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05/08/2010: "Muivah to defer visit to his village in deference of PMO’s request"

Muivah to defer visit to his village in deference of PMO’s request

IMPHAL, May 7: Ceasefire monitoring cell authority of the NSCN (IM), Phungthing Shimrang said the during a press conference in the NSCN (IM) headquarters in Niuland near Dimapur, organisation’s general secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah, in deference of a wish expressed by the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, his visit to his home will be deferred for sometime until the situation normalised.
He said Muivah agreed to this as he did not want the situation to aggravate. Phungthing said the ball is now in the Union government’s court to handle the Manipur government. “the Manipur chief minister created the situation and it is up to the Centre to handle him” he added. He said anything can happen now, but the NSCN (IM) is exercising extreme restraint. Meanwhile, the Nagaland cabinet had a sitting today and condemned the violent incident that happened at Mao Gate.
The chief minister of Nagaland, Niphieu Rio and his cabinet colleagues drove down to Viswema village to meet Muivah, and also requested the underground leader to defer his proposed visit to his ancestral village till the situation stabilised. The chief minister also assured Muivah that his government would extend all help possible to expedite the peace process. Talking later to newsmen in Kohima, Rio said he also handed over the letter from the PMO requesting Muivah to delay his visit until the matter is sorted out with the Manipur government.
On being asked if he has had a talk with the Manipur chief minister on the matter, he answered it would be a pointless exercise as even the Union home minister and finance minister were unable to budge him from his stance.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9519

Tense peace limps back at Mao Gate as residents return home
IMPHAL, May 7: Peace in the border town Mao-Gate started limping back as several residents who left their homes following yesterday’s violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators at Mao have started returning today. However, the the NH_39 linking the town to capital Imphal has been totally cut off in the stretch between Kangpokpi and Senapati as irate public erected several formicable barriers along it.
Security vigil along the road continues as intense as it was in the days running up to the tragic day of the clash yesterday in which two young demonstrators were killed. The report of a third man killed is still not confirmed and it probably was a rumour. Rumours were rife today that two more injured victims died in the Kohima Naga Hospital, but this too proved to be false. It has since been confirmed by IFP from media sources in Kohima that nobody from yesterday’s incident died in the hospital and nobody else is likely to die. It may be mentioned that situation at Mao-Gate and adjacent villages became tense following heavy deployment of security personnel by the Manipur government to prevent NSCN(IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah from entering Manipur.
The tension erupted into tragic clashes yesterday when villagers tried to proceeded through Mao Gate to welcome and escort NSCN (IM) leader Th Muivah resulting in two protestors killed and several scores injured. In the aftermath of the clashes residents of Mao Gate abandoned their homes fearing more violence. Although the villagers are now returning, life remained totally paralyzed as all business establishments and government institutions remain closed, leaving only security personnel to keep vigil.
Marking strong protest against the killings of two protestors and injuring several others, several villagers of T Khullen, Mayang Khang, Taphou upto Senapati district head quarter have blocked the highway by piling up stones, felling trees, making large trenches and pitches on the road etc to prevent any movement of vehicles. Because of these barriers security reinforcement team from Imphal comprising of personnel from District Police commandos of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Jawans of 5th and 6th IRBs and personnel of 1st MR led by CO Chandramani Singh were stranded at Kangpokpi till today.
On the other hand there were reports Assam Rifles convoys moving on seven vehicles last night managed to get across many barricades. According to an official source, the reinforce security team which have been stranded at Kangpokpi till this afternoon will proceed towards Mao-Gat by night after road clearance using JCBs and other heavy earth mover equipments. Some women protestors at T Khullen and Mayang Khang areas told media persons from Imphal this afternoon that they desire restoration of normalcy in the Naga inhabited areas. They also said the state government needs to consider what the Nagas really wanted. They further said the tense situation in Senapati district will end only with the withdrawal of state security forces from Mao Gate area to allow the NSCN (IM) secretary general to enter into the state.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9522

Orgs flay Manipur Govt over May 6 incident
Morungexpress

Dimapur, May 7 (MExN): Pertaining to May 6 incident at the Mao-Gate area, different organizations have expressed their resentment by condemning the act of the security personnel, who blank fired at civilians in a bid to stop Th Muivah from entering Manipur. The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in a press note has “strongly” condemned the atrocious act of Manipur Government, where four Nagas were killed and many were injured by the unprecedented firing of the security personnel on the civilians during a peaceful rally at Mao-Gate area under Senapati district of Manipur. Moreover, it has affirmed to intensify its agitation in a more aggressive manner until the demand of the Federation is honoured by the Manipur Government. The Federation while extending its solidarity for the Naga brothers has expressed its deepest condolence to the families and relatives of the martyrs.

