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11/25/2007: "NSCN(IM) leadership in a flap over Nuiland `unity declaration`The Imphal Free Press"

NSCN(IM) leadership in a flap over Nuiland `unity declaration`The Imphal Free Press

Dimapur, Nov 24: Following the November 23 development at Hovishe village in Niuland, 35 kilometres from Dimapur, where some kilonsers (ministers) from both the NSCN factions made a joint declaration for unity, "an extremely serious" discussion was carried out by the top NSCN-IM leaders at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur today participated by NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah.

A well-placed source from the NSCN-IM informed NNN tonight that all the leaders of the outfit during today`s meeting at Camp Hebron, favoured unity among the Naga underground factions "for the progress and the success of the Naga peace process". However, the source added that the NSCN-IM leaders were of the opinion that the bringing of unity among the factions should be done through a proper channel.

However, top kilonser (minister) of the Khaplang faction of the NSCN A.Z.Jami told Newmai News Network over phone from Mon district of Nagaland this evening that "unity among the factions is a pre-requisite for everything." The NSCN-K leader also added that uniting the factions is the first step to remove hatred, animosity and rivalry "among the Naga family". A.Z.Jami further said that the November 23 Niuland declaration for unity should be welcome by all the sections of the Naga people and "everyone should follow suit" in order to achieve the goal of the Nagas.

Meanwhile, sources from the NSCN-IM has said that the November 23 Niuland declaration will remain "unofficial" unless the outfit`s leaders who had participated in the declaration brief the detail to the "higher authority" of the NSCN-IM. Kilo-kilonser (home minister) of the NSCN-IM Azheto Chophy who led the "NSCN-IM team" in the Niuland declaration on Friday is yet to come and meet the "higher authority" of the NSCN-IM till date. The NSCN-IM has reportedly given the deadline for those outfit members who had participated in the Niuland event to come brief about the development to the "higher authority" of the NSCN-IM by tomorrow (Sunday). "The Niuland declaration will be considered an act done not with good intention and will remain not official unless the participants of the event come and brief the development," added the source from the NSCN-IM.

Yesterday, another top kilonser from the Khaplang faction of the NSCN Wangtin informed a Nagaland based newspaper that "if there has to be unification of any sort between the two factions, then it cannot be by a section or a community from either side. How can we express unification by a single tribe, big or small and also that a matter as significant as unification would have been discussed by the council of kilonsers if at all". Wangtin further disclosed the daily newspaper that the NSCN (K)`s "Council of kilonsers has not discussed any such matter".

The November 23 Niuland event was reportedly hosted by the Western Sumi (Sema tribe) Hoho.

Jamir forgives assailants; terms attack as paradox of ceasefire (Page News Service)
Dimapur, November 24: Governor of Goa, SC Jamir has forgiven all those who tried to kill him Saturday morning. This is the fourth direct attempt on the life of the veteran Naga leader.
"I forgive all who tried to kill me today because I know they are wrong," he said. Talking exclusively with Nagaland Page at his Chumukedima residence Saturday morning after surviving the assassination bid on his life earlier in the day near Changki Village under Mokokchung District, Jamir said he is surprised that violence continues unabated in Nagaland despite ceasefire in the state. He said Saturday morning ambush on his convoy near Changki is one of the strangest episodes in the ceasefire period.
"Perhaps this is the paradox of ceasefire. There is more violence than peace," Jamir said.
Pointing out that attack on a Governor is a direct attack on the Constitution of India, Jamir appealed to all to realize that such an overture will harm the Naga cause and the movement for which Naga people have been fighting.
Reliving the ambush, Jamir said he saw 9 inch motor falling in front of his vehicle. He said the moment they heard the bomb blast, the IRB (9th IRB) and police accompanying him, immediately took position and fired back at the attackers, who were forced to retreat back.
"Our IRB and police is the best fighting force," he praised.The Veteran Naga leader who had earlier escaped 3 attempts on his life however regretted that a section of the people with arms want to continue violence in spite of Naga people's yearning for peace.
"What they are doing will harm themselves and the cause they are fighting for," he added.
Goa governor escapes another attack on life Times of India
KOHIMA/DIMAPUR: Goa Governor S C Jamir survived a bid on his life on Saturday when his convoy was attacked with IED blasts in Nagaland's Mokokchung district.

Two security personnel were injured in the attack, which was the fourth attempt on the life of the former Nagaland chief minister. Officials said the attack took place when Jamir's 30-vehicle convoy was passing near Changki around 6 am. He was coming from his hometown, Mokokchung, and was heading towards the state's commercial hub of Dimapur, the officials added. Sources said four of the six IEDs planted by rebels went off seconds after Jamir's vehicle passed by. "The explosions took place as the convoy was negotiating a stretch of the road that was under construction. The bombs were placed on a drain along the road," the sources said.

Moments after the incident, security personnel whisked Jamir away to Dimapur from where he left for New Delhi in the afternoon. Police suspect the attack was the handiwork of NSCN(I-M), which had earlier dubbed Jamir as "anti-people and anti-national".

