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06/29/2008: "Joint Forum appreciates ‘positive steps’ to oneness morungexpress"



Joint Forum appreciates ‘positive steps’ to oneness morungexpress

Dimapur, June 28 (MExN): Expressing appreciation for “the positive steps taken by the leaders of the Naga national workers in peace-building among the Naga family,” the Joint Forum of GBs and DBs Nagaland in a press note by its convenor, A Taku Longkumer and secretary, Lungrahei Herie congratulated “general (Retd)” VS Atem, emissary to the collective leadership of NSCN and Y. Wangtin Naga, deputy kilonser, “NSCN/GPRN” for their ‘joint statement’ to “create the feeling of oneness amongst the Nagas through the spirit of forgiveness.” The joint forum has once again appealed to all the leaderships and cadres from all “Naga national workers groups” to immediately stop factional killings, elimination and abductions “of our fellow Naga citizens in order to bring about the spirit of oneness as Naga cumulating peace and unity amongst us” .

Joint statement ‘historic’: NPC By NPN |
Dimapur29/06/2008 Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) has said termed the “symbolic gesture” made by emissary to collective leadership, NSCN (I-M), ‘Gen’ (Retd) VS Atem and ‘GPRN/NSCN’ deputy kilonser Wangin Konyak at Chiang Mai Naga peace summit in Thailand, as a “historic moment” and “herald of hope.”
NPC chairman N Theyo and executive director Lhusi Haralu in a press release said it was the ardent prayer of the Peace Centre that both sides would honour the solemn pledge made between them and maintain the spirit of forgiveness.
“We the Nagaland Peace Centre support the gesture and hope that the pledge made on the Crucifix is not taken lightly. As both sides claim to be working for the cause of the Naga nationalism, we feel it is the right time to listen to the voice of the people,” NPC said.

Tribalism the root of disintegration Morung Express
Dimapur,: Addressing the inaugural programme of the 20th Eastern Naga Student Union general conference, the chief guest M.C Konyak, Minister for Enviornment, Ecology & Wildlife & Excise noted the main cause of Nagas social unrest was tribalism. Its roots have divided the people into factions and factions and ultimately it is now seeping into a new term called factionalism too.

To remain sitting or standing in any ways is a nightmare for the Nagas now because the Nagas have made too many loud declarations like “Nagaland for Christ.” “Nagas are one,” stated Konyak and he questioned ‘if today we are behaving like Gods’ people.’ The whole thing in tribalism has put lots of doubt and loss of confidence amongst leaders and amongst the Naga people in general. It is in such times that the need was a moment to unite, he appealed to the ENPO to unite the six tribes under the four districts and than set an example for the other Nagas to follow.
Speaking on this he statistically points, the ENPO which constitute 38% and about 1/3 of Nagaland state can play a major role in Nagas unity, because they constitute a major chunk of Nagaland’s population and Naga people’s voice.
Konyak also said when NEFA North East Frontier Agency was created, the then name of Nagaland was Naga Hill Tuensang Area under which the people had special provisions, but they were made to emerge under Nagaland under political compulsion, but putting aside the past it was now time to unite. Tribalism and differences are the roots and that differences was the main reason, which should be put away first, that way even god will bless our way he noted.
Speaking also on the occasion representative from the ENPO said that the Eastern Naga people have taken a stand and that if it be a weak or strong party the ENPO would stand for peace, unity and reconciliation which according to the ENPO was like the bible principles of believing in the father, the son and the holy spirit and one cannot be done without the other, adding he states it was a 3in 1 process in all ways.
The occasion was also marked by the ENSF (Eastern Naga student Federation) declaring the ENSUD (Eastern Naga Student Union Dimapur) as the strongest and only autonomous body of its student wing. The ENSF President also took time to explain why they are today not part of the NSF (Naga Student Federation), he said it was the differences of treatment which had resulted in the need for a separate organization, so that they could voice more of there problems, but he assured that it might just be a distinction of organizational bodies but in spirit they are with the Naga’s. (MExN)

CEASE-FIRE GROUND RULES
The I-M group is not the custodian of Nagaland but the Nagas at large. It is uon the Nagas to choose on where we stay or where we decide to locate our designated camp according to our convenience within our land.
Coming to the issue of Cease-Fire ground rules arrived upon in-between the GoI and the NSCN, it is the concerned entities’ in maintaining the bi-laterally agreed terms and not the concern of anti-Naga unity elements.

