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08/01/2008: "Indo-Naga truce: 11 years on, no solution in sight (Page News Service)"



Indo-Naga truce: 11 years on, no solution in sight (Page News Service)

KOHIMA, JULY 31: Even as the ceasefire between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) completed 11 years today, there has been slow progress in the Naga peace talks and this has impatient the Naga outfit to blame New Delhi for the snail-pace progress in the peace process.
However, NSCN (IM) sources said that the Centre and Naga underground leaders are presently studying the technical aspects of the Indian constitution.
Thuingaleng Muivah, Ato Kilonser (prime minister) of Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim (GPRN/NSCN) is leading a high level delegation of the group to study the technical aspects of the constitution with the Indian law makers and constitutional experts.
NSCN (IM) sources said the ongoing exercise would give impetus to the Naga peace process and for early settlement of the protracted Naga political problem.
NSCN (IM) has submitted its 31-point exigencies to the Centre to settle the long drawn issue, but there has been no positive response from the federal government. The Naga group has also demanded special federal relations between "Nagalim and India".
Over 50 rounds of talks have been held between the Naga leaders and Centre's emissaries, but nothing 'honourable and acceptable' solution has come out till date. Talks were held both in the country and abroad. Talks are supposed to be held at the prime ministerial level, but the Centre had to finally appoint a PM's emissary. Former union home secretary K. Padmanabhaiah is the Centre interlocutor to the Naga talks.
The biggest hurdle before the Naga peace process is NSCN (IM)'s demand for integration of Naga contiguous areas under one administrative unit, which it said would be first step towards hammering out the solution.
Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have opposed disintegration of their states.
Vikiye Sumi, kilonser (minister) for information and publicity said even after 11 years of truce, sincerity of New Delhi is highly questionable. He said the ball is in the court of Government of India and that it would be up to them to resolve the problem.
Sumi said New Delhi say something and does another thing and this has prolonged the Naga peace process. He asked the Indian policy makers to be more sincere in their approach not to drag the issue for too long. He said NSCN (IM) has patience but when tested beyond their tolerance its reaction becomes heavy.
But the rival NSCN (K) and factions of Naga National Council are sturdily against NSCN (IM)'s terms of negotiations with the Centre.
NSCN (K) the main arch-rival said no solution short of sovereignty, but for the NSCN (IM) and the Centre the interpretation of 'sovereignty' is different now.
Swu and Muivah had in a clear term told the Centre and the Naga people that Nagalim (Nagaland) cannot survive without India and therefore there has to be special relationship with the Centre. Recently union minister Oscar Fernandes who is leading a ministerial team to the Naga peace talks disclosed that Naga leaders are inching towards accepting the Constitution of India. But NSCN (IM) has rebutted the statement of Fernandes.
The UPA government has also assured the Naga MPs that they would review the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) to accelerate Naga talks. According to the CMP it has stated that boundaries of Northeastern states would not be altered, which means there was no question of disintegration of other states to resolve the Naga issue.
Meanwhile, it was on this day in 1997, the Centre and the NSCN (IM) signed for ceasefire for 3 months. It was only last year on July 31, at Dimapur that the Centre and the outfit decided to extend truce for an indefinite period subject to progress in the talks.
‘Imposing one’s will, will aggravate situation’ morungexpress
Dimapur, July 31 (MExN): Referring to the “ban” imposed by the outfit NSCN (IM) on the Sumi Hoho and the Western Sumi Hoho, the Naga Hoho today cautioned, that “banning of organizations or imposition of one’s will upon others will further aggravate the human relationship”. Nevertheless, the Naga Hoho has urged for dialogue to solve the contenting issues. Interestingly, the Naga Hoho also envisaged itself at a place where it shall be at the ‘receiving end of the tussle.’
“… whatever the motive may be, banning of organizations or imposition of one’s will upon others will further aggravate the human relationship and we foresee that the Naga Hoho may be at the receiving end so long the tussle continues between NSCN (IM) and the Sumi apex organizations” the Naga Hoho said in a statement today.
Having visualized the future consequences, the Naga Hoho said, an appeal is made to both the parties ‘to sit across the table and thrash out all differences in the spirit of mutual respect and reciprocation without further delay.’ The Naga Hoho is also willing to facilitate with all ways and means that are constructive towards bringing amicable solution between the NSCN (IM) and the Sumis, it added.
On a more diplomatic note, the Naga Hoho observed that the decision of the NSCN (IM) ‘might have erupted after going through many odds especially the aftermath of the formation of “Unification group” under the leadership of breakaway group of NSCN (IM) which was very unfortunate for NSCN (IM).’
On the Sumi frontals’ stance, the Naga apex said “…apart from other bone of contentions against the two Sumi organizations as maintained by NSCN (IM), the Naga Hoho have been trying to understand the reason behind the solemn declaration and the stand of the Sumi Hoho – “unification first then solution” which we feel is a direct challenge to the ongoing political dialogue in the highest level.” Nevertheless, the hoho reminded, imposing one’s will upon others or banning organizations will only aggravate the situation, so dialogue be explored.

