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02/12/2008: "Naga UGs against Indian election morungexpress"



Naga UGs against Indian election morungexpress

Dimapur, February 11 (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has notified and issued directions to all its cadres of all ranks not to directly involve themselves in the coming “Indian imposed elections in Nagaland” and cautioned that this directive should be adhered to in letter and spirit. AZ Jami, convener of council of kilonsers however stated that some other groups of Nagas—“the so called freedom fighters have prepared to directly involve in the said election and they have already stationed their cadres in all strategic points to campaign and fight for their favoured party and candidates”.
“Therefore, the NSCN cadres of all ranks, i.e. both civil and army personnel are directed to get prepared for preventing and checking all such anti-national activities at any cost in order to maintain and display sanctity of the Naga freedom movement before the world”, Jami stated while cautioning that any army commander or civil authorities found “non-performing will be persecuted as per the law of the GPRN”.
Meanwhile, in a separate press note, the NNC while rejecting what it termed as “India’s forced and bogus election in Nagaland”, has gone to the extent of directing that “no Naga shall involve in the Indian elections and advice all Naga people not to participate in the Indian election but to stay at home when such proxy election of India is forced in any part of Nagaland”. A press note issued by L. Kaiso, Secretary in-charge of NNC stated that Nagaland was never and “will never be part of India” and that Nagas have nothing to do with the “Indian proxy and bogus election”. “Election of India is not Naga national affairs”, the NNC stated and directed that no Naga should involve in the elections.

Stay away from elections: NNC Nagaland Page

Dimapur, February 11: The Naga National Council (NNC) has directed all Nagas not to involve in the forthcoming "Indian proxy and bogus election." It advised all Nagas to "stay at home when such proxy election of India is forced in any part of Nagaland."
In a statement issued by its secretary in-charge, L Kaiso, the NNC asserted that election of India is not Naga national affairs.
"Naga people rejected the Indian's forced and bogus election in Nagaland. Nagaland was never and will never be part of India. Nagas have nothing to do with the Indian proxy and bogus election," it added. (Page News Service)
NSCN (K) admits inducting Arunachal youths Nagaland Page

Guwahati, February 11: A frontline Naga separatist group on Monday rejected charges that it had abducted 39 boys from the frontier state of Arunachal Pradesh in January, saying the youths had joined the outfit of their own volition following a 'recruitment drive'.
Authorities in Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Myanmar and China's Tibet region, had accused the National Socialist Council of Nagaland faction headed by S S Khaplang (NSCN-K) of forcibly taking away the youths from the state's Tirap and Changlang districts, inducting them into the group and giving them arms training at their bases in Myanmar.
The 39 youths, according to the Arunachal Pradesh government, were 'kidnapped' by the NSCN(K) sometime in January and forcibly recruited by the Naga outfit. All the youths were either students or unemployed locals in the area.
Officials in Arunachal Pradesh said 15 of the youths had 'escaped' from NSCN(K) camps in Myanmar last week and have been re-united with their families. Some of the boys, reports said, were set free by the rebel group after their parents' pleading.
The NSCN(K), however, said the youths had joined the group after it had launched a recruitment drive in January.
'These boys came and joined us voluntarily. Our recruitment campaign that began in January is still on,' K Mulatonu, a senior NSCN(K) leader, told a news agency.
Mulatonu said all the new recruits are being screened by his group and the 15 boys who were said to have 'escaped' were actually not found fit by his group and, therefore, allowed to leave and go home.
The matter has generated a lot of heat in Arunachal Pradesh with state Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu bringing it to the notice of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his recent visit to the state.
Even the influential All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union, the state's apex student group, has accused the NSCN(K) of abducting the youths.
Two cases have been lodged with the police in Arunachal Pradesh concerning the 'abducted' youths.
The NSCN(K), fighting for a Naga homeland and currently on a ceasefire with the Indian government, has considerable presence and influence in Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The group's headquarters is located across the border in Myanmar where it is said to have up to 5,000 cadres. The NSCN-K is currently operating a ceasefire with New Delhi since 2001 although no formal talks have taken place between the two sides.
'Our ceasefire is only restricted to Nagaland and hence there is no question of violating the truce as the recruitment drive is on in Arunachal Pradesh,' Mulatonu said. (Agencies)

Cong insists on full implementation of 16 Pt Agreement

Kohima, February 11: Nagaland Congress said party will continue to insist for full implementation of 16 Point Agreement of 1960, despite opposition from Manipur.
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president, Hokheto Sumi today said objection, particularly from the Manipur government against integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative unit was unbecoming and inappropriate. He said the pact, which mentions Naga integration has not been implemented for the last more than 40 years.
Sumi said there was no objection from Manipur when the agreement was signed and rising objection at this juncture will not be accepted by the Nagas.
"We will continue to insist the central government for full implementation of the agreement," Sumi said.
Reacting to the reports of uproar in Manipur over the Nagaland Congress' manifesto for March 6 elections which has mentioned of 16 Point Agreement and commitment by Siddharth Patil for full implementation of the agreement, the NPCC president said the opposition and protest from the parties in Manipur, including the state unit of Congress, was totally irrational and objectionable.
He said there was no question of scraping the 16 Point Agreement from the party manifesto as insisted by the Manipur government and the parties. "We'll go ahead with the manifesto," Sumi added. He urged the Centre for total implementation of the pact in letter and spirit.
The manifesto states that Congress will continue to urge upon the government of India the need to implement the pact in letter and spirit.
So far the Centre is yet to implement the Clauses 2 and 13 of the agreement. If implemented Nagaland will be placed under external affairs ministry as per the Clause 2.
Sumi regretted that even after 40 years, the Centre has failed to implement the pact in toto.
Meanwhile according to congress sources party top leaders, including AICC president, Sonia Gandhi who will be visiting the state soon would make further statements on the 'agreement'.
The 'agreement' was signed between the Centre and the Naga People's Convention in July 1960 to end the bloody war in Naga Hills and create separate statehood for the Nagas.
So far no organizations that have been demanding Naga integration has come out with any statement on the issue. They wanted to wait and watch the development first, according to sources from Naga organizations.
Naga Hoho leading the team has been spearheading for Naga integration, while the major Naga outfit, NSCN (IM) has repeatedly told the centre that without Naga integration there would be no solution to the Naga political problem. (Page News Service)