Not but if at all NSCN had to interfere into the Cease-Fire agreement and the ground rules of I-M and GoI, several contraventions of its terms can be mentioned. Few instances like-

1 Firing at public places.
2. Killing innocent publics/businessmen.
3. Involving in Indian state politics.
4. Kidnapping and threatening people for ransom.
5. Attempting assassinations and ambush upon figures like S.C.Jamir the Governor of Goa, the ex-Sumi Hoho President, Khekiho the present Raja Sabha Member,Hollohon, Tokheho, etc.
6. Killing of Late Peter of Lazami who was an innocent carpenter on November 26, 2007, two Lazami in December, Wazeho an Engineer of cement factory, Furkhan the Vice President New Market G.B, massacre of Shaiza clan, ex-communication of Rev. Tuisem Shishak, etc.
7. Extorting Rs.10 Crores from oil exploration in Nagaland which was known by Victo Awomi, Jt.Secretary (I-M)who was subsequently murdered and the amount never submitted to the national treasury.
8. Torture of civilian bus passengers at New Chungtia and Longkhim-Chari road.
9. Forcibly forcing the Tangkhul people to abolish kinship in the villages and installing Chairman-ship on election basis. For non-compliance, Tangkhul elders were imprisoned.
10. Massacre of Kuki tribe and occupation of their land.
11. Kidnapping of proprietor of Gupta grocery shop and extorting ransom of Rs. 50,000/-
12. Kidnapping school going children for Rupees Lakhs of ransom.
13. Moving around in military fatigue and in full gear and threatening inhabitants.
14. Firing in civilian populated areas.
15. Smuggling drugs like marijuana, heroin and arms from Manipur.
16. Occupation/encroachment of Nagaland state’s reserved forest lands at Intanki.
17. Camping at Patkai Christian College even while students are pursuing their studies.
18. Killing Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) personnel.
19. Moving about in IRB uniforms and in police vehicles in Towns and so on the violations goes on.
In the context of designated camp’s establishment according to even their cease-fire ground rules, their camp Hebron or their GHQ are situated in-within and in close proximity and periphery of civilian habited areas of Khamti Bazar/Colony at the Nagaland state’s Forest Department’s quarters near Intanki, near Shikavi village, Satokhu village, Jalukie Zandi, Jalukikam, Daniel, Munglumukh with all being mere walking distance or even at a few step distance from their so-called designated camps. These are none of the business of NSCN to make any comments but their concerns. All that NSCN is concerned is of the economic drains of Nagaland under their barrels, dictates in all spheres of life viz- employment, businesses, education, politics, village disputes, seeds of tribalisms, transport, services, land encroachments, taxation, obstruction of exploration of natural resources, etc. all in the name of false nationalism, while behind the transparent screen they (Muivah and his stooges) are seeking for Union territory of Southern Nagas under the Indian union and requesting autonomy for the Rongmie people. This has been the crux of the imbroglio and the reason behind the intransigent disapproval of unification of all the Naga people, in order to carry on their reign according to their whims and likings. They try to slyly fabricate Nagas wrong and justify their pseudo-Naga nationalistic agendas but to no avail. They speak of reconciliation and unification while on the other hand brings blood, coffins and tears to our hearths in our land. What ever may be taking place, the peoples’ will, desire and aspiration will ultimately hold sway, as the truth will finally reign.

