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01/23/2009: "GPRN/NSCN releases rival cadres (Page News Service)"

GPRN/NSCN releases rival cadres (Page News Service)

Dimapur, January 22: In a goodwill gesture and to foster peace and understanding amongst the Nagas, the GPRN/NSCN today released 6 members of NSCN (IM) unconditionally in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and other Civil Societies at a brief function at Khehoi designated camp.
The 6 members of NSCN (IM), Imcha Longkumer, Y S Salem, Hutovi, Aphi, Aren and Kuvei were apprehended by the GPRN/NSCN on December 18 last.
Speaking on the occasion, Kilo Kilonser of GPRN/NSCN, Azheto Chopy said that they are releasing the captives to foster Naga peace, reconciliation and unity and to stop bloodshed. He said that the GPRN/NSCN believes that Naga leaders also think the same.
Chophy said that the captives were released unconditionally and handed over to the Naga Civil Societies, the FNR respecting their vision for peace and reconciliation.
He said that there is no discrimination for any tribe, therefore nobody should focus on negative aspect but have positive attitude to bring about peace and reconciliation.
Convenor of Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Dr Wati Aier said that what happened at Khehoi Camp is to defy the notion of the impossible. "Our attitude towards reconciliation and peace is partial and we think reconciliation and peace cannot be the most sane approach in our context," he said adding, "We make reconciliation and peace difficult, but
such position emerges out of a defeatist mind-set, leading to the conclusion that conflict among us is inevitable."
Dr Wati also expressed gratitude to the GPRN/NSCN for paving the way for reconciliation and peace and said, "It is not impracticable."
Various Civil Societies, including Tangkhul Long, Naga Mothers' Association, Western Sumi Hoho, Naga Women Hoho, Dimapur, Naga Women Union Manipur, Eastern Naga Public Organization (ENPO), Naga Students' Federation (NSF) expressed appreciation and gratitude to the GPRN/NSCN for release the 6 abducted members of NSCN (IM) today.
Taking opportunity, the freed officials of NSCN (IM), Imcha Longkumer and Y S Salem also expressed thanks and gratitude to the GPRN/NSCN for their release from the captivity of 36 days and said that all those days they were kept with great care and warm treatment was given to them. They also said that during the captivity, they came to learn lots of things, which they would be sharing with their colleagues at Hebron.
Meanwhile, a 'declaration' signed by the representatives of the Civil Societies and the detained officials of the NSCN (IM) was read out on the occasion, which stated: "The GPRN/NSCN, in presence of representatives from FNR, Hohos, Women Associations, NSF and Civil Societies hereby release the detained officials of Hebron Camp unconditionally. This decision is taken so that Nagas could come together through genuine reconciliation and unity.
The detained officials are released with all their belongings in tact, in sound mind and health."

A TIME OF RECKONING

Ever since the dawn of revolution in Nagalim, an inextinguishable fire of Nationalism has been burning in the heart of every Naga; the profound desire to liberate our land from all the clutches of foreign rule and to ensure the full measure of happiness for all, based on the principles of equality, liberty and fraternity. But the cost was heavy; we had to pay the prize of freedom. Then, at the height of violence, an agreement to cease all hostilities was entered in 1997 between the Govt. of India and the NSCN, so as to create conducive
atmosphere for political dialogue between the two. Naga Army still honors the commitment we gave 12 years ago and in that spirit, we have come thus far, exercising restraint and overlooking petty incidences of breaching the ground rules by the Indian Army and her agents. However, when our counterpart always reciprocates in the manner to provoke and push us to the corner, taking due advantage of ceasefire agreement, it becomes imperative to question the purpose and the very existence of such agreement.
The episodes of intimidation in Phek, Hebron and now Ukhrul are nothing but a direct challenge to the validity of ceasefire agreement. History has it that the 1st ceasefire agreement became almost non-existent after the break down of political talks in 1966 and
eventually, India unilaterally abrogated it in 1972. Is the history of betrayal repeating again? It is an irony that a Para military force such as the notorious Assam Rifles should dare to defy the commitment given at the Prime Minister's level. The vibrant question therefore that rings across the sub-continent is: Can India be trusted?

To friends and foes, let it be known that we are not a spent force yet. Should the present peace talks break down and should we go back to square one, we will take the challenge. The resurgence of armed conflict could be even more fatal than before; but our spirit can
never be crushed. We reiterate our firm commitment to the cause of our Nation. On the other hand, should a solution arrive; Nagalim shall still need her Army for her defense. Therefore, for both ways, Naga Army must prevail.

Sd/-
Col. Levi Zimik
PRO/IPR Naga Army.

Manhunt to arrest jawan in Manipur, 0258 hrs IST, TNN
IMPHAL: Security personnel have launched a search for an Assam Rifles jawan who shot dead six of his colleagues in Manupur's Ukhrul district on

Wednesday evening.

