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01/30/2010: "Chidambaram talks tough on NSCN (I-M), Nagaland Post:"

Chidambaram talks tough on NSCN (I-M), Nagaland Post:

NEW DELHI Home minister P. Chidambaram today made it clear that he favoured an end to the impasse with Naga militants because he believed that the cease-fire with the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) had gone on for too long, reports The Telegraph.
At a security meeting today with senior home ministry and defence officials, Chidambaram took a tough stand, especially in view of the standoff between the Assam Rifles and Naga militants in Shiroy village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district for the past 11 days.
The NSCN (IM) and the Centre are in cease-fire in Nagaland since 1997. “He sounded tough,” a source said after the meeting.
Yesterday, during a meeting with Outer Manipur MP Mani Charenamei, the home minister made no bones about his reservations on the unending cease-fire. He is understood to have told the MP that the NSCN (IM) will have to mend its ways.
Though there is little possibility of either the Centre or the NSCN (IM) calling off the truce in a hurry, it is certain that the standoff in Manipur has brought about a change in Delhi’s stance. Till now, the Centre had maintained that it would not like to lose the hard-earned peace in Nagaland.
To a no-nonsense Chidambaram, however, results seemed more important within a timeframe.
Home ministry officials said the outfit has a tendency to blow small issues out of proportion. “In Shiroy, they were allowed to leave with their weapons but are now asking us to provide them a camp,” said an official. Under the cease-fire, the outfit has 11 designated camps in Nagaland but none outside the state. The present camp, near the hometown of the outfit’s general secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah, is the fourth one in the state.
Since 1995, even after the truce with the Centre that was limited to Nagaland state, the NSCN (IM) maintained three camps in Manipur. However, Shiroy seems to be the last straw for security forces.
The NSCN (IM) set up the camp in 2007 at Shiroy, best known for the exotic lily, despite opposition from the security forces. The abduction of Assam Rifles jawans a month ago and the outfit’s unwillingness to admit its mistakes led to the stalemate, officials said.
The issue will be taken up again this week at a follow-up meeting and another with interlocutor in Naga talks, K. Padmanabhaiah, sources said.
Naga Hoho appeals HM on Shiroi standoff DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN):
Naga Hoho has urged the union home minister, P. Chidambaram to handle the “delicate political situation with utmost care and bring down the volatility to normalcy without further delay” with regard to the ongoing stand-off in Shiroi village between the 17 Assam Rifles and the NSCN (I-M) since January 19.
Hoho president, Keviletuo Kiewhuo and general secretary, P. Chuba Ozukum said the members visited Shiroi from January 27 to 28 to take stock of the situation and highlighted the “bone of contention (s)” for the union minister’s immediate and necessary action.
The Hoho said the NSCN (I-M) has been camping at Shiroi village in Ukhrul district, Manipur since few years back with “the mutual understanding of the government of India as well as the Indian Armed Forces”.
Following the cordoning off by the 17 AR on the NSCN(I-M)camp on January 19 at around 2:30 a.m, water supply and electricity to the camp was completely cut off, they said.
The Hoho expressed apprehension that the “starving Naga Army might create havoc out of desperation” and result in derailment of the “Indo-Naga peace process”.
The hoho confirmed that the AR has also electrified barbed wire around the NSCN (I-M) camp and described it as “akin to act of barbarism and sheer violation of basic Human Rights”.
The apex body of all Naga tribes also pointed out that the innocent villagers were unable to go to field, schools and had even postponed the traditional seed sowing festival supposed to be held on January 27 owing to the fear psychosis that prevailed in their minds over the presence of hundreds of Armed Forces. Besides, children have been shifted to neighbouring villages as precautionary measures, it added.
Women folk in Shiroi and Ukhrul continued with their sit-in-protest under cold weather besides praying throughout the day so that any untoward armed conflict between the two contending parties would be averted.
The Hoho opined the only passage for the NSCN (I-M) activists in the camp was to move out but this would be possible only if the AR paved way on the principles of the ongoing ceasefire between the two parties.
It also registered protest against the stand of the government of India that the ceasefire covered or existed only in Nagaland. “Hereinafter, the ceasefire must cover the entire world in letter and in spirit”, they said .
In the light of the events, the Naga Hoho pointed out that the first ceasefire between the government of India and the NNC broke down due to insincerity on the part of the former and that the Naga people were now not keen on losing the current “hard earned peace process” and therefore urged upon the minister for immediate intervention.
Meanwhile, the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD) has appealed both the 17 Assam Rifles and the NSCN (I-M) to amicably resolve the standoff at Shirui Village, Ukhrul District of Manipur in the interest of peace, liberty, justice and human rights.
Customary law in the spotlight morungexpress
Dimapur| In a major deliberation on the purview of Naga customary laws, Dr. Anungla Aier, Director of Women’s Studies at Nagaland University today said customary laws have been misinterpreted. Drawing comparison from other customary laws such as that of Hinduism and Islam, the fundamental structure of a patriarchic Naga society is often ignored, Dr. Aier said.
‘Cannot apply old customs to modern life’
Addressing a seminar on ‘women, law and social change’ in Dimapur Friday, Dr. Aier said “Naga women have natural respect but not necessarily at par with men.” She said there is a serious flaw in the way Naga customary laws are being interpreted.
A scholar in Anthropology, Dr. Aier said customs logically change as society progresses and many customs have changed even in the Naga society. However, laws in regard to women are as rigid as ever, she explained. “In human social life, new customs replace old ones…we cannot apply old customs to modern life,” Dr. Aier said. She urged Naga women to introspect whether customary laws – which are meant to protect their rights – is detrimental to their progress. Dr. Aier felt there is a great gender divide and strong resistance to giving equal opportunities to women in decision making. “The social environment today is not what it was… they are using the same yardstick which was prevalent in the old days…women have not been deprived as much as now,” she remarked. Dr. Aier felt the gender debate is ‘silly’ but a very serious issue.
She said a situation is unfolding where “unwritten” customary laws are being interpreted by a section of people with vested interest at the expense of another section. She also said the plural legalism –existence of two types of legal system- in Nagaland is squeezing women in between. Dr. Aier felt women rights are being violated in the interplay between two legal systems. “If one gives justice, the other underplays it,” Dr. Aier said.
Dr. Aier also felt Naga customary laws are silent on sexual abuses. “Rape is not well defined.” She said, adding many perpetrators have gone scot-free due to lenient customary laws on violence against women.
Panel member Leonard Aier, the Principal of Dimapur City Law College said it is time to start framing laws from women’s perspective. Women are not to be looked as objects of pity or sympathy, he said. They should be given equal opportunities, he added. “Without women society cannot move ahead,” Leonard Aier said. He felt customary laws cannot be changed but the way it is implemented should be suited to contemporary times.
The two day seminar is being organized by Human Rights Law Nagaland in collaboration with Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Prodigals Home and Nagaland Voluntary Consumers Organization. Other panel members include writer Susan Waten and ENPO member Toshi Wungtun. Resource person for the first day include Liangsi Newmai, Dr. Anungla Aier, Hukhei Wotsa, Ruthsam Jidung, Rosemary and Advocate Kezhokoto Savi.

