08/22/2008: "Chaing Mai summit draws peace roadmap morungexpress"

Chaing Mai summit draws peace roadmap morungexpress
Dimapur | August 21 : In a welcome development the Naga Peace Summit III underway at Chiang Mai, Thailand today came out with a ten point “Covenant of Common Hope” (see box) terming it as a “response to the general desire of the Naga people” and giving the assurance that the “process of genuine Reconciliation, Unity and Peace among the Nagas is being pursued with greater determination; and there is no turning back”.
Naga participants adopt 10-Point “Covenant of Common Hope”
“In our joint commitment to move forward together in this process of spiritual renewal, participants of the Naga Peace Summit III representing Naga political groups, frontal hohos, churches and civil societies have made an honest and sincere commitment before God in Christ and fellow Nagas to strengthen the ongoing process of Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace in the spirit of forgiveness and mutual acceptance”, stated a communiqué issued by the Naga participants of the Naga Peace Summit III.
Terming the 10-point “Covenant of Common Hope” as representing the “core values on which we strive to establish people’s trust and accountability”, the participants assured that this will be “demonstrated through both substantive and symbolic non-violent actions to achieve Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace”.
The Naga participants also said that the “task of Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace is therefore the responsibility of each and every Naga” and urged every Naga from all walks of life to step forward and participate in realizing “our deep yearning to be reconciled with each other”. The participants also stated that the “need for Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace is urgent and imperative”. “We acknowledge that this is the means through which Nagas can go forward towards achieving our goal”.

A Covenant of Common Hope
United in our shared desire to enable Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace, we, the participants of the Naga Peace Summit III, hereby agree to work in cooperation with credibility and transparency towards the following:
• To reconcile on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas;
• To have wider and honest conversation that will build and strengthen better understanding among Nagas;
• To constructively work together in addressing differences and difficulties of the ground realities that stand in the way of Naga reconciliation;
• To exercise utmost restraint and shun all forms of confrontation and violence that may result in any further divisions among the Nagas;
• To shift from negative attitudes fueled by fear, distrust, suspicion, skepticism, self-righteousness and confrontation to positive positions of trust, respect, dialogue and oneness through relationship building;
• To sincerely coordinate and co-operate with each other in strengthening the process of Naga reconciliation and unity;
• To enable and help facilitate a more participatory and accommodating process of reconciliation at all levels of Naga society;
• To uphold the values of human rights and self-determination by overcoming all forms of sectarianism, discrimination and exploitation without territorial demarcation among fellow Nagas;
• To forge an inclusive and united vision for the Naga people to peacefully live together and also with other communities around; and
• To pray for one another as we journey towards reconciliation.

Naga Peace Summit III Chiang Mai, Thailand August 17-21, 2008
GB shot dead in Dimapur Nagarealm.com

DIMAPUR, AUG20 [NPN] : Former general secretary of GB’s Union Dimapur and GB of Railway Bazar, P Peiningbe Zeliang in his late fifties, was shot dead by three unidentified gunmen in his residence here at Railway Bazar Wednesday around 7.15 a.m. According to the wife of the deceased, one of the gunmen first came to their residence in a motorcycle and enquired about the GB.

The gunman left after he was told that the GB was attending a funeral service in the locality. Later, when Peiningbe returned, the other two gunmen who came in a white Alto car went inside the residence, while the third waited outside. The two gunmen then shot the GB twice on the head at point blank range in the corridor. Police later recovered two empty cases of 9.mm and 7.65mm from the spot.

