[Previous entry: "Sumi hohos lament on ‘unification’ move The Morung Express"] [Next entry: "Nagas are one and let none divide us: NSCN (IM) Page News Service)"]

12/15/2007: "After the US, IM lands at England on its global drive Newmai News Network"

After the US, IM lands at England on its global drive Newmai News Network

Dimapur, December 11: 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.
DAN-Cong face-off reach Raj Bhavan Rio says Cong move ‘unconstitutional’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 14 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has voiced out to the Governor that the Opposition Congress which could not remove his ministry on its own majority, was attempting to reduce the Government’s majority by resignations and increasing its majority by impermissible defections and expressed his belief that the Constitution and his Government would be safe in the Governor’s hands.
Rio in a letter to Governor K. Sankaranarayanan expressed that the Congress was flouting all democratic methods by engineering resignations and defections. Rio stated that if the Opposition wanted to change the Government on the floor of the Assembly as per canons of justice laid down by the Supreme Court for change of Governments in a democratic set-up, the Opposition was welcome to do so. “Nevertheless, it is my sincere feeling which I desire to express to you that these democratic methods are being flouted by the Opposition by engineering resignations and defections which do not have protection of the Anti-defection law”, Rio stated in his letter.
Drawing attention of the Governor to what he termed as “unconstitutional methods” being adopted by the Opposition to change the Government, Rio stated that by en masse resignations and openly joining hands with defectors who do not have the sanction of legitimacy under the anti-defection law, the Congress was seeking to break the house and the Government. “The spirit of article l64(1B) and 361B which ban the appointment of defectors as ministers and to remunerative political posts will stand gravely violated if any encouragement is given to these defectors and the promoters of defections and en masse resignations”, Rio stated in his letter to the Governor.
Rio informed the Governor that during the No-Confidence Motion yesterday in the House, 9 members of the ruling NPF voted contrary to the whip issued and maintained that under the anti-defection law, whip violation is defection and whip violators are punished with disqualification. “If the whip violators are two-thirds in number of the total membership of the Legislature party, then, the whip violation is not deemed as defection and they are protected from disqualification provided first they merge with another political party and follow the whip of the party in which they have merged”, Rio stated.
Continued on page 10
He maintained that at no point of time, the Anti-defection law envisages a situation where members of political parties are freed from the obedience of whip. “Only independents are not controlled by whip”, Rio told the Governor in his letter.
Defending the action of the Speaker, Rio stated that in order to promote the scheme of the anti-defection law and to preserve its pristine goal of attaining political morals and values, the Speaker had issued a direction under Rule 19 of the Nagaland Assembly’s Anti-defection Rules that the vote of any one who votes contrary to whip issued by his political party, will not be counted until the number of such votes are two-thirds of the total strength of the Legislature Party. Rio informed that this direction was not issued by the Speaker on the eve of the No-Confidence Motion on the 13th December, 2007 but was issued on the 21st August, 2006 and re-issued for reminding the members on the 12th December, 2007. “The 9 members who voted against my whip, since did not constitute two-thirds of the total strength of my party (28), their votes were not counted in accordance with the direction of the Speaker and the scheme and goal of the anti-defection law. They are all liable for disqualification proceedings”, Rio stated.
Meanwhile, Rio informed the Governor that the Speaker has accepted the resignation of 7 members and therefore only 2 of them will face disqualification proceedings. Rio also claimed that the “whip violators, on the other hand, intended to bring down the Government first and then face disqualification proceedings but the Speaker’s direction issued a year before sought to nip the mischief in bud but advance the noble objectives of the anti-defection law”.
With regard to the petition filed by one of its member for disqualification in relation to three Independent members, Rio stated that the petitioner had sought an interim order against these members since items which involved voting in the House were coming up on the 13th December, 2007 in the House. “After receiving the respondents’ interim replies, the Speaker made a very reasonable interim order giving absolute liberty to them to participate in proceedings and vote in the House except voting on Confidence and no-Confidence motions until the petition is finally decided”, Rio explained while referring to similar interim orders passed by the Speakers of other Assemblies and even the Supreme Court. In this regard, Rio referred to what the Supreme Court has said in Special Leave Application (Civil) of 1991 against the order of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly against some members under the Anti-defection law and that the Supreme Court’s interim order in that case, allowed the member to draw only salary but without right to speak and vote in the House.
