[Previous entry: "Assam doesn’t want S-word fuss - Suggestion to end impasse OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"] [Next entry: "Naga groups seek common approach morungexpress"]

12/07/2009: "Next round of talks soon Eastern Mirror"

Next round of talks soon Eastern Mirror
DIMAPUR, DEC 7: The next round of talks between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM may be held soon. However, there is no slated time set for the talks till date. Sources from the NSCN-IM said with the proposal sent up by the government of India to the NSCN-IM,
The talks if held, is going to be crucial this time as the Naga outfit will definitely express their views to the proposal.
Meanwhile, there have been speculations doing the rounds that NSCN-IM leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Isak Muivah will be coming to New Delhi during this Christmas season. However, MIP secretary Imcha Longkumer informed NNN tonight that no official intimation in this regard has been received. Imcha Longkumer said at the moment he cannot give any concrete information on the matter. Ceasefire Monitoring Cell convenor Phumthing Shimrang too expressed ignorance over the speculations of the leadership’s visit to New Delhi. He further said he had no idea when the next round of talks can be held.
Meanwhile, a well placed source in the NSCN-IM set up informed that no invitation from the Government of India has come forth till date.
The source also refuted reports that talks were slated to be held on Sunday last, December 6. We have no knowledge about such a programme, clarified the source.
It is pertinent to note that the Government of India has reportedly dispatched the proposal to the NSCN-IM leaders to study. The NSCN-IM is yet to react to the proposal. (Newmai News Network)
My Experience Scato Swu Morungexpress
I thought of writing for the consummation of the history of the Naga freedom struggle and set forth important truths. However, this proves to be inapplicable in the context of our times.
It is not a story that I will tell nor a legend that I depict. It is neither an illusion nor a mirage: but a reality that “Naga territory” was born with “full sovereignty” in the midst of the universe; that entity was partially disturbed by the advent of the British Empire in 1881.
I have gathered some infallible historical facts which cannot be subjected to dispute. It was not my intent to keep gaps in my writing concerning important matters. The sacrifice of the patriots will furnish a basis for the literary endeavours of later generations.
Wherein I became the share holder of wild animals’: “tree-house” as our great ancestors did, I mused under the shade of trees and dreamt on the hard beds of stones. Shots of rifles, sten guns, bren guns, 3” mortar shells and the sights of war failed to disturb my tranquil mind, which had the urge to build up a small land of my people; who were poor and backward. During those times, the sturdy, simple and God fearing people, as they were; a little guidance, some sympathy, some consideration and development could have turned this dark land from 1929 to 1956 into a land of mirth and joy, pleasure and plenty, strength and sacrifice.
But what stood in the way? Has that obstacle been completely removed? The military threat in Nagaland is uncalled for, for the Nagas had never declared war on India, nor had the Nagas attacked any of the territories of India. The Republic Government of India and the Republic Government of Nagaland are competent enough to settle the political problems of Nagaland. The present experiment suffers from something serious. In the first place, the Nagas had an “unwritten Constitution” and yet they fully enjoyed the provisions of Sovereignty. The question of Naga Sovereignty was put to plebiscite on May 16, 1951. We, the Naga students of Shillong, participants of the plebiscite were thrilled with joy by the results. The desire for restoration of Naga Independence was almost unanimous. That news heralded the unity among the Nagas and a general festive mode was clearly displayed in the faces of the Naga students. The Chief Minister of Assam, Vishnu Ram Medhi did not share that happiness with the Nagas. Infuriated by the result of the plebiscite he poured out his anger through mockery and sarcasm. He threatened, “I will make my belt out of Naga skin. Can the monkeys build a house?” Those dirty lines had a far reaching effect on me. The belittling remark from a high and responsible Indian leader spurred an immediate powerhouse of identity and nationalism in me, the seed of resistance was sown.
Whether in Nagaland or the Northeast tribal communities, it was this inhuman treatment, in all its manifestations that we had to confront. We also resolved to exterminate the Medhi approach. Alas! Medhi approach is still at its best on the part of India.
Nagaland had artificially become a forbidden country. It was conspicuous that the Government of India had made an attempt to exterminate the political movement in Nagaland. It was felt that our political survival would be physically suppressed in the absence of external intervention. Therefore, we had to expedite the decision on our foreign policy to import arms and ammunitions in order to encounter such violative plans of India. We are grateful to some friendly countries for sufficient supply of our needs.
In 1947, both the Indians and the Nagas were liberated simultaneously. But, as early as January 10, 1929, the Nagas had informed the British Government that they would not join the Union of India. Yet, mainly for defence strategy, India determined to annex Nagaland at any cost. On the other hand, the Nagas took a firm stand and did not yield to the aggressive attitude of India.
