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07/27/2009: "eep Politics Out of Reconciliation Along Longkumer Morung A common platform with a nation building agenda"

Keep Politics Out of Reconciliation Along Longkumer Morung
A common platform with a nation building agenda



Join Hand in Hand for Solidarity: Diana Francis, a member of the Quakers team join in dancing with Naga women at Noklak village. The Quakers have been assisting the ongoing Naga reconciliation efforts undertaken by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. (Morung File Photo)

An important debate doing the rounds of local newspaper columns and public discourse is to do with the recently floated idea of a common Naga platform mooted by the DAN government’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC). A convenor has been selected along with a Member-Secretary. There is also report that the post of a co-convenor has been offered to the Eastern Naga People’s Organization (ENPO). The first point of debate is whether we need a common platform at this juncture. The second point of debate is whether appointment or selection (to provide leadership) to such important forums can be made on the basis of political and social affiliation or should it be on the basis of merit, credibility and wide acceptability. The second point of debate is beyond the purview of this article and therefore would not like to comment on it.

But coming to the first point—while there is every reason to suggest that having such a common platform itself is not a bad idea at all, there needs to be better clarity on the nature and objective thereof. And because of certain unanswered question/s, lack of lucidity or even definite goals, it seems that some doubts and even opposition has arisen over what is otherwise a positive and welcome initiative. For instance if the sole objective of such a common platform is bringing peace and reconciliation among the Naga underground groups, then the question arises as to whether we need such a platform at this juncture especially when the Forum for Naga reconciliation (FNR) is already engaged in the job of bringing about reconciliation of the warring Naga political groups. This task is best left to the FNR to pursue to its logical conclusion. There is every justification to the current argument that we do not need so many committees or forums to address a single issue. Some of the Naga political (underground) groups have already suggested very wisely not disturbing the work being done by the FNR and it makes sense to allow the latter to continue its efforts. And it is not that the FNR is not doing its job.

