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05/14/2008: "Patil asks Rio govt to rein in rebels - ‘Stop clashes or the centre will intervene’ OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Patil asks Rio govt to rein in rebels - ‘Stop clashes or the centre will intervene’ OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Shillong, May 13: Union home minister Shivraj Patil today asked the Nagaland government to rein in the militant factions operating in the state to avoid the Centre from stepping in to control the situation.
The clashes between the NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K), besides the newly formed NSCN (Unification), have left at least 24 people dead since April 14 in various parts of Dimapur.
The minister told reporters at Raj Bhavan here that the Nagaland government should act firmly against the militant groups engaged in clashes in Dimapur or else, the matter would be taken up directly by the Centre.
His observations came just hours after police found the body of a businessman on the outskirts of Dimapur. Identified only as Haque by the police, he was abducted yesterday from the town’s Hong Kong market, where he ran a mobile store.
The police said armed rebels might have executed the businessman for not being able to meet their ransom demand.
This year alone, at least four non-Naga businessmen have been killed in Dimapur.
Though no faction claimed responsibility for the abductions and killings in Dimapur, investigations ended in a blame game between the NSCN factions.
To a question on whether the Centre was contemplating banning the newly formed NSCN (Unification), the home minister said: “We will tell the state to act tough on the militant groups which create law and order problems. If the state government fails to do so, the government of India will do what is necessary.”
While the NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K) are engaged in peace talks with the Centre, the NSCN (Unification)’s attacks have become a cause for concern for the Nagaland government.
If the Centre felt the need to intervene, its first move would be to rush additional central forces to Nagaland.
To a query whether the state government has failed to contain law and order in Nagaland, Patil said the state was doing its bit to maintain peace. “Let us not jump to conclusions that the state government is doing nothing. Both the state and the Centre are ready to tackle the situation in Nagaland,” he added.
On talks with Ulfa in Assam, he indicated that the Centre was not averse to holding talks with any militant group in the Northeast.
“We do not have any negative stand and are ready to have dialogues with Ulfa,” the home minister said.
He said the government needed a formal date from the rebels for the talks to begin, reports PTI: “We asked them to give a date for formal talks with the leaders. But as they did not give any date, the process could not move ahead,” Patil told PTI.
On the release of the jailed Ulfa leaders, which was one of the conditions set by Ulfa for talks, Patil said the leaders could not be released without a reason.
Had Ulfa given a date for the talks, the government would have considered releasing five or six jailed leaders, he said.
Centre tells NSCN (IM) to study statute R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 13 – The Government of India has categorically told the NSCN (I-M) leadership that there is no question of granting sovereignty and the outfit has been asked to study the Constitution of India thoroughly to seek solution within it. The general secretary of the NSCN (I-M), Th Muivah, who is in Delhi for the past one month, also met the National Security Adviser recently and was told in clear terms that the solution of the problem must be found within the framework of the Constitution.

Highly placed official sources told The Assam Tribune that the leaders of the NSCN (I-M) are studying the Constitution thoroughly and they have also engaged constitutional experts. Sources pointed out that there are provisions in the Constitution for devolution of more powers to the States and there is ample scope for finding a political solution to the Naga problem within the framework of the Constitution. Sources also pointed out that the Constitution has already been amended a number of times and it can be amended again for devolution of more powers.

The NSCN leadership have also been told to come up with proposals for solving the problem within the framework of the Constitution. “The Government has also asked the NSCN to suggest which clauses of the Constitution it needs amendment for the solution of the problem. If the NSCN manages to come up with specific proposals for amending the Constitution for giving more powers to the States, it will be examined by the Government of India,” sources added.

Sources revealed that though the NSCN has been demanding “special relations” with the Union of India, the outfit is not specific in this regard and the outfit should come forward with specific proposals. Sources pointed out that even now Nagaland has special relations as it was created under the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India, which provides for protection of the customary and traditional laws and the State also has control over the natural resources. If the NSCN, after thorough study of the Constitution, comes up with specific proposals, the Government will definitely consider the same with a positive frame of mind for a political solution of the problem, sources added.

