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01/06/2010: "Reconciliation process, a step ahead: Isak (NPN):"



Reconciliation process, a step ahead: Isak (NPN):

DIMAPUR, Looking back at the year 2009 which was described as an eventful year in terms of the Naga political struggle, NSCN (I-M), chairman, Isak Chishi Swu said that the reconciliation process, among other things, has brought the Naga people a step closer to realizing the dream of a free “Nagalim.”
The NSCN (I-M) “Yaruiwo” in a New Year message urged all Nagas to support the reconciliation process and guard this corner stone towards peace and unity among the Naga people.
He urged for retrospection of the year gone by and the many struggles, challenges, losses and victories and to carry the lessons learnt into the New Year. “…let there be preparedness in our hearts to fully surrender to the will of God. Let us all try to be in the newness of life,” Isak urged.
The NSCN (I-M) chairman saluted all national workers for their selfless sacrifice for the nation and said he was proud to call them comrades. He thanked all Naga patriots who have supported the national cause and continue to do so. Calling for continuous struggle for the final settlement of the Naga political problem, Isak also appealed everybody to be aware of the presence of God and fully dedicate themselves to the national cause.
Isak encouraged all young Naga entrepreneurs to play their role in the nation’s progress but at the same time to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ and to be good role models to upcoming generations. Wishing that the New Year be an era of success, the NSCN (I-M) chairman called upon everyone to work together whole heartedly and fully commit themselves to doing the will of God.

Solution to Naga issue ‘not far off’ morungexpress
Dimapur, January 6 (MExN): Chairman of CFMG & CFSB, Lieutenant General Mandhata Singh has expressed confidence that solution to the protracted Naga problem was not far off, given the changed outlook of the Naga underground factions.
“I find there is a very marked change in the outlook of both factions (the two NSCNs). I find that there is a genuine move towards finding a solution,” Singh told media-persons on the sidelines of the CFSB meeting here at NAPTC complex in Chumukedima.
He said the present peaceful situation and decline in inter-factional violence speaks of the maturity and genuine efforts on the part of the factions to end bloodshed and bring about reconciliation. Given the present atmosphere, Singh said he was hopeful that the “Naga peace talks” would “fructify this year.” Singh who took over as the ceasefire chairman last year also gave full credit to the NGOs, churches and well-wishers of the Naga people for the improved situation in the State.
In a similar vein, CFSB supervisor Wangtin Naga also acknowledged the efforts of Forum for Naga Reconciliation and leaders of both the NSCN groups in trying to bring about reconciliation among the Naga factions. Maintaining that it is possible for Nagas to come together and achieve their aspiration through reconciliation, Wangtin said once the Nagas change their mindset, solution to the Naga problem will come very soon.
Also, General Singh said that there is a need for the so-called “collections” (“taxations” from the underground factions) to come down so that the common man is relieved.
On being the chairman of both the CFMG and CFSB with the NSCN (IM) and NCSN (K) respectively, Singh said that his outlook towards both the underground factions was “balanced.”
The Lieutenant General also said that during yesterday’s meeting with the NSCN (IM) and today’s meeting with the NSCN (K) he had conveyed to both factions the concern of the Government of India on the reported activities of the NSCN factions in Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal and NC Hills in Assam. The issue of the groups’ assistance being provided to other northeast insurgent groups was broached, he said.
On the issue of designated camps, Singh said he always reminded the faction on four points: that the camps should not be near townships and civilian-populated areas, should not be near international borders, should be away from national highways and should not be near inter-state boundaries.

‘GPRN/NSCN’ raises issue of NSA detention
Dimapur, January 6: In the ceasefire supervisory board (CFSB) meeting held today at Chumukedima Police Complex, the “GPRN/NSCN” has once again raised the issue of arrested cadres detained under the National Security Act (NSA).
Emerging from the closed-door meeting, supervisor of CFSB and “GPRN/NSCN” leader Wangtin Naga told Media-persons that the outfit has reiterated its position that its cadres arrested by security forces should first be ‘routed’ to CFSB office, rather than detaining them directly under the NSA. Wangtin insisted that the cadres of his organization, which is in ceasefire with the Government of India, cannot be tagged under the NSA category.
