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01/27/2009: "Shiroi Impasse Infuse Tension morungexpress"


Shiroi Impasse Infuse Tension morungexpress

Dimapur : Even as the 72-hour deadline for the Assam Rifles troops and NSCN (IM) cadres to withdraw from Shiroi village came to an end on Monday evening, the stand-off was reportedly persisting as both the parties refused to vacate the areas until their “terms” are met accordingly. Sources from Shiroi village said the Assam Rifles are staying put in the village saying the troops would be withdrawn only after the NSCN (IM) armed cadres leave the village, whereas the latter are willing to budge only if “another designated camp” elsewhere is accepted.
Both the parties had earlier agreed to withdraw from the area after a three-day stand-off from the village, which prompted the women from the village and surrounding areas to step in and keep up a 24-hour long vigil and avert any untoward incident. Till late on Monday evening, activists from different groups are said to be camping at Shiroi. “They (women) are still continuing with their day-night vigil. This is likely to go on until the situation is totally peaceful,” a student leader, camping in the village, said over telephone.
Since the stand-off began with the Naga outfits, the Assam Riffles has deployed troops drawn from 17 and 23 ARs battalions. “There are about 500 ARs personnel in the area. There is no sign of withdrawal from them till this evening,” said the villagers. According to reliable sources, there are about 20 NSCN (IM) cadres reported to be inside the “disputed camp.”
Sources today said that the Assam Rifles are still in cordoning off the area while the NSCN (IM) cadres are still sticking to their positions. The Assam Rifles are said to have deployed about 700 troopers with heavy arms and ammunitions. Sources quoted Assam Rifles CO Dharmesh Yadav refusing to comment over the expiry of the deadline. Over a query about the use of ‘electrified barb wire’ by the AR around the NSCN (IM) camp as claimed by a Human Rights organization, he denied of such use. However, local sources said that the AR has laid barbed wires around the entire vicinity of the camp. Access to the perimeter of the camp is restricted to all beyond the first AR bunker. Even photos taken by media persons within the permitted perimeter are scanned by CO himself, it was informed.
72 Hrs dateline ends; stand-off still on AR troopers were seen positioned at the first bunker, which used to be the ‘bunker-1’ of the NSCN (IM) cadres before the standoff began. Heavy AR reinforcements have been reported during the last 48 hours, in addition to nearly 500 AR personnel already stationed in the village. On the other hand, the NSCN (IM) cadres are believed to be numbering around 20 and still holed-up inside the camp, cut off from any supply for the last 7 days. Water, food, electricity supply has been disconnected since January 20. They are believed to be manning three bunkers with heavy weaponry.
Sources said the village looks very deserted, with very little sign of life around this otherwise bustling scenic village. Only scenes replete with AR men in full uniform and weaponry are noticed at every pocket of the village. Except for few children and women attending to their daily chores, only few men were seen moving around the village – reasons largely attributed to the fear of a possible showdown. It has been reported that since the impasse ensued, most of the villagers have not attended to their paddy field works, hampering economy. No instance of intimidation by the AR has been reported so far. However, as one local stated, “the huge concentration of the Indian Army in the village vicinity has not only deprived privacy but has also created fear psychosis in the minds of the local population, especially the children”.
To prevent both the parties from confrontation, and also to facilitate peaceful withdrawal, a large number of womenfolk have been camping here near the first bunker since the stand-off began on January 19.
Civil society takes to protest
Dimapur : The continuing standoff between the Assam Rifles and NSCN (IM) in Shiroi village in Manipur has created exigencies leading to civil initiatives. An indefinite sit-in protest has been started in Shiroi village in Manipur, against what was stated to be the “siege of Shirui village by Assam Rifles”. Relatively, the village has shot off a letter to the Manipur State Human Rights’ Commission calling for intervention.
A ‘coordination committee for Shirui Siege’ has been formed, consisting of various frontal organizations, faith-based organizations, NGOs, representatives of Shirui village and social activists. The chief objective of the committee is ‘to protect and promote’ the rights of Shirui villagers ‘whose human rights are being violated in the siege of Shirui village by the Assam Rifles’, the committee said in a statement today. The indefinite sit-in started stared around 7 AM on January 26 and is said to be indefinite until the Assam Rifles withdraw from the village.
The committee has demanded immediate withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Shirui village and that the civil authorities of Ukhrul district immediately look into the situation and take all necessary actions to protect the rights of the villagers. “The situation has created immense suffering and hardships for the denizens of Shirui village. The constant presence of security forces has resulted in the violation of basic fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the country, including the right to live with dignity, the freedom of movement, the right to privacy and personal security, the right to livelihood, and the right to property etcetera” the committee informed. The impasse has also affected the economic well being of the villagers with all of them unable to take up any economic activity, it added.
Also, the Shiroi village authority has written to the Manipur State Human Rights Commission calling for immediate intervention. The village authority highlighted the situation to the commission and said that it demands active action of the state. ‘There is no guarantee in the war-like situation to secure the life and liberty of Shirei village enshrined in the Constitution of India;it is a veritable threat to be redressed in time. To secure the life of innocent children, they have been evacuated from Shirei village to safer place and are taking shelter in the neighboring village for the last few days’, the commission was told.
The village also said that both the parties ‘seem to have resolved amicably to end the crisis without bloodshed’ but the matter is “hovering around with utter confusion in the minds the parties involved in the interpretation of the terms of agreement in their own convenient language has compounded the problem”.
The commission was told that the only remedy and last option available to the villagers is to vacate to safer places till the crisis is over. However, this will entail tremendous hardship, suffering and financial losses “to overcome man-made catastrophe” the letter stated. Shiroi reminded that the situation demanded the State’s action to protect and ensure right to life and liberty of the citizens. The matter is serious as it involves the duty of the state to security to life and property of the citizens and so there should be no delay, it added.
Meanwhile the NSCN (IM) has expressed appreciation of the role played by womenfolk in the Shiroi situation. “Despite the chilly winter night the women of the villages like Hundung, Choithar, Langdang, Nungbi and from the Ukhrul town stay put in the camp area to face the war-like situation. They have one object in mind, and that is, peace should prevail” the MIP note stated. “They know that political settlement through negotiation is the only way out and military confrontation they abhorred. Their emotional and physical involvement in such manner certainly saved the day from going bloody” the outfit acknowledged. “With the government of India showing different colors in different occasions not doing enough to rein in the AR the Nagas are passing through a critical period where the nerve of the NSCN is being put to greatest test. But the culprits shall be AR and not NA (Naga army)” it added.


