02/01/2009: "Isak says Dialogue, not Might, for Solution morungexpress"

Isak says Dialogue, not Might, for Solution morungexpress

Dimapur : The chairman of the NSCN (IM) today said to have asserted that “we rule out violent means” and rather, dialogue should be engaged to solving issues. The statement comes in the wake of yesterday’s reported statement of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram expressing reservations on the “unending ceasefire” with the outfit and that it has “gone on for too long”. According to a copy of Isak Chishi Swu’s speech on the outfit’s “raising day”, received here, he also condemned “any attempt at settlement of the issue through military might”. This approach has proved a futile exercise, he said. “This is the era of democracy and we are committed to settlement of all human problems through dialogue based on mutual respect, understanding and recognition of rights. We also believe that there is no problem, which we cannot solve through discussions” Swu’s speech said.
The outfit’s chairman also observed that “whether the Naga people want to join the Union of India or that of Myanmar or be free, it is their divine right to decide it by themselves”. “In the matter of approach to the confronting problem, NSCN is deeply committed to political solution and we will continue to do so” Swu stated. Saying that “we” are not “begging freedom from India or Myanmar or for that matter from any others”, Swu asserted that the freedom of a people “is inbuilt and it is our inherent right” and “we are not asking territory from any other states”.
The NSCN (IM) leader said “we have our own territory inherited from our fathers” and the “good Lord has created the earth for all, big or small and even the smallest animal and nation have their own share in it”. He expressed belief in what he called the ‘inter-dependent relationship’ of people and nations in as much as everything on earth “is inter-related and nothing stands in isolation”. The NSCN (IM) leader said “we” do not “nourish enmity towards any of our neighbors particularly India and Myanmar”. Rather, he claimed, “we have been good neighbors” from time immemorial and “we will continue to maintain that spirit”.
‘AR manipulating information on Shiroi siege’ morungexpress
Dimapur, January 31 (MExN): Even as the standoff between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM) in Shiroi entered its thirteenth day since the siege of Shirui village by the Assam Rifles began, the Tangkhul Coordination Committee on Shirui Siege alleged that there are reports of widespread manipulation of information form the Assam Rifles and that the freedom of the press has been curtailed by the AR.
A press release issued by the Media and Documentation Wing of the Tangkhul Coordination Committee on Shirui Siege alleged that the Assam Rifles are documenting their activities selectively while not allowing others to do the same.
“There are reports of widespread manipulation of information from the Assam Rifles. While the freedom of the press has been curtailed by the Assam Rifles through their denial of access to the site to several pressmen, the Assam Rifles, through their PRO, have used the siege to present a clean image of themselves,” the release stated. In this connection, the Committee asserted that this is in violation of all known ideals of the exercise of free expression and the freedom of the press.
“If the Assam Rifles have nothing to hide, the Committee challenges the Assam Rifles to allow pressmen and others to have access to the site so that an unbiased story can be told,” the committee stated.
Besides, the Committee also stated that in the continued wake of the siege, the human rights of many individuals, recognized and affirmed through international treaties and conventions to which India is a signatory, have been infringed and violated.
In this connection, the release stated that a medical team deputed by the Deputy Commissioner to examine the physical condition of NSCN cadres was refused access outright by the Assam Rifles.
“India is a party to the Geneva Convention which stipulates clearly that medical care and facilities has to be provided to all. At the same time, the Committee acknowledges the efforts of the district administration in this regard,” the Committee stated.
The release also stated that the Committee members saw the Assam Rifles personnel using the main drinking water tank for washing their clothes and utensils. The same tank is a supply point for all the drinking water in Ukhrul town and neighboring villages.
“Such unhygienic practice, besides being a serious matter of health concerns, violates the right to safe drinking, and should be stopped outright,” the release stated and added that the Committee members also saw that the water line to the NSCN camp is shared by many villagers who live below the campsite. The cutting of the pipeline, besides depriving the NSCN cadres to drinking water which is against all principles of civilized behavior, violates the rights of the villagers who depend on the pipeline, the release stated.
In this connection, the Committee asserted that the chances of human error in judgement can be quite high in such a situation like the Shiroi siege which has entered the 13th day.
Further, the Committee affirmed that the problems faced by the villagers presently and which they will face in the future are escalating. “The Committee fixes the responsibility of any hardships faced by the villagers on the government solely. The Committee further states that in the eventuality of the siege spiraling out of control, the Committee will hold the government responsible and that any adverse reaction from the public will be held against the government,” the release stated.
Nonetheless, the Committee acknowledged the commendable role of the women who have been keeping a vigil at the site.
“Without their restraining presence, the likelihood of an armed confrontation between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN occurring is very high,” the Committee stated and at the same time thanked all those who have taken initiatives in resolving the siege, especially civil societies and communities from other parts of Manipur and Nagaland who have visited the site and given moral boost to all those who have been working for a peaceful resolution of the siege.
The Committee also commended the restrain shown by all parties in maintaining and following the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM). In this regard, the Committee urged the DIG, 17th Assam Rifles and the “CAO, Wung Tangkhul Region” to continue exercising the same restrain and that they should do everything within their power to resolve the issue immediately through peaceful means.
Union HM’s doubts irk hoho (MExN):
Dimapur, January 31 The statement of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram expressing reservations over the “far too long” ceasefire is noted with concern by the Tangkhul Hoho of Nagaland. Rather, the Hoho blamed the GoI’s “lack of sincerity and political will”. “The Tangkhul Hoho Nagaland is also surprised and taken a back the statement of P. Chidambaram, Union Home Minister who categorically stated to end the impasse with Naga militants on the ground that it had gone on far too long” the hoho today said in a response.
It opined that it would be unwise on the part of the GOI to end the present ceasefire without “any tangible result on the flimsy ground of blaming to NSCN, while they have given free hands in dealing with the Naga outfits”. “While we fully subscribe that the matter to resolve the Naga issue has taken too long, Hoho feels that it is due to lack of sincerity and political will in the matter by the GOL Therefore, to end the present cease fire on the ground of the present stand off cannot be a wise solution” the hoho stated.
Also, over the standoff between Assam Rifles troops and NSCN (IM) cadres in Shiroi in Manipur, the Tangkhul Hoho Nagaland appealed to both “to maintain utmost restrain and try to sort-out the differences in just and equitable manner”. This should be so, taking into account the views of various civil organizations so that the present peace talk is not jeopardized, it added.
DoNER Minister alleges corruption in DAN govt morungexpress
Mani Shanker Aiyer, Union Minister of DONER and Panchayati Raj, arrives to address the first Nagaland State Convention of Sri. Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Sangathan at Dimapur on Saturday, January 31. (Caisii Mao/Photo)

