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08/04/2008: "‘Stop Talks for Peace & Unity’ morungexpress"

‘Stop Talks for Peace & Unity’ morungexpress

Dimapur,(MExN): Chairman of the NSCN (IM) Isak Chishi Swu last week, July, called up chairman of the “NSCN/GPRN”, SS Khaplang, inviting him outside the country to push forward the ‘peace, unity and reconciliation process “among the Nagas”. Informing of this, the “NSCN/GPRN” in a statement today said Khaplang turned down his former comrade’s “invitation” for a number of reasons. The outfit’s statement appended by ‘deputy kilonser of MIP’ P Tikhak listed out a number of reasons why Khaplang turned down Swu’s invitation.
Swu & Khaplang talked last week Khaplang categorically told Isak Swu that, if the NSCN (IM) chairman was ‘really’ committed to peace and unity, the negotiations with the government of India must be stopped immediately because: Firstly, “it is against the real aspiration of the Naga people for complete sovereignty and the issue of sovereignty cannot be compromise at any cost. Right from the beginning of the Naga national movement, be it the memorandum submitted to the Simon commission (January 10,1929) or be it the assurance by Mahatma Gandhi to the visiting Naga delegates (Bhangi colony, Delhi on July19, 1947) or be it the plebiscite of May 16,1951 or be it the Nine Point agreement of June, 1964 (clause-9) where in the Naga people were at their will either to continue with the existing agreement or look for a new agreement regarding the future of the Naga people; which could also had been a complete sovereignty) or be it the main objective of NSCN (even before 1988). The Naga people has always cherish for a sovereign Nagaland. Therefore, unity should be based on the will of the people, on the dreams of thousands of brave hearts who wanted to see a sovereign Nagaland and sacrifice their precious lives in the hand of the enemies” the statement stated, explaining on Khaplang’s first reason.
Secondly, the “NSCN/GPRN” statement said, the 31-points of charter demands submitted by the NSCN (I-M) to New Delhi excluded “eastern” Nagaland (“presently in Burma”) from the present peace negotiations.
“The demands place by them does not carry the mandate of the people either” the statement claimed. The thirty-one points of charter demands submitted by the NSCN (I-M) “is limited to how they see in solving the Naga imbroglio? And not guided by the will of the people; it is also not the demand of the united Naga as one family or one people” it maintained. “This does not mean that we are averse to peace and unity. Unity among the Nagas is must for a permanent solution to the problem but be warned of more escalation if any agreement is arrived at without unification. We are all for peace and unity, but it should be in the right and true spirit” the outfit said.
According to the organization, SS Khaplang had on several occasions “even assured the visiting leaders and intellectuals including the Naga Hoho and the NMA that, he is prepared to step down in the event of genuine unity among the Naga family.” “It is unfortunate that, every unity overtures made by Isak-Muivah is always, preceded or followed by a bloodbath”. Asserting this, the statement went on to say that both the first and the second reconciliation meetings at Chiangmai (Thailand) were “smeared with the blood of precious Naga lives in Nagaland.”
Khaplang also told Isak Swu that “we need to be united at home first; meeting outside without unification among us will only bring shame to our people and country” it added.
FGN issues rejoinder N. Besü Kape
My attention has been drawn by the press statement of a certain Suluneyi Vero claimed himself as Deputy Secretary, Federal Government of Nagaland which appeared in the Nagaland Dailies on August 2, 2008 under the News Item ‘FGN on Chiangmai Meet’. In which he said; Mr. K. Pushuo Khiamniungan is the Chaplee Kilonser, FGN (…had a providential escape on his life bid on 29th July, 2008 by the cadres of NSCN-IM).
In this connection, I am constrained to come out with this press release to clarify to the Naga general public that under the aegis of the Naga National Council and legitimate Federal Government of Nagaland, there is only one Chaplee Kilonser. At present, N. Kachüno is the Chaplee Kilonser, Federal Government of Nagaland, appointed him as per the Nagaland Yehzabo. In the FGN setup, there is no such person by the name Suluneyi Vero. It is also informed to the Naga general public to be vigilant on money demand by Self-proclaimed National workers and therewithal creating confusion in the supreme service of the nation.
(N. Besü Kape)
Asst. Secretary,
Home Affairs.
Federal Government of Nagaland.
Evacuation of armed cadres from civilian areas underway morungexpress
Kohima, August 4 (DIPR): Nagaland Commissioner H K Khulu today said that the evacuation of armed cadres from civilian inhabited areas is being carried out as per the directive of the government. Speaking at the Kohima District Level Coordination Group (DLCG) meeting held at the DC’s conference hall, Khulu said that such an exercise is being carried out all over the state for maintaining peace in the area and is not targeted against any particular factional group but all armed cadres in general.
