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08/17/2008: "Dialogue – NISC to all UG factions morungexpress"

Dialogue – NISC to all UG factions morungexpress

Dimapur, August 17 (MExN): All the factions of the NSCN and the NNC are urged to “come together openly” so that the Naga people are made aware of the points of differences that separated the factions. This can also be an exploration on what basis justice can be done, the ‘Naga International Support Center’ stated in a note received here today.
‘The NISC urges the Naga National Council (all factions of it), the NSCN Khaplang Group (including the recently joined Unification group headed by Azetho Chopy) and the Naga Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN-IM, headed by Isak Swu and Thuingalang Muivah to come together openly. This way the Naga peoples will come to know what differences separated them and on which basis justice can be done”, the NISC statement stated. The NSCN-IM is urged ‘to set the example and so to eradicate all those who are guilty of taking the law into their own hands’.
The NISC said that fratricide “initiated and sponsored by the Government of India must end and measures to bring law and order back in torn Nagaland must be taken (sic)”.
“Power mongering, greed on the basis of bloody past differences have led to a vicious circle of violence among the Nagas resulting in indiscriminate pay back revenge, murder. Irrespective of who and what organization started this violence for the greater cause of the Nagas it is imperative to close ranks and to set the example of dealing with a just society which has human rights at the forefront of its policies” the group said.
According to the NISC no leader of any self-respecting Naga organization that claims to represent the Naga people would resort to exterminating adversaries. Rather, set an example by showing compassion, extend forgiveness and insist on bringing culprits to justice; even if these errant culprits are found to be within their own ranks.
Curiously, the NISC referred to the “in general the type of violence”, now rampant in Nagaland and said it can continue because of the absence of a law abiding system on which a judiciary system is based. “Culprits acting on their own or who have been directed by their superiors can do as they please and because they have the weapons, they actually do kill. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of Nagas have been killed this way” the NISC reminded.
“For a just society to be created it is absolutely necessary to come to terms with law and order. Not only out of respect to the slain people, cadres and innocent people alike, but also this is of utmost importance for the relatives of the victims. These relatives naturally harbor grudges which feed on the urge to take revenge. If these grudges are not recognized and addressed the spiral of violence continues and intensifies” the NISC cautioned.
Let sanity prevail so Human Rights can be restored, the NISC said while urging that revenge “belong only to the feeble and insecure”. Let the Nagas unite with justice in mind so the great issue of the Naga right to self determination can be pursued with vigor driven by the united stand, it added.

Chingwang calls for peace and unity
Kohima, August 17 (NEPS): Leader of Opposition Chingwang Konyak said the biggest hurdle the Nagas are facing today is in “Nagas from one place could not go to another Naga inhabited areas freely.” “It is not that Nagas fear Indian army nor other security forces but they (Nagas) fear their own brothers,” he told NEPS here today. He said, “Unless and until this barrier is completely removed, no solution to the Naga political issue would be forthcoming.” The veteran Congress leader said the first and foremost step Nagas should take is have peace and unity amongst themselves before they set out for any peace process and political negotiation with the Government of India. “Where is the logic to have political negotiation or peace process with the Government of India, when killings amongst Naga brethren continue unabated?” he queried.
Konyak stated there is no meaning in having ceasefires when the government cannot enforce the ground rules mutually agreed upon between the parties in concern. “Therefore, I have been telling the government that it should strictly enforce the cease fire ground rules,” he said.
Asked about the role of the DAN’s PAC towards reconciliation and unity amongst the underground factions, Konyak shrugged it off that such a move of the PAC would bring any progress. “As far as past experience is concerned, I don’t think PAC’s meeting with leaders of various factions will bring reconciliation and unity amongst leaders of various factions,” he said.
He, however, said the realization of unity must first come from the leaders of underground factions before any settlement. Asked if he has any hope that the state’s Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, would do something narrowing the gap between the underground factions, the Leader of Opposition said, “I don’t think so.” “Rio might have tried to do something, but as I said no progress would be there unless there is a realization of unity among the underground leaders,” he said. At the same time, his (Rio) equi-closeness policy had brought more division rather than bringing closeness amongst the factions in the State, Konyak asserted.