In fact FNR has already done substantial work on this front. The forum under the leadership of Rev Dr Wati Aier has gone about quietly doing its job. The impact of their work is there for all to see and experience—the sharp decline in factional killings and restoring a sense of restrain and calm. Most of us will know that this was not the case about 16 to 18 months back when the State of Nagaland witnessed some of the bloodiest killings and peace was at its lowest ebb. Is it not a fact that there is a semblance of order and restrain? The FNR had to virtually work its way up from the ashes of despair and acrimony. As an independent observer working in the media, one has witnessed the evolution of not only the FNR but also the process of healing and reconciliation taking place since the 10-point ‘covenant of common hope’ was signed in the early rounds of the Chiangmai peace summit in the mid-summer of 2008. From a law enforcing perspective as well, if we are to recall some of the tumultuous events, the work done by the FNR has gone largely unacknowledged although the results it produced in bringing down violence and killings would amaze most of us. I was even told that during one of the security level meetings with India’s Prime Minister, a top police official from Nagaland credited the work of the FNR in controlling and helping bring down the level of factional killings. Indeed comparative peace has been achieved over the last more than one year. And I am sure the State government of Nagaland and the Chief Minister himself will acknowledge this fact.
But one will also agree that much more needs to be done to strengthen the process of reconciliation and to make it truly inclusive. If the FNR has failed to live up to expectation of some section, as alleged in newspaper reports, then it also needs to reflect and introspect where it is going wrong. However, the FNR should be given the space to continue its work, which to me; it has so far done with honesty and integrity. It will be only fair to give time to this initiative, which indeed represents the voice and aspiration of the Naga people—for complete cessation of all hostilities and bringing about peace and reconciliation. As mentioned, if there are those who feel that they have been left out, maybe the FNR needs to clarify and let the Naga people know. But I doubt that the FNR will deliberately keep out any group or parties. We must understand that any mediation effort will have to take into consideration the nature of conflict, involvement of armed groups and many other calculations and complications. Let us understand that it is by no means easy to unravel all these in one go. If the mediator, here the FNR, was genuinely concerned that the nature of conflict between the two NSCNs deserved prior attention, then one would have to respect their judgement and wait for the best outcome. It goes without saying that Nagas will have to look at reconciliation, especially of our divided body politic, as a step by step approach. We need to let good sense and patience prevail at this crucial period.
And therefore, it will be in everyone’s interest to allow the FNR to continue working independently so as to exercise a measure of control over the process, which is extremely important. Besides, there has to be continuity. Having another common platform (for reconciliation) could lead to a chaotic process or worst. We must realize that this is not a simple or ready to do job. No one is saying that the FNR is perfect. But do we have a serious alternative? I would like to know the answer to this question. We should not forget that the past efforts of the Naga civil society and churches did not lead to any breakthrough for reasons known to many of us. Our past experience of dealing with the Naga factions tells us that having their trust and their consent to act as a mediator is going to be vital. Up till now the FNR has been able to get this mandate, which itself is an important breakthrough in the reconciliation process. I have no doubt in my mind that
the Naga political (underground) groups which are actively engaged in this phase of reconciliation have come to respect the impartially and professional approach taken by the FNR. And if those who are to be reconciled (here the Naga groups) want the present initiative of the FNR to continue and also if the latter is able to secure the former’s compliance and cooperation, then why disturb the hard earned process? Do not forget that the work of the FNR has been publicly acknowledged by an overwhelming majority of Naga political groups, Naga Hoho, other frontal tribal Hohos, Churches, GBs & DBs, Civil Societies and the political parties including the ruling NPF and Opposition Nagaland Congress. The FNR is very much broad-based and represents the entire coalition of Naga civil society.
Having said all of this, people also expect our political parties to seek common ground on the Naga political issue. Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio is on record calling for a collective voice to take the Naga peace process forward. In this regard, he has urged both the treasury and Opposition benches to keep the Naga political issue above petty politics. Rio is absolutely right and this is a good opportunity for the stalled Joint Legislature Forum to take-off. Both the ruling Nagaland Peoples Front and Opposition Congress have publicly spoken in support of this, which was affirmed by the Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition on the floor of the house during the recent Budget session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA). Their words must now be out into action. The Joint Legislature Forum mooted during the last NLA should be activated at the earliest. A common platform inclusive of only the ruling political party will be meaningless. Once the Joint Legislative Forum becomes a reality, it can become a part of the larger Naga common platform. The Naga Hoho, ENPO, NSF, NPMHR, NMA, FNR etc would be the other components.
At the end of the day the question of having a common platform is not being challenged. The real issue is making sure that a truly common Naga platform becomes a reality—one that is inclusive and has a nation building agenda. And one immediate suggestion that comes to mind is to tackle the issue of ‘extortion’ or illegal taxation and also to study and help streamline taxation imposed by the Naga national groups. Other problems confronting the Nagas should also be taken up under this common platform such as peace process, sovereignty & political system for Nagas, legal system & customary laws, development vision for the Nagas, mapping of land-natural resource besides tackling gun violence, crimes against women, land & boundary disputes and a whole lot of other things. Similarly the FNR, which is very much a part of the common platform, should focus on reconciliation while the task of this larger platform will include taking up the wide range of agenda before the Naga people. And yes, let’s keep politics out of the reconciliation process.
NSCN (IM) denies ‘bootleg’ calls to FNR morungexpress
Dimapur, July 26 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today clarified reports that its functionaries at Hebron Camp made “forceful phone calls to the members of Forum for Naga Reconciliation to get released those bootleggers detained by them” on July 14 “as NSCN/GPRN sympathizers.”
The NSCN (IM) quoted reports that “officials at Hebron Camp made a number of forceful phone calls to the members of Forum for Naga Reconciliation to get released those bootleggers detained by them on 14th July 2009 as NSCN/GPRN sympathizers”. “NSCN/GPRN never condones any anti-social element. And hence it never approached any organization to get the safe release of those bootleggers,” a note from the ‘MIP’ of the NSCN (IM) today stated.
“Whoever did so impersonating or taking the name of NSCN/GPRN might have done so at their own risk and on their own individual capacity but NSCN/GPRN as an organization has no knowledge about it whatsoever,” it added.

