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12/12/2007: "IM's olive branch to 'Unity Team Nagarealm.com"



IM's olive branch to 'Unity Team Nagarealm.com

Dimapur, DEC10 [NNN] : After days of maintaining silence over the Niuland declaration, the NSCN-IM today said that the door is still kept open for Azheto Chophy and company to "come back to the mainstream".

NSCN-IM Kilo-Kilonser (home minister) Azheto Chophy and NSCN-K's external affairs minister C Singson had led in signing the declaration for unification of the two NSCN factions on November 23 at Niuland near Dimapur. "Twenty days is a long period for any revolutionary group to forbear the deliberate violation of the national code of conduct and policy, but for the spirit of patience in forming a wide-based unity process the NSCN/GPRN avoided going for any drastic action to discipline the wayword national workers.

The room is however still open for them to come back to the mainstream for no mistake shall be considered too big in the name of Naga unity," said the NSCN-IM note. It stated that under the prevailing situation "that is now disturbing" the conscience of every Naga the Biblical saying "Know ye the truth and the truth shall make you free" comes all the more relevant to set at rest the Naga people's conscience by knowing the truth of the ongoing turmoil that has erupted in the name of Naga unification and unfortunately taking the name of NSCN by breaking the rule and official code of conduct that binds all national workers.

"The initial move of Mr.Azheto Chophy, Kilo Kilonser and others was indicative of something against the honesty of approach towards initiating a genuine search for unity among the Nagas. Quite aware of the sinister move the NSCN was magnanimous enough to leave the space open for Azheto and his group to convince the Joint Council of NSCN on their proposals to form the basis of Naga Unification," said the NSCN-IM.

The outfit then asked that the story, however unpleasant it may be has to be unfolded in order the guide the Naga people to pass their judgment and to identify who is doing what in the name of Naga unification and what process are they adopting to establish their credibility before the Naga people and whether such process goes nothing sort of undermining the whole Nagas?. "The Nagas cannot be taken to be that naive to be hoodwink by propagating such high sounding agenda but which failed to find any reflection in the ground reality and the language that emanated from those persons behind the move.

The public, therefore, has to be enlighten on the truth of the situation and Naga unity is still the priority of the NSCN but on the basis of following the correct approach and never a backdoor policy that demean the national pride and against Nagas ethos," asserted the outfit. It also stated that with the honesty and sincerity of hammering out the basis for Naga unification the "Joint Council of NSCN requested Azheto and his group members to come and brief the house to prove their commitment and conviction in the matter of Naga unification".

During the Joint Council meeting that was held for as many as four times no positive response was forthcoming despite repeated calls, added the NSCN-IM. "Placed under such predicament the house expressed regret over the malicious attitude of the defectors taking advantage of the patience of the NSCN/GPRN. The house was also made to understand the response of those misled who are hell bent to bring down the repetition of the NSCN/GPRN under the firmed and principled leadership of Isak Chishi Swu, Khadao Yanthan and Th.

Muivah sensing the uncalled for approach of the said group the Yaruiwo's statement out-rightly rejected the move of the so called reconciliation and unity through the backdoor," continued the outfit while adding, "Significantly, the four Joint meetings of the Steering Committee, Council of Kilonsers, Tatars, Head of Department and Naga Army Authorities with the Collective Leadership Chaired by Qhevihe Chishi Swu, Convener, Steering Committee even endorse the Sumi National workers who were kept in the dark on the agenda of unity and reconciliation to mediate and convince the misled brethren to respect and follow the practical principled based on peace and reconciliation among all the Nagas". It said that the most alarming development that negates their agenda is the "secret message passed on to the members of certain community to desert their camp in (the outfit's) Council Headquarters (CHQ), General Headquarters (GHQ)with their arms and uniforms".

"This is conspiracy and conspiracy has no place in the Naga's search for unity and reconciliation. Collection and piling up of arms from the local arms and ammunition shops in Dimapur and adjoining place indicates no good will mission for unity. Formation of Western Sumi Youth Front with these arms in readiness is never a good sign for Naga unity interests. But this is the painful reality behind the move for Naga unity," disclosed the NSCN-IM.

The outfit then stated that in the name of Naga unity, the respected name of Yaruiwo (Prime Minister) Isak Chishi Swu is being repeatedly misused. "But Yaruiwo was upto his true image by passing a statement to clear the air of confusion wherein he mentioned that at no time he gave green signal to those self style team of the so called reconciliation and unity, and which carries no NSCN/GPRN stand of endorsement. For the same reason the Yaruiwo's name that appears along side Khaplang on yesterday's local papers dated 10th December 2007 bears no Isak Chishi Swu's knowledge and approval," added the NSCN-IM.

It further stated that given the situation where the NSCN-IM's name was misused by some of the "unauthorized persons the NSCN/GPRN" shall never deviate from the principle that has guided the nation for all these years, and will not be subject to the so called unification team that sought to bring unity on communal line and through such means 5that bears no semblance of peaceful desire for unity. "And anything that comes short of official scrutiny and endorsement shall not be acceptable under any circumstances. With the magnitude of Naga problem the process of Naga unity should be correct and must be endorsed by the NSCN/GPRN.

Not withstanding the short sightedness of the unification team the NSCN/GPRN will be welcoming any genuine proposal," stated the outfit. "NSCN's stands on unity is based on the moral principle that in the name of unification and reconciliation defectors cannot represent NSCN and therefore, unification cannot be processed through defectors. Obviously, NSCN cannot be a part of such illegal and immoral process that bears no national sanctity," concluded the NSCN-IM statement issued by its MIP tonight.

