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09/29/2007: "NSCN-IM bars Jamir entry OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"



NSCN-IM bars Jamir entry OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Kohima, Sept. 28: The verbal spat between the NSCN (I-M) and former Nagaland chief minister S.C. Jamir today escalated into a full-fledged battle, with the outfit launching a frontal attack on the incumbent Goa governor. The NSCN (I-M) has issued a diktat, barring Jamir’s entry into Nagaland.
“In the interest of maintaining peace and social order, S.C. Jamir is barred from all kinds of social interaction and restricted entry into Naga territory. All his accomplices who attempt to bail him out shall also be strictly monitored,” said a declaration issued today by NSCN (I-M)’s Samson Jajo, the chief principal secretary to the “Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim”.
The declaration was agreed upon at a joint council meeting of the outfit’s steering committee and “council of ministers”, held last Tuesday at Camp Hebron. The NSCN (I-M) asserted that Jamir’s “all-out efforts” to crush the NSCN and the Naga national resistance movement was a “national crime of the highest order”.
“As encompassed in the standing orders of the NSCN, S.C. Jamir and Alemtemshi Jamir, the authors of The Bedrock of Naga Society, a booklet, are declared anti-people and anti-national by this august house with immediate effect,” it said. Alemtemshi Jamir was the principal secretary to S.C. Jamir when the Congress leader was chief minister of Nagaland.
NSCN (IM) bars Jamir from 'social interactions' The Hindu
Kohima, Sept. 29 (PTI): Terming the Goa governor S C Jamir as "anti-people" the NSCN (IM) has barred him from all kinds of 'social interactions' in the state with immediate effect.
"Jamir will be dealt accordingly as per the standing 'azhas' (decree) of NSCN", stated the copy of the declaration of Joint Council meeting of NSCN (IM) steering committee and council of kilonsers ('ministers') of the underground body, held on September 25 at Camp Hebron, received here on Friday. The declaration stated that in the interest of 'social order', Jamir has been barred from all kinds of social interactions and restricted entry into Naga soil.
All his accomplices "who attempt to bail him out" will also be strictly monitored, the outfit cautioned. The outfit alleged that the destructive role of S C Jamir in the last six decades had caused 'great damage and irrepairable loss to the Nagas...." Charging Jamir to have launched an allout effort to crush the NSCN (IM) and the Naga National Resistance Movement, it said this was "a national crime of the highest order".
The NSCN (IM)'s stand, ahead of assembly elections in Nagaland, assumes significance as the present Goa Governor is likely to come back to steer the opposition Congress to power in the state at a time when dissident activity in the Neiphiu Rio-led DAN coalition government is at its peak. NSCN (IM) was believed to be behind ousting the Congress from power in the 2003 assembly polls in Nagaland where assembly elections would be held early next year.
The Centre and NSCN (IM) agreed in July last for indefinite extension of ceasefire and carry forward peace talks for the settlement of the decade-old Naga political conflict.
Khaplang rates Rio OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Sept. 28: The Khaplang faction of the NSCN has termed Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio the worst chief minister Nagaland has ever had.
Rio has been lauded as the best chief minister by several Naga international support groups and other Naga organisations.
Peeved with Rio’s “support” to the rival Isak-Muivah faction and “open support to the Nagas of other states”, the information and publicity wing of the outfit branded him an “anti-Naga nationalist”. Soon after taking charge, Rio has been campaigning for integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative set-up.
The NSCN (K) is strongly against Naga integration though its leader is from Myanmar.
Transparency Seekers clarify- Nagaland Post
In response to the write up "an outlook" by K. Z. Sumi, published on the September 25 accusing Vihepu Sumi plainly, and the Transparency Seekers without knowing the core issue about the Transparency Seekers and its movement reflects his misconce-ptions and lack of knowledge about the unjustified functioning of the NPSC. It is felt pertinent to disseminate the right knowledge concerning this issue so as to avoid further confusion. The Transparency Seekers is a group which totally opposes the completely unaccep-table mistakes committed by the NPSC. The Transparency Seekers is not against any individual or particular candidate whether selected or unselected but it is a movement for a common cause for justice. Most importantly, it is to be noted that the Transparency Seekers out rightly opposes any influence in any manner. Our perspective is clear. Hence, irresponsible statements made against, particularly to Vihepu Sumi and the Transparency Seekers like, "suspected to be playing into the hands of certain elements with vested interests," is irrelevant to this subject matter. What is relevant here is the NPSC with the unqualified and their murky conduct of examinations. It is not surprising to see that the NPSC finds it difficult to accept their blunder and inaccuracy, whereas the hundreds and thousands of educated Naga competent and deserving youths are being denied of their rights and left dejected. The Transparency seekers do not want to allow any Naga educated youth appearing for the NPSC examinations to be discriminated under sheer manipulation for the benefit of certain people with no integrity. Ignorance of our own rights would lead to further deprivation and discrimination.
Naga Society today is in a transitional period. There is no doubt to mention the growing intellectual curiosity and exposition. However, the educated youths of Nagaland and for the times to come face a thin chance of justified and competent success if the present system of manipulation and unprofessional conduct in the NPSC is not checked and uprooted once and for all. It is now for the people and especially the youths to judge acutely the implications of this menace. A right ignored is injustice admitted.
Transparency seekers
NSCN-K game for no-mine treaty NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, Sept. 27: The landmine-infested areas of Manipur’s Churachandpur and Chandel districts can draw hope from what is happening in neighbouring Nagaland.
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) is heading towards a no-mine treaty with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), a Nobel prize-winning organisation.
The Naga outfit is known to be close to the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the Meitei outfit that is accused of planting landmines in Manipur. Both groups have bases in Myanmar.
Next month, the NSCN (K) will have one more round of talks with ICBL officials in Hong Kong. Its rival, the NSCN (Isak-Muivah), signed the treaty as a non-state party in 2003.
The ICBL co-ordinator in India, Balkrishna Kurvey, has been in touch with various militant groups of the Northeast to make them signatories to the no-mine treaty.
“The UNLF has made it known it is not open to negotiations on this,” he told The Telegraph today. This would mean that the UNLF has admitted to planting mines in parts of Manipur. Khengjoi block in Chandel is one such area from where people fled last year for fear of landmines. Dominated by Kukis, community leaders have been trying to convince the UNLF to clear the area of landmines, which have already maimed several people.
With the NSCN (K) entering into negotiations for a no-mine treaty, there is now a slight chance of the Manipur outfit following suit.
Kurvey said the ICBL was trying to get as many outfits of the region as possible to sign the treaty. The Kuki National Organisation has already done it and talks with the National Democratic Front of Boroland are in progress, he added. However, negotiations with the NSCN (K) could be tougher because the outfit wants to take the issue “to the people”. Moreover, the Khaplang group may also not want to spoil relations with its Manipur ally.
“We are against civilian casualties, but whether to sign the treaty or not is up to these groups who, like us, are fighting the mighty Indian nation,” NSCN (K) leader A.Z.Jami, who is negotiating with the ICBL, told The Telegraph over phone from near the Indo-Myanmar border.
India itself is not a signatory to the no-mine treaty and has lost as many as 1,776 army personnel to landmines

