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04/26/2009: "Sovereignty outside India not possible: Rishang Keishing Eastern Mirror FACE TO FACE Ngathingkhui Jagoi"

Sovereignty outside India not possible: Rishang Keishing Eastern Mirror
FACE TO FACE
Ngathingkhui Jagoi
Some call him a toothless ‘Old Tiger’, but even at 90 Rishang Keishing is hale and hearty with the capacity to spring on any prey when it comes to politics. The longest serving chief minister of Manipur with four stints in the top chair, Keishing describes himself as an ‘Indian Naga’ who lives life on his own terms. This stand, however, has not always made everyone happy and attempts have been made on his life, all of which he has survived.
When I met him at his private residence at Mantri Pukhri, Imphal, recently for a Face to Face conversation, his first request was that no sensitive questions are asked. “It is election time,” he laughed. Notwithstanding the jocular start, the veteran politician made some explosive statements as we conversed. EXCERPTS:

EASTERN MIRROR: You have been in politics for more than half a century; gone through numerous ups and downs. First, would you like to share some of your experiences?
RISHANG KEISHING: Firstly, I don’t deny that we are Indians. I am a Naga of India and I try to adjust myself with this big nation. I feel that we have such a big opportunity for development and for our existence as honourable citizens of this big nation. And that is the line that I have tried to pursue.
EM: You were once very vocal on the Naga integration issue. You even went to Nagaland and met late Hokishe Sema when he was the chief minister of Nagaland to apprise on the issue. It was reportedly said that you even told him that you would collect the house tax of the Nagas of Manipur and submit it to Nagaland government. How far is this true?

RK: No, that is not true. It is true that Nagas, as a community in India, can think of having our own state. This I do not object. But look, to think that we are different from India and we must have our own Independence and all that, I don’t subscribe to that. I did that about forty years back. Now, after so many years, I realise that to think of a sovereign state outside India is something that is not possible. Now NSCN-IM is having dialogue with Government of India. It is for them to decide anything because Nagas cannot have so many issues since everyone cannot talk and shout for the issue. So it is up to them to decide what is good for the people. So far, I am pursuing in my own way as a respectable citizen of India.

EM: But what is your concept of Naga integration within Indian state? …

RK: You see, as a matter of fact, it is more of a sentimental question. The fact is that we happen to be Nagas and we want to live together under one umbrella from the progress and development point of view. But we have to think of whether having a separate state would be more beneficial and of more advantage for us or not. Today we are here in Manipur but we are no less than any other community in any way. I think we are in a way or the other better than other communities. The fact is that in Manipur, Naga community is also respected. The proof is that we have also ruled…

EM: Nagas talk about integration but there seems to be no emotional integration. If Nagas cannot come together under one umbrella, what, in your opinion, will be the best option?

RK: The best option is where you can live peacefully and you can be respected as honourable human being as citizens. If the Nagas are interested only in killing each other, and in having differences and immediately laying hands on each other, that can’t be a human society. Even in animal society that is not done. So if this kind of devilish policy is being pursued, I think it is better that we don’t live together. Human beings want peace - peace in the family, clan, village and society. And if that is not available, I think we are not fit to be a human being. As human being, we have to see that we live in peace and harmony and with respect. That is the true essence of a human society. If we can’t live together and continue to kill each other, then what is the point? If we can’t achieve to live together, the whole thing is gone.

EM: Recently AICC general secretary Mr Rahul Gandhi came to Churachandpur and declared that Manipur’s territorial integrity will not be changed. This means Congress is not prepared to fulfill the dreams of the Nagas…

RK: I have no comment on that. NSCN-IM is talking with the Government of India. It is for them to solve this problem.

EM: Another question is, for example, there are more than 15 underground groups in the valley but still there is development; whereas, in the hills, even as there are hardly two or three groups, it has been sidelined. The reason, according to what the government keeps saying – is ‘insurgency problem’…

RK: That is not correct. I must tell you that when I was chief minister, my annual development fund was only Rs 400 crore. But today it is nearly 2000 crore. Schemes are meant for every individual, village and for all people of the component state. But here you are right, this insurgency, all these insurgency groups are after money. So how can we depend on them?