After the US, IM lands at England on its global drive Nagarealm.com
Dimapur, DEC11 [NNN] : After its United States of America leg last month, the NSCN-IM has, in quick succession landed in England embarking on a global campaign.

Steering Committee secretary of the NSCN-IM Rh Raising while highlighting the Naga issue at the House of Parliament, Westminster London on Dec 10, appealed to the British people to help in solving the vexed "Indo-Naga problem". Steering Committee is the highest decision making body of the NSCN-IM. Last, month another outfit leader VS Atem was in America for a high level lobby.

According to the MIP of the NSCN-IM, delivering a speech at the International Human Rights Day held at the House of Parliament, Westminster London yesterday, Rh Raising had expressed his resentment saying that perpetual extension of the terms of ceasefire on the pretext of commitment and assurances is clearly viewed as a ploy of the government of India to buy time in order to bury the peace process under the wrap of time. The NSCN-IM leader also stated that the "Divide and Rule" policy of the government of India has made Naga brothers and sisters foreigners in their own land.

"We look forward with renewed hope that the British in particular and the international communities in general would remember the oppressed Nagas and help solve the long drawn Indo-Naga problem," said Rh.Raising in the House of Parliament in London yesterday. Commencing his speech, the NSCN-IM leader said, "Respected Chairperson and honourable members present, I feel extremely honoured for giving me the opportunity to address this august house on the plight of the suppressed Naga people", according to the outfit's Ministry of Information and Publicity Raising mentioned that Nagalim is situated in the tri-junction of China on the north, India on the west and Burma on the south east with an area of about 120,000 sq km and a population of some four million people.

The Nagas have been living in their own country running their own government independently for thousands of years. At no point of time, have they ever been subjugated by any alien power. "It was in 1832 that the British colonial forces intruded into the Naga country. The Nagas put up strong resistance against the aggression for 48 years. The British forces ultimately occupied a portion of Nagalim leaving the rest as free as ever. However, the Nagas, in the British occupied area declared their independence on 14th Aug.

1947 and merged themselves with the free Nagas. The declaration was intimated to the United Nations and all embassies in Delhi," said the NSCN-IM leader while adding, "In 1950 the Indian Constituent Assembly invited the Nagas to join the Union of India, but it was rejected outright. The Nagas were not a party to the Union of Burma too. As government of India levelled wild allegations stating that the rejection of Union of India was the work of a few Naga leaders and not that of the people, a plebiscite was conducted on 16th May 1951 wherein 99.9% voted in favour of Sovereign Independent Nagalim. Consequently, Indian state invaded on Nagalim with an eye to imposing its will upon the Nagas, which resulted in horrible violation of human rights – massacre, mass rape, and mass detention in concentration camps, mass torture, and destruction of villages, granaries, educational institutions, relics, churches and so on," he asserted.

No peace without freedom, truth and justice- Nagaland Post Speech Raising
Respected Chairperson and honourable members present, I feel extremely honoured for giving me the opportunity to address this august house on the plight of the suppressed Naga people.
Nagalim is situated in the tri-junction of China on the north, India on the west and Burma on the south east with an area of about 120,000 sq km and a population of some four million people. The Nagas have been living in their own country running their own government independently for thousands of years. At no point of time, have they ever been subjugated by any alien power.
It was in 1832 that the British colonial forces intruded into the Naga country. The Nagas put up strong resistance against the aggression for 48 years. The British forces ultimately occupied a portion of Nagalim leaving the rest as free as ever. However, the Nagas, in the British occupied area declared their independence on 14th Aug. 1947 and merged themselves with the free Nagas. The declaration was intimated to the United Nations and all embassies in Delhi.
In 1950 the Indian Constituent Assembly invited the Nagas to join the Union of India, but it was rejected outright. The Nagas were not a party to the Union of Burma too. As government of India levelled wild allegations stating that the rejection of Union of India was the work of a few Naga leaders and not that of the people, a plebiscite was conducted on 16th May 1951 wherein 99.9% voted in favour of Sovereign Independent Nagalim. Consequently, Indian state invaded on Nagalim with an eye to imposing its will upon the Nagas, which resulted in horrible violation of human rights - massacre, mass rape, and mass detention in concentration camps, mass torture, and destruction of villages, granaries, educational institutions, relics, churches and so on.
We have been resisting the aggression of the Indian and Burmese states since the day one, because we know for sure that our national survival lies in resistance to the aggressors, never in submission to them. The government of India, with a view to dampening the spirit of Naga nationalism and physically dividing the Nagas, created the so-called Nagaland state embracing only one fourth of the Naga area. It was, however, rejected by the Naga people.
The Nagas have been placed to live in war situation for more than sixty years. Most of the Nagas of the present generation were born and brought up in horrible war situations. This war has, in fact, produced thousands of widows, orphans and childless parents in Nagalim. We resist this war because it has destroyed everything of us both material and spiritual. We know war never builds anything. This war of aggression must be uprooted so that there is peace and prosperity on earth. We really want peace and we are for peace. But we do not see the meaning of peace without freedom, truth and justice. Our stand is that our long cherished peace is to be founded on the solid ground of freedom, truth and justice, never on subjugation and capitulation.
The long history of the Naga national movement for independence bears witness to the fact that we have always believed in political solution and taken every opportunity to enter into dialogue with the government of India, but each time we have been betrayed by the Indian leaders with false promises and assurances. The Collective Leadership has explicitly made it clear to India that Nagas want to be friendly with India and resolve the issue on the basis of federal relation between India and Nagalim. India has not responded to any of the core proposals made by the Naga leaders despite holding 60 rounds of talks. Perpetual extension of the terms of ceasefire on the pretext of commitment and assurances is clearly viewed as a ploy of the government of India to buy time in order to bury the peace process under the wrap of time.
Nagas are forcibly divided into six parts and placed them in six different administrative units (Four in the Indian States and two in Burmese States). This kind of perpetual 'divide and rule' policy has made Naga brothers and sisters foreigners to each other in their own land. Since Nagas were politically divided, they should be politically united.
India's claim of inheriting Nagalim from the British is the greatest lie. If Nagalim were part of India, why did India invite the Nagas to join the Union of India? At no stage of history were Nagas under the rule of any Indian kings. The Nagas declared their independence on 14th August 1947, before India and Burma declared their independence. Ours is a case of invasion by India and Burma. The Nagas do not believe in forced marriage and forced union
Human memories are short, but the great events that shook the world in the 1st and 2nd world wars where Nagas were deeply involved, ever linger in their mind. 4000 Nagas were sent to France as labour corps in support of the British led-Allied Forces where a good number of them died in a distant shore. In the Second World War, the Naga people extended their fullest support to the Allied-forces. However, the international community has not done anything when the Naga people are in trouble. We look forward with renewed hope that the British in particular and the international communities in general would remember the oppressed Nagas to help solve the long drawn Indo-Naga problem.
MIP, GPRN/ NSCN (IM)
NPC, FGN unit laud unification move Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, DEC10 [NPN] : The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) and the FGN Chakhesang Region have welcomed the recent unification move initiated by the Western Sumi Hoho.
NPC chairman N Theyo and executive director Lhusi Haralu in a press release, said the unity move depicted a living demonstration for redeeming the long sufferings of the damaged Naga society in order to wipe out tears from every eye and pain from the heart of the Nagas. The NPC expressed the hope that the unification move would materialize to ensure the rights, privileges and equality in Naga society. It said the consent given towards the unification move by the three warring factions of NSCN (I-M), NSCN (K) and NNC and agreement for extension of inter-factional ceasefire for a period of six months, as proposed by the Joint Forum of GBs and DBs, were highly commendable as these would pave the way for mutual trust, forgiveness and goodwill. “Let us pray that this unity move reckons to be a symbol of healing touch,” NPC said.