Nagaland Rebel group warns oil companies Doha Gulf Times
GUWAHATI: A major separatist group in the restive northeastern state of Nagaland yesterday warned Canadian and Indian oil companies against conducting exploration work in the region.
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN - SS Khaplang faction) which is fighting for an independent homeland for the Naga ethnic minority, threatened Canoro Resources Ltd and India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) after the firms announced joint plans to begin exploration work in the state.
“We shall not allow any oil companies to extract crude or carry out other exploratory works in Nagaland without our permission,” NSCN spokesman Kughalo Mulatonu said.
“It is in the interest of the Naga people that we are taking such a step. Any attempt to violate our diktat would be dealt with sternly,” he added. The two companies have already signed a joint study agreement for exploration, development and production activities in six blocks in Nagaland. The six blocks include five exploration blocks and a production block at Changpang - a field from where the ONGC withdrew after it suspended operations in Nagaland following threats from Naga militants in 1994.
The Changpang field is expected to produce 1,000 barrels of crude every day. According to estimates, Nagaland has the potential to yield 600mn tonnes of petroleum.
“The government of India must treat the NSCN faction led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah as terrorists or else the ban on the ONGC would remain,” the rebel leader said.
The two NSCN factions are engaged in a bitter fratricidal war over territorial supremacy since their split in 1988. The NSCN-K accuses the rival faction of banning ONGC’s operation in 1994 and selling all their equipment.
“Let the Indian government file a lawsuit against the NSCN-IM for the loss incurred by the ONGC. We want ONGC to come and work here so that our people get employment. But then we want the government to first book the NSCN-IM and until such time the ban on the ONGC would continue,” Mulatonu said.While officials asserted that the police would provide adequate security and protection to the companies, there was no immediate reaction from the companies on the threat. The insurgency in the Christian-majority Nagaland, which borders Myanmar, is one of India’s oldest. More than 20,000 people have been killed in the violent separatist movement in the state. – Agencies
State, NSCN (IM) face heat over land claims Morung Express News
Dimapur | The controversy surrounding land claims in and around the famed Intangki National Park refuses to die down with tribal units having a stake in the ongoing imbroglio taking up their respective stands. The State government—which has remained largely muted and incapacitated—and the NSCN (IM) faces the mounting task of resolving the claims and counter claims put before it by the respective tribal units. The tribal lot now appear to be clearly restless over the fluidity arising from the emotionally charged-up arguments over the question of land and the history behind ownership and inhabitation.
Significantly today, in total defiance of the various land diktats issued by the NSCN-IM as well as land claims made by certain sections, the Tenyimi people today made amply clear to the organization that no government, group or underground faction shall have any right over lands belonging to the Tenyimi people. In reference to the so-called ‘azah’ of the NSCN-IM converting lands as “national property,” the TCU took to resolution the stand that the Tenyimi people will not accept or allow any government/groups/factions to declare or convert any land anywhere in Tenyimi areas as “national property” or any other purpose without the consent of the traditional land owners. This resolution will stand until such time an acceptable and honorable political solution is arrived at, it stated.
These strong decisions are part of the five resolutions arrived at, at an executive meeting of the TCU held in Kohima. Sources informed of this development today. The meeting was presided over by TCU president Z.M Sekhose.
The meeting made clear that the Tenyimi people will never part “with even an inch” of land. Rather, they will defend their traditional lands and their boundaries at any cost, the first resolution affirmed. Further, in connection with the Jalukie Zangdi arson, the Tenyimi meeting decided to give the NSCN-IM a 30-day deadline to “drop” its kilo kilonser and kilo secretary ‘from the national service for committing the serious crime including arson incident at Jalukie Zangdi village and assaulting 3 pregnant women.’ Failing to meet this demand, the TCU will decide a future course of action. The source quoted the resolution that the deadline will be effective from the day the ultimatum is submitted to the faction.
A resolution also demanded that the victims of Jalukie Zangdi village be compensated and that the 30 houses razed in the said village be reconstructed.
The last resolution reminded that Intangki belongs to the Zeliangrong people since time immemorial and they are the sole landowners. Thus, the claim of the Western Sumi that Intangki National Park is “no man’s land” is totally false and baseless, the meeting observed in its resolution. The Tenyimi community will not tolerate any such claim or utterance in future, it added. In the meeting was also recognized Inpui tribe as Tenyimi and was inducted as a separate tribal unit in the TCU.
‘Western’ Sumis ready to defend land DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 28 (MExN): The “western” Sumis of Nagaland have cautioned both the State government and the NSCN (IM) over the planned move to evict Inavi village which is adjacent to the Intangki Forest pointing out that there are many Naga tribes inhabiting the said village and also the fact that they are in possession of government’s permit for establishment of the village. “Western Sumi Hoho shall at all cost protect the said established village. We shall also stick to the ground that the land in question belongs to the Sakari (the state government) but not to accept that it belong to any particular tribe on suppositions”, stated a joint note issued by Shikuto Zalipu, president of Western Sumi Kukami Hoho and Hokiye Yeptho, president of Western Sumi Hoho.
The press note also made it clear to the NSCN (IM) organization in particular that, in the event of the decision taken on September 22, 2007 by the cabinet council is implemented to evict Inavi village without evicting “Beisumpuikam” the Sumis “shall resist to the extent of physical confrontations and shall not bear the responsibility of the unwanted situation”. “The so called ‘Beisumpuikam’ village which is said to be the exchanged land are all farce and concocted stories by the Zeliangs according to the legal records available”, the note stated and referred to the then D.C Kohima S. Lima Aier who in his judgement order clearly stated that the so called “Beisumpuikam” village was established within the “Lilen” village (Kuki’s land) and therefore evicted. “But later on, the said village in connivance with some Forest department officials and politicians of Zeliangs through the back door allowed ‘Beisumpuikam’ to establish the village as such, on the pretext of land exchange! It may be noted that the so called land exchanged is not yet legalized according to the official documents”.
IAS officers appeal to NSCN (IM) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 28 (MExN): Responding to the joint council meeting of the NSCN (IM) Steering Committee and the council of kilonsers on September 25, in which one of its members Alemtemshi Jamir, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce and Agriculture Production Commissioner was declared as “anti-people and anti-national” and to be dealt accordingly as per the “standing azhas of the NSCN”, the IAS Officers’ Association Nagaland has requested the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM) to review and withdraw the declaration.
Lalthara, president and Khekiye K. Sema, secretary of the IAS association informed that a resolution was passed in its meeting held on September 28 wherein it was felt that the declaration of the NSCN (IM) “will vitiate the peaceful working atmosphere for Mr Alemtemshi Jamir and other bureaucrats in the State, who have to work with the political executives in different capacities”. The association also felt that Alemtemshi Jamir is one of the most committed officers, sincerely working for the welfare and development of Nagaland and its people and therefore requested the NSCN (IM) Collective Leadership to review and withdraw the declaration. The Kohima Longsa Senso Telongjem has also made similar appeal on grounds that the principal secretary is not only known for his active welfare administration for the people, but also that SC Jamir has already take responsibility for ‘Bedrock of Naga Society.’
The press statement of SC Jamir on September 28 in the local dailies stated “…and as the then president of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, I take full responsibility for what negative fallout of the booklet might have produced and it would be unfair to allege that any particular individual has authored it.” The Telongjem held an emergency meeting September 28 in Kohima over the ‘declaration’ made by the NSCN-IM.
Quoting this, the Telongjem’s vice president Imkongmeren and general secretary Limanungsang in a note informed the NSCN-IM that Alemtemshi is not a co-author. The organization termed ‘unfortunate’ and expressed shock that an official like Alemtemshi who has rendered selfless service for the uplift for the people and the state, would be declared “anti-national” and “anti-people.”
On these points, the Telongjem has called for revocation of the ‘declaration.’
Buddha vs the barrel of a gun The Morung Express Column Pepe Escobar
Somewhere in imponderable nirvana, the Buddha may be exhibiting the faintest of smiles. Or is he? What a heavenly sight - the discreet, barefooted, crimson- and maroon-clad Buddhist monks of Myanmar, formerly Burma, able to affirm publicly their supreme moral authority and righteousness, supported by an exhausted, abused population, against the ravages of a pitiless, pitiful, 45-year-old military junta. But the Buddha, whose infinite wisdom also includes knowledge about energy wars, would say that as everything is impermanent, the crackdown will come. The question is how. Few can fail to be intensely moved by the exhilarating images of the “crimson revolution” - thousands of monks chanting “democracy, democracy” or reciting the Metta Sutta - the Buddha sermon on loving kindness, while civilian demonstrators, on a practical level, also call for the release of hundreds of political prisoners and a reduction in the price of fuel (raised 500% last month, the root cause of the protests).
The Asian Human Rights Commission has reported how the monks, in a pre-rally ceremony on Monday, have solemnly refused to accept donations from anyone junta-connected, people they have dubbed “pitiless soldier kings”. This very serious act amounts to nothing less than a Buddhist form of excommunication.
But fear now looms. The 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi - lovingly referred to all over the country as The Lady - has been transferred from her lakeside home on University Avenue in Yangon to sinister Insein prison, according to a Reuters report. The junta has imposed a dusk-till-dawn curfew in Yangon and Mandalay.
Anti-riot troops in full battle gear now surround the six biggest monasteries in Yangon. Monks run the risk of at least being attacked with tear gas - some reports indicate this has already happened. Internet access (there’s only one state-owned provider) has been cut off. Activists - and even some monks - have been arrested. During the 1988 protest movement - Myanmar’s predecessor of China’s Tiananmen - the regime is said to have killed more than 3,000 unarmed people.

