[Previous entry: "Swu suffers heart attack, but stable OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"] [Next entry: "NPMHR reaffirms right to unity of Nagas Eastern Mirror"]

09/07/2009: "There must be another way to a confident future Kuolachalie Seyie Morung"

There must be another way to a confident future Kuolachalie Seyie Morung

The problem of these times is perhaps most aptly summed up in the words of former Yugoslavian Vice President, Milovan Djalas: “We are living today in tomorrow’s world with yesterday’s ideas.” Our attitudes bear on our now and tomorrow. We are too quick at creating problems by not guarding our identity and culture and not respecting genuine leadership but prompt to follow the negative and misguided leaders, becoming stumbling blocks to positive change be it in infrastructural development, moral, economic or Christian values and even capacity building in our land. This is one of the reasons for the nightmarish proportions of our multiple problems and our problems are never solved. A return to the primal truths is needed, and to correct our perspective we must seek first the kingdom of God. The spiritual area which, sadly, we often neglect is the storehouse that will take care of our myriad problems of body and mind, our social, economic, political and infrastructural needs. Often we keep just out of the reach of relief by our stubborn refusal to reconcile with God and others.
Today’s’ society seems to be under famine of truth, trust, harmony and justice. We hide behind a façade of arrogance and shortcuts of drawing money doing practically nothing behaving as if we can not survive without a Government job. As such too many people chasing very few Government posts followed by fighting and rampant corruption. Thus the limited Government posts have become degraded to the level of cheap resort to the flocking masses. This surely is no way to a confident future for our youth to live in dignity, peace and harmony To diagnose and acknowledge a problem is the first step towards its solution. To quote G. K. Chesterton, “It is not that they do not see the solution, it is that they do not see the problem.” Landrum Bolling further says, “There are no hopeless situations but only hopeless men.” Hopeless people are our problems.
The most important factor to nurture a people is to nurture its ‘human element’ which has to be drawn in the right direction at all costs. The Chinese word for ‘crisis’ is represented by two characters – danger and opportunity. A cultured people will turn any crisis into opportunity but an opportunity unwisely handled can turn into a crisis and nightmare. A nation’s vision and thinking must first be monitored in order to salvage its cities and towns and to begin to consider another way to build a secure future where harmony, trust, justice, honesty, love and care for one another prevail.
‘Man is a reed (grass) but he is a thinking reed’ – Blaise Pascal. But selfishness, irresponsibility and greed obstruct the function and attitude of the reed. Mrs. Doe Peter Howard: “If you want anything for yourself everything goes wrong in whatever you do.” And no man can live crooked and think straight.
The vengeful divisions of clanism, tribalism and narrow mindedness have paralyzed our whole society. “At a time when we urgently need to start to develop our economy, ruthless opportunists exploit our slogans and our dividedness to enrich themselves, behaving like leeches making it impossible for our business community and entrepreneurs to create wealth”, said Niketu Iralu at his Somorendra Memorial Lecture, Imphal. I believe God doesn’t have plans to solve all our problems Himself. He gave us wisdom and power to discern between right and wrong and His plan is in us. We are the answer to fratricide and corruption, to fanatical party politics and hatred, pride and hedonism. We need to obey Him all times heeding to the pricks of our conscience. Further, it is fitting to repeat Albert Einstein here that “we cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” We have to live today embracing a broadness of thinking anticipating tomorrow’s world and not yesterday’s narrow ideas in order to have a more comprehensive and confident warm culture.
To quote Niketu Iralu again, “The problems we are wrestling with are the problems of a people who have just started their journey. This perspective is needed. We need to learn from history that problems and challenges become the common strength and wealth of a people or nation if they are clearly identified, acknowledged and tackled adequately. This challenging responsibility is always understood and accepted only by a few individuals at first. In many cases this battling to solve society’s problem by individuals can go on for years, even generations without visible results, often actively opposed by those in power and influence. But if individuals who see the roots of the problems do not give up and fight on “wanting nothing for themselves”, the soul and conscience of the public are impacted and opinion changes. Finally the tectonic shift of the society for constructive change takes place… For if we will learn to shed tears for one another we will shed less blood of one another.”
One may have great ideas for the nation and plan on paper a well-developed country with a sustainable economy and a new world order but new society has to be built with a new people; we are to be a new people. A morally corrupt man will always betray his nation.
In order that the new nation does not remain just a romantic vision, we must reorganize into a people who can trust and commit to each other. This confidence can be built in a people of strict integrity, honesty and commitment who are not swept off by immediate selfish indulgence.