Sheneyi Medio of Assam Rifles's 17th battalion fled with an AK-47 rifle and some ammunition after he gunned down his colleagues at Awang Kasom, a remote village post in the Chingai subdivision. The absconding jawan belongs to Nagaland.

Awang Kasom is situated close to Siroy village, which has been witnessing a stand-off between Assam Rifles and NSCN (I-M) since Sunday. The country's oldest paramilitary force has laid siege to an NSCN (I-M) camp saying it is been set up in violation of the Centre-NSCN (I-M) ceasefire which is applicable only to Nagaland.

Assam Rifles officials, however, ruled out any links between the killings and the stand-off. "We have begun a massive manhunt in the jungles of the Chingai division and beyond to arrest Medio,'' Assam Rifles spokesman Maj. Shamsher Jung said.

"We have also ordered a court of inquiry into the killings,'' Maj. Jung said. The inquiry will take place at the battalion's headquarters in Ukhrul.

The victims were identified as naib-subedar Baldev Singh, havildar Samsujama and riflemen W Islam, Biswas Singh, Vikas Kumar and Nitish Kumar.

Maj. Jung said Medio fired at his colleagues indiscriminately and ran away with his service weapon. "The reason for the firing will be known only after the inquiry.''

A source said Medio gunned down naib-subedar Baldev Singh after a heated argument. He then turned his gun on the other five jawans when they tried to overpower him, he added.

Ukhrul SP Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said a case had been registered and investigation was on. The bodies of the jawans were sent to the Ukhrul Ditrict Hospital for autopsy.
Goodwill Strengthens Naga Reconciliation
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morungexpress January 23, 2009 10:19:00

Members of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Naga civil society organizations along with the released cadres of the NSCN (IM), stand outside the CHQ Church of Kehoi Camp. The GPRN/NSCN today released six NSCN (IM) cadres ‘unconditionally’ in the interest of genuine Naga reconciliation. (Morung Photos)
Dimapur : In a significant gesture seen as a token of seriousness and sincere commitment to the Naga reconciliation process, the “GPRN/NSCN” in a goodwill gesture today “unconditionally” released six NSCN (IM) functionaries who were earlier held captive by the former. Befitting to the gesture, the NSCN (IM) reciprocated with a hope-giving and heartening response of gratitude to the “GPRN/NSCN.”
The six NSCN (IM) members, earlier detained at its rivals’ designated camp at Kehoi for more than a month, were released in the presence of representatives of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and Naga civil society organizations.
Speaking at the release “function”, “GPRN/NSCN” kilo kilonser Azheto Chophy maintained that Kehoi camp does not belong to the NSCN (K) or the NSCN (IM) or any other faction. Rather, he asserted, ‘it was built as a place for Naga reconciliation, peace and unity’. Azheto also affirmed against discrimination of any Naga tribe as all Naga tribes are equal.
Peace and reconciliation are the desires of all Naga leaders and also of ‘Jehovah’, he said. “And what Nagas want, we must do and stop bloodshed” he emphasized. Handing over the captives to the members of Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Azheto appealed to civil society to pray that Nagas would one day find peace.
MIP kilonser, Alezo, also assured the gathering that the “GPRN/NSCN” had ‘no hidden agenda’ but that it wanted to ‘show their earnestness through action and not by shouting’. “This is not our weakness but our strength” he declared adding that the Nagas want a bright future and “enough is enough”.
On behalf of the released captives, Imcha Longkumer, “MIP secretary” of the NSCN (IM), expressed deep gratitude to the “GPRN/NSCN” for their “unconditional release” and also to the members of the reconciliation forum for their tireless effort in obtaining their freedom.
Longkumer, along with Tatar Hutovi were in confinement for 37 days. He testified that the captives were all treated very well during the entire time of their captivity and also assured to convey all the ‘good things’ they had heard and seen during their ‘stay’ at Kehoi.
“GPRN/NSCN” releases cadres; NSCN (IM) grateful Chairperson of National Socialist Women Organization of Nagalim (NSWON), YS Salem also assured the gathered civil society organizations that they had been treated well and nothing ‘bad’ happened during the 35 days of her confinement.
The 53 years old functionary, who is in her 29th year of “national service”, also wondered why it is ‘so difficult for Nagas to get together’. She assured the gathering that ‘from now on, wherever they might be, they would strive for the common good’.
Describing the occasion at Kehoi camp as an act in “defiance of the notion of the impossible”, convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said the people’s attitude towards reconciliation and peace had been limited so far. “We think reconciliation and peace cannot be the sane approach in our context. We make reconciliation and peace difficult” he lamented. “Our problems are created by us. And therefore these can be solved by us”, he reminded. Through God and the people’s reason and right spirit, Nagas can solve the seemingly unsolvable problems, the convener said and conveyed gratitude to the “GPRN/NSCN” on behalf of the forum for paving that way for reconciliation and peace. Nagas are looking at the events and drawing hope from it, he added.
On receiving news of the release of its functionaries from Kehoi camp, the NSCN (IM) arranged a small prayer program at its CHQ church in Hebron to welcome its comrades. Steering Committee Convener and kilo kilonser conveyed gratitude to the “GPRN/NSCN” for the unconditional release of the activists. Forum for Naga Reconciliation Convener, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier read the same message he had earlier read at Kehoi camp while members of Naga civil society organizations also spoke at the prayer. The brief function was concluded with a mass prayer for the officials from Hebron who finally returned home safely.
Representatives of other Naga civil society organizations also spoke at the occasion, conveying gratitude for the gesture of releasing the NSCN (IM) functionaries unconditionally and expressing hope that this act would lead to greater understanding among the Naga groups. Some of those who spoke at the occasion were representatives of the Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Women Hoho of Dimapur, Naga Students’ Federation, Ao Union of Dimapur, Naga Women Hoho of Manipur, Sumi Totomi Hoho, , Tangkhul Hoho of Dimapur, Western Sumi Hoho, Eastern Naga People’s Organization, and DBs & GBs Joint Forum.
DECLARATION

