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11/26/2007: "Swu appeals for Naga unity OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"
Swu appeals for Naga unity OUR CORRESPONDENT
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.
NISC responds to last warning The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, November 25 (MExN): The Naga International Support Center responds to the final warning issued by the NSCN-K challenging them to “tell openly what you warn us against for the last time: our ignorance or yours?”. The NISC questions the warning of the NSCN-K, saying “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”
Replying tothe NSCN’s statement that NISC should ‘should first make an in-depth study of the situations and conditions of the past and present Nagas’, it referred them to the in Delhi’ book ‘Out of Isolation’ recently published by our secretary Drs. F.A.M. Welman. The Centre continued its tirade that the NISC is a Naga Support Organization, ‘not per se NSCN support of either NSCN’. It added that before coming to any definite conclusion regarding support for any particular Naga party, the underground group too, could study the background of the NISC.
The Naga International Support Center continued that the brutal assault on villagers is wrong and, regardless of context, cannot be made right. The NISC reaffirmed its stand that the 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”, stated the press statement received here.
The Group also invited the NSCN-K to “amicably communicate on the issues raised”, saying that 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.
A Z Jami reacts to Timothy's write ups Nagaland Page
First of all, who is Timothy Kaping to mention or write my name in the news papers with malicious and envious mind? One Timothy Kaping as I know was once in the underground in 1996, while inside the Intangki reserved forest. After the signing of the Ceasefire with the GOI in 1997 he went to South Korea by marriage. I he is the same person, what authority has he got to write all the nonsense things against Naga freedom fighters? Who is he to talk about Naga National politics and to use the word "Kuknalim"?? One year in underground did not entitle him to speak and write such big things of Naga national politics. He should be ashamed to use even the word "Kuknalim". And what right and authority do he posses challenge the Naga freedom fighters who had worked for 30/40 years under extreme situations for the cause of the Nagas!
Again, who is he to challenge me?? I was in the Naga Freedom movement long before he was conceived in his mother's womb. He is not at all worthy to use or mention my name in such a negative aspect. Can Timothy Kaping write about where I was and I had been during the 52 years of my Naga national service? Such shameless, reckless and self-assuming and boastful person is a negative asset to Tangkhul community. I can use his knowledge and Education and Education in rubbing my Anus after defection.
Timothy Kaping can, under no circumstances speak or write as other Tangkhul leaders, like Th. Muivah, V S Atem, Rh. Raising, etc. Whether good or bad, they are leaders and had suffered or come across many hardships like, imprisonments isolations, privations, hunger, illness in the name of Nagas' freedom struggle. They had suffered attacks and assaults of enemies. But what about Timothy Kaping that he should boast of as a nationalist. Timothy, don't get yourself so exalted. There are many Nagas who are more capable and learned that you (Timothy) Tangkhul leaders should chastise such person who brings bad name and ill feelings from others to the Tangkhul community as a whole instead of blaming others. It's really serious.
A Z Jami, Senior Kilonser, NSCN/GPRN
REJOINDER TO JAMI Timothy Kaping direct
Contrary to the assertions of A.Z. Jami (cf. Nagalim news websites, 25 November 2007), every Naga can freely use the word “Kuknalim” and she is surely entitled to talk about the Naga national politics, for every person is a political being and has the right to wish victory to his/her motherland. Also, his ignorance was exposed when he said that I served the Naga Nation for one year. I sweated for the Naga Nation for years before I became a frontline freedom fighter in 1995 and I was sent to Korea for a civil mission by the NSCN Collective Leadership in 2001. I
feel sorry for Jami. No wonder, he was busy deserting or cleaning his anus after defections for 30/40 years.
Secondly, his usage of the word “underground” in reference to the Naga freedom fighters is unfortunate. It shows his intimate association with the Indian occupation forces who use this insulting and inaccurate word for Naga patriots. What a shame!