“Nagaland for Christ” our favorite (Naga) declaration claims that all Nagas stand on and abide by the teachings and principles of Christ as our Lord and Saviour. It is a covenant between God and us to which we are bound without choice. How beautiful! But the question is, are we true to ourselves or are our hearts decayed and hypocritical? Let us restore and retain transparency and make “Nagaland for Christ” genuine and a blessing. If not it becomes for us a curse.
Let us practise kindness and sympathy on one another, forgive each other in Christ just as God forgave that others may see in us a clear-visioned people rooted in the true God.
My good denizens, to do nothing is not an option. As a society we cannot find healing and a just and stable future if we neglect the pain and abuse and suffering of the other. We the leaders must not allow ourselves to become numb to the injustice in our midst as rightly pointed by Shiv Khera that the society is never destroyed by the rascals but the inactivity of good people. We must not remain doing nothing. Let us rise up for justice without which there can be no real peace and harmony. Our common humanity is degraded and traumatized when any of us are treated as less than human.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn of Russia: “The lie may come into the world and even dominate it, but not through me.” Let us make the right beginning with this declaration of Alexander so that trust and harmony germinates and seeps through the crevices of our society bringing forth “another way to build a confident future.” The building of a nation begins in the family. God’s eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step. To build a confident future, we have to be careful in small things. God blesses you for every little good thing you do. So also the Devil is in details to pull you down beginning with little things where you are weak and unaware.
We are living in a society experiencing an increasing number of broken families. Exclamations such as ‘my son is into drugs’; ‘my daughter is in bad company’; ‘pray for my alcoholic husband’, etc. are common cry. An errant member of the family drives the whole family to madness.
A paradigm shift from shortcut and get-rich-quick mentality to a practical approach of self-reliance, hard work, humility, dedication and commitment is the urgent call. Take full advantage of the faith that God sees your every step and cares for your every step. All things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. The message of the cross is foolishness for those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God that gives us a confident future. Change is possible though never easy, and positive effort is always rewarded with worthy fruit.
Nagaland Peace Centre observes thanksgiving service Morung
Kohima | September 6 : The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC),Kohima today observed Thanksgiving Service here in commemoration of peace day on the occasion of the 45th Ceasefire Anniversary. Speaking on the occasion at the service held at its office, the NPC chairman N Theyo called upon the members to rededicate “ourselves to the cause of peace in Nagaland.”
“Nagas fought with the mighty power of Indian Army for 10 years from 1954-1964. They fought for independent Nagaland. They suffered untold hardship and misery braving disease and starvation in the jungle,” Theyo said adding that many innocent common people died during the Indian Army operation against Naga freedom fighters. “This is the outcome of violence encountered by Nagas. Important thing is that they fought unitedly to achieve their goal,” he said.
He also stated that democratic nation like India, in their political magnanimity, recognised the entity of Nagas and with great sympathy and patience recognised as one entity which had led to signing of a ceasefire agreement with the Federal Government of Nagaland.
“Hence the gun culture stopped and peace talk started to find its way for a solution to the Naga political issue. Nagas had golden opportunity to speak their national right before the highest political leaders of India in New Delhi and on many occasions. This was a historic event and should be remembered by the present and future generation also. Nagas, whether overground or underground, former freedom fighters or present national workers, should realise the importance of this moment and should move forward to seize such opportunity,” he said.
Also stating that peace is the reality of the event enjoyed by the Nagas as a whole, NPC chairman said “The Peace Centre which gives us an opportunity to speak and work for peace not only for Nagas working and living in Nagaland but also the nature of peace we talk about is global.”
He also stated that the members can build peace in the minds and hearts of the people so that people can understand the value of peace and its importance on the life of human beings.
Theyo also said that peace agreement is made between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) in 1997 and with NSCN (K) in 2001.
Theyo said the peace move is supported at all levels of political parties, churches and the people including the state government of Nagaland.
“Peace is an ancient concept. It is also a modern need. Peace is an age-old aspiration of man. ‘Peace on earth, goodwill towards man’ was proclaimed so many centuries ago. Peace is a service to all people for happiness and freedom and justice,” he said adding that Naga people believe in certain values and violence and materialism are not their way of life.
“We believe in Christian values. We also believe in democratic values,” he added. Later, a responsive reading was led by NPC executive director Lhusi Haralu.
Naga peace package to be ready by November STAFF WRITER PTI
New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) Aiming at putting an end to the six-decade-old Naga insurgency, the Centre is trying to bring all underground and tribal groups of Nagaland under a single roof and hammer out a new political and economic solution acceptable to all.

