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05/31/2009: "NISC unhappy with Kishan and Khathing killing by NSCN(IM) The Imphal Free Press"

NISC unhappy with Kishan and Khathing killing by NSCN(IM) The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 29: The Naga International Support Center, NISC, condemned the murder of Meitei officials by the NSCN(IM)`s Hopeson, and the execution of Khathing on the charge of being a traitor.

An email press release by the Netherlands based human rights organization which claims to be specialized in the rights of the Naga Peoples however said considering the many threats to their long struggle, not only against oppressors who deny them their rights but also against opportunists who do not stop at killing innocent people as well as leaders, the Nagas who defend the nation and the rights of the Naga People are pushed to their limits.

It said while the NSCN, negotiates with the Government of India an honorable settlement to this overdue conflict, they have to take the pressure and the tactics to split the Nagas.

It added that taking this into account NISC understands the strain, the bitterness the NSCN leaders experience.

But, the NSCN`s execution of Khathing has demonstrated the NSCN has failed to live up to its own standards, it said. Unfortunately it shows it can act like the Government of India with the deployment of the dreaded Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Considering that process, does this mean the Naga customary rights system of justice collapsed? It asked.

It said this is not so because it is laudable that Hopeson of the NSCN, responsible for murdering officials in Manipur, was taken into the custody of the NSCN. After confession the NSCN investigated to collect evidence for a court of justice which on the basis sentenced him.

But why was Khathing not awarded the same treatment? Why was he awarded the death penalty without public prosecution instead? Were accusations of Khathing being a traitor and murderer enough to warrant capital punishment?

According to the NSCN Khathing was a treacherous person. The people and the NSCN were never against him even though he was given many hints that he should correct his ways and understand the desire of his people, it said.

A decade ago, before he defected he worked all out for his people and the NSCN trusted him to deal with the Indian leaders, the NSCN had charged, it said.

The NSCN further charged that after this he changed and began to speak and act against the NSCN and openly stated he was against the organization who seeks solution outside Indian constitution. �He went further and collaborated with the enemy and other traitors and went as far as attacking and killing his own people.

The NISC said Khathing may have been guilty on all accounts put forward by the NSCN, accounts like siding with forces of the Government of India, standing with the Meiteis for the integrity of the state of Manipur, or worse for purchasing weapons to fight against the sovereignty of the Naga people, but just like Hopeson, he should have been arrested, charged and brought before a court of justice, a Naga Customary Rights Court.

It further said handing Khathing over to the Ministry of Justice of the Government of Nagalim consequently the NSCN would have achieved clarity and credibility. The majority of Nagas are Christian and capital punishment is the opposite of turning `the other cheek`. Thou shall not kill!
Nagaland: Bed of Nails Longeryanger Imchen Baptist College Kohima Morungexpress
•Of late beautiful Nagaland appears to be increasing harsh and coarse place to live in. I am like many others suffering from poignant emotions and frustration. It is indeed a heart-rending to say that the dreamer of dreams and lovers of Nagaland were shaken by the crude realities of life and were driven more and more to the giddy life. The Contemporaries are not interested in spiritual things and also fail to maintain in righteousness of our forefather, this symbolizes the hopeless condition of Nagaland. I was told by an old man that once upon a time they fought shoulder to shoulder with Indians for Naga independence. But wonder of wonders today Naga vs Naga and who were formerly laid down their lives seems to be blowing in the wind. Oh I wish with all my tears that their deaths shall not go in vain.
I deeply regret to say that the present system of adhere to by our National Workers is not well planned to promote our political interest. The distinction of people and innumerable division and sub-division among Nagas was deprived of patriotic feeling. It appears Nationalism without the sense of Patriotism.
Dear National Workers please come to think of it before its forever too late. Forget about all the differences, I pray to you that there could be no greater contrast, the proud, strong or weak, violence and bloodshed destroyed once the faith that shaped Nagaland. Today everyone wants peace of mind, joy, laughter & happiness, please show us a good & seeds for future, so a new generation may infact, discover ‘New Hope’ that my been missed or even overlooked in the last century.

