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11/23/2007: "NSCN reunites to end strife Staff Reporter"

NSCN reunites to end strife Staff Reporter

HOVISHE/DIMAPUR, Nov 23 (NPN): In what could be described, as a major breakthrough in the history of the Naga nationalist movement after the NNC split in 1980 followed by another split in the NSCN in 1988, the two factions of NSCN on Friday, November 23 agreed to come together under the umbrella of the NSCN, after a marathon meeting held throughout the day at Hovishe village, Niuland subdivision some 33 Kms away from Dimapur.
The NSCN split into one led by S.S. Khaplang and another by Isak and Muivah both factions of which have been waging a relentless gory of factional violence and killings since the split.
The meeting attended by several Kilonsers, Tatars and other ranks from both the factions, in the presence of NGOs, deliberated on the need for unity so as to stop inter-factional violence and killings in Nagaland.
The meet was chaired by Western Sumi Hoho president, Hokiye. Protocol presentation was delivered by Kilo Kilonser, Azheto Chophy while protocol address was conveyed by External Affairs Kilonser, C Singson.
In his speech Western Sumi Hoho president, Hokiye declared that the Hoho will cease to support any party which does not abide with the joint declaration.
Armed cadres of both sides numbering between 300 to 500 converged at Hovishe even as the kilonsers and tatars huddled inside a building, ventilated their urge to stop killings among themselves and come together.
Besides Kilonsers- Azheto Chophy and C.Singson-others cadre members also provided inputs towards unification.
The day-long conclave which went on till late evening, declared that the NSCN (I-M) and (K) will henceforth be unified under one banner.
It was also decided that there would be only one NSCN by which the unified organization would be known and also addressed.
Outside the meeting hall, hundreds of armed cadres from both factions mixed freely with each other with no visible sign of animosity or restraint. The bonhomie was largely evident as they mingled in an atmosphere of new found oneness.
It was learnt that hundreds of armed cadres of the unified NSCN would continue to remain in Hovishe village while the higher ups would further deliberate on the finer aspect of cementing the resolutions during the next day or two.
It was reported that armed cadres of both factions had arrived from various parts of Nagaland to attend the conclave.
Earlier, there were speculations that Kitovi Zhimomi or Brig. Nikki of the NSCN (K) would attend the conclave but sources said the top leadership of the faction had given their green signal and blessings for the meet.
The declaration of unity has added a totally new dimension to contemporary Naga politics-both state as well as nationalist-and further developments during the next few days could prove crucial to the issue of peace and reconciliation, a cry which church and NGOs have been pursuing but with little success.
DECLARATION
In a significant and a historic development and with a view to end bloodshed and fratricidal killing that has shed darkness all over Nagaland for decades, the two warring factions of NSCN having decided to unify, declares its unification to be under a single banner of NSCN/GPRN, on this day the 23rd November, 2007 at Hovishe Village under Niuland, UT-I.
(C SINGSON) (AZHETO CHOPHY)
KILONSER KILONSER
NSCN seeks federal tie-up - Muivah hopes for political will to solve Naga imbroglio NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, Oct. 29: Seeking to establish a special federal relationship between “India and the Nagas” pivoted on a joint defence mechanism, NSCN (I-M) leader Thuingaleng Muivah today expressed the hope that the necessary political will not be found wanting. The general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) was speaking to The Telegraph in an interview today. According to Muivah, if Delhi were to give the Nagas what they want, its prime concern — which relates to the security of Nagaland and, as a corollary, the rest of the Northeast — needs to be addressed. If this is done, believes Muivah, the Naga problem can be resolved for good. The outfit has a different take on federalism. “When an agreement could be arrived at and a relationship is well defined, both Nagas and the government of India can go to the extent of being bound up. In that, separation would not be possible,” said Muivah.
Citing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s statement to the Nagas that she was concerned most about India’s security, the NSCN (I-M) leader said his outfit was ready to meet those concerns even today. “Had she been here today, she would have confronted the issue,” he claimed. The Centre obviously has no intention to give a semblance of separate identity to the Nagas beyond more autonomy. Nagaland is currently administered under Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which guarantees protection to Naga customs, traditions and identity.
But Delhi’s concerns are also premised on Nagaland’s strategic location. It is concerned about the outfit’s continued contacts with Beijing since the Sixties. Supplementing this is a firm belief within the establishment that economic development in Nagaland will act as a magic cure and eventually end militancy. That, according to Muivah, is the Centre’s miscalculation and warned that if “something of a global nature happens, it will be a big issue for India”.
