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08/16/2007: "Nagalim: A Forgotten Anniversary UNPO"
Nagalim: A Forgotten Anniversary UNPO
While India prepares to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of its independence, the Naga people remember instead their own declaration, communicated sixty years ago - one day before India.
Today [14 August 2007], on the eve of festivities celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of «the world’s biggest democracy», three million Nagas will commemorate another anniversary: that of the international community’s indifference to their own declaration of independence.
Although the past sixty years have been years of emancipation and progress for a great part of the Indian population, they will be remembered by the Nagas as five decades of marginalisation and war followed by a decade of difficult reconstruction. As British forces withdrew from the Indian subcontinent, the Nagas, an indigenous people of Tibeto-Mongolian descent, witnessed most of their land incorporated into the territory of the new Indian state in direct contradiction to their own wishes, expressed in a declaration sent on 14 August 1947 to the United Nations, the British government, and other embassies present in the sub-continent. Whilst the UN acknowledged receipt of the document, formal recognition of Nagalim was never an agenda item. The previous month in India, Mohandas Gandhi had taken a stand in favour of the Nagas’ right to self-determination but his unexpected death in 1948 denied him the opportunity to ensure a peaceful settlement prevailed. Five decades of futile conflict at a high human cost between Indian and Naga parties ensued.
Excluded from the main international fora, the Nagas became members of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) in 1993. Based in The Hague, the Netherlands, this democratic platform has enabled their leaders to reach out to the international community, with negotiations between the Indian government and Naga representatives taking place in some countries proving receptive to their commitment to peace. A peace process was initiated in 1997, most recently culminating in the indefinite ceasefire of 31 July 2007 and the beginning of promising in-depth negotiations on the future status of Nagalim.
Today, the conditions necessary for constructive negotiations on the Indo-Naga dispute appear finally to be in place. While tensions remain tangible, a fragile peace has helped stabilise the region. The situation on 14 August 2007 is very different from that of 14 August 1947. On this symbolic date, UNPO calls upon both sides to work to foster an environment of trust, renew the commitment to peace and dialogue in resolving the conflict and honour the ceasefire. At a time when India prepares to celebrate more than half a century of independence and development, UNPO would like to invite both parties to remember the words of Mohandas Gandhi: “I believe in the brotherhood of man, but I do not believe in force or forced unions”.
UNPO presents its compliments to the peoples of India on the occasion of the anniversary of their independence and hopes that ongoing efforts on both the Indian and Naga sides will produce an agreement for future generations to commemorate; with all parties enjoying a share in the growing prosperity democracy has brought to the peoples of India over the last six decades.
Speech by Mohandas Gandhi on 19 July 1947 (link to external site)
Repair damage of 60 years – NISC Morung Express
Dimapur, August 15 (MExN): While the already 60 years’ old Naga declaration for independence is ‘very much alive’ today, the people are not free, the Naga International Support Center insists. The NISC has urged the United Nations to ‘repair’ what was undone for 60 years, the Naga issue.
“As the celebrations of the Naga Peoples are gaining momentum and the people throughout the Naga Hills joyously feast their independence from Great Britain, they know very well they are not free” observed a statement from NISC.
“The Naga International Support Center calls on the international community, the international press and Media and all human rights organizations, to, on the basis of its own covenant urge the United Nations to look into the Indo-Naga conflict seriously and to repair what has been left undone for some 60 years now” it stated. The NISC asked to let the Nagas determine their own future and make sure that those who have occupied their land for so long will leave in peace.
The NISC lamented that although the United Nations acknowledged the declaration of “independence” on August 14, 1947, ‘it did not act upon it.’ It explained that consequently India interpreted this as “that it could annex Nagaland.” Later, after some preliminary negotiated steps, leading to the rejected 9 point agreement and in 1954 Jawaharlal Nehru decided to invade Naga Hills and declared ‘no-man’s land’ because the Naga Peoples did not submit to the Indian Armed Forces but instead defended against the aggression.
“The international community headed by the United Nations did not intervene but concluded that this war was a domestic conflict. Till today the United Nations has remained tacit as it did not elaborate officially on granting or denying the Nagas and other peoples of the Northeast of India the full independence they deserve” the NISC asserted.
