Nagalim.NL News

Home » Archives » September 2009 » Naga Hoho-ENPO uphold unity spirit Eastern Mirror

[Previous entry: "NSCN (I-M) censures Manipur Rifles’ action (NPN):"] [Next entry: "No dialogue with Delhi till Nagas unite’ Eric Machieo Morung Express"]

09/13/2009: "Naga Hoho-ENPO uphold unity spirit Eastern Mirror"



Naga Hoho-ENPO uphold unity spirit Eastern Mirror

DIMAPUR, SEPT 12 (EMN): The Naga Hoho and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), in a meeting, resolved to continue to uphold the spirit for Naga Reconciliation, Unity and Peace while keeping in mind the desire of the Nagas for a peaceful solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue.

A joint statement released today reminded that the two apex bodies, addressing the need to cooperate with one another in all common interest and issues, had met for the first time after a gap of more than ten long years on April 7, 2008, at Dimapur. As a follow up process, another joint consultative meeting of the Naga Hoho and ENPO was held on September 7 last at Kohima along with some tribal presidents from the ENPO unit.
The meeting discussed ‘threadbare’ the question of Naga unity while other political and social problems were also deliberated thoroughly, it was informed. The resolution to uphold the spirit of reconciliation was taken understanding the paramount necessity and responsibility to work cohesively under the same roof for a healthier future free from fear, the joint statement said. Both organisations also agreed to meet periodically to strengthen relationship and mutual respect amongst all Naga tribes.
The joint statement was appended by Naga Hoho president and general secretary Keviletuo Kiewhuo and P Chuba Ozukum and ENPO vice president and general secretary A Chingmak and Toshi Wungtong.
Kuki Inpi sends missive to PM, UN TNN
Oinam Sunil, GUWAHATI: Even as the Centre is preparing a fresh roadmap to bring an end to the decades-old Naga problem with a new set of offers, the Kukis
have tried to internationalize "the attacks by Naga militants on the Kuki tribe in the Nineties" and termed the NSCN (I-M) a "terrorist organization".

Kuki Inpi, the apex body of Kukis in the North-East, has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to solve their problem first before going ahead with any settlement with the NSCN (I-M). What made the Kukis' move all the more significant is that a copy Kuki Inpi's letter to the PM was also sent to UN Secretary General and the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, trying to drag the NSCN (I-M) to the international forum.

The Kuki Inpi blamed NSCN (IM) for "killing hundreds of people belonging to the (Kuki) community in Manipur and Nagaland between 1992 and 1997". It said over 900 Kuki tribals, including women and children, have been killed during the period by the Nagalim guards, an NSCN (I-M) sponsored militant outfit.

Over 360 Kuki villages in Manipur were burnt down and uprooted and about 100,000 Kukis were internally displaced.

A fight over land in Manipur led to a bloody ethnic clashes for five long years and claimed over 2,000 lives.

The R K Dorendra Singh-led Congress government was dismissed and the state was placed under President's Rule on December 31, 1993, in the wake of escalation in the Naga-Kuki

clashes.

Kuki Inpi wants the Centre to solve Kuki problem first as a pre-requisite to any settlement with the NSCN (I-M). "If the Kuki problem is not settled first, the Centre should be responsible for what will follow in the future," it added.

Saying it's not too late to solve the Kuki problem, the Kuki Inpi said the Centre should first restore all the Kuki villages that have been uprooted. It also demanded settlement of all the one lakh displaced Kukis in their original areas.

Observers say that the Kuki Inpi's move "is very wise" because restoring of any uprooted Kuki villages in Manipur will directly hit the NSCN (I-M)'s demand for "Greater Nagalim".

Many areas of the "Greater Nagalim", as demanded by the Naga rebels, in Manipur were once settled by the Kukis.Today, the Kukis are an unhappy lot with the Centre for allegedly ignoring their problems and going ahead with the NSCN (I-M) talks.

The Kuki Inpi said over 60 memoranda have been submitted to Central leaders, including the President and the PM, but in vain.