In a separate press release, FGN Chakhesang Region said the unification by warring factions of NSCN (K) and NSCN (I-M) in Sumi Region, has given a ray of hope not only to Sumi region but all Nagas as well. It said this would help leave the ‘shameful and destructive path of bloodshed’ towards fulfilling the aspiration of the Nagas for peace and unity. FGN Chakhesang Region ‘midan Peyu’ KL Kronu in a press release also said FGN Chakhesang Region was committed to the Plebiscite of May 16, 1951, where “our forebears had pledged to uphold and defend Naga Sovereignty.” Further, Kronu said the FGN believed that when Nagas come together under the banner of the NNC, it would be a case of “each and every one coming to the mainstream of the Nation for a cause which we are bound to uphold.”
‘Armed conflict crippled Nagaland’ Rio receives National Human Rights & Duties Award The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 11 (MExN): While the ceasefire has provided a welcome respite, it is a reality that the Indo-Naga armed conflict with its human rights’ violation, has also strained the economy of Nagaland, seriously handicapping development, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said. Rio was conferred the National Human Rights & Duties Award by the Indian Institute of Human Rights in New Delhi at the 9th World Human Rights Congress, Human Rights Day, December 10.
“The five decades of active armed conflicts between the UGs and the Indian armed forces, the State had suffered heavily in terms of violation of human rights and in terms of loss of properties and thousands of precious lives. This armed conflict had also stressed out the economy of the State, seriously handicapping the developmental efforts of the Government” Rio told the Human Rights Congress. However, he added that there has been a ceasefire since 1997, which “has been holding good continuously for the last 10 years.”
Rio reiterated that rights are never absolute and rather, they are accompanied by duties or responsibilities, without which, rights can never be enjoyed in their true sense. Rights without a sense of responsibility and duty can only be anarchy, Rio reminded. “In such a situation, Democracy often turns into Mobocracy. Therefore, if we are to safeguard peace and order in the society, it is necessary that people are made to be equally aware of their duties, as much as they are aware of their rights” he said.
The chief minister exemplified the virtue: “During my recent visit to Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, I was informed that Turkey and some other European countries (that) recently broke away from Russia, had applied for membership of the European Union, and to enjoy the facilities of Euro. But the European Union did not grant them admission, until they improve to satisfactory level some of the critical development indicating, such as per capita income, crime rate, corruption and integrity level etc. I cite this as an example where duties come first before certain rights can be enjoyed.”
Within this context, Rio informed the congress of the suffering Nagas and their state. Elaborating the history of the Naga people, he said that prior to the advancement of the British in the middle of the 19th Century, the Nagas were known as ‘head hunters’, for their practice of taking the head of the vanquished enemy as a trophy. After their subjection by the British in the later part of the 19th Century, the Nagas embraced Christianity, and head-hunting became a thing of the past. “However, unfortunately for the Nagas, the British had kept the Nagas under different administrative set ups, by creating artificial geographical boundaries between them. Now, approximately 6 lakh Nagas, are in Myanmar, occupying about 75,000 sq km of territory, while more than 2 million Nagas are in India.
Even those who are in India are further divided in the four States of Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam” Rio said.
He told the Human Rights’ Congress of the now-increasing desire of the Nagas to remove these artificial administrative boundaries, and live together under one administrative dispensation. “In Nagaland, the State Assembly, the Naga Hoho, various NGOs, and civil societies have, on several occasions, expressed in unequivocal terms this desire for integration through several organizations and platforms. Although the (British) had divided us under different administrative units for their administrative convenience, nevertheless, they had recognized the uniqueness of the Nagas, their culture and history, and dealt with them as one ethnic group, under the generic name of ‘Nagas’” the chief Minister explained. He also enlightened the assembly the Inner Line regulation more popularly known as the ILP system, to safeguard and protect the Nagas’ culture and identity. However, “The (successive) Indian Government not only continued with the ILP, but introduced further protection measures, such as Article 371 (A) of the Constitution and RAP/PAP for the protection of the Naga culture and way of life.”
Nonetheless, after five decades of armed conflict, the ceasefire and the resultant peace process has given the people a welcome breather, enabling the government and the people to start moving away from the gun culture to work culture, he said. Rio further explained that the Nagaland Government came out with a new policy slogan “Peace for development and development for peace”, to drive home the point that peace and developments are inextricably linked, and inseparable. Through this, village communities, the NGOs, the civil society and the churches are now being emboldened to come out openly against all forms of killing, and to raise their voice in support of peace, he conveyed.
Rio explained that “the whole state is now agog with hope for a permanent peace” for, the Nagas desire an honorable settlement, acceptable to the people. “And I am happy to be a part of this positive process of transition” he acknowledged.
Sumis endorse “unification” move Merina Y. Chishi The Morung Express

