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12/02/2009: "Pat for Pillai on Naga stand OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Pat for Pillai on Naga stand OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


G.K. Pillai
Kohima, Dec. 1: The Nagaland PCC has welcomed the statement of Union home secretary G.K. Pillai who endorsed the resolution passed by the state Assembly on November 27 recognising the militants’ “selfless” contribution to the Naga cause.
“We welcome the statement of G.K. Pillai,” PCC president K.V. Pusa said today.
Pillai said the NSCN was not a banned organisation and that the Centre was looking to resolve the Naga issue through dialogue.
The Assembly resolution has recognised the Naga militants for having “selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed” for the aspiration and rights of the Naga people.
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio moved the resolution stating that the negotiation between the Centre and the Naga outfit has reached a crucial stage and that the Assembly should play a contributory role. The resolution has also called for an early solution to the Naga problem.
Pusa urged the group(s) involved in the dialogue with the Centre not to miss the opportunity. “We should not miss the opportunity since the Centre has opened the door with sincerity for a solution,” the PCC chief said.
He, however, said any solution to the protracted Naga political issue should not be less than honourable and acceptable to all sections of Naga society.
“We should make use of the opportunity to conclude the talks and bring a permanent solution to the problem,” Pusa said.
“We must take advantage of the opportunity given by the Centre and take the peace process to a logical conclusion,” he added. He said the Naga people deserve an honourable and acceptable solution adding that the Nagas should take full advantage of the Centre’s offer.
Under the Assembly resolution, a Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Naga political issue will be formed comprising members from all political parties. This committee would carry the voice of the House to all sections, including the Centre and the Naga outfits. The Assembly also appreciated the government of India, particularly Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union home minister P. Chidambaram, for their sincerity towards finding a permanent solution to the long-drawn “Indo-Naga” political problem.
On the Question of a Solution to the Indo-Naga Conflict Kaka D. Iralu Morungexpress
Although ordinary Nagas like me do not know the contents or details of the Peace Package that the Government of India is offering to the Nagas, allow me to herewith state some undeniable historical and political facts that must be considered for a final solution and peace to dawn in Nagaland.
1. If the peace package will force and condemn us to become a part of Manipur state, Arunachal State, Assam State or Indian or Burmese citizens, it will be a totally unacceptable peace package. We want India, Burma and the whole world to know that we are not Manipuri Nagas or Arunachali Nagas or Assamese Nagas or Burmese Indian Nagas. We are simply Nagas without any prefix or suffix attached to our national identity. And of course, we have not been fighting all these years so that in the end India and Burma can brand us as citizens of another country or people. I am sure India is mature enough to understand this political reality and fact because her own struggle for her own independence from British occupation of her lands did not end in Indians becoming British citizens of India.
2. We, Nagas are stating this undeniable and irrefutable fact, because like any other nations on earth, we also have our own distinct history, geography and national identity which has been given to us by God and handed down to us by our forefathers. We were very clear headed about these facts and have therefore stated them unequivocally and succinctly in the preamble of our Constitution when along with the rest of Asia (including India) we also unanimously decided to become a sovereign modern nation state and declared our own Independence on 14th August 1947.
3. The first Article in our Constitution states that “The territory of Nagaland shall comprise of all the territories inhabited by the Nagas…” This simply means that we are not trying to grab somebody else’s territory besides what is legitimately ours from time immemorial. It also means that we do not recognize artificial boundaries drawn by others without our consent and therefore refuse to be branded as citizens of another state or country. All these facts had been furnished in writing to both India Burma and Britain before the transfer of Power took Place in 1947.Hence, Mongolian South Asian Naga history can never be portrayed or re-written as beginning from the Independence Acts of India and Burma in 1947.
We, the citizens of Nagaland are hoping that India in her first unilateral peace proposal to solve the Indo-Naga conflict have taken into consideration the above stated facts.
Rev. Luen’s ‘The Fire of Revival’ a page-turner morungexpress
Dimapur, December 1 (MExN): The Fire of Revival, a book authored by Rev. M I Luen, and published by Authentic Books which is the publishing division of Biblica South Asia, was released by Rev. O Alem, Executive Secretary of the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), at Impur at the ABAM Central Council on November 26. The book is classified under the Mission/History category of Authentic Books. The book records the author’s firsthand experiences with regard to the Great Revival of Nagaland which started in the later half of the 70s.