Muivah said the Nagas are sensitive to another identity and must be citizens of Nagalim and, at the same time, of India as well, suggesting a sort of “dual citizenship”. He said unless there was a separate constitution for Nagalim, the outfit would be driven back to insurgency. “We can have a joint defence of Nagalim and if the security problem of the Nagas is solved, the problem of Indian security does not arise. Nagalim can be best defended by Nagas. If India is protecting (us), that problem is not solved,” he said. The Centre has already rejected this proposal, saying that “India will defend”. Muivah conceded that while no government at the Centre will be strong enough to take such a decision, yet to solve this problem, realistic steps need to be taken.
A joint defence mechanism would be advantageous to both sides, Muivah claimed, ensuring protection from “forces inimical to India’s interests”. For the outfit, the exercise would also take care of the large number of the outfit’s militant activists who would lose their jobs following a solution, say observers. With the ceasefire completing 10 years and becoming the longest lasting ceasefire between any government and any rebel group in the world, the negotiation has also reached a crucial crossroads. The outfit is insisting on a separate constitution and has sought help from experts such as Yash Ghai, Antony Reagan (who helped frame the East Timor constitution) and lawyer Nandita Haksar to study our Constitution. Along with government officials, they are likely to continue this exercise for a year. “What can be accepted and what could be amended in the Constitution should be examined. We will accept and include in our constitution what is relevant, but we will have a separate constitution,” Muivah reiterated.
Wanching rubbishes NSCN-K claims
Beatings of village elders recounted
Dimapur, November 23 (MExN): Wanching village has summarily dismissed the justification given by the NSCN-K following the atrocity meted out to the village’s leaders and elders recently by cadres of the underground outfit.
Responding to the NSCN-K’s claims as published in a local daily on the 14th, a hurt Wanching Village council today issued a strong response dismissing the outfit’s justification as futile, frantic and untruthful effort to cover up inhuman treatment meted out to innocent village elders. The council made plain clear that no NSCN-IM cadres were present or visited the village as alleged by the rival faction. Rather, the village has neither enmity nor play favorites towards any group/faction or any other groups.
The council narrated the events of the fateful day: NSCN-K cadres reached the village before dusk and demanded a sum of Rs. 20, 000, fifty kilograms of rice and ten chickens. Some cadres even went to the extent of asking for opium and wine. The council stated that opium is not found in the village. After having their full, the “so called quarter master” one “capt.” Anok summoned the village council chairman and other elders. The council also mentioned that the cadres were camped in three places. One group was led by one “col” Peyong Khanmoi, another by one “capt.” Wanglon Konyak and the third was led by on “capt.” Anok from Arunachal. The village elders led by the chairman stopped at the house where the so-called “col” Peyong Khanmoi and his group was camping but being told so they proceeded towards the house where “capt.” Anok and his group was camping.
On reaching the elders were queried of their designation. Then the elders’ hands were tied behind their backs and thrashed with bamboo and gun butts in a closed house from 9 pm till 11pm. No questions were asked nor were any reasons given by the underground cadres for the torture meted out to the innocent village elders. After nearly two hours of beating, the victims were released but not before making the elders comply with the demand of the UGs to bring Rs. 20,000 by 6:30am, the next morning.
The next day, all the victims were taken to Mon for medical treatment. Also, only after the matter was brought to the notice of the underground outfit’s higher-ups, did “Col.” Peyong Khanmoi and his group was “believed to have realized their mistake and are even said to have apologized.”
“Despite this, it is very unfortunate that handful of men have the face to write such lies trying to cover their inhumane treatment. One should know that gun do not make lies, truth” the village pointed out. No NSCN-IM cadres visited the village and the question of the villagers facilitating the rival cadres’ escape does not arise at all, the village stated. “That night no fighting, chasing or killing took place apart from the beating of village elders. This beating of elders without any reason is itself a totally unacceptable and inhumane act. It is also not just a violation of human rights but also an insult to the Konyak culture” a hurt Wanching reminded. Stating that the justification of the NSCN-K on the matter has only added salt to the wound, the village has strongly demanded that the culprits are booked and forwarded to the village.
