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11/07/2007: "PM’s speech impresses IM Newmai News Network"

PM’s speech impresses IM Newmai News Network

Dimapur, Nov 7 : Expressing optimism, the NSCN-IM today said that the speech of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at the 4th International Conference on Federalism in New Delhi has left much to hope for the Nagas. The outfit stated that the concept of federalism as pointed out by the Prime Minister cannot remain static. “This concept of flexibility therefore shall be watched with much curiosity and seriousness by the Nagas as the Indo-Naga talk moves to the next round soon,” said the NSCN-IM.
However, on the other hand the outfit was not happy about news reports from New Delhi.
The NSCN-IM said that it regretted and “and a matter of consternation” that the New Delhi based news agencies have misquoted NNSCN-IM leader Th Muivah which said that NSCN-IM was not seeking independence from India and Nagas’ sovereignty had been compromised. “At no point of time Muivah’s interview with ANI indicated NSCN going astray from this infallible stance. In the last ten (10) years of Indo-Naga peace talks NSCN have pressed for an honourable solution,” explained the outfit.“The fact that NSCN wants special type of federal relationship is based on NSCN’s uncompromising stand on two entities and not something within India. Any misinterpretation or attempt to interpret outside the purview of the historically well defined Naga People’s aspiration is a matter of propensity to undermine the Naga Political Issue,” added the NSCN-IM.
It further said that no matter what is generated behind the scene to downgrade the Naga Political issue the NSCN-IM cannot falter on the “inalienable rights” of the Nagas to defend their political right.
“As much as India recognizes the unique history of the Nagas the logical demand of the Nagas is to give unique solution to the Indo-Naga Political issue,” the outfit said.
Hope for UG unity? Operationalize CF first: NSCN (K) Longrangty Longchar The Morung Express
Dimapur | A flicker of hope is there for unification of the Naga “national workers” under one umbrella, considering the words of a senior NSCN (K) leader who asserted that the Naga undergrounds must repent and declare a ceasefire (among the Naga underground factions.
Deputy Kilonser in the NSCN (K) Wangtin Konyak, speaking to The Morung Express, today asserted that a ceasefire among the Naga underground factions must precede any move for unification or reconciliation to come under one umbrella or platform. Airing his strong views, he said that unless a ceasefire exists among the Naga factions, then approaching each other on a congenial atmosphere would be very difficult and therefore affirmed that a ceasefire must be the beginning of the Naga unification.
When queried about the possibility of unification of the Naga groups under one umbrella, Wangtin expressed strong confidence that it is possible, subject to some conditions. He said that the Naga underground leaders must first ‘repent’ and give up the ‘avenging attitude towards one another’.
On being queried what he meant by the word ‘repent’, Wangtin said the Naga underground leaders must make a confession for any ‘mistake’ be it spiritual, political, social, or moral. He asserted that for unification to be realized, the present leaders must give up their positions in the underground Naga government and let the Naga people decide who will be the leader of the Naga people. He said that the present Naga underground leaders, when unified, would be fighting for leadership posts which presents an even graver situation for the Nagas. Therefore, Wangtin opined, the Naga public should be in a position to decide who will be the leader of the Naga underground movement. In this regard, Wangtin said that Th. Muivah, the General Secretary of NSCN (IM), is not the leader of the Nagas. He said that Muivah might be ‘the leader of the NSCN (IM), but not the leader of the Naga people’.
However, the Deputy Kilonser of NSCN (K) put a condition that it will never have unification with any organization, which has dropped the ‘sovereignty issue’ from the Naga political talks or movement. Wangtin said that Muivah has dropped the sovereignty issue during his interview with some prominent news media like the NE Sun and the BBC.
British church leaders in Nagaland to broker peace Earthtimes.org


Kohima, Nov 7 - A four-member team of church leaders from Britain are currently in the state on a mission to broker peace between the two warring factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).
The church leaders, who belong to the The Religious Society of Friends, are commonly known as Quakers.
'The Quakers are here for reconciliation efforts, an attempt to unite and patch differences between the two NSCN groups. The team will be meeting leaders of both groups in a day or two,' Reverend Zhabu Theruza, general secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, told IANS.
The two NSCN groups, one led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah (NSCN-IM), and the other headed by S.S. Khaplang (NSCN-K), have been engaged in a bitter turf war for territorial supremacy in Nagaland for decades with an estimated 500 cadres killed in the last few years in fratricidal clashes.
