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12/17/2007: "‘Tribalism’ uncalled for: NSCN (I-M) Nagarealm.com"

‘Tribalism’ uncalled for: NSCN (I-M) Nagarealm.com

DIMAPUR, DEC15 [NPN] : Taking strong exception to rival statements that a particular community was in the way of Naga unification and reconciliation, the NSCN (I-M) has said it was unfortunate that in the name of Naga unification, the name of “Tangkhul” was used in a “very bad taste” since there was not an iota of truth in accusing the “Tangkhuls’ as standing on the opposite side of Naga unification.

“This is absolutely misleading and does not augur well for the healthy development of Naga unification. And Nagas in general should not be taken back by such unfounded and misdirected concept on the “Tangkhuls,” the NSCN (I-M) said in a press release issued by its MIP. Affirming that the NSCN/GPRN would always stand tall with all honesty and commitment in regard to Naga unification, the NSCN (I-M) also said the encouraging stand of all Naga tribes on unification and reconciliation should be translated into something concrete.

“In the campaign for Naga unification let us learn to be humanistic and not communally bombastic. Why spread tribalism venom while the unification process is being studied. This is uncalled for and smacks of unwarranted communal campaigns that only tarnish the unification process,” it added. Advocating maturity of approach and honesty of commitment in the search of lasting unity, the NSCN (I-M) said the complexities involved in the Naga problem demanded high moral attachment and transparency. The NSCN (I-M) further assured that it was committed to the people’s aspiration that “Nagas are one and led none divide us.”

