[Previous entry: "NSCN-IM rebel dies in clash OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"] [Next entry: "Glimmer of hope in Naga talks The Tangkhul The Telegraph"]

10/10/2007: "Peace talks between Centre and the NSCN-IM Bureau Report Zee News"

Peace talks between Centre and the NSCN-IM Bureau Report Zee News

New Delhi, Oct 10: The next round of peace talks between the Centre and the NSCN-IM will be held in New Delhi, where the two groups will talk about important issues, including the agreed cease-fire ground rules.

This would be the first round of talk between both the parties after the extension of cease-fire for an indefinite period in August this year during their meeting at Dimapur. Sources said the next round of talks would be very crucial.

''The meeting will discuss some important issues, including the agreed cease-fire ground rules,inter-factional clashes and arson committed by the outfit in Nagaland, ''they added. The outfit would also raise the issue of implementation of cease-fire ground rules.

Centre and NSCN-IM next round of peace talks today Thaindian

New Delhi, Oct 10 (ANI): Giving a boost to the Naga peace process, the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) will meet here today to hold the next round of peace talks.During the meeting, the discussions will be held on several issues including the agreed cease-fire ground rules, inter-factional clashes and arson committed by the outfit in Nagaland. According to sources, the outfit will also raise the issue of implementation of cease-fire ground rules. The meeting is being held for the first time after both the Centre and the NSCN-IM had extended the ongoing ceasefire indefinitely with effect from August 1, 2007. Naga leaders have been holding talks with the Central Government since 1997 when the ceasefire came into existence.

The ceasefire was first declared in Nagaland in 1997. The truce has been extended every 12 months since then, except in 2005, when it was renewed for just six months at the insistence of the rebels and further extended by another six months in February 2006. Rebel Naga groups have been demanding unification of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur to form a Greater Nagalim.

Despite the continuing cease-fire between the Government and the militant outfits, Nagaland continues to witness factional violence. Unabated clashes continue between the two warring factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) -- Isak-Muivah and Khaplang. According to the Institute for Conflict Management, over 250 people, including civilians, security personnel and militants, have been killed in violence in the State between 2001 and 2005.
However, the cease-fire, beginning August 1997, has led to a significant reduction in insurgency-related fatalities in Nagaland, with 103 fatalities in 2001 and 40 in 2005. (ANI)

Naga organisations warn Indian Govt. Union Minister rushed to Shillong. Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, Oct. 7: Outraged by the killing of five NSCN (I-M) activists on the outskirts of Shillong on Wednesday, Naga civil organisations today warned the Centre not to let the state instruments under its control make a mockery of a ceasefire agreement. The Centre, concerned that the killings would have an adverse impact on the ongoing peace process, reacted by despatching minister of statistics and programme implementation Oscar Fernandez to Shillong on a stock-taking mission after winding up his programme in the Garo hills, adds our New Delhi correspondent.

A public funeral service for the victims was held at the main square of Dimapur after the corteges carrying their mortal remains were brought to the town today. Traffic in the main city square ground to a halt for several hours and shops stayed shut in protest against what many believe to be a conspiracy to murder NSCN (I-M) members and Naga youths despite a ceasefire and the fact that the outfit is no longer banned. Yesterday, a high-level source said the Centre was under pressure to order a probe into the incident as it was bound to crop up in the October 9 parleys in the Thai capital.
Fernandez will lead the Indian delegation that will comprise interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah and home ministry officials. They will leave tomorrow evening for the talks that will be the second round since the Naga leaders left New Delhi in July.Back in Dimapur, in the presence of a large crowd, leaders of several influential Naga civil groups such as the Naga Hoho, Naga Council, NSF and mothers’ organisations warned the Centre not to let the state instruments subservient to it reduce the ceasefire pact into a farce. Condemning the brutal killing by Meghalaya policemen, Naga Council leader Savi Legesie told the gathering that a memorandum would be sent to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to take steps to stop such flagrant violation of human rights and killing of Naga youths by state forces under its control. Pointing out that the letter and spirit of the ongoing truce were being violated with impunity by security forces, president of the NSF, Phushika Aomi, asked the Centre if those body bags of “our fellow brothers” were the fruits of the ceasefire that the Nagas had reached with the Centre.
“If this is what we get in return for the ceasefire, then we don’t want this ceasefire and this is what all those Indian intelligence spies who I know are here must convey to Delhi”, an angry Phushika Aomi said. Another young speaker said Meghalaya police must face charges of crime against humanity and for sponsoring state terror because they not only killed NSCN members and Naga civilians but also butchered its own citizens in the Garo hills. Human rights activists in both Meghalaya and Nagaland had voiced their doubts that the five NSCN(I-M) militants were killed in a gunfight. (J. Firoze)
NSCN (K) sees rift within NSCN (I-M) Nagarealm.com
Guwahati, OCT08 [NPN] : Reacting to NSCN (I-M) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu’s “secret” exit from India, the NSCN (K) Monday claimed Swu had fled Camp Hebron following serious differences within the group.
“There is a major internal conflict within the NSCN (I-M) and so Swu had to flee. We have information that even Muivah will flee India very soon,” senior NSCN (K) leader Kughalu Mulatonu told news agency IANS. However, the claim of Mulatonu was outright dismissed by the NSCN (I-M). “There are no problems at all. Why should Swu flee? There is no reason to do so and our leaders are at the forefront of the struggle,” senior NSCN (I-M) leader Rh. Raising said. He said he had nothing to say except for the fact that Swu left India for some personal reasons. “It would, however, be wrong to say that Swu has run away or fled,” Raising told the news agency.

