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03/09/2009: "owards a ‘common goal’ on one platform Nagarealm.com CONSULTATIVE MEET ENDS WITH CONSENSUS ON RECONCILIATION, PEACE PROCESS"

Towards a ‘common goal’ on one platform Nagarealm.com
CONSULTATIVE MEET ENDS WITH CONSENSUS ON RECONCILIATION, PEACE PROCESS

KOHIMA, MAR07 [NPN] : From a commom platform, Nagas will forge ahead with ‘one dream, one voice and for one future’ towards the ‘common goal’ of an early solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue.

The three-day long Naga Consultative Meet with Overseas Nagas concluded today with the adoption of a 6-point resolution to carry forward the Naga political issue, the gist of which was to project the earliest resolution of the political problems as the common goal of all Nagas. Briefing media persons at Hotel Japfü subsequent to the final session of the Consultative Meet, state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the house has resolved to adopt the slogan “One dream, one voice, one future” and move forward for solution to the Naga Political problem.

The Consultative Meet resolved to render full support to the reconciliation process undertaken by the FNR to make it a reality and facilitate the an early solution. Rio informed, “The whole house endorsed that we should take forward the peace process to bring an early solution” and appealed to the UG groups to immediately stop fratricide and to declare ceasefire among themselves. The meeting also acknowledged the sufferings of the Eastern Nagas in Burma and resolved to work for their political, economic and social recognition.

Rio deliberated upon the need to “keep our house here in Nagaland in order” and said “only then we can take it forward because we are not only working for Nagas of Nagaland but Nagas all over wherever they may be.” Meanwhile, the chief minister expressed happiness that the DAN Government as a facilitator could set up the Political Affairs Committee and bring Hohos, UGs, church leaders, individuals and ‘Overseas Nagas’ together on a common platform. He also expressed gratitude to all those who attended and drew positives from the presence of all participants throughout all the deliberations in all the sessions of the 3-day Consultative Meet.

Co-convenor Political Affairs Committee, Dr. TM Lotha, substantiating the resolutions adopted, said that it has resolved unanimously to come on one platform, “synchronize all the efforts” made by the many mediators over several years and make a common pool of the effort to take the Naga forward in pursuit of the common goal. PAC secretary Z Lohe was also present at the press briefing.
Views at Naga Consultative Meet (NPN):
DIMAPUR, The Tenyimi Public Organisation, a body that comprises of ten Tenyimi tribes: five in Nagaland and five in Assam and Manipur; such as Angami, Chakhesang, Pochury, Zeliangrong, Rengma, Mao, Pooumai, Maram, Thangal and Inpu has acknowledged that the Naga Consultative Meet had addressed important issues which could not be ignored by the Nagas and for which all avenues were needed to be explored towards a meeting point.
In his speech at the three-day Naga Consultative Meet held in Kohima, TPO president Z.M.Sekhose also traced the birth of the Naga movement based on the “ dream of freedom for the Nagas, inclusive of all the tribes who are known by the nomenclature NAGA” which was spearheaded by the NNC. However, he said, since the beginning, opinions differed as to the options to use violence or non-violence as a means of our struggle and during which period, “ some of our greatest leaders had sacrificed their lives for the Naga cause”.
He reminded that “Nagas have a common House which belongs to all the Nagas” and that it was time to return to the “original Naga house” to begin the process of rebuilding where every Naga has a place.
He also mentioned about untold suffering and atrocities perpetrated during the military onslaught by the Nagas by the Indian armed forces in the past and the advent of fratricidal killings by Nagas against Nagas.
Sekhose made a significant statement in urging all factions to stop the cult of fratricidal killings and “ return to God and seek His forgiveness” to heal the land. He also said it was time that all Naga tribal hohos “rise in unison to raise aversion to extortion, bloodshed, fratricidal killing and violence in all forms. It is time we listen to the small still voice in us so that we can hear the voice of God.”
He also said even though Naga civil societies may not be indulging in any anti-social activity, yet by remaining silent on the acts of various groups, they would be held “ responsible for what is happening in our land”.
He was also skeptical of the emergence of “ many peace making bodies”. He said when peace makers are not qualified but attempt to make peace between quarelling groups, they could only end up worsening the problem.“ Servants cannot become peace brokers of their masters. Servants cannot quell the quarrel among their masters,” Sekhose said.
(Full text on page 4)
Meanwhile in another statement, read out during the Naga Consultative Meet, ‘Lt.Gen(Rtd)’ V.S. Atem, NSCN(I-M) emissary to the collective leadership, lauded the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for the changed perception vis-à-vis the policies of previous state governments with regard to the Naga national workers . Atem said “the Nagaland state government under Neiphiu Rio as chief minister is giving all the attention on the ongoing peace process. Such spirit of developing a positive approach will go along way in pushing forward the Indo-Naga political peace process.”
He also lauded the Non Resident Nagas for their solidarity to the cause while asking them to introspect on how far they have proved themselves as the socio political face and voice of the Nagas.
He also conveyed a message from the collective leadership and all members of the NSCN(I-M) that such a meeting of the minds should bear fruits, adopt a new line of approach towards each other which had so far remained elusive. (Full text on Page 4)
In another statement, the NNC through its member Thomas appealed for all possible help to the Eastern Nagas to uplift their education and health care stating that “we are in need of your help because you become elder brothers in aspect of modern developments of the world.”
On the matter of “our national,” the NNC however said it would not accept if they were told “you must be Burmese and we will be Indians.” “Rather we will be happy if and when you declare abandoning the 16-point agreement signed with the Indian Government in 1960, for we are neither Indian nor Burmese” it added.
The NNC also wondered over the expression that Nagas could be accommodated in world globalization only when they become Indians or give up the sovereignty of Nagaland.