Longeryanger Imchen Baptist College Kohima

Finally, IM hands over Hopeson Ningshen to CBI, remanded to 15 days : The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 29 2009: Following intense pressure, particularly from the Naga Hoho and the Eastern Naga People's Organisation, the NSCN (IM) handed over Hopeson Ningshen, the prime accused in the brutal murder of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Th Kishan and his two subordinate staff, Y Token and A Rajen, to the Naga Hoho, who in turn handed him over to the CBI at Dimapur yesterday.

Dr Kishan and his two staff, A Rajen and Y Token were found bludgeoned to death in Senapati district on February 17 . With the State Government earlier registering a case in connection with the murder, the accused was brought to Imphal, where Court proceedings were conducted at the Tulihal airport, even as a large number of people and reporters thronged the airport today. Hopeson Ningshen was brought to Imphal from Kolkata by a special Indian Air Force plane today.

Following a prayer from the CBI lawyer, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ukhrul remanded the accused to 15 days police custody. A State police officer talking to newsmen said that the accused was not taken to the city due to security reasons and added that it was due to this aspect that the Court proceedings were held inside the high security Tulihal airport.

Security was also beefed up in and around the airport today. Soon after the Court's proceedings, Hopeson Ningshen along with the CBI officials flew to Delhi.

Family members of the three victims, members of the JAC formed in connection with the triple murder, public and reporters rushed to the airport as news of the arrival of the prime accused started doing the round.

No one was however allowed to enter the temporary Court set up inside the airport where the prayer of the CBI was heard by the Ukhrul CJM. Nagaland based newspapers had carried the story of the NSCN (IM) handing over Hopeson Ningshen over to the Naga Hoho in their May 29th issue (Friday).

Though The Sangai Express had a whiff of the story it could not be confirmed as neither the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group, Lt Gen (Retd) Mandhatta nor a couple of NSCN (IM) senior leaders confirmed it when contacted yesterday.

In a statement circulated to the Nagaland press yesterday, Naga Hoho said that it with the support of civil societies including the Eastern Naga Peoples' Organisation intervened in the matter to hammer out an amicable solution in the interest of the NSCN (IM) and the GoI in particular and the Naga people in general.

This was necessitated considering the ongoing peace efforts among the different Naga political groups as well as the peace process between the Nagas and the GoI, said the Naga Hoho. The NSCN (IM) agreed to hand over Hopeson Ningshen over to the Naga Hoho on May 28 after several rounds of discussion, it said and added that the same round of discussion was also held with the GoI.

Naga Hoho said that though it was a painful exercise to intervene in such a stalemate between the two entities involving various factors, the impending break down of the cease fire, political negotiations and a bloody war could be averted. The Naga Hoho also extended its appreciation to the Government of Nagaland and security personnel for extending their fullest co-operation till the departure of Hopeson Ningshen from Dimapur airport.

Nagaland based newspaper, the Morung Express in its May 29 issue reported, 'According to highly placed sources, the Union Home Ministry had directed the NSCN (IM) to hand over Ningshen and warned that the security forces would be compelled to raid camps of the NSCN (IM) if the directive was not complied with.

The Home Ministry's deadline for handing over the accused expired today (May 28)' .
Morung Express further reported that the IM group initially stood its ground stating that the cadres would be forced to counter if attacked and sensing the imminent breakdown of the ceasefire due to the stalemate, Naga Hoho stepped in and persuaded the NSCN (IM) to the Naga Hoho who in turn handed him to the GoI. The paper also quoted Ningshen as saying 'I will honour the understanding reached between the Government and the Naga Hoho in the National interest'.
Neiphiu Rio on winter diplomacy to Myanmar Al Ngullie

Seen here in this undated file photo is a group of ‘eastern’ Naga women adorned in colorful appendages of heritage, and performing a cultural item at a cultural event in Nagaland. (Morung File Photo)

