[Previous entry: "Govt, NSCN(IM) should give up pre-conditions in Naga talks' The Hindu"] [Next entry: "World Naga meet to evolve consensus OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"]

02/20/2009: "MLAs purchased, not constituencies: Pusa morungexpress"

MLAs purchased, not constituencies: Pusa morungexpress

Dimapur, February 18 (MExN): The President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) K.V Pusa has pointed out that though a few MLAs have been reduced to “purchable commodity” and selling themselves with a heavy price tag, nevertheless, these seats (constituencies) have not been purchased by the NPF party. “And therefore, the fact remains that people are still with the Congress party”, Pusa stated in a press release following the resignation of four Congress MLAs. The NPCC President asserted that the vacated seats are the legitimate seats of the Congress Party and that considering this legitimacy, the Congress Party would give all its efforts to reclaim all the vacated seats as and when by-election is conducted.
”People of Nagaland have witnessed the abdicating of MLA seats by few vested interest Members by bartering themselves with crores of money. This unprecedented political development has created doubt and anguish in the minds of the people at this moment, particularly the Congress men and women”, Pusa stated while encouraging his party men that instead of being disheartened, this momentary political tremor should be taken as an opportunity to fight the elements that are hell bent on attempting to destroy the democratic and parliamentary system of Governance in Nagaland.
The NPCC President reminded that the Indian National Congress was a mass based and leading political Party which has the full capacity of confronting political hi-cup such as the on-going crisis. “And therefore, the Congress Party’s rank and file has nothing to be worried rather we all should remain firm and steadfast to face the situation”, Pusa stated.
He pointed out that despite the current setback, the Congress Party should accept the challenge and convert the momentary setback to re invigorate and strengthen its spirit to fight back and work ceaselessly for the welfare of the common people.

‘Central funds siphoned off to buy MLAs’

Dimapur, February 18 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has in its memorandum to the Governor while calling for a CBI probe, made serious allegations that the huge Central fund allocations made by the Congress-UPA for development programs and projects meant for people of the State have been siphoned off “only to be invested for buying the loosed, unprincipled and greedy MLAs, political leaders and workers”. “As no development is visible at the ground level in the last eleven months of NPF-DAN ministry, the embezzled development funds have been diverted for purchasing the greedy MLAs and other political leaders in Nagaland”, the NPCC stated in its memorandum to the Governor.
The NPCC expressed concern that the “tactic of Neiphiu Rio and the NPF Party in setting a strange trend of converting MLAs into a purchasable commodity via bartering with crores of money” was “awfully outrageous and inhuman practice” and that this will have far reaching effect on the society.
“Considering the entire episode of how the MLAs have been lured to abdicate their chairs, the source of bribery scandal and modus operandi of the operation is imperative to be unearthed and therefore, the NPCC fervently urge upon your Constitutional authority to examine the gravity of the situation and initiate steps for invoking CBI inquiry/ inquiry headed by a High Court or Supreme Court Judge”, the memo stated which was signed by NPCC President KV Pusa, Vice Presidents Nillo Rengma, Zacilho Vadeo, RL Akamba and Ayangba Aonok.

Press Release

The Assam Rifles-NSCN stand-off at Shirui was amicably solved on 2nd February keeping in view the mutual interest of both the parties not to dampen the spirit that has carried the Indo-Naga political peace talks for more than 11 years. But while the NSCN still stand by this commitment the 17 Assam Rifles at Ukhrul is giving all indication that
they don't give two hoots about honoring it. On 9th February 09' unidentified persons set off bomb at Ukhrul main town area. Concern of its duty the Town Command of NSCN went to the spot to investigate and track down the culprits. The Assam Rifles also came in the guise of looking into the matter. But instead went headlong after the NSCN members. To be on the safe side and not to allow the AR to come in direct confrontation on some pretext the NSCN cadres move out in their vehicle. But within no time they were pursued by AR. Knowing the aggressive mode of the AR the NSCN members abandon their vehicle to set off on foot. The AR came rushing to the spot and fired towards them. It was a divine providence that the bullets missed them.
The unprovoked provocation of AR never goes down well with the desire of the NSCN to create a new but peaceful environment after the unpleasant Shirui episode. What is going to happen to the Naga people if AR is given a free run. The anti-AR psyche that is already running high is being given a new thrust. When the AR who are the ground force
in the region worked at cross-purpose with the political bosses in New Delhi' this dangerous trend if not properly checked will undo the whole structure of peace built up over since 1997.
Let it be known that Assam Rifles does not live in isolation to go notorious against NSCN, under one pretext or the other. Any civilized armed forces across the world will not stoop so low to bulldoze its way at the cost of playing nuisance with the ceasefire that is already passed 11 years. The world is watching the post ceasefire Indo-Naga relation, particularly the free rein given to the Assam Rifles. The ethical standard that normally governs any ceasefire signed between two entities is missing on the Assam Rifles. Unfortunately the democratic image of India has undergone severe beating at the hands of Assam Rifles. It will do immense good for GOI as it tries to establish itself as the country that detest any act of terrorism. But given the nature of AR State actors of terrorism exist in the land where the ceasefire was signed in 1997. Double standard interpretation of Indo-Naga Ceasefire is against historical reality and therefore unrealistic in the search for the Indo-Naga political solution.
All said and done, the AR's devious means to bring about a state of panic in Ukhrul by planting an explosive device is the main cause of generating tension in Ukhrul. Because the AR is a generating a false alarm to find pretext to run down on NSCN. Such devilish conspiracy against NSCN will do no good to AR whose slogan "AR friends of the
hill people" is now nothing more than devilish charm.

