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02/18/2008: "MK Narayanan admits slow-down in Naga talks Delhi ready to give broad concession within Indian Union Morung Express"

MK Narayanan admits slow-down in Naga talks Delhi ready to give broad concession within Indian Union Morung Express

Kohima | February 16 (MExN ): The National Security Advisor (NSA) to the Prime Minister of India M.K Narayanan today disclosed that the peace talks between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) can take forward movement only if the latter agrees to accept a solution within the broad parameters of the Indian Union. Narayanan however pointed out that Delhi was ready to give “broad concessions” to the Nagas once this prerequisite has been met. “We can work out a new arrangement for the Naga people with maximum autonomy and freedom but this must be under the Indian union”, Narayanan said in an exclusive interaction with The Morung Express at Raj Bhavan Kohima.
The NSA to the Prime Minister who arrived in Kohima to review the security situation also admitted that the Indo-Naga peace process has “slowed down” because of this factor and pointed out that the foremost question that needs to be addressed is whether the basis of the current peace parleys is “within the parameter of the Indian constitution”. Narayanan disclosed that the NSCN (IM) leadership is yet to give a clear response on this question.
In this regard the NSA informed that a sub-committee has been formed for this purpose to study the Indian constitution but it has still not arrived at any conclusion. Narayanan nevertheless assured that the Indian constitution is flexible enough to accommodate broad concessions and that this point had been conveyed to the NSCN (IM) Chief Negotiator Th Muivah. The NSA to the Prime Minister also pointed out that any deal outside the Indian Union cannot be put before the Indian Parliament and therefore the need to renegotiate on some of the core demands to be acceptable to both parties in the peace process.
New Delhi’s Emissaries, Minister for Planning & Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes and K Padmanabhiah, have reportedly been told to convince the NSCN (IM) that neither the Prime Minister nor the Government of India could accept their present demand and things must be within the “Constitutional framework’. Earlier, Narayanan along with a team of officials arrived in Kohima to review the security situation in the North-east in general and Nagaland in particular. Narayanan met Governor K Sankaranarayan, his two advisers, senior civil and police officials and Army commanders during the day.
Eastern Naga people’s voice, the sweetest- Nagaland Post
When I joined NSCN (IM) i.e. in the year 1991, I joined against the wishes of many people especially people who were living close by me, including neighbours, friends and relatives. Because, they loved me and did not want me to be separated from them and allow me to live a life of hardship and risky. As it is every a human heart does, they wanted me to be together in all good and bad times, in happiness and in sorrow until death do apart us. Yet then, I firmly believed that I was born as a man in the midst of situation like this in our country to fight and liberate our people. So, with a painful heart I left my home and loved ones behind, fixing my eyes on what is unseen but eternal. Now, after serving 17 years, I left the NSCN (IM) on the night of 24th December, 2007 as my conscience no longer permit me to continue as a soldier under the present style of NSCN (IM) government. I don't want to go in detail what I felt and experienced in the NSCN (IM). I mean the ugly side, but would like to share some words that I thought were a rightful free expression of my views and a useful sharing for all of us. Because, I still hope and would labour that, good or bad all national workers irrespective of which faction we may belong should realize each one of our own fault and come together under one umbrella to unitedly fight for our freedom. In today's situation, whom do we call reactionaries and who are we to claim as revolutionaries. Defection between factions is rampant, today's IM bahadur fighters will be tomorrow K bahadur fighters and vice versa. The leaders stick to their so called 'National Principle' but their government is running like a joker. The kilonsers, steering committee members and army commanders are busy amassing wealth. The kilonsers, steering committee members, tatars, secretaries and regional authorities are increasing year after year, month after month as if the underground government is solving unemployment problem and giving them jobs. There are beautiful laws, army rules & regulation, party discipline etc. within it and more and above that, latest new directives were issued from time to time but no person in authority have the mind or the courage to enforce it. They are timid and powerless when it comes in the matter of enforcing ahzas for the strengthening and betterment of the organization and the government, but powerful and stubborn in indulging corruption and partialities.
Drinkers, heroine users, drug abusers and even persons with HIV positive are abound among the cadres of the NSCN (IM). Partialities, isms and distrust within the organisation are beyond tolerable but who care for that. An army cadre may become a drug addict, may be fallen to serious illness, may get injure in fighting or may be defected to other factions, nobody bother about that. The junior cadres, the lower ranks are not being cared, loved and kept under the control of the leaders. There is complete chaos, some may go and some may come. Some may remain because their tribe is in dominant of that faction; some may defect to other faction because he found no justice. Some opportunists may always remain or join in the faction which they think is most powerful and controlled maximum areas of Nagaland or important places like Dimapur, Kohima and National Highways.
