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06/15/2008: "UNLF says NSCN(IM) self righteousness point for debate The Imphal Free Press"

UNLF says NSCN(IM) self righteousness point for debate The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 14: The self-righteousness of the NSCN(IM) in boasting about their "...magnanimity in helping out the various revolutionary groups of the region" and the assertion that "fighting with the common enemy unitedly does not necessarily mean fighting for a common goal" is a point for further debate so that concerned people can make their own judgment, a UNLF statement from Ksh Yoiheiba, senior publicity officer, has said.

The UNLF`s belief in the composite interdependent unity of the Indian occupied region, has been its consistent revolutionary effort to develop fraternal relationship with all the revolutionary struggles in the region for unity against the common enemy.

Believing in the fraternal interdependent coexistence of all the peoples in the region, UNLF tried to develop fraternal relationship with the Naga struggle from the time of undivided NNC, and also with the Mizo National Front, then leading the Mizo freedom struggle, the statement said.

It was all in the larger interest of searching for regional unity against the common enemy. In this effort, UNLF had to swallow the disdain and condescending attitude towards `Manipur of having compromised its sovereignty with India` not knowing fully well the history of forcible annexation of Manipur by India in 1949, it said.

On the other hand, UNLF was surprised, rather disappointed, to discover later that MNF and NNC in the 1970s, even when they were receiving external help and assistance and actively fighting against the same enemy for the same goal of independence, did not even discuss common interests, it said adding that an unbiased analysis of this attitude would reveal their ethno-exclusive outlook subjectively separated from the common context.

Though initially a necessary stage in asserting ethnic identities, this ethno-exclusive ideology more or less outlived its historical purpose when other struggles, that also mostly inspired by theirs, began to emerge in almost all parts of the region, it said adding that this marked the beginning of a new historical process necessitating the transformation of ethno-exclusive ideologies into inclusive revolutionary struggles so as to consciously develop revolutionary unity of the region beyond ethnic lines.

Regional unity on the basis of a minimum common goal is a prerequisite condition for `fighting unitedly` against the common enemy, it said while stating that this minimum common goal should be the basis for regional unity without which fighting unitedly against the common enemy is unthinkable.

The question is, what should be the minimum common goal for fighting unitedly against India. For those aspiring to be free from Indian colonial occupation, the minimum common goal should logically be to overthrow Indian colonial occupation from the region. Without this common goal it is simply indulgence in absurd illusions to think about fighting unitedly. Or, if it is a deliberate policy of using, rather abusing a united front for one`s exclusive goal, then it is insincere opportunistic politics forbidden by revolutionary culture, it said.

Thus, the reality of the region � the composite interdependent unity and confronting a common external enemy � demands of the various revolutionary organisations to fight united against the common enemy for a comprehensive solution. UNLF is firmly convinced that any individual effort, ignoring the reality of the region, to fight, bargain or negotiate independence with India separately, is doomed to end in failure. This has been clearly proved by fifty years of armed struggle. Therefore, it is of primary importance to build regional unity on the basis of a common understanding of the region`s historical process, putting in place `unique histories` as all histories are unique in their own ways, it said.

Therefore, the NSCN(IM) policy statement that "fighting with the common enemy unitedly does not necessarily mean fighting for a common goal" is self-contradictory and does not hold water in the regional context. It reflects confusion between policy and goal. Or, was NSCN(IM) using the regional united front as a bargaining factor to attain the exclusive goal of `Nagalim`? it asked.

Whatever the goal, it is this self-confessed contradiction between policy and goal of the NSCN(IM) that is primarily responsible for the present disarray in the region`s liberation struggles and also within the NSCN(IM). By stating this, UNLF is not `meddling` in NSCN(IM)`s internal affairs. Because any revolutionary organisation in the region has the right to make critical assessments of other`s policies in so far as it has negative repercussions on regional unity, it said.

Had it been a correct policy based on objective reality, the NSCN(IM) would have been in a much better position than now to lead the Naga struggle. But the present sorry state of Naga struggle consequent upon the ten-year-old-no-result peace-talk between NSCN(IM) and government of India leaves nothing to be jealous about despite their claims of having "coordinating offices in different countries, including India." No amount of external factors can act to bring about qualitative changes without creating favourable internal conditions, the UNLF said.

