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02/10/2009: "Chidambaram’s statement breach of agreement—NSCN (IM) morungexpress"

Chidambaram’s statement breach of agreement—NSCN (IM) morungexpress

Dimapur, February 9 (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim has pointed out that when the Indo-Naga ceasefire was signed in 1997 it was done “without any condition placed on NSCN”. “But after more than 11 years when Indo-Naga political talks was held for more than 60 rounds, the new Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram is uttering something new where he commented that NSCN should present its proposals within the Indian constitution”, stated a press note issued by the MIP. Terming the statement of Chidambaram as a “breach of agreement and a total betrayal to the Nagas”, the MIP note reminded that the commitment given by the earlier prime ministers, “taking cognizance of the unique history of the Nagas that Indo-Naga political conflict should be given honorable solution should not be set aside”. “This will be a breach of trust that reflects P. Chidabaram’s immaturity and perception on the political issue that NSCN and GOI has been trying to come for a mutual agreement” it stated.
PC’s comment a breach of agreement: NSCN-IM (EMN
DIMAPUR): The NSCN-IM today said Union Home Minister P Chidambaram’s comment that NSCN should present its proposals within the Indian constitution is ‘a breach of agreement and a total betrayal to the Nagas’. A press communiqué issued by the MIP stated that the Indo-Naga ceasefire signed in 1997 was done without any conditions placed on the NSCN.
“But after more than 11 years when Indo-Naga political talks was held for more than 60 rounds, the new Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram is uttering something new where he commented that NSCN should present its proposals within the Indian constitution,” the press release said, adding that this is a breach of agreement and a total betrayal to the Nagas.
It, moreover, said the commitment given by the earlier Prime Ministers, who had taken cognizance of the unique history of the Nagas and said that Indo-Naga political conflict should be given honourable solution, should not be set aside. “This will be a breach of trust that reflects P. Chidambaram's immaturity and perception on the political issue that NSCN and GoI has been trying to come for a mutual agreement,” it stated.
It may be recalled that the Union Home Minister, on his maiden visit to the state to review the situation on Feb 3 last, had said talks should come to a close soon and invited both the NSCN outfits to come up with proposals for settlement, which he stressed should be within the frame work of the Indian constitution.
“The GoI is willing and looking for early settlement of the protracted indo-Naga issue, but it should be within the framework of the constitution of India,” he had stated.
NNC for “land inhabited by Nagas” morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The NNC today said it is “not for occupation of any other land for the creation of a greater Nagaland” except for the “land inhabited by Nagas”. The NNC stated this in a note appended by ‘CEC member’ Zapuvisie Lhousa. “Except for the land inhabited by the Nagas since time immemorial, NNC is not for occupation of any other land for the creation of a greater Nagaland” the NNC stated, amongst other views expressed in the note. ‘Peaceful coexistence with neighbors is a basic tenet of the NNC which is being followed vigorously till date’ the NNC said. Also, reaffirming a policy of non-violence, the organization said ‘obtaining support through force or coercion is not a strategy of NNC’.
Asserting that the “Nagas themselves” formed the NNC, the organizations said it is for the Nagas. “NNC is not to confront, attack or annihilate anyone with arms but to protect the inalienable rights of the Nagas. People may say that NNC is gone or that NNC is no more relevant, but such proponent do not understand the principles of NNC and the cause for which it was formed” it asserted. The NNC has urged to “once again recall why NNC was set up and rededicate ourselves and continue to remain steadfast to the Naga National Council”.
On other matters, the organization also asserted that extortion in any form is “alien to NNC”. It further said that the NNC has the “highest base and mandate of the people” from the “oldest to the youngest Naga, all are members” of NNC and ‘have equal rights’. “Hence any leader or anyone holding office of the NNC cannot run the office at his own whims without consulting or confirming to the wish of the people. This is nothing new”, it asserted.

