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09/12/2007: "NSCN (IM) denounces murdering woman, condoles Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network"

NSCN (IM) denounces murdering woman, condoles Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, September 10: The NSCN-IM today said that in the land of ‘Nagalim for Christ’ the vile practice of killing an unarmed NSCN members and a woman, a mother of four young children and even going to the extent of taking sadistic pleasure in killing her has sent shock waves throughout.

“But to dishonour a woman in such sadistic manner brings no victory and to kill a servant of God only invites the wrath of God, and it brings no victory either.This is the unfolding event that must follow in the gruesome but undignified killing of Major PK Stone, Chaplain, (GHQ), his wife Maireila along with his three body guards,” narrated the NSCN-IM in a statement issued to NNN by the outfit’s Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP).

In the condolence meeting held at GHQ Church Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) Th Muivah chocked with emotion and tears and said, “May God be the judge between us and the murderers”.

Though unable to come to term that Major Stone, one of the ablest Chaplains in recent past has to make “an exit from national service under such despicable act at the hands of the adversaries”, Muivah, however, said, “This is the irony of life but soldiers of Nagalim for Christ will not fear any kind of death”.

The NSCN-IM statement further stated, “what a way to kill a mother of four children! Her brain was opened after she was shot in the head. Imagine the last moment of her life at that particular point of time. Naturally, her children to be left behind orphan must have played the most daunting task on her and the premonition of the impeding death must have finally shattered her hope of seeing her beloved children alive till they meet again in heaven.

Imagine, for a mother to say this last prayer”.

It also stated that for the father Major Stone, a Chaplain with outstanding administrative acumen he must have felt no less for his dearest ones.

“And at the last moment he must have said a prayer “Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing”, stated the NSCN-IM statement, adding, “for the children of Major Stone and Maireila, the last call on the mobile phone from their beloved parents was at around 3:00 pm on that fated day just after crossing Kohima “We shall be joining you for dinner”. “Dinner will never be the same again and the seats at the dinning table will remain vacant forever.

Brigadier Ramkathing, GSO-II (Administration) GHQ, Naga Army while paying rich tribute to the departed souls expressed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved fami lies and leave them at the hands of the mighty God.

