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04/13/2008: "Towards Naga reconciliation- Nagaland Post"
Towards Naga reconciliation- Nagaland Post
Nagas are struggling under the shadow of suspicion and fear. Unless all factions of the underground Nagas are united and reconciled there in no hope of a peaceful political settlement. Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has been working towards this goal in the recent past and the answer comes from a group of underground for concerted effort to achieve our desired goal. This is the appropriate time to support this great venture if we really desire honorable, acceptable and negotiated political settlement. There will be no perfect peace even if we wait for another 100 years. So denial of this move is suicidal.
Nagas have shed too much of innocent blood, therefore, reconciliation is a must to achieve our goal if Nagas are united, unwanted evil practices will automatically disappear. So we better not waste our precious time but support this great venture. "United we stand, divided we fall". It is time to kill the giant ghost of suspicion and hatred.
Let the NBCC convene meetings tribe-wise and national wise, including Nagas of Manipur etc. like that of 1964 when the peace move was initiated. Let every Naga contribute their mite towards this reconciliation process. If our politics is motivated for the love of Nagaland and her people.
Nsemo Ovung, Former MLA Vankhosung, Wokha.
Manipur rally calls for peace Correspondent - Nagaland Post
Imphal, April 12: Hundreds of women Saturday took to the streets at Tamenglong district headquarters calling for an end to factional fight between the rival factions of NSCN.
Organized by the Zeliangrong Women Union, Tamenglong zone, and also joined by traders, the rally condemned both factions of the NSCN for causing law and order problems despite repeated appeals by the public. The rally warned that the citizens would be compelled to resist and cease support to the groups if they failed to maintain peace and harmony in the area.
Annaliu Gangmei, president of Zeliangrong Union, Tamenglong zone, expressed appreciation to the Zeliangrong Elders’ Forum of Peace Brokers, Tamenglong, for its initiative to bring peace and unity in the region.
Earlier the Forum had appealed to the two factions to refrain from fratricidal feuds after a peace meeting between them ended inconclusively. The situation deteriorated on Thursday following eruption of fresh violence between the two factions.
It may be mentioned four activists were killed in two separate clashes on Thursday. The NSCN (K) had gunned down one NSCN (I-M) activist at Dikiuram area in Tamei sub division of the district on Thursday. In a retaliatory action, the NSCN (I-M) had shot dead three from the rival faction at Duigailong village. Following the incident, the Zeliangrong Region Authority sounded a red alert and imposed public curfew in the district headquarters. People were asked to remain indoors from 6.30 pm to 5 am everyday till next announcement on the matter.
Nagas living on the edge- Nagaland Post
Nagas, like any race of the world has its own distinct culture myths, ethos, etc. The uniqueness of Naga history is recognized but not read, discovered yet not dissected. Perhaps it is the time for us to understand and think over it. Otherwise, what went wrong to our people is asked by every individual of today's generation. Is the political scenario of present Nagaland true to the sense of people? Perhaps, it is high time for the political leaders to ponder upon this matter. Today many political leaders are leading the people for their own personal gain, fame, wealth etc. and not for the welfare of the society, state or country at large. Are the leaders speaking and doing the right thing for the people? Many leaders make false promises and divide the people into cleavage instead of bringing to work together. They never preach what they practice. To follow or not to follow is the question of every people as the present situation is very sensitive and blur. Most of our leaders have misled the people in the past and perhaps till today.
We should eradicate the feeling of tribalism, corruption, egotism and individualism, which will never bring us to healthy solution. The Nagas belong to one color and race, which is unique and special to us, however we are still under the divide and rule policy inherited from the British. Will it be wrong to say that tribalism is a curse in the modern society where that dictator philosophy will never work-out in the true sense of unity? We should be broad-minded enough as to view oneness to fellow Nagas and not in tribalism.
Today, most of the political leaders are corrupted and forget to realize who has elected them to their post. Leadership is action and not position, but many leaders after they hold the diplomatic post they keep distance from their own people. If we trace back to the history of our forefathers, we definitely come to know about their, honesty, justice, sincerity and simplicity with courage. Many of our leaders need to drop their enormous ego. As it says, "Be ordinary and you will become extraordinary". No doubt, political leaders are the ones who shape the lives of people at present and for the future.
Politicians are the main key to change the system of any form of government. So, the public are totally depen-dent on them especially in terms of economy, education and employment. But do the politicians really care for the people? It's enough the verbal promises are exasperating, which were never put into practiced. There are very few politicians who are really concerned about Nagaland and its people. No doubt, the students of today are the leaders of tomorrow. So the students should learn the quality of education and think for our better Naga society. It can be rightly said that we are still in darkness, especially in terms of technology, global education and science. Students can play many roles today for the society and to achieve something we must set goals with common interest. Therefore, we need great thinkers to voice the rights for a better Nagalim to keep ourselves on the winning edge.