Rongmei Council lauds unity move Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): The Rongmei Council (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) has lauded the recent initiatives for unity and reconciliation by different organizations in support of the Naga Hoho's reconciliation move launched on December 20, 2001 at Kohima.
Rongmei Council president T.A. Rongmei in a press release said the initiatives and efforts of the Joint forum of GBs and DBs, Western Sumi Hoho and Sumi Hoho, corresponding to the call of the general public and cease-fire agreement reached among the different groups of the Naga National workers, were positive steps towards internal conflict resolution and also to bring about lasting solution to the Naga political problem.
Urging all sections of Nagas and factions to take the present development on a positive note, the council also felt that there should be transparency in all initiatives.
Konyaks, Tenyimi discuss unity move Minphong Konyak The Morung Express
Mon | In what can be termed as a historic event, the Tenyimi Central Union visited Mon for the fist time on December 15 and held a meeting with the Konyak Union and discussed topics regarding the ‘unification’ move and the Intangki Reserve Forest.
During the meeting, the Konyak Union made it clear about its firm stance on ‘Unity first and solution second’ to the Tenyimi Central Union delegation led by its president, which came as ‘information collection team’. On a more precise note, the Konyak Union said that it welcomes the present unification drive and that it will react as the situation unfolds in the aftermath of the unification move.
“We have always espoused the unification of Nagas and now that a dim ray of hope has been created, we will surely continue our support but having disillusioned many a times before, we will not hastily give any commitment. We will wait for the clouds to clear up and then will give our commitment,” a senior KU Official said. However, on the integration of the Naga areas, the Konyak Union said that the Konyaks would benefit the most since it will mean the reunion of Konyaks of Arunachal Pradesh, Myanmar and Assam, but that will come later. The KU opined that first it must be the unification among Nagas and then together the Nagas can realize it.
However, while welcoming the unification move, the KU also cautioned that for too long the Nagas have disillusioned themselves with false promises, therefore the KU hoped that this time, all would work with sincerity and genuine dedication for the interest of all sections of Nagas. It said that all Nagas must be consulted and taken into account regardless of size and population, for such a massive move will never materialize without the total and genuine participation of all.
The visiting Tenyimi Central Union delegation on their part, lauded the Konyak Union for its unwavering stance on ‘Unity first and solution second’. The TCU also opined that the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO), one of the largest organizations in Nagaland can play a vital role in the unification process.
On Intangki Reserve Forest, the KU said that at this present age when there is so much concern about global warming and the need for wildlife and forest preservation, all individuals and communities must care for the only Reserve in Nagaland. It said that Intangki, the pride of Nagaland, is one of the few Naga assets which must be protected at all costs.
“All sane Nagas must realize the enormity of the loss and environmental effects that will be created if Intangki, the only Reserve is destroyed or given up for the benefit of the few. It does not belong to one but it is the property, the pride of the Nagas in general, which must be protected,” said the senior KU official. The visiting Tenyimi Central Union delegation on their part, lauded the Konyak Union for its unwavering stance on ‘Unity first and solution second’. The TCU also opined that the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO), one of the largest organizations in Nagaland can play a vital role in the unification process.
Therie slams Speaker Nagaland Post
Dimapur, Dec 16 (NPN): Continuing with his attack on the action of the assembly speaker, former Minister K. Therie Sunday said he (Speaker) had buried alive the nine NPF and three Independent MLAs by rejecting their votes in the recent no-trust motion.
Describing the action of the Speaker as “murder of democracy and a blatant infringement upon the rights and privileges of the Members as ensured in the Constitution”, Therie said MLAs could not vanish into thin air.
Therie asserted that there was no law by which the Speaker could remove the privileges of a Member as enshrined in the Constitution of India. “The action (of the Speaker) is a crime against the Constitution of India, MLAs, people of Nagaland and democracy and is a grave sin in sight of religion”.
According to Therie, baring the three Independent legislators from voting was unlawful and worse than disqualification. “If a member is not allowed to vote what is the value of an MLA?” he asked.
Further, Therie claimed the “arbitrary, illogical and irrational notice orders” issued by the Speaker were without the mandate of the House. No law or rule had empowered the Speaker to make rules to overrun the Constitutional provisions of fundamental rights and privileges of the Members, he said. (Text on p-4)
Pointing out the fundamental rights and duties of citizens and privileges of legislators as enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution, Therie said distortion of the Preamble, if ignored by the Governor or President, would go down in the history as precedence.
Know that God is leading Naga nation- Nagaland Post Opinion
The Almighty God bestowed the sovereignty of Nagaland and therefore, the Nagas had never fallen into foreign domination in the human history. And He is protecting and leading the Naga nation up to date. Many Nagas however, do not understand that God is leading the Naga nation. Thus, the Nagas are facing trouble of internal crisis. To let our people know how God is leading our nation W. Shapwon had compiled the words of God in a book form entitled "God's Hand Upon Nagas and Nagaland" and published it in June 2007.