Talking to this reporter, Mrs. Zeliang said “we don’t have any enmity with anyone, so why did they kill my husband.” Late Peiningbe leaves behind his wife, two sons and four daughters. The funeral service will be held Thursday at the family residence, Railway Bazar, at 10 a.m. GBs Union Dimapur has requested all GBs under Dimapur Sadar to reach the residence by 9 a.m in GB uniform. Meanwhile, sources from the GBs informed that all shops in Dimapur would remain closed till 12 noon on Thursday as a mark of protest against the killing of the GB.
NSCN (IM) condemns, condoles morungexpress
23 Dimapur, august 22 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today condemned the killing of PP Zeliang, GB of Railway Bazar on August 20 by some unidentified miscreants. It also expressed condolence over the death of Tokuka Awomi, ‘Rajapeyu of the Sumi Region (NSCN (IM)’ and the death of Zuheto Swu, DIG of BSF (Rtd).
Condemning the killing of PP Zeliang, GB of Railway Bazar on August 20, an MIP press release asserted that the ‘cold-blooded’ killing of late P Peiningbe Zeliang, GB of Railway Bazar ‘has come as a shocking incident that necessitate strongest condemnation by all who value the deeper meaning of peace and the effort that goes towards building peaceful atmosphere in the backdrop of our Indo-Naga political talks entering a critical stage’.
“Any Killing among the Nagas is unfortunate as this reflects the demoralizing standard of the Naga society. The Socio-Political situation going through a crucial testing time should not be shaken to go downhill by allowing such killing to go on,” the release stated.
The release conveyed heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed God to rest the depart soul in peace.
The NSCN (IM) MIP also expressed shock at the death of Tokuka Awomi, ‘who met with a tragic accident leading to his untimely death’. He was recently inducted as Rajapeyu in the Sumi Region, the release stated.
“This has come as a great shock to NSCN, particularly to the Sumi national workers of NSCN. His death comes at a time when his service was needed the most, and, therefore his absence will be greatly felt,” the NSCN (IM) stated in a condolence message issued through its MIP.
Paying tribute to his short service rendered for the nation and particularly for his dedicated spirit to his people, the release stated that ‘the nation’ shall remember Tokuka’ in the pages of the history in the making’.
The release further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Meanwhile, the ‘All Sumi National Workers, GPRN/NSCN (IM)’ today expressed sadness over the death of Zuheto Swu, DIG of BSF (Rtd) on August 20.
Asserting that Zuheto Swu’s concern for the Indo-Naga political problem was always reflected in different occasions, a condolence message from the ‘All Sumi National Workers, GPRN/NSCN (IM)’ stated that they consider him as a person possessing rare character with a distinct personality of his own.
The message, however, stated that to see Zuheto Swu ‘die without a glimpse of the Naga solution is the saddest part of his life and to bid him good bye in such manner is all the more sad for the Sumi’.
“But the will of God prevails” the release added, in this regard. The message further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
Naga Hoho unhappy over GB’s killing morungexpress
Dimapur, August 22 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today expressed shock over the killing of P Peiningba Zeliang, GB of Railway Bazar, Dimapur, on August 20 at his residence by unknown assailants and said that such killing of a community leader will not bring any solution, but rather create more division and disunity in the Naga society. “Late PP Zeliang was one of the concerned GBs who actively involved in the Joint forum of GBs and DBs for peace, unity and reconciliation in Nagaland,” the Naga Hoho stated in a press release issued by its Publicity Secretary, C Daipao.
They lamented that the untimely death of P P Zeliang was a great loss for the GBs in particular and the Nagas in general.
Also expressing unhappiness over the killing of the GB, especially “at this crucial juncture when the entire GBs are struggling for peace, unity and reconciliation among the Nagas, the Naga Hoho affirmed that such killing of community leader would “not bring any solution, rather it will create more divisions in the Naga society.”
“It is high time to stop killing among the Nagas as gun culture can not bring any peace, unity and reconciliation,” the Hoho stated. The Hoho further conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.

Naga unity hopes fade with killing Telegraph India
Kohima, Aug 21 : The Naga unification move today suffered another big jolt with NSCN rebels gunning down a powerful gaonbura (village headman) and a member of the Dobashis Joint Forum, which has been spearheading the peace and unification drive between the warring Naga militant factions.
The killing comes in the middle of the third Naga reconciliation meet at Chiang Mai in Thailand which began on August 17.
Police said gunmen forced their way into the Dimapur residence of P.P. Zeliang, gaonbura of West Yard Colony, and shot him dead from close range. Though the policemen could not establish which faction was responsible for the killing, they were certain that “it was the handiwork of one of the NSCN factions”. The gaonburah died on the spot.
Factional killings, too, continued unabated when armed NSCN (K) cadres stormed the house of David Tangkhul of the NSCN (I-M) — who was second in command of Kohima town — and pumped five bullets, killing him on the spot at Razhu Point.
Family sources said Tang-khul was killed in front of his wife and two small children. The killers escaped in a car.
The situation in Kohima and Dimapur was tense after the incidents though the government stepped up patrolling and frisking in all vulnerable areas.
Last month, Khezheto Chishi, gaonbura of Yeshulto village under Zunheboto, was abducted from his hotel room in Kohima by NSCN (I-M) activists and shot dead, but his body was never found, despite appeals by Chishi’s family members.
The NSCN (I-M) said Chishi was killed because he was involved with its rival NSCN (K) faction. But so far, none of the factions has owned up to killing Zeliang.
The gaonburas (village chiefs) and dobashis (chiefs of Naga customary courts) of the Joint Forum are currently engaged in peace and unification of Naga warring militant groups under the patronage of the state government.
However, with the killing of two gaonburas within a span of hardly one-and-a-half month, the much-hyped peace process is again heading for a collapse. The NSCN (I-M) said it would not be part of the peace process led by gaonburas and dobashis.
In Dimapur’s Khermahal area, an army vehicle was damaged when bullets flew between the two factions of the NSCN.