Naga conclave asks Centre for early solution The Hindu
Kohima (PTI): A three-day conclave of Naga people, attended by Nagas from abroad, has called upon the Centre to be sincere in finding an early political settlement of the six-decade-old Naga political conflict.
The consultative meet, which adopted a 6-point resolution, also sought unity among Naga tribes and urged the warring Naga underground groups to declare cease-fire among themselves.
The meet, organized by Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), concluded here on Saturday evening with adopting a resolution to form a common platform to facilitate the on-going peace process towards finding an honourable settlement to the vexed Naga issue.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, also the PAC convenor, said the conclave was of the opinion that there should be unity among the Nagas to have a uniform voice for an early solution of the political problem through negotiations with the Centre and every Naga individual and organization should contribute towards this end.
Besides non-resident Nagas from different parts of the world, representatives from various tribal councils, civil society organizations, churches, political parties and underground groups expressed their views on the Naga political issue, and particularly on on-going peace process involving the Centre and Naga underground factions.
Although DAN constituents like Nagaland Peoples Front, BJP and NCP attended the conclave the main opposition party Congress did not take part in the meet maintaining that it cannot be part of PAC of other parties and their decisions.
Rio said the meet resolved to carry forward the slogan one dream, one voice and one future and to give an effect to this idea, a common platform would be formed with representatives from apex tribal council Naga Hoho, Eastern Naga Peoples Organisation, Forum for Naga Re-conciliation (FNR), churches, civil society organizations, PAC of DAN etc.
The conclave appreciated the efforts of the FNR towards bringing about a re-conciliation among warring underground groups but felt the urgency of forming the common platform as FNR's role was mainly spiritual and not political, Rio said.
Conclave brainstorms on Naga woes morungexpress
Kohima, March 7 (MExN): Day two of the Naga Consultative Meet with Overseas Nagas entered the second day here at Hotel Japfu witnessed some healthy sharing of views and opinions from the NGOs, individuals and also from the side of the NSCN (IM) regarding the present and the future socio-political situation of the Nagas. While the emissary to the NSCN (IM) collective leadership, V.S Atem, (Retd. Lt. Gen) made a stand that the dreams of the thousands of who have dies and who are ready to die would not be compromised; other speakers from the NGOs and individuals made a stand for unity, forgiveness, reconciliation and cessation of hostilities.
The emissary to the Collective leadership of the NSCN (IM), Lt. Gen (retd) V.S Atem, while conveying the message of the NSCN (IM) collective leadership and all its rank and file that such meeting of the minds should bear fruit and adopt a new line of approach towards one another and toward the issue that remains as elusive as ever, reiterated the NSCN (IM) stand that in the scheme of political settlement with the government of India, the people’s interest and aspiration shall always be guarded, and no final decision to be taken without consulting the Naga people. “Under no circumstances the dream of the thousands of Naga people who died for the cause and those many more who are ready to die will be compromised,” he asserted.
Disclosing that the NSCN (IM) welcomed an “Interim Arrangement” proposed by the Government of India on September 15, 2008 and asked India to elaborate the Road Map of the proposal, Atem however lamented that the concrete structure of the proposal is yet to be shown to the NSCN (IM) by GOI under one pretext or the other and asserted that this is upsetting in any sense of the term, and tantamount to breach of trust and betrayal. Beside, Atem also lamented that the Nagas have allowed themselves to be used against their own interests. Saying that the divided voice of the Nagas has encouraged the Indians to suppress them further to undermine their political rights, Atem questioned how long the Nagas will speak with divided voices and ‘never able shook the consciousness of the Indians’.
“Let us commit ourselves to listen to our inner voice to work with the heart of honesty and sincerity”
“We have to clear our conscience and we have to make a commitment to the cause and to do away with the obstructionist mindset,” Atem affirmed. Nonetheless, while commenting the Non-Resident Nagas from different parts of the world coming to show solidarity to the Naga cause, he questioned them how far they have proved themselves as the socio-political face and voice of the Nagas.
“Remember, wherever you may be, you are always Nagas by blood and you shall die as Nagas. You can never discard your blood and cultural identity of being Nagas,” said Atem while inviting them to come and reason together to make a political meaning of the movement that has crossed over sixty years.