State govt finds `nothing alarming` in Nagaland Congress manifesto Tirades against Cong continue in state The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 11: Seeking to allay public apprehensions over the reported endorsement of the demand for integration of Naga inhabited areas by the All India Congress Committee ahead of the Nagaland elections, the Manipur government has declared that there is `nothing alarming` about the promises made in the election manifesto of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee.

A statement issued by the secretary to the chief minister, Dr Prem Singh, said an informal meeting of the Cabinet held this morning has discussed the matter.

The statement, noting the reports appearing in some national and local newspapers in this respect, pointed out that the relevant lines of the manifesto, as quoted by the media, read, `The Indian National Congress in Nagaland will continue to urge upon the Government of India the need to implement the 16-point Agreement of 1960 in letter and spirit.`

In this connection, it clarified that the demand for the implementation of the 16-point agreement has been there since 1960, but the Government of India has never accepted the demand which may affect the peaceful coexistence of north-eastern states.

`It is clear that what is reported in the newspaper is totally different and out of context of what is written in the manifesto,` the statement said.

`Although there is nothing alarming in the manifesto, we understand the apprehensions caused in the minds of people following the media reports,` the statement said, and disclosed that the state government has apprised the Prime Minister, the president, AICC, the Union home minister and the Congress general secretary in charge of Manipur about the issue.

It further reiterated that the government of Manipur is committed to uphold the territorial integrity of Manipur.

This has been reflected in the common minimum programme of the United Progressive Alliance, in power at the Centre, it noted.

The statement also appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace and tranquility and work towards strengthening bonds of love and friendship among the people of Manipur.

The NPCC election manifesto was released by Lalthanhawla, AICC observer and election campaign in-charge, Nagaland in the presence of Sidharth Patel, Secretary AICC, and NPCC president Hokheto Sumi, on February 8 at Kohima.

The manifesto also says the Congress "is totally committed for an early and lasting solution of the Naga political issue which is honorable, beneficial and acceptable to all sections of the Naga people", reposing its faith in `peaceful and painstaking negotiations and through good faith amongst all sides` for the same, and proposed to enlist the support and cooperation of all civil society groups, church organizations and various Hohos. It also declared making the ongoing ceasefire a reality by ensuring the full implementation of the Ceasefire Ground Rules by the parties concerned, to be a top priority.

It also goes on to say that the Congress in Nagaland continue to urge upon the Government of India the need to implement the 16-point Agreement of 1960 in letter and spirit.

In the meantime, the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation, AMUCO, in an angry response to the reports of the Congress leadership`s alleged endorsement of Naga integration issue, charged that the Indian government has always endeavoured to create divisions among the peoples living in the north-east.

The reported incorporation of the Naga integration matter in the Nagaland Congress manifesto, in violation of the UPA`s common minimum programme, amounts to using the people of the north-east as pawns in party power politics, and is another manifestation of the Indian government`s divde and rule agenda, and called on the public to take a stance against it.

The Janata Dal (Secular), in a statement, while declaring that Manipuri citizen can not remain complacent about the territorial integrity of Manipur, lamented that the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee has not been loud in decrying its Nagaland counterpart`s dubiously taking up the agenda of the integration of Naga inhabited areas.

The statement also went on to say that a clarification in this regard is not expected from the Congress, at least not until the Nagaland elections are over.