“IM cadres should ask their leaders to give explanation” Thomas Morung express
It is a pity to the so-called NSCN-IM cadres who joined its fold after 1980 or 1990 and even some of them joined after 2000 don’t know the Naga national history as they were blindfolded by their leaders, thus they only know what their leaders taught them distorted history. So they should carefully examine what I have written and ask their leaders for explanation on the following points.
1. We have no differences with Th. Muivah that the Accord was only a dead paper (see Manifesto of IM page 18). It was dead because the NNC/FGN promptly rejected it in December 1975. So no explanation is needed since all parts of the body are dead. But the difference among us was; out of the three top leaders of the NNC, Eno A.Z. Phizo, Eno Imkongmeren and Eno Th. Muivah the then the President, Vice President and General Secretary of the NNC, Th. Muivah alone said the NNC was dead. And none of the FGN leaders said the NNC was dead except Eno Isak Swu who was a mouthpiece of Muivah said.
So the IM cadres should ask them, why did they tell a lie to them that the NNC was dead? If the NNC was dead when Muivah was upholding the General Secretary office of the NNC, why then Muivah has been fighting against the NNC up to date ( 29 years)? The Accord of 1975 was not the end of the chapter of NNC. Th. Muivah therefore upheld the General Secretary office of the NNC up to January 31, 1980 . Also Muivah asserted in December 2004 that “It is the NNC that gave us leeway, not me nor Isak. It was the NNC, it was Phizo. Who can deny that. The NNC leaders had laid the foundation”. So IM cadres should ask Isak and Muivah that why have they defected from the NNC? And why are they fighting against the Nagas?
2. The NNC/FGN and factions like IM, K, Senka, Singnya groups, NSF and Nagas as a whole have in one accord observed the 62nd Nagaland’s Independence Day on 14th August 2008 . Eno Isak in his speech said: …on August 14th, 1947, the Naga people in the British occupied declared independence…Thank God for the wise leadership who have taken the wise and bold step in the right time for the good and posterity”. As they (IM group) observed 62nd Nagaland’s Independence Day on August 14, 2008 , they have spoken the truth that there is no break of our national history from 1947. However, Th. Muivah wrongly propagated in 1980 that the Naga national history was already sold out by the NNC through signing of an accord in 1975. Following this wrong conception, the IM leaders stopped to observe Nagaland’s Independence Day and Plebiscite Day since 1980. They deadly against the observing of the Independence Day and attacked the Naga people who were observing the Nagaland’s Independence Day in 1985 at Chiulon Peace Camp in Zeliangrong Region where they killed four innocent Nagas, Roukam, Namsongdinang, Ikuabambe and Namjiu. And again on August 12, 1992 at Old Chalkok village Peren area, they abducted 12 NNC/FGN workers including a woman who went to celebrate Independence Day of Nagaland at Bunglan Naga Army Camp. And subsequently they tortured and killed them. This is now become a history.
The IM cadres should therefore ask Muivah and Isak for the explanation that, why did they oppose to observe Naga Independence Day in the past and why are they now observing it? If they are observing the NNC’s history they have no right to fighting against the NNC. While they are observing 62nd Naga Independence Day, why did they tell lie that the NNC has completely surrendered or a dead organization? (Their statement appeared on 14th August 2008 in Nagaland Dailies signed by Lt. Hukato Yeptho under the caption NNC/FGN ridiculous organisation). In contrast their statement was a ridiculous to themselves.
3. The Nagas from all Regions were brought into a nation when the Naga National Council was formed on 2nd February 1946 , and all the Naga territories were formally integrated when the Yehzabo (Constitution) of Nagaland was adopted in 1956 and formed the Federal Government of Nagaland on March 22, 1956 . The Article 1 of the Nagaland Yehzabo reads:- “The territory of Nagaland shall comprise all the territories of the Nagas”.
So the IM cadres must question their leaders that, the Nagas are integrated as a nation, why are they (IM) is fighting against the NNC/FGN and demanding from the GoI for the integration of some particular Naga areas under the Indian Union?
4. The Nagaland Yahzabo was unanimously adopted by all Nagas. And all Naga national workers swore in the name of Almighty God to defend the Yehzabo of Nagaland before they enter into their respective office of the NNC and FGN. So also Isak and Muivah took oath and entered into their offices. Why did they not abide by the oath they have taken and formed the NSCN by deserting the NNC/FGN? Is it not a gross violation of the Yehzabo of Nagaland?
