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02/25/2008: "NSCN(I-M): no solution under Constitution Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu"

NSCN(I-M): no solution under Constitution Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu

Guwahati: The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) has ruled out accepting any solution to the “Naga problem” under the Indian Constitution. It was reacting to a statement reportedly made by National Security Adviser (NSA) M.K. Narayanan during his recent visit to Nagaland.
Mr. Narayanan reportedly told The Morung Express in an interview at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima on February 16 that “the peace talks between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) can take forward movement only if the latter agrees to accept a solution within the broad parameters of the Indian Union.” Mr. Narayanan, however, pointed out that New Delhi was ready to give “broad concessions” to the Nagas once this prerequisite had been met.
Narayanan’s remark on Naga peace talks a ‘bombshell’morungexpress
Dimapur, February 24 (MExN): The National Security Council, National Socialist Council of Nagalim under the leadership of Isak and Muivah while responding to the remark made by MK Narayanan, National Security Advisor (NSA) to the Prime Minister of India, stated that the government of India was speaking in different tone of political terminology, sending a diabolical message that it (Delhi) had no worry to destroy the hard earned achievements of the Indo-Naga political talk that has seen more than 60 rounds of talks. “The statement of National Security Adviser MK. Narayanan on the Indo-Naga solution during his official visit to Kohima, Nagaland on 18 February 2008 has come as a bombshell. This is bewilderingly obnoxious, but such duplicity on the part of the government of India is not going to go down well in the future course of the peace process”, stated a press note issued by the National Security Council (NSC).
Reminding that the level of Indo-Naga political talks is on the basis of “Unconditional Terms”, the NSC lamented that all of a sudden, “conditioning the Nagas to come under the Indian Constitution to pave the way for Indo-Naga political solution is unbecoming of the Government of India that has appended its signature to the terms and conditions where accepting the Constitution of India does not arise”.
“Where is the political morality of India to stab the Nagas on the back?” it questioned.
The NSC statement also pointed out that for “all intents and purposes, the absurdity of the National Security Advisor (NSA) Shri. MK. Narayanan’s remark on the slow down of the Indo-Naga peace process was a total reflection of the Congress’s future scheme of political arrangement on the Indo-Naga issue”. It also stated that MK. Narayanan has turned himself to be the “bete noire of the Nagas” and condemned his “irresponsible utterance”.
The political statement from the NSC asserted that Nagas cannot be subjected to accepting what is not right historically and that India had no political morality to decide the political destiny of the Nagas. “It is the Naga people who will determine their political fate”, the NSC stated while adding that 10 years of Indo-Naga political process is long enough for India to “exercise a high level of lateral thinking and speak on the issue conscientiously”. “But choosing to take potshots at NSCN is not a good sign of sincerity, given the long wait of the Nagas that India will not change colour in the manner that reflects outrageous undermining of the Indo-Naga political issue”.
The NSC stated that “despite the unwarranted utterance of MK. Narayanan on the contentious issue of the magnitude of Indo-Naga political talks that has withstood pressure of vilification for the past ten years”, the Nagas are magnanimous enough to wait while pointing out that “Nagas have the propensity to wait as demanded by the nature of the Naga issue that cannot be expected to produce result in hurry”. “But if India thinks that Nagas aspiration will eventually wear out it is just delusions of grandeur”.
While stating that there was a “time for everything”, the NSC statement pointed out that this was not the time for India to retract on its commitment for an honourable Naga solution. “To speak on the Indo-Naga solution from the Indian constitution point of view is not an honourable solution for the Nagas. India cannot afford to act sanctimonious on this sensitive aspect. The fact that India, on July 11, 2002 recognized the “Unique History and the Situations of the Nagas” does not warrant seeking solution under the Indian constitution”, it stated and added that the NSCN Collective Leadership in consultation with the Naga people have time and again reaffirmed that apart from the Nagas history, there will not be any solution.
The NSC pointed out that at this “juncture of the new situation” it will be “absolutely preposterous for India to put the proposals of the Nagas into cold storage, and with more than 60 rounds of Indo-Naga political talks India cannot feign ignorance of the stand taken by the Naga people”. It stated that the Naga people’s political aspiration cannot be suppressed by India who is “already showing the colour of using Machiavellian policy against the Naga issue”.
