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02/27/2010: "Solution in unity: Khaplang OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Solution in unity: Khaplang OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Imphal,: The NSCN (Khaplang) today said the Naga political problem could only be solved by the Nagas themselves only after they reconcile and unite in Nagaland and urged New Delhi to appreciate the ground reality.
The timing of the NSCN (K)’s statement is significant as it comes a day before NSCN (I-M) leader Th. Muivah’s visit to Delhi tomorrow to hold talks with the Centre. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Muivah will hold talks on March 2 and 3 in New Delhi.
The ministry of information and publicity of the outfit said the statement was emailed in view of the proposed talks between the two leaders.
The statement said GPRN/NSCN had never objected in the past, nor would it do so for the forthcoming meet between the Centre and Th. Muivah because it was merely a bilateral meeting between two parties and not a political dialogue. “Let it be known very clearly to both the parties that the Naga political problem shall be solved by the Nagas themselves only after reconciliation and unity is achieved in Nagaland,” the statement said. It said the position of the Naga people was firm and clear and therefore, any discussion between Singh and Muivah on the Naga political issue would be “premature and unwise”.
“If New Delhi is really willing to solve the Naga political issue, it should check the ground realities in Nagaland through its many agencies and realise who truly represents the Nagas,” it said.
The statement said a composite dialogue among different sections of society was taking place for genuine reconciliation among the Nagas. It was for the Centre to make a choice between the Naga people and a single faction.
In a separate statement, the NSCN (K) appreciated efforts by the Naga Council in Dimapur to genuinely foster peace and harmony among all communities living there.
Pointing out that since some of the tribes had withdrawn from the council for various reasons, the group suggested that uniformity, oneness and brotherhood be re-established among different tribes and communities at the earliest.
“A divided Naga Council spearheading a noble cause such as the Naga unity and reconciliation process would dampen the very spirit of reconciliation. GPRN/NSCN appeals to all representatives to take a broader view and ensure that no tribe or community is elevated or forced to quit,” the statement said.
Angami Nagas’ fest ends with peace call OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Feb. 26: The two-day mega Sekrenyi festival of the Angami Nagas concluded here today at the main public ground with a call for restoration of peace in Nagaland.
Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar, chief minister Neiphiu Rio and Lt Gen. N.K. Singh, GOC 3 Corps, Rangapahar, Dimapur, visited the festival venue today and collectively called for peace and prosperity in the state.
The governor lauded the cultural shows at the festival stating that premier festivals of the district simultaneously become a great platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage and costumes of the people.
He said the description of the state as the “land of festivals” by chief minister Neiphiu Rio was very apt.
Kumar said he was impressed by the exhibition stalls put up by various departments and NGOs, among others that help in creating awareness of the development activities in the state.
“The cultural extravaganza under the theme ‘Confluence: Past and Present’ is lively and fascinating and is another great reason to come and be a part of the festival,” he said.
The governor also lauded the Angami Public Organisation for playing a key role in organising the festival in a befitting manner with support from the government.
Chief minister Rio said the theme was very pertinent today in preserving a traditional blend with modern lifestyle.
“Let us live today with the values of our forefathers in our standards,” he said.
Underlining the proverb, “work is worship” Rio urged the masses to celebrate “with the fruits of their labour”.
The chief minister emphasised on maintaining peace in the hill state.
Gen. Singh, who was the guest of honour on the occasion, said the army had endeavoured to contribute towards the wellbeing of the masses and help bring about peace and prosperity in the state.
He also lauded chief minister Rio for leading the state with vision.
The Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, displayed several artefacts and rare fossils at the exhibition stalls with an aim to promote science education and scientific mindset.
Apart from metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rock specimens, a number of tools from the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic eras, among other models were on display.
Several villages from Kohima district showcased different indigenous games of the Angamis at the festival.
Nagas to hold rallies supporting peace process Newmai News Network
Imphal/Dimapur | February 26 : At the backdrop of the hectic preparations by the NSCN-IM for the March 2 peace-talk in New Delhi, the Nagas in Manipur under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) are planning to hold public rallies in the districts of Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati endorsing the Naga peace process.