The package, which will be ready and placed before the Naga groups by November, includes financial largesse, greater devolution of powers, special steps for the protection of Naga culture and heritage besides others.

"Under the Indian Constitution, there are many issues, currently with the Centre, which could be given to the states.

We are looking into these powers which could be offered as part of the package," a top Home Ministry official said.

However, the Centre is cautious that such a move does not disrupt the federal structure of the country but encourages other insurgent groups to come to the negotiating table.
Is Nagaland disaster management poor? morungexpress
Dimapur, September 5 (MExN): While the northeast region remains on high alert about an impending major earthquake, the state of preparedness of government machineries in Nagaland remains uncertain. Some officials in the Geology & Mining department are lamenting that the state is giving more attention only to the post-disaster management agencies.
Although there have been mock drills and practices in the past, it is not clear whether the government can handle a major disaster as has been reported that Nagaland is not fully prepared for it and that there are no machineries to meet exigencies.
While not undermining the post-disaster management agency, a senior official in the Geology & Mining department, speaking over phone, said the government should also give some attention to the pre-disaster management department. It is the one agency which tries to prevent natural calamities in the state. Saying that the department has enough manpower, the official however pointed out that there is a need for “knowledge upgradation” and more funds so the department can purchase equipments and tools that can monitor and predict earthquakes.
Another official in the department, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there is no instrument that can exactly predict the date, time and place where an earthquake would occur. However he said there are some methods such as studying animal behaviour and monitoring seismic activities that can to some extent warn of an earthquake. But to do that, the department needs funds and other logistical support. That way, experts in the department can be trained on the needful aspects.
“They (the state government) are ready for post-earthquake, they may be ready. Looking from the different seminars and exercises, we assume that they are ready,” the official said, “but with regard to pre-disaster, there is nothing.”
Saying that prevention is better than cure, the official advised that the government should give more attention to pre-disaster management, so that precautionary measures can be taken with regard to natural calamities which would ultimately cut down the cost human and property loses. It may be mentioned here that the department of Geology & Mining is the pre-disaster management department and it has set up 3 V-SAT systems, that can detect any seismic movements at Yaongyimsen (Mokokchung), Tseminyu in Kohima district and Pfutsero at Phek district, with the help of NEIST in Jorhat.
Talk Naga issue without fear: Imchen
Font size:
morungexpress

Dimapur, September 7 (MExN): Nagaland Home Minister Imkong Imchen today made a significant statement that the Naga political problem should be discussed with openness and without fear. In a statement today Imchen echoed the popular but unspoken trepidation of the people about openly discussing an issue as touchy as the Naga “political” problem.
The Home minister issued a statement today in response to criticism of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee earlier that he had ‘completely gone out of track’ on the Naga political issue. The NPCC had accused him of making statements a constitutionally instated leader was not expected to make. He was criticized for saying that the political talks were ‘outside the constitution of India.’
Responding to the criticisms, the Home minister said in particular that political parties should broach the topic without fear. “According to me, the Naga political issue has to be discussed and shared by every political party as well as leaders with sincerity and with openness without any fear or favor but with seriousness and determination,” Imchen said. The Home minister said the political parties and leaders ‘do not contribute much of their ideas and proposals to the expected level.’
He was of the opinion that every political party in Nagaland “especially during election” publishes a manifesto committing to the Naga people and the Naga political issue and a solution to it. “However, after the election results are over they do not kept their commitments as per their manifesto” the minister said in his urging to discuss the issue without fear or favor.
Imchen also clarified to the criticism of the Congress about his contextualizing the Naga talks as being held ‘outside the parameters of the constitution of India.’ He said the political talks are currently ‘going on’ outside the parameters of the constitution of India exploring ‘as to how and what are the items to be agreed upon by both the parties.’
“Only after such decisions arrived at, it shall be legislated in the Parliament and incorporated in the constitution of India. The talk about within and outside the constitution of India at this point of time is totally premature and unrealistic,” minister Imchen stated. It was for this reason, Imchen stated, that he had said that the talks were ‘going on’ outside the constitution of India ‘only to be incorporated later on when agreed by both the parties. ‘…There is nothing wrong of what I have stated on that day as far as constitutional propriety is concerned,’ he added.
The Home minister then took a jib at the NPCC demanding his stepping down from the state chair over the remark. He said the Congress’ demand is “quite natural,” on the part of the NPCC to “ask resignation, step-down, dismiss etc.” “Perhaps I will not disappoint them for not resigning from the Council of Minister,” he quipped in response to the NPCC.

