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05/02/2008: "NSCN (IM) invites top NSCN (K) leader to Bangkok for Naga talks Nagapage"

NSCN (IM) invites top NSCN (K) leader to Bangkok for Naga talks Nagapage

Kohima, May 1: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has invited the Commander-in-Chief of the NSCN (Khaplang), Khole Konyak, for talks in Bangkok in what is being viewed as another attempt towards bringing about unity and reconciliation among the warring Naga groups.
Highly placed sources disclosed that Konyak has received a letter from the Chairman of the NSCN (IM), Isak Chishi Swu inviting him to come to Bangkok for talks vis-à-vis to push forward the ongoing reconciliation and unification process among the Naga warring groups.

Although there were no details on the content of the letter sent by Swu, sources said the purpose of the letter is to smoke out differences and push forward reconciliation and unity process initiated by various Naga organizations and the Church.
Sources said Konyak received the letter just recently from Bangkok. Swu is currently in Bangkok. Sources quoting Konyak as saying that he will not take individual decision about the invitation but he will seek the collective opinion of the outfit. But according to sources the guerilla Commander was always for reconciliation and unity.
A Z Jami, convener of the Council of Kilonsers (Ministers) of NSCN (K), however, said he was not aware of such invitation to Konyak by Swu. I am not aware of that," Jami told Nagaland Page.
This is not the first time the NSCN (IM) has written letter to the top leader of NSCN (K). In the past several letters have been written to Khaplang and Konyak, but the manner and style of writing the letters had displeased the NSCN (K) policy makers.
The NSCN (K) army commander has been living on the other side of the border in Myanmar for many years, but he has been sending messages of reconciliation and unity from time to time from his hideout. A veteran guerilla leader who has been in Naga revolutionary movement for more than 50 years, Khole Konyak is regarded as very reasonable person by many of his comrades and cadres.
Both the top leaders of the NSCN (K), Chairman SS Khaplang and Commander-in-Chief Khole Konyak live in the jungles of Myanmar. Both the rebel leaders have even put the condition that if Nagas could come for unity they would quit their respective posts to pave the way for other capable Nagas to lead the unified organization.
Though some firebrand NSCN (K) leaders often criticize NSCN (IM) leaders, Isak Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, their old comrade, Khaplang considers the formers as true Naga nationalists who have over come many turmoil and tests under various circumstances.
Recently the collective leadership of the NSCN (K), Chairman S S Khaplang, general secretary N Kitovi Zhimomi and Commander-in-Chief Khole Konyak welcomed and appreciated the unification process being initiated by some undergrounds and Naga NGOs. They called upon various Naga groups and people to wake up from the "divisive mindsets" at the crux of social and political transition.
They said that despite indifference by critics, the long aspiration of the Nagas was yet to take final shape through every effort regardless of status or its territorial positions.
Further the three cautioned that efforts to bring about unification of warring factions to stop bloodshed and a sense of hope should not be jeopardized "by one's ulterior motives."
Endorsing the unification, the three had fervently appealed to every Naga "to intensify" a broad-based participation so as to achieve the long felt desire and prayers of the Naga people.
But the NSCN (IM) said reconciliation must prelude unification and termed the NSCN (unification) as "rogues" actively working in collaboration with Central agencies to weaken the NSCN (IM) and undermine the Naga political issue.
Currently the two groups are engaged in turf war to control the commercial hub of Nagaland, Dimapur the main source of revenue and survival for the Naga underground groups. (Page News Service)
‘Nagas need unity and peace’ Limalenden Longkumer
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio asserted that Nagas will never be recognized by the world as a distinct people if we lose our culture by imitating others. “Nagas are fighting for independence but that can never be achieved if we lose our identity,” Rio sta
Chuchuyimlang | May 2 : Today, the premier festival of the Ao Nagas was celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm and lucidity across the Ao region. The spring festival, which falls on May 1-3 is celebrated after the sowing season to invoke Lijaba’s blessings for a bountiful harvest, and is marked with much merry making, singing, dancing and feasting, when every member of the village come together to celebrate the good things of life.
Likewise, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today graced the Moatsu celebration at Chuchuyimlang as the chief guest, accompanied by a host of dignitaries. Roads and Bridges Minister G. Kaito Aye and Minister of Home Imkong L. Imchen also accompanied the chief minister as guests of honour.