“The Naga International Support Center stresses that this incongruence in thinking and acting has led to much oppression and resulted in anguish, torture, rape and outright murder and concludes that this sore on the flesh of mankind should be addressed properly” the NISC added.
Nagas burden will be solved automatically: Miidam Peyu The Morung Express
PHEK, AUGUST 15 (MExN): In a mass participation of historical Anniversary of Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) Chakhesang Region, the 61st Independence Day Celebration was held at Phek Village on August 14. Inaugurating the Whole Chakhesang Region Parade, the Chief Guest of the function Thupuchiyi Vadeo, Midam Peyu, Chakhesang Region, FGN, asserted that the Nagas would fully vote for the President of Naga National Council (NNC) Adinno Phizo, and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) Kedaghe Retd. General Viyalie Metha and no one else as may be proposed or announced by whatsoever manner. As part of the situation the Nagas will automatically look forward for the betterment of the present Naga Society, he said. Nagas were presently living in hurdles and troublesome and hardship as well, this is all just a natural fact that a world moves as per the arisen situation as it deserve. Nagas will overcome when Almighty God will allow us to enter His kingdom, we Nagas will move forward to glorify His Kingdom, we will be free like His own people as regarded by Him. Let us all look forward to His justification so that we will be repentant that will be justified by one and all. Nagas will be for Christ for Freedom and thereafter, the Midam Peyu asserted.
Earlier K. Povetso chaired the function Leacy Executive FGN, Vote of thanks was delivered by Tsorisa, Speaker, Leacy Hoho, Nuchicho Venuh, Pastor, PVBC, Invoke an opening Prayer while in the entertainment session, Kubito & Co offered a special song entitle ‘Nagas were to be United at all cost’. According to the Official sources, around 2500 delegates attended the regional function; a mass feast was offered to all the delegates in a traditional way.
Independence Day celebrated across Nagaland DIPR News
TUENSANG: In Tuensang the celebration was held at in the parade ground with Parliamentary Secretary, Art & Culture and Soil & Water Conservation, P. Chuba Chang as the chief guest. The chief guest unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute from 17 contingents including the 3rd NAP, DEF, CRPF, VGs, Ex-Servicemen, Students of Sainik School, Punglwa and 11 schools of Tuensang.
Highlights of the programme were Inauguration of Exhibition Stalls put up by 11 different departments and Tsg District Badminton Tournament by the chief guest, cultural dance by six different tribal cultural troupes, feeding of patients at Civil Hospital, 3rd NAP Hospital, 12th AR hospital and inmates at District Jail by IRCS and Chamber of Commerce, Tuensang, besides Taek-won-do display by 12 AR. Band display by 3rd NAP, and prize distributions were other highlights of the programme. A large number of people from all walks of life attended the function. The day’s programme concluded with band display and beating of the retreat by 12 AR and 3rd NAP band.
MOKOKCHUNG: Mokokchung district celebrated the occassion at Imkongmeren Sports Complex with Minister for Industries & Commerce, Sericulture and Border Affairs, Khekiho Zhimomi as the chief guest. The Chief Guest unfurled the National Flag and took salute from the parade contingents led by parade Commander, Bendang, Asst. Commandant, 2nd NAP and comprising of 2nd NAP,150th CRPF, DEF, Bharat Scouts & Guides, NCC , Ex-servicemen and 2nd NAP Band Party. Cultural items were presented by various cultural clubs along with Bhangra dance by 30th Assam Rifles Mokokchung and Taek-won-do display by Mokokchung District Taek-won-do Association. The Chief Guest also inaugurated the exhibition stalls put up by Agri and Allied Department like Rural Development, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Health & Family Welfare Department and various other societies. An exhibition volleyball match was also played between 30th Assam Rifles and Mokokchung District Volleyball Team.
