05/22/2008: "Rio: Killing among Nagas must stop morungexpress"

Rio: Killing among Nagas must stop morungexpress

In this image released to the media, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is addressing the 61st session of the Konyak Students Union General Conference at Mon, where he made a passionate plea for Nagas to stop killing each other.
Kohima, May 21 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today attended the 61st session of the Konyak Student’s Union General Conference at Mon. Addressing the conference, the Chief Minister made a call to the student’s community and its leaders to carry forward the voice of the people in the call for peace and reconciliation among all Naga sections. He said that killing among Nagas must stop adding that the students must rise to the occasion and raise the voice of the people. He also urged upon the Church and civil society to come to the forefront in working towards peace. Students are not just the leaders of tomorrow but you are also the leaders of today, the CM said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the menace of HIV/AIDS stating that this disease has the potential to wipe out entire generations. He advised the student community to carry the message of HIV/AIDS awareness to the grass root level. On the government’s programme of “Year of Capacity Building”, Rio said the government was making all out efforts to create opportunities for the youth and he hoped that the students would avail the opportunities in order to get themselves trained for entrepreneurial ventures. However, he reminded the youth that they must be willing to execute all jobs from the lowest to the highest level so as to inculcate work culture.
Rio had a special message for the leaders and students of Mon district on the matter of education and literacy. Informing that Mon district has the lowest literacy rate, he said that all out efforts must be made by all sections particularly the parents to send their children to school so as to pursue education and human resource development.
Reiterating that the State government is committed to the cause of development of backward areas, Rio encouraged the students to act as a monitoring mechanism and as a guardians to ensure that the government’s welfare schemes reach the targeted sections.
Earlier on his arrival in Mon town, Rio inaugurated the new complex of the Konyak Students’ Union. The Chief Minister was accompanied by ministers Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MC Konyak and Nyeiwang Konyak, parliamentary secretary Tohanba, Advisor DUDA EE Panteang, MLAs Dr. Nicky Kire and CL John.
New NSCN faction confuses Naga insurgent politics Thai Indian News Kohima, May 22 (IANS) The peace process in Nagaland has received a setback with news of a new insurgent faction emerging barely six months after a split in the frontline group headed by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. The development has turned the Naga insurgency scenario extremely hazy, analysts said. Though the Swu-Muivah led National Socialist Council of Nagaland or NSCN-IM Thursday denied it had suffered another split, a new group calling itself the United Naga People’s Council (UNPC) has come up in the past few weeks and threatened to “root out the NSCN-IM”.
“The UNPC is a bogus outfit and is floated by a ‘major’ belonging to the group formed by one of our former members Azheto Chophy. There has been no defection from our group,” Phungthing Shimrang, a spokesperson of the NSCN-IM, said.
The NSCN-IM, by far the largest of the Naga rebel factions, suffered a split in November last year after about 50 members led by Chophy, a senior leader, walked away to form the NSCN-Unification (NSCN-U).
Until this development, there were just two NSCN factions — the NSCN-IM and the group headed by S.S. Khaplang or the NSCN-K. The NSCN-U cosied up to the NSCN-K soon after its formation. The allegiance of the new group, the UNPC, is not immediately known.
The parent NSCN split into the IM and Khaplang factions in 1988.
Factionalism within the NSCN has led to bloody fights in recent months with as many as 14 rebels being killed in a single instance last week when men of the NSCN-IM and NSCN-U battled each other near Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial hub.
The emergence of two new NSCN factions in the past six months has made the task of the government peace negotiators all the more difficult. The main question being asked is: will peace return to the Naga areas if the government were to sign a peace deal with just one of the Naga rebel factions?
“We do not know what is the status of the NSCN (U) with the government of India,” Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said. “All the groups must bury their differences and the government must talk to all of them if we are to have a permanent solution to the problem,” A. Lotha, a church leader, said.
The NSCN-IM has been engaged in peace talks with New Delhi ever since the group signed a ceasefire agreement with the government August 1997. A decade later, a solution is nowhere in sight. The NSCN-IM’s key rival, the NSCN-K, too, had signed a truce with the government in 2001 but has not entered into peace talks yet. Now, there are two new factions to contend with.
NSCN (IM) slams rival
21 May, 2008 12:59:00 morungexpress
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Dimapur, May 21 (MExN): Against the backdrop of one businessman being shot dead in Supermarket area in Dimapur, the NSCN (IM) today stated that the “Nagas Peace Rally across Nagaland State on May 20 and Sumi public meeting at Zunheboto on May 21 gave stronger license to kill to Azheto and Mulatuno group to kill innocent public”. It stated that “false followers and preachers of Unification never listen to public appeals” and added that ‘their conscience is dictated by satanic forces who are never satisfied in killing innocent public’.
In this regard, an MIP press release, termed today’s killing of “Johny”, a ‘Tangkhul businessman at Supermarket Bazar’ “by Azheto and Mulatuno group as part of their genocide operation”. “What was the Zunheboto's Peace Rally signal, the indication is terrifying,” the release stated. “The Naga Army is being driven to the point to hit back in the same coin. There is no choice left now as things have gone too far for the Naga army to bear with,” the release added.