Bush’s Burmese day The mystery of why US President George W Bush took center stage at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday but did not promote the next neo-con war on Iran was solved when it became evident that the job has fallen to his new European poodle, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who in his speech once again assumed the inevitability of an Iranian nuclear bomb.
Bush instead announced new economic sanctions against the junta in Myanmar and urged the world to apply “diplomatic leverage to help the Burmese people regain their freedom”. Here is Bush engaging in another “liberation from tyranny and violence”, this time in Asia, while trying to start yet another war, as usual, in the Middle East.
The connection is clear: the Bush conception of “human rights” means “oil and gas”. Bush also claimed at the UN that Lebanon, Afghanistan and Iraq had “asked for our help”. Given the precedents, even the isolated people in Myanmar should be afraid, very afraid.
Myanmar has been in effect off the radar of the international community for years. Why this new, sudden, Bush administration interest in regime change in Myanmar? If the US and the West are so obsessed with “human rights”, why not put pressure on the ghastly practices of the House of Saud? Or the barely disguised repression under the glitz in Persian Gulf petromonarchies? Or the bloody Islam Karimov dictatorship in Uzbekistan?
A vast drug-money-laundering operation, plus full Asian cooperation - to the tune of billions of dollars - helped the Myanmar junta to build its new capital, Naypyidaw, in the middle of the jungle, almost 350 kilometers north of Yangon, in essence using slave labor. The 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Myanmar is a member, has been very lenient, to say the least, with the unsavory generals, in the name of a policy of “non-interference”. Thailand - for complex historical reasons - would rather co-exist with a weak neighbor. India coddles the generals to get natural-gas deals - like a recent agreement to invest US$150 million in gas exploitation in the west of the country.
Enter the dragon But Myanmar is above all a key strategic pawn for China. Not only as a captive market for civilian goods in addition to weapons, but as a pawn to keep India in check and assure China of key strategic access to the Indian Ocean. Just like Britain - which twice invaded Burma, as Myanmar was known until 1989 - China’s utmost interest is natural resources. Oil and gas, of course, but also gems and timber: the once-pristine forests at the Myanmar-China border have been practically wiped out. According to the rights group Global Witness, Myanmar exported no less than $350 million in timber to China in 2005 alone, and the bulk of it was illegal.
According to EarthRights International, a crucial project of Chinese multinationals established in Myanmar has been the construction of a 2,380-kilometer oil-and-gas pipeline from the Arakan coast to Yunnan province in China. China needs this pipeline and a vital port in Myanmar for its growing energy imports from the Middle East, Africa and Venezuela.
Myanmar and China are also intimately linked by a $1.5 billion, high-tech electronic-warfare pet project of the junta’s leader, psychological-warfare specialist General Than Shwe, 74, very much appreciated in Beijing. It deals with surveillance of ethnic-minority guerrillas in Myanmar - the Karen, the Chan, the Wa, among others. It deals with surveillance of strategic competitor India. And it deals with surveillance of all naval traffic in the Indian Ocean, US warships included, not to mention the crucial Strait of Malacca. Precious information on the matter can be found in Australian Desmond Ball’s book Burma’s Military Secrets (White Lotus Press, Bangkok).
US sanctions are just for internal American consumption; they will have absolutely no impact. For starters, Myanmar is not under a military embargo. A really different story, for instance, would be the Bush administration telling the Chinese to drop the junta, otherwise no US athletes will be seen at the Beijing Summer Olympics next year. London bookies wouldn’t even start a bet on it. The French for their part now say they fear a terrible crackdown - but in fact they fear what happens to substantial oil business by French energy giant Total. The European Union should have a unified position, but for the moment that is hazier than sunrise at the sublime Shwedagon Pagoda in the heart of Yangon.

