating into no less than a conflict. These problems within a community, or a tribe, or between tribes, or ethnic groups are clearly pictured as conflict, especially so in a conflict and insurgency problem. This set-up is also discussed in the following sub-head.
5. Arm-conflict and the problem of insurgencies
Insurgencies are believed to occur in a vacuums created by inadequacy of administrative and political institutions; and in the absence of equal share of economic development among the various sections of the society. They, thereby, espouse the local demands, take advantages of the prevalent dissatisfaction and injustice among the exploited segments of the population, and seek to offer an alternative system of governance that promises emancipation of these segments from the clutches of the exploiter class through the barrel of a gun.
Initially, these insurgent groups would share some common features like unconformity with the existing system of governance and economic distribution. They also shared a common goal of offering an alternative system. As long as they are within the purview of these common goals, they are fighting their common enemy, i.e. the existing system of governance and distributive system of economic reforms.
Later on, as they voyage on the path of heighten struggle or under the situations of demoralisation, they themselves slowly but surely became victims of monopolisation of the struggle itself in the hands of the dominating class within that struggle. They also became victims of the preferential attitudes and lost of integrity on the part of the higher ranks in the group. From the points discussed above, we may attribute such consequences to two reasons:
1. Support of the general populace within the influence of the struggle may not have been won over thereby weakening the method, wherein the habit of showing preferential attitude towards even a smaller groups like a tribe, community and clan consideration has crept into their working as they became very much unsure of success in the ultimate goal of attaining an alternative system.
2. The point opined above conditioned both their socio-economic and political position in the society to the extend of considering that they may ultimately be left out to be the victims of such unfounded political ideologies and therefore wanted to switch over to a surviving alternative. This idea contributed to the growth of their interest in the present systems that they had earlier negated and fought against. In this connection, some may argue that it is a means to their goal end, but to which it may be said that it is the very situation where they express their frustrations. Yet, they are not ever ready wholly to give up but on the contrary, starts working for their personal gains using the materials they have built up in the earlier stages. In this way, they make themselves involved in almost all the exercises of the present political arrangement. Take instances from the recently held 9th state election where the involvement of almost every insurgent groups was reported.
This takes them onto the chair of another form of political and economic power. This development in the circle of struggle for political and economic power begat a more alarming and dangerous conflicts of interests, firstly among the power hungry insurgencies and secondly, conflicts between communities, tribes and lately between clans. Thus, conflicts became the bi-product of insurgencies. The victims of this unsolicited development are the larger chunks of the society who have ‘nothing to do with both as the means and as the end.
They are now the exploited segments that also would wish to get their freedom by using the same circle of struggle discussed. This is not the end. The conflicts of interests among various insurgent groups on the basis of preferential attitude toward certain smaller groups would still compel, under this circumstance, yet another exploited segment who remained optimistic and pacified to rise to assert or protect their political and economic interest at any cost. This is how another forms of conflict is brought up that conversely caused and affect us so much.
Hegemonic nature of the ruling/dominating classes in any given society and the incorporating modernity of colonial era have introduced inequality in social distributive system; and recognising social identities including ethnicity and cultures radiates disaster and the cultures of insurgency and counter hegemonic in the fights for liberating from the core of unending bondage.
It also appears that such ideology of insurgence and counter hegemonic become more or less a method of dehumanising and subjugating the weaker cultures and identities thereby asserting and promoting the identity and culture of the choicest. — To be contd