As such Rio drew the attention of the Governor that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker’s interim order issued on 13 December, 2007 in relation to the 3 respondents namely, Mr. P. Chuba, Mr. Jongshilemba and Mr. Khutovi, all Independent members, was totally reasonable with minimum restraint on the members’ rights and maximum protection to the Constitutional scheme contained in the anti-defection law.
Rio maintained that the DAN Government under his leadership had been providing governance on the basis of a Common Minimum Programme aimed at peace, progress and development and that the tasks accomplished so far by the Government have been well documented in the publication recently brought out by the Department of Information and Public Relations.
Pointing to the Constitution of India, Rio stated that it provided for a democratic polity and all Governments are popularly elected and answerable to the lower Houses of Legislatures as per Article 164 (2).
Governor admits Rio Ministry in minority: Imkong Our Correspondent The Morung Express
Kohima | Leader of the Nagaland Progressive Alliance, I Imkong along with the 31 MLAs who voted against the DAN Government today met Governor K. Sankaranarayanan at Raj Bhavan and submitted a representation citing the “unconstitutional, outrageous, arbitrary, malicious and murderous attempt on Democracy” undertaken by the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Addressing media persons outside Raj Bhavan this afternoon, Imkong, flanked by other MLAs including AICC Secretary in-charge of Nagaland, Ranji Thomas told media persons that this was the last representation they would be submitting to the Governor. On his part, the Governor has already recommended the case to the Centre and is awaiting the Centre’s directive, Imkong said. The Governor has also admitted that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was heading a minority Government, Imkong disclosed.
“The Governor gave us a patient hearing and we have explained the facts to him. The Governor also admitted that Rio is heading a minority Government. He has recommended the case to the Centre and we are now waiting for the Centre’s reply,” Imkong told media persons.
Imkong further pressed for immediate dismissal “with retrospective effect” of the Rio ministry and said that the Speaker should resign for violating constitutional norms. Imkong further stated that they would take up their democratic protests in the event the decision was not taken soon enough.
Replying to a query as to how the NPA would form the Government as it had claimed, MLA Hukavi said that their resignations were accepted only after the voting in the No Confidence Motion and after the session. “Once the Government is voted out of power, all decisions are null and void. We have a overwhelming majority. They have no right to decide on anything since they are a minority. We have received the acceptance letters only this morning,” Hukavi said and expressed amazement over the way in which the Speaker has acted.
In the representation submitted to the Governor, the NPA alleged that the Speaker in a “most undignified and unconstitutional manner” disallowed and declared that 3 Independent MLAs cannot participate in the voting of the No Confidence Motion while they were allowed to sit in the House and participate in other proceedings.
They stated that apart from this, the Speaker also “clandestinely, arbitrarily, unethically and in a partisan manner did not count the votes of 9 NPF MLAs who participated and voted in favor of the No Confidence Motion” and charged the Speaker of behaving like an agent of the chief minister and the ruling party.
Stating that the Rules of the Assembly Proceedings allow and entitle any Member of any political party or Independents to take part in voting inside the House as per their conscience, the signatories said that the Speaker cannot flout the Rules and the Constitution of India especially the 10th Schedule in which the procedures and rights of the Members are clearly enshrined regarding voting. If the same is against the whip issued by their political party or any authority concern there is a separate procedure to be adopted subsequent to the result of the voting, the representation stated.
Meanwhile, the acceptance of the resignation of 7 NPF legislators by the Speaker, Keyanilie Peseyie, yesterday night has apparently dampened the morale of the newly formed NPA which had staked claim to form a new government, as they have been reduced to 24 members now, although they still claim to command majority and is demanding for the dismissal of the DAN government. Besides, the fate of two NPF legislators, Tokheho and T. Tali who cross voted in the Thursday no confidence motion is still not known. Except for the 2 JD (U), Huska and Deo Nukhu , three independent legislators, Jongshilemba, Khutovi and P Chuba, who have joined the NPA is also liable for disqualification under the provisions of the anti-defection law if they decides to join any party.
Reacting to the opposition charge that he had acted unconstitutionally Speaker, Keiyanilie, said that he have taken decision according to the provisions of the law and now the ball is in the court of the law. Dr Shurhozelie also asserted that the DAN government will function smoothly and there is no chance of imposing PR.
Besides the NPA led by Imkong, Chief Minister along with his cabinet colleagues also met the Governor and apprised him of yesterday’s proceeding. Speaker, Keyanilie also appraised the Governor on what happened on the floor of the house yesterday.