Sleepless in Beijing This year China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution condemning the junta’s human-rights record. It’s virtually impossible that the collective leadership in Beijing will let one of its neighbors, a key pawn in the 21st-century energy wars, be swamped by non-violent Buddhists and pro-democracy students - as this would constitute a daring precedent for the aspirations of Tibetans, the Uighurs in Xinjiang and, most of all, Falungong militants all over China, the embryo of a true rainbow-revolution push defying the monopoly of the Chinese Communist Party. So this seems to be the trillion-yuan question: Will Chinese President Hu Jintao sanction a Tiananmen remix - with Buddhist subtitles - less than one year before the Olympics that will signal to the whole world the renewed power and glory of the Middle Kingdom? If only the Buddha would contemplate direct intervention.
Pepe Escobar is the author of Globalistan: How the Globalized World is Dissolving into Liquid War (Nimble Books, 2007).
Bloggers question ULFA actions From Kalyan Baruah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Sept 28 – In an interesting turn of events, outlawed ULFA finds itself in a spot, hard put to explain its demand for sovereignty and the senseless killings it has been indulging in. “You might know that every fool or mad man always thinks himself is intelligent and wise.” That was ULFA spokesman Ruby Bhuyan reacting sharply to a blogger in an ongoing debate in an egroup, Assamonline.

