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01/23/2010: "Nagas to meet for reconciliation The Imphal Free Press John K. Kapin"

Nagas to meet for reconciliation The Imphal Free Press John K. Kaping

From UKHRUL, Jan 22 : The benchmark strategy of "A journey of Common Hope" for the Naga Reconciliation with its missionary zeal under the "Forum for Naga Reconciliation"(FNR) led by its convenor Dr Wati Aier and the advocacy of the Nagas mind-set re-union spree longing for quite a long time has for the first of its kind in the history of the Nagas going to stage a common Naga public platform tommorrow at Ukhrul.

The public meet will be held under the theme "Blessed are the peace makers" in which all right thinking democratic citizens of the Nagas believed the spirit of reconciliation or the re-union mind-set of the Nagas bestowed the power of "Peace Negotiation" and termed the move as subtle potentialities gaining a robust role for peace in exiomatic manner.

Hectic preparation is on at Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) ground, Ukhrul for a common Naga public meeting on January 23 with the evaporation missionary zeal for achieving common Naga goal from the vitaliser "Forum for Naga Reconciliation"(FNR).

The public meet is to be organized by the Tangkhul Committee on Peace and Confidence Building(TCPCB).Dr. Wati Aier the Convenor, FNR would address the expected mammoth public gathering from the corners of the Ukhrul district. Representatives from the Naga National Council / Federation Government of Nagaland(NNC/FGN), Government of People`s Republic of Nagaland/ National Socialist Council of Nagaland(GPRN/NSCN) and National Socialist Council of Nagalim/Government of People`s Republic of Nagalim(NSCN/GPRN) would also occupy amidst the "Reconciliation rally".

The Programme also highlights with its chairperson Caroline Ayao Vashum, introduction by Sila J. Konghay followed by Hokharai (opening slogan) by TNL president Stephan Angkang, task of comperes to be taken by Yoyo Shaiza and Leiyaphi M. Zimik and after the interactive session the vote of thanks would be deliverd by AS. Dinah, president Tangkhul Shanao Long(TSL).

In the meantime, the whole Ukhrul town looks white as shops, streets, houses and vehicles all carrying white flags as a token of solidarity in the "Reconciliation Movement" and all the business establishments, vehicles, padestrains, offices are likely to be eased during the meeting. The TCPCB also urged all Ukhrul town dwellers and villagers to participate the public meeting by wearing Tangkhul traditional outfits.

NSCN (IM) mourns Namkenthiu demise morungexpress
Dimapur, January 22 (MExN): The Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim have mourned the “sudden and untimely” demise of W Namkenthiu, Joint Secretary, Account & Audit, S/O W. Chalaibo, of Makui village, ZLR region who breathed his last on January 20 at around 9.30 pm. at Burma Camp, Dimapur “owing to a B. P stroke”.
The MIP, GPRN in a condolence message stated that the “government” has expressed grief and sorrow, and mourns his death as a great lost to the Naga Nation and the government. “It is our prayer that God take control of the situation and console the family members. May Almighty God give them strength and comfort.” It also stated that late W Namkenthiu who was born on December 19, 1969 joined NSCN in March 1997, and till the last moment he had served the Naga nation with the spirit of dedication and sacrifice. The government shall record his service to the nation and history will give him a place of honor.
Call for reformation in frontal organizations morungexpress
Dimapur, January 23 (MExN): The annual general conference 2009-2010 of the Sumi Officers’ Union Dimapur (SOUD) was held on January 23 at Go Karting, NH- 39, Dimapur. Dosheshe Y. Sema, Minister for Power and elections, Nagaland graced the occasion as chief guest. A press note issued by Nitovi Wotsa, General Secretary, SOUD informed that the chief guest called for reformation in our frontal organizations/hohos, student bodies and Officers’ Forum through unity and tolerance among ourselves and with others.