Thirdly, I am very aware that there are many Nagas who are much more capable and learned than me. That is the reason why I unhesitatingly use the words “humble” and “humbly” in my writings. But it is Jami who wrongfully believes that he knows the most and the Naga Nation desperately needs his reckless opinions. If I am not mistaken, there are times when some of our Naga national dailies definitely do not wish to carry his writings (such as his pathetic article on Saddam Hussein) which are bereft of any meaning to the Naga people but they print them anyway out of fear. And I will not be surprised if he thinks that all the Nagas like his self-gratifying articles.
Lastly, it is wrong to say that all the Lothas are shameless and self-assuming like Jami, for the Nagas know that the Lothas in general are noted for many good things, including their remarkable educational feats and humble nature. In other words, Jami alone is responsible for his words and actions. Likewise, it is wrong to assume that all the Tangkhuls are weak because I am weak. Moreover, when I write, I do so totally on my own behalf and I am solely responsible for what I say. Thus, being one of those persons who dislike communalism, for his own good I want self-exalted Jami not to bring in the name of the Tangkhul community with malicious and envious intentions.
KUKNALIM Professor Timothy Kaping, Great Britain, 25 November 2007
NSCN ‘Unification Team’ appeals Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, NOV 25 (NPN): The ‘Unification Team’ of the NSCN has appealed to every section of the Nagas including civil societies, national workers, intellectuals and general public to participate in the peace initiative (unification of the Nagas) and give boost to the newly-unified NSCN in order to put an end to inter-factional and fratricidal killings among Nagas. “Your participation, cooperation, contribution and suggestions would be inevitable for the success of this effort,” the Unification Team in a press release said. The team also gave its “facilitating contact numbers”(9436613931/9436002210) and e-mail address (naganscn@rediffmail.com). Meanwhile, the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has said the ongoing peace imitative for unification of all warring factions of Nagas should be taken care with outmost sincerity by all right thinking Nagas as well as warring factions. The facilitators of the peace initiative WSH in a press release issued by president Hokiye Yepthomi also requested all factions’ leadership to control their cadres and to abstain from fratricidal killings among Naga brothers, “so as to have a fruitful dialogue in congenial atmospheres, which Nagas have been longing from years.”
NSCN (K) blames rival for ambush The Morung Express
DImapur, November 25 (MExN): The NSCN (K) has claimed that the assassination bid on the life of Goa Governor SC Jamir on November 24 near Changki village under Mokokchung district was the handiwork of the NSCN (IM) and that it was carried out under the command of one Hopeson Tangkhul in association with SS Maj Lanu and SS Lt Yanger, both from Changki village.
An MIP press note from the NSCN (K) stated that the ambush took place when “right thinking people were heavily engaged in Naga unification process in and around Dimapur.” The NSCN (K) further stated that the version of the NSCN (IM) that the ambush was stage-managed by Jamir himself was nothing but an attempt to gain “political mileage”. “Such gang of hypocrites and liars should be pushed out of Nagaland bag and baggages”, it stated pointing out that this “heinous act” was done by the NSCN (IM) in connivance with some State politicians.
“Truth will certainly be revealed sooner or later”, the NSCN (K) stated. While stating that such crimes cannot be hidden, the NSCN (K) pointed out that in a federal set-up, the Governor of a State is called “junior president” and that it will see how the Government of India will react on the armed attack on one of its ‘junior presidents’ by the NSCN (IM) and especially during the currency of the ceasefire. “It is not only Th Muivah, but also the Government of India covertly and overtly helping and encouraging the terrorist to destroy the Nagas and Nagaland”, it claimed adding that all Nagas should therefore rise up united against such conspiracies.
Jamir Ambush: NPF expresses shock The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 25 (MExN): The NPF expresses shock at yesterday’s abortive assassination attempt on Goa Governor Dr. SC Jamir and his entourage. The party, however, is relieved that Dr. Jamir and all members of the entourage escaped unhurt by providential deliverance, according to a note from the NPF.
“The NPF condemns any act of violence and attempt of bloodshed when the people of …Nagaland in particular are urging for peace” it stated. The NPF claimed that “ever since DAN took over” the reins of administration, the people of the state “were” living in peace. Terming the assignation bid as ‘stray incident,’ the NPF condemned it.