“Many Asssamese net users wish to debate on Assam’s sovereignty. But why they cannot discuss deliberately with us on the matter? We are ready to debate, we are ready to fight against colonial India. But not with own brothers. Yes we are ready to discuss, talk, exchange our views with Assamese brothers, with well wishers,” said the spokesman of ULFA, which has so far shied away from a public debate on its ‘core demand’.

“Our practical experience says always debate is coming from enemy line. In case of netters most of the pro-Indian netters by hitting our sentiment or insulting us they start their debate. I do not know who you are. If you consider us as brothers and really want to discuss with us, or really want to discuss for the amicable and peaceful political solution of the Assam-India conflict, then, we will feel glad to discuss with you.

The debate started with a statement by ULFA chairman wishing Jnanpith Awardee, Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami a speedy recovery, when she was undergoing treatment in a hospital. A few of the bloggers took offence and protested. The outburst triggered an interesting debate when Ruby Bhuyan, ULFA’s spokesman breaking silence responded. With whom ULFA is fighting? It is hard to comprehend with whom are they fighting? Is it the common innocent people? It is surprising that ULFA has a soft corner for Bangladeshis but burst bombs at places where innocent people walk.

They even don’t have the guts to fight with army and spread terror among common people. It is what they call revolution? Asks an angry member. Another member went a step ahead and asked will ULFA reveal about the value of the total properties owned by Paresh Barua and his family now and before April 7, 1979. If so, please tell us the means of acquiring the whole property. I am afraid ... Ruby’s answer to this will be once again the same ‘What will you do...”

“Your idea of sovereignty is doubtful just because of your actions. Killings can’t be supported anywhere. We’re not Taliban, mind you,” commented a member, some of whom are apparently based abroad. Just because of you people, investors still hesitate going to Assam. Even tourism is getting discouraged, and your inhuman activities are affecting localites directly. Their business getting affected and their family always live in tensions and fear. “Whoever you’re, don’t misuse open forums like these. Do not insult our sentiments. I am still replying to you because I consider you as my own brother and sister who is misled and misguided by anti-human fraternity,” reacted Ruby sharply in one message.

“In 60 years, Rubi has asked, what have we achieved as a part of India? I believe that we have achieved a lot and could achieve even more, if investors would not shy from investing in Assam. This is possible only if the violence in the state is stopped. Assam has the same opportunity as any other state in India. It is the Government of Assam that is responsible for any shortcomings that you may point. And to solve that, my feeling is you should fight an election and take charge, suggested another.

A Guwahati-based journalist joined in by pleading to carry on the debate. Please do not stop, especially Ruby. We, the lesser mortals who are making a living out of roaming around hundreds of villages of Assam in the past 20 years, are enjoying the debate very much. Specially Ruby, glad that you are also responding to barrage of outbursts.

“This is the first time in 20 years of covering militancy, we have found some one from the ULFA responding so frequently. Do not disengage Ruby. This is a blog and everyone has full right to express their opinion fearlessly.”
Book Review: A Rediscovery and Rebuilding of Naga Cultural Values
An Analytical Approach with special Reference to Maori as a Colonised and Minority Group of People in New Zealand. Author: Inato Yekheto Shikhu

