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04/08/2009: ""BURMA NAGAS - WE CANNOT FORGET" Nagaland Page"

"BURMA NAGAS - WE CANNOT FORGET" Nagaland Page

The need to integrate the Nagas inhabiting this part of the Indian Sub-Continent has always been part of any meaningful discussion to find amicable solution to the Naga imbroglio. This need began during the British Raj as clearly seen in the memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 and agreement reached with his Majesty's GOI in 1947. Thus, integration of Nagas inhabited area is intrinsically linked to the Nagas National Movement. However, apart from few declarations made by the Naga national leaders, no Nagas overground leaders have ever seriously espoused the cause of the Nagas living across the alleged border in a manner Shri. Neiphiu Rio Hon'ble Chief Minister of Nagaland has conveyed his concern to the leaders of India and the Govt. of Myanmar (Burma) in the recent past. He has made the clarion call to the world leaders to attend to the plight of fellow Nagas and remind them that Nagas living in Nagas Hills of Myanmar deserves all the human right enshrined in the Constitution of the World. He has the encourage to speak through the mist of historical blunder and has made this call for all to hear. It is possible that to many the call might have fallen on deaf ears. To some may consider it to be a blow to their selfish pride. To others it might constitute a serious leakage that may lead to further research to block the leakage. But to the Nagas the call is clearly heard for us to rise in one chorus and one united band in support of our suffering brothers.
This call is also for all Naga National leaders to unite irrespective of the faction or tribe they may belong to, for Naga Movement is no less a movement for unification of the Nagas as a Nation. In view of the above there is no justification for brothers killing brothers in the past, present or future. To foster unity we ought to love one another and be ever ready to sacrifice self-righteousness at the alter of unity. Let us humble ourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that He will exalt us in due time.
In conclusion, let us also agree that no Nagas worth his salt shall remain damned pleased with his percentage, his cuts, his taxes, his bills, his collection etc etc while his own brothers Nagas continue to live under the most intolerable condition under the most despicable Military Junta of Myanmar.
(T.L.ANGAMI) Founder & Advisor GB/Village Chief Federation, Caretaker Naga Customary Law Nagaland, Dimapur Camp-D.C Court Area.

Naga Congress for integration OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, April 6: The Nagaland Congress today asserted that it was committed to the integration of all the Naga-inhabited areas following criticism of AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi’s statement on the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Several Naga organisations, the state government and the NSCN, which is engaged in talks with the Centre, had lambasted the statement made by the AICC general secretary, who while addressing a Congress rally in Churachandpur recently, said the territorial integrity of Manipur would not be altered.
The Nagaland PCC said in consonance with the aspirations of the Naga people, the Congress had joined hands with the other parties of the state in unanimously passing four resolutions for integration of all the Naga-inhabited areas in the Assembly.
“The Nagaland Congress is part and parcel of these resolutions,” R. Paphino, convenor, media cell of PCC said.
He said in its 2008 election manifesto, the party pledged to the Naga people that it would continue to urge upon the Centre the need to implement the 16-point agreement of 1960, in letter and spirit.
“This election manifesto was released with due approval of the AICC. The Nagaland PCC stands to ensure that the ardent desires and aspirations of the Naga people are fulfilled and there is no ambiguity as far as this issue is concerned,” Paphino said.
The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) said the Congress had no moral right to speak about the Naga political issue as its high command had ruled out the disintegration of Manipur.
The DAN leaders, including chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, castigated the Opposition Congress for adopting double standards on the long-pending Naga issue.
Rio said during the past 50 years of Congress rule at the Centre, it had totally neglected the Naga issue and therefore, there was no hope for a solution under the party.
The DAN leaders also accused the Congress of dividing the Naga people into different segments like the Nagas of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar.
They said only regional parties could protect the identity of the Naga people unlike the Congress, which had fooled the people for many decades.
However, the Congress slammed Rio and his alliance, saying the latter was indulging in empty political rhetoric to woo the gullible Naga voters.
Congress Legislature Party leader, Chingwang Konyak, said Article 371 (A) of the Constitution had bestowed all privileges and rights to the Naga people.
He said no Act could infringe into Article 371 (A) and that it was possible only due to the Congress under the leadership of Jawarharlal Nehru.
K. Asungba Sangtam, the Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha seat said the party favoured Naga integration.
He said if elected, he would go all out to take forward the stalled Naga peace process between the Centre and the NSCN.
The NSCN had also reacted to the AICC general secretary’s statement, saying Manipur’s territorial integrity had again become the poll plank of the Congress.
The outfit however said the election plank should not be mixed up with the ground reality of the “Indo-Naga” political issue.
Some Naga organisations have also come out against the statement of Gandhi stating that he had “miserably” failed to understand the gravity of the Naga political problem vis-à-vis the ongoing peace process.
Vote: cash and carry H. CHISHI The Telegraph


