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04/11/2008: "Factionalism: A threat to Naga nationalism- Nagaland Post"

Factionalism: A threat to Naga nationalism- Nagaland Post

Since 1947, after the British left, Nagaland remained a disturbed area. The saga of Naga imbroglio is well acquainted to almost every Naga. During a span of 60 years, tremen-dous political mileage occurred today. Nationalism in Naga context seems to be taking new devastating trend quite contrary to people's expectation known as factionalism.
Present perspective: Nagaland has been badly ridden by factionalism after dissidence that crept up in the 1980's. Today this has become a stumbling block to peace process. No Naga is completely immune from this factionalism. No political party comes to power without addressing this issue. Factional clashes, fratricidal killings are the order of the day which is hardly a secret. Extortion, intimidation, demand, threat, etc., are not a new phenomena. There is a ceasefire on one hand while heavy casualty on the other. Even in their ideology and demands, they are equally antagonistic like federalism, socialism, sovereignty, dual federalism, autonomy and so forth. This sectarian conflict has taken its toll:
o Development activities stagnated
o Economy strained
o Rampant illiteracy & backwardness
o Fear psychosis
o Vested interest working under the garb of nationalism.
As a disturbed society, all blames are put on the political disturbances. Had all those big plans being implemented, Nagaland would have been shining by now, but what a colossal waste, many big plans cropped up only to be discarded later. True enough, who bothers for develop-ment when society is gripped by fear. Economy is stagnated as there are no factories to generate income and employment. No one would dare to invest at this hour and end up paying demand notes disregard of the fact that there are many crorepatis among the Nagas today. A meager salary is deducted some percent by one faction, then another and still another, finally at the end there is hardly enough cash for his minimum requirement.
Nagaland has been reduced to an economic appendage of India. Some vested interest gripped by avarice tries to exploit the situation to their own advantage. Under the cover of Nationalism demand notes are served which is an open secret. Taking advantage of this factional confusion, hooligan cadres and unscrupulous persons have started harassing innocent publics in towns and highways and a new trait of abominable acts alien to Naga culture like rape, murder, pillage, etc., are rising on an alarming scale. Involving in state politics, municipal and village council elections have reduced the virtue of Naga nationalism to its lowest ebb. These are all but ills of factionalism.
Nagas in their tryst with Nationalism to the quest for freedom seems to have lost their freedom. People who speak openly and honestly seems most vulnerable. In olden times Naga folk tried to avoid the Indian armed forces as they often harassed them. But today they don't wish to encounter these factions. There are troubles where there are factions. No parents would today encourage their sons to join the factions because of the reason best known to them. Surely there must be something somewhere terribly wrong needing instant introspection and repair.
It seems there are enough factions to create trouble today but not enough to liberate the Nagas. Factional fragment-ation is a very discouraging sight because more factions, means more complication and Nagas cannot afford to have new factions created every now and then. Choosing which faction to support has become like choosing between a lesser devils. Today you back one and tomorrow you are the target of another. If their mission is for the people they ought to take the opinion of the people positively and not by summoning or threatening them. Mikhail Gorbachev, the then President of the erstwhile USSR said that it is possible to hold the people under the threat of gun for sometime but one day they would be compelled to give them back their freedom. It's a big irony that people who profess to be fighting for the same cause are combating among themselves. All these circumstances raised are esteemed thought to many doubts.
o Are they really for the people? If so, aren't they ought to listen to the people?
o Are they for their own selfish end? Do they feel unification would prevent them from achieving their own purpose?
o Have they been brain washed or bribed by unscrupulous persons that provoke them to stay separate? Or
o Are they just novice incapable of coming to an understanding?
But the million dollar questions is "will the factions ever unite?" when every section of the Nagas prod them to unite what prompted them to abstain. The state government too has already created a conducive atmos-phere by saying that they are ready to vacate their chairs in the event of any settlement. To drive the state government in your favour won't be difficult if you are united. Do the factions ever dreamt of blitzkrieg victory over another or believe that just a faction is enough to drive the Indians away.
India cannot be underestimated and we shouldn't fight if we cannot strike at her vitals or if she has nothing to lose because we will be the only loser. A divided dwarf (factions) fighting against a united giant (India) is utopian hope. It seems the factions are treading in the same shoe where the thousand Indians failed in the last 60 years to terminate them. But whatever be the reason, fratricidal killings would never be justified, after all they are Nagas and not without a cause. These are all, but futile encounters, betrayal of people trust and not worthy of public countenance. On the other hand what is the plight of the people? Education, development, progress etc, are indispensable and it has been denied to many.
Today it appears more likely that the ball is with the Nagas themselves (factions) rather than the Indian Govt. There might even be many Nagas who just long to be under Indian Union like any other state than languish in misery rendering them high and dry.