PRESS RELEASE
25th January 2009
A “Coordination Committee on Shirui Siege” was formed today at Ukhrul consisting of various frontal organizations (Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Tangkhul Leihsak Long, etcetera), faith based organizations, NGOs, representatives of Shirui Village, and social activists. The chief objective of the Committee is to protect and promote the rights of Shirui villagers whose human rights are being violated in the siege of Shirui village by the Assam Rifles.
It is worth recalling that the Assam Rifles laid siege to Shirui village from the morning of 18th January to force out NSCN (IM) cadres stationed in a camp located in the vicinity of the village. The situation became very grim with the Assam Rifles fencing the camp with electrified barbwires. Women from Shirui village and other neighboring villages were forced to intervene by keeping a continuous vigil of the area to prevent any untoward incidents and to avoid bloodshed. On 23rd January, the situation reportedly improved (as reported in many dailies and newspapers) after a meeting between the NSCN (IM) and the Assam Rifles. It was reported that both sides will withdraw from the site within 72 hours. However, a visit to the site tells a different story with the Assam Rifles still cordoning off the area and the NSCN (IM) still holed up inside their camp. Meanwhile, the 72 hours continue to tick away with no signs of either side keeping to their agreement.
The situation has created immense suffering and hardships for the denizens of Shirui village. The constant presence of security forces has resulted in the violation of basic fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the country, including the right to live with dignity, the freedom of movement, the right to privacy and personal security, the right to livelihood, and the right to property etcetera. The situation has also affected the economic well being of the villagers with all of them unable to take up any economic activity such as farming or selling of cash crops.
The focus on the impasse by the media and other such agencies ignores an essential element of the story: that of innocent villagers caught between the crosshair of the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM).
Shirui village bears a deserted atmosphere. There is no sight or sound of children, and men from the village prefer to stay indoors for fear of personal harm. Meanwhile, women from the village and other places continue to keep their vigil to prevent a confrontation between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM). It should be noted that as of the writing of this press release, the vigil has entered its 7th day.
The Coordination Committee on Shirui demands the immediate withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Shirui Village in the interest of the peaceful settlement of the situation. Further, the Committee demands the civil authorities of Ukhrul District to immediately look into the situation and take all necessary actions to protect and promote the rights of Shirui villagers. The Committee also calls upon all right thinking individuals, public organizations, and civil societies from all sections of the society to actively advocate for and condemn the rights violations of the innocent villagers.
The Committee further states that an “Indefinite Sit in Protest Against the Siege of Shirui Village by Assam Rifles” will start from 7 AM tomorrow, the 26th January, 2009 at Ukhrul until the withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from the village.

