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08/01/2009: "- GPRN/NSCN says Rio’s comments unacceptable MIP, GPRN/NSCN."

GPRN/NSCN says Rio’s comments unacceptable MIP, GPRN/NSCN.

Analyzing the many press statements made by Mr. Niphiu Rio during Indian election campaigns and its aftermath, the Chief Minister of Nagaland state has acted not as a leader but an inconsistent individual whose priority lies elsewhere rather than help Nagas reason together. His statements on Naga socio-political issues of late borders stereotyped ramblings bereft of conviction and determination which is doing more harm than good. GPRN/NSCN is constrained to issue this statement with regard to his accusation that Naga movement has lost political vision. GPRN/NSCN would simply advice the State’s Chief Minister not to play moral science teacher to Naga National workers since he is the chief architect of the present social and political turmoil. Rio’s desire to further differentiate NSCN into (K) and (U) is politically motivated. The chief minister should do well to be informed that GPRN/NSCN is headed by Chairman S.S Khaplang, General Secretary N Kitovi Zhimomi and Commander-in-Chief Gen. Kholie Konyak, who have never lost sight of Naga political vision and aspiration. With this clear conscience, they are collectively and wholeheartedly supporting the Unity and Reconciliation process under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). It is he himself who has lost political vision. An Indian flag flying above his home and office constantly reminds him of his allegiance to Indian constitution, what right has he to talk about 1951 Naga plebiscite where 99.9% Nagas opted for a free Naga Homeland?
To equate GPRN/NSCN with other anti-social elements for excessive extortion and criminal activities is to question the very root of political struggle chalked out by our forefathers. Government of India understands perfectly well that over the last sixty years it has failed to curb traditional contribution offered by the Nagas willingly. Other generous contributions by well-wishers and sympathizers to the Naga National cause should not bother him. Hundreds may complain but millions still pray and support and contribute to the Naga political struggle. While Rio complains of excessive taxation, he must first explain why the Nagaland Government Registered Class I Contractors as well as other smaller contractors are being doubly taxed by his Government against all works and against purchase of materials. The chief minister’s and minister’s share in any development projects are demanded and pocketed even before work orders are released. The menace of deductions and collections of irregular commission altogether amounts to more than 25% of the contractual works. All into the mouths of politicians! This is the mother of all crimes and extortions. Mr. Rio accuses Naga National workers as having lost political vision but it is he who has resurrected the traitors and defunct groups to breathe again and create law and order problems in Kohima and elsewhere. Corrupt state machinery, extortionists and criminals roaming the state capital should not be linked with traditional and legal contribution of the Nagas that help sustain the National movement.
At the Naga conclave of March 5-7, 2009, Rio said, “…Nagas of Nagaland had to first set its house in order to invite other Nagas, as the Nagaland itself was rife with division” It is extremely unfortunate that Mr. Rio has formed the so-called “Common Naga Platform” defying all logic and reason. The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has the endorsement of the entire Naga people. The Naga Hoho, GB’s & DB’s Forum, ENPO, JCC, NBCC, NMA, NSF, NPMHR etc. Confliction parties too have participated with real zeal. Mr. Rio would be the first to acknowledge that process of reconciliation among the Nagas has yielded results with a visible decline in fratricidal killings. Why is he trying to divide further even the Nagas of Nagaland? Plainly speaking another high sounding platform is nothing more than a small Indian political party’s policy to incapacitate and neutralize Naga Reconciliation Process. Naga history has never been kind to traitors. GPRN/NSCN solicits wise decisions and pro-people policies from those who claim to be serving the Nagas. Mr. Rio’s sorry utterance every third morning has criminalized the 60 year old political struggle.
Rio’s participation in the Indian state’s machinery does not entail him to further fragment the Naga people emotionally or physically through politically motivated statements, nor does it gives him the license to promulgate unimaginative curriculums for the Naga society. It is a recipe for disaster that a highly regarded non-governmental organization like the APO, which primarily caters to the welfare of Angami Tribe, has been entrusted to tackle law and order problem in the capital of all Nagas, on account of them being the landowners. What is more shocking is the Logic of Mr Rio that all Naga frontal Organisations must bow down before APO as and when the need for non-violent protest against the Government arises. Kohima belongs to enire Naga people of which Angamis are a part and parcel of. APO preventing NSF from taking its grievances to the Government is a step backward because the interest of the Naga people should precede all else. If APO is to handle law and order in Kohima, what of the other districts? GPRN/NSCN, on its part, shall have no option but oppose and confront diabolical policies. Mr. Rio should not adopt a policy that forces the APO to go beyond the boundaries of age old traditional social duties.
GPRN/NSCN believes that the DAN Peace Affairs Committee was formed with the objective of bringing the Nagas together but it was essentially NPF party all the way with no representation from the opposition party. It also continued hobnobbing with Muivah’s group. Rio’s government possesses a dog’s attitude where anything resembling a bone takes away all its attention, allowing thieves and burglars to ransack the house. This is a crime against the Nagas. The recent Common Naga Platform, the brainchild of Rio which he himself offered support through the media is a continuation of this habit. The nexus with Hebron Camp is well established in the recent NPF Executive Committee meeting of 28th July where one self-styled Reverend Seksim Kasar from Hebron Camp did the invocation. This is Rio’s equi-closeness policy vis-à-vis Naga political struggle.
The Naga struggle has triumphed over many treacherous moments and conspiracies worse than what is being forced upon the Nagas. GPRN/NSCN shall confront every new obstacle with a renewed determination, fully aware that it is for the glory of the Naga people.
MIP,
GPRN/NSCN.