Conflict of principle and conflict of personality ruled the world today. In this part of Nagalim the loser in the conflict has chosen the most dehumanizing act of wreaking vengeance. But guided by the spirit of ‘Nagalim for Christ’ the Nagas and NSCN will have to fight a way to victory, however hard it may be.
May God judge who is right and who is wrong,” condoled the NSCN-IM message.
Naga mothers condemn murder- Nagaland Post
The Mothers of all NSCN are greatly pained to observe the horrible nature of killings carried out by the murderers particularly on the innocent mother near Kohima on September 8. We acknowledge that NSCN has its own shortcoming in the struggle for liberation of our people; however cases of this nature of abduction and execution after violating the sanctity of women have so far been unheard of. Even during great wars across the world, women and children are protected from deprivation of their basic human rights.
The exhibition of extreme beastly nature through the murder of a defenseless Mrs.Maireila, mother of four minor children who was physically violated before smashing her head to death, found in separate location from other victim is inexpressible. Only lunatics may fail to feel the pain and shame of ravaging the body of their mother-like woman. The mothers cannot but raise this question with the police as to why they had knowingly skipped the post mortem on the dead body of the woman? The Mothers also appeal the honorable Collective Leadership to institute high level enquiry committee to expose the heinous killers who had made excessive mortification of womanhood and carried out this summary execution. We also appeal to all Naga people irrespective of professions to collectively unfold the identity of murderers to stop this intolerable act once and for all, which is against the very values of Naga society. We believe taking denial position of any act against humanity is against God.
The Mothers have no words to express the helplessness stage of the four minor orphan children who will go on to live without their father and mother. We pray and share our empathy with the helpless children now orphaned, forced upon them by this tragedy. We pray that the Almighty give rest to her soul as we struggle forward for those living. We also take this moment to express our thanks to one and all in the Angami region and particularly women for their act of compassion and fulfilling the last rite of human dignity.
Ghutoli Sumi, Zuholi Sumi, Vangamla, Vizheli Likhur, Chekom Konyak, Atele Chakesang, Lydia Gongmei, Thanpui Pamai, Ayala Tangkhul, Rebecca, Narola Ao, Aola Pochury.
NSWON grieves for Naga womanhood The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, SEPTember 12 (MExN): The Nationalist Women Organization of Nagalim (NSWON) GPRN has expressed shock over the “butchering of five national workers” including a mother of four children, who was also a wife of a church worker on September 9 in the outskirt of Jotsoma village by “Khaplangs”. The NSWON stated that “the fear of death no more worries us” but questioned as to how women can be reduced to such extent as mass rape, beastly attacks and thrown away to the mercy of wilderness and elements. “Are we Naga mothers as senseless as to allow this “sadomochism” to continue” the NSWON stated and pointed out that verbal contempt was not sufficient and the search for remedy calls for “involvement en mass”.
In a press note issued by the Publicity & Information Wing, the NSWON stated “the other story on how Late Ms Maireila, wife of late Major PK Stone, Chaplain, whose womanhood was devastated beyond human limits before she was shot, benumbed our nerves”. “She is a woman; she is a mother of four; she is a faithful wife to a church worker who fervently believes that, the Nagas shall one day experience freedom through Jehovah in whom Nagas repose their hope, better future and life with human dignity”, the NSWON stated.
“Imagine if this rate of crime can be permitted just because she is the wife of NSCN. Does not this kind of inhumane behaviour fracture or disrupt your womanhood”, it stated. The NSWON also lamented that collectively underground or otherwise, Naga mothers were yet to know human rights, woman rights and human values. “Stories of havoc wreaked upon Naga women when Indian armies swooped down to the land of the Nagas in the 50s, 60s are being relived through these acts of “neo vandals”.
The NSWON also expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all Angami community, particularly Jotsoma Angami Women Organization, Jotsoma Village Council, Jotsoma Youth Organization who braved all hardships and difficulties in retrieving the mortal remains.
Pointing out that the naked, mangled body of Ms Maireila was found a quarter kilometer away from those male corpses, the NSWON appreciated the daring action and affability as demonstration of Nagas inherent virtues in “such a disturbing situation”. “Their gift of traditional shawls and clothing the mangled woman and bereft of even under garment, in particular, deserves highest honor worthy of imitation by all”.