Some educated Nagas attempted to sell out God given sovereignty, and some attempted to lead the Nagas on his own will and tried to impose his own plan or ideology on the Naga people. During the last 27 years after the formation of the so-called NSCN, the Nagas have faced untold sufferings in the hands of NSCN cadres. Because, some imposters and renegade leaders tried to impose socialism on Naga people. The Naga leaders and civilian population who wanted to preserve the age-old Naga traditional democracy were eliminated by them. Thus, they destroyed hundreds of homes and killed thounsands of Nagas. Moreover, they are trying to barter out God given sovereignty with an autonomous state within the Indian Union, which they claimed "a special federal relationship with India".
Soon after they had formed the NSCN, God spoke to renegade leaders through an NSCN lady and also through Evangelist Athiu to stop killing and rejoin the Naga National Council. Even God warned them that; "if you failed to obey me I will work against you and more killings will take place among yourselves". As a result, the NSCN split into two factions in 1988 and killing among them is still unabated. Now, another split took place once again in November 2007 and more killing may happen at any time. This is the fact that God is truly working against them because they disobeyed the word of God.
The Indo-Naga war on the runs of more than fifty years, yet it is regrettable that many of our people do not realize that God is leading and protecting our nation. Many Nagas say Nagaland for Christ or God is leading the Naga nation. Even then, they do not accept that God is leading the Naga nation under the banner of the Naga National Council (NNC) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN). God brought Peace to Nagaland in 1964 and again in 1975, God restored peace in Nagaland when Indian Government resorted to destroy the Nagas with her armed might re-escalated war from 1972. However, the renegade leaders rejected God given peace and led the Nagas in the blood path.
It is our experience that some of our people ignored the way that God is leading our nation and rejected God given peace. More over, they committed heinous crimes, telling lies, false allegations against innocent people and involved in all kinds of evil activities. Instead of admitting their mistake, they are trying to justify their misdeed. So now, it is time for them to abandon such evil practices and to follow the path God is leading our nation. We should value God given peace and sovereignty. Then only we will have peace and work together for the achievement of our national goal. Unity and reconciliation is a must for the Nagas. But without the guidance and blessing of God we cannot have real peace and unity.
Thomas, NNC Member.
NPF is telling lies to Nagaland- Nagaland post
It is shocking that NPF General Secretary who is also Principle of Law College Kohima can stoop so low to interpret the Constitution in favour of himself and a moral-less Government. He cannot forget the basis of democratic principles upon which, the constitution, the law and the rules are founded. First of all we must acknowledge that no authority is greater than the principles of democracy. The fundamental rights provided in the Constitution guides all the laws in the land. No law or rule can be above the principles of democracy. In democracy each is at liberty to raise its opinion in debates on issues. Former Parliament Speaker G. S. Dhillon in his judgment said that the Party should strive to bring consensus decision if not the Members have the right to bring the matter to the House. The Presiding Officer of the party or the House is expected to strive to bring consensus decision. Through the process of democracy, the Constitution is developed. Laws and rules are framed to implement the Constitutional provisions and therefore, they are subordinate to the Constitution. No authority in the nation can over rule the Act of Parliament which is enshrined in the Constitution.
Nine NPF and three Independent MLAs were buried alive by the Honourable Speaker. It is commonsense that live MLAs cannot vanish into thin air. Love is blind is commonly said, perhaps the Speaker's love and affection for the directive of President NPF has made him blind. The ostensible or purported notice not to count the Honourable Members' votes is more than disqualification. It is murder of democracy and a blatant infringement upon the rights and privileges of the Hon'ble Members ensured in the Constitution. When these votes are counted as should be the case, the Opposition led No Confidence Motion has 31 votes against 23 DAN.
Perhaps the notice of Speaker nullifying the NPF Members' votes, is backdated. The Constitution guarantees the elected MLAs to represent the people in the House. The freedom of expression is guaranteed in the Constitution under Art 19 (a). In the matter of privilege of freedom of speech and vote for the Parliament Members and Legislators, the founding fathers of the Constitution attached supreme importance to two privileges which were deemed essential for the success of parliamentary democracy and therefore, they enshrined them under Art 105(1) and (2) respectively and Art.194(1) and (2) respectively. These privileges are those of freedom of speech and vote on the floor of the House and in Committees thereof; of freedom and full immunity from any proceedings in any Court in respect of anything said or any vote given by a Member in a House or any committee thereof. Further, Para 2 of ten Schedule provides that a Member is at liberty to vote in favour or against or abstain at the peril of disqualification. It does not forbid the Member from voting against the Whip if he feels it is wrong. A member cannot be disqualified without giving minimum 15 days to explain as to why he should not be disqualified as is provided in the Tenth Schedule (Disqualification Act.). The Speaker's action therefore violates equality before the law as is provided in Art. 14. Hence, there is no reason why the votes should not be counted.
There is no law that allows the Speaker to remove the privileges of a Member that are enshrined in the Constitution. The action is a crime against the Constitution of India, crime against Honourable MLAs, crime against the people of Nagaland, crime against democracy and is a grave sin in sight of religion.