2009-2010 SOUD annual general conference held
The press note also informed that the chief guest at the conference welcomed advice from the officers to achieve the aspirations of Nagas and the Sumis’ in particular. In the interactive session with the minister, a host of issues were discussed where he clarified the governments’ stand as well as his personal opinion and advice. The conference was attended by K.T Sukhalu, IAS and Khukivi Awomi, Ex- Minister and all officers posted/ residing in Dimapur. Rev. Inaho Swu, Pastor Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church invoked God’s blessing on the gathering followed by Presidential address from Viheshe Achumi. ‘Lezole’ (folk song) was presented by Er. Vihoto and friends, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Hocto Sumi, IFS.

NSCN Press release
Dimapur, January 22 (MExN): Taking strong exception to what it termed as the “malicious unfounded allegation” of the Assam government blaming the NSCN/GPRN for instigating unrest in the NC Hill, an MIP press note clarified that it was in no way involved in any sort of “unleashing terror” in the district as was claimed in a report prepared on the basis of the visits of a fact-finding Committee of Justice on Trial that appeared in some local dailies.
“The NSCN/GPRN term such unbecoming and unscrupulous statement of the Assam government much to the indignation of the Naga people as highly unfortunate and uncalled for”, the MIP note stated. The NSCN (IM) pointed out that the Assam government had failed to “carry any political correctness” in restoring peace and normalcy in the trouble wrecked district” and that it was only adding insult to the injury that would not serve anything good but instead create further confusion, suspicion, misunderstandings and division among different ethnic groups in the area.
“It is totally unwise on the part of the government of Assam to make NSCN/GPRN scapegoat of its own failure and ineffectiveness to contain the situation coupled with the divisive policy of the government of India towards the region who has been maintaining a silent spectator over the sensational issue for quite some time”.
The NSCN press note alleged that one Capt. Hemanta Singh of 45 AR was found working hand in glove with DHD outfit in attacking the Zeme Nagas when the ethnic clash between the Dimasas and Zeme Nagas was at its peak. According to the MIP note, the AR failed miserably to clarify and come out clean on the issue.
“Such misgiving allegation implicating and dragging the name of the NSCN/GPRN with malicious intention is another candid exposure of its (Assam) inability to deal with the problems of its own making”, the MIP note stated while going on to add that the NSCN/GPRN never ever intended to disturb the centuries old peaceful co-existence between the Kacharis/Dimasas and the Nagas or with any other community in the region and that it has no hand in the present turmoil in NC Hill whatsoever.
The NSCN/GPRN as such has strongly refuted the allegation that it is providing training and helping other revolutionary organizations in the so called North East. “NSCN/GPRN neither has clandestine nor official relation with others to create situations in any part of India after signing of Cease-fire agreement”, it stated.
Further it stated that the principle of NSCN/GPRN itself strongly prohibited imposition of one’s culture and religion to others and thus the question of pressuring and forcing non-Christian to convert to Christianity does not arise at all. The MIP note demanded that the so called fact-finding Committee of Justice on Trial and Justice MV Tamaskar should come out with clear evidence to substantiate their claim to clear the air and to avoid any unwanted consequences.
Dr. Jamir returns Morung Express News

Dr. SC Jamir is greeted by Congress leaders on his arrival at the Dimapur airport on Saturday, January 23.
Dimapur | After stints as Governor of Goa and Maharasthtra, Dr. SC Jamir returned to Nagaland today amidst rousing welcome at the Dimapur airport. CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi along with other Congress legislators, party workers and supporters received Dr. Jamir on his arrival from New Delhi. The senior Congress leader was relieved from governorship earlier this month.
‘Nagas should come together on a common platform’
Speaking to Reporters outside the airport, Dr. Jamir said he is now going to devote his time to the people of Nagaland. Dr. Jamir said he will also strengthen the hands of the Congress in the state. He said the Congress is much stronger now and should grow even more with recent changes in party leadership.
The former chief minister of Nagaland called upon all Nagas to sink their differences and come to a common platform. “We cannot allow the present situation to go on,” Dr. Jamir said. He said
there has to be a concerted effort and collective wisdom of leaders to solve the long pending Naga political issue. Dr. Jamir said the Naga issue cannot be solved through confrontation. “It is the people that matters; what they want,” he said, while adding people must come out boldly to solve the Naga problem.