The NSCN (I-M) has not yet given up the demand for creation of greater Nagalim by including Naga inhabited areas of the neighbouring States and the Government of India is not keen on imposing anything on other States. Sources said that the Government of India asked the NSCN to hold talks with the concerned States and the demand for creation of greater Nagalim would be conceded only if the other States agree. The NSCN has not been able to hold talks with the concerned State Governments in this regard and with the concerned States including Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh strongly opposing creation of greater Nagalim, it will not be possible for the Government of India to accept the demand.

Commenting on the allegations of violation of ground rules of cease-fire agreement by the members of the NSCN (I-M), sources said that the issue was raised in every meeting with the leaders of the outfit but they always deny the allegations. However, sources said that the cease-fire is applicable only in Nagaland and the Governments of other States can take action against any member of the outfit found to be indulging in any unlawful activity.

Sources said that though a cease-fire agreement was also signed with the NSCN (K), talks on substantive issues with the outfit is yet to start. The NSCN(K) reportedly told the Government of India that it did not consider the NSCN (I-M) as the representative of the Naga people and it would not be ready for formal talks till talks with NSCN(I-M) continues.

Though both factions of the NSCN are under cease-fire agreement with the Government of India, clashes between members of both the groups have resulted in deterioration of the situation and more than 150 persons including over 40 civilians were killed in Nagaland last year. The problem complicated when a large number of members of the NSCN (I-M) came out to form the “Unified group” and the Government will now have to deal with three groups to bring lasting peace in Nagaland.

Sümi Hoho, Nagaland Tangkhul Hoho appeal- Nagaland Post
The gravity of the present prevailing situation demanded the Sümi Hoho and Nagaland Tangkhul Hoho to appeal to the warring factions of the Undergrounds to stop fighting forthwith in an around Dimapur for the peace and tranquility of the public. It has been observed that civilians were victimized by the factional clashes.
It is therefore, urged upon all the factions to restrain from the path of violence and hereforth, no harassment of killing should be inflicted upon the innocent public.
We the Nagas are falling into the dragnet of our enemies to face the dreadful consequences if the internecine rivalries go unabated. It appears that the government of India is adapting the policy of paradigm shift. She is playing the role of catalyst so that Nagas finish themselves. Our long cherished aspiration of independent struggle is not going to peter out because what our enemies did to us but because we are cynical and everyone wants to play the role of vanguard. There is no accommodative and acceptability spirit amongst the Nagas. Our enemies have taken advantage of our weaknesses to destroy us. It is high time for the Nagas to realize that we should reconcile and unite ourselves to confront with our common enemies.
Naga public wants peace, reconciliation and unification of all factions for our common cause.
Joseph Shingnaisui, President, Nagaland Tangkhul Hoho.
Hokishe Yepthomi, President, Sümi Hoho.
Sema tribe fires salvo at IM, Rio The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, May 13: The NSCN-IM and the Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio have come under heavy firing from the Sema Naga tribe organisation on Tuesday on the issue of "unification".

While slamming the NSCN-IM and Neiphiu Rio, the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) on Tuesday stated that the chief minister of Nagaland had denounced and disowned the present peace and unification process.

Neiphiu Rio had purportedly "denounced" and "disowned" the current peace and unification process.

The Sema tribe organisation Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) also accused NSCN-IM leader Thuingaleng Muivah as working hand in glove with the Government of India and its intelligent agencies against the aspirations of the Naga people.

This statement of the Sema or Sumi organisation came as a countering statement to the allegation of the NSCN (I-M) that Sumis along with the "Unification group" were working hand in glove with Government of India and its intelligence agencies.

"In fact, the IM self-styled Boss Muivah (NSCN-IM general secretary) is the one who is working with Indian Government and its agencies against the noble aspirations of the Naga people.

He is being housed at MP's residence at Delhi with full security coverage provided by GOI," alleged the Sumi body.

The Sumi body said the volte-face by the chief minister of Nagaland was shocking because it was his Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government that had been working for peace, reconciliation and unification through his avowed policy of equi-closeness.

"Yet, his sudden backtracking on the current peace and unification process has not only hurt the sentiments of peace-loving Nagas but it has grievously hurt the Naga unification process in its infancy", said the WSH.

The WSH then rued that the Sumis, who had almost single-handedly sheltered and fed the NSCN (I-M) to enable it stand on its own feet all these years, were being condemned by the faction now.