During the talks with India, the Nagas have made its political stand very clear though India may have treated it as intrusive, the NSC pointed out “but that at the same time “Nagas have considered with due respect of what is best for India and what is best for the Nagas”. “But when nothing was forthcoming in the direction expected it is left to wonder where the government of India is leading the Nagas to. But the moot point is ‘what have the Nagas not done to bring an honourable solution’? Given the long period of peace process India need to be more realistic and not take shelter by inventing one pretext after another. This is against Nagas’ expectation from India to act in accordance with historical proprieties”.
The NSC reminded that ever since Indo-Naga peace process was started in 1997, Nagas have been conspicuously patient hoping that India will at last go for its tested wisdom and translate its humanistic ideals into action. “But unfortunately, India has totally failed to attach any value to Nagas patience. On the contrary the government of India is already playing a dangerous game of setting its own terms to the Nagas to accept. But to the Nagas who stand by its avowed political principle this is not the road to solution, but surrender to the constitution of India as the basis for the Nagas solution”.
The NSC also made it known that “pragmatic to the approach, Nagas are willing to do all for a mutually acceptable solution” but lamented that India “is conditioning the Nagas to surrender and this is never the solution”. “And for all practical purposes Nagas are not going to surrender to Indian terms”.
Government ready for discussions Budget session from today Neena Vyas
NEW DELHI: There was hectic political activity here on Sunday on the eve of the budget session, with parties voicing concern over a number of issues and the government saying it is willing to discuss everything, provided priority is given to financial matters relating to budget presentation.
At a meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, almost all non-government parties said they wanted to discuss price rise, including the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, and the agrarian crisis that was causing suicides by farmers. The Sethusamudram project and the Telangana issue were also mentioned.
With the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L.K. Advani declaring that the agenda for the first week could be decided by the Business Advisory Committees (BAC), Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Priyaranjan Dasmunsi announced that the BAC meetings would be held immediately after the adjournment on Monday. He said that after the President’s address to the joint session, Parliament would be adjourned after making obituary references.
President’s Rule in Nagaland comes to an end on March 3 and elections are scheduled for March 5. With the results expected on March 8, there is a constitutional requirement to cover the few days before a new government is in place.
Mr. Dasmunsi said the government would like to take up the Nagaland proclamation on February 26, immediately after the Railway budget. The Minister said he recently called on Mr. Advani to apprise him of the important financial business on hand as well as the Nagaland issue.
A major issue that is bound to come up is the anti-north Indian agitation in Maharashtra by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. It is expected to be raised by the Samajwadi Party and members from Bihar cutting across party lines.
A Telangana Rashtra Samithi leader indicated that his party would raise the Telangana issue. The BJP indicated that it would join issue with the government on this to forcefully support the TRS.
A preview of the heat over the Sethusamudram project was available on Sunday when an MP of the breakaway faction of the MDMK said that 70 per cent of the work was over and now the project was being stalled by the party whose NDA government had cleared it.
RECONCILIATION: A common road to freedom Bonnie Konyak morungexpress
Crying out to the Heavens, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier leads the Naga Peace Convention in a prayer seeking God’s wisdom to enable the Nagas to be open and willing to engage in reconciliation. Rev. Aier suggested for a ‘Naga Reconciliation Forum’ comprising o
Dimapur | February 24 (MExN): It was explicit! It was concrete! It was moving and alive! It was an assertion that Naga history and political rights will not disappear into oblivion. The Naga Peace Convention, at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur organised by the Naga Shisha Hoho brought different people from many walks of life together as a sign of determination in its resolve to achieve reconciliation among the Nagas. The Naga Peace Convention today asserted to overcome the attitude of skepticism and self-defeatism and to strive for the “simple truth” that will bring all the Nagas towards a “common road where different groups can walk together on this road towards achieving our goal.”
Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, principal of Oriental Theological Seminary, the speaker of the fifth service of the Convention, this morning made a suggestion for the formation of the ‘Naga Reconciliation Forum’ which will comprise of Naga Hoho, Eastern Naga peoples’ Organization (ENPO), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA), Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), United Naga Council, Manipur (UNC), Naga Mother’s Association (NMA), Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), and Church leaders. Representatives of the organizations were called upon the podium and the convention offered a mass prayer dedicating them for this work and it was informed that the first meeting of the Naga Reconciliation Forum has been scheduled for March 14, 2008.