Path to solution: The Panacea to this cause caliber can be solved only through reconciliation and unity among the factions. The word unity has almost become a cliché in the Naga context but it is the pivot around which the entire gamut of issue revolves. It needs pragmatic approach among the factions rather than remaining belligerent. Until there is peace among the factions solution would be a myth. It also needs mutual awareness and an auda-cious approach among the people because it's their cause and they will be the final arbiter.
Factional politics should be avoided and discouraged. Nagas can never undergo a greater peril than this and therefore every person need to play his bit rather than remain a mere spectator. History has taught us that it is always better to be united and unity could be the greatest treasure our generations bequeath to posterity. We hope the factions would make us have confident in their benign leadership by coming to an understanding.
In the pages of history, nationalism usually finds its deep impact among the students and today is no exception. Students are the paragons who have the potential to shift the paradigm in this venture. Specially in colleges and university where students from every nook and corner has gathered, can play a crucial role in coordination with other frontal organi-zations.
Students need to be audacious & keep themselves abreast with the prevailing situation free from parochial outlook of ism. They should embark on a posteriori reasoning with candid approach. The dogged effort of the students would help curb the menace. It would be a wise step if the colleges and university conduct debate, symposiums, seminars, ba-sing on confronting issues within the college or inter colleges and remain agog with the probing situation. This would create awareness among the people and augment our cause to a greater height.
Today this is the main hurdle that confront us and its bound to affect us even tomorrow. Therefore, it has become the moral obligation of every Naga to play his bit instead of remaining a non-commit tan.
Tribalist bigot shouldn't deter us or find its niche in the Naga society anymore to avoid further procrasti-nation. Solution would be in the offing if there is logical reasoning and a plausible approach among the factions if not Nagas would simmer and groan for many a years to come. The next generation may rise and say, "Woe to our fathers, they were savages & bloody, today lets bury the hatchet and dwell together in Unison". History may deem this period as 'Dark Age' if the situation prevails further.
"May peace and tranquility soon reign the vales and dales of Nagaland".
Zhokusheyi Rakho, Hukai H. Zhimo, PG Men's Hostel II, Agri colony, NU.
There is only one way for peace- Nagaland Post
The Nagas are saturated with the appeals of peace from all angles but without fruition. Our situation is too stagnant and all are fed up. Nagaland is now fit to be called Babel-land and Nagaland for Christ is Nagaland for slaves.
Another land mark movement for peace under the title, 'unification' is going on. The spirit and sincerity of the movement is being watched by one and all. But later it is found to be without the essence or natural characteristic of unifying force since it turned into violence and untoward behaviour except ENPO. It need not be too vocal but to show sincerity and genuineness.
In the context of the present situation it is found that we Nagas don't differen-tiate sin and righteousness, right and wrong, truth and falsehood. All including me feigned to be real Christians but for all selves and not for Christ. Being for Christ means sacrificing self and all things for the good of the people in obedience to the com-mandment of Christ. The root cause of the endless problem among the people is sin. So right living depends upon repentance from sin. Repentance is realizing sin, feeling sorry for the sin and resolving and resolving to forsake it. So without repentance, forgiveness of one another and having reconciliation with one another is impossible. We have asserted the need to have forgiveness and reconciliation but all to no effect because the people do not repent of their sins. The word of God said, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whose confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Prov. 28:13). "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Is. 55:7).
I don't believe that peace will come through hundreds of strategies for peace, unless a movement for repentance from sin is launched first. Repentance from sin is the only way.
Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi.
Naga varsity impasse on OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, April 9: The three campuses of Nagaland Central University remained closed for the third day today following the protest by teachers against irregularities and anomalies.
The teachers are also seeking the recall of vice-chancellor K. Kannan.
The Nagaland University Teachers’ Association (NUTA) said the three campuses — Lumami, Kohima and Medzhiphema — would remain closed indefinitely till the authorities fulfil their demands.
The teachers have charged Kannan with flouting the university norms and ordinances despite their protests.
They have demanded the recall of Kannan immediately and an inquiry committee to probe the various anomalies and irregularities.
They also submitted a memorandum to Governor K. Shankaranarayanan.
The four-member team, led by its president Rosemary Dzuvichu, have left for New Delhi again.
They will meet the human resource development officials and University Grants Commission chairman and apprise them of the prevailing situation in the university.
Supporting the demands of the NUTA, the students of the university and Naga Students’ Federation have, however, expressed concern over the closure of the campuses.
They demanded that the Centre immediately redress the university’s problems andalleged that the impasse since its inception in 1994 had crippled the institution.