The two factions are in a ceasefire with New Delhi -- the NSCN-IM is currently holding talks with the central government after entering into a truce in 1997.
The Khaplang faction of the NSCN is yet to begin formal peace talks although it entered into a truce in 2001.
'We welcome any move by any NGO or church bodies for peace in the world. But for reconciliation and unity, we have some preconditions,' Kughalo Mulatonu, a senior NSCN-K leader, told IANS. 'We want the NSCN-IM to declare that it will sever all links with terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and must tender an apology for the genocide against the Nagas for more than a decade in which some 10,000 people were killed,' the NSCN-K leader said.
Several attempts made by different church groups in Nagaland have failed to unite the two rival factions.
'Unless there is some understanding and points of acceptance, the future of peace dawning in the state is remote. We have been trying hard and still continuing with our efforts,' Reverend Theruza said.
People who were dissatisfied with the existing denominations and sects of Christianity founded the Quakers in Britain in the 17th century. The Society of Friends is counted among the historic peace churches. A team from the American Baptist Church is also planning a visit to Nagaland for a similar mission to broker peace between the two NSCN groups

Rejoinder to Western Sumi Hoho- Nagaland Post
This rejoinder is issued in response to baseless claims and statement made by WSH - Hevito self styled Head GB of so called Inavi Village. Tsunthruba Yimchunger, another self styled tribal community convener and others who have written many unfounded, uncultured with concocted stories about the Zeliangrong people and Beisumpuikam Village and Ntangki National park just to confuse the Government, Nagas and UG to meet their adventurous attempt to grab the land in Ntangki forest In one way we are grateful to each one of them for expressing out of their hidden colour and game plan to divide Zeliangrong people and to disharmonies peaceful coexistence of Kacharis, Kukis and the Zeliangrong people just to reach their ultimate goal No Man's Land (a Dreamed land)
Ntangki National Park The rich Flora and Fauna of Ntangki forest is located in the western side of Zeliangrong country. This virgin forest is customarily, traditionally and originally owned by Beisumpui Village in Peren district. The land in question have never been compensated by the Government after declaration as reserved Forest way back in 1923 though verbal prior permission was taken from the land owner Village (Beisumpui). The British administration appointed JH Hutton, the then D.C (Naga Hill) Kohima, as Forest settlement officer. The then D.C Kohima summoned late Dikieleung GB Beisumpui Village to lead the team of survey. Accordingly the then G.B deputed Namswagiang and Nkuitalang and the survey was conducted during the month of Feb 1921 which took about 3 months to complete. After completion of survey in Ntangki, the then G.B along with the two guides were asked to come and collect IOUs receipts where upon they were given one SBML Gun, two Blanket, one bag of salt as a token of rewards by the then D.C Naga Hill. Years later after India attained her Independence, the villagers produced the IOU receipts to the Government but they were told that it is no longer valid and did not honoured. However all the important names of the River in Zeliangrong tongue like Ntangki, Dhansiri (Temaki) and Mongleu remained in the notification and that's the only way any, Naga recognizes their land by the name of River, mountain, stone and remarkable etc. So in short if one has the guts to say 'No man's land' in Nagaland, he or she should move away from that area before eviction by any kind of Government. Our history is our witness and people may try to change the truth but the truth shall prevail.
Beisumpuikam Village Whether one like it or not, Beisumpuikam village was established with the consent of land owner Beisumpui Village and duly recognized by the Government of Nagaland in 1991 with defined boundaries and till today the village is enjoying all kind of development facilities like VDB and other Government assistance and have been paying house tax and even after shifted to the present location proposed exchange area with the village land outside National Park. The proposal for exchange of land was proposed by Beisumpuikam village which was recommended by Zeliangrong Baudi (Hoho) Nagaland and duly forwarded by Chief Wild life Warden and PCCF to the Govt. and subsequently the proposal was approved by the state Cabinet vide Cabinet Agenda NO.2 dated April 18' 1995, which has never been reviewed or revoked by successive Government till today. We fail to understand why WSH is trying to bargain their stand with Beisumpuikam village either from state Government or NSCN. Beside their ultimatum, they even went to the extend of taking law in their hand declaring to evict the village by themselves which is too much for any civilized society to tolerate. May be because of this illegal stand of WSH and baseless claim of so called Inavi village, the Forest Department must have decided to act like a watch dog for so long ever since encroachers started their activities in November 2006. Whether one like it or not there is no alternative word to encroacher and there is no alternative word to exchange therefore encroachers will always be called encroachers and exchange means exchange. In no way Beisumpuikam can be compared with so called Inavi (encroachers' village) from all points of view.