The WSH claimed even NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and some other senior leaders had endorsed the unification process before being "brainwashed" by Muivah.

The NSCN (I-M) had on Monday made it clear that the politics of the Naga National resistance movement was based on the rock of Nagas' right to decide their own future and to leave the legacy of living politics to posterity and therefore, leading and conducting a revolution was no job for unprincipled people.

While dubbing the NSCN Unification as "unprincipled" and an "illegitimate" organization, the NSCN (I-M) said it was ridiculous to expect national independence from traitors and illegitimate organizations and that history never made mention of traitors liberating a people.

Claiming that there is only one "NSCN" and that "NSCN-K" or "NSCN-U" are but the brainchild of the Indian press, the NSCN (I-M) in a press release issued by Convener, Steering Committee, Qhevihe Chishi Swu and kilo kilonser Kedutsu Tsuzu also alleged that the Indian Intelligence had "engineered defection of Azheto and Company through the good offices of Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho leadership." The NSCN (I-M) further alleged that the Unification group with the objective to strengthen their position, had implicated even the name of Isak Chishi Swu, the president of Government of the People's of Nagalim, by stating that unification move was done in tune with the directive of Mr.Isak.

"Is it logical to say that a man who stages a coup against a president is for the president?" NSCN (I-M) asked and added the unification move was nothing but an attempted coup.

Even the Government of India had termed the NSCN-Unification as an "illegal organization," the NSCN (I-M) said.
NSCN Unification slams rival Nagaland Post
Dimapur, May 13 (NPN): The NSCN Unification Tuesday said the article supposedly written by convenor of NSCN (I-M) Steering Committee Qhevihe Chishi and its Kilo Kilonser Kedutsu Tsuzu on “Naga national politics and betrayers” was “another sad episode of Hebron campers using the name of two Naga gentlemen to lash out at Nagas”.
A release issued by the publicity cell of NSCN Unification claimed the write up did not originate from the two and that the two were not even informed that there names would be inserted as authors of the “malicious article”.
“This is another glaring example of Muivah’s (NSCN-IM General Secretary) gang forcing a Naga to devour another while the real culprit watch from behind”.
The release declared that the Kilo Kilonser of NSCN Unification, Azheto Chophi, and his colleagues could “boldly stand and raise their Bibles” before the Nagas to affirm that unification move was initiated with the consent of NSCN (I-M) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu. In this regard, the release said a copy of Swu’s declaration of unity, peace and reconciliation and other proclamations would still be available all over Nagaland.
The release left it to the Nagas to judge as to who had introduced abductions, ransom demand, intimidations, threats, extortions, assassinations and “bone-crashing torture” tactics in the once Christian principled Naga society.
The release said the lives of many Naga intellectuals and leaders of Hohos and NGOs, particularly Sumi Hoho and Western Hoho, were endangered “considering the amount of hatred and contempt heaped on them for letting the Nagas know the truth”.
(Text on page 4)
The release asked the NSCN (I-M) to look back at two decades and see their “own skeletal friends in battered fabrics protected by Western Sumis and other Nagas” before committing any further crime.
Spiraling violence spins out of control as Complete Disaster looms and Christianity is tested to the limits Nagarealm.com

In their Homeland the Naga peoples are being held captive by extreme violence.
How to get out of this vicious circle spurred on by internal differences based on betrayals in the past leading to tribalism?

A Naga International Support Center, NISC, www.nagalim.nl
A human rights organization
Press Release Amsterdam, May 10 2008

Accusing, bickering, defecting fighting and lastly rampantly killing has turned the Naga Homeland into the ‘killing fields’ of the northeast of India. Starting with the infamous Shillong Accord in 1975 the first violent division among the Nagas became fact. Then, 8 years after the foundation of the Naga Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN, Khaplang, vice president of the NSCN, attacked the camp of the NSCN. He was convinced his fellow NSCN leaders were busy selling out to the Government of India in Delhi. The bloody attack he mounted claimed the lives of numerous NSCN members and another division came into being.
And now we have the Unification team, like the Khaplang Group also consisting of defected NSCN members. Together with Khaplang leaders they say their sole purpose is to unify the Nagas forces. Instead they have weapons and engage in abduction, torture, extortion of businessmen and they kill.