Khulu called for the joint effort of the district administration, police, civil societies, media and the people at large for restoring peace and normalcy in the state. He lauded the DLCG for their commendable job in controlling the situation in Kohima and hoped to see better days ahead.
DC Kohima,Sachopra Vero,said that a lot of meetings have also been convened earlier to discuss efforts to prevent any factional incidents in the town. As such, the DC said that raids, frisking and checking are being conducted from time to time for the security of the people. He conveyed his gratitude to the GBs, DBs, NGOs, public leaders, etc. for their active participation in keeping the situation stable.
SP Kohima, Renchamo Kikon, said that all measures would be taken to ensure peace in Kohima and urged the people, especially the NGOs, to be actively involved and critically analyse the situation so that the actions taken bring about positive results. The meeting was also attended by Commandant 26 AR, Commandant 4 NAP, Presidents of APO, Rengma Hoho, ASU, and other administrative officers.
CSU condemns ‘Caution Notice’
Kohima, August 4 (MExN): The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) vehemently condemned the ‘Caution Notice’ served to Kohima, Deputy Commissioner (DC) recently by the NSCN-IM outfit of Angami Region in view of carrying out the ‘Flush out operation’ of the Underground cadres in Kohima town. Terming the ‘Caution Notice’ as a “premature and narrow attitude,” the CSU has demanded the outfit to immediately withdraw the notice for the restoration of peaceful atmosphere in the society.
The DC Kohima, Sachopra Vero, being the District administrator of Kohima, had to comply with the directives of the government, thereby whatever action is being taken is only in pursuance of the government directive which is indeed meant for the general interest of the society, the CSU stated. He has not done anything under his individual capacity so as to demean any faction or groups in any manner whatsoever, the Union clarified adding, “Cautioning an officer with such barbaric threat who is performing sincerely to his duties without targeting any specific functionaries is indirectly posing a threat to the whole community,”.
Sachopra being a government representative can not be warned or cautioned in form, the Union stated, adding that “killing the innocent general public and extorting the public cash by the cadres of the different functionaries claiming themselves working for the cause of the Naga National Movement which is become the fashion of the day, the outfit should warn and caution all those errant cadres instead of disturbing the public genuine demand.”
Urging upon the NSCN-IM, Angami region, to revoke their notice with immediate effect, the CSU appealed to the “Region authority” to cooperate with the general public in the ‘flush out operation’ instead of being the stumbling block towards “the peaceful situation.” Appreciating the Kohima DC’s bold initiatives, the CSU appealed to the DC to carry on with the ongoing operation for the larger interest of the general people.
Crime on missionary hospital has earned Nagas a dubious reputation’ morungexpress
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 3 (MExN): Health & Family Welfare Minister, Kuzholuzo (Azo), lashed out at what he termed a “gruesome and disgusting act,” the looting, ransacking and raping of nurses in Holy Redeemer Health Centre at Chumukedima run by the Catholic Churches in Nagaland by miscreants.
The Minister in his condemnation note stated that the fact that such charitable establishments have become the target and victim, is “an acknowledgement of the harsh reality of our degraded mentality staring right into our face.” This act, Azo said, reflects just how low and eroded the society’s moral has fallen, and sought to remind Naga people that provided medical assistance is a primary process to save human lives without any discrimination to race, sex or religion, especially such undertakings run by missionaries which stood out as the noblest venture in the history of mankind. This was the reason why, even in war, medical establishments and persons associated with this field are not targeted by any warring groups world wide, he said.
The minister condemned the unprecedented and heinous act of crime inflicted upon the HRHC and their staff and added that the act had earned Nagas a dubious reputation which would be hard to erase. He, therefore, called on every right-thinking citizen to come out openly in condemning such inhuman acts and also requested the law enforcing agencies to arrest the culprits at all costs and punish them in a befitting manner. Azo also requested NGOs and the public in general to be vigilant to prevent recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future.