Sumi public leaders from all districts at the Sumi emergency general public meet on Naga “unification” at the DDSC, Dimapur on December 11. (MExPix)
Dimapur | In a significant move aimed at affirming the recent initiative for unity of the various undergound factions, thousands of Sumis in a clear demonstration of mass support to the unification move converged at the DDSC Stadium Dimapur and resolved to support the ongoing “unification” move of the Naga underground factions under one banner.
“It is the desire of every Naga to have peace in our land and this desire is proposed to be materialized through like likeminded citizens of our land. The Sumi according support the “unification” process and also appeal to all the Nagas to support the unification,” stated the first resolution passed today through a voice-vote. The leaders, who spoke at the meeting, asserted that the “unification” move was not only for the Sumis but for the Nagas as a whole.
Reminding the people of the bloodshed that has taken place during the past decades, the leaders said that people must leave the past behind and look towards a better future for the Naga people. “The Sumi people wholly supports and repose confidence on current Naga unification proSumis endorse “unification” move
The Nagas and their Nation- Nagaland Post Speech Venuh
The Nagas are indigenous peoples, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman stock with an approximate 4 million in population and live along the tri-junction of Burma (Myanmar), China, and India. From time immemorial, they inhabit the land lying approximately between 92.5 E and 97.5 E longitudes and 23.5 N and 28.5 N latitudes, measuring about 1,20,000 sq. kilometers.
In 1832, Captains Francis Jenkins and R.B. Pemberton, entered the Naga country and led numerous "punitive" expeditions against the Nagas for their resistance which led to open confrontation till 1879 when a large area of the then Naga country was occupied and controlled by the then British-India. When the British left India in 1947, the tendered case of the Nagas to be left to them as an independent nation as hitherto enjoyed, was unattended, despite the fact that as early as 1929, the Naga Club submitted a Memorandum to the Simon Commission stating and requesting that they be excluded from the proposed 'political reforms' of British India, which arbitrarily generalized the Nagas as under India. The Naga representation clearly stated that "we should not be thrust to the mercy of the people who could not subjugate us". "Leave us alone to determine for ourselves as in ancient times when Britishers first found us" was the expressed will of the Nagas.
By 1946, the Naga Resistance movement evolved into the "Naga National Council," which, therein, federalized all the various Naga tribes. Under this "Council," the Nagas declared their independence on 14th August, 1947, and a "Plebiscite" was conducted on May 16, 1951, reaffirming our inherent rights as a people in which 99.9 percent voted for an independent Nagaland. The nascent Indian nation responded by proclaiming the Assam Maintenance of Public Order (Autonomous Districts) Act, of 1953 upon the Naga country. This was followed by the imposition of the Disturbed Areas Act in 1955. In 1956, India dispatched two Brigades of her military and the Naga country is ever since then under their martial clutch. Later in 1958, the Government of India imposed The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, under which any Non-Commissioned Officer and above are empowered with full legal immunity to "shoot and kill" any Naga on mere suspicion. In the wake of the imposition of these "draconian laws" and murderous homicidal mechanisms, the Nagas have been since then experiencing a "black and senseless period," to echo the then Prime Minister of India Nehru's own confession or per se. Under such circumstances, "Nagas were left with no other option but to defend themselves with arms."
Similarly, the arbitrary geo-political division of Naga homeland into India and Burma draws attention to an instance wherein even the house of the 'Angh" (Chief) of the Konyak Naga community was divided between India and Burma into two halves. Using colonial policies of divide and rule, the Naga country was further divided into the present states of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. In 1964, the Government of India was compelled to enter into a cease-fire agreement with the leaders of the Naga National Council only for India to unilaterally abrogate it in 1972. Later in 1975, after the Government of India orchestrated an accord with a few handpicked pro-Indian Nagas and made them sign the infamous Shillong Accord that envisaged enforced mass surrender and acceptance of Indian suzerainty over the Nagas. The post 1975 saw a more resolute and resurgent spirit in the assertion for resistance and defence of the Naga Nation.
Given the nature and the intermittent continuance of the conflict between India and Nagas for so many years and the various appeasement politics or policies that were rejected by the Nagas, a pragmatic initiative with the view of re-negotiating the fragile and political contentions was mooted as early as the late 1980's through diplomatic innovations. In 1995 the then Prime Minister of India, Mr. P. V. Narasimha Rao, met leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, Mr. Isac Chishi Swu and Mr. Th. Muivah in Paris, which, consequently, led to the announcement of a formal political negotiation and facilitation of peace process between the two nations by the succeeding Prime Minister of India, which was informed to the Indian Parliament on 4th March, 1995. On 25th July, 1997, the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim jointly announced a three months' cease-fire which come into effect from 1st August 1997 under the following agreed principles:
1. That the talks would be unconditional;
2. That the talks would be at the highest level, i.e. at the Prime Ministerial level;
3. That the talks would be held in a third neutral country.