ZUNHEBOTO: At Zunheboto the Minister for Forest and Information & Public Relations, I. Kheto Kinimi as chief guest unfurled the tri-colour National flag and took salute amidst playing of the National Anthem by the 27th AR, Zunheboto. Later he inspected the parade contingents comprising of armed personnel, school students, Bharat Scouts & Guides and the ex-servicemen, Zunheboto. Menfolk dance by Alahuto colony, womenfolk dance by new colony, patriotic dance (Raangde basanti) by Lovedale Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto and national art display by 11 NAP (IR). The chief guest also inaugurated the exhibition stall. The evening programme included visit to jail and civil hospital by IRCS Zbt Branch and Business Union, Zbt. An exhibition volley ball match between Government Higher Secondary School (Girls) verses H.O. office, Zbt was held and followed by prize distribution. Retreat drum by 27 AR Zbt concluded the celebration.
MON: With E.E. Pangteang Konyak, Deputy Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly as chief guest Mon celebrated the I-Day at helipad ground. Earlier, the Chief Guest unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of 5 contingents consisting of 6th NAP, DEF, Village Guards, Ex-serviceman and NCC girls. Special numbers by Rashtra Bhasha Hindi Training Institute, Mon, cultural dance by Christ King School, Drill Display by Konjong School, feeding of patients and inmates in Civil Hospital and sub jail Mon followed by documentary films show by 37th Assam Rifles were the highlights of the day long programme.
WOKHA: Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Excise, Dr. T.M. Lotha addressed the public in celebration of Independence Day at the local ground, Wokha.
The Minister inaugurated the exhibitions stalls put by the various departments at the local ground. The highlights of the function were presentation of folk dance by E.M. School and Wokha Village Cultural Club. The contingents of the parade included 40 AR, 7 NAP, DEF, ex-servicemen, Bharat Scouts & Guides, NCC and students. Wokha Town Council provides feedings to the jail inmates and IRCS offered food items to the patients at Civil Hospital and CMC. Refreshment at the rostrum was arranged by the Charity Club.
LONGLENG: Longleng town celebrated the Independence day at the district headquarter with Parliamentary Secretary for Printing & Stationery, H. Nyemli Phom as the chief guest.
The chief guest unfurled the tri-colour and took salute from eight contingents comprising of one contingent each from the 13 NAP, Village Guards, student contingents from Yingli Government College, St. Joseph School, Nyingching High School, NCC contingents from Government High School, Mt. Carmel School and Phom Lempong School and Scouts & Guides.
The other highlights of the programme were presentation of cultural programmes in which the chief guest also participated, which were presented by Neinak ward, High School Colony and Agri colony respectively.
PHEK: Independence Day was celebrated at Phek headquarter at local ground with Minister for Home, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and Election, Thenucho as the chief guest on the occasion. The chief guest hoisted the tri-color National flag. The Independence Day parade witnessed 14 contingents including band party. The highlights of the day were participation of cultural troupes from Ketsapo village (2 groups) Kutsapo village (2 groups) and Lozaphuhu village and weapon display by 33 AR. Kiddies Corner School Phek presented drill display. The chief guest also opened 18 stalls of Agri and Allied departments, Education, 33 AR, Self Help Groups etc of Phek district including several stalls put up by the department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Phek. The celebration also witnessed football exhibition match which was played between Christian Home School and Kiddies Corner School Phek.
Observation peoplehood Editorial the Morung Express
August. Independence days. A contrast of two distinct peoples yet each so enmeshed in a political history written in conflict with the other. Naga resistance organizations across the Naga homeland observed August 14, the “Naga independence day.” Once more, the Nagas reaffirmed their indisputable title over own land and human rights. ‘Urra Uvie.’ ‘This is our Land.’
India, a nation herself bred of a bloody struggle for self-determination observed her independence, August 15. A reaffirmation of the sacrifices her millions people made to exist as a free people; a reminder of a history written to exist in the legacy today her people take pride in.
The Nagas today exist in reluctant existence under this nation, India, herself bred of struggle to be free from the British. The more than half-a-century of struggle for self-determination has witnessed bloodshed, perhaps to validate in a harsh way the genuine rights of this indigenous people. The aspiration to be a free people continues to motivate the Nagas. But a solution also continues to elude the measure of aspirations the Nagas have in their hearts. The Government of India and the NSCN-IM had managed yet another phase of ceasefire, this time for an indefinite period. The significance is as much the extension as it is for the exigencies that first compelled the agreement arrived at Circuit House, Dimapur on July 31 between the two.