The Manipur Watch Initiative in a statement also attacked what it termed the `ad hocism` of the Congress party, for taking political and electoral advantage, and demanded that it stop playing such a `silly game`.
Ibobi cabinet allays fear over integration morungexpress
Imphal | February 11 (Newmai News Network): The Manipur Cabinet has clarified on Monday to the newspapers stories of AICC’s reported assurance on the Naga integration issue in Nagaland recently which has prompted many organisations and political parties alike to condemn the AICC’s stand in Manipur.
The Cabinet meeting which was convened this morning in Imphal regarding the media reports of election manifesto of the Indian National Congress (Nagaland Unit), a statement issued from the Manipur chief minister’s secretariat clarifies that the lines quoted by the media in the manifesto was “out of context.” It clarified that the lines quoted by the media in the manifesto read – “The Indian National Congress in Nagaland will continue to urge upon the government of India the need to implement the 16-point agreement of 1960 in letter and spirit.”
The statement also clarified to the people of Manipur that the demand for the implementation of the 16 point agreement has been there since 1960, but the government of India has never accepted the demands which may affect the peaceful coexistence of the North Eastern states. Therefore, the statement said, it is clear that what is reported in the newspapers is ‘different’ and “out of context” of what is written in the manifesto.
The statement also said that although there is nothing alarming in the manifesto, “we understand the apprehensions caused in the minds of the people following media reports”. It also stated that the authorities are apprising the Prime Minister, the AICC president, the Union Home minister and the secretary in-charge of Manipur about the issue.
The Manipur Cabinet also assured the people of Manipur that the government of Manipur is committed to uphold the territorial integrity of Manipur and “this has been reflected in the UPA’s common minimum program, while appealing the people to maintain peace and tranquility and work towards strengthening bonds of love and friendship among the people of Manipur”.
Reports in a national paper on Saturday, which has also been subsequently reproduced by a local newspaper in Imphal on Sunday, said that the AICC endorsed its Nagaland unit’s demand for the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas, through its secretary Sidharth Patil, who is in Nagaland to supervise the party’s preparation for the state assembly election on March 5. It may be mentioned here that widespread condemnation has been trailing the reports. The Manipur People’s Party (MPP) had raised voices against the reported AICC’s decision on Sunday and asked for clarification on the matter. The Manipur Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the United Committee Manipur (UCM) have also followed suits.
‘PR deprived people of development packages’Chizokho Vero morungexpress
MP Wangyuh Konyak, Convenor NPF Election Committee, former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu and others during the NPF general meeting of 11 Northern Angami II Assembly Constituency at Chiephobozou on February 11.
Chiephobozou | February 11 (MExN): Former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today asserted that the NPF –led DAN government during its regime had spent sleepless nights for rapid development and welfare of the state. He, however, said that the developmental activities have been stalled following the imposition of President’s Rule in the state, thereby depriving the people to access opportunities and developmental packages.
Terming the imposition of PR in the state as “illegal” and “unconstitutional,” he said that it was insult to Nagas and blamed the Congress for bringing PR to Nagaland.
Rio recalled that the it had petitioned the Governor of Nagaland to recommend revocation of President’s Rule in Nagaland and to re-instate the DAN government following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of two petitions challenging the interim order passed by Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker in respect of 3 Independent MLAs and an earlier general direction also issued by the Speaker on August 21, 2006. Rio, however, said that the matter is silent till date.
Speaking at the NPF general meeting of 11 Northern Angami II Assembly Constituency here today, Rio highlighted various achievements of NPF-led DAN government during its term and declared that it will be the endeavour of DAN alliance to strive for many more developmental activities in consonance with its vision statement.
In a very confident mood, Rio declared that the regional party is at the brighter side and it is in a position to form the government again.
Rio further added, that the DAN alliance will continue to develop the basic infrastructure of the state and will pursue the rights of the Nagas
Recalling that the regional party has initiated many programmes in the state, Rio announced that it has many visions and policies and it will make it a reality for the rapid development and welfare of the state.
Also speaking on the occasion, NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu sought support from the people of the constituency to vote Neiphiu Rio with a thumping majority so as to enable him to continue to lead the people of Nagaland.
Dr. Liezietsu said its first and foremost agenda is political solution of the Indo-Naga problem.
He said that the NPF-led DAN government has contributed significantly towards the development of the state during its regime, adding that many more things are in the pipeline if voted to power again.
He categorically said that there is no leadership problem within DAN alliance, adding that it has reiterated and confirmed the leadership of Neiphiu Rio.
MP Wangyuh Konyak, convenor NPF Election Committee said that the people of 11 Northern Angami II Assembly Constituency were fortunate as the former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio represented this constituency. He said that Rio will head the NPF –led DAN government if it comes back to power.
The function was chaired by Peter, president NPF 11th Northern Angami II Assembly Constituency while Kuovisie-o Rio CEC NPF member tendered vote of thanks.
Welcome song by Spectrum, Chiephobozou, Naga Idol 2007 Rokovotuo and NPF Band also marked the function.
The unsung Church leaders Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi morungexpress
Some Church leaders who had most suffered and sacrificed for the cause of peace in Nagaland are unremembered and unsung. I joined church ministry in 1966 only and was a member of Peace Consultative Body of NBCC in 1968 only. But I had been in close contact with some of the Church leaders since the very beginning of peace movement. The Church was the only neutral body which can mediate the situation when the fate of the people was horrible and indescribable. During that time Church leaders such as Rev. Longri Ao, Rev. Kjung, Rev. Kevizelie, Rev. K. Lungalang, Rev. Turi, Rev. Ahamo Patton, Rev. Ayu Temjen, Rev. Litsase, Rev. Shihoto, Kenneth Kerhuo, Rev. Thepfulhour Livi and others traveled through out the length and breadth of Nagaland to bring about peace and normalcy in Nagaland. Baptist Convention had formed a Peace Mission and when Peace Mission Members such as Rev. Scott, B.P. Chaliha and Jaya Prakash Narayan had arrived at Kohima, the Church leaders took them to various places to meet with underground leaders and some times they were subjected to threat on suspicion of being the agents of the GoI. Ultimately, a historic cease-fire between the GoI and the FGN was signed as a fruition of their ardent labour.The talk ended in failure and the ceasefire was abrogated by the GoI as a result the situation became abnormal and killings, tortures and indescribable sufferings of the people were going on. So Church leaders were compelled to help the people at the expense of their normal assignments in the Church.
After the lapse of 9 years the FGN was put into its knee when the Shillong Accord was signed under an extraordinary military pressure. But it was beyond the control of the Church leaders and they cannot be blamed. They had their job nobly done on their part. The younger Church leaders such as Rev. V.K. Nuh and others had played important role in peace movement from the very beginning. Rev. Deo Vihienuo’s family took tremendous pain in hoisting and entertaining the Peace Mission especially Rev. Scott for years together. Rev. Longri was looked upon by all in N.E as fatherly. He was a man of clean heart and outspoken. When we were together with some of the Associate Evangelists of Dr. Billy Graham in Ritz Continental Hotel, Calcutta, he prayed, “O Lord, when the people at Kohima are hungry, your servants are afraid to go to Kohima”. When once we met with Governor B.K. Nehru in connection with Liquor Prohibition, he said to the Governor, “The Government wants to destroy the Nagas in collusion with communist China”. The Governor said “Why?” then Rev. Longri said, “The Government is going to destroy the Nagas with liquor. The Governor replied, “Liquor is not Central List, it is State List. It is up to your Ministers whether to open wine shop all over Nagaland or to ban opening even a single shop, our talk ended there. After our departure he was said to have told some one, “Church leaders do not know the Constitution”. Rev. Longri Ao was all for peace and most of his message touched peace.
I repeatedly urged Kenneth Kerhuo to write a book on the accounts of their peace movement but he failed to do it. To me, they were Church leaders who had most suffered and sacrificed for the Nagas in the aspect of peace.