Not yet 50 years old, Nagaland exists as a self-governing state within India. In spite of its infancy as a nation, the history of Nagaland already provides political, anthropological and religious students with many issues to explore. History shows that Naga society has undergone a number of remarkable changes within a few decades, and as a result the common people are reeling under the loss of many of their traditional values and practices.
The thesis of this book is that political interference and cultural imperialism have created such significant negative effects among the populace of Nagaland that full recovery may no longer be possible. While outside nations may have intended well by their forms of governance and the introduction of Western values and technologies, the unintentional outcomes of their actions have severely impacted the Naga languages, religion, customs, the roles of genders, and cultural values.
Little research has been conducted by Nagas themselves concerning the creation of new paradigms to address these issues, particularly in regaining cultural and spiritual connective-ness with the past. This book is an excellent example of pragmatic thinking by a Naga Christian intellectual. Inato uses the case study of another exploited indigenous ethnic group to drawn lessons and methodologies that can be deployed to reclaim the Naga culture. The author has wisely avoided the common temptation to take the approach of a world view known as circular political theory (the further you go to the extreme left, the closer you come to the extreme right, and vice versa).
Inato correctly promotes the case for Naga nationals themselves to be the catalysts for change within Naga culture and spirituality. Hopefully, there are many who will accept his challenge to join him on this courageous journey of discovery and hope.
Reviewed by: Prof. Dr. John Kirkpatrick New Zealand
(Inato Shikhu is currently living in New Zealand) Publisher: Regency Publishers, New Delhi. Year: 2007. Binding: Hardbound. Pages: 271 Price: Rs. 650.00 US $ 43.00
The book is arriving soon in Naga bookstores but you can preview it at www.regency-books.com You can also buy right now at the following bookstores and websites:
Guwahati: DVS Publishers and Distributors; United Publishers and Distributors (Also known by the name of Spectrum Publications); Anwesha; Ekta Book Distributors.
Shillong: Chapala Book Store; Galaxy Book Centre.
Imphal: P.C. Jain & Co. Thangal Bazar Imphal. Delhi: Ekta Book Distributors.
www.regency-books.com/browse/newarrivals.asp www.indianbooks.co.in/books/index.php?categoryID=52
www.alltimebooks.com/shop/index.php?productID=90156 www.dkagencies.com/doc/from/1123/to/11230/subj/REL/subjects.html
Pro-democracy Myanmarese seek review of India’s policy
From Sobhapati Samom Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Sept 28 – Pro-democracy Myanmarese citizens living in the north-eastern region of India for the last two decades have said they want immediate review of India’s foreign policy on Myanmar and support the present movement for a democratically elected government in their homeland.

Hundreds pro-democracy Myanmarese leaders have taken asylum in the region particularly in Manipur and Mizoram after the military crackdown on the historic 1988 uprising.

Conveying the stand of Myanmarese citizens living in India in the wake of the brutal crackdown by Military junta in their homeland, Dr Thura, a pro-democracy student leader of Burmese Solidarity Organisation while talking to The Assam Tribune said, “We’re unhappy with India’s current policies on Burma.”

On Wednesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said “India has always believed that Myanmar’s process of political reform and national reconciliation should be more inclusive and broad based.” The MEA’s response came after more than a month of sporadic protests in Myanmar that began following the government’s decision to hike fuel prices on August 15 last.

Since then Burma is in turmoil. Though fuel price hike ‘sparked’ the movement in Myanmar, the main reason is related with the rejection of Junta’s self style road map for framing a new constitution in Burma, said Ko Thein, another Burmese student leader who led his motherland when he was doing Bachelor of Science at a Mandalay University.

The Burmese people here felt the people of India support Nobel Peace LaureateDaw Aung San Suu Kyi, but when it came to foreign policy it is poles apart.

Appreciating the Indian organizations and individuals who offered solidarity to their movement, they appealed to the Indian authority to cease further investment in the gas and other projects until there is a democratically elected government in Burma.