The NPF, however, also took the opportunity to launch an attack on the Congress. The regional party condemned what a note from the central office claimed the opposition’s “unwarranted and unsubstantiated blame” on the DAN government and trying to gain political mileage by hoodwinking the public “even in such a most unfortunate and tragic situation.” The NPF claimed justification of the DAN’s stand with a news report of Jamir ‘praising the policemen.’
Governor condemns life bid on Jamir The Morung Express
Dimapur, November 25 (MExN): Strongly condemning the attack on former Chief Minister and Goa Governor, Dr SC Jamir, the State Governor K Sankaranarayanan today said that the state government must take concrete steps to safeguard and protect the life and liberty of all citizens and all constitutional institutions.
“Such acts (attack on Jamir) of violence are not only an attack on the life and liberty of an individual but amounts to an attack on a Constitutional authority and institution,” reminded a press release received here from the Governor’s Secretariat which was issued by Abhishek Singh, Secretary to the Governor. The release stated that in a democratic set up, ideological differences need to be resolved through dialogue and democratic means, and asserted that resorting to acts of violence amounts to terrorism which is against the Naga society, customs and traditions. In this regard, the release pointed out that the people of Nagaland should realize that such acts of violence and desperate attempts are a genuine threat to peace in the state. “It is serious matter and State Government must take concrete steps to ensure that life and liberty of all citizens and all Constitutional institutions are duly protected and safeguarded,” the release stated.
The Governor further appealed to all concern to genuinely work for peace, harmony and the general well being of the people.
Will peace replace bloodshed between NSCN factions?
From Sobhapati Samon Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, Nov 25 – In a move to re-unite the two Naga rebel factions, NSCN (Isak-Muivah) and NSCN (Khaplang) agreed to come together under the umbrella of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland after a marathon meeting in Nagaland’s Dimapur district on Friday, reports reaching here said.
In the history of the Naga nationalist movement after the Naga National Council split in 1980 followed by another split in the NSCN in 1988, one of the groups of NSCN led by SS Khaplang and the other by Isaac Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah have been waging a relentless gory of factional violence and killings.
On Friday, at Nuiland near Dimapur, Western Sumi Hoho president Hokiye, chairing a meeting attended by several Kilonsers, Tatars and other ranks from both the NSCN groups, in the presence of NGOs, deliberated on the need for unity so as to stop inter-factional violence and killings in Nagaland.
Later a “joint declaration” was signed by C Singson, Kilonser of the Khaplang group and Kilo-Kilonser (Home minister) Azheto of the Isak-Muivah faction.
Reports reaching here added the joint declaration was arrived at without the knowledge of the NSCN-IM’s “higher authority”.
It is still not clear whether it was a case of NSCN-IM Kilonser (Home minister) defecting to the rival faction or whether it was just a revolt against the NSCN-IM leadership engineered by the outfit’s adversaries.
Confusion is also running high among public leaders in Nagaland as to where Friday’s development will lead to.
NISC responds that PCPIA argument is no argument The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 25 (MExN): In a rejoinder to the reaction of the Peoples Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam (PCPIA) on its press release concerning ULFA the Naga International Support Center said that it saw the argument raised as a non-argument. NISC said that it saw the internet as a mean of communication a way to comment on reality and not as an end in itself and that it has no motivation to start a war, virtual or otherwise and the venue used is of no importance but quality and sincerity are. “Based on following the developments in the Northeast and the relations between the peoples concerned, NISC commented with restraint on reported news.”
The group further added that individual and collective human rights, if not properly addressed will obstruct the peace processes embarked; they are bound to fail and that when the actual “motivation behind alliances or acts are not revealed and so out in the open, you can expect lots of critique from any source worth its salt.” The NISC continued that in all fairness the people of Assam have every right to determine their own future; the Indian Government signed the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (13 September 2007) and the people, ULFA represents, against occupation and military aggression is a rightful way of acting which is what ULFA does. But it said that the acts when committed by ULFA and the associations they chose are not. “If not at this stage these acts of terrorism against its own people and others are criticized and ultimately condemned then what will be condoned in the future?”