NSCN (IM) activists defect
Meanwhile, in another separate press release, the NSCN (IM) today came out with a list of “Phom Regional workers and one Central Secretariat staff” who it termed as “defectors” and warned that those dealing with them “under an illegal organization of Unification gang” shall be doing in their own risk. The release in this regard, listed the name of the ‘defectors’ as; Langtok (Tatar), Hongying (Leacy), Chuba Kümzük (Leacy), Yimti Chuba (Leacy), Mokshing (Razou Peyu), Tali (Razou Peyu), Metphong, (Khapur), Pangjung (Khapur), Leinyak (A.P.O), Bhukam Phom (Under Secretary, Chaplee).

Badlands blip on Delhi radar OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph New Delhi, May 21: The internecine battles between the NSCN factions in Nagaland and the resurgence of the Jewel Gorlosa faction of the Dima Halam Daogah in Assam’s North Cachar Hills district have again put the Northeast on the Centre’s radar.
While the Neiphiu Rio government in Nagaland has been asked to rein in the warring NSCN factions, the railway ministry has been in touch with the cabinet secretariat to control the situation in the insurgency-ravaged district of Assam where railway personnel of the gauge conversion project on Lumding-Silchar-Jiribam line have been the DHD (J)’s target.
The Centre does not want to intervene in the complex equations among tribals in Nagaland, a predominantly tribal northeastern state, a home ministry source said.
Dimapur was put under curfew after clashes between the Isak-Muivah faction and a joint team of the Khaplang and the newly floated Unification factions reached a new high, further widening the division along tribal lines.
The Centre has been keeping a close watch on Nagaland and asked the Rio government to hold regular meetings of its special group of officials to rein in the militants.
The Isak-Muivah faction, cornered by a ceasefire with New Delhi and attacked on its turf by rival factions, is blaming the Centre for backing the two other groups.
The Naga tribes of Manipur dominate the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN but in the rival factions Naga tribes of Nagaland enjoy predominance.
The cracks have become deeper now with Sema tribals taking on cadre from Manipur.
“If the NSCN (I-M) wants to displease some tribes to please some others, they will obviously face the music. It is none of the Centre’s business to interfere in their tribal relations, and if they are blaming us then it is wrong,” said the source in the home ministry.
For the Centre, a division between the Nagas of Manipur and Nagaland would weaken the Isak-Muivah faction’s demand for integration of Naga areas.
The DHD (J), also known as Black Widow, was initially helped by the NSCN’s Isak-Muivah faction. It has killed 30 people in less than a fortnight in the NC Hills district, slowing down progress of work on the gauge conversion project, part of the Prime Minister’s special package for the Northeast.
Its recent killing of 10 persons forced the Northeast Frontier Railway suspend services on the Lumding-Badarpur section. The railway had also evacuated its staff and their families from the section.
Suspension of train and truck services because of militancy was almost leading to a food crisis. On Monday, the outfit lifted its ban on work on the East-West corridor and gauge conversion projects in the North Cachar Hills district to “give peace a chance”. It also formally declared its ceasefire with effect from Friday. But, there is no let-up in Centre’s action against the outfit.
“The chairman of the Railway Board has written to the cabinet secretary asking central help while the railways have also written to the Assam chief secretary to provide security on the railway stretch,” a railway ministry source said.
Tribe wants protection OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Imphal, May 21: The Tangkhuls in Manipur today petitioned New Delhi and the governments of Manipur and Nagaland to put an end to reported persecution of members of the community in Dimapur.
“Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the governments of Okram Ibobi Singh and Neiphiu Rio should immediately intervene to save the Tangkhuls in Dimapur and ensure their safety,” the president of the Tangkhul Naga Long, Stephen Angkang, said.
The apex body of the Tangkhuls who are concentrated in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, today made the fervent appeal after members of the community were being targeted following the clash between the Isak-Muivah and the Unification factions of the NSCN on Friday that claimed the lives of 14 rebels and two civilians.
Sources said after the mayhem, the Tangkhul students in Dimapur have asked their families to come and take them home.
“Unable to move out, our students in Dimapur have requested their families in Ukhrul to fetch them. We have asked the Nagaland Students’ Federation in Kohima to ensure their safety. For the time being, we want them to return to Ukhrul safely with security escorts,” Angkang said.
The tribal leader also appealed to the two state governments to provide the Tangkhul students in the Nagaland maximum protection.
Though the exact number of Tangkhul students in Dimapur is not known, a large number of them is studying in various schools and colleges. There are also many permanent Tangkhul settlers besides family members of NSCN (I-M) leaders in Dimapur. The NSCN (I-M) general secretary, Th. Muivah, is a Tangkhul Naga.
Angkang confirmed that some Tangkhul students had fled Dimapur and reached Ukhrul in the wake of Friday’s violence.
“Yes, some have arrived here in the past few days. But they are small in number and we are yet to organise a headcount of those coming here from Dimapur.”