Collective leadership did not flee: NSCN (IM)

Dimapur, October 9 (MExN): Maintaining that ‘diplomatic strategy is part of the game,’ the NSCN-IM today refuted that the collective leadership has fled India. “Diplomatic strategy is a part of the game and it is a game of one-upmaniship...leaving India under such circumstances has nothing to do with fleeing India as made out by Khaplang group’s typical nature of putting a color to the Indo-Naga peace talks” stated the outfit’s MIP.

While claiming that its chairman Isak Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah are ‘international figures,’ the MIP asserted that their “stature” has placed them “under certain obligations.” Any “wild calculation” on the part of NSCN-K CSB member Kughalu Mulatuno is an indication of how the NSCN-K will stoop to serve own interests, the NSCN-IM observed.
“But NSCN leaders will never allow the Government of India to dictate its terms of settlement. Notwithstanding the slow progress of the Indo-Naga peace process and other domestic problems the unity of NSCN raises no second question” the NSCN-IM asserted.



CSU refuses to buy NSCN (K) explanation Morung Express

Dimapur, October 9 (MExN): Greatly dissatisfied and perturbed by the NSCN (K) explanation about the October 3 incident where some NSCN (IM) cadres and civilians were killed in Kohima, the Chakhesang Students Union today declared that it is not going to accept the NSCN (K)’s explanation and that it is not going to rest until and unless the culprits involved in the incident are brought to book