However, the Naga outfit denied its involvement and alleged that the attack was "stage-managed". "The life attempt was staged-managed to generate a sympathy wave for Jamir and Congress in Nagaland," an NSCN(I-M) statement said. Condemning the blasts, Congress leader I Imkong alleged that the attack was due to the "complete failure of the state government to provide adequate protection" to Jamir. "In view of the total breakdown of law and order in the state, where common people and even VIPs are not safe anymore, the CLP has resolved to ask the Nagaland governor for imposition of President's rule and to exercise his special powers under Article 371 (A) Clause B," a Congress statement said. In 1993, Jamir was injured in an attack at Nagaland House, New Delhi. Another abortive bid on his life was made in Kohima in 1995. Four years later, he escaped another ambush on NH-39 near Kohima.
Life attempt ‘stage managed’: NSCN (IM) The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 24 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has pointed out that the attempt on the life of Goa Governor SC Jamir this morning near Mokokchung was nothing more than ‘stage-managed’ and that it was a drama to enact fake killing to draw people’s sympathy and generate sympathy wave across Nagaland in his favour and for the Congress.
Making its first official response after the bid on the former Nagaland Chief Minister, the NSCN (IM) described the incident as “nothing surprising at all at this stage” and that a “person carrying the tag of anti-national as pronounced by NSCN” will naturally place the blame on the NSCN (IM). “A crafty politician as he is, Jamir’s game plan is at work again to begin his dirty election campaign under the shadow of top-level security cover and so is the bloody drama enacted for the purpose,” the NSCN (IM) stated through its MIP.
The NSCN (IM) also charged that under the pretext of “threat perception” on his life, Jamir had cleverly prepared the ground where he is entitled to be provided top-security arrangement, which will facilitate him to have “freewheeling movement to campaign” during the forthcoming Nagaland Assembly election.
“This well-designed drama of SC Jamir is therefore a ploy to garner undeserved votes by spreading wave of pity on people’s mind to give him the last chance to be their representative in the assembly,” the NSCN (IM) further claimed and adding that “stubbornly used to bulldozing people’s interests Jamir’s true colour is laid bare before the people”.
Under the circumstances, the outfit stated it was “constrained to be opened to the reality that if Jamir claim to have one person on his side there are one thousand people against him, ready to execute Naga people’s interest against him”. It, however clarified “for people’s conscience” that the incident is simply to “hoodwink the Naga people to serve his own election interest”.
NISC thanks NSCN-K and pays heed to its last warning Kuknalim.com
Naga International Support Center
Amsterdam, November 24 2007

Thank you all those responsible for your last press communiqué in which you blamed the NISC for being a pseudo organization whose members know ‘head nor tail’ of the Naga political issue. Regarding your last warning allow us to make a few remarks:

1 – NISC reacted on a brutal assault on villagers conducted by K cadres and will criticize anyone who has lame excuses for doing that. Understand well that beating up villagers, who might be harbouring adversaries, is wrong and, regardless of context, cannot be made right.

2- Because it may have escaped your attention we once more state that the Naga International Support Center supports human rights including the right to self determination of all Indigenous peoples in this world, hence the right to self determination of all Nagas. Consequently because you, the Khaplang group, are Nagas, we uphold and support your human your rights too.

3 – Concerning the sentence ‘they should first make an in-depth study of the situations and conditions of the past and present Nagas’, we refer to the in Delhi’ book ‘Out of Isolation’ recently published by our secretary Drs. F.A.M. Welman.

4 – For the last time to you too Khaplang Group adepts, NISC is a Naga Support Organization, not per se NSCN support of either NSCN. Before coming to any definite conclusion regarding support for any particular Naga party you too could study the background of the NISC.

5 – NISC questions the warning of the NSCN-K. Obviously on the presumption of having a big mouth based of no knowledge of the situation whatsoever the K jumps like it is stung by a bee. Though NISC requested to communicate regularly there has been no contact between, but for the Khaplang Group sending a death threat, which till today is not withdrawn. So, Khaplang Group tell openly what you warn us against for the last time: our ignorance or yours?

The Naga International Support Center once again invites the Khaplang group to amicably communicate on the issues raised, for NISC firmly believes that if the Khaplang Group stands for the Naga Nation as a whole, to defend it against intruders, to uphold the rights of all Naga citizens, to continue in the way of the Naga National Council of the plebiscite, then there is common ground and bygones can be bygones when all repent for what has been done in the past, born out of hatred or other motivation. Indeed then reconciliation is possible. However, warnings to stay out only lead to abuse of power. NISC does not encourage hegemonistic stands resulting in dictatorial behaviour.
NPMHR gather to discuss Naga issues Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, NOV24 [NPN] : Several Naga frontal organizations, Churches and individuals from Ukhrul, Chandel, Imphal and Tamenglong gathered at Tahamzam under Senapati district to discuss issues that are prevailing and confronting the Nagas in various forms under the framework of the 'Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples' under the aegis of Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) on Friday.