Custom no safeguard for Naga women

Dimapur, January 29 (MExN): Chairperson of the Nagaland State Women Commission Sano Vamuzo today said Naga women are at a crucial stage amidst the changes taking place in the society. “The changes taking place are mind-boggling,” Vamuzo said.
She said there is immense pressure for women in terms of social responsibility which, however, does not get translated into reality. She said Naga women are expected to be both modern as well as traditional and juggling both roles is very difficult. Vamuzo said there is clear evidence of global forces on women, yet their roles in entrepreneurship and decision making is challenged.
Speaking at a seminar on ‘women, law and social change’ in Dimapur today, the NSWC chairperson commented that the present social setup must look for ways to include women in all areas of policy making. “Look in terms of what women can contribute…to a larger landscape. Women should be given these opportunities,” Vamuzo said. She said women need to work through issues that they are concerned about to perfect it for all, especially for women.
Vamuzo lamented on the prevailing Naga customary laws which have little provision for safeguarding women. The customary laws, she felt, are not ‘women-friendly’ and new laws must be deliberated from women’s perspectives. She said violence against women is on the rise because there are no stringent laws under customary practices against crimes. “The myriad of problems in different faces of crime against women is very serious,” the chairperson said.
She pointed out that the Naga society has degenerated to the extent it is a shame to be called a Christian state. “For long, men have had dominance and we have seen the results. Women have to be given the opportunities now,” she added.

