[Previous entry: "Dismiss DAN for Jalukie village arson’ The Morung Express"] [Next entry: "Rebels oppose India oil restart By Subir Bhaumik BBC News, Calcutta"]

08/30/2007: "Naga Hoho, NSF condemns Aug 28 incident The Morung Express"

Naga Hoho, NSF condemns Aug 28 incident The Morung Express

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 30 (MExN): The Naga Hoho has out rightly condemned the burning down of houses and granaries at Zangdi Village under Jalukie Division by NSCN (IM) cadres on August 28, 2007 over the reported land dispute between the Kacharis of Monglumukh and Zangdi villagers. Naga Hoho President I. Bendangmangyang Jamir in a press communiqué expressed surprise “to see the purported statement of senior NSCN (IM) functionaries who are supposed to be the protector of land and its resources” and who “had rather given the rights to ‘Mians’ which is unpalatable to the entire Naga people”.
Stating that the Naga resistant movement was akin to guerilla warfare with clear objectives and that all forms of missions can not be carried out without the support and utmost cooperation from the public, the Naga Hoho while keeping these in mind stated that it had time and again appealed to all Naga National workers to maintain cordial relationship with all rank and files so as to gain momentum in our struggle for freedom.
“The Naga Hoho fervently beseech both the Zeliangrong Baudi and NSCN (IM) to hammer out the differences without any prejudices in the spirit of one family, one people”. Simultaneously, the Naga Hoho urged upon the Nagas irrespective of political parties and tribes to keep away from taking unwarranted advantage out of such uncalled for situation.
In a separate press note, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) also condemned the “indiscriminate burning down of Jalukie Zangdi Village of Peren District” on August 28 by NSCN (I-M) cadres “in the pretext of national cause and higher authority order.”
A statement issued by the students said: “The villagers were rendered homeless without sense of mercy and sympathy which is very unbecoming of our Naga society and particularly National Workers. Such act of any faction or group among our society is uncalled for.”
The federation has appealed to all concerned authority of the NSCN (I-M) and Jalukie Zangdi Village to resolve the conflict at the earliest with mutual understanding in an “amicable way without prejudice.”
The NSF has also warned “all section of people not to mislead the people by their own vested interest.”
NSCN (I-M) reasons August 28 incident The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 30 (MExN): Giving reason for the burning down of around 30 houses at Jalukie Zangdi on August 28, the “ministry” of Kilo (Home) affairs, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) today stated that Manglamukh village authorities had submitted a memorandum to the Collective Leadership, “which they re-directed to the Kilo Ministry.”
“Therefore, the Kilo Ministry thoroughly investigated the said case and found that the land belongs to Manglamukh village with sufficient documents,” a press release said.
“The Kilo Ministry issued directive order to the Council Chairman Jalukie Zangdi Village (Memo No. 01-03/DIRT/MKA-07). The concern villagers were directed to evict the forceful occupation/development taken up in the Manglamukh village land within three days with immediate effect.”
The statement order was reportedly issued on July 11 consequent upon the directive of the Collective Leadership in superseding all or any other preceded orders basing “on the sketch map and other relevant documentation produced and submitted to the GPRN.”
“The following underline boundary demarcation between Manglamukh village and Jalukie Zangdi village, Dhansiripar sub-division, district Dimapur is hereby promulgated for all concerned with immediate effect. This order shall herein be enforced forthwith, relating to any land dispute that may arise in posterity, and is legitimately, legally binding and final whatsoever.”
The NSCN (I-M) warned that any individual, party or village acting in contradiction to the ‘azha’ would be dealt with firmly “according to the law of the land.”
The statement said the directive of the order dated July 26 was in consonance with the directive of the GPRN. The order of the higher echelons “is hereby served to one and all illegal encroachers for eviction from forceful occupation and illicit land grabbing, belonging to Manglamukh village – their ancestral abode in the wake of the Government judgment adopted vides Oking the 11th July ’07 which supersedes all preceding other orders within a time bound of three days from issue of this order.”
The statement said it is mandatory for all concerned ‘encroachers’ to dismantle or remove any “hutment structure of related nature” and to subsequently vacate the encampment for good.
The NSCN (I-M) further said the statement that surfaced in the paper as ‘Jalukie Zangdi does not belong to the Zeliangrong community but to the Kacharies and Mias’ is a misquoted statement and that the Kilo Secretary Bohoto Kiba “never ever” made mention of it as stated.
“Therefore, all individuals, or groups are directed not to mislead the general public on the issue of eviction. This eviction was made only to the wayside forceful encroachers and not Jalukie Zangdi village.”
NSCN-IM urged to focus on national issue Morung Express News
Kohima | August 30
Registering strong condemnation over the Jalukie Zandi arson committed by armed cadres of the NSCN-IM on August 28 last, the Whole Jalukie Council and Jalukie Pumling urged the NSCN-IM to focus on burning national issue rather than meddling in traditional land dispute.
The two bodies in a joint statement said that when the peace process is in full swing and the people are reposing so much of confidence upon them in bringing permanent solution to the protracted Nagas struggle, it will be self-defeating for national workers to embroil themselves in such traditional land dispute. Asserting that any national worker cannot deprive the people of its traditional land ownership, Whole Jalukie Council and Jalukie Pumling said that the August 28 arson is an absolute display of dictatorship by the NSCN-IM over its people and land.
The land dispute between the Jalukie Zandi and Manglumukh should be settled by the people of the two villages, respecting each other historical and traditional land ownership, the release stated. Jalukie’s land extends up to Dhansari river (Temaki), bordering Assam and at no point of time Kacharis or Mias land existed in between, as claimed by NSCN-IM, and Jalukie Zandi, which was established with blessing and accent of Jalukie people was recognized by government of Nagaland since 1991, it said.
“Therefore, the action of NSCN-IM is filled with ‘selfish motive’ of some of its leaders, with intension of grasping the land of the common people”, the joint statement also said, adding that the Zeliangrong people will not be cowed down by any unjustified action of the national workers. It appealed to the Nagaland government to look into the matter seriously and pay necessary compensation to the aggrieved villagers.
Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Baudi (Hoho) is organizing a public rally on September 3(Monday) at Jalukie town to protest against the action of the NSCN-IM. Source said that the rally may march down to Hebron Camp to put forth certain demands of the Zeliangrong people before the collective leaderships.
Zeliang bodies’ demand on NSCN (I-M) Nagarealm.com
Dimapur, AUG29 [NPN] : Strongly condemning the burning down of nineteen houses and eleven huts along with a number of granaries allegedly by a group of NSCN (I-M) activists under the directive of Kilo Kilonser Azeto at Jalukie Zangdi village of Peren district on August 28, the Zeliangrong Students’ Union and the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland Wednesday demanded that the Collective Leadership of NSCN (I-M) immediately terminate the Kilo Kilonser as also the Home Secretary Bohoto from services “before they further divide the Naga society using the good name of the GPRN”.