Lilen village disputing exchange area We extend our big thanks to WSH for their love and concerne for the Kuki villages living in Peren District and coming forward to settle Land dispute in our land. The fact is that Forest department has carried out series of survey works during 1996 -2004 and Lilen village has never stopped the department at any point of time as claimed by WSH till recent instigation works prepared by WLPO. The question here is why the Forest Department has to dual on one officer who was and is favouring the encroachers? The chief Wild life Warden has moved for release of fund to carry out eviction on encroachers and subsequently the Government has released such fund for eviction and one Coy of IRB also deployed in Ntangki National Park but Wild Life Division is still applying all kind of delaying tactics to pave way for encroachers to reestablish their activities inside National park is it not a mockery on the part state Forest department and the state govt. to have succumbed to such treat? The fact is that Lilen village falls within the jurisdiction of Peren village's land and the boundary between Peren and Beisumpui is demarcated by Ngungreu (Selsio) river. As such the Lilen village used to pay land tax (Rampwa) to Beisumpuikam villagers for their cultivation beyond Ngungreu river out side National Park, which are documented in village records of both Lilen and Beisumpuikam villages. However if any complain is lodged by the Lilen village the issue of exchange of land may be delayed but that does not meant Beisumpuikam village is not recognized or illegal. These are a matter of process and procedural. Therefore the Forest Department should not hesitate to act on encroachers and wait for such process to complete.
Whatever amount of cook up story, one may create but one day God will surely speak to us and bound to reveal the truth as it was manifested in press statement of Khuwoto Achumi vice chief of WSH on 01/11/07 stated that there were vacant lands in the foothill areas of uninhabited by Angamis and Zeliangrong, which is true but any vacant land in any tribal area does not meant No Man's Land. It is also a fact that the Naga Hill District was placed under British Assam province, hence the British Assam Government classified all vacant land (unoccupied) areas into Reserved forest with biased attitude (no act of Forest rules has been applied )before declaration of any Reserve Forest. Therefore how do you (WSH) expect a village to raise claim and objection to such notification at that point of time i.e. 1923.Way back in 1921-23, there was no sign of development and no school were opened in our land. It will be too ridiculous on the part WSH that since the land owner failed to raise objection to such kind of blanket declaration of Forest our land its resources to go to the so called Western Sumi block. They also stated that the British administration has allowed Shoxuvi village in the vacant land of Zeliangrong and Angami, which doesn't meant that the entire foot hill areas of Zeliangrong and Angami belong to WS Block. For information of WSH, there are some of the leading examples to prove that these foot hill areas in question belong to Zeliangrong and Angami alone, hence the so called Western Sumi block claim over this area is nothing but just a mockery. (to be continued.....)
Lungchui, President, ZSUN T. Mirhu, President AZSU
(From previous issue) In one of the judgment delivered by C. R. Pausey the then D.C Naga Hill vide Pol case No 40 dated 29/5/40 stated that Keyavi is a new comer, he has no right to fish in Tehaiki (Khova) river. If he can not get on with the Old villagers' i. e. Lamhai (Zeliangrong village) he (Keyevi) can go back to Serna country. Again to quote another e.g. D.C. Kohima Yasub Ali under Pol. Case No. 19/1948 orders that... "It is evident that Zutovi B established his village without permission- Zutovi must make preparation to move away from the unauthorized settlement" Like wise on 30-4-54. K. Borah the ADC Dimapur recorded that Semas of Kiyevi and Lothavi villagers extend the boundary to Tahaiki (Khova) river and Langlong (Nkwareu) river without the knowledge of the Zeliangrongs. Again on 21-2-48 I. Ali the then DC Kohima (Naga Hills) recorded that Land offered to the Sema by previous DC originally belong to the Zeliangrong. No wonder a Sema village can multiply to any number and any direction but administration should not have allowed such a tricky game plan to fool the Government as in the past. Besides there are many documents, records, folk tales to prove that Dhansiri(Temaki) …areas belong to the Zeliangrong and Angamis. Till 1926 there was not a record of any Serna village in Dhansiri areas. There are many other cases of forceful encroached villages which got Government's recognition under Dhansiri Sub-Division which is within Zeliangrong area. Even after our complaint and protest to the Government which cannot all be mentioned here in detail. Even now some few encroached Sema villages such as Kheyeto B, Vihoto, Khehovi, Shikuto, Chikuto … Kiyevi B, Pukhaho and others are trying to seek Government recognition forcing the District Administration to issue (NOC to be Under Dhansiri Sub-Division, although their encroached land falls within the Zeliangrong area of Peren District. Therefore all these encroached villages are now under Dimapur District for Administrative convenience, but the real traditional land ownership belongs to the Zeliangrongs and the Angamis
Lastly, we would appeal to all peace loving Nagas to respect each others traditional boundaries and the law of the land. We call upon all sections of the people to know who the land owner is and who the land morgers/ encroachers are and to condemn all such illegal activities in Naga soil so as to build a strong and mighty Naga Nation.