Issued by: MIP/GPRN Press Release
The combine force of Prepak and NNC provoked the Naga Army of NSCN and
a clash took place in the morning of 18th February at Duithanjang khaupum valley. 4 Prepak members died on the spot and 2 (two)seriously injured. There was no casualty on NSCN side.

Issued by:
MIP/GPRNThree state officials killed in Senapati; 48-hour bandh called Newmai News Network

Womenfolk participate in the sit in protest organised by JAC in Imphal against the brutal killing of three Manipur state officials on February 17 (UB PHOTOS)
Imphal | Three state officials including a Sub-divisional Officer (SDO) of Kashom Khullen, Ukhrul district were found brutally murdered on Tuesday morning at Senapati district. Three other officials are also reported to be missing.
As per reports, the three deceased officials went missing since Friday, February 13 and the murder is suspected to have been the act of some unknown miscreants. Following the brutal killing, a 48 hours bandh has been called from Tuesday midnight by the joint action committee (JAC) formed against the killing, besides which local residents of the deceased blocked roads as a mark of protest.
According to police sources, the bodies of the three officials were recovered from under the Lukhrabi Bridge at about 7 on Tuesday morning, hands tied on their back and blind folded. The bridge is said to be about 4 kms south of Senapati police station. Police also recovered a spade and a stone with blood stained on the weapons which believed to have been used in the killing. Certain belongings of the officials including file of the office were also recovered from the site, added the sources.
The deceased have identified as Dr. Thinam Kishan, 39, s/o Ibopishak alias Sorendro of Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak Meinam Leikai, who was the SDO of Kashom Khullen and his driver, Aribam Rajen alias Amuba, 36, s/o Ibopishak of Uripok Khoisnam Leikai and another Mandal of Revenue department of Ukhrul namely one Yumnam Loken, 38, s/o Shamu of Singjamei Yumnam Leikai. The other three missing officials have been identified as one Ramthing, Khamphakhui Zimmick and Ramsing.
According to family sources of the deceased SDO, the officials left for Ukhrul, to attend the programme of the work minister, on February 13, from the SDO’s house and went missing since then. According to sources from the department, the deceased before leaving for the minister’s programme, attended the meeting at the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Ukhrul district and left the office about 2:30 pm on the SDO’s vehicle.
Following the killing a JAC has been formed and demanded the concerned authority to produce the culprits within 48 hours failing which the JAC informed that, besides the bandh, they will intensified there agitation with the help of various civil society organizations of the state.
On the other hand family members and local people of the deceased took out a protest rally by blocking the National highway 39 along the Singjamei stretch and Uripok road Tuesday evening.
CBI to probe Killing case
Taking a serious note of the murder of Th. Kishan, sub-divisional officer (SDO), Kasom Khullen of Ukhrul district and his two subordinate staffs and the heinous manner of the killing, a cabinet meeting on Tuesday afternoon decided hand over the case to the CBI to book the culprits immediately.
The cabinet also decided to give a government job to the next kin of the deceased persons according to their educational qualifications and Rs. 10 lakhs as ex-gratia to the next of kin of the SDO and Rs. 5 lakhs to the next of kin of the two subordinate staffs.
Outfit condemns Senapati murder morungexpress
Dimapur, February 17 (MExN): The “Maram-Thangal CAA home affairs” of the NSCN (IM) outfit has expressed condemnation for the murder of the SDO of Kashom Khullen and two other staffers, whose remains were found on the February 17, in Senapati, Manipur. The remains of SDO of Kasom Khullen, Dr. Kishan Singh, and two other staffers were found under a bridge on National Highway 39 between Taphou Kuki and ‘9 MR’, stated a note from the Maram-Thangal CAA” P Nogi. The outfit’s note expressed “regrets” at the murder, terming it a ‘most inhumane’ and an act of cowardice. Such incidents are very “unfortunate”, the note stated and challenged the “murderers to come out with claims and reasons for the acts”.