The chief minister brought home the real essence of Moatsu when he said during his speech, “Nagas are but one family. Nagas need unity and peace.” Moatsu is a time where the Aos take a break from the mundane activities of life and come together as one family. “Festivals for Nagas hold strong significance. Each Naga tribe has it’s own festival, but Moatsu today bringing together various Naga tribes is buoyant and encouraging.” He declared Nagaland as ‘Land of festivals’ and expressed particular appreciation to the Chuchuyimlang villagers for coming back to their village from across the state to celebrate Moatsu in their native village.
Not quite unexpectedly, Rio took the opportunity to convey to the Nagas in general that ‘factional violence’ is undoing the Nagas’ ultimate cause and expressed anguish and dismay over the current state of ‘Naga political affairs. He lamented at how Naga ‘national workers’ are wrought with factionalism and argued that if they are actually fighting for freedom of the Nagas, they should listen to the voice of the Naga people. “If they are for Nagas, they must listen to the voice of Naga people. And the voice of the Nagas is that the warring factions forgive each other, stop fighting and killing, that they unite and that they all live in friendship.”
He particularly appreciated Chuchuyimlang for bringing various Naga tribes together and encouraged those who were present to take along with them the taste of unity to all across Nagaland. He also said that Nagas should make better use of their brains than their pride and said that killing among Nagas themselves is sheer foolishness, and that it is a shame on the Nagas. “Nagas rather need peace and development,” he added.
Getting back to the essence of Moatsu, Rio said that this festival marks the end of the sowing season and the beginning of a new hope, a bountiful harvest, a time when people seek God’s blessings. “This brings to mind a thought. Our forefathers ate by the sweat of their brow, but today’s Nagas and particularly youths seek easy money. What has gone wrong,” he wondered.
Displaying his eloquence and oratory skills as a leader, Rio called upon the Nagas to preserve their unique identity. “Cultural values and preservation of our folk songs, dances, dress and practices is the epitome of Naga identity. We will never be recognized by the world as a distinct people if we lose our culture by imitating others,” he said. “Nagas are fighting for independence but that can never be achieved if we lose our identity. We must train our children, like today here, so that our culture is preserved,” he advised. On the importance of preservation of culture, he presented his view with the help of an analogy, “If health is lost, everything is lost. Likewise, if you lose your culture, your character and identity is lost. Today, I am happy to see Naga culture preserved and promoted for this is keeping Naga identity alive,” he approved.
He concluded his speech by saying that the people and the government should build mutual trust for development of Nagaland and prayed that peace prevails in the state.
Various neighboring Phom, Chang and Ao villages numbering about twelve were invited and participated in the festival today. Chuchuyimlang is a tourist village about 30 kilometers away from Mokokchung town and is known for observing Moatsu festival with much solemnity and gaiety every year.
Stop creating paradigms of dominance: Naga Hoho morungexpress
Dimapur, May 1 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today issued a statement today in allusion to the current state of affairs where vested-interested individuals are today creating new paradigms of dominance and communal ascendancy. Without referring to any community or tribe, the hoho expressed concern at the growing complex to control.
Relative to this, the apex Naga tribal body demanded that the “militaristic group of Nagas” should rise above the disease of domination-complex. The apex hoho also remarked in its lament that the “sheer enthusiasm” exerted toward peace and healing by civil society continues to be met with unabated antagonism. Seeking an address to these ills, the hoho has taken upon itself the task to strengthening the Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
“At this crucial period, the Naga Hoho gives its clarion call to all the militaristic group of Nagas to rise above tribalism, jealousy, hatred-ness and above all dominating complex of powerful and superior tribes over minority and weaker sections of the same family. Naga Hoho also requests the vested interested individuals to shun away from creating new paradigm of Naga political intricacy so as to promote our common vision for a better tomorrow” the hoho stated. The statement was appended by Hoho Speaker HK Zhimomi and publicity secretary P Chuba Ozukum.
The hoho also lamented that the sacrifices of a wearied Naga civil society continues to reap a harvest far different from the hoped. “In-spite of sheer enthusiasm and incessant sacrifices by various mass-based organizations and individuals, many splits or secessions and killings among the different Naga groups has become the order of the day, which is beyond human comprehension” the hoho lamented.
