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08/27/2007: "Cong harps on Naga peace initiatives OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Cong harps on Naga peace initiatives OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Kohima, Aug. 26: The general session of the Nagaland PCC on Friday once again pledged full support towards an early resolution of the Naga political issue, but added that all Naga underground groups must first be united. Several Congress leaders on Friday asserted that if a lasting solution to the vexed Naga issue was to be achieved, all must speak in a single voice.
“When we come to the Naga political issue, the fact that the Congress is playing a significant role cannot be ignored. State Congress leaders can prevail upon central leaders. During the tenure of the then Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao, it was declared at Dimapur that the Naga problem is a political issue as well as a national problem,” PCC president Hokheto Sumi said.
Following this declaration, the matter was taken up by the Centre, paving the way for negotiations to find a lasting solution, he added. Sumi pointed out that when the Congress-led UPA came to power, the talks were elevated to the ministerial level and the peace process continued in the right direction.
“Recently, the indefinite extension of the ceasefire was announced by the negotiating team at Dimapur, which was welcomed by all sections of the people,” he said.
The Congress chief suggested that the people should develop humane, political relationships with all the outfits and avoid confrontationist policies. “We must also involve the people in a practical manner. This can be worked out only when we get the mandate of the people, for we cannot remain mere spectators but fully and actively participate in the process of solution of the political issues.”
R.C. Chiten Jamir, a senior Congress leader, said the Naga underground outfits had missed several opportunities for resolving the problem. Jamir said the Naga National Council had made the “greatest” blunder in the history of the Naga political movement by signing the Shillong Accord in 1975, unconditionally accepting the Constitution.
Another senior Congress leader, Chingwang Konyak, said the Naga people decided to accept the Constitution for the first time in August 1957 under the aegis of the Naga People’s Convention. This later gave birth to the Nagaland state in 1960 under the 16-Point Agreement.
Congress for integrating contiguous Naga areas PTI Times of India
KOHIMA: The Congress has urged the Centre to work to integrate all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas with Nagaland and to solve the state's boundary dispute with Assam -- two unimplimented clauses in a 16-point agreement that led to the state's formation in 1963.

The annual general session of the Nagaland unit of the Congress, held in Kohima on Saturday, adopted a resolution to this efect. The session was attended by state leaders and central observer Ranji Thomas.

Bringing contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative set-up is a major demand made by the NSCN-IM during its peace talks with the Centre over the past 10 years.

State party president Hokheto Sumi told reporters after the session that no national parties, except the Congress, were involved in the Naga political issue since the beginning of the Naga uprising, and the party had been demanding the implementation of the two clauses of the 16-point pact of 1960.

However, he said, it was not a new demand of the Congress because when the party was in power, the Nagaland assembly had passed resolutions three times in this regard.

The Congress said the Naga political issue and development strategies in the state would be the party's main plank in the assembly elections slated for early next year.

CLP leader I Imkong said the Congress wanted to be a bridge between the Centre and Naga underground groups so that lasting peace became a reality in the state through political negotiations on the vexed Naga problem.

Before every election, all parties, including the Congress, earlier promised to play the role of a facilitator, but after coming to power the tasks were vested to NGOs and churches, he said. "But this time, we want to change this policy by shouldering the responsibility of becoming the real facilitator," Imkong said.



Meghalaya to lodge complaint with Centre on NSCN (IM) supplying arms arms Nagaland Page
Shillong, August 27: The Meghalaya government would soon lodge a complaint with the Centre against the NSCN (IM) alleging that they were supplying arms and ammunition to Liberation Achik Elite Force (LAEF) militant outfit.
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim Isak-Muivah NSCN(IM), which is currently on a ceasefire agreement with the Centre, have provided sophisticated arms and ammunition to Meghalaya-based LAEF militant organization to carry out hit-and-run operations, a senior police official said here yesterday.
The ‘commander-in-chief’ of LAEF Peter Marak, who was killed in a crossfire last week between the police and his cadres at Kalak area had revealed to the police that the NSCN (IM) were extending weapons support.
‘’Marak had confessed that the NSCN (IM) had provided them with AK rifles, Universal Machine Guns to his outfit,’’ a police official said.
The police official, who pleaded anonymity, further said that Marak had also revealed fresh arms consignments to be routed via Baghmara in South Garo Hills through Bangladesh. (UNI)

‘Integrate contiguous Naga-inhabited areas’ Assam Tribune
KOHIMA, Aug 26 – The Congress has urged the Centre to work to integrate all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas with Nagaland and to solve the state’s boundary dispute with Assam – two unimplimented clauses in a 16-point agreement that led to the state’s formation in 1963.