The NSWON also expressed condolence to the bereaved children, loved ones of late Major PK Stone and Late Ms Maireila, their comrades and prayed that “eternal loving Father take an unfailing heavenly care till their reunion to spend together eternity with the infinite ones”.
Anatomy of political defection & corruption in Nagaland Column R. C. Chiten Jamir, Former Deputy CM The Morung Express
In India, Nagas are regarded as Christians belonging to a Christian state because Nagas profess to be so. It is obviously a thorough case of misconstrues by the outside world of the Naga psychological susceptibilities and the local realities. In the land of Christ (Nagaland for Christ) Hate is on the throne!
Hate brings Chaos and Violence. Whoever commits chaos commits lawlessness and whoever commits lawlessness commits sin. Every thought, every attitude and every action produces either chaos or cosmos, either hell or harmony. Christianity, intrinsically is love which is light, but hate is darkness- l.John 2:10-11 says: “He who loves his brother remains in light- there is no pit falls- but he who hates his brother is in darkness..."Any one who hates and commits violence against his own brother or fellow men is a fratricide." Whoever hates his brother is a murderer" 1.John 3:15.According to 11 Pet 1 :4, the wrong desire, that is lust, produces corruption, decay and death. Right desire produces health, well -being and life. Which of the two desires do the Naga Christians have? What proofs do we have in the last half a century to show to the world around us that we truly have the right desire to think, to speak, to act and to live like Christians?
The Nagas sing, 'God bless the Nagaland, land that I love, stand beside her and guide her…’ We ask God to bless Nagaland which we love but we hate each other. God will not bless and guide us as long as our hearts are filled with wickedness and hate against each other and against God.
Not since the stoppage of the evil violence of head hunting, by the love of Christ, there has never been the violence of malignant hate so characterized in the lives of the Nagas so widespread and cruel as today. There is no Rule of law and the authorities are indolent. The quality of our life has reached the lowest point, the very bottom of it. Nagaland politics has become a torn shred and imbued with crimes. The general morality of the Nagas has become ad nauseam- reached the highest pitch of producing disgusting life. The political corruption has become an ad summum -reached the highest point.

Politics of defections:
Just in 44 years, of Nagaland statehood, Political Defections have come to be almost a Naga way of political life. Over the years one striking unique feature that is seen in the political scenario of Nagaland is the political defection. It is a unique opportunity and privilege of The Naga politicians, irrespective of the different party leanings. Various terminologies are ascribed to the defection, such as floor crossing, carpet crossing, miusical chairs of politics, and politics of opportunism and so on. Whatever may be ascribed to it, this action is the very negation of political democracy, and it is a betrayal of the confidence reposed on the elected representatives by the voters. It is absolutely an act of selfishness and power hegemonism.This has been the killer of many democratically elected governments and it has inducted instability in the running of a democratic government. Whether the defections are because of ideological reasons or because of personality conflicts or factional politics or tribalism, this action was the 'main factor of pulling down the Govts.
The chief cause of political defection in Nagaland has been the lure of office and huge amount of unearned money that makes a defector rich overnight. Politicians will vehemently deny but most of them have no political ideology but their main purpose is the chair only. The Naga electorate will flood the election markets, and the politicians will have a wide range of marketable commodities to be purchased. The people do not have a political agenda to put up to the contesting politicians -party manifesto is also a formality only –no party will honour it nor the voters are interested either. The election market's concern is only demand and supply- Naga electorate must know that whereas it has the right to choose, it does not have any right over the result of its choice, it is in the hands of others.
The elector and the elected both have violated the election law and the Moral law- the cry of Free and fair election does not itch the ears of both. The consequences of the choice? All the technical formalities laid down by election law are elaborately arranged spending crore of money but on the day of casting votes, in almost all the pooling booths there will be booth capturing and the voters would return home without casting his/her vote! The Electorate has sold out the political power and the right to the MLA before the election. A purchased commodity has no voice against the purchaser. This is the root of political corruption in Nagaland. Defection breeds corruption and corruption breeds all evils in the society.

