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07/19/2009: "GoI-NSCN (IM) talks ends in disagreement"
GoI-NSCN (IM) talks ends in disagreement
Centre shots down more demands from Naga outfit Nagaland Page
Dimapur, The Government of India today told the NSCN (IM) to adhere to the ceasefire ground rules in order to maintain peace in the state of Nagaland.
Sources from New Delhi said that the NSCN (IM) representatives brought up several issues before the Government of India and also expressed unhappiness over the seizure of their weapons by the Nagaland Police and Assam Rifles from time to time.
The NSCN (IM) delegation led by V S Atem, Brig Phungthing and others demanded the Government of India to hand over the seized weapons to them, but the Indian representatives did not agree to their suggestion, saying the matter would be referred to the Government and would be conveyed to them.
Sources further said that the GoI representatives brought up issues like rampant extortion by the outfit, harbouring other militant groups of the Northeast and imparting training to them, besides reports of recruitment of non-Nagas for antisocial activities. Though the NSCN (IM) authorities denied such reports and allegations, the Government of India sternly told them to stop such activities in Nagaland for the larger interest of the general public.
According to sources, the NSCN (IM) demanded the Government of India to extend the jurisdiction of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group beyond Nagaland, especially in Naga-inhabited areas and also setting up of a designated camp at Ukhrul in Manipur. However, the India representatives said that these matters would be referred to the Government and their decision would be conveyed to them.
The Government of India also took up the issue of the claim of a designated camp at Shiroi in Manipur's Ukhrul district and said that no such approval was given by the Government to the NSCN (IM) to set up any designated camp there.
Another proposal of the NSCN (IM) to increase the number of bodyguards allotted to the organizations members holding Identity Cards was also turned down by the Government of India, sources informed. At present members holding ID cards are allowed one armed bodyguards each.
Sources further informed that the Government of India was critical about the recent incidents at Inavi village where the cadres of NSCN (IM) burnt down several houses and told the NSCN (IM) delegation that it was breach of the ceasefire ground rules. The Centre also brought up the ongoing violence in the NC Hills district of Assam and dwelling on certain reports of Naga underground's involvement in the carnage asked the NSCN (IM) to desist from such activities. However, the NSCN (IM) denied their involvement and pointed fingers on the DHD (J) militants who are active in the region.
The meeting was attended among others by Raman Srivastava, Special Security (Internal Security), CFMG Chairman, Mandhata Singh, Special Secretary, Naveen Verma and officials of the Army and from the NSCN (IM), it was attended by Gen (Rtd) V S Atem, Emissary to the Collective Leadership, Brig Phungthing Shimrang, Convenor of Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, Kariabo Chawang and Jacob among others.
Sweet & sour mix on Muivah platter NISHIT DHOLABHAI The telegraph
New Delhi, July 17: Union home minister P. Chidambaram has offered a tough choice for the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) over future steps that could lead to a final and lasting solution to the Naga political problem.
A sweet-and-sour mix is on the platter Chidambaram proferred. One, the Centre wants a solution; two, the solution must lie within the Indian Constitution and will be dependent on the ground situation. Chidambaram sent the message through Parliament last week that talks with all militant groups will be within the ambit of the Constitution.
With that, he made it clear that the NSCN’s opposition to a “pre-condition” will not take the negotiations very far.
At a time when the NSCN groups are talking reconciliation but facing public outcry over extortion, preparing a conducive ground situation for the final talks was the focus of today’s discussions between NCSN emissary V.S. Atem and special secretary (internal security), Raman Srivastava.
The NSCN’s five-member delegation also included steering committee member, Kraibo Chawang, while the home ministry team had joint secretary (Northeast) Navin Verma. The home ministry team basically acted on the brief that was extracted out of their meeting with Chidambaram yesterday.
“We have decided to meet in August again and look at the ground situation from all angles,” said the ceasefire monitoring cell convenor of the outfit, Phunthing Shimrang.