5. In other countries of the world, there are secessionist groups who are demanding independence or self-determination from their master nations. Some are fighting for recognition of their people as indigenous people by their legitimate Government and by the world, and some are fighting for ideological revolution against their governments. But why IM group has been revolting against the Naga national parent body NNC/FGN without any demand and purpose. Can they say that they have differences with the NNC/FGN by respectfully observing the Naga Independence Day and Plebiscite Day of the NNC? The Nagas need not to move for socialist revolution when we are resisting against the aggressor. Why then IM group needs to impose socialism on the Naga people and killing the Nagas?
6. Also the IM cadres should ask their leaders that, if your leaders stand to defend the sovereignty of Nagaland, why are they using you (NSCN Cadres) only to kill fellow Nagas and for the campaigns of the Indian elections? Why did they give you full power to even a private soldier to torture and kill any Naga who fell into your hands? You chased unarmed persons (your opponents) like animal and killed in the towns and villages? IM cadres, yourselves also should ask that why are you killing your own Naga leaders and fellow men without refusing the order given by your leaders?
7. I myself and the Nagas are glorifying the name of God by proclaiming that God is protecting the Naga nation and He has saved our nation from the doom. If the IM leaders said this is a wrong expressing, then let IM leaders give explanation to their own cadres as well as to the nation that how the NSCN has saved the nation? Would they claim that they have destroyed Khiamniungan Region and Lainong people in the right time and saved the nation? Or by submitting 31-point competencies proposal to the GoI after they killed thousands of Nagas and saved the nation?
They may write their statements a billion times to justify their defection from the NNC/FGN and formation of the NSCN but their actions shall speak always the truth and testify that they have been telling lies.
Thomas,
NNC Member
Designers seek to revive dying Naga tribal handicrafts Agencies
BANGALORE, August 17 (Agencies): Yanger Ao, a tribal craftsman from Nagaland, had never thought his wooden furniture would be very popular in far off Bangalore.
Ao is one of the 20-odd poor tribal craftsmen from Mokokchung, 162km from Kohima, still practising the fast dying art. The tribesmen make furniture, baskets and other items using Nahor palmwood and oak, taken from the forest in their area. The tools they use are also primitive.
Two designers, Aradhana Nagpal and Pooja Nichlani, seeing the potential of this Naga handicraft, have carried the work of these tribesmen to Bangalore, where the initial response to the traditional products at an exhibition has been encouraging.
“We are happy with the response from the connoisseurs, who are quite excited to discover the little known craft works of Naga artisans. We wanted to show the rest of the world how creative and artistic the traditional artisans of Nagaland are. Through the exhibition we wanted to encourage the few remaining craftsmen,” said Nagpal, who also runs Dhoop, a popular home decor destination in Mumbai.
“All their art works reflect indigenous history, culture and lifestyle of Naga people. But since the educated youngsters are hardly interested in carrying forward their tradition, the wood- and bamboo-based art works of Nagas are slowly dying a silent death,” added the 29-year-old designer.
“Nagas are a self-sufficient community. They create objects with ritualistic and aesthetic value. The time has come now to commercialise their art works to save them from extinction,” she said.
“I am happy that Aradhana and Pooja have taken the pain to popularise Naga art works in the metros. This will surely give a huge impetus to tribal handicraft,” Alam Longkumer, a Naga wood worker and a graduate from Delhi’s National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), said.
Naga village doors, beer barrels hollowed out of tree trunks, wooden benches with animal and bird carvings, water troughs, beds, tumblers and bowls and various other items were on display at the exhibition.
“I have never seen such designs and craftwork. Nagas are highly artistic and create magic in wood and bamboo,” said Deepak Pandey, a bank executive, while appreciating a storage urn.

Speech of SS Khaplang, President,
GPRN/NSCN (K)
My dear countrymen and comrades at the outset I thank the Almighty Lord for His grace in sustaining us, thus far. On this auspicious occasion of our 61st Independence Day anniversary celebration, I pay homage to all those martyrs, through whose courageous and selfless sacrifices derives our pride, strength and inspiration instilling unflinching commitment to defend our inalienable rights against all odds. Their deeds will continue to be hailed, remembered and cherished by posterity throughout generations to come. I also take the privilege at this day of significance to convey my revolutionary salutations to all compatriots and national workers of the Naga nation.