Meanwhile, constitutional expert point out that the decision of the Speaker on the floor of the house is final and binding, unless he went against the Constitution of India. Even if the Governor was to recommend for President’s Rule it has to be based on a solid ground and it is now the prerogative of the Parliament whether to not to accept the imposition of PR in the State.
Hohos rally for Naga unity The Morung Express

Seen here is a section of the leaders at the rally in support of unification, organized by the Naga Hoho at City Tower junction, Dimapur. (MexPix)
Dimapur, December 14 (MExN): Strongly endorsing the ‘unification’ of Naga underground factions, the Naga Hoho today declared strong support to the unification move which was initiated by the Western Sumi Hoho and a group of Naga underground leaders from both the factions on November 23 at Niuland in Dimapur.
The Naga Hoho president, I Bendangmayang, speaking at a rally organized by the Hoho at the City Tower Junction here today, said that the Naga people have been crying for unity for a long time. He said that the Nagas are one and that the Naga Hoho is working for achieving that end. He asserted that the hoho, since from 2001, has been advocating that the policy of ‘forgive and forget’ and reconciliation needs to be adopted by the Naga underground factions.
Bendangmayang said that some people might view that the Naga Hoho is against the Naga people and that it is not working for the interest of the Naga people. However, he rebuffed that opinion and said that the Naga Hoho has never committed any acts against the interest of the Naga people. In this context, the Naga Hoho president maintained that the Naga people should appreciate the unification of Naga underground factions initiated by the Western Sumi Hoho. He asserted that the people should not criticize the “unification” move since real peace cannot come in the land unless there is unity.
Naga Hoho speaker, HK Zhimomi expressed strong hope that the coming together of the two NSCN factions would be the beginning of Naga unity. Former Sumi Hoho president and present advisor, Vitokhe declared that the present “unification” move is initiated by like-minded underground leaders and not by the Sumis, as thought by the people. He said that the ‘unification’ process happened at Sumi area and that the Western Sumi Hoho is just the felicitators.
Vitokhe declared that this present ‘unification’ of Naga underground faction is a God given opportunity and the people should accept it even if it is ‘back-door or front door’ since ‘unification is only one’ and this is the last opportunity, he said.
Other prominent NGO’s like Naga Mothers Association (NMA), NPMHR, Eastern Nagaland People Union Dimapur (ENPUD), The Joint Forum of GBs and DBs, the Naga Council Dimapur spoke at the rally and they fully endorsed the unification of the Naga underground factions and pledged strong support to the unification move.
Today’s rally is surely expected to boost the morale the initiators of the ‘unification’ of Naga underground factions since a barrage of mixed response has been aired out from various quarters with some fully supporting the unification move, while some expression apprehension and the NSCN (IM) totally rejecting it.
NSCN (IM) Deputy Kilonser, V Horam, who was at the rally, commented that the initiative of the Naga Hoho was very good and he said that it was a good encouragement to see people coming out to express their desire for Naga unity. He said that since the all people are for peace and unification, there would be no problem to bring about Naga unity.
On being asked directly how far the recent unification move has affected the NSCN (IM), Horam confessed that the recent initiative surely would leave a bad precedent on the faction since the cadres have refused to ‘subject’ themselves to the ‘Government’. However, Horam termed the apparent crisis in the NSCN (IM) as an internal matter which will be resolved very soon.
He said that the NSCN (IM) has not declared its leaders and cadres who have joined the ‘unification team’ as deserters and that they are still holding their respective posts in the organization. Nonetheless, Horam said that the NSCN (IM) leadership has been handling the situation very carefully showing a lot of restrain and maturity in order not to aggravate the situation.
‘Unification, a step towards solution’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 14 (MExN): The “unification” move of the NSCNs is not an outcome of a sudden, particular phenomenon but a “co-related political prerogative” the unification group of the NSCN has stated adding that the “23rd November 2007 unification declaration at Hovishe village is definitely a historical landmark and a step ahead toward ultimate political solution”. Unification of the Nagas has not only evolved a significant elevation of Nagas’ political status but has also set precedence for the GoI to prioritize the settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue”, a note from the “publicity cell, GPRN, NSCN” stated while asserting that unification had always been the prior prerequisite of the entire Naga spectrum over the years. “The legitimacy of the ongoing truce between the GoI and NSCN groups, one led by Isak Swu and the other by SS Khaplang should not be jeopardized by any anti-peace elements and the GoI must honor the agreement” the NSCN (unification) further stated.