Joy Charles, Maikho, Pune.
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity PRESS RELEASE 13 April 2008
In what could be construed as a deliberate violation of their own call for unification and a cynical disregard for the greater interests of the Naga people who are emotionally concerned for the Naga unification and peaceful state of affairs among the Naga people, the 11 April night comes as another horrifying experience for the family members of four Sumi's in Dimapur at the hands of the unification group. On 11 April, at 7 pm, the unification group raided the house of Captain Negato, Section Officer Khewoto, Mrs. Hekhuli, widow of late Khuska (NAP) and Sgt. Ito at Pudumpukhri Colony, Dimapur.
With fingers placed in the triggers of AKs not allowing them to utter a word, and not even sparing the children and female members, the house of all the families' member was raided and every nook and corner of the room was searched and ransacked. Not surprisingly, the ways of the wrong are always done the wrong way. Unification was started the wrong way on 23 Nov. 2007 and what follows after that shows nothing worth for the Naga people who genuinely believe in the meaning of unification. After all, the wrong can never make right no matter how big the attempt was made to preach unification. To preach 'unification' is one thing and to work against the very spirit of unification has become another thing. And everything in the name of unification is turning out to be nothing more than an alarm bell for violence. But the issue of the nature of Naga unification can never be processed through intimidations and abductions. All these activities will only go towards pulling down the bricks of unification.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN
PRESS RELEASE 13 April 2008
The Eastern Naga National Workers' Union (ENNWU) is not at all happy with what is happening behind the call for unification. While respecting and honoring the voice of its own people's organization ENNPO, the national workers under the able leadership of Chairman Isak Chishi Swu, Vice Chairman Khodan Yanthan and General Secy. Th. Muivah, the ENNWU have attended the 18 Dec. 2007 Tuensang meeting along with their brother organization Eastern Naga National Workers Association (ENNNWA) and FGN. In the meeting they had listen and honoured the appeal made by the people to have peace in the land among the Naga brothers. It was considered a positive development towards establishing peace in the region and in Nagalim as a whole.
It was however, noticed that nothing really happened as per our hope and understanding. Everything that happens turned and just the opposite of what was agreed upon in the Tueusang meeting. The abduction and killing of Mr. Chameng and his friend deserves condemnation, significantly, just before and after the 9 April ENPO and SUMI Hoho led Peace Rally in Dimapur, many national workers from ENNWU were abducted along with other Nagas, and tortured like criminal. We wonder if the law of the jungle prevails under the new Scheme of unification. And we are also bewildered as to why the Naga Civil Societies are so timid to raise this voice of condemnation to the spate of abductions. ENPO and SUMI Hoho's initiation for peace bears no meaning when they exercise no guts to face the reality of the situation. They need to work with their eyes opened. Mr. Rongshen Khiam, Steering Committee members, Mr. Daniel Tikhir, Dy. Kilonser, Mr. Shahoto Yimchunger Tatar are some of the members abducted and tortured by unification group, and without a word of condemnation from the civil societies who are raising their voice for unification. What a hypocrisy and duplicity!
It may also be mentioned Mr. I. Konlong Tatar's house was ransacked by K-Group on 2nd April '08 at his native village, Kongching within ENPO jurisdiction after the 18th Dec' 07 Tuensang Resolution.
Under the circumstances ENNWU is under heavy constraint to place on record that if the unification group continues to target the ENNWU members, for any consequences that may follow the ENNWU shall not be held responsible and the Tuensang decisions shall be declared null and void.
Issued By:ENNWU
ULFA C-in-C no longer in Bangla: BDR
From Our Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, April 12 – In a sensational disclosure, Bangladesh today claimed that commander-in-chief of ULFA, Paresh Baruah was no longer in the country. “Let me assure you that Paresh Baruah is no longer in Bangladesh,” Director General of Bangladesh Rifles, Major General, Shakil Ahmed, told newsmen after signing the Joint Record of Discussions with Border Security Force (BSF), here this morning.
The BDR delegation threw enough hints during the deliberation suggesting that the ULFA chief might be out of Bangladesh, sources said.
The BDR chief’s remark is curious, given that Bangladesh has all along been denying the presence of Paresh Baruah and other top militant leaders in the country.
However, intelligence agencies were sceptical, as Baruah is reported to be well entrenched in the neighbouring country, with Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) providing him close security cover. ULFA is reported to have huge business interest in the country ranging from hospital, hotels to garment manufacturing units, deep sea trawlers to motor driving schools.
An agency report said that Baruah entered Bhutan 15 days ago after entrusting his deputy Raju Baruah with the responsibility of setting up new camps in Bangladesh and transit camps in Garo Hills of Meghalaya. However, it could not be independently confirm
The five-day long 27th BSF-BDR border coordination conference ended here today on a note of affirmative approach, pragmatism and optimism, said Director General of BSF, A K Mitra. India handed over a list of 117 camps operated by insurgent outfits of the North-East.