Of course the NSCN itself is not blameless. During the coarse of time it has focused too much on the continuation of the ceasefire and peace talks with the Government of India. In contrast not enough attention was paid to errant cadres who pressured Naga civilians while some were accused of enriching themselves.
Lack of discipline among NSCN soldiers means the leaders lacked grip and though no doubt the NSCN failed in that respect, it is the Government of India, GOI, which through its divide and rule policy initiated these divisions among the Nagas. The GOI took full advantage of the ceasefire, without providing direction in the peace talks, by compelling Nagas of different backgrounds and aspirations to take part in the booming flow of money and weaponry as well as other emoluments of wealth, prestige and power.

Like it or not, loss of confidence in the national aspirations of the NSCN brought forth by the frustrating lack of progress in the peace talks, for some with private aspirations has led to prosperity and power and to more divisions. As a consequence the Naga Society is breaking at its seams; tribalism has cropped up and as tension builds the results devastating. people are killed, innocent ones too, civilian law and order has evaporated. The new State Government does not do anything despite the fact that it declared to work for a respectable solution of the Indo-Naga conflict.
The gun rules and the Police idly stands by and arrests nobody and no one is held accountable for murder. As nobody is prosecuted there is no justice. Bitter fighting in the local press shows that all parties concerned are trying to justify what they are doing while blaming the others, yet no proper investigation is carried out, investigation which should unequivocally lead to those in full command. A nation once proud to be Christian has fallen flat on its face. Love thy neighbor, turn the other cheek are pillars of Christianity but in Nagaland these humanistic notions are flaunted. Dismayed about the abhorrent development NISC calls on all parties to stop this senseless killing and suggests:

- taking responsibility for the utter disunity, envy, anger, tribal feelings of superiority
- to arrest the culprits and masterminds so they can be brought to justice
- to set up an impartial investigative team which unearths the deeper seeded animosities between the parties by presenting the facts after investigations have been concluded
- to respect human rights
- to be truthful, open and accountable by revealing policies on which killing fellow Nagas are justified

Furthermore: NISC urges the Government of India to
- restore law and order by deploying law enforcing agencies and to instruct the Sate Governments to take their governance seriously
- to begin talking peace in earnest
- to abandon the divide and rule policies aimed to divide and destroy the culture and resilience of the Nagas
- to respect human rights for a democratic society is a prerogative and so to repeal the Armed Forces Special powers Act as it represses the Naga people yet provides some selected people unlimited powers
- , remove all Indian troops from Naga soil as a sign of good will
- to instead fortify the police force and install investigative teams
- to last but not least appoint impartial judges so that law and order will be restored and the Naga peoples feel that the Government of India is finally taking responsibility through its State Governments

This is a serious matter which affects the international standing and democratic recognitions of the Government of India and the Nagas.
The Naga Peoples are yearning for pace with dignity. NISC urges all parties, groups, factions and governments involved to pave the way for genuine unification and true democracy. NISC calls on all to cast aside personal tribal and intertribal grievances and calls on the Government of India to show flexibility and accommodation.

Love thy Neighbor!!

For more information visit www.nagalim.nl or get in touch with us through nisc@nagalim.nl
Patil for ULFA talks date Assam tribune
SHILLONG, May 13 : Giving a fresh hope of talks with the outlawed ULFA, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said the government needed a formal date from the rebels for talks to start. The highest authority of the government had several rounds of talks with representativs of the group.