I had to play my humble role at that juncture. All my contemporary graduates were untrue to their earlier pledge. They took the way of timidity and opportunists. Sorry to say so. Shall we not use water when our house is set on fire? My determination to resist the aggressor and to prove Naga existence and entity made me the only graduate to work under the Naga Republic Government for a number of years.
I do not blame any “unit of Naga family” for not equally yoking together the Naga burden as the human ability varies. Suffice it to say that the strong protect the weak with pleasure.
In a social life:
Some are true and some untrue,
Some are tenacious and some cunning,
Some are sincere and some opportunists,
Some sacrifice and some inherit.
I came across such type of people during the perilous times of the Nagas, and it pains me that such types of people still persist. Though the truth must be told aloud, I have my own fear of somebody being displeased. My attempt is neither to heighten beauties of somebody nor hide the deformities of others in the context of Naga Independence struggle. It has been designed to promote an affectionate relationship among the Nagas.
During my times as the Head Master, Satakha Government M.E. School, I witnessed the atrocities committed by the Indian Armed Forces which were inflicted on the innocent Nagas. The reign of terror became the portion of the Nagas; who were not allowed to till their own soil. Collective fines were imposed, mass imprisonment, tortured till crippled, hung headlong from trees, women molested and raped, sticks inserted into the private parts of women, people flayed, soaked in winter water for hours, bayoneted, killed and displayed the dead body, starved to death, granaries burnt into ashes, villages razed to the ground and shoot at sight for asserting their ancient Sovereignty. I thought all those terrors ought to be resisted by means of supreme sacrifice. Human value, dignity, rights and national rights were virtually nullified by the reign of terror which was carried out without the opinion of the Nagas.
Government of India became counter-productive and a powerful agitation spread throughout Nagaland. I was fed to the teeth by the suppressive policy of the Government of India. Hence on March 19, 1956, I declared the School closed and I had handpicked my able-students and proceeded to join the Freedom Movement.
In no time I became the top responsible leader in fulfillment of the dream of my mother Satoli, who dreamt that one of her cocks had gone to the forests and had been crowing from the tops of the trees. My conscience commanded me to defend our sovereign motherland. Now I look back with some satisfaction on our achievement and know that howsoever little it was, it remains noteworthy.
With extra-ordinary cruelty, the Indian Armed Forces gutted any village at sight and were enraged by the defensive resistance offered by the Naga Home Guards, most furiously in Sumi area. The Indian Armed personnel made a trail persecution to pacify the local population by torturing and shooting them. They called it a good political lesson for the Nagas. The senseless people in arms could not be questioned.
The resistance was especially heavy in road less areas and in forestlands where the Naga Home Guard personnel had their strongholds. The forestlands suffered from constant cannon shelling. In Nagaland, not only the people but even the trees were treated as the enemies of Indian army personnel. For their security reasons, all trees around villages and on the road sides were cut down. Few new jeepable roads were constructed to facilitate the movement of the Indian Army personnel.
In order to bring to a halt the offensive attacks of the occupation army, all the existing kaccha jeepable roads and bridle paths were either blocked or purposely damaged by the NHG.
The Naga Home Guards (NHG) had the advantage of better knowledge of local terrain and conditions to fight more effectively. The political allegiances of the villagers were deep-rooted to the core, who were constantly in peril. While resisting their political deprivation they groaned and travailed in pain. In desperation, they questioned if their revenge could be taken? The author used to respond, “You are taking revenge by helping us.” Many of them were of remarkable help to us, well beyond the call of duty: physically and materially despite their being impoverished by the arson and incendiary committed by the aggressors.
The first stage of a “freedom movement” is never easy. It has to form its nucleus, then gradually get organized and spread its influence in a convincing manner. This was exactly what happened in Nagaland.
A voluntary demand for being recruited for Naga National Service came as if the flood gates were opened, especially in the Sumi region. All well built people rushed to the Sumi Head Quarters at Old Shena. Taking the maintenance into consideration, it was impossible to accommodate all volunteers. Hence the Public Service Commission (PSC) had to be established with the author in the Chair. The volunteers were recruited strictly on merit basis. Many disqualified candidates went back in disappointment due to the rejection of their voluntary service.
Every new comer after May, 1956 had to go through a probation period: whether one had mentally prepared to stand fortitude and offer a living sacrifice. The test being conducted under two conditions. Firstly, physical endurance and secondly, mental alertness. Literate people were inducted by having written examinations. Some of the questionnaires were as below:
Q1. Why do you think you are not Indian?
Q2. How would you like to administer and run the Federal Government of Nagaland?
Q3. How long do you think the Nagas can resist the Indian Armed Forces?
Most of the examinees’ answer to Q1 were identical with one another. They answered: From the beginning of the world up to date; the Nagas were never Indians nor can the Indians become the Nagas.
Scato Swu
Former Kedahge FGN
We want peace in our land: Dr. Jamir Chizokho Vero Morungexpress