The “NSCN” explained that the Naga unification is aimed at putting to stop the bloodshed and fratricidal killings between the Nagas. For this, any individual, group, organization or community that goes against the “same spirit” and attempts to derail it will be committing a grave historical and political calamity, it stated.
Pointing out since the partition of the Nagas into several groups and factions, “Nagas have been insisting on prior unification of the Sumis on ground that the Sumis comprises of majority in all the groups”, it stated that the “Sumis have today proved their worth so as to pave way for unification of all the Nagas and thus the question of any backdoor or clandestine affair on communal lines does not arise at all”.
Stating that “where there is peace people provoke war, where there is war peace is desired”, it pointed out that it was “crystal clear what the Nagas aspires and what we have and will achieve with this unification”. With concerted effort, the NSCN group urged to build a united “Nagaland for Christ” and “for all.”
Self-Determination key to resolving political conflicts The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 14 (MExN): ‘Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination’ (PNSD) marked International Human Rights Day 2007 on December 10 by calling upon the international community to put human rights at the heart of policy making and to adopt self determination as a key driver to resolve conflicts in a democratic and peaceful manner, in accordance with international law. A press note received here and issued by Ranjit Singh Srai, Administrative Secretary, PNSD informed that a number of resolutions were adopted on the occasion with particular attention being focused on the need to respect human rights which was acknowledged as “critical to achieving security, dignity and prosperity for all the nations and peoples of the world”. Human rights defenders were praised for their courageous efforts and a call was made for the effective punishment of those who have carried out massive violations as a matter of state policy, it was stated.
Speakers presenting the perspective of Kosovo, the Kurds of Turkey, the Nagas, Kashmiris and the Sikhs set out how their peoples have suffered gross violations and been denied fundamental freedoms enshrined in international law and why they now sought international support for a peaceful resolution of those conflicts.
Alex Salmond MSP and MP, First Minister of Scotland, in a message to the organisers wished the event success. “Given the progress of the Scottish National Party, the successful independence of Montenogro and the imminent creation of an independent Kosovo, it is obvious that the right of self-determination has a key role to play in international affairs in the years ahead and PNSD shall continue to promote that right as a collective human right which offers a unique means of enhancing democratic values”, the press note stated.
It was further informed that the Naga delegation, which had traveled from the Naga homeland, included a cultural troupe whose superb rendition of freedom songs was warmly received. “The cultural distinctiveness and “unique history” of the Naga Nation has been recognised by India itself but the Indo-Naga conflict is no nearer settlement despite ceasefires and formal talks which have continued for some ten years”, the PNSD stated. The PNSD Naga Advisory Panel’s position paper entitled ‘Nagalim’ was also officially launched at the event. It was informed that this will be distributed within the UK Parliament and beyond to apprise policy makers of the historic Naga struggle and its current status.
Rally support for peace, unification Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, DEC 14 (NPN): Far from the earlier turnout, the rally organized by the Naga Hoho in support of the ongoing peace process and unification, attracted barely two to three hundred people at the City Clock Tower Junction here Friday. The poor turnout was attributed largely to hectic festive programmes and other engagements.
Scores of those who attended carried banners and placards that read “We Want Peace” and “United We Stand.Divided We Fall” etc.
In his address, Naga Hoho president, Bendangmayang Jamir said that peace will never be found if Nagas do not unite as it would only lead to continuation of suffering for another century.
Bendangmayang reminded all organizations that the hoho has been working in earnest towards unity but lamented that Nagas continue to be divided by administrative umbrellas.
He also welcomed corrections if there has been any mistake in the ongoing process of unification while reiterating the imperative need for unity.
Naga Hoho speaker, H. K. Zhimomi disclosed that the intention of the Naga Hoho was to broaden the unification of all the national workers and appreciate and provide a backing to the ongoing unification move.
While appreciating the positive response of the national workers, he urged people not to misinterpret but to take it as a first step towards the process of the unification of all Nagas.
Speaking on behalf of the Sumi Hoho, its former president and present advisor, Vitokhe clarified that the unification move was not the initiative of the Sumis but “right minded underground organizations” which happened to be within the Sumis.
He said the Western Sumi Hoho only acted as a facilitator. Clarifying allegations that the current process was a “backdoor unification” Vitokhe pointed out that various organizations including the Naga Hoho failed in their efforts to achieve peace while entering through the front door. “So let us not blame backdoor unification because backdoor unification was the only option for Naga unification”, he added.