Nagaland trains guns on militancy OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Neiphiu Rio: Tough talk
Kohima, July 29: The Nagaland government today said the administration was being run under the diktat of the AK-series rifles and called for a concerted effort to ensure peace.
Backed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio, home minister Imkong L. Imchen asked: “How long can we allow our officers to run the state under threat?” He hinted at a government crackdown, if necessary, on the rebel outfits.
The meeting on law and order at the Assembly secretariat at noon was attended by Rio, Speaker Kiyanilie Pesieyie, urban development minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu, MLA Nicky Kire besides chief secretary Lalthara, the director-general of police, K. Kire, and hosts of public leaders and representatives from various organisations.
Concurring with Imchen, Rio said the state government would no longer tolerate the gun culture. At the same time he stressed unity among the Nagas. The “Naga nationalists” were diverting from the main issue of independence and instead creating law and order problem, Rio said.
According to him, the Naga groups have lost the mandate of the people given to them in 1951.
“They are taking up the side issues instead,” Rio said, adding that the only way to curb terrorism was to resolve the protracted Naga political problem with the Centre.
The officers were running the government under the threat of AK-series rifles, Imchen said, adding: “Why should they be threatened?”
Even the colony leaders and the gaonburahs (village headmen) were forced to work for the armed cadres, he said. Imchen said given the situation, the government could not be run and sought the collective effort to check gun culture in Nagaland, especially, in Kohima where the policy-makers stay.
“We will not allow them to threaten the people any more,” the home minister said in a strong message to the militants. Imchen urged the leaders of the colonies in Kohima not to shelter the armed cadres and urged them to co-operate with the law-enforcing agencies to check the presence of such elements in the civilian areas.
Under the pretext of the Naga political issue, the Nagas cannot be humiliated and threatened by AK-series rifles, Imchen said.
Rio said: “I believe that if we stand united, a solution can be worked out.”
Road Show explores Naga cuisine morungexpress

Villagers from Hockching village perform a play signifying the matrimonial sacrifices of a hog during the ongoing Nuknuylum festival at Tuensang. (Morung Photo/Longrangty)

Tuensang, July 31 (MExN): As the different departments of Nagaland make hectic preparations for the Tuensang Road Show, the department of Women Development is also actively involved not only in being part of the show but also to exhibit and discover the different Naga cuisines and to bring out a recipe of the Naga traditional dishes. The department, which has set up a big stall at the venue, has exhibited twenty Naga cuisines from the four tribes in Tuensang and awarded cash prizes to the three best dishes, besides individual prizes. The food includes the indigenous cuisine of the Chang, Khiamnuangan, Sangtam and Yimchunger tribes.
The Additional Director of the department of Women Development, K Keditsu, said that even in Longleng, where the first Road Show was held, the same food cuisines were exhibited and prizes awarded to the participants. The district Naga Cuisine Competition in Tuensang, as the food exhibition has been called, was a big success with visitors thronging the stalls and getting a rare chance to taste the indigenously prepared food. The same competition will also be held in Mokokchung where another Road Show is to be held on July 31 and August 1.
Pointing out that each Naga tribe has different food habits, Keditsu said that the aim of the department is to document the ingredients of the food and bring out a recipe and find out ways and means to commercialise the cuisines not only in the national markets but also in the international level. Keditsu also asserted that the initiative of the Women Development department would help in educating the womenfolk and also create avenues for the educated unemployed youths who are interested in opening hotels and restaurants. The Addl. Director, however, disclosed that the department, besides documenting the recipes, would also ‘improvise’ on the food and improve it so as to make it more palatable and appealing to customers and diners.
Expressing deep confidence that the initiative of the department would be a big success, Keditsu said that the local populace of both Longleng and Tuensang are very enthusiastic about the food competition and actively taking part in it. The department awarded cash prizes of Rs.5000, Rs.3000 and Rs.2000 for the best three cuisines prepared by the four tribes, while four individual prizes were also presented.
The recipe book would be compiled after the Road Shows ends, after which an inter-tribal ethnic food exhibition would be held by the end of this year. The recipe book is expected, hopefully, by next year. It may be noted here that Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, at a function a few months earlier had also encouraged the womenfolk to document the indigenous Naga cuisines and bring out a recipe food so as to popularise and commercialise Naga cuisine.

Learning from community: Going Organic Imrongkumla, CCL Nagaland Morung
The issues of Climate and Global Warming have today become the greatest challenge to the human strive for its continued and dignified existence. Together, they impact every aspect of life on earth and constitute a threat like never before in human history. Therefore in our humble attempt to create public awareness that will result in public action, the Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace in partnership with LEAD, is introducing the weekly Climate Change Corner, which will be published every Saturday. Hope you will find it useful.

