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08/03/2008: "‘Nothing is impossible if we are united’ Imtinaro Longkumer morungexpress"



‘Nothing is impossible if we are united’ Imtinaro Longkumer morungexpress

Women Folk of Ao Community performing cultural item during the celebration of Tsungremmong Festival in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Kisama |Tsungremmong, the most popular festival of the Ao-Naga’s was celebrated here today at the Naga Heritage Complex, Kisama with much pomp and traditional gaiety. Terming the Ao-Nagas as one of the educated tribes in Nagaland, Nagaland Home Minister, Imkong L Imchen, encouraged the tribe to maintain it and produce good leaders. As educated persons, we should be honest in everything we do and say he said, adding that ‘fear’, should be removed from our minds. “We should be brave and bold, but at the same time we should also not look down at others. This should be our motto” he said. The Home Minister also asked the people not to disregard others with pride of having education but to share the knowledge without jealousy and thereby inculcate the spirit of brotherhood among the Nagas.
Tsungremmong celebrated with pomp and gaietyHighlighting on the present Naga peace process scenario, he said there is no peace and security among us and asked the people to be united, have a purpose in life and be truthful to each other. “It’s easier said than done; you and I should contribute to the peace process in the state” he said and encouraged the people to come forward and take decision without any hesitation. “If learned persons don’t come forward, the world will be in darkness” he said.
Also stating that “nothing is impossible if we are united”, he make a fervent appealed to the people to join hands together for the betterment and welfare of the society. Also speaking at the occasion, MLA I.Imkong expressed his happiness that the younger generations are also partaking in cultural activities and at the same time stressed on the need to preserve one’s own culture. He also asked the youngsters to be selfless and dedicated in their works adding that they should not only think of oneself but for the welfare of all.
Stating that Tsungremmong is a day where everyone, rich or poor come together to give thanks, merry making, seeking blessing and forgiveness, he urged the people to learn from it and try to inculcate it in our day to day life by forgiving one another, regard everyone as equal, and truthful in our everyday life. He further called upon the people to be bold in saying what is right and wrong and make our dreams and the dreams of the state come true.
Minister for PHED Dr.Nganshi K Ao also called upon the community to maintain the expectations of others as educated persons and to set good examples to others. Also stating that God has blessed the Ao’s with many gifts and talents, he asked the community to make the best use out of it and contribute wisely towards the welfare of the society. “For everything, leadership is required and we need God’s blessings in every aspect” he said and encouraged the people to be a leader in bringing about change in the society.
“We should not try to boast or take pride with the wealth, knowledge we have but we should be thankful to God and accordingly use them for the welfare of the society” he said. Further, he asked the people to be truthful, obedient and thank God for the blessing bestowed upon us. Tsungremmong, the festival of Ao Nagas, is usually celebrated on the eve of harvest. The festival is also a time to present one’s intellectual and physical abilities. Young folk demonstrate the stories of their elders along with songs and dances performed by both young and old in colorful costumes. Tug of war between men and women, in which men give up to delight the women folk is also a main attraction of the festival.
Attended by around 5000 people, the festival witnessed presentation of dances and songs from different cultural troupes. Earlier, T. Imchen, IAS (Retd) highlighted the significance of the festival. Organized by Kohima Aor Telongjem, the festival concluded with a grand feast.
Two bodies recovered morungexpress
Dimapur 2 July (MExN): After the factional clash yesterday at Khuboto area in Dimapur, another body was recovered at Nito Farm. According to the police, the body has been identified as one “pvt” Stephen Lotha, son of a Peter Lotha of Mekokla village, Wokha. The deceased has been identified as a cadre of the “NSCN/GPRN” faction. The deceased bore a bullet injury in his right buttock and had reportedly succumbed to his injuries.
In another incident the east police recovered the body of a non-local from Pagala Nadi near Hollohon colony. The body was in the middle of the river a distant view from the army water pump. The body is still unidentified and is lying in the Dimapur Civil Hospital morgue.
The body was found swollen and the deceased bore a small cut on the head, but the police have ruled out any foul play. The victim is suspected to have drowned. According to the police the deceased had only underwear and a Tee-shirt on. The deceased has been described as middle-aged, probably in his 40s and about 5’6 tall
CAO responds to news item Lungchaibi Golmei
Reflecting to the news item “IM men defect to K”, dated 24th July 2008, The Sangai Express, Manipur the NSCN desire to put at rest the unfounded controversies pronounced by some unprincipled persons, in the interest of the Zeliangrong peoples, the Nagas and their immediate neighbour at large. That, Mr. Karuchang Phaomei in spite of his poor human knowledge and personal weakness, the Zeliangrong elders had generously proposed to the Govt. for his appointment as regional Leacy and CAO subsequently. And Mr. Karuchang should not loose his memory in such a short period of time, for the NSCN does not extort nor given up the issue of sovereignty, as alleged otherwise. The Zeliangrong peoples are the witness to the activities of NSCN-IM and NSCN-K because they represent them in their respective governments. It is to be noted that neither NSCN-IM nor NSCN-K is working against unity of the Zeliangrong Peoples. And Mr. Aching Kamei had previously held the post of regional APO Dy. AG and then Dy, Secy. Chaplee Affairs. While considering to the interest of Zeliangrong workers of Govt.has been kind enough to elevate him amongst the lots to such a prestigious post and posting in spite of his poor qualification. And the NSCN freedom movement is not on groupism; clanism neither involves in Indians politics nor meddles in contract work as blatantly alleged by Aching.
The NSCN and the Zeliangrong Region is particular is surprise by their sudden shift of allegiance, despite of reaping maximum benefits from the GPRN but at the same time NSCN is at ease to be relieved of such and unscrupulous persons.
Issued by:- Lungchaibi Golmei CAO, ZLR Region, GPRN Through MIP/GPRN.
Khekiho speaks out on factional clashes morungexpress
Dimapur, August 2 (MExN): The lone Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, H Khekiho Zhimomi asserted that the ‘recent spate of violence and clashes amongst both the NSCN factions’ in the state, particularly Dimapur district are unwarranted and totally against the general public outcry for peace and harmony.
“At this rate of confrontation and counter-killings, the commitment of the Naga National struggle in the eyes of the world appears reduced to a low cause and must be stopped immediately,” the Rajya Sabha MP stated in a press note received here today.
Khekiho further added that the reports of even the extended family members of the ‘National Workers’ being charged and targeted will only further intimidate each other and aggravate the situation uncontrollably. He also pointed out that the movable and immovable properties being destroyed and damaged during the conflict is only draining the economy of the state.
Khekiho also urged the NSCN (IM), the Sumi Hoho and the Western Sumi Hoho to show magnanimity in resolving whatever issues through dialogue, saying that none can be overlooked in the pursuit for the ‘common goal’. “…After all none can be overlooked in the pursuit for our common goal for which I offer my good-will support and services,” the MP stated.
Tsungremmong Festival : An Ao elderly man fully geared in the traditional Ao-Naga attire morungexpress