Perceived to be a subsequent rally to the May 20 New Delhi meeting with Myanmar’s Ambassador to India U-Kyi Thein, the chief minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio is likely to visit the Junta’s authorities either by the fall or winter.
Neiphiu Rio had met with U-Kyi Thein in New Delhi May 20 and interactions, over the issue of Nagas in Myanmar, were exchanged. The Myanmar Ambassador had then invited the Naga politician to visit Yangoon’s authorities to deliberate on the matter of ‘recognizing’ Myanmar’s minority Nagas with a “status” – within either the political or administrative framework of the country. Thein had assured that the matter would be communicated to the Myanmar government at the earliest. Latest independent confirmation, whether or not Thein has communicated with his government on the matter, could not be had for now.
Highly-placed sources in the state government said Rio would visit Yangoon probably autumn or early winter. The Chief Minister’s Office could not be contacted for independent confirmation but knowledgeable sources in the government said the tentative schedule is winter. The source also informed that no agenda specific to Rio’s Myanmar diplomacy has been officially discussed yet by the government. It was nonetheless understood after his return from Delhi that either by October or late November, Rio would be in Yangoon.
Another minister when contacted said, the date is being “talked out” winter. On the query who in the NPF-DAN Cabinet is being seen as members of Rio’s team for Yangoon, the minister said “he can choose whoever he wants to but no list or date has been finalized.”
Rio also issued a message addressed to Ambassador Thein today expressing gratitude for “inviting me to visit Myanmar and hold talks with representatives of your government and leaders of civil society in Myanmar.” Not mentioning when, the chief minister stated in his message to be looking forward to the Yangoon visit “at a convenient date soon.”
Making further assurances to Thein, Rio said to pursue “financial grant” for developmental initiatives in the Naga-inhabited territories, with the Government of India. “I am confident that with your initiative and support, the Government of India will do something positive to alleviate the problems and sufferings of the Naga people in erstwhile Burma. Thein’s suggestion to undertake cultural exchange efforts between the two peoples is appreciated by Rio

The Myanmar Nagas
Lack of from-the-spot data continues to be a blind-spot to making actual assessment of the plight of Myanmar Nagas. Nonetheless, information garnered from various news and internet sources estimate the minority to be a population of between 150, 000 to 200,000. The Nagas in Burma are said to be concentrated mainly in a number of townships such as Lahe, Namyun, Homemalin, Khamthi and Leshi and Pangsau of Sagaing regions and Shing Bwe Yang in the Kachin provinces.
Their socio-economic conditions are some of the worst in the military-administered provinces. The Nagas in Burma are widely said to be one of the most poverty-stricken and deprived communities in the police state. On the religious front, they are said to be persecuted on two sides: Buddhists who want the predominantly Christian Nagas to be converted to Buddhism, and the Myanmar military that constantly engage in razing Christian establishments and persecuting Christian missionaries.
Information updates on the Indo-Burma borders say that children are also recruited forcibly into the Myanmar military. With barely any road, transport or communication facility in the border provinces where the Nagas are concentrated, children are bare without education or basic healthcare. In fact, updates say, the highest a Naga child can study is till primary – then they join their parents’ in farming.

NNC unhappy with FNR (EMN)
DIMAPUR The Naga National Council (NNC) today accused the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) of bias and informed of its inability to attend the reconciliation meet scheduled from June 1 to 8 since it has not received any information or invitation.
Stating that it had learned of the meet only through the newspapers, a release issued by Kiumukam Yimchungrii, Vice President NNC, said the NNC is always ‘look down upon’ by the FNR even in the past, adding that till date no intimation has ever been given to them regarding such Naga Reconciliation meetings. ‘Therefore, the NNC will not attend the meeting or convention called by the FNR’, it said.
While regretting that it has been compelled to issue such a statement, it said it has been ‘observing for quite sometime the initiative taken by the FNR and their attitude towards the NNC who stood for Non-Violence and worked for Naga Peace & Unity for many years in the past’.
The NNC always stood for Naga peace & unity after the fragmentation of the Parent Body (Naga National Council) because of the Shillong Accord of 1975, the release affirmed and added that it stands ‘for the whole and all the Naga inhabited areas that is inclusive of Free Eastern Nagaland’.
Making its displeasure known, the release said ‘if FNR can really bring reconciliation amongst the Naga National Groups leaving behind the NNC, the NNC will always say that that is bias and incomplete’.