EM: Do you mean to say that you agree with the Manipur government? Do you feel that it is not the government that is not implementing the developmental works, but that non-development in the hills is due to extortion or heavy taxation imposed by these insurgent groups?

RK: Aarey…. I don’t believe anybody but I also believe everyone. You see, we have elected our representatives to Manipur Assembly. They may be elected in Congress or any other party ticket. Through them the developmental works are implemented. But everybody is after money. I cannot forgive the state government for that. The state government is equally responsible. Delhi has given us money but the state government must carefully see where all these money are going to. The money should be used for whatever it is meant for; if it is for road development, it must be used for road development, if it is for education, it must be used for education and so on. But that is not happening today. Everything is hijacked, everything is misused. I can see individuals rising pocketing multi-crore rupees and the poor becoming poorer; the state is going down, roads are going from bad to worse, hospitals are in collapse conditions and everything is failing except undergrounds activists. We all must take responsibility for that.

EM: Coming to the Naga peace process, the reconciliation process among the Naga groups seem to have pushed the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks between the NSCN-IM and GoI into the corner. How do you analyse the impact of this reconciliation process in the long run?

RK: The reconciliation process is being carried out by honest and God-fearing people. But what I see today is that the warring factions are resorting to something which mankind do not like. They are violating everything and whatever they do is what would make the devil happy. Whatever action they do is raw method, wrong method which humanity does not like. If humanity does not agree, God also does not agree. What is happening today is if I find what you think is not to my liking I kill you. If we continue to take this trend, we’ll all be falling apart and whatever we do will come to nothing.

EM: But do you think this reconciliation initiated by church workers and some NGOs will have a long-term impact?

RK: Church worker? You see what is happening in the church today. You are a Tangkhul man. You know what is happening in churches today. Are we true Christians? Are the pastors real shepherds? We are all going in the wrong way.

EM: As you bask in your golden years and reflect, what would you say you dislike most?

RK: Taking one as my enemy when his or her idea does not suit mine. This is something what I dislike most. We must know how to forgive each other, correct each other, tolerate each other and co-exist. Then only we can reconcile each other. I dislike hatred and thinking of taking immediate vengeance. As I enter 90 years and after 60 years in politics, I feel that we are further and further going away from the truth.

EM: 90 years now?

RK: Yes, I am running 90 years….

EM: But you still look young and healthy. What is the secret of your good health?

RK: (Laughs) There is no secret. But you see, I don’t drink alcohol, I don’t smoke… none of these intoxicating vices. I avoided all these things throughout and I try to be happy all the time. I also try to avoid enmity with anybody. That’s all and there’s no secret.
EM: What about food? Do you have any favourite food to keep you healthy?

RK: I am a habitual eater of bananas. Everyday and every meal I take two bananas. (Laughs)

EM: Unforgettable memories?

RK: Memories? Well, I have many friends and supporters during all these years. This I will never forget.

Govt may extend truce with NSCN Khaplang Nagarealm.com
NEW DELHI, APR25 [SNS] : Amid pending talks with the NSCN (IM) and allegations of “defections of cadres” by various underground factions, the Centre is now considering extending the ceasefire with another Naga group, NSCN (Khaplang).

According to informed sources, a five-member delegation of the ceasefire supervisory board of the NSCN (Khaplang) would be arriving here tomorrow for talks with the Union government on the possibility of extension of the ceasefire agreement. The delegation led by Mr C Singson will include, among others, Wangtin Konyak and Hokato Vusshe. During their parleys with senior home ministry officials, they would seek ceasefire extension for another twelve months and also sign a memorandum of understanding, the sources said.

This will not entail violation of Election Code by the government as the move is considered a “necessity” from the administrative point of view and does not involve any policy matters, sources clarified. The ceasefire between NSCN (Khaplang) and the government, which started during the NDA regime after the then Home Minister Mr L K Advani made a visit to Kohima, has entered the eighth year. The two sides are also likely to discuss the proposed fourth designated camp of the NSCN (Khaplang) in Mon district adjoining Myanmar.