People say, ‘it is never too late to learn’. I agree with it 100%, my father started his studies to be specific with his pre university when my youngest sister started his school. Looking back, I can say those were the most memorable days though a struggling phase of our family.
Led by granny and grandpa, my entire family was into farming. In fact during weekends, children were given chance to stay overnight with the family in the field away from the hassles of town. Best part being sleeping up on the ceiling in the innovatively designed bamboo field hut. Whether readers will agree with my observations, the changes that I see during my extensive travel across villages of Nagaland.
For example our pattern of land use, crop selection, techniques of farming, usage of water, indigenous technology, fertilizers, and crop production has tremendously changed in last two decades. I am sure you will have more stories to tell. We have evolved with the years, time and season.
Through various research and studies around the globe, it is found that communities are the most innovative bunch of people for adapting to the ever changing climate and weather conditions. We settle in urban areas where we use different technologies available in the market to beat the heat of the summer and the chilling cold of the winter. We use our ATM cards, home delivery systems or the continuous supply of inorganically produced food of Assam, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh and many more. Villagers, what they do to beat their hunger, to stabilize their economy and enjoy their crops?
Besides the poor market linkage that never seems to improve in Nagaland, farmers have to deal with many issues while they are 6 to 12 months in the field. I met one cabbage farmer from Phek district and he was sharing his story, one of the most striking facts he shared was that, the soil fertility of his field was so good that the cabbage grows to such huge size that the whole sale buyers don’t buy the huge cabbages due to the inconvenience cause during the transportation. Therefore the farmer puts the seedlings close enough that the cabbage grows to an average size.
As my fellow CCL mentioned in his last article about rain and water harvest. We are yet to go a long way but we are never too late if we act now. We talk and talk about water scarcity all over Nagaland but we never tend to sort out the problem. Because as long as pick up trucks, jeeps and trucks supply water at our door step, why to worry! But it is not for those villagers who hardly have a footpath connecting them forget the roads.
And this fact is proven by what we see in the villages, where families have turn to rain harvest plan build within it’s’ locally available bamboos. If you haven’t seen it than you are missing something. There are many ways how communities unknowingly or knowingly adapt to the climate change and show a way for all mankind encountering the change.

Benefits of organic farming

The benefits of organic farming regarding climate change can be summarized as follows:
• Organic agriculture has considerable potential for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
• Organic agriculture in general requires less fossil fuel per hectare and kg of produce due to the avoidance of synthetic fertilizers. Organic agriculture aims at improving soil fertility and nitrogen supply by using leguminous crops, crop residues and cover crops.
• The enhanced soil fertility leads to stabilization of soil organic matter and in many cases to a sequestration of carbon dioxide into the soils.
• This in turn increases the soil’s water retention capacity, thus contributing to better adaptation of organic agriculture under unpredictable climatic conditions with higher temperatures and uncertain precipitation levels. Organic production methods emphasizing soil carbon retention are most likely to withstand climatic challenges particularly in those countries most vulnerable to increased climate change. Soil erosion, an important source of CO2 losses, is effectively reduced by organic agriculture.
• Organic agriculture can contribute substantially to agro forestry production systems.
• Organic systems are highly adaptive to climate change due to the application of traditional skills and farmers’ knowledge, soil fertility-building techniques and a high degree of diversity.

Local organic fertilizer such as the manure from one’s livestock, rice straw, coconut fibre, and other “wastes” uses much less energy then producing chemical fertilizer from fossil fuels and then using even more energy to ship it around the world and to a farm. There are also researches showing significant benefits in carbon sequestration in the soil through organic farming (www.greennet.or.th). Any organic farmer knows that good soil is alive and rich in organic matter. That same organic matter is mostly carbon. So it is no surprise that building soil organic matter is also sequestering carbon in the soil.
At the 21st meeting of the FAO Committee on Agriculture, held April 22-25, 2009 in Rome, a successful side event on "Organic Agriculture, Climate Change and the Environment" took place. The intent of the side event was to demonstrate to the country delegations the important role that organic agriculture could play in responding to social and environmental challenges that food systems are facing and coping with growing food demands in times of climate change. The success of the side event was reflected in the final report of the FAO Committee on Agriculture, which mentions Organic Agriculture as a tool for achieving sustainable agriculture. In addition, individual members of the Committee on Agriculture stressed the need to strengthen interdisciplinary work within FAO on issues such as water, biodiversity, climate and organic agriculture.
Organic farmers can more easily combat climate change due to the very nature of organic farming. Organic farming works with the environment not against the environment. (www.organic-world.net)
Jordan is about to launch its first systematic climate change adaptation project, through an integrated approach that will involve 4 UN agencies, 5 ministers and supported by the Spanish government. Here is the story published by Jordan Times, while you can check the project details here. The project will basically encourage the use of alternative energy and the following of practices that reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases which cause global warming.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, many parts of the planet will become warmer, while droughts, floods and other forms of extreme weather will become more frequent, threatening food supplies, and plant and animal life due to the phenomenon. GOI in its National Action Plan on Climate Change, the 7th mission is “National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture”. We hope as mentioned in the plan the mission will support and devise strategies to make Indian agriculture sustainable with the convergence and integration of traditional knowledge and practice systems. Organic farming is one major means of adapting to climate change at the same time it also mitigates the change. Therefore, if we happen to have an empty backyard than let us go organic and grow green, eat green and stay green.

