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01/20/2009: "Naga group against Centre imposing its will(Page News Service)"

Naga group against Centre imposing its will(Page News Service)

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 19: In the wake of the Centre saying that the muscle flexing among different Naga factions is harming prospects of the decade-long peace process, Naga militants have now shot back stating that New Delhi's "imposition" of its will is not acceptable to the Nagas.
"There cannot be any genuine and lasting solution if India tries to impose its will on the Nagas," the leaders of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN - IM) reportedly stated in a communiqué to Government interlocutors.
The Statesman quoted official sources in New Delhi as having said that even as the talks "have made little headway", the missive from the potent militant group had stressed on the "essentiality" of appreciating and reflecting the "national aspirations" of the Naga people.
Sources maintained that despite sincere efforts to ensure peace, armed conflicts continued between warring groups, especially NSCN (IM) and GPRN-NSCN.
The home ministry is worried as there are occasional skirmishes between militant groups and security forces, especially owing to the "communication gap".
A major tussle and gunbattle was aborted recently near Hebron camp between Rashtriya Rifles and NSCN (IM), sources said, adding that the conflict had arisen close on the heels of a similar problem at Pfutsero in remote Phek district when five Assam Rifles personnel including an officer were held "hostage".
The NSCN leadership has told the Government authorities that such alleged "incursions" in and around designated peace camps by the security forces would not be tolerated.
Officials said these problems are unwanted when both the NSCN (IM) and the Centre are in "serious friendly peace process with an eye to arrive at a solution and end bloodshed in Nagaland".
The officials also denied the charge often made by insurgent groups that prolonging the peace talks which formally started in August 1997 during the IK Gujral regime is in any way in the interest of the government.
"It's unfortunate these allegations are made. The government had also encouraged involvement of civil society and church leaders like the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), but even meetings convened by the forum fail to evoke much enthusiasm," the sources added.
NSCN (IM) condemns Ukhrul explosion morungexpress
Dimapur: The NSCN (IM) has expressed condemnation for the bomb explosion in Ukhrul on January 16. The outfit’s Wung Tangkhul region in a note called it an “act of terrorism” and has no place in “Nagalim”.
According to the note, the Assam Rifles were seen near the site of the explosion “for quiet sometime” and were “restricting movement of civilians in and around the place”. The explosion took place “soon after they retreated” to their camp, the note asserted. However, the note continued, within five minutes, the Assam Rifles rushed back and cordoned off the area. “They collected all the splinters and went back again to their camp within a few minutes without frisking or further inquiry,” the NSCN (IM) stated.
The Wung Tangkhul region’s note explained about the nature of the bomb: “The explosive, which was planted on the wall of the building that has the office of the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, was a time bomb.” The outfit also said that a businessman residing in the same building was earlier served a “demand note” by an “armed group”. The note termed as interesting that the so-called “Manipur Naga revolutionary force” has claimed responsibility of the explosion, and that it clearly points to a nexus between the AR and the said group. Asserting that the NSCN (IM) will “enforce peace” in the “larger interest of the people”, the note said the “state sponsored terrorism” will not be tolerated.
Naga group against govt imposing its will Nirendra Dev Statesman
NEW DELHI, Jan. 18: In the wake of the government saying that the muscle flexing among different Naga factions is harming prospects of the decade-long peace process, Naga militants have now shot back stating that New Delhi’s “imposition” of its will is not acceptable to the Nagas.
“There cannot be any genuine and lasting solution if India tries to impose its will on the Nagas,” the leaders of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN - IM) reportedly stated in a communiqué to government interlocutors.
Official sources said here today that even as the talks “have made little headway”, the missive from the potent militant group had stressed on the “essentiality” of appreciating and reflecting the “national aspirations” of the Naga people.
Sources maintained that despite sincere efforts to ensure peace, armed conflicts continued between warring groups, especially NSCN (IM) and GPRN-NSCN.
The home ministry is worried as there are occasional skirmishes between militant groups and security forces, especially owing to the “communication gap”.
A major tussle and gunbattle was aborted recently near Hebron camp between Rashtriya Rifles and NSCN (IM), sources said, adding that the conflict had arisen close on the heels of a similar problem at Pfutsero in remote Phek district when five Assam Rifles personnel including an officer were held “hostage”.
The NSCN leadership has told the government authorities that such alleged “incursions” in and around designated peace camps by the security forces would not be tolerated.
Officials said these problems are unwanted when both the NSCN (IM) and the Centre are in “serious friendly peace process with an eye to arrive at a solution and end bloodshed in Nagaland”.
The officials also denied the charge often made by insurgent groups that prolonging the peace talks which formally started in August 1997 during the IK Gujral regime is in any way in the interest of the government.
“It’s unfortunate these allegations are made. The government had also encouraged involvement of civil society and church leaders like the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), but even meetings convened by the forum fail to evoke much enthusiasm,” the sources added.
Crusade aims to revive ‘Nagaland for Christ’ morungexpress
Dimapur: The United Christian Prayer Ministries (UCPM) in collaboration with the gospel ministries, Bible colleges and churches in Dimapur, are all set to conduct the ‘Restore Nagaland for Christ crusade’ at five points at Dimapur from February 3-7, 2009. Informing this, UCPM convener Satovi Swu and Secretary Mutu Muniak have added that the speakers on the occasion will include Rev. Dr. Wati Aier Principal of OTS, Rev. Vevozo Khamo, Director of NCRC Mission Centre, Rev. Dr. T N Lotha, Principal of EBC, Rev. Dr. Hevukhu Achumi, Secretary of Sumi Baptist Churches Convention, and Maongwati Aier, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur.
In this connection, churches, gospel ministries, Bible colleges and individuals are requested to extend their prayer and cooperation besides physical participation at the programme. The organising committee has also asked believers and churches to pray for this crusade programme during their worship services.
Greater Nagaland dispute a 'hanging fire', says book
Source: Hueiyen News Service / agencies
Dimapur, January 18 2009: EVEN AS the decade old Naga peace talks negotiations have made little headway, the vexed greater Nagaland dispute remains a "hanging fire", says a new book penned by a journalist, who had served in Dimapur and Kohima.