For the NSCN, “tax collection” has been a traditional job with little opposition from even state government employees. Of late though, home ministry sources said the Centre has been concerned over excessive extortion. At the political level, the government is clear about finding a solution, perhaps with more autonomy permissible under the Constitution.
However, Muivah has been told that a “special federal relationship between India and Nagalim” as he demands, will not be possible. The NSCN (I-M) wants to bring Naga-inhabited areas under a single administrative umbrella which Delhi has not accepted.
One of the areas claimed by NSCN is the North Cachar Hills district, currently witnessing ethnic clashes between Nagas and Dimasas, which the rebel outfit is accused of partially fomenting. Chidambaram said in Parliament that in the NC Hills district, “the Dimasas outnumber the Nagas almost 4:1”, making it amply clear that it does not fall within the claimed Nagalim.
The problem for the outfit is also in Muivah’s maturing perception but, as one home ministry official pointed out, “the attitude of the 1960s and 1970s” that is imperceptible to a changing Naga society.
For the NSCN, the hope seems to lie in reconciliation with rivals to firm up its own consensus on a lasting solution.
Muivah wants to reach a solution on his own conditions and here is where the outfit will need to think hard, government sources said.
Unlike his predecessor, Chidambaram means business and he has made this clear to the rebels as well.
In such a situation, the NSCN has been told to come around for what is available through negotiation and the state government has been asked to clamp down on extortionists and violators of the ground rules.
GoI, NSCN (IM) seek to mitigate touchy issues morungexpress
Dimapur, July 17 (MExN): The Government of India and the NSCN (IM) today met in New Delhi where ceasefire ‘bottlenecks’ and ‘many other issues’ were paddled out in an effort to at least ‘mitigate’ some touchy issues before the actual next round of political talks begin. While basically referred to as a ‘meeting to review’ the ceasefire ground rules (CFGR), the meeting gains much significance considering it has been touted as a ground-clearing work before the Center and the NSCN (IM) take to the table for the next round of talks.
The central government was represented by the Special Secretary of Internal Security R. Srivastava and Joint Secretary (Northeast in-charge) Naveen Verma, sources said. The NSCN (IM) was represented by special emissary to the collective leadership Retd “General” VS Atem, “Maj. Gen” Phungting Shimrang, kilonser Kraibo Chawang and Jacob. Additional sources added that the GOC (for the north east) of the Assam Rifles and the ‘Assistant Director General of military operations’ was also among top military officials present.
When contacted, the special emissary to the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM), Retd “General” VS Atem said “we cannot allow anything to vitiate the situation.” He informed that ceasefire review meetings were normally held once in every three months. But this time, Atem said, the meeting was prompted “due to the situation.”
Atem informed that today’s meeting was a ground-clearing effort before the actual political talks. “Yes,” he responded when queried if the review meeting was a “clearing work” before the next round of political talks. He however said the meeting had in essence “nothing to do with the political issue.”
Also, while it was informed that a second ‘meeting’ has been scheduled, he did not disclose when it would be. On today’s meeting, the NSCN (IM) leader explained over the phone that “a lot of issues were covered today.” One of these issues included the reported activities of the NSCN (IM) that it was harboring other insurgent elements of the north east. Atem categorically stated that his organization was ‘not sheltering’ any armed group “that is inimical to the NSCN and Government of India.”
Also, when contacted, the convener of the ceasefire monitoring cell, NSCN (IM), “Maj. Gen” Phungting Shimrang informed that the meeting deliberated on “how to go about the ceasefire.” Declining to comment further on the minutes of the meeting, Phungting however said the meeting went quite well and that the ceasefire review committee has decided to meet again next month.
Union tells state to act stronger
The Union Government is understood to be ‘unhappy’ with the Nagaland government and the law enforcements’ failing to check law and order situations. Union Home minister P Chidambaram is reported to have said “enough is enough” at the criminal activities in the state, especially in Dimapur. The centre has reportedly told the state government to act and take stronger action against extortion activities by various groups and anti-social elements. The Union Home minister P Chidambaram has reportedly asked Nagaland Government to adopt stronger measures to curb the activities of the groups and anti-social elements. The Home minister’s firm message was conveyed to Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalthara and Nagaland’s Director General of Police K Kire when the duo called on Chidambaram Thursday in Delhi.