Dimapur : State Congress leaders including eight sitting MLAs were literally caught off guard when Union Minister for Development of North East Region (DoNER) Mani Shankar Aiyar took them to task for reportedly not raising their voice against the alleged corruption and injustices of the NPF-led DAN Government.
In a thinly-veiled statement in front of hundreds of party workers, Aiyar suggested that the opposition Congress in the state had failed to live up to the stature of an active and vibrant opposition by being silent on the activities of the state government. The minister was addressing the first Nagaland state convention of Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan (RGPRS) here at Dimapur Town Hall right after his arrival in Dimapur, Saturday afternoon.
Stating that the Centre had been generous enough to the small state (Nagaland), the DoNER minister who is also the chairman of North Eastern Council (NEC) disclosed that NEC had sanctioned nearly 650 crore while DoNER ministry approved ninety nine projects in Nagaland over the last ten years.
He said the Congress in Nagaland has to pose three questions to the government - How the money had been used, How much money was given to the underground groups and how much was spend on development. And, he advised to ask, why the sanctioned money had not been fully spent. The Congress has also to question whether there was any nexus between the DAN government and the “extremists.”
“The number of substantiated complaints against Rio’s government by the State Congress is very few. There are many instances of the State government discriminating Congress party in Nagaland, but not enough instance of Congress bringing the matter to me,” Aiyar said. Among the State Congress leaders who shared the dais with the Union Minister included sitting MLAs Chinwang Konyak (CLP leader), Sentichuba, H Chuba, Tokheho Yepthomi, Kheto Kinimi, SI Jamir, Apok Jamir and Hewoto and former legislators K Therie and Yankithung
The senior Congress leader also made a passing reference to the State’s lone Lok Sabha MP, Wangyuh Konyak, saying that apart from his role during the trust vote on Indo-US nuclear deal where he voted in favour of the UPA Government, there was no occasion in which Wangyuh approached Aiyar with regard to development projects for Nagaland.
On the other hand, the DoNER Minister clarified that it was his duty as a central minister to cooperate with state governments, irrespective of whether they were Congress government or not. “I have done my job…I’ve one ear for Rio, one for Pusa (NPCC president). However, Rio does all the talking, Pusa none,” he added. However, Aiyar said the MLAs were not to be blamed entirely. “It is in every block, village, town and district that something is going wrong. It is the people to inform Congress MLAs,” he said.
Turning attention to the coming general election, Aiyar said he was optimistic of an all-Congress government or, at the least, a Congress-led coalition government at the Centre.
Maintaining that it was very crucial that the Congress should bag the State’s lone Lok Sabha, Aiyar said, “if we are going to block Rio’s dominance in the next four years, the only way is to have a Congress MP from Nagaland.” He further said that after SC Jamir, a new generation leadership was needed to lead Congress in the State.
With the general election less than three months away, the launching of RGPRS is seen as an attempt of the State Congress to firm up its organisation at the grassroots level.