Lungchui, President, ZSUN T. Mirhu, President AZSU
Nagalim: Naga Leader Willing To Compromise Source Asia News International After a recent round of talks with the Indian government, Naga leader T. Muivah presented his party’s proposition for cooperation with India by suggesting close but separate federation.
he General Secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), Isak-Muivah, has for the first time made it clear that he is not seeking independence from India, but wants a special type of relationship with the country. In a freewheeling interview with ANI in Delhi, Muivah underlined the limitation of the NSCN (IM)'s compromise on the issue of sovereignty. He also appreciated the centre's concern on the issue of the country's security in Nagaland.
"It should be a type of federation-federation to be bound up in such a way that neither side be detrimental to the interests of other. That means almost being one, bound up", said the veteran insurgent leader, who was in Delhi for talks with the Indian Government. When asked what that federal relationship meant, Muivah underlined the bold steps that his outfit is willing to take to guarantee India's security and strategic concerns in the bordering states of Nagaland.
"Bold steps when we say Nagaland must be defended by India in the event of external threat, it must serve the interest of India. It amounts to defending the security of India. When it comes to the content of External Affairs, the primary responsibility must be taken by India. We will accept the Indian currency. With regard to Naga identity, the Naga should never be expected to abandon their being Naga, their identity involves the citizenship of Nagaland and at the same time the citizenship of India. More than that what do you expect from the Naga", emphasized NSCN (IM) leader.
Muivah was at pains to point out that despite so much of "coming down" from our original position, the Indian Government is not showing the sincerity required to solve the problem. He blamed a "hardcore" group from the government side who are "coming in the way of progress in talks".
When asked to react on Muivah's formulation of an Indo- Naga relationship, a senior Central Government official said that the government is approaching the talks with an "open mind". The centre is concerned about the outfit's continued relationship with China since the sixties. Muivah in the initial years of his insurgent career walked down to China to get training. When asked about his reported departure to Europe in near future, Muivah did not deny it.
"Yes, nothing positive happens, I need to go off for sometime and whenever necessary I can come back".
The two sides recently concluded talks on the ninth of this month [October 2007]. A glimmer of hope, however, seems to be there with both parties deciding to form committees to discuss core issues. The discussion in the committees will decide the contour of the next round of talks. When the ceasefire was extended for the indefinite period on July 31 [2007], it was hailed as a landmark development. In the previous round of talks held abroad and in New Delhi, the NSCN-IM had submitted a charter of demands to the Government that included the creation of a separate Constitution for Nagaland, a "new and unique" relationship with New Delhi and unification of Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. But these three states have rejected the demand.
In the Bangkok talks held last year [2006], both sides had agreed on a broad framework to define a relationship that could end Naga insurgency. There was, however, confusion over the parameters of the broad framework. Muivah arrived in India in December last year [2006], while Swu came to the country in the first week of January [2007]. Since then, they have been in Nagaland for discussions with NSCN-IM cadres and civil society and political leaders on the group's key demands.
NSCN (IM) hits YouTube with American ‘ambassador’Nishit Dholabhai
New Delhi The NSCN (Isak-Muivah)’s well-oiled publicity machine has flooded the video-sharing Internet site YouTube with pro-Nagalim propaganda, including a two-part interview with an American sympathiser who is introduced to viewers as the “honorary ambassador to Nagalim”. The video clippings show the interviewer, representing an organisation that calls itself Conflict Solutions International (CIS) Inc, asking Grace Collins about the Naga community’s struggle for “independence” from India. “Nagalim is a Christian nation founded by American Christians in the Northeast region of India,” says Collins in the first clip.