It may be observed that the latest ceasefire phase was agreed to be indefinite, is itself a telling ‘reprove’ to the GoI – the ball is in your court, prove your seriousness. And without further delay for the ‘continuance of the ceasefire.’ The joint statement signed by NSCN-IM and GOI representative carries a stark appendage – “…subject to progress in talks.” Observers hold that the ceasefire’s indefinite nature itself places the GoI under measured pressure to surface with something concrete and applicably significant to prove its oft-questioned sincerity.
While the Government of India seems to give out the impression that it is in a position where concessions could be negotiated, it is still burdened with the onerous task of translating the myriad dimensions that the demand for “sovereignty” has come to be appended with, lately. Considering the political exigencies that the decade of talks have come to form part of the entire dynamics, the general impression is, the demand for ‘sovereignty’ is different from ‘integration’ of all Naga-inhabited areas under a single administrative umbrella. Perhaps the GoI views ‘integration’ as a more secessionist endeavor while “sovereignty” is limited only to the ‘proper Nagaland state’ which can be “adjusted” within the confines of the Indian constitution. Whatever might be the case, impressions or observations, a long road stretches ahead.
A decade of ceasefire without any headway to resolving the tenacious Naga political issue, could have compelled a reinvention of the process from the hitherto ostensibly exploratory nature to a more proactive application of commitments the sides-in-agreement are tacitly expected to fulfill. Any deviation would only led to compounding the Indo-Naga political complexities to a more. This may be considered the reason the extension this time around is indefinite.
Considering a restive Naga people, impatient Naga groups and a confused Government of India with a tendency to bide time, if no acceptable result is exacted during the ceasefire periods, extensions will only serve the GoI to exploiting the advantage of delay, thus side-stepping major Naga issues to offer ‘concessions.’ The Government of India is evasive in translating politically its stated recognition as ‘unique’ the Nagas’ history/political life. Ambiguity from the GoI would also led to deepened frustration in the Naga camp. Further, allegations and counter-charges over violation of ceasefire ground rules between the GoI and the Naga factions, or in the context of the Naga factions, have made good headlines over the last ten years. Imperative it is that these two concepts be defined and specified by implementation.
Rio’s unity call to factions Correspondent Nagaland post
Kohima, Aug 15 (NPN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio Wednesday appealed to the Naga underground groups to stop fratricidal killings and instead work towards projecting a common and united front so that they could bargain from a position of strength.
Hoisting the tricolour at the Civil Secretariat Ground here on the occasion of sixtieth anniversary of India’s independence, Rio said it was time the Nagas came forward to help find an honourable and acceptable solution to the protracted Naga political problem.
In his address that lasted for about 45 minutes, the chief minister welcomed the extension of ceasefire between Government of India and both factions of the NSCN.
He expressed the hope that a lasting and honorable solution, acceptable to all Nagas, would emerge ultimately.
Appreciating the Joint Forum of DBs and GBs for its declaration of ceasefire among the underground groups, the chief minister said the “government lauds this initiative and fully supports them in the endevaour”.
He reminded the people of the state emblem, adopted in 2005, stating that it depicted the unique tradition, culture and identity of the Nagas, under the umbrella of “unity”.
“The goal and vision which we have enshrined in the State emblem should be a continuous source of our inspiration and strength, until we achieve that unity to enable the Nagas to live together as a family and a people,” Rio said.
The chief minister said maintenance of law and order and safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens was the primary function of the State. To perform these duties, he said the government was modernizing the state police force. “Under the programme of police modernization adequate funds have been earmarked towards improvement of mobility, weaponry, procurement of training equipment, construction of safe and secured police stations, housing, modern communications system, forensic science laboratory and security equipment.”
Highlighting the various achievements of DAN government, the chief minister said all these were made possible owing to an atmosphere of peace prevailing in the State.
These impressive track records of development would not have been possible without the tacit support and cooperation of civil societies, churches, NGOs and the government machineries, both centre and state and the public at large, Rio said.
He claimed the landscape of Nagaland had changed for the better and the changes were both tangible and visible.