Furthermore, NISC said the press release, which started with this question: Has ULFA joined the ‘how to divide the Naga Peoples’ bull market?, was meant for ULFA to react on. Most knowledgeable people in Assam and for that matter the Northeast know about the unpublished intentions of the Government of India to divide and rule. It went on to say that when ULFA feels NISC has ‘jumped the gun’, NISC in all fairness, will apologize for having drawn conclusions on not too firmly based actualities which have no bearings in the history of the conflict but it said that terrorism has bearings though and are adding to divisions in the Northeast too. Since NISC is a public body, easily approached directly, it invited the PCPIA and ULFA to express themselves, directly and amicably on primarily the two points raised; on the liaisons with the NSCN- Khaplang (which collaborates with the GOI Forces) and on the situation with the Boro People, the indigenous peoples of the land. “As you suggested there is no need to fight any ‘war’ virtually or in the press!!!”, it stated.
NISC appreciates PCPIA Nagaland Page
Kohima, November 25: The Amsterdam based Naga International Support Centre has appreciated the People's Committee for Peace Initiative in Assam for their peace efforts among the Assamese people.
The NISC said more importantly are the individual and collective human rights which if not properly addressed will obstruct the peace processes embarked; they are bound to fail. It said the support centre has not seen an argument from the PCPIA which actually shows the motivation of the parties concerned to commit dreadful acts against individuals, hence against humanity. "This is the crux of the matter dear members of the PCPIA. When the actual motivation behind alliances or acts is not revealed and so out in the open, you can expect lots of critique from any source worth its salt". The NISC was reacting to the PCIA that the former was trying to create confusion in Assam.
The support centre said people of Assam have every right to determine their own future; the Indian Government signed the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 13 September last. "Of course to defend the people, ULFA represents, against occupation and military aggression is a rightful way of acting which is what ULFA does. But then, the acts when committed by ULFA and the associations they chose are not. If not at this stage these acts of terrorism against its own people and others are criticized and ultimately condemned then what will be condoned in the future" the Naga support centre said today.
It said the press release, which started with this question: "Has ULFA joined the 'how to divide the Naga Peoples' bull market", was meant for ULFA to react on. The centre said most knowledgeable people in Assam and for that matter the Northeast knows about the unpublished intentions of New Delhi to divide and rule. "When ULFA feels NISC has 'jumped the gun' NISC in all fairness will apologize for having drawn conclusions on not too firmly based actualities which have no bearings in the history of the conflict" the NISC asserted.
It said terrorism has bearings though and are adding to divisions in the Northeast too. Because NISC is a public body it can easily be approached directly. NISC has also invited PCPIA and ULFA to express themselves, directly and amicably on primarily the two points raised; on the liaisons with the NSCN- Khaplang and on the situation with the Boro People, the indigenous peoples of the land.
(Page News Service)
Northeast Echoes Wanted: A coherent plan PATRICIA MUKHIM The Telegraph
If the country works on a five-year plan, how is it that states, which are by no indicators homogenous, do not have a similar exercise? And if states do not have five-year plans, then on what basis are the country plans based? States have thus far only produced annual plans that are unimaginative and not based on any real assessment of the needs of people. They are mere articulations of the planning departments of state governments. What these plans attempt to do is to dovetail into the country plan tailored for them by the Planning Commission. Hence we have a basketful of schemes which might probably suit a few states but not others. A country as geographically and culturally diverse as India with varying climatic conditions, can, at best, have a common regional plan. But even that would have to address state-specific needs and priorities based on a participatory planning process at the grassroots level.
The Planning Commission is now talking about the 11th Plan. Did the states carry out any exercise so that their needs are reflected in the 11th Plan? Or did we simply endorse what was written by Planning Commission experts and tried hopelessly and unwittingly to fit our annual plans into those five-year plans? State-wise consultations of the draft of the 11th plan are a mere eyewash because those consultations were largely governmental and had little to do with the public.
Seekers of dole On closer examination, the idea of states merely endorsing what the Planning Commission writes for them is a major reason for their skewed development. This takes away the autonomy of states. It reduces the states to seekers of dole and subsidiaries of the Planning Commission. That states like Nagaland and Meghalaya, which repeatedly drum up the slogan of greater autonomy and self-determination, do not think it necessary to contest this greatest example of patronage democracy is paradoxical.