PRESS RELEASE Issued by: MIP/GPRN -
In the backdrop of the ban on Sumi Hoho and Western Sumi Hoho by NSCN, the apex Naga body, Naga Hoho has reacted in a manner without taking into consideration the actual compelling circumstances that led to the unpleasant ending against the two Sumi bodies. Such disastrous turn of event is never the desire of the NSCN. But when some individuals or groups tried to go overboard to impose their wills against the interest of the nation then the matter has to be dealt in befitting manner to drive home the point that sectarian interests should not come in the way of nation's interest.
NSCN, as the people's mandated body will never stoop that low to impose its will against the people. This is not what NSCN believed and practiced. Collectives opinions are always sought to strengthen the struggle, and that has been the NSCN's source of strength to take the movement this far.
Naga Hoho, while pursuing on the course keeping guard the interest of the Nagas cannot also impose its will on the people to come in direct collision with the nation's principle. As much as the Naga Hoho is for the good of the Nagas, NSCN's action cannot be faulted because the overall interest of the nation is supreme. And that has been the guiding principle behind NSCN's search for solution of its problem with India.
There is no room or reason to cause any misunderstanding. But when the Sumi's leadership under SH/WSH acted in belligerent manner to force its way through, a stopgap measure has to be imposed.
Global Baptist Youths converge in Germany BWA Morung
Members of the OTS delegation in performance during a segment of the 15th Baptist Youth World Conference in Germany.
Washington, D.C. : More than 15,000 youths from nearly 90 countries gathered in the Leipzig Congress Center in eastern Germany for the opening session of the 15th Baptist Youth World Conference. More than 20 Naga delegates are attending out of whom the 15 member Oriental Theological Seminary choir has performed to the delight of the International Baptist community. The conference, which began Wednesday, July 30, is the largest global gathering of Baptist youth, and is a celebration event that includes worship, fellowship, cultural exchanges, networking, evangelism and mission.
Opening night, which culminated with an address by Aaron George, a pastor and former youth director from the Caribbean island of Grenada, was a lesson in German history, depicted by a mime, a string quartet, singers, video and narration. Emotional moments in the history of the German nation – the reign of the Third Reich and the fall of the Berlin Wall – as well as Germany’s rich history in religion (Protestant reformer Martin Luther and Baptist pioneer Johann Gerhard Oncken) and music (Johann Sebastian Bach and Robert Schumann), were highlighted.
Greetings and welcome to the large gathering were brought by Baptist World Alliance (BWA) General Secretary Neville Callam, German Baptist Union General Secretary Regina Claas, BWA Youth Director Emmett Dunn, and mayor of the city of Leipzig, Burkhard Jung.
A “Global Village” opened on Wednesday afternoon and will run the length of the conference. The village comprises four main areas, including the Global Exchange where participants may exchange information, discuss personal faith, and engage in theological sharing. There will also be discussions on social issues such as persecution of Christians and HIV/AIDS.
Global Prayer offers a garden tent for personal reflection. Described as “an oasis,” the garden tent will allow persons “to find time for yourself, to concentrate, to savor the peace, to get your thoughts in order to pray.” The Global Sports and Funpark within the village allows youth to fellowship with persons from other countries as they participate in light sport and recreational activities such as volleyball, soccer, and basketball.
Youth will have an opportunity to reach out to communities in Leipzig, an eastern German city that is home to half a million people. On Saturday afternoon, conference participants will minister through music and arts in five locations around the city, followed by a large worship celebration in Leipzig’s city square. The Baptist Youth World Conference is a global event planned by the BWA and is held every five years.