He said Sumis had resolved not to fight because Naga people always held the view that Nagas would unite if Sumis first unite and expressed hope that other tribes will follow suit.
Also speaking at the function, Eastern Naga People’s Unit Dimapur (ENPUD) president, Henuh said that the Nagas must go ahead with unification unitedly. Clearly stating that the ENUPD supported the unity, he urged the gathering to leave all isms.
Representatives from NPMHR, NMA, Joint forum of GBs & DBs and Naga Council also spoke on the occasion in support of the unification process..
NSCNs on unity move Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, DEC 14 (NPN): The GPRN/NSCN has said that as much as Naga political aspiration was concerned, unification had always been the primary requisite and one that had been echoed by a cross section of societies including Government of India, International Organs and civil societies, Naga public and NGOs, over the years.
Maintaining that the ongoing Naga unification move was, not an outcome of sudden particular phenomenon but a co-related political prerogative, a press release purportedly issued by the publicity cell, GPRN/NSCN, also said the November 23, 2007, unification declaration at Hovishe village was definitely a historical landmark and a step ahead towards ultimate political solution.
It said unification of Nagas had not only evolved a significant elevation of Naga’s political status but also set a precedence for the Government of India to prioritize the settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue.
“The legitimacy of the ongoing truce between the GoI and NSCN groups, one led by Isak Swu and the other by SS Khaplang should not be jeopardized by any anti-peace elements and the GoI must honor the agreement,” the release said.
It also said the Naga unification was aimed at putting an end to bloodshed and fratricidal killings amongst Nagas and therefore, any individual, group, organization or community that went against the same spirit would be committing a “grave historical and political calamity.”
The release further stated that since the partition of Nagas into several groups and factions, Nagas had been insisting on prior unification of the Sumis on the ground that Sumis comprises the majority in all the groups.
“The Sumis has today proved their worth so as to pave the way for unification of all the Nagas, thus the question of any backdoor or clandestine affair on communal lines does not arise at all,” the release added.
NSCN (K) reacts Reacting to various press statements issued by the MIP/NSCN (I-M) and one by its vice president Khodao Yanthan, on the recent unification move, the NSCN (K) has alleged that these statements were not written by the “so-called MIP” or Khodao but by some vested interest persons who were against unity and reconciliation groups.
“All the statements are usually written by some subtle Tangkhuls to hoodwink and confuse the Nagas general public. The statements were all fakes and figments of imaginations of some Tangkhuls,” the MIP/NSCN (K) secretary in a press statement said, while advising the public not to be confused and swayed by such “make believes” statements.
The NSCN (K) also said that some “disinterested” persons with ulterior motives have questioned the present unity process by alleging that the move was through the back door and not through proper channel or approval of the appropriate authorities. “Then the question arises, that why no organizations or individuals had initiated the unity process even after shouting for peace and unity for the last more than a decade?? And what was wrong if anyone has taken the lead in the move?” NSCN (K) asked. Beckoning one and all to the unity and reconciliation move, the NSCN (K) said all other past differences should be thrashed out across the table.
Pledging to pursue the unity and reconciliation process with renewed strength, whether irrespective of ceasefire or not and the ways and means adopted, the NSCN (K) added “If unity comes at all, half sovereignty is achieved. The next goal will be pursued with united and collective wisdom.” Urging Nagas to beware of fakes and falsehoods, it further said “Let those who oppose the current unity and reconciliation process be cursed creatures. Let the blood of the innocent Nagas that has already been shed be on their heads.”

CF a Christmas gift: NBCC Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, DEC14 [NPN] : Welcoming the six-month ceasefire agreement signed by various Naga underground factions at the joint meeting held under the aegis of the Nagaland GBs and DBs Joint Forum on December 7 last at Red Cross Complex, Kohima, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Friday said the Church has accepted the Cease-Fire as a “Golden Christmas Gift” from the “National Workers.”

Director, Peace Affairs, NBCC, Rev. L Kari Longchar in a press release said the stoppage of bloodshed and cessation of hostility among different groups of Naga national organizations, had been the “heart tearing prayer and cries of the Church and the people.” Giving praise to God for answering the prayer of the Church, NBCC also conveyed its gratitude to the GBs and DBs forum for their tireless efforts in bringing the different groups to a common table. NBCC further appreciated the positive response and bold decision on the part of the NSCN (I-M), NSCN (K), NNC (P) and Unification Core Committee, for signing the ceasefire agreement. “May this precious historic declaration of the renunciation of bloodshed and the herald of oneness in Christ be blossomed into eternal harmony and ultimate Shalom,” NBCC added.