Naga consultative meeting with overseas Nagas DIPR
Kohima, February 17 (DIPR): A group of overseas Nagas from Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Japan, and Singapore, have gratefully accepted an invitation from the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, for a consultative meeting with a wide section of the Naga society in Kohima, Nagaland, to be held from March 5 to 7, 2009, under the theme ‘One Dream, One Future’.
The overseas group will be presenting papers on different aspects of Naga society from perspectives that represent their areas of knowledge and expertise. They look forward to an open and meaningful dialog with leaders in government, nationalist movement, civil society, and the public. As stated in the draft program, the purpose of the conference “is to bring Naga people from across diverse political and ideological persuasions to an inclusive event where, despite our differences, we can focus attention on how to contribute to the common good.”
The group is not affiliated to any government, political party, or nationalist faction. It is composed of concerned individuals who want to contribute to the advancement of the Naga society in any way they can. They consider this an exploratory meeting that will hopefully lead to meaningful collaborative work with like-minded people in the homeland.
Ceasefire’s no excuse, says Thahekhu morungexpress
Dimapur, February 17 (MExN): Responding to Dimapur police’s investigations and subsequent ‘identification’ of the assailant behind the January 25 New Market murder case, Thahekhu village today said the current ceasefire is not a “sufficient reason” for the authorities not to capture the accused. Identifying the culprit only, and not punishing him is not at all justice, the collective authorities of Thahekhu village reminded in a statement today.
Mention may be made here that the Dimapur police had undertaken investigations into the murder of local businessman Atovi H Yepthomi at Dimapur New Market on January 25. The police said yesterday that an activist of the NSCN (IM), one Shevuto Zhimo of Hoshepu village, was identified to be one of the assailants. On the pretext of the current ceasefire, the police had expressed inability to enter Hebron camp, the NSCN (IM) headquarters, to arrest him.
In a joint statement today, the Thahekhu village authorities reminded the police and authorities in concern that the current ceasefire was no “sufficient reason” that justice would not be served.
“The report states that the main accused has been evading arrest and is taking shelter in Hebron camp. Whilst it may be true that the ceasefire is in operation, we do not think that it is sufficient reason for the authorities not to proceed with apprehending the identified accused” the statement made clear. .
Further, identifying the culprit alone without arresting him and punishing him in accordance with law is not justice at all, Thahekhu reminded. The authorities are asked by the village to complete the task of serving justice for the killing of Late Atovi H. Yepthomi. The NSCN (IM) is also asked to “do justice” and let the law of the land prevail by handing over the perpetrators of the crime.
The village has, however, expressed appreciation to what it stated were the efforts of the district administration and police in identifying the perpetrators involved in the murder of Yepthomi. “Our appreciation also goes to the Special Investigation Team constituted to investigate the case” Thahekhu’s statement added.

