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07/26/2009: "Forum for Naga Reconciliation meets Naga groups (MExN)"

Forum for Naga Reconciliation meets Naga groups (MExN)

Dimapur, July 22: Signatories to the “Covenant of Reconciliation” led by their respective team leaders and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation today met at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur. A press note from the forum stated that today’s meeting “further affirmed and exhibited the growing spirit of accommodation and mutual respect for one another”. According to the forum, today’s meeting affirmed to “continue restraining offensive activities” in the spirit of the “Covenant of Reconciliation”.
The forum also urged the “concerned Naga political parties to be vigilant of anti-social elements in the Naga society; continue to reciprocate one another, by releasing all political prisoners along with their belongings, at the earliest and further, agreed to deter from publishing “provocative” statements in the media.
The forum’s press note stated that following Chiang Mai-V, in which the highest level leaders have jointly signed the covenant based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas, the process has now gained greater heights. Wednesday’s meeting is the second one since June 3, 2009.
The FNR expressed hope that such dialogue will “wield the future of the Nagas in the spirit of love, non-violence, peace and respect to resolve outstanding issues.”
According to the FNR with the signing of the Covenant of Reconciliation, the signatories have agreed to delegate permanent team members (Joint Functional Consortium/Working Group) led by a team leader, in all the subsequent meetings with authorization from the respective government’s highest authority; to accelerate the task ahead of the Nagas. In the meantime, the FNR remains grateful to the Naga political parties for their cooperation and to the public for their untiring support. “Once again, the FNR affirms our commitment to Naga reconciliation”.
‘Naga groups looking to a shared future’

Dimapur, July 22: Convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation Dr Wati Aier has said that the Naga political groups are more and more looking to a shared future and that there is an obvious sense of seriousness and affirmation in this direction. Speaking to The Morung Express, the convener pointed out that things were looking “very positive” and that the forum would be meeting the groups as “frequently” as possible. Giving his assessment of the process, Dr Aier was of the view that the Naga political groups are showing a new sense of purpose and they are demonstrating this with their cooperation and willingness to listen to the voice of the Naga people. “Everyone is concerned on a shared future”, Dr Aier said.
‘Zeme Nagas were the first foot printer’ (MExN)
Dimapur, July 23: Against the backdrop of the continuing violence in the NC Hills between the Dimasas and the Zeme Nagas, the Naga Hills People Convention today asserted that the Zeme Naga people would never give up or stop until and unless the demand for Dima Hasau Raji (Dimasa kingdom) is withdrawn “from the governor which was recently forwarded with their Charter Points by the Autonomous District Council”.
Identifying the demand for Dima Hasau Raji (Dimasa kingdom) by the Dimasas as the focal point of contention, the Convener of the NHPC, Agay Zeme in a press release asserted that the Zeme Naga people were the first “foot printer” in the “Naga Hills” and that the Zeme Naga people “is the only right indigenous people”. It stated that in the year 1852 the British Crown established the Naga Hills Capital in Asalu and later in 1952, the nomenclature “Naga Hills” was changed to NC Hills. However, recently, the Dimasas, “with the district Council to rename the existing NC Hills to Dima Hasau Raji (Dimasa kingdom) and submitted their four charter points to the Governor”. In protest against this move the “Ethnic Clash erupted between the Zeme Nagas and the Dimasas (Cachari), the release stated.
In this connection the Naga Hills People Convention alleged that in the present conflict, the Dimasas are “fully backed by the Indian Armed forces, DHD and the Autonomous District Council. Whereas, the Naga Hills is been defended by Zeliangrong Naga alone with a few Volunteers”. However, it asserted that “the Zeme (Zeliangrong) Naga people would never give up or stop until and unless Dima Hasau Raji is withdrawn from the Governor which was recently forwarded with their charter points by the Autonomous District Council”.
ATSUM pleas, warns The Sangai Express

IMPHAL, Jul 24: While acknowledging hardships being faced by the general public owing to the ongoing economic blockade, All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur has cautioned traders against hiking prices of consumer goods.
An ATSUM statement issued by its information and publicity secretary, G Gaisingam said the current phase of agitation had been imposed in pursuit of ‘our demand’ which is meant not only for the tribals but for all the peoples of Manipur.

Reacting to reports in some State dailies regarding the impasse over reservation for SC/ST candidates in the recruitment of posts in Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat, the student body suggested that the Speaker clarify his position on the matter.
Gaisingam also dismissed as unwarranted, the alleged remark by the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister that he (Minister) is being singled out for criticism as he belongs to a ‘particular’ community.