Naga reconciliation movement- Nagaland post
The Naga freedom struggle is more than 50 years old. By any standard 50 years is long enough and no nation can sustain such a prolonged struggle unless its people endorses its effort and make the necessary sacrifices.
At the initial stage of Naga struggle for freedom, the Naga club took the lead role which soon changed to Naga National Council (NNC). At that time NNC enjoy the support of almost every Naga, it was a people movement where every Naga played a role to sustain the movement. Though there was oppression and hardship the people were contended with the struggle.
Many villages were burned down to ashes, were deserted and Nagas were butchered like animals by the aggressors but the patriotism of the Nagas did not cool down. The struggle kept on continuing amidst uncountable sacrifices. But there was a big setback in the year 1975 in the form of 'Shillong Accord' which led to the disintegration of NNC, though there was conflict within NNC before also but it did not effect as much as this. Consequently it led to the formation of NSCN and its government (GPRN) on January 31' 1980. But after a few years the NSCN split into two which is known as NSCN-IM and NSCK-K. The Naga nation was further divided after the death of A.Z. Phizo.
When we look back into history we find that there are countries that have faced the same problem as we are facing today. The present scenario has turned upside down. Instead of fighting against the real enemy, we have been fighting among ourselves. The divide and rule policy sown by the enemy has been able to hypnotize the Nagas. It has played havoc with thousands of lives.
The enemy has planned well to sabotage the Naga freedom struggle and its plan is working aggressively. We have to rise up to the occasion and take a unified stand irrespective of factions, tribes, geography etc. otherwise we will have to dig our own grave.
The Naga struggle has sustained up to this day because of the people's support and sacrifices. But today Naga people are in a dilemma whether to continue their support to the struggle or not. The tide has changed and the people are the ones who suffer the most.
In the name of Naga sovereignty, Nagas have been killing Nagas. People are even afraid to talk about the Naga struggle for fear of their lives. The public is in doubt whom to support and whom not. They are left with no choice. Taxes, extortions, violence and corruptions are increasing day by day. The Naga struggle is gradually dying. If this trend continues, it will lead nowhere and will create further problem which will subsequently lead to downfall.
Unity is absent not only within the Naga freedom fighters but also amongst the Naga public. 'Ism' has shown its ugly force in the Naga society and if not dealt properly it will create havoc. Unity is a must to achieve the desire goal. There will be no permanent solution until and unless every section of Nagas are united. There is a tremendous job ahead to be done.
For the sake of Naga nation, Nagas have endured untold miseries and hardships in the hands of the aggressors. Human rights violation of the greatest magnitude was perpetuated without an iota of qualm. Thousands have fallen prey to enemy bullets; thousands tortured and maimed for life. Women folk raped and molested; village razed to ground, crops and properties worth millions of dollar destroyed. All these sacrifices have been done so that we can live freely in our own land without unwanted interference from outside. But today the situation has completely changed. It seems all those sacrifice made by the Naga patriotic has gone futile, meaningless. In this all, what we can give them in return for their sacrifices?
Let's all take a break and think deep where we have gone wrong. As human, mistakes are made, but instead of blaming one another lets solve it amicably and peacefully.
Bloodsheds will only escalate the situations. The theme of the Naga nation is 'Nagaland for Christ'. So as people of Christ, let us be practical and true to ourselves. Everybody wants peace and progress, it will come only when every Naga join hands. There is an urgent need for a movement to reconcile every Naga brethrens, a movement back by the Naga society which can transcends all barriers and bring the warring brothers under one roof. Whether over ground or underground a consensus must be reach to achieve greater height. When there will be reconciliation and unity among the Nagas, the Naga struggle will get greater coverage, more public support not only from within but also from international community and more fire power. When all these team together, there will be much more pressure on the enemy and it will compel them to in line with Naga people's desire Oh my people, hear my voice, repent your sin and be united in Christ. So that when the storm comes you will stand unshaken. Our nation is a God chosen nation. So let's be strong and let us paint our globe with the colors of love, peace, joy and harmony.
Kuknalim Vilasetuo Suokhrie Northern Angami Colony Walford, Dimapur
Who disintegrates and destroys Nagaland- Nagaland Post
When the NPF party came to power in Nagaland, many Nagas thought that something good would usher in Nagaland and among the Nagas. Many Nagas expected that the DAN Government headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio would stand as a bridge between the already divided Nagas. Many hoped that Neiphiu Rio as Chief Minister would initiate some steps to bring all the warring factions together and stop the unwanted killings among the Nagas. But the expectations of the Naga people proved to be just the opposite.