Corpses of 3 kidnapped persons found in Senapati morungexpress
Dimapur, February 17 (MExN): The bodies of the SDO of Kasem Khullen, Thingnam Kisham, and his two subordinate staffers who were reportedly kidnapped from somewhere in Ukhrul district while traveling on February 13 were recovered at Lukhrabi Thong near Kuki Taphou, Senapati district this morning. The hands of the victims were tied from behind and their faces were smashed with stones, beyond recognition.
A press release received here from the office of the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) informing about the recovery of the dead bodies, while quoting reliable sources, said the three victims were kidnapped and ‘hijacked’ on February 13 from somewhere in Ukhrul district, along with a Gypsy (MNG 0/45799). The three were found murdered in cold blood on the morning of February 17 at Lukhrabi Thong, Senapati district.
The said vehicle is still missing, the release informed.
In this connection, the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Senapati District Women Organisation (SDWA) and Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) strongly condemned the kidnapping and the ‘inhuman killing’ of the three persons and ‘demanded immediate necessary action from the concern authority.
“The three apex organisation of the District demands immediate investigation and punishment of those culprits by the concern authority,” stated the release which was appended by the NPO general secretary, Simon Chawang, SDWA general secretary Pongdeila and the SDSA president Kuba Peter.
The three organizations also questioned those culprits ‘representing individuals or organisations’ as to why the victims were kidnapped from some other places and ‘such gruesome act’ be committed in the Senapati district “thereby creating negative image of the district which cannot be pardoned”. Furthermore, the three apex organizations of the district, while sharing the grief and sorrow with the bereaved family members, appealed to every responsible citizen and organization to condemn the merciless killing of innocent lives.
24 hr lightning bandh called in Ukhrul
Dimapur, February 17 (MExN): A lightning 24-hour bandh has been called in Ukhrul district with effect from 6 pm this evening by six Tangkhul organizations as a sign of protest against the killing of the SDO of Kasem Khullen, Thingnam Kisham and two subordinate staffs. Their dead bodies were recovered at Lukhrabi Thong, Senapati district on February 17. The three were reportedly abducted on February 13 by some unidentified persons while they were traveling in a Maruti Gypsy somewhere in Ukhrul.
The six organizations namely Thangkhul Naga Long, Thangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Thangkhul Shanao Long, Mayar Ngala Long, Thangkhul Naga Wungnao Long called the bandh after an emergency consultation. During the bandh, no movement, except emergency cases, would be allowed. The organizations have appealed to the public for their fullest cooperation.
Related story on Regional
NSCN (IM) orders ‘investigation’ Newmai News Network
Dimapur | Strongly condemning the killing of Subdivisional Officer (SDO) of Khasom Khullen, Dr Thinam Kishan and two others, the NSCN-IM has said tonight that the outfit has ordered investigations to book the culprits at the earliest possible time.
The NSCN(IM) “ministry of information and publicity” has informed Newmai News Network tonight that it has nothing to do with the incident and said such heinous crimes should be condemned by all sections of the society.
Pledging to book and award befitting punishment to the culprits involved in the killing of the SDO and two others, the NSCN (IM) has said the killing of the officials was carried out by vested interests to ‘create unnecessary unrest in the society’. The NSCN (IM) appeals to the public not to spread rumours but to remain calm saying that the outfit would put its utmost effort to book the culprits at the earliest.
NSCN (K) condemns, probes triple murder Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 19 : The NSCN (K) has also strongly condemned the dastardly killing of the SDO of Kasom Khullen and his two subordinate staff and added that it has started investigating the matter.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Section Officer of the Shepoumaramth region of the NSCN (K), Ministry of Information and Publicity S Pao today said that the outfit strongly condemns the inhuman killing and added that it is seriously probing the case.
Coming out strongly against the killing, S Pao questioned why the three men, who were abducted from Ukhrul district headquarters, were brought to Senapati and bludgeoned to death.
This was nothing but to sow the seeds of suspicion and hatred amongst the people, he maintained.
Stating that the NSCN (K) has taken a serious view of the matter, S Pao said that the investigation is nearing its completion and added that all those involved in the dastardly crime will not be spared.
It is well known that only the NSCN (IM) has a strong presence in Ukhrul, he observed and added that the identities of those involved in the killing will be revealed within a few days time.
Asserting that the NSCN (K) is for harmonious relationship with every community, S Pao said that the outfit shares the grief and pain of the bereaved family members and prays for the departed souls.

SDO’s killing Dr Kishan was in IM custody : Testimonials Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 19 : The cat is out of the bag if what a Naga MLA, officials posted at Phungyar, Kasom Khullen and Chingai informed the family members of the late Dr Th Kishan are anything to go by.
Interacting with some media persons today, the wife of the slain officer, Romita said that since her husband had not contacted her after he left for Ukhrul on February 13, she contacted a PCO at Kasom Khullen on February 15 and talked to an employee of the SDO office and she was informed that her husband had been abducted.
The same day, a petty employee posted at Chingai, informed Romita over the phone that Dr Kishan was in the custody of the NSCN (IM), said the grieving wife.
The following day, that is February 16, an officer posted at Phungyar confirmed that Dr Kishan was in the custody of the NSCN (IM) safe and sound. Negotiations are on, informed the officer, recalled Romita.
The same day (February 16) in the evening, the family members of the late SDO visited a Naga MLA to present their case. The Naga MLA confirmed that Dr Kishan was abducted by the NSCN (IM) to discuss some points of the NREGS.
The same story was also related by another official posted at Kasom Khullen, said Romita.
Recalling the turn of events, the bereaved wife said that her husband left for Ukhrul on February 13 at about 8 am with six others for a meeting with the DC of Ukhrul. Moreover Kishan was scheduled to proceed to Kasom Khullen from Ukhrul for the visit of Works Minister K Ranjit.
Romita said that after the meeting, she received information that her husband left the DC office at about 12.30 pm to proceed to Kasom Khullen.
At about 1.17 pm the same day, Romita said that she received a call from an official of Ukhrul DC to inquire if her husband had a BSNL mobile phone.
Since Kishan did not have a BSNL connection she gave him his Aircel number 9856210376, said Romita. After some time she received an SMS with the message, “Please SMS Sir Kishan driver’s number. DC wants to meet. Important,” recalled the grieving wife.
Since her husband had told her that he would be back by the evening of February 14, his dinner was also prepared.
Romita further said that her husband used to phone her if he was not to return home, but that day no phone calls came and he could not be contacted. The rest, everyone knows.