A statement signed jointly by Zeliangrong Baudi (N) president Dennis Ilunglung, All Zeliangrong Students’ Union president Mirhu and ZSUN president Lungchui said the Jalukie Zangdi village, established in 1980 and recognized by the Government of Nagaland in 1991, was never in dispute over land ownership as the village had clear-cut boundaries demarcated by the land owners of Old Jalukie Village. However, the signatories said the trouble started only after some groups of people came to settle in Monglumukh areas without obtaining the consent of the land owners (Zeliangrong people) and demarcated the Zeliangrong land of Jalukie Zangdi and Monglumukh.

The signatories alleged when the matter was brought to the notice of the National Tribunal Court of the GPRN,” NSCN (I-M) Kilo Kilonser Azeto “hijacked” and “manipulated” the case within three months after taking over as the Kilo Kilonser of NSCN (I-M). The signatories alleged Azeto approved one-sided boundary demarcation without obtaining the consent of Jalukie Zangdi “with a sinister design”, thereby creating confusion in the minds of the villagers of Jalukie Zangdi and Monglumukh. Taking strong exception to the action of the Home Secretary Bohoto, the signatories alleged when the women members of Jalukie Zangdi went to Hebron on August 28 to meet the Collective Leadership, Bohoto had angrily told them that Jalukie Zangdi did not “belong to the Zeliang community but to the Kacharis and Mians of Assam”.

The signatories said such an action was never expected of a responsible leader of the NSCN (I-M). They lamented that the activists perpetrated the act when the Collective Leadership were not far away from the site of the incident. Describing the act of arson as “barbaric” and “heinous”, the signatories reiterated that the entire Dhansiripar sub-division belonged to the Zeliang and Angami tribes and that “there is no other between us”. They appealed to the Collective Leadership to immediately intervene in the matter to restore justice. Further, they made it clear that they would not accept any artificial boundary demarcated “by the one-sided decision of the GPRN”.

