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01/23/2008: "Nagaland elders meet to secure peace among warring Naga factions By Vibou Ganguly Thai Indian News"



Nagaland elders meet to secure peace among warring Naga factions By Vibou Ganguly Thai Indian News 23 January 2008 Wednesday
Kohima, Jan 22 (ANI): About hundred elders and peace mediators from different parts of Nagaland held a joint meeting here recently to take stock of the peace pact between the various warring Naga factions.
Gaon-buras (GB or elders) and Dobashis (DB or peace mediators) held five-hour long closed-door discussion on how to help groups sort out their differences.
The meeting was not open to the media as it was felt that selective leaks to the media do not serve the larger purpose of uniting all the Naga groups.
The situation in insurgency-hit Nagaland had worsened due to infighting within the rebel clans.
Efforts are continuing to unite Naga rebel factions.
Zehozu Kera, a GB member, said: “The people’s union feel the efforts have been 75 percent successful, while some say, it has not reached that level. But we are hopeful that peace would be achieved.”
Longrahe Herie, Nagaland DB Secretary, said: “The meeting was held to discuss the present situation in Nagaland, since efforts have been initiated to ensure peace and unity among the warring Naga cadres. So far, we have achieved some success and yet we have been unable to accomplish things fully.”
The three principal Naga rebel factions recently decided to sink their differences and join hands for restoration of permanent peace in the State. The peace pact is significant as it spells an end to clashes between the cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isac-Muivah), NSCN (Khaplang) and the Naga National Council led by Adino Phizo. (ANI)
‘Nagas are master of their own political destiny’ Tanghul.com
Dimapur, January 21 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has stated that the “Nagas are the master of their own political destiny” and termed as unfortunate that a few Nagas by virtue of their position in the NSCN (IM) “desperately tried to place the destiny of the Nagas at the mercy of the government of India”.
A press note issued by the MIP stated that in the “covert operation taking the sweet sounding name of Naga Unification few selected Naga national workers with the connivance of some members of civil societies dared to make cheap of Indo-Naga issue by hijacking the Naga unification issue in the manner of a harden criminal trained for the purpose of playing divisive role”.
The MIP note stated that the “manner of handling the Naga unification was so demeaning that it was like an insult to the Naga people that come from a rogue gene”. “But in the process it takes no time to expose their true standing and eventually they earned the wrath of the Nagas when the NSCN/GPRN declared them as defectors”.
The MIP note added that these people had proved themselves as nothing more than “stooges of the Indian intelligence agencies” going to the extent of “branding themselves as NSCN and rushing to Delhi to get further direction”.
“The unification group with the confused lot of persons while still proclaiming themselves as working for the Naga unity that encompassed the whole Naga areas that respect no artificial boundaries dropped ‘Nagalim’ from their official document and replaced by ‘Nagaland’. This is a cruel insult to the Naga nation at the behest of the Indian intelligence groups to divide the Naga nation under the Indian constitution”.
The note described as significant an “interesting development” which it stated had further exposed the belligerent face of the unification and Khaplang group. It claimed that on January 18 the residence of Q. Awomi, Director, PWD GPRN, at Burma Camp was rounded up by around 20 members of the combined group with the intention to kill him. The panic stricken children seeing the fully armed boys around the house had a harrowing experienced till the father had a miraculous escape, it stated.
The MIP note pointed out that these people who professed to be working for Naga unification in order to end bloodshed is now targeting the NSCN (IM) national workers who refused to toe their line of action to join the unification group. “This is another mockery of their unification call to the Nagas who have tolerated all the insult heaped on them in the name of Naga unification”, the MIP stated adding that the government of India “instigated program taking the issue of Naga unification which the Nagas are so obsessed with met its doom in the scheme of its own making when the very people used finds the ‘unification issue’ too hot to handle”.
Northeast Defies New Delhi's Burma Policy By Nava Thakuria Blaze News
The Northeastern part of India, comprising eight provinces (States) with unique culture and tradition, is often called a breeding ground for separatist movements. The landlocked region nurtures more than 30 insurgent groups, who are fighting with the Union Government in New Delhi over demands ranging from autonomy to self-rule. Surrounded by Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet (China), Burma (also known as Myanmar) and Bangladesh, the region's land connectivity with mainland India is achieved through only three per cent of the boundary line.