The greatest factor that hinder in enforcement of the ahzas within the army is that, most of the over smart army personnel who are responsible for loosening of discipline and breaching of Ahza/ NARR are the very men and confidants of unit commanders, thereby blocking the way to implement the rules. Again, most of the incompetent army authorities are the men and confidants of the highest leaders of NSCN (IM). Though, at present, they may be called incompetent or may indulge in anti-people activities, in the history of the NSCN (IM) ups and downs, they were the backbone and had contributed their best. So, as it is unfair to victimize them, the ahzas ought to be remained in name without implementation. All ahzas remained in name. Repentance and reformation within the organisation, and strict rules to be adhered by all NSCN (IM) members were time and again announced in the Newspapers but no authority mind about it. May be, it was announced in the newspapers to let the public read and make the NSCN (IM) look alike as a white-washed tomb. When public uproar in any part of Nagaland because of the underground cadres' excessiveness or because of its authorities interfering in public affairs, the voice of the people were suppressed instead of dealing our own cadres and mending our own ways. Those persons who are brave in suppressing the voice of the people and those who hated the other factions bitterly are regarded as staunch men of the organisation.
So, if this is the situation, where is the question of 'National Principle?' We cannot blame the Indian government, S.C. Jamir, RAW or any other outside forces responsible for this. Many of our young men born with high patriotism spirit came to join to fight for the precious cause of "Nagaland for Christ", but instead of getting encouragement and guidance, they faced lot of intolerable things contrary to the life of a revolutionary. So, many of our comrades hoping to find a little better in the other group used to go and come. And because of this, our leaders call them reactionaries, traitors and anti-nationalists and hunt them down to kill, and many were killed without having the slightest scruple. Please do not destroy them, they have not taken a single pie from the Indian govt., RAW etc., it is purely because of the lack of guidance of the leadership that our friends and our young men are in confusion. As for me, I fear God; I will not be part of the present day style of NSCN (IM) government anymore. Out of love for my country and my people, I joined the organisation, why should I agree to be employed in destroying our own people.
To be frank, it is not today that I have these things in my mind. Though, I was in the NSCN (IM), some years back that I began to realize 'Unity first, Solution next' is the right thing. Please don't misunderstand me, it is not that I never have faith in the NSCN (IM) and its leadership. It's NSCN alone that rejected and totally condemned the Infamous Shillong Accord, it alone fought the occupational forces of India and Myanmar for all those years through until India admitted that 'Naga problem cannot be solved militarily'. Thus, the Naga freedom struggle movement continue to keep burning, and not only that, NSCN alone was the source of inspiration and encouragement for all the other revolutionary groups in the South East Himalayan Region. That was how many of our Nagas' youth who were born with patriotism spirit and fighting spirit got attracted to join the NSCN, and I was one of them. The admission of Naga Nation into the fold of UNPO and various progresses made for the furtherance of Naga cause in the international arena were all achievements of NSCN (IM). The wisdom and capability of our leaders of how they dealt with the Indian government and the way of how Ceasefire was brought about in the highest level between as two entities were all praiseworthy. The recognition of unique history of the Nagas and its situation in Nagaland by the Indian government is one of the biggest achievements for the Nagas.
However, in spite of all these, the more important thing is, as lovers of our country and its people our priority should be for the safety and welfare of every citizen. We owe to show them love, teach them love and show them our oneness. Though, India is a multi nationalities and multi religions country, during their freedom struggle movement they stood as one. They broke the barrier of religion and caste, they shouted slogan like 'Hindu-Mausalman ki jai' and drink water from the home of a Muslim by a Hindu and vice versa. Mahatma Gandhi, the father of Indian Nation took most care for the harijans (untouchables) and worked hard for the upliftment of them in the society. There was not a noise about him or because of the Gujaratis. He loved all citizens equally and all citizens across the country look up him equally, whereas, this is not among us.