Dr. Jamir’s return is also being speculated with much enthusiasm. Although he did not divulge his next assignment, reliable sources said Dr. Jamir may be accommodated into the Union ministry. “As a politician, there is no superannuation. I will continue to serve the people in the state or elsewhere, Dr. Jamir said while adding that “one should not be governor for too long.” Governorship restricts other activities, he said. The state Congress unit is reportedly also pushing for Jamir’s induction at a higher level.
Dr. Jamir expressed satisfaction over his tenure outside the state. He said he is willing to serve the people and the nation in any capacity, as assigned by the government of India. Dr. Jamir said his greatest satisfaction in the state of Goa was being able to bring stability in the government.
He said he also had the privilege of being the governor of Maharashtra where both the state assembly and Lok Sabha elections were held during his tenure. Dr. Jamir served as Governor of Goa from July 2004 to July 2008 and Governor of Maharashtra from March 2008 until recently.
In God, we curry flavour Irish Times
Spice of life: Gordon Ramsay in India
KEVIN COURTNEY
TV REVIEW: The Meaning of Life with Gay Byrne RTÉ 1, Sunday, Gordon’s Great Escape Channel 4, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Rab C Nesbitt BBC2, Thursday, Bellamy’s People BBC2, Thursday
Sunday
How Earth Made Us BBC2, Tuesday
WHAT’S THE meaning of life? The greatest thinkers in history – Descartes, Socrates, Monty Python – have grappled with that question, but none has so far managed to come up with a definitive answer. Okay, the Deep Thought supercomputer from Hitchhikers’ Guide to The Galaxy worked it out and came up with the number 42 – but that answer is not going to be much use to you in an existential crisis.
Never fear, though: The Meaning of Life with Gay Byrne is back to tackle those tricky conundrums that plague our psyches, in a new series of one-to-one interviews with well-known figures from the world of film, TV, music, literature and politics. The title is a bit grandiose – you could just as easily call it Tell Uncle Gaybo All About It . We’re not talking major intellectual discourse here – these are short face-to-face interviews dressed in a mantle of spiritual inquiry. If you watched the first series last year, featuring such guests as Colin Farrell, Sinead O’Connor, Gerry Adams and Neil Jordan, you’ll know the drill. There’s no plugging the new film/book/album/TV show. This is more like a celebrity therapy session, with Dr Gaybo as your spiritual shrink, nodding understandingly as you tell him all about your childhood, upbringing, personal relationships and your experience of God and religion. And there’s no shortage of noddy shots and reaction shots from the great man himself, which add to the impression of a particularly attentive confidante.
There’s no special trick to Gay’s interview technique – it’s his status as the Elder Lemon of Irish broadcasting that elicits your trust. You can’t imagine this format working with anyone who isn’t already familiar with Gay’s paternal persona. If he asked an American to talk about their faith, he might get the answer: “Well, Jay, in my new movie, coming to a cinema near you, my character is very much on a spiritual journey.”
Gay’s first guest in the new series was “the other Gabriel Byrne”; he took great pleasure in noting that not only do they share a name, but both their fathers worked in Guinness, and both are products of a Christian Brothers education. There was no warm-up chat, just straight down to business – after all, they only had half an hour to find the meaning of life. Byrne the actor told Byrne the interviewer about his childhood in Drimnagh, his school life, and his time at a seminary in the UK, where he was sent at 12 to study for the priesthood. Five minutes into the interview, Byrne revealed to Uncle Gaybo that he was sexually abused by a Christian Brother, and again while he was at the seminary. “I didn’t feel that I suffered at the time from it, I just felt it was the way of the world,” he said.
He spoke about his own epiphany, when a travelling theatre troupe came to the seminary, and he clapped eyes on the young, mini-skirted actresses. He touched on the two loves of his life, the late RTÉ presenter Aine O’Connor and actress Ellen Barkin. When Gaybo got to the core religious questions, Byrne fudged the issue like any good lapsed Catholic would. He said – in a roundabout way – he doesn’t believe in God, the resurrection or the afterlife, but it was clear by the end of the interview that Byrne at least believes in himself, even when that self-belief has been shaken by depression and alcoholism. Half an hour seems too short to cover such a breadth of issues – it feels as if the programme is skating over the surface of a life rather than digging deep. Did we learn the meaning of life? Well, it’s not 42 anyway, we can be certain of that.