IDANSB condemns HRHC incident

Dimapur, August 3 (MExN): The Indian Dental Association Nagaland State Branch (IDANSB) while condemning the heinous crime that took place at the Holy Redeemer Health Centre (HRHC) at Chumukedima, stated that such crime on a charitable institution like the centre which renders care services to the poorest of poor and public, should be condemned by all section of people irrespective of sex, race colour, society or profession. The concerned authority should book the culprits as per the law of the land, prayed a press release jointly issued by Dr. Imna Longchar, IPP, and Dr. K Alex Kithan, honoury secretary, IDANSB.
Need for Self-Awareness morungexpress
To be truly secure, Nagas need to critically look at the way we are constructing the future and dealing with the past. This has become the decisive factor at this point of history. More than others, it’s about us and how we as a people are engaging with the different facets of human life. There is a greater need for self-awareness. Nagas need an integrated, inclusive and hopeful vision of human security that focuses on long term interest, while addressing immediate needs. At this point, no amount of rhetoric or public relations can conceal the reality that we are in the midst of a deepening crisis, which is threatening the future.
The issues before us are more than just political. It involves every aspect of life that determines the well being of an individual. It would therefore be wrong for one to assume that everything would be alright, once a people achieve their independence. In fact it is possible that the problems and challenges would only be further compounded. Nonetheless, the issues of independence are essential for a people to take effective ownership of their wellbeing; and freely determine the course of their destiny by utilizing their resources in the way they know best.
Therefore, if we are to truly engage in the making and building of our society, we must commit ourselves in overcoming patronizing politics. The need to start from the ground-up is essentially fundamental. To this end, the powers that be must ensure that they do not corrupt the value system of the grassroots through coercive or seductive means. As long as coercion and seduction fuel the fires of patronizing politics, we will not succeed in ridding our society of corruption and abuse of power. The democratic values of accountability and transparency will be a far cry, while democratic participation will become a mockery.
Nagas must accept that the problems of production has not been resolved the world over, and therefore one cannot simply assume that the problems of production has been addressed in our situation. There is a dire need for people to come together and evolve an economic and development policy which comprehensively addresses these faultline, while drawing up a pragmatic plan that will genuinely improve lives of people. The practice of blindly supporting policies – just because they are our kin – must be discouraged and ultimately made illegal. One cannot support an agenda in which the riche are accumulating more and more wealth, while the poor are getting poorer and slowly losing their ownership to decide what is best for them.
This raises the question of governance and the structures that affects its implementation. As must as one dislikes engaging in the exhausting and daunting task of questioning the structures of governance, this confrontation is inevitable if we are to wish for a better life. It was Tidwell, who observed that the link between theory and practice lies in the structure. His insight could not have been more true. Generally, we Nagas have the tendency of personalizing issues to the extreme, so much so that the objective is lost. There are sufficient instances when people in power have been replaced by new faces, only to find out that the new one is no better. Therefore unless we transform the structures of governance, our hopes for change remains belied.
In the final analysis we have no other option but to engage in dialogue to find a collaborative way in constructing our future.
What is ailing the Naga factional clash? morungexpress
The factional clash seems to continue with full vigor, ferocity and hostility like the criminal gang warfare or the mafia clash around the world for domination and control for ‘more’. But unlike the organized body of criminals, the Naga National Movement was originally a people’s movement for self-determination as historically Nagas did not live under any kingdom or empire except the British and modern India. However, today with the consumerist culture, the deep moral decay has set in within the Naga society. Before I proceed to analyze the present ills of the Naga society, I would like to raise a few questions in the very beginning.
Are the Naga insurgents still truly represents the aspirations of the people? Why there is so much violence for too long within the Naga society? Is violence the only means to achieve the end or goal without educational, social and economic program me? Why a lot of the Naga public is fed up with the activities of the insurgents today despite their overwhelming support for a high degree of autonomy for themselves? Why the highly educated Nagas are not willing to join the armed struggle like in the past? Will the Nagas remain more backward and underdeveloped than their neighbors because of the continuous intense fratricidal violence and destruction? Has the original legitimate movement become counterproductive? When will the Nagas have their own world class medical and engineering institutions?