Naga Cong sticks to stand on integration OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 11: Nagaland Congress today said the party would continue to insist on the full implementation of the 16-point statehood agreement of 1960, despite opposition from Manipur.
Nagaland PCC president Hokheto Sumi said objection, particularly from the Manipur government against the integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative unit, was unbecoming and inappropriate. He said the pact, which mentioned Naga integration, has not been implemented for more than 40 years. Sumi said Manipur did not put up any resistance when the agreement was signed and raising objections at this juncture would not be accepted by the Nagas.
“We will continue to insist on the full implementation of the agreement,” Sumi said.
Reacting to reports of the uproar in Manipur over the Nagaland Congress’s manifesto for the March 6 elections which has mentioned the 16-point agreement and commitment to implement the agreement in the presence of AICC secretary Siddharth Patil, Sumi said the reactions, including that of the state unit of the Congress, was irrational and objectionable. He said there was no question of scrapping the 16-point agreement from the party manifesto as insisted by the Manipur government and other parties. The manifesto states that the Congress will continue to urge the Centre for the need to implement the pact in letter and spirit. Congress sources said top leaders of the party, including AICC president Sonia Gandhi who will visit the state soon, are likely to make statements on the “agreement”.
The pact was signed between the Centre and the Naga People’s Convention in July 1960 to end the bloody war in the Naga hills and create a separate state for the Nagas.
Naga Hoho which is spearheading the movement for Naga integration along with the NSCN (I-M) has repeatedly told the Centre that without integration there would be no solution to the Naga political problem.
Proposition for a better Nagaland Nagaland Post
Do feel free to change and correct the way you think will be appropriate.
Being part of India like it or not , we Nagas and even our God-given land are what we are and is the fruit and the by-product of the past general elections and the so called leaders who we have elected to lead and built us up- and this will continue until we get our freedom or self rule for which thousands of our best and boldest warriors and youth have crossed deep rivers , ravines high mountains across different nations because they believed without a shadow of doubt their motherland deserves to be protected together with their people and their unique cultures which is rich and beautiful, I have found this to be true in my twenty plus years as a missionary traveling ,mixing and networking with different peoples groups on unity and reconciliation and especially with the global indigenous groups e.g land and culture are two important things we Nagas must not compromise if we want to succeed find our rightful place in the global village.
I would like to see the new coming government to consider and work on the following areas for a better, stronger, confident Nagaland.
1. MAKE THE ELECTED LEADERS [MLA'S] ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR ELECTORS AND GOD
This can be done openly in their respective village or constituencies with all the elders , church leaders etc present and make them take an oath, this needs to be done before the Raj Bhavan's and assembly ceremony. Let us put God first, let us not allow the votes to be taken cheaply- pray and encourage and caution them as well.
2. DECLARE AS A FESTIVAL STATE OR LAND
Names and identity help to give pride and confidence to success. Eg- Nagaland is one of the very few land or state in India and countries where there is some festival going on almost every month e.g. In Australia, the state of Victoria is called the garden state because of the abundance of gardening in the homes, while the state of Western Australia is called the wild flower state and so on.
Promote it everywhere and all the time. I believe the strength of the Nagas and even our tourism is our rich tribal culture which if I am right is unique or second to none.
3. DECLARE AND MAKE KISAMA HILLS A GREEN BELT
Plant more native trees all over the Kisama Naga Heritage Complex.
There should not be any houses built around the surrounding hills of the complex and not even be seen , Keep the heritage as traditional ,tribal and authentic with no advertisement hoardings and banners in the complex etc. I have been to several indigenous and tribal heritage complexes in China, Taiwan, South East Asia and the South Pacific where I have been impressed by the way they are preserved and maintained.
4. ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE BUILDINGS WITH TRADITIONAL DESIGNS
Government, community groups and the rich should take the lead in this area. It is a pity that most of our traditional Naga villages are not authentically Naga in appearance.
Organize the most traditional Naga village competition every year or by-annually with an award e.g the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and even Sikkim is what impressed me .The present types and design of buildings does not suit our land topography.
5. ENCOURAGE THE SETTING UP OF VIILAGE MUSEUMS IN EVERY VILLAGE
Every Naga village has its history, this will help the village to preserve its artifacts and culture
6. DECLARE KOHIMA VILLAGE [KHEDI] HISTORICAL VILLAGE
Kohima village being the largest village in Nagaland and one even in the world with rich history of the 2nd world war with its close proximity to the state capital should have World War 2 Museums established with the war artifacts which can be found in many households e.g I personally remember seeing and playing with some of those in my grandparent's house at the village who were from Pfuchachumia Thinuo [Khel] when stayed with them in the early seventies. When I visited the infamous Yasakuni shrine in Tokyo some years back, the battle of Kohima is mentioned clearly we should bank on our historical connection to rise up and let the world know who the Nagas are.
