01/23/2008: "Jamir asks Nagas to ‘arise and awake’ Nagarealm"

Jamir asks Nagas to ‘arise and awake’

Dimapur, Jan 22: Governor of Goa Dr. S.C. Jamir said the obsession of the Nagas with the past had narrowed down their perspectives besides affecting them in broadening their horizons and exploiting the natural talents and creative capabilities in all spheres of human endeavours. This was contained in a speech which Dr S.C.Jamir was to have made at the AKM annual conference at Mongsenyimti Tuesday and circulated by Sebastian Zumvü, OSD to the Governor since he(Jamir) ,who was to be the chief guest, could not attend.
In his speech, Jamir said the mental as well as intellectual canvass in the State had been rendered barren and unproductive due to the "staple diet of hackneyed ideologies and alien culture of violence". Jamir expressed his belief that Naga society was inflicted largely by the prevailing scenario of "lawlessness, wanton violence, benumbing insecurity, rampant corruption, institutional subversion and deteriorating governance in the State".
He maintained that Nagas were presently bedeviled by myriad predicaments and challenges adding, what was more disturbing was the lack of will and motivation in Nagas to extricate themselves and their society from this "putrid morass".
He called upon the Nagas to awake, arise and commandeer the fate and future of Nagaland with intelligence, courage and foresight and with the awareness and knowledge of the prevailing global scenario and current world-view. Jamir said his vision for Nagaland was based on a candid and objective appraisal of the economic and political scenario in the world, which is firmly rooted in a pragmatic, sentient and reasoned mental framework.
"If only we can jettison the baggage of the past, the dreariness of yore and frustrations of the bygone, and open our hearts and minds to the exciting and scintillating prospects that await our embrace, we can definitely transform our present gloom and pale into a refreshing and reinvigorating atmosphere where we can paint our future with our own capabilities, abilities, intellect and intent".
He said the most vital and sensitive issue was to preserve, protect, promote and bolster the unique and distinct social and political identity of the Nagas in the new political arrangement. The new socio-political landscape must necessarily provide sufficient latitude and flexibility to enable the Nagas to flourish, develop and further embellish their rich and varied cultural legacy and traditional endowments, Jamir said.
He also said there was a need to prepare the ground and open avenues for the younger generation to play effective and integral role in both national and international arenas. Further, he advocated working out a special financial policy framework for Nagaland for at least the next 30 years, with assured and previously agreed upon funds flowing annually into the State to help it overcome the hiatus of infrastructural and economic development.
He urged Nagas to comprehend and reorient the direction and focus of their strategic vision. The Governor of Goa said it was high time the Nagas united on a common platform of intellectual, mental and emotional unison to clearly understand and appreciate the priorities that lay before them in bringing their State and society back on the rails of all-round progress and development. In this connection, he said properly systematized and modernized education framework for the Nagas could act as the best catalyst in the peaceful and harmonious transformation of their society into the modern world. Jamir believed the most important factor hampering the progress of Nagaland was the inherent insecurity and lack of confidence among Nagas in their abilities and business skills.
"Last but not the least important and seminal issue that needs immediate and urgent redress and intervention is the all-round up-gradation of general infrastructure in our state. This includes not only roads, power, communication facilities, rail link and air-links but also social infrastructure in terms of educational facilities and health infrastructure," Jamir added.
Nagas are master of their own political destiny’ (NPN)
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”.