“Let us commit ourselves to listen to our inner voice to work with the heart of honesty and sincerity,” he proposed.
The Convener of the Joint Forum of GBs & DBs Nagaland, while making its findings and suggestions at the meet asserted, “Above all we must create total peaceful atmosphere (cessation of fire) amongst the Naga National Workers Groups with more sincerity led by the top leaders without overlooking any groups whether Naga National Groups or civil frontal organizations officially, as concerted effort is a pre-requisite.”
The Forum also suggested that the crux of demands should be discussed amongst all groups, tribes, organizations including political parties and the Government before it comes to conclusion for our future solution. This is a six decade old complex issue and as such it should not be decided hastily, it said. “Lastly let us seek Gods forgiveness for our shortcomings and mistakes, and pray for His mighty presence in our land to achieve our common hope of lasting peace and prosperity,” its convener A. Taku Longkumer said in his presentation.
The CNBC general secretary Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh, maintained that the Nagas have to learn lesson from the past mistakes and failures. “Now we have come to the conclusion that nothing good can come out if Nagas are not united as a people of one nation,” he asserted.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Nagaland State in its paper presentation said the party recognizes the Naga political problem as a national problem and would continue to support the efforts of all concerned for a peaceful and honorable settlement acceptable to all Nagas. “Fratricide must be completely stopped. We must not shed any more blood. Enough is enough. We have paid a very high price already in the long journey of our political struggle. Self preservation is the first natural law and hence, let us preserve our people first,” said NCP Nagaland state president Povotso Lohe.
The Eastern Naga People’s Organization earnestly called upon all other fellow Naga brethrens to come together and correct past misdeeds and failures, if any, and respond to the call for “One Dream, One Future” with respect and honor towards one another.
Peace and reconciliation convention held in Nagaland ICT by ANI - By Vibhou Ganguly
Kohima, (ANI): ”Naga Convention for Reconciliation and Peace” was recently held at Kohima with the message of peace and an end to bloodshed and violence.
The convention was organized by the forum of Naga Reconciliation (FNR) along with the other Naga frontal civil organizations.
Thousands of people from various Naga tribes, underground groups, church and civil society came together for one purpose - “peace” in the state. The desire for reconciliation and peace was best expressed through songs by renowned Naga singers. Wati Aier, Convener of the FNR said: “If any kind of an organization, we need to have a code, a dream, a vision. We have planned this very carefully and we intend in completing it. It is not just an organisation trying to organize this kind of meeting. We are concerned about the activities. Besides organizing this meeting we have been talking, organizing, meeting, traveling and we will continue to do this.”
The convention provided a platform for the people to come together and work towards ending violence and bringing back peace and normalcy to the state. “The convention is a positive attitude, everyone expressing the desire for reconciliation. This is a starting point and this is where we can build our hope. We find this is the key to finding solution in our land,” said Vivi, General Secretary, Naga Mothers Association. (ANI)
Peace and reconciliation convention held in Nagaland ANI
Kohima, Kohima, Mar 7 (ANI): 'Naga Convention for Reconciliation and Peace' was recently held at Kohima with the message of peace and an end to bloodshed and violence.
The convention was organized by the forum of Naga Reconciliation (FNR) along with the other Naga frontal civil organizations.
Thousands of people from various Naga tribes, underground groups, church and civil society came together for one purpose - "peace" in the state.
The desire for reconciliation and peace was best expressed through songs by renowned Naga singers.
Wati Aier, Convener of the FNR said: "If any kind of an organization, we need to have a code, a dream, a vision. We have planned this very carefully and we intend in completing it. It is not just an organisation trying to organize this kind of meeting. We are concerned about the activities. Besides organizing this meeting we have been talking, organizing, meeting, traveling and we will continue to do this."
The convention provided a platform for the people to come together and work towards ending violence and bringing back peace and normalcy to the state.The convention is a positive attitude, everyone expressing the desire for reconciliation. This is a starting point and this is where we can build our hope. We find this is the key to finding solution in our land," said Vivi, General Secretary, Naga Mothers Association. By Vibhou Ganguly