An Ao elderly man fully geared in the traditional Ao-Naga attire during the celebration of Tsungremmong Festival organised by the Langpangkong Senso Telongjem (Union) Dimapur on August 2 at DDSC Stadium. According to tales and legends, Tsungremmong was observed during the post-harvest season, with offering of prayer to the unseen god for a plenteous harvest. Today Tsungremmong is celebrated as one of the most significant festivals by the Ao-Naga. (Morung Photo)
Independence is Naga ‘Tradition’ Shevepa Vadeo
•Sir-In the beginning, God created the Heaven and the earth and find something special to create human to rule over all the creatures and in the image of His own, He created man and woman. God blessed them to be fruitful and increase in number. The earth that He created was not for war but for peace and for love. Nagaland is also created together along with the Words of God. In Nagaland, there exist umpteen unique features and extra-distinguished things which the other countries do not enjoy. Nagaland has bountiful natural resources which is more vivid in comparing with the other countries of the world. God in His own time propelled and dispatched some particular mankind to this land to settle down and today we called ourselves as ‘Nagas’.
Many years back, Nagas practise such an inhuman kind of headhunting but again they loved it and competed with one another to become a warrior. They were free in motions, there was no supreme authority to control them, they were free by nature. They were controlled by no one. But due to social change which was exceedingly magnetised by the influx of westerners, the Naga culture and attitude was briskly vacillated and appallingly modified the tradition which in action and assiduously established good relation which conclusively turned to an organised society for Nagas to live in separate with our own way and with our own determination.
Dear citizen friends, let us think carefully and ponder over it with our perplex pressures as well as the present situation to that way back of early Naga Nationalist History with the present situation of circumstances and the cases of conflict, the kith and kin to the sovereignty is growing diligently disproportionate and not in propinquity to each other. Independence is Naga tradition. Where and to whom are we beseeching ‘Independence’? Who can give it? Is anybody foresee and known it? Nagas’ struggles for independence seems to be entertained by some authority and by some nations. It is our tradition that we can achieve but reason out the ‘actions’ for it.
By nature, Independence is Naga tradition and we shall have it. Look around your friend ‘where they are’? Call them out for ‘goal’.
Few years back, Naga Nationalists were ‘one’ and had a consensus vision for the Nation. They were all in league and like a door hinge in fighting them, sacrificed their lives for our tomorrow. With all means of articulation and mutually, fight/fought against the antagonist and never killed each other except when he/she was proved to be fallacious. It was apropos Naga Unity. One does not underestimate the complexity of the National problem and look the challenge over all the conspiracies and intrigues especially who try to commit an error in the organisation. ‘It was a society of fist’. But today in practice it was divided even thought it was a same goal. Our former national leaders and soldiers have left a lasting impression and impetus for the country and still remain valid and vibrant to everyone. I believe we can all contribute things better than what they have done. They wholeheartedly combated what was best. The security of bastion from rival is on the bedlam as well as topsy-turvy and boisterous act of fartrical killing is another continues. Think about the stance of the Indian government. Do they have a concrete transaction mission for Nagas’ problems? If so, look at the present situation.
Today, Nagas should not dissimulate the precious space of time to brush our Nation’s right. We have to battle and find out the channel of peace by means of emulation. Thousands of Naga peoples and believers are crying and praying for peace. Let us think its because peace cannot come automatically without effort, trust and justice.
Therefore, we have to make ourselves an agent of peace. Daily local newspapers are filled with many kinds of strictures and news of violent activities. Nagas have shed ample tears and blood in fighting for freedom. I do challenge all Naga National workers and public leaders to select the lane with amicable means for our nations. The factional leaders have to stop killing one another. They should firmly take a decision to uphold the Naga National principles with which to forficate the land. Nagas are fundamentally unhappy today and dissatisfied with the ongoing ceasefire and clashes between the factions. The world is moving ahead in searching another place to live and elevated in turn of events to become a ‘superpower’ but our mode of practices is adverse to it. We have to start a new history now to dedicate once again to God so that we all can move forward together with the rest of the world. Today we are marked by the sign of violence, fear, apathy and all kinds of dissension. You and I cannot live here in Nagaland two times, let your work of contribution be everlasting shine for Nagas. The good deeds that you have furnished for the Naga nation is our tomorrow’s history. “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is yet to come, today is best for tomorrow.” So once again, challenge wholeheartedly to support the cause of peace for Nagas and also to prove our customary right of independence.
The importance and impact of Nationalism in the life of Nagas should not be undermined; rather, we have to encourage each other to develop it and themselves for Nagas. May the good Lord bring success to all the cravious, hopes and strengthen the Nagas to live in peace. ‘Nagaland is Nagaland’. And independence is our tradition.