Sino-India border most difficult: PC PTI Bhanu (Panchkula),

Home Minister P. Chidambaram poses for a photo with female recruits from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at ITBP Training Centre at Bhanu in Haryana on Friday.
With a glint of pride in their eyes and armed with INSAS rifles, 209 women personnel on Friday joined the ranks of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to guard the Sino-Indian frontier, which Union Home Minister P. Chidamabaram termed as “one of the most difficult and challenging borders.”
Calling it a “historic event”, Mr. Chidambaram, who took the salute of the first women constable’s contingent of the force at the basic training centre here, said with this passing out parade, the women will be able to “regulate international trade between India and China at Nathu La and Sherathung trade markets besides escorting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatris.”
The new contingent will also be used to provide security to vital installations, rescue and relief operations including disaster management, perception management and psychological operations in border villages and during festivals, public meetings and agitations. Mr. Chidamabaram congratulated the families of the women, “especially their parents for taking a bold decision to let them join a force entrusted with guarding one of the most difficult and challenging borders of India.” Marching to the tunes of ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Jaa...’, the women staged an impressive parade as they became the first combat counterparts to their male colleagues in the 48 years of the history of the force.
Mr. Chidambaram said, “It is always a proud moment when you are the first. These 209 woman constables will always cherish this day even as today is written in golden letters in the history of the ITBP.” He lauded the women, who took the oath of duty dressed in blue beret caps and khaki uniforms, for “successfully completing the rigorous and gruelling training schedule of 44 weeks.” The women, drawn form various States of the country, started their training in February last year and are now adept in unarmed combat, weapon firing, commando tactics, map reading and other security-related drills.
ITBP Director General Vikram Srivastava said the women personnel would be further trained in counter-insurgency and jungle warfare and a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad will also be formed in order to raise an independent women’s battalion. The women contingent took their oath before the tricolour besides the force’s insignia and an array of weapons like Light Machine Guns, Under Barrel Grenade Launchers, INSAS rifles and rocket launchers. The 50,000 personnel-strong Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) guards the 3,488-km long Sino-Indian border. It is also protecting the Indian embassy in Afghanistan and securing VIPs.