The electorate in Nagaland is being fervently wooed by political parties of all hues for the April 16 elections, with money reportedly playing a significant role.
There are three candidates in the fray for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the state. However, the main contest will be between Asungba Sangtam of the Congress and bureaucrat-turned-politician, C.M. Chang of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) — a conglomeration of Nagaland People’s Front (NPF), the NCP and the BJP.
The other challenger is Rilungthung Odyuo of the All India Trinamool Congress.
Peace, progress and development are the key issued being highlighted by the DAN, while the Congress is harping on the alleged rampant corruption in the state.
But the electorate does not seem to be overly bothered about campaign rhetoric and pledges. In Nagaland, like in many other parts of the country, the voters feel that money speaks louder than empty promises and assurances.
Needless to say, money — in kind or cash — gives the cutting edge to a particular candidate or a party.
Political leaders, cutting across party lines, admit in private that it is money power which will ultimately decide the electoral fortunes of the candidates. “We can earn as much a Rs 20,000 during election time. We are also invited to partake in the community feasts thrown by candidates. Bhal time aase (these are good times),” said a candid voter in Kohima village. But then, elections cannot be fought, at least for the record, without issues. And Nagaland, gasping for peace and development, has no dearth of these either.
The Congress came out with a long list of scams that allegedly surfaced during the DAN regime in the state. The list includes a recent scam in the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC), bogus appointments of about 2,000 teachers in primary schools, anomalies in the Nagaland University which are being probed by the CBI and another scam in the now-abandoned Nagaland sugar mill.
The Congress has also made the deteriorating law and order scenario in the state a poll issue.
The DAN, on the other hand, is depending largely on its tried and tested card of the “Naga political issue” — the official phrase for the meandering Naga peace talks — which gave it rich dividends in the last two Assembly elections.
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and other DAN leaders are charging the Congress with being a “stumbling block” in resolving the long-pending militancy problem in the state.
Even the number of wives Chang has is a poll issue here.
The Congress claims that Chang married four sisters and so he should not represent the Nagas in the Parliament. The party termed him a “man with no morality and integrity”. But Chang defends himself, saying he married only two sisters and not four as claimed by the Congress.
Amidst all these charges and counter-charges, it is the voters who are having a hearty laugh over the crude “politician jokes”. For a change, the politicians seem to be at the receiving end.
Dimapur minorities cry for rights morungexpress
Dimapur | April 7 : An ad-hoc minority forum for Dimapur III has been constituted recently with its headquarters at Purana Bazar. The forum has been set in place with the objective of protecting and promoting the socio-political rights and interests of minority communities in Dimapur III assembly constituency namely, the Kachari, Garo, Gorkha, advasi and domicile Muslim communities.
Talking to The Morung Express, Mohendra Dimasa, president of the minority forum, said the forum pledges to cooperate with the Government of Nagaland in the matter of implementation of developmental schemes and other government policies. Dimasa requested the state government to ‘kindly’ recognize and bless the forum to bring about unity and progress among the minorities.
Explaining on the status of the said minority communities, the forum’s president said they are perhaps the most economically and educationally backward among all communities in the state. “Although they are nominally regarded as ‘minorities,’ they have not been “officially declared as minorities”. So, he explained, no ‘special economic package/reservation’ has been provided to uplift them through provision of employment opportunities or self-employment schemes.” Mohendra Dimasa said “unless some ‘special provision’ is provided by the state government to offer employment on special consideration, the vicious circle of backwardness of these communities will continue to erode their societies.” Dimasa hoped that the state government would redress the matter to provide special programmes to give employment to the educated youths of the said communities.
Referring to the education and economic backwardness of the communities, he said they have not been declared as ‘backward’ under any provision. ‘So the people feel deeply deprived’ he said. Dimasa urged the state government to look into the matter and find ways applicable to facilitate educated youths for employment. Facilities for higher studies to students are also requested. Dimasa cited the example of Dhansiripar sub-division under Dimapur district which houses majority of the minority communities. The forum’s president said “although the government of Nagaland has already surveyed al minority inhabited areas of Dimapur III A/C, majority of them who are staying under Dhansiripar sub-division, Dimapur have not been declared as ‘revenue village’”. For this, he said, the “patta system” has not been introduced. For this, he explained, the people of the areas feel insecure and are deprived of getting Indigenous Inhabitants Certificates (which the administration insists to be produced). This is so again when applying for financial assistance such as loans from the banks and other financial institutions are not sanctioned for not having patta of the lands, he said.
Dimasa requested the state government to ‘kindly’ direct the department in concern to issue patta for land-holders of Dhansiripar sub-division. Request was also made that the system of accepting ‘village council certificate’ in the matter of issuing Indigenous Inhabitants Certificate be made.
Assam-Nagaland border villagers demand solution to border dispute ANI Newstrack India
Udaipur Notun Gaon, Mariani (Assam), Udaipur Notun Gaon, Mariani (Assam), Apr 8 (ANI): As general elections draw closer, the border dispute between Assam and Nagaland has come to the fore again and has become a poll issue.
The border near Jorhat and Mokokchung has been on the boil for the past two decades. Both the States have been periodically accusing each other of violating the agreement.
While Assam claims that its neighbour has encroached upon its land, Nagaland accuses Assam of setting up police outposts in several "disputed areas."
"We are living in the Nagajanka area, border of Assam and Nagaland. Our border region is the most neglected area. We are facing lot of problems and this time election is round the corner. We have decided that we will cast our votes to the leader who is committed in solving this border issue," said Rupna Sarwa, a resident of Nagajanka.
The All Assam Student Union (AASU) on April 4 organised a peaceful sit-in protest at Titabor town, against the encroachment on the Assam land by Nagaland during the election campaign.
Leaders of the Union criticised the Assam Government for not solving this issue. They also discussed matters pertaining to the solving of border dispute.
"The government in the past has failed to solve the long drawn Nagaland-Assam border dispute. We thought Assam Chief Minister would take important steps to solve this border dispute. Both the Central and State Governments are under Congress, they are doing nothing about it. We want answer from the government," said Nilofor Rehman, Assistant General Secretary, AASUentral Committee.
The first clash between Nagaland police and Assamese villagers residing at the Doyang forest reserve broke out in 1968. Similar incident took place at Rengma forest reserve of Karbi Anglong on January 5, 1979.
The worst clash occurred on June 4, 1985, when over 100 people died in firing between Assam and Nagaland police at Merapani.
The two sides later signed an interim agreement to maintain status quo along the border.
But the people continue to live under uncertainty and insecurity due to the periodic clashes. They have appealed to leaders to give a permanent solution to the dispute, so that people in both states co-exist peacefully and harmoniously in future. By Apam (ANI)