According to Rev. O Alem, the name ‘M I Luen’ is synonymous with ‘revival’ and he is known within the Ao Baptist Churches Association family as “what we call ‘Revival Director’.” Rev Alem further endorsed the book for its unique value and as a primary source for those who may do research work. Rev. Dr. I Ben Wati, in his forwarding message, described the book as a page turner, a must read book by all who long for true spiritual awakening and assured that it would inspire all who read it. The book begins with an account of the yearning for a new upheaval in the land and of the people’s prayers to the Almighty which was answered in the form of a great wave of spiritual revival that swept through Nagaland in the seventies. Rev. M I Luen, then an evangelist from ABAM, recounts his experiences in the great Fire of Revival and tells of the many miracles that he came across when he travelled all over the Northeast spreading the ‘fire’ as Director of The Revival Hour.
This autobiographical book also gives an account of the miracles and testimonies of people from different tribes who experienced the burning fire of the movement which has famously become known as Revival Hour. The book captures the spirit of the movement and is a must-read for all those who were there as well as those who want to emulate the Revival which Nagaland experienced. As the author himself says, “Everyone who experienced the great revival is a page in the book”.
Rev. M I Luen was the Director of Revival Hour, ABAM, during the great Revival that started in the year 1976. He is a pioneer pastor, evangelist and missionary in Nagaland, as well as a well-known writer with the credit of writing and publishing many books, magazines, gospel songs and tracts in the past. The Great Revival of Nagaland that broke out in 1976 was under his leadership. He is the author and publisher of Revival Ken, the song book that the Ao community uses in all the Revival camps that are held even to the present day; the songs have been translated into other Naga dialects as well. The Fire of Revival can be found at the OM Bookstore in Dimapur and at ABAM Bookstores at Impur and Mokokchung. The release of the book coincides with the call of ABAM, ‘Revive your church’, as its theme in 2010.

‘Nagas should not miss opportunity for solution’ morungexpress
Kohima, December 1 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has welcomed the statement of Union Home Secretary GK Pillai who has endorsed the resolutions of Nagaland State Assembly adopted on November 27 last. “We welcome the statement of GK Pillai,” NPCC President K V Pusa said today.
Pillai had said that NSCN is not a banned organisation and that the Centre was looking to resolve the Naga issue through dialogue. The assembly’s resolution had also “recognised” the Naga undergrounds for having “selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed” for the aspiration and rights of the Naga people. The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stating that negotiation between the Union Government and the Naga ouftit has reached a crucial stage and that the assembly should play a contributory and facilitating role. The resolution had also called for an early resolution of the Naga political problem.
Pusa urged the group(s) involved in the dialogue with the Centre not to miss the given opportunity. “We should not miss the opportunity since government of India with sincerity has opened the door for a solution,” the NPCC supremo said. He however said any solution to the protracted Naga political issue should not be less than honourable and acceptable to all sections of Naga society.
“We should fully make use of the opportunity to conclude the talks and bring a permanent solution to the problem,” Pusa said expressing his appreciation to the Naga undergrounds and the Centre for their ‘sincerity’ and ‘commitment’ to hammer out a solution in the larger interest of the Naga people.
“We must fully take advantage of the opportunity given by the Centre and bring the peace process to a logical conclusion,” Pusa added. He categorically asserted that the Naga people deserves an honourable and acceptable solution, adding that the Naga people should take full advantage of the Centre’s offer.
AR Director General visits Nagaland morungexpress
Dimapur, December 1 (MExN): Lt Gen K S Yadava, AVSM, SM, VSM, Director General of Assam Rifles accompanied by Meenakshi Yadava, President of ARWWA arrived in Kohima today. The DGAR has assured of continued support of AR to maintain overall peace within the state in times to come
On arrival the couple was accorded a warm welcome at Kohima helipad where he was received by Maj Gen Jai Prakash Nehra, AVSM, IGAR (N) and his lady wife Nirmala Nehra. The Director General then visited Kohima garrison where he was updated on all the new infrastructure being planned to improve the existing face of the garrison, Major Pallab Choudhury, PRO IGAR (North) informed in a press note. The note also added that the visiting couple paid a visit to Kisama Heritage Village to witness the “colourful extravaganza of the inaugural ceremony of Hornbill Festival 2009”.
Later in the evening Director General Assam Rifles accompanied by IGAR (N) called on HE the Governor of Nagaland where apart from customary exchange of greetings the Governor was briefed on the current prevailing security situation and efforts of AR in conjunction with civil administration and police to ensure peace and security, it stated. Moreover, the note mentioned that DGAR will be departing for Shillong on December 2, after a visit to Chieswema garrison.