Shevepa Vadeo Kohima
Nagafragrance ventures in dried Naga King Chilly morungexpress
(left)Traditional smoke dried product (right)Through circulation tunnel dryer dried product
Dimapur, August 2 (MExN): With the increased demand for the value added Naga King Chilly both in India and International Market for its capsaicin and aroma, the Naga Fragrance (P) Limited has introduced a new innovation of drying the chilly and other spices. Naga Fragrance has been doing research for the last two and half years and came up with the new innovation of drying the chilly and other spices, medicinal and aromatic plants. The new innovation is done through Air Circulation Tunnel Dryer. This is basically an Air Dryer.
The harvesting seasons of the chilly are in the month of April, May, June and July in the Plain areas, and August, September, October, November and December in the hilly areas. The chilly in its fresh form, is highly perishable in nature and therefore the only solution to use them throughout the year is to dry them immediately after the harvest. But there are certain difficulties of drying for commercial purpose.
The humidity in north east is 77 to 98% almost throughout the year unlike in most parts of India and the water content in the ambient air ranges from 18 gm to 25 gm per kg air. The frequent electricity failure in the state and region create problem for the conventional dryer’s developed from other parts of India because it hampers the quality and production schedules. The traditional system of drying by using firewood smoke or sun drying deteriorate colour and increase microbial contamination on the chilli. The LPG ignition drier produces some toxic compound which is harmful to health. The research is done keeping all these in mind all these factors.
The Naga King Chilli (Capsicum Chinese Jacq) which is the hottest and known all over the world as the King of the chillies grows in plain and hilly regions of Nagaland and other North Eastern States.

