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03/19/2009: "NSCN-IM talks of new ties - Swu rules out ‘relationship’ within Constitution OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"
NSCN-IM talks of new ties - Swu rules out ‘relationship’ within Constitution OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, March 18: The NSCN (Isak-Muivah) has ruled out any solution within the Constitution as the countdown to the next round of Indo-Naga peace talks at Zurich in Switzerland begins.
NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu said in a statement from Bangkok that there was no question of a relationship within the Indian Union.
“But we have been talking about how to have a new relationship, like two entities,” he said and expressed hope that the Centre would hasten the process of the construction of the new relationship.
Swu was reacting to Union home minister P. Chidambaram’s recent statement that any solution to the Naga problem would have to be within the ambit of the Constitution. Swu said they would question the Indian representatives about the statement during the talks. The talks are scheduled to be held at the end of this month.
The NSCN (I-M) chairman said it was 12 years since the group had entered into a ceasefire with Delhi and was holding peace parleys with the Centre. If the Centre wanted to delay the solution to the Naga issue, the group would have to take some other step but would not announce it now. “We shall do it afterwards,” he added.
According to Swu, the Centre had assured the NSCN (I-M) that it would table an interim proposal, but had later retreated. “They said they do not have an agenda to discuss. They are delaying the matter in this way,” he added.
The NSCN (I-M) has already submitted its proposals to the Centre. The last round of talks held at Amsterdam from December 7 to 9 failed to break the deadlock, as the Centre could not table the “interim proposal” as sought by the NSCN (I-M).
Swu said they would stress on the Centre’s delaying tactics in the next round of talks.
Though the Naga talks have not progressed as expected, Swu ruled out armed confrontation. He, however, did not rule out breakdown of the ceasefire. He said the Indian security forces were trying to create a situation that would compel the NSCN to break the truce.
“We are not afraid to fight, but that is not going to solve the problem soon. That will simply delay it. We want to reason and bring the solution soon. We believe India also (wants to solve the problem soon). They have so many problems, so they should solve the problem which can be handled now. So they must also try to be reasonable,” the NSCN (I-M) chairman said. He hoped that New Delhi would approach the problem realistically and the two sides would come to understand each other to have a close relationship between India and “Nagalim”.
The outfit sought a “third party” intervention to take the Naga peace process forward.
Naga consultative meet calls for an end to factional killings ANI Kohima, Kohima, March 18 (ANI): Following growing concern of the various sections of society over incidents of factional clashes in the State, a first of its kind Naga Consultative meet was recently held in Nagaland.
The event themed "One Dream, One Future" reflected the fact that people are deeply disturbed by disturbances in the State.
The three-day consultative meet witnessed intensive and detailed discussions on various topics. Besides, it also addressed the suffering of the Naga people and resolved to work towards all-round development in the region.
Participants during the meet focused on finding the best approach to bring an end to violence and ensure peace in the State.
They had come together on a common platform represented by every tribe, civil society and church to take the Naga peace process forward.
Nephieu Rio, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, thanked all for coming together to attend the important meet and contributing towards bringing about a better understanding and unity among people besides ensuring a lasting peace.
"Let us come together and work together. Let us bring an end to all the sufferings and the hardships," said Rev. Louliehu Yimsung, Global Indigenous Prayer Network, Australia.
The main stress of the meet, however, was on oneness and understanding.Representatives of various factions of the Naga underground groups also participated in the event which hoped to end faction fights and fratricidal killings in the state. By Vibou Ganguly (ANI)
Naga, Meitei demand needs political dialogue morungexpress
Dimapur | March 18 : The four-member fact-finding team of lawyers, constituted to look into the working of the ceasefire in Naga areas, has observed that both the Nagas’ demand for integration of all the Naga areas under one administration, and the Meiteis’ demand for unity of Manipur State are “political demands”. And these can be settled only through “political negotiations and democratic people’s movement”, the study said.
In this regard, it has been suggested that the ceasefire between the Union of India and the NSCN (IM) be extended to the State of Manipur with an explicit mention that the extension of ceasefire has “no implication whatsoever on the political negotiations and it is merely an administrative measure to create a political atmosphere where both the political demands can be discussed”.
It has been pointed out that the Naga demand “can be well-settled within the constitution of India since the change of State boundaries requires a simple majority decision within the Parliament and the consent of the State is not required”. However, according to the study, the demand for the integrity of Manipur is not protected by the Indian constitution ‘since we do not have a federal system’. “Therefore the Meitei demand requires a change in the Constitution of India”, the report said.
PART V
Significantly the fact-finding team reiterated that the two political demands can be settled only by political negotiations, “not only with the Union of India but also with each other”. “In order to create conducive atmosphere, free from communal hatred and suspicion it is necessary that there is a ceasefire”, the study suggests. It observed that “there has been an uneasy but effective unofficial ceasefire in Manipur but the events in Shirui have vitiated the political atmosphere” so far.