UNLF`s official relationship with the Naga struggle began with the NNC in 1977. This relationship was further maintained with the NSCN under the collective leadership of chairman Isaak Chisi Swu, vice-chairman SS Khaplang and general secretary Th Muivah from 1980. UNLF`s relationship with the undivided NSCN was an example of fraternal revolutionary relationship. It was a reciprocal relationship, it said.

UNLF was benefited by the base facilities at NSCN base area. UNLF is grateful and feels indebted to the undivided NSCN, particularly to the eastern Nagas in the NSCN base area who shared their all in providing food and shelter to UNLF. But it must be put on record that UNLF did not solicit arms or military training from the NSCN as many would have thought. UNLF imparted military training to its cadres and procured arms and ammunition with own resources, it said.

Today, UNLF feels proud of its self achievement when NSCN(IM) boasts of its `magnanimity to UNLF`. On its part, UNLF contributed all it can for the development of the base area. UNLF transported and installed a printing press in the NSCN base area, the first in the history of the region`s revolutionary struggle. UNLF also contributed physically in introducing wet rice cultivation. Besides, UNLF provided human resource in running schools and medical centers. From the UNLF presence, NSCN was benefited in many ways. Besides, UNLF provided help and support to NSCN in many operations. When the NSCN was split in 1989, UNLF continued the relationship with the one led by chairman Khaplang who was in control of the NSCN headquarters.

The undivided NSCN earned respect and confidence when its leadership provided the correct revolutionary line and saved the Naga struggle from capitulation of the Shillong Accord. This was an inspiration to other revolutionary organisations in the Region. It was natural that the Region expected leadership from the NSCN in the struggle against India. However, some leaders of the NSCN failed to understand the more important historical role they were supposed to shoulder when they began parleys through go-betweens with government of India in 1984, it said.

To the NSCN(IM) "fighting with the common enemy unitedly does not necessarily mean fighting for a common goal." The NSCN(IM) also wants to protect the `uniqueness of Naga history` by not making a joint issue with those who have joined forces with the enemies�" This must be the policy that prompted the NSCN(IM) to abandon the South East Himalayan Self Defence United Front, hardly before fighting unitedly began, when they singed the ceasefire agreement with India in 1997 to begin `peace talk`. Is this an example of revolutionary sincerity?the UNLF asked.

UNLF would remind NSCN(IM) that whatever has been said against them is not hate campaign, nor is it out of enmity. It was certain policies of the NSCN(IM) against which any revolutionary organisation was morally obliged to speak out. Such as, the policy of ethnic cleansing against the Kukis and the united front policy against India.