Naga-Dimasa pact SILCHAR, JUL 27 (AGENCIES):

Efforts for restoration of peace in the Shonpur area in Lakhipur subdivision in Cachar district that witnessed an ethnic clash between the Nagas and Dimasas recently seem to have yielded positive results in the form of a peace agreement signed between the two communities. In order to restore peace in the area, Cachar district and Lakhipur subdivision administrations held a meeting between the leading citizens of both the communities who signed a peace agreement on Saturday. The peace meeting that presided over by Lakhipur SDO Madhumita Choudhury was attended by people from both the communities and the Commanding Officer of 11 Field Regiment (Red Shield Division) of Army Col Ranjit Singh and Khasi Students’ Union of Barak Valley advisor Sebastine Pakyntein and the vice-president of the All Assam Tribal Sangha, Cachar district unit, according to Sinlung News.

Bangalore new haven for NE militants? Nagaland Page
GUWAHATI, July 26: Southern India has become the new destination for separatist groups from the northeast with intelligence inputs that rebel leaders from the region were taking shelter in cities down south, especially Bangalore, following intense pressure from security forces, a senior police official said.
Leaders of outlawed militant groups from Assam like the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) have made some south Indian cities their new bases.
"We have definite reports of some senior and middle level leaders of the ULFA and the NDFB escaping from Assam and taking shelter in south India. We cannot divulge any more details about the cities and other information for security reasons," Assam Police chief G.M. Srivastava said.
"We are in touch with our counterparts in south India to zero in on the militant leaders based in those cities."
Bangalore is one such city linked to separatists from the northeast - last month two senior leaders of the outlawed Black Widow, a rebel group from Assam, including its commander-in-chief Jewel Garlosa, were arrested there.
Garlosa had travelled from Kathmandu to Bangalore where he was trying to get a passport in his name.
Earlier this month, police arrested Roshan Ali, alias Anees, from Manipur and leader of the People's United Liberation Front (PULF) at Singanapalya near Mahadevpura in Bangalore. Ali moved to Bangalore last year and worked as a security guard for an MNC.
The PULF is a Muslim-based rebel group from Manipur.
Last year, three militants of the outlawed People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) of Manipur, and three of their associates were arrested in Bangalore.
The PREPAK members were arrested from their rented house in Kaggadasapura, about 15 km from the city centre. Their associates were picked up from another house in the nearby Mahadevapura area.
"Militants from the Northeast travel to south India to cool their heels when security offensive in the region gathers momentum. Now police and intelligence agencies have unravelled the modus operandi of the militants," a senior police official in Manipur said.
Intelligence sources said apart from Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai are two other destinations for northeastern rebel groups, though they declined to give details. (Agencies)

Surrender wall in DHD-J talks - Dispur not to ease pressure on outfit A STAFF REPORTER The Telegraph