CFMG & CFSB chairman Lieutenant General Mandhata Singh who presided over the meeting told Media-persons that the meeting also discussed on closer interactions between law-enforcing agencies and the underground factions so that any aberration or ‘misunderstanding’ can be correctly addressed.
The meeting also dwelled on setting up more designated camps for the “GPRN/NSCN” besides the four camps located at Khehoi under Dimapur district, Athibung (Peren), Suruhoto (Zunheboto) and Ponghong (Mon), all under physical occupation by “GPRN/NSCN” cadres.
Wangtin, who was accompanied by five other “GPRN/NSCN” functionaries, said a joint team had been sent for establishment of two additional designated camps in Kiphire and Tuensang districts. The group’s members also highlighted problems faced by inmates of Ponghong, including lack of power and water supply, he said.
On the recent incident in Niuland sub-division where five armed “GPRN/NSCN” cadres were arrested by security forces, the CFSB supervisor said the cadres have already been released and that the firearms would be returned within a couple of days.
Queried on reports about the presence of ULFA cadres in the “GPRN/NSCN” camps in Mon district, Wangtin claimed the reports were only “military gimmicks.” “If there is, we’ll definitely sanitize it. How can we allow some outside groups to establish camps in Mon,” he said. Besides the CFMG & CFSB chairman, representatives from the Government of India and state government including military officials, commissioner of Nagaland HK Khullu and ADG (Ops) GK Rengma attended the meeting.

IM destroying Intangki reserve forest: GPRN/NSCN Nagaland Post:
The Struggle of the Naga peo-ple is primarily to reclaim our inalienable political and historical right. The struggle is not only against political oppressors but also against any individual, group or party that impoverish the Naga people, their land and natural resources.
Presently, the Intangki National Reserve Forest, which belongs to all Nagas, is being devastated by massive logging operation by IM group. If the disastrous course of action pursued by IM at Intangki National Reserve Forest is any indication, the National wealth of the Naga people will be finished within no time. The present onslaught must be prevented and preserved for future Naga generations at any cost. It cannot be exhausted to fund the organization that believes in confusing the Nagas to achieve its hidden agenda. The destruction of Intangki forest by IM is a good exhibition of their policy "Loving Nagaland but destroying everything in it"
GPRN/NSCN has enough authentic report of the large scale destruction of natural flora and fauna, at the behest of few individuals at Hebron camp. Forest products are being cut into all shapes and sizes by installing saw mills and sold off to civilian buyers who in turn transport the goods to Dimapur and other places to be sold at higher rates.
GPRN/NSCN appeals to all right thinking Nagas, the Hohos, student bodies, DB's & GB's and other NGO's to immediately intervene and stop the devastation of our National wealth. GPRN/NSCN cautions all contractors and businessmen working hand in glove with IM that henceforth, all forest products coming from Intangki Reserve forest, raw or finished goods, shall be seized by Naga Army personnel. Swindling of National wealth shall not be allowed at any cost. GPRN/NSCN seeks the co-operation of all concerned to jointly stop this anti-national activity and preserve our Natural Resources
Publicity Cell, GPRN/NSCN.
Indo-Naga talks deadlocked NSCN (IM) demands talks at PM level Nagaland Page
Dimapur, January 5: Twelve years of negotiations between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) appears to have reached a standstill with the outfit categorically rejecting India's offer to hold talks at the Home Ministry level. The new development would probably be a setback for both the entities and also create misunderstanding between them pushing the peace talks once again to the walls.
Senior NSCN (IM) leader and Convenor of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group, "Maj Gen" Phungthing Shimrang, however, said there is no question of rejecting talks with India, but that it is a question of invitation. He maintained that talks are to be held at Prime Minister level, but recently the Home Secretary send them proposals for talks, which is not agreeable.
He said when it was agreed that talks should be held at the highest level, i.e., at the Prime Ministerial level, why should the GoI send invitation through the Home Secretary. Why not the Prime Minister's Office, he questioned.
About the much-hyped Centre's proposals to the NSCN, Shimrang said that no such proposals have been presented to the NSCN (IM) till date, adding, "The question is still hanging". He further said that these are just only speculations as nothing has been brought to the notice of the NSCN.