Course of preparation
Fresh clean ripen chillies are loaded evenly on the trays, and then the loaded trays are kept in position on sliding arrangement inside the tray chamber. Then the tray chamber doors are closed. The furnace is ignited with fire wood/bio-mass and flue gas starts coming out from chimney. About 15 -20 minutes later, the dryer blower is started and the hot air is allowed to pass through the bed of chillies as upward through flow at temperature ranges 60+ (-) 2 degree centigrade. Also, dry /dehumidified fresh air is introduced to the dryer and the exhaust of the upper chamber is kept open while the exhaust of the tunnel is kept closed. The upward through circulation is allowed for 2 hrs from the initial start up of the dryer blower. Then, direction of the hot air is change by re-arranging removal partitions for downward through circulation through the chilly bed simultaneously, the exhaust of the tunnel is kept open and the exhaust of the upper chamber is kept closed. This downward through circulation is allowed for two hours. After that alternate up ward and down ward through circulation is allowed hourly basis till drying is complete i.e (8-10) % moisture content in chillies. It normally takes 15 hours to 18 hrs to complete drying of a batch of chillies. The dried chilli from this is free from microbial toxins, moisture, smoke free and other parameters like colour; size, pungency etc are all maintained.

Celebration time for Ao Nagas - Colourful harvest festival draws residents, tourists to Kisama OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Ao Naga tribesmen display their fighting skills during the Tsungremmong festival at Kisama near Kohima on Saturday. A Telegraph picture
Kohima, Aug. 2: Ao Nagas today celebrated Tsungremmong festival throughout the state with pomp and gaiety.
Thousands of Ao tribals gathered at Kisama tourists’ village here to celebrate the festival, held annually to mark the onset of the harvest season. Cultural programmes and a huge feast marked the celebrations.
Several foreign and domestic tourists were seen at the venue, partaking the festive fervour along with the local people.
Nagaland home minister Imkong L. Imchen, public health engineering minister Nangshi Ao and former Congress Legislature Party leader I. Imkong greeted the people on the auspicious occasion.
Although traditionally Tsungremmong is celebrated on harvest-eve, nowadays the Aos celebrate this festival between August 1 to 3.
Prior to the start of the festival, every village declares the Süngküm (village gate) closed and free entry or exit is restricted and regulated for those who do not belong to that particular village.
People in colourful costumes sing and dance to express their gratitude to the supreme power for helping the crops to grow well. They provide the best offerings to get abundant blessings.
The Tsungremmong festival provides an opportunity to the younger generation as well as the village stalwarts to demonstrate their intellectual skill and physical prowess.
A handful of young men take the stage and tell amusing stories about their elders.
The festival is usually rounded off by a tug-of-war between men and women. It is now commonplace for the men to deliberately lose to please the women.
In keeping with the spirit of the festival, no one refutes the argument that the men lose the tussle since they are absorbed by the sweet songs of the women and regaled by their very presence. The only defence offered is that the men have to pull the rope uphill and the women downhill. It is a treat to watch and an honour to participate in the festivities.
Centre blames states for not using laws to counter terrorism (Agencies)