NSCN (IM) envoy’s visa revoked morungexpress
Dimapur, February 9 (MExN): The Indian Embassy in Washington has reportedly withdrawn the Visa for “honorary ambassador” of the NSCN (IM), Grace Collins. The embassy reportedly issued Visa to Collins and a number of her friends earlier, only to revoke them later on. Collins said in an e-mail received here today that the visas were revoked with no explanations assigned for the same. The Indian Embassy called Collins to tell her that her Visa had been revoked, but in the meantime she and the others had purchased non-refundable $4,000 tickets to New Delhi, Collins stated. She also added that the Indian government gave no explanation for its action. Asserting “revoking Grace Collins’s visa shows just how frightened the Indian regime is” the email said the move “contradicts the democratic face that India wants to present to the world”.
I’m still in the race for Cong ticket: Wangyuh morungexpress
Dimapur | February 9 : Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha MP Wangyuh Konyak who earned the wrath of his party (NPF) for voting in favour of the UPA Government in the trust vote on the Indo-US nuclear deal, has declared that he is very much in the race for the Congress ticket to contest the forthcoming general election.
“I’m still an Independent after the NPF party expelled me for six years. I’m a nobody now but I have initiated many projects in Nagaland and in order to complete ongoing projects which I have brought, I’ll definitely contest the Lok Sabha polls,” Wangyuh said Thursday morning before his departure to Delhi to attend the parliament session.
Queried if he was promised the party’s ticket by the central Congress leaders before the trust vote, the MP said, “Yes, central leadership has committed to NPCC that party ticket should be given to me, because I had voted in the interest of the nation and Nagaland.” He, however, disclosed that till date he had not approached the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) to seek its ticket. “I’ll approach NPCC after the parliament session. It is for them to decide,” he added.
To a query what his reaction would be if the Congress ticket was instead allotted to former MP Asungba Sangtam, the MP was candid in his reply; “In Congress camp there is no dispute. We are all from one family. If Asungba gets the ticket, I’ll physically, financially and morally support him.”
The MP also made light of Union Panchayati Raj & DoNER minister Mani Shankar Aiyar’s recent comment in Dimapur that apart from Wangyuh’s role during the trust vote on the Indo-US nuclear deal, there was no occasion in which the MP had approached Aiyar with regard to development projects for Nagaland.
“Normally, an MP cannot approach any ministry for any project. He can submit proposals to any ministry. But DoNER Ministry all the time insists that the proposal should be prioritized by the state government. Therefore, the question of non-submission of proposals does not arise because there in no fund in DoNER for MPs except implementation of projects through state’s recommendation.”
Sonia against party-hoppers Morung Express News
New Delhi, February 9 (PTI): Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said the party should be careful about party hoppers and that “patronage and quota system” should not have a role in distribution of tickets. “We should be careful about the ‘aya ram gaya ram’... We also agree with your complaints (delegates)... Patronage or quota system must not have a role to play in selecting party candidates,” Gandhi said in her concluding remarks in the day-long convention of the Block and District Congress presidents here.
Gandhi was responding to the complaint of the delegates in the meeting who raised questions about imposition of candidates from above, prevalence of quota system, patronage and recommendations in distribution of tickets and alliances in the states which are eating into the strengths of the party. Referring to the issue of alliances raised by some delegates and complaints that they were finishing off the party in some states, Gandhi said, “alliances are necessary” in some cases but agreed that they should not come in the way of strengthening the organisation.
Nagaland state tops at Northeast Trade Expo morungexpress
Dimapur, February 9 (MExN): Nagaland State was adjudged the Best State Display in the 6th North East Trade Expo 2009, which concluded at New Delhi Sunday evening. The North East Handloom & Handicraft Corporation along with all the Northeastern states had participated in this Trade Expo, which was inaugurated by DoNER Minister on January 27 last. This year, Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC), as a nodal agency, was entrusted to organise and participate in the event. The team was led by NIDC general manager Bendang Longkumer. It may be mentioned here that the 6th NE Trade Expo 2009 was organised by National Small Industries Corporation and sponsored by the Ministry of DoNER.