Meanwhile, a key government interlocutor and ceasefire monitoring cell chairman Lt Gen (retd) Mandhita Singh is also likely to hold discussions with NSCN (IM) after the group’s representative Mr Phungthing Shimrang returns from Europe. The government entered into a ceasefire pact with NSCN (IM) in 1997 during the I K Gujral regime

CFSB meet discusses implementation of CFGR CJ: Dilip Sharma Merinews
A delegation of Government of India and GPRN/NSCN met for the usual Ceasefire Supervisory Board Meeting and discussed various issues pertaining to implementation of ceasefire ground rules and maintenance of designated camps.
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THE GOVERNMENT of India and Government of Peoples Republic of Nagaland (GPRN/NSCN) on Tuesday, stressed on strengthening the ceasefire mechanism in Nagaland and emphasised on total implementation of ceasefire ground rules.

A proposal to this effect was also made by the Government, which was agreed upon by the different parties present. Talking to a section of media persons, Chairman of Ceasefire Supervisory Board, Lt Gen Mandhata Singh said that the main reason for the meeting was to work out a proposal for implementation of Ceasefire Ground Rules at grassroots level. He said that the proposals were prepared with the law enforcing agencies and it found acceptance by the factions and law enforcing agencies.

He also said that involvement of Naga people was very much needed in the execution of CFGR and for that he had proposed to include people from all walks of life including GBs, Hohos, Churches, other organizations, representatives of Deputy Commissioners, Superintendent of Police, Assam Rifles and CFSB/CFMG Chairman. He said this will address the problem through collective decision of the society at the grassroots level. Lt Gen Singh said that he would be discussing the same thing with the NSCN (IM) in the next CMFG meeting.

About the issue of designated camps, he disclosed that so far NSCN (K) has three out of eight designated camps and the fourth one is proposed to be set up at Mon district. He said necessary formalities have been conducted and a reconnaissance has been already conducted. He said that designated camp would be set up within months and then cadres would be asked to move in.

The meeting also focused on illegal collections, extortions and giving shelter to criminals, who in the name of the factions are creating problems. Lt Gen Singh said that there is a need to check such activities and added that the cadres should also abide by the rules and identity such criminals. “The designated camps should not be misused for illegal/incorrect activity,” he stressed.

About extension of ceasefire between Government of India and the NSCN (K), the CFSB Chairman said that a meeting between both the parties is scheduled on April 23 at New Delhi, where the decision would be taken. Talking to media persons, Supervisor of CFSB, C Singson of GPRN/NSCN said that they have discussed about maintaining peace, besides GoI and CFSB have decided to enforce Ceasefire Ground Rules.

He said that they are working hard on that matter to restore peace and normalcy in the state. He also said that they need the support and cooperation of the NGOs and the people of Nagaland. “We want the people to understand, come together and understand the situation,” Singson said. When asked about the ultimatum of the CFSB asking cadres to go back to designated camps, Singson said that their cadres are going back to the designated camps and slowly they would be there.

On a query about the NSCN (K) cadre, who recently surrendered to police citing discontentment in the NSCN (K) setup, the outfit’s Kilonser said that there is no such problem. He said that the cadre had asked for retirement earlier. He was attached to one “Lt Col”, but since the latter was away, he could not wait for the order and deserted the outfit.

Singson also disclosed that their delegation would be going to Delhi in April 23 next for the extension of ceasefire, which expires this month. He expressed hope that the ceasefire with Government of India would be extended for another year on April 24.
From the Government’s side, the meeting was attended by CFSB Chairman, Lt Gen Mandhata Singh, Nagaland Commissioner, H K Khulu, IGAR (N), J P Nehra, DGP Nagaland, K Kire, DIG CRPF, P M Ramalingam while the NSCN (K) was represented by CFSB Supervisor, C Singson, Kideon Zhimomi, Joint Secretary and Nitovi, Tatar.

Mopungchuket upbeat for NSF conference Nagarealm.com
MOKOKCHUNG, APR25 [EMN] : As the countdown begins for the 23rd General Conference of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), to be hosted by the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) at Mopungchuket village in Mokokchung district from April 27 to 30, the village is enthusiastically preparing to receive the guests.

