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09/03/2009: "‘We need Naga leaders, not only tribe or village leaders’ morungexpress"



‘We need Naga leaders, not only tribe or village leaders’ morungexpress

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inspects the various stalls put up for the Road Show at Kiphire on Wednesday, September 2. Behind him are Nagaland’s Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs. (DIPR Photo)

Kiphire, September 2 (DIPR): The two-day Kiphire Road Show, coinciding with the Mongmong festival of the Sangtams, was on Wednesday inaugurated by state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Kiphire, with thousands of people turning up to witness the mega event.
CM inaugurates Kiphire Road Show
Speaking on the occasion, Neiphiu Rio said that we all need to join hands to solve the vexed Naga political issue to bring permanent peace and reconciliation in the state. He said that during the ceasefire, factional killings among the Nagas keep happening and the number of persons who have died in the clashes is about 1040. He, therefore, called on the people to work for peace and to put a stop to the factional killings. He reiterated that we need Naga leaders and not only tribe or village leaders. The top priority of the present government is to bring the final settlement for which the whole Council of Ministers have declared that the DAN government is willing to make way if required for final settlement of the Naga issue. Also saying that the government is only a facilitator, Rio called upon the people to prevail for peace and unity for all-round development in the state.
The Chief Minister said that different Nagas tribes have different festivals which we need to preserve even though we are all Christians now. We need to pray for good harvest, he said. He said that the Mongmong festival, which signifies friendship and merrymaking, has a great meaning to lead our younger generation. Rio also added that the Nagaland government is not only concentrating on Kohima and Dimapur but has conceptualised the Road Shows to involve all the various tribes and to promote their festivals.
The Chief Minister encouraged the people to not only give attention to the unique and rich cultural traditions but also to give more attention to music as the state government has instituted the Music Task Force and declared music as an industry. He urged the people of the state to select talented musicians who will showcase their talents at the annual Hornbill festival. He emphasised on the flora and fauna, mineral resources, hydro potentialities, tourism attractions which has enough place found in this particular district. He apprised the community to give support to the MLAs and Chairman of this district as well as the district administration for further development.
MLA and Chairman for NSMDC, Kipili Sangtam, while delivering Mongmong Festival greetings, praised the government under the dynamic leadership of Neiphiu Rio for undertaking various activities in this district. He also pointed out that the present government has come up with various innovative ideas to develop all the eleven districts in the state.
T Torechu, Parliamentary Secretary for CAWD, exhorted the people saying “we should go forward with peace and love to bring developmental activities”. USLB president R Tsapikiu in his welcome address urged the Chief Minister to understand their problems and requirements, particularly in the road sector.
Head GB of Kiphire town, Yangkimong, who delivered the significance of Mongmong festival, said that with the advent of Christianity, the ancestral beliefs are no longer practiced, and as time passes all traditions are being forgotten and are slowly fading away. It is only during such festivals that traditional beliefs and customs are rekindled in the present generation through folklores, he said. Principal Secretary and Nagaland Commissioner, H K Khulu, in his speech said that the state Road Show is not only for the state but for the rest of the world, to “show what developmental activities we are doing with transparency and accountability”. 22 departments and SHGs with a total of 55 stalls are participating in the festival, he informed.
The highlights of the programme included folksongs presented by Kisetong village and Tsinger village, while cultural dances with vibrant traditional custom were presented by Hurunger village, Sanphur village, Singrep women, Phelunger womenfolk, Haho women group and Longkhim town. Other public dignitaries present included Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, Parliamentary Secretaries Yithachu, Torochu, Y Patton, C W Kithan, S Heno and Chotisuh Sazo, MLAs C L John, Azetho Zhimomi, Vikho Yhoshu, Dr. Nicky Kire, Kejong Chang, and Kipili Sangtam, and several senior government officials. The nodal departments for the Road Show were CAWD and NSMDC.