7. PROMOTE AND INTRODUCE DR TALIMEREN AO [ DR T.AO TO BE PLAYED ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL.
Being the captain of the 1st football team of India to the London Olympics in 1948, he is still a hero and an inspiration to our Nagas, including myself. We do not have many legendary figures to inspire us; every now and then I have heard many of our leaders quoting his name while challenging our youth to aspire.
It is a waste to confine his rich and proud legacy to the inter-district level.
8. CHIEF MINISTER's BREAKFAST
Let the chief minister organize the new yearly breakfast where different grassroots and other leaders are invited to interact and pray for the year for God's guidance to lead the people.
9. CHIEF MINIISTER CONTACT WITH THE NON-RESIDENT NAGAS
Let the chief minister together with the Naga hoho called and arrange get-together of the Non-Resident Nagas [NRN] or Naga Diaspora who are in different parts of the country to come, and with their different expertise to come to Nagaland for few days for contact and networking to build Nagaland.
Set up contact Nagaland in collaboration with the overseas Nagas for exchange of ideas and information via the internet.
10. LEADERS TO GO BACK TO TAKE STOCK OF THE DEVELOPMENT FROM TIME TO TIME.
Leaders to go back and have meetings with their electorate eg- twice a year to take stock of the development besieged on their pledges given to the people.
11. HAVE DRESS CODE DURING THE ASSEMBLY SESSION
Since we are a people who are renown for the pride we have in our rich cultural heritage and so instead of different leaders wearing their cultural attire not only during festivals and community gatherings, it will be good for the elected leaders to wear their particular tribe attire which can costumed tailored, this is one good way for leaders to show the way to present and preserve our culture.
12. PESEVERE AND PROTECT OUR LAND AND PEOPLE BY NOT ALLOWING RAILWAYS TO THE NAGA HILLS.
It is about time to thank far sighted leaders and the rising leaders to rise up and do something regarding the extension of railways to inner Nagaland. Let us not be deceived by all these goodies, our land will be much better without the railways unless we want to join Tripura, Sikkim et c in few years time where we become minority in our own land.
13. CLEANEST AND TIDIEST TOWN COMPETITION
Have yearly completion where different criteria's such as service, facilities are taken in to consideration, this will make different town and municipal councils to improve.
14. PROTECT AND PRESERVE OUR LITTLE REMAINING FOREST AT ALL COST.
Compared to our neighboring states we are far behind as far as preserving and maintaining of the flora and fauna are concerned, destroy them and we destroy our very future. It pained my heart recently to see migratory birds shot death and sold near Changtongya in Mokokchung district and just recently some birds and wild cats which considered selling openly at Dimapur [Kuda] near Naga shopping arcade. What is the concerned NGOs, village government authorities doing? Here in Australia, killing of any native birds or animals, big or small carry fine of 75.0000 dollars or five year imprisonment or both.
Encourage every village to set aside a green organic lung like the Mizo "' sacred grove "" where trees and wildlife strife.
15. COME UP WITH BETTER AND SOPHSITACTED WEBSITE OF OUR STATE
More information and galleries because in this internet age is the first and the best window for others to make their contact with us.
16. Always be the facilitator by being neutral with the Indo-Naga solution as a main concern which needs a political approach and solution.
In closing, as looking back home during the last ten years; two things come to my mind. Thank you uncle S. C. Jamir and the congress government for birthing and bringing the hornbill festival which is now a household name in Nagaland and has given us something to promote and be proud of for those of us who are in mainland India and overseas. Last but not least, to my brother Niephiu Rio and the DAN government for taking Nagaland to become a member of the Indian Olympic association and establishing the state music task force which is just having faith in the now generation just to name a few .May our almighty God bless both of you and all those who have served under your respective governments.
May God give wisdom and the fear of God to all the voters to vote cautiously and boldly on the 5th of March for better and brighter Nagaland which is also called the "Israel of India ".
May God bless my Nagaland, the land I love and pray daily for her bright future daily.
Rev. Luoliehu Marlemba Yimsung, Founder, Global Indigenous Prayer Network Australia
Queensland, Australia
Non-accordist condemns- Nagaland Post
It was on the fateful night of 29th January'08 where late Lieutenant Col. Shepayi Rhakho and Lieutenant Kukunezo Cirha, commander and BSM, 13th Bn. 5th Bde. S/C Naga Army respectively were shot dead between Lanyi and Phek by the accordist.
On 28th January at around 5:30 pm they were caught and beaten up badly after which they shot them. When the rest of the Nagas through "unification move" are trying their best to bring Nagas into one as they were once, these (accordist) people are still terrorizing the rightful nation workers. This must be criticized and condemned by one and all except those who lived and took shelter in peace camp (Shillong accord).
While condemning the act of the accordist, the main culprit was led by Maj. Shevezo son of Mon Bahadur (Velopa). Earlier his father was a labour.
Once he took all his friends' salaries and ran away and recruited as Naga Army under the commandership of Vephutso Rhakho in fear of police. But when the situation became tense and worse all over Nagaland, he surrendered before Indian army along with M21 2nos. 303 Rifle 3nos. and several live cartridges (bullets) and joined in government service as DB.