Sd/- Alung Rungsung for
Media and Documentation Wing,
Co-ordination Committee on Shirui.

Contact: +91-9436683066
+91-9436341677

UCM on warpath over Siroy OUR CORRESPONDENT
Imphal, Jan. 25: The United Committee, Manipur (UCM), today warned of an agitation if the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) camps in the state were not dismantled and also slammed New Delhi and the state government for “cheating” the people.
“We have been demanding that no NSCN (I-M) camp be allowed to open in Manipur, as the ceasefire is confined to only Nagaland. The opening of designated camps in Manipur is a violation of ground rules. We demand that all the camps be evicted without any delay,” said K. Langamba, the president of the committee.
The committee’s warning comes after an Assam Rifles statement yesterday that three designated camps of the NSCN (I-M) were existing in Manipur with the knowledge of the state government.
“There are three camps in Manipur for the NSCN (I-M), taken note of by the government (Centre and state). These are situated at Bonning in Senapati, Ooklong in Tamenglong and Phungchong in Chandel districts. The movement of armed cadres is not permitted in any other area,” the Assam Rifles public relations office said yesterday.
The committee is spearheading the campaign against breaking up Manipur after a demand by the NSCN (I-M) for the unification of all Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative unit.
It headed an uprising on June 18, 2001, against the extension of the ceasefire with the NSCN without any limit. Eighteen people lost their lives in the uprising.
Manipur’s Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong districts, dominated by Nagas, are included in the NSCN (I-M)’s map of greater Nagaland.
The Assam Rifles issued the statement to justify the eviction of a group of NSCN (I-M) cadres who were holed up in a camp in Siroy village in Ukhrul district.
The troops had surrounded the camp on January 19 and asked the cadres to lay down arms. The cadres were given time till tomorrow afternoon to vacate the area after they sought “safe passage”.
The troops continued to be in position around the Siroy camp and there was no report of an evacuation till today.
The committee also set up a monitoring board to look into the illegal tax collection by militant groups, which have signed a suspension of operations agreement with the government.
Manipur police contradicted the claim by the Assam Rifles.
A home department official source said the state government had no knowledge of the camps in Manipur.
“As far as our knowledge goes the ceasefire is applicable only in Nagaland and no designated camp exists in Manipur. Since the Assam Rifles has made a claim, we will inquire into the matter. No NSCN (I-M) camp can exist in the state,” the source said.
Naga Reconciliation turns to People Power morungexpress
Dimapur : The quest for Naga reconciliation as initiated and led by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation has reached a turning point with the forum’s members undertaking the arduous task of traveling to various districts to solicit response, advice and feedback of the public.
A five-member team of the forum led by its convener Rev. Dr. Wati Aier and including Rev. Pughoto Aye, Toshi Wungtung, Dr. N Venuh and Nepuni Piku visited Wokha and Mokokchung January 24 and 25th respectively. Separate meetings with apex tribal bodies, student and women leaders of the two districts were held. Public leaders, elders and women of both the Ao and Kyong tribes raised several questions and debated on issues pertaining to the Naga movement and reconciliation.
However, at the end on the day, the forum gained the trust and confidence of the people of the two districts. While extending fullest support to the reconciliation process, Kyong Hoho president Yansethung Jami summed up the opinion of the Kyongs on reconciliation: Nagas are one and that there should be only one Naga “government”. Similarly, outgoing Ao Senden president Temjenkaba who presided over the Mokokchung meeting requested the forum to design a “broad political framework” and present it to the various Naga underground groups.
Both the apex women bodies of the Kyongs (Kyong Eloe Hoho) and Aos (Watsu Mundang) also assured to continually pray for success of the reconciliation movement and that the endeavor of the forum would not go in vain.
In both the meetings, the forum members highlighted its objectives and the importance of people’s involvement in the reconciliation process. “The Naga issue is like a jigsaw puzzle; even a small piece is needed to complete the whole. Likewise everybody’s contribution is needed. Your wisdom, moral and spiritual support towards the reconciliation process is a must,” said Rev. Dr. Wati Aier.
Rev. Wati said the reconciliation move was based on the “historical and political rights of the Nagas” as well as from the Christian perspective. Assuring that there were no strings attached, he said reconciliation did not mean “unification or merger” and that it has no windows or doors.
He further clarified that the role of forum was limited to facilitating the reconciliation process. “Our aim is not to get involved or entangled with status of solution. That is up to the public and national workers. After reconciliation process, political nomenclature will come in which Forum for Naga Reconciliation will not have any role,” the forum’s convener said.
Also, Rev. Pughoto Aye said the Naga public is the ultimate authority to decide on reconciliation, while Toshi Wungtung said the protraction of the Naga issue was destroying the Nagas and that reconciliation was the key to “unlock the difficulties” to Naga unity and solution. “We have to be honest and sincere ourselves while facilitating underground groups to come together,” Dr. Venuh added.
Public leaders and elders of Wokha raised several issues and there was an exchange of ideas among the forum members and public. Nepuni Piku thanked the public for sharing their views and offering valuable insights and suggestions to forum. On January 26 at Mokokchung town, Rev. Wati Aier and Rev. Pughoto Aye also addressed the congregation of Ao Baptist and Sumi Baptist Church respectively.