It was also disclosed that the said proposal was discussed with Meitei political leaders and opinion makers. A majority of them told the fact-finding team that “it would be difficult but not impossible”. The Meitei leaders also raised objections that the ceasefire was sought to be extended without even consulting the State of Manipur. In this regard, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi’s statement was pointed out that there was no ceasefire in the State of Manipur and there were no designated camps of the NSCN (IM) within it.
On this, the report observed that the root cause of “this denial of the unofficial ceasefire and opposition to the extension of the ceasefire to the State of Manipur, is political”. So both the Nagas’ demand for integration and the Meiteis’ demand for unity of Manipur can be settled only through political negotiations and democratic people’s movement.
“GPRN/NSCN” on Tirap, Wokha incidents morungexpress
Dimapur, March 18 (MExN): The ‘publicity cell’ of the “GPRN/NSCN” today put forward its view on the recent factional clashes in Tirap in Arunachal Pradesh, and Wokha. A note from the “GPRN/NSCN” said the people of Tirap “have endured inhuman treatment and of late, widespread discontentment against merciless IM men” ever since the NSCN (IM) started operating in the district. “Neutral” Naga organizations are asked to “ascertain the fact from the Naga inhabitants” of Tirap and surrounding areas.
The cell said the “overbearing attitude of IM men” on the eastern side of “Naga homeland” is on the rise. The note cited the murder of a former MP and advisor to the state’s chief minister on December 23 “by IM” and also the killing of one Yago Wancho on December 31, 2008. These are testimonies to “their wicked actions” the note said.
“As the Naga people gathered at Kohima for consultative meet on 22nd February 2009, 22 IM men attacked Naga army without slightest provocation at Wakka village in Tirap district” the note said. Considering the “undignified killings and attacks”, activists of the “GPRN/NSCN” retaliated in “self defense”, the note asserted. “It is foolhardy to blame combined forces of GPRN/NSCN, ULFA and UNLF for the Tirap incident. GPRN/NSCN Naga army operates on its own be it in Manipur, Assam or Arunachal Pradesh. To accuse ULFA or UNLF for what happened at UT III region is farfetched. Even GOI may not take the bait, let alone the Naga people” the organization asserted.
Over the incident in Wokha, the note blamed the NSCN (IM) that “there is no mistaking that IM deliberately launched an attack on the Naga army at Yimkha village on 14th March”. The Lotha (Kyong) Hoho, civil organization s and village elders “were informed of the Naga army’s march towards its designated camp at Chukitong” the note said adding it to be in accordance with the agreed ceasefire ground rules. The March 17 attack in Liphi “clearly confirms that it is bent on pushing the Nagas into further bloodshed” the note asserted. While expressing ‘regret’ at the loss of life and injury, the outfit said it shall not be a “sitting duck when attacked”.
No “non-Naga” hand in Tirap
Dimapur, March 18 (MExN): The “GPRN/NSCN” has denied the charge of NSCN (IM) that the former had attacked the latter in Tirap on March 12, with the help of Manipur’s UNLF and Assam’s ULFA. “No non-Naga is involved in the attack at Tirap on 12th March.09 as alleged by NSCN (IM). The Naga army are not that incompetent or otherwise, Muivah boys are not that smart enough that the Naga army may have to hire other revolutionary partner to fight them” asserted a note from P Tikhak, deputy kilonser, of “MIP”. The note said 160 activists were “sent to chase the Muivah boys out of Tirap” and that “we gave enough time to Muivah boys either to surrender or return back to Ukhrul”. The outfit claimed that the attack on the NSCN (IM) cadres “became inevitable” as “the state machinery and the Indian security forces have completely failed to check the menace”.
The rivals’ presence is not only a threat to the development of Tirap but is also ruining the life of thousands of Nagas, the “MIP” note said. The NSCN (IM) cadres “are silently killing the future of younger generation as well by siphoning off all the funds released by the state and central government in connivance with the local MLA and heads of department who are also getting their share”, it said.
The “GPRN/NSCN” said the NSCN (IM) eliminates anyone who tried to come into their way. “One such was the killing of Wangcha Rajkumar on December 23, 2007, a former minister and an MP from Arunachal East Parliamentary constituency and an advisor to the CM of Arunachal Pradesh when he was killed” the outfit said. “Next, we all know how mercilessly the Naga Army were killed at Vihokhu & Seitekhema when reconciliation meeting was going on in Bangkok. Did the Muivah boys mean it to be their receptive attitude towards reconciliation?” the “GPRN/NSCN” queried.