The union government has drafted many plans and proposals to transform the region into a business hub in South and Southeast Asia. New Delhi's 'Look East' policy is meant for the economic benefit of the indigenous people of the region. The multi-million dollar Kaladan project, which is designed to develop the Sittwe port in the Arakan coast of western Burma and connect it with Mizoram, is a high agenda for the government. Moreover, the Indo-Burma gas pipeline, though in cold storage presently, was projected as a big opportunity for the Northeast (particularly after Bangladesh showed reluctance in allowing the pipeline to pass through its territory).
Things went well for New Delhi until the sudden uprising in adjoining Burma. While New Delhi invited critical comments from international communities including the UN and EU for its junta (Burmese) - appeasing policy, the real challenge has surfaced from the alienated region, where public meetings, rallies and other initiatives have received support, condemning the military rulers of Burma and visibly supporting the pro-democracy icon, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
In a recent conference in Manipur, a Burma-bordering State in the Northeast, it was unanimously decided to extend support to the people of Burma in their struggle for democracy. Organised by the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights at Ukhrul, the conference, which was attended by different social organisations, representatives of Churches, NGOs and institutions also called upon the Burmese junta to resolve the long pending issues in a democratic and peaceful way.
Earlier the State witnessed a solidarity meeting, which strongly urged New Delhi to withdraw all kinds of its engagement with the junta. Attended by a hundred participants including prominent legislators, political activists, human rights activists, peace activists and others, the meeting resolved to convey its unconditional support to the pro-democracy movement in Burma.
Earlier, thousands Christians in Manipur joined in a prayer campaign for freedom and democracy in Burma. Organised by the Myanmar Christian Fellowships, which is comprised of Burmese Christians in exile too, they expressed solidarity with Suu Kyi and prayed to the almighty for the release of all political prisoners including the great lady.
Similarly, civil society groups of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Assam observed a 'global day of action' for a free Burma with different activities. The simultaneous demonstration in these states highlighted the common concern for the agitating monks and peaceful protestors of Burma, who were brutally suppressed by the Burmese regime. Nearly 20,000 people assembled at Mawphlang, near Shillong and urged the centre to intervene in the Burmese crisis and apply diplomatic pressure on the junta for initiating a dialogue with the democratic forces.
In Nagaland, another Burma-bordering State, indigenous people held a rally demanding tougher action against the Burmese group of Generals and sought immediate intervention by the UN in the prolonged Burmese crisis. Organised by influential civil society groups like Naga Hoho, Naga Students' Federation, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, Nagaland Baptist Church Council and others, the rally showcased placards reading 'Stop Crackdown on Peaceful Demonstrators', 'Free Burmese people from the Junta', 'Do not repeat the 1988 Massacre'.
Likewise in Assam, hundreds participated in a Candle Light Vigil to express solidarity with the struggling Burmese people. Organised by the North East Peoples' Initiative, the programme attracted hundreds to spread the message of support to the Nobel Laureate-lady, who has been under arrest for the last four years in Rangoon. Guwahati earlier witnessed a citizens' meeting, which urged the central government to create diplomatic pressure on the Burmese junta to refrain from repressive measures against those carrying on the democracy movement'. Organised by the Journalists' Forum, Assam, the meeting also resolved to call upon the government 'not to remain silent on the happenings in the neighbouring country and do the needful within its powers to facilitate a peaceful transition to democracy'.
India, which supported the pro-democracy movement in Burma till the early nineties, is concerned over growing Chinese influence in that country. New Delhi later changed its Burma policy and decided to engage the junta in greater economic cooperation. Another major concern for New Delhi is insurgency in the Northeast. Armed groups are using the jungles of northern Burma for their training camps. India's argument is it cannot ignore the junta since it is supporting its efforts in dealing with the insurgents along the 1,600-km porous Indo-Burma border.
But the ground reality is that public resentment against New Delhi in the Northeast is usually high. The indigenous people here strongly believe that the Union government exploits the region keeping an eye on oil, coal, tea and forest resources of the region, but always turns a deaf ear to the perennial problems of the Northeastern states.
It will be a challenge for New Delhi to deal with the public resentment that is growing in its alienated Northeast region.