When asked about their opinion to bring back an amicable solution in their homeland, Dr Thura opined, “For this, they (junta) need to stop their brutal crackdown and military offensive in the frontier areas and release Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior 88 generation students leaders to have a meaningful dialogue without delay”.
Kukis set deadline - 15 days for Ibobi to upgrade Sadar Hills OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, Sept. 28: The Kuki community today issued a 15-day deadline to the Okram Ibobi Singh government to upgrade the Sadar Hills to a full fledged revenue district. The community warned that if no steps were taken within the next 15 days, they would launch an agitation. “We will launch an agitation after the 15 days are up. It may be a democratic form of agitation or a violent one. The government should be held responsible for anything that happens after the deadline,” said a resolution adopted at a one-day rally held at Kangpokpi public ground today.
Today’s rally came after the demand committee observed two 48-hour bandhs in Sadar Hills last month. Sadar Hills, with a majority of Kuki tribals, has three Assembly constituencies and is a part of Senapati district. The demand for a revenue district is more than 30 years old. When Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh was chief minister, he had even announced the date for the inauguration of Sadar Hills as a revenue district. However, the plan had to be dropped after a controversy broke out over the boundary of the proposed district.
Today’s meeting, convened by Sadar Hills District Demand Committee, slammed the Ibobi Singh government for “inaction” over the demand for better administrative convenience. One of the resolutions accused the Ibobi Singh government of playing a divide-and-rule policy over the issue. The resolution was referring to the Ibobi Singh government’s argument that the boundary could not be drawn up because of objection by other communities.
The rally also slammed the Ibobi Singh government for holding panchayat elections at four gram panchayats in Sadar Hills in the recently concluded local body elections. The committee said creation of gram panchayats in Sadar Hills, which already had an Autonomous District Council, had created more confusion. The government, however, said the areas where the panchayat elections were held are not included under the district council administration.
The Kukis reacted violently during the September 19 panchayat elections, burning five kiosks at Charhazari. Three Kuki legislators, including chairman of the Manipur Assembly’s Hill Areas Committee, Thangminlien Kipgen and former ministers took part in today’s meeting.
Representatives of Kuki civil society organisations also attended the rally. Expressing his unhappiness over the delay, Thangminlien Kipgen assured the gathering that he would extend his support to the course of action to be taken by the demand committee. Various chiefs of Kuki villages even proposed launching a non-cooperation movement against the Ibobi Singh government by not paying hill house tax.
Some ills of the Kuki National movement Sangai Express By Tintong Thadou Chongthu
Today, the very many parties/groups/organizations in the one great Kuki nation, with diverse ideological backgrounds, have produced undesirable bloodshed within the Kuki nation. Sometimes, I used to wonder if these groups have torn the one great nation into parts and pieces. Could they be playing gutter level politics? The Kukis are a great nation, and their politics should have been great too. Guns are just a piece of metal; it destroys without winning, and finally, fades away. It’s just an illusion of the mind. But it is the 2Ws (‘words’ and ‘wisdom’) that prevails in reality. And if power flows from the barrel of a gun, Hitler and Napoleon would have done better. Least to say, though, Th. Muivah plays a dirty politics against the Kuki nation, he has the required 2W. This 2Ws made the Government of India spent crores of rupees on the hallowed NSCN (IM), and, also became a tight-lipped Government. He has a broad vision- a vision of tomorrow. Now, therefore, the question that arises is ‘where are the Kuki Nationalist leaders today?’ Why don’t we, at least, pursue the footsteps of Muivah (no, not his suppressive politics, but his intelligence), if not Subhash Chandra Bose A pen is mightier than the sword. Coming to the domestic issue, needless to say, we the Kukis have enough crisis. The organizations which represent the Kuki nation should’ve cried out for the whole nation. For instances, in the Parbung mass rape case, the landmines issue, the mass abduction issue, and the recent Moreh mayhem (not to be communalized), I don’t understand why only the KNO/KNA had to speak for the nation. The big UPF remained only a mute spectator. Moreover, the KNF warned the student leaders of Delhi of dire consequences, accusing them of behaving at the behest of the KNO/KNA. It seems to me that some organiza-tion(s) are still ignorant of the ills of the nation. Has the KNO/KNA become the only organization that truly represents the one great Kuki nation? However, I would really appreciate the stance taken by the KNF and other organizations in the recent Hundung incident.
The recent elimination of the 10 KLA cadres by the hallowed IM group at Hundung village has taken everyone by surprised. But, oh no, not me!!! My predictions of the impending disaster were perfectly true. What does one know about the foxy IM¬group? How can they become a friend of the one who was once slaughtered by them by the hundreds? (But the recent incident should not be communalized). Haven’t we remember what they did to our Hmar (HPC) brethren? In fact, the HPC had warned the KRA and UKLF of the cunning nature of the IM group. The KRA and the UKLF showed the seed of befriending an enemy so that they could eliminate their own brothers, with no political motives. Is this a national movement? Think again... There is always a way out to solve a crises within the community/nation itself? Today’s misunderstanding is tomorrow’s lost...
I also agree that the recent Hundung incident was not pre-planed by the KRA. Why would they betray their friends to the enemy? It was an independent plan of the IM group. But the blame goes on to the KRA. They invited the IM group in large number to assist the same KLA. They were also seen together at Saichang area. They also conducted a joint operation against their own armed brothers. What could be expected from such a Kuki nationalist leaders who enjoys a special privileges at paradise Hebron (in the devil’s den). Finally, the bloodthirsty devil has quenched their thirst, which they could not achieve once. The recent Hundung incident could have been avoided graciously, had the mother organizations-KNO and KNF, would have intervened since the KLA coups and counter-coups. Some organizations have consciously betrayed the nation to the godfather Muivah.
There could’ve been a few ideological differences between the mother organizations, but if they are a true nations’ army, they could’ve solved peacefully, instead of fire-fights. On the other hand, the KRA is a well-equipped army, but with little political front. Therefore, the group must adopt a more blessed ways. The UKLF is no exception
Whatever happens has happened. Let this be an eye opener and a turning point to the history of the Kuki nation. The Kuki nation had been defeated time and again. Some ills have crippled the national movement of the nation. Willing-to-win leaders must not give themselves to wine and women; sho-uld not greed for power and money. The cadres should respect elders and women should ab-andon the practice of eliminating able leaders; should be pure and be God-fearing people because battles and victories belong to the Lord. I would request the leaders not to report such dirty, funny and loathsome articles in the newspaper, for instance, portfolio distribution, public warnings, portfolio reshuffles, dirty accusations, etc. The Nagas and Meiteis reported of their achievements in the newspaper, which are highly enviable. Recently, James Bond accused the KNO/KNA of a clan-based organization. This is a dirty propaganda. Sometimes, they accused each other of being financed by an MLA, ex -MLA, to win a propaganda war. They are betraying the nation and also demoting it. It’s true that every willing-to-win MLA’s are selected (not elected) by a particular group. It’s also true that some MLA’s went to paradise Hebron, like a humbled donkey, for a red-inked signature. Have our leaders become a puppet to the IM group? Therefore, the amendment of certain wrongs is highly needed. Any armed Kuki is considered the Kuki Nation’s Army. But things are such that they are like fishes fed in a tiny-dirty pond. Anytime they could be caught and roasted alive. They should be very careful with the ‘Suspension of Operation’, for it could mean free bloodshed. It’s extremely hurting that a few illiterate leaders have used the Nation’s army to eliminate a great number of able leaders, the leftover/remains of the NSCN(IM) victims, due to ideological differences, or just to achieve some personal goal. Therefore, today, only a few life-risking leaders have survived. The tactics of defections, factionalism, bloody factional fights, coups and counter coups, etc of any armed Kuki outfits have become a deadly disease to the nation. These, and the national movement, have produced, within the Kuki society, a wide range of widows, prostitutes, orphans, drug addicts, thieves and robbers, etc, thereby, reducing the Kuki population, which is good news to many others. While some mourn over deaths, some rejoice over it, and clasp with the enemy. Such is the nature of the Kukis today. This way the IM group takes so much interest in the Kuki politics. Now the question is, “how on earth would the cunning fox allow the Kukis to unite, proper and live in harmony, when he is hell bent on suppressing our people in every aspect? And, how on earth could he become a friend to some Kuki outfits?
The only solution, therefore available is to severe ties with the foxy friend; forgive and forget the past differences and misunderstandings; come to a round table conference and find an amicable solution within the Kuki nation itself. ‘United we stand divided we fall’
ULFA pitches for peaceful political solution Nagaland Post

