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06/07/2008: "Naga bodies reiterate support to peace process Source: The Sangai Express"

Naga bodies reiterate support to peace process Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 06: The United Naga Council (UNC) and State's Naga Tribe Hoho along with sister organisations have reaffirmed support to the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM) in sustaining the ongoing peace process for an honourable settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue.

Representatives of the UNC, Hoho and 14 constituent bodies on May 31 attended an emergency consultative meeting at Senapati district headquarters wherein it was unanimously resolved to 'fully back' the collective leadership in taking forward the ongoing negotiation for solution of the decades old issue.

According to a joint statement of these units released today, the meeting 'once again reaffirmed full support to the collective leadership on the ongoing peace process with the Government of India for the final political solution based on the uniqueness of Naga history and situation that will be acceptable and honourable to the Nagas'.

"While honouring the motto of the Naga Hoho, Nagas are one, we are committed to peace and unity through reconciliation amongst the Naga family", it said while adding 'as such we once again reaffirm to uphold the Naga peoples' Convention resolution 8 and 9 of August 2001'. The NPC resolution concerns integration of all naga areas under one administration and iterates desire of the Naga people to live together without any compromise on the cherished goal.

In the backdrop of clashes between rival groups of the NSCN in Dimapur area that had claimed over 50 people including Tangkhul civilians and damage of properties, the bodies also appealed to all concerned to stop factional killings in Naga areas.

Moreover, people of the Naga community in general and students in particular pursuing different courses outside 'Nagalim' have been urged to remain calm and be free from tensions.

Nevertheless, the bodies cautioned the naga people to be wary of sinister designs by divisive forces and stay alert from false propaganda or rumours that is being spread in the aftermath of the Dimapur turmoil.

All differences within the family should be sorted out peacefully, it stressed.
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information & Publicity

Press Release

The marauding reactionary force of Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi kill group another NSCNmember, Mr. Kavito Sumi s/o Pukhazhe of Hetoi village at Super Market. He is Rajau-Peyu of UT-1.

The NSCN and the Naga nation condole his death. Such untimely death at the hands of this socio-political evil will go down in the history, but the honour shall go with Kavito for standing on the side that dared to face the anti-Naga reactionary forces, till the last. The Nation also share the grief and sorrow of the bereaved family members. May God give Strength and comfort to the love ones left behind. May the soul of Kavito rest in peace.

It may be pointed out the killing that is continuing almost everyday is the direct outcome of the government of India who incited such killing to take place among the Nagas by allowing the Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group to be stationed at Vihokhu Camp, which is not designated as per Ceasefire ground rules. The artificial flush out is just an eye wash. Why are this group not sent back to the seven designated Camp?

Issued by: MIP/GPRN

Dimapur flushout after clash Nagarealm.com
Kohima, JUN06 [TI] : The Nagaland government today launched an operation to flush out militants from Dimapur as 15 Naga organisations of Manipur called for an immediate end to clashes among NSCN factions urging the Naga community and students staying outside “Nagalim” to stay calm.

The flushout and the appeal came in the wake of the latest factional feud that left 16 militants dead in Nagaland’s commercial hub on Wednesday. The Dimapur flushout was carried out by police in six colonies — Purana Bazaar, Burma Camp, Khermahal, Borlingri, Wangrum and Midland. No arrests were made. In Wangrum, members of the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN prevented the police and other officials from entering the area where the rebels and their families live. The standoff continued for several hours, ending at 1pm.

Repeated warnings failed to convince the NSCN (I-M) militants. They said they would not move out of the colony as the government had “miserably” failed to protect the lives and property of innocents. An angry mob had burnt down the colony in protest against the outfit’s alleged highhandedness on April 22 last year. Moreover, Wangrum is mostly inhabited by Tangkhul Nagas and the NSCN (I-M)’s rivals, the Khaplang faction, is determined to flush out the Tangkhuls from Nagaland. It was after a long negotiation that the NSCN (I-M) allowed the security personnel to go ahead with their operation in the presence of gaonburas and colony members.