Political Corruption, its Anatomy:
No country in the world is clean of political corruption. In fact political corruption has become a world problem. It is a Moral Cancer and there is no known medicine or antidote to set it right. As a student of Modern History, I used to agree with the views of Warren Hastings who replied to the House of Commons, in defense of his impeachments _" How can I trust the Orientalists who are congenitally dishonest. . . "
Sometime in 1964 Shri Vishnu Sahay informally told us that a political corruption in India is a very serious problem.” Don’t ever let it catch you up in Nagaland because if you do, it will erode the Naga Identity and The Way of Life. I think the Nagas are deeply sunk in an unredeemable corrupted way of life almost making us disqualified to be Nagas anymore?
Various factors are responsible for the political corruptions. Elections are very expensive because votes have to be purchased, the voters are to be looked after, feed them, and clothe them, before, during and after the elections. Moral is degenerated and everyone desires to be rich overnight. In Nagaland political corruption has become a great threat to our political system and Naga's hard won unity and integrity. Nagaland's political stability is at stake and its future viability is unpredictable.
The turbulent Naga nationalism is yet skin- deep only; it has not yet, percolated into the marrow of the bones. It is tottering on the ill- conceived logic of aggressive tribalism deeply rooted in culture, ethnicity, land, language, religion etc. The ugly head of this narrow particularism often surfaces which is pejorative to Naga unity and integrity.The proclivities of tribalism are loosely coming under the rubric of tribal organisations.The state machinery has become an omnibus- a large vehicle carrying many passengers. All the Nag Tribes are converged or incorporated into a common political, system which rest upon a balancing of the, constituents .These units became the bedrock of the body political system of Nagaland. Therefore, it should be meticulously and consciously ensured that political instability should always depend on the strength of the elaborately and intrinsically woven tribal entities and ethnic components. It is obvious that the state and democratic system cannot last without smooth units that constitute the state synchronization of all the state.
Has The Rule of Law failed? The daily happenings give the answer. The State structure of polity was erected by the ingenuity of architects of political wisdom. It can be pulled down by the foll, corruption and negligence of the keeper, the people.
The constitution gives the right to every citizen equality before the law and equality of opportunity. The foundation of a democratic political structure is based on the equality before law, and social justice is ensured by the equal opportunity. As of now, it is seen clearly that these fundamental rights are violated. The Rule of Law is flouted. The escalators of anarchic conditions are alarming and the epidemics of corruptions are making the state a mockery of democracy. Are the chosen representatives responsible for the political corruptions?
One of the seven forms of passive violence that Mahatma Gandhi said was the amassing and flaunting of wealth (money) without work. Our mind-set is not work-culture but demand-culture. In every man's mind there is a deep insatiable greed for money. We live in an age of instant gratification, of all the needs and desires to have instant wealth without earning is irresistible. The modern mind-set that wealth is all that matters is indeed the source of all evils because it believes in creating wealth without work like corruptions, bribes, dowries, lotteries, all forms of ill-gotten money, extortions, criminal acts and exploitative practices.
The Biblical Injunction prohibits any forms of injustice and exploitative practices like bonded labour, child labour, lower payment of wages, discriminations of any kind. James 5:4 says, “You have not paid any wages to the men who work in your fields- their cries have reached the ears of God...." Prov.13-11 says, "Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." In terms of work and wealth creation, God has provided us the framework for just practices and ethical behavior. “If a man will not work, he shall not eat" 2 Thess. 3:10. If these principles are applied in our work-situation, we can bring transformation in the state.
The political defection is a cancerous disease in Nagaland. Defection and change of party loyalty is not only among the MLAs but among the party workers at the grass root levels as well. This phenomenon is taking place after the ministers and the MLAs have been given huge money by the government as their pocket money.
The totality of the Naga society is corrupted from the top to the bottom. The Indian tax payers money is lavishly utilized by the Nagas without working for it. This has become a Moral Issue and a time will come when we shall either individually or collectively become accountable to both man and God. The Nagas must stop consenting to easy ways and become more sensitive and concerned about the wrong doings in the society.
If there is anything that can undermine, derogate, pervert and destroy the Naga unity, integrity and solidarity, it is the aggressiveness and selfishness of the tribalism and the political corruptions that erode the morality of the Nagas. No one knows as to how many more Nagas will succumb to ethnic and fratricidal mayhem in the coming years. Are there no Nagas in this Christian state who are viewed with hatred, disdain and scorn by us? Can any one Dare God?
Tribe defies NSCN-IM OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Sept. 11: The Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN has suffered a reversal of sorts with the Zeliangrong Nagas withdrawing support to the outfit. The Zeliangrongs have decided not to pay taxes to the NSCN (I-M) in protest against the torching of 30 houses of tribesmen by the Naga militants at Jalukie Zangdi village on August 30.
The resolution was adopted by Zeliangrong Hoho, the apex organisation of the tribe, during its general meeting at Jalukie town, 150km from here, yesterday. The Naga outfit had justified its act by saying that the Zeliangrongs had encroached upon the land of the Kacharis. But, the Zeliangrongs maintain that there is not an inch of Kachari land in the area.
Zeliangrong Hoho president Dennis Ndang told The Telegraph that they would not support the NSCN (I-M) till the outfit amicably settled the issue. The Hoho will submit a memorandum to the Nagaland government, demanding compensation for families whose houses were razed by the Naga outfit. It will also demand compensation for tribesmen who were injured during a lathicharge by IRB personnel while marching peacefully towards Hebron, the council headquarters of the NSCN (I-M), on September 3. The Hoho will also submit an ultimatum to the government to demand eviction of encroachers at Intangki National Park.The organisation has decided to form the Zeliangrong Peoples’ Convention, comprising members from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, to take up common issues of the tribe.
NSCN K denies involvement; to conduct probe into incident The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, September 12 (MExN): The NSCN-K, Angami region has made its position clear by stating that it is not involved in the September 8, 2007 killing incident at Lakie road and that its rival the NSCN (IM) was making a baseless allegation without an iota of truth to tarnish the “good image” of the Angami region.