Winding up his address, Rio called upon all Nagas to follow the path of reconciliation through the Christian principle of “forgive and forget” and come forward to be a part of the transformation. “Let us therefore, direct our vision to the future and work together, hand in hand , to build a better tomorrow of ourselves and for our posterity,” Rio said.
During his speech, the chief minister disclosed that next assembly session commencing from September 18 would be held at the new assembly hall. Further, he disclosed that construction of staff quarters for Nagaland House at Guwahati was completed and awaiting inauguration.
“Construction of various State Guest Houses at Delhi and Mumbai are in different stages of implementation, while Nagaland House at Salt Lake, Kolkata will be completed within this year. The State government proposes to construct 6,768 more rural houses during 2007-2008,” the chief minister said.
The highlights of the celebration included presentation of cultural items by Ao, Angami, Sumi, Rengma, Lotha and Yimchunger troupes. A Bhangra dance was also presented by personnel of security forces, followed by a mass band display.
A record 24 contingents took part in the parade that also included students from Sainik School, Punglwa.
Corruption: Perverting Social Justice- Nagaland Post
Corruption has become major economic, social and political issue among the Nagas. The Nagas pride herself as Christians and yet the actions of Naga Christians barely resemble Christ-likeness. Nagaland is one of the most corrupt States in India. Nagas in Nagaland and Manipur takes bribe from all sections of society: the innocent, the weak and the poor. Justice is denied to many ordinary, poor nagas because they do not have money. Bribes are paid for birth certificate, school admission, college admission, student scholarship, passport, driving license, electricity, telephone connection and so on. The Nagas bribes to get jobs, bank loans and to withdraw funds that have been sanctioned by the government to schools, community development and various organizations.
Most Naga Christians have no moral qualms to accept bribes or bribe to get their job done. Job, the poet in the Old Testament wrote: "For the company of hypocrites will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of bribery. They conceive trouble and bring forth futility; their womb prepares deceit"(Job 15: 34-35). Many Naga Christian leaders are laying the foundation of deciet, barrenness and destruction. Social, economic and political foundation is fast eroding right before our eyes. Naga Christians are spiritual numb and in denial with the issue of bribery and corruption. The hypocrisy of Naga Christians will be the cause of their own downfall.
The present economic, social, political and religious mess among the Nagas is directly link to the moral and spiritual degradation of the Naga leaders as well as the Nagas in general. The Holy Scripture had warned that fire will consume the house of bribery. We must heed the warning of God if we desire to see justice roll down from the mountain. God is not pleased when we turn our ways to dishonest gain, bribery and perverting the way of justice. There will be no social justice as long as the Naga Christians are corrupt and wicked.
Most of the naga leaders amass wealth through bribery. To sooth their quilt, they will donate money to the church. The church leaders are happy to receive huge donations from corrupt leaders and remained silent on this major issue. The beautiful churches are built with ill-gained and blood money. That is not to say that all the money came from wickedness and evil. The churches are also built with the widows mites. However, the widows and the poor do not enjoy privileged position in the church. The corrupt leaders enjoy the patronage of the church and they are accorded the choicest place in the house of God. The Naga Christians have contributed immensely in perverting justice in the land.
There is hardly any machinery that is not fraught with corruption. Even the basic fundamental level of survival is fraught with corruption. The social evils of Naga society had breed violence. We see the face of evil and violence in our home, society, goverment and church. Majority of the Nagas are Christians. Having said that the action, lifestyle and faith of the majority Nagas is not translated in our homes, society, governance and ministry in the church. The present conditions in all aspects of life hardly reflect that we are follower of Christ. There is no Christ-likeness in our actions and faith. How can we say that we are follower of Christ, when our ways have turned to wickedness and violence? If the Nagas, who are in majority Christian, lived a godly, Christ-like life, corruption will not be a major issue. The Nagas then would not have perverted the way of justice. We would see and experience justice rolling down from the mountain for the poor, widow, orphan and the weak.
The Nagas have been conditioned and de-sensitized to live with corruption. This hardly means we should accept the ways of perversion and wickedness. This is our moment, out time and opportunity to turn from wicked ways and asked God to forgive the sins of the nation. We all have fallen short of the glory of God, by that I mean "All of us." However, we should not make that an excuse to continue to live in wicked ways. The Grace of God is not for us to continue to live in sin that Grace may abound. In the word of Apostle Paul, "Forbid it." We cannot continue be silent on the issue of corruption. We have heard often being silent is to lend support. We must not lend our support to corruption and violence by being silent.