Collins has visited Nagaland at least twice and is believed to be an “agent” for the NSCN (I-M) in the US. Her brief is to highlight the outfit’s demands at the international level. A website describes Collins as a “cultural diplomat” who graduated in fine arts from Boston College in 1985, went on to do her MBA from the University of Durham, UK, in 1989 and is partially through a second masters in education and museum studies from Columbia Teachers’ College in New York. This is not the first time that the NSCN (I-M) has gone beyond the boundaries of the northeastern states to promote its cause. It started its own website — nscnonline.org — a few years ago and found willing friends in the Netherlands. The Naga International Support Centre (NISC) supports the outfit’s demands and organises programmes across Europe to spread awareness about the Naga cause. The same group allegedly created a website recently for the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) to spread awareness about Bodo culture.
Collins quotes no less a person than Mahatma Gandhi to justify the Naga community’s desire to be independent of India. “Mahatma Gandhi said if you don’t want to join the Indian Union, you need not,” she says, eager to drive home the point that Nagalim is a “separate nation”.
Imkong highlights on Naga model of federalism The Morung Express
Nagaland’s Leader of Opposition, I Imkong at the International Conference on Federalism at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
New Delhi, November 6 (Agencies): Nagaland’s Leader of Opposition, I Imkong has said that the grant of autonomy and recognition of diversity in federalism gives rise to innovations to make the systems work better. Addressing the ongoing International Conference on Federalism today at New Delhi, Imkong said that although the 16 Point Agreement of 1960 was not the final answer to the Naga political problem, it had helped the Nagas evolve an identity and a unique direction for governance based on their tribal customs and traditions.
Elaborating upon the State of Nagaland which is the only State in India born out of a formal written agreement, Imkong said that there is a “practical manifestation” of the process of federalism in the State which has given rise to various institutions leading to the growth of federalism through the vast scope provided in the Constitution of India. The Naga leader said that the special Constitutional provision in the form of Article 371 A gave vast scope to the people of Nagaland to develop according to their own genius and to safeguard their various social, customary and traditional practices.
“The institutions being evolved are being recognized as deserving replication in other parts of the world,” Imkong told the delegates and added that some of the unique institutions that have evolved are the Village Councils, the Village Development Boards (VDBs) and the latest concept of Communitisation which he termed as “classic examples.” Stating that the creation of the Village Councils was based on the age old tradition and customary practices of the people, Imkong explained as to how this institution has evolved to become a strong and viable institution to maintain administration at the village level.
“With very little policing by the State Government, the communities are maintaining law and order in their respective jurisdiction. It is to the credit of the Village Councils as an institution that there are no police outposts in any of the villages of Nagaland,” the Leader of Opposition averred and added that the local communities are able to organise themselves and act much more efficiently for their various requirements including the development process.
Imkong also explained as to how the Village Development Boards emerged basing on the strength of the Village Council. He said that a large chunk of the budget of the State Government is being provided to the villages in the form of Matching Cash Grant (MCG) to the fixed deposit raised by the villages as also ‘Household Allocation’ at fixed rates annually for village based planning and development activities.
Touching upon the concept of communitisation, Imkong stated that under this programme of the Government, various public institutions and services such as primary education, primary health care, power supply and water supply systems are being handed over to the communities for management and maintenance.
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He said that it is fitting as an ideal reform and restructuring process in the present context of globalization and liberalization.
“On the one hand, the Government did not absolve their responsibilities to extend services to the people while at the same time, the people were made responsible and accountable for quality delivery of such services to the people including the delivery systems,” Imkong said.
Taking the case of Nagaland, Imkong said that such examples are relevant to other federal and democratic countries who are confronted with similar problems as the issues of indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities are prevalent throughout the world.
“A serious look at Federalism from the angle as experimented in Nagaland could perhaps provide answers to many similar situations around the world,” he added.
It may be mentioned that the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh addressed the inaugural session of the Conference yesterday. Around 1000 delegates including President of Comoros Ahmed MA Sambi, Nigerian Vice President Goodluck Jonatha, President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Ray besides heads of states, experts and activists are participating in the three day conference.
Masses, a silent spectators – NSCN (K) The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 7 (MExN): Stating that it is always the masses who have been silent spectators, the Ceasefire Supervisory Board of the NSCN-K says that it is the people to “give” their mandate for a quicker solution to the Naga “freedom” movement.