So, why are we in a hurry for a solution when there is sharp division among the Naga society. Nagaland is too small to be divided as that of the Chinese between the communist and the nationalist. Which party will be driven out to form a Naga Taipei in Nagaland? Nagaland is not a small world that one should dream to create a history of one's own tribe. It is that we stand as a Nation because of our faith that Nagaland is God's purpose and with the proudness of our heart as a brave people. Apart from God and without the unity of our family there is no hope to see a new Nagaland. But, some want to claim victory and some opportunists want to reap together with them. That is why some section of people both underground and over ground are in a hurry for a solution before unity, knowingly the solution which is in sight for them would never be a type of solution which we can call an 'Honourable Solution' for the Nagas. Seeking solution excluding some section of people and seeking to exclude some section of people from among the Nagas are both unacceptable. In today's Naga underground politics some tribes are no doubt pursuing a policy of domination over others. This is very dangerous and has to be corrected at all cost among us before we seek solution with India and Myanmar. There are some people and tribes who do not have their stand at all, whichever group is a little stronger or is under control in their area, they work together with them for their safety or in the other way for their own benefit, this is more dangerous. Still, there are many among us who in the guise of 'Freedom Fighters' take advantage of everything and keep on destroying us. But, knowingly we all fail to fight it back and put it right, this is our greatest failure. When Nagas were once called naked and had nothing, we chose freedom and dare to fight the mighty India and Myanmar. Today, when we become more advance, educated and can be more aware of our rights, we become more coward and live in confusion…this is ridiculous. How can we go on hurry for the solution when our house is in disorder and our people are heading for a civil war. Who is to be called blameless among us? We are all unworthy to be called as national workers, we had done more harm than good for the people.
Therefore, if we are for the Nation, unity is a must before anything. And in this regard, I would like to appreciate the stand of the Eastern Naga People which they always voice and stand for "Unity first, Solution second'. I always take the voice of Eastern Naga People's Organisation (ENPO), the Konyak Union, the Eastern Naga Students Association (ENSA) etc. and as well as the words of the leaders of National Workers from the Eastern Nagas as sincere and sweet, a real concern and an effort to unify us and rebuild our Naga Nation. For me, if the task of unification of all factions is accomplished and the whole Naga people become as one, the national workers really begin to work for the people and fight for its freedom and the people look up and take us as their 'Freedom Fighters', that much is sufficient. I will be always happy to stand in the war front to fight for my people and for the cause of "Nagaland for Christ".
Maj. Z. D. Akho.
Bonds of tradition displayed KHELEN THOKCHOM The Telegraph
Lambung (Chandel) Feb. 15: Manipur’s Chandel district witnessed a unique display where flavours of politics culture and cuisine all blended together to produce a unique aroma that tantalised the senses. Nagas from different parts of the Northeast came down to this sleepy hamlet today to celebrate the ethnic groups’ biggest festival, Lui-Ngai-Ni.
Setting aside class differences, the Nagas shared the table to enjoy pork, beef and indigenous plantain iromba. Not only was it a symbolic representation and preservation of cultural identity, but also to strengthen the hands of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) leadership, who are holding talks with the Centre to bring an honourable solution to the Naga political issue.
Lui-Ngai-Ni is traditionally a seed sowing festival. The Nagas are celebrating this festival since 1987. As the years rolled by the festival became one of the biggest forums of the Nagas to come together and discussed their socio-political issues.
From Naga MP Mani Charenamai to village head L. Kanto, it was one word for all today — “unity” of the Nagas as “one family” and “one entity.”
Dwelling at length on the issue of ongoing peace talk Naga Hoho vice-president Keviletuo Kiewhuo said: “We all as Nagas will have to build the foundation for the landing we all are waiting for,” the Hoho leader told the 10,000 strong gathering at the ground of United College, Lambung.
The Naga MP, explained at length to the gathering the need to unite what he termed was the “divided family” of the Nagas. “We have been separated between four states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. This division is not our choice. We should struggle to unite the family as one.”
The two leaders also urged the Naga community to strengthen the bond of love and brotherhood with “neighbours.”
Lui-Ngai-Ni is also a time to rejoice and celebrate the mosaic of the different Naga tribes. Cultural troupes from some of the 16 Naga groups performed on the occasion.
“It is our pleasure that everyone who came here enjoyed whatever little we could offer,” the chief of a local village said.
NPF condemns disruption of rally morungexpress
Dimapur, February 16 (MExN): The Nagaland People's Front today vehemently condemned, what it termed, the ‘undemocratic and uncivilized action’ of the supporters of the Independent candidate and INC candidate, of Ghaspani-II A/C for ‘deliberately’ attempting to disrupt the NPF rally on January 15 at Medziphema local ground.
A press statement recieved here from the NPF office, Kohima said that the adversary of the NPF led DAN coalition, after ‘illegally and unconstitutionally overthrowing the people's mandated DAN government of Nagaland’ on January 3 by imposing PR in the state has once again ‘wildly resorted to money and muscle power, sensing their pathetic political scenario and feeling the pulse of the Naga people’. The intentions and actions of the supporters of the Independent and INC candidate is tantamount to violation of the model code of conduct of the Election Commission of India (ECI), it stated. The release demanded the ECI and the Election Observers of Nagaland to seriously take note of ‘such unnecessary and untoward incident’ and take appropriate action deem fit for such open violations of the model code of conduct.
Kilonser clarifies Nagaland Post