Candle light rally in Delhi to protests killings of Kishan, Rajen, Token
The Imphal Free Press

NEW DELHI, March 7: Students, teachers and activists in Delhi supported by many organizations today strongly condemned the recent killing of Dr. Thingnam Kishan, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Kasom Khullen in Ukhrul District of Manipur, and two of his staff members, Aribam Rajen and Yumnam Token. In a candle light vigil and gathering observed at Jantar Mantar and India Gate, the participants have collectively resolved to resist the axis of corruption and violence in Manipur. It also called upon the Indian government to impress upon State government of Manipur to punish the perpetrators who are involved in the incidents that led to the brutal killings.


Speaking on the occasion, noted social activist Kamla Bhasin extended her solidarity and gratitude to all you people condemning “the meaningless violence” which continue to take place in Manipur. She said “Peace is stronger than hatred and violence; Light is stronger than darkness; Democracy is stronger than dictatorship.”


The president of the Manipur Students' Association Delhi (MSAD), Oinam Sandhyarani Chanu said that by declaring compensation of 10 lakh rupees as compensation, the Government of Manipur has sidelined the real issues. She said “Such killings continue unabated in Manipur with an average of three people being killed daily. The Government of India should take responsibility of the current situation in Manipur which is a direct result of its repression and ethinicised politics.”