The non-teaching staff of the university have also expressed concern over the closure of the three campuses and appealed to the two parties to resolve the problem at the earliest for the sake of the students.
The Nagaland Senior Citizens’ Forum has convened a meeting on Friday to discuss the matter.
Nagaland police on the lookout for solutions morungexpress Correspondent
Kohima | April 8 The unabated factional activities, traffic congestions and performances and images of the state police force has come under sharp focus and concerned of the law enforcing agency - the state police department.
The Naga underground factions are determined to fight and finish each others, and the state police knows that they are indulging in unlawful things by killing own Naga brother and are not hesitant to harass the people, but the state police despite of their professional skill lack the policy directive. State Home Minister Imkong L Imchen said while addressing the first SPs and Unit Commanders level meeting of the state police establishment at the PHQ Conference Hall here today after he assumes office.
“If they have political agenda, we don’t mind but having ceasefire doesn’t meant that they’ve a license to kill”, Imkong said while sharing serious concerned on the unabated factional killings, clashes, extortions and other unlawful activities. “As guardian of law and the people, what kind of policy should we adopt”, he said and solicited the wisdom and professional expertise of the SPs and COs of various NAP battalions while referring to dealing with the Underground groups.
Imkong also expressed serious concerned on the problems of traffic congestion in the state especially in the state capital and Dimapur and the need for review or re-organization of the state traffic police which post creation had not being reviewed since 1969. Vehicle populations are increasing day by day with the civilization whereas out traffic police remain stagnant. He asked the state police to study and re-present their earlier proposal to the state government.
He also mooted the idea of the civic bodies calling a meeting of all house owners of Kohima and Dimapur and demarcates certain buildings on the roadside for private parking lot on the basement or the road level to ease traffic congestion. If such can be done, the private house owner can charge certain amount for parking fee and they can earn in a day or two the same amount they’re earning through house rent in a month, he added.
The home minister also expressed serious concerned on what he termed degrading performance of the regular NAP battalions ad also the degrading discipline and image of the state police force and sought for remedial suggestions. “Culture of discipline is the most important in the uniform profession” he said that the Indian Reserve Battalions (IRB) has come to a certain level but the regular NAP battalions are going doing. “It is a small issue which has a big implication”, he said.
Referring to the incident of ‘mutiny’ carried out by a section of jawans of the 7th NAP Bn at Wokha over the issue of postal ballot paper just before the election, the minister termed it as unbecoming of uniform personnel turning law breaker which had brought shame to the whole police establishment and the state and asked all the officer to take the matter very seriously. The offence they’ve committed are not condonable, he said and stressed that all those personnel involved in the mutiny should be suspended and punished. “If this is the state of affairs, recurrence of such incident can’t be ruled out even the near future”, he added.
The minister also expressed concerned on the prevailing system of case investigations, intelligent gathering and quality of supplies including foods and uniforms to the Jawan.
DGP J.Changkija in his addressed also admitted that the state police has being following the policy of none confrontation policy with the UGs but wonders how long the same policy can be continued. He was referring particularly to those groups who are not under any ceasefire agreement and asked the state government to give clear direction.
Expressing concerned on the performance of the regular NAP Bns, the DGP also said that each battalion will set up a training company each and continuously impart refreshers training.
Commenting on the concerned raise by Home Minister, Changkija said that quoting the lowest bid for supply will not solve the problem and stressed the need to take the prevailing market rate into consideration for any supply. “If we succumbed to the whim of the supplier, it will be the jawans who suffers”.
Participating in the discussion, several senior police official shares their views and suggestions on the various issues raise by the Home Minister unanimously agreed that frequent transfer and posting of officer trough political interference is one of the main reasons that hampers intelligent gathering. It was also suggested that posting of officers in the INT branch should be purely left with the PHQ and there should not be any political interference. Moreover, there should be certain system of incentive for those serving in the INT branch.
On dealing with the UGs, a senior officer pointed out that we called them underground whereas they are all over ground as they are no more declared unlawful organizations and suggested that the state government warned the UGs groups to abide by the law or faced declaring their organization as unlawful. “If it’s law and order, blood should be declared blood, white as white and black as black”.
Another officer warned that just because of mere ceasefire and the ground rules, the state government should not compromise law of the land. “Crime is a crime” and law of the land still prevails, the officer added. On traffic congestion, several officers present shared their own views such as constituting High Power Committee consisting of representatives of various civil bodies for long term and also including traffic regulation as part of the school curriculum in the schools as traffic incident is the number one killer in the world.