The police did not make any arrest or recover arms in Wangrum, but Dimapur police claimed to have found weapons in the other colonies. They did not say how many. The army and paramilitary forces like the Assam Rifles and the CRPF did not take part in today’s operation despite repeated appeals by the state government to assist it in conducting the Standard Operation Procedure. Sources said without the army and the paramilitary forces, the flush-out operation would be in name’s sake only. Eyewitness said the police and the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) were conducting the operations only as a formality.

As the Nagaland government exercised its show of authority, the joint statement by Naga organisations in Manipur stated, “We appeal to all to stop factional killings in Naga areas. We urge the Naga community, in particular students pursuing different courses outside Nagalim, to stay calm.” The organisations, including United Naga Council, the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, and the Tangkhul Naga Long, urged the Nagas to check false propaganda and rumours aimed at dividing the Nagas by taking advantage of the developments in Dimapur. “All differences within the family should be sorted out peacefully,” they stated. The organisations said they were committed to peace and unity through reconciliation among the Naga family.

They said the United Naga Council and the Naga Tribe Hoho had re-affirmed their support to the collective leadership (Th. Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu) on the ongoing peace process with the Centre during a meeting on May 31.

A response to liars Nagaland Post
In 1980, the renegades condemned the Ministry of Zashei Huire the then FGN President and NNC President A.Z. Phizo, and falsely branded that the NNC/FGN accepted the Indian Constitution. But Eno Zashei Huire said, I rejected the Accord in time (December 1975) and put the nation on the right path. Residing in the Peace Camp is only in order to maintain peace in Nagaland and bring forth peaceful solution to the Indo-Naga conflict, but not tantamount to accept the accord nor for compromising the Naga national stand. Knowing the NNC/FGN did not accept the Accord, all the Chakhesangs, Angamis, Khiamniungans and other Nagas served the nation under the leadership of Zashei Huire and A.Z. Phizo and defended the NNC/FGN when the renegades notoriously fought against the NNC/FGN since 1980. So there was no non-accordist or accordist in the NNC/FGN.
But after the death of A.Z. Phizo, it was astonishing that, from 1990 some Angamis are leading so-called non-accordist NNC adopting the false propaganda of renegades without knowing the meaning what they say. Also after the death of Zashei Huire in 1996, some Chakhesangs are leading so-called non-accordist FGN from 2005. The NNC is only one body and so also the FGN. How can the NNC condemn the NNC and FGN condemn the FGN. A drunkard cannot condemn his head for drunk and say his body is not drunk. No one can say that his body is alive but his head was dead and buried more than thirty years ago. So the persons who said, non-accordist FGN or accordist FGN are liars and no one can believe that they can do anything good for the Nagas.
Mr. Singnya became the Acting President of the FGN in May 1996 after the Kedahge Zashei Huire passed away on 11th May 1996.. Singnya was elected as full-fledged Kedahge of the FGN in April 1997 and in June 1997 he came to Kohima Transit Peace Camp and discussed many important matters of our nation including taking a decision on 12th July 1997 at the meeting of Council of Kilonsers presided by S. Singnya as Kedahge of FGN that no NNC/FGN representative will be sent to Atlanta, USA meet. After fulfilling his term of 5 years, he was re-elected for another term in January 2000 at Kohima Transit Peace Camp and held the Office up to 2005. In 2005, he tendered his resignation and gave directive to elect a new Kedahge (President) of the FGN. Accordingly the 54th Tatar Hoho (Parliament) unanimously elected a new Kedahge of the FGN. But self centered young persons who were dropped from the NNC/FGN on breach of national trust used Singnya and playing such lie games. Some of them were dropped on ground of their involvements in the Indian elections in 2003. This year 2008 too they involved in the Indian elections. This Singnya group says, their NNC President is Ms. Adinno Phizo, but Ms. Adinno Phizo, President of the NNC has nothing to do with such liars.
If they claim Peace Camp is a stumbling block for the National unity, why then the sectarian leaders who are united on opposing the peace Camp cannot unite among themselves? If they said that Peace Camp is the main factor for the killing, why are they killing among themselves? When the Nagas are united under the banner of NNC and restored peace among the Nagas, we can do whatever we want to do for the achievement of our national goal. Peace Camp is none issue at all for the Nagas.
Besü Kape,
Asst Secretary,
Federal Government of Nagaland.