“It is pertinent to mention that the region, at any given point of time can never stoop that low to the extent of killing a woman in cold blood”, stated Thikelie Angami, PRO Angami Region of the NSCN (K). It also informed that taking cognizance of the incident, the “regional authority” was also making its own independent enquiry to unearth the person (s) responsible for the incident.
Naga Council condemns violence The Morung Express
Dimapur, September 12 (MExN): The Naga Council, Dimapur has expressed deep shock and anguish over the two recent incidents of violence in Jotsoma and Delhi, resulting in the gruesome murder of five persons belonging to the NSCN (IM) on September 8, and the murder of Kezevilie Kulnu by a fellow Naga student on September 9. A press note from the President of the Naga Council stated “ The gruesome act of murder of a person in the standing of priesthood and his wife is beyond comprehension, as also the flimsy fabric of tolerance and rationality exposed by the murder of Kezevilie Kulnu has sent a clear message to all the right thinking citizens of how great and urgent the need is in our society, for a serious revision of the course of life and attitude we must adopt in order to restore love, peace and goodwill among the Nagas”.
The note further added “we condemned all forms of violence and killing, injustice and discrimination against one another and It is our fervent appeal to all sections of society to seek resolution of conflict through humanitarian approach and give place to the Spirit of God to work within our hearts for lasting peace and understanding.” The Council has also sent out profound condolences to the families of the victims.
NNC gives history of Zeliang land boundary The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 11 (MExN): In reply to the SMS received by Namrikiu Zeliang, Midan Peyu, Zeliang Region, FGN, by a ‘Sema Kilonsor’ of the NSCN (IM), NNC clarified the history of Manglumukh that it truly belonged to the Zelaing people. The press statement disclosed that the SMS had been sent saying that Manglumukh is a Kachari and Miya land and that the Zeliangs cannot establish villages in the area.
The NNC brought out the facts of history saying that the Kacharis are related to the Meiteis of Manipur. This racial relationship is clearly evident in their common religion (Vaisnivaism), their similar culture, dress and customs, it stated. The release went on to add that many centuries ago, the Kacharis had asked the Zeliang ancestors for settlement lands with the offer of brotherhood and peaceful co-existence to which land was offered and they subsequently established the Kachari kingdom on the banks of the Dhansiri river.
The NNC pointed out that somewhere in the 15th and 16th centuries, this Dimasha kingdom had come under severe attack from the Ahom kingdom which was established in Assam in the 13th century. Unable to withstand this superior and unrelenting attack from the Ahoms, the Kacharis are said to have again fled to the North Kacha Hills where again the Zeliang forefathers gave them refuge and lands for them to settle down.
“These are the facts of history as far as Zeliang-Kachari relationship is concerned. I am sure Kachari elders and historians also know these facts. The same facts also can be verified from the British colonial records” stated the Midan Piyu.
Again on the word ‘Manglumukh’, Namrikiu stated that it is in fact a distortion of the word ‘Mangloimuk’ which in Zeliang language means the name of the river Dhansiri which has its source from the Peren sub-division. In Zeliang dialect, the word Mangloimuk is said to mean “The lands where the river Mangloi flows.” It also challenger the declaration of Miya in the Jalukie Zangdi and Manglumukh areas belonging to saying that the Kilonser would never find any historical records that some ancestors of the Miyas (Bangladeshis) ever had a kingdom in these Zeliang lands.
Finally, Namkrikiu said that whether Zeliang lands or Angami lands or Sema lands, all these lands are “Naga Lands” and as a national worker, he wondered how the Kilonser was ready to cede ancient Naga lands to Kacharis and Miyas. “Are you a Kilonser holding office to defend Naga lands or cede and surrender Naga lands to others?’ the Kionsor was questioned.
Render unto Cong, NSCN’s what is their’s Perspective Bendang Aier The Morung Express
Of late, the burning issue in the political circles of Nagaland, as is apparent in the local media reports in the last few days, is the speculation of the return of SC Jamir, Governor of Goa to Nagaland politics. Though the other political parties in the State have maintained a studied silence on this speculation, the Indian National Congress party in the State seem to have been sharply divided on this issue even as the PCC has maintained that it is only a minority few which is creating unnecessary flutters for their own vested interests rather than the interest of the party.
Indeed, there is a perceptible wave in almost all the districts of Nagaland in favour of the Congress party. But unfortunately, the present leadership has not been able to capitalize on this. Far from capitalizing, the party appears to have fragmented in the last few years with several leaders indulging in one-upmanship like the proverbial crabs pulling each other down. There are camps within the different Congress groups in the State, and instead of facing the forthcoming elections as a team, the party is approaching the people as many groups with each of these groups projecting a leader or another! In other words, there is no cohesion or unity worth the name. The million dollar question here is whether the Congress party, with all its internal bickering, can face the elections and the people successfully under the present leadership.
There is a crop of leaders in the party who were, and would be, threatened if at all Jamir returns back to the State. These Congress leaders are understandably opposing Jamir’s return so that their dreams of occupying the Chair – if the Congress gets into any position to form the next Government – do not elude them. It is an acknowledged fact that the present leadership of the party, and also the want-to-be leaders in the State, have utterly failed to live up to the expectations of the people. They have also failed miserably to deliver their many promises to the people thereby destroying their credibility in the eyes of the discerning public.
The speculation that SC Jamir is returning to State politics has been doing the rounds for quite some months now. To be very fair to the Congress party, it is quite possible that Jamir’s return could change the fortunes of the party since Jamir has influence in several districts such as Mokokchung, erstwhile Tuensang and Mon. He would also put to rest the present tussle for leadership within the Congress party since he literally towers over all the present crop of Congress leaders in personality, experience and political acumen – they would all fall in line, even though reluctantly, if at all he decides to return to the State. “IF” is the operative word here. Otherwise, consider these facts:
1. Jamir was more or less unceremoniously voted out of the post of the Congress legislature Party Leader a few days after the electoral debacle in February 2003 and the present CLP Leader I. Imkong replaced him;