Outlining the mission of this Forum, the speaker said “Our task is to build one road where different groups can walk together on this road towards achieving our goal.” He believes that it is no co-incidence that all the Naga “factions” in principle, have expressed the desire for Naga Reconciliation and added that in “God’s time Naga national leaders have expressed that the deepest need for Nagas is to reconcile.” Saying that it was the work of Holy Spirit working in the hearts and minds of Naga leaders, Rev. Aier expressed hopefulness that “a dawn is here for us and our children to see, experience and live it”.
Reflecting upon the words of Victor Hugo who said “there is no greater power on earth than an idea whose time has come,” the Reverend added “today, the time has come for the Nagas.” He said that the passionate cry expressing desire for Naga reconciliation has grown into “a force to be reckoned with. This is the simple truth! We are here, as God would want us to act, willing and daring,” he stated.
Rev. Aier expounded on the meaning of Reconciliation, which in the Naga context, means “the overcoming of division, hatred and enmity, leading to peace and love between God and human beings, and between all groups of people so as to walk a common road to achieving freedom”. Therefore, he emphasized, that reconciliation is never subjective, hidden in a comer, but it has social, political and historical implications in the Naga context.
Urging upon all Nagas to act, Rev. Aier, said that reconciliation cannot come from sitting in our comfortable chairs and long hours of talking. It cannot come from pre-conceived minds, he added, and that it cannot come from pre-impositions from above. The Reverend expressed that only when Naga frontal organizations including the Church are willing to embark on a daring journey with one accord through “mass based reconciliation,” the goal of reconciliation will be possible.
Reconciliation, Rev. Aier told the convention ‘has to be based on the historical and the political rights of the Nagas towards a peaceful political settlement with India.’ He added that the process for reconciliation “can be given a chance only when various Naga groups reciprocate in openness and willingness.”
In order to do so, a forum, namely the ‘Naga Reconciliation Forum’ must be initiated, as an outcome of this Peace Convention, he said. “We shall not be at peace if we leave this place without seizing the opportunity God is offering us.” Calling the members of the forum to stage, Rev. Dr. Wati said that this was a sacred and holy moment, a day of covenant between God and the Naga people.
“Let no man or women defy this sanctity”, he said adding that it is the responsibility of every Naga man and woman, to respond to this call to reconcile to God and to one another. Saying that Nagas can no longer afford to worship the god of division nor justify before the altar of retaliation, Rev. Dr. Wati quoted Martin Luther words, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time…..” He concluded stating “As never before, today we have a choice before us: Reconciliation or division, love or hatred, peace or war. This is the day to choose the good for us and for posterity.”
The Naga Peace Convention which is being held in Dimapur since Friday evening on the theme “The moment of harvesting the fruit of Peace” has been organised by the Naga Shisha Hoho Prayer Centre, Pruzie Kohima. It was organized in response to the call of God, through a Divine Revelation to the Shisha Hoho to conduct the convention before the State Assembly Election 2008.
Krose appeals to NSCN (IM) for ‘neutrality’morungexpress
Dimapur, FEBRUARY 24 (MExN): While appreciating the NSCN (IM) for its decision not to involve in the state assembly polls and directing its cadres to this effect, Congress candidate of 5th Ghaspani-II, M. Krose brings to the notice of the NSCN (IM) authorities that its cadres are moving around in “full combat outfit, openly campaigning for the NPF candidate”. The press release issued by the Congress candidate states that actions of these cadres are contrary to the declared policy of non-interference by the NSCN leaders, thereby creating undue fear psychosis in the minds of the people, which may hamper the peaceful environment in the constituency
Krose appeals to the NSCN (IM) cadres to maintain neutrality for free and fair election and appeals to the senior leadership to judiciously study the pulse of the common people and ensure fair play for the interest of justice and effective strengthening of the peace process. “The stifling of the voices of the voiceless mass through coercive means and denial of their fundamental rights to make decision on the choice of leadership will further aggravate the existing situation in our constituency” states the release. He also says that their people have been supportive of the peace initiative but any design to manipulate partial support to manufacture democratic consent will only damage the moral support for the Naga people interest.