The number of camps and hideouts has decreased from the last meeting. “As per our information, there are 117 militant training camps in Bangladesh. This list is much lesser than the previous one. The figure has come down from 141 in the last meeting. Some camps have disappeared or stopped operations. But, this is subject to verification,’’ the BSF DG said.
The BSF again asked for deportation of the wanted militant leaders including Paresh Baruah and Anup Chetia of ULFA.
The BDR chief, however, ruled out the possibility of handing over Chetia citing legal complications. ‘’There is no extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh. There are several cases pending against him in Bangladesh courts and that is why we cannot deport him so far,” he said.
“During the conference we had impressed on the need for reciprocal action from Bangladesh regarding handing over of Indian criminals including those Indian insurgent leaders issued with Interpol Red Corner notices like Paresh Baruah,” said DG BSF.
Major Gen Ahmed said both India and Bangladesh were actively working together in flushing out criminals and terrorists from each other’s territory.
‘’We do not want terrorists and criminals from the two countries take refuge either in India or Bangladesh. We do not want that terrorists and criminals should make either country a sanctuary,’’ he said.
India has recently handed over seven wanted criminals to Bangladesh.
Towing a familiar line, the BDR DG categorically denied supporting insurgent groups of North-East, asserting that the country cannot be secure if this region of India was insecure.
‘’A large number of insurgents are operating in North-East India. They pose a grave security threat to Bangladesh,’’ Major General Ahmed said here.
“Insurgency in North-East India would result in a significant rise in criminal activities in Bangladesh,” he said, adding that it would lead to huge trafficking of weapons and drugs.
The criminal activities will spread to Bangladesh. We do not want any such criminal activities on our territory.’’ ‘’If India’s North-East is insecure, Bangladesh cannot be secure,’’ he observed. In a significant move, BSF asked BDR to waive off the restriction of 150 yards. The BSF chief said it would facilitate infrastructure development within 150 yards of the international boundary like setting up of land custom stations and immigration check posts.
“The restrictions of 150 yards should be waived off in view of the growing trade relationship between the two countries,” said Mitra.
The five-day conference also high-lighted the problem of trafficking of women and children, smuggling of counterfeit currency, illegal immigration. India suggested tackling of the problems through timely sharing of actionable information by sector commanders.
“This would help both the forces to resolve such matters expeditiously,” said DG BSF.
The BDR DG stressed the need for more cooperation in effective patrolling of the border and use of modern techniques to bring down the level of cross-border activities.
Paresh Barua has fled Bangladesh, claims BDR OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
New Delhi, April 12: India has been told that Ulfa chief Paresh Barua has fled Bangladesh, in the first official admission by the neighbouring country about the outfit’s operations there. Indian agencies say Barua may be in Thailand.
“Paresh Barua is no longer in Bangladesh, but we are working and will definitely take action,” director-general of Bangladesh Rifles, Maj. Gen. Shakil Ahmed, told reporters at the conclusion of the 27th India-Bangladesh border coordination talks on BSF-BDR coordination with BSF director-general, Maj. Gen. A.K. Mitra.
The BDR chief said Baruah is “no longer” in their country. Gen. Ahmed’s admission was in answer to India’s demand that insurgent leaders like Barua, who have Interpol red corner notices in their names, be handed over.
Intelligence sources here said Barua is understood to have escaped to Bangkok on a Bangladeshi passport. They said Barua had tried to flee to Pakistan after the BSF-BDR meet last year but was prevented from doing so.
The Thai capital is a hiding ground for several militant leaders from the Northeast. Top leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), Ulfa and the Jewel Gorlosa faction of the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) reside there — at times shuttling between Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand — and co-ordinate operations back home from there.
Gen. Ahmed also said Ulfa leader Anup Chetia, serving a sentence in a Bangladesh jail at present, was not being extradited because of legal hurdles. India’s request for Chetia’s deportation has been pending with Bangladesh since 2005, after he completed a seven-year sentence in jail. Earlier, human rights groups in Bangladesh had pressured the government to extend his jail term and give him asylum.
The Ulfa general secretary, however, remains out of reach for security agencies here.
Meanwhile, there was a sea change in the tone and tenor of Bangladesh on insurgency in India. Gen. Ahmed said insurgency in the Northeast was a threat to Bangladesh.
“When there is smuggling of arms and criminal activities in the Northeast, some of it will spill over to Bangladesh. An insecure Northeast India is not good for us and Bangladesh will not condone such activities.”
The number of camps on the list provided last year has come down from 141 to 117 camps. Most Indian insurgent groups operate from their camps in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