Controversial CNP find no takers from major Naga groups Nagaland page

Common Naga Platform under divisive glare
Dimapur, September 6: The controversy over the formation of the much-hyped Common Naga Platform (CNP) on July 4 last under the initiative of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Government of Nagaland in consequent to the resolutions adopted in a State sponsored Naga Consultative meet from March 5 to 7, 2009, refuses to die down with the NSCN (IM) now opposing the formation of the platform.
The CNP was formed with the claimed objective of negotiating with India in "one Naga voice" for the best interest of the Naga political issue and its solution. Reportedly the platform was formed to pursue "one dream, one future" for the Nagas.
Earlier the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and the NSCN (K) have also opposed the CNP formation terming it as detrimental to the ongoing peace and reconciliation process.
Incidentally all the three major Naga National groups opposed to the CNP - the NSCN/GPRN, the GPRN/NSCN and the FGN - are involved in a so far successful reconciliation process under the initiative of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). These 3 groups have signed a Covenant of Reconciliation in June 2009 pledging to work together in the spirit of love, non-violence, peace and respect to resolve all outstanding issue.
Coming out against the CNP, the NSCN (IM) today declared that it would stay away from the platform.
"The NSCN/GPRN expresses its strong skepticism on the proposal 'Naga Common Platform' and its objective and therefore, shall stay away from it," said a statement issued by its MIP/GPRN.
Earlier the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) had on July 23 last came down heavily against the CNP saying instead of being helpful it (CNP) is detrimental to the peace and reconciliation process. It also declared that the FGN would not be a party to the platform.
Similarly the NSCN (K) had on August 1 last alleged that formation of the CNP was an attempt to "incapacitate and neutralize" the ongoing Naga Reconciliation process initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
"Plainly speaking another high sounding platform is nothing more than a small Indian political party's policy to incapacitate and neutralize Naga reconciliation process," the GPRN/NSCN had said.
In the statement issued today, the NSCN (IM) said every Naga has a different role to play in the struggle for political liberation according to what profession he/she chooses. The problem arises only when the people in the different profession chooses to play another's role, like in 1960 when the Nagaland People's Convention (NPC) stepped out of its way and signed the 16-Point Agreement with India, which opened a new chapter of discord and bloodshed among the Nagas, it said.
Making it very clear that Nagas are undivided and unequivocal in their stand for the national liberation, the NSCN (IM) said any settlement either with India or Burma at the cost of Naga national principles will not bring lasting peace but trigger more bloodshed.
"In 1975 the representatives of the Federal Government of Nagaland signed the Shillong Accord, accepting the Indian Constitution and surrendered all arms brought, at the cost of great human sufferings and loss of lives, from the friendly foreign countries. People's aspiration was betrayed and a vertical split took place in the Naga national movement and bloody confrontations ensued," it pointed out.
Past experiences shows us that Naga people shall never surrender their birth right at the feet of any nation and no vested interest shall be allowed to make a mess in the Naga national issue, it said.
The NSCN/GPRN also seriously questioned "the association of Naga Hoho with the ongoing 'Naga Common Platform' and its objective, saying the credibility social organization like Naga Hoho is at stake.
It can be recalled that the Opposition Congress in Nagaland had stayed away from the Naga Consultative meet saying the Political Affairs Committee of the DAN is only a political affairs committee representing 2/3 political parties and not representative of all political parties in the state. (Page News Service)