The Tangkhuls in Manipur fear more clashes and attacks on members of their community in Nagaland. “Some vested interests could take advantage of the situation and foment trouble. The authorities should take every possible step so that innocent civilians are not targeted,” Angkang said. The Tangkhul organisation has appealed to citizens’ groups of Nagaland, the Naga Hoho and the Church to ensure that civilians are not targeted in factional clashes.
“We appeal to all concerned that no one should target civilians during factional clashes between armed groups,” Angkang said.
The Tangkhul Naga Long is consulting elders of the community to find a way out to ensure safety of the members of the community in Nagaland.
Narrow escape Suspected militants left behind two gas cylinders that were likely to explode at the gate of Manipur’s agriculture and social welfare minister N. Loken Singh’s Leimaqpokpam home in Bishnupur district last night, reports our correspondent from Imphal.
Police said when residents of Leimapokpam smelled cooking gas at midnight, they enquired and found two cylinders, with gas oozing out of them near the gate of the minister’s private home.
The villagers also found a small rope measuring about 10 feet each tied to the regulators and those who tried to explode it thought of using the ropes as the trigger by burning it. However, villagers found that the ropes did not burn.
The villagers immediately informed the matter to the Nambol police station. Police recovered the cylinders this morning. The minister was not present at his home last night, neither was not available for comment. However, a family member informed the police that villagers saw two persons carrying gas cylinders at around 10pm in the village.
Police and the family members of the minister do not have any clue to the motive and identities of those who had left those cylinders behind.
1 shot dead in Dimapur Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur, May 21 (NPN): Unidentified gunmen shot dead a person, later identified as one Journey Shimray, son of M. Shimray, at the victim's Naga Shopping Arcade residence on Wednesday at around 3 pm
Police present at the spot, said the victim was shot thrice on the face with a small firearm at point blank range. Late Journey was doing some business and was a native of Pui village under Ukhrul district, Manipur. The victim was married to one Asheli, a Sumi woman.
Talking to this Reporter, Asheli disclosed that the two assailants entered the residence and after bolting the door from inside went in search of her late husband. After singling out her late husband, one of the gunmen charged him of being involved with some illegal business.
Asheli said both she and her late husband pleaded innocence, but the younger one of the two gunmen, took the victim to the kitchen and fired thrice on the face.
"Even after the plea for mercy and confession about innocence, they killed my husband," the wife cried. Asheli disclosed that she had seen one of the assailants a few days back and would be able to recognize him.
UNPC emerged from nowhere: NSCN-IM Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, MAY 21 (NPN): In the light of reports of formation of a new outfit - United Naga People's Council (UNPC) - by former NSCN (I-M) activists, the NSCN (I-M) has said as far as the trend in Manipur was concerned, it was not surprising that a new, "self-styled band of hooligans called UNPC" had emerged from nowhere.
"No wonder, there are dozens of such headless organizations in the valley alone. UNPC is but an organization without ideology and it does not, in any way represent the Naga people," said a press release issued by Col. Levi Zimik, public relation officer, GPRN/NSCN (I-M). On the other hand, the NSCN (I-M) also warned that the Naga army would leave no stone unturned to eradicate such unwarranted development as it had become a matter of serious concern for all to be on guard against such move aimed at demeaning the cause of the Nagas and, in the long run, to derail the Indo-Naga peace process.
Stating that it was the expressed desire of the Nagas to live together as one people under one nation since the dawn of revolution in "Nagalim", the NSCN (I-M) also said this "genuine aspiration" of the Naga people was the driving force behind the NSCN's policy to integrate all the Naga areas.
The NSCN (I-M) said it was therefore bound to protect the interest of the citizens and the press towards attaining the inherent right to the Nagas.
The NSCN (I-M) also reiterated that it was not at enmity with any neighbour or organization, in as much as the NSCN (I-M) believed in peaceful co-existence.
While accepting the shortcomings on the part of the Naga Army to discipline the errant cadres, the NSCN (I-M) however said the "malicious hand of the adversaries is not ruled out who are preying upon the vulnerable lots to create more confusion."
Wangyuh flays Cong on bandh- Nagaland post
The Nagaland Congress is claiming that, the 12 hours bandh called by them was by large peaceful. Whereas, they had given sufficient harassment to the public, business, community, media including police personal. Yes, no one likes killing, kidnapping, extortions, illegal taxation and targeting particular tribe. Killing in any form is condemnable by all right thinking citizens and those who love peace. The Congress point for calling 12 hours bandh was (a) killing (b) price inflation.
On killing, the killing should be explained to the people as to whether any solution will bring through killing. To me nothing will happen, except killing your own brothers and sisters which is crime for your individual and the society. Therefore, by studying the pros and cons of the prevailing situation in the state, DBs and GBs joint forum had organized peace rallies over the state on 20 May in which all the citizens had participated. Through the peace rallies, it had demonstrated the sentiments of the people. Therefore, it is high time for the "peace disturbers" to understand that GBs and DBs were backbone of Naga society. Therefore, I fervently appeal to the Naga national workers of any factions to explain to the people in detail on the following points.