But soon he (Mon Bahadur) took away all the important documents from the president's office, late Zashevi Huire. Such a criminal like his father, (Shevezo) is now killing and terrorizing the innocent people without any reason. In his (father) life time, he brought many problems and tortured the Nagas which is still burning in the heart of the Nagas. Such person should never give a place in any society at any cost.
Of all the above reason, I strongly condemned the act of accordist and urge all right thinking citizens to come forward and speak out for what is ours. "For the effect is secret but the cause is well known" of which all of us should be proud to live in.
Maj. Kusai, Defence Commander, 15th Bn. Bde. S/C, Naga Army.
Lid off hijack plot - Deccan staffer arrested for helping Ulfa A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, Feb. 11: An Air Deccan staffer was arrested today for allegedly helping the banned Ulfa hatch a hijack plan and a rights activist who mediated with Delhi for peace talks detained on charges of doubling as an adviser to militants on subversive missions.
Police said customer care executive Sumanta Dutta, in his twenties, was arrested on the basis of statements made by an Ulfa militant arrested on Saturday. The arrested rebel, Manoj Tamuli, told interrogators that he accompanied Dutta and another Ulfa member, Akash Thapa, to New Delhi in November for a meeting with militant leader Sashadhar Choudhury.
The Air Deccan staffer allegedly obliged Choudhury with security-sensitive information about Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and flights taking off from there, the police said.
Air Deccan’s duty manager at the city airport said the airline had heard of Dutta’s arrest, but knew little else.
On whether that meant Dutta’s credentials were not verified before he was appointed, the duty manager said the ground handling agent for Air Deccan was responsible for all appointments at the airport and that a thorough police verification of the candidate was mandatory to get a gate pass from the Airports Authority of India.
The crackdown on Ulfa’s network of civilian helpers continued with the detention of Lachit Bordoloi, a member of the team that was handpicked by the outfit to mediate with Delhi.
Bordoloi was returning to Guwahati from Upper Assam in a luxury Volvo bus when a police team detained him at Moran, in Dibrugarh district, around 11am. The detention was on the request of Guwahati police, who had raided the People’s Consultative Group member’s residence in the city yesterday and seized some items.
Tamuli named Bordoloi as one of his advisers.
Guwahati lawyer Nekibur Zaman, who represents Ulfa members in court cases, is under the scanner too. His mobile phone was seized yesterday and he is under police watch.
A senior police official said there could be more arrests and detentions on the basis of Tamuli’s confessions.
The Manab Adhikar Sangram Samity, of which Bordoloi is the chief adviser, gave the police 24 hours to release him without conditions or face statewide protests on February 13. The outfit said the state government was actually trying to derail attempts to revive Delhi’s peace process with Ulfa.
Writer Mamoni Raisom Goswami, who is credited with starting the peace process, was shocked at Bordoloi’s detention. “Do you think he could be involved in such activities?” she asked.
The People’s Consultative Group, too, backed Bordoloi. “The people of Assam know what is happening. Bordoloi’s detention reflects the fascist nature of the government.The government seems to be opposed to the peace move. The government will be responsible for any untoward situation,” the group’s spokesman, Arup Borbora, said.
Ulfa commander surrenders OUR CORRESPONDENT The Thelegraph
Dibrugarh, Feb. 11: The army has for the first time succeeded in convincing one of Ulfa’s battalion commanders to surrender.
The “commander” of 27 battalion, one of the most potent military wings of Ulfa, Keshav Hazarika, and his second-in-command, Meenakshi Hazarika, who happens to be his wife, surrendered along with several others at Dinjan army base.
The surrender comes on a day when police cracked down on Ulfa’s overground sympathisers and detained a senior member of the People’s Consultative Group.
Security forces expect vital information from Hazarika and the others on the Ulfa’s activities, more particularly its links with other overground sympathisers.
Thirty one rebels surrendered at the Dinjan army station today, most of them being from Ulfa’s 27 and 28 battalions.
Army officials claimed it has almost been able to neutralise the 27 battalion, active in Karbi Anglong and adjoining districts.
Besides Hazarika, “lieutenant” Biraj Phukan and “sergeant major” Kumud Bordoloi were among those who surrendered today.
“Captain” Meenakshi, Hazarika’s wife, surrendered in absentia.
Army sources said she could not attend the surrender ceremony as she was indisposed.
Twenty eight members of various outfits, including two from National Democratic Front of Boroland and two from Karbi Longri North Cachar Liberation Front (KNLF) surrendered today with a huge cache of arms and ammunition.
Welcoming the militants back to the mainstream, GOC 4 Corps, Lt Gen. B.S. Jaswal, said the surrender of senior members was indicative of cracks within Ulfa. The outfit was also losing the support of the masses who have risen in revolt against the mindless IED blasts and extortion drives, he added.
“The commitment of the army towards the well-being of the surrendered terrorists and their families goes well beyond the surrender ceremony,” he said.
Efforts were being made to assist the surrendered rebels to secure their rehabilitation package from state government, he said.
Burmese junta's statement evokes mixed response Mungpi Mizzima News