Naga convention on Feb 21-22

In what could be described as another milestone in Naga history, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation along with the support of apex tribal bodies, has convened a ‘Naga Convention for Reconciliation and Peace’ with the theme “Let my people go” scheduled for February 21 and the 22nd at Kohima.
The forum’s members said, besides representatives from all Naga tribes, the meeting will also be attended various Naga civil society organizations. For convenience of the public, the convention is likely to be conducted in both Nagamese and English.


Some questions and views raised by public leaders
• The task of Reconciliation is a revelation from God and therefore should not be taken lightly
• Political talks should have resumed after the deadlock in 1967 instead of signing the Shillong Accord in 1975.
• NPC made a mistake by bringing statehood instead of ushering in understanding between the “underground” and “overground”.
• Without knowing the hearts of the Naga factions, if we try to bring about solution it will not work.
• It is the outside elements (‘third force’) which is destroying the Naga reconciliation cause.
• Are Naga factions ready to forgive and work for the common cause?
• Khalistan movement perished because of lack of public support. Make the Naga factional leaders realize this fact.
• Why have the factions abandoned the old ways of patriotism?
• Are the people now joining the Naga movement to build big buildings and own two-three vehicles?
• Naga public is confused: One cause but too many factions/groups.

“GPRN/NSCN” clarifies on vehicle theft morungexpress
Dimapur, January 25 (MExN): The “GPRN/NSCN” has clarified on a news item published today in some local dailies, about a vehicle theft involving uniformed personnel from Dimapur. A note from the outfit’s “Dimapur town command” stated that on January 22, a complaint was lodged with “Dimapur town command” about a vehicle theft ‘around Purana Bazaar’. “On hearing the detailed information, our cadres went to nab the culprits, who had stolen the Wagon-R (NL07 5805). When our cadres chased the culprits, they left the vehicle near Purana Bazaar and fled. Our cadres then pushed the vehicle near Ghokiho Jakhalu, SI, Home Guard’s house and went in search of the culprits”, the press note maintained. As such, the note stated, the involvement of SI Ghokiho Jakhalu and Khatwang Konyak in the vehicle theft does not arise, “for Dimapur town command GPRN/NSCN was responsible for the story behind the vehicle theft incident”.
NSCN hails women’s role in defusing stand-off Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, JAN26 [EMN] : The MIP/GPRN has lauded the positive peace initiatives spearheaded by the women organisations led by Tangkhul Women Organisation (TSL) in the wake of a war-like situation created at Shiro by Assam Rifles sending out alarming wrong signals.


The Tangkhul civil societies, particularly the women groups from Hundung, Choithar, Langdang and Nungbi villages including the Ukhrul town sensing the possibility of hard earned ceasefire been put to jeopardy by Assam Rifles formed human chain through-out the night braving the midnight chill with a view to insure that guns don’t boom, a press statement issued by MIP/GPRN stated. It has also welcomed the onus taken by women to defuse the situation and bringing about peace between the NSCN and the AR, it added. Commenting on the peace initiative, the MIP/GPRN has further lauded the under standing of women that, ‘political settlement could be brought only through negotiation and not military confrontation.’

Crediting the women for saving bloody confrontation, the NSCN has flayed the unwarranted confrontationist approach adopted by AR to forcefully evict the cadres. While, clarifying that the NSCN has not been on the wrong, it has expressed angst against the GoI for showing different colors and not doing enough to reign in the AR. ‘The nerve of the NSCN has been put to greatest test, but the culprits will be AR and not the NSCN/GPRN’, it maintained. In a separate release, the National Socialist Women Organization of Nagalim (NSWON) has expressed its gratitude to all Naga Civil Societies, particularly the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, for making a sustained effort to free its chairperson Salem and her assistant Aphy from K-group without any harm.



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