"The Nagas would not give up and Meities would find it difficult to stomach," says the book 'The Talking Guns: Northeast India' penned by journalist Nirendra Dev and published by Manas Publications (New Delhi).

In this context, the author says in 2001, the erstwhile Vajpayee government's "ill-advised" move to extend Naga ceasefire to all Naga inhabitant areas without assessing Manipuri mindset had put the hills into fire.

The book offers a critical and richly detailed analysis of 60 years of northeast India's politics and administrative strategies since independence and their going wrong from time to time.

Using a variety of stylistic genres, commentaries, first hand experience anecdotes and rare media reports from the local tabloids published in the region, the author scans the entire period through the regimes of Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and aftermath.

The book is an important addition to the literature on northeast both for its acuteness and originality of its analysis.

This should interest ordinary readers and also military and intelligence officers, politicians and administrators alike.

Analysing that at a time when hot pursuits against LTTE and other militants are being advocated in South Asia, especially in the context of Mumbai terror attack of 26/11, the book argues that such an orientation can "only harden the people's attitude" and keep aggravating the problems.

"The fight between security forces and even the other side, the militants, had always left the common people in a miserable state," says the book.
IM-AR stand off at Siroy Staff Reporter & Correspondent Sangai
IMP/ UKL, Jan 19 : Tension is running high at the little hamlet of Siroy in Ukhrul district following a stand off between personnel of Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) cadres, who are holed up in a camp there.
According to local people, who spoke to The Sangai Express, personnel of 17 Assam Rifles surrounded the camp of the IM group, which is located at the half constructed Tourist Lodge from about 9 pm yesterday.
The Assam Rifles team led by its CO marched towards the camp of the Khusumung Bn of the NSCN (IM) last night and asked the IM men to move out within 24 hours.
The rebel group has however refused to budge contending that the camp at Siroy is a designated camp. IM source said that the camp was opened at Siroy two years back after it was shifted from Phungyar and the Assam Rifles authority fully knows this.
When The Sangai Express contacted the office of the PRO of Assam Rifles, he answered that no official report has been received.
Local people informed The Sangai Express that tension is running high in the village as the AR men have spread out to the nearby jungles. Some farmers were also told to return home quickly in case trouble breaks out.
The local people of Siroy have reportedly urged the Assam Rifles to avert a shoot out for the safety and security of the villagers.
The IM cadres who are holed up in the said camp have reportedly sent out the message that they would also retaliate if their camp is attacked or if the Assam Rifles personnel try to over run it.
It is still not yet clear whether the matter has reached the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell or not.
The CO of the 17 Assam Rifles was also present at Siroy village to over see the situation for a long time today, said local people.
Till the time of filing this report, there is no report of any shoot out or untoward incident.