Congress conspiracy in Tirap District Nagaland Page
With the Lok sabha election just round the corner the game of conspiracy mastermind by the Congress is very much a reality in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh. And the forces used are Assam's ULFA, Manipur's MPA (Manipur People's Army) Nagaland's K-group and Kachin's KIA (Kachin's Independent Army). For the past one month these groups with unrevolutionary characters has been creating nuisance to the villagers at Laju, Lapnam, Dadam, Muktwa, Thinsa, Longpu,Kheti, Wakka, Chanu, Jepwa and Chasa in the Tirap district. Everything was made to happen right in the eye of the 19 Assam Rifles, besides the 3 Dogra Regiment and 36 Battalion of CRPF located just within a 10 Kilometer radius in Khonsa town. No counter security measure whatsoever was taken by these government forces. But when the cries of the villagers reached the door of the Naga Army of NSCN, firing was inevitable to save the innocent villagers. And the most demeaning response from these forces that unfolded expose everything of the nexus between AR and these forces against NSCN. Why are the AR not stopping the marauding forces and pointing their guns towards NSCN who are coming to the rescue of the villagers?
On April 3 this combine forces had their meeting in Japwa village but AR was a mute spectator. The next day on 4th April these group were seen moving in Chanu village with AR behind them as their guardian angels. Wherever they go they were given logistical support by AR lest the Naga Army caught them unaware.
Today, on 6th April around 100 cadres of K-group, MPA, ULFA and KIA were moving towards Chasa village near Khonsa. Sensing the motive of their movement in such big number the NSCN attack them in the early morning at around 3 am that lasted for nearly 10 hours when the firing stop at around 3 pm. 3 of their cadres were killed on the spot and many were injured. What is astonishing before the public in the area was that throughout the firing the AR stood solidly behind these terrorist groups, standing in the way of NSCN and not giving them free movement. This counter attack of AR against NSCN has been deliberately planned in collaboration with these very forces they have been targeting in the state of Manipur and Assam. But in Arunachal Pradesh the AR have folded their guns against these groups. Such is the dangerous nexus that goes on in Arunachal Pradesh with the blessing of Congress party. But come what may, NSCN will not leave the public alone to be looted and harassed. They will fight for their right and for their honor. Under these circumstances NSCN cannot help but condemn the sinister game plan of AR in helping the terrorist groups against NSCN.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN
Sangma hopeful of winning 10-12 seats in Northeast Indopia
Dimapur (Nagaland), Apr 6 Senior NCP leader P A Sangma today exuded confidence that out of the 23 seats Lok Sabha his non- Congress alliance is contesting in the North East, it would win at least 10 to 12 of them.
Sangma, who was here to address an election meeting of ruling Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), told newsmen that out of the 24 Lok Sabha seats in the North-east, NCP had alliance or electoral understanding with like-minded parties in 23 constituencies besides having such a poll understanding in three constituencies in North Bengal.
On the latest political situation in Meghalaya, Sangma repeated the stand of NCP-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) saying they were waiting for Governor R S Mooshaharys move since he had sent report recommending revocation of the President&aposs rule from the state.
As soon as the governor invites the Congress to form the next government, all the MPA MLAs will resign en masse from the assembly, said the NCP leader who was the architect of forming the alliance government in Meghalaya.
Earlier, addressing a meeting at Dimapur stadium, Sangma called upon the people to show to the Congress high command in the April 16 election that Nagaland does not need that party to decide its destiny and take care of the state.

