Nagalim.NL News

Home » Archives » July 2008 » Naga Hope to be ONE Running Out of Options? morungexpress

[Previous entry: "‘Love thy neighbor’ Border steps on morungexpress"] [Next entry: "‘Common Stakeholders of our Naga Dream’ morungexpress"]

07/28/2008: "Naga Hope to be ONE Running Out of Options? morungexpress"




Naga Hope to be ONE Running Out of Options? morungexpress


Dimapur, July 27 (MExN): On December 7, last year, an event hailed as historic and a victory for the war-torn Naga people, took place in Kohima. Three warring Naga underground factions formally agreed to “extend inter-factional ceasefire for a further period of six months.” The initiative was by the Joint Forum of Nagaland GBs Federation and Nagaland DBs Association.
Common platform for divided Naga “overgrounds” Likened initiatives for “peace”, “reconciliation” or “unity” have been at hand as well and still ongoing: efforts of the DAN-government’s Political Affairs Committee, the joint forum’s, the Sumi Hoho/ENPO’s reconciliation efforts, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and most recently the Chiang Mai platform in Thailand.
Now, till July 10 this year 2008, and ever since the six-month “ceasefire” last December, the death toll stood at 104 lives from faction-related blood-hunting. The bloody number continues to mount to this day, including even civilian’s lives now. And there are no signs that the blood-hunting would ebb, leave alone end, any time soon.
Wondering that if at all options are running out, the joint forum’s convener Taku Longkumer today expressed haplessness at the Nagaland situation. The forum lamented the apathy of the Naga undergrounds to the decades’ worth of eternal appeals and prayers, rallies and protests, peace marches and peace initiatives by the Naga people and civil society. To the query if options are running out, Longkumer responded in affirmative but also said “alternatives” are being explored. He grieved that the factions continue to “violate the agreement” and “still killing each other”, despite the unending cries and initiatives of the Naga people who are, he stated, “fed-up.”
“Now we require joint efforts” Longkumer admitted. “If the killings continue, there will be communal tensions. We are running out of options; we are thinking to do something different” Longkumer said. To the query what the “something different” approach this time would be, the joint forum chief alluded to having a common platform for all the Naga apex organizations as well as the ongoing initiatives where the issues of “peace”, “unity” or “reconciliation” would be pursued.
Explaining this alternative, he said that the Naga frontals and their initiatives should share a common platform to make more effective the wishes of the people. “If all the Nagas appeal together, then definitely there will be a response (from the warring groups)” he hoped, adding that the possibility of a common platform may well turn out to be the “last resort.”
On a more practical note, Longkumer said that it is no only the Naga resistance groups that are divided but the “overground Nagas” as well. ‘We are divided, the Naga undergrounds and overgrounds’ he said while explaining that the apex Naga Hoho itself is “running without some tribes” while other frontals represent only a few number of “separate” tribes or regions in the state. “We should upheld (sic) together. When it is running with two bodies, (Objectives cannot be met). While maintaining distinct identities, at least sharing a common platform to push the peace efforts can be upheld. We require joint efforts now” he said. The joint forum’s convener also disclosed that a meeting is envisaged to be held somewhere in August to explore the matter of “alternatives” and ‘something different.”
Eastern Naga Peoples Organization (ENPO) vice president Yonglong Konyak also acknowledged the feasibility in having a common platform for all the Naga frontals. However, the onus for this, he asserted, is the state government of Nagaland. “A common platform can be possible but initiative (towards it) should be started, so that we can mover towards the right direction (together)” Konyak said. Asked to comment that the “overground Nagas” themselves are divided, for instance the separate entities of the Naga Hoho and the ENPO or the respective efforts of other organization, he said “actually, we are not divided. We are trying our level-best”
To the query who he feels to be the best agency to engage efforts to streamline the peace efforts, he said the state government should be the one to initiate steps to setting up a common platform. He said that the people are “fed-up” of the relentless factional violence and in the face of endless appeals and efforts, Konyak said, having a common platform may be an alternative. Informing to have personally impressed on the state government for setting up one such effort, Konyak reiterated that “the responsibility is of the state government”. Konyak also said that the ENPO is envisaging a meeting soon over the matter.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Political Affairs Committee of the state government, Dr. TM Lotha has said that the committee is exploring “how to come together”. Iterating of the good number of meetings with various and diverse sections of the Naga spectrum, including the factions, Dr. Lotha said that the prospects of having a concerted and common platform is being worked out.
Over the issue regarding the Naga Hoho and the ENPO, the divided mainstream Naga representatives or even the peace initiatives pursued by different organizations separately. The former Health & Family Minister said “it’s okay, it’s okay; it is just communication gap. ENPO is part and parcel of the Naga Hoho; we are trying to patch thing up and the approach for a common platform is being worked out”.
He also did not totally disagree with observations that options to salvage the current situation are “running out”. He opined: “It is fifty-fifty. However, Dr. Lotha expressed optimism that “time is not running out” and “we can work out a solution” sooner.
Despite repeated attempts, the Naga Hoho could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, the long-suffering Naga citizen remains.
Inner line permit issue causes furore in northeast IST, IANS Economic Times
AIZAWL: A court ruling permitting non-domicile Indians to settle in three northeastern states without obtaining a permit has created a furore in the region, with the affected states saying they would appeal against this.