Amrapalli Basumatary, a teacher at the Univiersity of Delhi said that Dr. Thingnam Kishan's killing may be a single event but we should not forget that its part of a larger phenomena. She said “We still believe in democratic ideas and when such brutal acts are happening, we need to take up democratic steps to fight for justice by talking instead of engaging in such inhuman brutality”.

John Zamkhomang, the oldest past pupil of Don Bosco, Imphal, Chingmeirong said each and every life on this earth is very precious and nobody has the power to give life and so nobody should have the right to take away the life. “I want to appeal to everyone here and to those all who could not make it today to let change our attitude and start to focus on how to change or improve the present scenario and this can happen only when we start changing our own attitude.” The Don Bosco Alumni present also strongly condemned the killing of Dr.Thingnam. They have stated, “We cannot stand idly by and witness the crisis that is occurring in Manipur. It's time we also made a strong stand of principles to stand up and get involve in a fight to resolve the crisis in our Motherland”.
A.C. Kharingpam, Assistant Professor of English at Jamia Millia Islamia said that Dr. Thingnam Kishan was one individual who wanted to bridge the gap between the people from the hills and the valley Manipur. He urged the people condemn such heinous crimes.

Professor Anuradha Chenoy of Jawaharlal Nehru University said, "The recent killings in Manipur of Dr Th. Kishan, Token and Rajen in Manipur once again show what the widespread violence can do to many bright young minds in a society. It is a reinforcement of how widespread militarization and the use of violence and force as a negotiating method to settle issues. It is time that the people of Manipur and other peace loving people in India condemn such killings and work towards bringing an end to the ideology of violence"

Binalakshmi Nepram of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network said, “Everyday, three to four people are killed in Manipur's ongoing conflict. In the last decades, thousands have died and even more have become widowed or orphaned. Stories of suffering are legion as those who survive look into a scarred future. Someday, this needs to end.”

Dr. Thingnam Kishan and two of his staff members, Aribam Rajen and Yumnam Token along with three officials were kidnapped on the 13th of February 2009 from Ukhrul. In the morning of the 17th, the bodies of Dr. Thingnam and his two staff members were found under the Lukhrabi bridge along the NH-39 in Senapati District, Manipur. The National Socialist Council of Nagalim or the NSCN (IM) has stated that one of its senior cadres “Lt. Col.” H. Ningshen committed the crime. The remaining three officials have been “rescued” by a combined team of the Manipur police and the Assam Rifles.

As a consequence of these murders, Manipur has been under serious political turmoil - familiar scenes of street protests and rallies, and state response through the imposition of curfews and attacks on the protesters. People of Manipur cutting across community and religious lines have condemned this barbaric act and also sought for justice. Large protests by the people have been witnessed in both the valley and the hills of Manipur. The Government of Manipur has instituted a two member committee to investigate the murders apart from declaring a CBI enquiry. The NSCN (IM) has announced that it will give the 'severest' form of punishment to its cadre who is under their custody (and others involved in the crime). It has, however, declined to hand over the culprit(s) to the Government of Manipur.


The vigil was organized and supported by students, teachers, colleagues and friends from Jamia Millia Islamia, University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network (MWGSN), Manipur Students' Association Delhi; Delhi Association of Manipur Muslim Students (DAMMS), Past Pupils of Don Bosco, Imphal and Rock Music Manipur (RMM).
Seized ULFA arms came from China Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, March 8 – Outlawed ULFA’s seized arms were imported from China, with Bangladeshi investigators too reporting a nexus between the militant outfit and ISI of Pakistan. If media reports in Bangladesh are too be believed, the then chief of CID Chittagong Region AKM Kabir Uddin and inspector Mohammad Shah Alam had sent a review report on the arms haul to the CID headquarters in the last week of April in 2004.

The report said Hafizur Rahman, the conduit used by ULFA was proved to have had link with the international smuggling network of Pakistan’s largest intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The entire leadership of ULFA is now reportedly based in China.