New Delhi: The Burmese military junta's surprise announcement on Saturday that it plans to conduct a referendum in May, and multi-party elections in 2010 as part of its efforts for democratic reform, has evoked a mixed response. The National League for Democracy, Burma's main opposition party points out that the junta's plans lack democratic practice, and the statement indicates the ruling generals only plan to legitimize military rule.
The ruling junta on Saturday said, "The approval of the draft Constitution will be sought in a National Referendum to be held in May 2008… in accordance with the forthcoming State Constitution, the multi-party democracy general elections will be held in 2010."
"Since the junta has already announced the time for a general election, they must have prepared to win the support of the people in the referendum, by any means," Nyan Win, NLD's spokesperson said. "The time for a general election can only be determined by the results of the referendum," added Nyan Win.
He added that the NLD does not support the junta's plan, rather it opposes it, as the plan lacks democratic practice, which in turn cannot be expected to usher in democracy in the country. Similarly, Burma's most prominent student activists group, the 88 generation students, said conducting yet another multi-party election without upholding the previous election result is illogical. Soe Tun, a member of the 88 generation students, who spoke to Mizzima from his hiding place, said, "It is unacceptable to hold a referendum on the constitution which they have one-sidedly written. But since the junta is determined to continue with its plan, all we can say to the people of Burma is to prepare for the worst."
The group, in a statement released on Sunday said, "We will not accept any one-sided plans and threats and will continue to oppose any such actions peacefully and non-violently."
Despite strong dissent and criticism from political activists, some people in Burma, particularly those that are desperate for over nearly two decades of political stalemate, said they are confused about what the junta's plans are but would like to see a change.
"People here are not aware of what the [government] statement means, but people are tired of seeing no progress and are eager for a change," a local resident in Rangoon told Mizzima.
"Though I personally do not think the government is serious about democratic reforms, I think it is high time there is a change," added the resident, who wished not to be named. A Burmese writer in Mandalay, Burma's second largest city, however, said the junta's planned referendum and elections are the peoples' chance to bring about a change in the country.
"A referendum is a chance for the people of Burma to utilize the opportunity for a change. If the people do not wish military rule they should not vote for them," added the Burmese writer, who spoke to Mizzima on condition of anonymity.
Mixed international response As much as there is a mixed response internally, the international community's response stood divided on the junta's declaration of its plan.
Following the junta's statement, Singapore, the current Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Burma is a member, on Sunday, applauded it saying, "This is a positive development."
Singapore, however, urged the junta to carry out an all inclusive political process that would lead to peaceful national reconciliation in the country. The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, however, was quick in criticizing the junta for its statement saying, the ruling junta should first release detained democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners and work together for a democratic reform. The FCO, in a statement released on Saturday criticized the junta saying, "Political leaders in Burma have not been consulted on the constitution or the election process."
"The military rulers should release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners without delay. Together they should work on the road to democracy and a secure future for Burma. It is imperative that there is a genuine and inclusive process of national reconciliation," the statement said.
Other responses As much as Burmese opposition groups voiced criticism over the junta's announcement, Burma's longest running ethnic armed insurgent group, the Karen National Union, said the junta's plans are unrealistic and cannot be trusted.
Pado Man Shar, General Secretary of KNU said, "We are opposed to this, as it is only a tactic of the junta to prolong their rule. So, we must initiate a peoples' movement against the junta's plan."
Despite criticism and skepticism over the junta's announcement, residents in Burma, particularly those that are struggling with their daily lives, seem to be desperate for a change in the decades long military-ruled Burma. Under military dictators, who have been ruling since 1962, Burma, which was once known as the 'rice bowl' of Southeast Asia, plummeted into economic chaos.
With the overall gross production falling under the ruling junta's mismanaged economy, Burma saw a sharp rise in inflation, and increasing unemployment. A middle school teacher in Rangoon's Bahan Township said, "I don't know much about politics, but under the current government everything is deteriorating. So, it will be good to see a change in any form."
Most daily wage earners in Burma earn a maximum of 2000 to 3000 kyat (1 USD equivalent to 1300 Kyat). But a lunch at one of the lowest priced restaurants in Rangoon costs 1800 kyat, she said. However, she said by changes, she is not placing any hope on the opposition, including the NLD, saying, "I would like to see a change after a long period of no-progress."
A local resident in Pakhokku, a town in central Burma's Magwe Division, told Mizzima that despite the government pursuing various tactics to prolong its power, it has failed to uplift the economic situation of the people. "I think they [the junta] are determined to carry out their plan. But we are not interested in that, but what we are struggling for is for our daily bread," he added.
(Additional reporting by – Htein Linn, Nay Thwin & Than Htike Oo)
The World's hottest chili Stan Sesser Morungexpress