Nagaland Assembly shows the way Sach Kanwal Singh WQorld Sikh News
The Nagaland Assembly has passed a Resolution recognising the Naga undergrounds as those “who have selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed” for the “aspirations and rights of the Naga people” and said these forces continue to follow the “tradition of selfless sacrifices” for the “common cause” of the Naga people. It said that the time had come for the Assembly to rise to the occasion and play its contributory role. Just pause and think: What has been the role of the elected representatives of Punjab and the Punjab Assembly in their engagement with the Sikh aspirational struggle?
For someone like Prakash Singh Badal, here is a lesson in how to engage with the agitation and struggle waged by thousands of Sikhs for the self-respect of the community. For the Indian nation state, this is a slap in the face of all those who are quick to berate aspirational struggles and battles as "terrorism". "Terrorism" has become such a tag that the governments conveniently slap on actions of civil society groups, people's movements and ethnic societies. But the brave people of Nagaland and their elected representatives have sent out a clear signal that even the dumb establishment cannot miss.
On Friday, the 27th of November, 2009, the Nagaland Assembly created history and a precedent by unanimously adopting a resolution in which the House recognised the Naga undergrounds as those “who have selflessly worked, fought and sacrificed” for the “aspirations and rights of the Naga people.”
The House also expressed recognition of those undergrounds who continue to follow the “tradition of selfless sacrifices” for the “common cause” of the Naga people.
The members of the Assembly put on record their appreciation for “sincerity” of the underground groups, “especially the commitment towards peace and understanding by signing the Covenant of Reconciliation on September 23, 2003 at Chiang Mai, Thailand.”
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who moved the resolutions said the political issue and the negotiations had reached a crucial stage and that the time had come for the August House to rise to the occasion and play its contributory role.
The development should be a lesson to the elected MLAs and MPs in Punjab who are beneficiaries of the struggle of thousands who died defending the sanctity of the Sikh community's religious places and stood up to tyrranical regimes to protect the self respect of the community. The Punjab Assembly has never even thought of passing a resolution to honor the memory of those who fought for the interests of the state, for its assets, its waters, its territory.
The fact that the Nagaland state legislative assembly has extended ‘recognition’ to the Naga undergrounds even as talks between the Government of India and the NSCN(IM) have yet to
reach a conclusive stage shows the dedication of the elected representatives to the cause and their eagerness to take along those who really fought for the Naga people.
The fact that the resolution was passed unanimously must be hailed. In Punjab the Congress and the Akali Dal have both worked only to dilute or negate the contribution of those who took a stance in favour of their people and were made to suffer or were even killed.
The Nagaland Assembly's Resolution appreciated efforts towards finding a permanent solution to the decades-old “Indo-Naga” political problem. Has Mr Badal ever used a term like Indo-Sikh problem? Or even Indo-Punjab problem?
The resolution passed by the Nagaland Assembly said those termed as insurgents are in fact the ones who "continue to follow the tradition of selfless sacrifices for the common cause of the Nagas.”
The state assembly also reiterated its earlier stand on integration of all Naga-inhabited areas in the region, an issue that also figures prominently on the NSCN agenda. “It is the desire of the Nagas to live together as one family and this House has rightly voiced the cry of the Naga people,” Chief Minister Rio said. The Nagaland Assembly has so far passed four resolutions in favour of integration of Naga areas” first on December 12, 1964, followed by August 28, 1970, September 16, 1994 and December 18, 2003. The 60-member House in the resolution also appealed the negotiating parties of the Naga political dialogue to expedite the political process and bring about an early resolution through a negotiated settlement which was honourable and acceptable to the Naga people.
“We appeal to the negotiating parties of the political dialogue to expedite the political process and bring an early resolution through negotiated settlement which is honourable and acceptable to the Naga people,” the resolution said.
Chief Minister Rio, while moving the resolution, called upon legislators to come together, cutting across party lines, with one voice on the Naga political issue. “Our unity and understanding will create the right environment for all sections including civil societies and underground groups to unite and work together.” He said it was all the more imperative that the over ground groups first unite before the undergrounds were called upon to come together.
When was the last time you remember the Akali Dal president and Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal who first enjoyed power during 1997-2002 and then from 2007 onwards ever making such an appeal to other Akali factions?
The state assembly, through its resolution, also appreciated efforts towards finding a permanent solution to the decades-old “Indo-Naga” political problem. Has Mr Badal ever used a term like Indo-Sikh problem? Or even Indo-Punjab problem?
The Nagaland Assembly resolution also appreciated the civil society, churches, NGOs and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for their all out efforts towards reconciliation, understanding and oneness of all sections of Naga society. The resolution also hailed the sincerity of the underground groups, especially their commitment towards peace and understanding by signing the “Covenant of Reconciliation” earlier at Chiangmai in Thailand on September 23 this year.