It was on this historic day the 14th August 1947, one day ahead of the then British India's declaration of their independence that the Nagas declared our independence, which was endorsed to the United Nations and to countries that had then established their Embassies at Delhi, India. Nagas have lived as a free people-nation since time immemorial till the advent of the British crown. In complete negation of our inherent rights as a free people to determine our own fate, the occupational forces (India and Burma) forcefully occupied our land by vivisecting our territories with artificial boundaries, without the consent, approval and against the wish of the Naga people. This resulted in the uprising of the Naga national movement for our freedom against occupational armies.
More than half a century has elapsed in our pursuit for self-determination against external occupational forces. We have traversed across various detrimental obstacles in the course of our struggle. Despite diverse adversities, our aspiration and determination to retain our rights continue to revitalize and invigorate in us as challenges are confronted with the times. Antagonists have gone up to the extent of disseminating dissentions, divisionism, regionalism and tribal inclinations to douse our spirits of nationalism, but in vain.
We have witnessed and experienced that unless unification of all the Naga people is achieved, efforts to expedite a permanent and acceptable lasting solution to the Indo-Naga-Myanmar political imbroglio would be futile. In the past to the present, many civil societies, Apex Tribal bodies, NGOs, Churches, intellectuals and public leaders have been appealing to shun violence so that a united diplomatic and honourable solution to the protracted political issue could be expedited with our counter-parts, These sincere appeals and their tireless efforts have encountered failures due to callous egoistic principles of certain Naga leaders and un-compromising gestures that have led to senseless fratricides in-within.
In recent times, through the efforts of the Nagaland G.Bs and Dubashis Joint Forum and Apex Tribal bodies an unconditional 'all Naga unification' initiative materialized. This unification process received impetus with the consent and approval of the Chairmen Isak Chishi Swu, S.S. Khaplang of the NSCNs and Brig. S. Singnya, President of the NNC/FGN (Non-Accordist). This unification process further gained momentum with the signing of a cease-fire between all Naga warring parties (NSCNs & NNC) under the aegis of Nagaland G.Bs and D.Bs joint Forum at Kohima in December 2007. Consequently, all like-minded Naga national workers began uniting unconditionally irrespective of party, organization or tribal affiliation. This event was hailed far and wide by all the Nagas with prevalence of hopes for peace to dawn in our land. Unfortunately, all hopes collapsed with the retraction of peace and unification General Secretary, Th Muivah for reasons best known to his group. Subsequently, the Cease-fire was unilaterally abrogated by Muivah's group with he cold-blooded killing of three Ao Naga Army personnel at Longmisa, under Mokokchung district. Then, again during the first part of May 2008 Chairman Isak Chishi Swu declared 'Peace and Reconciliation' amongst Nagas, but whether contrary or in disrespect to this proclamation, 14 NSCN unification personnels were ambushed and killed at Xelhozhe village near Dimapur on 16th May 2008. Following this incident, while the Quackers from Britain and World Baptist Alliance organized a Naga 'peace. Reconciliation & Unity' meet at Chingmai, where all Naga NGOs, Tribal representatives, Churches, NSCNs' representatives, NNC's representatives besides other observers attended, Muivah's cadres in complete disregard to the peace initiatives, deliberately attacked the Naga Unification Camp situated near Vihokhu village on the 24th June which continued up-till 26th June. Thence, the fratricidal killings resurfaced once again in the land of the Nagas unabated. Intimidations and bans upon Naga intellectuals, leaders, NGOs and Apex Tribal bodies that was in favour of all Naga unification was revived by anti-Naga unification elements. Today, Nagas could judiciously and logically sum up whether one's ego and principles are higher than our aspiration for self-determination. Are we to continue being shackled to our obstinate justifications, by senselessly victimizing and crucifying thousands of Nagas in the name of our liberation on the altar of our stubbornness? We need to introspect as well as introspect our own deeds and actions and not but only search for others' mistakes. The errors that we commit today should not become our nemesis, but envisaging positive and pragmatic steps to mould a brighter, peaceful and prosperous future for the present and coming generations is the need of the hour. We are perched at a juncture on where our decisions today will be vital in formulating our tomorrow.
