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08/16/2009: "Demand for immediate CF in all Naga areas Eastern Mirror Torch rally protests held in Manipur hill districts, 48-hr bandh called"

Demand for immediate CF in all Naga areas Eastern Mirror
Torch rally protests held in Manipur hill districts, 48-hr bandh called
DIMAPUR, (EMN): Following the overwhelming response where over 2000 women broke through the barricades set up by Assam Rifles at Shangshak village on Saturday, August 15, to proceed toward the villages affected by military operations
, public protest against alleged Assam Rifles excesses continued in Ukhrul district of Manipur on Sunday with thousands of people participating in a torch rally organised by Tangkhul social organisations. Similar rallies were also held in all hill districts.
A press communiqué informed that the crowd of over 50, 000, one of the biggest in recent times, converged at the Tangkhul Naga Long ground for a short public meeting at 6 pm in which a four-point joint peoples’ declaration signed by the frontal organisations of the district was also adopted.
The declaration demanded immediate declaration of Ceasefire in Naga areas outside present Nagaland state, immediate removal of AR from Ukhrul district and befitting punishment to AR personnel responsible for the inhumane murder and killing.
It also reaffirmed the people’s commitment to the peaceful and just resolution of the Indo-Naga issue and declared mandate and support to the peace process currently underway between the GoI and NSCN-IM as two entities.
To extend solidarity and also protest against violation of human rights by the AR, similar torch rallies were held at all the four Naga district Hqs, tonight. The rallies were called by the apex Naga organisation in Manipur, the United Naga Council.
The Council has also called for a 48-hour total bandh in all Naga-inhabited districts beginning August 17 midnight.
‘Use of force will only harden the hearts of people’ Limalenden Morung Longkumer

Speaker of Tatar Hoho, NSCN (IM), Tongmeth Wangnao (centre), and ‘Maj. General’ Phungthing, convenor of CFMC, flanked by others proceed to make the ‘sound of victory’ at the village’s log-drum on the occasion of Naga Independence Day, in Süngratsü village, on August 14. (Morung Photo)

Süngratsü Village | August 15 : Use of force will only harden the hearts of the people. The “63rd Naga Independence Day Celebration” of the “Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim” was observed at Süngratsü village, about 18 kilometres away from Mokokchung town, on August 14.
Although no confrontations were reported, there was tension mounting high as the Assam Rifles personnel were deployed around the village and the venue of the celebration. The Indian military was also found manning the village’s gate, capturing photographs of everyone entering the village. NSCN (IM)’s convenor of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, ‘Major General’ Phungthing, who was in the village as guest of honour, said that the Assam Rifles tried to stop the celebration. “They still think that force will solve the issue. It will only harden the hearts of the people,” he summed up.
The day began with the chief guest, Tongmeth Wangnao, Speaker of Tatar Hoho, unfurling the Naga National flag. He also read out the Independence Day speech of the Yaruiwo, Isak Chishi Swu. Villagers of host village Süngratsü, young and old alike, assembled at the village center by 8:00am in the morning to witness the proceedings of the day. Invitees, ‘national workers’ and people from all walks of life made their way to the village to attend the celebration.
Ao Senden president Lendinokdang, during his speech, said that the celebration was the “right occasion for exchange of views and ideas”. He regretted that the movement that started with “one vision, one goal and one doctrine” had splintered into several today. While encouraging that Nagas should work as one people, he said that no nation can survive unless there is accountability in its actions. He added that the GPRN’s accountability to the people is needed so that the nation may survive. He also said that all men are born equal and that all men are equal before the eyes of God and of law. He emphasised on the importance of the principle of equality and peace so that Nagas may live a harmonious existence. He also felt the need to observe the ‘National Days’.
Akum Kichu, speaking on behalf of the Ao Kaketshir Telongjem (AKM), echoed the voice of the young Ao Nagas that they hope and pray that “the dream of free Nagaland will come true some day”. He said that there is never a wrong time to do the right thing. Saying that geographical area or economic power does not determine the status of a nation, Aoshiang, who spoke on behalf of the Senior Citizens Forum of Mokokchung, said that Nagas are a nation too.
He thanked Süngratsü village, an “active village in the history of Naga political movement since its early days”, for hosting the ‘Independence Day Celebration’. He also added that integrity and discipline on the part of the ‘national leaders’ are required to lead the Naga nation. He regretted that the historic Plebiscite of 1951 was being negated by the existence of “4/5 factions today”.
Arep Jamir, Deputy Kilonser, Kilo Affairs, in his speech said that the mandate of the Naga people rests with the ‘collective leadership’ and hoped that the people continue to pray and support the Naga cause.
Convenor of Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, ‘Major General’ Phungthing, reminded that Nagas want to be free and that they do not want to live under suppression. “God gave freedom, man cannot suppress it,” he said. He challenged the Aos by saying that they must realise that when they were there in the beginning, they will also be there in the end. On the ongoing negotiations with the Government of India, he said that during the twelve years, “we’ve not negotiated to surrender our rights. Remember, we will not fail you in our time, as our collective leadership said.”
Maj Gen Phungthing said that God did not give the Nagas a timid heart; that God did not say that Nagas must live under suppression. “God gave us a nation.” He wondered if India, the world’s biggest democracy, was afraid to let the Nagas go. He said that it is the Naga people who will decide for themselves what they want. “When the time comes, we will come to the people again and ask. You are the one who will decide. We are negotiating with the government of India.”
“We will come to you when the time comes,” he repeated. “Be ready.” He also said that the people are sovereign and that sovereignty rests with the people. “It is our right. It is ours to decide.” He also encouraged the Nagas to be ready to give the best they can for the love of the nation.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by the Süngratsü Village Council chairman. Tia Imchen, CAO Ao Region, delivered the vote of thanks. The celebration was also marked by cultural activities where Chuchuyimlang Cultural troupe, Aosüngkum Cultural Club of Mokokchung village and the Mopungchuket Tazü Lenden Cultural Club performed. The villagers also “sounded the victory drum” on the village’s log-drum. The day culminated with a mass Independence Day feast.

