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04/28/2009: "Talks only option for Naga issue: Rio Correspondent (NPN): MOPUNGCHUKET, (MOKOKCHUNG) (With inputs from DIPR)"

Talks only option for Naga issue: Rio Correspondent (NPN): MOPUNGCHUKET, (MOKOKCHUNG) (With inputs from DIPR)


Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio addressing the 23rd NSF general conference as chief guest at Mopungchuket Tuesday.A wooden sculpture of the chief minister presented to him on his right.(NP)
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio reiterated that negotiation with the government of India was the only option to address the several decades-old unsolved Naga political problem.
Speaking after inaugurating the 23rd General Conference of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) as the chief guest at Mopungchuket village, Mokokchung district . Rio said the aspirations of the Nagas cannot be achieved through waging war and approaching a third country was not applicable in finding a an amicable solution to the Naga problem.
He asserted that negotiation across the table, that involved all sections of society was the best way to settle the long pending Naga political issue.
Rio said that India was always looking forward with all earnestness to bring about an amicable solution to the problem. The chief minister admitted that the efforts put into the current peace process did not show much progress and called for consolidated efforts to carry forward the initiative.
He said there was a need for reasoning together as to why the peace process had not made adequate progress and how the Nagas could find ways to take forward the peace process in the right direction. “It was this very objective that PAC of DAN government had taken initiative in convening the Naga Consultative Meet at Kohima,” he said.
Expressing serious concern over the prevailing situation in Naga society, Rio pointed out that the biggest challenge before the Nagas today was to stop violence, hatred and misunderstanding and that it was paramount to prevent such senseless acts of violence.
Rio also said it was of crucial importance that the Nagas work towards oneness and understanding among themselves before they could realistically hope for achieving their goals. “How can we think of tackling on the issue of Naga unity, if we continue to fight amongst ourselves?” he asked.
He pointed out that even bodies like Naga Hoho and NSF were no longer fully representing all Nagas living within even the present Nagaland state. He said it was high time that the Nagas recreate their “nationalistic” fervour to subsume all minor differences which would enable them to come together under the apex Naga Hoho and the NSF so as to pursue the common goal.
He lauded the NSF for their involvement in socio-economic and political development and said that the Federation was not only a powerful organization but also an effective pressure group.
The chief minister revealed that Nagaland Government had formulated a number of programmes to help the youth and called upon the students, whom he termed as “assets” to avail the opportunities provided by the state government.
The chief guest also hoisted the NSF flag and also presented with a sculpture titled “The Bridge” by the Mopungchuket Council in a traditional manner. He also complimented the Ao Students’ Conference and Mopungchuket village for hosting the conference. NSF President Imchatoba delivered the presidential address.
Earlier, the NSF monolith was unveiled by MLA from Manipur, Morung Makunga. Nagaland education minister Neiwang Konyak, roads and bridges minister Kaito, parliamentary secretary Saku, MLA Nungsangyapang, DC Mokokchung, CM Tsanglao, other senior officers and students also attended the programme. Other highlights of the programme included cultural presentations by Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (Tangkhul Students Union), Chakhesang Students Union, special number by the Enchanter etc. The program was chaired by former speaker NSF Elu Ndang.