The gathering while affirming the importance and implication of the declaration as a historic victory of the world's indigenous peoples, said that it was a framework and the basis to address the political issue of the indigenous peoples globally based on the diverse merits and ground realities. "The Nagas too have been instrumental in the realization of this declaration" stated the release issued by Phamhring Sengul convener, NPMHR (South Sector) at the same time urged the government of India to take steps towards its logical realization in an earnest and consistent manner.

The participants dwe-lled at length on the concept of self-determination that emanates from the declaration, vision and worldviews of the indigenous people. It also deliberated that the concept was giving rise to new understanding of the term that is rooted in peoples' lives and as a source of meaningful existence as people. The declaration was a potential tool for redefining the history of the world particularly in the context of the indigenous people. The participants expressed concern over the repressive and subversive tactics employed not only over the political talks but as well as on the community governance of their lands, territories and resources. The gathering also discussed on the various tools of domination and oppression being promoted through the various programmes, projects, schemes and subversive manipulation of the protective laws in the Northeast, particularly in the Naga areas. The meeting concluded with the affirmation to take their struggle forward without any reservation for the realization of the declaration in the context of the Nagas. Earlier, the discussion was facilitated by Gam A. Shimray, member of NPMHR and Indigenous Advisor to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
DAN responsible for attack: Cong Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Nov 24 (NPN): The Congress Saturday held the DAN government responsible for the abortive attempt on the life of Governor of Goa Dr. SC Jamir.
The Congress Legislature Party, which met at the residence of its leader I Imkong to take stock of the situation, condemned the attempt in the strongest of terms.
CLP Leader I. Imkong in a statement said the Members condemned the “dastardly” attack and at the same time, thanked God for saving the life of Jamir.
The CLP Members held the State government responsible for the attempt for its failure to protect one of the “high profile Governors of India”. They said the government failed to protect Jamir despite the threat perception on him consequent upon the ban on his entry into Nagaland imposed by the NSCN (I-M).
Imkong said the CLP resolved to move the Governor of Nagaland to promulgate Article 356 of the Constitution and to exercise the special powers of the Governor of Nagaland under Article 371 (A) Clause B. The NPCC in a separate statement issued by its president Hokheto Sumi pointed out that killing and violence would only sow the seeds of hatred and enmity.
Hokheto said the incident reflected DAN’s lack of concern for the safety and security to the life of the Governor. He said the government’s failure to restore peace was substantiated with the attempt on the life of Jamir. The NPCC president said as the law and order situation was beyond control, the government had no moral right to remain in office.
He urged the Center to immediately intervene in order to salvage the people from lawlessness.
Withdraw Armed Forces Act: Naga Hoho Nagarealm.com
KOHIMA, NOV24 [AGENCIES] : Naga Hoho, an apex body of Naga tribal people and a few NGOs, has urged the Union Government to immediately withdraw the Armed Forces Special Power Act that empowers security personnel involved in counter-insurgency operations to arrest any person and search his or her premises without warrant.

This had caused a lot of disturbance to Naga people. Addressing a press conference organised by Chalasani Prasad of Virasam (the Revolutionary Writers Association), Naga Hoho general secretary Neinglo Krome said the people of Nagaland had been struggling for the last 60 years for their rights and more autonomy despite violence, atrocities, rape and killings meted out by the Indian armed forces. “We want peace and this will come only when justice is done to us.” Over 2,000 Nagas had been killed in the last six decades of struggle, he added.
Naga People’s Movement for Human Right (NPMHR) secretary-general Venuh, coordinator Kenneth, Naga Hoho speaker H.K. Zhimomi and Naga Students Federation tribunal general Phushika Awomi were present.

Jamir gives guarded reply on return to state politics (Page News Service)
Dimapur, November 24: Governor of Goa, SC Jamir, on Saturday gave a guarded reply on his possible return to state politics by neither denying nor confirming any such move.
Talking exclusively to Nagaland Page at his Chumukedima residence, Jamir said his return to state politics would depend on the Congress party's high command.
"I cannot decide myself. I am a loyal party man. If the party high command asks me to return to state politics I will. I'll follow the party directives on this matter," he said.
On his current visit to the state, which had aroused suspicions among political circle in the state that he is planning to contest the forthcoming state general elections, Jamir said he had only come to visit his villagers and discuss issues relating to the development of the village.
Asked his views on Friday's unification between the warring NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K), Jamir said unity is always welcome. He also wanted the unified NSCN to embrace all section of Naga community.
"Let us treat ourselves as Naga brothers and sisters. As long as the factions fail to realize that they are Nagas, unity will not be possible. I hope the Naga family is restored to its original form - full of love, compassion, understanding, goodwill and affection. It is the key to present and future Nagas," he said.
Jamir was of the opinion that so along as Naga remains divided, no political solution to the protracted Indo-Naga issue can be reached. He also made it clear that the issue facing the Nagas is not a factional problem but a Naga problem.
"People want peace and unity. They want the political issue should come to an end. I continue to believe that as long as Naga remain divided, no political solution is possible," he said.
The Government of India will respect us if we present a united force, because only through united voice our voice can be heard loud, Jamir said while calling upon every section of Nagas to work to bring unity and synchronize a big Naga voice.

Tribals turn street into war zone A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, Nov. 24: Business had just picked up at Maa Lakhi Restaurant on Baisistha-Beltola road when a large chunk of stone flew in and shattered a glass pane of the showcase. Before Apurba Bhuyan, the owner of the restaurant, could realise what was happening, a mob had already started ransacking the restaurant.
When Bhuyan rushed out of his hotel to escape, he could hardly believe his eyes. It was around noon and members of the All Adivasi Students Association of Assam, numbering around 100 and armed with lathis, were attacking everything in sight — from shops to passing vehicles, making the 3.5km stretch of the road look like a war zone.
People soaked in blood were writhing in pain and the stretch from Dispur Last Gate to Beltola Bazaar was strewn with shards of smashed windshields of vehicles, damaged items of vandalised stores and pools of blood. All the shops had downed their shutters and only a few shopkeepers were seen trying to repair the damage caused by the rampaging tribals.
Minutes later, police vehicles arrived and started picking up the injured from the road to take them to hospital. The police were totally outnumbered on the battle-ravaged street and looked on helplessly as the protesters dragged out the injured and started beating them up.
“Being a Saturday, I was in a relaxed mood and was on my way to office. I had to stop for what I, at first, thought to be a traffic snarl, a routine affair in the city. A little later, I saw some youths smashing windshields of vehicles lined up in front of me. It was too late for me to react when a lathi smashed my windshield too,” Palash Mahanta, a company executive, said.
Surprisingly, there were hardly any police personnel in the area although the protesters marched for over 3km, destroying everything that came in their way. It was only when they were 100 metres away from the capital complex that security personnel tried to stop them by resorting to a lathicharge and then fired in the air to disperse them. A senior police officer said, “They almost reached the capital complex.” He had to rush in additional forces to guard the seat of power. By the time the police reacted, about 50 vehicles were damaged and countless shops on either side of the road vandalised by the tribal protesters. Soon, people in the commercial area started retaliating against the Adivasi activists. With almost every individual attacking them, the scene reversed.
“They broke my bus. I purchased it by taking a huge bank loan. I will not spare them, whoever they may be,” said Pranab Bora, as he chased the Adivasi activists who were by then running for their lives. The Kamrup district administration clamped curfew on the Basistha-Dispur Last Gate stretch of the road and its adjoining areas. “Guwahati has witnessed several horrifying incidents earlier, but this was the worst ever. I have never seen people being beaten up so mercilessly,” said Jayanta Kalita, an elderly resident of the area.
Largescale violence in city, curfew in Beltola Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 24 — The Beltola area of Guwahati city today turned into a battleground following clashes between local residents and people belonging to the Adivashi community who came for attending a rally of the Adivashi Students’ Association, forcing the district administration to clamp indefinite curfew from Bashistha Tiniali to Dispur Last Gate. At least one person was killed and more than 200 others were injured in the clashes.

The death toll may go up as the condition of at least 10 of the injured persons is stated to be critical. Around 200 persons were brought to the Guwahati Medical College hospital for treatment and 120 of them have been admitted to the hospital while, the rest were released after giving first aid. Hundreds of vehicles, shops and business establishments and even residential buildings were damaged during the clashes as police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who arrived in the scene of the battle only after an hour or so, had a tough time in controlling the situation. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who is also in charge of the Home Department, reviewed the situation in a meeting with senior officials of the Home Department and Police and instructed strict action against those involved.

It all started at around 11.30 am when a procession of those who came to the city to attend the rally of the Adivashi students demanding the status of Scheduled Tribes to the Adivashi community, started proceeding towards Dispur Last Gate from the National Highway. Eyewitnesses told The Assam Tribune that a group of about 100 people among them started creating serious law and order problem in the area as they started damaging vehicles including private vehicles, city buses, rickshaws, etc. on the way and even vehicles parked on the roadside were badly damaged. They went to the extent of damaging Government vehicles parked on road side and in front of the offices and started pelting stones at private residences and shops. The youths, who indulged in such kind of lawlessness, were armed with bows and arrows and other sharp weapons and sticks and more than a hundred vehicles were damaged within about half an hour. The vehicles of a marriage party were also badly damaged. They also misbehaved with every passer-by. Interestingly there was no police personnel in the area to control the unruly youths in the procession as they carried on the mayhem freely. Only a handful of traffic police personnel were present in the area and they were silent spectators in the face of the mayhem.

But after tolerating the nuisance for half an hour or so, the people of the locality had enough of it and started retaliating, which virtually turned the entire area into a battleground. As soon as the retaliation started, the procession broke and free-for-all clashes broke out. The local people launched a violent attack with sticks and stones forcing the processionists to run for cover and those in the rear of the procession had to face the attacks. Pitched battles were seen all over the place forcing the shopkeepers of the entire locality to down their shutters and blood stains were seen all over the place. The local residents were forced to close doors and windows of their houses and stay indoors as the roads turned into battlefields and late arrival of forces complicated the situation. By the time forces arrived at the spot, injured were seen lying on the main road and it took quite some time before all of them could be shifted to the hospital.

The battle continued for more than an hour before reinforcements of the Police and CRPF arrived at the spot and fired tear gas shells to disperse the mobs, while, three magistrates- CK Bhuyan, KJ Hillali and Chinmoy Phukan were among those injured. Several police personnel and media persons covering the events of the day also received injuries and the District Administration clamped indefinite curfew in the area at around 2.30 pm to bring the situation under control. However, even after clamping of curfew, several skirmishes were reported from different parts of the city as the people belonging to the Adivashi community were assaulted by locals. A number of people were kept in a school playground under police protection to prevent further attacks on them.

District administration sources said that the situation would be reviewed later before taking any decision on relaxing curfew. However, the people of the locality have blamed the administration for the unfortunate events of the day. They are of the view that the administration should not have allowed the procession to progress to the city with bows and arrows and other weapons and immediate action to prevent vandalism could have saved the day. Meanwhile, voluntary organization Save Guwahati Build Guwahati has also blamed the Government for the incident. President of the organization, Dhiren Baruah, who witnessed the clashes, said that immediate action should be taken against the Director General of Police, Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police for their failure to control the mob. He also appealed to all sections of people to maintain peace and not to take the law into their own hands.

Our Dibrugarh Bureau adds: Lamenting over the carnage, Raphael Kujur, vice president, AASAA while talking to this correspondent over phone from Guwahati termed the incident as 'unfortunate'. Expressing regret for the confrontation, he however did not refrain from blaming the state government, asserting that state government was partly responsible for the incident, as it had failed to enlist the community in the scheduled list.

Curfew relaxed, situation tense in Guwahati By PTI
Guwahati, Nov 25 (PTI) Curfew was today relaxed for 12 hours from 8:am in Beltola area of the city - the scene of a clash between activists of a tribal students union demanding Schedule Tribe status and locals - which left one dead and at least 240 injured.
Kamrup (Metro) deputy commissioner Avinash Joshi said the situation was tense, but gradually returning to normal due to which the curfew had been relaxed during the day time.
Yesterday, large-scale violence rocked the area after Adivasi Students Association activists vandalised property, torched vehicles, attacked policemen and injured a magistrate after they were obstructed by the police.
The protestors then attacked private property and shops and set ablaze cars and buses turning the area from Dispur to Bashista into a battleground. The local people, furious at their property being attacked, retaliated and clashed with the protestors resulting in injuries to both sides.
The Army and para-military forces were called out to control the situation even as Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi ordered a high level probe into the incident.
Joshi said patrolling continued in the sensitive areas and the district administration was keeping a watch on the situation. Two hundred injured people have been discharged from the Gauhati Medical College while 40 seriously injured are being treated, hospital sources said.

Appeal to NSCN (IM)- Nagaland Post
Towards the declaration made by the joint council of Kilonsers and steering committee of GPRN NSCN(IM) on September 28' 2007 declaring Alemtemshi IAS, APC and principal secretary as anti-people and anti-Naga National, I wish to share my opinion and appeal to the authority of (IM) collective leadership in the matter. As everybody is aware that the Bedrock controversy is purely of political as clarified by Dr. S. C. Jamir a responsible man, now it is found that it is not proper to haul the name of Alemtemshi, a government servant in this issue.
In this talk of controversy, the Naga people in general in the form of Hohos, Unions, associations, Councils, Politicians, Religious, Veteran public leaders and elders have voiced out in their own perspective which may or may not be of the same vocabularies, but it has left no stone unturned to streamline their views about ministry and government servant (s) as well as the value of Alemtemshi and his ability for Nagas and said that Alemtemshi is sincere and dedicated bureaucrat and has been serving the people of Nagaland with distinction in various capacities who is described as a special caliber, gifted person a gift gifted to Naga people by the Lord Almighty. If at all the above content in the description is all about Alemtemshi really, then this is not a matter of joke in the true sense of reality, isn't it?
As for me I have not known Alemtemshi personally, but through hearsay it is clearly ascertained that he is one of the Moses for Naga people in the field of development the way national leaders the Moses of Naga people in Nation Building. Be it anybody but him like person in our own land is the matter of precious today, tomorrow and in the future.
In view of the known fact, although I am a lowly leader of my people among the galaxy of leaders alders in Nagaland, in the tail of their words, I have the desire to entail my opinion also and to say that it is going to be nothing short of doing good, if misunderstanding in the matter once fallout is caused to sink again through understanding and withdraw the Azha passed against Alemtemshi as desired by the Nagas in general. I wish (IM) collective leadership review the Azha passed and give way to Naga people's voice and withdraw the Azha passed against Alemtemshi in obedience to your Naga people's voice to reveal that understanding is the common wealth of Nagas' cause in the wake of Naga Nation building.
This is going to be an act of perpetrating the word of Jesus Christ in our land "Nagaland for Christ" when we the Nagas imply the word of Jesus as He said, "Give God what is of God and give Caesar what is of Caesar".
L. Kahuvi Yepthomi, President GB's Union Sitimi area Kiphire district
An appeal to all Naga women- Nagaland Post
As the general election draws closer day by day, the general public are holding their breath eager to know the identity of the contesting candidate in their constituency. They are in a fix as to who should be given the right to contest. But as long as the general people keep their distance away from this important decision making time, nothing will work out in favour of the general people, as politics is a dirty game, we all know. And gone are the days when the contesting candidate could hope to win the mandate of the people by buying their votes with dirty money, and taking these poor people for a ride, never fulfilling their promises, and never practicing what they preached. Thanks to God, today we have gone a step further. We have finally come to our senses and are now ready to take up the challenges that lay ahead of us. If we really want a change, we have to step out in the open, and express our opinions on matters pertaining to decision making in selecting the most capable and trustworthy candidate which will work out for the benefit of the general people, and the women folk in particular. Only then, will our society improve automatically, and development will follow simultaneously.
With this faith in mind, I have come up with this appeal to all women of Nagaland to come forward and offer support to Mrs. Sano Vamuzo, the present Chairperson of Nagaland State Women Commission, who also happen to be the wife of our Ex. Chief Minister Lt. Vamuzo, and will be contesting in the coming general election.
As women of today, it is high time that we step out of being the kitchen queens, and do something worthwhile to our degrading society by becoming the active members of important decision makers in the political sector as well. And this obviously is the right time to come forward as 'one' by giving our moral support to the first lady who will be contesting from the 18th Chozuba Constituency.
Finally, we can be sure of the fact that our leader will take us to new heights of what is known as 'women empowerment' and equal acceptance of both genders in every field. When our leader has got these much visions and faith, why should we stay back at home and just attend to our men folks while we can still contribute to the making of a better society? More so, she is the rightful candidate because her husband was the pioneer of the political body in the concerned constituency. So, why should we allow a stranger to manipulate our rights and dominate us when we still have chance to make a change?
Let us all unite our hearts as 'women of Nagaland' and render our precious support to our leader who is the epitome of women power today. Let us believe in our dreams and faith, and come together as 'one' during this important decision making time to see the bright side of life and finally reap the rich harvest of our labour when it shines.
Ms. Sapralu Nyekha Ex. Chairperson, Goodwill Society, Yoruba Village 18th Chozuba Constituency.
The divine right Can India be the part of an international treaty and honour the same in breach? The Morung Express
Whenever Indian civil society has debated the human rights violation in Kashmir, the rationality, and not the legality, of the State’s measures has been the bone of contention. In other words, condemning the criminality of the law in ‘rational’ terms was simply not possible because it is, after all, a matter of ‘National Security’, the domain zealously guarded by the so-called experts. It is high time we recognize that in a de facto military dictatorship the rule of law endorses the belief of the strategists rather than honouring Human Rights. Presumably, this is their Divine Right! But the scope of this Divine Right is restricted to the law of the land. What about the international treaties? There is a ‘rational’ as well as ‘legal’ interpretation to the atrocities under the UN Convention on Rights of Child (CRC). It explains how the current behaviour of the Executive with respect to child rights in Kashmir is not only improper but also criminal.
For instance, Zahoor Ahmed Lone, a 16 year old student, was killed on 4th Oct, 2003 in Budgam, allegedly being used as a ‘human shield’. In reply to the court, the accused 35 Rashtriya Rifles, ‘humbly’ informed that they took Lone’s ‘consent’ before taking him for a search operation. The security forces also reminded the court that under the Section 6 of Armed Force Special Powers Act this doesn’t come within the purview of the Judiciary. By implication, reiterating the State power to construct and seek interpretations that suit its ‘cause’ and implementing the same without restraint. Thus the encouragement leads to more untoward incidents. Later, on November 11, 2005, in Baramulla, eight boys were used as human shields in the shah mohalla encounter and two of them were killed. With that, law of the land has to conceive that there is no legitimacy whatsoever. Under Article 6 and Article 38 of UNCRC, by bringing a minor in direct line of hostilities, the State clearly violated the said provisions.
According to the available documents, nearly 1000 minors have disappeared in custody. At the same time, in a reply to the Rajya Sabha, the Government clarified that in the state of J&K there is no juvenile detainee --- the reason being that there is no juvenile jail. Not only the Children’s Act of 1986 but even the Children’s Act (Care & Protection) 2000 is not implemented in J&K. Let us recall that in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN proclaimed that childhood is entitled to special care. Moreover, Article 37 of the UNCRC defines how such acts of aggression on a child are a breach of this agreement.
Again, subjecting adolescent girls to physical frisking by soldiers is a serious violation of those provisions that are celebrated as a step towards their emancipation as enshrined in the UN millennium goals and UNCRC. These raise some very fundamental questions relevant to India. Firstly, as a signatory to international treaties, can India honour the same in breach? Secondly, acting as a hegemonic power, while refusing to acknowledge the fundamental human rights, can India aspire for the Big Seat in the UN?
UNLF spells out economic policy, hints MPLF defunct but new alliance formed The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Nov 24: Indicating openly for the first time that it has formed a loose fraternal alliance with KYKL and PREPAK, the UNLF central committee state said, forging a unity amongst all underground organisations is a desperate need of the hour. It lamented that because of internal differences, which with a little commitment could have been settled, the Manipur People’s Liberation Front, MPFL formed by the PREPAK, PLA and UNLF has virtually been relegated to the position of an unfinished project.

The UNLF central committee, in its statement issued in connection with the group’s 43rd anniversary, once again appealed to all underground fraternal organisations to shed these internal differences so as to be put up a common front, and also to win back the confidence of the people for whom the struggle is waged. The statement said the UNLF is not oblivious of the need to evolve a blueprint for a self reliant economy as an essential part of the liberation struggle. Its struggle strategy does have a socio-economic campaign component, it said.

It said, it never considers liberation the end of the struggle. There are miles to go after it. In particular the ultimate objective after liberation is to work towards an egalitarian society where all communities can live together in the fullness of an open and prosperous society. It appeal to all to put their faith in this ideal so that the revolution can move forward in the desired course. The UNLF statement said the struggle it is waging is not just to end the current exploitative system, but also to rid the place of all mental and physical hangovers from the past feudal era. Only after this objective is reached would it become possible for all communities to actualize their potentials in a non-exploitative and just way.

The statement said another important question that has followed is in the nature of the chicken and egg syndrome. Should Manipur be made to wait for liberation first before seeking to build a self generating economy or should the moulding of this economy be pursued even while the liberation struggle lasts? It said the UNLF believes in the latter approach. This is possible and this must be the way, it added. The shape this takes will depend on the dialectic of the struggle itself. Nonetheless, the UNLF believes that all genuine development works of India must be taken advantage of and allowed to proceed. After the liberation, the challenge would be to rebuild an economy driven by the place’s own resources as well as all outside resources that can be tapped.

The statement further proceeded to outline the salient features of the UNLF’s national economic policy that would become active post liberation:

It is a foregone conclusion that agriculture has been and would be the mainstay of the economy of Manipur. Hence this sector would receive priority. Although currently there is an abundance of funds available under the current Indian administration, the non committal attitude of the political equations as well as the government’s functionaries have stunted this sector, the statement said. The UNLF would ensure all bottlenecks in this sector are removed in constant consultation with the farming communities, it added. It is confident given the commitment and policy vision, the agricultural sector would not only ensure food sufficiency in Manipur, but even put it in a position to export to neighbouring regions. This would help build up a cash reserve for Manipur the statement said. Once the psychology of dependence is done away with, new vistas would open up for the people and they would shed the pessimism that Manipur cannot survive on its own.

The second area where the UNLF would focus its attention on would be horticulture, the statement said.

It would take up imaginative projects to make the best of Manipur’s rich natural resources, it said. It would however not look for overexploiting nature, such as the use of excessive chemical fertilizer etc, as this would have serious health and environment ramification in the future. It would instead encourage organic farming, it added.

Small and medium enterprises is where its economic policy focus would fall, the state said. The UNLF would enlist the support and suggestions of patriotic entrepreneurs and intellectuals in formulating a policy to life this important sector of the economy, the statement said. Undoubtedly, the face of industrialization will have to be agro based for this where there would be the most abundant raw material available. Food processing enterprises would be prominent in its list of priority, the statement said. The UNLF also offered its gratitude and encouragement to those already in the field and urged all to leave aside unproductive expenditures and invest in these nation building projects instead.

In keeping with this objective, the UNLF central committee announced that all investments and efforts by either those in Manipur or outside, to set up agro-horticutural small and medium scale industrial units will be met with all support from the organization, the statement said. As an incentive, those indulging in these entrepreneurial activities will be exempt from all kinds of taxation from the organization for the initial 15 years, it said. Once the unit survives 15 years and begins turning in profit, there will be a nominal tax levied to raise funds for other investment in other socially relevant economic agendas, it further said.

On the question of energy to drive this industrialization campaign the UNLF statement said it will tap and utilize Manipur’s hyrdo electric potential. It will however not be exploitative in nature as in the case of the Loktak Hyrdo Electric Project, the benefit of which is reaped not by Manipur. It will also support the support the campaign against the Tipaimukh project as it is aimed at a Loktak Project kind of equation. It may even use force to prevent the project implementation, the statement said. Instead, it will think of many small dams to generate electricity without undue damages to the ecology of the place.

The UNLF economic statement also said it would also give a new thrust to micro financing a long tradition of women driven “kitchen economy”. Women have been a vital economic contributor to the family and in 80 percent of the homes, they are ones who have kept family hearth burning. UNLF will pursue the campaign with the slogan of “one family one livelihood source”, the statement added.

The statement also said it would fashion economic project to revive fraternal relations between the hills and valley, which are now disparate in prosperity, but nevertheless still remain as inseparable as the two sides of the same hand.Once the economy grows self sufficient and confident, it will be much better able to face and take advantage of the onslaught of globalization which would come in a big way soon with India’s Look East Policy taking shape. However, the UNLF paper cautioned that the thrust, especially the trans-Asia railway which is to pass through Manipur may upset the place’s demographic profile disastrously for the indigenous populations.

The UNLF noted that there is a very vital component that goes into the making of an economy – quality education. Unfortunately, except for some private schools and colleges, government schools and colleges are not only not giving quality education but have become incapable of giving any education at all. If this continues, it will doom all prospects of Manipur becoming self sufficient, it said. Sketching a brief history of the spiraling descent of education in Manipur, the statement said once upon a time all schools and colleges were private institutions aided by the government. Then a change in the government resulted in the takeover of the management of these institutions by the government. From then all it has been all a downhill trip. The UNLF blamed the corruption and nepotism ridden political culture of India for this. By way of a remedy, it suggested a part rewind and handing over education to autonomous governing bodies, instead of full government control and management. (concluding installment tomorrow)

Violence: It’s Government’s failure Red alert sounded in State; curfew from Dispur Last Gate to Bashistha Chariali Sentinel
According to eyewitness accounts, Adivasi people, mostly tea workers, started to gather at Dakshin Beltola High School from 10 am, and the number rose to about 10,000, but the police personnel on duty at the rally were below 10. It was at around 12 noon that a procession of about 5,000 Adivasi activists started from the Dakshin Beltola High School ground towards Dispur. At 12.30 pm, some of the processionists went berserk and started to damage vehicles, shops and residential houses along the road, with the police failing to control the mob. When they were about to reach Dispur Last Gate at around 1.30 pm, they were pushed back by the security forces. When the processionists started to run helter-skelter, the local people retaliated, while the police personnel remained mute spectators to the open battlefield, eyewitnesses said.
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Nov 24: One person was killed and about 230 others injured after the public retaliated against a procession taken out by the All Adivasi Students’ Association (AASA) near Dispur Last Gate here today, leading to imposition of an indefinite curfew from Dispur Last Gate to Beltola. The public retaliation came after the AASA activists vandalized shops, vehicles and residential houses along their way to Dispur where they were supposed to assemble to press for their demand for ST status for the Adivasi community. AASA vice president Rafel Kuzur, however, put the death toll at 20.
A red alert has been sounded in the entire State asking the police to remain alert so that such incidents do not occur anywhere in the State. The State Government instituted a one-man inquiry commission with Additional Chief Secretary PP Verma as the chairman to inquire into the incident.
The trouble broke out between Dispur Last Gate and Basishta, when over 5,000 Adivasis were marching towards the State Assembly after holding a rally at the Dakshin Beltola High School ground demanding ST status for the community. The Adivasi activists vandalized shops, vehicles and residential houses on their way to Dispur, with the police failing to control the processionists. About 100 vehicles, including that of MLA TP Das, were damaged. Magistrate SG Hilali and SDO (Sadar) CK Bhuyan were also roughed up by the processionists when the two officials made their abortive attempt to prevent the processionists from marching ahead. When they (the processionists) were pushed back by security forces by using tear gas shells near Dispur Last Gate, and started to flee, the public broke down on them mercilessly leaving one dead and over 230 injured, 20 of them critically. The police utterly failed to prevent the situation from turning worse. According to eyewitness accounts, had an adequate number of policemen been deployed in the area, the situation would not spiralled out of control.
According to eyewitness accounts, about 50 of the processionists were lying on the road and the chances of their survival were remote.
A high-level official meeting was held here this evening to review the situation. The State Government has announced ex gratia of Rs 50,000 for each of seriously injured and Rs 10,000 for each of those with minor injuries, while the next of the kin of the dead AASA activist will get Rs 3 lakh. All the injured will get medical treatment free of cost.
Government’s press handout Sentinel
(1) All Adivasi Students’ Association (AASA) requested for permission to hold a rally today at Dakhin Beltola High School field. No permission was granted to hold the rally at Guwahati.
(2) But about 3,000 people gathered at the site.
(3) After the gathering, they wanted to take out a procession to Dispur in support of their demand to declare the Tea Tribes as Scheduled Tribes.
(4) They were not given permission by the Magistrate on duty, where upon 500 to 700 persons broke away forcefully and entered the Beltola Dispur Road and indulged in vandalism and destruction of shops and cars along the route. This resulted in clashes between the resident shopkeepers and the agitators.
(5) The situation was brought under control within an hour and curfew was imposed in the affected areas, i.e. Basistha Road.
(6) All the injured were shifted to GMC (210) and MMC (30) hospitals.
(7) Total number of injured persons is 240, out of which 10 are seriously injured, while one person has succumbed to his injuries in the GMC Hospital.
(8) The situation is normal now, and under close watch.
(9) All arrangements are being made to send to the persons with minor injuries to their respective districts.

Congress behind crackdown: AASA By our Staff Reporter Sentinel

GUWAHATI, Nov 24: All Adivasi Students’ Union (AASA) president Justin Lakra today said that the Congress was behind the crackdown on Adivasi processionists in the city. He said Congress goons, who were among the processionists, went berserk and damaged shops, vehicles and residential houses. Meanwhile, the AASA has called a 36-hour Assam bandh from November 26 in protest against the killing of its activists.