Understanding the Effect of Naga National Movement Z.K.Pahrü
If we are to assume that Naga National Movement started right after the First World War, then the Nagas will be celebrating the Movement’s Centenary (100 Years of its existence) within 10 years period. While acknowledging the priceless sacrifices made by our National Workers in carrying forth and making known the Rights of the Nagas to International community, it is also time for us to examine the effect of this Movement locally. During these decades of struggle what have we achieved? What have we learned? What are the effects of this Movement? Still today there is no any tangible or workable political solution in sight yet the enormous effect of the Movement is apparently clear. This article highlights some of the effects of the Movement and the need to intervene by the Naga public in deciding the future of it.

I. Effect on Religion (Christianity).
Christianity, although undeclared, is the state religion of the Nagas today. Without Christianity the Naga National Movement could have died many years back. The Movement got its strength from Biblical stories and teachings. As this Movement gained strength it helped Christianity to spread its tentacles more widely in the Naga soil. They fed each other well. Because of this connection, the Movement is able to face various difficulties, overcome hurdles and survives for decades. The Movement got the support of the public in the form of ‘Christians’. By and large, non-Christians were assumed to be ‘non-loyalists’ or people who have little or no concern at all for the Nagas’ cause. Majority, if not all, of our Underground Cadres are Christians. Interestingly many of these cadres have brought a good number of non-Christians into Christianity fold.
Once they become Christian, the Nagas called themselves “Second Israel” (God’s elected people or race). Selected Bible chapters and verses were used by many Naga preachers to describe the Nagas as the “Second Israel”, “Chosen People”, “Holy Nation”, “Called out from darkness” and so on. Rainbow – the covenantal symbol between God and the whole creation – was chosen as the emblem of Naga National Flag. Many prophecies speak about the same thing. The biblical stories of the Exodus and the Conquest of Canaan by the Israelites were earnestly interpreted and used by Naga nationalists to promote their ideology and justify killings. These were used not only to justify the killings of enemies (supposedly Indian and Myanmar armies) but even Naga brothers and sisters (by often quoting Achan -an Israelite who was assumed to be responsible of Israel’s defeat in a war against Ai - as an example) The Exodus story of the Israelites was then taken as a valid paradigm for and by the Nagas to assert their right to political freedom from the dominant and oppressive countries.
Unfortunately, the whole presentation of God in the Bible (God of love) was overshadowed by the event of Exodus from Egypt and its subsequent conquest of Canaan by Israel people. God, as understood by the Nagas from this perspective, was the One who helped His people (Israel) to kill enemies mercilessly to the extent of wiping out the whole population and properties in order to achieve the goal of the supposedly God’s ‘elected people’(Israel people). Encouraged by this kind of half-baked understanding of biblical stories, killings go on unabated in Naga’s land. If any one is killed on account of his/her negative attitude towards Naga political problem, it is not considered a sin. Thanksgiving prayers were offered to God whenever our Naga cadres killed Indian armies or cadres from other Naga underground groups. Fasting and prayer programs were observed before attacking or ambushing other groups. Captured arms and ammunitions were sanctified and dedicated to God through special prayer usually offered by a Reverend or Chaplain. Naga Churches are often asked to pray for the Cadres so that no harm would come upon them. Those who perpetrate violence continuously justified themselves or its act by using biblical texts – dragging God’s name unmindfully to suit their action. God of life is hence depicted as God of destroyer and killer.
Will God –who is the author of life-, be really happy with us when we destroy life? Life is a free gift from God. We have no right to take away a person’s life (whether righteous or unrighteous). Life of all people is protected strongly through one of the Ten Commandments which say, “DO NOT KILL”. Jesus came to this world to give life (physical and spiritual) so that we might have life and have it abundantly. The Nagas are very unfortunate because we have turned Christianity - the religion of life into a religion of death, religion of love into a militant and violent religion, religion of forgiveness into a religion of vengeance. If any one or any organization uses the Word of God or God’s name to justify killing, they are doing so in their own risk. God’s vengeance will come upon them.