Identity, Insurgency and Development: The Naga Case Dr Sajal Nag Kangla
The Naga struggle for sovereignty has been the first and longest of the secessionist-turned-insurgency movements in South Asia which had posed the foremost challenge to the nascent Indian nation-state. At the core of the Naga self assertion was the question of its identity. Nagas defined themselves as a separate nation as opposed to the Indian nation and demanded the right to self determination. When it was not granted to them, they appropriated the politics of secessionism to achieve the goal of Naga nation-state.

What has been done: Early Modes of Negotiations
The early Indian leadership appreciated and empathized with the Naga identity crisis, their fear and apprehension of the tiny tribe amidst the multitude of other Indians. Nehru appreciated the Naga exclusivity as they were excluded from ‘the sensation of being in the Indian national movement’ by the British. In his letter to T Sakhire on August 1, 1946 Nehru tried to allay the fear and apprehensions of the Nagas and envisioned a model which would perfectly suit them. In fact even before the Nagas themselves had visualized the quantum of autonomy, Nehru had promised it to them with a model which subsequently became paradigm of tribal development.

Nehru promised Nagas all the protection even before the Constituent Assembly had discussed the Indian Constitution. Mahatma Gandhi went a step further and said that “Nagas have every right to be independent.” On the question of being forced to join India, Gandhi said, He (Governor of Assam) cannot do that. I will come to the Naga Hills. I will ask them to shoot me first before one Naga is shot.” Gopinath Bordoloi painstakingly incorporated all the principles that Nehru enunciated in constructing that hugely important piece of legislation called the Sixth Schedule which provided protection not only to the Nagas but other tribal as well. Nehru went much ahead, overruled massive opposition and granted statehood to a population of seven lakh not under home ministry as was the law but foreign affair ministry. But with the disappearance of this band of leadership such resilience also disappeared which was responsible for non-resolution of the problems which required different outlook.

Post Nationalist Phase: the disasters
In the second phase we find a series of accords between the Nagas and governments of India. Accords failed because they aimed at pacification not addressing the real problem and whenever it failed it was back to the use of army.

The army operation has disfigured the social fabric of the Naga society and economy. The coercive measures that started in 1953 with the mass arrest of NNC leaders continue to this day. There were draconian laws like the promulgation of Naga Hills Disturbed Area Ordinance and Assam Maintenance of Public Order Act of 1953. The Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958 was promulgated adding muscle to the power of the army. More brute power was added by the legislation of Nagaland Security Regulation Act of 1962 and North East Armed Forces Special Power Act was amended in 1972 to make it more brutal. The result was disastrous. Villages were uprooted and rearranged in the name of ‘grouping’, youths arrested or tortured forcing them to move underground, women targeted, economy destroyed, social life transformed. Prolonged army operation for an astonishingly long period from 1953 till this day is capable of destroying any social fabric which it did. The depression and the consequent alcoholism and drug addiction by generations of Naga youth is a major result of this non-existent socio-cultural life.