So far as the situation in Manipur is concerned NSCN(IM) needs to be more accurate. It is true that a couple of valley villages in Manipur have demanded weapons, but not against UNLF as stated by NSCN(IM). It was for self protection against armed gangs and from the unwarranted actions of some particular organisations. As for public relations, right now UNLF enjoys general sympathy and support because of its pro-people policies and actions. All said and done, UNLF suggest a dispassionate review of all the struggles in the region so as to seek common grounds and narrow down differences in the spirit of revolutionary unity against the common enemy, the statement said.
Centre seeks reports on Naga group clashes Nirendra Dev The Statesman
NEW DELHI, June 14: Amid sporadic turf war among various Naga militant factions claiming several lives, the Centre has sought reports from the state governments in Nagaland and Manipur and directed them to take corrective steps.
A letter was sent to the chief ministers, Mr Neiphiu Rio and Mr O Ibobi Singh, late last month seeking detailed reports on the growing number of group clashes. In the latest round of factional fighting, two people, including one home guard personnel, were killed near Kohima super market area yesterday.
The Centre now intends to undertake a joint crackdown on militant groups along with Myanmar. The Indian government recently sent to Myanmar a list of Indian militant groups ostensibly operating in that country. Besides the Naga groups, the list includes Manipur-based groups and the ULFA as well. Sources said the government is still awaiting a response from the eastern neighbour.
The newly elected Congress leader of the Opposition in the Nagaland assembly, Mr Chingwang Konyak told The Statesman over phone from Kohima that law and order situation in Nagaland is deteriorating fast. “The state government is just directionless,” he alleged.
The Centre fears that the group clashes in Nagaland could erupt into a major ethnic feud. In two separate rounds of gun battles, on 16 May and 3 June, at least 24 militants, mostly from a particular Naga tribe, were killed by NSCN (IM) activists near Chumukedima in close proximity to the state’s commercial hub of Dimapur.
Central agencies are meanwhile keeping fingers crossed as the NSCN (IM) chairman Mr Isak Chishi Swu recently had a telephonic conversation with his estranged compatriot in the undivided NSCN and now chairman of the rival group, Mr S S Khaplang. The development, said to be aimed at seeking “unification” of factions, northeast watchers suggest, could change the various intricacies of Naga militancy as well as the state politics riddled with tribalism.
As the Tangkhul Nagas are pre-dominantly present in the hilly region of Manipur, the Centre also does not want to leave anything to chance on whether these could have repercussions in Manipur.
The Union home minister Mr Shivraj Patil is personally taking keen interest in the implemention of tri-partite talks between the Centre, Kuki militants and the Manipur government. The fear is that the factional violence in Nagaland could leave its impact in Manipur as Tangkhul Nagas and Kukis are infamous for their “love-hate relationship”.
Media interaction The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 14: Maj Gen AK Chaudury, commander IGAR (South) today expressed concern over the problems faced by the media in Manipur while comparing the fate of the media in the state with other states of the country.

In an interaction programme with the state media at IGAR(S) at Mantripukhri, Gen Chaudury said that the approach of the media in Manipur was more critical than in other insurgency hit states like Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland.

He also observed the need for the media to take a leading role while lauding the efforts of the media to give true details of what was happening in the state.

While observing that security forces had a big role in bringing peace and prosperity in the country and also the state, Chaudury urged the people to help the security forces in protecting the life and properties of the general masses.

"Manipur is slightly different from other states in relation to the political situation. We must try to understand the problems at the basic grassroots level." he said.

Can't fight on empty stomach Nagarealm.com
The youth with skill and competence are no longer opting to join the armed forces, especially the Army, which is the backbone of the country's defence and security. Worse, those already in and at the cutting edge of colonels and below are seeking premature retirement in search of more lucrative pastures.

Last month several officers selected for the prestigious Higher Command and Long Defence Management courses declined to attend as they were to be bonded for a five-year period. The disillusionment with the defence services is growing rapidly as Government has been unable to match aspiration with career satisfaction. Paraphrasing the epitaph on the Kohima Cemetery, an officer asked: "Why are we required to give away our today for the others' tomorrow -- and for so little?" The Battle of Kohima was the turning point in the fortunes of the Allies in the East in World War II. More than any other combat force in the world, the Indian Army faces the greatest operational hazards. Yet with every Pay Commission, it gets a raw deal: Decline in izzat and iqbal (prestige and prosperity). Unfortunately, the Government has outsourced political control of the services to the civil bureaucracy which has become the real master. The country thinks of its soldiers only in times of natural calamities and war. Given the rate of exodus from the Army and coupled with its increasing unattractiveness, a 1962-type situation is on the cards.

Against an authorised strength of 70,000 officers, the three services are short by 24,000 officers, of which the Army alone is deficient by 37 per cent -- 11,000 officers. These shortages are at the level of Lieutenant Colonel and below, who lead and fight in Kargil, Kupwara and the like 24x7. The decline in the officer-soldier ratio has led to erosion in man management, the key pillar of cohesion and integrity of combat arms. Hardly surprising then that cases of fragging, suicide and other violations of good order and military discipline have risen. The image of the Army has lost its shine and splendour. The tardy recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission have not helped to arrest the flight of officers in distress. While shortage of officers has persisted, two additional worries are retention of officers in service and decline in the intake standards at the Indian Military Academy and National Defence Academy. So not only is the Army doing with less, but with lower quality.