File picture of Jewel Gorlosa being taken to court
Guwahati, July 26: The government is in no mood to ease the pressure on the Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) in spite of the outfit’s “willingness” to come forward for talks.
Confirming the government’s position, Union home secretary G.K. Pillai said over telephone from Delhi that the DHD (J), despite its occasional overtures of peace, was yet to abjure violence completely.
“As long as the group continues in this vein, there cannot be any change in the government position,” the official said.
He said although the DHD (J) has once again “expressed its willingness” to return to the mainstream, the situation was still too fluid to expect any positive and concrete outcome immediately.
About the surrender of weapons, which is a prerequisite the government has laid down for any militant group before negotiations can begin, Pillai said the DHD (J) still did not seem sure.
“At one time it said it would surrender 138 weapons and at another time it has said it would surrender 198 arms,” he said.
The official said he would be reviewing the situation in the North Cachar Hills district during a daylong visit to Haflong, the district headquarters town, on July 30.
“I’ll discuss the state of affairs in the district with the government and security officials at a meeting,” he said, adding that the following day he would hold a meeting in Guwahati.
“As of now, though, I don’t see any surrender of weapons by the DHD (J) during my visit. We have not yet reached that stage,” he said.
“Besides,” he said, “it is for the state government to sort out such matters.”
A source close to the DHD (J) said the outfit was worried about the security of its cadres if it had to surrender the weapons, given that it has many rivals.
“There are several militant groups operating in the district, which are gunning for the DHD (J) members and they are heavily armed. This is one area of concern for which the outfit is feeling uncertain about laying down weapons,” a source said.
He alleged that government agencies were encouraging and instigating some of the rival groups against the DHD (J).
These rivals include the two factions of the NSCN.
“Even during the ongoing ethnic violence in the district, it is the Dimasa villages where the DHD (J) cadres used to take shelter. These villages are being particularly targeted by the Naga armed groups,” the source said. Both the NSCN factions are currently in a ceasefire with the government.
A senior police official posted in the district, when asked about the allegation, only said the security forces would do everything within their means to neutralise the DHD (J) as the outfit had caused immense harm to the two national projects — East-West corridor and the railway gauge conversion.
“These projects cannot be held to ransom forever. The government needs to get tough at some point of time,” the official said.
The government’s seriousness about dealing with the DHD (J) in a decisive manner is evident from the fact that the state director-general of police, G.M. Srivastava, is directly looking after the operations in the district.
Ulfa boss eyes new haven in Malaysia OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Silchar, July 26: After Bangladesh and Bhutan, Malaysia could be the Ulfa top brass’s next stop as they play the artful dodger. The state director-general of police, G.M. Srivastava, who is set to retire this month-end, said the Ulfa leadership, including commander-in-chief, Paresh Barua, was currently finding that Bangladesh was no longer interested in providing them refuge.
Barua was now in southern China, Srivastava told The Telegraph.
“He could be in Malaysia soon to explore the possibility for making it the new abode of the Ulfa top brass,” the DGP said.
Srivastava said many in the rank and file of the outfit were now having second thoughts about continuing their violent war against the authorities in the state, but were not yet ready to throw in the towel because of pressure from the top leaders. The DGP said two of Ulfa bosses, Barua and “foreign secretary” Sasha Choudhury, were reluctant to sit for peace talks with the Centre “because of some personal agenda and vested interests”.
He said while Barua was keen on maintaining the string of properties, including real estate and sea trawlers, which he had acquired in Bangladesh, Choudhury was tied to the “apron strings of the ISI of Pakistan and hence could not become a peacenik”.
Srivastava also claimed that Barua was now in a property-purchasing spree in Canada as he felt that he could no longer operate from Bangladesh. Barua, he said, had already bought at least three flats in Canada, where he proposed to shift his wife and children.
The police chief claimed that the frontline militant groups of the state have been “somewhat tamed” in the face of relentless pressure by the police. He said Ulfa, the National Democratic Front of Boroland and Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel) had of late suffered reverses in their fight against the police and security forces.
The DHD (J) received a major blow when its chief Jewel Gorlosa and deputy commander-in-chief Partha Warisa were arrested last month in Bangalore. in a well executed operation by state police, the Ranjan Daimary faction of the NDFB lost around 50 cadres since March this year.
UNLF slams Govt, commandos Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jul 25: While conveying solidarity to suffering of family members of those killed and injured in the July 23 firing at BT Road, the proscribed UNLF alleged that such indiscriminate firing at crowded place is yet another testimony of police commandos’ unflinching commitment in executing agenda of the Central Govt at any cost. UNLF’s senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba, in a statement, likened police com-mandos to ‘decoy soldiers’ of Govt of India and affirmed that observation of the RPF as well as bold statements from the general public need appreciation and introspection.