Nagas at a cross road in history Ashikho Pfuzhe Morungexpress
Mopungchuket | April 28 : Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today underscored the need for Nagas to reason together why the Naga peace process has not made adequate progress and to find ways to take the process forward in the right direction and towards the desired goal. “Today, the Nagas are at an important crossroads in our history. There is a deep concern expressed in various quarters of the Naga society that there is a need to take forward the Naga political issue, which has remained unresolved for the last six decades,” the chief minister said. He was addressing the inaugural function of the 23rd general conference of the Naga Students’ Federation at Mopungchuket village, some 16 km away from Mokokchung town.
He expressed apprehension if the “stalemate” with regard to the Naga issue was allowed to continue for too long, it could lead to frustrations amongst the parties to the dialogue, as also the general Naga populace. Rio cautioned it could result in the breakdown of the peace process, marking the return of “social upheavals, violence and turmoil in every part of our land.”
Sharing his suggestions made at the Naga consultative meeting held March 5-7, Rio said that the only “realistic and logical approach” would be to engage with India through political dialogue and negotiations to bring about an honorable solution. Such an approach would also be in line with the theme of the NSF conference –“Forging mutual destiny,” he said.
The chief minister also reiterated his “three-point formula” offered during the consultative meeting for taking forward the Naga political issue, including striving for territorial and emotional integration of all Nagas.
“Our common goal is to take Nagaland and the people forward to a better position where Nagas will be recognized by the international community for our excellence, for our unique culture, and where we carve our own place in the comity of the global village. This, I think, is the most practical approach and strategy for ‘Forging mutual destiny’,” he said.
Rio further said that Nagas can no longer afford to live in the past, nor stagnate in the present position. “We should realize what is possible, and work for it. Instead of living in isolation, we should strive to be part of the global village,” he added.
On the other hand, Rio said that while Nagas discuss the bigger picture of the Naga issue, they cannot deny that the biggest challenge lay within Nagas themselves and, even as the public very often ask the undergrounds to unite, the mainstream leaders and public are not doing any better. Taking a case in point, Rio said apex Naga bodies like the Naga Hoho and NSF no longer fully represent all Nagas living even within the present Nagaland state.
“It is high time that we recreate that Naga nationalistic fervor, that would subsume all our minor differences, and that would enable all Nagas, be it southern Nagas, “eastern” Nagas, “western” Nagas or “central” Nagas to come together under the apex Naga Hoho and NSF, so that we can unitedly pursue our common goal,” he said.
Dialogue, the only option: Rio
Mokokchung, April 28 (DIPR): Negotiation is the only option to addressing the Naga political issue, said Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. He said that in trying to achieve the aspirations of the Nagas by means of either waging a war or approaching a third country, is not applicable to finding an amicable solution to the Naga political issue.
Inaugurating the 23rd general conference of the Naga Students’ Federation at Mopungchukit village in Mokokchung today, Neiphiu Rio said negotiations across the table involving all sections of the society is the best way to settle the pending Naga political issue. Referring to the current peace process, the chief minister admitted that the efforts do not show much progress and so, called for consolidated efforts to carry forward the initiative.
Referring to the prevailing situation in the Naga society, the chief minister said the biggest challenge before the Nagas today is to stop violence, hatred and misunderstanding and ‘it is paramount to prevent such senseless acts of violence’. Touching on the talk of unification among the various Naga underground groups, the chief minister commented that even mainstream group such as Naga Hoho or the NSF are required to forge a greater unity as the present set-up do not represent the entire tribal hohos or the students’ community.
Commending the NSF for their involvement in the socio-economic and political development, Rio said the NSF is not only a powerful organization but also an effective pressure group. Stating students to be assets, the chief minister said the Nagaland Government has formulated a number of programmes to help the youths.
Rio, Makunga laud NSF for positive contributions morungexpress

(Left) Morung Makunga, MLA from Manipur (centre), is seen with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and others after unveiling the monolith for the 23rd NSF general conference being held at Mopungchuket village, in Mokokchung district, on Tuesday, April 28. (Right) In a grand display, able-bodied men of Mopungchuket village pull a wood sculpture to be presented to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio during the NSF general conference at Mopungchuket village on Tuesday. (Morung Photo/Kuzhovesa Soho)

Mopungchuket | April 28: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Naga MLA from Manipur, Morung Makunga, have lauded the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) for playing a vital role in safeguarding the rights of the Naga people and promoting peace and communal harmony.
The Chief Minister, who was the chief guest at the inaugural function of the 23rd NSF conference, said, “in addition to promoting and espousing the cause of students’ welfare, the NSF has also been in the forefront of Nagaland’s socio-political movements.” Rio said the Federation had also been successfully functioning as a watchdog and pressure group on the functioning of the government, especially in the area of formulation of important public policies. “In this way, the NSF has made positive impacts and contributions in the socio-political development of the State,” he said.
Rio further appreciated the contributions of the NSF in maintenance of peace and communal harmony, in protecting the rights of indigenous Nagas against the dangers of assimilation by outside forces, as also their stand against all forms of human rights violations.
Makunga, the special guest at the inaugural function who also unveiled the NSF monolith, said he had always been immensely impressed by the Federation’s motto ‘For a unified lim and glory of Nagas’. “I have always believed and still do so that that organisation like the NSF should be the vanguard to acquaint and bring Nagas closer together,” he said.
Dwelling on the Naga struggle, the Naga legislator said that in the process of this struggle, Nagas have been fragmented into many areas of administration and assimilated into larger societies as minorities. “Our people have been divided into many areas neither by consent nor by conquest,” he said and lamented that though Nagas’ proclaimed desire to live together as one people was much within the provision, but it was unfortunate that “we are mistakenly interpreted and misconstrued as expansionist by some of our neighbours.” Makunga, however, said Nagas should not lose hope but try to explore all avenues and means to negotiate through.
Other highlights of the inaugural function included hoisting of the NSF flag by the chief guest, welcome note by the convenor of organizing committee, K Inaka Assumi, presidential address by NSF president Imchatoba Imchen, folkdances by the Tangkhul and Chakhesang students’ unions, ‘Harmony’ by the conference choir, and ‘Lively tune’ by the Enchanters.
Among other dignitaries who attended the inaugural were Roads & Bridges minister G Kaito Aye, Education minister Nyeiwang Konyak, Parliamentary Secretary T Saku Aier, MLA Nungsangyapang and the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung.