Nava Thakuria is an independent journalist based in Guwahati, Northeast India, whose main interest is in socio-political developments of Northeast India and neighbouring Bhutan, Burma and Bangladesh.
NSCN (IM)’s banning of Dr Jamir and his political game Oken Jeet Sandham Kangla on line
Although former Nagaland Chief Minister and Goa Governor Dr SC Jamir’s coming to Nagaland State politics have not been officially announced, there already have been split opinions on his coming to State politics. The powerful NSCN (IM) has already issued a decree banning Jamir from entering into “Naga soil.” The NSCN (IM)’s highest decision-making body, the Steering Committee on September 25 passed a resolution banning Jamir’s entry into the “Naga soil.” They said it was the likes of Jamir who had “baptized and utterly immersed into India philosophy and politics in 1960.” He had been a stumbling block to the Naga national resistance, it stated.

While pointing out that the 16-Point Agreement was not a negotiated settlement and that people were not involved at all indicating that it was just a sort of MoU between two groups or parties, the NSCN (IM) stated that being a signatory, Jamir attempted to glorify it through the Bedrock of Naga Society that “attainment of Nagaland statehood had fulfilled the aspirations of the Nagas” and that “Statehood is reality, sovereignty of the Nagas is a myth.” “Apart from further division of the Naga family, what aspiration has been fulfilled? How can Jamir reduce the sovereign rights of the Nagas to a myth just to please his Indian masters,” the NSCN (IM) asked saying there was no greater crime than undermining the rights of the people. “As such, there is no reason as to why SC Jamir, Goa Governor and Alemtemshi Jamir, Commissioner, the authors of Bedrock of Naga Society should not be ostracized from the Naga society,” they asserted. The NSCN (IM) also recalled how Jamir, when he was Parliament Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, had written a letter to P Shillu Ao, then Chief Executive Councilor of Nagaland opposing the discussion between the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and AZ Phizo to find permanent solution. The outfit quoted Jamir’s letter as saying, “If he starts negotiating with Phizo, I am prepared to come back because there is no use sitting here to be only laughing stock. I believe that we are also quite capable to create trouble that the Hostiles could do.” It was true that Jamir had “successfully created terrible troubles in Nagalim,” the outfit averred adding that for Jamir, the Naga national revolutionary patriots are “hostiles.”

Reacting to the charges leveled by the NSCN (IM), Jamir said the Naga people were knowledgeable and intelligent, and that “they cannot be fooled in any manner by anyone.” He said he was utterly surprised that the outfit had once again raised some “antiquated and hackneyed issues which have been amply discussed and lucidly clarified several times.” Terming as strange, the Goa Governor pointed out that these issues were invariably and predictably raised on the eve of every election in Nagaland “in the vain attempt to flagellate a dead horse for some petty and cheap political mileage.” “Earlier, my political detractors used to raise these issues, but now, it appears that the NSCN (IM) has taken upon itself to do the work of some fissiparous politicians who have vested interest. It is obvious that the NSCN (IM) is dancing to the tune of some self-centered State politicians, and this does neither augur well for the organization professing to be espousing the cause of the Nagas nor does it reflect well on the image and integrity of the organization,” Jamir said. The Goa Governor also said elections were an integral part and parcel of a parliamentary democracy enshrined in the Constitution of India and the people of Nagaland also had been participating peacefully and whole-heartedly in the elections since 1964. “But once the sanctity of the Naga movement is spoiled it would be very difficult to undo the damage,” he added. However, former Nagaland Chief Minister and senior Congress leader KL Chishi said Jamir should judge before making a decision, whether his return would bring the Congress back to power or prove counter.

Whether one likes it or not, the former Congress Chief Minister is still seen as one of the most influential Congress leaders not only in the State but also in the Congress circle at the Center. No one can predict on his political strategy. The people of Nagaland still feel that Dr Jamir may come back one day as Chief Minister of Nagaland. At the same time, there is a visible sign of division in the Congress Party in Nagaland especially in the leadership issue, which in fact may invite Dr Jamir at the end to lead them again.