The NSCN (IM) decision to literally reject the GoI's offer for talks at the Home Ministry level has also been intimated to the Government of India by the outfit's General Secretary, Th Muivah recently. According to sources, Muivah had written to the GoI expressing displeasure on inviting the NSCN for talks through the Home Secretary.
The proposed visit of the NSCN General Secretary this month seems to be doubtful under such circumstances, which means that the Government of India has to change its decision to allow the NSCN to come for talks.
On the other hand, the absence of an Interlocutor has also hampered the peace talks leading to an impasse. The former interlocutor to the Indo-Naga peace talks, K Padmanabhiah was removed by the Centre last year and till now no one has been appointed in his place.
Disturbed by the stance of the Government of India at present, "Maj Gen" Phungthing asked whether the talks have gone to the Home Ministry level from the agreed Prime Minister's level. He also said that there is no interlocutor at present and it is up to the Government of India to decide whether they want to hold talks at Prime Minister's level or through the GoI's Interlocutor.
"We have not said that or decided on it when the talks are to be held at the Prime Minister's level," he said adding, "Don't they have a secretary in PMO?"
Giving his view on the last 12 years of ceasefire and the subsequent developments, Phungthing, who has been involved in the process since the ceasefire agreement, said that Government of India should be sincere in its approach. "When there is a negotiation, it means coming to understanding each other," he added.
Phungthing also pointed out that in the last 12 years one problem has been of the ceasefire mechanism. He said what has transpired in the last 12 years because GoI could not resist it. The ground rules have been changing and on the other hand, the GoI has its own problems.
When asked about the recent allegations that NSCN (IM) cadres had attacked a convoy in NC Hills and that they are now dominating the area, after the DHD had surrendered, he feigned ignorance about such incidents. When pointed out that there are reports in the media, he said that they (GoI) may go on saying whatever they like.
About the recent killing of one FGN cadre by the NSCN (IM), he said that the issue was taken up in the meeting with the Government of India representatives today. He added that there is reconciliation process going on and there are signatories of it and a committee to look after that, he said, adding, "I am not authorized to say anything."
However, giving his personal view, "Maj Gen" Phungthing disclosed that there is no ceasefire between the NSCN and the FGN. It is the GoI's look out to control the cadres of the FGN. "When they are growing, gathering arms and increasing their numbers, why is the Government of India not saying anything?," he asked alleging that GoI definitely has some motives. "Are they feeding them to make another issue?," he retorted.
He also charged the Assam Rifles for not taking any action against the FGN and said they (AR) only know how to hunt the NSCN only.
The NSCN(IM) today held the Ceasefire Monitoring Group Meeting and exchanged pleasantries with the representatives of Government of India led by CFMG Chairman, Lt Gen Mandhata Singh.
Regarding today's meeting, Lt Gen Singh said that it was a routine affair and conveyed happiness over the factions' contribution towards the prevailing peaceful situation in the state. He also credited them for showing utmost restraint and helping in building a peaceful atmosphere.
The CFMG Chairman also said that they raised the issue of the NSCN training good number of cadres, for which the Government of India has showed concern.
The meeting was attended by CFMG Chairman, Lt Gen Mandhata Singh, Commissioner Nagaland H K Khullu, DGP Nagaland K Kire from the Governments' side, while NSCN (IM) representatives including CFMC Convenor, "Maj Gen" Phungthing Shimrang, Zhiheto, Deputy Kilonser & Member, CFMG, Wabang, RT Livingstone, Representative Naga Army and member CFMG, M K Winning, Francis Kikon, Salemyang and S Among Lim, members, CFMG.
(Page News Service)
Nagas must unite: ‘Gen.’ Keyho morungexpress
Dimapur, January 6 (MExN): Amidst efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to bring all Naga political groups to a common platform, “retd. gen.” TM Keyho today expressed apprehensions that the forum might just be leaving out crucial matters in the process of reconciliation. Keyho raised questions about the formation of the Joint Working Group, thereby, questioning why “national workers” such as “Naga Peoples’ Support group, Mrs. Adinno’s group, Dr, Senkas’ group” and some old and veteran “national workers” were “excluded.”
Expressing that the forum is the only hope left for the Nagas to reconcile, Keyho said, the FNR must find ways to ‘bring the Naga groups together,’ not “ask them to come together.” “Can the rival group come together by themselves? If it can, that is the best way,” Keyho said in a note. He said the Naga “national workers” must first unite among themselves and then unite with the people.