Jamir shares vision for “modern Nagaland” The Morung Express
Dimapur, January 22 (MExN): Describing the present as a critical and crucial juncture in the socio-political history, former Chief Minister and Goa Governor SC Jamir has shared his vision and “conceptualization of a Nagaland, that is peaceful, progressive, prosperous and socio-economically advanced, that will proudly astride the challenges and prospects of the 21st century with élan and confidence”. Jamir’s speech which he was to deliver at the AKM annual meet at Mongsenyimti but which he could not attend due to some unavoidable circumstances was issued to the media by Sebastian Zumvu, OSD to Governor of Goa.
Describing what he termed as “fundamental imperatives”, Jamir gave a three point “scheme or design”. This include, the “most vital and sensitive issue” i.e. to preserve, protect, promote and bolster the unique and distinct social and political identity of the Nagas in the new political arrangement. “The new socio-political landscape must necessarily provide sufficient latitude and flexibility to enable the Nagas to flourish, develop and further embellish their rich and varied cultural legacy and traditional endowments”, Jamir stated. In this regard Jamir reiterated that this can be ensured through a “constitutional provision that the political and cultural identity of the Nagas is beyond the purview or scope of any alteration, even by way of constitutional amendment itself”. Jamir pointed out that this “paramount guarantee is essential to protect the future political identity and entity of Nagas against any mischievous outrage” and that this “would preempt any deviation from the prescribed and accepted path, even if the reigns of the government in the country pass into the hands of ultra-rightists”. “This is the most central and critical pillar of support upon which the political edifice of Nagaland shall be erected”, it was stated.
While pointing out that there was a need to prepare the ground and open avenues for the younger generation of Nagas to play effective and integral role in both national and international arenas, Jamir called for a “special dispensation” made for the Naga youth in the new political blueprint.
For instance, certain seats must be reserved for the Nagas in the Indian missions abroad especially in the South-east Asian countries, to facilitate their networking and specific engagements. This would also be in perfect harmony with our avowed policy of ‘Look East’ which can unravel exciting prospects for the entire north-eastern region in terms of trade, economic and socio-cultural linkages and growth, Jamir stated.
Jamir also expressed the view that a “special financial policy framework” needed to be worked out for the state of Nagaland for at least the next 30 years, with assured and previously agreed upon funds flowing annually into the state to enable it to overcome the hiatus of infrastructural and economic development vis-à-vis the rest of the country. “The present funding patterns and schemes can never really accomplish the task of bridging this stupendous divide, which only adds to the sense of relative deprivation and abets frustration and negativity”, Jamir pointed out and added that this “guaranteed special financial dispensation must form a part and parcel of any evolving political solution for the Nagas”.
Speaking about a new vision and fresh perspective, Jamir pointed out that while designing our political future all Nagas must come together with “unity of purpose and ingeniously chart out their political future themselves based on the practical, pragmatic, credible and objective evaluation and assessment of their political foundations and historical background”. Jamir stated that “we are the masters of our own destiny and the sooner we realize this and move forward, the better it is for the entire Naga society”. Related text on Business Page
Aliens trying to relegate indigenous Nagas- Nagaland Post Opinion
It is natural that in any conflict, political, social, or economic etc. there would always be a section that scheme to benefit out of turmoil. Such is the fact that some section of the Nagas, specially from Manipur State are vehemently opposing the ongoing Naga unification for obvious reasons, that they need and want to continue to exploit the situation using the banner of Naga Nationalism.
It is an undeniable fact that these sections has for decades exploited natural, economic, social, political and human resources of the Nagas for their imperialistic ambitions.
Nagas have forcibly been subject to pawns and tools with the barrel of gun, our homes and hearths have been invaded and our culture of honesty, respect, dignity and brotherhood defiled. The aliens in the guise of Naga nationalism has forcibly occupied our land and is trying to relegate the indigenous Nagas to a status of slaves in our own homeland.
Our voices choked, rights deprived, freedom censored and fraternity destroyed, so that, they continue to flourish and prosper at the expense of Naga peril, these sections are only plotting to subjugate the Nagas in order to prolong their despotic hold over the Nagas.
Considering the present turmoil in the Naga country, it is discerned that, the immediate threat to the Naga unification emanates from within (Hebron Camp) and convincingly at the behest of our sole adversary. If the present Naga unification is to be dubbed as back door, unprincipled, un-mandated and anti-national, does it also imply that stand of Naga Hoho, ENPO, NBCC, Nagaland DB'S and GB'S forum including Sumi Hoho and hosts of Naga civil bodies are anti-Naga for the reason that they propagate and support the ongoing Naga unification? Is killings and bloodsheds the National principle or the front door policy of Naga unification as being advocated by dubious characters camping at Hebron?
How long must the Nagas subscribe to the shrouded ideologies and divisive policies of such section that assert and practice violence and fratricides as the means to subjugate the entire Nagas on the pretext of Naga Nationalism?
We query thus, dear Hebron Campers, kindly spell out as to what is your so claimed front door or national principle for Naga unification? The Nagas have borne enough pains and sufferings on the course of our sojourn for sovereignty and we no more ask for war but peace and unification, therefore should Naga unification be a stumbling block to your tribal and materialistic ambitions, kindly leave us alone or face the wrath of the Nagas.
"Bloom where you are planted rather than be enticed by greed for conquest over neighbor's possession, for in the end you'd be driven back to where you belong and even be deprived of everything you rightfully own"
Publicity Cell, GPRN/NSCN
NSCN (IM)’s banning of Dr Jamir and his political game Nagarealm.com[Oken Jeet Sandham]

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.