What has not been done?
In fact the core issue of identity had never been addressed neither at an academic level or political level. The Indian intellectual in general showed total disdain and apathy to understand and win over the Naga. It has to be premised that Naga identity as was constructed in the 1940’s was based on its primordial principles. In the context of modernity it needed to be modernized. The way despite the existence 370-A, a modern school, college, university, clinic, hospital, electricity, housing, food habit, TV, radio, telephone, mobile and such inventions of modern science and technology were acceptable to the Naga without interfering their tradition and custom, being a constituent of a multi-nationality Indian union was not antithetical to the Naga identity. This idea was not communicated to the Nagas.

Nagaland is in a pathetic state of development. The communication, level of poverty, employment, agriculture, infra structure in Naga Hills is non-existent to say the least. There is no sign of a modern state in Nagaland. Peace and submission to the will Indian state was made a prerequisite to development. It appeared that Nagaland have been punished for demanding autonomy by depriving its development. It is a mystery why peace negotiations and development could not be coeval. How will Nagaland catch up with the sixty years that it lagged behind has to be thought about now?

What should be done?
It is ironical when the rest of India is reaping the benefit of globalization and liberation the lack of basic amenities is an issue in Nagaland. The argument that pre-requisite of development is peace is untenable. Doling out cash money and abdicating responsibility thereafter would be only a continuation of the old policies. Nagaland has to be opened up to South East Asian countries like Myanmar. Chindwin River is not very far. Through it an opening to the Bay of Bengal is a possibility. The social capital of Nagaland has to be nurtured. Nagaland had been granted an Institute of Mass Communication, Centre for Culture etc which are misplaced. What Nagaland needs a Medical College, and Engineering College, regional offices of Sports authority of India and centres of Information Technology. Medical Colleges would improve the abysmal health facilities in the region by training their own manpower. The Engineering College similarly can produce graduates who would have the skill to exploit the huge mineral wealth of the hills. It has been granted a Central University but it has been negligent in appointing its Vice Chancellors. Nagas have produced world class footballers like T AO and Basant Kabui who led Indian football team in the Olympics. Even now individual Naga players are paid players in Bengal Football League. But neither fields nor coaching facilities are available to the Naga youth. It is an established fact that Naga are naturally endowed with special skill in sports like Table Tennis and Badminton but the political climate or the physical amenities are absent to nurture these talents. Promotion of sports culture and amenities is absolutely essential as a part of development package. Nagaland is naturally endowed with geographical features which would allow trekking, rock climbing, river rafting and such adventure sports. Nagaland has the unique monument of War Cemetery where the remains of the European soldiers of the Second World War are preserved. This pilgrimage to this war cemetery should not be confined to only relative of the war victims but general European tourists. Like the Khonoma village more and more model villages should be developed. It would encourage ethno-tourism through which foreign tourist could get a glimpse of traditional Naga life and tradition. Naga handicrafts, ethnic garments and artifacts symbolizing Naga identity can reach world market through the tourists. Army can clear their tarnished name to some extent by adopting village and see their growth and transition to twenty-first century.

The writer is Professor of History, Assam Central University, Silchar
Courtesy: www.cdpsindia.com)
NSF demand Guv intervention to end NU impasse Nagaland Page