With reference to the above questions, I proceed to unearth the underlying causes of the unprecedented violence in the form of factional killings, abductions, kidnapping and extortion spree. The Naga insurgency has had a long, painful and violent history going back to 1956, after the long period of peaceful mass struggle since1918. After almost a century of struggle it is pertinent to ask question to ourselves whether we have achieved anything substantial other than the ‘Nagaland state’ as the byproduct of the movement. Where are we going today in the context of the changed political scenario in the world? Absolute sovereignty, absolute monarchy and isolation are things of the past. Regional unification and groupings are fast emerging like the EU, ASEAN, SCO, BRIC, NAFTA, SAARC etc. Against such background, the Nagas seem to be still witnessing lawlessness, increasing violence at an exponential rate, intimidations, threats and counter-threats, kidnappings, abductions, mutual accusations of each other as ‘terrorists’, increasing divisions, fragmentations, pure and impure Nagas etc. Such happenings in the Naga society definitely are symptomatic of profound malaise and sickness. Because of the ill health of our society, we are unable to produce good leaders with foresight and vision. From the vicious cycle of violence and destruction perhaps, it will be extremely difficult to produce iconic leaders like Nelson Mandela, Ernesto Che Guevara, Kamal Ataturk, Ho Chi Ming, Mao-Tse-Tung, Abraham Lincoln,Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and a host of others. At best, so far Nagas have produced leaders of a tribe, village or a clan. Both Nagas and non-Nagas would acknowledge the loose unification of all the different Naga tribes to A. Z. Phizo. The pan Naga consciousness was Phizo’s significant contribution to the Naga society because Nagas did not collectively identify themselves as one people in the past, out of ignorance and geographical isolation, although non-Nagas have classified them together as one ethnic stock.
Why important issues are not discussed and debated in a civilized manner in our society? Have we turned into a society of unthinking wild animals? It appears that the undercurrents of the factional clashes and other senseless violence are because of the deep prejudices, ignorance, lack of genuine commitment and the acquisitive attitude of having more and more through the shortest possible way. In other words, the deep seated biases are manifested in the form of “we” versus “they”, “we” are always right and “they” always wrong. “We” should dictate and control them. “We” should have the lion’s share of everything. “They” have to be abused, injured, killed and damned. “They” are the’ mosquito’ tribe. “They” are the ‘criminal’ tribe.”We” are the ‘best’ tribe. Many more stereotyped notions and false perceptions can be multiplied. The ugly and undesirable behavior of most of the cadres is clear reflection of the larger deranged Naga society. Some of the cadres are the leftovers of the leftovers of the Naga society. Naturally the logical conclusion of the behavior of such people is easily understandable to any sensible individual. Have we all become criminal barbarians? Is the past ugly head-hunting warfare still persisting in a different form? The voice of sanity and constructive criticism are never tolerated. Tolerance, liberality and the advocacy of peace are the marks of intellectual and moral advancement. When will we stop thinking of ourselves in the narrowest terms of only ‘mine’, ‘my family’, ‘my clan’, ‘my’ tribe’ and ‘up to that geographic boundaries’? Cannot we for once behave like decent human beings and true Christians respecting each other’s rights and basic needs? Is there any Naga leader who can boldly say like Nelson Mandela not to stand for re-election although he had the full support of the people, thereby depersonalizing and institutionalizing South Africa’s democratic transition?
To my mind the protracted violence, intimidation, intolerance, extortion and lawlessness are the clear manifestations of the complete absence of any inner moral and spiritual strength and wisdom. In other words, there is no sense of the ‘ultimate worth’ of one’s activities. The factional clash, jumping from one faction to another, the rampant corruption within the civil society and government are the outer aspects of inner crises of meaninglessness in the moral consciousness. Any insurgent from the North-East is left with no choice but to continue to struggle in the pursuit of one’s own personal achievements and ambitions with a sustained drive, greed and competitiveness so characteristic of the so called freedom fighters. In today’s context it is very difficult to draw the line between the activities of insurgents and the activities of organized criminal bodies in the North-East.
The upshot of this short reflection on the odds and evens of our contemporary Naga struggle will require each one of us to face ourselves and realize that any program me of social action for cultural regeneration will depend upon the efforts of all. Since the Naga insurgents are part and parcel of the larger Naga society, to stop the factional fighting and other undesirable activities the Naga society itself needs cultural transformation. But the question is how to bring about cultural transformation? It is the individual human being in whom, alone there lies creative energy needed for any social transformation. Therefore, the society including the insurgent group should welcome any new idea even if it is unpalatable. Social space for free expression is indispensable for the advancement of any society. Social action must begin from the individual action upon oneself that is, the action of making ourselves true individuals and integrated beings. This will require the Socratic dictum ‘know thyself’ and the understanding of oneself as part of human family and as part of the total process of the whole of animal and vegetable kingdom. To transform from the violent, uncaring, unsparing, unloving into a culture of peace of care and concern one has to return to oneself, perceive the hidden motivational triggers of one’s action. In the process one will discover many things including the fundamental interrelatedness of all life. The great thinkers of the world have one common understanding that is the culture for peace is the way of life of the individuals who have put themselves on the path to complete freedom and happiness. We have to free ourselves from the conditioned dictates of revenge and domination. A free person does not succumb or surrender to pressures for the blind run for what glitters like gold but melts away like ice before the fire. Therefore, we should not run after the mirage of vain glory, superiority and power. Each one of us should spare some extra effort to assume responsibility for regenerating the culture of peace through reshaping ourselves into integrated beings. For an integrated personality there is no problem in relating to others in love, freedom and understanding. Such culture will be conducive for creativity and true development and not of an ugly competitive struggle and endless violence in different forms including the factional clashes.