A press communiqué from the Chakhesang Students’ Union termed the NSCN (K)’s explanation over the whole incident as ‘disgraceful, shallow, outrageous, malicious and devoid of reason’. The CSU asserted that on that fateful day, victims were attacked no sooner had they boarded the jeep and traveled some 20 to 30 meters.
“Knowing fully well that the jeep was packed with innocent people, the perpetrators committed the act and that explains why, it was deliberate and intentional,” the CSU declared. The CSU strongly asserted that no human reason can comprehend the ‘illogical reasoning’ of that NSCN (K)’s allegation that the ‘innocents’ are working in tandem with the NSCN (IM) cadres. The communiqué affirmed that there is no moral right to kill innocent citizens.
“We would like to state in no uncertain terms that, such manipulation, machination and concoction of the act is unpalatable to all section of the society,” it said about the NSCN (K) explanation and said that the ‘justification provided by the faction ‘is shallow and a grievous attempt to mislead, manipulate and whitewash the unjustifiable act’. “May it be known to one and all that, the Chakhesangs are not going to buy their justification which is devoid of reason, fair play and natural justice?” the communiqué informed. The CSU said that it is not going to rest until thee culprits involved in the October 3 incident are brought book and justice delivered.
“We would like to remind the NSCN K and FGN (non accordist) that lest the culprits are booked and punished, the Chakhesang Students Union is not going to rest,” the communiqué declared and added that the people will not be held responsible for any social unrest created by the ‘for self defense aftermath of the tragedy’.
The CSU also deplored the state government for its inaction and said that the silence of the government till date voluminously speaks of the abdication of their moral responsibility to protect the lives of innocent citizens “Should the government continue with its indifferent and lackadaisical approach towards resolving issues of the people, the people would have no option but to resort to taking the laws in their own hands” the communiqué cautioned. The Ceasefire Monitoring Cell also came in the line of attack by the Chakhesang Students’ Union, who depreciated the Cell for its inability to enforce the ceasefire ground rules and said that the ceasefire monitoring cell has yet again displayed ‘callousness, insensitivity and utter failure to enforce the ground rules’ making the innocent publics pay a heavy price for their inaction.
“We urge the competent authority to enforce the ground rules in letter and spirit for the well being of all the citizens without which, it will invite the wrath of the people” the communiqué reminded the Cell.
Naga Hoho may meet NSCN (IM) on ‘Azhas’ The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 9 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today stated that it was “disturbed by the current trend of Naga leaders being penalized for misdemeanors that they may or may not have committed” and pointed out that in this regard, “the Naga Hoho shall contemplate to meet particularly the Steering Committee of NSCN (IM) and all the parties involved in the tussle in order to seek justice in the interest of all peace-loving citizens in the state”.
The Executive Council meeting of the Naga Hoho was held in its office chamber at Kohima on October 9, where threadbare deliberation on the “impending issues and problems which are confronting against the wishes and interest of the Naga people as a whole” were taken up, informed a press note issued jointly by I. Bendangmangyang Jamir, President, Keviletuo Kiewhuo, Vice President, P. Chuba Ozukum, Information & Publicity Secretary, Kenyuseng Tep, Assembly Secretary and Hurei, Deputy Speaker. Among many others, the meeting unanimously adopted several declarations and re-affirmed the stand of the Naga Hoho, it was informed.
Naga Hoho stated that it will “always reiterate and remonstrate that Nagas are indigenous people” and are ever ready to share in any platform the definition and political beliefs of indigenous people within or outside the Naga context”.
Pointing out that as per the mandate given by the Naga people, the present DAN Government was formed in the State and as such “the desires and wishes of the Naga civil societies and the people have been to extend facilities to educational institutions located outside the present state of Nagaland, which was the core demand of all the Naga civil societies”. Accordingly, the Nagaland state Assembly on September 18, 2007 permitted the NBSE to exercise its power by extending facilities to educational Institutions located outside the state, the Naga Hoho stated. It added that the landmark decision has been made as endorsed by various political parties and leaders and therefore, the question of terming “anti National” to Mr Imkong L. Imchen, Minister Education, Mr. Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister and Mr. I. Imkong, Leader of opposition does not arise as alleged by NSCN (K). The Naga Hoho likewise fully endorsed and appreciated the state Government as well as NSCN (IM) “for applying various forms of strategy towards protecting the Intangki Reserve Forest, which is the only National property at present”.
NSCN (K) supremo Kitovi reaches Delhi Nagaland Page