SHIRUI: Pressure mounts on Centre
STANDOFF CONTINUES, NSCN-IM SAYS AMICABLE SOLUTION BEING WORKED OUT
Our Bureau DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, Eastern Mirror

The Central Home Ministry continues to face pressure to withdraw the 17 Assam Rifles from tension-rife Shirui in Ukhrul district of Manipur even as the victimised villagers consider the option of fleeing their hamlet if the two confronting parties refuse to move out.
The NSCN-AR standoff at Shiriu persisted today, the 12th day since it began, with both parties adamant on holding their ground. But there was a faint ray of hope as water supply to the NSCN-IM camp was restored for a brief period while a top NSCN-IM functionary informed that an amicable solution is being worked out.
Gen (Retd) VS Atem of NSCN-IM, on being contacted said both parties are trying to work out an amicable solution soon to end the siege through monitoring mechanism. “Both parties have maintained restrain so far. We are hoping it’ll end soon,” he said.
“We have stopped our daily economic activities for 12 days now. Our patience is running out. We can no longer bear it,” Shirui headman Wungchanngam told Eastern Mirror over phone. “If the situation does not change in 3-4 days, all the villagers will have to flee from the village. A decision will be taken very soon by the village council. Let them fight if they want,” he said.
“Not to speak of the mental trauma of the villagers, the future of many students who are going to appear for their Board exams next month is at stake,” the Shirui headman rued.
The village headman also informed for the first time in the village’s history, ‘Luira’ the seed-sowing festival, scheduled to begin on January 27 has been cancelled. However, he thanked the womenfolk who are keeping vigil to prevent confrontation between the AR and the NSCN-IM forces since day one of the stand off.
Mounting pressure on the Centre, Naga Hoho, in a memorandum to Home Minister Chidambaram, today appealed for immediate intervention towards ensuring peace and protection of life and property of innocent villagers at Shirui while various civil societies and students’ organisations too voiced their disapproval of the AR’s action.
Although making no demand for the withdrawal of the security forces, Outer Manipur MP Mani Charanamei, who has been reportedly busy in persuading the Centre to defuse the situation, came out appealing to the AR authorities to provide respite to the holed-up NSCN cadres by restoring water and food supply.
Water supply was reportedly restored to the NSCN-IM camp for around 10 minutes today but the restriction on food supply continued. The AR forces also reportedly did not allow PHED officials who were at the village to check the water pipeline.
“We don’t know how much food provisions they (NSCN-IM) have in stock, but 12 days without water is too much. This a crime against humanity and serious violation of Human Rights,” student activist Artex Shimaray told Eastern Mirror over phone from Ukhrul adding that there are reports of serious health problems from inside the camp.
MP Mani Charanamei informed EM that there has not been much progress from his meetings with the Central ministers in New Delhi. “They said that there is no cease-fire in the State of Manipur”, the MP informed, adding further his insistence that the Ceasefire should not be limited to territory alone as it is between two organisations - Government of India and NSCN-IM. The MP, who was in Ukhrul yesterday, stated that he has strongly requested army officials to provide water and essential commodities on humanitarian grounds.
Highlighting the sufferings of the Shirui villagers, the Tangkhul Coordination Committee on Shirui Siege (TCCoSS), in a press communiqué today, stated ‘the onus of resolving the conflict in upon the government and its administrative machineries,’ while adding that the GoI and Govt of Manipur would be held responsible for any calamity or loss of life.
The Committee informed of its meeting with MP Charanemei, who expressed complete support for the approach adopted by the village and further provided financial assistance for the village. The Shirui villagers also submitted a memorandum to the MP listing out grievances faced on account of the siege.
The TCCoSS also informed that women from Shirui and other nearby villages including Sihai, Langdang, Choithar, Ukhrul, & Hungpung continue to keep their vigil at the site. Thousands of women have so far taken part in the vigil while more than 2500 women have so far participated in the sit-in protest at Gandhi Chowk in Ukhrul town since January 26.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Chandel Naga People’s Organisation and Chandel Women’s Union have reportedly reached Ukhrul to assess the situation and to show solidarity with the people of Shirui.