On the other hand, the NSCN-K or GPRN/NSCN in a statement made available to NNN last night said that NSCN-IM leader Th. Muivah has every right to seek solutions to social problems and other issues in Ukhrul district and other Naga inhabited areas of Manipur state but solution to the Indo-Naga-Burma political problem shall be the sole prerogative of the Naga people at a right opportune time. The GPRN/NSCN (NSCN-K) also said that it has never objected to in the past, nor will it do so for the forthcoming meet between Government of India and Th. Muivah because it is merely a bilateral meeting between two parties and not a political talk between Government of India and the Nagas. "Let it be known very clear to both the parties that the Naga political problem shall be solved by the Nagas themselves only after reconciliation and unity is achieved in Nagaland,” the GPRN/NSCN (NSCN-K) said.
“NSCN (NSCN-K) then said, "If New Delhi is really willing to solve the Naga political issue, it should check the ground reality in Nagaland through its many agencies and realize who truly represents the Nagas.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council said that the the Nagas will hold public rallies in the four districts of Tamenglong, Chandel, Senapati and Ukhrul on March 1 from 10 am supporting the Naga peace process.
It is pertinent to note that NSCN-IM general secretary Th.Muivah will be arriving in New Delhi from Amsterdam on Saturday on the invitation of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The next round of talks between the government of India and the NSCN-IM will be held on March 2 and 3. After the Zurich, Switzerland talk in March last year, the government of India and the NSCN-IM had stopped holding bilateral talks.
Vice Chancellor not above law: Dr Venuh NEPS
KOHIMA, February 26 (NEPS): The stalemate between the Nagaland University Vice Chancellor Prof K Kannan and NUTA Members has further deepened as the both sides heading for more collision courses. Recently, the Vice Chancellor faced police investigation following FIR filed by NUTA officials. But the VC appeared to be no remorseful for the several scams which, according to NUTA, he allegedly committed.
Talking to NEPS here on Friday, NUTA General Secretary Dr N Venuh said “Nobody including Nagaland University VC is above the law.” The NUTA GS disclosed that there were many scams in the Nagaland University involving VC. “We have been protesting against the corrupt practices by VC and his manipulative attitude in appointment of teachers,” Dr Venuh stated adding, “But nothing moved him.”
Strangely, while the NUTA members tried to bring out many anomalies in the University, he even wrote letter to Home Ministry saying that “his life is in danger.” “He was bluffing the Home Ministry,” Dr Venuh asserted adding that he (VC) had no “security problem whether inside or outside the University.”
Stating that they had enough evidence of the VC’s indulgence in corruption and manipulation of appointment of teachers, the NUTA leader said the VC made the mockery of system when he all out tried to appoint an Ao gentleman for the post of a teacher in Tenyde Department. “In fact, the Selection Committee had recommended for one M Kevichusa for the post,” he added.
The VC called Kevichusa for interview but he nullified her candidature claiming that the “Selection Committee was wrong.” “This is another blunder he acted upon because it was he who constituted the Selection Committee and he himself is the Chairman,” he pointed out questioning as to how “he could say that the Selection Committee was wrong.”
Dr Venuh also revealed that at one of Executive Council Meetings, the VC brought in 11 teachers to be appointed in different departments without going through the Screening Committee and without advertisement, stating that he had the power. “His action is highly questionable, besides irrelevant,” he stated. “So we wrote ultimatum to him to cancel his decision of appointment,” he said.
“Now he is telling that we questioned the authority of the University,” the NUTA leader averred. “But we have every right to ask the decision when it is wrong.”
But the CV became so angry when the NUTA members went to media and CBI to probe in the scams and scandals associated with him. “Because of these steps taken by NUTA members, the VC took umbrage and suspended the three leaders of NUTA, myself (Dr N Venuh), Rosemary Dzuvichu and Prof GT Thong,” he said. “But whatever we did is our fundamental right and our freedom of expression cannot be muzzled.”
Dr Venuh said the VC’s corruption came to light when Consultants from the Science and Technology, Government of India, came to Nagaland and enquired about the seedlings supposed to be distributed to farmers. Interestingly, the VC entered into MoU with entrepreneurs bypassing the Horti Department at Medziphema. Rs 1.09 crore was sanctioned under Horti by Science and Technology to North East States. “We have raised this issue too,” he added.
Dr Venuh also denied that they had been opposing to all VCs right from first one. He said the first NU Vice Chancellor was a Naga, who had no scholarly background. And then Prof GD Sharma came and again his appointment was backdoor one, so they protested. “But we welcomed when Prof Kannan was appointed as VC of NU,” he added. “In my welcome addressed, I told him that he should sincerely work to clean the dirt that had been set in and offered our cooperation to his every effort for the development of the University.”