Wangyuh ‘whole-heartedly’ accepts expulsion from NPF morungexpress
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 1 (MExN): Following his expulsion from the NPF party for six years for voting for the UPA Government in the recent trust motion, Nagaland Lok Sabha MP, Wangyuh Konyak said that he “whole-heartedly” accepts his expulsion
The MP claimed in a press note that that he had joined the NPF ‘on the request of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and former finance minister, K. Therie’ and added that their request to him had been “to work for together and strengthen the government”.
‘Gave issue-based support to UPA as directed’
Moreover, the MP even claimed that in 2004 Lok Sabha election, he was “forcibly sent to Parliament without my consent”. Wangyuh said his party was aware of his not approaching any party leader or worker for the Lok Sabha party ticket and maintained that the reason was very clear that the party ‘did not want him in the state politics.’ However, the Lok Sabha MP conveyed appreciation to Rio and his colleagues for ‘putting him in the present position though it had been against his wishes and that of voters in 45 Tehok Assembly.’
Wangyuh also furnished details of a letter written to him by the NPF party on May 5, 2005. The subject of the letter was the clarification of the NPF’s party position on Lok Sabha. The letter written by NPF president, Dr. Shurhozelie stated that NPF is a state recognized political party in Nagaland and it is neither affiliated to UPA or the NDA at the Centre. “Therefore, you belong to ‘other parties at the Centre’” the letter stated adding that the MP could however, extend issue based support to any group or party in the Parliament in the interest of the nation and your state “in consultation with the party.”
With such an order, Wangyuh says that he had been put in “political jail” because of which he never enjoyed meeting any political party leader and ‘there was no political party called “Other Party at the Centre.”’ Pointing out that even in his expulsion, the NPF was still claiming to give issue-based support to UPA Government, Wangyuh wondered as to how, from where and through whom, the NPF would continue to give issue based support. ‘As admitted by the NPF president to have directed the party’s MPs to give issue-based support, Wangyuh claimed that he had given a single vote during the No Confidence Motion for which the NPF has expelled him from the party.’
Though he is no longer in the NPF, the MP sought to convey his gratitude to Chief Minister Rio, his Cabinet colleagues, NPF office bearers and DAN Government partners. He also sought the “forgiveness of the people” of Nagaland, especially the future generation for “any mistake” on his part. He thanks ‘his well wishers’. Reiterating happy acceptance of his expulsion from the party, Wangyuh assured to “serve the people” in his own terms and prayed for God to bless NPF and BJP leaders to serve the Naga people in the days to come.