According to the organization, all trouble began on October 22, 1992 when the United Naga Council of Manipur served a quit notice on the Kukis, leading to the bloody ethnic clashes.
NSCN (IM) concerned by Assam-Nagaland border skirmish (Page News Service)

Dimapur, September 12: The NSCN (IM) has expressed concerned over the sporadic misunderstandings in the border areas between Nagaland and Assam, disturbing the age-old cordial relationship between the Ahoms and the Nagas.
"The Nagas and the Ahoms had no boundary misunderstanding in the past. We lived in peaceful coexistence with one another. But the arrival of new settlers in the plain area of Ahom-land gradually created problems over land, one after another. The emergence of newly Indian states further widened the misunderstanding which continues unresolved till today," said a statement issued by its MIP, NSCN/GPRN.
The NSCN (IM) also blamed the ineffectiveness of both state governments of Assam and Nagaland coupled with the divisive policy of the Government of India towards this region, which it said led to bloody confrontation between the two neighbors in the recent past.
Asserting that it would be unwise on the part of the people in the border areas of Assam to settle the issue with Nagas through confrontation, the NSCN (IM) said the Nagas believe in peaceful resolution to any issues and cordial coexistence between the neighbors.
4 jawans die in ambush OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Security forces on high alert after the ambush in Imphal East district on Saturday. (PTI)
Imphal, Sept. 12: Four India Reserve Battalion personnel were killed and four wounded in an ambush on a hilly road in Manipur’s Imphal East district this morning.
Fourteen jawans of the A and B companies of the 6th IRB, deployed at Maphou dam on the tri-junction of Imphal East, Thoubal and Ukhrul districts, were moving in a Gypsy and a bullet-proof truck when they came under heavy fire from militants sitting atop Ngakha hill.
The attack came as the vehicles were negotiating a corner, 10km from the dam site, around 10.30am. The militants used rocket launchers, lethod guns and other sophisticated weapons to target the vehicles.
Rifleman Yumnam Sanayaima, who survived the attack, said, “About 100 militants occupying the upper portion of the hills fired at us. We retaliated and the exchange of fire continued for an hour. But we were far outnumbered.”
He said the militants first fired two rocket launchers. The first one exploded after hitting the rear portion of the truck, which was following the Gypsy. The second rocket failed to explode.
“I suddenly heard a loud explosion and our bullet-proof vehicle shook. Realising we were under attack, some of us tried to come out of the vehicle from the front portion but were injured in the militant firing,” he added.
Sanayaima is undergoing treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences here along with the three other riflemen — Khuraijam Gandhi, Yengkhom Surchandra and Gaingamlung Rongmei. The doctors said they were out of danger.
The deceased have been identified as riflemen Khangembam Nanda, Amuchou Singh, Vicky Singh and Ashing.
The police said the personnel were bringing a sick jawan here for treatment when they were ambushed.
The survivors said they retaliated till the ammunition was exhausted. The militants snatched an Insas rifle, an AK-47 rifle and a self-loading rifle before retreating into the hills.
The police suspect the Peoples Liberation Army’s was behind the ambush. The police and the BSF, have launched a search operation at the site.
Coal in Nagaland can boost power demand – Scientist Steel Guru
Amidst the inherent need for more power supply in Nagaland to meet its power demands Dr BP Baruah a senior Scientist and Head of the Coal Chemistry Division in the North East Institute of Science & Technology asserted that Nagaland with its huge coal deposits can help make use of the natural resources to generate thermal power energy in the state to supplement its power demands.

Dr Baruah during a program organised by the Nagaland Geology & Mining Department in an interaction with The Morung Express said that there are four coal bearing states in the Northeast Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh with an estimated one billion tonnes of coal in the area. He informed that Nagaland has a good share of the coal deposit with an estimated 315 million tonnes in the state.

Saying that coals are a good source of energy, Dr Baruah asserted that it can be used for generation of thermal power as the coal in the northeast, unlike those found in other parts of the country, have high sulphur content. This means that it has a higher calorific value than that of the other coals in other parts of the country. He informed that scientists have innovated some advanced technological machineries, through which coals with high sulphur content can be brought into beneficial use.

Dr Baruah asserted that “Nagaland with a good deposit of coals can serve as an energy resource.”