Handicraft training workshop begins in Nagaland (India) Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
The handicraft items produced in Nagaland are attracting a large numbers of buyers from abroad. To keep the tradition alive and humming among the youth of Nagaland, a 90 day vocational training workshop on bamboo and wood craft products has been organised at the Pusa Craft centre.

Speaking at the inaugural function, the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Art & Culture, Mr. Yitachu said that the craftsmen should put in extra efforts to keep the traditional skills alive and also adopt a professional approach. He also added by saying that they have the potential to produce quality products and make the state proud.

He further advised the trainees at the workshop to make the best use of workshop and to be sincere and dedicated during the training period as this training would lay the foundation for their success in the future. This workshop he said was would also provide the professional touch that is needed to give the sector a boost.
Finance panel appreciates communitisation concept in Nagaland
Kohima , Jan 20 Appreciating communitisation of public institutions and services in Nagaland, Chairman of 13th Finance Commission Dr Vijay L Kelkar has described the concept as a unique programme in the country.
Kelkar, also a former union finance secretary, along with other members of the commission yesterday interacted with the villagers at Kigwema on functioning of village councils, village development boards (VDB) and management of education, health care, electricity and water supply in villages under the communitisation programme.
Kigwema secretary (VDB) Thepfurale Zutso said communitisation had come a long way in improving delivery of essential services in villages and suggested handing over of more departments to village authorities for management.
The Commission would submit its report to the President by October next, Kelkar said.
The commission looks after all aspects of sharing of taxes between the Centre and the states and devolution of resources to local bodies.
Kelkar also urged the commission to strengthen micro-finance mechanism at the earliest and more grants-in-aid to development bodies like VDBs or panchayats to meet the needs of the people.

Intellectual bankruptcy and Social Crisis in Naga Society: A Personal Reflection Nagarealm.com
Any society, be it in America, Africa, Asia or Europe, drives not simply on wealth and strength. But the growth of any society depends on the quality of intellectuals that it possess.

Here I am not limiting intellectuals to PhDs and scientist but people who are trained and skilled academically and philosophically. In every society, there are two kinds of people, irrespective of literacy and education. The first group of people is known as the lay people and the other as intellectuals. Both lay and intellectuals ask the same questions. But the difference is that, intellectuals are armed with philosophical, historical, comparative tools and skills to analyze the situation and provide historically grounded and theoretically sound explanations. An intellectual is not measured by the degree of educational qualification, although education is vital for the growth of human mind and reasoning. But a true intellectual is measured by scholarship, quality of works and depth of understanding. This is what is lacking in our Naga society today.

During my short stay at home in Dimapur this last Christmas, I was amazed to see how our Naga society is like a closed glass box with smoke inside. The box is closed from all sides and so the same smoke moves around within the box. Everywhere I go, I find the same set of questions and concerns been asked. It’s like every Naga seems to ask the same question, shares the same thought. I sat with many elders, retires, government officials, church leaders, village leaders, young people and also with all the factions. If I were to summarize all their discussions, it boils down to these few statements. First, the people are sick of kidnapping, extortion and fighting. Second, the people are tired of underground taxations. Because of the first two reasons, many businesses have closed down and businessmen have run away. Third, people don’t care anymore what some self elected leaders are discussing with the government of India. The public don’t know what they are discussing and infact care less because it will not bring any permanent solution. The people are disillusioned with big words like sovereignty, integration, greater Nagalim, reconciliation and human rights. Finally, the people just don’t understand why different underground groups have to threaten each other and kill each other as if independence (which is the original goal of all groups) is an object kept in a box and all the groups are fighting to get hold of it. Over and over again, I heard the Nagas lamenting about these issues and concerns. Although all these are genuine problems and concerns, the Nagas are holed up with no where to exit.