In the case of Independent MLAs, Dr. Shurhozelie (Tenyidia) President NPF is said to have filed an application for disqualification petition. In my understanding Independent MLAs are outside the purview of Law of disqualification (Tenth Schedule). It is common sense that, they cannot become a member of a party. Knowing fully, their support was drawn to form the DAN Government. Whatever may be the situation today, it is the four Independent MLAs who first extended support to DAN giving a boost to NPF and DAN to form the Govt. They have associated with NPF in all functioning of the Government. Perhaps on the invitation of NPF and Leader of the House, they also have attended party meetings like many public who were not active or primary members but have attended the party meeting because they are well wishers of the party. They are free to do so. They are free to associate with anyone. If they could associate with NPF and not be disqualified, why cannot they also associate with others?
Barring them from voting is unlawful and more than disqualification. If a member is not allowed to vote what is the value of an MLA?
The arbitrary, illogical, and irrational notice orders issued by the Speaker are without mandate from the house. No law or rule has empowered him to make rules to overrun the Constitutional provisions of fundamental rights and privileges of Honourable Members. Maybe his ignorance has led him to this shame and if so, the responsible person should be held responsible and the orders withdrawn before the court dismisses the orders and further embarrasses the Honourable Speaker of Nagaland.
The fundamental rights and duties of citizens and privileges of Honourable Members are enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution. Therefore, distortion of the Preamble of the Constitution if ignored by the Governor or President would go down in the history as precedence and the people responsible will be referred hereafter.
K. Therie
Imkong awaits ‘call’ to form new government The Morung Express
Dimapur, December 16 (MExN): The newly formed Nagaland Progressive Alliance (NPA) under the leadership of I. Imkong has expressed confidence that the Governor of Nagaland will uphold the Constitution and take immediate action in dislodging the present Government claiming that it has been reduced to a minority. In view of the recent political developments in the State and in response to the Chief Minister’s letter to the Governor, the NPA in a press note issued by its leader I. Imkong reaffirmed that on December 13, during the No-Confidence Motion, 31 Members had voted in favour as against 23 Members and expressed optimism that that the Governor will invite the NPA to form a new Government without much delay.
“In our view, the present Government no longer represents the majority of the people and cannot continue to remain in power merely by manipulation and legal wrangling. This has to be viewed with seriousness as the tenure of the Assembly is coming to a close”, Imkong stated while adding that any delay in resolving the issue will imply the emergence of a Constitutional crisis, “which is not so”.
Terming India as the biggest democracy in the world, the NPA stated that the Constitution is clear and well defined and that no political party should be allowed to take undue advantage in interpreting Rules and Regulations of the House to achieve its political goals.
Referring to the Chief Minister’s letter to the Governor, Imkong stated that the leader of the DAN legislature party had himself admitted to the failure of his party whip and claimed that Rio has no longer the moral ground to assert his position on the basis of the support of his partymen. Making its stand clear, Imkong stated that the “NPA has come forward, keeping in view the will of the people and the need of the land, to offer new leadership, and usher in a conducive atmosphere in the State for peace, justice and development”. “As we have the people’s mandate, we are sure that further political developments will come in our favor”.
Unhappy with Patil, NPA heads to Delhi to lay claim Our Correspondent The Morung Express
Kohima | The newly formed Nagaland Progressive Alliance (NPA) has expressed unhappiness over the way Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, has been handling the present political crisis in the State following the December 13 no confidence motion against the DAN government. “We are going to seek redressal from the Home Minister himself for immediate action”, I Imkong leader of NPA said at a press conference held this evening, while informing he along with 30 others will leave for Delhi on Monday to present their claim.
Squarely blaming the Home Minister Shivraj Patil for the delay in initiating action against the DAN government in the aftermath of December 13 no confidence motion, Imkong said: “We do not understanding why the Home Minister is unnecessarily delaying. He should not allow the minority government (DAN) to continue”. He also said that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil had a close link and that is why the latter could not take action against the DAN government, Imkong alleged.
On Many occasion Rio has told his cabinet colleagues that nothing will happen to the government as he had some “friends” in the Central UPA government, Imkong also alleged.
“It is clear that from such utterances that Rio is having some benefactors in Delhi to save/allow him to continue in spite of the defeat in the floor of the house. We are going to seek redressal from Home Minister himself for immediate action”, Imkong said.
Imkong also maintained that Nagaland Governor has sent his reports to the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on December 13, but so far the latter has not initiated any action against the Rio government.
Even AICC General Secretary, Margeret Alva, has briefed the Home Minister on the political development in the Nagaland, it was divulged.
The 31 members of the NPA (17 congress, 2 JDU, 3 independents and 9 NPF legislators including the seven whose resignation has been accepted) will be going to Delhi tomorrow to present their claim for formation of the new government before the central leader, it was learnt.
They will meet Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, President of India Pratibha Patil and other AICC leaders and to apprise them of the political development in the State and demand justice.
ISI links with 24 NE outfits revealed By Our Correspondent Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, Dec 16 — Hardcore ISI operator SM Alam alias Mojibullah Alam alias Asif Alam today revealed before the police that the ISI has links with 24 militant outfits, which are active in the entire North East region. Alam during questioning further revealed that he entered Assam exactly 25 days back and since then he was consistently on the move and even travelled to various parts of Northern India recently.

