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10/16/2009: "Physical integration of Nagas not possible:Pillai Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network"

Physical integration of Nagas not possible:Pillai Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Kohima: Union Home Secretary GK Pillai said that in the present circumstances in the North East the 'physical integration of Naga inhabited areas' is not possible. He, however, said the centre can explore possibility of Nagas in the areas of culture, social practices, and customary laws through some mechanism.

He also said that the Centre will try to be accommodative as much as possible in terms of the proposed package which will be open for negotiation and discussion as the Constitution of India is amendable. Union Home Secretary GK Pillai arrived in Kohima on Tuesday and left the Nagaland capital on Wednesday.

GK Pillai stated today that the primary issue of his visit to Nagaland was to get the views from all sections of Naga society with regard to the political proposal, which is under preparation by the Government of India to bring about an honourable political settlement, acceptable to the Naga people and Government of India.

Addressing a press conference at Hotel Japfu in Kohima today, the Union Home Secretary stated that the political package would be the basis on which further negotiations could take place to arrive at an honorable settlement, adding that it would be a substantive political package.

He said Amendment of the Constitution of India is definitely a part of the package the centre will make in the offer.

He said centre will try to be accommodative as much as possible in terms of the proposed package which will be open for negotiation and discussion. He said the proposed peace package by the centre to the Naga people was an offer and not a conditional package.

He expressed optimism that the political package would be ready before the year ends. He also stated that the presentation of the package would not harm any unity process and it would be one, which is unique to Nagas.

On the issue of integration of Naga inhabited areas he said in the present circumstances in the North east the physical integration of Naga inhabited areas was not possible.

He, however, said the centre can explore possibility of Nagas in the areas of culture, social practices, and customary laws through some mechanism.

He also said that the Centre will try to be accommodative as much as possible in terms of the proposed package which will be open for negotiation and discussion as the Constitution of India is amendable.He disclosed that various development issues such as health and roads were discussed in his meeting with the state government officials.

‘Unification of Naga areas essential for sovereignty’ morungexpress
Dimapur, October 15 (MExN): The Isak-Muivah led NSCN which has been having a decade long ceasefire and dialogue process with the Government of India has reiterated its position that it “stands for the unquestionable sovereign right of the Naga people over every inch of Nagalim whatever it may be and admit of no other existence whatever.” It also stands for the rights of all Naga people to decide their own future, stated a note issued by the MIP.
Making its stand clear in the backdrop of the recent visit of the Union Home secretary to Nagaland, the NSCN (IM) pointed out that “for Nagas, to have sovereignty,” it is essential that its aspiration “for all Naga areas be unified, is fully realized.” The group stated that it was “unthinkable for Nagas to be sovereign without unification of all Naga areas.”
“Nagas live on our own land that belongs to us. Nothing less than that nothing more than that. We have been living in these territories from time immemorial,” the MIP note stated. Pointing out that the aspiration of the Nagas to live together is but a natural desire, the faction said that Nagas will not take anything that belongs to others. “And more importantly, Nagas are not going to disturb the right of our neighbors who wants to determine their own destiny. The Nagas will surely respect those that are prepared to respect the Nagas.”
On the recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas, the MIP note stated that it meant “Nagas never accepted Indian constitution and were not a part of the Union of India.” “Nagas are an independent and sovereign people from time immemorial and that, it is up to the Nagas, either to live with India, Burma or China as the union of India was a voluntary union formed by formerly colonized peoples and states, territories and princely states as an expression of their free will and inherent sovereign rights to decide their own destiny,” the outfit asserted.
Further, the NSCN (IM) affirmed that it would adhere to the mutually agreed-upon three political principles that the political talks would be unconditional; that the talks would be held at the highest level (Prime Minister’s level) and that the talks would be conducted in third neutral countries.
“In the wake of the high-sounding much talk about chalking out a solution in the year end in the form of political or economic package within the constitution of India towards the more than 60 years old Naga political struggle, the NSCN termed it as nothing more than another political gimmick to deceive and confuse the Naga general public dishonoring the accepted historical facts and betrayal of promises and commitment made at the highest level resurfacing total incredibility and insincerity on the part of the Indian government”, the MIP sentence read.
The “travails of Indo-Naga political struggle crossing six decades is a living testimony of all Nagas that the future of the Nagas lies with unification and integration to live as a family as our inalienable aspiration which is nothing but restoration of status quo to live as a nation with honor and dignity,” the NSCN (IM) said. “The destiny of the Nagas has to be decided by the Nagas alone without any omission or commission,” it added.

Nikhil takes oath as Governor of Nagaland morungexpress

Nikhil Kumar being sworn in as Governor of Nagaland on 15 October by Gauhati High Court Judge, Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari. (DIPR)

Dimapur/Kohima, October 15 (MExN): Nikhil Kumar was sworn in as the Governor of Nagaland today. The oath of office was administered by Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari, Judge of Gauhati High Court in the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan.
The swearing-in ceremony was graced by, among others, the Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio and his Cabinet colleagues, legislators, senior bureaucrats of the state, senior police, army and paramilitary officials, civil society leaders and political parties and relatives of the governor.
In his message, Governor Nikhil Kumar greeted the people of Nagaland and sought their good wishes. He said to be aware of the decades-old “issues” that need to be resolved and assured of his best efforts as head of the state. “The central government is keen to bring about an early and honorable resolution of these issues to ensure stable peace, all-round development and guarantee the dignity and self-respect of the people of this beautiful state. I shall do my best towards achieving this, which is the common goal of the people of this state and the centre,” he said.
He iterated the aspiration of all to have a prosperous, stronger and more developed nation. For these to happen, Governor Kumar said, it is important for each constituent of the country to share the dream and work towards the goal of full development. “The enlightened people of Nagaland are fully immersed in this national endeavor and here I would like to specially speak of young Naga boys and girls who are enthusiastically pursuing their vocation in this chosen sphere in different parts of the country and specially in the nation’s capital city. I wish them and all others Godspeed,” he said.
Further, the governor said the good work of the civil society in the state for the betterment of all is another laudable feature of the state. “I see the all round development achieved over the decades through the efforts of successive governments. The recent concept of getting the community to be involved in the running of public institutions is another impressive initiative and is a tribute to the people of the state,” he said.
On a more aesthetic tone, the governor expressed appreciation for the beauty of Nagaland and her people. “In the short time that I have been here, I have seen how Mother Nature has been kind. The beauty of this State and its people is such as to impress anybody who is fortunate to visit this place. Along with this, the wonderful hospitality of the people also leaves one overwhelmed,” Governor Kumar stated.
He also expressed happiness about what he said is his hearing of “many other encouraging and positive things about Nagaland which really makes it exceptional.” The governor said he was told about the existence of a vibrant and dynamic community structure which made the Naga society participate fully and actively in the democratic processes right to the grass root levels.

He said that setting up a Medical College in the state, roads and their maintenance, expediting the revival of Tuli Paper Mill, issue of unemployed youth were some of the issues that were discussed.

He said that with regard to relaxation on restrictions on foreigners visiting Nagaland, the state government would be submitting proposals.

He also disclosed that the state has the lowest number of trained teachers and seven districts in the state still do not have any Teachers Training Institutes, for which the state government has sought his help.

He said that the ideas and suggestions that came up during the two day extensive consultations would be communicated back to the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister.
IRB deployment will create tension : Nagaland govt Hueiyen News Service
Dimapur Nagaland government has said that the presence of Manipur IR battalion at the river bank of Tizu at Jessami will create unnecessary tension and disharmony in the area.

Meanwhile, due to the non-vacation of the BSF barrack by the Nagaland Armed Police (NAP), IRB dispatch to occupy the barrack are stationing at Jessami police station, a report received here said.

In response to home ministry�s request to Manipur government to deploy IR battalion on Manipur side of the river bank of Tizu at Jessami, namely at Lanyi bridge and Akash bridge, the Nagaland government said that the presence of Manipur IR battalions at this location would create unnecessary social tension and disharmony in the location, Nagaland Post published in Dimapur reported.

In a letter to Union Ministry of Home Affair�s joint secretary, the report said Nagaland chief secretary Lalthara pointed out that as per traditional land ownership and land holding pattern prevailing in this area till date, the lands on both sides of the Tizu river in this location were owned and cultivated by the Chakhesang and Pochury tribes of Phek district of Nagaland.

It also apprised the MHA that even the land where the BSF posts were located belonged to them.

Further, the state government stated that unless the sentiments of local tribal people were properly understood and accommodated, the issue could result in unnecessary tension in this area and could affect peaceful inter-state relations between Manipur and Nagaland.

The Nagaland government also strongly observed that two police outposts at Lanyi bridge and Akash bridge should be taken over by a neutral force, such as 111 Bn BSF, as it did before.

With regard to this the state government has urged MHA to instruct BSF authority to reoccupy these two posts urgently.

The state government has also informed that two posts were still manned by NAP battalion and that it has not been handed over to Manipur IR battalions.

It strongly felt that status quo should be maintained at this location till BSF was in a position to take over the posts.

It may be mentioned that Meluri village council and Lozaphuh� village council have rejected allegation by Jessami villagers that NAP had opened outpost and guesthouse on their side of the border and that people from neighbouring Phek district, Nagaland encroached into Manipur and started farming, after an outpost manned by Nagaland Police personnel was opened.

MVC had clarified that BSF outpost at Thozhisu occupied by 5th NAP was within the traditional land of Meluri.

While the LVC clarified that BSF barrack in Lanye, temporarily occupied by 5th NAP, was purely under Lozaphuh� Village.

Meanwhile, Manipur government has claimed that Nagaland Police, who occupied a post in the remote Jessami area in Ukhrul district, vacated the place on Wednesday following intense pressure from the Centre and Manipur government and that a company of IRB (Manipur) has occupied it.

The report is amidst the strong objection from the Ukhrul base civil organizations to the deployment of IRB after the NAP vacated the barrack.
They urged the government to deploy only Manipur Rifles personnel if necessity for deployment of security force to guard the border is needed.
• Third battalion of Naga regiment to be raised PTI STAFF WRITER
Dimapur (Nagaland), Oct 16 (PTI) A third battalion of the Naga Regiment would be raised with Naga youths making up 50 per cent of the recruitment like the existing two battalions, which earned accolades during the Kargil war.

GoC of the Army's 3 Corps, Lt Gen N K Singh, said an ecological battalion in the region would also be raised on the lines of the one in Himachal Pradesh. But, a final decision on how and where it would be raised and its nature of work is yet to be taken.

"Third battalion of the Ranikhet-based Naga Regiment would be raised with Naga youths making half of the battalion," he said.

Recently army had raised two infantry battalions of Territorial Army, one exclusively with Naga youths and another with recruits from various parts of the north-east, he told reporters yesterday.
Six tribal separatists surrender in Tripura by IANS
Agartala, Oct 16 (IANS) Six more tribal separatists have surrendered to security forces in Tripura after fleeing from their bases in Bangladesh, officials said here Friday.
“The Bangladesh-trained militants led by their self-styled captain Makhanrai Reang, surrendered before senior officers of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Assam Rifles late Thursday,” a senior police official said.
The surrendered militants, belonging to outlawed National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), aged 20 to 30-years, fled from their camps in Satchari in Sylhet district in northeastern Bangladesh, opposite Khowai town in western Tripura.
They also deposited a large cache of arms and ammunition, including AK-series rifles and foreign made ammunition.
Militants belonging to various rebel groups in the northeast region have set up about 100 camps and hideouts in different parts of Bangladesh, specially Sylhet district and Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) bordering India’s Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya states.
“We managed to escape from our camps in Sylhet district after Bangladeshi security forces launched anti-insurgency operations in different parts of that country. Some more guerrillas may sneak into Tripura any time from across the border,” Reang told BSF officials.
With this, about 200 tribal guerrillas of ATTF and NLFT, including some dreaded ultras carrying rewards worth Rs.250,000 each and with Interpol arrest warrants, have fled from their Bangladeshi camps and surrendered to Indian security forces during the past one year.
The ATTF and the NLFT have been demanding independence for indigenous tribals and the secession of Tripura from India.
Meanwhile, the Tripura government has asked its counterparts in Manipur and Nagaland to provide information about the five militants of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), who were detained by BSF troopers last week while while they were crossing the Bangladesh border into northearn Tripura.
“The Manipur and Nagaland governments are yet to provide any information about the Naga militants and they have yet to confirm when they are likely to take back the tribal guerrillas, who are in police custody till Oct 20,” Director General of Tripura Police Pranay Sahaya told reporters here Friday.
According to a BSF official, the NSCN (IM) rebels had reportedly killed six of their colleagues at their camp in Ghagrachari in eastern Bangladesh before deserting the hideout.
A large cache of arms and ammunition, including five AK-series rifles and some grenades, as well as Bangladeshi currency were found with the terrorists.
“Following a crisis of food and other essentials, NSCN-IM cadres engaged in a gun battle with their superiors at their camp. Killing six senior NSCN-IM militants, they deserted their camps and tried to come to India before they were apprehended by the BSF,” a senior BSF official told reporters on the condition of anonymity.
China slams India 'border infringement' GMT


Buddhist monks wash eating utensils at a monastery in Tawang, in India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh near the border with China.
China has strongly condemned a recent visit by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to disputed Arunachal Pradesh on the Nagaland border near China — a region of contention since 1962.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu accused Singh of ignoring Beijing's concerns by visiting the disputed northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

"China has expressed its strong dissatisfaction of the prime minister's visit to the disputed area, which is in disregard of China's grave concerns", the statement said.

"We urge the Indian side to take China's solemn concerns seriously in the hope of maintaining calm over the disputed area with a view to ensuring the sound development of China-India relations."

The condemnation came after Singh and Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee visited Arunachal Pradesh ten days ago to campaign for their elections.

The Chinese army and New Delhi forces fought a brief, but bloody war over their Himalayan border in 1962.

Over much of the last 40 years, China has unofficially claimed Arunachal Pradesh as its own territory. Beijing also lays claim to a slice of Indian-run Kashmir.

Kashmir has been the subject of a bitter territorial dispute between India and Pakistan since they secured independence from Britain in 1947.

JR/HGL/SC/AKM