Here it may be worth mentioning, that although there has been no definite arrangement from the Indo-Naga political negotiation so far, yet a remarkable departure since the 1997-second Indo-Naga cease-fire is the writ of hope and anticipation amongst the Naga peoples after decades of war. The Nagas have taken the initiative of reaching out to the larger Indian public through a peoples'-to-peoples' dialogue, wherein in the year 2000, a group of Nagas led by Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), visited New Delhi to share their stories of the struggles with the Indian civil society under the theme "Journey of conscience." This journey continues both within India and the surrounding neighbours and also within the Naga country in reflection and retrospection. In response to this initiative, a group of Indian civil society consisting of former Parliamentarians, Jurists, Academicians, Writers and Journalists and mass-based social workers visited the Nagas and their land for the first time in the 55 years old Indo-Naga conflict, wherein they themselves admitted that Nagas are not Indians.
In the same spirit, during one of the Indo-Naga Peace talks which was held in Amsterdam at the Netherlands on July 11, 2002, the Government of India in writing - "acknowledged and recognized the unique history and situation of the Nagas."
Encouraged by this changed attitude and perception of India, the collective leadership of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim accepted the invitation of the Government of India to visit New Delhi. Wide-ranging talks were held, not only with the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the Defence Minister, but also with the leaders of all political parties during their visit from January 9 to January 24, 2003.
However till now, after more than 10 years of Ceasefire and political negotiations, and the resoluteness of the Naga leaders to work out a peaceful solution to the more than 60 years of political conflict, the Government of India continue to drag its feet for obvious reasons. It is in this context, that we are appealing the international community and more importantly, today the British Government through distinguished personalities like you present here, to positively live up to the expectations of the Naga people in general, who, even after all these years of sufferings, still look up to Great Britain to have its say to the problem - which; "India apparently claim only to have inherited from the Britishers".
"KUKNALIM" Dr. Neivetso Venuh, Secretary General, Naga peoples Movement for Human Rights
Raising knocks on Britain The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 11 (MExN): Secretary of the NSCN (IM) Steering Committee Rh. Raising has voiced out to the international community that the Collective Leadership had explicitly made it clear to India that Nagas want to be friendly with India and resolve the issue on the basis of federal relation between India and Nagalim. Raising, who was speaking at the International Human Rights Day held at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster London on December 10 however expressed regret that India has not responded to any of the core proposals made by the Naga leaders despite holding 60 rounds of talks. “Perpetual extension of the terms of ceasefire on the pretext of commitment and assurances is clearly viewed as a ploy of the government of India to buy time in order to bury the peace process under the wrap of time”, Raising told the international gathering while adding that the long history of the Naga national movement for independence was witness to the fact that Nagas have always believed in political solution and taken every opportunity to enter into dialogue with the government of India. “But each time we have been betrayed by the Indian leaders with false promises and assurances”, the NSCN (IM) leader said.
Drawing attention of the British law makers, the NSCN (IM) made a mention of Naga people’s contribution during the war and that “though human memories are short”, Nagas were deeply involved and that 4000 Nagas were sent to France as labour corps in support of the British led-Allied Forces where a good number of them died in a distant shore. “In the Second World War, the Naga people extended their fullest support to the Allied-forces. However, the international community has not done anything when the Naga people are in trouble, Raising lamented and said that the Nagas looked forward with renewed hope that the British in particular and the international communities in general would remember the oppressed Nagas to help solve the long drawn Indo-Naga problem”.
Pointing out that Nagas have been “placed to live in war situation for more than sixty years”, he said that most of the Nagas of the present generation were born and brought up in horrible war situations. “This war has, in fact, produced thousands of widows, orphans and childless parents in Nagalim. We resist this war because it has destroyed everything of us both material and spiritual”. Saying that “war never builds anything”, Raising pointed out that this war of aggression must be uprooted so that there is peace and prosperity on earth. Expressing the view that Nagas really want peace, he however said that Nagas “do not see the meaning of peace without freedom, truth and justice”. “Our stand is that our long cherished peace is to be founded on the solid ground of freedom, truth and justice, never on subjugation and capitulation”. Raising in his address also gave a brief but comprehensive update on the Naga issue while raising the point up front that Nagas have been living in their own country running their own government independently for thousands of years and that at no point of time, have they ever been subjugated by any alien power.
On the British colonial forces intruding into Naga country as early as in 1832, the NSCN (IM) leader mentioned that the Nagas put up strong resistance against the aggression for 48 years. Raising further informed the gathering that the Nagas, in the British occupied area declared their independence on August 14, 1947 and merged themselves with the free Nagas and that this declaration was intimated to the United Nations and all embassies in Delhi.