CFMG chairman seeks public support (Page News Service)
DIMAPUR, MAY 29: Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group, Lt. General Mandhata Singh has sought support of the GBs, NGOs and the public to ensure that the ceasefire between the Centre and the two Naga Underground groups are implemented effectively and pave way for composite peace talks for a solution to the Naga problem.
Addressing a meeting with the Mokokchung District administration, security forces and the leaders of civil societies in the DC's conference hall on Thursday, Mandhata said GBs, leaders of NGOs and the public are the one who could make a different in implementing the cease fire ground rules thereby paving the way for getting into a serious dialogue for a permanent solution.
He suggested that District level coordination committee on implementation of ceasefire ground rules should be extended at the sub-divisional and grass roots level to deal with any problems arising from the implementation of the ceasefire ground rules.
Mandhata said GBs and prominent public leaders at the grass root besides administrative and security forces officials and leaders of underground should be included in the coordination committee. He expressed hope that such coordination committee at the sub-divisional and grass roots level would help solve problem and prevent the situation from flaring up.
Speaking at the meeting the Deputy Commissioner, CM Tsanglao said law and order situation in the district is under control. The meeting was attended by SP Mokokchung Irshad Wali, security force officers from Assam Rifles, CRPF, GBs, Ao Senden and Watsu Mungdang.

NAGALAND OF MY DREAM Jagdamba Mall Morungexpress
1. Current State of Affairs of Nagaland :-
After thorough study of insurgency in Nagaland, I found that early insurgent leaders including Phizo and his lieutenants lacked political vision for Naga society. On the instigation of some foreign forces, they just adopted the warpath against the nation that looked after their welfare. The Church added fuel to the fire. They coined the slogan - Nagaland For Christ and did everything and anything, legal or illegal, right or wrong, violence or non-violence, to convert Hindu Nagas to Christianity and brought over western culture. Everything native and indigenous – religion and culture, rituals and festivals, traditional costumes and social practices, all were dubbed as satan practices, hence, prohibited. The Church has misled the society and bulldozed Naga’s indigenous faith and culture Even Hindu Naga elders were condemned as head-hunters, wild, savage, unclean and raw-meat eaters. In doing so, the Church and NNC ( Naga National Council led by Phizo) were helping each other. This has led Naga society to such a state that there is a crisis of identity in every righteous aspect and 40,000 Nagas stand killed by now, more will be done away with if situation does not improve. Immorality in every walk of life has engulfed the Naga society. In the words of Dr. T. Aonok, Nagaland is a drug, alcohol, illicit sex-cursed society and imitations of Hollywood along with Washington DC consents to every whim of it. However, the most sick and shocking point of all is that nine-tenth of the professed Christians vote for rulers who are not only wicked but who even pledge to do wickedly. (Nagaland Post 19.02.2009). At one place he has described Nagaland as diseased whore. I also notice the same destabilizing and disturbing trend. This is because ethics of the society has disappeared.
It is societies’ ethics that help share a people’s cultural values, social structures, economic sustainability, political life and defines the nature and prowess of participation in the political realm while enabling its critical consciousness and world views. After adoption of foreign religion and western culture Naga people have developed the habit of converting the aberrations into the normal, the regular and the routine. This is a recent development. It was not there in Hindu Naga Society. Poverty is not the cause of corruption. Look around you, most of corrupts or criminals are wealthy and well-placed in Government, NGOs or Church organizations. I must say, Church brought this doom. This has happened with all the native people in all the Christian countries without any exception, I dream for the day when Nagas modernize without having to westernize based on their own indigenous values and principles that have sustained their survival and existence as a people for generations. History is the proof that imitating and borrowing concepts and values that are not relevant to the society have only proven to be destructive. That exactly is what has happened to the Nagas. I dream that Nagas identify their self-inflicted injuries and sufferings and come out of the present crisis. Those who are dreaming only for sovereignty and nothing else are living in fool’s paradise and dream palaces. They should come to the sense of reality.