The Guwahati High Court, while ruling on a public suit against the Inner-Line Permit (ILP) system, had barred the Mizoram government from arresting or deporting any Indian nationals on the ground that they did not possess the document.

Now, the governments of Mizoram, as also of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh - the other two states where the ILP is in force - plan to move a division bench of the high court and even the Supreme Court to get the verdict overturned. "The three states have decided to move the high court division bench or the Supreme Court, besides appealing to the central government to ensure its continuation," Mizoram Law Minister H Rammawi told IANS. He had led a delegation earlier this month to Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to meet the chief ministers and law ministers of the two states to discuss the matter.

Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio, Home Minister Imkong Imchen and Arunachal Pradesh Law Minister Tako Dabi "told us that the three states should go any extent to continue the ILP," Rammawi said. The ILP, or the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, has been in force in the region since 1873. The tribal-based Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) and the Khasi Students Union (KSU) of Meghalaya have also demanded that the ILP be promulgated in their states to protect the indigenous people.

"The ILP does not affect tourists and other visitors, but the states must have some regulations for outsiders, particularly for suspected foreign migrants, to protect the ethnic and indigenous tribes of the northeast," said Arunachal Pradesh Law Minister Tako Dabi.

The high court's June 12 order has triggered massive resentment in the three northeastern states. Christian-majority Mizoram June 26 observed a dawn-to-dusk shutdown called by the Young Mizo Association (YMA) against the high court order.