The Assam Police arrested Alam, who had been under surveillance of the police for some time, on December 14. Police has also recovered a fake passport from Alam’s possession. Sources in the police department further said that the ISI cadre also revealed certain valuable inputs regarding the jehadi activities in Assam and other parts of the Northeast.

However, the sources refused to go into details, saying, “It might hamper the process of investigation.”

The special court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, meanwhile, has granted ten-day policy custody to hardcore ISI operator.

Alam, son of Maidan Ali, is a resident of Azampur under Uttara police station in Dhaka.

Prior to his becoming an ISI operator in the North East, Alam was a Jamaat-e-Islami activist closely connected with the Chatra Shibir. In 1993, he joined Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, a Pakistan-based jehadi outfit. He also underwent training in the Pak-occupied Kashmir.
Bodo women’s body flays attack on Pramila From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
TANGLA, Dec 16 – The All Bodo Women’s Welfare Federation (ABWWF) has debunked and expressed dissatisfaction over the reaction of Tankeswar Rabha, president of AARSU.

A statement issued here by Rita Boro, general secretary of All Bodo Women’s Welfare Federation (ABWWF) and Nibha Boro, assistant secretary of UJBMKP on Wednesday, expressed its deep concern over the reaction by Rabha Mahila Parishad and Udalguri Zilla Rabha Mahila Parishad that supported president Tankeswar Rabha.

Reaction and counter-reaction followed the version of Tankeswar Rabha, who attacked Tribal Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma in a public meeting at Dudhnoi recently. The ABWWF took up the matter seriously and said insult to dwakhna (Bodo traditional attire used by Pramila Rani Brahma) was a humiliation only for the minister but also for the entire women community, the ABWWF pointed out.

The ABWWF said the manner of attacking should be political and that disrespect to a woman is condemnable. No slang, directed either at politicians or at common woman, is acceptable, the ABWWF asserted adding political criticism is always welcome.