The annual general session of the Nagaland unit of the Congress, held here on Saturday, adopted a resolution to this efect. The session was attended by state leaders and central observer Ranji Thomas.

Bringing contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative setup is a major demand made by the NSCN-IM during its peace talks with the Centre over the past 10 years.

State party president Hokheto Sumi told reporters after the session that no national parties, except the Congress, were involved in the Naga political issue since the beginning of the Naga uprising, and the party had been demanding implementation of the two clauses of the 16-point pact of 1960.

However, he said, it was not a new demand of the Congress because when the party was in power, the Nagaland Assembly had passed resolutions three times in this regard.

The Congress said the Naga political issue and development strategies in the state would be the party’s main plank in the Assembly elections slated for early next year.

CLP leader I Imkong said the Congress wanted to be a bridge between the Centre and Naga underground groups so that lasting peace became a reality in the state through political negotiations on the vexed Naga problem.

Before every election, all parties, including the Congress, earlier promised to play the role of a facilitator, but after coming to power the tasks were vested to NGOs and churches, he said.

“But this time, we want to change this policy by shouldering the responsibility of becoming the real facilitator,” Imkong said.

Besides political issues, the opposition Congress would go to the people on development matters, Sumi said, claiming that there was nothing much on the ground even though the Centre generously allotted funds to the state government.

Alleging that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s government had failed on the political and development fronts, Imkong said it did not initiate any concrete step to stop factional fighting among Naga underground groups despite its claim of playing the role of a facilitator.

Both Imkong and Hokheto Sumi, with Congress’ central observer Ranji Thomas, exuded confidence that the party would get a majority in the coming polls.

Addressing party workers at the Congress Bhavan here, the state Congress president said during the last four-and-half years in opposition, the enrolment of members in the party had more than doubled. “We expect the same trend to continue in the coming days,” he said.

Stressing introspection on the party’s past activities and working out suitable comprehensive programmes to usher in development in the state, Sumi said, “We have to lay a foundation where we can firmly commit to the people that the Congress is their party and the participation of everyone is required to build a strong and vibrant Nagaland.” – PTI
Belittling NSCN-IM is ridiculous’ Kuknalim.com
The NSCN-IM responds, to an article by one UA Shimray titled “…on confession essay,” by stating that the write-up has “own meaning and interest” from the “academic point.”

However, in the context of the Naga political movement, the article “feigned blindness” to the reality of the Nagas’ struggle, the NSCN-IM’s MIP stated in a rejoinder. It stated that the NSCN-IM has been guided by the Chinese revolutionary leader’s “theory.”

The MIP stated that Shimray’s attempt to belittle the NSCN-IM leadership is “ridiculous in the true sense of the term” and quoting Mao Tse-tung’s teachings “is all the more funny.” When the “Naga group” visited China, they were given the “revolutionary lesson” – “take the masses along with your political struggle.”
The NSCN-IM has all along been guided by Mao Tse Tung’s “revolutionary theory,” the MIP note asserted. Further during the last Indo-Naga political talks in Delhi, the Indian delegates were told that the Naga people must be consulted and the “NSCN is in no position to take single-handed decision on the Indo-Naga ceasefire extension.” In fact, the consultative meeting at Camp Hebron and the 60th round of talks at Dimapur are all to do with the organization’s “program of making people’s affinity to the Naga political issue more meaningful and people-oriented” the NSCN-IM claimed.

The NSCN-IM further explained that the role of popular masses depend on what political and ideological guidance they have ‘at the moment.’ The MIP asserted that “long time back NSCN was born to bring home to the Naga masses that revolutionary situation is there, to awaken their revolutionary consciousness and arouse the Naga people’s determination.” It maintained that so far the NSCN-IM “has been able to achieve as a capable revolutionary party to rally all progressive Naga people.”