The Nagaland CCL’s invite you to respond to this article on-line at www.morungexpress.com or email ccl.nagaland@gmail.com

Brainstorming on killing field - Assam wants more outposts on border OUR BUREAU The Telegraph


G.K. Pillai being felicitated at Raj Bhavan in Guwahati on Friday. Picture by Eastern Projections
Guwahati/Silchar, July 31: Dispur today asked the Centre for help to set up more outposts along North Cachar Hills district’s boundary with Nagaland and Manipur.
A senior official said militants from Nagaland and Manipur continued to sneak across the border in large numbers into North Cachar Hills to foment trouble.
Senior officials of the police and security forces raised the demand for more border outposts in today’s meeting to review the situation in the insurgency-ravaged district with Union home secretary G.K. Pillai.
Pillai took stock of the situation in the trouble-torn district by interacting with officials and organisations from the district.
Members of the Unified Command, which plans and executes counter-insurgency operations in the state, also briefed the home secretary.
The official described the meeting as very positive as Pillai evinced much interest in the exchange of ideas and ground level information and indicated that he would do all the needful at the time of presentation of his assessment to his ministry.
The parleys between the home secretary and officials in North Cachar Hills had stretched for nearly two hours and some officials from Assam police and state government had also joined them.
Pillai during his interaction with officials from the district and Unified Command members sought to know as much as possible about the ground situation there, including their views on the proposals of a ceasefire now mooted by the militant outfit, Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel).
The DHD (J) had set the hill district on the boil since last March by their hit-and-run attacks and wave of killings.
The sources said that the ceasefire offer had failed to cut ice with Pillai conveying in no uncertain terms the Centre’s position that the DHD (J) would have to eschew violence and deposit all arms in its possession before taking a call on the truce offer.
The Union home secretary made it clear that the Centre wanted the rebels in North Cachar to eschew violence and deposit arms held by them to the security forces as a pre-condition for the ceasefire and peace talks with Delhi and Dispur. There, however, will be no let-up in operations against the outfit.
“The onus now is on the DHD (J) to prove its sincerity. Earlier too, it had announced a truce only to renege,” a source said.
“The home secretary also enquired about the whereabouts of DHD (J) commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai and his position. He is also of the view that the Centre would prefer surrender of militants instead of a ceasefire. The discussions in the meeting were free and frank,” the source added.
Cong accuse DAN of failure morungexpress
Dimapur, July 31 (MExN): The bizarre political ideas, soft-pedaling and appeasing ways of the DAN government are leaving the public vulnerable and have also weakened administrative citizenship and governance, the Congress today reminded the regime. Following recent uncomfortable stances taken by the government to a number of socio-political issues, the Nagaland Congress today said the state’s skewed policies are undermining the system giving rise to more anti-social tendencies.
The Congress highlighted a number of some recent issues such as the government’s uneasy categorization of crime as “political in nature,” the soft and docile application of the rule of law and recently, the state’s “shedding its responsibility and hang it on the shoulder of the social organizations.”
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee’s media cell issued a statement today reminding that killing, extortion, abduction, raping and molestation, intimidation and threats, illegal taxation and all other form of crimes are against humanity and are a law and order problem. It was expected of the government to act on this issue with a firm hand in the interest of the people, the Congress said.
“But the NPF leaders stoutly defended themselves by propounding their weird political concept that killing, extortion, abduction, raping and other heinous crimes are political in nature and made attempts to convince the people to acknowledge perpetrating of these crimes as a subject matter of unresolved Naga political problem,” the Congress echoed.
The DAN leaders thought that deceptive, opportunistic and appeasement concepts would work to serve their hold on power, the opposition opined. However, the opposition pointed out, the DAN government’s ways have turned out to be counter-productive as their soft and passive methods of administration, security system and applications of rule of law have snowballed into ‘an explosive situation today.’
“Seeing that the DAN government’s Frankenstein creation has taken its toll on the society, the DAN leaders have finally admitted its failure to contain law and order problem in Nagaland,” the Congress said. The NPCC observed that the overall law and order scenario has failed in Nagaland for the last several years not because of any other reason but “deficiency” in the state leadership. They have failed to devise strong and resolute “modes” to support and back the administrative and security machineries, the NPCC said.
The Congress said that the government, if it stands firm and show its determination to deal with the law and order problem in Nagaland backed by the plethora of legal provisions and administrative and policing powers, why should there be the need to rope in the services of social organizations?
“DAN Government should know that as long as it carry out its roles and duties on law and order problem with strong and firm hand, the entire public, social organizations including the political parties are behind them, there is no doubt about it. But it is quite ironic that the DAN Government has embarked on the usual behavior of shedding its responsibility and hang it on the shoulder of the social organizations.”
The government’s wrong approaches have extensively weakened the administrative and social security system to a great extent; this is responsible for the growing anti-social elements to ‘loom at large’ and leave the innocent public as vulnerable prey of criminals, the Congress reminded the NPF-led DAN.
In the meeting on law and order held at Kohima on July 29, the Congress said, the chief minister had asserted that unless all “overground” and underground Nagas unite ‘with a single voice,’ solution will not come. The statement is “attractive and alluring” but contradictory and confusing as well, the Congress said. “When he is creating chasm and hegemony at all levels in line with his pet concept of ‘equi-closeness’, where is the feasibility of our people coming together as one?” the Congress queried. Further, the opposition ridiculed the chief minister’s assertion that, ‘Nagas have lost political objective.’ In reality, the Congress said, “it is not the Naga people but the chief minister himself who has lost political objective considering his flip-flop and slippery behaviors and conducts on Naga political issue.”
‘NC Hills renaming is the cause ’Newmai News Network