Rio weaves culture with Naga cause OUR CORRESPONDENT he Telegraph


Neiphiu Rio
Kohima, Sept. 2: The Nagas need to join hands to solve the vexed Naga political issue to establish peace in the state, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has said.
Speaking at the inaugural programme of the two-day Kiphire Road Show, coinciding with the Mongmong Festival of the Sangtams at Kiphire town today, Rio urged a huge gathering to stop factional killings that he said had claimed about a thousand lives.
According to him, the festival of joy and friendship is of great significance to the youths.
In a speech couched in political nuances, the chief minister said: “We need Naga leaders; not only tribe or village leaders. The top priority of the government is to bring about a final settlement for which the entire council of ministers has declared that the DAN government is willing to make way if required for a final settlement of the Naga issue.”
Harping on the unity tune, Rio said the festivals of the different Naga tribes “need to be preserved though we are all Christians now”.
In his speech that stressed an inclusive Naga society, Rio said the Nagaland government was not only concentrating on Kohima and Dimapur but had conceptualised the road shows to involve various tribes and promote their festivals.
The chief minister urged the people to not only focus on the rich cultural traditions but also on music as the state government had set up a Music Task Force and declared music as an industry.
Rio exhorted the people of the state to select musicians who would showcase their talents at the annual Hornbill Festival.
He emphasised the flora and fauna, mineral resources, hydro and tourism potentials of Kiphire district.
Kipili Sangtam, the MLA from Kiphire, while greeting the massess, praised the government led by Rio for undertaking various activities in Kiphire district.
MLA Kipili Sangtam said the government had come up with various innovative ideas to develop all the 11 districts
Echoing the chief minister, parliamentary secretary T. Torechu urged for peace. Head gaonburah of Kiphire town Yangkimong Sangtam explained the significance of Mongmong festival.
The highlights of the programme were folk songs presented by villagers of Kisetong, Tsinger and traditional dances by villagers of Hurunger and Sanphur, women of Singrep and Phelunger and Longkhim town besides a Hoho women group.
Factional clashes claimed 1040 lives during ceasefire: Rio Nagaland Page

Says ready to quit for Naga settlement
Dimapur, September 2: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today called upon the people of the state to join hands to solve the vexed Naga political issue to bring permanent peace and reconciliation in the state.
Inaugurating the 2-day Kiphire Road Show, coinciding with the Mongmong festival of the Sangtams, Rio said that during the ceasefire, factional killing among the Nagas keep happening and number of persons who have died in the clashes is around 1040.
He called upon the people to work for peace and to stop factional killings, and also reiterated, "We need Naga leaders and not only tribe or village leaders."
The Chief Minister said the top priority of the present government is to bring the final settlement for which the whole Council of Minister have declared that the DAN Government is willing to make way if required for final settlement of Naga issue. He also said that the Government is only a facilitator and called upon the people to prevail for peace and unity for all round development in the state.
The Chief Minister said that different Nagas tribes have different festivals, which needs to be preserved even though all Nagas are Christians now. "We need to pray for good harvest," he said.
He said that Mongmong festival, which signifies friendship and merrymaking has a great meaning to lead our younger generation. He also added that Nagaland Government is not only concentrating in Kohima and Dimapur but has conceptualized the Road Shows to involve all the various tribes and promote their festivals.
Rio also encouraged the people to not only give attention to the unique and rich cultural traditions but also to give more attention to music as the state government has instituted the Music Task Force and declared music as an industry.
He urged the people of the state to select talented musicians who will showcase their talents at the annual Hornbill festival.
He emphasized on the flora and fauna, mineral resources, hydro potentialities, tourism attractions which has enough place found in this particular district. He apprised the community to give support to the MLAs and Chairman of this district as well as the district administration for further development.
MLA & Chairman, NSMDC, Kipili Sangtam, while delivering Mongmong Festival greetings, praised that the government under the dynamic leadership of Neiphiu Rio for undertaking various activities in this district. He said that the present government has come up with various innovative ideas to develop all the eleven districts in the state.
Parliamentary Secretary CAWD, T Torechu while exhorting the people said that we should go forward with peace and love to bring developmental activities. President USLB, R Tsapikiu in his welcome address urged to the Chief Minister to understand their problems and requirements particularly in the road sector.
Head GB of Kiphire town, Yangkimong who delivered the significance of Mongmong festival said that with the advent of Christianity, the ancestral beliefs are no longer practiced and as time passes all traditions are being forgotten and are slowly fading away. It is only during such festivals that traditional beliefs and customs are rekindled in present generation through folklores, he said.
Principal Secretary & Commissioner, Nagaland, H K Khulu touching upon the state Road Show in his speech said that it is not only for the state but for the rest of the world, to show what developmental activities we are doing with transparency and accountability. He said that 22 departments and SHGs with a total of 55 stalls are participating in the festival.
The highlights of the programme were folk songs presented by Kisetong Village, Tsinger village and cultural dances with a vibrant traditional custom presented by Hurunger village, Sanphur village, Singrep women, Phelunger women Folk, Haho women Group and Longkhim town.
Besides the huge gathering of public dignitaries present were Home Minister, Imkong L Imchen, Parliamentary Secretaries, Yithachu, Torochu, Y. patton, C.W. Kithan, S. Heno, Chotisuh Sazo, MLAs C.L. John, Azetho Zhimomi, Vikho Yhoshu, Dr. Nicky Kire, Kejong Chang, Kipili Sangtam and several senior government officials. The nodal departments for the Road Show were CAWD and NSMDC. (Page News Service)