Convenor of the Mopungchuket Community Tourism Society (MCTS), Er. Ajung, talking to Eastern Mirror, said that Mopungchuket village has reached a new height in the field of Eco Tourism after MCTS declared it as a Tourist Village in 2000. Every year the MCTS organises various events like the Süngkotemen festival, Angling festival in addition to other events related to Mopungchuket village to boost up rural tourism with Mopungchuket village as an ideal spot. In view of the upcoming NSF conference, the society has started major renovations in all relevant spots.

It is worth mentioning that this village was the venue for Mokokchung Motor Rally for two consecutive years. The Motor Rally has been a big elevator in the village’s as a tourist spot. The enthusiastic people there consider the forthcoming NSF conference as a blessing for the village as it would open doors to a handful of local entrepreneurs. The villagers are busy with their plan to showcase a rich culture and tradition to the whole of North East and are hopeful of a positive response. The village has planned to launch a tourist resort centre during the forthcoming NSF conference where a pre Moatsü festival celebration has also been planned to exhibit the rich cultural heritage of the village.

“It is the right time for the people of the village as well as for the rest of the Naga community to celebrate both the conference and have a short glimpse of the Moatsu which is one of the biggest festivals among the Aos apart from launching of this Longrangtenem tourist resort,” said Dr. Aoyimsen, a member of MCTS. He also informed that the Society would replace the diesel generators with solar lighting system as a eco-friendly measure. When asked about the measures taken not to spar the NSF conference with the ongoing tourism activities, the Society maintained that they expect only 30 per cent of tourists to come for the conference while the rest 70% will be regular tourists for the pre- Moatsü festival. It is a usual routine for MCTS to entertain every tourist to the village, they added.

MCTS stated that apart from the jolly comfortable indigenous food and cuisines at the resort, MCTS has lots to offer to the tourist as well as to the delegates to enjoy their leisure to take a quick glimpse at the past history at the museum and the Log Drums at Süngkotenem area. The tea garden at Mangkolong will be the right place for nature lovers and for the bibliophile, MALT Library, will be a soothing place, informed convener of MCTS. As countdown for the NSF conference begin, people in and around Mokokchung are fervently waiting to experience exotic taste here in Mopungchuket village.

Ulfa extortion net spreads OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Itanagar, April 25: The proscribed Ulfa has started extorting money from businessmen in Arunachal Pradesh. This came to light after two cadres of Ulfa’s 28 battalion were arrested from Bihpuria in Assam’s Lakhimpur district yesterday, Arunachal Pradesh police said today.
Ghanakanta Saikia and Deepak Bhuyan of Majuli were arrested on charges of serving an extortion notice for Rs 50 lakh to a businessman at Banderdewa in Arunachal Pradesh last week and intimidating him.
A 10-member police team, led by sub-inspectors N. Sora and Krishendu Dev from Banderdewa outpost, arrested the two around 2.30pm yesterday when the rebels came to collect the money from a relative of the businessman. Plainclothes policemen, who were waiting for the cadres, swung into action when the latter approached the relative.
The two rebels tried to flee on their motorbike but the policemen chased them from Banderdewa to Bihpuria and arrested them, Dev said.
The sub-inspector said the militants’ accomplices fled, too, as soon as they got a whiff of the police’s presence. The police seized the motorcycle (AS-07B-1392) used by the militants, a mobile phone and some incriminating documents.
The two arrested Ulfa cadres told interrogators that they belonged to the 28th battalion of the outfit and that some other Ulfa cadres were also involved in extortion in the Banderdewa and Naharlagun areas of Arunachal Pradesh. The two were today remanded in police custody for 14 days by a local magistrate, adds PTI. Dev said they had launched a search operation to arrest the accomplices who gave the police the slip.
India, Bangladesh To Discuss Defense Relations The Defense News
April 24, 2009: New Delhi, Indo-Bangladesh defense ties are on the upswing under the Sheikh Hasina government in Dhaka. A high-level Bangladesh Air Force delegation led by the country's air chief, Air Marshal S.M. Zia-ur-Rehman, is in New Delhi to discuss defense ties between the neighboring countries, a senior Indian Defence Ministry official said. India is ready to export to Bangladesh defense equipment, including the Advanced Light Helicopter, and to assist the country in building warships, the ministry official said.
New Delhi is concerned about the increasing levels of defense supplies being sent from China to Bangladesh, Defence Ministry sources here said.
There are reports the Chinese Navy has access to Bangladesh's Chittagong port, the sources said. China already has a military base on the Coco islands, leased from Myanmar, near India's Andaman islands, which is considered a listening post over the eastern part of India, including India's ballistic missile center in the eastern state of Orissa. China is also helping Pakistan build the Gwadar deep-sea port. China has sold artillery systems, combat aircraft and small arms to Bangladesh in the last two years. The Bangladesh air chief will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Indian Navy Chief Adm. Sureesh Mehta and Army Chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor.
India helped Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, during its 1971 independence war against Pakistan. Fire has been exchanged along the border between the countries in cases relating to forced migration and smuggling.
Satellite dishes bad for people: Junta mouth piece Nem Davies Mizzima New Delhi (Mizzima) – In what seems to be another warning, Burma’s state-run Newspaper on Friday carried an article that says Satellite channels that enables people to watch international news and entertainments are manipulated by big nations and should be banned in Burma.
A writer, who identifies himself as Ko Gyi on Friday wrote in the New Light of Myanmar, that powerful nations are exploiting the Satellite channels to instigate unrest, and harm the culture of the people by broadcasting entertainment, which have hidden agendas. The Writer said, therefore, the government should prohibit the sales of satellite dishes and receivers, which are widely used in Burma. A similar article appeared in the same daily newspaper two months ago which said, "Restrict the watching of uncensored satellite TV programmes telecast by the outside world'.