Sumis are no traitors- Nagaland post
The allegations leveled against Sumis as traitors by the MIP GPRN/NSCN (IM) which appeared in the local papers on different dates need to be examined and reviewed thoroughly. Already some individuals have reacted and refuted the allegations but Sumi Hoho as the apex organization of the community may be slow to react which I hope is because of the need to consider all the pros and cons of the matter and come up with a well thought plan of action against such slanderous allegations.
As for this refute, I am doing it on my own individual capacity within my knowledge and right and therefore any confusion or dispute arising thereof; and should anyone wish to clarify or contest my claim should be directed to me in the address contact given below.
To substantiate my claim that we Sumis are not traitors and that we have never betrayed anyone, we have to look at the history, no matter what individual or community etc claim. History is the witness to all our actions. Right from the inception of Naga club which was the first and only platform for Naga independence, Sumi community was represented by Lt. Nijevi Sema who was a very active and vociferous participant in the movement. During 1950s and early 1960s, thousands of Sumis laid down their lives for the Naga cause. During the 6 (six) rounds of talks with the Government of India, Lt. Kughato Sukhai led the Nagas as the Ato Kilonser and although his own colleagues betrayed him, he did not betray the Nagas but humbly stepped down and retired from politics but was an active social worker till his death.
As the talk failed between the Federal Government of Nagaland and Government of India, Lt. Gen Kaito, the then Army Chief, declared martial law to salvage the failed talks but his aids betrayed him and he was assassinated. At this juncture of chaos and disorder, a Revolutionary Government of Nagaland parallel to the Federal Government of Nagaland was formed, wherein the majority of Sumi National workers joined. It must be remembered that not all the Sumis joined the RGN, there were still substantial numbers of Sumis in the Federal Government of Nagaland. Isak Chishi Swu, the present Chairman of the NSCN (IM), Lt. Tolhopu Holo of Hovishe, Lt. Vihoto Sheyepu are some of the Sumis who never withdrew from their allegiance to FGN (few others will be mentioned later). RGN and FGN were functioning separately at a parallel level and the Indian Agencies were taking maximum advantage of the situation perpetrating sharp division, even to the extent of hatred among the Nagas. Another angle of this situation was neither FGN nor RGN could pursue the Naga cause but the people were taxed on all fronts to run the Government and maintain its cadres, realizing the futility of feeding/serving two parallel Governments, the public refused to pay taxes which resulted in the dissolution of RGN wherein, some civil workers with armed cadres surrendered to the Government of India but the others retired and many lived simple village lives refusing to compromise their national pride. The few that I know are mentioned- Lt. Zuheshe of Sapotimi was Angh in the then consolidated FGN and retired as Kilo Kilonser in the RGN, H.S Rotokha Rtd. as Kilonser, Law & Justice, Sukhato Jakha retired as Tatar RGN, Vikiho of Xuivi village Rtd. as Pantong, Khuwoto of Khughuto/ Mtsugho Rtd. Pantong, Kiyeto Rtd. Pantong, Khehoto of Yehemi Rtd. Razu Peyu.
In 1969, a batch of Naga Army of Federal Government of Nagaland numbering around 130 were captured by the Indian Army and were confined to several jails in India. Among these were 24 Sumis. They were released in 1975 after the Shillong Accord. These people had the option to be enlisted to different services yet, these patriots opted to live a simple village life. To mention the few that I know personally, Yekhalu Jimo of Lizumi who is now settled in Kuhoxu village as a simple cultivator, Honivi Sema of Aghunato is an evangelist of the Seventh Day Adventist, Nihozu Kiho now a Reverend is a missionary of DSBA to Arunachalis. (detailed information of these people and others not mentioned here will be made available)
As far as I am concerned, the above stated facts are available for anyone to verify and basing on these facts, I can strongly assert that Sumis are not traitors and further add that whosoever or whatsoever comes up with the idea of branding a community as Traitors are themselves or itself traitors of the people. No doubt cornered people even animals hit out blindly at everything and everyone and therefore their confusion and frustration can be understood but there are some who can be misled by these kind of cheap propaganda, hence this refute.
Aheto Sumi, Khushiabill, Dimapur
Nagalim: Exhibition Documents Hornbill Festival Unpo
A new exhibition in London documents the first Hornbill Festival held in 2000 that saw Naga tribes unite to celebrate the sacred bird. Below is an article published by the School of Oriental and African Studies, London:
The photographic exhibition by Pól Ó Géibheannaigh, An Image of Nagaland, will open at the Brunei Gallery on 17 January and run until 22 March 2008.