ATSUM had been raising objections against the ongoing recruitment conducted by Manipur Rural road Development Agency under the RD&PR as the recruitment exercise is not conforming to guidelines issued by the Union Government, the secretary claimed.

On the issue of price rise, ATSUM insisted that traders/business community in Thangal Bazar area are taking undue advantage of the situation as prices are being hiked on non-perishable goods that were already stored well ahead of the blockade. Cautioning that ATSUM can easily identify trucks and vehicles that pass through the Highways as well as the items carried by the transporters, Gaisingam called upon the traders to desist from the practice of inflating prices.

FGN no to Common Platform Nagalim.co.uk
DIMAPUR, JUL 23 (EMN): The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today extended firm support to the peace efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) but rejected the recently set up Naga Common Platform while voicing dismay over the ‘mushrooming of various peace and reconciliation committees by different organisations and Indian Political Parties’. In a statement issued by ‘Dy. Secretary, Rali Wali’, the FGN said the Naga peoples’ quest for true peace has come a long way but ‘this dearest aspiration continues to take heavy toll on generations with no sign of resolute determination amongst the leadership to cease hostility and violence’.
However, it said the efforts of the FNR to bring reconciliation amongst various political groups seemed to have ‘lessened the sounds of guns in Nagaland’ while citing the signing of the Covenant of Reconciliation by Brig (Retd) S. Singnya, Kedahge FGN, SS Khaplang, Chairman, NSCN/GPRN, Isak Chishi SWU, Chairman, NSCN/GPRN.
In the light of this, the Federal Government of Nagaland stated its reaffirmation and support to FNR, which it said will continue ‘till we reached our ultimate goals’.
Also making known its view on ‘other’ reconciliation forums, albeit it advocates and endorses peace and reconciliation of all Nagas for which it had signed the Covenant of Reconciliation, the FGN felt that the recent proposal for formation of one Naga Common Platform ‘instead of being helpful is detrimental to the peace and reconciliation process already brought in by FNR’. It therefore declared that it will not be a party to nor encourage any other peace and reconciliation process other than the FNR.
One killed in shootout near Changsu Nagalim.co.uk
DIMAPUR, JUL 23: Just a day after the representatives of the 3 underground outfits reaffirmed their commitment to the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’, Wokha witnessed an apparent factional shoot-out, which left one dead. One person was killed by NSCN-IM in a shootout which took place at a junction between Old Changsu and New Changsu village in Wokha district.
Both the NSCN-IM and NSCN-K were quick to issue press statements over the incident – the former owning responsibility for the killing of ‘an extortionist’ while the latter accusing its rival of killing an ‘innocent civilian’ mistaking him for a GPRN/NSCN cadre.
According to the press release issued by NSCN-IM, a group of ‘extortionists had been terrorizing the locals in the Englan range of Wokha district’ and Leacy Chichamo of Rephim Village apprised the central authority time and again for safe intervention, ‘in the interest of the public.’
But the Leacy was targeted by the ‘unscrupulous goons’, the NSCN-IM claimed. It further claimed that the Leacy managed to escape when the ‘goons’ came to his residence this morning.
Following the attempt on its Leacy, the NSCN-IM dispatched its personnel from Thungbo Brigade Headquarters to enforce law and order in the area, the press release stated.
Explaining the shootout, the NSCN-IM said that its cadres and the ‘extortionists abruptly intersected at the junction between Old and New Changsu village.’ The NSCN-IM cadres asked the ‘extortionists’ to halt and identify themselves but ‘the gangsters’ opened fire and fled.
The NSCN-IM also claimed to have recovered two hand grenades from the possession of the ‘gangster’ who was killed in retaliatory fire.
The NSCN-K, meanwhile, identified the deceased as Tokivi Sumi son of Itoshe of Phushumi, a ‘civilian’ who ‘became the latest victim of IM group.’
According to a GPRN/NSCN press release, the deceased was shot dead while travelling with friends to Changsu old Village from Old Riphyim Village.
It claimed that the civilian was killed because he was mistaken for a GPRN/NSCN cadre.
‘…the intention of the IM group is now clearly confrontational and firmly committed to creating volatile situation in Nagaland beneath the veil of Unity and Reconciliation’, the GPRN/NSCN press release read.