Meanwhile, condemning the act of the activists, the Zeliang Officers’ Association Nagaland (ZOAN) expressed dismay over the claim of NSCN (I-M) that the land belonged to the “Mians”. A statement signed jointly by ZOAN president K. Haralu and its general secretary Dr. Ilang said “The ZOAN wonders whether the organization is for integration of Naga areas or disintegration of our land. The entire Naga society knows that the illegal Bangladeshis (Mians) do not own an inch of land in Nagaland.”
Houses burnt down after land dispute The Hindu
Kohima, Aug. 29 (PTI): NSCN(I-M) cadres set fire to 19 houses and 11 granaries in Jalukie Jangdi village in Nagaland's Peren district over a boundary dispute with a neighbouring village, reports said today.
The houses and granaries were set ablaze yesterday following a dispute over boundary demarcation with Munglumukh village, not very far from the NSCN(I-M)'s headquarters, Camp Hebron.
There was no casualty.
Additional police had been deployed following the arson and the situation was now under control, the police said.After yesterday's arson, women members of the affected village went to the gate of Camp Hebron to raise the matter before the leaders of NSCN(I-M), but were turned away, the reports said. Last week, NSCN(I-M) in a statement cautioned "illegal encroachers" from grabbing "land of national importance".
NSCN-IM assumes role of moral police in Nagaland by Indian-Muslim
Kohima, Aug 27 (IANS) From launching an anti-liquor drive to cracking down on youths surfing pornographic sites on the Internet, a dominant tribal separatist group in Nagaland has assumed the role of the moral police.
The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) has come out with a long list of do's and don'ts and warned of "serious consequences" for those who violate their diktats.
The outfit in a statement warned officials against using their government vehicles for transporting alcohol.
"If any such car was intercepted, its owner or officer-in-charge would be held responsible for the crime," said NSCN-IM leader G. Tokishe Swu.
The rebel group also warned of stern action against the owner of Internet cafes and users, including schoolchildren, if the facilities were "misused" and someone found surfing pornographic sites.
The diktat also warned all shopkeepers to immediately install electronic balances so that customers were not cheated. Use of hand balances was banned and those violating the order would be penalized, the rebel statement said.
The NSCN-IM also threatened to take action against illegal encroachers, especially those trying to occupy places of historical importance and parks.
The NSCN-IM is currently operating a ceasefire with New Delhi since 1997 with the two sides engaged in peace talks to end 60 years of violent insurgency in Nagaland.
APO plea to underground factions- Nagaland Post
The Angami Public Organisation is constrained to set the records of events straight so as to leave behind no trail of bitterness. Today the Naga movement for freedom is the oldest political struggle evading a solution in South Asia. During the last six decades of armed struggle, the Angami community has borne the brunt of fury of Naga nationalism in diverse manners; and many Angami leaders, young and old, fell victims to the gun culture as martyrs. Many people were vocal about why the Angamis should make an issue of a life attempt on a student leader only now when so much tragedy had befallen on the Angami people in the past and many Angami leaders have been mercilessly killed. But the Angamis had decided that enough is enough, and that this madness of violence and gun culture should no longer to take over the Naga conscience.
The APO observes that there is no dearth of very high caliber of leadership among the Nagas in every political group. It is vital that a nation's thinking must be straight in order to maintain its true greatness. To set things right and to restore the greatness of Naga brotherhood, it is equally vital that the leaders listen to their own conscience, and also the voice of the people. Conscience has been defined as the small still voice of god in man. But it is a tragedy that we often use our pride and our brains to kill our conscience, thus stooping to the level of moral and spiritual dwarfs. It is for this reason that the voice of the people is often thrashed to the ground.
The APO, with deep appreciation, had earlier accepted the apology tendered by the Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN (K), Kitovi to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio and his family in connection with the threat hurled earlier to the entire Rio generation by a senior GPRN/NSCN (K) Kilonser, Kughalu Mulatonu. The APO was of the opinion that the matter ended there, and goodwill restored.