Government - NSCN(K) extend Ceasefire Dilip Sharma Merinews
The government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) (NSCN-K) mutually agreed to extend ceasefire for a period of one year during a meeting held between the two parties in New Delhi.
SOURCES FROM New Delhi have confirmed that the Indian government, as well as the Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), (NSCN(K)) met on April 24 and discussed core issues, especially the implementation of Ceasefire Ground Rules, (CGR) and more importantly, the proposal of the NSCN(K) to extend the ceasefire for another year.

Special Secretary, (Internal Affairs) Ministry of Home Affairs, Raman Srivastava, who presided over the meeting, told the delegates that the government does not want any breach of the CGR and that they have to be followed strictly and implemented in totality.

The meeting also examined the issues of the nexus between the NSCN(K) with other underground groups, which was denied by the representatives of the former, sources informed. The government also brought up issues of rampant extortion in Nagaland but the NSCN(K) delegates denied them and clarified that some individuals or groups of people might be doing such things in the name of their organisation but they were not involved in such activities.

The situation in Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh was also brought up during the course of discussion and the government categorically asked the NSCN(K) to refrain from any activities in these districts, as they do not fall under the purview of the ceasefire agreement. However, the NSCN(K) pointed out that the rival group, NSCN(IM), is also active in these regions. To this, the government officials asked the NSCN(K) to follow the directives of the government as they are directly involved with it in the ceasefire. With regards the involvement of NSCN(IM), the government officials assured representatives of the NSCN(K) that they would take up the issue with them.

The meeting also stressed on the designated camps of the NSCN(K), and the government delegates asked it to send its cadres to the new designated camp set up at Mon district.
Sources further informed that the government was critical over the procurement of arms by the outfit and their being openly displayed to the public. It directed the NSCN(K) to refrain from such activities, as it is not supposed to procure arms and ammunition from any sources.