The INC candidate sought to clarify that if he and the Congress party is voted to power, they would work to bring a just, peaceful, honourable and lasting solution to the long drawn Indo-Naga problem with commitment to support the realization of the people’s aspiration “Unity of land and people”
NPF using developmental funds to buy votes morungexpress

Kohima, February 24 (MExN): INC candidate from 10-Northern Angami-I A/C for the forthcoming elections, Seyiekuolie accused the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) of siphoning crores of rupees from funds provided by the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre during the last tenure and spending it to purchase votes for their candidates in this election.
Addressing the 10-NA A/C Youth Congress meeting-cum-car rally at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima yesterday, Seyiekuolie alleged that the NPF led DAN Government during their tenure had miserably failed to carry out developmental works as the NPF legislators had been siphoning the funds granted by the Centre to spend on buying votes this time.
Recalling the last election’s experience, Seyiekuolie alleged that the NPF had utilized all possible forces including guns to win the last election. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that with the deployment of proper security forces by the present Government such things would not be repeated.
Seyiekuolie also maintained that during the last tenure, altogether 19 DAN MLAs had resigned because they realized that the NPF leaders were misusing the public funds and involved in rampant corruption besides being the worst ever government in the state.
Asserting that Congress is the only party to deliver goods to the people of Nagaland, Seyiekuolie on his part assured that Congress will do everything possible for empowerment and upliftment of youth by creating employment avenues.
He also maintained that Congress is the right government for Nagas to see more development through the Congress led UPA Government. The senior Congress leader also called upon the youth to join hands with the Congress for a better and developed Nagaland.
Earlier, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary, in-charge of Nagaland, Ranji Thomas in his speech lamented that despite the Central Government extending huge amount of developmental funds, Nagaland has been far behind in every spheres of development because of the NPF led DAN Government. Calling outto the youththat they are the future of Nagaland and they alone can stop such misrule and corrupt practices, Ranji said youths alone can take the Naga people into the forefront by joining hands with the Congress Party. He also called upon the youths to vote for Congress for Nagas to have a bright future. On the INC hand symbol, Ranji said “this is the hand that works for the welfare of the people and our candidate Seyiekuolie will surely work towards all round development.”
Dr. Sadikuolie, President 10-NA ACCC and Kekhrie Yhome, ex-Convenor Naga People Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) also spoke on the occasion. The function was chaired by Petekhriezo Dzuvichu, ex-President Lhisemia Youth Organisation.
Can we Trust? morungexpress Editorial
Trust is a powerful virtue that inspires and propels humans to respond in ways that are unimaginable and yet real; for at its core, the power of trust unleashes a mystical and dynamic energy that instills the human mind to act with clarity, a sense of purpose and vision. Yet human history indicates that it has failed to grasp the powers of trust. It is no wonder that the roles and values of trust have so often been underestimated; and yet ironically the question of trust has shaped and determined historical processes.
In situations of political and social crisis, trust is amongst the first casualties. The forces of distrust unleash an agenda to create divisions through rumors and confusion to break the spirit of people by creating an environment of fear and suspicion. It includes systematically discrediting individuals and people, by dehumanizing their humanity and creating in them the ‘image of an enemy.’ Such an agenda of deception and malice further propagates the agenda of distrust with the fullest intention of destroying a people’s capacity to trust in their very own wisdom and vision.
A situation conditioned to arouse suspicion and distrust is manipulated to escalate polarization over perceived differences; preventing any genuine process for clarification and honest removal of doubts and suspicions. For this reason, Nagas are faced with an eminent crisis where they become suspicious of anyone and everyone by making assumptions; including ignoring the best of intentions offered because it gets to a point where they only seek to trust their own kin. Indeed it is with deep regret that history has seen so many men and women fall short of their potentiality because of their repeated intentions to only trust their own.
Trust is fragile and dependent on a complex web of values and processes that needs nurturing. It is a dynamic process that calls for human will to take full responsibility for ones actions and to stand for right. It requires sharing of perceptions, offering opinions and ideas, and having the choice to be part of decision-making by being involved in a deliberate process of critical reflection, self-examination and redressal of the wrongs. Trust stands to bridge understanding and affirm the journey of unity in purpose. The power of the powerless indeed begins with their ability to trust.