But it is unfortunate that even this time, in connection with the incident on August 16 in which an errant GPRN/NSCN cadre attempted on the life of the former President of ASU; Mulatonu had dragged the name of the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio into the picture again as reported in a section of the press on 18 August. This occurred when other Kilonsers were seeking a solution to the unfortunate episode. Dragging the name of the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, into every controversy just because he is an Angami is rather unbecoming of a leader. Drawing an equation of events to justify the crime perpetrated by an errant cadre, and thereby venting the grudges against a democratically elected leader of the State is irrelevant and uncalled for. Hating someone on the ground of his race or continually harboring malice towards a tribe is not a healthy trand. Indeed, it is sheer madness to go on quarrelling on tribal lines.
Meanwhile, the APO highly appreciates the maturity, wisdom, and humility exercised by the official representatives of the GPRN/NSCN (K) in resolving the differences and working our a solution in the case of the bid on the life of the ASU leader by an errant cadre on 16 August 2007. The outcome of the dialogue bears evidence that the Nagas have a way to try and to resolve the perplexed issues; though either side might have been wronged.
We have a great theme and a great goal freedom and liberty. We must free Nagaland from the tyranny of violence, hate, and tribe prejudice which weakens our strength and rob us of our freedom. Our hope, our aspiration is a free Nagaland where all men walk with their heads held high in dignity and brotherhood. And we all fight in our own capacity for freedom from hate and bitterness, freedom from violence and killing, freedom from fear and threat, and freedom from hunger.
Our revolutionary goal is big enough to include every Naga. What is important for us is not the name of our tribe or the dialect we speak, but the goal we all pursue together through all men may not have the same capacity or ability.
The APO therefore appeals to all Naga political groups to exercise restraints so as to provide opportunities for dialogue and restore peace in our land.
Mhiesizokho Zinyü, president, Ruokuoheü Miachieo, secy administration Kho-o Pfükha, Finance secy, Angami Public Organisation
Champang Oil: ‘US$ 115 million for Nagaland govt’ Al Ngullie & Thannganing Hungyo Morung express
Dimapur Notwithstanding the familiar reluctance of the Nagaland government to comment on the ‘share’ it would be receiving from the oil extracted by Canoro Resources Ltd in Champang, it is disclosed that roughly 100-115 million in dollars would be received as royalty for a 2-3 year explorations. The stakes are high with too many a stakeholder and many a stake to overcome but optimism is expressed that the ‘impressive’ royalty from the oil explorations would serve the Government of Nagaland well.
Canoro’s president and CEO Les Kondratoff today said that a royalty of 20% would be paid to the Government of Nagaland for every barrel of crude oil extracted from Champang, under Wokha district. Kondratoff said that Canoro Resources Ltd., ONGC’s principal oil explorations partner, would undertake oil production at the rate of around $ 8 to $ 9 per barrel for which a 20% royalty i.e., $ 1.6 (estimated on current currency rate) would be for Nagaland government.
‘The government of Nagaland will receive about roughly 100-15 million dollars as royalty. The royalties should exceed 100 million dollars’ he stated. However, he opined, Champang is only a small field; it is estimated that there are hundred millions more (of crude oil reserves) in the belt, CEO Kondratoff told The Morung Express at Neithu Resort, near Chumukedima today. He also said that main thrust areas have yet to be surveyed for feasibility and long-term business prospects.
However, the period of oil production for which the figure of royalty was cited for, was not specified. However senior officials of Canoro Resources later informed that the government had issued in August 2006 a PEL (Petroleum Exploration License) for seven years.
The CEO also informed to have met with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as well as the NSCN-IM leaders. According to the CEO, both the state government and the NSCN-IM had reiterated to the company the need to respect the wishes of the people. According to the CEO, the ‘wishes of the people’ include employment-generation, good roads and infrastructure and company-initiatives toward growth of local economy, particularly of the areas in concern. He said to drill a few wells by first half of next year if all goes well. However Champang’s environment remains a concern for him. ‘The leakage of 9 oil wells earlier dug by ONGC poses a grave environmental threat with spillages causing contamination of groundwater’ he said adding that the problem gets compounded during rainy days. Very few installations in India undertake the expensive operations of cleaning up the soil after such wells are repaired and the oil contained in them extracted, he explained.
The arithmetic of oil