Kohima, October 9: On the sidelines of Naga talks which begin tomorrow between the centre and the NSCN (IM), N. Kitovi Zhimomi, general secretary of Khaplang faction of NSCN has also rushed to New Delhi.
A Z Jami, convenor of council of kilonsers (ministers) of NSCN (K) told Nagaland Page today afternoon from Mon that the outfit's general secretary has also reached New Delhi, but refused to disclose the purpose of his visit.
Jami, however said Zhimomi's visit was for different purpose, but highly placed sources here said he would be meeting central leaders during his stay in the national capital. Zhimomi has been taking shelter at Monakshyu village on the Indo-Myanmar border in Mon district since he was forced out from Mokokchung town during 2003 public uprising against the outfit.
Jami said their general secretary had left for Delhi 3 days back, while NSCN (IM) general secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah left for New Delhi on October 6. He said there was no official engagement between the Centre and Zhimomi. But he said talk with the Centre would only start after the rival wind up their peace process, which is hanging in balance.
"We'll talk with the Government of India only after the NSCN (IM) wind up talks," Jami said.
Jami was also a senior functionary in NSCN (IM) hierarchy till 2005 when finally defected to the Khaplang's fold stating reason that the collective leadership of NSCN (IM) was trying to sell out the rights of Naga people. He had also taken part in the NSCN (IM) peace talks several times, but after he joined the NSCN (K) he complained of "no transparency" in the talks and that Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah were compromising sovereignty to the Centre.
He said till the rival group is engaged in dialogue with the Centre, there was no plan whatsoever to begin the peace process with the Centre. Asked on what basis the outfit would negotiate with the Indian policy makers, Jami said demand for sovereignty would be top on the agenda and nothing short of that. He said sovereignty is the principal demand of Naga people and there would be no compromise on the issue.
Asked whether the outfit's demand would be accepted by the Centre, as the present deadlock between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India was due to demand for sovereignty, the NSCN (K) minister said India cannot ignore the rights of Naga people. "Sovereignty is different entity and India must accept that," Jami asserted. He expressed absolute optimism that Indian leaders will accept what the outfit was demanding. He said talks would be with total transparency where people would be taken into full confidence unlike the rival group.
Presently the outfit has severed all ties with Naga organizations, including the church, which had been playing pivotal role of peace broker for many decades. Nagaland Baptist church was also responsible for ushering the first ceasefire between the Naga rebels and security forces in September 6, 1964.
The NSCN (K) general secretary would be in Delhi for some days according to reliable sources. Sources said Zhimomi was also not keeping well for quite sometime and he had been undergoing medical treatment.
Zhimomi, who took over the saddle of the outfit after Dally Mungro was killed in 1999 at Kohima by the rival faction, was the sectional officer to Swu before the split of NSCN in 1988. Rising from a mere sectional officer today he has become the principal threat to once his boss Swu. He has been indulging in anti-Swu and anti-NSCN (IM) vigorously.
Both Zhimomi and his brother in-law, a senior kilonser incharge of treasury portfolio of the outfit, Kughalu Mulatonu have been energetically pursuing how to weaken the rival group. Mulatonu was also member of the NSCN (IM) before he defected.
Both of them consider Tangkhul Nagas, the formidable force in the NSCN (IM) as non-Nagas. Mulatonu, the big voice in the outfit is also opposed to the idea of integration of Naga contiguous areas, particularly with Nagas from Manipur state. Meanwhile, the proposed talks between the representatives of the Centre and the NSCN (IM) which is expected to be held on October 10 would revolve around on how to push forward the stalled Naga peace process. The outfit would ask the Centre whether the latter is intend to save the Naga peace process or abandon it. Other agenda of the talks would also on how to control the activities of Khaplang's cadres who are actively engaged in hit and run in several pockets in Nagaland. NSCN (IM) wanted the Centre to discipline the rival cadres, whom it accused of being pro-India militia outfit trying to undermine the Naga peace process. (Page News Service)
Cong Poll Shift? Editorial The Morung Express
While the largest regional party in Nagaland, the ruling NPF has expressed doubts over the recent resolutions passed by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on the Naga political issue, the Opposition Congress is getting support from the likes of the United Naga Council and the international human rights group Naga International Support Center (NISC). This is with reference to the Nagaland Congress adopting a resolution urging the Government of India to implement in Toto clause 13 of the 16-point agreement related to integration of contiguous Naga inhabited areas. This is without a doubt a major policy change of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC). In essence, what the NPCC has now done is to go in for a mid-course correction, which for the party will also ensure electoral pay-offs so it seems.
The State Congress had lost the last assembly election due to what many observers say was the cold shoulder it had given to the Naga political issue. Regional party like the NPF virtually rode to power by exposing the now infamous ‘Bedrock of Naga society’, which was seen as going against the aspiration of the Naga people’s desire for integration and sovereignty. In fact, the Congress for that matter had all along remained skeptical about the recent clamor for ‘integration’, although officially it had always maintained that several resolution to this effect had been passed in the State Legislative Assembly. The recent move of the NPCC passing a political resolution on the integration issue is therefore both a bold move and at the same time raises question mark about the timing coming as it is with the next Assembly Election hardly six months away. The NPCC stand on the integration issue if at all sincere is a welcome development. However it must also be reminded that its counterpart in Manipur had contested the recent elections and won on the issue of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur. Assurance to this effect was given by the Chief Minister I. Ibobi Singh and none other than Congress President Sonia Gandhi to the electorates of Manipur. It will be interesting because the NPCC resolution calling for integration was made in the very presence of AICC secretary in-charge of Nagaland Ranjit Thomas. From Ranjit’s presence, it appears to be that the Congress High Command in Delhi is in the know of this policy shift in the State Congress unit. The AICC would have likewise calculated on the possible consequences that it will face in the neighbouring States ruled by the party i.e Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh all having substantial territory inhabited by Nagas. If the Congress party’s stand on the integration issue is merely for electoral gains then it is quite unbecoming of a responsible party toying with the emotions of the public. But if the Congress is at all serious and committed to carry forward this policy shift beyond electioneering purpose, then the party’s stand must be appreciated. Both ways, the true character of the Congress party will be tested in the coming days. And as far as the NPF-Congress spar on the Naga issue goes, politically, the NPF may try to discredit this latest policy stand of the NPCC. However the ruling party cannot lay sole claim for addressing the Naga political issue. It has already been mentioned several times in this column that there has to be some form of political consensus expected from the over ground political leaders when it comes to the peace process. The failure of the Joint Legislators’ Committee for Peace is itself a clear evidence of the squabble among politicians who appear to be under the notion that one can exclude the other in the task of peace building. A broad-based political process has to emerge with the simple logic of involving all parties and only then can a collective decision be expected in which everyone would have a stake in it and hence remain accountable to the process itself. Whether it is the NPCC or the NPF, the question is who will have the magnanimity to rise above politics on the Naga issue?
IM seizes trucks with stolen rice By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 9: The proscribed NSCN (I-M) has intercepted ten rice loaded trucks coming from Imphal and heading toward Silchar with the intention of siphoning off and the drivers taken into custody. The rice have been allegedly lifted from FCS godown. Talking to The Sangai Express in this connection, chief administrative officer of NSCN (I-M), Zeliangrong region L Golmei informed that all the rice laden trucks and their drivers were intercepted while proceeding toward Silchar at around 3 pm yesterday. During the course of interrogating the drivers, it has been found out that the rice have been lifted from IFC godown sneakingly under cover of darkness and were being taken to Silchar for selling them off. The names of the agents involved in the case have also been established as Amu Meitei, Ashinta (Jirighat), Brojen (Jiribam Bazar), Memthoi (Uchathel), Allauddin (Imphal) and Sunil (of Rajasthan but staying in Imphal), Golmei informed, adding that the outfit will try to find out if any officials were involved in the matter. Golmei identified the drivers who are currently in the custody of the outfit as Pakpa ( driver of the truck bearing registration no. MN01-6576), Samu (driver of the truck bearing registration number MN05-3283), Jayanta (driver of the truck bearing registration no. MN04-8772), Ali (driver of the truck MN04-8796), Angou (driver of truck MN01-6361), Kullajit (driver of truck NL01-00369) and Ranjit (driver of truck NL01-D0548). The driver of truck MN05-2679, however, managed to escape, Golmei informed. Saying that over 100 rice loaded trucks meant for the people of Manipur have been taken out of the State sneakingly along the National Highway 53 so far, Golmei categorically stated that officials concerned should be held responsible for any eventuality in this regard. He also appealed to civil societies and the people to stay alert and take up action against those who are involving in swindling the rice meant for the common people.
View from Amsterdam The Morung Express
The Indian Press did not report much on the adoption of the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Peoples Rights. Why?
The question the Naga International Support Center now puts to all Indian journalists is: Was this Declaration not important enough for the Indian People?
Considering it took 21 years of elaborating and discussing the matter of indigenous rights for the marginalized and oppressed Indigenous Peoples of this world, and three years to have it approved, this, like the Declaration of Human Rights, provides them with internationally recognized rights and consensus and consequently gives them a tool to work on with the respective nations they are now part of. As this goes for India too, the nation which has most Indigenous Peoples of the world within its borders
The Naga International Support Center calls on the Indian Press to show the importance of this United Nations Declaration to all concerned and so to the entire Nation, including the Indigenous Peoples themselves.
For your perusal below you will find a short history the Declaration