Jamir, ministers condole demise of Zuheto Swu morungexpress
Dimapur, August 21 ((MExN): Maharashtra Governor, SC Jamir has expressed grief over the demise of Zuheto, Retd. DIG (BSF). Jamir said that Nagas have lost a leader “who witnessed the changes of not only the physical development of Nagaland, but also of the political compulsions of the times.” The Governor in a press release has said that he was informed of late Zuheto’s visit to Mumbai for further medical tests only a couple of days ago and that he was looking forward to meeting him again. “I met him last a few years back here in Mumbai when he was under medical supervision and I had quite some nostalgic moments with him. We discussed about the tumultuous periods Nagas had to go through to come to where they are now. He was of the opinion that the long protracted Naga political problem should be solved in our life time and that our children should not be burdened with the age-old problem,” Jamir said.
Jamir also pointed out that late Zuheto was one of the few Naga leaders who sacrificed a whole life to the cause of the Naga people. Expounding on the deceased’s life, Jamir said that late Zuheto studied up to Class X and joined the Naga movement in 1955 at a very early age of 26. “He was in the thick and thin of the whole historical processes Nagas went through and served the people in highly responsible positions including that of officiating Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army in the absence of Gen Mowu in the late 1960s,” Jamir expounded.
The note has also mentioned that late Zuheto was instrumental in the formation of the Revolutionary Government of Nagaland and later joined the national mainstream in 1973, and in September 1973 took over command of the newly raised battalion of the Border Security Force and rose to the rank of Deputy Inspector General, BSF, in charge of Nagaland and Manipur. The Governor further added that late Zuheto’s service to the nation was recognised by the Government of India when he was awarded with several national awards including the President’s Police Award for meritorious services. “That he rose to the rank of C-in-C in the Naga Army, and that he was honoured with various national awards, is a telling testimony of his dedication and commitment to the responsibilities he was entrusted with,” Jamir said on a more personal note. Meanwhile, Jamir and his lady wife have extended their heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and hoped and prayed that God Almighty grants them strength and solace at their hour of grief.
MLA Pusa shocked at demise Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): K V Pusa, MLA and President of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, has expressed shock at the sudden demise of retired Deputy Inspector of General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Zuheto K Swu, on August 20. In a message received here today, Pusa said, “Late Swu was a tall Naga leader who had served our society in different capacity till his last. Though with his death Nagas have lost one of the upright and dedicated leaders, the contributions of Swu in our society would be recorded in the annals of Naga history.” He further conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

Khekiho mourns demise of former FGN General Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): H Khekiho Zhimomi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, has expressed shock over the demise of late Zuheto K Swu, former General of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and retired DIG of Border Security Force, on August 20. In a condolence message, Khekiho said, “Nagas have lost an upright Naga leader who served the Naga people and the Sumis in particular in different capacities. The sacrifices and contributions he has made for the Naga society will always be remembered in the days to come.” Khekiho, along with his family members, conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed that God Almighty would grant them solace.