NSCN (I-M) raps HM’s statement (NPN):
DIMAPUR, Annoyed over Union Home Minister P Chidambaram’s recent statement that the NSCN should present its proposals within the Indian Constitution, the NSCN (I-M) has described his “utterance” as “breach of agreement and a total betrayal to the Nagas”. The NSCN (I-M) in a statement issued by its MIP pointed out that no condition was placed on the NSCN when the Indo-Naga ceasefire was signed in 1997. It lamented that after more than 11 years now during which more than 60 rounds of political talks were held, the new Union Home Minister was “uttering something new”. It affirmed that the commitment of the earlier prime ministers, who while taking cognizance of the unique history of the Nagas that “Indo-Naga” political conflict should be given an honorable solution, should not be set aside. “This will be a breach of trust that reflects P Chidambaram’s immaturity and perception on the political issue that NSCN and government of India has been trying to come for a mutual agreement”, the NSCN (I-M) said.

Indian Embassy Issues, Then Revokes Visas for Christians
The Indian Embassy in Washington issued visas to Grace Collins, a Christian from the United States who represents the Nagas in Washington, DC, and several of her friends, then revoked them.
WASHINGTON, February 6, 2009
One of her party had his visa denied. Arun Singh of the Indian Embassy called Miss Collins to tell her that her visa had been revoked, but in the meantime she and the others had purchased non-refundable $4,000 tickets to New Delhi.
> The Indian government gave no explanation for its actions.
The Nagas are fighting for their freedom from India. Supporters of Miss Collins, including Representative Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), have called the Embassy seeking to have her visa restored.

Miss Collins met Isak Chishi Swu, the President of Nagalim, in 1997 when she was taking down her Museum of Compassion exhibit for the 50th year of the Declaration of Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland. It is at that time she started voluntarily speaking on behalf of the Nagas to churches and art museums. She has been active for human rights ever since. India has a long record of repression of Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, and other minorities. The Indian government has murdered over 250,000 Sikhs since 1984, over 300,000 Christians in Nagaland since 1948, over 90,000 Muslims in Kashmir since 1988, 2,000 to 5,000 Muslims in Gujarat, and tens of thousands of Tamils, Assamese, Manipuris, Dalits, and others. The Indian Supreme Court called the Indian government's murders of Sikhs "worse than a genocide."
An Indian newspaper reported that the police were ordered not to get involved in the massacre of Muslims in Gujarat, a frightening parallel to the Delhi massacre of Sikhs in 1984. In 1994, the U.S. State Department reported that the Indian government had paid over 41,000 cash bounties for killing Sikhs. Just two years ago, 35 Sikh leaders were arrested just for making speeches and raising the Khalistani flag.

Reporter Julia Duin wrote in the January 29 issue of the Washington Times that "The depressing details of it all have been previously described by this writer: 70,000 homeless Christians, more than 5,000 homes destroyed, 3,000 people missing and/or hiding in the nearby jungles for the past five months, 87 people burned or hacked to death and the
> infrastructure of the Catholic Church destroyed." She wrote that "Hundreds of their schools, churches and other institutions have been destroyed. Displaced people sitting in refugee camps are afraid to return to their villages." According to Duin, "In Kandhmal, there are 64,000 Catholics in 34 parishes, many of them from tribal or untouchable castes; in short, India's least-desirable people, located near the country's aluminum mines. The real estate is valuable but the locals apparently are not, which is why the authorities
have been less than zealous at curbing the mayhem."

Missionary Graham Staines was murdered along with his two sons, ages 8 and 10, by a mob of militant, fundamentalist Hindu nationalists who set fire to the jeep, surrounded it, and chanted "Victory to Hannuman," a Hindu god.
None of the people involved has been tried. Missionary Joseph Cooper of Pennsylvania was beaten so badly that he had to spend a week in an Indian hospital, then he was expelled from the country. The persons who have murdered priests, raped nuns, and burned Christian churches have not been charged or tried.
Unfortunately, Christians have not been the only targets. Indian police arrested human-rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra after he exposed their policy of mass cremation of Sikhs, in which over 50,000 Sikhs have been arrested, tortured, and murdered, then their bodies were declared unidentified and secretly cremated. Khalra was murdered in police custody. His body was not given to his family. No-one has been brought to justice for the kidnapping and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra. The police never released the body of former Jathedar of the Akal Takht Gurdev Singh Kaunke after SSP Swaran Singh Ghotna murdered him. He has never been tried for the murder of Jathedar Kaunke.