2. Human Decency :-
In the second week of February 2009, Britain was shocked to learn of a 13 year boy fathering a child with a 15 year girl. The British media termed the whole unhappy episode as ‘Britain broken’ from religious leaders to social scientists, to your everyday-John and Smith, everyone had a lot to say. Then things reportedly took a more astounding turn when three other 14 year boys – all claimed to be the father of that baby, so till the last reports, there are now four young teenagers who are children themselves are claiming to be the father of the baby. Reportedly, this young 15 year mother is said to have been sexually active with around eight youngsters at the same time. Britain is stunned. So are we (Childhood Robbery- Nagaland Page 21.02.2009). Late Chalie Kevichusa had narrated another story in his Chatterbox column of Ura Mail. “In a queue to Cinema ticket in London in broad day light, the boy started copulation with the girl standing in front of him in same queue. Nagas fancy in aping British life-style. Do Nagas would like this life style also?” asked learned Chalie.
Naga society had come a long way on the path of western life style leaving behind their own ancient ethos and human decency, when women had highest honour in the family and the society. “Today, our own 12 year olds,” writes Smt. Monalisa Changkiza in same editorial column, “are delivering babies – go to Mother’s Hope and check it out for yourself. And no one is even claiming paternity. These days we cannot even deny rape, incest and all kinds of sexual licence in our society” Compare British society and state with that of ours. Both the societies and states live in worlds far apart yet the problems we have are same. How do we count for this? (Nagaland Post 21.03.2009)”. Though British and Nagas live in two different continents of the globe situated far apart, but one thing is common – Christianity and western culture. This has uprooted the ancient value system and propagated wrong history. This has shattered ancient customary control over the society. This has demolished the family institution of Naga society. Naga parents don’t care for their children. The family bonds are breaking away and children do not care for their parents and elders. This is because of western religion and western culture.
I dream for the day when Nagas realize the fault committed less than half a century ago by opting for Christian religion, western culture and secessionist uprising supported by Church. I dream Nagas’ phase-wise return to their forefathers’ ancient human decency by opting for indigenous religion and metaphysical way of life by practising indigenous culture which Naga forefathers – the so-called ‘head-hunters’ lived and prospered.

3. Freedom from HIV/AIDS:-
There are 35000 HIV positive patients in 7 Northeast states and this accounts for less than 3% of Bharatvarsh’s more than one billion population of HIV positive carriers. The states like Nagaland and Manipur are reportedly worst victim of HIV/AIDS in NE region because of porous fringe line with heroine – producing “Golden Triangle” of Laos- Myanmar – Thailand. This region has high rate of intravenous drug users considered to be the prime cause behind the alarming rise in HIV cases in the hill states. Sharing of needles by drug addicts and freedom of the pre-marital and post extra-marital sex are responsible for the quantum increase in AIDS cases. Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland are worst sufferers due to their proximity to Golden Triangle. Apart from the problems of intravenous drug abuses, the social pattern of some of Janjati (tribal) groups, liberal outlook about sexual relationship and waning values in the ultra modern life style with liquor addiction have extensively deepened the crisis.I dream for a HIV/AIDS free sane society of Nagas where people admire to live a metaphysical way of life as a perfect human being.

4. Contemporary Naga Customary Laws:-
There should be a well-documented customary laws and well-established customary courts at village level in the case of big villages and zone level in the case of smaller scattered villages where most of disputes are settled and only a very rare and serious cases are referred to court of law. Today it has become redundant because judicial courts and administration take up most of the cases. District administration interferes in customary law. Gaon Burah (GB) and Dobashi (DB) institution should be strengthened and the system should be more effective. There should be coordination of GB, DB, Village Councils and Area Council with District Administration and Police. This will provide collateral help to judiciary and crime can be stemmed.