1. Are you going to solve the vexed Naga political issue through killing of your own brothers and sisters everyday?
2. Can any faction finish each other set-up through killing?
3. Can any solution in any form be brought through killing?
4. If killing is interesting game in the present game in the present Naga society, let us go back to head hunting culture by forgetting Christianity.
On price inflation in Nagaland, the Nagaland Congress is fully in confusion stage. The price inflation has been created by the UPA govt at the centre. The Nagaland Congress should understand the BJP led NDA has launched nationwide agitation against the price rise in the country.
Even the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh has assured to the people of India that he will bring sown price rice in the month of September, 2008. Whereas, in Nagaland, the Nagaland Congress has called bandh against price rise and blame the state government and its leader Neiphiu Rio unnecessarily. Instead of calling bandh in Nagaland, better go to Delhi and tell your high command to control price rise. The Nagaland Congress should not try to shift their own mistake to the state government. Please do not "cut dao" inside the water that will cut your own leg.
W. Wangyuh Konyak.
There is only one judge- Nagaland Post column
Recently an article appeared in vari-ous papers under the headline "Let the people judge" citing instance of factional killing, asking the people to pass its own judgement. The killing mentioned in the article are condemnable and should be condemned by all the sensible and God fearing people of the world. It must be understood that public are not to judge for there is only one judge who is God.
The fact of the matter is that time has come to call for us to call a spade a spade and a killer under any excuse is a killer. Naga national movement unfortunately began with killing of own people stating from T. Sakhrie, Dr. Imkongliba Ao, Tobu, Chalie Kevichüsa etc.,today killing is continuing among brothers even in the name of unification. It should be remembered that killing is a sin and attract God's cures. The Bible tells us that who kill by the sword will also die by sword (gun). In this context people are not to judge but to speak out the truth that killing will not promote the national cause. The word of God says "The truth will set you free".
Let the public rise up in one chorus and one united band and condemned all kinds of killings, extortion, abduction etc. in the name of Naga nation. Any groups, leader, hohos associations, union or village supporting such killers should also stand condemned. And it may also be noted that asking killer to do their killing outside inhabited area is equally sinful for it will imply permission to kill in designated place. Can there be any designated place for killing in Nagaland? The answer is emphatic- No. Let all the peace loving people of Nagaland including churches join hands and proclaim that Nagaland is not another killing field.
T.L Angami, founder & advisor, Nagaland village chief/GB federation and care taker, Naga customary law, DC court, Dimapur.
Imchen plea to parties Nagaland Post
Kohima, May 21 (NEPS): State Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen lamented that though leaders of political parties in the State were capable of talking to the Naga underground factions with reason, yet they never ventured in a realistic way to help resolve the Naga issue in coordination with the factions.
Talking to this news agency here on Wednesday, the Minister said the wisdom of almost all capable and responsible persons who were in different political parties was not channelized towards solution of the Naga issue. In this regard, the minister predicted that there could be no success if the political parties continued to indulge in blame-game and play one-upmanship. He called upon the parties to come out openly with their "opinions and ideas" and share them openly with the Naga underground leaders to discover the common ground and frame reasonable agenda for the Nagas and Government of India.
At the same time, he said wisdom of the intellectuals should not be shut up by the barrel of gun because if they were not allowed to speak, the society would head for doom.
Earlier on Tuesday while addressing the peace rally at Kohima, the minister had candidly admitted that leaders of the State political parties including himself were responsible for the present state of affairs in the State.
Claiming that the law and order situation in the State was quite satisfactory, the minister said killing, abduction, extortion, intimidation etc by the underground activists could not be viewed as mere "law and order of the State." Asked on the plight of citizens owing to factional violence, Imchen said "This is related matter and consequences of the activities of the Naga underground cadres…So it is very difficult to draw a parallel line between the civilian and the underground."
‘PCC not harboring any Naga group’
21 May, 2008 01:12:00 morungexpress
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Dimapur, May 21 (MExN): Patkai Christian College has appealed to all in concern, particularly the underground factions, to respect the sanctity of the college and refrain from all activities inimical to peace. Expressing pain at the May 16 clash that left 14 dead, the college said its students were preparing for their semester examinations when the incident happened. The students, teachers, staff and workers of the college were greatly traumatized by the clash, stated a message of appeal from the college authority.