Central team in NE to review security Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, April 7 – A high level Central team headed by the Union Cabinet Secretary today arrived in North East to review the security scenario ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Official sources said that the schedule of the meetings of the team has been rescheduled and instead of discussing the Assam situation today, it went to Nagaland to review the situation in the state and assessed the force requirement for ensuring violence free polls.

Sources said that the team would visit Arunachal Pradesh tomorrow morning to review the situation in the state, particularly in the districts of Tirap and Changlang. The Central team will reach Guwahati tomorrow afternoon to review the situation and force requirements in a meeting with the strategy group of the unified command before leaving for Delhi, sources said.

Centre rules out talks with ULFA Kalyan Barooah ASSAM Tribune
NEW DELHI, April 7 – Upset with recurring incidents of ULFA-sponsored violence, Centre has decided to play hardball with the militant outfit, with Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram firmly ruling out the possibility of negotiations with the outlawed militant outfit. The Union Home Minister’s reaction that comes within hours of the serial blasts triggered by ULFA, clearly indicates that the path of negotiations has been closed for now. The Union Home Minister, replying to questions described the offer for negotiations as myth. “There is no question,” he said.

So far, the Centre stand has been that it was willing to start dialogue with ULFA within the frame work of the Constitution. Today, Chidambaram said that two battalions of ULFA are virtually at war with Government of India..

Almost throwing down the gauntlet at ULFA, Chidambaram asserted that Government of India will overcome ULFA. “There will be no quarter taken and no quarter given. ULFA will be fought. Yes, there will be setbacks but we will fight ULFA,” he said, reacting to yesterday’s incidents.

The Home Minister’s press briefing called to release a booklet ‘The Congress Party’s Pledge, Protecting India From Terror’ brought out apparently to counter BJP’s campaign against the UPA Government on terror, lost much of its impact because of the blasts in Assam. Chidambaram faced lots of questions on Assam before the incident of shoe throwing by a journalist Jarnail Singh, sent everything haywire.

Despite the unabated violence in the State, Chidambaram gave full marks to Assam Police for being vigilant and a word of praise for its chief G M Srivastava. Assam Police has spread its security net very wide.

Significant success has been achieved by security forces and they have been able to arrest 42 cadres and neutralise 15 commanders including five notorious commanders. Bhaskar Hazarika, a notorious commander was neutralised and it is one of the reasons why ULFA has stepped up its attacks, observed Chidambaram.

He also added notorious ULFA cadres such as Tapan Roy, Paranjal Deka, Anupam Gogoi, and Kushal Das, were neutralised by the Assam Police in the last three months. In the process, the security forces lost four lives.

Anticipating tough questions on ULFA, the Home Minister issued a separate statement on the violent incidents in Assam.

“Government has strong reasons to believe that the perpetrators of these crimes belong to ULFA. Government condemns these acts of violence, even while it regrets that it was not possible for the security forces to pre-empt and prevent these incidents.

“ULFA is an old adversary. It is a banned organisation. Its leaders are operating from sanctuaries across the international border. It has waged a virtual war against the Indian State for many years. Government has made it clear that it will not yield to ULFA’s demands.

“The Central Government had intelligence on the attempts that would be made by ULFA during this period. Information was available about names of ULFA commanders and cadres who will attempt to explode IEDs. The security forces, and especially the Assam Police, were on high alert and tried their best to secure the most vulnerable locations. It is unfortunate and deeply regretted that the adversary has been able to strike this time.

“Government wants the people of India to know that the security forces are confronting ULFA practically every day. Sometimes the security forces are not able to pre-empt or prevent violent incidents. Nevertheless, we must not lose heart. We must remain determined and we must fully back our security forces. Government has no doubt that they will be able to apprehend the perpetrators of the latest crimes,” said Chidambaram in his statement.