Insisting that police commandos committing excesses even to the extent of killing innocent persons under the pretext of containing insurgency movement is innumerable with similar acts also carried out by Indian security forces, Yoiheiba said Chief Minister O Ibobi needs to own respon-sibility for these suffering of the people.
The UNLF also accused MLAs of ruling as well as opposition parties of blindly endorsing the CM’s version on the incident when O Ibobi, in fact, misled the House with proclamation that ‘wrong-doers’ deserve death.
Describing that MLAs’ stance as ignorance of their own selves, Yoiheiba opined that even a layman understands that many of these MLAs have criminal backgrounds and said it is ironic that such legislators have been accusing UGs of being ideology-bereft and wealth accumulator.
Expressing that such slants, however, do not include the UNLF organisation, Yoiheiba said if there is any truth in such accusation there is little doubt O Ibobi singh is on top.
He also alleged that of all the people, commandos are the most corrupt who seldom wink before committing the most heinous criminal act.
Claims of India, Myanmar over maritime boundary Call to lodge formal protest with UN Indo Burma News Sources: The Financial Express
July 26, 2009: Eminent personalities Saturday urged the government to lodge a formal protest with the United Nations (UN) against illegitimate claims of Myanmar and India over Maritime Boundary and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Bangladesh, reports BSS.
Expressing concern over India's plea for unilateral ownership of South Talpatti, and initiating demarcation line and Exclusive Economic Zone in the deep sea, they said it demonstrates disregard to the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh will have to bear its brunt for hundreds of years and will lose control over its vast maritime territory if it fails to challenge India's illegitimate claim with reliable and authentic documents in its support, they said adding that India has submitted its data and information about the maritime boundary with the UN on June 29 this year.
They said this at a press conference organised by Bangladesh River Areas and Resources Protection National Committee at the VIP Lounge of National Press Club in the city.
Prof Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, Justice Golam Rabbani, Prof Anu Mohammad, Engineer Enamul Haque, Engineer Sheikh Mohammad Shahidullah, among others, spoke at the press conference. Convener of the committee Noor Mohammad read out a written statement at the conference.
Referring to Bangladesh's talks with India last year on these issues, they said there were heated arguments over the direction of flow of the Hariabhanga River.
The ownership of the South Talpatti Island is directly related with the direction of flow of the Hariabhanga, Raimongal and Jamuna Rivers, and the Raimongal and Jamuna flow through Bangladesh territory, they claimed adding that India flew its flag in South Talaptti in 1980s and included it in its map.
India made serious objection although Bangladesh has reportedly completed 70 per cent of its works for preparing documents for demarcating the maritime boundary considering South Talpatti as the starting point.
India is claiming that the point which Bangladesh considered as the starting point to demarcate its maritime boundary is within the Indian territory, which is not true, they said.
"If Bangladesh does not raise its voice strongly now, it will face serious difficulties in 2011 when it submits its claim to the UN. Question is also being raised about virtual non-action of Bangladesh since 2001 for establishing the Bangladesh claim over 200 nautical miles in the deep sea and another 150 nautical miles as the Exclusive Economic Zone," they said.
"Why Bangladesh could not complete the detailed survey and prepare necessary documents with necessary facts and figures over such a long period?" they questioned. It is due to failure of the foreign ministry and different related divisions of Bangladesh," they added.
Mentioning that Bangladesh signed the UN Convention of UNCLOS in 2001, they said according to it maritime boundary of the countries along the sea coast will extend 200 nautical miles from the shore. The EEZ will extend another 150 kilometres in length and breadth in the deep sea, they pointed out.
The countries signing the UN convention shall publish maps of their maritime boundary and EEZ within 10 years of the signing. But Bangladesh failed to complete preparation for mapping its maritime boundary and EEZ even in eight years, they said.
Bangladesh in recent times made efforts to engage international oil companies in exploring gas and oil in its own offshore.
Indo-Myanmar border trade still remains a distant dream Sources: ANI
July 24, 2009: Moreh (Manipur), The Indo-Myanmar border trade through Moreh in Manipur has become a distant dream for traders, thanks to the constant shutdowns and poor infrastructure.
The Indo-Myanmar Border trade agreement between India and Myanmar was signed on January 21, 1994 to facilitate a congenial trade practice.
However, the cross border trade has now come down to only two to three items of the total 40 items listed in the trade pact.
"There are frequent Bandhs (shutdowns) in this part of the country and consequently, the border trade gets affected and people suffer because of that. The government is also not seriously looking into the matter," said Lungkhup, a local trader.
Ginsei Lhungdim, General Secretary of Hills Tribal Council (HTC) was of the view that the delayed process for the development of the export-import along the border has left traders with a big question.
Their apprehensions are whether the proposed regular border trade will ever materialise.
"What we want is that the government should speed up the process. The government is always slow but I think and I hope it will get materialise soon," said Ginsei Lhungdim, General Secretary, Hills Tribal Council (HTC), Moreh, Manipur.
Although trade is to be conducted in freely convertible currencies or in currencies mutually agreed upon by the two countries under Article-III of the pact, the trade is functioning mainly under the barter system.