Neiphiu Rio with his policy of equi-closeness at once jumped into the bandwagon of the IK terrorists. He started to revamp the terrorists' organizations by granting funds lavishly at the cost of the Nagas. Since he married a Manipuri lady, he also became the defacto chief minister of Manipur and maintained the Manipuris with the money meant for Nagaland state. Neiphiu Rio at once sidelined all other groups of Naga national workers and started to fully patronize the terrorists with the help of some leaders of Naga Hoho, NSF, and NPMHR etc which had already become Manipur organizations.
In this way, Neiphiu Rio succeeded in the aggravations of the situation and more killings among the Nagas issued and deepened the rift between the Naga groups. Not only the Naga national workers groups, but divided the Naga society further. There is a strong undercurrent going on for splitting the Naga society which Neiphiu Rio may or may not know. In other words Neiphiu Rio had already destroyed the Nagas just as king Solomon had erred before God by marrying diverse wives from the heathens who drew him away from the God of his fathers and the resultant effect was the division of his kingdom into Judah and Israel after his death.
In the past, the NSCN had issued some press statements under the caption "Integration or disintegration", "greater Manipur or greater Nagaland" etc, these statements were given by way of appealing and cautioning the Nagas against the impending dangers of disintegration or dividing the Nagas. But Neiphiu Rio and some pseudo Naga NGOs leaders did not heed to the wise advice of the NSCN leaders. The credit of more killings and destruction of Nagas all go to Neiphiu Rio. Prior to his coming to power as chief minister of Assam, Prafulah Kumar Mahanta posed as Assamese nationalist and was a firebrand leader of the Assam movement. But when he was voted to power Prafulah Kumar Mahanta became an arc enemy of the Assam nationalists and he had been already indicted in the "Secret killings" of the relatives of the ULFA leaders. The same is the case of Neiphiu Rio. History will not excuse anyone. Sooner or later he will be indicted in the scores of Nagas killed by the IK terrorists under his patronage.
Beware, Neiphiu Rio has already earmarked to be given rupees one crore for each assembly seat to the IK terrorist in addition to their (IK) extorted money ready to be used in the coming Nagaland state election as supplementary to their armed intimidation.
Secretary MIP, GPRN NSCN (K)
Swu appeals for Naga unity OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Nov. 22: The NSCN (I-M) has once again called for reconciliation and unity among the Nagas to achieve what it said was a “common goal”.
The outfit’s chairman, Isak Chishi Swu, who had recently sneaked out of the country and is reportedly in Bangkok en route to the Philippines, urged the Naga people to give up chauvinism of all forms and divisive thinking and instead unite hearts together to achieve the goal for the benefit of all Naga people. In his first message after he left the country, Swu affirmed that if only the Nagas have unity, the rest would be done by the Almighty. “I urge every Naga citizen whoever he or she may be, whatever he or she thinks, wherever he or she may be, to think soberly and take a decision and take note of the most important responsibility to save the righteous cause of Nagalim for Christ,” Swu stated in his one-page message received here today. Pointing out that the Nagas would have to seriously ponder upon unity, Swu urged that “reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion reign among us in Nagalim today”.
“Naga people without any exception should realise that Nagalim is created in a special way for which we have to thank God in the first place,” Swu said. Stating that God had given the Nagas the stewardship of message of grace to be given to the whole of humanity, Swu appealed that in order to execute God’s will, Nagas as a whole would have to “rise up to the occasion in one accord”.
The NSCN (I-M) chairman expressed regret that the evil has taken advantage of the differences and misunderstandings among the Nagas and was continually misleading them through his cunning devices to let the Nagas remain divided. As such, Swu said the course of a nation cannot be left unattended to by sensible citizens. For this “...it is seriously felt that the necessity of saving our people from this predicament, with a new perspective, is a must to uplift our national precarious situation and a change of our mind is extremely necessary at this juncture”.