IF YOU DOUBT the existence of a higher power, prepare to kneel before the awesome might of earth’s geophysical forces. The recent earthquake in Haiti has put our tinchy little economic crisis into some degree of perspective. The first part of How Earth Made Us features earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and the destruction of entire civilisations. It also has footage of the Haiti disaster, but its main focus is on seismic events many millennia in the past. Prof Iain Stewart, throwing claustrophobia to the wind, delves deep into the Earth’s crust to discover how human civilisation has been shaped and influenced by the planet we live on.
He travels to some of the most geologically volatile regions to learn why humans through the ages have built their cities along unstable fault-lines. He dons an ice suit to visit Mexico’s Crystal Cave, one of the most beautiful – and hottest – places on Earth, discovered by miners in 2000. He is winched into a hole in an Iranian desert to find cool, clear water beneath, and he climbs the volcanic rock of Santorini to show how an enormous eruption there 3,000 years ago led to the decline of one of the greatest civilisations on earth – the Minoans of Crete. What was the Minoans’ greatest invention? The day off. What was their downfall? Not being off on holiday in Cyprus when a tsunami hit.
If you wonder why those crazy Californians opt to live on an earthquake belt, Stewart has the answer: the ore, oil and other natural resources thrown up by the San Andreas fault makes the state $100 billion a year. It’s an uneasy but profitable pact with nature. The rest of us have been living on a financial fault line and reaping the benefits of a pressure-cooker economy; now that it’s all collapsed back into clay, we’re scrambling to catch the next plane to Canada. Who’s crazy now?
WATCHING BREATHTAKING footage of the earth in turmoil makes me feel rather small, but what would it take to shake Gordon Ramsay’s firm belief that he is God almighty? How about a solo trip to the vastness of India, without a kitchen staff to abuse? That should take him down a peg or two. In Gordon’s Great Escape , the sweary, shouty chef took a “busman’s holiday” from his financial and personal woes back home to make his first-ever visit to the subcontinent, land of his favourite kind of food. His quest was not to discover the meaning of life, but simply to learn how to make a proper Indian curry, not the namby-pamby sort they make back in dear old Blighty. Ramsay reckons Indian food has lost something on its historical journey to the UK, and he’s determined to put back the missing ingredient – that aaah! factor that foodies crave. “I want to get back to what I’m good at – cooking.” he said.
He cooked vegetable curry for passengers on a moving train, helped prepare a massive feast of two entire goats for a wedding, and went hunting with a tribe in Nagaland on the remote north-eastern tip of India, almost cutting himself down to size with a machete. He watched a woman attempt to break the world record for eating chillies and rubbing them into her eyes, and he entered a cooking competition in Assam and came second – which naturally didn’t go down well with him.
I had feared a Ramsay ego-fest, with India shunted into the background; thankfully, Ramsay deferred to the superior power – the beauty, colour and diversity of this fascinating country. India’s all the rage since Slumdog Millionaire , but Ramsay avoided over-romanticising the country or overstating the poverty. He wasn’t not here to play the amateur sociologist or the great white benefactor – here, he was just a foreign student, learning the art of making real Indian food, so he kept his big head down for most of the trip. Most of it.
Some segments were not for the queasy – ant’s egg chutney, anyone? – and there were more F-words than, well, Gordon Ramsay’s F-Word (hell, you’d swear too if you’d just almost chopped off your own foot with a machete), but at the end of it you were left with the distinct feeling that this effing, blinding über-alpha male celeb chef will return home a humbler, more tolerant and forgiving person, no longer convinced of his own omnipotence. And porkbellies will fly.