With regard to the Indian Constituent Assembly inviting the Nagas in 1950 to join the Union of India, Raising said that this was rejected outright and that the Nagas were also not a party to the Union of Burma. Stating that the government of India leveled wild allegations that the rejection of Union of India was the work of a few Naga leaders and not that of the people, the NSCN (IM) leader informed about the plebiscite conducted on May 16th 1951 pointing out that “99.9% voted in favour of Sovereign Independent Nagalim”. “Consequently, Indian state invaded on Nagalim with an eye to imposing its will upon the Nagas, which resulted in horrible violation of human rights – massacre, mass rape, and mass detention in concentration camps, mass torture, and destruction of villages, granaries, educational institutions, relics, churches and so on”, Raising informed while adding that Nagas have been resisting the aggression of the Indian and Burmese states since the day one, “because we know for sure that our national survival lies in resistance to the aggressors, never in submission to them”.
Raising said that the government of India, with a view to dampening the spirit of Naga nationalism and physically dividing the Nagas, created the so-called Nagaland state embracing only one fourth of the Naga area. “It was, however, rejected by the Naga people”, he said. The NSCN (IM) leader also informed that the Nagas were forcibly divided into six parts and placed them in six different administrative units (Four in the Indian States and two in Burmese States). “This kind of perpetual ‘divide and rule’ policy has made Naga brothers and sisters foreigners to each other in their own land. Since Nagas were politically divided, they should be politically united”, he said. On India’s claim of inheriting “Nagalim from the British”, Raising said that this is the “greatest lie”. “If Nagalim were part of India, why did India invite the Nagas to join the Union of India? At no stage of history were Nagas under the rule of any Indian kings. The Nagas declared their independence on 14th August 1947, before India and Burma declared their independence. Ours is a case of invasion by India and Burma. The Nagas do not believe in forced marriage and forced union”, he said.
The great drama of Naga politics- Nagaland Post
The great election of Nagaland is just around the corner. Political gurus, think-tanks and the public are doing the usual rounds of politicking. The main agenda is always centering around the future victor or victors. Political soothsayers talk about the collapse of the DAN government though they also have a critical list of the inadequacies of the opposition.
To give a very unprejudiced view of the last election is necessary, because, there has been a paradigm shift of policies and techniques applied by the NPF and the conglomerate in particular. The last election has been a successful amalgamation of different methods and strategies depicting that Naga politicking is also coming of age.
After a thorough sizing up of the degree of political consciousness among the Nagas in the last elections, the political strategists operated-their fool-proof plan and eventually succeeded in cornering the indomitable Congress govt. to humble submission.
So even this year , like all keen observers , I have been waiting for another novel strategy to unravel by the ruling govt. to pull the same tricks again but still no signs of it .Is the ruling govt. apprehensive to proclaim its programs because of their inability to fulfill their election promises made before? Or is the internal turmoil within the DAN stopping the strategist to weave the same magic? Was their earlier promises just momentary eye candy to grab votes? Being a democratic place, the citizens have the right to question the govt. whether they have delivered the goods to the Nagas as promised in their last election according to their illustrious election manifesto.
A dissection of the strategy and the election manifesto adopted by the concerned political parties is necessary.
(1) The first plan unfolded as a blow giving by the scathing attack on the infamous, "Bedrock of Naga society" authored by the man himself. Overnight he became a traitor, an opportunist who made the Himalayan blunder of selling Nagaland to India. This propaganda managed to fan the patriotic zeal of my father's generation and confuse the already perplexed younger generation. His credibility began to be questioned and public opinion swayed like the sword of Damocles. The man was crucified for using the freedom of thought and expression.
(2) Their next card was to grab the most burning need of Nagaland and use it to decorate their manifesto. True to anybody's guess, "The peace card" was heralded. A precise eulogy of Congress' misrule was exposed that was supposedly jeopardizing the peace train. The people desiring peace were irrationally ready to pay any price for the reward of peace and therefore hungrily embraced the party.
(3) Right behind the peace card, came the crucial and emotional card of "Greater Nagaland". History teaches us the efficacy of using ethnicity and territorial isssues caused by an emotional dress to get people's support. Our strategist also exploited this sensitive issue and shouted from the roof top, the new Naga dream of a "Greater Nagalim".
(4) The strategist had the brilliance of sending attractive feelers to the eastern Nagaland; sympathizing on their backwardness yet screaming of Congress' double standard from the sidelines.
(5) Moreover, Mr. Rio appeared in the sky like a Sun among the 'lesser stars'. The Nagas were ready to embrace a dynamic leader. His articulateness was a boon, savvy, educated and also media friendly. They used the media to get maximum publicity in all their programs, which applied to both young and the old. Rio proved to be the perfect ambassador for a dynamic Nagaland. Coming to the present scenario, history is repeating again. They have pulled out the skeleton of the 'Bedrock of Naga Soceity' again Naga style fatwa has been imposed on Dr. S.C Jamir, though not by them. However, this trick has become stale and reeks of cheap adulterated politics. All these development gives away their desperateness. So, now the Nagas should decide whether this govt. is legitimate to come to power the second time.
Focusing on the Congress of Nagaland, a complete facelift to their organization is necessary. An eloquent, practical manifesto is needed, for, it always seems as the best vote catcher. The media should be befriended; and understand to use their powerful medium to their advantage. Burning issues like HIV AIDS, saving nature and culture, IT, saving Dzukou, permanent border solutions, look east policy etc. are good to be included in their election manifesto. Indira Gandhi had the 'Garibi Hatao', BJP had the 'Hindutva Card' and the 'India is shining slogan'. UPA has the 'Aam Admi', Rio is having 'equi-closeness, greater Nagaland & permanent settlement of Naga issue'.