This message has come at a time when several Naga organisations and the Church are trying to broker reconciliation and unity among the warring Naga groups, especially between the two NSCN factions. But the Khaplang faction of the NSCN has reiterated that it would never unite with the rival, terming them as a “pseudo Naga-nationalist” organisation. The Khaplang faction, which comprises mostly Sumi and Konyak tribesmen, are opposed to the rival’s demand for integration of the contiguous Naga-inhabited areas, though its chairman S.S. Khaplang is from Myanmar. The outfit has severed ties with all Naga organisations, including the Church, which had played a significant role in ushering in peace in the state during the height of insurgency in the fifties and sixties. It considers these organisations pro-NSCN (I-M). The NSCN (K) today warned all international organisations against interfering in Naga affairs. It said problems would be sorted out between the Nagas and the Centre.
Ulfa surrender surge continues RIPUNJOY DAS The Telegraph
Laipuli (Tinsukia), Nov. 22: Seventeen militants, including 15 Ulfa rebels, today returned to the mainstream, with one of them requesting the army not to involve him in operations.
“It is very unfortunate that some of the surrendered militants get killed later by unknown assailants. Therefore, I have requested the army not to involve me as a spotter or in any other capacity in operations against Ulfa,” Kundil, alias Biju Saikia, a self-styled sergeant major of Ulfa, said.
Kundil’s plea comes against the backdrop of the killing of Srimanta Chetia, a surrendered Ulfa militant, who was gunned down by Ulfa militants in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday night for allegedly helping the army in its drive against the militant outfit. The surrender ceremony was held at the headquarters of 181 Mountain Brigade here and attended by armymen and representatives of the civil and the police administrations of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts. If Kundil pleaded to be left out of operations, the officials advised them not to flaunt the Ulfa tag.
Addressing the surrenderees, the superintendent of police, Tinsukia, Prasanta Bhuyan, said: “Shed the typical Sulfa brand, otherwise society will not accept you. It will keep a constant watch on your activities. You have an uphill task before you — to become reformed persons in the true sense of the term. If you do not learn to stay with society, society, too, will not accept you.”
Sulfa is an acronym for surrendered militants of Ulfa.Bhuyan’s message was echoed by the additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Tinsukia, Ratul Dowerah, ADC, Dibrugarh, Prasenjit Gogoi and the additional superintendent of police (security), Dibrugarh, Amitav Das.
The commander of the 181 Mountain Brigade, Brig. Binoy Poonnen, advised the parents of the surrenderees and gaonburahs (village elders) who were present on the occasion, to urge Ulfa cadre in their areas to surrender. He assured that the army would do everything to facilitate rehabilitation of the surrendered rebels. Those who laid down their arms today include eight from Ulfa’s 28 Battalion, three from the outfit’s 27 Battalion, two from the 109 Battalion, one from the 709 Battalion. A Dimasa militant and a KLNLF rebel also surrendered today. Another Ulfa militant surrendered at the camp of 11 Guards in Dibrugarh under 181 Mountain Brigade. Officials said he could not come to this venue as his father passed away today. There were four women rebels who surrendered today. Besides Kundil, others who surrendered today include self-styled corporal Pratima Gohain and self-styled sergeant major Kalshad Rabha, alias Atul.
UN to scan rights report
A STAFF REPORTER
Guwahati, Nov. 22: Incidents of human rights violation in the northeastern states, including “secret” killings in Assam, figured prominently in a report submitted to the United Nations by civil society groups and human rights defenders of the country.
The report, endorsed by more than 200 NGOs from across India and submitted to the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday, highlighted rights abuse in different parts of the country.
The report has been submitted for appraisal of the Government of India’s human rights record.
The appraisal by the council is slated for April 2008 under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) procedure. Under this, the UN reviews the human rights status of different countries.
Manipur rights activist Babloo Loitongbam today said the NGOs, under the banner of the People Forum for UPR in India, had prepared their own stakeholders’ report and submitted it to the UN as the Centre did not hold consultations with civil society stakeholders before Tuesday, the deadline set by the UN council for submission of the report by the stakeholders.
Some of the important issues of the Northeast which figured in the report were the “secret killings” in Assam, attacks on human right defenders, imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, “fake” encounters and the killing of Thangjang Manorama in Manipur.
The report was prepared through consultations organised by Asian Centre for Human Rights, Forum Asian and Peoples Watch Tamil Nadu, in New Delhi on November 13 and 14.
“The Assam government has submitted its report on “secret killings” recently. We want the government to take appropriate action against those found guilty for the extra-judicial killings and human rights abuse,” Loitongbam said.
“One of our concerns that was highlighted in the report is heavy militarisation in most of the northeastern states and misuse of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act,” he said.