‘Karbis on verge of losing identity’ Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIPHU, Jan 22 – Intensifying the demand of United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), the Karbi Anglong People’s Party (KAPP) took out a massive procession at Diphu in Karbi Anglong seeking immediate solution to the UPDS demands.

Talking to this correspondent, Nilambar Rongpi and Bhaskar Phangcho, president and secretary of KAPP respectively, said that Karbis are on the verge of losing their own socio-cultural and linguistic identity by remaining under the Government of Assam. The region has been forced to bear the brunt of unmitigated political unrest in the last few decades. Insurgency and violence have brought untold suffereings to the people of the district, they added.

They further said that continued acts of suppression, oppression and neglect by the state machinery and discrimination in the field of education and employment have sown seeds of discord among the people and now “we realise that the future is not safe under Assam Government. Considering these facts, KAPP has extended it’s support to the charter of demands of UPDS. The KAPP is optimistic that the present peace talks between the Government of India, UPDS and the state government will bring a fruitful solution and as a result peace shall dawn in the strife-torn hill district, they said. Bhaskar Phangsu further expressed his apprehension that any delay or half-hearted approach on the part of the government in fulfil the demands of the UPDS may lead to more destructive activities and miseries of the people.

Since UPDS entered into peace fact on May 23, 2007 the Government has held only six rounds of talk with the UPDS and the peace agreement with UPDS and government is going to expire on 31st January 2008 which is a very dismal sign to bring peace in the district Phangsho added.

Later on the KAPP also submitted a memorandum to Shivraj Patil, Home minister of India through deputy commissioner demanding immediate solution of UPDS demands. KAPP further warned the government that delay and apathy towards the demands of the UPDS may lead to a vigrous democratic movement.