Union Home Secretary GK Pillai being presented a traditional cloth today by delegates from Jadikhe Naiso Hosom Mothers Association (Dimasa mothers' body) over the North Cachar Hills violence, at Raj Bhawan in Guwahati on Friday. (Newmai News Network photo)

Guwahati | July 31 : The demand to change the nomenclature of North Cachar Hills district of Assam appears to be the reason for the ongoing violence between the Dimasas and the Zeme Nagas. Reports said that Dimasa civil organizations and also both the Dimasa militant outfits – Dima Halam Daogah (Nunisa) and Dima Halam Daogah (Black Widow), also known as DHD (Jewel) – have been demanding renaming NC Hills to “Dima Hasao Raji” for quite sometime now despite strong opposition from other tribal communities, in particular the Zeme Nagas, inhabiting the district.
During the meeting today with visiting Union Home secretary GK Pillai by Zeme Naga and the Dimasa communities in Guwahati, the issue of the nomenclature cropped up. GK Pillai convened separate closed-door meetings with Zeme and Dimasa apex bodies at Raj Bhavan in Guwahati today primarily to “understand” the conflict.
“We have told the Union Home Secretary that the move by the Dimasas to change the nomenclature of NC Hills district and the subsequent opposition by us and other communities was the main cause of the unrest,” Zeme Council president S Zeme told Newmai News Network (NNN). In 2008, Zeme said, the Black Widow had warned the Zeme in a number of villages that they must back the demand for “Dima Hasao Raji” or face dire consequences. “Later in that very year, they started shooting our people for opposing their demand,” the Zeme Council president said. He also equally blamed the DHD (Nunisa) now in ceasefire, for violating ceasefire ground rules and targeting the Zemes. “In fact, they are selectively targeting us ever since they entered into a ceasefire with the Government,” Zeme said.
The DHD (Nunisa) first signed the ceasefire agreement in 2003 and since then the truce has been periodically extended. The Black Widow, a breakaway faction of the DHD (Nunisa), earned notoriety by unleashing a reign of terror in NC Hills. Citing the causes of the unrest, Jadikhe Naisho Hoshom (JNH) – the apex organization of the Dimasas – claimed that the proposal to change the nomenclature was carried out only after receiving ‘inter-ethnic consensus.’
In a memorandum to Pillai, the JNH said the British named the district North Cachar Hills ostensibly to describe the geographical location. “But the Dimasas have always called it Hasao Raji”. It may be mentioned that a cabinet sub-committee, constituted by the state government in this regard, rejected the demand of “Dima Hasao Raji” pointing out that the Dimasas constitute only 43 per cent of the total population in NC Hills. The JNH said the Zemes opposed the demand “as they see it as an impediment to the Greater Nagalim design of the NSCN. NC Hills as a geographical location suits them better for any claim to be made”.