“…at the end of the day it is always the (masses) who have been the silent spectator and hearer to give the right judgment and voice out their opinion towards the Naga freedom movement and not any factions or political party or bureaucrats or NGO” stated Member of the CFSB Hokato Vushe in an opinion received here. “It is the mass that should give their mandate towards quicker solution to the Naga freedom movement. For, to be upright is where the will of God is and that’s where the Nagas’ sovereignty is” he mused.
He queried why the Naga should limit his view of the Naga freedom movement to factions alone. “Perhaps it may be that the factional clashes in the name of freedom struggles have taken the center stage at this juncture and hence the assumption but that’s absolutely wrong” Vushe maintained. He asserted that the Naga political issue “is a question of ethnicity and anthropology whereby a particular group of people belonging to the same race and related by blood wants to reclaim their past freedom.”
The NSCN-K even maintained that “in fact factional issue is baseless in terms of Naga freedom issue” and “they don’t ever come up in dialogue with the Indians.” It is in fact a “family problem” deeply-rooted in India’s policy of ‘divide and rule’ he stated. He also echoed strongly that every Naga, including the “factions ourselves” knows this “but there seems to be no willing heart to mend it.” The NSCN-K also took to task the political leaders, state bureaucrats and NGOs for following suit (“‘divide and rule’ in between the factions to serve their own purpose”). He observed that the “overground” leaders’ support to a particular faction is not because of patriotism but for “self-security” and to climb up the social ladder financially.
The CFSB member also strongly held that “We are not working for the factions be it NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) FGN or NNC but we are working for Naga sovereignty.” Vushe asserted that it is about time every Naga plays its own part. He asserted: “The Nagas have suffered every bit of bitterness, every scene of horror and every kind of torture for the past half-century. It is high time for every right-thinking Naga to play their own part with patriotism so as (to) materialize our freedom struggle because Naga sovereignty does not depend on any factions or political party or anyone but solely on the Nagas as a people.”
Tokhu Emong celebrated across Nagaland – Nagaland Page
Dimapur, November 7: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today urged the Nagas to preserve their rich cultural heritage even if they have adopted western culture by accepting Christianity and also said Naga festivals should foster unity and reconciliation amongst the Nagas.
Gracing the Lotha Tokhu Emong celebrations at Dimapur, Rio said that Nagaland is a land of festivals where every tribe has various festivals to celebrate before sowing seeds and post harvest celebrations. He said such festivals reminds us of the days of savage and hardships, which our forefathers practiced and laboured hard for living. It also reminds us how they have fostered a relationship of love and peace among themselves as this festival signifies. He, therefore, called upon everyone not to forget the value of festivals.
He lamented that today Nagas are losing the taste of festivals. "We don't labour hard, we don't sweat," he said adding, "We need to work hard and enjoy the fruits of our labour."
The Chief Minister said, "We have adopted western culture by accepting Christianity as our faith but there is nothing wrong to preserve our tradition and culture which are distinct from others."
He said, "If you loss your wealth, you have lost nothing, but if you loss health, you loss something but if you loss your culture you loss everything", and urged the community to preserve its rich traditional heritage at any cost.
Rio said that the combination of modernity and rich culture should be preserved, adding, Nagas should maintain their identity in the world so that they can progress.
He also stated that Lotha Community is one of the most blessed tribes in Nagaland. It has high literacy rate and the land itself is very fertile which is a leading producer in Agri and Horti products and have rich mineral products like petroleum.
He called upon the community to lead the Nagas from the front to bring peace and harmony in the state as our state will be flourish only when we have reconciliation and permanent settlement to bring peace in the state. He also complimented the women who had organized Mrs Tokhu Emong by exhibiting rich traditional attires. He said unity shown by the ladies should be an example of needs for unity of Nagas.
"This is the time for love and affection for brethren, forgive and reconciliation," he said and hoped that Nagas would immensely benefit from such celebrations. Stating that Nagas are going through difficult times through their political struggle, he said everyone should contribute towards Naga cause. "We need unity and reconciliation, then only, we'll have permanent peace in Nagaland," he said.