History of the declaration
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples lays out the “minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well being of Indigenous Peoples of the world”, as it says in its Article 43. It took twenty-one years to discuss and formulate this declaration by the representatives of indigenous peoples, experts and state representatives. The project was launched and worked out for ten years by the UN Working Group on Indigenous Peoples (the WGIP, the main body of Indigenous Peoples at the UN HRC, which has been coldly abolished by the Human Rights Council this summer, just before its 25th birthday, without instituting a new body which should be directly under the HRC!) and then by the Working Group on the Universal Declaration for another ten years, whereby state representatives succeeded to water down a number of formulations made by the WGIP.
After twenty-one years had passed the UK and the USA were together blocking this historic UN declaration on indigenous rights at a committee of the UN General Assembly in 2004, claiming that collective human rights do not exist! It took another three years and a lot of efforts by the representatives of the indigenous peoples before the declaration was adopted on 29 June 2006 by the 47-member Human Rights Council, HRC, in Geneva.
At this time the declaration included 23 preambular paragraphs and 46 articles outlining the rights of indigenous peoples. It was passed at the HRC by a vote of 30 in favor, 2 against, 12 abstaining and 3 not voting (without the USA, which was at the time banned from being part of the Human Rights Council due to its aggression on Iraq).
In fall 2006 the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly first refused to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and then it was shelved while the African states decided whether to acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples are living in their countries, which they did—despite being told otherwise by the White settler colonies built on indigenous peoples lands, such as Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.
Thus, the declaration was finally put in front of the highest body of the United Nations, the General Assembly, and was adopted on the 12th of September 2007 by an unexpected large majority of 143 Member States in favour against just four against – the notorious four former British settler colonies Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States – with 11 abstaining. This is indeed a strong endorsement for the long and hard work by indigenous representatives, international experts and many benevolent state representatives.
This Declaration affirms the collective rights of the Nagas to self-determination, to their lands, territories and resources, cultures and intellectual property; the right to be free, prior and informed consent, thus the right to determine what the kind of development for Naga communities is suitable and desirable for them.
Indian Press did not report much on UN Declaration of Indigenous Peoples Rights By Naga International Support Center, NISC Kuknalim.com
AMSTERDAM, OCTOBER 9 :: The Indian Press did not report much on the adoption of the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Peoples Rights.
Why?
The question the Naga International Support Center now puts to all Indian journalists is: Was this Declaration not important enough for the Indian People?...