The resolution further decided to constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Naga political issue comprising members from all political parties. This committee would carry the voice of the House to all concerned sections including the Centre and the Naga rebel groups.
The Naga Peoples' Front (NPF) has appreciated the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to institute the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
Just when some voices in India murmurred about such a resolution, New Delhi was jolted by the unity of the Naga people and ensured that the discordant voices are silenced immediately. This is what happens when a community is clear about its interests and a sense of purpose and unity binds them to a common cause. No wonder, India's Home Secretary G K Pillai was quick to not only not oppose or criticise but even go as far as to back the Nagaland Assembly resolution in support of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). Pillai said that the NSCN is not a banned organisation and that the government was looking to resolve all Naga issues through dialogue.
In contrast to the Punjab Assembly which did not ever praise even men like Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra or Sirdar Kapoor Singh, forget about praising Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale or Bhai Shahbeg Singh, here was the Nagaland State Assembly that praised Issac Swu and Thinuselie Muiva, the founders of the NSCN, the most feared ultra outfit in Nagaland.
Irrespective of the Indian media's concerted efforts to paint the NSCN (IM) as being responsible for the deaths of prominent editors, police officers and army officials and tom-tomming the NSCN getting plenty of support in arms, ammunition, cash and other resources from China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, here was the elected Assembly that gave legitimacy to the brave underground movement and thus telling the world that what is called the "six-decade-long insurgency" is something that was a movement of the people, for the people, by the people.
It is to be noted that the 60-member Nagaland Assembly that passed the Resolution also included 19 opposition Congress party legislators.
The move of the Nagaland Assembly will also yield benefits for the militant groups as it is also aimed at uniting all underground groups and ending violence and bloodshed. The rival NSCN factions are fighting a bitter turf war for territorial supremacy in Nagaland since they split in 1988. The internecine war has claimed many lives.
Another significant resolution was to integrate all Naga-inhabited areas in the northeast, a demand that has for long been raised by the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM).
'It is the desire of the Nagas to live together as one family and this house has rightly voiced the cry of the Naga people,' Rio said in the assembly.
The NSCN-IM, one of the oldest and most powerful of about 30 rebel groups in India's northeast, was earlier fighting for an independent homeland for the Nagas but scaled it down to a 'Greater Nagaland', to be formed by slicing off parts of adjoining states that have Naga tribal populations. The governments of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have rejected the demand for unification of Naga-dominated areas. New Delhi too has earlier rejected demands for unification of all Naga inhabited areas. But with the united voice now coming through the Assembly, New Delhi will have little option but to concede.
One cannot help but wonder what would have been the conditions in Punjab had the political leaders of the state displayed a similar concern for Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat rather than raise the bogey of terrorism.
Hornbill draws global audience Eric Miachieo Kisama Morungexpress
(Top) The chief guest of the inaugural session of the Hornbill Festival 2009, Governor of Nagaland Nikhil Kumar and his wife accompanied by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio arrives at Naga Heritage Village Kisama to a traditional welcome. (DIPR) (Bottom) Tribal Chang women perform in front of their morung on the first day of the annual Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village Kisama on Tuesday, December 1. (Photo/Caisii Mao)

Festival of Festivals comes alive with cultural grandeur

The official venue of the Hornbill Festival– Kisama – became a riot of vibrant colours of sheer grandeur as Nagas, once again, displayed to the world their rich cultural heritage on the inaugural day of the culmination of the festivals of the various Naga tribes.
The performing arena at the venue was a sight to behold as Naga warriors belonging to various tribes, performing artists from neighbouring states and even cultural troupes from abroad, including from Myanmar and Thailand, decked in their traditional finery, awaited their turn to perform in the state’s biggest cultural extravaganza.
This year’s edition, the tenth, saw unprecedented participation of both foreign and domestic tourists, most notably the delegations from Myanmar or “eastern” Nagaland, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan besides a swarm of curious tourists from western countries. This year’s Hornbill edition has also a lot of added attractions including the Kids’ Carnival, special performance slots for cultural troupes belonging to Myanmar, Thailand and Korea, among others.
Officially declaring the “Festival of Festivals” open, Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar remarked that despite being geographically small, Nagaland has displayed to the world its diverse culture and showcasing its rich cultural heritage. He described it as a unique experience.
He described the festival as a celebration of the culture of the vibrant people of Nagaland and expressed confidence that the festival would assume a much greater role in bringing cultures together. He also opined that the festival, which coincides with Nagaland’s Statehood Day, was aptly named the ‘festival of festivals,’ pointing out that it has not only managed to inspire but also invited the attention of the seven sister states of the northeast and the cultures of other nations. He complimented the Nagaland government for organising such an event of sheer cultural splendour, which has rapidly gained status and popularity in the tourism world over the years. The governor was also full of praise for the government’s organising ability.