Minister Doshehe condoles Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): Minister for Power, Doshehe Y Sema, has expressed grief over the demise of late Zuheto, Retd. DIG (BSF). The Minister in a press release stated that late Zuheto was one of the tallest figures among the eminent Nagas and particularly the Sumi community. The note further stated that “his death has caused an unconformity in the matrix of our society that may take some time to bridge the gap.” Doshehe also extended condolence to the family and hoped that God’s blessings would be bestowed upon his children and the society.
Genesis of Nagalim Theishuinao THE tANGHUL
As i sat down pondering, I am reminded of a conversation that struck up one early Morning over a cup of tea with an elderly AO person, some few years back. As we flip Through the pages of Local leading daily news” The Nagaland post”, He sarcastically Remarked with a smile on his face ‘Nagalim tu tui khan tangkhul khan laga creation Ase”meaning nagalim is the creation of tangkhul community.I tried to mimic his Style and smile him back the same way he did without uttering a word-bridle tongue. My idea was to let, better sense prevail.

“We were wondering as to why NSF has not Been able to clarify when confusion arose with the usage of the Nagalim”was the Word echoed and voiced out concertedly by some concerned Naga denizens some Five to six years back. In these backdrop, I believe many a naga would also hold the Hold the same opinion .over the years, the coinage and the usage of Nagalim has Indeed fomented and generated a debate. I am reverberating and ventilating the same Echo in sync for the larger interests of the reader.
The word ‘LIM’ was first coined during The days of NNC.with the formation of KUKNALIM derive from two dialects, “KUK”derieved from tenyidie word “KUO”victory and “NA”as people and “LIM” From Ao naga dialect “LIMAH” as land.Thus, “KUKNALIM” in its fullests terms, Victory to our people and land.In 1982,when Z.Lohe became the president of NSF (also former Speaker of Nagaland state Legislature)resolved a new theme of NSF “for a greater lim and glory of the Nagas”.Later in 1993,when MR K.Temjen became The president of NSF and MR.Theja Therieah as the Speaker ,the conference theme For the fifteen General conference of the NSF at ukhrul was “for a unified Nagalim” There after MR Vikheho Swu (also the former convenor of NPMHR)took over as the President of the NSF and MR neiba kronu as the Speaker,on the endorsement of The 15th General conference of the Federal Assembly at ukhrul ,a commission was Formed to work out the concept of the unified Nagalim.The commission consisted Of Rev DR Wati Aier,DR Tuisem .A. shishak ,DR .Visier and the executive council Of the NSF.subsequently,The commission brought out a brochure called “for a Unified Nagalim” In 1995 at the 16TH General conference of the NSF at phek. Later on NPMHR also adopted its usage in 1996.Then in 1999 the NSCN started Using as “National Socialist council of Nagalim”in place of Nagaland:
It is for the Naga people to see and study about the Plethora of events and discussion that took place before the word Nagalim came into Being,less we can be swayed and misled away like the same elderly person who Carry a resplendent yet corny smile.

KUKNALIM
THE REAL FIGHT FOR NAGA SOCIETY K CHISHI Morung
The tiny hand waved unabashed and blissfully unaware of the unkempt hair and the muddy youthful face. The smile belied the insecurities and an uncertain future which thankfully is an adult worry at least for the time being. The boy stood with his band of friends on the roadside while his mother tilled on the steep hill side. The innocence and hope filled eyes of the boy threw open the question. “Doesn’t the future generation deserve a better deal”? As I turn around I saw the gang of boys vanish into the sun lit corn fields. The bright sunny day belied the overcast gloom on the future of the Naga society.
The Naga society is strewn with uncertainty and turmoil despite the ongoing Cease Fire. What’s worse than to brothers killing each other? Inter factional clashes and selective killings have caught the common people in the cross fire. The individualistic agenda of the factions to exert influence over each other stands contrast to the nationalistic ideals that they once stood for. The ideological fight for a cause which caught the imagination of the masses is reduced to looting and arson. The solemn promise of future full of peace, prosperity and freedom has been broken.
The need of the hour is to ask what are we fighting for. If we are fight for freedom then we need to ask “Freedom for what?” The Naga army trained and pledged to fight needs a reason to fight. The reason most certainly is not the spate violence unslashed by the faction leading to inter factional killings and loss of civilian life neither is the reason to exort and create arson. The reasons to fight stare at our face as clear as the truth when we take away the blinds of factional rivalry, greed for money and power. The need is to fight against unmindful violence which creates turbulence in the peaceful sublime society. Need is to fight the termite of corruption which threaten to dampen the surge to progress. The reason to fight is to free the economy from the shackles of extortion and allow it to soar at new heights of economic development and freedom. The fight is required to ensure education and awareness so as to create vision among the new generation. The need is to put Nagaland on the sporting map. The need is to make it a tourism destination showcasing the culture and traditions. The need is to be proud of our tribal cultural history which forms the bedrock of our democratic ideals rather than to allow them to become impediments to our march to our dream of Naga unification and reconciliation. The need is to renew our faith in the teachings of the Holly Bible and spread the message of non-violence, forgiveness and reconciliation.
For all that and more we need to reorient the forces who claim to carry the burden of the National movement. As we move onward into the future full of promise we need to shed the burden of pain and anguish of past through the process of forgiveness and reconciliation. The forces need to commit themselves to peace so as to rebuild the Naga society and allow it to reach the new heights of prosperity and promise.
That’s the solemn responsibility that the present generation, the leaders and the people who can make the difference have as they pass on the legacy to the new generation. That’s a minimum that the hope filled eyes of the boy ask from us as he plays carelessly in the fields … at least for the time being … until he grows up. Let us all keep the promise we made to our children and ensure the smile remain as he traverses through the adolescence and enters into his youth.