Latest reports said ULFA commander, Paresh Baruah, Naga rebel leader Anthony Shimray and others had stationed themselves in Chittagong using fake names before the abortive arms shipment in 2004.

The group allegedly checked into Hotel Golden Inn but left Chittagong immediately after the arms were seized, according to a report in the media.

Principal accused of the case Hafizur Rahman alias Hafiz in his confessional statement said he was introduced to one Zaman before the 2001 election. Later, he came to know that the said Zaman was ULFA military commander Paresh Baruah.

According to records of the Hotel Golden Inn located on Station Road in Chittagong where ULFA operatives stayed, room-305 was allocated to Asif Zaman Paresh Baruah on March 28, 2004, just three days before offloading of the arms cache. His address was recorded as 97/5 Sher-e-Bangla Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka.

He was reportedly accompanied by NSCN (I-M) leader Anthony Shimray who was based in Manila in Philippines and had flown to Chittagong via Bangkok around the time of the shipment. His presence in Chittagong indicates that the Naga rebel outfit too may have had a hand in the arms deal.

ULFA cadres, who identified themselves as Zaman, Abul Hossain, Shahidul Islam accompanied Paresh Baruah and several others believed to have been involved in offloading arms and ammunition, rented rooms in Hotel Golden Inn during March 28-30. They all left the hotel never to return after the cache of arms was seized in the morning of April 2.

Additional 10 rooms of the hotel were also rented for 20 Indian nationals; most of their addresses in the hotel register were shown as Babupara of Habra, West Bengal, India. They were not found in the room from the moment of the seizure of the arms.

Investigations also revealed that the register in which the names of those allegedly involved in the arms smuggling were recorded, disappeared from the hotel.

The same report says that Hafiz met a Pakistani at a room of Hotel Sundarban in Dhaka six months before the ten truckloads of arms were seijed. After that Hafiz (Baruah) went to Pakistan, China, Rangoon (Myanmar) and Bangkok, sources close to Hafiz told the CID.