Asserting his point, Dr Venuh said whatever they said or did was the voice of the Association (NUTA) but unfortunately the VC took the matter even “personally.” “But we have to see the justice is delivered,”
he stated.

‘Money corruption is the biggest corruption’ morungexpress
Phek, February 25 (MExN): The Phek Village Council (PVC) held its annual meeting at the Phek Village Panchayat Hall on February 22 last with the participation of all frontal organisations, unit representatives and other welfare unions of Phek village including the Phek Welfare Union, Kohima (PWUK) and the Phek Welfare Union, Phek Town (PWUPT). Minister for health & family welfare, Kuzholuzo Nienu, was present at the meeting as special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Nienu said Phek village, being the headquarter village, had been without its leaders after the Interim Council till he was elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 2003. He urged the elderly people “to be polite to other villages as part of showing courtesy” and, in the meantime, to reconcile with God for the wrong deeds committed in the past.
Nienu stated that the recently concluded Phek Road Show-cum-Sukrunye celebration had become a living testimony of the Chakhesangs – to what height and glory the Chakhesang were living with the rest of the Nagas. The Health Minister also called upon the villagers to be sincere in their dealings, adding that financial matters must be dealt with transparency. “Money corruption is the biggest corruption in the world,” he said.
As a mark of his gratitude to the citizens of Phek for reposing their faith in him by subsequently electing him as member of the NLA for two consecutive terms, Nienu expressed his willingness to host Christmas this year and urged the people to pray for it.
Stating that despite Nagaland being declared the second best state in the implementation of NREGA schemes in India, Nienu, however, expressed dismay over the complaints lodged by some people whose complaints, he said, would block the way of the village treasury especially meant for development activities.
The Health Minister also called upon the people to participate in the forthcoming Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) meet scheduled for February 28 at Phek town at 11:00 am. He said that such mass participation would show that “we are also the genuine citizens of the Nagas seeking for peace and unity and early solution of the Naga political issue.”
Meanwhile, PVC chairman Shenutso Soho said that the PVC in its meeting had adopted some firm resolutions for the welfare of the community such as ecological balance, education and hygienic way of living.

Talks on Kuki plea next week: Pillai - Official visits KNF designated camp OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Union home secretary G.K. Pillai at the KNF camp in Senapati district of Manipur on Friday. (PTI)
Imphal, Feb. 26: Union home secretary G.K. Pillai today said the Kukis’ demand for a separate homeland would be discussed with Kuki National Front (KNF) leaders in New Delhi next week.
He was responding to a memorandum submitted by the KNF to him during his visit to the outfit’s designated camp at Natheljang in Kourbou Range of Sadar hills in Manipur’s Senapati district today.
The memorandum listed two demands — start a political dialogue without any delay and create a Kuki homeland under the framework of the Constitution.
Pillai told reporters later that the demand for Kuki homeland would be discussed in the next round of meeting between home ministry officials and leaders of the KNF in New Delhi next month.
A separate state for the Kukis is a long-standing demand of the community residing in Manipur.
The KNF is one of the 19 tribal militant groups, which have signed a suspension of operation agreement with the government and are preparing for political dialogue.
Eleven of these 19 groups have formed the umbrella body, Kuki National Organisation, which is demanding a separate state for the Kukis. Of the other eight who have formed the United Peoples Front, the KNF is the only constituent demanding a Kuki state.
Kipgen said the political dialogue should start without any delay and hoped that the Centre would accept the Kukis’ demand.
Pillai welcomed the tribal militant groups’ decision to eschew the path of violence and come to the negotiating table for a peaceful settlement of their problems.
He, however, made it clear that cadres of the truce groups should strictly follow the ceasefire ground rules and not move around with weapons in violation of rules.
Pillai arrived here this morning accompanied by home ministry’s director (Northeast) M.C. Mahenathan. Chief secretary D.S. Pooniah and director-general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh accompanied him to the KNF designated camp. On reaching the camp, Pillai shook hands with the cadres.
After returning from Senapati, Pillai called on Governor Gurbachan Jagat at Raj Bhavan and reviewed the security scenario in the state.
Pillai presided over a meeting of the strategic operation group, comprising top civil and security officials including police, the Assam Rifles, army, the BSF and the CRPF, at the state secretariat. After the meeting, he met chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh.
Pillai will leave for Dimapur tomorrow morning.