NSCN (K) cautions against ‘fake’ rejoinders The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 14 (MExN): The NSCN (K) has claimed that statements emanating from the NSCN (IM) on the issue of the recent unification move as reported in the local dailies are “fake” and that the Nagas should not be confused. The NSCN (K) in a press note issued by its MIP informed that some vested interest persons who are against unity and reconciliation among the Naga groups have written in the name of the “so called MIP and also in the name of Khadao Yanthan.”. “All the statements are usually written by some subtle Tangkhuls to hoodwink and confuse the Naga general public”, the NSCN (K) claimed adding that the statements were all fake and figment of imagination of some Tangkhuls and that the Naga public should be advised not to be confused and swayed by such “make believe” statements written by “bogus persons” but to “search out the truth and origin of such write-ups”.
Responding to the allegations that the present “unity process has not been initiated through proper channel but through the back door without approval of the appropriate authorities”, the NSCN (K) then questioned, as to why “no organizations or individuals had initiated the unity process even after shouting for peace and unity for the last more than a decade?” “And what was wrong if any one has taken the lead in the move?” it stated.
The NSCN (K) as such appealed to all to come for unity and reconciliation and advised that “all other past differences should be thrashed out across the table through the unity process in calmness”. The NSCN (K) affirmed that it will pursue the unity and reconciliation process with renewed strength, “whether there is ceasefire or no ceasefire and no matter whether the move has been initiated without proper channel or canal or tunnel”. The NSCN (K) also stated that “no matter whether it was through backdoor or bypass or over bridge, if unity comes at all, half sovereignty is achieved”. The NSCN (K) affirmed that “the next goal will be pursued with united and collective wisdom” and that those who oppose the current unity and reconciliation process “be cursed creatures”. “Let the blood of the innocent Nagas that has already been shed be on their heads. Beware of fake and falsehoods”, it stated.
DAN’s vision for development of Kohima: Rio Chizokho vero The Morung Express
Kohima | Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today asserted that the DAN government has a big vision and plan for development of the state capital, Kohima.
Speaking on the occasion of the Kohima civic body Golden Jubilee celebration here this evening, Rio said that development of the old secretariat and old assembly complex into a City Centre with modern facilities, construction of multi-storeyed car parking facilities, improvement of roads, drainage, solid sewage disposal system, water and power supply system, including telecommunications, construction of outer ring road around Kohima and Inter- State Bus Terminus, Star hotels, convention centres, cultural halls, music academy etc. are some of the projects which are already in the offing. “In order to enable us to carry out our visions and plans, we need the active cooperation and participation of the citizens of Kohima through their elected civic body, the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC),” Rio said.
Rio also stated that the high mast street lighting at various points, pedestrian foot-bridge at Razhu Point and Phoolbari junction, and the Night Market recently experienced during the Hornbill Festival etc. were examples of good cooperation and active participation of the citizens in the government’s programme through the elected body, the KMC.
Rio also recalled that it was under the present DAN government that the municipalities and town councils were established for the first time in Nagaland after successful conduct of municipality elections in these towns.
“Although the municipalities and town councils are still in the nascent stage, the DAN government has been taking keen interest in strengthening the municipalities and councils, so that they may become more effective institutions for civic planning, development and administration,” Rio said.
With this end in view, he said, the government has recently transferred all subject matter relating to development and administration of the towns from home department to urban development, and things are beginning to take shape now. There is already a visible positive transformation in the mindset of the people, which is the most powerful force for any development, Rio said adding “And we are happy that we are able to serve as a catalytic agent in bringing about such positive transformation in the people’s mindset.”
Kohima is located in Angamis’ land. But Kohima Town being the capital of the state, it equally belongs to every Naga. So every Naga should take pride in its development and also try to contribute something towards it, the chief minister added.
Kohima town is approximately 140 years old, counting from the year 1866, when the British government made it the headquarters of the then Naga Hills district. However, the first civic body in Kohima was established only in 1957. Dr. Neilhouzhu Kire became the first vice chairman of the Kohima Town Committee for a long period of ten years from 1957 to 1967.