However, on the question of environmental affects, Dr Baruah asserted that coal mining in the state has to be scientific and environment-friendly. He confessed that the method of coal mining in the state is not scientific and that it is having ill effects on the environment like acidification of the mines and pollution of the land and water in the area.

(Sourced from Morung Express News)
DHD(J) ultras start laying down arms R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Sept 13 – Bringing an end to days of speculations, militants belonging to the DHD (J), commonly known as the Black Widow group, started surrendering weapons today to start the process of talks with the Government. It may be mentioned here that the Government of India had given a deadline of September 15 to the militant outfit to lay down arms.

Highly placed police sources told The Assam Tribune here that as many as 193 militants belonging to the group reported to the security forces today as the first batch coming over ground and they were brought to a makeshift camp at Jatinga under heavy security cover. The militants also deposited more than 60 weapons including more than 30 AK series rifles as well as other sophisticated weapons like M-16 rifles, G-3 rifles and small arms like pistols. The team is headed by hardcore militant Daniel Dimasa, who has been masterminding most of the operations of the outfit for some time.

The militants reported to the Red Shield Division of the Army at Thananambra, about 35 kilometres away from Haflong town and were taken to Jatinga under heavy security cover by the Army personnel. A formal ceremony for laying down arms will be organized only after the ongoing process is completed.

Police sources clarified that the militants were not surrendering as reported in a section of the media. They are only surrendering arms to facilitate talks with the Government on their demands, sources added. Sources also pointed out that the surrender of the weapons by the militants marked a new beginning as for the first time, the Government insisted on surrender of all the weapons by the militants before starting the process of dialogues and the weapons deposited by the militants would be kept in safe custody of the Government. Whenever the Government signed cease-fire agreements earlier, the weapons were kept in the designated camps, which led to controversies and there have been instances when militants managed to come out of the camps with weapons in violation of the ground rules of the agreement.

Sources said that the process of depositing weapons by the militants is likely to be completed within the next few days. “The police and security forces have an assessment of the weapons at the disposal of the DHD(J) and after the process is completed, we would cross-check to ascertain whether the outfit deposited all the weapons before deciding on the next step,” sources added. Sources further revealed that at least 300 members of the Black Widow group are likely to come over ground and around four designated camps would be established in North Cachar Hills to keep them. Sources said that all the top leaders of the outfit would come forward for talks. Among the senior leaders of the outfit, only the commander-in-chief Niranjan Hojai is reportedly abroad and he is likely to come soon. However, no decision has yet been taken on whether the DHD(J) chief Jewel Garlosa would be released and sources said that such decisions would be taken only after the process of talks begin.

Sources revealed that the militants would maintain the camps themselves and under the policy of the Government of India for rehabilitation of surrendered militants, an amount of Rs 2000 per month would be paid against each militant staying in the camps. The militants are expected to run the camps with that amount, sources added.

The DJD(J) has already submitted its charter of demands to the Government and the formal talks are likely to start immediately after completion of the process of surrender of arms.

Replying to a question on the steps taken to prevent clashes between DHD(J) and DHD in NC Hills, sources said that the weapons of the DHD, which is under cease-fire agreement with the Government, are kept in the designated camps under “double lock”, which are checked regularly.

China taking Indian land by inches: J-K Govt Assam Tribune
LEH (JK), Sept 13 – The Chinese army has done some construction activities along the international border across Karakoram ranges in Ladakh sector for the first time since the 1962 stand-off between the two countries with a report of Jammu and Kashmir government saying that they have been taking “land in inches and not in yards,” reports PTI. The Chinese Army – PLA – has been engaged in construction activities across the Karakoram ranges which could be used for either stationing of additional personnel or mounting a camera for monitoring Indian troop movement, official sources said.

The Karakoram pass falls precisely on the boundary between India and China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region, marking northern end of Sino-Indian border, known as the Line of Actual Control.

It also plays a major geographic role in the dispute between Pakistan and India over control of the Siachen Glacier area immediately to the west of the pass.

This situation arose from the Simla Agreement, signed in 1972 between India and Pakistan, when the treaty failed to specify the last 100 km of ceasefire line from end of the Line of Control to Karakoram Pass. The West of the Pass is also referred as China-Indian-Pakistani tripoint.