Arming the people Heirok style : A Controversy By: RS Jassal Sangai Express
General: Governments have been going through this practice in varying forms from time to time specially from Moghul days to extract, loyalty from trusted & influential allies. Prior to that ‘whistle blowers’, chowkidars were detailed in villages with able bodied persons to rise to the occasion specially at nights to avoid instrusional acts of outsiders including house breaking and to ensure safety of public trust properties. Britishers did not interfere in internal security exercises under taken by local rules at village levels but did appoint ‘Special Police Officers’ in towns & cities where felt necessary. ‘SPOs’ of this cadre were to feel pulse of general cadre constables as Superintendents Police used to be mainly from British origin. SPOs who used to be from influential backgrounds used to function in direct touch with the Collectors. After Independence this practice was dropped.

In Context of NE :
Nagaland British consolidated their positions in Naga Hills up to Dikhu River. TFD (Tuensang Frontier Division then part of NEFA) had village administration run under traditionally established strong Ahngs. So they did not come in direct confrontation with Britishers & they demanded ‘HOME GUARDS’ paid out of British exchequer to generate & keep their interest alive in British protection. When armed trouble in Naga Hills commenced around 1954-55, the HOME GUARDS were converted and strengthened into ‘VILLAGE GUARDS’ and Maj. R.Khatthing IFAS the legendary visionary from Tangkhul Hills Manipur became the first Security Commissioner. VGs were not raised for any other Sub Division of NEFA except for TFD which today stand as amalgamated part of Nagaland. These VGS were to provide security to own villagers against any outside intervention in their villages.

This force still exists in Tuensang-Mon- Kiphire- Longleng Districts of Nagaland (erstwhile compact as TFD) and enjoy their own distinct identity and cultural- cum- machos ethos. Even NSCN (IM) and (K) factions avoid interfering in their affairs. There was a time when many of them were awarded with Defence gallantry awards specially after independence. There came a time when their officer Dy. Comdt Thungti Chang who was Ahng of erstwhile UG Hongkin State was assassinated by two NSCN (IM) cadres at Tuensang and VGs on duty twitched in swiftly on alarm sound of gong (beaten on extreme emergency- a Naga call) and chased killers up to 4 km and beheaded them & brought their heads to Tuensang. This force 4200 strong is a force to reckon with. It is a living success experiment of ‘People Arming’. They do go at times to assist Govt. of Nagaland in their (mis) adventures against interstate Border skirmishes against Assam Police.

Manipur :
During 1964, VVF (Village Volunteer Force) was officially organized in selected villages and posts were opened mainly in Naga inhabitated areas. It is said they were almost on TFD Home Guards /VG pattern and idea was sponsored by Public Leaders like veteran politician Shri. Rishang Keishing and approved by BN Mullick with T.Mohanty as Liaison Officer. This force met the challenges from unlawfully functioning organization like (NFG/NA) very well for two decade but then collapsed due to indiscipline, corruption & performance of unsocial and politically motivated acts. Power & privilege conferred on VVF were abused by the employers and the cadres both .Then sometimes in mid 1990s PMN (People’s Militia of Nagaland or Nagas) under late Z. Ramyo was organized & tried out as part of arming surrendered UGs but failed.