Transforming Kohima morungexpress
The Government of India has recently signed the Asian Development Bank loan agreements relating to the North Eastern Region Capital Cities Development Investment Program (NERCCDIP). Under the agreement, ADB will extend $200 million for capital cities of the north east for their development programmes. The first tranche of this project amounts to $30 million. This will be disbursed with the objective to improve quality of life for 1.2 million people and enhance urban productivity in the five capital cities namely Agartala (Tripura), Aizwal (Mizoram), Shillong (Meghalaya), Kohima (Nagaland) and Gangtok (Sikkim). The urban development ministry, through the respective state governments, would be the executing agencies. This is indeed good news for people of Nagaland as its capital Kohima has all the potential to become a world class heritage city for which much work needs to be done. Funds being the constraint, the ADB loan if utilized properly provide a golden opportunity to make Kohima the pride of all the Nagas.
Given that the ADB program will be one of the largest externally-funded infrastructure investments ever seen in the region, the Nagaland State government must ensure outmost transparency and accountability because this is an international project and the prestige and image of the Naga people is at stake. We should demonstrate sincerity, efficiency and cooperation during the period of the program. Nagaland in particular has suffered from a dearth of investment because of its “remote, mountainous location, long distance from markets, high levels of poverty and unemployment and limited private sector interest”, as stated by the ADB in its statement. Hopefully the new investment opportunity will not go for a miss and be properly utilized towards its stated objective. It is of outmost importance to properly plan and develop our urban centers like Dimapur and Kohima. For instance, the urban growth rate of Nagaland is quite alarming which can be gauged from the number of vehicles squeezed on roads build almost a quarter of a century ago.
The main problem we are facing today is that infrastructure has not grown proportionally with the ever increasing population growth so much so that the growing size of our towns beyond their holding capacities is witnessed by the present day overcrowding, lack of adequate housing, encroachment, mushrooming of slums and settlements, lack of civic amenities and not to mention the road congestion and resultant traffic jams and pollution.
Considering the deficit in terms of infrastructure growth, the growing urban population of Nagaland accounting for about 17.74% of the total population of the State, indeed reflects the enormity of challenges that lies ahead. The concerned people in the government as well as the public at large should realize the magnitude of this crisis and do whatever is necessary. Likewise, the municipal bodies in the respective towns will have to play an important leadership role. For the immediate though, the opportunity provided by the ADB loan should be used to create the appropriate infrastructure. And as stated by the ADB besides the physical improvements, strict mechanism must be put in place to ensure good governance, finance and service delivery reforms and a capacity-building programme to support the implementation of NERCCDIP and the urban reform agenda. People of Nagaland particularly Kohima, don’t miss this golden opportunity
.
NSCM-IM accuses Indian Security Force morungexpress
Dimapur, September 2 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has accused the Indian Security Force for going “over-board brandishing its beastly power rather than rationality” thereby hindering the Indo-Naga peace process and that it condemns the atrocities perpetrated upon its fellow Nagas in Shakok village by the Indian Security Force.
P Nogi, Executive Officer, Maram Thangal CAA, NSCN-IM in a press release here stated: “The premeditated attack on the Naga army (NSCN-IM) by the 23 AR on August 12, at Shakok village in Ukhrul district speaks of political weakness and moral bankruptcy of the Indian Government in checking the beast and carrying forward the dialogue.”
The note further added that it sympathizes with the fellow Naga brethren in NC hills, Assam “who suffered pain and loss in the wake of the ethnic clash” and at the same time condemns the Indian Security Force “who teamed up with the rebel group (DHD) in unleashing the reign of terror”.