Rita Boro, general secretary of ABWWF, further said that to enlist the Rabha Hasong into the 6th Schedule is a political matter and ABWWF too is not against the demand. Every community has a right to demand but it doesn’t mean that some one will make slang comment on a woman on her dakhnwa, ABWWF said.
Barbora alleges Ulfa-ISI nexus The Telegraph
Shillong, Dec. 16 (PTI): In a startling revelation, a top IAF commander today said a faction of the Ulfa is being supported by Pakistan’s ISI after the split of the banned outfit.
“One faction, operating in lower Assam, is in league with Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence and other fundamentalist forces, while the other, operating in Upper Assam has build up a nexus with NSCN (K),” outgoing AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal P.K. Barbora said.
The faction operating in lower Assam has camps in Bangladesh, he said, adding that this faction supported influx of Bangladeshis into Assam. The other faction, active in Upper Assam, is, however, not in favour of such influx. Air Marshal Barbora’s comments raising fresh fears came on the heels of the arrest of a suspected key activist of the ISI looking after its operational matters in the Northeast in the guise of running a coal and garment business. The activist was arrested from Hedayatpur area in Guwahati on Friday.
The 35-year-old S.M. Alam alias Mujbullah alias Asif was a Jamiat-e-Islami activist in Bangladesh and in 1993 joined the Harkatul Mujhadeen. He was trained in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, sources said.
He is the third suspected ISI man to be nabbed in Guwahati. Two others were caught earlier this year with one working as a rickshawpuller. Lauding former Punjab deputy general of police K.P.S. Gill for his “smart tactics” in curbing militancy in Punjab, the Air Marshal said, “similar changes are taking place in Assam and the recent spurt in the surrender of Ulfa militants proved it.” On the demolition of militant camps by Bangladesh, he said, “Such positive steps would go a long way in curbing insurgency in the Northeast.”
Air Marshal Barbora was of the view that the recent ceasefire agreement between the two factions of the NSCN would bring peace in Nagaland. He said militancy in the northeastern states, barring Manipur, was on the wane and insurgent outfits were on their last legs. “Sensing that the menace of insurgency will ruin them, people have begun to rise against these elements,” the officer said.
Air Marshal Barbora, however, said that the situation would normalise once the rail link connecting Southeast Asia and India materialised. “This will encourage the youth to make a living and live in peace.”
The Air Force had been used in counter-terrorism operations in Nagaland and Mizoram, but not yet in Manipur where it carries out only air maintenance operations. “We are ready to help combat terrorists in Manipur if asked to do so by the government,” the Air Marshal said.
Focus on ANLA outer ring - Cops mull crackdown on sympathisers after ban A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, Dec. 16: A ban will help police crack down on the sympathisers of the Adivasi National Liberation Army (ANLA) and nip the outfit’s activities in the bud.
Home department sources said the basic objective behind the efforts to ban the organisation was to rein in the outfit’s sympathisers who were playing the role of a propeller by helping the outfit in recruiting cadre and mobilising mass support.
“If ANLA is allowed to grow, it can be a real threat, considering the socio-economic condition of the Adivasis or the tea tribes. Literacy rate among the community is low, so it will be easy for the frontal organisations of the outfit to garner public support,” said a home department official.
The police already claimed to have clinching evidence of close links between the All Adivasi Students Association of Assam and ANLA. It had recently arrested a few ANLA activists who had confessed to the police that several of the outfit’s members had come to attend the public rally convened by the student association in Beltola last month.
Police officials also claimed that unless the outfit was banned, it would not be possible for them to crack down on the sympathisers or the frontal organisations of the outfit. “Once the outfit is banned, we can arrest its sympathisers,” said inspector-general of police (special branch) Khagen Sarma. Reiterating that the process was on to ban ANLA, Sarma said the ban would help the police arrest any member of the outfit even without any case against him.
“To arrest members of an organisation which is not banned, we need some specific cases against them. As for sympathisers, they cannot be arrested just for being supportive to an organisation which is not outlawed,” said another police official.
The government is particularly worried because some influential Adivasi organisations, including some Jharkand-based ones, are overtly whipping up public sentiment in favour of the outfit. “ANLA should be first isolated from its support base,” the official said.
The official said though ANLA cannot be banned on the ground that it wants to secede, the state government would cite its “anti-national” activities such as attacking government property, targeting railways and disrupting traffic on national highways to make its case to ban the outfit stronger. After the state government presents its case before the Centre, Delhi would form a tribunal to consider the case, home department sources said.
Assam bandh The All Adivasi Students Association of Assam has called a 12-hour Assam bandh from 5am tomorrow to press for Scheduled Tribe status. A central executive meeting of the All Assam Tea Tribes Students Association in Sivasagar this evening decided against participating in talks with tribal minister P.R. Kyndiah in New Delhi.
“Rather the meeting suggested a tripartite talks between the Centre, state and the six communities struggling for ST status,” ATTSA president Prahlad Gowala said tonight.
Insurgency: The 'Cottage Industry' of Northeast India Pallavi Barua
Northeast India - covering an area of 2,55,168 sq km- is the home to more than 145 tribes and several non-tribal communities. A colourful region but, sans the blend of harmony. Since time immemorial, the region has been a meeting ground of races and cultures. But the tangles of history and geography, apart from divisive politics of the modern times, have robbed the people as much of the colours of their lives.