DIMAPUR, APRIL 10: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has demanded immediate intervention of the Chief Rector of Nagaland University to resolve the present impasse between the University authorities and the Nagaland University Teachers' Association (NUTA) that has led to total academic closure in the University since April 7 last. It called upon the Chief Rector to invite the Fact Finding Committee at the earliest to look into the anomalies in the University.
"We are deeply disappointed at the total disregard of the sentiment and welfare of the students' community and people from this region by the Centre and the 'deafening silences' regarding the institution of Fact Finding Committee for probing current mess," said a press release issued by its president, Imchatoba Imchen and general secretary, Hetoi Chishi.
The release also lauded NUTA for being always vigilant and concerned about the University by finding out corruption. It, however, wanted NUTA to realize that agitation by "closure of academic" should not be the permanent culture in the University but should find other measure as it hampers and victimizes the student community in particular.
The students' body also expressed regret that ever since the Nagaland University came into being in September, 1994, it had witnessed and unfolded many corruption, mal-administration and mismanagement, which are still prevailing in the working system till date.
"The anomalies have now and then been picked up either by the Nagaland University Teachers Association (NUTA) or the students' community, the apathetic administration of Vice Chancellor (VC) and his sub-ordinates. The basic reason why the NU could not progress like any other University in India is that the VC seat which is actually the key post of the University have become a controversial post," it added. (Page News Service)
People First. Unification Second. Solution Third Z.K.Pahrii Pou BTC, Pfutsero
The ever increasing number of Naga tribes shows that the Naga nation came into being by choice not through descend of birth or by blood relation. The Nagas whether they are in Myanmar (Burma), or Asom (Assam), Arunachal Pradesh, or Nagaland or in Manipur are all different from one another in many ways. All the tribes have their own distinct culture and philosophy of life. Each tribe has their own stories of origin. Our dresses are different. Our food habits are different. We worship God in different forms. Our worldviews are different from one another. We speak different languages. We follow different forms of agricultural activities. In the midst of many differences, we do have many similarities as well. But similarity does not mean same. Our difference is the only commonality that we have. Hence we can not expect a problem-free and easy-going society.
What makes these multi-tribal groups to come together under the banner ‘Naga’ is an open and intriguing question yet to be answered by Scholars. Many people tried to search the common origin for the whole families of the Nagas. But those searches will end up in confusion with many loose ends. What is possible and what we need is to search for those factors that led to the formation of Naga Nation. Do the Nagas form a nation because they live in a compact geographical area? Do we come together because of socio-economic reason or of socio-political reason? Do we come together driven by survival question because of the threat posed by bigger community like the Assamese, Meeteis, Burmese, Indians, etc. that surround us? Or in other words, does the word ‘Naga’ gives a sense of security to the smaller tribes/community so that they are attracted toward Naga Nation? Do we come together because majority of the Nagas are Christian? In other words, does religion (Christianity) played an important role in the formation of Naga Nation? History would not allow us (the Nagas) to claim that we are of/from the same origin. Hence, I do not know for sure why and how we come together to form a distinct nation. Any evidence put forth to dispel my apprehension regarding the formation of Naga Nation will be grateful.
Since our history does not speak of common origin, we cannot build unity on common origin. Lack of common-origin theory has resulted in confusion among the multi-tribes of the Nagas, labeling each other’s tribes as ‘not real Naga’, ‘Kacha Naga’, ‘not Naga,’ etc. Therefore, the sooner we admit that we do not have common origin the better it will be for us. What is imperative for us is to search the root factor(s) and reason(s) of our nation’s formation which would give a new sense of oneness afresh. We need to search those elements that brought us together yesterday, bind us together today and give us common vision for brighter tomorrow. Until we find them out and strengthen them, it is not possible to bring unity. Naga Nation can be built only on the basis of common vision – vision that ensures security for everyone - not only of the Nagas but also of our neighbours because we live in a global village.
Unable to withstand the onslaught of the ‘bigger communities’ that surrounds them, the multi-Naga tribes might have come together and fought for justice and liberation like the people of Israel. The Israelites were from different background and occupation. They formed a federation and fought against the oppressive rule of the Canaanite state and the Egyptian Kings. They invented the ideology of Yahweh –as the God of the poor, of the oppressed and of the downtrodden who liberates. They believed that Yahweh will one day liberate them. This belief/ideology served as the common vision that keeps them united and was the fuel of their whole liberation movement. Like the Israelites, the Nagas are from different communities and different origins. Can the ideology of ‘Nagaland for Christ’ serve as the binding factor of the Nagas today? If we believe and imitate Christ, we can be united through it. But the problem is: we no longer believe that Christ is our liberator. We believe in guns, money and muscles-power. Guns, money and muscles power silenced the voice of the common people and keeps people divided.
People are the strength of any movement. By people I mean the common people – who formed the backbone of our society. The Naga liberation movement has so far failed to win the confidence (and thus lack the support) of these people. Educate the Naga villagers about the right to self-determination. Let them stand up and fight for their rights. Instead of educating, the cadres of the Naga nationalist had in many occasions threatened the common people with guns. This has created fear psychosis in the mind of the villagers creating a huge gap between the so called nationalists and the common people. Extortion, killing, kidnapping, rape, threats, self-righteous Press statements, etc. does not win people’s heart. Movements may sprout up but it will wither and die if it has no support from grass-root level. Winning the heart of the common people for a common cause is the first step in cracking the vexed problem of the Nagas. The age of survival of the fittest is over. It is the age of survival of the solidarity.
As we are a nation by choice, we must learn how to live together in unity and harmony. Today we fight, kill and blame each other as if that is the sole purpose of our coming together. We must respect each other’s differences and respect each other’s views. We must be united in order to exist as a nation. We need to unite on the basis of national principle (interest) of the whole Nagas. There can be genuine and lasting unification only when we conscientize and win the hearts of the common people. Let them talk about Unification. Unification is urgent but it should not be forced upon. When there is unification, people will come together and decide for their life. Unification of the whole tribes of the Nagas is a basic part of Solution. When the common people are unprepared it will be a disaster to bring solution. Solution without unification will lead to bloodshed. To put things right, it is imperative that the Naga liberation movement starts from grass-root level. It’s not too late. Hence, People first, Unification second and Solution third.