It is common knowledge that both NDA and IMA are under-subscribed. The number of officers graduating is also declining by 50 every six months. Of the 2,000 cadets being trained at IMA this year, only 59 are wards of military officers and 155 are children of JCOs and Other Ranks. The rest 70 per cent are good Indians with a parental income of Rs 20,000 a month. For 60 per cent, the profession of arms is not the first choice. They joined the IMA because they failed to secure admission elsewhere. The most startling discovery: Not a single trainee's parent is an MP, MLA or from the Central civil services. The Queen of England's two grandsons have seen service in Afghanistan. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse's son recently joined the Navy. The King of Bhutan led 'Operation All Clear' against Assamese insurgents and his son has trained at the National Defence College. Had Mr Rahul Gandhi or any one of his ilk done a stint at IMA, he would have been wiser. The defence and security of the country cannot be outsourced to just a few.

Our Congress leaders of yore fought tooth and nail against their British masters for establishing the IMA. Veterans like JN Roy, Tej Bahadur Sapru and Madan Mohan Malaviya moved resolutions at the Indian National Congress and in the Legislative Assembly about the vitality of military training and argued "that the question of whether a military college shall or shall not established is a question of life and death to the people of the country". It seems their successors have forgotten that IMA is an institution of nation-building. The national goal must be to attract junior leadership of high quality, ensure the retention of those in service and make good the officer shortfall in the next 15 to 20 years. By restoring the pride and dignity of security forces, Mr Rajapakse has transformed a defeated and depleted Army into a war-winning force.

The Army chief, Gen Deepak Kapoor, has suggested the drastic step of conscription. For starters a six month or more national service for all joining Central civil services should be tried out. Making the Army an attractive career must be high priority. While it will not be possible to match the salaries in the corporate sector, the Government can certainly help raise the izzat and iqbal of the forces. They should be taken out of Class A Central Services trap and placed in a separate category: Of those willing to die for their country. The Army is a Class A service but service conditions, including promotion prospects, are not even five per cent of what other Class A services enjoy. The status of the officers has been progressively and deliberately lowered while that of civil and police services elevated. A separate Pay Commission for the services like in the US, the UK, France and Germany alone can satisfy the services.

With more than 11,000 officers short at the cutting edge, Gen Kapoor can take the extreme step of telling the Government "enough is enough". And that the increasing deficiencies in officers are having an adverse impact on morale, well-being and operational effectiveness of the fighting formations. The Army is losing annually through suicides and fragging nearly half as many as the 240 soldiers slain in counter-insurgency. What to do? Six of the 31 Infantry Divisions would need to shed officers to fill up existing shortfalls. These six divisions would then become unfit for war. For what this might do to the operational readiness of the Army, Gen Kapoor should invite the Cabinet Committee on Security to the Operations Room for some plain talking. Too radical?

Then he should try expediting implementation of Part II of the Ajay Vikram Singh Committee Report which suggests interchanging the ratio of 60 to 40 between the regular and Short Service cadres. This combination ensures, first, a leaner and younger regular officer cadre; second, reduces supersession in selection grade rank; third, early promotion for middle level officers; fourth, training officers for a second career. Making short service entry attractive is pivotal. Once this plan is implemented, shortages would progressively be made up. But you still have to improve izzat and iqbal. The unprecedented country-wide protests by ex-servicemen against the Sixth Pay Commission should act as a wake-up call for the Government to take the armed forces seriously and restore the quality and cutting edge of the Army, which bears the brunt of external and internal security. In war there are no runners-up.

Mao Council declares 'Peace Zone' Nagaland Page
DIMAPUR, JUNE 14: The Mao Council (Memei Hoho) has declared a 'Peace Zone' in its region after discussing the present Naga national political scenario, which brought to resist killings among Naga factionalism and fragmenting ideologies.
In its meeting held on May 13 last, the Council resolved to preserve permanent peace and harmony in the region stating that no factional confrontation would be allowed at any point of meeting and no factional designated camps would be allowed to set up.
The Council also restricted any type of tyranny like patrolling or other related free movement with arms stating that violation of these resolution would initiated non-cooperation those faction(s) and no shelter would be extended to them.
The Mao Council further appealed to all the factions of underground to restore peaceful co-existence with the general public in the region in particular and Nagas' land in the greater interest of the civilians during the re-conciliation and unification process. (Page News Service)

Nagaland University to host convention on Indian culture Nagarealm.com
New Delhi, JUN14 [IANS] : India’s rich and vibrant culture will be on show in the northeast as Nagaland University in Kohima hosts the week-long annual convention of Spic Macay, an organisation dedicated to linking the youth to the country’s music and culture. Nearly 700 young people will attend the Spic Macay - or Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth - convention that starts Saturday.