GoI unleashing acts of terror: NISC Eastern Mirror
DIMPUR, AUG 16 (EMN): The Naga International Support Centre (NISC) has accused the Government of India of unleashing acts of terror on the Nagas while alleging that the latter with its display of armed supremacy had declared war on the Naga peoples of North East India and Myanmar.
The NISC allegations come in the wake of the August 12 incident at Sakok village under Ukhrul district of Manipur wherein it accused that seven NSCN soldiers were brutally tortured and killed by the personnel of the Assam Rifles. It alleged that villagers were even being threatened at gunpoint.
It expressed dismay that the AR in Ukhrul opened fire and bombed the NSCN cadres despite the two entities being officially under ceasefire. Holding the AR directly accountable for the ‘blatant violation of ceasefire’, the NISC questioned if the Government of India through the Assam Rifles was heading for war again.
The NISC statement alleged that on August 12, AR personnel under 10 Sector ambushed a group of NSCN-IM cadres in Ukhrul district and killed a number of the cadres. It also alleged that members of Tangkhul organisations were tortured and killed after being arrested near the site of the incident.
It said Naga people living around the spot of ambush were being threatened and driven out while all access roads were being blocked.
The Naga International Support Center, expressing outrage at the callous attack on innocent civilians, demanded Justice from the Government of India. Condemning the action of the Assam Rifles, it also held the GoI accountable for atrocities meted to the Nagas.
It further demanded the Government of India to come out with a statement by way of disowning the atrocious acts which had ‘demeaned the righteous and humane status of the Indian nation’ or ‘be held suspicion of being the commander of the Assam Rifles perpetrators’.
48-hour strike in Naga areas Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL, Prominent Naga frontal organizations have called 48-hour general strike from midnight of August 17 in the Naga dominated areas of Manipur in protest against the alleged violation of human rights by the Assam Rifles in Ukrul and press for inclusion of all Naga inhabited areas under the current cease fire agreement.
This was contained in a resolution adopted at the rally in the TNL ground Ukhrul organized by apex Naga organization in Manipur- the United Naga Council (UNC) Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Peoples’ Movement for human Rights (NPMHR).
Earlier on Saturday night, thousands of women protestors from various villages defied the prohibition imposed by the AR at Shangshak gate on the way to Shakok village.
Earlier, agitated protestors number nearly 2000 marched to the August 12 incident site at Godah-Phalang-Shakok range in Ukhrul district returned Sunday morning after meeting the local populace. The crowd had gone to Shakok to assist and defuse the situation but were stopped by the AR personnel and detained for around two hours on the way on August 13.
On Saturday, people stormed the Shangshak Gate AR check post stating : “This is our land, we should be free to move anywhere”. The women protestors also met with the post commander Assam Rifles post who later allowed civilians to enter inside the area.
The group of people included members and volunteers of the Naga frontal organizations- United Naga Council (UNC), On Sunday, a meeting was held at the TNL office and later a rally at the TNL ground Ukhrul where a four-point joint peoples’ declaration signed by the frontal organizations of the district was also adopted.
Meanwhile,reliable sources told this Correspondent that at least nine cadres of the NSCN (IM) who were missing after the clash in the areas, and who were cordoned off by the troops of AR, have also been rescued.
Police when contacted provided no information on this account.
DC of Ukhrul Ashok Kumar and SP N Suresh met with the officers of the Assam Rifles at Sangshak post before reaching Sakok village and after hearing the grievances facing by the villagers, assured to take up relief measures at the earliest.
As called by the frontal organizations organized a mass “prayer and torch rally” from 6 pm today in the Naga areas as a show of support to the affected people in the controversial clash of the August 12 last.
Mention may be made the UNC and other civil society organizations made attempt to visit the clash site and affected villagers on the day of reported clash on August 12 and next day was stopped by the Assam Rifles allegedly on the pretext of the safety of the civilians to go there.