Also stressing on the need to maintain peace and harmony in the city, Rio challenged the people to maintain cleanliness and create conducive atmosphere to live in. We should make Kohima the best place so that the people would look forward to visit the city, Rio said.
Also congratulating the people of Kohima and the KMC on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Kohima Civic Body, Rio said” “May Kohima shine; and may it continue to shine brighter and brighter as the years go by.”
Maintaining that many changes have been witnessed in the last 50 years, minister for planning and urban development Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu stressed on the need adopt a concrete plan so as to progress further. Earlier, Dr. Liezietsu inaugurated the pedestrian footbridge at the Old Assembly Complex junction. In his remark, the KMC chairperson appealed to the people to come forward and give the best for the capital city and make the Kohima a better place to live in.
Angami Public Organization (APO) president Mhiesizokho Zinyu and Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) general secretary Hetoi also delivered greeting messages. Cultural presentations, music, bonfire, and jubilee feast also marked the occasion.
ISI operative held in Guwahati K Anurag in Guwahati





The Assam police on Saturday claimed to have arrested a hardcore operative of the Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence in a special operation carried out in a Guwahati locality on Friday night. A senior police official of the Special Operation Unit of the Assam police informed that the arrested ISI operative was identified as S M Alam alias Mujibullah Alam alias Asif Alam.
He hails from Ajampur under Uttara police station in Dhaka in Bangladesh. The ISI operative has been active in Assam and the north-east since 2006 and used to look after all operational matters of the ISI there. He has been under surveillance of the Assam police for sometime and is currently being interrogated by the special branch of Assam police in Guwahati.
The arrested 'ISI operative' was a member of Jamati Islami and Chatra Sibir in Bangladesh and joined the Pakistan-based Harkat-ul-Mujahideen in 1993. He underwent training in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the police claimed
The police further informed that S M Alam then joined Jamatul Mujahideen in Bangladesh in the year 2005 and had been active in Assam and the north-east since 2006.
The Assam government, the police and the army have been engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the state and have been maintaining that the Pakistani ISI has close links with north-east militant groups including the proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom.
Adivasis call Jan. blockade - Token strike on Monday OUR BUREAU The telegraph

File picture of a blockade in Duliajan by Adivasi students demanding ST status
Dec. 14: The Joint Adivasi Action Committee today announced an indefinite economic blockade from January 27 to put pressure on Delhi and Dispur to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the community.
The announcement, however, also revealed a rift within the Adivasi leadership as the forum sought to distance itself from Justin Lakra, an influential Adivasi leader in the state and president of the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA).
The committee claimed that Lakra “unilaterally withdrew (from) the indefinite blockade” earlier slated from December 17. Lakra was unavailable for comment. The committee is a conglomeration of several organisations, including the AASAA, and was floated after the Beltola violence.
The announcement was today made by the leadership of Adivasi Cobra Militants of Assam, All India Adivasi Youth and Students’ Union and Jharkhand Disom Party. They will now enforce a token daylong economic blockade on Monday.
A statement issued by the three organisations said the indefinite blockade would be enforced simultaneously in Jharkhand, greater Jharkhand and Assam and has the support of Birsa Commando Force of Assam. “The modalities for enforcing the indefinite blockade will be taken at a meeting of all Adivasi leaders in Guwahati on December 27,” the statement said.
The committee said the Adivasis of the entire country have come together after the “inhuman assault on Adivasi rallyists and the stripping of a woman in Beltola on November 24”. It called upon all Adivasi MLAs and MPs to come together to take the fight to its logical conclusion — ST status for the community. The Purbanchal Nagarik Samity, which is opposed to the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by migrant tea labourers, today said it “cannot and should not be met by the state and central governments”.
Samity president Jyotish Chandra Baruah said the demand was unrealistic as “this section of people are a completely heterogeneous lot and cannot be defined as a homogeneous tribe. Placing the industrial labour force (migrant tea labourers) within the ambit of the Sixth Schedule would adversely affect the position of the indigenous people of the state, he added.
Op Burma Tour By H Francis Sangai Express
Media has dubbed the ongoing fight between SFs and UGs in Samtal area of south Manipur as ‘Operation Burma Tour’. There are claims and counter claims of killing and recoveries by either side. When bullets are fired and bombs explode, losses on either side are inevitable.
The UGs can take advantage of a porous border and sneak into Burma with ease and strike at will. Anyway. No one wants to kill one’s own people but the Non-State Actors are playing into the hands of vested interests.