2. Congress High Command did not pay much attention to the many allegations made by Jamir that the defeat of the Congress party in the 2003 elections was because of the massive interference of the NSCN (IM) and not a single word was raised by the then Opposition Congress in the Parliament till the 2003 year-end coup in Arunachal Pradesh when the ousted Mukut Mithi raised a hue and cry that the NSCN (IM) hand was involved in the change of guards in the State;
3. The NSCN (IM) has been propagating that Jamir is the main obstacle to the Naga peace process and that his departure from the political arena would expedite the negotiations. Accordingly, he was “promoted” to the gubernatorial post of Goa in July 2004. (Though how far the talks have progressed after 2004 is there for all to see).
The rest is, though clichéd, history. And since then, have there been any extenuating circumstances that have warranted Jamir’s return? On the contrary, Jamir’s retention in Goa would be better for the Congress party in Nagaland.
Firstly, his bete noire and present Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has been reportedly renewing all his contacts at the AICC level to “invite” him back to the Congress. Now, would Rio, who has been placed on record that the Jamir era is over, be willing to join forces with the latter, or vice versa?
Secondly, CLP Leader Imkong has made it clear in his various press conferences that he would be a contender for the top slot if and when the Congress is voted back to power. Would he then, welcome Jamir with open arms and be eclipsed yet once again?
Thirdly, Jamir’s former blue-eyed boy turned foe K. Therie is known to be “flirting” with the Congress party and even senior Congress leader KL Chishi has disclosed that Therie is in the process of being re-admitted to the Congress fold. Would Therie too, with all the venom he had spurted out against Jamir in the media and the Assembly after the 2003 victory, eat crow and tolerate Jamir’s second coming, as it were?
Fourthly, would KL Chishi, former Chief Minister and professed contender for the Chief Ministership, accept Jamir’s leadership? He is a force to be reckoned with, and it is very unlikely that he would be satisfied toeing the line, anyone’s line: He would rather make tracks than follow the trodden path!
Fifthly, is the Congress party in Nagaland so Jamir-centric that it cannot face the people without him? This reflects poorly on the Congress leaders in the State.
Common sense would have it that the best option for the Congress party now after remaining in the Opposition for nearly five years, should first set its house in order, put up a united front and harvest the Congress wave that it rightly flatters itself is sweeping over the hills of Nagaland.
Again, for the sake of academic discussion, report of some Congress leaders apprehending the “NSCN (IM) backlash” if Jamir returns to the State raises some pertinent issues:
1. Is the sole agenda of the NSCN (IM) leadership ouster/dethroning of SC Jamir?
2. Has the NSCN (IM) accepted the Constitution of India that it will participate, directly or indirectly, under the elections held under the Peoples’ Representation Act?
3. Are the claims of the Congress party that the NSCN (IM) was responsible for its electoral debacle in 2003 true? If so, the allegation that the present DAN Government was propped up by the NSCN (IM) would also be true!
4. Has the Congress party, which prides itself to be the world’s largest democratic party, reduced to such a position that it now seeks the mandate of the NSCN (IM) rather than the mandate of the electorate?
5. Will the NSCN (IM), rather than the party functionaries or the High Command, as national parties call their national leaders, decide who should lead the Congress party in the State, or who its candidates should be?
Both the Congress party and the NSCN (IM) would have to do some serious soul searching. As a national political party, the very essence of the Congress party is to seek the mandate of the electorate and translate its programmes and policies into reality. To do this, it has to decide who its leader and candidates would be to lead it to the electoral battlefront. However, the Congress party in the State appears to have bent backward and is giving in without being asked, to the NSCN (IM) and the latter could very well decide whether Jamir should come back to the State or not!
If newspaper reports are to be believed, politicians across the State, cutting across party lines, would be making a bee-line to the Congress Bhawan for party ticket on the eve of the 2008 elections. But going by the same reports, there seem to be some Congress leaders who would prefer to bring in extraneous elements – the NSCN factions being these elements in the Indian electoral firmament – to the whole process regardless of the detrimental effects it would have on all the parties concerned. In the larger scheme of things, it would be most unfortunate to drag into the messy political process forces such as the NSCN who are espousing the cause of the Nagas. At least, Nagas should get something better than what they have and this would be possible if the NSCN factions negotiate and bargain with the Government of India rather than directly or indirectly in the electioneering process. After all, State politicians cannot be expected or faulted for that matter to bring the Naga people what they already have – Statehood. But it is through diplomatic negotiations by the NSCN factions with the Government of India that Nagas can expect a better political arrangement than what we have now. Congress leaders, on their part, would be doing great harm to the interests of the Naga people if they were to drag in the NSCN faction or factions into the election process because of the above-mentioned reasons. It would undermine the Naga struggle for Sovereignty. No political party, if it is really concerned for the welfare of the Naga people, should even think of aligning with the Naga underground groups for some temporary political mileage since it would negate and even derail the ongoing political and peace process.
The NSCN too, on its part, should not allow itself to be used by anyone to settle petty political scores or gain political brownie points. The high sounding rhetoric that the NSCN has been harping before the people all these years would be proved hollow if it were to support or go against any political party in the forthcoming Indian elections. The NSCN (IM) especially has been maintaining a conspicuous silence over the allegations that it toppled the Congress apple-cart in 2003 elections, but there have been rumours doing the rounds on the quiet. These rumours have been strengthened by the allegations raised by its bitter rival NSCN (K) in the local media.
All said and done, the Congress should stand by its ideologies and principles while the NSCN factions too stand by its “national principles.” After all, weren’t we taught to “render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s”? Let the Congress and other political parties in the State do what they are supposed to, and let the NSCN factions or the FGN/Federal continue what they profess to – struggle for Naga sovereignty.
Just as one cannot have one’s cake and eat it too, one cannot sail in two boats at a time.
Academics pledge solidarity with Sharmila The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Sept 11: Twenty three academics, activists and journalists, who have come from all over India to participate in a two-day seminar on democracy as a lived experience, have jointly signed a petition calling for the immediate repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