DIMAPUR, FEB 17 (NPN): Clarifying to a news report ‘Stand of Sumis in NSCN-IM’ that appeared in a local daily on January 19 last, former kilonser in the NSCN (I-M), V Tuccu, has clarified that the statement in question was made without his consent and in his absence.
Terming the purported statement issued by twenty nine Sumi national workers of the NSCN (I-M) declaring support to the “undisputed leadership of the NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu, vice chairman Khodao Yanthan and general secretary Th. Muivah,” Tuccu in a press release said the statement was “baseless, misleading and without any significance” and that it had damaged his “principle of being a true Naga patriot.”
He also clarified that he had been working tirelessly with the Unification Camp Vihokhu NSCN/GPRN since its inception.
“The will of the people is to stop bloodshed and killings among Naga brothers and sisters and without which Nagas' aspiration cannot be achieved. A desired by the Naga people, to bring solution to the Naga political issue through unity without any bloodshed and killings, I firmly stand on it,” Tuccu said.
Former activists bank on ‘change’ mantra morungexpress
Showing a resolute spirit to play change-makers in the State’s political arena, a number of former students’ and human rights activists have joined the poll fray this time with the hope of giving new meaning and direction on issues they feel are close to the people. Among those contesting this time include former NSF President Achumbemo Kikon, former Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) leader Vikheho Swu, former Northeast Students’ Organization (NESO) General Secretary NSN Lotha and former students’ leader Moatemjen Imchen. The Morung Express spoke with some of the budding young politicians.
Former NSF President, Achumbemo Kikon (40 Bhandari AC) who is contesting from Lok Jan Shakti party shared his vision of bringing development to his constituency and also has the keen desire to actively pursue on the decades old Indo-Naga political. Kikon said that joining politics after being active as a student activist was just a matter of ‘changing strategy’ since he remains committed to serve the people, which was all that matters. “It’s a new generation and Naga people have to march with the young people,” says Kikon. “I will make a difference, I have a vision…politics is for the future young generation…young people should represent the Naga people. I would like to appeal the people to elect the young people…” he says.
As a former Naga students’ leader and former activist of the NPMHR, Vikheho Swu’s calling to join active politics was inspired by the people of his constituency. The NPF candidate for 13th Phughuboto A/C shared his concern for issues like the rate of school-drop out in his constituency, which, if not addressed immediately, would pose a serious problem in the future. Vikheho expressed that he would be no-lesser than other politicians, since he said that his years as a social activist have benefited him a lot. He joined politics because he feels that he needs to take bold steps and take bigger position with the people’s mandate.
Another very vocal Naga students’ leader from Wokha, NSN Lotha former NSF President and former NESO General Secretary, has his slogan ‘back to the village’. He is contesting as Independent in 37 Tuyi A/C and he dreams of taking development to the rural areas especially his constituency. Interestingly he aims to remove the negative mindset that the public have of politicians in general. Lotha however attributed that politician’s make tall promises during elections campaign which are mostly unfulfilled, which ultimately makes people distrust the politicians. An important remark given by Lotha is that being a former activist, “his social space in translating the changes that he envisions was somehow limited since social bodies can exercise their powers only as a pressure group and exert pressure on the politicians and bureaucrats, which was ineffective in many cases”.
Another, former Naga student’ leader, Moatemjen Imchen contesting on Congress ticket in 28th Koridang Assembly Constituency proclaims, “I stand for youth”. Imchen is focusing on the youths especially in the areas of providing education and employment. His also shares the vision of being a ‘catalyst’ to bring an honorable solution to the Indo-Naga political problem. On youth power Imchen says that “Today’s generation, unlike those days, is more qualified and they are more intelligent”. He says the focus will remain the young people pointing out that youth power is important to bring change. “I am trying to make them understand the strength of the youth”, he says.
Naga Churches, NGOs issue guidelines for political parties morungexpress
Kohima, February 17 (PTI): The influential church groups and social organisations in Nagaland have issued various dos and don’ts for political parties to ensure free, fair and morally acceptable state Assembly Polls on March 5. These organisations have been very vocal against many of the methods used by political parties to woo young voters, particularly the prevailing practice of setting up the so-called ‘youth camps’, where money and liquor flow freely.
Besides polluting the impressionable minds, the churches and NGOs felt such camps often caused nuisance to public peace and harmony in residential colonies and their negative impacts continued even after the elections. Soon after announcement of the assembly poll schedules, Nagaland Baptist Church Council and the powerful Naga Mothers’ Association issued guidelines to political parties and candidates not to lure students and youth with money and to strictly abide by the Election Commission’s model code of conduct.
As electioneering gathers momentum across Nagaland, many NGOs have taken the lead in passing resolutions in their respective villages or residential colonies restraining political parties from doing whatever they want to garner votes. Campaigning during the night have been banned in most residential areas keeping in mind public peace and the upcoming HSLC and Higher Secondary final exams. Five tribal church associations of Tuensang yesterday organised an interactive session with all contesting candidates of the border district and passed resolutions to ensure a fair election which would lead to socio-economic development of the area.
‘DAN spoilt prospect of securing negotiated settlement’ morungexpress
Congress candidate for for 16 Pfütsero A/C, K Therie filing his nomination .
Dimapur, February 16 (MExN): Congress candidate for 16 Pfütsero A/C under Phek district, K Therie affirmed that the former DAN Government headed by Neiphiu Rio had failed completely in all fronts and ‘spoilt the prospect of securing a negotiated settlement which was committed in the CMP, by shifting the responsibility’.
A press statement received here informed that K Therie while addressing a public meeting of about ‘3,500’ people at Phek local ground, after filing his nomination on February 15, alleged that Rio had completely failed to stop fratricidal killings and his government had failed to provide security to life and property of the people.
“No citizen is free from threat he said and asked the audience whether they wanted to continue in the same tumultuous situation,” said the release.
He further asked them to choose between peace and war, solution or confrontation; and assured the Nagas that the Congress party will play an effective and responsible role to bring peace and a life of freedom, the release stated and added that Therie also criticized the developmental activities saying that according to the funding pattern, the works were lagging far behind.
In this connection, Therie appealed the gathering to vote for the Congress party and said that ‘power generation being the primary requirement for the growth of industries, would be a priority as it would in turn create optimum employment opportunities’.
He outlined his thrush areas as tourism, IT sector, various welfare schemes, healthcare, organic farming, low interest loans for agriculture and education, etc.