Referring to UA Shimray, the NSCN-IM advised him “not go overboard” to touch ‘some revolutionary theory unnecessarily.” One has to be realistic and not just be academic while making any reference to the Naga political movement, the organization advised. (Morung Express News)
Rio failing, messing Naga political issue: Hokheto By Oken Jeet Sandham – Asian Tribune
Kohima, 27 August, (Asianatribune.com): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, NPCC, expressed confidence that it would sail through the coming general elections due early next year and form the next Congress government in the State.
Disclosing this in an informal interaction with the media persons here at the Congress Bhavan, NPCC president Hokheto Sumi, in presence of AICC Secretary Ranji Thomas, who is in-charge of Nagaland and CLP leader I Imkong, said the party was fully prepared for the coming general elections. “We will fight alone in all the sixty assembly constituencies and shall form the next Congress government in the State,” he stated. Sumi also stressed that the Congress being the national political party would only understand the problem of the State. Besides it was the only party, which was constantly keeping in touch with the people in Nagaland, he added.
NPCC chief also said DAN chief minister Neiphiu Rio had terribly failed in the crucial political front, in spite of his commitment to bring solution to the Naga political issue in the last general elections. “He (Rio) has not only failed in political front but also messed the political issue because he has not taken the Naga people into confidence,” he said. “He is rather busy for the survival of his party (NPF).”
CLP leader I Imkong, who is also leader of the opposition, regretted on the misutilization of huge funds by Rio ministry in the state. The developmental activities did not correspond with the funds coming from the Center in the State, he explained.
“They (DAN government) are getting more than Rs 1000 (one thousand) crore annually under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes and this is over and above our state allocation,” he said. “But there is no work on the ground.”
Imkong also clarified that the party (Congress) was diverting its political agenda by asking the Center to implement the Naga integration. He said it was there in the 16-Point Agreement since 1960 and they were only asking the government of India to implement it. In fact, the state assembly had already passed four times for it. “We will be more vocal during the coming general elections in the state,” he added.
CLP chief also disclosed that if the Congress was voted to power, it would actually be involved in building bridge between the Naga underground leaders and the Center instead of giving responsibility to somebody like those Naga NGOs.
Jamir meets Sonia Gandhi on Nagaland and Goa Kuknalim.com NEW DELHI, August 27:: His Excellency Dr SC Jamir, Governor of Goa met the UPA Chairperson Ms Sonia Gandhi this morning at 11.40 a.m. at 10 Janpath, New Delhi and discussed at length the issues facing the States of Goa and Nagaland...

..During the meeting, various issues of both political and law and order were discussed with particular reference to Nagaland. He explained to her that ceasefire agreements between the Government of India and the two factions of the NSCN have to be maintained and sustained both in letter and spirit.

The UPA Chairperson expressed her concern over the prevailing situation in the region and assured the Governor that she would do everything possible for restoration of peace in the area.

With regard to Goa’s fluid political situation, the Governor pointed out that under the leadership of Mr Digamber Kamat, it is expected that the Government would run smoothly.
(Issued by OSD to Governor of Goa)
National freedom before all else: NSCN (IM) DIMAPUR, August 26:: Sketching out the meaning of ‘Freedom’ in the present context, the NSCN (IM) said that it implied both individual and community freedom.

And this freedom or rights, he said, was allowed under some given conditions by the state, however he also lamented that many illiterate people with vested interest were mixing up national freedom or freedom movement of the nation with that of individual, tribe or community freedom.
The press release issued by Deputy Kilonsor, MIP, Sangti Konyak also said that people from both advanced and backward tribes were claiming their tribes to be the best thereby implying that other tribes were bad. In the same manner, it added that while some factions were ‘shouting from the rooftops’ that they were the real Naga National group fighting for sovereignty, others were just doing their political business and discussing the matter with the Government of India. “Such mindset and unnecessarily getting to vocal without actually doing anything tangible towards sovereignty only damage and poison our own political atmosphere and become a fertile ground for the anti-Naga forces to denigrate our political society very easily”, the release continued continued.

Quoting the words of Shiv Khera, “Freedom is not free”, the NSCN (IM) stated that for national freedom it was necessary to sacrifice other interest and activities should be national freedom oriented. “In other words, our personal, community or tribal freedom should be surrendered before the national freedom”, it cited.

The NSCN (IM) also there were many types of sovereignty with varying degrees, and the type of sovereignty they were fighting for would depend on the interpretation of the word and how it was approached in the manner demanded by the political situation. This present political situation, it added was to be keeping in view the Naga’s aspiration for honourable political settlement. This sovereignty, the MIP stated could not come to the Nagas as a gift from someone.
(Morung Express News)
Civil society groups playing a key role in promoting peace in Nagaland From our ANI Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 27: The Central Government and leaders of a rebel Naga outfit may have initiated a process of normalisation and peace in remote Nagaland, but the role of civil society groups in this campaign can never be under estimated.
They have been instrumental in bringing the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah (NSCN) (IM) and the Central Government to the negotiating table.

Ask people like Kari Longchar, N Theyo and Imchatoba Imchen, and they all will tell you that civil society groups carry the aspirations of the Nagas.