India is not a single nation. It is many nations thrown together as one by the British colonialists for their administrative convenience. It has over 18 official languages and 17 freedom movements. "Obviously, everyone wants independence," said Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, president of the Council of Khalistan. In addition to his work on behalf of Sikh freedom, Dr. Aulakh has been praised by Indian Christian leader John Dayal for his work in support of India's Christians. Dr. Aulakh said that Sikhs should have self-determination, as well as Kashmiris, Nagas, Assamese, and the others seeking their freedom from India. A free and fair vote would be the democratic way.
"Revoking Grace Collins's visa shows just how frightened the Indian regime is," said Dr. Aulakh. "It will not allow an American Christian to come and visit India because it wants to hide its repression of Christians and other minorities," he said. "It contradicts the democratic face that India wants to present to the world," he said. "This is a
repetition of what India did in the June 1984 attack on the Golden Temple, when they hunted the press out of Punjab so no one could see what they were doing," he said. "The essence of democracy is the right to self-determination.
As Professor Darshan Singh, a former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, said, 'If a Sikh is not for Khalistan, he is not a Sikh'," he noted. "We must continue to work for freedom for everyone in South Asia," he said. "We must make our voices heard for our fellow Sikhs, Christians, and all oppressed minorities in India."

Grace Collins Honorary Ambassador of Nagalim 202-352-7164 www.nagalim.us

2nd Reconciliation meet from Feb 21 Correspondent (NPN):
Kohima, Feb 9 Preparations are afoot for the historic 2nd Naga Convention for Reconciliation and Peace under the theme “Let My People Go” scheduled for February 21 and 22 at Kohima local ground.
Naga Convention for Reconciliation and Peace, initiated by the FNR, is aimed at stopping fratricidal killings and fostering reconciliation, peace and unity among the different sections of the Naga society, including both the underground and over ground.
Though the first convention held at Dimapur last year could not draw much participants as it coincided with the timing of the state assembly electioneering process, this year convention is expected to draw large participants from across the entire Naga-inhabited areas and also official representatives from all the different Naga underground groups.
According to the organizers, besides Nagaland delegates from Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar are expected to participate in the convention. There will be two keynote speakers- Rev. Dr Wati Aier, Convenor, FNR and Rev.Zhabu Terhuja, former general secretary, NBCC in this year’s convention.
As per the programme, the opening session of the convention will begin at 3 pm on February 21 (Saturday) where messages of solidarity from different sections of the Naga society will be presented to be followed by “Celebrate the Naga Spirit” at 5.15 pm.
On the second day, there will be interactive session between FNR with church leaders, frontal organizations and public leaders from 8 am to be followed by the most important session — closing session at 10 am — where the statement of commitment for Naga reconciliation will be adopted.
The organizers while inviting all the Nagas to the convention requested the delegates to make their own arrangement for travel, food and lodging and also to be punctual in all the programmes. They have also requested all the tribal and organization leaders concerned to report at the registration booth between 9 am to 2 pm on the first day.

Centre fully prepared to deal with insurgency in NE (Agencies)