While Army tried to downplay this development, they, however acknowledged that some digging activity had been noticed. “There has been no report of concrete huts being built across Karakoram Pass. However, some digging has been noticed well inside Chinese territory,” an Army spokesman said in a written reply to PTI.

In a related development, the report of Jammu and Kashmir government highlights the Chinese incursions into various parts of Ladakh.

“They (Chinese) have threatened the nomadic people who had been using Dokbug area (in Ladakh sector) area for grazing since decades long, in a way to snatch our land in inches. A Chinese proverb is famous in the world – better do in inches than in yards,” the report filed by a former Sub Divisional Magistrate (Nyoma) Tsering Norboo said.

Norboo had been deputed by the state government to probe incursion of Chinese Army in Dokbug area and threatening the local shepherds to leave the land as it belonged to them. The area has been used by the shepherds to graze their livestock as the area is warmer compared to other parts of Ladakh.

The SDM pointed out that it was another attempt by Chinese to claim the territory as disputed in the same fashion as they had taken Nag Tsang area opposite to Phuktse airfield in 1984, Nakung in 1991 and Lungma-Serding in 1992.

The area of Dokbug and Doley Tango was frequented by shepherds and nomads from December to March every year during which their young lambs were capable to walk.

The SDM has also highlighted the fact that Army stopped these nomads from vacating the land who were terrified by the Chinese threats.

Ahead of this construction work in Karakoram region of Ladakh sector, the Chinese Army has violated the International Border in Ladakh region and painted boulders and rocks in the area red.

The Chinese troops had entered nearly 1.5 kilometres into the Indian territory on July 31 near Mount Gya, recognised as International border by India and China, and painted the boulders and rocks with “China” and “Chin9” in red spray paint.

The 22,420 ft Mount Gya, also known as “fair princess of snow” by Army, is located at the tri-junction of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, and Tibet. Its boundary was marked during the British era and regarded as International border by the two countries.

Before this, Chinese helicopters had violated the Indian air space on June 21 along the Line of Actual Control in Chumar region and also helli-dropped some expired food.

India, Bhutan for joint operation Assam Tribune
THIMPHU, Sept 13 – With the alleged nexus between Maoist groups of Bhutan and militants in northeast India coming to the fore, the two countries have pledged for a joint fight in securing their borders besides stationing more guards at the frontiers, reports PTI. At the 6th Indo-Bhutan Border Meeting, Bhutan Home Secretary Penden Wangchuk expressed concern over reports that insurgent groups are being trained in the northeastern states of Manipur and Nagaland.

“If militants are trained, they can be a threat to Bhutan, because it’s mutual as threat to Bhutan comes from Indian insurgent groups flushed out from Bhutanese soil in 2003,” he said.

“The insurgents are linked to Maoists and militants of eastern Nepal and they can pose a threat to security,” Wangchuk was quoted as saying by state-run newspaper Kuensel.

A member of the Indian delegation said there were links between the Communist Party of Bhutan and northeast rebel groups like ULFA, NDFB and KLO.

The two sides viewed these groups as a threat to peace, security and tranquility and discussed measures like strengthening and deployment of Bhutanese security forces, as well as SSB forces, along the borders.

Wangchuk said the government would conduct extensive patrolling to safeguard the border areas. India has given training support to Bhutanese police to strengthen and develop their capacity. With this, Bhutan will not give any opportunity to infiltrate the border, he said.

“Their aim is to disturb peace and harmony, but we’ll take precautionary measures to ensure that they’re kept under watch.”

Secretary (border management) Vinay Kumar, who headed the Indian delegation, said the two governments decided that they would share any information regarding security and anti-government activities.

“Country’s security comes first. The cooperation between the two countries fighting insurgents was evident from the 2003 flush-out operation. If our borders are safe, our countries are safe,” he said.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of militants entering Bhutan following the crackdown on them by the Bangladesh government and requisite action.