Dr. Xavier Pfokrehe Mao. Department Of Philosophy, Nehu, shillong-793022

Manipur rebels to sign truce OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, Aug. 3: Manipur-based tribal militant groups, under the banner of Kuki National Organisation (KNO), are set to sign a ceasefire with the Centre to pave the way for peace talks.
The organisation has 10 constituent member groups which have “agreed” to sign the ceasefire after three rounds of tripartite talks with the Union home ministry and state government since February this year, it was revealed today.
“Representatives of the KNO have agreed to sign the ceasefire during the last round of meeting held in Delhi on July 15. They have agreed to the ground rules and we are hoping that they would sign the ceasefire in the next meeting,” a source said.
KNO comprises the Kuki National Organisation, the Kuki National Army, the Kuki National Front (Military Council), the Kuki National Front (Zougam), the United Socialist Revolutionary Army, the Kuki Revolutionary Army (Unification), the Hmar National Army, the United Komrem Revolutionary Army, the Zou Defense Volunteers and the Kuki Liberation Army.
Chief secretary Rakesh Sharma, director-general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh and inspector-general of police (intelligence) L.M. Khoute were part of the meeting.
The source, however, said a number of other tribal militant groups under the banner of United People’s Front (UPF), which also attended the Delhi meeting, have not made any commitment about signing the ceasefire.
The UPF comprises the United Kuki Liberation Front, the Kuki Revolutionary Army, the Kuki Liberation Organisation, the Zomi Revolutionary Organisation, the Zomi Revolutionary Army, the Kuki National Front (President), the Kuki National Front (Samuel), and the Hmar Peoples Convention (Democratic).
Both the UPF and the KNO entered a suspension of operation agreement with the security forces in August 2005. The Okram Ibobi Singh government joined the peace process later.
Officials of the Union home ministry and state government are hoping that the UPF would follow suit once the KNO signed the ceasefire pact.
Designated camps for the truce-bound cadres will be set up 20km from the national highways and residential areas.
ABSU for ‘practical ’approach on Bangladeshi deportation From our Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, Aug 3: After keeping a long silence over the unabated influx of Bangladeshi in to Asom soil and Bodoland region, the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) recently made a call for “comprehensive policy” and deportation of illegal immigrants from the State.
Briefing the mediapersons in a press meet at Bodofa House the ABSU president Rwngwra Narzary said the verdict of Gauhati High Court reaffirms on large scale influx of Bangladeshi and concerned over heavy dependency of political parties on these illegal migrants who in turn becomes indigenous Muslims, playing the role of king makers in the State politics.
He said there is no need of further discussion or debate on the presence of illegal Bangladeshis but a “comprehensive policy” need to be taken in this regard for the identification and deportation of Bangladeshis.
He also said only “practical approach” to be taken by indigenous people of Asom along political and apolitical parties to overcome the issue.
ABSU president in an interview said that the leaders of the political parties of Asom and BTC area has time and again raised the issue but they are not in a position to give clear data and population figure bow to political pressure.
Burmese activists urge UN Rights Rapporteur to meet detainees Solomon Mizzima