It's 200 times hotter than the jalapeño. Workers handle it with goggles and face masks. And spicy-food lovers can't wait to get their hands on it
Most admirers prefer eating them. The Indian pepper is the latest discovery by a fraternity of eaters who relish the sweaty, addictive pleasures of hot chilies. The bhut jolokia pepper, which is farmed in the northeast part of the country, was plucked from obscurity last year when the Guinness Book of World Records declared it the world's hottest. The standard measure for such things is the Scoville Heat Unit, or SHU, named after Wilbur Lincoln Scoville, a chemist who in 1912 developed a method of assessing the heat given off by capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers. Jalapeño peppers measure about 5,000 SHUs. The bhut jolokia tops a million.
"When you eat it, it feels like dying," touts one online retailer. Even packaging the stuff is a pain. "Our workers wear goggles, face masks, head cover and protective clothing," says Ananta Saikia, whose firm is the pepper's sole exporter. "They look like astronauts." He and his wife have started shipping tons of dried bhut jolokia around the world, including Germany, England and the U.S. Annual sales, he says, are expected to jump 500% this year.
Locals here in Assam and the neighboring states of Manipur and Nagaland add fresh chopped chilies to the pot when cooking curries. The hardiest eat them raw as a condiment. Dried pepper powder and flakes are sold online in the U.S. and abroad. The Bhut Jolokia is the world's hottest pepper. But, despite its extreme heat, those who try it often become huge fans. Will the same happen to WSJ's Stan Sesser? Watch as he samples the treat from India. The spread of Mexican, Thai and Sichuan cuisines that use chili peppers is kindling America's interest in hot dishes. There are hundreds of Web sites selling sauces and chili seeds, says Dave DeWitt, of Albuquerque, N.M., who has written 31 books on the topic. Visits to his Web site, fiery-foods.com, have doubled in the past five years to 2.5 million annually, he says.
"There's also the macho, who-can-eat-the-hottest aspect," says Dave Hirschkop, owner of Dave's Gourmet Inc. and the producer of Dave's Insanity Sauce. This spring, he plans to add bhut jolokia to his 2008 Private Reserve hot sauce, priced at $30 for a five-ounce bottle packaged in a small wooden coffin. Hirschkop says he got in the business after opening a Mexican restaurant in Maryland in the early 1990s. He started serving super hot sauces in his restaurant as a joke. Then he discovered customers liked them. Hard-core chili addicts incorporate the pursuit of hot food into their travels. Terry and Marty Ward of Virginia Beach, Va., have chased chilies in Jamaica, Venezuela, Aruba, Mexico and New Mexico. India is now on the couple's trip list, says Ward.
Food scientists speculate that hot chilies have an unexpected side effect that boosts their popularity. A publication of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in New York described it this way: "When capsaicin comes into contact with the nerve endings in the tongue and mouth, pain messengers, called neurotransmitters, are sent to the brain in a panic. The brain, mistakenly perceiving that the body is in big trouble, responds by turning on the waterworks to douse the flames. The mouth salivates, the nose runs and the upper body breaks into a sweat. The heart beats faster and the natural painkiller endorphin is secreted. In other words, you get a buzz."
It's similar to a runner's high, says Bruce Bryant, a researcher for the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, which specializes in analyzing taste. That may explain why plants shunned by starving animals end up in party bowls next to the chips. "We're about the only species who like hot peppers," he says. "You can't even train a rat to like them."
The chilies are so loved in Assam that locals brighten at just the mention of bhut jolokia. "I've been eating them for 25 years," says Indrajit Karayan Dev, a filmmaker in Guwahati, Assam's capital. "I have two plants near my garage and every morning I pluck one for lunch. We eat them raw, pickled, in vegetable stir-fries and in chicken soup." Hoihnu Hauzel, the New Delhi-based author of a cookbook on northeast Indian cuisine, says her mother keeps her stocked. "I grew up in Manipur," she says. "Now, whenever someone comes here from home, my mother sends me some."
Besides its heat, the bhut jolokia departs from other peppers with its distinct flavor. Raw, it has a strong vegetable smell. Cooked with pork in a curry, it gives the meat a perfume-like sweetness. "It doesn't just make the dish spicy," says Ms. Hauzel. "It enhances the flavor." Bhut jolokia chilies look like jalapeño peppers and redden as they ripen. Some devotees chop a single chili for a pot of curry; others use a half pepper to accompany a meal. "Our whole family can share one chili for an entire week," says Saikia. Although it's been eaten in northeast India for centuries, the bhut jolokia pepper would still be undiscovered by the rest of the world if not for scientist R.K.R. Singh. He works at the Indian government's Defense Research Laboratory, which occupies a tree-shaded campus in Assam, outside the city of Tezpur. Seven years ago, Singh, who loves bhut jolokia, got curious about its heat quotient. "We knew it was hot, but no one knew how hot," he says. He asked for a lab analysis, and the results were submitted to a scientific journal.
Word of the tests reached the Chile Pepper Institute of New Mexico State University, which is widely regarded as the final arbiter of all chili questions. The institute is headed by Paul Bosland, a 54-year-old horticulture professor. "I put all my chilies in one basket," he says of the 22 years he's devoted to studying hot peppers. "It was always a poor sister to tomatoes in terms of research."
Bosland grew bhut jolokia from seed in the desert climate of southern New Mexico and discovered, " 'Oh my gosh, this is hot,' " he recalls. A panel of tasters used to rank chilies. Now a process called high performance liquid chromatography does all the work, with results given in Scoville Heat Units. The peppers yielded a reading of 1,041,427 SHUs, twice that of the California red savina pepper, the previous record-holder. An SHU is the amount of dilution needed before the chili is undetectable. A drop of bhut jolokia extract needs a million drops of water. The Saikias expect their company, Frontal Agritech Ltd., to sell 25 tons of dried chilies for the fiscal year ending in March. Saikia, 45, a horticulture professor at Assam Agricultural University, says the couple started their export business in 2004, knowing "we had a unique thing here." Shipments are certified by the Spices Board of India, a stamp of approval that allows entry into most overseas markets, he says.
Among their customers is Tom Beasley, of Merritt Island, Fla. He started buying powdered bhut jolokia six months ago and sells it at his Web site, burnmegood.com, with the promotion, "It's so hot, you can't even imagine; when you eat it, it's like dying." The market for bhut jolokia, while growing, may be limited by the very quality that's put it on the map. "I've never even had a bite of bhut jolokia," says DeWitt, despite his career promoting hot foods. "I've reached the level I really like, and there's no reason to exceed that level." The head of India's defense lab, Srivastava agrees. "I'm from New Delhi," he says. "It's too hot for me."



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