II. Effect on Economy
Let us presuppose that there are around 5000 able bodied Naga national workers in all the factions of the Nagas who are not in any way involved in labor-intensive work. Also let us take Rs.150 as an average daily wage per person per day. If we multiply 5000 (Naga national workers) by Rs. 150 (a day’s wage of a person) then the net wage is 5000 x Rs. 150 = 7, 50, 000 (Seven lakhs, fifty thousand rupees) per day. If we calculate for one month, it will be Rs. 7, 50, 000 x 30 days = Rs. 22,500,000 (per month). You may calculate for one year and see the answer! The economy of the Naga public is affected badly by this Movement. Frequent confrontations with the Indian Armies and among the Naga different factions resulted to a halt of economic activities such as closure of shops, imposing of curfew, etc. What has happened to Shiroi Villagers (in Ukhrul) is a startling example of this.
Apart from losing this huge amount of money of wage (earnings), the Naga public also pays taxes (house tax, vehicle tax, shop tax, employment tax, etc), to various factions. In addition to collection of tax, we often hear intimidation and extortion of money from Naga public by our national workers. We are also convinced that our national workers are involved in various cases of kidnapping and even murdering to get ransom as Newspapers testifies it many time. The temptation to materialism has put many national workers behind bars as they involve in black-market. In most of the government’s schemes too there is certain deduction of money by Naga national workers. Many contractors cannot get their jobs done without the consent of the Naga nationalists. Many developmental projects in Naga’s land came to a halt for the reason best known to our National workers. How much amount of money is being paid to various factions each month or year by an individual, village, organization or institution is difficult to ascertain. Certainly it will be in term of Crores of Rupees. And how do they spend the huge amount of money collected through various sources? Palatial buildings with modern furnishings, extensive fence around the residence, latest model of vehicles, Television set, mobile phones, and other costly gadgets they possessed may well help us to understand to a great extent apart from the understanding that this money is also being used for Naga National cause.
Few Naga farmers get Rs.100 to Rs.200 per day. Majority of the Nagas will be getting only Rs.50 to Rs. 80 per day in spite of engaging in tough work. This is how the Naga public earns and supports the Naga national movement. Our Naga national workers must think seriously through whose labour they are surviving. They must love the public and think twice before collecting and spending public’s money. Farmers take great care in spending just Rs.10 in a day as they know the value of hard-earned money. Many of our national workers are spendthrift. This could be because that they do not know the value of money as they do not earn money through hard labour in any way.

III. Effect On Societal Life:
Many of our people thought that whatever is done by our national workers is done on behalf of the people and would ultimately lead to freedom. Sadly, it does not work out as desired. The militants (all over the world) invariably become insensitive to human suffering. So often the way they exercised power was through terrorizing the people. We have no freedom to live freely in our own land. Indeed many of the so-called freedom fighters who are supposed to be our protectors become our own oppressors! We are but forced to ask, ‘whose freedom and for what?”
The Movement tends to disturb social cohesiveness of the Naga public. Serving Quit Notices to particular tribe(s), warning Letters to individuals (allegedly for speaking/writing against certain ideology/faction), boycotting certain tribes and individuals, banning certain Organization, selective and secretive killing of certain people belonging to certain tribe(s), self-righteous press statement, etc, shows that the Movement tends to divide people rather than bringing them together. The temptation of meddling in the internal affairs or problem of inter-villages and inter-tribes has earned the Movement a bad name as well. This shows that the Movement needs to be more mature, accommodative and open-minded.
The Movement has orphaned many Naga children, widowed many women and many others have become physically invalid. The Nagas have lost many good, capable and competent leaders during the Movement. A good number of Naga leaders fell to the bullets of the Nagas and not to the enemies’ (Indian and Myanmar armies’) bullets. Those who have been killed by the Nagas were alleged to be those persons who worked in connivance with Indians against Naga’s liberation movement. If that allegation is true, I wonder why these “living righteous leaders” cannot bring solution for the Nagas till today! Killing one another and blaming one another leads to nowhere. Violence begets violence. Dialogue is the best way for any Movement to gain public support, survive and achieve the desired goal.