L. Kari Longchar, Nagaland Baptist Church Council Peace Director, said: "Through our initiative all the fighting groups, especially in Nagaland, the path to a permanent peace goes. One day, they will come to us to reconcile to be united and whatever mistrust exists will be sorted out."

Imchatoba Imchen, the President of the Naga Students Federation says the interest of the Nagas is a paramount objective of civil society groups.

N Theyo, the Chairman of the Nagaland Peace Centre, says he has been instrumental in persuading the NSCN (IM) rebels to come to a ceasefire agreement with the Centre.

And, it is these efforts that have made the Naga leadership appear more flexible.

The Naga ho ho too has played a great role in espousing the cause of peace.

Keviletuo Kiewhuo, Vice-President of the Naga Hoho, said: "If you look at the present negotiation, we find there lot of flexibility. I think the interpretation is coming to interdependence and federal relationship."

"The idea is to develop and to find permanent peaceful solution in Nagaland," says Theyo.

The sense of alienation that once haunted Nagas sixty years ago is gone. Today, the Nagas are to be seen in all fields-from music to sports and from administration to academics, contributing in a big way to nation building.By Vibhou Gangully


Copyright Dailyindia.com/ANI
Defining Unlawful By: R. K. Shivachandra Kangla on Line
Shall we say don’t drink water because fishes defecate in it. This is exactly what the SPF Government recently did by reiterating that the Medias will be liable to be punished under certain laws if they publish underground related news. The clean politician claimed to have no nexus with the underground element, let him throw the first stone to the Press. I am afraid will there be one? If it is viewed from practical aspects what would be Manipur Newspaper like without filling their columns with such news items. Do we have any news not related to crimes now a days? But when it comes to blame somebody one shouldn’t forget that the finger that points to someone has at the same time another four fingers that contradicts himself. We are all there as a part of it. Be it Government or any element whatsoever under the Sun has its own share either bad or good in the present affair of Manipur. Shall we let the Manipur Press also follow the yardstick of “Myanmar News Light” or “Myanmar Times” published in Myanmar that carries only the Government related news, nothing but developmental news like where the Dam was built, bridges have been inaugurated kind? Military Junta in one way could act themselves as true people’s representatives despite being a military ruled Government in Myanmar . However imposing the style and functioning of Myanmar in this State of India, which is known to be the Greatest Democracy of the World may be unfair. The Press is in dilemma, like the war prisoners who have no right to protest. They are made forced hostages in their own soil. The deep blue sea or the monster is equally dangerous. The Government imposes certain strictures of ‘Dos and Don’ts’ on the Press Fraternity in Manipur. Would not this tantamount to breach of laws that violates the sanctity of freedom of Press? I cannot see any reason why should not the Government also be branded another unlawful agency for breach of laws. Press alone shouldn’t get the blame neither Government should throw its weight on them. The SPF Government instead of gagging the mouth of Press can better do something innovative with the help of Medias like other state does. In our neighboring Assam ULFA is no longer viewed as a dreaded unlawful organization. Tarun Gogoi in his recent statement said his government had recommended the release of some of the jailed ULFA leaders if that would help in bringing peace to the State. He pronounced 'We are definitely going to ask the government during the talks to expedite the process of releasing the five jailed ULFA leader. On the other hand ULFA is on the rise in terms of violence; struck in a big way killing hordes of Hindi-speaking people across the State of Assam. In such juncture Press plays the most vital kind of role, which the State Government needed the most. This is not in support of any vandalism or in the act of atrocities; it is still believed that every problem has a solution. Let us not say that columns of forces that deployed in Manipur will stamp out insurgency. There should be some other means to bring Peace in Manipur. Kuldip Nayar renowned journalist rightly commented “If a government wants to depend on “extra-judicial powers” to administer any part of the country even after 57 years of Independence ; there is something basically wrong with the approach of that government. Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Ranganath Mishra admitted that AFSPA was “grossly misused”. The present government cannot brush aside his criticism because he was brought to the Rajya Sabha on the Congress ticket.” I hope Kuldip Nayar didn’t say wrong.
Manipur is virtually engulfed with chaos, turmoil and unrest. Apprehension prevails that Manipur may break into pieces someday. MLAs and MP who got elected from Manipur Assembly Constituencies have submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India recently to segregate parts of Manipur and form a bigger state merging with Nagaland. When one fathoms the degree, is there anything unlawful other than this act? What the Government will have to say on this? Laws itself don’t prevail in the Palace; laws are being breached by the rulers and the King becomes dumbfounded. At this point of time laws are not meant to be enforced upon the subjects. So the term unlawful needs to be discussed broadly on a more befitting platform.