Speaking to The Morung Express, Keyho said his apprehensions are founded on the fact that “FNR hasn’t started talking about reconciliation on the basis of history and Naga political rights.” Keyho, although, appreciative of the efforts of the FNR, said there can be no true healing and forgiveness unless the groups are willing to talk about the past. “Why not talk about the wounds, find out from where we have gone wrong and what are the causes of factionalism?” he said. ‘If only the groups try and reason then only we will be able to forgive and forget,’ he said.
Keyho, who also attended the Chiang Mai meet, said veteran “national workers” should be consulted on the reconciliation process. “We are equally concerned about the Naga political issue. We should be consulted,” he said. ‘Nagas must unite and decide their future. Otherwise, whatever we have achieved may be lost, and the present Naga national workers sacrifices and sufferings may come to nothing,’ he added. Keyho warned that unless ‘the FNR is serious and strong, and act on impartial and independent body, instead of bringing Nagas together, it may create further division and that is the danger Nagas must take care.’

Dynamics of Indo-Myanmar Economic Ties IDSA COMMENT Saurabh
India and Myanmar are bound by a 1600-kilometer land frontier, a long maritime boundary and also by religious, cultural and ethnic ties, which go back two millennia. India's four states Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh share India’s international border with Myanmar. This geographical proximity between the two countries translated into long-standing trade relations across land borders and the sea route.
India's Vice President Mr. Hamid Ansari Visited Myanmar last year and observed that the economic engagement between India and Myanmar promises immense potential. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing interaction between India’s North Eastern states and Myanmar which occupy a central place in India's Look East Policy. Myanmar is India's gateway to ASEAN as it is the only ASEAN country which has land and maritime borders with India. India and the ASEAN signed a Free Trade Agreement in August 2009 which will cover 11 countries, including Myanmar, with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of over $2 trillion. ASEAN Regional Forum, India-ASEAN Summits, East Asia Summit, BIMSTEC and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation provide further avenues for mutual cooperation between the two countries.
The economic engagement between India and Myanmar has expanded into the public and private sectors. The first India-Myanmar Bilateral Border Trade Agreement was signed in New Delhi in January 1994 and was implemented in April 1995 with the opening of a cross border point between Moreh, India and Tamu, Myanmar. The agreement provides facilities by which trade is being carried out through the designated border expansion of the list of exchangeable items. The opening of border posts has also helped in checking illegal trade of goods and monitors the activities of insurgent groups between India and Myanmar.
The year 2003 witnessed events which not only cemented existing bilateral ties, but also provided a foundation on which commercial and economic could expand in the future. A joint Trade Committee was set up to work towards increasing bilateral trade, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on cooperation in information and communication technology, a new Line of Credit for 25 million US dollars was signed to boost exports, and in November 2003 the offer of a 57 million US dollars million credit line was announced by India in order to upgrade Myanmar's railway network.
India is one of Myanmar's major trading partners and one of the largest markets for its goods. The most startling fact is that bilateral trade between India and Myanmar has grown more than eighty times in the last twenty eight years. From US$12.4 million in 1980-81, India-Myanmar trade grew steadily, to reach a level of 995 million US dollars in 2007-08. The actual trade turnover may probably be more if trade via third countries, particularly Singapore, is taken into account.
India's exports to Myanmar, though small, range from primary commodities to manufactured products. Primary and semi-finished steel along with steel bars and rods constitute over one third of India's exports. Indian drugs and pharmaceuticals have also established a significant market presence. India's exports to Myanmar's in 1990-00 and 2007-08 were 72.16 million dollars and 162.98 million respectively.
India's imports from Myanmar between 1990-00 and 2007-08 stood at 215.35 million dollars and 809.94 million dollars respectively. The balance of trade is heavily in favour of Myanmar. Myanmar contributes to nearly one fifth of India's imports of timber, second only to Malaysia, as timber and wood products accounted for nearly 30% of Myanmar's exports to India. Myanmar is the second largest supplier of beans and pulses to India, next only to Australia.