IV. Psychological effect:
The Movement have caused tremendous psychological trauma to many cadres as well as the public. For the sake of fighting for freedom, they (Cadres) live a very insecure life. Their mind is always pre-occupied with how to kill others and how to protect themselves from being killed by others. Majority of these cadres live deep in the jungle where normal communication and life is snapped. Once they are separated from their loved and dear ones (from parents, close friends, relatives, wife and children, lovers), they unsurprisingly became abnormal in their behaviour. Birds and animals, bees and reptiles cannot give them peace and love. During winter they have to fight against all odds of unpleasant freezing weather. During summer, they are welcomed by leeches, poisonous snakes and other reptiles. The chant of the frogs croak in Choir disturbs their precious time of late night sleep. They do not have proper clothing. They live in a hut roofed with plastic. What a pity!!! Do you love them? Do you want them to live a normal life? Frustration and abnormality of the Cadres’ mentality is expressed in the form of raping and molestation of women, defection to other faction, surrendering to Indian army, drunkenness, drug abuse, etc. etc. This is a big task for the Naga army Chaplains to confront and deal with. Frequent confrontation between the Indian Army and the Naga Army (sometime among the Naga cadres) creates fear psychosis in the mind of the Naga public. Where is the mind without fear in Naga society today?

V. Effect on Political Life:
Our Undergrounds actively participate in every election (State or Centre), through choosing and supporting certain parties or Candidates. Candidates those who get the blessing of Underground have better chance to win in election. Our Underground uses both muscle and gun power. Sometime properties belonging to Candidate other than their favoured ones were destroyed (like burning vehicles, pushing down vehicle to a deep gorge, snatching mobile phones and money, etc). Booth capturing and intimidation against polling officers happens. Voters are threatened with dire consequences if they do not vote for their Candidates. Kidnapping of village leaders are rampant during election time. In the name of national freedom movement, the Nagas have lost individual’s freedom and rights. The politicians, the bureaucrats and many higher-up officers are equally responsible for this mess as they use Underground elements to grab power. How can we expect good governance from people who have been elected against the wishes of the majority?

VI. Effect on Ecosystem:
Majority of our Naga National workers (Underground) are camped and lives in the forests. In order to make it fit for human habitation, large portion of forests are being cut down by the Undergrounds (so often with the help of the villagers) for the purpose of constructing Camps. These Camps are constructed for temporary settlement (except few Head-Quarters). Camps are often shifted from place to place due to security reason. In this process hundreds of trees and thousands of variety of bamboos are cut down. Hundreds of animals and birds (big and small) are being trapped, shot and killed by Underground. Forests being colder than villages and towns, firewood consumption is also very high.
This is a cause of great ecological concern. Forest is the wealth of the tribal people. From it we get almost everything we need for our survival. We get mushroom, flowers, green leaves, fruits, tubers, herbs (eatable and medicinal), birds and animals, bees, firewood, material for construction of fence, houses, etc. etc. Forests also act as a water reservoir. Deforestation has many negative impacts. It leads to ecological imbalances. It destroys water sources. It leads to the lost of life of million flora and fauna. It is the cause of the destruction of birds’ and animals’ habitation. It causes not only flood during raining season but also drains away the top fertile soil. It causes drought during dry season as the capacity to retain water is destroyed. Many forest products are being lost unutilized. We need to search for some kind of arrangement so that hundreds of Underground Camps located in the vast forest of the Nagas could be brought to villages and towns.
Conclusion with an Appeal: The time is fully ripe for the Naga Public to intervene in the Movement. Political solution is not everything. The Movement needs to be corrected and straightened on all fronts. How can we redeem Christianity from being too militant, violent, and aggressive to religion of love, and forgiveness? How can we protect life under Christianity? In what way can we make understand that dialogue is a better option than killing to achieve the desired common goal? In what way can we check against dishonesty and enhance our economy? How can we re-settle the hundreds of Underground Camps put up in the forest so that we can save our forests from destruction and also give better life to our National Workers? All these demand collective wisdom and intervention of the Naga masses.
The sign of the time says that we need to start a Mass Movement based on the “non-violence” method of Jesus and Mahatma Gandhi. People’s power is stronger than guns’ power. The involvement of all Naga civil Hohos from the highest body (Naga Hoho) to the lowest body (Village Council level) is required. The Movement will be sidelined and destroyed if it is left to a few armed cadres. The imbroglio between Naga Army and Indian Army in Shiroi Village should be a wake-up call for the Nagas. The ongoing finish-off operation of Sri Lanka government against LTTE should be a telling signpost to the Nagas that unless the Movement is strengthened by people of grass-root level, it will wither and die.
Lastly, I am of the opinion that Solution of “any type” must come to the Indo-Naga problem at the earliest. Prolonging the Problem may lead to chaos and division among the Naga Public. It may benefit certain section of people (Nagas and Indians), organizations and tribes at the expense of the majority Nagas. It may even break up the hard-earned “emotional integration” of all Naga people. The present Naga public must raise their voice and decide for their future. It is now or never. Why should it be left behind to be solved by the coming generations? We are collectively responsible for the situation we are in today. Let us collectively hold responsibility in shaping a better and brighter world- where Peace, Love, Justice and Harmony reigns. Let’s join hands together and move towards the path of “CHANGE: WE CAN BELIEVE IN”.