Sources even said that the issue of forced recruitment into the faction was also brought up by the Special Secretary based on intelligence outputs, and he directed the NSCN(K) not to indulge in such activities.
The government was represented by Raman Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Northeast, Naveen Verma, and Joint Secretary, Northeast, Gopi Nath; while the NSCN(K) was represented by Supervisor of CFSB, C Singson, and Joint Secretary, Nitovi Aye.
The Call of the Church in Our Crisis morungexpress
•-When the candidates who fought in the last election for the 60 seats of the Nagaland Assembly reportedly had to spend more than Rs. 600 crores to pay for votes, the shocking shallowness of Naga Christians and their meaning of life were revealed. The politicians, the bureaucrats and contractors are not the only ones to blame.
The disgraceful NPSC scams that keep surfacing, the massive fraud of the bogus teachers being put on the State’s pay roll resulting in countless bonafide teachers not getting their salaries, and the senior officials of the State investigating into the criminal goings-on being told not to carry out their tasks on pain of dire consequences - these are the moral and spiritual diet the Nagas feed on daily as they try to struggle for their survival and progress. Our people deserve better feeding.
The scams and scandals and the unrestrained greed for easy money that have rendered our society unmanageable and unstable show Nagas have become a people who have no sense of responsibility for the consequences of their acts. The manifestation of rampant threat abduction, extortion, killing, sexual abuse, rape and various detestable evils are only the natural outcome. Let us all question ourselves; where are we the Christian dominated State heading?
Yet this ugly society has come out of the lives of all of us. That is the honest-to-God truth. And we have no choice but to accept it with all its faults and transform it together for our children to inherit a better, safer society.
We who are the leadership of the Church are fully aware of our limitations to meet the challenge of the crisis. But the Church’s commitment to fight for the ways of God to win is unshakable as the battle is God’s battle and He will win if enough Christians will pay the price of obedience to Him. This is our faith and confidence because of Him who has called us to stand with Him.
We call upon all the men of power, wealth and influence, whether over “ground” and “underground,” not to treat God’s values for His kingdom lightly, but to get on His side, for the sake of our future. If we will simply co-operate with God, instead of with Satan, the restoration of our society will surprise us. Our co-operation with the Deceiver must end.
Rev. L. Kari Longchar
Director, Peace Affairs, NBCC Kohima, Nagaland
‘Community contribution vital for maintaining traditional knowledge’DIPR
Dimapur, April 27 (DIPR): A one-day interactive session on documentation and patenting of Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) was organised in Medziphema on April 25 last by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) in collaboration with National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani, Nagaland. The programme was attended by programme coordinators/SMSs of different Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Nagaland, Director for Agriculture, Nagaland, and the Dean and faculty members of SASARD, Nagaland University.
Dr. Chandan Rajkhowa, Director at the National Research Centre on Mithun, shared his experience about the wisdom and rich knowledge of the tribal population living in the north east. He also mentioned various ITKs that have been generated by different tribes and their ancestors.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Anil K Gupta, executive vice-chairman of NIF, discussed the various indigenous technologies documented by NIF and patents that have been obtained in favour of the communities/individuals who have contributed to the sustaining and developing of knowledge for social benefits. He emphasised on the contribution of community/individual being vital for maintaining traditional knowledge and skills generation after generation and said these must be recognised in a formal way.
Prof. Gupta also expressed the need to map the traditional knowledge and skills of different tribes of Nagaland and to document them so that they may be preserved and popularised. For this, he said, a collaborative programme with KVKs, government departments and research at university and ICAR institutes for extensive survey and documentation of ITKs, was necessary. He assured the help of NIF in validation and patenting of these ITKs. The expenses if required will be borne by the NIF and the patents will be taken in favour of the individual/community sharing the information, he assured. For a detailed discussion, the executive vice-chairman of NIF has fixed a meeting between the government of Nagaland and the Village Development Board (VDB) members of various districts on May 6, 2009.
Woman gunned down as militants raid Assam village Sushanta Talukdar The Hindu
Guwahati: A woman was killed and 12 others were injured as militants opened fire on villagers at Yeah in Assam’s North Cachar Hills district on Tuesday afternoon.
Subhash Das, Principal Secretary, Home, said a group of extremists raided the village and resorted to indiscriminate firing.
They also set ablaze about 15 houses in the village located close to the Assam-Nagaland border. Security forces rushed to Yeah but they were yet to ascertain the identity of the attackers.
In Baska district, two militants of the United Liberation Front of Asom were killed in an encounter with the security forces. One revolver, one 9 mm pistol, two live cartridges, two empty cartridges, one 7.68 pistol, 12 detonators, two magazines, 12-metre fuse wire, assorted ammunition and some documents were recovered.
Visions of Overseas Naga Association Nagaland Page
Overseas Naga Association believes in Nagas helping one another at home and around the world. As an international Naga community away from the homeland, we seek to provide opportunities for collaboration and understanding across national borders and to strengthen ties with our people back home. Our aim is to complement and strengthen the existing Naga associations in various countries by offering members a common global link and forum. We are a non-profit organization and we invite all persons of Naga descent and their families living outside the Indian subcontinent to join us.
Goals:
1. To promote community links and understanding among the Naga global diaspora, and to work for the common good and unity of all Nagas back home irrespective of political and ideological differences.
2. To provide the younger generations of Naga descent living abroad with opportunities to interact with each other and with their counterparts in the homeland through well-organized programs, such as "Journey to my Heritage" during festivals, visits to Naga villages, workshops on cultures, cultural immersion experience, running Naga stores and stalls overseas.
3. To set up and run twin Think-Tanks (one composed of overseas Nagas and one in the homeland) whose function will be to brainstorm ideas and help implement programs aimed at improving the Naga society in all areas of knowledge, as well as material progress, so that Nagas can become a competitive people in the fast changing world of the 21st century.
4. To collaborate with educational institutions in the homeland and around the world on projects and programs for improving student learning and experience in professional work that will make students competitive with their peers in the rest of the world.
5. To make available a team of experts with experience in various fields that any Chief Minister of Nagaland and his/her administration can seek advice from.
6. To organize conferences/summits both in the homeland and in different countries, so we can celebrate our common Naga heritage and share ideas on specific timely issues as well as broad themes that need addressing.
Visier Sanyü, President, ONA
Paul Pimomo, Secretary General, ONA