NEW DELHI, February 8: Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram today said the Government is fully prepared to deal with insurgency in Northeast, naxals and terrorists activities.
Reiterating the Central stand on insurgency in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, Chidambaram said government would not engage any insurgent group unless they shed the demand of sovereignty and accept unconditional ceasefire.
''We will not tolerate violence. Security forces will fight them out and the civilian government will work on development. We can't deprive these states of getting investment, good roads and infrastructure,'' the Home Minister said while addressing Congress workers at a national level convention in the capital on Sunday.
Chidambaram said that the government had recognized the need for special development in the Northeastern states through investment and also through institutions like Hill Councils to meet the aspirations of the people.
Naming Manipur, Assam and Nagaland as the states infested by insurgency, Chidambaram said other Northeast states like Mizoram, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh had recognized the importance of development and were moving on this path.
"We are willing to talk to those who have joined violence. But insurgency will be fought by security forces and the civilian government will focus on development. We will continue to invest money in the northeast," he added.
Raising the issue of Naxalite infested states, Chidambaram said the government was committed to expedite all development activities in these states and to uproot these outfits.
On terrorism, the minister said, "Anyone who takes the gun, takes the path of terrorism will be punished. The issue should not be related any religion. We have been working with the state governments to deal with any such attack. Our action will be strong, swift, precise and decisive in case of any terror threat. We have improved intelligence gathering and sharing of the information and greater surveillance at all borders.
Hagrama, Himanta lash out at Badruddin From a Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, Feb 8: The president of BPF, Hagrama Mohilary and Health Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma in the open session of BPF’s 1st triennial conference at Kajalgaon hit back AUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal for his communal comment who termed the Bodos as ‘‘Killer’’ of Minority community. Strongly condemning the Ajmal’s comment, Hagrama Mohilary said ‘‘We are very serious on the provocative and communal statement of Badruddin Ajmal and I demand before the august public gathering that Ajmal should seek apology immediately for his igniting comment’’. He warned that if Ajmal repeats such inciting comment in near future, the people of Bodoland will not allow him to enter into any part of Bodoland.
Health Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma also demanded reply from Badruddin into what term he has branded Bodos as minority killer. Sarma said it was a drama on the part of Badruddin for his political gain because he has been maintaining good relations with Bodo leaders of BPPF– U G Brahma and Rabiram Narzary for his selfish interest. Sarma termed Badruddin Ajmal as communal and "Opportunist" to whom one cannot take faith on him. He also said the AUDF and their combined power will not be factor for Congress and BPF in the state.
Verification of riot victims progressing in Udalguri From our Correspondent: Sentinel
TANGLA, Feb 8: The Udalguri district administration has published a report on rehabilitation in the district in respect of the October riot victims. It is shown in the report that during the peak period of the violence which was from October 3 to 9, the number of relief camps organized were 54 and a total population of 96,304 from the district were sheltered in them. The picture further shows a decline in the number of camps and camp inmates. Accordingly, as on December 31, there were 6 camps with a total of 6,843 population. The report further shows how three rounds of verification have been completed indicating that Round I Verification was conducted for violence displaced people who are House Burnt Category, Round II Verification for two categories – Violence Displaced people who are of non-house burnt category and then Violence Displaced people who belong to the house burnt category but were left out from initial assessment and Round III Verification for people of Udalguri district still taking shelter in the eight relief camps of Darrang District.
The violence victims have been verified for categorization as lists I, II, and III. When the lists I, II and III are prepared, the victims under list I would join cluster-move to own houses. Under this list, already about 151 families of Rowta Bagan belonging to the house burnt category have moved to Rowta Bagan and have been provided with the rehabilitation package and are constructing houses in cluster.
The victims of list II would remain in the relief camps till a decision on the mode of settlement is arrived at and those of list III would be verified for village and district of origin wherefrom they came to Udalguri. It is further stated that the list II of first round has been sent to Bodoland Territorial Council for consideration of settlement in Udalguri district. On the other hand, the record of the first and the second rounds of verification of the relief camp inmates has been given to the Project Director, DRDA for issue of job cards and provision of employment under NREGA.