Considering it took 21 years of elaborating and discussing the matter of indigenous rights for the marginalized and oppressed Indigenous Peoples of this world, and three years to have it approved, this, like the Declaration of Human Rights, provides them with internationally recognized rights and consensus and consequently gives them a tool to work on with the respective nations they are now part of. As this goes for India too, the nation which has most Indigenous Peoples of the world within its borders

- The Naga International Support Center calls on the Indian Press to show the importance of this United Nations Declaration to all concerned and so to the entire Nation, including the Indigenous Peoples themselves.
For your perusal below you will find a short history of the Declaration

History of the declaration

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples lays out the “minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well being of Indigenous Peoples of the world”, as it says in its Article 43. It took twenty-one years to discuss and formulate this declaration by the representatives of indigenous peoples, experts and state representatives. The project was launched and worked out for ten years by the UN Working Group on Indigenous Peoples (the WGIP, the main body of Indigenous Peoples at the UN HRC, which has been coldly abolished by the Human Rights Council this summer, just before its 25th birthday, without instituting a new body which should be directly under the HRC!) and then by the Working Group on the Universal Declaration for another ten years, whereby state representatives succeeded to water down a number of formulations made by the WGIP.

After twenty-one years had passed the UK and the USA were together blocking this historic UN declaration on indigenous rights at a committee of the UN General Assembly in 2004, claiming that collective human rights do not exist! It took another three years and a lot of efforts by the representatives of the indigenous peoples before the declaration was adopted on 29 June 2006 by the 47-member Human Rights Council, HRC, in Geneva. At this time the declaration included 23 preambular paragraphs and 46 articles outlining the rights of indigenous peoples. It was passed at the HRC by a vote of 30 in favor, 2 against, 12 abstaining and 3 not voting (without the USA, which was at the time banned from being part of the Human Rights Council due to its aggression on Iraq).

In fall 2006 the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly first refused to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and then it was shelved while the African states decided whether to acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples are living in their countries, which they did—despite being told otherwise by the White settler colonies built on indigenous peoples lands, such as Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.

Thus, the declaration was finally put in front of the highest body of the United Nations, the General Assembly, and was adopted on the 12th of September 2007 by an unexpected large majority of 143 Member States in favour against just four against – the notorious four former British settler colonies Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States – with 11 abstaining. This is indeed a strong endorsement for the long and hard work by indigenous representatives, international experts and many benevolent state representatives.

This Declaration affirms the collective rights of the Nagas to self-determination, to their lands, territories and resources, cultures and intellectual property; the right to be free, prior and informed consent, thus the right to determine what the kind of development for Naga communities is suitable and desirable for them.
NSCN(IM) recognises Gorkhas as ‘Naga’ From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Oct 9 – In a strategic move, the National SocialistCouncil of Nagalim (Isaak-Muivah) has announced that Gorkhas would be recognised as Naga community in its land.

The NSCN-IM has given recognition to the Gorkhas all over Nagaland who have been permanently settled since long time back as one of the Naga communities.