Then, what are the attractions of the Congress and other political parties?
Political parties vying for the hot seat should start marketing these programs and structure their election manifesto. Extreme focus in archaic campaigns and hushed politicking might boomerang adversely. Amongla N. Jamir Mokokchung.
WSH's effort for peace- Nagaland Post
Where are you when factional gun battle were reverberating and killing in the heart of Kohima town? Where were the Naga Hoho hiding when a fatwa against Alemtemshi Jamir IAS Officer of Nagaland Government was declared and issued by Manjpur Nagas. What crime has Alemtemshi Jamir committed in Nagaland? Where was the Naga Hoho hiding when Dr. Rev. Shishak was thrown out of Tangkhul community for apologizing for mistake committed? What do you mean by unification taking place under Sumi community (a single) is objectionable? What moral rights do Naga Hoho has to suppress the CIY for peace by Sumi's?
4. We Nagas have refused to join Indian union in (1929 & 1947) and for this we have paid heavy price. The blood spilling started in 1950 and after is till non-stop flowing. This we did by our forefathers and past leaders who had sacrificed their lives because of the truth. The truth is Nagas have not been subjugated at any point of time by any neighbour or distant nation either by conquest or by consent. After more than 50 years of blood shed, thanks to sensible and intelligentsia people of India that Government of India has come forward and admitted that Nagas issue is unique one and Nagas has right to live as separate equal entity. This is our point and cherished goal, but do we have right to split the union of sovereign India which is lawfully constituted by agreement and consent under the UN chatter of sovereign nation? It is absolutely hue that Nagas in Manipur are Nagas and will continue to be so, but the truth is they are a part of Indian union by consent and agreement during the declaration of Indian Independence in 1947 by refusing to join Naga movement for sovereignty during 1929-1958. We should claim whatever that is bound by law but should not claim that can not be uphold by rule of law. Even in 1964-66 talk by Lt. Kughato Sukhai with PM Emissary, there was no talk of Indian constitution. Why Nagas should now insist for revised edition of Indian constitution? India a sovereign nation will not be in a position of obligation to re-edit its constitution frame by law of sovereign nation. Isak and Muivah should give up this or otherwise give way for other leadership for which if it is to be believed, there is a talks that lsak will be replaced by either Q. Tuccu or Qhevihe Chishi and for which both of them are very busy and happy to shuttle between unification camp and Hebron with powerful backing of Manipur Nagas and some T.C.U. Member in NSCN (IM).
Hence, settlement of Indo-Naga issue is supreme goal of Nagas and integration issue comes later for settlement in its own time and the last but no least is whichever states/country he/she may be Naga National Workers should he treated with equal honour and respect without discrimination in free Nagaland after the final settlement with Government of India.
A lot of critical comments, expression of different thinking and views, and some outright rejection of the unity effort initiated by Westem Sumi Hoho recently in Niuland have been read in the daily news media. Many have failed to address the key issue of vexed Indo-Naga issue resolution but to all out assault for killing the still born baby that is unification of Naga waning factions of National workers. While it is a fact that everyone has a right to express his/her own perspective views and ideas, some critical comments and outright rejection of unification move seems too harsh loaded with baseless fantasies and tribalism of highest degree which requires clarification whatever available facts and evidence so that the matter is understood in right perspective and placed on record for the cause of Nagas' brighter future. Hence, in response to these critical comments and rejection of unity move spearheaded by Western Sumi Hoho, the following views and counterview has been put forward for the Naga people to ponder seriously. 1. Nagas have been fighting for free nation since 1947 till 1980. However since 1980, after NSCN split into two factions, Nagas has been wagging war against Nagas. Killing and bloodshed between factions has been daily affair since 1988 till 2007. But war between factions of Naga National Workers and killing non-stop between factions has been for the cause of integration of Nagas of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Burma. Countless round of talks with Government of India at Prime Minister level around the world and many Naga peace and reconciliation conclave has been held in Bangkok, New Delhi and Hebron (Nagaland) since 1997 for only integration of Naga people living in Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Burma. Fratricidal killing is non-stop, killing of innocent people on suspicion, killing in the heart of town and villages where innocent youths and minor children are killed in the frenzy of factional cross fire. Even on most joyous and sacred Christmas Day, they gleefully killed our innocent, unsuspecting mothers and minor children by triggering bomb blast. These happened in the land of Nagaland for Christ for the integration of Nagas of 5(five) different places. Should not Nagas unite and stop this bloody integration war through unification?
2. The fear and Suspicion of some tribe and the memories of Revolutionary Government of Nagaland in 1968 rose by Abraham Lotha in his "Consensus still alludes road to unification" must not be left out without clarification with facts and evidences. Nagas were under the siege of Indian Military onslaught which necessitated negotiation with Government of India. India saw that only negotiations with Naga Nationalist Underground leaders could bring an end to genocide like civilian Nagas causalities in the hands of army. Hence, PM level talks between PM Indira Gandhi emissary and Lt. Kughato Sukhai Ato Kilonser of Revolutionary Government of Nagaland took to 6th round and was ready to sign an accord for giving Nagas self rule outside Indian Constitution except defence and currency with India. But a certain tribe vehemently opposed Sumi Leadership and refused to endorse the settlement and thus killed the accord, leading to mass surrender as well as arrest of many nationalists who refused to surrender and these were jailed in Nowgaon jail for more than 5 (five ) years.