In line with the election slogans, Therie “committed to provide a pro-people Government, peace and a life of freedom, security to life and property and to create infrastructures for development of natural and human resources”, the release stated. The 4 other official INC candidates also spoke on the occasion and appealed to the people to elect responsible candidates who would be capable of providing a peoples’ welfare Government, the release added.
Others who spoke on the occasion were former BJP General Secretary Eduzu and NPMCC President Atsole Wazah. Welcome address was delivered by Vekhosa Puro President, Phek DCC who also chaired the meeting, the release added.
Young Turk ready to storm Jamir’s bastion morungexpress
Ungma | February 17 (Our Correspondent): The bastion of Congress party and home turf of former Chief Minister Dr. SC Jamir, 26 Aonglenden A/C is experiencing a tremor the constituency never felt before. The epicenter of the quaver is Imtikumzük Longkumer, an Independent candidate who has been stealing the limelight from the veteran politicians of late. An avid partaker of every social activity since childhood, he says he decided to contest in the forthcoming general election with a vision and determination to bring about a change in accord with the fast and ever progressing world. The 39 year old candidate who earlier served as
Special Secretary to former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. SC Jamir and as Personal Secretary to the former MP and MLA C.Apok Jamir, while addressing media persons at his residence in Ungma village today, said that he has experienced and improvised ways to serve the people but that he needed the "position" to implement his "service."
He promised that he will work towards youth empowerment since the present world belongs to the younger generation and that he is willing to dedicate his life for that cause. If only he is elected, he said he would bring about a new vision and a new era for the youth. He added that uplift of youth would mean easing the burden of their parents. "Today's world belongs to the youth… give the youth a chance, opportunity to youth leadership," the Young Turk appeals, whose election slogan is "Hope of the youth."
He confessed he holds no grudge for not being offered the Congress ticket, but said "many Congress candidates will not be elected this time since the party gave tickets to the wrong persons." He envisions of setting up a "North Commissioner" in Mokokchung for the "northern block of the state." On the Naga political issue, he said that a solution is still elusive because the Nagas are not united. He also said that no political party will win absolute majority in the coming general election. "A party that would serve the people" is what he replied when asked which party he would join, if elected. He says he will focus on human resources development.
Independent candidate Imtikümzük Longkumer will be contesting against Congress candidate and ex-Minister, I.Nungshi Longkumer and the NPF stalwart, Toshipokba Longkumer.
NPF committed to facilitate conclusion of Naga talks: Thenucho morungexpress
Chetheba, February 17 (MExN): NPF candidate from 18th Chozuba A/C and former Home Minister, Thenucho reiterated that NPF is “committed” to facilitate conclusion of the separate ongoing talks between the Government of India and the two NSCN groups. “Sooner or later, the Nagas will definitely realize their political aspiration”, he asserted while addressing a sizeable audience here Saturday.
However, the factional clashes and violations of the ceasefire ground rules have increased soon after the President’s Rule was imposed in Nagaland. “My heart bleeds whenever anyone gets killed be he or she from the rival NSCNs, the NNC or the State police forces,” he said .
In the meantime, development works have to continue. In this regard the NPF -led DAN govt. on the job from the word “go” and works are progressing on time, he said.
Thenucho said that in addition, his other priority particularly for his constituency would be on building infrastructure for various projects to be implemented on all don’ts. The focus would be on improving the lot of each and every individual. “I am in the regional because “I feel that I can convey the problems of our people to those in power in New Delhi as I have many politician friends there,” Thenucho said.Thenucho said he was inspired after attending a “Royal Show” in Birminghan (England) to approach Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar along with former agriculture minister Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu and this resulted in the Agri-Expo in the state last year. “Now Nagaland agri products have great potential for the export market,” he said.
The former home minister also expressed gratitude to the party ally, namely the BJP for continuing to stand firmly by its commitment to DAN pact. He admitted some shortcomings in sharing with BJP partners.” But we must share the same kitchen.” He appealed to workers and supporters of both NPF and BJP to cooperate with each other and work tirelessly.
People of Chozuba A/C are very politically conscious more so because the entire state’s focus is on the outcome here. “I am absolutely confident that NPF under the capable leadership of Neiphiu Rio will come to power again,” said Thenucho. Earlier, the meeting began with prayer followed by unfurling of NPF flag by NPF Phek Division president Chivotso Nienu. Later, while addressing the audience, Chivotso said, “despite heavy odds the regional party has “blessings” because it had stood for the preservation of “our unique Naga identity.”
He expressed pleasant surprised that Thenucho could manage so many development works in all 17th villages of the constituency far above what was earmarked in the budget. Thenucho has obtained necessary funds and materials from own resources including the Assam Rifles and GREF and HUDCO, he said.Chivotso said that during Congress rule of ten years, people had no continuous purchasing, It was only when NPF led-DAN government came to power that many began circulating in earnest. NLA former speaker Z. Lohe who resigned from Congress along with large number of supporters and hit the campaign trail tirelessly for the NPF said “ Congress politics is dirty and there is no greater liar than (opposition leader) I. Imkong.”He also briefed the gathering as to why he left the Congress after 23 years of loyal service. “I decided to throw in my lot with Neiphiu Rio and ensure that his party rules again… because I have been used like a vehicle and finally dumped in a garage until the NPF repaired me,” Lohe said.
Besides, while Naga national workers are divided into four factions, the NPCC has five factions due to five aspirants for the Chief Minister’s chair, he said.
NPF Nagaland vice president Pusazo Luruo disclosed in detail the machinations plotted by the Congress after INC observer-in-charge of Nagaland Margaret Alva visited last and was alarmed by the stupendous developments being carried by DAN government. “Therefore, it is a false propaganda that Rio was responsible for imposition of President’s Rule… Many disappointed Congressmen joining NPF is a blessing in disguise.”
Advocate Timikha Koza explained the pros and cons of delimitation which incidentally, will not be exercised in Nagaland. He assured that Thenucho was working in tandem with Neiphiu Rio.
BJP Phek president Setsuyi said his party would extend full support to Thenucho. There are good Christians in BJP also. All over India the BJP wave has spread and so Congress is jittery, he said. His colleagues Vedayi, general secretary said Thenucho is not only NPF candidate but he is also DAN candidate. Arha also spoke on the occasion.Kedungupe Ritse said although he was not issued NPF ticket for 16th Pfutsero A/C, he and his supporters still remain loyal to the party.
Chaired by general secretary NPF Chozuba Unit, Hupa, the programme was entertained with folk songs by Nukhozolu and Vepfutalu. Pastor Duprane said the benediction while Pusahu, president NPF Chozuba Unit tendered vote of thanks.