NSCN factions clash at Pukhato By Staff Reporter | Dimapur31/07/2008 Rival cadres of the two NSCN factions exchanged intermittent fire for around forty minutes from 3 p.m. at Pukhato village, some eight kilometers away from Kuhuboto town Thursday, though there was no report of casualty on any side. Talking to this Reporter, Village council chairman of Pukhato village said that NSCN (I-M) activists numbering some thirty five, had entered the village at around 8 a.m and were having their dinner at around 3 p.m, when, all of a sudden, some activists of ‘GPRN/NSCN’ entered the village. According to police sources, more than hundred ‘GPRN/NSCN’ activists entered Pukhato village. The Pukhato village council chairman said the NSCN (I-M) activists, numbering thirty five, resorted to firing. However, it could not be verified how the firing started or stopped, forty minutes later. He said that during the exchange of fire, around ten houses were damaged including the windowpanes of a church building, the pastor’s residence, village rest house and CGI sheets of several villagers. By the time police and AR personnel reached Pukhato village, the ‘GPRN/NSCN’ faction had already left the village while the NSCN (I-M) faction stayed on.
AR company commander of Nihokhu post, Major Ashwini and SDPO, Niuland Khalo who had earlier convened a dialogue with the commander of NSCN (I-M) told this reporter that the NSCN (I-M) activists had assured they would leave the village Friday morning after lunch.
Major Ashwini, when asked about Thursday’s clash said factions should not make villages or towns as battleground and should stay away from such places.
Meanwhile, condemning the factional clash at Pukhato village under Kuhuboto sub-division, the Kuhuboto Area Students’ Union (KASU) has appealed to both NSCN factions to restrain themselves from creating war-like situation in civilian populated areas.
KASU in a press release issued by its president Shikato A Swu and vice president Hetoi Awomi said such clashes were hampering the activities of public and students in particular.
Calling upon “national workers” to shun “hypocrisy, egoism and hostility” and to adopt, KASU urged them to instead adopt “love and peace.”
NSCNs clash again morungexpress
Dimapur, August 1 (MExN): There was one casualty in a gun battle between the NSCN factions at Kuhuboto area, under Niuland this evening at around 4 pm. The slain cadre is said to be one “sgt maj’ Z Viketo Achumi of “NSCN/GPRN,” hailing from Litsami village in Zunheboto. It is learnt that his mortal remains have been brought to Kuhuboto town, and the Kuhuboto Town Council will take care of the burial. The situation in Kuhuboto area is said to be tense but under control.
According to the president of Kuhuboto Ghukhu (Area) Public Organisation Kakiye Zhimomi, the firing started at 3:30 pm at Nito Farm which is adjacent to Kuhuboto. The public and the 11th IRB personnel stationed at Kuhuboto tried to intervene in the gun battle but they were prevented by the NSCN (IM) cadres, so they stayed around 100 meters away from the farm, Kakiye informed.
The Assam Rifles, ADC Niuland, SDPO Niuland also arrived at the spot, but they were also prevented by the NSCN (IM) cadres from intervening in the gun battle. There were more than 70 NSCN (IM) cadres, Kakiye informed. The gun battle lasted for nearly three hours. Police also confirmed the death of the “NSCN/GPRN” cadre. There were reports of more deaths, which could not be confirmed or ascertained.
Meanwhile, KGPO president, Kakiye Zhimomi has appealed to the underground cadres not to exchange fire or fight in civilian-populated areas. He also appealed that the cadres should not prevent the public and the security forces from securing the lives of innocent public members, like old folks, children and women who get trapped in such battles.
FGN gives reason on bloodshed morungexpress
Dimapur, August 1 (MExN): The FGN today said that the bloodshed in the Naga homeland is due to “patronage of a particular faction against the other” and the “permission” to underground cadres to possess arms by the Government of India.
A note from a “deputy secretary” of the FGN’s “ministry of rali wali”, one Suluneyi Vero stated: “The two main reasons behind unabated killing in our land today are stated here for the people to ponder: Patronage of a particular faction against the other(s). Ceasefire with Government of India has given permission to possession of arms by cadres. This serves the very purpose of the enemy as it has facilitated unabated killing amongst brothers.”
The FGN said that the first Chiangmai (Thailand) meeting gave a ray of hope towards cessation of hostilities but “the hope of the people was betrayed as loss of lives and arrest of even participants of the Chingmai meet ensued.” The lives of eleven “Naga army” cadres fell right after the meeting and V Nagi (NNC general secretary), a participant at the Chingmai meeting, was “arrested and kept hostage resulting into intervention by civil societies” it stated.
Further, the FGN stated, the second Chiangmai meeting “turned out to be a mockery of the very purpose of reconciliation and cessation of hostilities.” Even as joint statement was issued for the people, “Vihokhu camp was on fire; life attempt on a participant (at the 2nd Chingmai Meet) have reflected total lack of regard and sincerity towards other groups and leaders” the FGN stated added that one K Pushuo Khiamniungan, “chaplee kilonser” of the FGN “had a providential escape on his life bid on 29th July 2008 by cadres of NSCN (IM).”
While the FGN had participated in the Chiangmai meetings “with the hope that all groups have equal sincerity and commitment,” the turn of incidents as above have demonstrated futility of the entire exercise and subdued genuine intention, it added.
‘Peace is from one’s heart’ Our Correspondent Morung
Kohima | August 1 : “Peace doesn’t come from outside but from our inner heart, let us have it in our inner heart so that peace will be spread from Nagaland” said state parliamentary secretary for CAWD T Torechu while making an ardent call for peace in the state.
“We talk so much of good things in the church but we do something different outside”, he lamented and called for ‘possessing peace in one’s own inner heart.’ According to him, ‘if we talk so much and doesn’t work, it is difficult to achieve anything’. The parliamentary secretary was addressing the 36th foundation day of Puliebadze club foundation day-inauguration of the club’s new Library building at Jotsoma village today.
Referring to the club’s motto “Service and Sacrifice” and the long history of 36 years which perhaps is one of the oldest surviving clubs in the state, Torechu expressed hope that the club would serve as an example.
He also lauded Jotsoma village for the successful implementation of the total ban on sale of alcohol and tobacco products in the village’s jurisdiction for the past several years. He termed the development as an example of change which will help the Naga society in the long run. “Let’s collectively work together for the betterment of the Naga as a whole”, he added. Earlier, Torechu inaugurated the club’s library building which was constructed with financial assistance from the State Art and Culture department. He lauded the club in its long endeavor in the field of education, culture and social as well as efforts towards conservation. He also hoped that the club and its library will serve not only Jotsoma village but also the entire Nagas. Students from different parts of the state are studying in Kohima Science College, Jotsoma he said and urged the club to invite students to visit the library ‘so that it can be an exemplary for everyone to learn,’ Torechu added. Parliamentary secretaries S Heno and R Tohanba accompanied the chief guest
Convener of the club’s building committee Pelevito Nakhro presented a preface on the history of the club and how it had initiated efforts for the library. He said that the club had established the existing library in a private house in 1982 through assistance from Ram Mohan Roy foundation. The club then acquired the existing plot of land for the library in the subsequent year but could not construct the building due to financial constraints. The library has been now turned into children’s library. He also briefed on the original plan of the club to construct a two-storey building to house the library as well as the club’s office and a conference hall.