The decision to this effect was taken by the outfit in a meeting at Singrijan near Dimapur on Friday, reports said. The outfit issued a statement in this regard.
NSCN (I-M) reacts to rival Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Oct 9 (NPN): Reacting to senior NSCN (K) leader Kughalu Mulatonu on the alleged rift between NSCN (I-M) leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah, a statement issued by the MIP of the NSCN (I-M) dismissed it as an attempt to sow seeds of distrust and confusion on the part of the NSCN (K).
The NSCN (I-M) further charged the NSCN (K) of being part of such a "school" of planting mistrust in the minds of the public on unfounded basis. Asserting that "revolutionary functioning is controlled by the given situation", the MIP said no room was given for exploitation of such situation that may have dimensional effect to the Naga interest.
Explaining the reason for Isak going abroad, the MIP said as international figures, its chairman (Swu) and general secretary (Muivah) have "diplomatic link with various international organizations" and which placed both "under certain obligations," and therefore, dismissed the allegations that Isak fled India. Instead, the MIP said the allegation was typical of the rival's "nature of putting a colour to the Indo-Naga peace talks."
On Mulatonu's allegations, the NSCN (I-M) said contrary to "any wild calculation" by the NSCN (K), its statement instead, served as "an indication of how the Khaplang group will stoop to serve their own interests at the cost of standing to the last in protecting the national principles committed by the NSCN."
Further, reaffirming the resolve of its leaders "never to allow Government of India to dictate its terms of settlement," the MIP said though the talks were making slow progress coupled with "domestic problems", "unity of the NSCN raises no second question."
Economic boom in North East predicted Staff Reporter The Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Oct 8 – There will be a big upsurge of economic activities in the NE region during the next five years, said Deputy Chairman of the country’s Planning Commission Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia here today. Dr Ahluwalia, who inaugurated the technical sessions of the conference on the country’s Look East Policy and the challenges for sub-regional cooperation, described the region as the “quite distinctive and important part of the country” and claimed that during the next five years, connectivity of the region would also improve largely.

He said that a strategy was being incorporated in the Eleventh Plan approach with an allocation of Rs 12,793 crore from the Central Government, for development of roads in the NE region. Besides, there will be an investment varying between Rs 9,500 crore and Rs 10,000 crore, for improving rail connectivity of the region during the Eleventh Plan period. There are proposals to provide railheads to Meghalaya and Sikkim and airports to Kohima, Itanagar and Sikkim, said the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman.

He apprised the gathering of thinkers, academicians, industrialists, senior officials from Delhi and North-eastern States and representatives of the NE civil societies that the Eleventh Five Year Plan would also focus on the efforts at exploiting the hydel potential of the region. Suggesting that there should be a Guwahati-based regional airline, he said that it was very important for the development of the region, as, national airlines with their big airbuses were not ‘ideally suitable’ for operating inside the region. There should be flexibility to allow other airlines also to enter the sector, he said.

Inadequate investment during the pre-Independence era and the partition of the country placed the NE region in a disadvantageous position. At this moment, financial position of the NE States is not as strong as other parts of the country. For, they do not have the internal resource mobilisation capacity. Moreover, like the States of the other regions, these states also lack the efforts to absorb Central assistance. But the region has the resilience to emerge as the springboard of development, if proper care is taken, said Dr Ahluwalia.

The Central Government has been making very significant efforts to ensure flow of fund to NE region, he said. However, he admitted that the country’s planners and policy makers had a lot to do for the region, saying, “We have not done much as we should for the NE region.”

Presenting a picture of the transfer of funds to the region, he said that it was almost four times larger than the other regions of the country. While the per capita transfer of funds to the region is Rs 2,575, the average for other regions in this case is only Rs 684 per person, he said. From 9.1 per cent in 2002 the Central assistance to the region was augmented to 10.6 per cent in 2006 in terms of GDP ratio. However, in case of the other States of the same special category standing, the rise in the Central assistance from 9.3 per cent was restricted within 9.65 per cent during the said period. And, in the case of the non-special category States, the share of Central assistance declined from 2.4 per cent to 1.9 per cent during the period, said Ahluwalia