Not so fast New series raided from the comedy cellar
Some old faces gurned their way back on to to our screens this week. First up was Rab C Nesbitt , the man who does for Glasgow what Borat did for Kasakhstan. Rab (Gregor Fisher) is now a recovering alcoholic, but he’s still got the same rough, abrasive manner and archaic outlook on life, and he plainly hasn’t washed that string vest since his last series in 1999. In this new six-part series, Rab and Mary Doll welcome home their son Gash, who’s been in rehab for drug addiction. The accents are thick as ketchup, and the jokes are as tasteless as ever, but this is one that should have stayed in the comedy vaults.
More promising is the TV reunion of Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse, whose new show, Bellamy’s People , mashes up Little Britain, I’m Alan Partridge and The Fast Show . Radio presenter Gary Bellamy (Rhys Thomas) is the straight foil to a host of colourful and bizarre characters, variously played by Higson, Whitehouse and a troupe of superb comic actors. There’s rap guru Early D, ex-criminal Tony Beckham, self-styled community leader Mr Khan, 1970s throwback Martin Hole (right) and 60s music manager Ian Craig-Oldman, to name but a few we met in the first episode. Some of the caricatures are spot on, although others seem like updated versions of Fast Show characters. The Fast Show hung on the same characters returning with the same catchphrases every week, but next week promises a whole new cast of oddballs for Bellamy to encounter.
This one might be just a little too fast for its own good.
Check Naga outfits: Unified Command Eastern Mirror
GUWAHATI, JAN 23: The Unified Command has urged Dispur to move the Centre and the Nagaland government to rein in Naga outfits and stop them from venturing into neighbouring states.
The Unified Command is a three-tier security arrangement that plans and executes counter-
insurgency operations in Assam.
Most of the constituents of the operations group contend that Naga rebels are not only frequently disturbing peace in Assam but also in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. They feel it is high time the NSCN leadership was told enough is enough in the greater interest of peace. The three states share their boundaries with Nagaland.
Sources said most of the constituents wanted the governments to act because the ceasefire with the NSCN factions would remain a mockery if those venturing into the neighbouring states were not checked.
They argued that if the NSCN factions were not checked now, militant outfits in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur could not be fully neutralised. Though the estimated number of NSCN cadres in designated camps is not known, six camps of the Isak-Muivah and four of the Khaplang factions are functional as of today.
Sources said the ceasefire monitoring group takes up issues of implementation of ground rules with the NSCN-IM and the ceasefire supervisory board with the NSCN-K. They meet from time to time and try their best to enforce the ground rules with help from the outfit’s local leadership and administration.
“We are not blaming the entire NSCN but there are some elements which are basically out of control. If they are in ceasefire, how come they continue to fuel disturbances in neighbouring states? It’s high time Dispur and the army built pressure on Delhi and Nagaland to check these errant elements. You cannot keep your home peaceful and disturb the neighbourhood. NC Hills, Karbi Anglong, Tirap and Changlang districts are just a few troubled spots frequented by the NSCN factions,” one of them said.
However, there is another section within the Unified Command, which wants the rebels of all ceasefire outfits living in designated camps to be kept under effective surveillance.
“Why only the NSCN rebels? We want all pro-talks rebels to follow ceasefire ground rules. There are reports that some members of the pro-talks Ulfa, DHD and NDFB are also violating ceasefire ground rules. Only after we get our house in order, we can pursue the violation of ground rules by NSCN cadres convincingly and with vigour. We need to concentrate on the home front first,” another source said. There are reports that a section of pro-talks rebels is indulging in extortion and intimidation.
The Unified Command has gone into an overdrive to thwart any possible attacks from the NDFB and Ulfa in the run-up to Republic Day and beyond, keeping strict vigil on important vital oil, rail installations, including airports.
The operations group of the Unified Command is headed by GOC, 4 Corps, Gyan Bhusan, while its the strategy group is headed by chief secretary P.C. Sharma.
Its constituents include intelligence, army, BSF, SSB, SIB, SB, police and CRPF personnel. It now remains to be seen how far Dispur and the Centre will go on this front. (Courtesy The Telegraph)
No superannuation in politics, says veteran politician Kevi Soho| EMN
DIMAPUR, JAN 23: In what is being seen as a clear indication of a big re-entry into active politics in the State after ending his gubernatorial stint at the prestigious Malabar Hill Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, Maharastra, Dr SC Jamir affirmed to strengthen the State Congress party as he returned back to home turf Saturday.