The GPRN/NSCN, in presence of representatives from FNR, Hohos, women associations, NSF, and civil societies, hereby, releases the detained officials of Hebron camp unconditionally. This decision is taken so that Nagas could come together through genuine reconciliation and unity. The detained officials are released with all their belongings intact, in sound mind and health.

DETAINED OFFICIALS: 1. Imcha Longkumer, 2. Y.S.Salem, 3. Hutovi, 4. Aphi, 5. Aren, 6. Kuvei

REPRESENTATIVES OF CIVIL SOCIETIES
1. GBs & DBs, 2. Naga Women Union, Manipur, 3.Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, 4.Naga Mothers Association, 5. Ao Union, Dimapur, 6. Tangkhul Long representative, 7. Western Sumi Hoho, 8. Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organization, 9. Naga Students Federation, 10. Forum for Naga Reconciliation
Revenge as a motive for fragging - ‘Community sense’ could have led the Naga jawan to pick up the gun and kill six of his colleagues The Telegraph
A jawan committing suicide or killing their seniors and colleagues for their unfulfilled or unmet demands is becoming an alarming phenomenon in the security apparatus of India.
Experts cite various socio-psychological factors for such killings. Work pressure, separation from family members and the nature of duty in far-flung areas are considered some of the main factors responsible for such acts.
However, the killing of six Assam Rifle jawans by one of their colleagues in Ukhrul district in Manipur does not look like a typical case of an overburdened jawan taking revenge on his seniors.
The person who took six lives of his colleagues is a Naga jawan.
The incident cannot be seen in isolation. For the past three days, in Siroy village — an area east of Ukhrul — Assam Rifles jawans have been laying siege to a camp where several National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) militants are holed up. The militants have been accused of violating ceasefire rules, as no NSCM (I-M) designated camp can be set up in Manipur.
The Assam Rifles forces want to capture them by force. But the women of Siroy have stepped in to ensure a peaceful settlement, making a confrontation a difficult task for the forces.
Ukhrul is the epicentre of the fight for an independent Nagalim (Greater Nagaland). That is probably why the NSCN (I-M) decided to use Ukhrul (where its leader Thuingaleng Muivah was born) as a base to collect funds and recruit cadres.
Since 1993, Ukhrul has been the pivotal point for the outfit and it has confronted the security forces and other smaller ethnic groups here for its supremacy and dominance.
The government, on the other hand, uses all diabolical tactics by encouraging the smaller outfits to fight against the NSCN (I-M).
Another trend in the state’s security apparatus is to recruit tribal people from the northeastern states in the various security agencies, including the army and paramilitary forces.
There are innumerable families in the region where one member of the family is a jawan in the security forces and the other is a member of a rebel group.
Nagas are a conglomerate of tribes who are immensely proud of their history, customs and way of life, the internal differences among tribes notwithstanding!
Over a period of time, India has been successful in engaging a substantial number of Nagas in administrative jobs in the government and other security agencies. Although, the appeal for “Naga independence” is losing ground, that did not succeed in snapping their ties with their culture, tradition and “Naga nationhood”.
As such, the Naga jawan who committed the crime must have been sufficiently provoked by a “community sense”. He must have thought that the presence of the Assam Rifles in the epicentre of Naga identity, Ukhrul, must be brought to an end.
It could be a symbolic act of “revenge” where the victims were identified as the “perpetrators of Indian domination”.
In addition, Assam Rifles are viewed by the local tribal people in Manipur and Nagaland as the symbol of oppression and domination.
However, this is a probable analysis of the “psyche” of a Naga jawan unless proved wrong by other “psychiatric” investigation.
Such a ghastly incident leaves a lot of issues to be pondered on. Apart from the resolution of the core Naga issue, the security agencies need to take psychological counselling for the jawans more seriously. Be more humane. It is now time to attend to their needs.
Jawans can’t be seen in isolation from the rest of community.
The author is co-ordinator of Peace and Conflict Studies, Gauhati Universit