Issued by: Publicity Cell, GPRN
Khole blames Muivah, DAN govt By NPN
| Dimapur29/06/2008 Commander-in-chief of NSCN (K) ‘Gen’ Khole Konyak has blamed both NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th. Muivah and the DAN Government for the continuing factional killings among Naga groups.
‘Gen’ Khole in a press release said during the time of Ramyo and Yale in NNC, the duo had always opted for violent means to inflict on Naga brothers, including the house arrest of present NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah.
“When I objected their action, they said if you Koyaks don’t want to join with us don’t join, it will be a loss for you (Konyaks) only. Today Nagas can say whether it is a loss for Konyaks only or for the whole Nagas,” the NSCN (K) leader said.
Khole also said since he had released Swu and Muivah from their house arrest, he felt considered himself as their “saviour” even if the Swu and Muivah did not show any gratitude.
“Not surprisingly, Muivah followed the same policy saying he won’t let his prey to escape. When I objected his violent attitudes, said he refer himself to a tiger and will pounce on the back neck of its prey.” Khole further alleged that the “pouncing” had led to bloodstream flowing through each and every inch of Nagas’ soil.
The NSCN (K) Naga Army chief also said when the earlier DAN Government led by Neiphiu Rio had come to meet him at Changlangshu village under Tobu sub-division, he apprised the government on the foremost need for peace and unification.
He lamented that the same NPF government that came to power the second time had ignored Nagas’ aspiration and endeavour for restoration of peace and unification of Nagas. “Your (DAN Government) policy of partial and one-sided attitude will only encourage further loss of lives and bloodsheds,” Khole added.
Asking whether it was not the Angamis and Aos who started the Naga national movement and struggle for sovereignty, the NSCN (K) leader also questioned whether the present tribal leaders and educated youths were trying to betray the national spirit of their great heroes and leaders who had laid down their lives for Naga sovereignty.
He said the tribal leaders and educated youths should also “justify” instead of remaining silent spectators to the present unification move.
Appealing to all Nagas to come forward and stand unitedly for the cause of Naga unity and sovereignty, Khole reminded that killing and bloodshed amongst Nagas would not pave the way for Nagas’ sovereignty.
He further said the recent incident at Vihokhu unification camp was “not a defeat to Nagas.”A Thought morungexpress
Modern day Nagas are in crisis like never before. And when human lives are being lost to violence amongst brothers, words escape the human mind, and feelings numb the heart. And therefore, in memory of all those Nagas who have lost their lives in their journey for truth, we have reproduced a poem written by one of our readers:

Thousands Have Fallen
(To my pal Kevilekho Usou)

Thousands have fallen
And thousands still remain
Thousands have fallen
Victims of fratricide
Victims of smuggled bullets
Victims of a divine curse
Victims of the naked Naga Hills

Thousands have fallen
Their bodies strewn in the valleys
Deprived of a ceremonial tomb
Deprived of a traditional mourning
Exposed to the chilly mountain winds
Soon to be forgotten by their comrades
Soon to decay from time and memory

Thousands have fallen
Never to see the dawn of day again
Never to embrace the cool Saramati winds
Never to behold the beauty of the Dzukou valley
Never to shout the warrior’s cry of victory
Never to drink again from the village brooks
Never to breathe the air of the silent Naga Hills

Thousands have fallen
Leaving behind a carcass of grief
A carcass of aggrieved human souls
Near and dear ones crestfallen and shaken
Appalled at the cruelty of death
Appalled at the injustice of the creator
They weep a thousand tears of grief

Thousands have fallen
Fighting for the Naga identity
Their fervor rewarded by hardships
Their trust rewarded by betrayal
Their hope rewarded by crooked visions
Their obedience rewarded by corrupt leaders
Their sacrifices rewarded by untimely death

Thousands have fallen
And thousands still remain
In the silent Naga Hills
Where the hills are colored with blood
Where the trees remain mute spectators
Where the birds sing no sweet melody
Where the night ushers in way too quickly

Thousands have fallen
And thousands still remain
To face the same death
To die while being alive
To become a forgotten martyr
Thousands have fallen
And thousands still remain

H.A.S
Ulfa sticks to talks clause - Paresh Barua wants sovereignty on list OUR BUREAU The Telegraph