New Robinhood By J. Geoffery Article Sangai Express
Robin Hood is a person who robs Peter (Rich) to help Paul (poor). In today’s jargon one can say that any person or any organisation that promises a solution to social evils assumes this philanthropic image. So is the case of present National Socialist Council of Nagaland (unified) i.e. NSCN (U). Society had been fed up with ongoing fratricidal killings and its collateral damage to the social system of beautiful Nagaland. This has been echoed time and again in the form of public uproar, initiative by Church, GB and DB association and NGOs in the past.
23rd Nov 07 will become a historic day, if the new organisation achieves its aim of calling NO to fratricidal killings and other types of violence in the society. Despite all the existing violence the state has made noticeable progress in various fields in the last decade. Imagine the quantum of development that would have been if there was total peace, a forerunner to lasting progress and development. The new organisation needs a composed analysis regarding reasons of its birth and its future.
Reasons of its birth are not very far to seek. NSCN was formed in 1980 after their differences with Naga National Council (NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) over implementation of Shillong Accord. NSCN was further split into NSCN (Isak-Muivah (IM) and NSCN (Khaplang (K) in 1988. Both factions have been belligerent since then. Before we arrive at the reasons it would be in order to glance through demographic statistics of both the groups. NSCN (IM) has almost 1/3rd Tangkhuls, 1/3rd Semas and balance rest of the tribes. Similarly NSCN (K) has 1/3rd Konyaks, 1/3rd Semas and balance rest of the tribes. Present unification has been engineered by Western Sumi HoHo (WSH) and all defected Sumi cadres have formed a new group. They are led by the defected leaders like Azeto Chophy, Kilo Kilonser of NSCN (IM) and younger brother of Isak Swu President NSCN (IM) among others.
It is learnt that Sumi unification was initiated by Isak Swu in August 2007 when he appealed to the Sumis to unify and pave way for unification of all Nagas. The same has fructified now. Efforts of unification had also been made earlier in 1999, 2004 and 2006 but failed due to some vested interests.
It is also learnt that power is held in the hands of one tribe in NSCN (IM) vis a vis NSCN (K). Probably the present unification is the result of certain factors of immediate past. High handed attitude of NSCN (IM) against certain tribes in Dimapur. That led to Wungram Colony inferno in April 2007. Certain tribes in Julukie Jangdi village & Intagaki RF have been denied their rights unilaterally. Fear and tension that prevailed amongst people of Zunheboto as a result of large number of inter factional clashes in the area. Incidentally this was declared a peace zone and neutral zone during previous peace talks that failed.
Now the present and futuristic status of the new set up. It has been supported by Semas, Changs, Aos, Konyaks i.e. approx 33% of total population of Nagaland. Besides this the move has also been supported by Ex Government of Nagaland (GoN), apex public organization Naga HoHo, GBs, & DBs and various other NGOs. It has also been criticized by the certain tribes - Angamis, Pochury, Teniyimi, Yimchunger in NSCN (IM) dominated areas i.e. approximately 12 % of total population of Nagaland. It has also been criticized by Naga International Support Centre (NISC) based in the Netherlands and Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) based at Hague. In fact it does not affect these two organizations because they are enjoying lives sitting abroad and this move will affect flow of funds for their survival. Notwithstanding the present support base, if we divide the balance population (approx 55%) on 50-50 basis in support and against of either group, the NSCN (U) will have support of almost 60% and more population vis a vis the other group. This conveys the mass sentiment.
There are certain fears due to statements issued by K leaders and emergency imposed by Isak Swu in view of public opposition and president’s rule in the state. Brig Niki Sumi of K group had said, “It would be obligatory on our part to use any means available at our disposal to counter act subversive factors trying to break our patience—”. On 13th January while imposing emergency Isak Swu had said, “it is to check unwanted situation and external divisive force which is interfering in the internal affairs of Naga people and thereby creating law and order problem, forcing threat to sovereign rights of Nagas”. Both these statements have violent threats hidden in them.
Besides the support from K group there are news of the new organization acquiring arms and ammunition. It has already started delineating areas for its tax collection. This may lead to clash of interests with other armed organisation and ultimately a third armed organisation may come up leading to and more bloodshed. Presently leadership issue has been left open to SS Konyak and Isak Swu. May be the latter will assume leadership due to the reasons. One, his own younger brother, a senior ranking cadre of deserted outfit, is in the new outfit. Two, the process had been his brain child. Three, there are reports of infighting in the senior leadership of NSCN (IM). The peace process must reach its culmination because it is no longer good to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace and live in peace. It will save children from being orphaned. It will save parents the agony of losing their child. It will save avoidable loss to public property. It will create favourable environment for tourism industry. It will pave way to the benefits of economic boom for the state. Then and only then we can live a life of prosperity, tranquillity and strength and leave behind a legacy of progress for our generations to come. It will not be wrong to quote a biblical saying. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” Ephesian 1:18. email: jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM

Ministry of Information and Publicity PRESS RELEASE
23rd Jan 2008

To the Nagas the unification call has come as a cruel deception. Because in the name of Naga unification the forces behind the unification initiative never speak the language of unification other than uttering venomous attack on communal line. That was the beginning of the downfall and the premature damnation of the false preachers of unification. Because the Nagas are no longer naïve to be fooled by such sweet sounding slogan of Naga unification without finding any reflection in the ground reality. The ground reality shows nothing more than parochialism and communalism, and that too in a very belligerent manner. But the Nagas are no fool, not to question the hypocrisy and the diabolic program behind the façade of Naga unification. Because as much as the communal sentiments the forces behind the unification have, the greater is the national sentiments of the Nagas who voiced their stand against unification on communal line and away from the concept of Nagalim. This is the crux of the issue. Otherwise, there is no single group of Nagas who is against Naga unification. This also goes to show that for the love of Nagalim, the Nagas are so obsessed with unification. But for the wrong approach or exploitation of this obsession, this sensitive national agenda remains elusive.

Motivated by the spirit of goodness for the society they represent there is no reason why Nagas civil societies like Naga Hoho, ENPO, NBCC, Nagaland GBs and DBs forum including the Sumi Hoho should not be obsessed with Naga unification if carried out in good spirit. Nagas should never undermine the role of these civil societies and NSCN attached special place of importance to them because people's movement should respect people's representative bodies. But one should not go to the extent of misguiding them on such issue of national magnitude. Tracking their names in the wrong course will only boomerang in due course of time.