Also claiming that “we are committed to peace and reconciliation and we stand by our commitment to the Naga people” the outfit said “Muivah boys” must stop all forms of illegal tax collection from Tirap to ‘achieve peace and reconciliation’. “They must put a complete halt to all forms of corruption, including extortion and intimidation. Because, you cannot make peace, when there is a corruption and you cannot reconcile with people who are against the social fabric of society” the “MIP” note asserted.
Lull Breaks: One NSCN (IM) cadre killed morungexpress
Dimapur, March 18 (MExN): A cadre of the NSCN (I-M) was killed today by ‘unidentified gunmen’ near a tea estate under Karbi Anglong, Assam, Wednesday morning, police said. The assailants reportedly came in a white Maruti car. When contacted, Dimapur police said they were informed of the incident at around 10:30 -11:00 AM. However, by the time police arrived, Assam Police had already taken the body of the slain cadre into their custody as the incident took place under Assam jurisdiction. The slain NSCN (IM) cadre was later identified as one “lance corporal” Rockyson Tangkhul, police said. Two shells of AK-47 were recovered from the spot, police added.
NSCN (IM) condole
The NSCN (IM) has expressed condolence for the death of two of its cadres, including the one killed in Wokha on the 17th. A MIP note said Rockyson of Tasom Christian village under Ukhrul district was abducted by “K-group” from “Khel Mahal” in Dimapur area, at around 12 noon today.
He was shot dead after being taken a tea garden in Assam, it said. “Rockyson left Hebron early morning for Dimapur and went to Khel Mahal to meet his friend. He was forcibly pushed into a Zen Maruti car. He was blindfolded and his hands tied” the MIP said.
The outfit also mourned the killing of “sergeant” Kholi Mao of “Thungbo brigade”, on March 17th at Liphi village, Wokha by the “K-group”. He hailed from Shajouba village, Tadubi sub-division. The organization has mourned the demise of its cadres “whose service” was cut short by “the cowards belonging to anti-Naga group”. “May his soul reach his birth place in peace and the bereaved family members be comforted by God” the MIP said.
NSCN (IM) on Tirap incident Nagaland page
The attack on the NSCN cadres at Tirap in Arunachal by the combine forces of Khaplang, UNLF and ULFA is something very discomforting given the ground situation where the three groups are simply losing track of their revolutionary vision, pointing their guns at the wrong direction. For the Khaplang group there is no need for further probing in attacking NSCN. Their restlessness to settle score with NSCN is history and the fact that they were nurtured and armed to counter-weight the NSCN is also history. But what is so demeaning is the involvement of UNLF and ULFA in taking side with Khaplang against NSCN. Where are they heading for by joining with the very group whose revolutionary credentials no long exist after they allowed themselves to be used by the Indian intelligence agencies like IB, RAW and MI.
This is ridiculously suicidal for these two high profile revolutionary groups of North east.
When the combine forces of around 100 attacked NSCN at Maktua, Lamchan, Longpu and Tingsa villages 2 cadres died, and in the retaliatory fire Khaplang group led forces also suffered 2 dead. One arm was also captured by NSCN. One NSCN cadre suffered injuries. There is no lost of arms as reported in local papers.
Whenever the issue of reconciliation is raised in different occasions NSCN has always been receptive to such unification process but realistic at the same time. Because time and again Khaplang group has been sheltering and using the non-Naga groups like Manipur’s UNLF and Assam’s ULFA again NSCN. The Tirap attack is just one incident. The solution to UNLF and ULFA’s problem is not at the hands of NSCN. But these two groups with diminishing political credibility is going the way of anti-revolutionary by not making the right impact against India to evoke government’s attention. In the world of revolution not at all the groups could project the correct image, other than turning more as a spent force making themselves vulnerable to any counter-revolutionary mission that serve the interest of India. If Khaplang group is not doing India’s bidding where is their business to use UNLF and ULFA? And who can trust them, even if they show their face in the attempt to find reconciliation.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN
Patent rights for Naga Chilli Nagarealm.com
KOHIMA,[NPN] : Nagaland government has finally won the patent rights for the Naga King Chilli and also registered as the proprietor of the chilli with the Government of India, according to the Geographical Indication Registry recently.
The “Certificate of Registration of Geographical Indication” was awarded on December 2, 2008 to the Government of Nagaland, represented by Secretary, department of Horticulture and Agriculture as the registered proprietor of the Naga Mircha falling in Class 31 Chilli with effect from August 22, 2007 under Registration No.109. The Registration of Geographical Indication certificate was awarded under section 16(1) or of authorized user under section (17) (3) (e) of the Geographical Indication of goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Revealing this, Parliamentary Secretary Horticulture and Cooperation, R.Khing termed it as a milestone achievement which would pave way for the state into the global market and even export the produces of Naga King Chilli to other countries. e further revealed that following the development, the department was trying to find contacts in countries like Bangladesh, United State and also Mexico for establishing possible link for export of the famous Naga king Chilli, known for its pungency and aroma.