Intervene, protect peace process, Naga Hoho urges PC
DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (EMN): Appealing for immediate intervention towards ensuring peace and protection of life & property of innocent villagers at Shirui under Ukhrul district of Manipur, the Naga Hoho has submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.
Putting forth its findings subsequent to the Naga Hoho team’s visit to Shirui on Jan 27 and 28, the apex Naga body said that the NSCN-IM has been encamping at the village since few years back with the mutual understanding of GoI as well as Indian Armed Forces. However, stating that the 17th AR had cordoned off the NSCN-IM Camp since Jan 19 and completely cut off water supply and electricity to the camp, the memorandum feared that the ‘starving Naga Army may create havoc out of desperation, which will derail the Indo-Naga peace process’.
It also termed the installation of electrified barbed wire by the AR around the NSCN Camp as akin to acts of barbarism and sheer violation of basic human rights.
On the grim situation of the villagers, the Naga Hoho representation said they are unable to go to the fields or schools and that all the children have been shifted to neighbouring villages as precautionary measures.
Describing what it has seen, it informed that all the womenfolk both in Shirui and Ukhrul are on a sit-in protest in the chilly weather and praying throughout the day for prevention of any untoward armed conflict between the NSCN and Assam Rifles. Unfortunately, the location is such that there is no other passage for NSCN-IM to move out from their camp unless the Assam Rifles pave the way for them based on the principles of the ongoing Cease Fire between the two entities, the Naga Hoho said.
It also categorically stated that ‘the notion of GoI would be wrong in the context of Ceasefire coverage if it covers only the present state of Nagaland, and therefore, the Naga Hoho puts up stiff resistance that hereafter, the Ceasefire must cover the entire world in letter and spirit’.
Reminding of the first Cease Fire between the GoI and the then NNC which had broken down ‘due to insincerity on the part of GoI’, the Naga Hoho said the Naga people are ‘not at all keen to lose the ongoing hard earned peace process’.
Apprising the Home Minister thus, the Naga Hoho memorandum urged him ‘to handle the present delicate political situation with utmost care’ and restore normalcy without further impediments.

Assam finds ally in US - Consul vows to prod Bangladesh on rebel camps A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph

Beth A. Payne in Guwahati on Saturday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Guwahati, Jan. 31: The US consul general in Calcutta, Beth A. Payne, today assured the Assam government that her country would work with Bangladesh to ensure that the neighbouring country was not used for terrorist activities.
Interacting with mediapersons here this afternoon on her “enjoyable” maiden three-day visit to Assam and to convey US President Barack Obama’s world vision, Payne’s reassurance came in response to a query about steps the US would take to help eastern India tackle cross-border terrorism.
Payne asserted that the US was opposed to the use of terror anywhere in the world.
“We will work with Bangladesh to ensure that its territory is not used by any terrorist group as the latter is also a threat to the states where these groups are located. We cannot allow neighbouring countries to act as a haven for terrorist activities,” the US consul general said.
Payne added that the US would like to work in partnership with the people of Assam and the rest of India to find the right solutions to problems like terrorism, avian influenza and the need for inclusive economic growth, among others.
Payne said she was fascinated by her visit to a weavers’ village and tea plantation outside Guwahati and that she saw great trade potential between the US and Assam, particularly in the field of tourism and silk.
ENPO urges AR to withdraw TCCoSS alleges gross rights violation Eastern Mirror
DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (EMN): With the Shirui ordeal stretching to day 13 today, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) joined the bandwagon of pressure groups in appealing to the Assam Rifles to withdraw from the village. The Tangkhul Coordination Committee on Shirui Siege (TCCoSS), meanwhile, has accused the Govt of India of acting against the Geneva Convention and manipulating information.
Preferring the 17 AR to back out first to diffuse the situation, the ENPO appealed for withdrawal of the paramilitary force from Shirui village and pave way for a safe passage of the holed-in NSCN cadres.
In a press statement, ENPO general secretary Toshi Wungtung stated the 2-week long Assam Rifles-NSCN-IM standoff has created an unwanted situation which is against the spirit of the ongoing ceasefire and the Indo-Naga political talks that ‘covers all Naga inhabited areas’.
The organisation expressed pain over the daily mental trauma and hardships being faced by the civilians, particularly, the womenfolk and children. It has further urged the AR authorities to allow free movement of humanitarian aid and media.
Persisting in its efforts to end the standoff, the Tangkhul Coordination Committee on Shirui Siege today stated that the GoI has, in the wake of the Shirui siege, infringed upon and violated the human rights of many individuals, recognised and affirmed through international treaties and conventions to which the country is a signatory. The Committee, though, commended both the AR and the NSCN for maintaining restrain.
The Committee in a press communiqué informed that a medical team deputed by the Deputy Commissioner Ukhrul to examine the physical condition of NSCN cadres was refused access. ‘India is a party to the Geneva Convention which stipulates clearly that medical care and facilities has to be provided to all,’ it stated.
Levelling serious allegations of gross apathy on the part of the AR, the Committee claimed witness to the security personnel using the main drinking water tank, which is the drinking water supply point for all of Ukhrul town and neighbouring villages, for washing their clothes and utensils.
Moreover, it alleged widespread manipulation of information on the part of the Assam Rifles. ‘While the freedom of the press has been curtailed by the AR through their denial of access to the site to pressmen, the AR, through their PRO, have used the siege to present a clean image of themselves’, the Committee claimed.
The TCCoSS has challenged the AR to give access to the site to the press and others so that the reality can be documented.
Our Imphal Correspondent adds: The Assam Rifles in a release here said ‘It is really surprising and unimaginable to see that despite assurance of safe passage, the NSCN-IM has chosen to take no action to move their cadres either to take political advantage or for personal ego, while sacrificing the interest of the cadres located in the camp’.
Stating that the NSCN-IM is fully aware that their stand is totally illegal as no fresh camps can be permitted in the area, it said it is also unfortunate that NSCN-IM is keen to vitiate the peaceful environment of Ukhrul by keeping armed cadres in the close vicinity of populated areas while adding that the outfit’s hierarchy should ‘see the light of the day and consider the welfare of local people and move out their armed cadres to designated camp taking advantage of the promise of safe passage given by the Assam Rifles’.
It further said ‘in spite of belligerent action of NSCN-IM cadres to make a temporary camp in close proximity of Shirui Village, the troops have shown utmost restraint and have not taken any retaliatory action so far’