Keeping all these in mind, the Federal Assembly of the Naga Hoho held on April 30, had threadbare deliberations over the prevailing law and order situation in the state.
The Federal Assembly reiterated its earlier resolution pertaining to reconciliation and unity, integration and peace process and reaffirmed to support the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue, strengthened the reconciliation and unity process amongst the Nagas as well reactivate (effort) towards integration of all Naga inhabited areas. It is also to facilitate honorable and acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political problem.
“…reconciliation and unity process should not precondition the peace process and vice versa” the hoho cautioned. Further, the Federal Assembly unanimously resolved to strengthen the hands of the “Forum for Reconciliation” which was formed recently. The Executive Council of the Naga Hoho is being endorsed to depute one of its members to the working group of the forum for reconciliation, it added.
With a view to preserve Naga political heritage and to promote fraternity and unity securing lasting peace and justice under a common vision, the Naga Hoho came into existence and since then the Hoho has been striving to bring all sections of the Naga people particularly the warring groups of Naga national workers under the same roof with the spirit of oneness and impartiality.
NSCN-IM refutes foul play morungexpress
Dimapur, May 1 (MExN): The NSCN-IM said there was no foul play in the death of “col.” LY Shanga.
“There is no doubt that the news of Late Colonel L.Y. Shanga's unnatural death shocked us and shocked the Naga national workers, particularly to those who knew Shanga from close angle, and who knew him as a Army officer with high degree of integrity. To clear our conscience spot verification was done within an hour after the accident, but we find no evidence to raise any ground for suspicion or foul play” a note from the “CAO” of Khiamnungan region stated.
The note said Shanga to be an exceptional figure from the Khiamnungan region and his 31 years of “national service” has “no slightest remark that goes against his commitment to NSCN.” Being the founder “CAO” of Khiamnungan region, Shanga exemplified himself as true “national worker” and “we have not the slightest reason to be moved by the baseless allegation by unification group, and we are committed to fulfill his dream of strengthening the Naga nation” it stated.
“In losing such dynamic Khiamnungan leader we condole his death from the dept of our heart, and may the Naga nation grow stronger despite the loss for Khiamnungan Region. And may God console the bereaved family members.”
The note also said that the “rogue elements with deceptive mindset normally have no compunction to indulge in smear campaign just for the heck of satisfying their antagonistic mindset” and “a group with devilish program that includes abductions for ransom and political blackmail.”
Rio for amendment of Village & Area Council Act Chizokho Vero
Rio and others during the inauguration of Putu Salang at Mokokchung village on May 2
Mokokchung Village | May 2 : Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today asserted that the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government will pursue amendment of the Village & Area Council Act in the state. Addressing the public after inaugurating the Putu Salang (Village Courts) here this morning, the Chief Minister said the traditional courts will be maintained including devolving more power to tribal hohos in the state.
Inauguration of Putu Salang at Mokokhung villageInstead of election, he said the system of selection of leaders based on the traditional system, should be adopted in the local governing bodies such as Village Councils, VDBs and GBs. Such system, according to him, reflects the age-old Naga tradition of healthy, effective and peaceful administration of the village. He suggested that nomination committee or advisory board has to be formed to implement the system.
Rio also urged upon the people to develop a sense of justice so as to bring about peace, prosperity and tranquility. Asserting that the DAN government will work for rapid development of the state, Rio called upon the people to maintain peace and unity, through which developmental activities would take place. He also sought cooperation and support from the public in achieving healthy atmosphere and advancement.
Attending the function as the guest of honour, home minister Imkong L. Imchen thanked the Chief Minister for his love and concern shown to the Ao community.
Further, Rio inaugurated the Primary Health Centre constructed under NRHM 2006-07 at Chuchuyimlang before proceeding to grace a grand Moatsu festival. Minister for school education and SCERT Nyeiwang Konyak, minister for health & family welfare Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, minister for PHE Dr. Nganshi K. Ao, minister for roads & bridges G. Kaito Aye, deputy speaker Ralangthung, parliamentary secretaries Pangnyu Phom, Dr. K.C. Nihoshe, Er. T. Saku Aier, T. Tahonba, Nuklutoshi, MLAs Neiba Kronu, Dr. Nicky Kire, L. Temjen Jamir, Advisor to CM Zhovehu Lohe, MLA Yogesh from Jammu & Kashmir, MLA Omak Apang from Arunachal Pradesh and several other government officials were also present on the occasion.