‘NSCN’ reiterates unity Nagarealm.com



DIMAPUR, FEB15 [NPN] : The ‘GPRN/NSCN’ has reiterated that the ongoing unification was based on the sole interest of the Nagas and as per “Chairman” Isak Chishi Swu’s proclamation of “peace, reconciliation and unity”, which Swu had further reaffirmed through media on November 26 and 27, 2007, that the unity of Sumis was essential to pave the way for unification of all Nagas.

Clarifying that at no point of time had the ‘GPRN/NSCN’ stated either through press media or any communiqué of “exclusive unification”, the publicity cell ‘GPRN/NSCN’ in a press release said the present unification process was in consonance with Isak Swu’s proclamation. The ‘GPRN/NSCN’ also said it was expected that Naga tribal bodies and civil societies including Naga Hoho, NSF, NPMHR, NMA, ENPO, or even Lotha Hoho, should participate and lead the unification process “rather then isolating themselves from shouldering their bounden responsibilities citing so called media reports as their basis of apprehension without ascertaining the reality of the process.”

The ‘GPRN/NSCN’ said that though the ongoing unification and peace process might face roadblocks, but taking into account the greater interest and aspiration of the people, the present endeavour cannot be deterred. “It is thus the duty and responsibility of every bonafide Naga citizen to come forward and concertedly reign over all divisive elements trying to fracture the Naga social fabric,” the ‘GPRN/NSCN’ said.

Political mess: Who to blame- Nagaland Post
Nagaland is known for its longest state under President Rule (PR) in the country (1975- 32 months). The series of pol-explosions and pol-drama that took place some months back landed in another P.R in the state. As a result it created a sovereign pol-vacuum; consequently it contemplates the democratic institution and its limitations.
DARK SIDE OF DEMOCRACY: History of P.R & state of emergency testifies that any pol-parties that forms a government in the centre explores every possible ways to topple down the opposition rule states, example- Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand in the recent times is nothing new. On the 26th of June' 1975 the rubber stamp President of India impose the state of emergency in the country and threw into the dustbin the crores of peoples mandate with a midnight decision of the then PM Indira Gandhi and only one cabinet minister.
In regards to our state pol-drama, the defections and resignations or our honorable ministers and MLA's in a dying hour that lead to the imposition of P.R is justified in a democratic institution, which is not a healthy sign for democracy in a long run. It simply indicates that democratic institution and its laws alone is not a necessary condition for stable and good governance.
ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES: The role of principles and ideology of our politicians and pol-parties in our state need to be judged and highlighted for the sake of the younger generation, pol- parties have become like a vast reservoir by granting pol- asylum arid accommodating to the defectors irrespective of pol-ideologies and principles, the resent overcrowded that wrestled for the party tickets like a tsunami and its consequent developments simply shows the flexibility of our politicians and the democratic institution as well.
ACTIONS OF THE SPEAKER: In a democratic institution, speakers of the house are like an umpire in a cricket match. The decision of the speaker whether its right or wrong is final and binding The decision of the speaker in invalidating the votes of 9 NPF defectors on ground of anti defection law is something new developments in the history or speakers power. We better not speculate as the case has already landed in the court. We just hope that the decision of the speaker i.e (l3th Dec 2007) will not deteriorate the office of dignity, independent, and impartiality.
As the Election campaign is on high peak with different pol-parties campaigning with different issues and promises, I would like to highlight the word 'Communalism' and its relation to politics. The history of Communalism testifies (Communalism-breaths-Divide). Any politician irrespective of pol-parties he/she belongs to or any pol-party that plays the communal card for vote bank, should remember that lakhs of young Naga, intellectuals are witness. Ethical norms need to be club with the democratic institutions with greater people participation in decision making, only then our democratic institution will flourish.
Vihepu Yeptho, Purana Bazar, New Colony.
Resolve NE grievances through talks Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Feb 17 – Asserting that the story of development of the North-east in many aspects was similar to that of other parts of the country, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil advocated resolution of “grievances” through constructive dialogue. Without referring to the problem of insurgency and other political turmoil plaguing the North-east, the President said, “As we move forward, we must always remember that our grievances must be resolved through constructive dialogue and in a democratic manner.”

The President was inaugurating the ‘National Conclave of North-Eastern States for Access to Justice to Women of North-east’ at the Vigyan Bhavan here today in presence of the Chief Justice of India, KG Balakrishnan, Union Law Minister HR Bharadwaj and executive chairman of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), Justice Ashok Bhan.

The week-long programme organised by NALSA will see orientation courses on access to justice, interactive sessions on legal and human rights, workshops, exhibitions of products of the North-east, food and handicraft mela, besides cultural events.

Interestingly, the week-long conclave on access to justice to women of North-east comes at a time when several incidents of violence on women hailing from the region have rocked the national capital. The frequency of incidents like molestation, sexual harassment and attacks on students and women of the North-east has sent alarm bells ringing.

The President, meanwhile, lamented that the event could not be organised in the North-east. “I had advised the organisers to hold the conference in the north-eastern region, but due to certain constraints, it could not be held there. I hope in near future it will be held in one of the north-eastern States,” she said, sending a terse message.

Pointing out that the challenge was to realise the potential of the region and bring development there in an atmosphere of peace, she said geographical features have, for too long, acted as a constraint to the overall development of the region.

The States of the North-east are required to be made more accessible for the easy flow of not only commerce and trade but also of ideas and new technological developments. Infrastructure development in road, rail, air and telecommunications would help in realising the potential of the region and will provide better connectivity with the rest of India, making people-to-people contacts easier, said the President.

“Like all people of India, those from the north-eastern region are also looking for progress and prosperity. With a high growth rate of about 9 per cent per annum, I am sure that we will achieve this,” Patil opined.