‘Nagas a begging society today’ Limalenden Longkumer

TAKING PART: (Left) The Department of Horticulture displaying flowers, fruits and mushrooms. (Right) The Power Department with their model of a power transmission grit, which shows how electricity is brought into the district at the Mokokchung Road Show on Friday (Morung Photo)
Mokokchung | July 31 : Nagaland is turning into a land of paupers; beggars without begging bowls. That is what Nagaland’s Minister of PHED Dr. Ngangshi Ao, observes. Addressing the people of Mokokchung during the “Prelude of Tsüngremong and State Road Show” today, Dr. Ngangshi also said that Naga society, both urban and rural, is not healthy.
He said that public sector undertakings suffer from many “inbuilt maladies” such as red-tape, nepotism “or whatever it is,” that many social and church organizations as well as individuals depend on donations. There are also extortions of different kinds from innumerable groups. “Unless these issues are addressed collectively, we shall continue to remain a very sick society,” he added.
Suggesting a remedial measure, he said that Nagas “should be wealth creators” which according to him can be achieved with hard work and a little bit of imagination. He underscored the need to encourage self-reliance, self-employment and entrepreneurship. “Nagas have a tendency to think of white collar jobs and government service as the end-all and nothing else. Our youngsters should take more challenges in life and launch into new frontiers of entrepreneurship.”
However he said that the most pressing problem facing each and every Naga is the protracted and unresolved political issue. “This political uncertainty is like a shadow which follows us everywhere.” He also recollected the 1951 Plebiscite whereby people gave the “mandate” to independence and sovereignty but lamented that “nothing seems forthcoming.” Saying that times have changed, the minister who was speaking as the chief guest, concluded that the Nagas must now “think and decide what is best for us.”
The much-hyped flagship program of the Government of Nagaland – Road Show – has finally reached Mokokchung, the third district to host the same, following Longleng and Tuensang. Coinciding with the major Ao Naga festival of Tsüngremong, the Road Show will be held on July 31 and August 1.
Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao today graced the ‘prelude’ of the show as chief guest while the state’s chief minister Neiphiu Rio will be the chief guest tomorrow. Conceived to serve as an interface for the public to interact with different governmental departments, the Road Show also highlights the various activities initiated by the departments, besides promoting local culture and traditions.
However, all does not seem to be well with the show, thanks to nature. Torrential rains the previous few days has left the venue, Imkongmeren Sports Complex, literally turned into a mud show, even as dark and lazy clouds remain in the sky. After all is done with the Road Show, the biggest task for the organizers would be to keep the venue as it actually is – a sports stadium.
A number of governmental departments are participating in the Road Show by displaying their activities in their respective stalls. Besides, there are also self help groups and societies participating. Cultural activities are also in plenty with more than a dozen cultural troupes participating. Awards for excellence in entrepreneurship, social service, literature and arts and craft will be presented tomorrow. There is also the solo competition and beat contest, adding some music to the event. The peculiarity of the Road Show in Mokokchung will be the Mayangnokcha Awards for Academic Excellence, tomorrow.
The sacrifices disavowed Niki Sumi Morung
The quest for Naga Independence against colonial English and neo-colonial India brought to the fore, the existence of the Nagas as people and nation. Militarization of Naga issue resulted violent and bloody aggressions over a period of several decades across Naga country. The unflinching determination of Nagas forced India to devise various policies to dis-stablise Naga national movement. On the pretext of de-escalation of tension, peace and socio-economic development, gullible educated Nagas were lured to India’s interpretation of Naga sovereignty as myth. Nevertheless, the awakening of the Naga’s political and socio-economic consciousness may successively be attributed to the birth of Naga nationalism. The once isolated Naga hill tracts was gradually organised into a compact self-governing entity and finally the present Nagaland state was carved out of Assam state. It may be recalled that erstwhile Nagas under Assam state were a neglected minority lot with hardly any privileges or say even in governance of daily affairs.
On the whole, the Nagas were regarded as backward, ignorant, savages etc and were restricted from having any access to the outside world. Thus remained in dark seclusion while the rest of the world was enjoying the fruits of modernization and liberalization. The dramatic transformation of Nagas from primitive to modernity within a span of four, five decades- the driving forces behind such changes is the ‘Naga National Movement’.
The compromising determination of the Nagas in pursuit of her goal countered by India’s firm thrust to quell the same, serve as catalyst of transformation and changes.
Today, we see a paradigm shift in the entire political, economic and social scenario of the Nagas. The tremendous development of the Nagas specially in the filed of human resources global exposure, infrastructure and economic developments etc, despite ill-effects still stems from Naga freedom struggle. Had there been no Naga struggle, Nagas would have still remained stagnant and isolated under Assam state.
Like erstwhile administrative arrangement represented by lone legislature in the Assam legislative Assembly instead of what we have today, sixty MLA’s, two MP’s, sixty secretaries, etc with complete and unique autonomy. Though these achievements are not ‘final and ultimate’, yet we cannot deny the positive growth and progress brought about by the struggle.
The discriminative and hypocritical tendencies of certain affluent and enlightened sections of the Nagas especially those in the helm of affairs in repudiating the contributions of Naga national workers in the making of Nagaland today is quite paradoxical. Palatial buildings, fleet of luxury cars, children’s education in abroad, technocratic and bureaucratic exploitation, tax free business enterprises etc being harvested by this section directly or indirectly are but the exploits of Naga struggle and the fruits of the sacrifices of pioneer national workers.
For instances, millions of rupees are pumped into Nagaland and millions siphoned off every year, where as developments remain dismal, yet those white collared criminals are hardly brought to justice. Criminal investigations either by CBI, SIT, CID etc has never been conclusive, citing underground elements as threats and obstructions.
In some cases, vested underground elements may have abetted such crimes but on the whole, the deal is a bigger conspiracy of the assorted bureaucrats, politicians and high officials to escape accountability. The image of the National Workers is tarnished thus and plight of common toiling aggravated. The irony here is ‘artificial elite’ has emerged amongst the hitherto egalitarian Naga society, these elitists has not only become opinion makers of the day, but appallingly materialism is getting entrenched into the very core of our social foundation.
At this rate, their whims and fancies may one day become the accepted norms of the Nagas. Even the course of our National movement is in the danger of getting diluted by these elements.
Rather than acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of the Naga freedom fighters, respect and honour the pride, ideals and ethos of revolution upon which we struggle, they stand to disavow, disunite and undermine the very cause, all but for covetous ambitions.
If not exaggerated, I may say with pride that, every single drop of Naga patriot’s blood that has been shed serves as a source of life of thousand Nagas.