Yes we are talking on emotional aspects; emotional integrity, territorial integrity and lots more. If His Excellency, the Governor of Manipur or the Hon’ble Chief Minister ever travels on the National Highway 39 that leads to Dimapur of Nagaland only then they would understand as to how the most talked about “Emotional Integration” slipped off in the trouble torn Manipur. Starting right from Gopibung near kangpokpi down the border town Mao of Manipur there are numerous potholes big enough to drown a baby -child. This has been almost an abandoned terrain by our wealthy-hefty Ministers and bureaucrats. I wonder how on the Earth one could find such a deplorable National Highway . The poor maintenance of the road never reveals that the Chief Minister ever slightly ponders the integration issue. Nonetheless the Government talks big things; about developmental works being taken place etc. However driving along the road there is nothing one can be positive or optimistic about in their thought. Every pothole made one to recall the name of Ibobi with a chant of blessing to live long the Chief Minister. Controlling the wheel is all you will have to do nothing comes in mind. As for me this is unlawful; grossly violated the right of basic amenities of the people. Shree Ibobi should get advice from his Nagaland Counterpart how the latter made a road from Khuzama and the rest of the stretches of National Highway in Nagaland akin to the road of Jan path Road in New Delhi.
Let us do some practical exercise; not to lament or shedding crocodile tears. Let us make Manipur ever resourceful and economic-self reliant state with good transport and communication. Let us dream Manipur be converted into a large rice bowl, another commercial hub like Bangkok and Yangon in the South East Asia . Manipur by virtue of its geographic location is known to be the Gateway to the South East Asia . Why shouldn’t we take advantage of it? Bangkok or Singapore doesn’t require any emotional integration’s plead. Well Manipur should be a fertile and economic zone where every son of the soil flock together and prosper together. When that time comes the emotional integration chapter will sink itself in the fold of the history for Love and tranquility will prevail across the horizon.
Integrity Anecdote:
Sadananda the popular singer and star of Manipur silver screen happened to accompany me to Kohima where he had to stage a concert last year. My car in which we were traveling needed to have a repairing for some mechanical defect in a workshop at Senapati. Soon the workshop was crowded with a lot of Sadananda’s fans who were mostly teens. They seemed to be overjoyed seeing their favorite star and having an eyeball to eyeball talk with him. The ever smiling hero of the screen distributed sweets to his fans and small kids alike. Never was Shadananda considered by the crowd that he belongs to a particular community. People simply loved to hear what he said….readily to applaud in favour of him. For the moment the spirit of integration was flying high.
I hope any talker or spokesperson who has the capability of being glued to microphone hours on integration issue would not have been able to pull that much crowd as did by Shadananda. It took place in an unexpected time in a corner of Senapati where the theme of emotional integration requires to be planted cautiously and see how it blooms. In one way Sadananda is a more practical crusader of Emotional Integration than anyone else.
The Eskimo has fifty-two names for snow because it is important to them; there ought to be as many for love. -- Margaret Atwood
Illegal immigration a threat to NE Economic Times
KOHIMA: Unchecked illegal immigration to the Northeast has posed a serious threat to indigenous people and an imminent danger to the nation's sovereignty, a two-day seminar here observed.

The seminar on "Modernisation without Westernisation and illegal immigrants in the context of the North-east," which concluded today, asserted that everyone should put their heads together on how to check the twin problems of senseless Westernisation and continuing immigration from Bangladesh.

Speaking as the chief guest, Nagaland home minister Thenucho said the illegal immigration threatened the socio-cultural identity of indigenous people in the region, and at the same time posed an alarming danger to the sovereignty of the nation.

The minister said illegal immigration had added to the menace of population explosion and it was also responsible for "all kinds of evils" in the society.

"Those politicians, who thrive on illegal immigrants to stay in power, are actually selling out their political and democratic rights," Thenucho asserted.

The seminar, attended by politicians, academics, anthropologists, community leaders, senior journalists and retired police officers, emphasised on development of indigenous model of modernisation in tune with one's own genius, knowledge and culture instead of imitating the west.

In the context of modernisation in Naga society, the home minister lamented, "we tend to believe the modernisation as westernisation so much so that everything we have and enjoy today is western. Unfortunately, the Nagas failed to differentiate the two, and ultimately we equated the westernisation to the Christianity and obsessed with it."