On this occasion, the Lotha Eloe Hoho organized Mrs Tokhu for the first time showcasing the rich traditional culture of the Lotha tribe. Mrs Margaret was crowned as Mrs Tokhu Emong.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister PHE, P. Longon, Minister for Agriculture, Kuzholuzo Nienu, Minister for Transport and Employment Imtilemba Sangtam, Parliamentary Secretaries, P. Chuba, and Hewoto Awomi. More than 9000 people turned up to celebrate Tokhu Emong.
At Kohima, Tokhu Emong was celebrated at different colonies, which were hosted by different organizations and individuals. Lothas celebrated the festival with vibrant colourful traditional attire and costumes. In New Reserve colony SP Kohima R P Kikon along with his wife attended the function.
Kikon called upon the Lotha community to maintain unity and harmony at any time and at any cost in order to bring some changes in the society. Advisor NRKE R.T. Ezung narrated the story of the festival. He exhorted the people that our rich traditional heritage should be used properly and preserved.
In the Little Flower School colony IGP (Hq) Thechamo Lotha hosted festival which was usually observed at the end of an agriculture season following the harvest. The main speaker was Dy. Registrar, Guwahati High Court Kohima Bench Chibosoa Mozhui.
In the Para-medical and Lerie colony the significance of this festival was exhorted by ex-officio Lottery Director retired C.R. Lotha and Headmaster Government High School Khasha Zayio respectively.
This festival is spread over 9 days having a significance of its own with specific rituals to be observed.
The Lotha community of Mokokchung town today celebrated their traditional festival Tokhu Emong at the DC's official residence. The daylong programme included cultural dances, songs and various entertainment items followed by community feast. Government officials, public leaders and other invitees attended the festival. The Deputy Commissioner Ramongo Lotha on behalf of the Lotha Community bid Tokhu Emong greetings to all communities of Mokokchung town.
Sungro Range celebrated Tokhu Emong at the Sungro range headquarter with Parliamentary Secretary, Mechanical and Soil & Water Conservation, Nkhao Lotha as the chief guest. Nkhao Lotha expressed the meaning of Tokhu Emong which means to remember the past not forgetting that in olden times our forefathers worshipped and observed rituals for blessing through out the year.
The programme was followed by cultural songs presented by different groups such as Sungro Women Society, Nevermind Welfare Society, Strongmen Unga, Kali Yinga, Okotso, Arec Old and New which was followed by a grand feast. The function was chaired by D.T. Oren Ngullie and invocation prayer was led by Rev. O.Y. Ngullie, Pastor Okotso Baptist Church. (Page News Service)
KNO charges NSCN IM The Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Nov 7: Two members of KNO were abducted by armed cadres of NSCN (I-M) from outside the gate of 3 Corps in broad daylight on November 3, undersecretary of information and publicity of KNO T Stephen Kuki has charged. In a statement, Stephen informed that a joint meeting of SoO group KNO and 3 Corps, Dimapur was held on November 3.
The meeting was convened by 3 Corps despite previous expression of concern over meetings being held at the headquarters of 3 Corps at Dimapur which is near Hebron, the headquarters of NSCN (I-M).
To make the matter worse, 3 Corps had also invited UPF, another SoO group, on the same day without the knowledge of either SoO parties. Confirming KNO’s apprehension, after the joint meeting of the two SoO groups and officers of 3 Corps, two members of KNO were abducted by armed cadres of NSCN (I-M) from outside the gate of 3 Corps in broad daylight, Stephen informed, adding that the NSCN (I-M) cadres also looted all the money, mobile phones and other personal belongings of the two KNO members.
The incident of abduction has unequivocally conforms the KNO’s assertion hat members of UPF, such as UKLF, has linked with NSCN (I-M), Stephen said.
Since the 3 Corps have stated that neither of the two SoO groups were given prior information regarding either party being invited for the meeting, it is very clear by now that it was a member of the UPF, namely UKLF, which passed on the information to NSCN (I-M) cadres regarding KNO’s presence at 3 Corps in Dimapur on that day.
KNO would like to make it clear to all that the abduction at Dimapur was carried out by a few NSCN (I-M) cadres at the instigation of UKLF without the knowledge of the upper echelons of NSCN (I-M), Stephen said, adding that reports have been received that the cadres involved in th abduction have now received their share of the spoils looted from KNO members.
Taking serious note of the matter, KNO has urged leaders of the NSCN (I-M) to address the incident of abduction with utmost care and resolt the matter in an appropriate manner as early as possible.