5. Tourism :-
The Bharatiya tourism sector is seen generating $ 42.8 billion by 2017, a 42 percent surge from 2007 as per the survey report by an auditing and consulting firm – Deloitte Touché. Despite the challenges being faced in terms of a slowing economy, sluggish demand and security concerns, the country is fighting back and tourism developments are taking place. Bharatvarsh – the surging super power is fast becoming the tourism destination for the global communities. The country’s share in the worlds tourist inflow is 44 percent. Realizing the potential in Bharatvarsh, international and domestic hotel chains are rushing to cash in on it. International tourists account for a little over 5 million visitors while domestic market is seen at more than 500 million. Alongwith socio-cultural, archaeological, ecological and religious tourism; medical tourism is poised for rapid development in future and the country is fast developing first class facilities to attract this multi-billion dollar niche market.
Alas! Nagaland can also pick up matching pace in development of tourism in the state where people from different part of the country and the world move around freely enjoying the aesthetic beauty of the nature and the natives of the “Paradise unexplored”. Nagaland in particular gives the impression that this state is underdeveloped, rife with violence, kidnapping, terrorist activities, extortion, poor road connectivity and communication facilities. The image of Nagas is also that of anti-Hindu and anti-national. I dream for the day when Nagas develop the proper perspective and positive approach to achieve the goal. The diversity and the variety of the ecology, the different Naga tribes with their unique life-styles, festivals, religious practices and customs concentrated in this small state is a boon for visitors by enabling them to explore and experience Nagaland without the problem of traveling great distances. The standard and availability of food and lodging is very basic as compared to other states but the hospitality and the outgoingness of the people can play a big role in this sector. The true history of Nagas and contributions of people like Dr. S.C. Jamir, Hokishe Sema, Vizol, J.B. Jasokie and the likes towards weaving the strong Bharatiya society in Nagaland should be proliferated.

6. Hornbill Festival :-
Hornbill Festival should be upgraded to the level of “Festival of Nagaland” to attract the essence of the state displaying splendor of rich and diverse cultural and religious life of its people. The Nagaland Government should endeavour to make it a people’s festival by giving it a multi-Bharatiya glimpse. With a view to encourage the preservation of indigenous faith and culture, the display of ancient religious practices and rituals should be organized for the world to know. The cultural troops from all the states of NE region, Sikkim and other states of the country are invited to participate and celebrate the festival collectively. The President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and all the Chief Ministers of participating states are invited on different occasions during the week-long religio-cultural programme. The cultural evenings are organized to showcase not only the cultural, culinary and aesthetic uniqueness of Nagaland but also rich cultural diversity of the country. Apart from cultural programmes, other major attractions of the festival are Food Festival with delicious janjati dishes exhibition on textile and handicraft products, flower/orchid show cum sale, traditional sports events, poem writing and painting competitions, display of modern technologies relevant to the state and NE region, book-fare etc. Hornbill festival – the Festival of Nagaland is festival of the people, by the people and for the people wherein socio-cultural and ancient religious values are encouraged. It is cautiously prevented from becoming a carnival festival. The Mela administration should be successful in curbing the indiscipline and punishing erring persons, sale and use of liquor, toxic drugs and body-baring programmes are banned.
In the fast changing world, the societies are fast transforming from exclusiveness to inclusiveness with their nature changing from local to regional, regional to national and national to global. The meaning of sovereignty and colonial should be properly understood now. Both these words are irrelevant today in the context of Naga secessionist movement because their own chosen people in the democratic set up are ruling the state defined by fixed boundaries and at the Center. People of all the Naga tribes are representing their societies in the state assembly and the parliament.
I dream for the realization of the truth to occur in the mind of underground leaders, political leaders, church leaders, executive class, media men and the civil society so that Nagaland moves alongwith whole nation destined to become super power in the world in the near future.