The students without teachers who are regularly paid are crying for justice. The villagers whose roads are not paved despite the fund withdrawn by contractors are crying for justice. The pathetic conditions of the streets in the cities and towns are crying for justice. The abandoned patients without doctors and nurses are crying for justice. The unemployed Naga youth are crying for justice. The village without electricity, drinking waters and basic needs are crying for justice. The resources and money had gone to the towers and homes of the mighty and rich. The towers and homes stands there as a symbol of injustice, wickedness, corruption and violence.
The word of Prophet Amos is relevant to all the Nagas: "For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: Afflicting the just and taking bribes; Diverting the poor from justice at the gate…. Seek good and not evil, That you may live; So the LORD God of hosts will be with you, As you have spoken. Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the LORD God of hosts Will be gracious…. " I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savor your sacred assemblies. Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream" (Amos 5:12-24).
Let justice roll down from the Mountain Let justice roll for the widow
Let justice roll for the orphan Let justice roll for the poor and needy
Let justice roll for the family of the slain Let justice roll down from the Mountain
For the wicked and the evil Let justice roll for the mighty and oppressor
Let justice roll for the innocent Let justice roll for the voiceless
Let justice roll from the Mountain In our Church, In our homes,
In our society, In our government Let justice roll for the Naga people
Let us come together to seek justice for the poor. This is the time to do good and not evil. We, the Naga people must learn to hate evil and love good. We must establish justice for all sections of society. Only then justice will roll from the Mountain of God.
"He who win souls is wise" Proverbs. Dr. Wungreiso Valui.
Rio sees greener side on I-Day ‘Nagaland now poised for development, progress’ The Morung Express CM’s speech highlights
• Special focus will be given to make the state an
“Orange state”
• Plans to install information kiosks at key-locations for better access to information
• Construction of Railway line from Dimapur to Zubza (Secu) approved by the Government of India
• Hydrographic survey for Inland waterways from Longmatra in Kiphire to Avangkhu in Phek district has been launched.
• The capital town of Kohima will be getting a facelift under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.
• 2nd development seminar for Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire will be held in collaboration with the DONER Ministry during the current year.
• Veterinary and Animal Husbandry College will be set up at Medziphema in collaboration with Nagaland University.
• MoU signed between NU and State Government to set up one engineering college in the premises of the Mini Tool Room complex, Dimapur and classes with five disciplines will start by September 2007.
• The first phase of the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) with 150 beds will be operational by October, 2007. A medical college and a nursing college are also to be included in the Project.
• Nursing School attached to the Kohima Hospital authority is being upgraded to nursing college and it will be operational within the current financial year.
Tuli Papar Mill is all set to be revived.
The Governor and the Chief Minister with the recipients of Governor’s Award on August 15.
Kohima, August 15 (MExN): Stating that today the landscape of Nagaland has changed for the better, and these changes are tangible and visible for all to see, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today asserted that the state is now poised for a period of all-round growth.
“Let us therefore, change our attitude in order to give our best. To give our best we have to believe in ourselves and be optimistic and press on towards greater achievements of the future,” Rio said in his 60th Independence Day celebration speech here at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat ground. He called upon all Nagas to follow the path of reconciliation through the Christian principle of “forgive and forget,” and step forward to be a part of the transformation that is taking place today.
Rio challenged the people to “direct our vision to the future, and work together, hand in hand, to build a better tomorrow for ourselves and for our posterity.”
Also stating that the two groups of NSCN are having ceasefire with the Government of India, Rio said “We hope that a lasting and honorable solution, acceptable to the Nagas will emerge ultimately.”
“I, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and the people of Nagaland, wholeheartedly welcome the recent extension of ceasefire between the Government of India and both the factions of NSCN,” Rio said. Rio stated that it was also a matter of great satisfaction that, for the first time, the latest talk between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) was held within the state, and the extension of the ceasefire was also indefinite.