The questions and issues raised by the Nagas are genuine and reflects the current situation of the land. But these problems are the reflections and consequences of a much deeper problem. Naga problem is layered in many levels. Beneath the observable issues that I have summarized, Nagas are going through a very complicated set of problems arising from capitalism, tribalism, clan-ism, pre-modern ideas verses modernity, morality and so on. Since I am in position to explain, all I can do is raise more questions. For instance, how did the Nagas value wealth and money before and now? How and why did money and land become the most important element for the Nagas in twentieth century? How is it impacting the social and individual lives of the Nagas and also our relationship with others? What role do tribes play in our Naga society? How does tribalism impact our political and religious lives? What’s happening with clan-ism? Why is it that differences occur within a clan and fight for rights, eldership, and originality? How is it impacting the villagers’ life? Is clan-ism more then a fight for rights? Is Naga society going through a turmoil of pre-modernity and modernity? For instance, a shift from traditional values to consumerism, a plea to save our language, history, tradition and culture verses the latest jeans, bags, hair style, phone, ipods, cars, TV etc? If so, is the transition natural or is it forced? How is it impacting our lives? How about our churches? Is there a tension between traditionalist and non-traditionalist?

But beneath these level of issues, we still have a layer of structural problems and issues. How is the Naga society structured? How is the power structured? Is the State government more powerful then Village councils? Do we have a parallel form of government? Do the underground groups share the same power with the State government in administering and maintaining the State? What kind of church and state relationship exists in Nagaland? What role does the church play in socio-political life? Are we truly Baptist or catholic or Pentecostals? Is our church an activist or pacifist church? How is the church structured? Are we Congregationalist or not? Who controls the church? Who holds the church power and authority?

We often see our society as compartmentalized. We do not mix our religious lives with social or economic or political lives. We see each of them as separate entities. But the fact remains that all theses entities are part and parcel of our individual lives and that we cannot pretend that we are not a Christian while at work and forget our moral principles nor can we go for a month long church mission trip and pretend that we not an employee of the government, whereas hundred of lives depends on our presence in the office to processes their work. We cannot collect underground tax, kidnap people and even authorize someone to be executed or arrest someone without any good reason and pretend that we are not responsible for it and go to the church and act as if we are the most religious person. The dichotomy that exist in our lives are not always visible not is it intended but we are forced to be play our roles without even understanding why we do it.

For the last ten years or more, I have been keenly observing and reading local newspapers, any articles that are published in any journals around the world about the Nagas. Except for couple of articles written by Kaka Iralu, Dr. Wati and some others, I am yet to see any academic papers about the Nagas. I agree that many articles have been written about the Naga problem. But guess what, it’s always in favor of one underground group accusing the others or accusing the Indians. The other type of articles that dominate our newspaper are written by religious people who boils everything to moral crisis. Although, moral crises could be one reason, we cannot limit our problem to religion. Infact it is very easy to make analysis from a religious perspective but we must remember that religion is just one aspect of our lives. We cannot always conclude by saying that “we are therefore all sinners and we need to ask forgiveness from God. Therefore we need revival hours”. But how many times do we need to confess and revive ourselves from our sinful ways? If moral crisis is the cause of our problem, don’t you think that Naga society should be doing better since we hold revival hours every year?

I feel that the problems in our society are a result of intellectual bankruptcy. Our problems are symptoms of a changing society. Our society is changing from pre-modern to modern and post modern society. We are facing the tension of ideas, concepts and values. But unless these symptoms are rightfully diagnosed, our society will become complicated, almost like anarchy. As mentioned earlier, we cannot diagnose our problem as a moral problem alone but we need intellectuals and scholars who should be able to diagnose our problem using the right tools and methods, who can comparatively analyze the problem which are historically and theoretically grounded.

IPhD,
University of Missouri-Kansas City