The petition first and foremost expressed solidarity "with Irom Sharmila in her courageous protest against the AFSPA."

Although many of them applied for a meeting with Sharmila, only two were ultimately given permission by the government authorities concerned. The signatories are:

Patricia Mukhim, IWRC, Nivedita Menon, University of Delhi, Monalisa Changkija, editor Nagaland Page, Pampa Mukherjee, Punjab University, Rosemary Dzuvichu, expert member Nagaland Commission for Women, Dileep Chandan, Editor Asam Bani, Madhu Bhaduri, Parivartan Delhi, CJ Thomas, director ICSSR-NERC, Bhagat Oinam JNU, New Delhi, Dhanbir Laishram AMUCO, Rajesh Dev, Argueindia, Didhan Laishram, ZHC, DU, Mamang Anthony, Arunachal Citizens Rights, Udayon Misra, Dibrugarh University, Samir Das, Calcutta University, Amar Yumnam, Manipur University, A Bimol Akoijam, CSDS, Delhi, Gopal Guru, JNU, DL Sheth, CSDS, Shabnam Hashmi, ANHAD, Babloo Loitongbam, HRA, Peter R DeSouza, CSDS and Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor Imphal Free Press.
United Nations poised to Adopt Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Haider Rizvi In Focus the Morung Express
Despite continued opposition from the United States and some other major powers, the United Nations General Assembly seems poised to adopt the Universal Declaration of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights later this month. Indigenous leaders told IPS they were optimistic that a vast majority of the 192-member General Assembly would vote in favour of the resolution calling for the recognition of the rights of the world’s 270 million aboriginal people.
The proposed declaration was set to be adopted by the General Assembly late last year but due to strong objections from certain countries, it was repeatedly set aside for further negotiations. In addition to the United States, the countries that refused to endorse the declaration included Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Colombia, Suriname, Guyana and a group of African nations led by Namibia.
While many amongst them remain in opposition, there are strong indications that almost all the African countries are now fully supportive of the declaration. The African group changed its stance after a majority of the 16-member U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues agreed to accept its demand for changes in certain parts of the text dealing with the concept of “self-determination”.
The declaration calls for recognition of the indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination and control over lands, a principle fully recognised by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, but deemed controversial by some who fear that it could undermine the sovereignty of states.
In return for their support, the African countries wanted the declaration to mention that it does not encourage any actions which would undermine the “territorial integrity” or “political unity” of sovereign states. Despite the fact that the African viewpoint has been incorporated into the amended version, the draft declaration remains assertive of the indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination and control over their land and resources.
“It is subject to interpretation, but we can work with this,” Les Malezer, chair of the Global Indigenous Caucus, told IPS. Like many other indigenous leaders, Malezer, a longtime aboriginal rights activist, initially did not approve of amendments in the draft. “We would not have gone for the amendments,” he said. “But presented with the amended declaration, presented with the agreement made between approximately 130 states, then we have a very good result.”
The indigenous leadership wanted the declaration to be adopted by consensus, but since certain countries remain unwilling to recognise their rights, it is most likely that the General Assembly would opt for a formal vote. “If a few states did not accept the declaration, then it would be a reflection on them rather than the document.” said Malezer, in a veiled reference to the position taken by the U.S. Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Many indigenous leaders charge that, as they have in the past, the U.S. and Canada were still trying to apply pressure tactics on economically weak and vulnerable nations to secure their votes against the declaration. “They have been dictating to developing countries,” said Joseph Ole Simel, coordinator of the African Regional Indigenous Caucus. “However, the Third World countries have now taken a very progressive step in terms of commitment to the rights of indigenous peoples.”
“We want to make a humble appeal to those countries that still have difficulties that indigenous peoples all around the world wish that declaration to be adopted by consensus,” Simel added in a statement, urging the U.S. and its allies “to take the same direction Africa has taken.”
Those in opposition see the draft declaration as “flawed,” mainly because of its strong emphasis on the right to self-determination and full control over lands and resources. In their view, they would hinder efforts for economic development and undermine the so-called established democratic norms.
This tension is also reflected in other areas of diplomatic discourses, including the U.N. treaty on biological diversity and the World Trade Organisation, in terms of the needs of neo-liberal economic order and the argument that indigenous people have the right to own and use their resources without interference.
The biodiversity treaty, for example, not only recognises the significance of traditional knowledge, but also calls for a “fair and equitable” share of the benefits derived from indigenous lands by commercial enterprises. The United States has refused to sign on to that treaty, while some of its allies who are against the declaration have expressed their reservations about how to implement the principle of “fair and equitable” distribution of resources.
Meanwhile, threats to indigenous lands and resources continue to go on in the form of mining, logging, toxic contamination, privatisation, and large-scale development projects, as well as the use of genetically modified seeds. Recent scientific studies have repeatedly warned of devastating consequences for indigenous communities as changing climates are likely to cause more floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and melting of glaciers all across the world.
The General Assembly move to consider the declaration comes at a time when more than 100 political leaders from around the world are preparing to arrive in New York to attend a high-level meeting on climate change.
For many indigenous leaders, this is a historic moment. “We have been doing this work for more than 22 years,” said Vicky Tauli-Corpus, chairperson of the Permanent Form, hoping that this time the General Assembly would say yes to the declaration. Inter Press Service
Pranab’s Thailand visit to boost Look East policy Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Sept 11 – In an effort to give further impetus to India’s Look East policy, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will travel to Thailand and South Korea from Thursday on a visit that will primarily focus on enhancing trade and investment, reports PTI. During the six-day visit, Mukherjee will have bilateral discussions with his counterparts in both the countries and co-chair the Joint Commission meetings to further cooperation in diverse areas.