This narrow, selfish nationalist in the name of tribalism and hatred of Sumi leadership was the main reason of disastrous collapse of negotiation which latter culminated to underground representative signing the Shillong accord 1975. Our only one House where we all live is burning and all are raising voices to stop it, then, who sparked the fire to burn our house? Yes, Naga history is alive, and fresh in the mind of people.
This time also because of unity effort by Western Sumi Hoho, there is a ramblings of ism raising its head, but whatever comes in this land of Nagaland for Christ, we Sumi's will stand for unity of Nagas of all shades and unification of Naga national groups for achieving a single goal spearheaded since 1929. For us Sumi's from 1st World War in France in 1917-18 to Naga Club 1920 to Simon Commission 1929 to Naga delegate meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi June 1947 to plebiscite 1951 to giving safe hiding and sojourn of our undisputed departed leader A. Z. Phizo (1956-58) at Pughoboto and funding of A.Z. Phizo's escape to London by contributing Rs. 35,000/- and bore the causality of heaviest Military brutality such as killing, torture, starvation death, raping of our beloved mothers and sisters by the Indian Army among Naga tribes. However, we believe that only God whom we worship and fear alone is the author of our nation in making. We commit our faith in Jesus Christ alone, to Him we submit and bow and for His kingdom and glory alone. We are not the master of any tribe. No tribe is superior to other or inferior to other among Nagas. There is no specified unit of measuring scale and consensus scale for national cause in making unity and peace. If one love truly his land, his people, his younger generation, then that is the beginning to give up, ism, hatred, greed, self pride, selfishness to give way for deeper reasoning, longing for reconciliation, need for unity, and finally unification for common goal.
3. Once again, Naga Hoho, as it used to, turned out to be the road block backed by Tangkhuls for unity move by Sumi community. I will therefore appeal to Sumi Hoho to cut off all relationship with Naga Hoho like ENPO. Naga Hoho scheme of plan is throw out TMPO and take South Nagalim (Manipur). The fact is ENPO is Naga Hohos creation. Will Nagas in Arunachal Pradesh and Burma join Nagalim minus ENPO? Where are you Naga Hoho? When factional gun battle was raging Zllnheboto town for months killing innocent people and children? When factional gun fire was burning and killing in the heart of Chakhesang villages?
N. K Swu Pughoboto town
Nagaland CM calls for initiating talks with Myanmar for peace in State (Re-issue) Gautam and Vibou Thai Indian Bews
Kohima, Dec 11 (ANI): India should initiate dialogue with rebel Naga leaders and Myanmar to ensure peace in Nagaland, according to Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio .
Various separatist groups in the State have been demanding a ‘Greater Nagaland’ comprising of the territory in India and contiguous areas in Myanmar inhabited by the Nagas.
Rio wants the Government of India to take up the issue with the Myanmar government. He said once the ceasefire is called, peace will prevail and India ’s “Look-East” Policy will benefit Nagaland, and the entire country.
The Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) is fighting for the rights of Nagas, particularly those on the Myanmar side of the border.
“The demarcation (the India-Myanmar border) we made without consulting the Naga people and even their villages were cut. Half of the buildings are in Myanmar and half in India . So it does not make any sense. There has to be some recognition given to the Nagas in Myanmar and only then peace and prosperity will be ensured,” said Rio .
Due to the differences, no infrastructure like road, healthcare or even schools have come up in the areas inhabited by Nagas in Myanmar Rio said.
The Central Government has held parleys with the rebel Naga groups many a time, but without any concrete results.
One of the Naga groups, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) has a key demand for creation of a new state combining all Naga dominated areas, which is opposed by other tribal groups. (ANI)
Body formed to push for right to self-determination Kashmir Media Service
Chandigarh, December 11 (KMS): The All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front and Dal Khalsa, have announced to form a joint body to wage struggle for common goals, including the right to self-determination.

A declaration issued at the end of a meeting held in Chandigarh said, “This body will make consistent and coordinated attempts to wage a determined and joint struggle to ensure that ethnic, religious and cultural minorities are able to maintain their distinct identity.” The declaration came at the end of daylong deliberations amongst activists and leaders from occupied Kashmir and Indian states of Nagaland, Manipur and Punjab on the occasion of the World Human Rights Day.

The Kashmir-Punjab coordination body will actively exchange and disseminate information of human rights violations and arrange for media exposure on a regular basis. We have also resolved to provide moral, legal and logistic support to each other”, a participant told media after the conference.

Several resolutions were also adopted at the meeting demanding the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir, Nagaland, Manipur and Punjab; signing of the Optional Protocol of Civil and Political Rights by India and allowing scrutiny by international forums; formulation of a mechanism to control state-sponsored mass violence against ethnic minorities; and the immediate withdrawal of immunities currently granted to Indian police, paramilitary forces and the military, including the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.


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