London, New York, get set to savour northeast Indian delicacies
Kolkata: The West may be high on tikka and tandoori, but here come meat with bamboo shoot, cooked wild herbs, banana stems and more. Dishes from india’s northeast are set to invade palates in London, New York and Paris through a new restaurant chain.
Guwahati-based master chef Atul Lahkar is hoping to put northeastern cuisine - which is low on oil and boasts of herbal and organic fare - on the world food map by opening eateries abroad.

“It has been my dream to take the region’s cuisine to the global market. I am glad that through support from friends and food connoisseurs spread across the world, my dream will soon materialise,” Lahkar, 42, told IANS.
“The best part about northeastern cuisine is that it is not only mouth-watering, but is quite healthy and simple to cook,” he added.
He is planning to open the restaurant chain exclusively serving ethnic northeastern dishes in global cities like London, New York, Paris and even in exotic Athens by next year.
Over a period of eight years, Lahkar has ventured into every nook and cranny of northeast India and documented over 200 recipes. The chef now wants to make delicacies from the northeast as popular as Chinese, Continental and Mughlai cuisines.
The idea to go global was fuelled further when three of Lahkar’s eateries in Guwahati serving ethnic cuisine gained enormous popularity - not only among locals but also among foreign tourists.
“Due to the introduction of global food habits across the region in the last two decades, the new generation has almost lost interest in the food prepared by our grandmothers. But the three eateries started by Lahkar in the last few years have revived the lost glory of northeastern food,” said Guwahati-based food critic Husina Salam.
Lahkar said: “After visiting my eateries in Guwahati, many Assamese NRIs have asked me to popularise Assamese cuisine in the global market. To gauge the response to northeastern delicacies outside the region, I visited Bangkok, London and Paris, to name a few.”
Everywhere he carried his food, the response was overwhelming.
“Less of oil and lots of herbs and organic food products is the secret behind the taste of ethnic cuisine from the northeast. Moreover, our dishes are very innovative and quite different from usual Indian dishes, which is its USP,” said Lahkar.
The chef developed an interest in cooking various dishes of the region from his grandmother when he was a teenager.
Some of Lahkar’s recipes form part of the everyday menu in a typical household in the northeast. Be it khar (alkaline), khorika (barbecued dishes), or pork cooked in bamboo shoot, Lahkar’s inspiration has always been the simple and healthy food habits of the region.
“If chicken, beef, pork and mutton form the integral part of the northeastern food spread, then vegetarian fare can have various items such as kosu shak (Egyptian arum), dhekia shak (a species of fern), bon shak (wild herbs), posolar khar (banana stem), to name a few,” added Lahkar, who has written two cookery books.
Alaska-based entrepreneur Jayashree Khataniar, during a vacation in her hometown Guwahati, said: “Whenever I am in Guwahati, I make it a point to visit one of Lahkar’s eateries to taste authentic cuisine of northeast.
“He is surely helping the cuisine to gain popularity".

IANS

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08/22/2008: "Chaing Mai summit draws peace roadmap morungexpress"