Though the women of the North-east are hard-working, run the household and enjoy better equality in society as compared to several other parts of the country, to help them realise their rights, the political, economic and social institutions and structures would have to work in tandem, she suggested.

The President further suggested frequent holdings of events from the north-eastern States in the National Capital and in other parts of India, as they promote better understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures and traditions.

Earlier, former chairperson of National Commission for Women, Dr Mohini Giri, called for establishment of a monitoring mechanism to check violence against women in the North-east. She said that women in the North-east have often become victims of militancy in insurgency-ridden States of the North-east.

Later, responding to her plea, the President said women in the North-east have raised some points in her speech. “I will look into them.”

Earlier, the Chief Justice of India in his address called for speedy delivery of justice in the region, pointing towards presence of high number of undertrials in jails across the region. Jails there are overcrowded, Chief Justice Balakrishnan said.
Ulfa calls bandh in support of Lachit A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph
Guwahati, Feb. 17: A court today sent Lachit Bordoloi to police remand for another two days while the Ulfa chief sat planning a statewide bandh on Tuesday seeking unconditional release of the human rights activist.
Bordoloi was arrested six days ago based on a rebel’s statement about a possible hijack conspiracy hatched by Ulfa. The police had sought another five days’ remand to question Bordoloi regarding 2,500 Ulfa e-mails investigators found in his laptop, Bordoloi’s advocate Bijan Mahajan said. But the court today granted only two.
The chief judicial magistrate (Kamrup), Rabin Phukan, also rejected the bail petition of another MASS activist Khagen Talukdar, Deccan staff Sumanta Datta and a former employee of a private news channel Pradip Gogoi and sent them to judicial custody.
All three were arrested for alleged links in the hijack conspiracy.
“The police did not seek their remand, so we had moved for their bail. But the court rejected it,” Mahajan said.
Almost coinciding with the court order, Ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa in a statement declared a 12-hour bandh from 5.30am of Tuesday seeking Bordoloi’s release along with a complete halt of killing of Ulfa activists in “false encounters” by security forces.
Rajkhowa warned of more vigorous agitation if the government did not fulfil the outfit’s demands.
Dispur, however, said it would not bow to the outfit’s pressure tactics and would ensure enough security to thwart the bandh call.
At a rally in Nagaon this afternoon, chief minister Tarun Gogoi said the forces would continue the ongoing crackdown against the outfit.
Without ruling out the possibility of Ulfa trying to create panic ahead of the bandh by triggering blasts, a senior police official said the people have begun to defy Ulfa’s diktats , and the government expected a similar response this time too. Besides, that Ulfa has come out in support of Bordoloi only buttressed the police’s claim that the rights activist had “direct links” with the outfit, the officer said.
Rajkhowa in his statement had said the police have “wrongly implicated” Bordoloi with false charges of plane hijacking plan, supplying arms and providing shelter to the outfit’s members. He claimed that the arrest has jeopardised the democratic rights of the people of Assam.
Tribal students to give up Manipur university from Mar 1 Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 16: Protesting against lack of adequate opportunities for the tribal communities in Manipur University, the All Tribal Students Association, Manipur has declared that all tribal students of the university will withdraw en masse from the institute from March 1, 2008.

A statement issued by the ATSUM said the tribal students would be bidding farewell to the university from 11 am of March 1 as they no longer feel at home there, and have nothing to look forward to.

`On the other hand, we feel that our continued stay there is going to prolong our frustration and hurt ourselves more and more,` the statement said.
Elaborating, it said the conversion of MU to a Central university, has put the tribals in an unenviable position, and it is now clear that all doors for a tribal joining the university as a faculty member are closed.

It noted that while MU was a state university, there were just two tribals out of 121 teaching faculty members. The university has confusing and half-baked reason to explain this circumstances, it said.

On the other hand, after its conversion to Central university, 21 posts of professor, 26 posts of reader and 23 posts of lecturer were recruited, but not a single tribal was among them, it said. After conversion to a Central university, implementation of rules and guidelines followed by other Central universities has only benefited one community, the statement charged, closing doors for the tribals who constitute one-third of the state`s total population.
It said repeated pleas to the university authorities, the Manipur government and the Union ministry of human resources development in this respect have fallen on deaf ears. Rather than trying to do something positive to address the genuine grievances of the tribal community, the university authorities are hell bent on the recruitment drive for reasons best known to them.

It said the future course of action to be taken after the mass withdrawal will be decided at an emergency consultative meeting to be held at Kuki Inn, Imphal on February 19, 2008.

India should play a bigger role: KNO From Surajit Khaund Assam Tribune
INDO-MYANMAR BORDER, Feb 17 – “India has a big role to play in restoration of democracy in Burma (Myanmar). And, we are eagerly waiting for a comprehensive effort from the Indian Government in this regard,” said Zaulawt, president of Kachin National Organisation (KNO), the leading political group of Kachin in Myanmar. Talking exclusively to The Assam Tribune at an undisclosed location along the Indo-Myanmar border, he said that being the largest democratic country in the world, India should put more pressure on the Burmese Junta in the greater interest of the people. “We are not fully satisfied with the stand taken by the Indian Government as far as democracy in Burma (Myanmar) is concerned. At the same time India should also stop selling weapons to Burma that would escalate tension among the people in the country, ”Zaulawt said.

Providing more information on the political turmoil in Myanmar, the president said that the common people in Myanmar have suffered a lot while protesting against the misdeeds of the Burmese Junta. “Hundreds of people are still languishing in the jails and therefore we want a more pro-active role from the Indian Government,” he added.