Vexing Taxes By: Robert Lanky Kangla
Taxes are the main source of revenues generated by any state or country. Collection of tax is the responsibility of the governments and not the responsibility of any organization. Unfortunately in the North - Eastern states especially in, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur it is being collected by different self styled warlords, non-state actors and underground organizations for their personal gain under various pretext.
In the recent past, the author was put in a embarrassing situation when a business friend from Delhi questioned the legality of these taxes. This friend of mine came here on a business cum holiday trip to Nagaland. After he landed at Dimapur airport he called for a taxi for his trip to Kohima. He was astonished at the exorbitant fare quoted by the taxiwalla. He sought for a reason for the high rate of fare. The reason - he has to pay ‘Naga tax’. With no option left to my friend, he hired the cab who took him to Kohima. Enroute he picked up conversation with the taxiwalla who in his own style explained this weird tax but my friend was still not convinced. But he was again in for a rude shock when the hotel he stayed charged him above the tariff rate. Reason- ‘Naga tax’, more confusion than being agonized.
During his stay in Kohima he caught up with one of his old classmate a government employee. He lost no time asking his friend to explain this weird tax being charged by one and all. Reluctantly but with anguish he stated that every government employee pay monthly 25% of salary to Naga Army. He explained the tax collection mode and modus operandi being carried by the UGs outfits. This left my friend totally perplexed and perfidious to the so called peace accord.

In a traumatic state, my friend said that ‘These vexing taxes are really mind boggling and painful’. My friend who had come on business cum holiday trip in Nagaland had gone back to Delhi with lot of remorse in his heart and left many unanswered questions for the people of Nagaland, law enforcing authorities and civil administration. On further investigation by the author it was revealed that approx Rs 60 crores per annum are collected by Naga Army through : Lorry challan, markets, various toll gates, business community, forest & minerals, regional taxes etc. This weird tax is collected through extortion, ransom/demand note etc but certainly, a very well organized collection mechanism. Collection is done by both Civil and Military wings of various factions. Rates are fixed for annual collection and demand notes are generally given to individual businessman. Though, direct taxation on general public is kept low by design but indirect taxation have been major source of fund collection. Funds so collected are not for welfare of the people but to the so called ‘Defenders of the Naga cause’ some of them own palatial bungalows and farm houses besides living luxurious life abroad while their pawns continue to toil in camps and indulge in fratricide. Imagine the plight of my business friend who had come to Nagaland with lots of expectations but has gone back with stoic realities and the state of affairs in the NE states. Will he ever venture out for business in these states? Nay, holidaying! It is a matter of great concern for all of us. We must join hands together and urge all concerned involved in the collection/extortion’ that
Do not let us down by creating a sense of financial insecurity.
Do not create fear and sense of exploitation by carrying out extortion at the gun point.
Let the people feel that law & order prevails in the state under the democratically elected government. Let the people from other parts of the country come to our state and do their business without any fear. Let our economy to grow for better opportunity of employment and development. Only with peace and tranquility there will be economic development and prosperity. We hope better sense will prevail in the state.
Dog meat, a delicacy among the tribal people... Photo/Caisii Mao Morungexpress

Naga women sell dog meat at a daily market in Dimapur on Wednesday, September 2. Dog meat, a delicacy among the tribal people, is largely eaten in Nagaland and to some extent in Mizoram. About 50 dogs are slaughtered for food everyday in this north-eastern state. (Photo/Caisii Mao)