The photographs included in this exhibition were taken in and around Kohima the capital of Nagaland in north-eastern India in December, 2000. They show the participation of tribes of Nagaland in the first Hornbill Festival celebrating the sacred bird of the Naga peoples, an annual festival that now takes place between the 1st & 5th of December every year. All of the Naga tribes unite to celebrate the occasion.
The Festival is named after the Hornbill bird which is a part of Naga identity that shows up in the folklore of most of the state’s tribes which is deeply embedded in their cultural history. The imagery, the costume, the enactment of totemic dance is all a part of an ancient ritual, but the circumstances in which these photographs were taken were far removed from a simple anthropological recording of a people’s past. These pictures celebrate a sense of identity which marks a period of optimism in north-eastern India after the difficult period of Naga history.
The state of Nagaland boasts 16 major tribes; a number of these are presented here. The names of the tribes are not a typical recitation of Indian ethnic groups - Angami, Ao, Chakhesang , Chang, Khiamniungan, Kachari, Konyak, Kukis, Lothas, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchungru, and the Zeliang.
In 1947, two-thirds of the land of the Nagas was apportioned to the Indian Federal Union and the rest of their territory fell within the borders of Burma/Myanmar. In the years following 1947, a sense of Naga nationalism arose with the generation of A.Z.Phizo, one of the nationalist leaders who emerged in the period of Indo-Naga war, even down to very recent times a troubled relationship has persisted between New Delhi and the Naga people.
When these photographs were taken in 2000 a ceasefire had just been arranged between the Indian government and the National Nagaland Socialist Council, the Issak-Muviah (NSCN-IM). The Nagas were able, almost for the first time since the establishment of the Indian Federal Union, to celebrate their culture. It is in this atmosphere that they celebrated in 2000 the Hornbill festival.
For the photographer, to be at Kohima at the cessation of hostilities, as a guest of the Ao tribe of the Naga, was an honour. Pól travelled amongst the various tribes and regions and captured these and other images of Nagaland.
The true colour of Th. Muivah- Nagaland post
At the time when all out efforts are being made by Tribal Hohos, GBs and DBs Associations, Churches, NGOs and Student bodies to bring Nagas under one single umbrella, Th.Muivah has created more and more confusion among the Nagas. His barbaric acts of treason and cowardice has surfaced again which is unauthorized and against the will and desires of the people of Nagaland.
By declaring the so-called Emergency (Military Rule) in Hebron Camp, Th.Muivah has once again shown his true colours by going against the wishes of the Nagas and this act is nothing but a desperate and ugly attempt by his gang to thwart any attempt for Nagas' unification. The bonafide Naga citizens pays no attention to Th.Muivah's Military Rule nor Emergency at this juncture as the Nagas today are in the process of unification without any terms and conditions so that the Nagas' common goal is attained.
It is unfortunate that Th.Muivah has upset the sentiments and wishes of Nagas once again. Instead of opting for Nagas' unification, he has expressed his desire that there should be more and more killings and bloodshed among the Naga brothers in Nagaland. But Nagas will not allow Th.Muivah to mislead the Nagas to fulfill his own desires nor let him to exercise his unmandated authority.
Nagas have learned through bitter experiences of the past that Th.Muivah is a venomous snake spewing his poison on innocent Nagas in the name of Naga Nationalism. But how long can we allow this serpent to slither free in our own courtyard. It is time that we destroy the serpent so that the Naga society is left unharmed.
By pointing fingers to his former Kilo Kilonser Azheto Chophy for treason, is Th.Muivah trying to further divide the Nagas on communal lines? He is spitting venom on Sumi Frontal Organisations and narrowing down his vengeance to Azheto Chophy as his prime target to further split the Sumi community. How can this individual who is sowing seeds of disharmony even within a particular single community talk of representing the entire Nagas?
The GPRN NSCN takes no seriousness in these desperate acts because the Nagas are with us and we are with the people of Nagaland, all for a good common goal.