Meira call to end militancy OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Meira Kumar
Shillong, Jan. 29: Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar today said insurgency in the Northeast should be declared a national problem.
Addressing reporters here today, she pointed out that the region was strategically located and accommodated people of diverse cultures.
Earlier, addressing the 12th conference of the North Eastern Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) here, she referred to the 36th report of the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs that focused on the problem of insurgency in the Northeast. The report had been presented to Parliament in 1997.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said the report had recognised insurgency in the region as a national problem and it needed to be tackled accordingly.
She also said the committee had emphasised the need for a two-pronged strategy for the region, dealing with insurgency on the one hand and working for development on the other. The country should treat insurgency as an important issue while focussing on the region’s development, the Speaker said.
“The Northeast is rich in natural resources and must have better air and rail connectivity,” she added.
She also said the nation should think about eliminating insurgency completely.
“Insurgency should not exist anywhere in the country where democracy thrives. Moreover, insurgency affects development and fundamental rights,” the Speaker said.
“Democracy and violence cannot go together and we cannot accept the thought process of militants who follow the path of violence”, she said.
She said it was the responsibility of the states in the region and the nation to address the challenges faced by the Northeast in terms of development.
Assam Speaker Tanka Bahadur Rai said, “There is a need to have concerted efforts by the northeastern states for development through peace.” Meghalaya Speaker Charles Pyngrope said the topic for discussion at the NERCPA meet was most relevant for all insurgency-hit states in the Northeast.
Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang said insurgency had its roots in the socio-economic and political environment of the region.“It is impossible to abolish any such movement without winning the hearts and minds of the people,” he added.
Can we see the ULFA in a new avatar in 2010? Sentinel
We have just had a peaceful Republic Day across Assam. Except for a stretch of rail track that was blown up in Dhemaji district by suspected anti-talk NDFB rebels, the run-up to January 26 was peaceful. A couple of home-made bombs (as improvised explosive devices are called in informed security circles) were recovered, including in capital Guwahati. These bombs, the police say, were seized from the possession of ULFA rebels or were planted by them. Now, the security establishment in Assam has taken credit for a violence-free Republic Day. “The rebels did try a lot to carry out subversive activities,” a senior police official smirked on television. Yes, we don’t mind giving credit to the security agencies, including the Assam Police, for working overtime, rather working day and night, to make sure the militants do not succeed in carrying out any violent strike.
But this time around, I want to play devil’s advocate by posing a question as to whether the ULFA did not, at the last minute, carry out any strike by choice. I know not many would be willing to think likewise for the simple reason that ULFA’s military chief Paresh Barua had actually threatened to carry out attacks around Republic Day. There are two things: if the ULFA had failed to strike despite attempts because of intense security vigil, it would certainly cast doubts on its current military prowess; and if the rebel group had decided at the very last moment to abandon any plan to strike, it would mean there has been a major policy shift within the outfit.
So, what could it be? A definite answer may be difficult to provide, but there is no doubt that the ULFA is faced with a major dilemma. If the police and the other security forces were able to obtain hard intelligence about the ULFA’s strike plans or movements, they have come from the common people or sections and individuals within the rebel group. And if the ULFA had decided on its own not to strike, that decision must have been taken keeping in view the public angst across Assam against the rebel group’s mindless bomb explosions in public places that had killed scores of innocent civilians in the past.
In that case, can we actually see the ULFA in a new avatar this year? The answer can be both yes and no. ‘Yes’, if we are to take into account the mood in the camp of the top ULFA leaders who are in jail. They have indicated that they are willing to enter into peace negotiations provided they are freed altogether or freed on parole. There is precedence of ULFA leaders jumping bail and disappearing after a round of exploratory peace talks with Prime Minister Narasimha Rao in 1991, something that the Government is taking serious note of. But, considering that the top ULFA leaders have returned to Assam this time with their wives and children, they may not do the vanishing act once again. And, the ULFA may not undergo any change whatsoever in 2010 because its exiled military chief Paresh Barua may not like to talk peace, preferring instead to adopt a wait and watch approach.
One thing that is certain is that it won’t be easy for the ULFA to ignore the people’s mood for peace in Assam. The pro-talk ULFA faction led by Mrinal Hazarika, Jiten Dutta and Prabal Neog are already mobilizing the masses to push ahead with the peace process. The jailed ULFA top brass also seems to have realized that talking peace with the Government is the need of the hour. And the elusive Paresh Barua also must be pondering whether it would be right to considering talking to New Delhi. After all, the ULFA has lost its bases in Bangladesh and Bhutan. And Myanmar, too, seems to have promised New Delhi help in zeroing in on the North-east Indian rebels operating from within its boundary. The challenge before the ULFA at this juncture is to draw up a wish list or charter of demands to be placed before the Government in case talks are to take place at some point of time. But, can we see the ULFA in a new avatar? One can’t really hazard a guess.
Tongue of the Nagas Ashley Tellis Express Buzz
After her marvellous first collection of short stories These Hills Called Home, Temsula Ao is back, this time with a slimmer collection brought out only by Penguin (the earlier one was a Zubaan/Penguin collaboration and one wishes Ao had chosen Zubaan (a local feminist publisher) instead of Penguin (a multinational monster) to go solo) called Laburnum for My Head. Yet its slimness is inversely proportionate to the intense and immense power of the stories.
The overarching quality of Ao’s stories has been her ability to not even mention the word ‘Naga’ or ‘insurgency’ and yet write stories mainly about Naga cultures and the movement against the Indian nation-state that began in Nagaland in the 50s. If the first collection was almost fastidious about not mentioning either word, this collection is more open to the idea of naming: tribes are named, the state is named, insurgents are named. But Ao retains the second, more important hallmark of her stories, the delineation of the political through the unobvious, the psychic tremor, the gendered vignette, the subtle understatement.
An older Naga woman does not want a regular gravestone but a laburnum tree growing on her grave and the story becomes a critique of Naga patriarchy, Naga community and a celebration of ecological diversity; a hunter begins to commune with the animals he kills which can be read as the most fine-tuned critique of masculinity and violence; a little Naga boy services US soldiers at a base in Assam and becomes the small voice of history telling it from another angle altogether through what he does; a Naga woman robs a government official’s matchbox but ends up striking at the heart of his political arrogance. These miraculous stories manage to do all these things almost imperceptibly, while apparently saying nothing, just concentrating on one detail, one thread, through which many more threads unravel.
Even when she pushes her own limits as a story-teller, Ao does not fail as the two stories that get into the subjectivities of the insurgent and the ‘innocent civilian’ at the same time, in one case an insurgent who is killed with a burning letter in his pocket and in the other a woman whose heart is torn between her impassioned love for a rebel and his love for his struggle, a struggle that betrays him, show. Even in these explosive scenarios, Ao maintains her distance, in a way that can only be called miraculous, from the sensational and the obvious.
One wishes the book ended with this last story but there’s the worst story of the book on which it ends, some nonsensical anthropomorphic account of a young boy’s premature death as ‘told’ by a caterpillar. But even here, the afterlife of the story is the disturbing relation between the human and the non-human (echoes of the earlier hunter story) and one shuts the book convinced that if Nagaland has a voice it must be that of Temsula Ao.
— failedsubjectivity@gmail.com