Shillong Accord is a peace accord, not political treaty Nagaland page


Dimapur, September 6: The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has maintained that the Shillong Accord is not a Political Treaty but a Peace Accord since the signatories were made to sign, under extraordinary situation of military pressure, on a readymade document in Shillong not in their official capacity but as representatives of underground organizations, not by the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), nor Naga National Council (NNC).
"By acceptance of the Federal President, Zashei Huire's statement by Governor Lalan Prasad Singh, Representative of India, which was submitted in Shillong on January 3, 1976, turned the Indo-Naga conflict being justified in the right direction," said I Temjenba Lkr, Tatar, FGN on Sunday during the thanksgiving service of the 46th Indo-Naga Cease-fire Day at the Chedema Peace Camp.
Recounting the start of the armed aggression against Nagaland by India upto the signing of the ceasefire, the FGN Tatar lamented that after 46 years India is contemplating to confuse the world about the Indo-Naga conflict. "We are closely following the Government of India recent statements on Nagaland, still evading the core issue of the conflict but appear to throw a tantalising offer to anti-Nagaland proxy militia group," he said.
In our long search for peace, we have encountered many ups and downs but throughout the years of armed conflict in Nagaland our people have ceaselessly prayed to the Almighty for peace and understanding and we know that through the earnest prayers of many men and women God in His mercy has granted some measures of peace which is with us today. Nevertheless, we have yet to attain permanent peace, which will be possible only through peaceful solution of the Indo-Naga conflict, and to this end we shall continue to strive. Violence brings hatred and destruction whereas peace brings love, understanding and progress, the FGN Tatar maintained.
He also asserted that the Peace Day celebration is a reminder of wartime days lest the younger generation forgets their origin, and neglects to give life to their root.
"This reminder is to caution us to what a war can bring to a country in the absence of peaceful means," he added. (Page News Service)