Once I was in Victoria, and I saw a very large house. They told me it was a bank and that the white men place their money there to be taken care of, and that by and by they got it back with interest. We are Indians and we have no such bank; but when we have plenty of money or blankets, we give them away to other chiefs and people, and by and by they return them with interest, and our hearts feel good. Our way of giving is our bank.

— Chief Maquinna, Nootka
Opposition parties flay BTC security scene
By A Staff Reporter Assam tribune
GUWAHATI, April 10 – A delegation of the Opposition parties of the State will bring out a procession in the city on April 19 and submit a memorandum to the Governor demanding his intervention for improvement of the law-and-order situation in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area. This decision was taken at a meeting convened by the Bodoland People’s Progressive Front (BPPF) here today. Talking to this correspondent after the meeting, which was attended by representatives from the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), AGP(P), Assam United Democratic Front, CPI, PLP and Forward Bloc, the president of the BPPF, Rabiram Narzary said that the main aim of the meeting was to find out ways to improve the situation in the BTC area.

Narzary said that total lawlessness prevailed in the BTC area and he held the Congress-BPF alliance Government in the State responsible for the present situation. He said that the people of the BTC area have lost faith in the Government and political interference seriously affected the functioning of the police force. He said that the meeting today was of the view that under the present scenario, only the intervention of the Governor could help in improving the situation and to give protection to the life and property of the common people.

In the next phase, members of the Opposition parties would stage a sit-in demonstration in Kokrajhar on April 28.

The meeting expressed concern over the death of four persons in police firing at Bengtol on March 13 and demanded a probe by a sitting Judge of the Gauhati High Court. The meeting also demanded that adequate compensation should be paid to the families of those killed in the incident.

Expressing serious concern at the slow progress of the peace talks with the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), the meeting observed that the slow process of talks was responsible for the deterioration in the situation. The meeting demanded that the Government of India should take immediate steps to expedite the peace talks with the NDFB for a political solution to the problems.

Narzary further said that the BJP could not attend today’s meeting because of a “communication gap” and hoped that the party would join hands with the BPPF in its programmes to improve the situation in the BTC area.
Seven wounded in Assam blast, minister escapes Ians
Guwahati, April 10 (IANS) Seven people were wounded, five critically, when a blast went off at a market place in Assam's Karbi Anglong district Thursday during a public meeting addressed by state Minister Khorsing Ingti. The minister was not injured, the police said here.
The explosion took place in Howraghat in Karbi Anglong, about 290 km east of Assam's main city Guwahati.
'The bomb was strapped to a bicycle parked by a marketplace where Hill Areas Development Minister Khorsing Ingti was addressing a meeting,' a senior police official said on telephone. The venue of the minister's meeting was about 300 metres from where the blast took place.
'Seven people, most of them either shoppers or vendors, were injured,' the official said. Five of the injured were in a critical condition and have been shifted to hospital.
The police suspect the blast to be the handiwork of the Karbi Longri National Liberation Front (KLNLF) or the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
'Either the KLNLF or the ULFA militants could be responsible for triggering the blast,' the official said.
The KLNLF is a rag tag rebel outfit fighting for a homeland for the majority Karbi tribe in Karbi Anglong district of Assam.
ULFA eyeing Bhutan again for setting base?