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 2: The Centre has blamed the state governments for not making proper use of the available laws to counter terrorism and advocated a case for a federal agency to look into the matters having international ramifications.
"If some are raising this issue, I would like to ask that whether these laws being used. Are the provisions of POTA which have been put into Unlawful Activities Prevention Act being used? Why are they not being used,?" Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil asked.
Asked as to why the Centre was averse of ratifying the anti-terror laws passed by some state governments, Patil said "...I am saying use existing laws."
Advocating for a federal agency, Patil said in an interview to a news channel "...if the offence is committed by a person living in a state there is no difficulty in proceeding against him, but there are a group of persons living in different states and they are intending to perpetrate an offence, states machinery will not be helpful."
The country needs a machinery which has access to more states and "today we have come to conclusion that it is not only inter-state matter but it is becoming international matter and now there are ramifications going outside boundaries of the country and state government and police do not have that kind of capacity," he said.
"If you have a federal investigating agency in such matters it would be helpful and then if you have an agency which can prevent these things that agency will be able to better prevent it," he said.
Asked whether Pakistan's ISI was responsible for the attacks, Patil said "I am not giving any clean chit to anyone nor am I complaining against anyone".
"I am allowing the state government of Gujarat to investigate the matter properly and bring these facts to our notice, we will examine them and necessary steps would be taken without fair and unfair," the Home Minister said.
He claimed that many terror modules had been busted but refused to divulge details.
The Home Minister said the UPA government was not hard on innocent persons. "Union Government will be very correct and hard on terrorists and will be very careful in not convicting and causing difficulties to innocents," Patil said.
He said the terrorists were thriving on fear psychosis and "we should not add fuel to the fire by saying that terrorism in India is such that it cannot be controlled."
Patil was quick to refer to Rahul Gandhi in his interview and said the fear should be removed out of the mind.
"I say that this is a problem. I say this problem should not be dealt with in a light manner."
"Rahul Gandhi said that we will do nothing out of fear, If you fear you wont be able to do it...he was so mature as he looked into future and said let us not be afraid of anything and here we repeat things, writing things and contributing towards the fear without taking into account the actual facts and figure the statistics given."
From infiltration to migration and then…? Nagarealm.com
If former Assam Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajay Singh's assertion of around 6000 illegal Bangladeshis entering Assam daily is even partially correct, the fate of India's North East is at stake. The horrific demographic imbalance will see Bangla migrants outnumber the entire population of the region in the next two decades.

Despite Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi shrugging off the Governor's seemingly inflated claim, the fact is that infiltration into the State remains unabated over the years. Social tension is strengthening, which is evident in the text-message campaigns in Upper Assam advocating a social and economic boycott of Bangladeshi migrants. The moot question: is it a threat to survival or survival of the threat? Decades back, the powerful All Assam Students Union (ASSU) had launched a bloody campaign to push Bangladeshis back to their land. Indigenous people who feared a minority status in their own land massacred thousands of Bangladeshis, including women and children, across the State. New Delhi signed an accord in 1985, but clauses on the deportation of foreigners have still not been implemented. Though there are genuine Assamese Muslims and mainland Muslims, the present influx of illegal Bangladeshis in the State threatens the country's internal security.

Today, 23 years after the agreement was signed, illegal migrants from Bangladesh remain entrenched in the state; their identification and deportation have become increasingly remote. The political parties have played a major role here by maneuvering to consolidate their electoral vote-banks. The Assam agitation peaked in the early 1980s, but has completely dissipated due to the compromises made by the political forces that are driven by narrow interests. There is a conspiracy of silence in their political posturing that has uprooted socio- cultural-political mores. The long stretch of Assam forest bordering Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh has over the years disappeared and been systematically occupied by the illegal immigrants. The trouble is most of these illegal settlers are well equipped with valid land holding documents issued by the Assam administration.