Show no leniency to rapists : GPRN/NSCN Nagaland Page
The traumatic events taking place in Naga society recently has drawn the attention to all Nagas young and old alike: Should we allow our female populace to remain at the mercy of rapists and killers? Are we to simply condemn and go quiet? GPRN/NSCN vehemently condemns all wicked and despicable actions such as:
1.The rape and murder of Anukamba Dhan, a class IX student of Carmel Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on April 17, 2008.
2. The brutal gang rape of a pregnant woman near Old Showuba Village, Dimapur on 28th August 2008.
3. The gang rape of a daughter on the night of 25th March 2009 at Derogapathar, Dimapur.
4. The rape of a teenager at Zunheboto on 11th April.
5. The rape and murder of little Gaipuilu Ganmei in Delhi on 17th April 2009 etc.
These tragic incidents are indications that a society is spiraling out of control. It is high time for a society which claims to cherish its women with profound respect and honor so dearly, must declare and pronounce highest punishment to those who snuff out dreams and hopes of women through animalistic behavior. The highest degree of physical violation of the fairer sex must be responded equally with highest degree of punishment.
GPRN/NSCN calls upon the guardians of Naga society to rise up from the slumber and identify rapist-killers to ensure that Naga women are not reduced to becoming perpetual victims in their own backyard. Allowing these beasts to roam our towns and villages is a complete humiliation of our political, social, cultural, moral and ethical pursuits. Very soon dehumanization of Christian Naga society shall be final and revolutionary ideals completely abused. Unless a stern law is promulgated against rapists and their kind, all Naga customary laws stands dysfunctional, redundant and impractical against this menace.
At this testing hour, any lawyer, legal team defending the action of rapists must face the wrath of a traumatized Naga society. Rapists by their own actions cease to be a father, husband, son, brother, relative, friend or a neighbor.
Publicity Cell, GPRN/NSCN

Bodo organizations appeal for peace and harmony Sentinel
KOKRAJHAR, April 27: The frontal Bodo organizations— the ABSU, the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) and the Bodoland Citizens’ Forum (BCF) have appealed all the political parties and different organizations for prevailing peace and harmony amongst all sections of the society in BTC region.
In a press meet held at RN Brahma Memorial Bhavan on Sunday, BSS president Dr Kameswar Brahma said the Sabha has been closely observing the deteriorating situation in the region especially on the pre and post election violence in different parts of Kokrajhar and Chirang districts where killings, attacks and counter attacks caused a matter of grave concern. He said the BSS has been bringing out a peace mission in Kokrajhar and Chirang district since April 9 last, to shun the clashes and other forms of violence. Dr Brahma condemned the attack on the leaders of BTC and BPF candidate SK Bwiswmuthiary by unknown armed assailants at Gandabil on April 24, which claimed lives of the people and injured seven others. He also appealed all political and apolitical leaders to maintain peace and tranquillity for the greater interest of the people of the region. Secretary of the BSS Kamala Kanta Mashahary said the Sabha has undertaken peace initiatives through holding peace meeting in various sensitive places to end the present turmoil.
He also said the peace mission will be started from April 30 next, with the active collaboration of media fraternity. The president of ABSU Promode Boro, in press release condemned the Panbari incident where BTC leaders including BPF MP candidate Bwiswmuthiary was ambushed by unknown militant on April 24 last. He criticized BPF president Hagrama Mohilary for his comment that ABSU offices are sheltering place of the NDFB. He said that the charge of Mohilary ABSU was totally baseless and concocted one. He also blamed Mohilary for his horse trading act on NDFB by giving them a handsome money of Rs 50 lakh in the last 2004 election. Boro, however, appealed all for maintaining peace and amity at any means. Secretary of the Bodoland Citizens’ Forum (BCF) Chanakya Brahma, vehemently condemned the Panbari incident and said one should not prevent one’s rights in a democratic country.