Rio also expressed his happiness that the joint forum of Dobashis and Gaonboras has been formed, with the objective of arranging ceasefire and reconciliation amongst the underground groups. “The government lauds this initiative, and fully support them in their endeavor,” Rio said adding that the prime need of the hour is a united step to help find an honorable and acceptable solution to the Naga political problem.
“It is very unfortunate that factional clashes continue, resulting in loss of many precious lives,” he said and appealed to the Naga brethren to stop fratricidal killings and join hands, so that a common and united front can be projected to enable them to bargain from a position of strength. Rio said that maintenance of law and order, and safeguarding life and property of the citizens is the primary function of the State.
“To perform these duties, the State Police is being geared up and modernized,” he said adding that under the Programme of police modernization, adequate fund has been earmarked towards improvement of mobility, weaponry, training equipments, construction of safe and secured police stations, housing, modern communication system, forensic science laboratory, office automation and security equipments. Stating the Nagas had given a massive mandate to the DAN, Rio said it has worked tirelessly for all round development and “we are happy with what has been achieved.”
“It has been our endeavour to provide a government that is transparent and responsive,” he maintained.
ANSAM, KSO NH-39 total bandh today Newmai News Network
Imphal The All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the Kuki Students Organization (KSO)- sponsored 24 hours total bandh will begin from the midnight of August 16. KSO and ANSAM, however said that educational institutions, medical services and the movement of security personnel will be exempted from the purview of the bandh.
The Kuki and the Naga students’ bodies said that it had already placed their demands earlier which include the improvement of the “terrible, death-defying” condition of the National Highway 39.The statement said that the appeals to the state government had gone to deaf ears. It further stated that as such the two students’ bodies have no other alternative but to stick to its terms that was made in its press release of August 7 by launching a series of agitations. With this, the KSO and the ANSAM appealed to all the private vehicles, truckers and any other transporters and the general public for the co-operation “as the agitation has been called for the good-will of all.”
It warned that “any infringement or violation of the agitation will be sternly dealt with”, adding that, “the KSO and ANSAM profoundly expressed their heartfelt regrets for the inconveniences that will cause to the general public. But the irritable stance of total silence on the part of the government of Manipur has forcibly drawn the two apex tribal students’ bodies in the state to take the road in protest in which any occurrence of unwanted incidents will be the sole responsibility of the state government”.
The KSO and the ANSAM announced that the movement of all the vehicles and transportations of materials and goods belonging to the PWD will be restricted along the NH-39 for an indefinite period.
Tea Cultivation in Nagaland
A case study of ‘Sayeang Tea Estate’ Mon The Morung Express
Tea cultivation in Nagaland is a feasible economy generation activity for the people. The case study of the ‘Sayeang Tea Estate’ at Wakching, Mon is an example, for farmers to take up tea cultivation. The tea garden was started in 1989 with only five acres by Mr. Honlei. The tea estate is now expanded to one hundred and fifty hectares, and is yielding 2500 kgs per day ie 75,000 kgs per month or 9, 00, 000 kgs (nine lakh) per annum. The employment generated by the tea estate is around 100 tea pluckers, cutters and planters on a daily basis. These labourers have set up a ‘Self Help Group’ (SHG) called the ‘Shiyang Tea Planters’ Association to which the Chief Minister also contributed Rs. 1.00 lakh (rupees one lakh) on 21st March 2007 during his visit to Sayenag Tea Estate. The tea estate has set an example and the villagers of Shiyang already began their own tea gardens numbering more than (70) seventy, owned by individuals, as alternative to jhuming.
The tea leaves, form all these gardens, are however currently being transported to Assam tea processing factories via Sonari. The lack of processing plant and cost of transportation is reducing the net turnover as of now. The example of Sayeang is a single instance, where individual vision, community awakening and Government’s support were all needed to ensure success and economic development, through innovations in the utilization of our land and its resources. The contributions from other interdependent activities and Government departments are also of prime importance in any endeavour, such as power for any factory, good roads for transportation, Banks for financing, marketing outlet networks and peaceful congenial atmosphere. Apart form tea cultivation other horticulture crops are being identified by the concerned departments to ensure development, self-reliance, self-sufficiency and surplus in generating overall higher income.