“We asked them to give a date for formal talks with the leaders. But as they did not give any date, the process could not move ahead,” Patil said apparently pointing to the talks with the ULFA-appointed People’s Consultative Group. – PTIm.nl
Bailed Kangleipal rearrested under NSA -Protests galore, effigies of CM, DG burnt, MAFYF calls general strike By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 13 : High drama marked the day when MAFYF president Sapamc-ha Kangleipal was pro- duced before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, freed on a bail of Rs 40,000 only to be re-arrested under the National Security Act.
Reacting strongly against the arrest of Kang-leipal, MAFYF has imposed a general strike from midnight of May 13 till midnight of May 14.
Earlier in the day high drama was witnessed at the Court complex of the CJM as a large number of MAFYF volunteers and women folk descended on the complex and waited for Kangleipal to brought there.
However a strong police posse, led by OC of Imphal police RK Khomdon and women police managed to drive the women and volunteers outside the Court complex.
A little after 1 pm, Kangleipal was brought to Court complex in a bullet proof Gypsy.
Conducting the business for the day, CJM Padmeshore asked the State on what charges Kangleipal was arrested.
The response of the State that Kangleipal was held under the Seditious Act for comments reported in the newspaper did not go down particularly well with the CJM who questioned whether there is any evidence to ascribe the statement to Kangleipal.
The State responded that they can produce video clippings but this was turned down on the ground that the MAFYF leader was held on the basis of a report which appeared in a news paper and not on the basis of video clippings.
With the State failing to produce substantial evidences, the Court released Kangleipal on a bail of Rs 40,000. However a few moments after Kangleipal was released, he taken into custody again and booked under the National Security Act. The police were armed with an order issued by the District Magistrate of Imphal West, which stated that Kangleipal be detained under section 3 (2) of National Security Act. The DM in his order said that his office is satisfied with the police report that Kanglei-pal’s activities are prejudicial to the maintenance of public order under Section 3 (2) of the NSA, 1980. Following the re-arrest of Kangleipal, the women folk and MAFYF volunteers who had gathered outside the Court premise tried to stop the police vehicles by lying on the ground. Police however used a decoy and managed to take away Kangleipal in another vehicle. With the women folk and MAFYF volunteers raising their pitch, the police drove them back towards Waheng Leikai. Meanwhile strongly condemning the detention of Kangleipal under the NSA, MAFYF has imposed a 24 hour Statewide general strike from midnight of May 13 till midnight of May 14. Effigies of the Chief Minister and the DGP were also consigned to the flames to mark their protest. Talking to newsmen, general secretary of MAFYF Ksh Premjit said that if Kangleipal is not released without any conditions, then they would be constrained to launch a series of intense agitation. Arresting someone under the NSA after being granted bail by a Court amounts to challenging the people, he asserted and added that the Government is inviting trouble. Premjit acknowledged the suffering to be caused to the people due to the strike, but added that this has been necessitated by the action of the Government. He also appealed to the transporters to extend their co-operation as well as to shut down all educational institutions.
The general strike called by MAFYF is being supported by UPF, NIPCO, AMSU, AMKIL, Nupi Samaj, Tammi-Chingmi, UPACO, Thoubal District United Women’s Organisa-tion, ANUL Bishnupur and Women’s Development Organisation. To register their protest the effigies of the Chief Minister and the DGP were burnt at the DM College gate today evening.
ULFA didn’t give us date for concrete dialogue: Patil
Our Staff Correspondent
SHILLONG, May 13: Refusal by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to give a date for a concrete dialogue with the Centre stalled the preliminary discussions started at a certain level, stated Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today.
Admitting initial discussions between New Delhi and ULFA at different levels, the Union Home Minister told newsmen in Shillong: “Discussions at a certain level were held. We wanted ULFA to fix a date for concrete dialogue. But they never gave us any date, and the discussions made no further progress.” Patil reiterated that the Centre was ready to hold talks with the ULFA as well as any other militant outfits in the region.
Referring to the security scenario in the northeastern region, Patil observed: “Some States are peaceful while others continue to be disturbed.’’ His comments came in the backdrop of the recent violent attacks by DHD (J) in NC Hills district of Asom, ULFA’s routine activities in the State, fratricidal killings in Nagaland, and rising militancy in Manipur.
Laying stress on security and development, the Union Home Minister said, “We need to pay more attention to the Northeast. Development cannot happen without security.” The Centre is determined to bring normalcy in some of the northeastern States where the respective governments are facing difficulties, he added. However, he emphasized closer coordination between the Centre and the State governments in the region to overcome the problems related to development and security.
Earlier during the day, Patil inaugurated the Administrative Block of the Assam Rifles and addressed a special sainik sammelan. During his speech, the Home Minister urged the jawans of the Assam Rifles to steadfastly guard the country’s frontiers. He assured them of full justice in their perks and privileges under the terms of the Sixth Pay Commission by removing anomalies if any.
Patil also met Meghalaya Governor SS Sidhu and Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy.