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10/11/2009: "Pushing for final deal with NSCN to be Nagaland’s top priority PTI The Hindu"



Pushing for final deal with NSCN to be Nagaland’s top priority PTI The Hindu

Bringing permanent peace to Nagaland and pushing for a final deal with Naga insurgent groups to resolve the decades-old conflict will be the top priority of Nikhil Kumar, the newly-appointed governor of the militancy-hit state.
Kumar, a former Delhi Police Commissioner, said he is “excited” about the new assignment and would do “everything possible” in his capacity to create a conducive environment for resolving the vexed issue and bring permanent peace to the “beautiful state.
“I met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after my appointment and he told me that the Centre puts a very high priority to bring peace to Nagaland,” Kumar told PTI here.
He will take over from Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat who is holding additional charge of Nagaland.
“To finalise the peace deal (with the NSCN) will be my top priority,” he said, adding the Centre has given him the assignment taking into consideration his “experience“.
Asked what will be his approach in pushing the peace talks with dominant Naga group NSCN-IM, Kumar said he would first like to educate himself about the problem.
Encroachment issue being pursued with Centre; Temporary occupation of BSF camp replies Nagaland chief secretary The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Oct 9: The chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh reaffirmed the commitment of the Congress-led SPF government to protect and safeguard the territorial integrity of the state.

Stating this during a press conference this evening at his official bungalow, the chief minister said the state government has taken serious note of recent news reports of construction of a rest house and police out post of Nagaland government by encroaching state territory near Jessami in Ukhrul district.

He said an official team of the state revenue department along with state forces has made a joint inspection of the area where the encroachment was reported. As per the team`s findings, he said he has himself wrote a letter to Union home minister P Chidambaram for immediate intervention.

The letter clearly mentioned that it was revealed through new reports published in local news papers that the Nagaland Armed Police (NAP) has occupied structures within the boundary of Manipur.

The matter was also immediately taken up with the Government of Nagaland, the letter said.

It is also mentioned that, state government has duly acknowledged that the NAP occupied the barracks vacated by the BSF located in the territory of Manipur with the clear understanding with the BSF.

It is not understood under what authority the BSF agreed to hand over the structures to the NAP, even temporarily.

The chief minister`s letter elaborately mentioned the strong objections expressed by the people of Manipur to this act of the Nagaland government.

It mentioned that while an attempt is being made to amicable settle the issue it would be worthwhile to sensitize the Nagaland government and BSF to refrain from such action.

On the other hand, the chief secretary, DS Poonia has also written an official letter to his Nagaland counterpart, Lalthara on October 7 this month, to verify the factual ground position of the Nagaland government and also made suggestions for the need of joint inspection by the Dy Commissioner and SP Phek district of Nagaland and Dy Commissioner and SP, Ukhrul at the earliest on a mutually convenient date.

Lalthara in his official reply to the state chief secretary said the matter is being enquired officially and it has been found that the BSF unit stationed at Akash bridge on the Manipur side of the river bank of Tizu river were suddenly pulled out for deployment in Tripura during the last Lok Sabha election.

With clear understanding with the BSF personnel, the NAP has occupied the BSF barracks just for the purpose of protection and maintaining the barracks till the BSF returned after their temporary deployment outside the state, and also to guard the bridge.

The reply of Nagaland chief secretary further mentioned that, this was a temporary and barracks will be handed back to the BSF as soon as they come back to the location. Since the accepted boundary is the Tizu river at this location, there is no question of the Nagaland government trying to encroach the territory of Manipur.

It however mentioned that irrespective of the accepted interstate boundary at this location, it may be noted that the traditional land ownership and landholding systems amongst the Naga tribes do not necessarily coincide with the official interstate boundary.

Hence, its is noted that some members of the Chakhesang and Pochury tribes are continuing the cultivation of their ancestral landholdings across the river for the last many decades undisturbed.

Speaking to the mediamen present today the chief minister further mentioned that effective efforts from the government side is underway so as to avoid public apprehensions.

He further clarified that there was no instance of the government allowing construction of rest house or police out post within the territory of Manipur.

Since the issue has taken note of officially by the state government, the government will not spare any effort to straighten things out, he added.

The chief minister replying queries from the media this evening admitted lapses of security measures in the peripheries of state which led to incursions from neigbouring states as well as Myanmar.

He said now the state government has chalked out strategies for the deployment of state forces along the boundaries to protect and prevent any forms of encroachments from either neighboring states or neighboring country, and towards this the state government has sought the approval of the Union home minister so that it can begin recruitment drives to enhance the number of state forces, the chief minister added.

The chief minister also briefly commented on the going agitations in connection with the July 23 Khwairamband firing incident which has paralysed education in the state.

He said a ministerial committee has already been formed to bring an amicable solution to the unrest in the state since last two months and hectic efforts are being made by the government to to have the agitators agree to a dialogue.

He said he is hopeful that normal academic atmosphere would be restored in the nearest future.

Regarding the recent seeming tussle with the Manipur Human Rights Commission, the chief minister clarified that the state government has no objection in any proceedings of MHRC to find the facts and circumstances which have led to the violation of human rights.

But recent statements of the MHRC on the issue of July 23 BTroad seems like an over reaction, he said.

The chief minister in this connection clarified that, there was no question of any misunderstanding with the MHRC, but the state government was concerned by the tone of recent announcements of the MHRC.

The state government is looking into the facts and circumstances of the July 23 BT Road firing and has officially approved a Judicial inquiry headed by the Retd. Gauhati High Court Judged, Justice PG Agarwal, the chief minister clarified.
‘Share our culture with the rest of the country’ DIPR

Participants at the National Youth Convention held at the Government Higher Secondary School auditorium in Kohima on Friday, October 9, as part of the North East Youth Festival being held in the state. (DIPR Photo)

Kohima, October 9 (DIPR): Ethnically, linguistically, and culturally, the people of the seven sister states including Sikkim are distinct but they share more commonalities than diversities, the treasure within, said Programme Coordinator, NSS, NEHU, Dr. Jemino Mawphoh. He was speaking at the National Youth Convention held at the Government Higher Secondary School, Kohima, as part of the ongoing North East Youth Festival being organised by the National Service Scheme, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, GoI, in collaboration with the department of Youth Resources & Sports, government of Nagaland, on Friday.
Dr. Mawphoh, while addressing the NSS volunteers from across the country on the theme ‘North East Cultural & Heritage’, asserted that North East is one of the most beautiful regions in South East Asia sharing 2000kms bordering Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. It occupies 7.7% of the geographical area of India with a total population of 40 million people. Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity and indigenous faiths are practiced and the people of the region speak about 220 languages, he informed.
The North Eastern state is one of the eleven biodiversity hotspots in the world that experiences four seasons in the year. North East is a trove of nature shrouded with mighty Himalayan hills, the dense forest lying in foothills, wildlife sanctuary, national parks, water falls, caves, the rich war cemetery of Nagaland and most of all the hospitality of the people attracts tourist to the region, Dr. Mawphoh he expressed with pride.
Each state has its own historical and cultural practice and tradition, which is highly concentrated by the tribal population, he said and, therefore, called upon the youngsters to share our culture with the rest of the country in order to abolish the ‘Neglect Syndrome Theory’ from the mindsets of the people without infringing on other cultures.

Nagaland clarifies over encroachment : Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 08, 2009: The issue of encroaching Manipur land by the Nagaland authority in and around Jessami village in Ukhrul district is likely to become another headache for the Congress led Secular Progressive Front ministry in Manipur as Nagaland official has claimed that the occupation was done as per centre's directive.

Villagers under Jessami area of Manipur had accused Nagaland of encroaching on the Manipur territory during a recent visit of Information Centre for Hill Areas.

Manipur ICHAM), Tangkhul Youth Council, Raphei Katamnao Long (Northern Students Organisation) and media persons to the area.

The villagers have further accused Nagaland government of illegally constructing three rest houses on Jessami side in the past three months besides set ting up a Nagaland Armed Police outpost on top of Tevumo Hill six months back.

Meanwhile refuting the report, Deputy Commissioner of Nagaland's Phek district Mikha Lomi on Wednesday clarified that as per instruction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs the NAP personnel have been deputed temporarily to protect the infrastructure of the BSF post after their withdrawal from the area.

According to a Nagaland based newspaper, the DC said deployment of NAP personnel there has nothing to do with the Nagaland government.

Stating that the BSF set up its posts at Lanyi and Akash Bridge which fall under Manipur state, the DC affirmed that the Nagaland government has no intention to intrude into Manipur area as alleged and that 5 NAP Commandant Vechipa Vese has written to the state government to withdraw the NAP personnel from Akash Bridge.

'I am informed that the infrastructure is in a dilapidated state and the forces deployed are not comfortable there,' he stated.

The DC also told the media that the district administration has not been informed about the proposed visit of the officials from Ukhrul district and that no such allegations have been received officially till date.

On the other hand, many civil society organizations of Manipur including United Committee Manipur (UCM )and All Clubs, Organizations and Meira Paibi Lup popularly known as ACOM Lup lamented over the state government's failure to protect the boundary of the state while also urging the government to act fast on the matter, in the wake of the reported encroachment of land by neighbouring state near Jessami in Ukhrul district.

UCM's assistant secretary of Information and Public Relations N Jiban has pointed out that the state government has failed to institute a boundary commission to erect boundary pillar along the border even as some parts of the land have been encroached by neighbouring states.

Mention may be made here that taking serious note of the news of encroachment, Minister of irrigation and flood control minister and the spokesman of the Secular Progressive Front ministry N Biren said that a fact finding committee comprising Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul and other districts officials will be sent to Jessami to look into the matter and submit a report soon.

When contacted Deputy Commissioner Ukhrul told this reporter over telephone that a team of district administration would be visiting Jessami village next week.
Reconciliation & Political Outcomes
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ALONG LONGKUMER




In this image released to the media, representatives of the three Naga national political groups NSCN/GPRN, FGN and GPRN/NSCN are seen here with the Naga flag at a meeting of the Joint Working Group of the Naga Reconciliation process which was organized by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation at Chiang Mai, Thailand on September 23. From left: Alezo Venuh, VS Atem, Zhopra Vero, Azheto Chopy, Somba Chang, Lukto Swu, Ngukshi Lam, Pesouh and Wangtin Naga. (File Photo: Courtesy/FNR)

Many months back I had interviewed General (Retd) Thenoselie, a former comrade-in -arms of senior leaders like Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang, Th Muivah and General Khole. At that time, the work being done by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) was only beginning to unfold. I remember there was an air of expectancy as well as skepticism in the minds of many ordinary Nagas. The public mood at that time was a mixed one—optimistic with a yearning for a new day and yet cautious, knowing the familiar stories of failure. It was indeed therefore uplifting to listen to the old General and his story of hope, a belief in a better future for the Naga people. But he also knew that time was running out for the likes of Khaplang, Swu, Muivah, Khole and himself. During our conversation I recall uncle Thenoselie appealing perhaps for the last time to his fellow comrades “to reason together” and unite. “We can go to Delhi in one voice. We can achieve our goal once we are united in our purpose”, an upbeat Thenoselie remarked evoking the same spirit of ‘Yes we can’, which helped propel Barack Obama as the first ever African-American to the White House.
At that time, who would have thought that the voice of reason could ever triumph or sanity return and that peace would become a reality. Today, that story of hope is being written in gold letters and every day has become a renewal of the spirit—to heal the wounds of the past and to look to the future with greater confidence. And what is encouraging at this point of time is that the signatories to the covenant of reconciliation (the two NSCNs and FGN) have demonstrated up till now the much needed courage of conviction to work towards this objective—to reason together—keeping in mind the need for unity of purpose to achieve the common goal and a shared future. It should be noted that the current reconciliation process has produced several remarkable outcomes. Some of the positive political outcomes coming out of the reconciliation process are as follows:
• June 14-15, 2009—Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang, Brig S Singnya sign historic covenant of reconciliation
• August 25, 2009—Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising of members from the three groups NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and FGN constituted with main task of facilitating a meeting at the highest level
• September 10, 2009—Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the Khaplang led NSCN Kitovi Zhimomi speaking at a public function in Suruhoto (Zunheboto Dist) clearly mentioning that they have no immediate intentions to start dialogue with the Indian Government till the Nagas unite and speak with one voice
• September 22-25, 2009—Declaration of Commitment by the NSCNs & FGN groups pledging to cease all forms of offensive activities in Toto.
• September 27, 2009—Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army (NSCN-IM) publicly states that Nagas cannot afford another internecine war.
• September 28, 2009—JWG comprising NSCNs & FGN rejects any form of ‘conditional package offered by the Government of India to the Nagas.
The point wise outcome mentioned above is self explanatory. However the significance of each outcome should not be missed out in understanding the progression of the reconciliation process. First, the historic “Covenant of Reconciliation” jointly signed by Swu, Khaplang and Brig Singnya has really been the pace setter—the buckle or the center piece that holds the reconciliation process together. And the inclusive nature of this covenant is stated in the appeal made to other Naga groups to “join them in reconciling with each other”. Secondly, the formation of the Joint Working Group is I believe the precursor to a future ‘national government’ and a vital piece of ornament in the reconciliation process. The groups must be encouraged to work together on common agendas. Thirdly, the September 10 statement of Kitovi Zhimomi is an important outcome because he was making a significant policy decision that the Khaplang group will not start a dialogue with Delhi till Nagas unite and speak with one voice. This set to rest some amount of confusion and speculation. Next, the image of leaders from various groups—Gen. V S Atem, Azheto Chophy, Zhopra Vero, Somba Chang, Wangtin Naga etc.—holding the common flag would have warmed many a Naga heart. And that this was not mere symbolism alone was demonstrated through the ‘Declaration of Commitment’ by the three groups pledging to cease all forms of offensive activities in Toto. This is definitely a breakthrough.
But what really set things apart though was the September 27 speech of the Commander-n-Chief (Longvibu) of the Naga Army (NSCN-IM) Lt Gen NG Markson VC (on the occasion of National Agony Day). Firstly unlike the recent declarations coming out of the reconciliation process, this one was hardly visible and almost subtle to the point that not many people would have read or understood its significance. The Army General stated point blank that “Nagas cannot afford another internecine war” and send out to fellow comrades the message ‘to reason together’. Should we be reading too much into this? Well for one, it is rare for the military establishment to make such kind of statements. We should in fact look at it as another welcome outcome of the reconciliation process where an Army Chief offers a conciliatory gesture. This is a paradigm shift. It should be welcomed and reciprocated by other groups. And finally the latest most visible political outcome coming out of the reconciliation process is the Naga groups taking a united stand by rejecting any form of ‘conditional package’ offered by the Government of India. This is indeed a clear indication of the forward movement taking place in the peace and reconciliation process among the Naga national political groups.
In all the political outcomes what is most encouraging is that the JWG comprising of the three erstwhile warring groups have actually started to take their own decision on some very important and substantive issues. This shows the improved trust levels and the fact that the groups are slowly taking ownership of the reconciliation process. All these are healthy signs which need to be further strengthened on the ground, at various levels and across the board by way of taking confidence building measures. As much of goodwill as possible has to be generated to keep the engine of reconciliation running.
And it is for this reason that for the Nagas groups, the next step in the reconciliation process—the proposed meeting at the highest level becomes all the more important because unless the Naga national workers regroup themselves, there is less likelihood of Nagas getting an honorable deal from the Indian State. Not only this, any delay in coming together will allow vested interest elements to try and fill in the power vacuum which will lead to further division and mutual suspicion among the Nagas. Further if Nagas want to avoid falling into the familiar bait of the so called ‘packages’ and financial largesse, which can easily distract and blind us, then wisdom demands that the Naga national groups come together quickly and take control of the political process. This will ensure that the peace process is not hijacked by circumstances like it happened in the case of the 16-Point Agreement. It will be worthwhile to mention here of my earlier conversation with General Thenoselie who was struck by the fact that it was the State politicians and leaders who manipulated their way into bargaining peace deals with Delhi although it was the national workers who had all along kept afloat the “national struggle” or “freedom movement”.
As for the Common Naga Platform (CNP), it is unfortunate that the good intention of initiating such a platform has run into opposition especially from the Naga groups. This is not surprising because in the first place the basic objective of the CNP was itself a flawed one. There is nothing wrong in bringing together ‘Naga over-ground groups’ as envisioned by the CNP. But there is something unacceptable about the objective, “negotiating with one Naga voice with India”. It is obvious that negotiation is best left to the Naga political groups. There is no need for the CNP to be so ambitious to claim a role for itself which as a matter of fact it should not get into. For several decades now successive State governments and the Naga civil society groups have acted as facilitators to the peace process. And this has continued to be acknowledged as a matter of policy even by the present Chief Minister who has in fact assured time and again (as did the former Chief Ministers) that the State government will pave way for a new political dispensation. This being the stated position of the past and current state leadership, cutting across party lines, it was therefore misplaced on the part of the CNP to actually assign to itself the role of negotiation which is best left to the national workers. But it also means that the Naga factions must regroup themselves without further delay in order to take up its assigned role in the Indo-Naga peace process.
There is a need for synergy among all the different players that make up Naga civil society and polity. It also lends to reason that we have to take a step by step approach. Goals have to be prioritized accordingly. In that sense one should not discount the CNP. Its time and role will come at a later stage. But for now our priority should be reconciliation of the Naga factions. And the crucial role of bringing together the warring groups is being undertaken by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). Its job is not complete. Bringing in the CNP at this juncture is akin to putting the cart before the horse. Let the factions reconcile and come to some form of meeting point first. Once this is done, the FNR will have to naturally move into the background and allow the Naga national groups to come to the fore and negotiate with one voice before the Government of India. The important role of the CNP will come in at this juncture when all out support of the Naga public will be required to push the case for an honorable political settlement acceptable to all Nagas. The point is, let us follow a systematic approach. For the moment let us nurture the ongoing Naga reconciliation process and encourage more political outcomes to emerge out of this process. The rest will follow in its own time. We need to remain patient.
NSCN-IM extortion notice to tea garden Eastern Mirror
Jorhat (Assam), Oct 10 (PTI): Suspected NSCN-IM cadres have served an extortion notice demanding Rs one crore from the Hollonguri Tea estate owned by Andrew Yule and Company, garden officials said today.

A group of about eight NSCN-IM cadres arrived at the tea estate last night and gave the notice to the garden authorities asking them to pay up at the earliest.
Garden manager Ajit Rajkhowa said he had informed the company management and the district authorities about the notice immediately and would act as per their instructions.
SP Deepak Kumar rushed to the tea garden where security was strengthened.
"We will also talk to the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung in Nagaland and try to resolve the situation at the earliest," Kumar said.
There was no plucking of leaves in the garden during the day.
Kuki rebels express peace hope OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, Oct. 10: The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) today expressed hope that its agreement with the Union and state governments could open the doors for lasting peace and development.
“The KNO believes that a negotiated solution within the democratic framework of the Constitution of India would blossom out of the peace deal made with the state and central governments,” Lenin H. Kuki, the information and publicity secretary of KNO, said in a release titled “KNO’s statement on merger day”.
The KNO is an umbrella body of over 10 tribal militant groups that have a suspension of operations agreement with the security forces and are preparing to hold tripartite peace talks.
“The Kukis desire for a peaceful and democratic solution to their problem,” the statement said.
It, however, added that the peace deal should not be construed as a sign of weakness or lack of political ideology on the part of Kuki militants.
It expressed concern at the “increasing militarisation” and “gross violation” of human rights in the name of counter-insurgency operations.
The statement cautioned that if the opportunity (read suspension of operations) was not utilised in a more meaningful and constructive way by the Union and state governments, national security and integrity would be further jeopardised as a serious threat perception continued to arise intermittently from China.
It said the Kukis were opposed to Manipur’s merger with India prior to the signing of the merger agreement by the then Manipur Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh on September 21, 1949.
Eye on China, India Army chief on Myanmar visit Sources: The Times of India
New Delhi, Army chief General Deepak Kapoor will be leaving on Sunday for Myanmar, a country with which India has ramped up diplomatic as well as military ties to counter China's deep strategic inroads there.
Gen Kapoor, who is also chairman of the chiefs of staff committee, will seek to further boost bilateral defence cooperation as part of the continuing efforts to ensure China does not manage to outflank India once again in the region.
"During the three-day visit, Gen Kapoor will hold talks with the military top brass as well as visit different defence establishments in Myanmar,'' said an official.
Incidentally, the visit comes at a time when the US, a long-standing bitter critic of the Myanmarese ruling military junta, has announced its intention to actively work with countries like China and India to enter into a dialogue with Myanmar.
Though a detente between Myanmar and the West, which has imposed sanctions on the former, is still a long way off, the military junta's declaration about introducing a new constitution and holding elections in 2010 is being followed closely across the world.
India, of course, has its own concerns. It went in for a realpolitik change in its policy after several years of supporting Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and the democratic movement in Myanmar, during which New Delhi found much to its dismay that Beijing had deftly stepped into the vacuum to forge strategic links with Yangon.
Casting aside western concerns about supplying military equipment to Myanmar, the only Asean country with which its shares land and maritime borders, India has since then transferred four Islander maritime patrol aircraft as well as 105mm light artillery guns, naval gun-boats, mortars, grenade-launchers and rifles, among other equipment, to Yangon.
India, in turn, has got some support from the military junta to flush out Indian insurgent groups operating from its soil. The Indian and Myanmarese armies, for instance, have conducted `coordinated operations' along their 1,643-km land border against outfits like United Liberation Front of Asom, United National Liberation Front, People's Liberation Army and Kannglei Yawol Kanna Lup.
There have been developments on other fronts like economic cooperation, energy security and connectivity as well. India and Myanmar, for instance, have launched the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project, which will provide India with an alternate gateway to its northeastern states by bypassing Bangladesh.
India, of course, also remains keen that Myanmar expedite the process of national reconciliation and political reforms, and make it broad-based to include all sections of society and different ethnic groups.



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