Asserting that the successful celebration of such an event was made possible only due to prevailing “peace,” the governor said to be looking forward to the state entering an era of peace and progress and emotional integration, in the near future.
Earlier, in his inaugural speech, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the chief host of the event, expressed satisfaction that the Hornbill Festival, which started in the year 2000 on a modest scale, has gradually gained in stature and vision to become a unique platform for tourists to witness the cultural diversity of not only the Nagas but also of the beautiful seven other sister states of Northeast India. He described the Hornbill Festival as an annual tourism promotional event to showcase Nagaland’s traditional and cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur.
Rio announced the government’s policy to slowly and gradually privatise the festival to enable event managers and other entrepreneurs to take it up as a business venture and professionally manage it. Further, he reminded of the government’s initiatives to promote music as an industry through the Music Task Force. Emphasising that festivals can be celebrated only when there is conducive atmosphere, the CM attributed the prevailing “peace” and tranquility to the joint efforts of organisations such as the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, church bodies, civil society, NGOs, tribal organisations and the various underground groups. He further made a renewed appeal to all sections of the people to maintain peace and harmony.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Yitachu, Parliamentary Secretary in-charge of Tourism and Law & Justice while founder president of the Tenyimi Central Union, WC Krome, who was the tribal guest of honour, invoked traditional blessings.
On the occasion, the governor also released a book entitled, ‘Fables From The Misty Mountains – Folklores of the Nagas.’ Cultural items by cultural troupes from Myanmar and Thailand were among the main attractions of the day. The programme was well-attended by a host of dignitaries including cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs, top bureaucrats and officials, heads of department and top military officials.
Delhi wants Nunisa to whittle demands OUR BUREAU The Telegraph


PC Haldar
Dec. 1: The Centre wants the Dima Halam Daogah (Dilip Nunisa) to whittle down its demands, especially that of integration of areas adjacent to North Cachar Hills for their “homeland” Dimaraji, raising fears that it may form a major hurdle in parleys with the outfit.
A source said the Centre has asked its interlocutor for peace talks with the DHD, P.C. Haldar, to try and cut down the group’s demand.
The Centre feels that acceding to the group’s demand will open the floodgates for other outfits which have similar wishlists, the most contentious being the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas as sought by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah).
The DHD wants areas in Karbi Anglong, Nagaon and Cachar, besides Dhansiri valley under Dimapur subdivision, integrated with North Cachar Hills.
Dilip Nunisa, the outfit’s chief, said there was no question of his group climbing down on its demand for integration of these areas.
“We cannot accept anything short of that,” he said, adding the organisation had also asked for an economic package for the development of Dimasa areas.
Haldar, a former director of the Intelligence Bureau and an IPS officer of the Bihar cadre, is scheduled to visit North Cachar Hills tomorrow to hold discussions with civil society groups for their opinion before the start of the next round of negotiations with the DHD (Nunisa).
A source said Haldar was keen to get a first-hand feel of people’s views since he has only recently taken up the mantle of interlocutor for talks with the DHD (Nunisa), DHD (Jewel), National Democratic Front of Boroland and United People’s Democratic Solidarity.
“Although he is an expert on the Northeast, he will still need an insight into the people’s mind,” a source said.
The apex bodies of Dimasa, Kuki, Zeme Naga tribals and Bengali and Hindi-speaking people are among the groups he will meet in Haflong tomorrow.
Navin Verma, the joint secretary of the Northeast desk in the Union home ministry, is likely to accompany Haldar on this trip.
Haldar is scheduled to leave Guwahati for New Delhi on December 5 or 6.
He will visit Karbi Anglong this Saturday.
Three seniormost UPDS leaders, including general secretary Saiding Eh, two joint secretaries W. Mukrang and Tong Eh-Nongloda, are likely to sit with Haldar during a proposed meeting in Guwahati.
Mukrang today said his organisation was hopeful that the talks would take a new turn with Haldar at the helm.
The Karbi group signed the ceasefire pact in 2001 and its demands include a self-ruled homeland for the Karbis (Hemprek Hanthim), a special economic package for overall development of the region and a corridor connecting eastern and western part of the hill district.
In Kokrajhar, a senior leader of the NDFB said on condition of anonymity that they have been invited to meet Haldar on Friday in Guwahati.
The NDFB said they would stick to their demand for a separate state with more autonomy.
“We had earlier placed our demand for a separate state with more autonomy so our talk is going to revolve around it,” he said.