Developmental projects have become essential elements of India's approach towards building good neighbourly relations and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation. Kaladan multi-modal project in Myanmar promises to be the cornerstone in India's efforts to develop infrastructure projects for cross-border benefits in the region. India is assisting the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project and has also extended project specific credit lines for upgrading the Yangon-Mandalay Trunk line and for the optical fibre link between Moreh and Mandalay.
Several positive developments have taken place recently in the areas of trade, investment, power, oil and natural gas, manufacturing and the vocational training sectors. In 2008, India and Myanmar signed four economic cooperation agreements which include the Bilateral Investment Promotion Agreement, two credit line agreements between the EXIM Bank of India and the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank for 20 million dollars for financing the establishment of wire manufacturing plant, 64 million dollars for financing three 230kv transmission lines in Myanmar and the last agreement provides a banking link between Myanmar Economic Bank and United Bank of India. New vistas of cooperation in IT, automobiles, textiles, river and land-based transportation system were also explored.
India-Myanmar trade has immense potential for cooperation in the field of natural gas as Myanmar has reportedly one of the world’s biggest gas reserves estimated to be more than 90 trillion cubic feet. ONGC Videsh Limited and Gas Authority of India Limited hold a 30% stake in the exploration and production of gas in Myanmar's off shore blocks located in the Sittwe Area of Arakan State. India has evinced keen interest to procure gas from Myanmar. India however, still faces the problem of transporting gas from Myanmar. A technical consultant company was engaged by the Gas Authority of India to prepare a detailed feasibility report for the pipeline route to Myanmar. The company has come up with the route that would link Myanmar's Sitwe Sea with Jagdishpur-Haldia pipeline at Gaya in Bihar. Once the negotiations are over and the deal is finalized, the Eastern and North-Eastern states of India are expected to witness a massive spurt in economic activity, and the India-Myanmar bilateral relationship will definitely get stronger.
Clearly, there is immense scope for cooperation between India and Myanmar to deal in agro-based products, floriculture, engineering, timber and tobacco and expand business cooperation. Although there has been a significant increase in bilateral trade in recent years, full potential has yet to be realised.
‘ULFA should not go for talks’ Nagaland Page
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Senior functionary of the NSCN (IM) today suggested the ULFA should not fall into the traps of the Government of India, as they would achieve nothing from talks.
"No. ULFA should not go for talks as nothing would come out of it," "Maj Gen" Phungthing Shimrang said when asked whether ULFA should hold talks with GoI. He said that it was his personal opinion and not of the organization.
He said, "If it is not for the people of Assam and their right, there would be another kind of accord, which would never be implemented."
Disfavoring any kind of bloodshed in Assam, he said that it is the question of the rights of the people of Assam.

Faction denies killing Lilabati OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Security personnel escort the funeral procession of Lilabati at Deolguri on Tuesday. Picture by Haren Kalita
Kokrajhar, Jan. 6: The pro-talks faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland today denied its involvement in the killing of Lilabati Basumatary, the elder sister of Ranjan Daimary, the chief of the anti-talks faction of the outfit, and instead blamed a “third force” for the incident.
Speaking to mediapersons at his designated camp at Borbori in Baksa, the secretary general of the pro-talks NDFB, S. Swmkwr, alias Gobinda Basumatary, said the NDFB, which is in ceasefire, was not behind the murder.
Lilabati was shot dead by an unidentified assailant at Deolguri in Udalguri on Monday. She was called out of her home when she was cooking dinner around 7pm and shot from close range.
“We have much respect for her (Lilabati) and cannot even think of doing such a thing,” Basumatary said.
“A third force, which is trying to cause bloodshed among the Bodo brothers, could be involved as we have seen before,” he said, and urged everyone not to “play politics” over the killing.
He also appealed to Daimary not to avenge the killing.
Basumatary’s clarification comes a day after Anjali Daimary, Ranjan’s younger sister and president of the All Bodo Women Justice Forum, alleged that the murder was a planned one by the pro-talks group of the NDFB.
The outfit’s information and publicity secretary, S. Sanjarang, said: “Lilabati Basumatary had helped and played a role in bringing the NDFB to the people after it came to ceasefire. We respect her and Anjali Daimary and accord them the respect that is worthy of sisters and cannot think of such action against them.”
Sanjarang said the culprits involved in the killing must be identified and punished.



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