15 children missing from Nagaland since 2007 Nagaland Page
Dimapur, September 2: Human and child trafficking has always been a center of concern for the Northeastern states, as of late, reports of young girls being trafficked on the pretext of lucrative jobs and promise of higher education, had already hit the headlines of various newspapers. Nonetheless, the alleged and reported "organized crime" by certain groups and individuals continue to thrive in this part of the country with most of the cases going unreported.
As far as Nagaland is concerned, absence of any such organization dealing with prevention of human trafficking, it has been difficult to assess the gravity of the situation. However, a Dimapur-based organization, Prodigal's Home took up the initiative and conducted a survey on missing children between January 2007 and July 2009 and found that the total reported case of missing children reach 315, out of which 230 are aged below 18 years of age.
Prodigal's Home is conducting a study on "missing children" under the aegis of Foundation of Social Transformation-Enabling NEI. As per initial findings of this NGO, 68% of the missing reports are from Dimapur, 27% from Kohima and the rest from other districts of Nagaland. While 74% of the reported missing children are non-Nagas, 26% are Naga children. 36% of the missing children are yet to be traced.
As per the organization's observation, Dimapur Police and Women Cell in particular are serious about the issue. However, Police Department and awareness by some NGOs alone is not enough to tackle the issue. The process of human trafficking is dynamic and unless various stakeholders, law enforcing agency and general public are sensitized on the issue and in the process make strategies collectively to combat this evil, ignorance and silence is paving ways for traffickers to operate without fear or hindrances, the NGO observed.
Dimapur is the only district in Nagaland connected by rail and air with other parts of our country, hence a host to a high number of people coming from outside our state with different purposes. But there is no system to check and monitor them. It has been observed that Dimapur has become a source from where women and girls are trafficked to other states, a transit where traffickers lodge and a destination where victims, both from within and outside our state, are brought in.
There may be unreported cases of women and children being trafficked from Nagaland to other parts of state/country, however some are apparent. But the legal actions meted out to the apprehended perpetrators and rehabilitation support provided to the victims is a gray area. Out of many cases these are two stories that are evident of trafficking.
Two Naga women were rescued by Women Cell Dimapur, from Pune brothel in the month of May 2008. They were trafficked at the pretext of free treatment from Guwahati Assam, however, they were taken to Pune brothel and sold as a commodity at the rate of Rs 2 lakhs for a contract of 5 years. Two minor girls from outside state were rescued by Dimapur women cell in 2008. They were trafficked by a lady who brought them on the pretext of sight seeing to Dimapur, however they were forced into sex work. One of the victims was niece of the trafficker.
While the Ministry of women and child development has a Scheme called Ujjawala: A Comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of Trafficking and Rescue, Rehabilitation and Re-integration of Victims of Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation.
Unfortunately, Nagaland has no organization comprehensively working towards this issue. Looking at the scenario of missing children, the concern government department should select competent organizations at vulnerable districts across the state and work towards asking itself some serious questions to tackle the issue, the NGO opined. (Page News Service)

Delhi CM assures protection to NE people Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Sept 3 – Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said at a press conference here that the Delhi Government would always welcome the NE people despite there being some untoward incidents like physical attacks on some of the NE people in the national capital. Dikshit, who was in the city in connection with the valedictory function of the Pragjyotish College golden jubilee celebration and initiation of a Sanaskrit academy in the college in line with the Delhi Sanaskrit Academy, was replying to a question from the newsmen.

She informed the newsmen that the Central sector Delhi University was working on a plan to set up a hostel for its girls students hailing from the NE region. The foundation stone of the hostel has already been laid and it is expected to come up soon. However, the other Delhi-based universities are not thinking in that line, she said.

The Delhi Police is also taking actions against those found guilty in the incidents of atrocities against the NE students, she said.

Later, addressing the concluding function of the Pragjyotish College golden jubilee celebration at the Machkhowa Pragjyoti ITA Centre for Performing Arts, she invited the students of this part of the country to Delhi, saying, “I invite you to Delhi. It is your Delhi. Assam is a loving part of India.”

Supreme Court Judge Dr Mukundakam Sarma, son of the founder principal of Pragjyotish College, said in the function that Dikshit has the concern for the well-being of the NE students studying in Delhi. The Delhi High Court had also opened a cell to help the Delhi-based NE students.

The Delhi Government and Police are also extending help to the NE students. As a result of all such efforts, he said, number of incidents of harassment on the NE students in Delhi has now come down considerably.

On the issue of presence of Bangladesh nationals in Delhi, she said that the Delhi Government was facing no problem in tackling the issue. Moreover, she said, “We have no tension with these people.”


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