SSB:
Seema Sashastra Bal (ITBP integral) raised mainly for spying duties and to act as early warning elements in NEFA along IB with Tibet was expanded in scope and a group HQ was opened in Manipur too with posts in Tamenglong Distt like Nungba and a training centre at Mongsangei with office of one Area Commander at Lamphel. The force operated under direct control of Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi with facilities like all time availability of MI-8 heptrs & so on. VVF was placed under this force. But VVF performance could not be revived .SSB had their main HQ at Chakrata (UP) now Uttaranchal. Their troops mainly comprised of locals from regional areas like Tibetans in NEFA where they were deployed. VVF collapsed and was dumped as a failed experiment. SSB cleared patriotic debt to the Indian nation by one singular act of assisting Indian Army in liberating East Pak from control of West Pakistan in 1971. I quote Claude Arpi (The Phantoms of Chittagong) “It is a pity certain facts are not well known, if not completely ignored by the media and India public Do many Indian know that not only did Tibetans participate in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, they were instrumental in the fall of Chittagong” It was the result of fine tactics employed by Lt. Gen Sagat Singh the then GOC 4 Corps of engaging enemy at IB in dispersed fights, embroigled in swamps, marshy bogs with limited Xg places landing dare devils by helicopters at Dhaka to surround depleted strength of Pak Army at their Comd HQ & correctly using of SSB (ITBP) at Chittagong. So SSB earned esteem in nation’s eyes and their supreme performance earned their future deployment at strategic places like PM house in Delhi.

Current SPOs:
Heirok and Chajing villagers have demanded to be armed to protect themselves and mainly the women folk. There is no denying the fact that, unreasonable demands of killing & of blinding innocent girls provoked the people’s sentiments. Demand has come as ‘Marta Kya na karta’. Govt. of Manipur appears to have been influenced by Village Defense Committee of J& K and Village Defense Force of Assam. / Chhattisgarh tempted to seize only the opportunity as ‘God sent to deal with NSAs/& unsocial trouble creators. They may be able to ward off the evil but to give a fight against some well organized NSAs may be a bit over optimistic which author is sure Govt. good if Manipur will be well aware of. In view of the foregoing, let us examine the conceptual aspect in this case to reach at some conclusion so as to sift from bad syndrome. Erstwhile VVF was deployed to face one set of UGs from their own ethnic link up. VDC/VDG in respective states have also distinct role at hand. Here in Manipur situation is entirely different which will unfold in next para….The type of situation presented by Heirok & Chajing is existing almost all over in Manipur. Unreasonable demands by UG elements specially splinter groups have muddied the affairs. Proliferated functioning of UGs appear to have hardened the thinking of the villagers against them. Same is evidenced by various Meephams reports published in local ‘khabars’ Govt. Depts., Bazaar Community, contractors, health care experts, schools & so on are equally & if not euphemistically speaking are affected. The entire situation is in the BIND.

There are 34 groups of NSAs big & small, even some with strength of six to eight only and odd organizations neither too small nor too big have a magic strength of 20 persons only. Agenda is same sovereignty with suzerainty. Thus revolutionary honesty of meaningful outfits has also been put to doubt. Smaller group(s) operating under bigger group’s umbrella are creating chaos and presenting confusion by sporadic violence. Killings beating & rapes to murders.

Other than this, economic crimes are commonly committed by way of extortion and obstructing developmental activity, Psycho fear is spread by summoning people (Govt/non Govt. both) for negotiations’ on issues of all sorts. Police is finding biggest hurdle in meeting the policing challenges posed by self imposed communitisers like Meira Paibis, AMADA, ACADA, APUNBA LUP & student’s organizations. If we go with media news, import of Pan Patti Mitha Pattis, Zarda, Khaini, liquor should have been wiped out of Manipur- BUT- palatingly it is more. The liquor lords who are enjoying huge profits through backdoor are depriving state of its legitimate revenue by obstructing Govt. effort to introduce liquor permits officially. So self styled moral policing performance is also shocking, when this situation is considered. Villagers of Heirok-Chajjing are justified in demand. Govt. action is also justified to meet people’s will. Many writers have pointed out, will it not be attracting NSAs temptation to hold armoury so created to ransom and putting civil societies to greater risk, by misuse of privilege to direct guns on other than NSAs too thus driving SPO to melt the VVF way, if fundamental requirement to use weapons in ‘self defense is abused.