Let us abstain from all prejudices, suspicions, tribal inclinations, hatred, and individual aggrandizements or ambitions in the spirit of forgive and by burying the hatched in embracing out fraternity and brotherhood as a nation-people. For as long as we carry on ignoring these facts, the chain reaction of bad-blood will inherit us nothing in the end but our own regrettable destruction. May our good judgments and proper conscience prevail so that we build a new era of peace and tranquility, and our aspirations rescued?
Lastly but not the least, I sincerely appeal to all the Naga civil societies, NGOs and right thinking citizens to tirelessly stand and join hands together and work for the unity, by courageously fighting against anti-unification elements in the land of the Nagas.
Long live Nagaland!
K U K N A L I M
S.S. KHAPLANG
Yariuwo (President)
Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland.


Adinno Phizo’s message on 61st Anniversary of Naga Independence Declaration on 14 August
I send my warmest greetings to our irrepressible people on the occasion of the 61st Anniversary (1947 - 2008) of the formal declaration to the world by the Naga representatives that Nagaland will stay independent on 14 August, a day ahead of Union of India independence granted by Great Britain.
We are profoundly thankful to the Almighty God for our beautiful Nagaland. From ancient time, our sagacious ancestors handed down the baton of freedom from one generation to the next. On our part, we have the same responsibility to uphold the universal choice of the Naga people to be a nation and ensure Nagaland stay independent all the time.
On the eve of the historic independence declaration in 1947, Nagaland was far from a cohesive federation of diverse communities. Hitherto, in the absence body politic, Naga consciousness hinged on visceral perception. Henceforward, respective community representatives suddenly realised that nation building required; education, organisational skill, political experience, social discipline, and in particular, a dynamic national leader. It was a daunting prospect for any people.
We know the world, including some Naga people, doubted Nagaland would survive the harsh international political enviroment. Regardless, whilst Nagaland proceeded to putting together political infrastructure, neighbouring India brazenly began to interfere without any justification. In the midst of much rumours and speculation, A Z Phizo asked the Naga people to think over his vision for Naga nation, "to be a Man among men and to be a Nation among nations", under the aegis of the Naga National Council (NNC). The people of Nagaland responded in unison and endorsed a common independent Naga destiny on 16 May 1951 that has since became the bedrock of modern Nagaland.
Immediately after that, the NNC President reached our the hardly visited Naga people in the East, he named Free Nagas. The respective community leaders reached agreement with the NNC that brought about an organic integration duly enshrined in the First Naga Federal Yehzabo (Constitution). In pursuance of the Provisions in the Yehzabo, at the First Session of the Tatar Hoho (Federal Parliament) held on 22 March 1956, the Hoho ratified the Yehzabo of Nagaland and vested in the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) with full legal authority.
From the outset, Naga representatives led by A Z Phizo, made strenuous efforts to create better understanding with emerging Indian leaders based on mutual respect, both before and after, respective nation declared its independence. As a matter of fact, at no time Nagaland and India share a common history. So the Naga people never expected India would possibly attack Nagaland one day so soon after its own freedom. But soon after the assassination of the Father of modern India, Mahatma Gandhi, a palpable policy change threatened to destroy already strained peaceful relation. Then shockingly the Indian army invaded Nagaland in 1954.
In best ancestors tradition, a Naga resist the enemy on one's own. Our brave Naga patriots true to form stood up to the Indian aggressors regardless to the disparity of forces. India's fascination of Nagaland is totally unfounded. Most conflicts are caused by dispute of one kind or another, and possibly on pretext of an imagined demon. India's unsubstantiated claim on Nagaland is baseless and untenable.
I often wonder if in the past fifty four (54) years, the Indian national leaders and politicians ever set aside a moment to reflect on the protracted unequal India flagrantly waged against Nagaland. If someone has, what is it Indian leaders felt threatening that India resorted to trampling the freedom of Naga people with impunity. Now that India has global ambition to become an economic super power, can India stop the world look askance at Indian hypocrisy towards Nagaland?