Villagers trade fire over land disputeMon, JUL30 [NPN] : The standoff between Longching village under Mon district and Pongo village under Longleng district over land dispute came to a head, Tuesday as both sides resorted to blank firing, though there was no report of any casualty or injury on either side.

Sources said on Tuesday, Longching villagers (Konyak) numbering around one thousand, some with arms, went to rebuilt two bridges, which was reportedly destroyed by Pongo villagers (Phom), when they were challenged by five persons in camouflage and carrying sophisticated weapons. Exchange of fire between the two sides started around 6:30 a.m and lasted till 3p.m, sources said. It was reported that a company of 6th NAP sent from Mon to control the situation, reached Longching town on July 27, but instead of camping in the disputed area, the NAP personnel stayed put at Longching town.

Villagers alleged that the NAP personnel and EAC Longching reached the disputed area only on Tuesday and that too after the firing incident. The villagers said the clash could have been averted had the NAP personnel camped at the disputed area in advance. The genesis of the stand off started with a land dispute between the two villages and according to sources, Pongo villagers allegedly destroyed two bridges, which not only served as link between the two villages but also some paddy fields belonging to Longching villagers lying on the other side of the bridges.

On July 24, Longching villagers also claimed t hat their paddy fields were destroyed by Pongo villagers. Earlier, the apex tribal bodies of the two tribes- Phom People’s Council (PPC) and Konyak Union (KU)- met at Kohima and decided to convene a joint meeting on July 26 at Sheangphan on the bank of Yangmon river, to amicably resolve the issue. But Pongo villagers refused to attend the meeting citing transportation problem and road condition.

The meeting was then postponed to July 28 to be held at Sibsagar, Assam, but this time Longching villagers refused to attend saying that the meeting should be held within Nagaland and not in Assam. However, sources said the meeting has been re-scheduled on August 5 at Sibsagar, to be attended by DCs and SPs of Mon and Longleng districts, KU, PPC and representatives from both the warring villages. Meanwhile, the Konyak Student’s Union (KSU) has expressed unhappiness over the incident and requested both parties to resolve the “misunderstanding in a peaceful manner as it is a family matter,” and that both the tribes were under the banner of ENPO and ENSF.
Sonowal Kachari organizations demand formation of village councils From our Staff Reporter Sentinel
DIBRUGARH, July 31: Several Sonowal Kachari organizations have approached the Chief Minister over the formation of village councils in the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council. They also submitted the list of the 71 councils, which will cover 451 villages, to be formed to the Minister for the Plains Tribes and Backward Classes and Agriculture, Pramila Rani Brahma.
Each village councils will be formed for a population of 3000 to 5000.
In a joint statement to the press, the All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union, Sonowal Kachari Yuba Parishad, Sonowal Kachari Jatiya Parishad and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council Demand Committee stated that they had urged upon the Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, to form interim councils of the village councils. They further stated that they also requested him to issue the departmental order to form the same.
The organizations also submitted a memorandum of demands to the Chief Minister. Their demands include the holding of elections in the Autonomous Council, empowering the Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council to provide pattas for land under its area, increase in the fund under the council’s plan and non plan heads, inclusion of 149 villages in the council and construction of Sonowal Kachari Bhawan at Guwahati. The organizations have also stated that a person of their community should be made a member of the Board of Directors for the Gas Cracker Project coming up at Lepetkatta. They further demanded that the Chief Minister should fulfill the promises made by him at Dibrugarh in 2004.
While participating in the celebration of the Raising Day of the Sonowal Kachari Yuba Parishad on March 11, 2004, Tarun Gogoi had promised to establish a seat in the name of the cultural and religious leader, Gojai Guru, at Dibrugarh University, to build a stadium at Tengakhat which was to be named after the former Chief Minister of Assam, Jogendranath Hazarika, and to construct a Baithou cultural project at Dangori Borpathar in Tinsukia district.



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