In fine, analysis leads, Govt need to support the people who come to support the Govt. But how? With a bit readjustment. Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kashmir, Assam, pattern may not suit our State. Kashmir has mercenary fighters now, known to even a class X student. How Maoists are so strong in the belt from Nepal to Terrai to Chhattisgarh is a million dollar question. I predict a day will come role of mercenary amongst Maoists will be established in a near future to come. In Manipur & NE as a whole ethnic resurgence is being encouraged surreptitiously by both the nations surrounding us. Our intelligence agencies will wake up when kettle will be in the boil. So holistic approach is required to save Manipur from disaster.

Suggestion :
• Whether Centre sanctions two NH Police Bns or not as demanded by Nipamacha, RB ministries but, surely Congress led SPF Govt. can take out two police bns out of existing forces to man NH-39- NH-53 and subsidiary main roads. If traffic flow in men & materials is maintained, uninterrupted Govt. will earn full confidence of common man irrespective of community & tribe affiliation which is the most needed NEED of the hour.

• Open Village Defense Posts at strategic points in valley & hills both irrespective of demand by people. Nodal Points be established. Govt. is well aware of such locations compared to columnists like us.

• Mobile patrols to include Mo-bikes too with strong back up of central forces in areas like Mao, Jiri, Tipaimukh, Samtal Jessami from the outer ring and Senapati, Moirang, Mahadev, None, Kangchup from inner ring be explored for turning into nodal points.

• To ensure rest & refit to police, security posts for Ministers & Bureaucrats residence areas, be centralized leaving only three gunmen with three securities in civil dress. Strength of 100 soldiers at 1MR and Kangla garrisoned to move at split moment notice for VIP escorts when moving out of Imphal barring Z- cat security imperatives. Police needs extreme disciplining of its lower cadres against temptations of extortion bids in guise of UGs as generally come to light from time to time.

• Last not the least, important UG outfits be prevailed upon for negotiations to peace.

• Central Govt. anti corruption laws be enforced in all fairness to bridge the yawing, gap created by Haves & Have nots considered to be one of the main causes of insurgency

• With Police force accepting the challenge of giving clean policing, fair & dare governance must try to unitarlise admin to neutralize unwanted admin(s).
‘Kachari-Garo: Sailing in the same boat’ morungexpress
Garo students who cleared HSLC and HSSLC examination 2008 along with the chief guest (Centre) and Garo elders at Believer’s Church, Darogapathar, Dimapur on Saturday. (Morung Photos/Zakir)
Dimapur, June 7 (MExN): The Garo Students’ Union, Nagaland (GSUN) Saturday felicitated Garo students who cleared the HSLC and HSSLC examination 2008 at Believer’s Church, Darogapathar, Dimapur, with SK Khemprai, president, Kachari Tribal Council, Nagaland (KTCN), as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Khemprai while congratulating the students, said the community would look forward that the students would be assets not only for the Garos but the Kacharis too.
Garo Students’ Union felicitates Stating about the age-old Kachari-Garo relationship in the State, he said “We are sailing in the same boat in Nagaland, the only difference in the number.” He pointed out that both the communities are economically and socially backward.
Reminding the two responsibilities of the students, he appealed to the students to become good citizens and to look after the community. He also said passing out HSLC and HSSLC exams is not the end of the road but a beginning. He advised the younger generation to sacrifice and share the ideas for the development of the two communities.
RK Marak, president, All Nagaland Garo National Association (ANGNA), appealed to the youths and students of the community to join hands and work for the unity and development of the community in the State.
He suggested the students to follow the advice of teachers and advised them to keep in mind the contribution of their parents and teachers in their success. “Without unity it is hard to move forward,” he stressed. Umakanta Momin, elder, advised the students not to depend on government jobs but rather the students should compete in UPSC examinations. He urged the students and the youths to uphold the age-old relation between Kachari and Garo communities in the State. Altogether 15 Garo students cleared HSLC and HSLC examination.
The programme was chaired by Budin Momin while the invocation was pronounced by Bernand Momin, pastor, Eralibill Baptist Church followed by the welcome address said by Philomina Marak. Eralibill youths presented special song while the vote of thanks was proposed by Basila Momin.