Tribal bodies to fight for rights
: From our Staff Reporter Sentinel
DIBRUGARH, March 7: The state-level tribal convention held at Chowkidinghee playground here today resolved to form an united forum of all indigenous groups named Indigenous People’s Front. The resolution was taken in order to ensure that these communities could fight for their socio-economic, educational and political rights.
The office bearers of several organizations attended the meeting organized by the All Assam Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union (AASKSU).
Speakers in their addresses stressed on the need for all tribes to come together in order to make their demands heard. Calling for protection of their land rights, they said that the tribal populace was being deprived of the land that they have been living on since ages. Enumerating several such instances, the tribal students’ leaders called for the protection of tribal belt and blocks.
The demands that were raised during the convention included giving myadi pattas of land to tribal people, appointment against backlog posts, more powers to autonomous councils and holding of elections in the various autonomous councils soon.
The convention was chaired by AASKSU president Gopal Sonowal. In his address, he stressed upon the need to protect the land rights of tribals in a very conscious manner. Sonowal urged upon all to fight the divisive forces that want to defeat their purpose.
The other resolutions taken during the meeting includes implementation of reservation act in its true spirit and turning the interim councils of Sonowal Kachari, Thengal Kachari, Deori, Mising and Tiwa into full-fledged ones. The meeting also demanded that a CBI inquiry should be ordered into the disappearance of Prasanna Turung and his wife in 2007.
The organizations that attended the meeting include the Tiwa Students’ Union, Karbi Students’ Union, Mech Kachari Students’ Union, Mising Students’ Union, All Assam Tribal Sangha, Sonowal Kachari Yuba Parishad, Sonowal Kachari Jatiya Parishad, Singpho Students’ Union and others.
ULFA under tremendous pressure
: From our Correspondent Sentinel
MANGALDAI, March 7: ULFA and other separatist organizations operating in the Northeast are under intense pressure with the change of guard in Dhaka. Reports reveal that the hostile attitude of the new regime in Bangladesh has put pressure on them resulting in desertion by middle and lower cadres as seen in a recent surrender by 118 cadres of the various groups in Tripura.
A highly placed source in the security forces while talking to The Sentinel on the condition of anonymity claimed that the recent visit of the External Affairs Minister of India to Bangladesh and that of the Vice President to Myanmar in similar time frame was not a mere coincidence. Their visit was with an aim of exerting pressure on the governments of both the countries to act against the insurgents groups operating from their soil. In a concerted effort, the Unified Command is preparing to launch major operations against the militants groups operating in Asom especially against the ULFA.
The focus of the operations is most likely to be against those militant groups which have taken shelter in the Mon district of the neighbouring state of Nagaland along the Myanmar border. The security forces are quite hopeful of major success, as it expects cooperation of the neighbouring countries. The reports emanating from the ground sources and also from the surrendered militants indicates growing panic amongst the cadres of ULFA as they are not sure of the loyalty and continued support of other terrorist groups in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
UNLF dissects murder of SDO, staff By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Mar 8 : Examining the recent brutal murder of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Th Kishan, Mondal Y Token and Driver A Rajen from different viewpoints, the proscribed UNLF has called upon all the people of Ma-nipur to identify distinctly enemies of the people.
A statement issued by the outfit’s senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba also appealed to the people not to add any communal tinge to the brutal murder and the issue arising out of it.
Further appealing to stand firmly and valiantly against all elements scheming to create communal di- vide out of the issue, the outfit pledged unstinted support to such stand of the people.
From the perspective of the UNLF, the triple murder was not Tangkhuls killing Meiteis nor hill people killing valley people but mur- der of three Manipuris by NSCN (IM) or by some of their cadres.
Appreciating the univocal and vociferous condem- nation poured out from all quarters, including different Tangkhul organisa- tions, particularly outcry raised by the students and villagers of Kasom Khullen, the UNLF remarked that the spontaneous outcry from all sections of Manipur was a day of awakening for peaceful co-existence where guns cannot suppress truths.
Observing several incoherent and obscure points in the triple murder issue, the outfit questioned whe-ther the murder was carried out at the command of NSCN (IM)’s higher authority.
If it was so, then what is the reason behind the gruesome murder, the outfit asked.
Questioning selection of Taphou Kuki village, Sena-pati district to leave behind the mutilated corpses even as the employees were abducted from Ukhrul district as well as use of spade and stones for the murder although the NSCN (IM) cadres involved in the killing were equipped with guns, the UNLF pondered whether the murder was aimed at sparking off a communal clash between Kukis and Meiteis.
If it is true that the triple murder was perpetrated by some goondas within NSCN (IM), should it be assumed that the NSCN (IM) is a gang of goondas who could not be controlled by its leaders.
In case such assumption has any validity, should not the Naga people read that the NSCN (IM) is no longer an insurgent organisation which carries their mandate, the UNLF posed.
As the NSCN (IM) has already admitted that the murderers were its own cadres, shouldn’t the murderers be handed over to the people of Manipur, it further questioned.
With all sections of the society rising up strongly against the shocking murder in an unprecedented manner, the NSCN (IM) has been trying to pull out itself from the issue by claiming that the people’s movement has some characteristics which are intentionally aimed at derailing the peace talk.
The UNLF also accused the NSCN (IM) of trying to label all those who came out condemning the murder as peace-breakers on the ground that holding the outfit responsible for the murder which was perpetrated by some black sheep affected the peace process with New Delhi.
Quoting NSCN (IM) that every organisation has black sheep, the UNLF decried that some elements have been trying to condone NSCN (IM) after accepting their beguiling arguments.
Extension officer RS Ramsing, village level worker S Ramthing and peon Kapangkhui who were abducted together with SDO Kishan and his staff but left unharmed should be allowed to narrate the truths and circumstances of the triple murder without any inhibition to the people, the UNLF asserted. (To be continued)