Major General, Niki Sumi People’s Army of Nagaland
GPRN/NSCN

Pillai meets Zeme Nagas, Dimasa to understand Our Special Correspondent Nagaland Page
Guwahati, July 31: A move by the tribal Dimasas to change the nomenclature of North Cachar Hills district appears to be the root cause of the ongoing ethnic frenzy in this hill district of Assam.
The two extremist groups of the tribal Dimasas DHD (Nunisa) and DHD (Black Widow), also known as DHD (Jewel), as also the apex bodies of the Dimasas have been demanding the renaming of NC Hills to Dima Hasao Raji for a long time despite strong opposition from other tribal communities, in particular the Zeme Nagas, inhabiting in NC Hills.
The matter came up for discussion during Union Home Secretary GK Pillai's separate closed-door meetings with Zeme and
Dimasa apex bodies held at Raj Bhavan here on Friday. Pillai had convened the meetings primarily to understand the ethnic conflict that has left more than sixty people dead and displaced hundreds others since April.
"We have told the Union Home Secretary that the move by the Dimasas to change the nomenclature of NC Hills district and subsequent opposition by us and other communities was the main cause of the unrest, Zeme Council president S Zeme," told Nagaland Page.
In 2008, Zeme alleged, the Black Widow had warned the Zeme Nagas in a number of villages that they must back the demand for Dima Hasao Raji or face dire consequences.
Later in that very year, they started shooting our people for opposing their demand, the Zeme Council president said.
In this regard, he equally blamed the DHD (Nunisa) now in ceasefire for violating ceasefire ground rules and targeting the Zemes. In fact, they are selectively targeting us ever since they entered into a ceasefire with the Government, Zeme alleged.
The DHD (Nunisa) first signed the ceasefire agreement in 2003 and since then the truce has been extended periodically. The Black Widow, a breakaway faction of the DHD, earned notoriety by unleashing a reign of terror in NC Hills in recent times.
Citing the causes of the unrest, Jadikhe Naisho Hoshom (JNH) the apex organization of the Dimasas claimed that the proposal to change the nomenclature was carried out only after receipt of inter-ethnic consensus.
In a memorandum to Pillai, the JNH said the British named the district as North Cachar Hills ostensibly to describe the geographical location. But the Dimasas have always called it Hasao Raji.
It may be mentioned that a Cabinet Sub-committee, constituted by the State Government, rejected the Dima Hasao Raji demand pointing out that the Dimasas constitute only 43 per cent of the total population in NC Hills.
The JNH said the Zemes opposed the demand as they see it as an impediment to the Greater Nagalim design of the NSCN. NC Hills as a geographical location suits them better for any claim to be made.

NISC questions GoI’s sincerity Nagaland Page
After 60 years of fighting, arrogance, suffering, learning, understanding and some compassion the Government of India returns to the harsh stand of Jawarhlal Nehru, the first prime Minister of the Union of India and responsible for unleashing the war upon the Naga Peoples
To resolve this violent long term conflict in this case goodwill, on both sides, is direly needed. And though two times during the sixty years the Government of India and the Nagas did show resilience and determination to honourably come to terms with each other, now after 12 years of cease fire and subsequent talks for peace, the Government of India unilaterally announced it changed the agreement and well known conditions on which basis the peace talks are held.
Why is it that this Government of India by word of mouth of the honourable Home Minister Chidambaram before (Shirui incident) and during a recent Lok Sabha session has to state that a solution is possible but ‘within’ the Constitution of India?
The Naga International Support Center reminds the entire Government of India presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that to be credible is to be trustworthy. And, a trustworthy government honours its agreements.
What Government of any nation does not want to be trustworthy, if only because it acts on behalf of its own people?
Given the above sense of responsibility and accountability, in this case on the issue of human rights and on the issue of the signed United Nations covenant on the right to self determination of all peoples the Naga International Support Center dearly requests the Government of India to reconsider its stand on the Indo Naga conflict.
- Government of India: Do honour the agreement between the Government of India and the Naga Peoples and earnestly take steps to resolve this long overdue conflict for too many people have suffered beyond comprehension, both Nagas and Indians.
Issued by Naga International Support Centre

Centre allays fear of dam on Brahmaputra Spl Correspondent Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, July 31 – Allaying apprehensions over reports of China constructing dam on the river Brahmaputra, External Affairs Minister, S M Krishna said India has instituted a mechanism of expert level talks and water resources between the two countries. The mechanism would focus on issues such as, exchange of feeder control data and emergency response management in Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers, he said.

Several MPs including Biswajit Daimary, S S Ahluwalia and Tariq Anwar had raised the issue of China’s purported move to divert Brahmaputra river and the boundary dispute between India and China, during a discussion on the working of the Ministry of External Affairs in the Rajya Sabha.

The External Affairs Minister however, faced flak in both the Houses of the Parliament over his response to the issues raised by the Opposition. To top it all he goofed up on several occasions today.

The External Affairs Minister named Kumar Deepak Das, as having raised certain issues regarding the development of North-east. It was not the AGP MP, but Biswajit Daimary of BPF, who had participated in the discussion on Thursday. The goof-up left enraged Daimary as he tried in vain to point out the error

Certain issues regarding development of the North-east and its role in the country’s foreign policy were raised, said the Minister.