New Delhi — The UN human rights Rapporteur, during his visit to Burma should meet political prisoners, independent organizations and listen to the people in order to understand the nature of the ongoing human rights violations, a Burmese human rights activist said. Tomas Ojea Quintana, the newly appointed UN special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Burma, is currently on a four-day visit to Burma.

The Thailand based Human Rights Education Institute of Burma's director Aung Myo Min said, Quintana's mission cannot be a success unless he is able to meet political prisoners, talk to political parties, leaders of ethnic nationalities and listen to the peoples' voices on the ongoing human rights violations in the country.

"If he cannot meet political prisoners then his mission will not be called a success," Aung Myo Min said. Quintana, who took over from his predecessor Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, on the first day of his mission on Sunday, met government officials including Burma's Deputy Foreign Minister Kyaw Thu, who also chairs the Tripartite Core Group formed with the UN, Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Burmese government to help Cyclone Nargis victims.

According to the UN, Quintana was briefed by Kyaw Thu on the progress made in terms of helping victims of Cyclone Nargis that lashed Burma's coastal divisions of Irrawaddy and Rangoon and left 138,000 killed or missing.

Attending meetings and following the junta's schedule would not help the Rapporteur to understand the nature of abuses that the people of Burma had faced since 1962, which significantly accelerated after the 1988 mass uprising that was brutally crushed, critics said. Aung Myo Min said, the Rapporteur must insist on meeting political detainees including pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who have been arrested and kept in solitary confinement for the past 12 of 18 years.

"He should also raise the issue of the May referendum where there have been widespread allegations of vote rigging and intimidations," Aung Myo Min added. Another Human Rights activist in Burma, Myint Aye, said Quintana needs to go beyond the government's schedule and look for people in the cyclone hit region, and conduct prison visits to see the real situation.

"Much will depend on whether he can insist on his own plans," Myint Aye, a member of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Network in Burma, told Mizzima. The HRDP, which has been actively taking initiatives to promote human rights awareness in Burma, has been on the government's targeted list with several of their members brutally beaten by government-backed thugs and detained.
"We, even human rights activists, are subject to harassment and attacks," said Myint Aye adding that they are willing to meet the visiting Rapporteur to explain the true situation that they are facing.

Meanwhile, Burma's main opposition party the National League for Democracy said it does not believe that Quintana will be able to bring about any kind of change in Burma but expects that the Rapporteur will at least discover the ongoing rights abuses.
"We hope he [Quintana] can reveal the human rights abuses in Burma as United Nation Special Rapporteur," Nyan Win, the NLD spokesperson said.

But in order to do so, he must not confine his meetings to the government's schedule but should meet civil organizations, and non-government groups. According to the UN, while Quintana asked to meet State officials and Heads of State institutions, he had also requested that he wanted to meet representatives of ethnic groups, political parties, religious groups, civil society, NGOs and members of Human Rights Bodies. He has also requested for a visit Yangon and areas affected by cyclone Nargis and travel to Kayin State and Rakhine State, the UN said.

Nyan Win said, he and his group are also waiting for invitations to meet the visiting Rapporteur and are willing to explain the situation of human rights as they see it on the ground.

"So far there is no invitation to us for meeting him," Nyan Win added.
It is the UN Rapporteur's first visit to Burma after his predecessor made his last visit in November 2007. He will conclude the trip on August 7.