"We were surprised to see this article today. This is a warning to our satellite dish shops. But they have not done anything so far. We have to wait and see for another 10-15 days," Nyi Nyi Naing, a salesman at an the imported TATA Sky satellite dish shop in Rangoon, told Mizzima. In an earlier article on February 17, the writer, suggest the government to impose restricting on watching of uncensored TV programmes telecast by the outside world through satellite dish and receivers.

But Friday’s article focused on the sales of Satellite dishes, that leaves a warning message to many satellite dish companies and shops. The writer said, "Some people do not notice that attachment to satellite receivers is harmful to the morality of the viewers".

The article further said that in many countries, governments enforce restrictions in order to prohibit the people from using satellite receivers directly. In some countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Pakistan and Iran, 'the public are not allowed to use satellite receivers legally', the writer said. While satellite dishes and receivers are not popularly used in Indonesian capital city of Jakarta, the people are able to freely watch news programmes telecast by foreign news channels.

A Burmese citizen John Moe, who is living in Jakarta said, "We pay monthly fee of Indonesia Rupiah 150,000 and can watch foreign news channels such as BBC, CNN."
The article, while it is not an official government statement, is believed by Burmese media people as a sign of further tightening and systematic suppression of media freedom in Burma. In Burma, in an environment of no freedom of expression and no free media, the Burmese people can freely watch foreign news channels through these unlicensed satellite dishes and receivers. But since it is not affordable to pay the monthly official license fees, people are forced to install satellite receivers illegally, a local from Rangoon said.

"Yes, what the government said is right. Most of the people installed these satellite receivers and dishes without a license. But as for us, it's difficult to pay monthly fees of Kyat 15,000", he said. Warning the sales centres of satellite receivers in restricting installing such devices is in fact intended to levy taxes from the wide use of these. But these sale centres said that it cannot stop their sales volume.

"Shops have long been selling satellite dishes. They cannot stop the illegal sales of these devices. VOA Burmese Service news channel can be tuned into in Burma by using TATA Sky," an official from Satellite Receivers Import Company said. In the wake of monk-led protests in September 2007, Burmese media in exile were able to broadcast and telecast news, pictures and videos of the junta’s brutal crackdown. In its drive to block free flow of news and information to the outside world, the junta began arresting bloggers and domestic reporters, and handed down long prison sentences.