The sources of confusion and distrust must be identified and addressed constructively with an honest assessment of where, how and why things went wrong. Truly, Nagas need to break the chains of fear and distrust. They must have the faith to indeed feel the power of trust propel them to observe, understand and pursue the interaction between the future they seek and the means they use to create that future, so that the means is consistent with the envisioned future.
Perhaps Nagas have now reached a point in time where we have no other option but to put our trust on one another; to do otherwise would only further take us into an abyss. For so long ordinary Naga people cried out for Nagas to come together as One and to unitedly work jointly with common purpose, but it was our lack of willingness to trust one another that only further obstructed our possibilities to come together as one. Today as Nagas from different walks of life are called upon to work collectively for the realization of Nagas to come together and pursue their political aspirations, the underpinning value that will define this outcome will once again depend on our ability and willingness to trust each other.
NAGA RECONCILIATION Wati Aier Morung
“There is no greater power on earth than an idea whose time has come,” were the words of Victor Hugo. Today, the time has come for the Nagas. From all comers, the passionate cry expresses the desire for Naga reconciliation. The voices for reconciliation have grown into a force to be reckoned with. This is the simple truth! We are here, as God would want us to act, willing and daring.
In our context, reconciliation means, the overcoming of division, hatred and enmity, leading to peace and love between God and human beings, and between all groups of people so as to walk a common road to achieving freedom. Therefore, reconciliation is never subjective - hidden in a comer, but reconciliation has social, political and historical implications in the Naga context.
I believe, reconciliation is possible, but it cannot come from sitting in our comfortable chairs and long hours of talking. It cannot come from pre-conceived minds. It cannot come from pre impositions from above. It can come only when Naga frontal organizations including the Church is willing to embark on a daring journey with one accord through “mass based reconciliation.” Reconciliation can be given a chance only when various Naga groups reciprocate in openness and willingness. But above all, the basis for reconciliation has to be based on the ‘historical and the political rights of the Nagas towards a peaceful political settlement with India. ‘
It is no coincidence that all the Naga “factions” in principle, have expressed the desire for Naga Reconciliation. Our task is to build one road where different groups can walk together on this road towards achieving our goal.
In order to do so, a forum must be initiated, as an outcome of this Peace convention. We shall not be at peace if we leave this place without seizing the opportunity God is offering us. Therefore, the forum shall be comprised of: Naga Hoho, Eastern Naga peoples’ Organization (ENPO), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA), Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), United Naga Council, Manipur (UNC), Naga Mother’s Association (NMA), Naga Peoples movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), All Naga Students’ Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), and Church leaders.
In God’s time our national leaders have expressed that the deepest need for Nagas is to reconcile. We believe this is the work of Holy Spirit working in the hearts and minds of our leaders. We can be hopeful that a dawn is here for us and our children to see, experience and live it.
The night has been too long for the Nagas. Thousands have laid down their lives for our freedom and many more continue to safeguard our historical and political rights. Today, we are here to make a covenant between God and the Naga people. This is a sacred and holy moment. Let no man or woman defy this sanctity. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians implores “Be reconciled to God.”... To us has been given the ministry of reconciliation. It is the responsibility of every Naga man and woman, to respond to this call to reconcile to God and to one another.
Today we hope and aspire that the spirit of reconciliation be realized in a concrete manner. Nagas can no longer afford to worship the god of division nor justify before the altar of retaliation. Human history is replete with blood and tears and ultimately disintegration for those who pursued the path of godless voices of division and hate. Such a path is totally self-defeating.
In his book “Where do we go from here,” Martin Luther said, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost of opportunity.” As never before, today we have a choice before us: Reconciliation or division, love or hatred, peace or war. This is the day to choose the good for us and for posterity. In God through Christ our Lord and Savior we hope and we commit to the task of reconciliation. Amen.

NSCN (I-M) objects statement- Nagaland Post
Ironically, the government of In-dia is speaking in different tone of political terminology, sending a diabolical message that it will have no qualm to obliterate the hard earned achievements of the Indo-Naga political talk that has seen more than 60 rounds of talks. The statement of National Security Adviser (NSA), MK Narayanan on the Indo-Naga solution during his official visit to Kohima, Nagaland on 18 February 2008 has come as a bombshell. This is bewilderingly obnoxious, but such duplicity on the part of the government of India is not going to go down well in the future course of the peace process. For the Nagas cannot be subjected to accepting what is not right historically, and India have no political morality to decide the political destiny of the Nagas. It is the Naga people who will determine their political fate.