The article is intended to create awareness among the Naga public and urged them to involve in the Movement so that Solution to the Indo-Naga problem would be arrived at in a way acceptable to all Nagas at the earliest. If the article hurts the sentiment of any individual or organization, I express deep regret and ask apology for the same.
For suggestion and comments: zkpahr@yahoo.co.in

NDFB warns against attack on its men From our Correspondent Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, Feb 18: National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) today warned the surrendered NDFB cadres and BRTF to stay away from attacking its members and said that it would resort to take retaliatory measures if further such incidents occur in near future.
Speaking to the Media at Habrubari Public Relation Office (PRO) of the NDFB today, Serfanguri General Head quarter of second Battalion of the outfit training officer R Daokha said that two NDFB cadres— Angustin Basumatary B Onfaor (32) of Oxiguri, Chirang and Suresh Basumatary (30) of Singimari, Kokrajhar were brutally tortured by a group of surrendered NDFB and BRTF men at Khagrabari under Kachugaon PS on Monday at around 2.30 pm while they were moving towards Bhaoraguri. He said the NDFB members were take away at gun point to their Kachugaon and Gamba camps.
R Daokha said that NDFB entered into ceasefire with Government of India with an aim to bring peaceful solution to their problems and in that case, the ex-BLT and other organizations should have co-operated but instead of doing so, they are always trying to derail the peace process. He said their cadres were attacked by SNDFB and BRTF in a cowardly manner.
Replying to a question, Daokha said that their cadres had no arms with them while they were being tortured but the attackers forcibly gave them arms to create drama. He also said that NDFB never used arms since it entered into ceasefire. We are monitoring the role of Government of India and Government of Asom as to how far are they sincere towards solutions of NDFB imbroglio,” The NDFB leader also warned the SNDFB and Ex-BLT to stop all kinds of attack on its cadres or it will take retaliatory measures.
Injured NDFB cadres— Angustin and Suren while interacting with the Media at RN Brahma Civil Hospital said they were on their way towards Bhalaguri in a wedding reception party while the surrendered NDFB and BRTF cadres stopped them and tortured inhumanly. They also alleged that the attackers threatened to shoot them but later handed them over to the Kachugaon police.
Tribute’s paid to founder of Tai Ahom Kingdom Sentinel
: MARGHERITA, Feb 18: A group of 30 enthusiastic persons from various parts of Asom assembled and journeyed by the Stillwell Road to Khamjang Valley across the present international border on the bank of Nong Yang Lake located in the Sagaing Division of Myanmar and paid tributes to the founder of the Tai-Ahom kingdom in India Cho-Lung Siu-Ka-Pha on February 15, 2009, stated a press release.
Citing the old Ahom historical records, they recounted that it was at Khamjang where the foundation of the Ahom Kingdom was laid by Chao-Lung Siu-Ka-Pha before he crossed over to the present Patkai Range (then called Doi-Kao-Rong) to the Brahmaputra Valley. Khamjang Country was, therefore, the earliest Tai-Ashom domain over which Chao-Lung Siu-Ka-Pha appointed a Governor (Thaomong), later known as Khamjangia Gohain. Khamjang Country remained an integral part of the Ahom Kingdom throughout the 600 years long Ahom rule.
Local information speaks of existence of physical remains like Tanks, Moidams and Roads in the Khamjang Valley. Being on the route that linked the Ahom Kingdom with that of Yunnan in Central China, all communication was carried on through Khamjang during the days of Ahom rules.
In 1401 AD, it was on this bank of Nong Yang lake that an important agreement was concluded between the Ahom and Nora Generals by taking oath (Cheng-kan) in the Tai way of cutting fowl (Pat-kai) and dipping hands in the water. From this ritual the name Patkai has been derived. This historic agreement was inscribed on a big rock in Tai language, and as report goes, it still lies on the old Ahom route proclaiming the event. It is recorded that Lt Bermrd saw it in 1828.
On the occasion, those who gathered at Khamjang Valley, founded a new organization to be called Chao-Lung Siu-Ka-Pha International Foundation with a view to further the ideals, spirit and vision of Chao-Lung Siu-ka-Pha amongst the people and to take up various projects to attain its objective. One such project already mooted is a journey along the historical nature followed by Chao-Lung Siu-Ka-Pha and his party from Mong Mao in Yunnan province of China to Cheraideo in Asom.
The Governing Council of the Foundation was formed with dr J N Phukan as Chairman and Dr Probin Kumar as vice chairman. This was stated in a press release.