The Nagaland Government often alleges that these illegal immigrants have even occupied the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) that leads to frequent border skirmishes. Tripura is a case in extremes and Nagaland is the next target because of late Bangla migrants have been swarming the State. In the last few years, there has been a dramatic change in the socio-economic ethos of the State. Lack of work culture, easy money and a laid back opulent life style are the main reasons why these Muslims mostly coming from Bangladesh into Assam first are then entering Nagaland. All the menial jobs, construction of houses, taxi driving, rickshaw pulling and cultivation are mostly done by these Muslims today. They also run almost half of the shops in Dimapur, the biggest commercial hub of the State and the capital, Kohima. Though historically the Nagas had no links with either the Bangla or Assamese Muslims.

However, Muslims had come to Manipur from Sylhet in the 17th century during the reign of King Khagemba (1597-1652) at the invitation of Prince Sadongba. Reportedly Prince Sadongba had planned to dethrone his brother King Khagenmba with the help of these Muslims. In many battles, Manipur Kings used the services of these Muslim soldiers who were considered skilled fighters. Many Muslim soldiers also lost their lives when Manipur suffered in the 1758 Burmese-Manipur war. Even when the British defeated Manipur in 1891, many Muslim soldiers were also killed and some were deported to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. How can Assam have such a huge Muslim population spilling over into other parts of the region unless coming from across the international border?

Cases over IMDT There has been a slew of court cases fought over the efficacy of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act (IMDT) to identify and deport the illegal Bangladeshi migrants, which has led to the Supreme Court of India striking down the IMDT Act in favour of the Foreigner's Act. Yet there have been attempts to bypass this order by amending the Foreigner's Act and providing special provisions for the state of Assam. There are some Assamese Muslim organizations that have come up in Upper Assam to tackle the identity crisis they are facing. Successive Congress governments in the state have sought to consolidate the Bangladeshi vote-bank, which has paid huge dividends. It was only during the last assembly elections in Assam that the IMDT Act was struck down by the Supreme Court and the Congress faced reverses in getting Muslim votes.

According to the 2001 Census, the Muslim population in the North-East was recorded at 8,858,543 as against 6,805,647 in 1991. Out of this, Assam's share was recorded at 8,240,611, followed by Tripura at 254,442 and Manipur at 190,939. Five other states have Muslim populations of less than one Lakh: 99,169 in Meghalaya, 10,099 in Mizoram, 35,005 in Nagaland, 7,693 in Sikkim, and 20,675 in Arunachal Pradesh. As the 2001 Census data indicates, in Assam, the overall Hindu population was 64.9 per cent as against 67.1 per cent in 1991, while the Muslim population for the corresponding years stood at 30.9 per cent and 28.4 per cent respectively. Though several factors might have contributed to this demographic change, several analysts believe that the unabated influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh could be a major factor in this increase.

Against the backdrop of these developments, the abnormal increase in the number of madrasas in Assam numbering about 1466, of which 810 are registered, is a matter of concern. Intelligence agencies have been warning for years that many of these madrasas could be safe havens for radical elements. Surprisingly, Islamic groups have been silent on the tumultuous issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to Assam. Intelligence inputs have expressed trepidation about these groups being instigated to violence by external Islamic groups on the pretext of safeguarding interests of minorities facing harassment at the hands of outfits spearheading the oust-Bangladeshi campaign in the region. Strategists in the Home Ministry fear that the tug-of-war over migrants of suspected Bangla origin could become the trigger for groups such as Harkat-Ul-Jehadi-Islami(HUJI) to fish in the troubled waters of the North-East.

The surfacing of these groups and their ability to strike deals with prominent outfits like the ULFA and extraneous Islamic groups has added a new twist to the multifarious security environment that besets the North East. The best antidote to counter this emerging threat is to break their nexus with groups like the ULFA and their external allies. Sitting like a lame duck on this unholy alliance will prove to be too costly for India's geopolitical security in the years ahead. [Howrah.org]




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