Imp-W police strike rich Four NNC cadres, one PREPAK man held By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Nov 7: Imphal West District Police Commandos have apprehended in all four gang members of Naga National Council (NNC) and one PREPAK activist from the house of one Thomas of Leimakhong Chingmang, according to a statement issued by SP of Imphal West District Clay Khongsai.
The SP said that the four NCC members identified as SS Lt Jodai Kamei alias Thomas (54) s/o Gonglempao Kamei of Sibilong Tameng-long district but staying at Leimakhong Chingmang, SS Sgt major Mathiu Paomei alias Mathiunlan (22) s/o Poubilung Paomei of Rang-khung village, Tamenglo-ng; Lungkungam Kamei (18) s/o Langalung Kamei of Namdailong Village, Jiri and Sajonba Puimei (18) s/o Bakutwang Puimei of Oktan Village, Tamenglong as well as the PREPAK activist identified as Dhananjoy Singh alias Thoiba alias Prem (25) s/o N Sanatomba Singh of Kwakeithel Thi-yam Leikai but staying at Khordak Mayai Leikai (ar-my no, 041010) were arres- ted from the residence of Thomas acting on credible information at about 5.30 am today. On preliminary interrogation, Thomas disclosed that he joined NCC in 1968 through one late SS captain Galian and was working as adjutant of Ist Bn Naga Army FGN under the command of SS major Thangdo- lung, Bn commander. He was assigned to demand amounting to Rs 20 lakhs each from IFDC and Water Supply Dept. Mathiu disclosed that he joined the outfit in March 2003 through SS Lt Col Aasho and underwent 20 days basic military training at Angam Region, Nagaland.
While PREPAK activist Dhananjoy disclosed that he joined the outfit in April 2004 through one late Chaiba of Thoubal and got 45 days basic training at Dongjang, Chandel district, the SP said while informing that the activist had been earlier arrested in 2005 and released on bail.
Concern over encroachment on BTC forest land Correspondent Assam Tribune
KOKRAJHAR, Oct 16 – Repeated encroachment on forest land of BTC by Bodo and Adivasi villagers in many areas of BTAD is a big concern as the matter is taking a bad shape even after many eviction drives, said Kampa Borgoyari, deputy chief, BTC, and I/C of Dept of Forests and Tourism, here on the concluding day of the seven-day long 53rd Wildlife Week celebration at Kokrajhar, organised by the Department of Forest, Wild Life Division, Kokrajhar recently. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the Bodo and Santhal people should understand the magnitude of the problem and should stop encroachment to save our natural resources for mankind. At the same time, he said BTC has been pursuading the Home Ministry at the Centre to entrust SBB guarding Indo-Bhutan border for induction to forest and wildlife protection in BTAD. Speaking on the occasion, GC Basumatary enlighted the need for cooperation of NGO’s and all section of people for conserving forest and wildlife resources.
Sudhir Kumar, co, 16 BN SSB has also announced his commitment to the bordering villagers and forest villagers in BTAD to take advantage of welfare and beneficial schemes of SSB for health, community development & facilities for the rural people. DFO, Mr Sonali Ghosh, Kokrajhar wildlife division explained the positive impacts of programmes with students, villagers, researchers and civil society in the well long programme.

Meanwhile, Aaranyak an NGO, for biodiversity conservation based in Guwahati with the help of Rufford Foundation, UK handed over 10 wireless sets 3 base station materials from front line staff of Chakrashila wildlife sanctuary.It is to be mentioned here that during this weeklong celebrations, wildlife film shows for school children at Ganga Talkies, painting competition for school children at Govt HS & MP School, Kokrajhar, Quiz competition for school children, tree plantation & wildlife film show at Titaguri village, Kachugaon, Ultapani, Jharbari, Bhalukghora & Choraibhola were also held with mass people participation.

It may further be mentioned here that an interim report on conservation by BTC was also presentated by the Discovery Club, Kokrajhar while Aranyak, NGO-launch elephant conservation sticker of a brochure on tourist in formation of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary by wildlife division, Kokrajhar also released. Awards were also distributed among the five JFMC’s of Haltugaon & Kachugaon Forest Division along with moments & certificates with incentives for a four programme in Shillong. In addition prizes were handed over to some young nature lovers of Kokrajhar including handing over of prizes to the winners of various competitions by the Kokrajhar Wildlife Division.
Other NGOs are taking part in the weeklong programme include. Aranyak, Green Heart, Green Forest Conservation, Discovery Club, Mouzigandry from Manas, amongst others.