60 Yrs after R-Day villagers at border areas live in pain Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
CHALOU (Indo-Myanmar border), Jan 31: Even after 60 years of Republic, villagers residing in the Manipur sector of the Indo-Myanmar border have been practically surviving all these years without any assistance from the side of the Government. Though these villages have lots of potential for development of border trade activities, the same has not yet been tapped properly.
During the course of a recent tour of these villages located along the International border in Churachandpur, Chandel and Ukhrul district, it came to light that the benefits of the various developmental schemes being taken up by the Government with exception to National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and Border Area Development Programme (BADP) have ever reached the villagers all these years.
Most of the roads in these border villages have been constructed under the BADP after the forests were cleared by the villagers themselves and efforts made to improve the same under Prime Minister Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the condition of most of the roads is still so bad that it is practically impossible to ply vehicles during rainy season.
In such a situation, the villagers settling along the 350 km long International boundary have stocking up ration procured from the sub-divisional headquarters or the district headquarters before the onset of every rainy season. It is also at these sub-divisional and district headquarters that the villagers have been sending their children for education in the absence of any educational facilities in the border area.
Interestingly, the relationship between the villagers settling on either side of the International boundary is so cordial they participate in any social gathering and form marriage alliance with scant regard of belonging to two different countries. They also indulge in trading activities of the goods produced in their respective villages. The rice produced from a Kuki village in Myanmar have ready market among the Tangkhuls of Ukhrul and the currency of the both the countries are applicable in trade.
It is said that before the incident of Naga-Kuki clashes, the offices of the SIB, Customs, Police, BSF, SDC, Immigration, etc, were in operation at Behiang village located along the border in Churachandpur district to help in trading activities. The scope for border trade in this remote village still exist today but there is no taker.
According to chief of Molcham village, not just in Behiang, but also in other villagers, border trade at the village level has been always in vogue since time immemorial and it can be developed all the more if the condition of the roads could be improved.
In the domain of education, the facilities available in most of the border villages is only upto the primary level. As one has to go either to the sub-divisional headquarters or the district headquarters for higher studies, the rate of drop out among the students is very high with some villages recording as high as 70 percent. After giving up their studies, most of the students started engaging in making charcoal or taking up odd jobs for sustenance. They also get into wedlock very early in life.
Electricity connectivity in all the villages of Manipur along with the border with Myanmar is still a distant dream.
Installation of electric poles and wiring can be seen upto Waksu village in Tengnoupal sub-division of Chandel district, but there is no electricity in this village.
Inspite of that, ex-chief of the village DL Modun informed that the Power Department has been collecting power tariff from the villagers.
It is learnt that some of the well to do villagers in Molcham which is located next to Bokan village of Myanmar could light up their houses with electricity by paying Rs 35 for charging the batteries of their inverters from Bokan for one week.
In case of health and sanitation, frequent outbreak of Malaria and Typhoid has been the biggest problem that the people in the border villages of Churachandpur, Chandel and Ukhrul have been facing all these years. As there is no facility for BCG and DPT, cases of TB among the children has been on the rise with atleast two to three children suffering from the scourge in every village.
Spread of HIV/AIDS is another problem that has reared its head of late among the villagers in these border area. But there is no sign of any awareness programme being conducted in this regard even absence of health care centre in most of the villages seems like a norm rather than an exception.
Villagers in border area of Chandel have been going to the hospitals at Myanmar for treatment and those from Ukhrul district either at the district headquarters or the sub-divisional headquarters. At the border village of Behiang in Churachandpur, there is properly constructed hospital and quarters, but no doctors and staff to look after the need of the patients.
With lack of idea on sanitary latrine, there is open latrine system in most of the border villages. There are also villages which do not have any latrine at all.
The benefits of the Public Distribution System (PDS) is something that is still alien to most of the villagers in the border area. Fair Price Shops are non-existent. All the essential com- modities and other daily requirements are being managed by the villagers themselves or procured the same from neighbouring border villages of Myanmar.
A common household kitchen item like salt is such a precious thing in the transport bottleneck Mol-cham village that the villagers have been buying a package of Indian manufactured salt which cost just Rs 9 at Rs 15 from Myanmar.
Among the developmental projects and schemes being taken up by the Government, NREGS and BADP are the only whose benefits that the villagers are benefited either directly or indirectly.
Community hall, roads, work-shed, etc have been constructed under BADP in most of the villages and development of roads and agro-farming activities have been taken up under the NREGS.
Lack of transport and communication facility is another problem that has been compounding to the difficulties of the villagers living in the border areas of Manipur. Delivery of letter through hand post has been most reliable form of communication system that the villagers has been depending all these years as the service of the post office is almost defunct with villagers complaining against receiving letters send through postal service altogether after two months. There is no telephone facilities and not more than 2/3 radio sets in all these villages.
To solve the problem of fetching drinking water from far off places, the villagers wished connection of water pipeline from the water sources to their respective villages.
The problem water is such that the post of 10 JK Light Infantry at Yangoulen has been employing three persons paying Rs 3000 each every month just for fetching water.
Majority of the villagers whom this reporter interacted during the course of the tour felt that improvement of the existing road communication system is their immediate requirement even as womenfolk demanded setting up of rice mill in all the villages.