Speaking to media persons on his arrival at Dimapur Airport, Jamir expressed his satisfaction at having served as governor of two states. “I am very satisfied in having seen Maharastra through two elections - Lok Sabha and state assembly - and ensuring political stability in Goa as Governor,” he said.
The former Governor, however, admitted that being a constitutional head had deprived him of involvement in active politics, adding that a politician cannot afford to be in such a position for too long.
“Serving one term as Governor has been long enough and I want to be actively involved with the people,” Jamir said while stating that he had already conveyed this message to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and expressed his gratitude for allowing him to complete his term in office as Governor.
Hinting of major changes to come in the Nagaland Congress as well as in State politics, the veteran Congressman firmly stated that there was no reason why the Congress party in the State, which is currently going through one of its worst periods, cannot be revived as there are many senior politicians readily available to assist the generation-next leaders.
“The older generation leaders are paving way for the younger ones and we will assist them in strengthening the party,” Dr Jamir said responding to a query on the recent change of guard in the state Congress.
While choosing to make no comment on his next possible assignment, Jamir stated that he would take up whatever task the party deputes him. He, however, remarked that there was ‘no superannuation in politics’ indicating that he may again be actively involved in the State’s affairs.
The former governor also ruled out taking any long break and stated that he would be making time to meet cross sections of the Naga society to take stock of their opinions, adding that ‘the present situation in the State could not be allowed to continue’. On the ongoing Naga issue, Jamir reiterated the people’s desire for solution and permanent peace and said it is the people who matter. He also opined that they should to step out boldly and make concerted efforts to work out a permanent solution.
“I have no quarrels with anyone over the issue; Nagas should put in concerted efforts and work out a common platform through collective wisdom to hammer out a framework for a mutually accepted solution,” he said.
Meanwhile, there have been talks doing the rounds stating that the former governor had preferred an active political role in the country rather than an offered prestigious posting as Ambassador to foreign soil. Also, while it has not been confirmed, sources have not ruled out a possible union ministry berth for the veteran Congress leader in the coming months.
Jamir was given a warm reception on touchdown by party workers led by CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi and Congress MLAs. Later, the party workers also organised a welcome function for the former governor at his farmhouse residence in Chumukedima.
Look East policy fails in NE: NEFIT GUWAHATI (AGENCIES):
A premier international trade body of the North East has decried the lack of benefit to the region from the country’s ‘Look East’ policy and alleged state governments were responsible for it.
“Since it was initiated in 1991, the policy has not benefited as much as it was claimed or should have been till date,” North East Federation of International Trade (NEFIT) chairman R C Agarwal said.
Although in the initial stage the focus of the policy was much on ASEAN and proved a success but in the North East perspective it became a failure gradually, he said.
He said that till date there was virtually no role for states of the North East while neighbouring China had focussed on developing its backward regions through greater economic ties with ASEAN.
“While India is watching and contemplating, China has gone ahead in building new highways linking Kunming (Yunan) with Northern Myanmar and Thailand,” Agarwal said.
The Centre must change its perception in understanding the region’s problems and prospects in a more holistic manner, he said.
Opening of the Stilwel Road that directly connects the region with South Asia and the trilateral highways for which an agreement has been signed between India, Myanmar and Thailand could do well.
For enhancing trade, trade information and visa collection offices of Myanmar, Thailand and Bangladesh should be set up in either Shillong or Guwahati, which was the gateway to the region, Agarwal said.
“India’s policy of strengthening its ties with eastern neighbours has been sadly limited to counter insurgency efforts,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that though the region is a natural bridge between India and Southeast Asia, lack of infrastructure and development has plagued the region,” Agarwal said.
The entire infrastructure of roads, railway, air transport and communication would have to be revamped to serve the objectives of the Look East policy, he said.
The policy, he said, would provide a bridge between the rest of India and Southeast Asia “of which the Northeast will forever remain an underbelly.”