Naga political issue goes beyond international boundaries: Rio Nagaland Page

Kohima, August 15: Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio said Naga political problem goes beyond the boundaries of Nagaland state and international boundaries.
Addressing the Independence Day here at Secretariat Plaza Rio said permanent peace would only be possible if all aspects of the Naga people and sufferings in every corner are addressed with sincerity. The Naga problem goes beyond the boundaries of Nagaland and beyond international boundaries and a concerted political settlement must address all socio-political dynamics not restricted by man-made hurdles and boundaries the chief minister said.
He said Naga people recognize the sufferings of eastern Nagas in Myanmar and will work towards their recognition with a definite territory for an all round development-social, political, economic and cultural. He said with the consultations with Pime Minister, Manmohan Singh and other central leaders had discussions with the Ambassador of the Myanmar government in New Delhi on taking up the plight of the Nagas in Myanmar.
Rio said his government would remain steadfast in its commitment to playing the role of an active facilitator to the ongoing peace process though the state government is not a direct participant in the negotiations. He said state government has tirelessly worked to bring about understanding, reconciliation and oneness among the Nagas with the help and cooperation of civil societies, church and public leaders in order to strengthen the peace process and contribute towards securing about lasting peace through political settlement that is honourable and acceptable to the people. In this endeavour we have extended unconditional support to the UPA government at the centre and we are hopeful of her sincere commitment towards expediting the peace process and bring the negotiations to its logical conclusion the chief minister said.
He also called upon all underground groups to maintain peace and bring a halt to the fratricidal killings, which could only contribute towards more hatred and division. He urged both underground groups and overgrounds to rise above differences and affiliations and work towards the common goal of achieving permanent peace in Nagas land. "We must always keep in mind that the Naga political issue stands above all else and therefore we must not allow divisive forces and internal differences to come in the way of our desire for peace," he added.
The Chief Minister said the ceasefire between the union government and the Naga groups have paved way for political dialogue and a series of negotiations have taken place in the last 12 years. He said there is definitive desire for lasting peace all across Naga society and the people have been crying out for early solution of the Naga problem. More than a decade of ceasefire and negotiations is sufficient time for the peace process to reach a logical conclusion and it has become imperative for the negotiating parties to expedite the talks in order to fulfill the desires and aspirations of the people, Rio said.
He, however, said the network of terrorism has extended its arms throughout India and the Northeast, claiming innocent lives and therefore his government will remain alert and vigilant to check and fight anti-national forces.
He said the most pressing and immediate challenges facing us today are eradication of poverty, uplift of poor, extending health care and education to all, creation of employment avenues for the unemployed youth and housing for all. He assured to work with full commitment and sincerity in meeting peoples expectations. My government will bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, men and women, urban and rural and between the forward and backward areas through empowering, training and capacity building. Togetherness and inclusive growth of the entire state will be our objective, Rio said. (Page News Service)