The discussions between Mukherjee and Thai Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram in Bangkok will focus on ways to enhance trade and investment and increase cooperation in energy, defence and security fields.

The two sides will also look for ways to increase civil aviation and other transportation linkages besides strengthening cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, tourism and science and technology.

He will call on King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhom will host dinner in his honour.

He will also deliver keynote address on ‘Look East policy: Implications for Thailand and Asia’ at the Institute of Security and International Studies, in which he is expected to spell out India’s plans to forge closer ties with East Asian countries.

In Seoul, Mukherjee and his Korean counterpart Song Min-Soon will assess progress made in the talks on an updated double taxation avoidance agreement and a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters here.
Haflong’s tourism potential remains untapped Sivasish Thakur Assam Tribune
HAFLONG, Sept 11 – Haflong, the idyllic hill station of Assam with immense tourism potential, continues to suffer for neglect and apathy. Whereas, with proper planning and infrastructure development, this picturesque locale could well have emerged as a major destination of the country.

Connectivity has been a perennial bane for Haflong. The road to Haflong from Guwahati via Nagaon bears signs of tell-tale neglect, and can hardly be called motorable. Landslide-induced disruption is common on the other route through Shillong.

“Haflong has all the charms of a hill station, and we want to tap its potential,” Assam Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh told a team of visiting journalists from Guwahati recently.

The Governor’s plans for Haflong involve promotional drives and infrastructure development. “We are going to project Haflong as an ideal destination through promotional travel shows, publicity brochures, etc., to a wider audience. A tourist lodge at a fabulous location of Umrangso is all set to be opened for tourists,” he said. At present the lodge is occupied by a CRPF platoon engaged in protection of a railway broad gauge project and expansion of the NH-54-E. “The CRPF would be housed at an alternative location and the lodge opened for tourists,” he added.

Poor infrastructure apart, lack of adequate publicity has been another stumbling block in harnessing Haflong’s prospects as a great hill resort. “Forget about other States, not many people of Assam would be knowing about its tourist attractions,” an official of the North Cachar Hills district administration said.

The slow pace of development in Haflong, the headquarters of North Cachar Hills, is a major contributing factor to the thriving insurgency in the district. “Development is the key to progress, and its absence finds reflection in insurgency in the region. Things, however, are changing for the better now, with a number of development projects under implementation and many on the anvil,” the official said.

Haflong and NC Hills as a whole hold a wide array of interests for the tourist. The rolling Barail hills, the misty Jatinga known for the weird bird-suicide phenomenon, the nearby Heritage Village, the historic town of Maibang with its remnants of a glorious past, the dream valley of Umrangso, the frothing waterfalls of Panimoor, the endless pineapple orchards of Harangaj are some of the attractions that can cast a spell on the traveller.

“Haflong has few parallels when it comes to diverse tourist interests. Although it got little publicity in the past, we are now directing our efforts to put it firmly on the country’s tourist map,” Zahid Ahmed Tapadar, District Information and Public Relations Officer, NC Hills, said.

Another unique thing about Haflong is its diverse ethnicity. “Inhabited by a dozen tribes having their rich, vibrant cultures, Haflong is a unique multi-coloured mosaic,” Gopinath Garlosa, former chairman of Haflong Town Committee, said.

A flourishing tourism scene, in fact, can be the most effective antidote to insurgency in the region. “Enhanced people-to-people contact and facilitating the growth of tourism through infrastructure development and publicity can usher in a new era of peace and progress in Haflong and NC Hills,” Brig PR Shankar of the Indian Army, who has been in Haflong for several years, said.
Ibobi calls for ethnic truce - Naga outfit infuriates Kukis and Zeliangrongs by show of muscle power OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Bodies of the Kuki militants who were killed by the NSCN (I-M) at Tangkhul Hundung village in Manipur. File picture
Imphal, Sept. 11: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh has urged Kuki and Naga leaders to defuse the tension between the two tribes sparked by the killing of 10 Kuki militants by the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN in Thoubal district on September 3.
“I have met leaders of the two communities and discussed with them ways to maintain communal harmony and prevent any flare-up between their armed groups or members,” he told reporters last night. Enraged at the “unprovoked” gunning down of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), activists at Tangkhul Hundung, the Kukis had demanded settlement of the matter according to tribal law. The KLA had demanded an apology from the NSCN (I-M).
The NSCN (I-M)’s justification that the KLA’s “antisocial and anti-revolutionary” ways had prompted the act further infuriated Kuki organisations, including their apex body, the Kuki Inpi, Manipur. Apprehending a flare-up, leaders of the United Naga Council, an organisation of Nagas in Manipur, and the Kuki Inpi, Manipur, met on Saturday and agreed to maintain communal harmony.
The All Naga Students Association of Manipur and organisations belonging to the Tangkhul Nagas also expressed shock at the killings and called for peace and harmony.
Ibobi Singh said he had requested the leaders of the two communities to resolve any misunderstanding between them through discussions. “No one should spread rumours or do anything that could disturb the existing relations between the two communities.”
The chief minister said his government had taken “maximum” precautionary measures to prevent any ethnic flare-up.
In an unrelated development, Kuki organisations, led by the Hill Tribal Council, have announced that they would observe Thursday as Black Day in the border town of Moreh to mourn their tribesmen who were killed by the Nagas during the ethnic violence of the nineties. They will fly black flags and suspend all activities for the day.
Armed Nagas had killed 105 Kuki villagers at Joupi in Tamenglong district and Gelnel in Senapati district on September 13, 1993. Kukis claim that Naga militants had killed 900 innocent Kukis and uprooted over 300 villages during the clashes between 1992 and 1997.