North-east has been an important focus area for the Ministry. “We have the Kaladan multi-model transit transport project to connect ports in India’s Eastern seaboard to the north Eeastern states via Myanmar and Tamu-Kalewa-Kalimpong Road, connecting

Manipur to Myanmar,” he said.

It is not Kalimpong, which is in Darjeeling district in north Bengal, but the 160 Km Tamu-Kalewa- Kalemyo Road that India has built in neighbouring Myanmar.

With China, India has a strategic and cooperative partnership, said Krishna.

“We have an established architecture for dialogue through which all issues of common interest and concern are discussed,” said Krishna.

There are outstanding issues between India and China. The Special Representatives are discussing the boundary question and both countries have agreed to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement to this issue.

“The matter of course, is complex and requires time and lots of patience. Our endeavour is to ensure that peace and tranquillity are maintained in the border areas,” he said.

Bilateral trade with China has grown significantly and a target of US $ 60 billion dollars by 2010 has been jointly set for such trade. The shared vision for the 21st century signed by Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, with his Chinese counterpart, in January, 2008 has added a regional and multi-dimensional aspect to our bilateral ties, he pointed out.

India is also taking several steps to enhance engagement of north eastern states with Myanmar. “We are opening up trade at border points with Myanmar.

“In our discussions with Bangladesh, we have accorded the highest priority to enhance connectivity between Bangladesh and north eastern states.

“Under the ‘Look East’ policy, we have taken various initiatives in the ASEAN East Asia Summit, which includes India, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, China and South Korea. We have Bengal initiative for multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand (BIMSTEC),” he said.

“The Mekong-Ganga Corporation, which should include India, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam is there. They all have great potential in rejuvenating our historical and our changing economic circumstances in the world. We see great opportunities in advancing the process of our economic integration with

the ASEAN and other countries in the region,” he said.

“In this activity, we have been coordinating closely with our Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER),” Krishna said.

Yesterday, participating in the discussion, Daimary said that because India does not have good relations with its neighbours, arms are still flowing into the North-east. Though militants have shifted base from neighbouring Bhutan, the international border is still hot, he said.

He also sought to know the status of the proposed trilateral highway connecting India-Myanmar-Thailand. He also wanted to know why Government of India is not talking to China to re-open the Stilwell Road, connecting the two countries via Myanmar.

He also referred to reports of China trying to divert the river Brahmaputra. If this is true then it would have a devastating impact for north eastern region, West Bengal and Bangladesh, he opined.

He also underlined the need for the Ministry of External Affairs to consult the north eastern states in matters regarding its neighbourhood.

Identity of Boro people threatened Sentinel
GUWAHATI, July 31: The identity of the Boro and other Indigenous Tribal people of this region is threatened. They are never safe and secure in Asom provided an amicable political settlement is arranged to them. The successive ruling Government of Asom will never be able to save the geographical region as the integral part of India from the mass infiltration of fifth columnists and subversive elements and from the aggression of illegal migrants from Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries as they are totally dependent on them as their vote banks for the survival in the competition of power politics. So since 1967 the Boro and other Indigenous Tribal People of the region want to have separate homeland where they will be able to exercise their political power over their inherited territorial land with the status of a full-fledged State of India through the devolution of power under the Article 2 and 3 of the Constitution of India. This was stated in a press release.
Bodo woman joins revoke AFSPA cry By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jul 31: President of the Bodo Women’s Justice Forum has demanded that the infamous Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 should be scrapped totally from the statutes of the country.
Besides being abused as an instrument for rampant human rights violation, AFSPA has become a threat to the country’s integrity, she asserted.
Speaking to media persons at the office of Human Rights Initiative, Manipur at Wangkhei Thangapat, An-jali Daimari observed that although the Government of India imposed AFSPA in the Northeastern states primarily to suppress insurgency movements, the Act has become a source of numerous civil movements against the state and security forces as it has become an instrument for human rights violation.
Continued imposition of such draconian Act with the resultant numerous cases of human rights violation has become a cause for challenging the integrity of India, Anjali said.
Demanding that AFSPA should be repealed immediately, Anjali said that Irom Chanu Sharmila’s nine year long fast was not some drama.
Anjali said that she was glad to see that several organisations and people have been undertaking various forms of campaigns in solidarity to Sharmila. She said that she fully supports the anti-AFSPA movement.
Anjali said that she and other representatives of the Bodo Women’s Justice Forum were here in Manipur on a three day visit to show their solidarity to Sharmila’s cause and to meet the Iron Lady personally.
“After leaving Manipur, we would highlight the struggle of Sharmila in different parts of the North East including Assam”, Anjali said.
The forum would also be launching a collective movement against the draconian Act by building a common regional identity of the North East, she said.
Taking part in the press meet, executive director of Human Rights Initiative LC Jinine said that different international human rights fora including the United Nations’ Human Rights Commission have already asked the Government of India to scrap AFSPA.
There is no sign of scrapping the draconian Act any time soon rather cases of human rights violation under AFSPA has been raising, Jinine said.