It is learnt that Samtal area has been cleared of more than 120 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Hundreds more lie planted in villages and tracks where the poor suffering hill tribes live in perpetual fear of terror. So many innocent lives have been lost in IED blasts planted without pity and remorse by the UGs. Though they have suffered some casualty, SF has been able to remove many IEDs whilst quite a few still remain buried.
And surprisingly now some of the groups are questioning the very validity of SF operation as if to suggest: why disturb the UGs,? Why don’t we leave them alone? Why don’t we let them extort the poor tribal in Samtal, kill and injure them? Indeed why? And who is asking these questions?
Friends of militants whose own families, mothers, sisters and daughters are safe and not subjugated in remote areas; people whose families have accommodation, food, shelter, jobs and entertainment.
Such people have now become vanguard of human rights. Would these champions like to live under the shadow of some other tribes? Would Nagas like to live in areas mined by Meiteis or Kuki groups and be under their control? Would Kukis or Meiteis like such equations? The answer is NO.
Once the Samtal area has been cleared of the militants , it will help both, the local population and the government. The locals can attend to their fields without the fear of being maimed or killed by IEDs. About 30 persons have already lost their limbs in the past due to IEDs. Some time back local inhabitants had also staged a protest in Delhi against planting of IEDs by the militants.
People who have been displaced due to fear of IEDs can hope to come back and plough their own land. State government can initiate steps to construct roads which will help develop the remote area along its way.
It will also help in reopening of government offices in the area. Government can successfully start much needed Public distribution System (PDS) for the benefit of the locals.
So many human rights cases keep coming up against SF. At least the SF and the Government take action and book most if not all the culprits.
Who is booking the militants ? They are caught and go on bail immediately as if it is their birth right and start the dubious activities once again.
As responsible citizens we need to get together under one forum for PEACE. We want and pray constantly for peace. God give us peace and His blessings. But how will the peace come? People, i.e., Hill tribes and Valley people need to reconcile with each other, create bond, trust and faith.
Who is stopping this? Can the Army and Assam Rifles be held responsible for this grand reconciliation to materialise? God give us moral courage to accept the truth because truth is God and unless we accept truth we are nowhere near God. I therefore wish and pray for that time when all of us Manipuris will get together and clear areas like Samtal ourselves. May be then both militants and SFs will leave us alone to get on with our lives. May be then we will live in peace blessed by God. Amen
Burmese activist honored in Taipei Indo Burma News
December 14, 2007 (Mizzima) Dr. Cynthia Maung, the well chronicled founder of the Mae Tao Clinic, has received the 2007 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award. Sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, the honor was bestowed upon her yesterday by Taiwanese President Chen Shuibian.
The Clinic, nestled a few kilometers from Burma between the Thai town of Mae Sot and Myawaddy, Burma, has served as both a health and education provider since Dr. Cynthia's arrival from Burma in the late 1980s. In conferring the award, Chen told the audience that the struggles of Dr. Cynthia and the Burmese people serve as a stark reminder for his, and Taiwan's own, sacrifices made along the arduous road to democracy.
Drawing the ire of Burma's generals, Dr. Cynthia has proactively used the Clinic as a center for disseminating information and education about not only health, human rights and democracy, but also in related disciplines such as conflict resolution. The "Myanmar military junta is the source of the problem," she said, holding no punches during her acceptance speech. "There is no opportunity for improvement or change under the military regime."
Dr. Cynthia proceeded to say that the pursuit of political dialogue between the military regime and opposition leaders is a lost cause, with the military firmly set to act in the prevention of political reform. International agencies, she further argued, should shun connections and operations with and through the ruling junta and instead focus their attention on the plight of democratic organizations and their ongoing struggle to see human rights and democracy installed in Burma. By virtue of its services provided to many patients from across the border in Burma, the Mae Tao Clinic head spoke of continued and systematic rights violations in Burma. Trafficking in drugs and humans, in conjunction with incidences of rape and forced labor are all said to persist under the general's watch.
From humble origins in 1989, a single, small building and a handful of staff, the Mae Tao Clinic now sprawls over a sizeable tract of land, treating an average of some 200 patients a day and utilizing the services of over 200 employees and support staff. Receipt of this award is but the latest in a long line for Dr. Cynthia, as she is commonly known. Other awards conferred upon the activist include the John Humphries Freedom Award (Canada), Jonathan Mann Health and Human Rights Award (USA) and Magsaysay Award for community leadership (Philippines).