NSCN-IM celebrates Raising Day at Dimapur Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, January 31 2009: "NAGA POLITICS is built upon the foundation of living Naga history, which means, Nagas are free from time immemorial. They have never been a part of Union of India or that of Burma or any other power either by conquest or consent.Like the Greek city-states, Nagas were living free and independent in their own sovereign village kingdoms till the British imperialist came to control a part of their country" .
These was the message of NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu read out by the outfit's Steering Committee convenor Qhevehi Chisi Swu during the 29th Raising Day of the outfit at Hebron Camp, off Dimapur today. The programme was attended by the outfit's top leaders including members of the Steering Committee, Council of Kilonser (ministers), Tatars (members of parliament of the outfit), NSWON (women wing of the outfit) members, Longvibu (army chief), Naga Army and his subordinate officers and all civil secretariat staff.

"On this historic raising day of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, I greet you all in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pay homage and give my revolutionary salute to those departed souls. Their supreme sacrifices are precious and I believe the blood of those martyrs speaks to the Lord as the blood of Abel did," exhorted Isak Chisi Swu's speech while adding, "Our forefather fought the aggressors with 'daos' and spears in defense of our land, culture, identity and right.

Thanks to our father who left the legacy of living history to us. The issue of the Nagas is now left to the present generations.
We will be held responsible if it cannot be defended to keep it alive." The NSCN-IM chairman claimed that Mahatma Gandhi had recognized the Nagas's right to be free but after the death of the Indian freedom leader the post Gandhi leadership waged war on Nagalim with a view to subjugate the Nagas.

"Accordingly, the so-called 16-point agreement was reached in 1963, which physically divided the Nagas. When the Indian government tried to politically annihilate the Naga nation, it was strongly resisted and saved under the banner of NNC, the then authentic political organization of the Naga people. The Revolutionary Government was a setback plotted in collaboration with a faction of workers. The Shillong Accord was another attempt of the Indian State upon the life of Naga nation through Naga traitors. However, it was totally rejected by the people in National Assembly.

Since annihilation of Naga nation has been the policy of Indian State the Government of India through the persons of some elements of Shillong Accord staged a military coup with an eye to finish those remnant revolutionaries," added the NSCN-IM chairman in his statement. Isak Chisi Swu then alleged that "the Indian expansionist" found a good friend in SS. Khaplang through whom the bloodiest abortive coup attempt was made in 1988 .

"Recently we have witnessed another attempt made by the Indian state through some deserters to tear down the edifice of NSCN in the stolen name of unification." added the chairman of the NSCN-IM.

"We are not begging freedom from India or Myanmar or for that matter from any others.
Freedom of a people is inbuilt and it is our inherent right. We are not asking territory from any other states. We have our own territory inherited from our fathers.

The good Lord has created the earth for all, big or small and even the smallest animal and nation have their own share in it. Whether the Naga people want to join the Union of India or that of Myanmar or be free, it is their divine right to decide it by themselves.

On the question of deciding their future, the Naga people themselves are the prime factors.

On top of that, we have been struggling under the banner of Nagalim for Christ and the presence of the Lord has been with us thus far and I strongly believe that His presence shall continue to go with us till to the last," further stated Isak Chsi Swu in his speech read out during the outfit's Raising Day while adding, "We believe in the doctrine of inter-dependent relationship of people and nations inasmuch as everything on earth is inter-related and nothing stands in isolation.

We do not nourish enmity towards any of our neighbors particularly India and Myanmar.
We have been good neighbors since time immemorial and we will continue to maintain that spirit. However, we cannot ignore the fact that we have an issue with India and Myanmar and we will try to settle it through political means for any tangible solution acceptable to both parties. We rule out violent means and we condemn any attempt at settlement of the issue through military might, which has been proved a futile exercise.

This is the era of democracy and we are committed to settlement of all human problems through dialogue based on mutual respect, understanding and recognition of rights. We also believe that there is no problem, which we cannot solve through discussions".

The NSCN-IM leader's statement then concluded by urging the Nagas by saying, "Comrades, we have to be prepared for freedom, which demands of us the revolutionary spirit in every worker. We know all the nation-states are the creations of revolutionary people and independent states are the homes of brave revolutionaries.

I hope we too have revolutionary generations to liberate our people from all kinds of bondages. Last but not the least, it is the faith force that matters. We must amend our ways and reaffirm our decision for the Lord's battle".

Nagalim.NL News

02/01/2009: "Isak says Dialogue, not Might, for Solution morungexpress"