If states do not have five-year or ten-year plans, then how can they move ahead? No wonder they jump into the most popular and profitable bandwagons. States that are endowed with mineral resources should have an inventory of those resources and also definite plans as to how those resources would be deployed, by whom and how long they would last. The outcomes from the deployment of those mineral resources should be clearly indicated. So also the environmental and other impacts of mining should be made available, especially to those likely to be directly affected, so that they can give their prior, informed consent. The state has no right to go against popular mandate. If we had a coherent action plan, we would not have knee-jerk reactions each time a company tries to set up mining infrastructure in our states. Similarly, we will eliminate the middlemen (interest and pressure groups) who raise the bogey of revolt against all forms of industrialisation “in the name of the common man”, but who abruptly stop their protests if they are sufficiently compensated. The reason why states cannot develop along the desired trajectory is precisely because they do not know where to go. Without a long-term plan, no human being can progress in life. Yet, states which represent the hopes and dreams of millions continue to grope in the darkness of uncertainty and incoherence. The only people who benefit from short-term, impulsive moves are politicians, bureaucrats and of course the corporate businesses. They would prefer to work in an environment of uncertainty and get their work done by lubricating the official process. In the Northeast, the appalling atrocities of Nandigram are sanctimoniously prefaced to every speech in every public meeting, as if we do not have similar instances in our backyard. Is Nandigram worse than the abandoned coal mines in Jaintia Hills which have changed the entire landscape of the place forever? How many square kilometre of forests have been denuded? How many streams and rivers poisoned with sulphuric acid? What are the environmental consequences of not following the proper closure of mines?
Money power This silent onslaught on the living environment remains unspoken because mines in states like Meghalaya are privately owned and there is no mechanism for extracting social responsibility and accountability from mine owners. They operate with a licentiousness that is frightening. Having acquired vast wealth from mining coal, their attitude is one of effrontery and arrogance. Affluence leads to influence.
The coal mafia exercise tremendous clout in Meghalaya. They can bring down a government and install one of their choice. This happened in the recent past and will continue to happen. Coal money pays for the comfort of the rulers in our state. So why should they upset the equilibrium? The danger is that people’s groups and their ability to engage with the government on these issues is still very weak and unorganised. Even if environmental issues are raised they are muted and diluted by money power.
The absence of a state five-year plan actually has serious consequences. We do not have a timeline within which infrastructure can be created. For instance, if a state knows exactly how many kilometres of roads are needed for connecting every village to the district headquarters and how much of that can be achieved in a year or five years, we would not need to be pushed into making roads on political expediency. For infrastructure, which requires more intensive and extensive planning such as power generation, we would need a more long-term plan but a time line as well. Clear indicators about the financial involvement and the time within which the project is expected to be complete are crucial to limit time and cost overruns.
The Leshka power project in Meghalaya, conceived in the 1980s, is still in the implementation stage. Delay in kickstarting the implementation has not only increased the project cost by about 10 times but it has other dimensions as well. Meghalaya has been experiencing acute power shortage in the winter months. This has had to be supplemented by the national grids at a cost that the state can ill afford. Once the Electricity Board is corporatised, and this will happen soon, the state will no longer subsidise power to the consumer. This will add to per unit cost of electricity, which will have to be borne by every consumer with a working meter. These are the long-term consequences of not following a definite plan and schedule.
So far no one has been held accountable for these vagaries in the planning process. People have been passive and generally laidback. They have been happy gossiping about corruption with no specific instances to nail any single politician or bureaucrat. Now with the right to information, hopefully some of these unpleasant narratives of kickbacks and intrigues in the politician-bureaucrat-businessman nexus will be unearthed and people will be held accountable.
No accountability States have thus far been run like business houses, but without financial accountability. Money has just flowed in from New Delhi with no questions asked. Funds have come in depending on the clout and political affiliations with the government at the Centre. A good number of projects are invisible on the ground because there has been no physical monitoring. We the people have lived with this and more.