• Estimated crude oil reserves in the Champang belt: 600 Million tonnes
• PEL to Canoro for ‘explorations:’ seven years
• Rate for extracting and disposal of one barrel of oil: $ 8
• Nagaland Government’s royalty per barrel: 20% or $ 1.6 dollars
• Champang landowners’ royalty: 2%
• Average extraction estimate per day: 250 tonnes
• Stakeholders: Nagaland government, local public, Naga outfits, ONGC
US$ 1 is equal to INR 41.035 (present value)
The Canoro president also informed that the company is in touch with the NSCN-IM. He said that the Naga underground outfit has expressed support if the company’s oil ambitions are consonant with the ‘wishes of the people.’ Quoting NSCN-IM leaders he said Canoro’s activities would be monitored. He explained that considering the history of the Naga people, it is imperative that the people’s sentiments as well as of the government, be kept in focus.
Kondratoff also expressed welfare as a support-objective of the company. He assured to instate welfare initiatives even while undertaking oil productions. “If we’re investing we need to know liabilities” Kondratoff explained. He however expressed concern that the presence of ‘several stakeholders’ may delay operations. “Nagaland is like a democracy on steroids. Assam and Nagaland are day and night” he observed adding that all “principal stakeholders” have been met with.
In regard to the recent allegations of corruption against Canoro and a hitherto unknown entity called Spice Resource Management (SRM), Kondratoff refused to comment. He also refused to make any comment on the reported simmering division in the Champang Village Council as well as sections of the Champang people, including landowners over the issue of land explorations.
Meanwhile, it remains unclear for how long or how much, oil extracting activities the company would be undertaking. So far the Nagaland government ahs remained tight-lipped on the whole ONGC-Canoro issue. Canoro’s director of explorations GK Handique said that while the PEL stipulated seven years, it also depends on the presence of hydrocarbons in each block designated for Canoro. Surprisingly, he also said that the 20% royalty to the government of Nagaland has yet to be ‘arrived’ and the matter is “quite over far away.” This would come only at a later stage depending on factors like the level/amount of reserves, outlay in explorations and currency business involved, Handique said.
Morung Express News
Manipur House sitting on Nagalim issue demanded
MPP fires salvo at SPF Govt Nagarealm.com

Imphal, AUG29 [TSE] : Leaders of the Opposition MPP have categorically stated that the State Government should be responsible for the failure of the State Cabinet to take a decision on convening a special session of the Assembly inspite of the resolution of the all political party meeting to discuss the issue related to submission of a memorandum to the Prime Minister jointly by four Naga MLAs and one MP on July 18 for integration of all incongruous Naga-inhabited areas.