Yearning for peace in Nagaland From Pradeep Pareek
DIMAPUR, April – The deteriorating law and order in Nagaland due to the recent spurt in clashes between rival factions of NSCN, particularly in Dimapur and Kohima, has prompted everyone – the government, NGOs, security forces, peacekeepers and even the common man to call for peace at any cost.

The escalation of violence has left one IRB personnel and several underground cadres dead and injured, besides loss of properties in the form of burning of vehicles and severe damages caused to the peaceful atmosphere of localities where these armed cadres confronted each other and resorted to firings.

Residents of several civilian populated areas were forced to come out on the streets to chase the armed cadres away.

The Nagaland Government constituted Political Affairs Committee has called for strict implementation and enforcement of the standard operating procedures (SOP) by the security forces including Assam Rifles, Central para-military forces and State police.

The committee reviewed the current situation prevailing in the State and expressed concern at the recent spurt of factional killings and the presence of UG cadres with arms in the civilian populated areas, which are clear violation of ceasefire ground rules.

The PAC also appealed to all armed UG cadres to stay away from civilian populated areas, and to immediately vacate any building or structure occupied by them in the towns and other civilian areas.

Bio piracy rampant in Nagaland PTI

Kohima, May 2 : Resource-rich Nagaland is plagued by bio-piracy with rare medicinal herbs, orchids and other endangered species being smuggled out of the state, NGOs have claimed. Many plants are being taken away by pharmaceutical companies through middlemen who engage locals to collect naturally grown species for paltry sums, Thomas Rengma, Media Secretary of Peoples Group, a Naga environment NGO, told PTI

“Bio-piracy is something which many of us are not aware of even though it is taking place under our very noses,” he said.
He said sheer ignorance about benefits to be accrued by the people if formal business in medicinal plants and herbs is undertaken has aggravated bio-piracy in the state.
Some years ago panax ginseng and pseudo ginseng, the local species of ginseng which have high demand in international markets, have been almost been completely wiped out from the wilds of Nagaland, Rengma said.
Ginseng, sold in packs both raw and powdered, is believed to be a cure for all kinds of ailments by people in south-east Asian countries, he said.
Similar is the case for taxus baccata and cephallu taxus, found in the wilds of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, which are used in western countries for making medicines to cure cancer, he said. These plants are being smuggled out to neighbouring Myanmar in truckloads from Kohima and Phek districts, Rengma, an environment writer-cum-activist alleged.
The latest medicinal plant to fall prey to bio-piracy is paris cordifolia, a poisonous herb used for manufacturing high value drugs.
It generally grows during summer under the shade of woods and spotting it is a bit difficult.
Although it generally bears four leaves and is called quadrifolia in the West, the Nagaland variety has six leaves that means, a single stem can give more products, and so demand is high, he pointed out.
This plant is now extensively used for homoeopathic medicines for curing headache, chronic respiratory and bronchial infections.
Rengma said local Myanmar drugs companies have now engaged middlemen to collect cordifolia from Kohima and Phek districts after it was completely wiped out from the hills of Manipur.
The herbs are taken to Moreh on the Manipur-Myanmar border trade point on trucks on way to the neighbouring country. PTI.