Asserting that the ‘Naga Army shall stay alert against all anti-Naga activities’, the NSCN-K stated that ‘insecurity should not be reflected through violent action upon the innocent.’
Reiterating its commitment to the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’, the NSCN-K said ‘Nagas shall march forward through reconciliation towards their political destination and any individual or group having second thoughts on this shall be left behind.’
NSCN (IM) releases ‘NSCN-K Major’ Nagalim.co.uk (MExN)
Dimapur, July 23: The Dibuia Senso Telongjem (Dibuia Union) Dimapur, through a press release, has informed that the NSCN (IM) has released one “Major Aochuba (NSCN-K)” unharmed from captivity on July 16, 2009. The Union also extended “positive reception” to Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, chairman of FNR, the Ao Senden (Ao Union) and the Ao Senso Telongjem (Ao Union), Dimapur, for their untiring support.
Pitiable condition of development in eastern Nagaland Nagalim.co.uk
It is unclear if the government today has the intellectual resources to deal with the dimension of the political system responsible for many things including power shortage, lack of connectivity unfortunately makes the rural employees reluctant to take up jobs in rural areas and it is eminently possible that the rural employees don’t report for work, I think these are all indirectly related to the poor performance by the concerned state government where lack of tranquility and stability seems to have slipped into a great political crisis surprisingly what is evident through is that the degrees of political commitment during their traffic campaign for election today does not possess, they look entirely worn out.
Turn a corner or a news paper and you cannot miss them every weekend we see a glossy supplement in news paper frantically profiling their snub condemnation about the road condition’s as mention between Mokokchung, Tuensang, Khiphere and subdivision like Chendang Noklak Pangsha ITC, but this pressing problem has to be increase unless government does something. A growing volume of evidence seems to suggest that the crises is a consequence of policy neglect other wise NH 155, can be compared to at least NH 61, believe it or not, the eastern area’s seems to be under the influence of work- in and work environment, who always wants to be a follower’s for others yes “it indeed the poor lives do not make news unless something major happens, I believe there is something fundamentally wrong with the manner in which we seek, we need a course correction in our policy. No matter in which form was never given the short shrift, but all that has sadly changed. Once we are famous for head hunting. Now we are under backward classes, therefore we need to ponder over to grasp our disadvantage to advantage. Thereby, preparing a master plan to develop by providing a modest network solution towards a more equitable distribution of assets in the rural sector especially for the easterners.
More over, certain other development’s have added to the risk of ‘price rise’ with much higher than earlier most damagingly policy maker’s are unable to cope effectively with the consequence of ‘price rise’ there is no doubt that all the edible item’s are imported and the subsequent readjustment of price make further is a huge practical problem of economic measurement and this rise and problems income might be indirectly the causes of the poor connectivity and of pathetic road condition, eastern Nagaland has been a victim of systematic neglect by the government particularly in road connectivity and what ever.
If Nagaland wants to join the global economy like rest of the other states, by 2020 there has to be an effective governing body headed by the state government elected and looking a little beyond will eventually emerge as a land of opportunities and can avoid controversies and foster consensus and can also shape a different future.
It is learned that the Chief Minister of Nagaland is visiting Tuensang for the purposed road show, it is obvious that he will definitely understand the intrinsic concept of development as to why eastern Naga’s are more vulnerable to politics. The chief minister’s visit will be an eye opener.
I hope that DAN government will not be found wanting not only in terms of stability but also in terms of a direction and sense of purpose.
T. Hosea Meya, Tuensang town.
Chakhesangs take bio-diversity initiative | EMN
Bio-diversity Management Committee at village level, corridors for plantation
Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 25: Leading the way in conservation of bio-diversity, the Chakhesang tribe under the banner of the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) is all set to undertake a most noble initiative at village level through biodiversity management committees which would guard and conservation corridors.