Addressing a press conference at MPP office here this afternoon in this connection, party president Dr L Chandramani said that the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister jointly by six MLAs from Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong and MP of Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency is a challenge to MPP which was set up in the first place to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The inability of the SPF Cabinet to recommend a special session of the Assembly to discuss the issue even after the matter has been placed before the Government after an all political party meeting is not right, Dr Chandramani said, while exerting pressure on the Government for taking up necessary measures for calling a special session of the Assembly at the earliest possible.

The State Government should not forget the June 18 incident against the move of integrating all incongruous Naga Nagainhabited areas of the North Eastern States, he reminded. Dr Chandramani disclosed that taking serious note of the threat posed on the territorial integrity of Manipur a meeting of the working committee of MPP was held yesterday to discuss the necessary steps to counter such threats. After adopting a policy in this regard, the same has also been referred to the central committee.

If necessary, a special session would be called to discuss the matter, apart from making arrangements for a day-long discussion session on the issue of integrity of Manipur on September 6, he said. Leader of MPP Legislature Wing MLA O Joy who was also present during the press conference contended that the demand of the six MLAs and one MP for bringing all the Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative unit is nothing but a challenge to the integrity of Manipur.

Can the honourable MP raise the issue of integrating the Naga-inhabited areas in Myanmar with Nagaland on the floor of the Parliament ?, Joy questioned, while wondering how the six MLAs who have been elected for the integrity and development of Manipur could write to the Prime Minister in this regard. Joy reiterated that the issue that has hurt the sentiments of the people should be taken up for proper discussion on the floor of the Assembly by calling a special session very soon.

The Assembly is a common platform for all the elected MLAs and if they are not going to discuss it then who else would do it ?, he asked, adding that the Congress led SPF Government should be held responsible for any eventuality of the failure of convening the Assembly session. He also strongly condemned the recent resolution of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee for integration of all Naga-inhabited areas with Nagaland.

While Congress party is claiming itself committed to the protection of the existing boundaries of the North Eastern States, what role is being played by its units in Nagaland and Manipur ?, he questioned further. Party MLAs, RK Anand and Dr Ng Bijoy who were also present at the occasion maintained that convening a special session of the Assembly to discuss the issue should be right step and said Article-III of the Indian Constitution should not be applied to Manipur.
Naga and Kuki oppose Panchayat election in Manipur tribal villages Newmai News Network
Imphal The Kuki Students' Organisation, General Headquarters (KSO-GHq) and the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) are now all out to move against the inclusion of eleven tribal villages of the Chandel district in holding of Panchayat election. In this regard, KSO-GHq and ANSAM along with KSO Chandel branch and Naga Students Union Chandel (NSUC) have submitted today a strong objection representation to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Chandel.
According to these four students' organisations, tribal villages from Chandel district which include Leingangching, Aihang-Kuki, Molnoi, Kurnoching, Nungkangching, Kotlenphai, H.Wajung, Island, Unapal, Mahao Tera and New Chayang villages have been put into Sugnu block for holding the forthcoming Panchayat election.
The move spearheaded by KSO-GHq and ANSAM accused the Manipur government of trying to put the tribal areas into the valley area. The tribal students organisations expressed strong opposition of including these eleven tribal villages in the Panchayati Raj saying that these villages are within the Chandel district. In the event of the state government going ahead with its plan of including these eleven villages in the forthcoming Panchayat election, the tribal students' organisations have pledged to take up stern measures against the move of the state government.