New Delhi, September 28: Banned terrorist outfit, the United Liberation Front of Assam ULFA), has hinted that they might be interested in a 'peaceful' political solution in Assam. Interestingly, this 'offer' has come from its military spokesperson, Raju Baruah, in his latest letter to the media. Initiatives were taken recently to bring ULFA for tripartite peace talks involving the Centre and Assam Government. However, the efforts couldn't take off.
Now, it seems the ULFA leaders, cornered by continuous offensive from the army and fast losing its impact over the people of Assam, are game for some solution. In a letter send to selected section of the media, Baruah asked the GoC 4 Corps B S Josuwal, 'the army should change its mindset of pursuing a military solution and, instead of understanding the ground realities, try to think about ways of peaceful political solutions.'
ULFA has also rejected the proposal for a cease-fire as it's a tactic of the Indian army and 'can't be an honorable solution in a national conflict'. However, to keep up the pressure on the government, chairman of the group Arbindo Rajkhowa has said that peace-talks can't be held leaving aside the issues of 'independence and sovereignty' of Assam. (Agencies)
Exiled Myanmar leaders shocked by India's stance Indo Burma News
September 29, 2007: (Hindustan Times) Exiled Myanmarese leaders are shocked by India's lukewarm stance following the military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Myanmar, although analysts said New Delhi is walking a diplomatic tightrope to engage the junta for strategic reasons. "It is indeed very shocking to find one of the world's largest democracies (India) adopting a nuanced approach when the military is trying to neutralise pro-democracy supporters in its next door neighbour," Min Maung, an exiled Burmese student leader and now a correspondent for the British Broadcasting Service (Burmese Service) in New Delhi, told IANS by telephone. According to information reaching this border town in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, it was the 12th straight day Saturday since large-scale protests erupted against the ruling junta, which caused outrage in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation by doubling fuel prices on Aug 15. "Even Communist China has come down heavily on the junta's crackdown on the pro-democracy movement. The role of India is surely questionable although we still expect New Delhi to take some bold stand," Kyaw Than, president of the All Burmese Students' League, told IANS. Than is among 2,500 Myanmarese nationals who fled to India after the military rulers cracked down on pro-democracy leaders in 1988. He is currently based in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. India's external affairs ministry gave a guarded statement earlier this week expressing 'concern' over the recent turmoil in Myanmar at a time when the whole world is condemning the brutal attacks on protesting monks.
"As a close and friendly neighbour, India hopes to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Myanmar, where all sections of people will be included in a broad-based process of national reconciliation and political reform," an Indian foreign office statement said. "India is caught in a Catch 22 situation with several strategic factors forcing a restrained stand -- primary reason being that New Delhi would like to offset China's influence on Myanmar by being a little soft on the junta," Said Wasbir Hussain, a security analyst on South Asian affairs based in the northeast. China is considered the biggest military hardware supplier to Myanmar with Beijing attempting to encircle the junta-led nation of 47 million people. China is also engaging itself with Myanmar as a gateway to the Indian Ocean and as a route for minimising its dependence on the Malacca Strait for the movement of its energy supplies from West Asia and Africa.
"Myanmar has of late acknowledged the presence of several rebel groups from India's northeast in their country and its military have from time to time cracked down on the separatist bases. This is another reason for New Delhi to keep the junta on its side," Maung said. Until the mid-1990s, India was openly supporting pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. It was only in 2004 that New Delhi changed track and welcomed military strongman Gen Than Shwe during his visit to the capital. "Security concerns prompted New Delhi to engage with the military junta, especially after Yangon launched several raids on Indian separatist bases," Hussain said.
The growing energy needs in India and Myanmar's large reserves of natural gas is also seen as one of the factors for New Delhi to adopt a middle path by not directly antagonising Yangon. There were plans afoot to use natural gas from Myanmar with Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) conducting feasibility studies. Some four to six trillion cubic feet (TFC) of gas reserves were discovered recently in Myanmar. "It would be economically cheaper to wheel back gas from Myanmar for use in India and considering the energy requirements, New Delhi must have decided to react cautiously to the ongoing developments," a petroleum ministry official said.
China and other Asian nations have also been eyeing Myanmar's vast energy resources. Disregarding these issues, Than said: "India should avoid looking for petty interests and try prevailing upon Myanmar to check the brutalities. India should set an example by upholding democratic values or else India's image would slide among the international community."


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