Seriously focused, 10 years of Indo-Naga political process is long enough for India to exercise a high level of lateral thinking and speak on the issue conscientiously. But choosing to take potshots at NSCN is not a good sign of sincerity, given the long wait of the Nagas that India will not change colour in the manner that reflects outrageous undermining of the Indo-Naga political issue.
Despite the unwarranted utterance of MK. Narayanan on the contentious issue of the magnitude of Indo-Naga political talks that has withstood pressure of vilification for the past ten years the Nagas are magnanimous enough to wait, for the Nagas have the propensity to wait as demanded by the nature of the Naga issue that cannot be expected to produce result in hurry. But if India thinks that Naga's aspiration will eventually wear out it is just delusions of grandeur.
There is time for everything. And this is no time for India to retract on its commitment for an honourable Naga solution. To speak on the Indo-Naga solution from the Indian constitution point of view is not an honourable solution for the Nagas. India cannot afford to act sanctimonious on this sensitive aspect. The fact that India, on July 11, 2002 recognized the "Unique History and the Situations of the Nagas" does not warrant seeking solution under the Indian constitution. The NSCN Collective Leadership in consultation with the Naga people have time and again reaffirmed that apart from the Nagas history, there will not be any solution.
At this juncture of the new situation it will be absolutely preposterous for India to put the proposals of the Nagas into cold storage, and with more than 60 rounds of Indo-Naga political talks India cannot feign ignorance of the stand taken by the Naga people. Naga people's political aspiration cannot be suppressed by India who is already showing the colour of using Machiavellian policy against the Naga issue. During the talks with India, the Nagas have made its political stand very clear though India may have treated it as intrusive. But at the same time Nagas have considered with due respect of what is best for India and what is best for the Nagas. But when nothing was forthcoming in the direction expected it is left to wonder where the government of India is leading the Nagas to. But the moot point is "what have the Nagas not done to bring an honourable solution"? Given the long period of peace process India need to be more realistic and not take shelter by inventing one pretext after another. This is against Nagas' expectation from India to act in accordance with historical proprieties.
Ever since Indo-Naga peace process was started in 1997 Nagas have been conspicuously patient hoping that India will at last go for its tested wisdom and translate its humanistic ideals into action. But unfortunately, India has totally failed to attach any value to Naga's patience. On the contrary the government of India is already playing a dangerous game of setting its own terms to the Nagas to accept. But to the Nagas who stand by its avowed political principle this is not the road to solution, but surrender to the constitution of India as the basis for the Nagas solution.
Pragmatic to the approach Nagas are willing to do all for a mutually acceptable solution. But India is conditioning the Nagas to surrender and this is never the solution. And for all practical purposes Nagas are not going to surrender to Indian terms.
The level of Indo-Naga political talks is on the basis of "Unconditional Terms". But all of a sudden, conditioning the Nagas to come under the Indian Constitution to pave the way for Indo-Naga political solution is unbecoming of the Government of India that has appended its signature to the terms and conditions where accepting the Constitution of India does not arise. Where is the political morality of India to stab the Nagas on the back?
For all intents and purposes, the absurdity of the National Security Advisor (NSA) MK Narayanan's remark on the slow down of the Indo-Naga peace process is a total reflection of the congress's future scheme of political arrangement on the Indo-Naga issue. But in the process MK. Narayanan has turned himself to be the bete noire of the Nagas, and his irresponsible utterance is thus condemned.
National Security Council, GPRN.
Appeal to NSCN (I-M)- Nagaland Post
I would like to express my appreciation to the deci-sion of the NSCN (I-M), not to involve in the state assembly election and also the directive of its cadres not to interfere in the ensuing election. However, I am constrained to note that the cadres of the same group are moving around in full combat outfit openly campaigning for the NPF candidate. The actions of these cadres are contrary to the declared policy of non-interference by the NSCN leaders, thereby, creating undue fear psychosis in the minds of the people, which may hamper the peaceful environment in the constituency.