We will wipe out terrorism in any form, says Chidambaram Sangai Express
New Delhi, Feb 9 : The government has "zero tolerance" policy towards terrorism, whether from jihadi elements or Hindu militants, and would spare no efforts to wipe it out, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said on Sunday.
Speaking at a Congress meet in New Delhi, Chidambaram said: "We face terror threats from groups who claim themselves to be jihadi terrorists and from groups who talk of Hindu militancy for building India. We have to fight any form of terror.
"Our responsibility to terror would be strong, strict, precise and decisive. Our policy to terror is of zero tolerance and we will follow it and we will wipe it out," the minister said.
The home minister spoke of three challenges to internal security - the insurgency in the northeast, the Maoist menace and terrorism.
He said the government was willing to have a dialogue with militants in the northeast, especially in Manipur, Assam and Nagaland.
"We are willing to talk to those who have joined violence. But insurgency will be fought by security forces and the civilian government will focus on development. We will continue to invest money in the northeast."
On Maoists, he said: "Naxalism (Maoism) will be met with force. The development works in Maoist-affected areas are disturbed? We build the roads, they mine the roads - but our security forces are ready to make the supreme sacrifice for democracy."
He also said that the 21st century will belong to Asia, in which India and China will have a major role to play.
AR-NSCN (IM) stand-off at Shirui A commentary By RS Jassal Sangai
Background:
INTELLIGIBLE & knowledgeable sources indicate that no designated camp was worked out during 1997 for Ukhrul district of Manipur and not even as a ‘camp taken note of’ consequent to 2001 explosive situation created by ‘CF’ extended to all Naga inhabited areas. Bunning, Oklong and Phungchong are known camps as ‘taken note of’, Phungyar experience to shift to Shirui area was fallout of various factors specially affected by SFs operation FLUSH OUT in the valley from 2004 - 2006 & other unexpected socio-economic factors. Movements in uniform with arms in areas not to be negotiated as dictated by CF agreement ground rules do exist. But frequent moves otherwise & even detention of important UG leaders with nine to eleven weapons as on IT road (Manipur) a few years back and intervention of GoI to release them with instructions to hand over weapons to CFMG at Mao Gate are well exposed by media, which still goes unexplained. Analysts remain at a loss to assess the nature & spirit of CF agreement. The details of 15 days impasse appearing in media with different versions were projected in media like a private affair between AR authorities & the NSCN (IM) without taking aforesaid and the gravity of issue into account. Otherwise how do we account for appearing of UGs of both factions of NSCN in large numbers in uniform with weapons at Ghaspani, Phek, Zhuneboto & incidents of Dimapur in past and recent past even after enforcement of CF Agreement are still fresh in the minds of people who are having common constituencies of faith, hope & stakes in both the groups MY VISIT as a curious observer having background knowledge of both ie, the job of SFs as well the aspirations of (IM) group, study of unvisioned hold ups of visionaries who drafted CF ground rules without realising at that time that everything was ultimately going to hinge around point 13 of famous 16 Point Agreement (1961). I have following to put it on record. I VISITED Shirui with some senior citizens from Imphal on 22 Jan. Aim was to meet the spirit of a universal proverb ‘for knowing, physical verification is always better than knowing by hearing’. Media team had just left Shirui after visit when I reached there. No one of us was allowed entry into camp held by UGs. But by virtue of having retired from the AR and my interest in the issue since I am a known free-lance journalist and a keen social worker who is working for peace in Manipur & Nagaland both without any personal interest, so I had edge in my favour to interact with locals and the officers at the Assam Rifles other than inmates of the camp.
IMPRESSIONS : Media had reflected that there was very big camps with almost very large number of UGs say 200 holed inside… The Assam Rifles was deployed around the camp with 800 troops. Supplies cut off and water supply disconnected. When I was about to pick up another elderly man (a Tangkhul) from Imphal, he turned down my request politely whispering that situation was most explosive and he named some very senior UG leaders like Wungmatem & others that they were present at Ukhrul & dissuaded me also from venturing out. As it was on, I got a message from Ukhrul from another civil dignitary to wait for our next step since firing had just then taken place at Shirui & some casualties were also reported. I decided it was important more so & I with another gentleman proceeded & on reaching near Finch corner we were told by another very senior officer of the Govt of Manipur returning from Ukhrul that CO 17 AR & SI Hopson with three to four constables were camping at site, so we decided to proceed to Shirui straight without picking up other two senior retired and elderly dignitaries from Ukhrul, who were supposed to join our team.