Hokato Vusshe Spokeman, Unified NSCN, GPRN
Unification nobody's business to handle single-handedly- Nagaland Post
The NSCN/GPRN has never been a roadblock to Naga unification. But when an issue of the magnitude of Naga unification is used as a cover up to achieve certain sectarian interest led by individuals with doubtful credentials, it becomes a matter of national disaster. Because a serious issue with time tested complexities is nobody's business to handle single-handedly.
Unless a conspiracy of highest order is hatched, no individual will go to the extent of using the back door to announce the unification program haphazardly. Further to insult against the peoples' mandated NSCN is an insult against God. And God forbids using his name in vain.
This reminds the Nagas when some senior church leaders of the Sumi community throw their weight in favor of Azheto and proclaimed him a hero in the name of God. Defectors and traitors are shouting the agenda of Naga unification; parroting the slogan of anti-integration only to please their mentor. Such persons will ingrain prejudices against their own Naga brethren across the Indian created state of Nagaland initiating the national agenda of Naga unification and revealing no less than the deep conspiracy masterminded by Indian masters to wreck the Naga political status in the context of the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks.
To make the Naga people clear on Naga unification, it is not the business of habitual defectors like Azheto, Kiyekhu and others to harbor on the agenda. They cannot play fool with the people's sentiment that is emotionally attached with decades of Nagas' struggle for JustPeace.
Nagas have been taught to be up against the viciousness of divisive plans like those initiated by Azheto and some members of Western Sumi Hoho and other Hohos by way of hijacking the national sentiments with their sugar-coated Naga unification propaganda.
The government of India in more than one occasions admittedly exhibited that the Khaplang/SC. Jamir is their brainchild, so created to serve as a counterforce against the NSCN. And today this futile attempt is made again using Azheto and the likes to weaken the NSCN and Naga people's aspiration thereby counter- weighing the course of the Indo-Naga political talks. This is the reality of Azheto's game plan that has been tabled and deliberated for months.
For the reason of national rights and dignity in defense of the national principle, the present scheme of things on unification stands rejected by NSCN. Related to this national stand is the integrity of the Sumis in the NSCN, Naga Army as well as in the Civil set-up who remain steadfastly loyal to the cause of the Nation.
Issued by MIP/GPRN
NSCN sets up security council OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Jan. 13: After declaring an “emergency” in Nagaland yesterday, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) today declared that the “affairs of the state” would be conducted by a “national security council till further orders”.
This “council” will include members from the armed as well as the civil wing of the NSCN(I-M) and will be headed by the general secretary of outfit, Thuingaleng Muivah.
The militant group said the “emergency” was declared to check the “divisive external forces” which have threatened the Naga people.
It, however, said the development should not hamper the ongoing Naga peace process with the Centre.
“The peace process should be carried forward,” Karaibo Chawang, a member of the “steering committee” of the outfit, said. The “emergency” imposed by them would in no way affect the lives across Naga-inhabited areas, the outfit said.
The state government, however, is not taking any chances. Security forces have has been deployed in all sensitive areas and patrolling has been intensified throughout the state.
Naga activists call for boycott of Naga New Year festival Maung Dee Mizzima News
January 10, 2008 - The Burmese military junta's planned Naga New Year celebration slated for mid-January in Western Burma's Sagaing division, is just a tourist attraction to earn foreign exchange to will fill the junta's coffers, a Naga organization in exile said.
The Naga National Democratic Organisation (NNDO), has called on all Nagas and supporters to boycott the junta's Naga New Year festival in Lashi town on the Naga Hill track in Sagaing division saying the festival is aimed at attracting tourists which will earn foreign exchange for the junta. It does not aim to promote the Naga culture.
"We are boycotting the festival as it is meant to showcase the culture of the Nagas to earn some foreign exchange. So, we want to tell tourists not to come to the festival. Because by coming to the festival they will be indirectly supporting the junta," Aung Ba, spokesperson of the NNDO told Mizzima.
"We want to invite tourists as well as others only when we are allowed to do so freely by ourselves," added Aung Ba.
Aung Ba said prior to 2003 the Nagas, ethnic minorities of Burma residing on the Naga Hill tracts along the indo-Burmese border, under the cultural committee had agreed to celebrate the New Year festival, that falls on January 15, in the major Naga inhabitant towns including Khamti, Nanyun, Lashi and Lahe, by rotation.