The Nagaland police chief , who was in Guwahati en-route to Kohima told The Morung Express Friday evening that the Union Home minister was “not at all happy” with the criminal activities, especially extortion, being carried out by various groups and anti-social elements in the state’s commercial hub of Dimapur. “We explained to him the steps taken by administration and police to check extortion related activities. We also told him about the improvement of law and order and the decrease in the crime rate….still, he was not happy,” Kire said. The police chief further said that the Union Home minister was quite firm on the issue of extortion and told the state officials that “enough is enough.”
Konyak chief Aungh (king) passes away in Nagaland The Hindu
Kohima (PTI): Well known for his benevolence and social work, the chief Aungh (king) of Konyak Naga tribe of Mon district in Nagalnd, Wangkhao Aungh passed away in his native village Chi following a prolonged illness yesterday.
He was 86.
Aungh is survived by two queens, a prince and a princess, eight grand princes and princesses.
He inherited the traditional heir of aunghs in 1961 and ruled over 36 Konyak villages which spread up to Arunachal Pradesh.
Besides settling many bitter land disputes within his tribe and with other neighbouring tribes to restore peace, Wangkhao donated his land to build Mon district headquarters town and Wangkhao government College, the only seat of higher education in Mon district.
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and Maharashtra governor S C Jamir in separate messages condoled his death.
Among the Naga tribes of Nagaland, Konyaks still follow the traditional system of village administration where each village is governed by an Augh (village chief) and all these Aughs are under a chief Aungh (king). The Augh of Chi village is the supreme ruler of 36 Aughs. But a single Aungh rules over one or more Konyak villages.
All about Intangki donghoi maren Morung
God blessed the Zeliangrong people with a vast area of compact land filled with varieties of flora and fauna. From Tamenglong to Tousem, to part of Senapati; Asalu and Haflong areas; from Ngam to Tenning region to Poilwa, Benreu and upto Mt Pauna; down to Jalukie valley, stretching till Mhaikam and Beisumpui of Peren District in Nagaland. Within this huge Zeliangrong Territory lies the much desired Intangki National park. Acknowledging Gods blessing, the Land owner (Beisumpui Villagers) donated the Present Intangki National Park to the Govt of Nagaland in good faith for preservation and conservation of wildlife. This truth is known to every man on earth with the right frame of mind. No amount of cooked up stories can distort the truth, and the truth will remain the truth even if the whole world goes mad.
Of late, many selfish individuals have poked their nose into Intangki imbroglio in order to gain cheap publicity without even knowing a bit about it. I guess they are trying to be infamous since they cannot be famous. It’s really a sad thing. To set the record straight, let me remind you that Intangki belongs to the Zeliangrong people and was donated to the Govt of Nagaland for a good cause; not to all the landless Nagas to set up illegal villages. Some arrogant writers are even confused with the term Naga and feel as if they are more Naga than other Nagas. Remember, the Zeliangrong are not less Naga than any other Naga tribe. If you have your land, we have ours. If you have your history, we have ours too. If you have your Zunheboto or Tuensang, we have Peren. So let us keep what is ours and not steal others. Why is some so called social workers mourning over the eviction of an unrecognized, illegal village called Inavi? Does Indian constitution provides any provision for the rights of encroachers? I bet not. Here, the state Govt commits a blunder by assisting relief to the encroachers instead of putting them behind bar. Such people deserve no mercy. Inavi, or for that matter, any illegal village should be evicted not 27 times but 27 times 27. The numbers of eviction cannot justify them for settlement. A crime is still a crime even if you committed it a hundred times.