Supported by various political parties, YMA, which is a powerful and non-political organization, also organised protest demonstrations across the mountainous state bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh. It also unfurled black flags over buildings throughout the state. "The state government has appealed to the people not to be panicky and has assured that no stone would be left unturned to fight the court's order legally even up to the Supreme Court," Minister Rammawi added. Protests by NGOs, students' organisations and regional political parties have also been staged earlier this month at different places in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The North Eastern Students Organisation (NESO) also vehemently condemned the high court order. "The court took a condemnable decision undermining the sentiments of the people in three (affected) states," NESO said in a statement.
Singaporeans train Naga leaders in Chennai morungexpress
Leaders from Naga Christian Fellowship, Chennai (NCFC), and other Naga student leaders who participated in the ‘Leadership training’ which was conducted at St. Thomas Mount in Chennai, on July 5 and 6 last.
Dimapur, July 27 (MExN): Leadership training under the theme ‘Effective Leadership’ was conducted at St. Thomas Mount in Chennai, on July 5 and 6 last. A team from Singapore led by Pastor Mark led the training sessions. Altogether eight youths including the pastor were the main resource persons. The team also led the praise and worship.
During the two-day training, leaders from Naga Christian Fellowship, Chennai (NCFC), as well as Naga student leaders attended the training. The team expressed their gratitude in meeting the Naga leaders in Chennai and opined that Naga leaders have come a long way in spiritual upliftment and added “we will be constantly praying for their well-being.”
The Naga leaders expressed profound gratitude for the fruitful training and said that they were really blessed by the training. “It was a really great learning experience,” said Senthanro and Mharoni, participants. More than 50 Naga leaders attended the training. Pastor NCFC, Wapangtoshi, and President NSUC, Ezewe Mekrisuh, in a release informed that in addition, the NCFC and the Naga Students’ Union Chennai (NSUC) held a joint meeting on July 6, where they resolved not to take any responsibility for those who are not members of NCFC and NSUC. Therefore, they notified, “any students or working people who come to stay in Chennai should register their names.” It also resolved that firm action would be taken on those who indulge in unwanted or illegal activities thereby marring the name of the Nagas in Chennai and elsewhere. With this in view, the Naga leaders who attended the training also decided to move forward in uplifting the welfare of the Naga people staying in Chennai and contribute its way toward a better Naga society.
GPRN/NSCN Angami region condemns NEIBA KIRE morungexpress
The GPRN NSCN Angami Region is anguished over the surprise raids in the residence of GPRN NSCN Angami Region Care Taker-cum-Monitoring Cell Co-Member, Neiba Kire and colleagues and also arresting two of our cadres by the District Administration along with joint forces of Police and Assam Rifles at D. Khel, Kohima village in the residence today.
It may be mentioned that over the recent years, the State capital has been witnessing peaceful and cordial atmosphere as the Angami Region GPRN has been following defensive policy in spite of losing several precious lives of our own cadres. The Angami Region GPRN has never created any situation but always have been a victim of the armed cadres of other groups, however, the District Level Ceasefire Monitoring Cell Group chasing all the armed cadres by putting together even the dedicated national workers from public inhabited places is questionable.
Moreover, the GPRN NSCN is not occupying the houses of civilian or taking forced shelter, but we are living like other common public in our own houses without disturbing or creating any situation anywhere we stay.
We also condemn the chasing of GPRN NSCN Angami Region Tatar, K K Angami near Mission Compound while returning home after attending an important public meeting along with four body guards. One of body guards was nabbed along with arms while others managed to escape.
Keeping in mind the prevailing situation and the tension created by the other groups, it has become mandatory for the GRPN NSCN leaders to take along some bodyguards in order to protect our own life and not for threatening the public.
We request the concerned authority to release our cadres along with seized arms and also to restrain from raiding our personal residential complex.
(NEIBA KIRE) Care Taker-cum-Co-Member, Monitoring Cell,
GPRN NSCN, Angami Region