Asked whether the political unrest had made any impact on Kachin areas, Zaulawt, informed that Kachin people are the main targets of the Junta. “Despite the ceasefire pact, the Kachin people are facing severe hardships from the Junta,” he added.

On the militancy issue, Zaulawt, however, denied having any camp of North East militant groups in Kachin area. “As Kachin has a close link with North East India, we do not want our motherland to be used by any militant group, particularly from this region,” he said.

The KNO has been pursing dialogue with the Burmese Junta. Moreover, during the ceasefire agreement between the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) and the Military Junta, the KNO played a key role.

Replying to a question on the growing drug trafficking problem along the Indo-Myanmar border and Kachin area, Zaulawt informed that the KIA had already launched a massive operation against the people involved in drug trafficking and opium cultivation. “The people involved in drug trafficking and opium cultivation have been awarded strong punishment. We are also worried over the problem as it has affected Kachin and North East India to a large extent,” he said, adding that drug trafficking is a common problem for Kachin and North East India and hence it should be countered through a joint effort.
Burma to attend Indian Arms Fair Indo Burma News
February 16, 2008: (Irrawaddy) Burma will send an official delegation to Asia's largest arms fair, Defexpo, which will be held from Saturday to Tuesday in New Delhi, India.
Fighter jets on display at the Defexpo arms fair in New Delhi
The arms show will allow the Burmese junta an opportunity to negotiate new arms contracts, expand their arms trading partners and attend seminars on new weapons technology.
The Indian Defence Exhibition Organization, the main sponsor of Defexpo, confirmed that Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries including Burma will attend the international arms show, but declined to say who would participate from the Burmese military government. Other countries attending the fair are the United States, Canada, South Korea, South Africa, France, Germany, the UK, Sweden, Norway, Italy as well as countries that regularly sell arms to Burma—Russia and Ukraine. China has said it will not attend the event. Indian arms corporations will have a large presence at the exhibition.
Asked if EU member states' participation in Defexpo condones arms sales to Burma, Christiane Hohmann, a European Commission External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy spokesperson, said there is no official European Community position on attending foreign arms fairs like Defexpo.
“This is an exhibition organized in India,” she said. “The participants have to decide on their own who wants to participate. There is no EU policy on that so the member states can decide to go there. It's their decision.”
Since 2006, the Council of European Union has renewed restrictive measures against the Burmese government and has adopted common positions which state that EU members cannot participate in activities that circumvent the prohibition to “provide technical assistance, brokering services and other services related to military activities and to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned, as well as equipment which might be used for internal repression, directly or indirectly to any natural or legal person for use in Burma.”
According to the UK-based Campaign Against Arms Trade, which campaigns against UK participation in global arms fairs, in the last Defexpo in 2006, the UK Minister for Defences Procurement, Lord Drayson, led the official of UK delegation.
Bo Hla Tint, a member of Burma's government-in-exile, the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, and an elected member of the parliament, told The Irrawaddy that Western participation in Defexpo shows the hypocrisy of arms embargoes against Burma.
“They look out for their own interests,” he said. “If Western governments don't want Burma to participate in Defexpo, they can easily ask the Indian Government to exclude them, but they don't do it. It is much more important for them to show their new arms technology to other countries rather than making a fuss about Burma. Big countries don't think about Burma when their interests are at risk.”
According to News Post India, the US has the largest representation at Defexpo, with 46 companies including Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, along with the US Defense Department. India is a growing export market for US arms.
India persuades Myanmar to let UN envoy visit Indo Burma News
February 17, 2008: (The Times of India) New Delhi, If China was responsible for facilitating UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari's visit to Myanmar in 2007, India will take charge this year. After foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon's quiet visit to Yangon earlier this month, Myanmar's military rulers have reportedly been persuaded to let Gambari return to the country. If all goes well, Gambari might go back to Myanmar capital Naypyidaw by March. During his recent visit to New Delhi, Gambari told TOI, "Last time, China facilitated my trip to Myanmar. This time, I believe it will be India." Gambari is expected to visit China in February.
Asked when he would make his next trip to Myanmar, Gambari said, "The Myanmar government has indicated I could visit in April. But that's too far away, about six months after my last trip. I want to go there much earlier than that." In fact, India has reason to quietly cheer its Myanmar policy.

India made it clear it didn't want sanctions. But it also stood behind Gambari mission. India's resistance to sanctions on Myanmar was matched by China's which also refused to entertain the thought of similar curbs.Besides, the recent sanctions by the European Union have had the predictable effect — the rulers in Mynamar have been spared but poor textile workers and gems and jewellery workers have been deeply affected.
In fact, this call for sanctions has, in a way, rebound on Aung San Suu Kyi herself, because many of those affected by the sanctions are apparently her supporters. This is a reality that has become clear to the sanctioning countries, which has consequently diluted the western appetite for sanctions. It showed in Gambari's more "nuanced" attitude to the Myanmar issue recently.
He was clear that the UN would not get involved in bilateral relations with Myanmar. And in fact, India will show its independence when Myanmarese strongman, Gen Maung Aye, arrives here in April to sign the 'Kaladan' multi-modal transport project to be executed by this country.

India in its turn has promised to help steer the Myanmar rulers to work out a more inclusive and comprehensive national reconciliation. Gambari is expected to push for permission to let aid workers in the education and health sectors work among Myanmar's poor.