From all sources, an amount of Rs 80,943 crore was spent on the NE region during the Tenth Five Year Plan, he said. The picture concerning utilisation of the Central assistance in the NE region is, however, not encouraging. The Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources has a total accrual of Rs 10,400 crore and so far, its utilisation is limited to Rs 4,660 crore, he said, adding, there should also be attempts at looking at the returns from such investments. The region has tremendous under-utilised development options. Its agriculture sector has recorded 50 per cent development with the known technology. This should be the thrust area for work during the next five years in the region. It is also possible to bring about a poultry revolution in the region, he said. The conference will conclude tomorrow with DoNER Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar delivering the valedictory lecture at 12-30 pm.
India opposes sanctions on Myanmar Sangai Express
New Delhi, Oct 9 : Making it clear that it has its own economic and security interests in Myanmar where the military junta has cracked down on pro-democracy protestors, India today voiced its opposition to sanctions against that country and favoured dialogue with the authorities there.
Amid threats of sanctions against Myanmar, New Delhi said the coercive measures will have no effect on the military regime there as it will pass the impact to common people.
Worried that any repressive measures in Myanmar will lead to instability that will have an impact on this country, India hopes dialogue will soon begin between the junta and imprisoned pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Underlining that the army has played a role in Myanmar's affairs for over two decades and will continue to do so, New Delhi says it has developed a "useful" relationship with the military regime without giving up on its interests. India's security interests in Myanmar relate to seeking that country's assistance in the drive against North East insurgents who take shelter in that country. Energy interest relates to gas blocks that India has got in Myanmar and is hoping to get more. Besides, India has interest in building a multi-modal transport project in Kaladan river in Myan-mar. Road and maritime aspects of the project are progressi- ng well, the sources said adding, however, that development of ports is delaying it. PTI
Indo-Myanmarese move on Sittwe port From Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Oct 9 – While the world's attention remained fixed on the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar, India is going ahead and signing the agreement with the militant junta paving the way for development of the Sittwe Port. According to highly placed, India and Myanmar are likely to seal the deal in two to three weeks time.

India is likely to invest more than $103 million in the construction of the port, in the town of Sittwe in Myanmar's Rakhine State, while Myanmar has committed about $ 10 million in the joint venture project. Mizoram is about 160 km the port. India and Myanmar have been giving final touches to a joint project, which will enable the North Eastern States to conduct trade directly with South-East Asia through Sittwe port, bypassing Bangladesh.

The development of the Port is part of the Kaladan multi-modal transport Project is envisaged to facilitate movement of cargo vessels from Mizoram through Kaladan River, all the way to Sittwe. Sources said the papers were lying with the Mynamar Government and indication was that the other side was ready to shortly sign the deal.

The Sittwe Port Project is likely to take three years to complete. The project will not only benefit North Eastern States, but will also contribute to the development of Sittwe and the improvement of the Kaladan River System, sources said.

Besides providing an access to South East Asia , Sittwe port would also be an exit point to mainland India. The Port lies about 12 hours from Haldia, 36 from Vishakapatnam.

However, signing of the deal at a time when Myanmar is facing international sanctions, following the military crackdown on the monks may lead to further international uproar.

Sources, however, hinted that India was not about to bow to international pressure on Myanmar. India 's stand depends on its interest. "We see Myanmar from India 's point of point view," he added. For India, Myanmar is sensitive and several factors have forced it to restraint its reactions. Military junta's cooperation in flushing out the North-east based insurgent groups taking shelter in that country, the country's gas and oil reserve, besides access to bustling markets of South East Asia, seems to have been factored in. Myanmar recently gave three oil blocks to OVL.

Transit right through Myanmar is the key to the success of India's flagship Look East Policy.

India feels that international sanctions also may serve the purpose. Sanctions are not the right answer. Regime change depends on people of Myanmar and not on international pressure, sources added. New Delhi, however, was hopeful of the UN Special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari's endeavour. The military junta and Nobel Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi have made some reconciliatory gestures. Sources said India's Ambassador has met Suu Kyi and the Foreign Secretary met her twice. India is of the opinion that military crackdown this time was not as severe as in 1988-89. India feels that there should be a 'credible inquiry' in the recent incidents and report should be published.

"We are concerned at the situation in Myanmar and are monitoring it closely. It is our hope that all sides will resolve their issues peacefully through dialogue," was how External Affairs spokesman had reacted.

"As a close and friendly neighbour, India hopes to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Myanmar, where all sections of the people will be included in a broad-based process of national reconciliation and political reform," he said. Myanmar's process of national reconciliation initiated by the authorities should be expedited, India had further called for.