8th AR camp bombarded: RPF By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Sep 13 : The 8th Assam Rifles camp located at Aigejang in Sajik Tampak has been heavily assaulted by PLA’s 252 Bn A-Coy this morning, said a press release issued by the RPF’s department of publicity chief GM Changjou.
The AR troops were falling-in-line at their parade ground at about 6 am when PLA cadres attacked them with a volley of fire.
Altogether two RPG shells, 70 numbers of M-79 ammunition, thousands of AK, M-16 and LMG ammunition were fired at the AR camp.
It is likely that the AR troops would have suffered severe casualty.
The PLA cadres who took part in the attack saw many AR personnel lying on their parade ground and also the heavy damages done to the barracks, the outfit claimed.
Since the security forces occupied Sajik Tampak, the people of the area have been living in a highly insecure atmosphere similar to a concentration camp, it alleged.
The villagers have been prohibited from going from one village to another without permission of the security forces.
It further accused the security forces of harassing and bashing up the villagers of the surrounding area after this morning’s attack.
Declaring that the PLA would intensify its liberation movement, the outfit disclosed that several battalions of well trained and well armed PLA cadres have started preparations to launch a major offensive against the security forces.
The outfit also called upon the people to extend unstinted support to the PLA’s liberation movement.
Terming civic action programmes of security forces a facade, the outfit cautioned that the security forces would unleash their wrath over the people of Manipur as and when they suffer any setback at the hands of insurgents. It also reminded the incidents of Mayang Langjing, Heirangoithong, Oinam etc.

Kukis recall victims of ethnic violence staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Sep 13 : In remembrance of those who lost their lives during the ethnic violence of 1993, the Kuki community today observed Black Day throughout the State with the main observance held at Kangpokpi KCC hall today.
On this day in 1993, 104 persons, including women and children belonging to the Kuki tribe were slain by activists of the NSCN (IM).
The observance, hosted by Kangpokpi Town Committee, at Kangpokpi was held under the aegis of Kuki Inpi and was marked by mass prayer for peaceful rest of the departed souls as well as in solidarity with the families who lost their near and dear ones in the violent naga-Kuki clash.
In mourning loss of lives, business activities in Sadar Hills came to a standstill and black flags (shawls) were hoisted along the road as well as individual homes.
Hill districts simmered with tension after the United Naga Council served quit notice in October 1992 to the Kukis to leave Naga inhabited land which was opposed by the latter community on the ground that they (Kukis) are living on the soil of Manipur.
In the aftermath of the stand-off, tension escalated between the two hill tribes with the first violent incident of burning houses and killing reported from Joupi village in Chandel district.
As the violence spread in hill pockets of the state, the Kuki community suffered maximum number of casualties when armed cadres of the NSCN (IM) went on the rampage.
nearly 1000 Kukis, including women and children, were killed and over 360 Kuki villages were destroyed consequently resulting in mass displacement of about 1 lakh Kuki from their homesteads.
On September 13, 1993 armed activists of the Naga rebel group killed 87 Kukis at Tamei sub-division of Tamenglong with 17 others also massacred at Gelnel village thereby taking the toll of a single day to 104.
Since the day, the kuki community lost maximum number of lives, Black Day is being observed by the tribe.
The mourning observance at kangpokpi was participated by the locals, as well as representatives of the Kuki Youth Union, Kuki Women’s Welfare Association, Pastors and Church leaders.
Speaking at the occasion, chairman of Kangpokpi Urban Town Committee Haokholen Guite described the day as the saddest event for the kuki community.
Expressing that inspite of the suffering every effort should be made to transform the darkest event into a day for renewed hope, haokholen called upon all to promote peace and bond of brotherhood to combat the evil of ethnic enmity.
Almost every Kuki household hoisted their traditional shawls to pay obeisance to the departed souls. They also prayed for peace and reconciliation in churches. One Kuki youth said that they stopped all sorts of entertainment programmes in remembrance of the departed souls. He said that they also prayed for everlasting peace and communal harmony.
The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has also paid its respect and homage to the departed souls.
A statement issued by the umbrella organisation of 11 Kuki UG groups said that it paid heartfelt condolence to all those killed, maimed, orphaned and widowed by the “armed limguards under the command of the NSCN (IM) during the 1990’s and particularly to those inhumanely butchered villagers of Zoupi and Yanglenphai”.


News: Main Page
News: Archives
Nagalim: Home

Powered By Greymatter