Roots of simmering dissension in the region: The signing of the Yandaboo Treaty in 1826 A.D. led to the inclusion of undivided Assam (comprising the hills and plains of the region as a whole) in the British Empire. That brought the people of the annexed area into contact with a host of migrants from Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan and Nepal. The floodgates of mass migration were thrown open and with the advent of railways, numerous new faces spilled all over the Brahmaputra Valley and many made inroads into the hills too. Such sudden gush of large scale migration is never feasible for assimilation. Moreover, unlike the new wave of migrants (in the form of petty officials, traders etc.), the indigenous population of the region lacked experience in aggressive mercenary activities. They were naive people, primarily engaged in agricultural activities. This created a feeling of suspicion amidst the natives and the thought of being over-ridden by migrants gripped them.
The seeds of dissension had been sown right in the days of the British regime itself. Just as the colonial rulers devised the policy of 'Divide and Rule' in other parts of India on the basis of 'Religion', the shrewd officials cashed on the issue of 'ethnicity'out here. If it was Hindu-Muslim divide in Central India, in Northeast India the ploy was to create a rift between the people living in the plains and those settled in the hills. Sir Andrew Clow, the last British Governor of (undivided) Assam, had secret parleys at Kohima and planned to turn it into a buffer state to have a foothold in the future. Being a shrewd British administrator, he made cautious moves to achieve his goal. He hinted at the establishment of a separate land for the Naga areas and never arrested him. On the other hand, a Naga queen by the name of Rani Gaidinliu could smell the rot and revolted against the British Regime. She was arrested and put in jail.
Rise of militancy in North-east India: Phizo formed the militant outfit 'Naga National Council', the first group to resent the inclusion of Naga hills into the Indian Union. That was in 1947. They went underground in the year 1956.
Post-independence era has seen numerous movements for 'separate' states in the entire North-Eastern region of India. The ethnic and religious differences provide a fertile ground for the growth of secessionist tendency in the minds of some youths. They emerge as the 'saviours' of their respective tribe or community and influence the vulnerable masses. After all, it's easier to make war than peace.
The politically motivated youths form a militant organization in no time and start speaking on the lines of 'separate state', 'autonomy', 'complete independence' et al. The later part of the last century has seen the carving out of a number of hill states from the once undivided State of Assam. The States of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland are the fall out of such ethnic demarcation.
Ironically, even the allotment of separate state status to these erstwhile hill districts of Asom have not led to the ideal space of existence as envisioned by the rebels. Recent years has seen the rise of other militant groups from smaller tribes who accuse the larger tribes of exploiting their limited resources.
For e.g., the 'Achik National Volunteer Council' (ANVC) was formed in 1995 with the aim of carving out 'Achikland' in the Garo hills of Meghalaya. Again, the 'Hynniewtrap National Liberation Council'(1992) aims to free the state from Garo domination. The state of Mizoram has always seen the dominance of the Mizos over the Reangs and the Hmars. The 'Hmar People's Convention Democracy'; HPC (D), formed in 1995 aims to establish an independent Hmar state. The 'Bru National Liberation Front' (BNLF), formed in 1997, came up to protect the rights and dignity of the Reangs.
Manipur, one of the most culturally developed states of India, has its own saga of insurgency. The most prominent of the insurgent groups are People's Liberation Army (PLA), United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and many more.
Tripura is the home to militant outfits like 'National Liberation Front of Tripura'(NLFT), which came into force in March, 1989. Then there is the 'All Tripura Tiger Force' (ATTF) formed in 1990 to oust the Bengalis who have usurped the native population of the state over
In the State of Assam (divided), militancy was triggered off with the formation of the 'United Liberation Front of Asom' (ULFA) on April 7, 1979 in the wake of the 6 years long 'Anti-Foreigners Agitation' of 1978-83, also known as 'Assam Agitation' or 'Assam Movement'. It was aimed at ousting the illegal migrants from Bangladesh who poured into the State in the aftermath of the Indo-Pak War 1971 which saw the rise of the new country called Bangladesh (i.e., East Pakistan). However, this organization has moulted into a rudderless front with no sense of conviction towards its founding principles.
The vexed problem of 'Influx' (illegal migration from Bangladesh) has created an identity crisis among the different sections of the native populace of Asom.
In order to protect their rights and dignity, various militant groups have come up. One of the foremost insurgent outfits in this regard is the 'National Democratic Front of Bodoland' (NDFB), which came into force in 1989. It was a result of dispossession of their land and the neglect of the rich Bodo culture by the non-tribal section of the people in Assam.
Most of the youths of the region are averse to manual labour. The inclination for easy money is quite high among the people (be it young or old) out here. While the 'leaders' of the numerous so called 'students' organizations covertly aim at gaining political mileage, the 'militant groups' overtly engage in demanding 'lands' ('land' being the favourite word left for the militants of Northeast India by the British).
Again, for many, the objective of acquiring formal education is basically aimed at landing up in a job in the corporate sector stationed in a metropolitan city, be it in India or abroad. At large, the 'degreed'(aka 'educated') section lack the conviction or commitment to work for the betterment of their native places.
Resources of insurgent groups in the region: One of the oft raised question is that, who provides funds for the militants to carry out such violent activities. The chief sources of income of these outfits are narcotics trade originating from Myanmar and extortion. Also, the needle of suspicion points to certain international terror groups, certain hostile neighbouring countries like China, Bangladesh, Myanmar and religious expansionists.
Conclusion: It would not be just to condemn militants alone for the violence and disharmony.
As long as identity politics dominate in the region, the ideology of the 'other' society would continue to breed insurgents of one kind or the other. No sooner one group lays down arms, another group pops up in the name of protecting their community interests. This peculiar scenario prompted P A Sangma, the noted parliamentarian of the region to say that, "Insurgency has become a cottage industry in North-east India."
Only when the people of the region shed their ethnic straitjackets and involve in common struggles for the elimination of poverty, unemployment and under-development, the region would see the light of peace and harmony. (Courtesy: The Sentinel)