Can we allow this daylight pilfering by the political class to continue and at what cost? It is time for people to ask their states to come up with a five, 10 or 20-year plan based on authentic needs and priorities. People should come up with social audit parameters to monitor and evaluate every project that is implemented. They must also demand that memoranda of understanding between individual states and national and multinational firms doing business there be made public.
(The writer can be contacted at patricia17@rediffmail.com)
Hostility must end Editorial Morung Express
In November 2005, when former Director General of Police Hesso Mao was assassinated in the State Capital by suspected NSCN (K) gunmen, this column had termed the killing as a “shameless act of cowardice and one that has shocked the entire Naga population”. Likewise, the assassination attempt on the life of Goa Governor and former Chief Minister SC Jamir by suspected NSCN (IM) cadres should be condemned. Violence and killings in any form and against anybody irrespective of political color or creed is unacceptable in a civilized society. Whether it is perpetrated by the State or non-State actors, violence can only suppress the democratic beliefs of people and cow them into submission out of fear. Further, violence is in general futile and incapable of providing a solution to any problem, rather it only augments it. The continuation of killings and political violence will only perpetuate hatreds and vengefulness, further fueling the continuation of the conflict that Nagas find themselves in. This has to stop.
It is well accepted that respecting one another is the first positive step in building a relationship and relationships are central to conflict transformation. One need not have to like a person or understand his or her viewpoint to accord them respect. Respect comes with the belief that a person or group can have beliefs contradictory to theirs but still honoring them. Likewise, as Christians it is required that the highest respect for all life and demonstrating this, in protecting life itself, is the need of the hour. The local media on its part can also contribute to decreasing political violence through less sensationalism and more sensitivity and also to ensure that it does not fuel more misunderstanding. Sometimes, peace building requires quiet diplomacy and the media should be able to provide the breeding space for nurturing of mutual respect among political rivals.
At a time when Naga society is divided by bitter partisanship and polarization, the opinion expressed by common people should also not be ignored. Public opinion if taken seriously can enhance democracy, promote open society, improve communication and most importantly create the necessary space for understanding and dialogue to take place. Likewise, it can infuse trustworthiness into political discourse, policy making and public discussion and can turn out to be an important source of getting to know the mood of the people on vital issues. Greater importance therefore has to be given to what opinion the public have to express. And on the Naga political issue, there is no doubt that an overwhelming majority of people favours peace, unity and political reconciliation and an end to violence and killings. The question is whether we are serious about listening to the voice of the people. To ignore it would be at our own peril.
M meet discusses ‘unity deal’ Newmai News Network
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”.
The source, however, 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.
On the other hand, top ki-lonser (minister) of the Khaplang faction of the NSCN, AZ Jami said from Mon district that “unity among the factions is a prerequisite for everything.”
He added that uniting the factions is the first step to remove hatred, animosity and rivalry “among the Naga family”.
Jami further said that the November 23 Niuland declaration for unity should be welcome by all section 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 do-ne 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 Wang-tin 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 Niu-land event was reportedly hosted by the Western Sumi (Sema tribe) Hoho.
The scope of Tea in Nagaland The inside story The Morung Express Perspective Noel Manuel reporting from Mokokchung, Longkhim, Chare and Tuensang Gardens of tea have finally replaced the usual cash crops that one generally gets to experience, while journeying to Tuensang via Longkhim and Chare. For those familiar with the agriculture produce in Nagaland, would unknowingly raise an eye brow at this sudden change and desire of growing the world’s most popular beverage. But tea cultivation needs no introduction to the Naga farmers and this can be justified with the recent award bagged by the State’s only tea factory at the Guwahati Tea Auction. In fact tea, like other cash crops, grown across the Naga Hills, has always been an important agriculture produce and this can be gauged by the fact of the existing small family tea gardens spread across various districts in the state.