“PCC was established in 1974 with the objectives of imparting highest quality education to our young people in the fear of God with biblical perspectives. PCC wants to make it very clear here before the public that the college does not shelter or harbor any Naga army from any group” the college stated. “God forbid that the college deviates itself from its avowed purpose and sacred duty of imparting quality education with Christian ideals. The college shall never allow anything to dilute its sacred vision and objectives” the college assured.
Mention may be made here that PCC is the first autonomous college in northeast India. Stating that Patkai Christian College campus is on land donated by two Angami villages Chumukedima and Seithekima, the message said it is a sacred campus consecrated by Jesus Christ for educational purposes with Christian values. For this regard, no one should try to defile it, ‘for the college belongs to God, and God himself is the judge, to whom we will have to give account,’ it stated.
The college also reminded that in its humble service, it has produced a large number of graduates who have become church leaders, government officers and responsible citizens in every walk of life. The college appeals: “We appeal once again that all respect the sanctity of the educational institutions and refrain from any activity inimical to peace, development and progress, that nothing would jeopardize the academic pursuit of our young people, but rather permit a healthy and peaceful environment so that institutions can freely and fearlessly pursue their educational programs without any threat. All people who love God are welcome to contribute their part in building up this institution for the benefit of our own people and for the honor and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Situation in Dimapur returning to normalcy: DC morungexpress
Dimapur, May 21 (MExN): Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, Maongwati Aier today asserted that the law and order situation in Dimapur is more or less coming to normalcy and expressed hope that all the factional clashes in Dimapur would come to an end and that the people will live peacefully.
Interacting with the local media persons in his office chambers this morning, the Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, who took charge on April 25, said that he is taking the problems being faced by the district, especially the law and order problem and the price rise of essential commodities, as a big challenge.
Sporadic factional clashes and killings have been the order of the day during the past few weeks which have claimed a series of human lives, besides the rising prices of essential commodities has been a concern for citizens of the city, which made the state Congress call for a total bandh in the district on May 19.
Maongwati Aier said that right on the day he took charge, he convened a meeting of all the tribal Hoho leaders and the security forces and formed the District coordination Group, and subsequently this group appealed to the underground factions to vacate the civilian areas and go back to their designated camps. He said that a joint operation has been conducted in the Diphupar area and some cadres along with arms were arrested. A joint operation is also being planned in the days to come, he added.
About price rise, Aier said that the administration has consulted with the Chambers of Commerce, the Director of Food and Civil Supplies and others, and issued the price index of essential commodities and hardware materials. Besides, a revised price index of the commodities has been formulated, he informed.
The DC also disclosed that twelve illegal gates inside Nagaland have been banned and four gates in Assam (2 gates in New field Gate and two in Dillai gate) have been demolished with the help of the Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner. In this regard, Maongwati Aier said that it has resulted in easing the businessmen and the transporters of the extortions, and bringing down of the prices of commodities.
Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner, expressing concern about the traffic congestion in Dimapur, said that he would call the administration of Holy Cross School, Christian Higher Secondary School and St Mary’s Montessori School which are located in the heart of the city and which are the main points of traffic congestion during school hours. Aier asserted that he would make sure that these schools should make the vehicle come inside the school campus and must each have an entry and exit point.
He also informed that a Traffic Magistrate and a Dy SP of Traffic and DMC Traffic would be deputed to look after the traffic in the city. He said that these two officials would be empowered to penalize violators of traffic rules. Besides, the DC informed, no trucks whether belonging to the army, CRPF or VIP, would be allowed into the town, except early morning and in the evening.
During the interaction which lasted about one and a half hours, the DC also expressed his concern for the sanitation and sewage of the city. He also said that he would look into and ensure that the BPL ration cards are given to the right beneficiaries. He also promised to look into the scarcity of LPG cylinders in the city and said that he would take action against black marketers of LPG cylinders.
Fasting and prayer crusade in Dimapur Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, MAY22 [NPN] : A three day fasting and prayer crusade on the theme 'heal our land' would be organized by the Dimapur church leaders starting May 23.