I still wonder what makes the sympathizers mention that the so called Inavi unrecognized village consists of 14 tribes. Do they mean to say that the Tribal Hohos of these 14 tribes have approved the setting up of this illegal village? The mere presence of an individual (who maybe an outcaste) from a particular tribe cannot justified that he represent the tribe as a whole. Therefore, in order to keep ourselves off the dirt, it will be wise on their part if such tribal hohos would clarify their stand and take action on individual who keep on dragging their name. Why should we let an individual mess up with our tribes image??
Lastly, to all the depressed writers who still wanted to defend the encroachers.. It is always better to keep our mouth shut and admit our mistake than to speak out and show our ignorance. Truth will always triumph in the end.
Let Truth Prevails.
Kesamsang, Peoples Education Network, Jalukie Town.
Bandhs pile up on Manipur Newmai News Network
Imphal | July 18 : The number of vehicles stranded on National Highway 39 along the Manipur-Nagaland border at Khuzama in Nagaland is reported to be increasing due to the economic blockade imposed by the All Manipur Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) from July 15. The economic blockade was launched owing to the alleged failure of the government of Manipur in meeting the demands of the students’ body to amend the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Service (for SC and ST) Act 2007. The points suggested by ATSUM was demanded to be made operational. The students’ organization has suspended the economic blockade for four days which was scheduled to commence from July 11, following an assurance given by tribal ministers and MLAs, with the condition that they would not entertain any negotiation if their demands were not met by July 15.
Meanwhile, the 48-hour total bandh called by Naga frontal civil organizations is all set to begin from Monday (July 20). The bandh has been called against the failure of the state government to review the cabinet decision to deploy Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and Manipur police commandos to the hill districts. The bandh will come into effect from 5 AM on the day.
The United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM) and the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) had arrived at the decision to pursue its resolute stand to protest the state cabinet’s decision.
More condoles demise of Lt. Wangkhao morungexpress
Governor of Nagaland
The Governor of Nagaland, K. Sankaranarayanan has expressed deep shock at the demise of Lt. Wangkhao Chief Angh of Chi village. Remembering him as a “towering personality, loved and respected by everybody” the Governor is certain that Lt. Wangkhao’s contribution for the betterment and upliftment of the people would be always be remembered. The Governor has conveyed deepest condolence to the family members of the deceased and prays to the Almighty for eternal peace to the departed soul.
W. Wangyuh Konyak
Conveying condolence on the demise of Lt. Wangkhao Chief Angh of Chi village, W. Wangyuh Konyak stated that during his lifetime, Lt. Wangkhao solved many problems particular land dispute cases in Konyak and Phom areas. Wangyuh and his family have send condolence to the bereaved family with the prayer for the depareted soul to rest in peace.
ENPUD
The Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) has expressed sorrow and sadness over the demise of Lt. Wangkhao. ENPUD president S. Heno Khiamniungan in a comfort message conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
ENPO
The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) is deeply anguished at the demise of Lt. Wangkhao. “Our heartfelt condolence goes out to the members of the bereaved family and prays for the soul to rest in peace,” the ENPO general secretary Toshi Wangtung stated in a message.
M. Noke, Ex-MLA
On demise of Lt. Wangkhao, Ex-MLA Mon, M. Noke remembered him as “a man of noble standing, broadminded and respected by one and all for possessing multifaceted principalities.” Noke prays that God Almighty may grant eternal rest and peace to the departed soul.
Mon DC
The Deputy Commissioner of Mon district, Dinesh Kumar IAS, on behalf of district administration has expressed condolence on the demise of Wangkhao Konyak, Chief Angh of Chi village. The message stated that Wangkhao’s contributuion for the upliftment of Konyak will always be remembered. “We pray to almighty God to give eternal peace to the departed soul and also share our deep sorrow with the bereaved family members”.
NPCC
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) is shock by the demise of Wangkhao. With Wangkhao’s demise Naga have lost a committed person. In this hour of grief and pain the NPCC also shares sorrow with the bereaved family and also convey heartfelt condolences to the family members of the Wangkhao. The party also prays to Almighty to grant solace to the bereaved family and peace to the departed soul.