It is my fervent appeal to the NSCN (I-M) cadres to maintain neutrality for a free and fair election. I also appeal to the senior leaderships to judiciously study the pulse of the common people an ensure fair play for the interest of justice and effective strengthening of the peace process. The stifling of the voices of the voiceless mass through coercive means and denial of their fundamental rights to make decision on the choice of leadership will further aggravate the existing situation in our constituency. Our people have been supportive to the peace initiative but any design to manipulate partial support to manufacture democratic consent will damage the morale support for the Naga people interest.
Further, I would like to clearly state that I and the Congress party, if voted to power will work to bring a just, peaceful, honorable and lasting solution to the long drawn Indo-Naga problem with the commitment to support the realization of the people's aspiration- "unity of land and people".
Miathou Krose, INC candidate, 5 Ghaspani II A/C.
Dream of leaving Burma morungexpress
Young Burmese men talk about nothing much as they pass the time in the street Burma has been under military rule for over four decades. Its recent draft constitution, which bans opposition activists from entering the 2010 elections, has come under attack recently as international pressure to move toward democracy increases. Win Swe grew up in Mandalay under the junta's regime. He talks about his day-to-day life and studies, and his struggle to express himself in a closed society

The school I go to is closed today as the classrooms are foot-high in water. It often happens during the monsoon season. What I usually do when the rains come is head for the centre of Mandalay; if I can’t study in class the streets offer a good alternative. I am a firm believer in learning. There are so many things happening in Burma that cry out for dialogue and debate. But people are too repressed to enter into discussion; they fear violent consequences. Our problems are on a national scale, but our fear forces us to view them on an individual scale. Talking itself can be dangerous. Having learned from previous mistakes, I am now careful whom I talk to and what about.
I seek out foreigners to have conversations with. I can see that it’s a backwards strategy – making small talk with friends and family and opening up to strangers – but it’s safer. Life is hard for so many people, and informing on other people’s anti-government sentiments can gain privileges, which may translate into enough food to feed your family for a week. In many ways I can understand.
If I am seen speaking to a foreigner I will be questioned by the police. The foreigner will be left alone, as non-Burmese people aren't likely to be arrested and interrogated. This is largely an internal affair. I try to be careful and don’t talk to anyone who isn’t interested. As long as no one is in earshot I can always claim that I was asked for directions.
Although many foreigners have boycotted Burma, there are always a few who, for whatever reason, choose to see for themselves. If they are European they offer an opportunity for me to practise my English, which is an added incentive to head for the streets. English is important for my studies. I'm a law student. Much of our legal system has been influenced by our colonial predecessors; there is still English-language legislation in the statute book, where much of the detail of Burmese history can be found.
I chose to study law in an attempt to counter the injustices around me, but now I realise that this is naive. Law is an easy subject in Burma. Where justice is non-existent, law ceases to be anything but a reinforcement of the state. There are a lot of lawyers here and competition is tight; income is far from guaranteed, even in this vocation.
I’m 22 years old. I’m still young but I feel I've missed out. I spent three years in prison – once for two years, and then for a term of one year. My crime was talking. There are many people here like me, and we are far from being a minority. In Burma, even whispering the word democracy can land you in serious trouble.
I have always been in Mandalay. My family is here; I have grown up, studied and been imprisoned here. My greatest dream is to leave. I've been trying to escape from this country for years, but family ties are strong and it is difficult to make that decisive step, to give up on everything that is happening around me.
A passport costs more than three times the average income of relatively wealthy Burmese person. And then there are the additional costs – bribes for the multitude of officials along the way. Even if I could somehow arrange the finances it would only be the first step. From the initial application to actual departure could take years, and only then could I think about applying for a visa. It’s an obvious but easy tactic by the junta to stop people from leaving the country and stop news of their regime from reaching the outside world. A lot of Burmese people risk crossing the border illegally.
I have a friend overseas who has offered to help me – someone I met a few years ago on an excursion into Mandalay when school was closed. I have his postal address, but every letter I have sent him was read and destroyed by officials. That was why I spent my second term in prison. Two years for writing, one year for talking. I learned my lesson. Now, every time I write a letter I have to find a tourist willing to smuggle it out of the country – usually to Thailand, where it can be posted and hopefully reach its destination untouched. I don’t like to be beholden to others, or to impose, but I have a simple choice: to try or not.

Win Swe, whose name has been changed, was talking to Pete Browne