Wed, Apr 9 02:55 PM
Guwahati, April 9 (IANS) Separatists in India's northeast may again become active in Bhutan. The Assam Police have seized a large cache of explosives from two people, one of who hails from Bhutan, authorities said Wednesday.
Police Tuesday intercepted an auto-rickshaw at Rangia, near Guwahati, and stumbled upon 30 high-explosive grenades with an equal number of detonators brought in from Darranga Mela, a town in Assam, right on the border with Bhutan's Samdrup Jongkhar district.
'One of the two people in the auto-rickshaw hailed from Samdrup Jongkhar. The cache was meant for delivery to ULFA militants in the western Nalbari district,' an Assam Police official said.
Police have confirmed that the duo arrested with the explosives were ULFA couriers. 'Two ULFA militants were following the auto-rickshaw on a motor cycle but fled when the three-wheeler was intercepted by the police,' Deputy Inspector General of Police G.P. Singh said.
The seizure has raised speculation on whether the ULFA has set up fresh bases in Bhutan or along the heavily wooded Indo-Bhutan border area.
Formed in 1979, the ULFA has been fighting for an independent homeland through a hit-and-run bush war with security forces.
The ULFA and two other northeast Indian rebel groups, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), had several well-entrenched bases in Bhutan, complete with firing ranges and sports facilities.
However, in December 2003, the Royal Bhutan Army launched a military offensive, expelling up to 3,000 militants belonging to the ULFA and the two other groups.
Intelligence reports say the ULFA is trying to set up fresh bases in Bhutan after the group apparently soured ties with the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland or NSCN-K that had bases in Myanmar.
The ULFA has all along had joint bases with the NSCN-K in Myanmar's Sagaing division. Moreover, improved military ties between Yangon and New Delhi has come to make the ULFA cadres in Myanmar jittery.
Hmar body claims famine related death of 12 minor children Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Apr 10: As many as 12 minor children across four villages in Tipaimukh sub-division of Churachandpur district have died of different reasons directly or indirectly related with scarcity of foodgrains and malnutrition, said the Hmar Students` Association, Hmarram (Tipaimukh) joint headquarters in a statement today.

The students body said that the reports of deaths were confirmed from reliable sources while terming the contrasting reports on the deaths as due to malnutrition, epidemics, diseases, etc. in Tipaimukh as "very unfortunate."

Among the dead six children namely Vasty, daughter of Larawn, Rebecca (seven months), daughter of Lalremsiem, Rochanhlu (10 months), son of Neia, Baby (five months), daughter of Lalremkung, Lawmnachullo (eight months), daughter of Sanga and Lalpiengthang (seven months), son of Lalremruot were from Lungthulien village.

Three children, Lalzarlawn (seven months), son of L Biekthuom, Ramnghakmawi (seven months) and Esther L (eight months), sons of L Ringvel were from Leisen village.

Baby (three months), daughter of Ropuilien and Joseph L (eight months), son of Lalramhuol were from Parbung and Patpuihmun village respectively, the statement said.

Despite contrasting reports, no one could deny the deaths were directly or indirectly related with scarcity of foodgrains and malnutrition.

The body also urged the authorities to send medical teams along with experts and equipments and additional quota of rice to Tipaimukh before things worsen.

Reacting on the FCS department`s indecision the students said that the department was wondering how rice and other items under PDS should reach the people of Tipaimukh sub-division and its adjoining areas, whether through the MLA nominees or through the deputy commissioner, while the people were under immense hardships due to the shortage of foodgrains.

"No more blame game and lip service," said the statement stating that what they demand is additional quota of rice not who will take responsibility to reach the items to the people.

The stand of CDSU is not without reason, the students body said adding that at the same time the more important thing for the concerned department was to decide whom to entrust for the transportation and stocking of at least three months requirements before June when the monsoon season arrives.

The people of Tipaimukh have been waiting for arrival of the relief for the last six months but till date no more than the existing quota of rice and a few quintals through NREGS had reached the people.

No additional rice had been allocated even though a famine like situation is prevailing in the region for the last few months, it said stating that neither the chief minister nor the chief secretary or deputy commissioner have initiated any measures to increase the quota of rice except on paper.