The convener and secretary of the program committee Rev. N. Papino and Rev. Moses Murry informed that prayer fasting and crusade was being organized in view of the unpleasant prevailing situation in Nagaland and Dimapur in particular. In this connection, fasting and prayer with all church leaders would be held on the first day and with all believers on the second day. Seven days of chain prayers would also be organized for local churches from May 26.

City wide prayer crusade at different locations would be held on June 3, this would culminate with joint prayer crusade at city tower junction from 5 to 6 p.m. The convener and secretary have requested all church leaders and believers of different denominations to cooperate in the effort in bringing peace and prosperity.
NSCN-IM puts up brave front Outfit denies second split, blames rivals for confusionNagarealm.com

Kohima, MAY21 [TI] : The NSCN (I-M) today put up a brave front in the face of recent bickering in its ranks, saying the outfit was strong enough to thwart any threat posed to the “Naga cause”.

It said the clamour for unification raised by the outfit’s former leader Azheto Chopy, who broke away from the parent body in November, was only to confuse the Naga people and sabotage the ongoing peace process with the Centre. In its first reactions to the formation of another splinter group, the United Naga People’s Council (UNPC), the convenor of the NSCN (I-M)’s ceasefire monitoring cell, Phungthing Shimrang, said the members of the “so called new outfit” were actually from the group formed by Chophy. “There has been no defection from the NSCN. Some members of Chophy’s group are again claiming to have formed a new group just to confuse the people and sabotage the ongoing peace process with the Centre,” Shimrang said.

Chophy, along with other breakaway members of the NSCN (I-M), had recently formed the NSCN (Unification). The group had since cosied up to NSCN (Khaplang). The NSCN (Isak-Muivah), the NSCN (Khaplang) and the NSCN (Unification) have been a waging a bloody battle of attrition — the recent one costing 14 of their own men and two civilians. Amid the bitter factional war, some members of the NSCN (I-M) claimed to have formed another group by splitting from the parent organisation.

The leaders of the nascent outfit claimed that they defected from the NSCN (I-M) as they were disenchanted with its policies. The NSCN (I-M) was creating a division between the hill and the valley people in Manipur, the members of the UNPC alleged at a news conference in Senapati district. The UNPC said it would root out the NSCN (I-M) from Manipur, protect and preserve the state’s territorial integrity and forge unity with the people of valley and hills to restore Manipur’s sovereignty. Shimrang said the UNPC had been formed by a “major” who had earlier defected from the NSCN (I-M) along with Chophy. The members of this new outfit are from the Poumai Naga tribe, who Shimrang said had been misled by some vested interests to undermine the Naga political issue by confusing the innocent Nagas.

The NSCN (I-M) leader said the so-called UNPC was a “bogus outfit” which would not survive without the support of the Naga people. He, however, did not say whether the NSCN (I-M) would launch any operation against the new outfit.

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05/22/2008: "Rio: Killing among Nagas must stop morungexpress"