Tea shrubs as old as 60 years and more have grown into full grown trees on account of inconsistent care and irregular pruning and this is sufficient proof of the perfect climatic conditions and richness of the soil suited for the cultivation of the best tea available anywhere in the country. And if this is not enough to show the age old relationship that the Nagas have shared with this popular beverage, then a closer look at the traditional methods of preparing tea from plucking to withering and fermenting surely deserves a national award, if not a Guinness record. Till a decade ago, Naga farmers preferred to cultivate tea in small areas and these were lessons they had learnt from their forefathers and the Britishers. Affected by labour problems including irregular maintenance of gardens and huge cost involved for various other expenses including transportation and plant viruses, it had become ample clear that this commercial crop would incur huge costs on the hills and this eventually forced many of the farmers to abandon the idea of growing tea as a commercial and viable crop. However, this did not deter them from maintaining small gardens to meet their own personal demands and more importantly produce the quality of tea they preferred. This was a small revolution emerging within individual Naga villages more than a century ago and the quality of tea, which until recently had come to be noticed, was in fact the very best even during the time of the Britishers. Tea from Assam is popular for its strength, while that of Darjeeling is rich in aroma. However the tea gardens in Nagaland have a combination of both. This is a fact and those who have been in the tea industry will agree with this.
Economic & Social Problems
The tea industry in Nagaland has experienced a very slow growth over the years and this is the fallout of poor economic sanctions and support from various agencies at the central and state level. Lack of knoweldge on subsidy and in most cases delay of the same has also been another factor to discourage the farmers from taking up tea cultivation. The State Bank of India has arrived in the form of an educator, financer and motivator for the farmers at a time when the risks for tea production are high and patience is at an all time low. Considering that tea cultivation alone would not be the means to encourage the farmers to change their focus of farming, the SBI has also financed a factory so that the raw materials transported from the gardens to the production unit do not incur transportation costs.
The recovery of loans in Nagaland appears to be a problem of the past. The tea gardens are beginning to prove this by repaying short term loans within the stipulated time of one year. The recovery on the other hand is prompting the bank to encourage the farmers to take up tea cultivation on a bigger scale and this is being seen as a revolution in tea farming in Nagaland. Tea shrubs need constant vigil from different plant diseases and they spread quickly if not attended to by exerienced hands. This is a constant worry for our farmers, who still lack the knowledge and experience that comes with years of tea cultivation and the effects it has on other plants. But the onus of tea cultivation in the state has already begun taking its own course and with the bank granting farmers the maximum repayment time module of twelve months, it can be seen as a boon for the farmers who can now rest easy and wait for the yields.
What It Means For The State
Tea cultivation has never been seen as a short term crop. A tea bush produces quality tea leaves for upto a hundred years and sometimes even more. This means that for every bush planted, a farmer can carry out plucking for 36 weeks in a year. And in every plucking a farmer can yield a minimum of 100 kgs from around 250 bushes. The leaves are sold at Rs 10 per kg to the NI Jamir tea estate at Moalenden. The profits are much higher when compared to other cash crops.
The quality of tea grown in Nagaland has earned acclaim from various tea tasters which means the future of tea cultivation is worth considering in areas that are suitable for its growth in the state. If the base is set, we very well could even think of having a tea festival in the days to come. If rice and cultural festivals can dorn the limelight of the identity of our forefathers, then tea, which has been in existence for hundreds of years in the state can also gain prominence in the state. Until the state government does more to encourage the farmers, in terms of finance and logistic support, the scope of tea cultivation would remain confined to the limitations of private bank finances and private entrepreneurs.
Organic & Orthodox Tea In Nagaland
What is orthodox tea and organic tea? Some of you might ask. Well Any discussion of orthodox teas needs to begin with a definition. Historically, the term “orthodox” has referred to a method of producing black teas in India. But in a broader sense, “orthodox” also refers to “traditional” or hand-processing methods that have been carried out in other tea-producing countries for centuries. The idea of producing teas in a “traditional” manner is certainly worthy of investigation—in terms of the quality of tea that is produced by this method, the effect it has on the environment, and the ramifications it might have on the premium tea industry. When you ask an Indian tea merchant, broker or producer what orthodox tea means, the answer is vague, but it invariably includes mention of what orthodox tea is not: CTC. CTC stands for “crushed, torn and curled,” and by its very definition doesn’t imply anything romantic, or even desirable. Most of the world’s black tea comes from this type of production. The tea produced all across Nagaland is 100 % organic and this has given the tea growers here a slight edge over their Assam and Darjeeling counterparts. Organic tea, cultivated at the NI Jamir Tea Estate, is grown without using any chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. The benefits of which help in the abundant supply of antioxidants, which protect the cells of our body from a natural process called ‘oxidative stress.’ Although oxygen is vital for life, oxidation produces free radicals that damage human cells. This damaging, physiological process works against the immune system AND is also responsible for ageing Antioxidants help our body eliminate these harmful free radicals.