Story behind the 6th September Black Day Nagaland Page
On the 14th August 1960 the Naga Army attacked the Assam Rifle out-post at Thuda (Phor village) in Pochury area. The attack was undertaken by the Eastern Command’s 1st Brigade under the command of Major General Zuheto, along-with the then 4th battalion of Pochury Region under the command of Lt. Colonel Thorpa. The monsoon was at its height during the time and all the major rivers like Tizu, Lanye and Thethsii were in full spate. The attack was launched after destroying all the six bridges on all the rivers. This was done to stop reinforcement from reaching the besieged army post.
As the attack continued into the thirteenth day ammunitions on both sides were running short and on several occasions the Indian Air Force plane tried to drop relief material and ammunitions but were prevented by the Naga Army. At the same time the Indian Air Force jet fighters strafed the attacker’s positions.
An Indian transport plane (Dakota) trying to drop relief materials and ammunitions to the besieged post was shot down by the Naga Army on the 14th day of the siege and crash landed at Zathsii, a paddy field of Meluri village. The Naga Army captured all the 9 (nine) airmen including Flt. Lt. A. S. Singh. This led to a heavy army operation in Pochury area by the Indian Army, who were in the mission to search and rescue the captured airmen-none of whom were ever tortured but were later set free through the Red Cross. In the process of the army operations to rescue the airmen many villages were burnt down and untold atrocities and tortures were inflicted upon the villagers.
On 1st September 1960, 6 (six) villagers from Phor village were tortured to death, their names are as follows:
1. Lt. Türachu, Village Chief 2. Lt. Yutsüchu, Pastor 3. Lt. Chüpuchu DB
4 Lt. Yitüchu GB 5. Lt. Türüchu GB 6. Lt. Müghazu GB
Again on September 3, 1960 another 3 (three) villagers from Yisi village were beaten to death, their names are as follows:
1. Lt. Mazu GB 2. Lt. Throchu 3. Lt. Mazu RP
Two villagers from Mokie village were also beaten to death.
1. Lt. Yichühu
2. Lt. Nyupuchu.
In Laruri village, Lt. Lingsang was buried alive after severe beating.
Lt. Nyukhrüsüh and Lt. Rhorüpa of Meluri village were beaten severely and after which, their heads were chopped-off.
Two villages, namely Tsiküzo and Küluopfü, were abandoned due to tortures and humiliations meted out by the Indian army.
On 6th September 1960, the Punjab Regiment posted at Kangjang village reached Matikhrii village around 10:00 A.M. The entire village was encircled in three rings and all the villagers were ordered to gather in one place. Men-folks were separated from women and children.
All the men were made to keep jumping and do sit-ups, for more than 5 hours in the scorching sun, naked. Any signs of tiredness were met with kicks and hits with rifle butts. Then just before sun-set, the India army not satisfied with the punishment meted out to the villagers, rounded them up inside the Village Chief’s house and were forced to sit heads down like a lamb being lead to its slaughter. Lt. Thah, the then Village Chief, knowing what was in store for them bravely volunteered to sacrifice. He stood bravely for the Naga cause even to his last breathe and said “IT’S A MAN’S PRIDE. NO SURRENDER, NO COMPROMISE FOR OUR BIRTH RIGHT. THIS SACRIFICE IS TO PROTECT OUR FREEDOM. I SHALL GLADLY LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR THE NAGA FUTURE GENERATION.” Then an Indian army jawan, holding a blunt Dao Chopped-off the head of Lt. Pogholo, who was first in the line. Witnessing the brutality and horror in front of their eyes and knowing that all of them were going to be killed, one of the villagers managed to escape the execution forcefully. Then one after another, heads rolled down, separated from the bodies, and in the event a total of nine lives were lost. Their names are as follows:
1. Lt. Thah 2. Lt. Pogholo 3. Lt. Mezitso
4. Lt. Pongoi 5. Lt. Eyetshü 6. Lt. Zasituo
7. Lt. Thitu 8. Lt. Kekhwezu 9. Lt. Kezükhwelo
The Indian army did not even allow the loved ones to perform last rites and rituals for the dead. All the dead bodies were dump inside the village chief house and were burnt down to ashes along with the other houses and granaries.
The women and children who had fled to the jungle to evade the horror and torture of Indian Army came back the next morning to find the whole village burnt down to ashes. Lt. Thitu who narrowly escaped from the execution was found by his wife Mrs. Rhiitariih with three cuts on the neck, stomach slashed and intestines thrown out. He quoted “LOVE, TELL MY BELOVED CHILDREN THE SACRIFICE I BEAR FOR THEM AND I AM WAITING TO DIE IN YOUR LAPS WITH A CUP OF WATER” and after drinking, he breathed his last. Another victim Lt. Zasituo, traveling Pastor, was also found almost dead with multiple injuries on the chest and neck. Not long after, he died. Then the horrified women and children with no means simply covered the death bodies with mud and left for the jungles fearing the Indian army might turn up any time.
For days together, the survivors wandered in the deep jungle without proper food and shelter. The wild berries and fruits of the jungle were their only food and means of survival. The only comfort and encouragement they could give to each other was the knowledge of glorious sacrifice made by their men-folks. The wild animals and birds of the jungle were their only companions, besides themselves. In extreme conditions of hardships and difficulty, many more precious lives were lost.
The Naga Army then came to their rescue. They were given food, shelter and protection. Even today, the nightmares and tragedy of the incident still remains fresh in the mind of the survivors. In this long dispersion and exodus, the survivors entered Burma and stayed with the Naga Army in their camp at Sathi where Gavin Young of London Observer met them in the later part of 1961. In his book “Indo-Naga War”, he has written in page 29-30 that when he met the survivors, there were only a pathetic thirty people. They spent their life in the wilderness for two and half years. In 1963, village re-establishment took place but normal live could not be restored for many years.
The people of Pochury have then observed 6th September as “BLACK DAY” in memory of all those who had suffered and laid-down their lives for the greater glory and freedom of the Nagas. It is a day of sadness and a day to acknowledge the sacrifice made by the martyrs.
Pochury Hoho, Kohima
Courtesy of Pochury Students Union
Nagaland
From New World Encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Previous (Naga)
Next (Nagarjuna)
?Nagaland
India





Kohima

Coordinates: 25°24′N 94°05′E / 25.4, 94.08

Time zone
IST (UTC+5:30)

Area 16,579 km² (6,401 sq mi)
Capital Kohima
Largest city Dimapur
District(s) 11
Population
• Density 1,988,636 (24th)
• 120 /km² (311 /sq mi)
Language(s) English
Governor Kateekal Sankaranarayanan
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio
Established 1963-12-01
Legislature (seats) Unicameral (60)
ISO abbreviation IN-NL
Website: nagaland.nic.in