In addition to enduring insufferable foreign imposed tyranny, mindless sectarian violence gripped Naga society in the past three decades. It is manifestly evil to justfy political killing as patriotic. Evidently, Delhi has secured the sevices of the anti-Nagaland sectarian gang(s), drawn mainly from outside Nagaland, to destabilise Naga society. The notorious gang clearly delude itself that it can subvert NNC and FGN with logistic support provided by the Indian government agencies. NNC will never deviate from the national stand in the conflict with India.
Naturally, our people yearn for peace and normalcy. On our part, we are not demanding any favour from India except to leave Nagaland in peace. But as long as the Indian leaders think India can get away with aggression, peace will remain elusive. One thing is certain, our people are determined that freedom is worth fighting for.
Our nation will always remember those who sacrificed their lives for the just cause of Nagaland. We are immensely grateful to our dedicated national workers who steadfastly serve our nation.
May God bless Nagaland. Urra Uvie
Adinno Phizo, President, Naga National Council


SPEECH OF DR. SENKA YADEN, PRESIDENT OF NAGA NATIONAL COUNCIL ON THE OCCASION OF THE 61ST NAGA INDEPENDENCE DAY.
My Dear Naga People:
Today, the 14* of August, 2008 commemorates the 61st anniversary of the declaration of the Naga Independence Day in 1947. I greet you in the name of NNC and proudly join the chartered members in the celebration of the historic day.
Independence Day is a good day to examine and contemplate who we are, how we got here, and what we have. It gives us the opportunity to remind us our heritage as we honor the legacy of freedom and sacrifices of our ancestors. It is well for us to recall, remember, and recollect the elements of our characteristics which have made us unique and different at this moment of our history.
On this Independence Day, I ask you to make this day a day of refreshing, a day of hope and a day of thanksgiving. Today we honor those who have honored us with their sacrifices for the aspirations of freedom for a better future of the Nagas.
We observe this day as a national moment of remembrance and participate in an act of national unity and demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who continue to serve for the betterment of our nation.
Today is a day to be thankful and to be inspired Thankful for the release of NNC General Secretary, Vizoselhu Nagi In God's Will our prayers are answered. For we believe that our cause is noble and it is the cause of mankind.
On this Independence Day I would like to ask the world to respect our aspiration to make peace with security in the right way- for a lasting peace without violence and pray for the fulfillment of the vision of a better, more peaceful future for the Nagas.
This day should serve as a meaning for every Naga as we cannot be consumed by our petty differences. We will be united in our common interests. We want unity, peace, security, and economic prosperity by restoring the legacy of independence, self reliance and sovereignty of our land.
Let us forget the tribal quarrels; they exhaust us and risk making us despised abroad. As we proclaim our love for our country, let us engage in a movement through the power of the people, united, one people, one nation.
Let us have faith in one another and renew our beliefs in family, friends, faith, and future as an individual that will offer the society and church that trusts, loves, and honors in the potentials of its people who are willing to critically examine its own behavior and its choices.
Let this day forever refresh our identity as to who we are and what we want. You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence day every year as birthdays in the life of every nation. Spirit of men must earn and be refreshed or else it will wither and perish.
Independence is a chance to better oneself, without freedom, no one has a name. If we despise our own people we have no future. We can no longer afford to worship the God of hate and violence. It is time to stop our land being laid waste and our people living under subnormal socio-economic condition and subverted culture.
I encourage every Naga this Independence Day to put aside our differences and remember those who gave their lives to defend our nation, so that we may have the freedom to live how we choose.
I express my deepest gratitude to all those working hard to promote and preserve our heritage and identity for generations to come. And I hope that this remembrance will keep us connected as we celebrate the legacy and the perpetuation of the Independence Day.
I wish all the Naga people a meaningful and a happy Independence Day Let us reflect and rally as a united people to confront our problems and resolve to overcome in the face of adversity. Let us challenge ourselves to be innovative through the education of science and research to find solutions for the benefit of our country.
Join us today in the celebration of the enduring principles of freedom and the spirit of the Nagas on this Naga Independence Day.
May God Bless Nagaland.
KUKNALIM
You can trust the one who calls you to do that for you (1 Thessalonians 5:24)