There is no denying of the fact about the Nagas having suffered enough in the post many years. But the pain and hardship does not mean selling our right and making a mockery of our principle. The Nagas have earned respect and honor in the national and international fora for tenaciously defending the Naga national principle.

Issued by:
MIP/GPRN

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM

Ministry of Information and Publicity

PRESS RELEASE
23rd Jan 2008

INFORMATION

The invitees, delegates and well wishers attending "the Martyr Memorial Stone Erection" of Nganping Gonmei, Zeliangrong Region on 31 st January, 2008 at Bunning Village of Tamei Sub-Division, are requested to come well equipped with warm bedding and traditional customs.

Program Committee NMSE Issued through MIP

China and U.S. remain at loggerheads over Burma Mizzima News
The latest round of diplomatic sparring between China and the United States over how best to deal with Burma has once again ended with little substantive agreement in approach.
The single aspect of concurrence appears to be in support for the initiatives of the United Nations Special Envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari.
Following last week's Security Council proclamation that the return of Gambari to Burma could achieve positive results, China yesterday urged the Burmese junta to expedite the return of the Special Envoy to the country. Both China and the United States are permanent members of the Security Council. Junta authorities had recently stated that the next visit of Gambari would be delayed until April. However Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu, while calling on Burmese authorities to permit an earlier return of Gambari, also instructed the international community that it is important to remain "objective" in their approach to Burma.
Yu drew a strict line between a Chinese policy characterized by "constructive assistance" and the confrontational stance epitomized by the United States and its heavy reliance on the implementation of sanctions against Burma and its ruling generals.
The response yesterday from the Chinese Ministry came one day after a United States State Department official appealed to China to increase pressure on the Burmese junta, describing the current state of affairs in Burma as "downhill on all fronts".
Yu stated that the situation in Burma today is much improved from that which gripped the country at the height of last year's protests. Speaking in Hanoi at the end of a regional tour, Scot Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Southeast Asia, followed up harsh words for Burma's generals with the advice to the international community that they must not be perceived as "anti-Burma".
In the alphabet soup of emissaries seeking to find a breakthrough regarding Burma, European Union Envoy to Burma, Peiro Fassino, is scheduled to arrive in Southeast Asia this weekend to further discuss the situation in Burma and the prospect for constructive dialogue between the generals and opposition leaders. Fassino was in China last month in pursuit of the same goal.
Poet arrested for writing "Power Crazy Than Shwe" Mizzima News
Chiang Mai, Thailand – Burmese authorities on Tuesday arrested a veteran poet, Saw Wai, over a Valentines Day poem carried in the Rangoon-based Burmese weekly Love Journal, according to sources in the literary community. Sources said Saw Wai was arrested and is being interrogated for publishing a poem in this week's issue of Love Journal. When the initial letters of the lines of his poem, entitled February Fourteen, are put together, the sentence "Power Crazy Than Shwe" is spelled in Burmese.
Myat Khaing, editor of the Journal, said he innocently allowed the poem to be published as he believed it was a romantic poem exalting Valentines Day, which falls on February fourteenth.
"I believed the poem was a romantic poem," said Myat Khaing, adding that he, as editor of the weekly, has had to file a petition to authorities. Myat Khaing, however, declined to go into further details. Sources said officials at the Burmese Press Scrutiny and Registration Board warned Myat Khaing not to repeat his mistake in the future and threatened that severe action would be taken if he did so. Earlier, in July 2007, the Myanmar Times, a semi-official English-language weekly journal in Burma, ran an advertisement by a bogus tour agency carrying the hidden word, 'Killer Than Shwe'.
The Press Scrutiny and Registration Board, which strictly censors all publications in Burma, overlooked the embedded message and allowed the paper to carry the ad.
The Danish artist group Surrend later claimed responsibility for the ad, which appeared to be an invitation to Scandinavian tourists to visit Burma, but instead mocked the Burmese head of state. Meanwhile, an online advertisement for shampoo, carrying hidden words critical of Senior General Than Shwe, is being circulated among Internet users.

Nagalim.NL News

01/23/2008: "Jamir asks Nagas to ‘arise and awake’ Nagarealm"