Seal of Nagaland
Coordinates: 25°24′N 94°05′E / 25.4, 94.08 Nagaland (Hindi: नागालैंड) is a state of India located in the far north-eastern part of the country. It borders the states of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh to the north, and Manipur to the south. It also contains India's border with Myanmar to the east. The state capital of Nagaland is Kohima, while the largest city is Dimapur. The state has a population of nearly two million people, and a total land area of 16,579 km, making it one of the smallest states in India. Nagaland, along with the other states in India's northeast, has a culture that is quite distinct from the rest of mainland India, leading all of the northeast's states to have the nickname, "The Seven Sister States" due to their cultural separation from the rest of India.
Nagaland has played a crucial role in the development of the Republic of India. A mountain tribal people with a history of fierce independence and love of freedom, the Nana tribes embraced the teaching of British Baptist missionaries. As has happened elsewhere, in China and Africa, the loose organizational structure led to a rapid growth of the Baptist community in Nagaland. Traditionally animist, and within the sphere of Tibetan Buddhism's historical influence, 90 percent of the Nana tribes of Nagaland accepted Christianity, most of those Baptists. The Baptist love of freedom and independence fit well with the two million people of Nagaland's love of freedom and independence. The Baptist faith has transformed Nagaland's culture in a unique way compared to other states in India, where Hinduism, Islam, or Buddhism has been the main cultural shaping force.
Is end of insurgency in Nagaland in sight? : Special Correspondent Sentinel
SILCHAR, Sept 7: “There has been some noted progress in talks between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) with Padmanabhaiah as the interlocutor”, hinted Naga leadership at Kohima. It, at the same time, refuted the allegations that it was harbouring and helping other militant outfits of the neighbouring States. In fact, the ground situation in Nagaland has fast changed with the public outcry for peace, a campaign being launched by Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers’ Association and other front ranking NGOs. Along with that comes the growing disillusionment among ranks and files of both the factions of NSCN- (IM) and (Khaplang).
After the last round of talks at Amsterdam between the GOI and NSCN (IM), the signal that emerged indicated that “positive moves are there for finding an amicable solution to the six-decade-old Naga issue.” Union Home Ministry monitoring the situation in Nagaland has noted marked improvement as the warring factions of Naga outfits have shown restraint of late in observing ground rules and ceasefire agreements bringing down illegal activities like extortions, kidnapping and fatricidal killings.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio appealed to all militant groups to honour people’s growing aspiration for peace and create a congenial atmosphere for the success of the peace-process.
Padmanabhaiah, according to reports from national capital, was behind the preparation of draft for agreement for taking a firm stand on the issue to arrive at a just and honourable solution, acceptable to both the parties. His role like that of Swaraj Kaushal, former interlocutor, has been appreciated by NSCN (IM) leadership. But, it is to be recalled that Kaushal’s unintentional statement on extending ceasefire between the Central Government and NSCN (IM) anywhere in India and beyond led to mass agitation in Manipur.
The then Chief Ministers of Asom and Arunachal Pradesh, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Mukut Mithi, reacted angrily saying, “extension of ceasefire beyond Nagaland will mean legitimatizing the claim of Naga outfits on our land”.
As a true statesman, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister, understood its grave implications and invited the Chief Ministers of the three States concerned to seek their opinion on the issue who gave a firm “no” to part with even an inch of their territory.
The peace-package as a first step, according to indications, lays stress on bringing all the extremist groups operating in Nagaland on one platform for working out the modalities and implementation of the scheme. Former Union Minister Oscar Fernandez is currently playing a vital role in this regard. The package strives for political and economic solution. If everything goes well, the peace accord might become a reality by the end of this year.
Indications available suggest that any solution will be within the Constitution and federal structure of the country.
The package includes enough funds for development, enactment of laws for protecting the identity, interests, culture and tradition of Nagas.
Provision would be made to provide greater autonomy and more powers for administrative expediency. On the other contentious issues of separate currency and independent foreign policy, no hint is available. The most vexed issue of Nagalim calls for a cautious approach by the centre without disturbing the territorial integrity of Asom, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
Prelude to a Civil War? By HARN YAWNGHWE

Many were surprised by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) attack against the Kokang forces.

Some had been so preoccupied with the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi that they were not even aware of the impending crisis. Others could not understand why the Burmese military would turn against their allies who have had a cease-fire agreement for more than 20 years.

Yet others thought that the Burma Army would never dare to incur the wrath of China. After all, had the Chinese not, in June, requested Vice-Snr-Gen Maung Aye to maintain stability on the border? This development was especially surprising to those who were convinced that Burma is a client state of China.

This failure to anticipate events underscores the weakness of the Burmese democracy movement, in particular, and the international community, in general.