The event will see eminent artistes like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Fahimuddin Dagar and Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra performing. Apart from the shows, participants will get an opportunity to attend talks, watch classic films, take part in crafts sessions and go for heritage and nature walks. Movies by maestros like Satyajit Ray and Charlie Chaplin would also be screened.

Kiran Seth, who founded the Spic Macay at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi in 1977, said: “Today we are so linked up with the outward world through Internet, television and the mobile phone. This weeklong ‘retreat’ will provide an opportunity to the young people to connect inwardly.” “Participants in this convention will experience a rare opportunity to spend these days with eminent gurus imbibing from them values and thought processes which have made them great. The convention is a humble effort to celebrate our composite heritage,” Seth added.

BJP to convene tribal conference next month Correspondent Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, June 14 – Ahead of the parliamentary election in the State, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Assam Pradesh on Wednesday announced its strategy of uniting all the indigenous and tribal communities in the State.

Addressing a meeting here of its ST Morcha, State BJP president Ramen Deka said that the ruling Congress has been turning a blind eye towards the problems of the tribal communities including the grave issue of rampant encroachment of land in tribal belt by dubious citizens. Demanding an all conclusive survey into the present status of tribal belts in the State, Deka said that till the tenure of late Bishnu Ram Medhi, the tribal belts were secure to some extent, but the later generation of Congress men who were more inclined towards vote bank and appeasement politics had been showing a callous attitude towards the tribals.
“The tribal belts are no longer safe under the present Congress,” regretted Deka adding that the Bangladeshis were occupying tribal belts under the patronage of the Congress Government and it was time to unite all the tribals to assert for their rights.

Asserting that no other people except the tribals and indigenous communities had right to the tribal belts, Deka said that pressure should be built up by the different political parties for actually getting the tribal belts reserved.
Member of Parliament and national leader Anant Nayak, speaking on the occasion said that the BJP has always been working for the uplift of the tribals and the election results in different regions of the country proved the BJP’s commitment towards the tribals.
To bring all the tribal people together, the State BJP has also decided to hold a tribal conference in the month of July. Meanwhile, the party has directed its ST Morcha to initiate work at the grass roots and strengthen its base. Already the party has started working on increasing the number of its booth committees in view of the Lok Sabha elections.
Militants prohibit Heirok residents from leaving village; Five to be given capital punishment The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jun 13: The KYKL and UNLF have imposed a ban on Heirok residents from going outside their locality with immediate effect for defying their warning and deciding to join as volunteers of the SPO.

A joint statement of the two outfits also said the names of five persons who are in lead role in the move to appoint SPOs and obtain arms are now known, and announced that they would be awarded capital punishment.

The statement also declared that some individuals including the chief minister O Ibobi Singh were `enemies` of the people.

The statement signed jointly by Ningombam Ibochou, deputy secretary, organisation, UNLF and Langamba Mangang, secretary, publicity and research, KYKL reiterated the two outfits had already announced their final stand on the opening of SPOs and taking of arms from the enemy.

After the announcement of the stand, the two outfits have found out the names and particulars of the five from Heirok who colluded in the move to open SPOs and procure arms.

As per previous announcement they would be given capital punishment, the statement said.

Some people who took money from Ibobi`s puppet government and are standing against the people`s freedom struggle being the reason, residents of Heirok including students, working people in both government and private institutions, and all others earning and engaging in various professions would be prohibited from going beyond Heirok for some time, it said. Announcing the prohibition would be in force with immediate effect, the statement warned any casualties should be taken as a consequence of being misled by those who colluded with the `enemies`. Excessive challenges against the people`s freedom struggle, ignoring appeals of the public will be viewed as prompted by the enemies and will treated as enemies, it said. It also urged those in Heirok who love their motherland and believe in the true revolutionary struggle to stay away from these collaborators.