However, following the Burmese junta's declaration of the Naga Hills as tourist site in 2003, the Nagas are only allowed to conduct New Year festivals in Lashi and Lahe towns under the supervision of the junta, Aung Ba said in a statement released on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the junta in 2003 handed a contract to a business company, Diamond Palace, to organize the annual festival in the Naga Hills.
As preparation for the festival, villagers are being forced to build temporary tents, stores, and even hotels for tourists to stay without any monetary compensation, Aung Ba said.
"In fact we the locals have nothing to benefit from the festival. All we get is extra work without any compensation. There are no development projects being undertaken for the festival," Aung Ba said.
The Naga traditional dances and a variety of cultural practices, which the Nagas have preserved with great effort has turned into an entertainment business for tourists and others, the statement released by the NNDO said.
"Dances are our traditional and cultural legacy, which we do with love and to build relationships among one another. But it is used for entertainment this is the worst part of it. If you watch State TV, you will see that no dancer has smiling faces, because they are forced to dance," Aung Ba said.
The NNDO in the statement, urged all Nagas to unite against the exploitation by the ruling junta, saying as long as the military junta rules Burma the Naga tradition and culture will continue to be used to showcase and earn foreign exchange.
Ethnic Nagas, who mainly inhabit the western hill tracts of Sagaing division in Burma , share a common identity with the Nagas living across the border in northeastern India .
The Nagas, under the umbrella of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN), one of the longest operating insurgent groups in South Asia, has been waging an independence war against the Burmese regime as well as the Indian government.
While the Khaplang faction of the NSCN leads the struggle in Burma, the Isaac/Muiva (IM) faction of NSCN leads the struggle in India.
Governor’s frequent trips to Nagaland burdening state exchequer: Parrikar NT Staff Reporter Goa News
Panaij The leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar today said that the Governor, Mr S C Jamir’s frequent trips to his home state of Nagaland at the cost of the Goa government was burdening the state exchequer.
Addressing a press conference today, Mr Parrikar said Mr Jamir’s jaunts to Nagaland have cost Goa around Rs 4 crore during the last three years. He also said Mr Jamir is misusing the state’s money by frequently going to Nagaland and by actively indulging in politics there. Mr Parrikar said the Bharatiya Janata Party will target the Governor during the forthcoming session of the Goa legislative assembly.
Mr Parrikar also accused the Governor of not sending a proper report to the Union home ministry a few months back when some MLAs withdrew support to the Digambar Kamat government in Goa and plunged it into a minority. Mr Parrikar attacked the Congress government on several other counts. He said the health department in the state was not functioning. The Health Minister is only making declarations about various schemes but there is no implementation of the same. The Health Minister is only indulging in reckless recruitment, he said.
The opposition leader pointed out that the Goa Medical College, Bambolim, is functioning poorly and is largely unclean. He said he had recently visited the GMC’s ward number 108 and was dismayed to learn that the patients there were not even served breakfast. Mr Parrikar said the new Asilo hospital at Mapusa was supposed to be completed by August 2007 but the government had failed to meet the deadline.
Mr Parrikar also charged that education in that state had collapsed. Although students had demanded computers, the government has failed to provide the same. He said that he had started the Cyberage scheme of giving computers to students but now the government is trying to fool the people by changing the name of the scheme to EduNet and taking the credit to itself. The Congress government has a mean mind, he said.
Dismissing the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat’s charge that the special economic zones were the BJP’s baby, Mr Parrikar said the SEZ Act was enacted in 2005 when the BJP were not in power. He also said that when the SEZ process was started in Goa in February 2006, the Congress government was ruling in Goa. He debunked Mr Kamat’s charge and said that he has not done any correspondence regarding SEZs with anyone. If Mr Kamat can prove that charge, I am willing to resign, Mr Parrikar said.
He also charged the Congress government of lot of corruption in the expenditure on the International Film Festival of India 2007. He said the expenditure of Rs 14 crore on the renovation of the Maquinez Palace, at Panaji, was a big scam. Mr Parrikar also said that the government had promised to give 10 kilogram each of rice and wheat to the public but is actually giving only 5 kg of each item. This is insufficient, he added.



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