We have often failed to understand the strategy and plans of the ruling military government. We have looked at their actions through our own prisms and misinterpreted their intentions. We have tended to see SPDC pronouncements as propaganda and have not paid enough attention to what it is planning to do.

Nobody is happy with military rule in Burma so we dismiss the SPDC “road map” to democracy and its constitution. But how many of us have actually studied the constitution in detail, not to criticize it, but to see how the military actually plans to implement its “road map” policies and how we can use its plans to our advantage?

In 2004, the SPDC announced the “road map,” and last year it announced plans for an election in 2010. We were outraged when the referendum was held two weeks after Cyclone Nargis had devastated the delta and Rangoon. We would not have been surprised had we realized that Snr-Gen Than Shwe takes the “road map” seriously.

He will not allow anything to stand in its way. A series of recent events has also taken some of us unaware¬he release of U Win Tin; the first ever post-1990 congress of the National League for Democracy (NLD); Aung San Suu Kyi’s trial, the unseasonable attack on the Karen National Union; the attack on Kokang and now possibly an attack on the Wa.

These seem to be the random acts of a paranoid and unpredictable leader¬he image we like to portray of Snr-Gen Than Shwe. But in reality, all these events have a common goal: the success of the 2010 elections. They are the rational outworking of a well-calculated and orchestrated operation plan of the SPDC.

The proposal to the ethnic cease-fire groups to transform themselves into Border Guard Forces (BGF) under the control of the Burma army is also an attempt to clear the decks before the 2010 elections. It was meant to either provoke the cease-fire groups to reject the proposal and be destroyed or frighten them into submission and acceptance of the SPDC road map.

It is clear that the BGF proposal was a provocation. This is because during the past 20 years, nothing of this matter was ever discussed with the cease-fire groups. They were told they could keep their arms and could negotiate with the newly elected government on the political terms they wanted.

Suddenly, in April they were told they had until October 2009 to decide. Analyzing the ceasefires, it is clear that the SPDC never meant to negotiate. The plan was to stop hostile action, provide incentives to entice individual commanders to split from the main groups and slowly weaken the ethnic groups to the point where they could be easily eliminated.

The cease-fire groups cannot accept the BGF because it is actually a plan to destroy the groups by attrition. But if they refuse to accept the proposal, they will be destroyed now, before the elections. The Kokang (MNDAA), the Wa (UWSA) and the Mongla (NDAA) groups rejected the BGF proposal and also refused to accept the SPDC’s road map and constitution. They do not want any changes. Therefore, if nothing changes, the SPDC will move against the UWSA and the NDAA. Which group will be attacked first will depend on the tactical advantage.

What about China? Is the SPDC not beholden to China? The short answer is¬no. Whatever we may think about the SPDC, the Burma Army is very proud of the fact that it is “patriotic.” The SPDC has never danced to the tune of a foreign power. It has, rather, made foreign powers big and small dance to its tune. Since the SPDC has been largely ostracized internationally, it has had to depend on China.

But it was never happy about it. When Burma was discussed at the UN Security Council and it had to depend even more on China, the SPDC began to cultivate Russia, so that it would not be at China’s mercy. But Snr-Gen Than Shwe’s problem was solved when John Yettaw decided to take a swim. He enabled the SPDC to ensure that Aung San Suu Kyi would have no role in the election, and he also enabled Than Shwe to raise the stakes and create a direct link with the Obama administration.

This in turn gave Than Shwe the card he needed to ignore China’s wishes and move against the Kokang and Wa.

If Snr-Gen Than Shwe’s calculations are correct, the SPDC will be able to wipe out the Wa and Mongla groups, and the 2010 elections can be held on a less contentious playing field according to schedule.

The unpredictable factor, of course, is how much resistance the Wa army will offer. And what the reaction of the other cease-fire groups will be. Some like the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the New Mon State Party (NMSP) are in the process of negotiating with the SPDC over the BGF issue.

Other groups like the KNU and the Shan State Army (South) are watching closely to see how the battle develops. If Than Shwe’s calculations are wrong, Burma could face a period of serious instability and the 2010 elections will be jeopardized.

But on the other hand, the SPDC may have decided that the elections could actually lead to democratization, and it is trying to create a pretext to postpone the elections indefinitely.

Harn Yawnghwe is executive director of the Brussels-based Euro-Burma Office.