Community And Self Help Groups
Tea is a community produce which needs the involvement of hundreds of laborers. The tea gardens of Assam are dominated by the Adivasis and their presence and vitality to this industry has been exhibited on more than one occasion. In Nagaland too, the need for community farming is fast picking up in the form of Self Help Groups. The numbers within each group have been limited so that every member gets the opportunity to head the group at least once during his or her lifetime. But more importantly, it is the accountability that has restricted the numbers in each group which is generally not more than 20. In the frontline of these groups stands the Village Development Board (VDB) that remains as the link between the funding agencies and the executing agencies. This is a vital link to educate, finance and motivate the new breed of farmers who are slowly and gradually realizing the dreams of the ancestors in a bigger and more comprehensive fashion. The men making a difference to tea farming and the lives of the farmers in the Mokokchung, Chare and Longkhim belt.
TIA JAMIR: A prominent link between the farmers and Tea Board of India, besides also being a research assistant of the state agriculture research station at Mokokchung. (photo name TIA)
BORDOLOI: Marketing and Recovery Team Leader of the State Bank of India, once posted as the Branch Manager of Tuli was brought back on account of the vital role he continues to play for the promotion of tea. (Photo name BORDOLOI) G. SEKAR: The branch manager of State Bank of India, Main Branch, who the people of Longkhim, Chare and Mokokchung revere for his dynamic vision and committed endeavor to promote tea and the farmers.
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.
Hunt for scapegoats & vandals - Govt to scan TV footage A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, Nov. 25: Appearing to find fault with everything but its own handling of the street clash yesterday, the government transferred a lower-ranked police officer and suspended another for dereliction of duty, accused some of the rallyists who were attacked of being drunk and sought television footage of the mob violence to identify the vandals. Residents of the battle zone got back to the daily grind after curfew was relaxed for 12 hours from 8am today, but there was no mistaking the undercurrent of tension as the administration began hunting for the culprits.
“We have already detained 16 activists of the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam and will scan television footage to identify and initiate action against those who attacked the rallyists. We will try to answer why it took so long to send reinforcements to a high-security zone like Dispur,” a senior bureaucrat involved in law and order management said.
One person died and over 300 were wounded in the violence, which began with Adivasi activists damaging cars and shops along the route of their march to the capital complex. The arson triggered brutal retaliation by residents of the stretch between Beltola and Basistha.
Police chief R.N. Mathur held a series of meetings with his team before deciding to transfer the officer-in-charge of Basistha police station, Indrajit Chakraborty, and suspended a sub-inspector of Dispur police station, S. Kakoti, for not taking appropriate action when the mob was venting its ire on the Adivasi rallyists. “We will do everything to fix responsibility and nab the culprits. Additional chief secretary P.P. Verma has been given a month to ascertain the facts. Based on his findings, we will take action against the police or civil administration,” the bureaucrat said.
He said the government had nothing to hide “as it was a clash between two groups” and not something that was provoked by police action. “There was no police firing. Since the rally was illegal, we took time to gear up. There are reports of many people dying but that is not true. Some of the rallyists were reportedly drunk and they lost consciousness on being attacked by local residents or outside forces, as is being alleged.”
Television cameras did not capture the arson, but the assault on the rallyists was aired on most channels. The mob used whatever they could lay their hands on, from stones to sticks and iron rods. “Once we go through the footage, we will be able to to identify the majority of them and confirm whether they were actually from that area or outsiders,” the bureaucrat said.
Witnesses said Basistha police station could have averted the situation by calling for reinforcements when the Adivasis broke the security cordon and marched towards Dispur. The majority of the rallyists came from Udalguri, Kokrajhar, Rowta and Golaghat.