Sanamahi Meeteis to demand Scheduled Tribe status Kangla on Line

IMPHAL, Dec 16: A demand for granting of Scheduled Tribe status to the practitioners of the Meetei Sanamahi faith has now come up among a section of the community Resolutions to this effect were adopted during a general discussion organised today by the Lainingthou Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup, Mayai Loishang, Imphal, on the theme of `finding an appropriate description for the people`s self-understanding and identity of Meitei Sanamahi believers`,held at the premises of Lainingkol Sanamahi Sanglen, Imphal. The meet, following intense discussions, adopted the view that Sanamahi believers, being practitioners of indigenous religious traditions that go back to antiquity, should be properly treated as tribals, and resolved to pursue their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list under the Constitution of India.
In this connection, it was also decided to submit representations to the President of India, the Prime Minister, and other concerned Central authorities, as well as the Governor of Manipur, the chief minister, and concerned state authorities.
An adhoc working committee has also been formed to pursue and coordinate efforts in this direction.

It was also resolved that in order to to spread awareness and build public support on the issue, various seminars, workshops and discussions should be organised. A people`s convention is to be also to be organised in this connection.
The discussions were presided over by O Menjor Khuman, luchingpurel, Lainingthou Sanamahi Thoubal Kanglup, while Ibotombi, amaiba ahal, Laishram Birachandra, donor, Foundation for University of Sanamahi Culture, Tongbram Wangambam, of Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup and L Umakanta, chief secretary, Foundation for University of Sanamahi Culture were also present on the dias.

Laishram Babloo of the University of Sanamahi Culture, gave the key note address, in which he noted that the north east region including Manipur is situated between two great traditions of Aryan Asia and Mongoloid Asia which is a major factor for the crisis of identity facing many of the communities.

He further noted that it was only since the British period that the region came to be associated with India politically, and lack of cultural relatedness, especially of ethnic culture, weakens the new political association, and racial and cultural differences have come to play a vital role in defining self identity.

Meitei Sanamahi believers are especially caught between the racial-cultural definition and the politico-administrative definition of their identity, being politically Indian and racially and culturally Mongoloid, and consciousness of the two differing identities is pulling on the people.

The problem of acceptance on the part of Aryan culture, and its socio-political system, and the problem of identitication on the part of the north easterners because of the underlying cultural diffrences underpin the identity problems, he said and asserted that Meetei Sanamahi believers may be rightly considered as tribals because of their cultural foreigness to Aryan cultural system. Kangjia Gopal, W Chandrakumar, S Tomba Luwnag, Nongren Khomba, Oinam Nabakumar, S Pari Ahan, M Doren and S Taibanganba among other speakers also addressed the changing scenario of Meitei Sanamahi religion in the state.