The apex body of the Chakhesangs has taken it upon itself to contribute to conservation of natural resources so as to maintain ecological balance with involvement of every Chakhesang village. This would entail setting up of the first of its kind Village Biodiversity Management Committee in all villages to protect and maintain information about bio-resources of each village, demarcating areas to set up conservation corridors and directing each village to protect its traditional forest area from damaging exploitation. This significant decision was taken at the seminar and workshop on bio-diversity conservation, organized by the CPO at Pfutsero on July 24 last.
Briefing scribes at the NEPED office in the state capital today, CPO president Yesonu Veyie said it was a people’s movement and a conscious effort and not an imposition of the Organization.
He hoped that the exemplary exercise would be emulated by the other districts to preserve natural resources as villagers are slowly realizing the effects of climate change on their lives.
About 35 villages are initially part of this campaign while 20 others would be involved soon, the CPO head informed.
Vengota Nakro, Deputy Director, Soil and Water Conservation said that the villagers have voiced eagerness to take up the conservation exercise after they were made aware of the impact of the damage to nature on their future.
The villagers further suggested that the State Government earmark funds in NREGA, which is their own money, for creation of conservation corridors in locations such as Porba, Mesulumi, Tsupfume etc.
The CPO has also decided to educate people on the ill-effects of deforestation through the medium of various institutions and churches and demarking conservation corridors, in which each family would plant ten saplings and commercial logging would be banned.
A supportive and regulatory framework was also agreed upon like coordination with district administration to strengthen the regulations in regard to actions taken by the village authority, village councils to impose stringent control on use of weapons, traps etc., and directives to various town councils to restrict people from hunting in the villages’ forests. Youths of all villages would be empowered to take control measures and actions to ensure conservation with the involvement of Chakhesang Youth Front while the CPO would conduct surprise checks in markets to check marketing and trading of wild animals and birds,
Lauding the concept, Dr. Neizo Puro, Assistant Professor, Biodiversity Centre, Nagaland University said there has to be consensus coalition of different types of people, public, government agencies to make an impact on the global scale. He hoped that the people’s movement for conservation would go a long way in maintenance of the eco-system.
Ceasefire with militants is a mere ritual
By our Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, July 25: On insurgency front in Asom, ceasefire seems to have failed to pave the way for peace. The government spends a huge amount of money for the militants under ceasefire, including their fooding and lodging, vocational training for rehabilitation and monthly stipend. But the reality is that a section of militants now in designated camps continues to raise funds through extortion. Militants under ceasefire still have arms with them and they use the arms for fund raising. Though the State Government claims that the militants under ceasefire have deposited all of their arms, this claim is not based on fact.
As many as six rebel groups of the State are in ceasefire with the government. They are the UPDS, DHD-N, Basumatary faction of NDFB, Adivasi Cobra Militant Force (ACMF), Birsa Commando Force (BCF) and A and C companies of the 28th battalion of ULFA. As many as 1,851 cadres of these rebel groups are in various designated camps in the State.
According to sources, Rs 10.20 crore was released by the Centre for the 1,851 cadres in designated camps in the last three years to meet their expenditure like stipend and vocational training. For the two companies of the 28th battalion of the ULFA alone, the State Government has to spend Rs 13 lakh per month for their food and other expenditure.
Development on peace talks, however, is negligible. Though the NDFB faction entered into its ceasefire with the government in 2005, so far the outfit has had only two or three sittings with the Centre. The Centre is not keen to hold talks with the A and C companies of the ULFA’s 28th battalion since most of the top leaders of the outfit are not a party to the ceasefire agreement. According to sources, the ground for not holding talks with the DHD-N is that its faction DHD-J is still hostile in its attitude. The situation with the UPDS is no different as it has its rival faction, Karbi Longri National Liberation Front (KLNLF). The two Adivasi outfits, ACMF and BCF, have not been able to draw attention of the government.
This is not all. A section of the surrendered militants is yet to be rehabilitated. This is due to rampant surrender ceremonies that took place in the State without adhering to formalities like mandatory stay of the surrendered militants in designated camps.
The Centre has also two different yardsticks for surrendered militants, one for the ‘privileged’ Jammu & Kashmir militants and the other for militants of the Northeast. The State Government repeatedly wrote to the Centre demanding the same rehabilitation package for Asom militants as is provided to those in Jammu & Kashmir, but to no avail.
Agreement for Trans Asian Railway network Indo Burma News PTI
July 23, 2009: New Delhi, With a view to promoting India's trade relations with Asian and European countries, the Trans Asian Railway Network agreement has come into force in June this year.

India had signed the inter-governmental agreement on the Trans Asian Railway Network in June 2007 at UN headquarters in New York.

"The agreement came into force in June this year after signatories ratified the agreement," said Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa in the Lok Sabha today.

The southern Corridor of Trans Asian Railway network provides rail link via India between Asia and Europe. The link commences from Kunming in China and Bangkok in Thailand and ends in Kapikule in Bulgaria having total length of 11,460 km, passing among other countries through Myanmar, India, Bnagladesh and Pakistan.