Governor of Maharashtra Dr SC Jamir seen along with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Parliamentary Secretary Tourism Yitachu during the National Hornbill Rock Contest at Kisama on Sunday. (Photo/Chizokho Vero)

Kisama | December 6: Governor of Maharastra Dr. S.C Jamir today stressed on the need to create an atmosphere of peace and harmony so that the younger generation can get an opportunity to expose and excel in this competitive world. Speaking at the National Hornbill Rock Contest here, Jamir called for peaceful, harmonious and conducive atmosphere to develop the minds of the younger generation without any fear. In order to make it happen, he said it should be the collective effort of the government, civil societies and NGOs to bring love, compassion for the future.
Dr. Jamir also stressed on the need for Nagas to come together with sincerity and commitment to bring peace in Nagaland. “We want to give to the present generation the legacy of peace, harmony and united, prosperous Nagaland,” he said. Dr. Jamir also wished to see the making of a new Nagaland and one that is a peaceful and harmonious state. The former Nagaland Chief Minister also appealed to both over ground and underground to realize that Nagas are one and that the younger generation wants to grow without any hindrance.
Sharing his vision to the people of Nagaland, he said Nagaland is not lacking behind any other state in the country. He said that opportunity should be provided to the younger generation to help the youth understand that they are living in the 21st century. “No nation can live in isolation”, he said and at the same time believed that Nagaland can an equal partner with the rest of the world.
Dr. Jamir also complimented the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for building the infrastructure at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama for the people of Nagaland and at the same time for making the Hornbill festival into an international attraction.
Changing poor man’s timber into ‘green gold’ morungexpress


Employees of the NBDA working on bamboo charcoal at the NDBA centre. (RIGHT) Fermented bamboo shoot readied for the market at the fermenting unit. (Morung Photos)

Bamboo a vital source of income for Nagas

Dimapur | December 6: ‘The grass of hope’, some people have named the bamboo. With people beginning to see bamboo in a different perspective, it is proving to be a vital resource in terms of its contribution to the national economy and ecological stability. In Nagaland, bamboo has been an intricate part of Naga culture and art. But it is only recently that people have begun to realise the value of the wonder grass, and bamboo development in the state is growing by leaps and bounds.
The nodal agency for bamboo development, Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) has explored and developed bamboo in a wider perspective, and has assimilated potentials and values of bamboo to the people. Spread over several acres of land, the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre in Dimapur is known to be one of the best in the country. Various bamboo products manufactured in the centre is a sign of a treasure-house, where a natural element is sustained in a manner to produce excellent resources to generate income for people of the state. Several units producing different bamboo products in small and moderate quantities have been set up.
One of the finest bamboo products of the state is handicraft. NBDA, with a view to revitalise handicraft and its development, has conducted various trainings focused on design, quality and productivity turned for market requirement. The agency has identified eleven SHG clusters and a consignment sales depot has been set up at the resource centre to facilitate marketing of the handicraft products.
The centre currently has a bamboo stick and splints production unit. The centre for incense sticks and Venetian blinds produces at a capacity of 40 square metres per day and toothpick production lies at 300 kilograms per shift.
Another bamboo product which is picking up market is the charcoal. Bamboo charcoal, with its wide ranging domestic and industrial demand, is gradually becoming the preferred charcoal. The NDBA with support from National Bamboo Mission on Bamboo Application has set up 45 bamboo charcoal production kilns across the state, producing about 11.25 tons of charcoal per day with special focus in the bamboo flowering regions of the state. The NBRC complex in Dimapur alone accounts for 400 kilograms of bamboo charcoal per hour.
Bamboo mat making has also been taken up as a community enterprise by the Anaki cluster in Mokokchung district and it is reportedly generating 36 lakhs per annum. The state also has one bamboo canning unit and a fermented bamboo shoot packaging unit. A bamboo pulp sanitary napkin unit has also been set up though the product is yet to be marketed. A bamboo treatment plant has also been set up for the production of quality bamboo products.
With 46 species of bamboo known to grow in Nagaland and about 5% of the total bamboo growing stock of the country available in the state, bamboo is set to change the fortunes of thousands of bamboo growers in the state. About 6472 hectares scientifically managed plantation was taken up during 2006-07, 7500 hectares for 2008 and 50000 is set for the next five years. NDBA is also moving enterprise based and building up infrastructure, thus drawing more entrepreneurs.
Also, with the involvement of the village bamboo development community in each cluster level and the involvement of rural people in the process of bamboo development activities, it may be apt to say that the government is changing the poor man’s timber into ‘green gold’.