REPORT : On reaching we heard about 18 - 20 persons of UGs were in the camp and we could see one-two UG in full uniform strolling, may be on duty. Local Meira Paibis in Tangkhul terminology (Shanaolong) on ‘round the clock’ vigil sit in to pray for early & amicable solution & AR troops picketing outside with barbed wire spread around the camp. Though reported otherwise as learnt through media but it appeared eats & water were allowed by AR authorities sometimes on request by village headman & other authorities (as told to me) and mostly as a goodwill gesture & situation appeared to me quite friendly devoid of confrontation other than that villagers were under tension.
There was no firing at all of any sort. I also left the place with request to all specially to AR CO to exercise maximum restraint & deal with the situation with utmost compassion & to village leaders to exercise full patience & that nothing should be allowed to ride on whims & misapprehensions as the issue involved was ‘of principles’ involving national interest, understanding dynamics of the whole issue and look for answer based on logics as it was not a dispute of a private affair. Knowing fully well the good reputation and maturity of Col Dharmesh, his concern for the locals & expert handling of the situation by senior officers of the Force ie, Brig PS Mander Commander 10 Sector & Maj Gen Ashok Choudhary IGAR (South), and reflections of ground realities I was relieved that there will be no trigger slipping, I returned satisfied.
SEE MEDIA REFLECTIONS : (a) Local media—“AR evicts UGs and gives safe passage’. How many they were, which transport they availed, where they had gone, all left to anxious readers to their imagination. (b) Nagaland Media—Centre directed ‘both hostile parties to withdraw’ and more you read more you desire to know what has actually happened. How come AR has become as hostile force for GoI and for that matter UG also who are on Ceasefire agreement with the Government.
(c) CFMG has been asked by GoI to ‘work out designated camp for Shirui’ & so on, all disconnects but really newsiness for media to print. (d) A vocal NSCN (IM) leader—‘There is no third option. It is only peace or war’. “We will go wherever we desire, we will vacate but AR must withdraw first” & many such utterances to that effect.
It is also mind bobbling if three camps in Manipur were ‘taken note of’, then why important district in Manipur which is considered to be the cradle point of Nagalim was not included. Given the circumstances leading to this blown off crisis & incident of detention & disarming of an officer & five ORS of AR on 8 Jan on Nagaland-Manipur border had just preceded this flush out operation launched by AR which had added to a chain of suspicions for NSCN (IM) interpretation to the claim of the Assam Rifles authorities which was otherwise though legally and formally correct. And none of the agitating civil society organisations has ever once touched upon for correct interpretation of ground rules for CF agreement and till today majority of the people of Nagaland & Manipur are not aware of the ground rules which is irony of the whole issue. My visit on 22nd Jan was to assess the situation which had confirmed both sides AR and NSCN boys remained in friendly positions.
In this particular issue where CFMG has no jurisdiction over the issue in actual light of law but ‘camps taken note of’ are related with CF agreement, it is important that reasonable & logical thinking be advanced to study the development to take correct reading. Due cognizance be given either to allot area for another ‘camp also taken note’ of in Ukhrul District or close the other three too which under ‘Nelson eye’ is like belling the cat but who will do it? In fine, there is no denying the fact that Ceasefire Agreement struck is to find out ways and means to maintain peace and clean the route of foliage of misconcepts to understanding & settle the issue with reciprocal trust. Shirui issue be taken as an example. Govt need to make ground rules public. Civil societies need to suggest measures to ensure tranquillity and avoid one sided trekking. Mutuality in trust keeping be appreciated & major responsibilities lie on the civil societies to impress on UG leadership as to what type of peace they intend to seek.
Not that I belong to Assam Rifles, but I can’t help to say that role played by them is laudable. Today I am part of civil society & as good as Naga/Manipuri and North Easterner as anyone else from NE. Ground rules say camp, cannot be on National & State Highway, neither inside inhabited areas nor close to that. In this case none of the GR was visible. Over & above Government building meant for trekker for rest & refit to visit hill of national pride (Shirui) was converted into a camp. How was it acceptable to the people? No body touched this point. This small issue soluble on the very first day the Assam Rifles raised objections to under rules has been projected as a 15 days war is painful to swallow. Civil societies have to be very clear and ponder as to what type of atmosphere they want within this CF period. It is duty of all of us—the social activists, the civil societies to act as stepping stones to mould the mindsets of UGs for striking permanent peace than find any excuse to act as stumbling stones even in the normal functioning of a democratically elected Govt. It is time for the civil societies to act to bring a change—change to the positive as enough is enough. Nevertheless, I congratulate Govt of India that they have ended this episode in true spirit of commitment.