Open letter to His Excellency the Governor of Nagaland on DMC operation demolition drive Nagaland Post
In the context of controversial demolition drive of the Dimapur Municipal Council, which is turning out to be the most talked about issue receiving mixed responses from different quarters. There are protest from the landowners, some of them even filling cases in the court against the drive. Quite a number of DMC councilors have also shown their disapproval over the drive alleging that the present DMC Chairperson, Khekaho Assumi is carrying out the drive without proper procedure of approval of the order.
I as a concerned citizen feel that anything that is initiated by any authority concerning the welfare of the general public should follow the prescribed rules.
I do not wish to target anybody or hurt anyone's sentiment but while receiving appreciation from different organizations or individuals for the on-going Operation Demolition Drive, let us not forget that the drive must has caused mental and emotional trauma to many families, especially those who sustain their livelihood with meager earnings. All such tension could have been avoided if the drive was conducted through proper procedure, planning and coordination.
The issue here is not whether the drive is about illegal construction or encroachment or supported or not supported by the public nor the issue is about majority and minority among the Councilors or whether it is the NPF or the Congress party, because development and beautification of the city is everyone's concern. But the important issue of the controversy here is whether the drive is as per the rules of the Municipal Act or not.
As far as my knowledge is concerned every municipality has a prescribed Act to follow, which is mandatory. And as per my findings, the office of the Dimapur Municipal Council in regard to demolition drive has not followed the laid down procedures clearly mentioned in the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001. Here I would like to point out my findings.
1) Section 57 C of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 states that every municipal shall meet at least once in every month and discuss matters relating to the functioning of the municipality. However the issue of demolition drive was never discussed in any municipality meeting and which was never notified to the public which is clear violation of the Act.
2) As for the demolition drive along the streets, the DMC should have discussed about it in the municipality meeting for transaction of its business under Sec. 57 C or it should have had the recommendation of the Municipal Streets Committee which is the only authorized committee to initiate and recommend such drive which is empowered under section 294 of the Act.
Section 294 of the Act also states that there shall be a Municipal Streets Technical Committee consisting of not less than three elected Councilors as members and also have five other members namely Chief Executive Officer of the municipality who shall be convener of the committee.
A Police Officer, not below the rank of Dy. SP, to be nominated by Senior Superintendent of Police of the district concerned Fire Officer of the state government having jurisdiction in the municipal area.
. Municipal Engineer of the municipality.
. Municipal Town Planner/Chief Town Planner/Regional Town Planner having jurisdiction in the municipal area.
The committee shall take into account plans, proposals, surveys, studies as supporting technical data on such matter of demolition, as might be in the possession of the municipality or any planning or development authority.
Then only the Chief Officer of a municipality or any other officer authorized, while considering the recommendations of the Municipal Streets Committee, shall take such decision thereon to remove any such encroachment or illegal occupation as it thinks fit after taking into account plans, proposals, surveys, studies, schemes and programmes. But sadly the DMC has not discussed about it in the Municipal meeting nor it has the recommendation of the concerned authorized committee.
Thus the on-going demolition drive may be a noblest job but also long as it is done without prescribed procedure, it is ultimately illegal in the eyes of law because the law goes according to the rules laid down in the book and any order which is bypassing the rules of the Act cannot be treated as legal.
Therefore I request His Excellence, the Governor of Nagaland who is also the custodian authority of the Municipal law of the state to intervene in the controversial on -going demolition drive in Dimapur. His Excellency may kindly initiate appropriate action against the defaulters of the rules and ensure that the demolition drive is carried out as per the rules prescribed in the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001.
(HUKUGHA TUCCU)
Social Worker, Dimapur
Ph. No. 9856125900
Leading article: India must reject the forces of extremism The Independent London
The bombs that went off this weekend in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, killing dozens of people who happened to be passing by the bicycles and tiffin boxes in which these devices were planted, are a worrying reminder of the ethnic and religious tensions tearing at the fabric of Asia's largest democracy. The choice of the targets appears ironic, for Ahmedabad was the birthplace of Gandhi, while Bangalore has become the shiny symbol of a new, high-tech India.
Ethnic, religious and social tensions have always been present in India. Partly they are a legacy of partition in 1947, which left behind a huge Muslim minority whose discontent seems to be growing. But while Indians today turn the spotlight on radical Muslims as the agents of this weekend outrages, talk of a "war being waged against India", coming from the chief minister of Gujarat, the state in which Ahmedabad lies, is unhelpful. India is not "at war", not yet by a long chalk. But there is no doubt that terrorists of various sorts, not only the Islamic variety, are becoming bolder and more violent and are moving from border states like Kashmir, Punjab and Nagaland towards the centre.
When India's commercial capital, Mumbai, suffered bloody bombing outrages in 1993, that event still had a freakish quality. No longer. A look of at the list of bombings since 2001 reveals two clear trends: the intervals between each blast are fast shrinking, while bombers are increasingly hitting "soft" targets in the heart of the country. The spring blasts in Jaipur, one of India's tourist jewels, were indicative.
While the threats to India are multifarious, and include a large and decades-old Maoist insurgency, concern is bound to centre on the growing trend towards Hindu-Muslim alienation. This is especially evident in tense states like Gujarat, where the twin factors of Hindu chauvinism, represented by the governing BJP, and Muslim radicalisation are combining to deadly effect. There is a dangerous legacy of religious hatred in Gujarat following the slaughter of about 2,000 Muslims in 2002 and the point blank refusal of the BJP state government to investigate this carnage.
But whether or not Gujarat erupts now in another bout of sectarian violence is not the whole point. The unfortunate fact is that secularism and tolerance face broad challenges in India, while the terrorists have demonstrated that no city is out of their reach. The task facing the authorities, therefore, is to meet that challenge without further alienating the country's worried, and in some cases, angry, Muslims. In difficult times, India must not give up its laudable struggle to hold a wide range of ethnic and religious communities within one national fold.
...Ulfa leader’s plea to cadres A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph


A security alert has been sounded in Guwahati after the serial blasts in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, and keeping in mind Ulfa’s ‘martyrs’ day’
Guwahati, July 27: A jittery Ulfa today appealed to its members not to “betray” its cause in these “trying times”, fearing that more cadres may join the peace process initiated by leaders of the outfit’s 28 battalion.
To drive home the message of “commitment for the cause”, the Ulfa leadership chose the occasion of “martyrs’ day” of the outfit today to release a statement.
Ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa made an impassioned appeal to his “comrades” not to be “afraid” to face the “tough situation”.
He said if they falter now, the people of Assam would lose the faith reposed in Ulfa. “If they (people of Assam) are betrayed by their own children, then they will never repose faith in anyone in the future. It will be an irreparable damage to the people of Assam,” he said.
The statement from the Ulfa chief comes close on the heels of chief minister Tarun Gogoi’s announcement that more Ulfa cadres and leaders were keen to join the pro-talks group.
Rajkhowa also reminded the cadres of their pledge to adhere the Ulfa constitution and the directive of the leadership till the last breath. He said there was “no glory” in what the leadership of the 28 battalion had done.
“There is no justification for them to flee from the movement, blaming the Ulfa leadership,” Rajkhowa said about the pro-talks group.
Rejecting the stand taken by the pro-talks leaders that their move aimed at creating a conducive atmosphere for dialogues between the government and the Ulfa leadership, Rajkhowa said Ulfa has appointed the People’s Consultative Group to pave the way for talks and hence the outfit would not endorse a peace bid by a group which lacks credibility.
Earlier this month, the outfit expelled three pro-peace leaders for anti-organisational activities and initiating talks with “colonial India”.
Rajkhowa had said all the activities carried on by the pro-talks leaders in the name of Ulfa were “illegal and unconstitutional” and appealed to the existing members of the outfit and the people of Assam not to extend any co-operation to the group in its initiative.
“Ulfa’s stand is that the ceasefire should follow only after the commencement of the political parleys. It is the ploy of the occupational forces to force Ulfa to give up arms in the preliminary stage of the peace process,” Rajkhowa today said.
The Ulfa chairman also blamed the Centre for the stalemate in the peace process.
He accused the Centre of trying to create a rift in the rank and file of the outfit.
Saying that the government has no concrete plans for the peace, Rajkhowa said, “An appeal for peace without concrete plans signifies a deceptive plot.”
Reiterating the demand for a plebiscite on its demand for a “sovereign Assam”, Rajkhowa said the government was aware that any such plebiscite under UN supervision would go against India’s interests.



News: Main Page
News: Archives
Nagalim: Home

Powered By Greymatter