(above) Mamoni Raisom Goswami and Moon Borah
Guwahati/Dibrugarh, June 29: The pro-peace companies of Ulfa’s 28 battalion have made known their desire for “unconditional” talks though their central leadership today shot down any possibility of peace without a written undertaking from the government specifying that the issue of sovereignty would be discussed at future parleys.
The outfit’s commander-in-chief Paresh Barua spelt out his organisation’s position in separate conversations with 28 battalion leader Moon Borah alias Jiten Dutta, and People’s Consultative Group co-ordinator Mamoni Raisom Goswami this morning.
Despite objections from the Ulfa top brass, the Alpha and Charlie companies of outfit’s largest and most potent battalion that offered the ceasefire on June 24, today formally moved Dispur on the truce.
Borah, commander of the Charlie company, said he told Barua that the leadership should not impose such conditions and, instead, come forward for a freewheeling discussion on all issues.
“From the very beginning, objections were raised by our central leadership, including our commander-in-chief and chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, about our method to settle the Indo-Assam conflict and the unilateral ceasefire. But we have decided to go ahead with the peace process, for which we have started building public opinion. Our sole objective is to ensure our central leadership and the government of India sit for unconditional talks. As a first step, we have declared the ceasefire,” Borah said.
The Ulfa leader said raij mels (direct interactive sessions) will be held initially in Kakopathar, Pengeri, Dirak, and later in other places of Upper Assam to understand the masses’ take on the peace initiative.
“The commander-in-chief this morning expressed his displeasure. According to him, talks should be held only when the Centre gives a written assurance to discuss the sovereignty issue. However, our point is also very clear — we want unconditional talks, the issues, whatever they are, can be placed later. Everybody now wants peace. The Indian army has been trying to finish off Ulfa for almost two decades. We, too, tried to bring in sovereignty. But both sides have failed,” said Borah.
The Ulfa commander-in-chief also called up talks co-ordinator Goswami this morning and made his stand clear.
“Our discussion lasted for around 15 minutes. I tried to impress upon him to come forward for talks. Paresh still was keen on talks provided the sovereignty issue was included in the agenda, if need be by amending the Constitution. He did not talk about the unilateral ceasefire nor about the PCG but indicated that any initiative without including the sovereignty issue would be an exercise in futility,” Goswami said after condemning the blast in Baksa.

India, Myanmar sign four economic agreements Nagarealm.com
The Indo-Myanmar bilateral relations received further impetus when both the countries on Tuesday signed four new economic cooperation agreements continuing their decade long policy of expanding partnership.

The Union Minister of State for Commerce and Power, Shri Jairam Ramesh and the Myanmar Minister for National Planning and Economic Development, Mr. U Soe Tha signed the agreement at the Myanmar capital Yangon (Rangoon). In one of the major agreements of Bilateral Investment Promotion Agreement (BIPA), both the countries agreed to augment greater money flow. The agreement provides a framework for the resolution of disputes, for promotion and protection of investment, for extending national treatment and most-favoured-nation treatment, for repatriation of investment and returns and for entry and sojourn of technical and managerial personnel.

The second one is a credit line agreement between the Exim Bank of India and the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank for $ 64 million for financing three 230 kv transmission lines in Myanmar to be executed by the Power Grid Corporation of India. To expand the power distribution network in Myanmar Exim Bank of India and the Myanmar Trade Bank entered into a $ 20 million dollar contract for financing the establishment of an aluminium conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) wire manufacturing facility. United Bank of India and the Myanmar Economic Bank have also signed a pact for providing the banking arrangement for the implementation of the border trade agreement between the two governments that takes place at Moreh (in Manipur) at present.

To accelerate border trade, Jairam Ramesh also took up the issue of expansion of trade centres to Avangkhu and Lungwa in Nagaland, Zowkhathar in Mizoram, Pangsau Pass in Arunachal Pradesh and Behiang, Skip and Tusom in Manipur. The minister also suggested the issue of normal trade across the border without any restriction or specification of commodities. At present the border trade is only restricted to 22 permitted items. Jairam Ramesh also expressed India’s great interest in participating in developing the hydel power potential on the Chindwin River in Myanmar. India is already involved in similar projects with Bhutan and Nepal.





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