The Naga Council and people of Dimapur have vehemently condemned the inhuman and irresponsible act of the Manipur Government and its Police forces and urge the Prime Minister of India and the Union Home Minister to initiate action against the Government of Manipur and its forces in a befitting manner. The Council in a note issued by its President Savi Liegise and General Secretary Ntsemo Ngullie has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and relatives of the slain students, namely: Loshua S/o Daikho, BA 2nd Yr St. Joseph College, Jakhama (Kalinamai village), Chakho S/o Nelli, BA 2nd Yr St. Joseph's Evening College (Kalinamai village) and Lokho, M.A student S/o Nishini of (Songsong village) and has prayed for speedy recovery of the injured civilians. Moreover, the Council has appealed to all citizens of Dimapur to remain calm and exercise prudence while going through the traumatic incident. “We further appeal to all citizens not to succumb to the provocation but to cooperate with the Naga Hoho and the Nagaland Government by rendering full assistance to them individually as well as in tribal formation in dealing with the tragic incident for justice,” it stated.

Infuriated by the act of the security personnel, the Political Affairs Committee in a release issued by its Chairman Dr. T M Lotha has condemned the Manipur Government and stated that it is “most unfortunate, totally undemocratic” and it only exposes political “immaturity” on the part of Manipur Government. It also stated: “Rubbing salt to the fresh wounds, the Manipur Government refuses to hand over the dead bodies to the family members till today, which is deeply hurting the sentiment of the Naga people as a whole.”

The Nagaland Medicine Dealers’ Association has also flayed the “high handedness of Manipur Armed personnel”. The Association in a press release issued by its President Ato Yepthomi and General Secretary Basu Damani stated that it will provide all emergency medicines to the injured victims who are admitted in Naga Hospital. Moreover, it lamented that the situation could have been averted if the armed personnel had maintained a "little constraint".

The BJP Nagaland in separate a release issued by its Vice President K Medom Angami has condemned Manipur Police. Related to the incident it has also accused the Prime Minister and Union Minister for their role of “double standard” by allowing Th Muivah to visit Somdal without providing adequate security as committed. Therefore, it has demanded resignation of the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram. In the meantime, the Kyong National Workers of GPRN held an emergency meeting on May 7 at the Kyong Region and deliberated on the situation arising at Mao-Gate. Upon which, the house unanimously resolved to condemned the “barbaric killing” by the armed forces of the Manipur Government. Furthermore, All Zeliangrong Students’ Union Assam, Manipur & Nagaland (AZSU AMN) has strongly condemned the highhandedness and atrocities committed by the combined force of Manipur Rifles, IRB and police commandoes.

Also the All Nagaland Gorkha Students’ Union has expressed deep sorrow at the death of three innocent persons in the police firing at Mao gate on May 6 and has condemned the barbaric act of the armed policeman on the innocent students and the women folk who were trying to take out a peaceful rally. Meanwhile, the Chandel Naga Civil Society comprising of the CNPO, NSUC, NWUC, NPMHR and Chief Associations have strongly condemned the merciless killing of two innocent persons namely, Neli Choko Mao and Losii Mao of Kalinamai and serious grievous injury caused to several innocent civilians by the security personnel of Manipur.

It stated in a press note that the act of the security force was a deliberate misuse of state power in a democratic setup. It has also appealed to the Nagas to restrain themselves and not be provoked and act peacefully. “This is a challenging and critical period for us and so we must not only remain alert and vigilant but also pray for restoration of peace and normalcy in our land.” Conveying its concern over May 6 incident at Mao-Gate area, the NPF Kohima division in a press note issued by its President Theyiekielie Tachü and Press Secretary Kesoneilie Theünuo has condemned the inhuman act of Manipur Police. “It is very unbecoming on the part of Manipur government in ordering to shoot at the innocent public who are no match to the sophisticated weapons of the Police forces,” it stated.
http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/48391.html

Protest rallies denouncing Mao Gate killing held in Naga districts
IMPHAL, May 7: Simultaneous protest rallies and mass payers to denounced the killing of two civilian protestors at Mao during the clash with the security forces yesterday were observed in various Naga dominated districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong. Protest rallies were also observed in various Naga dominated districts of the state today under the aegis of the United Naga Council, UNC, following an instruction from its parent body, the Naga Hoho to observed the day as Black Day for the Nagas. Showing solidarity to the victims of Mao Gate, rallies were carried out at Tadubi, Senapati district head quarter holding black flags. A large turned was witnessed in the rally at the Senapati district headquarters around 11am. Thousands of ralliiests initially gathered at Senapati Public ground and took out their rally along the National Highway 39, shouting slogans like “we condemned Manipur State Terrorism, We Welcome Th Muivah, We criticized state decision to prevent entering of the Th Muivah to state government, down with Ibobi government, long live Nagalim, we demand proper inquiry to probe the killings at Mao etc. Later a public meeting was also organized at Senapati public ground which condemned the killings of the two Naga students. Similar rallies were also organized at Maram and Tadubi area this morning around 11.30 am in which several hundred villagers participated with no interference from state security forces.
An official meeting of the United Naga Council held at Tadubi public ground discussed the proposed demands for the withrawal of state security froces from Mao Gate area, to allow the general secretary of the NSCN (IM) Th Muivah to enter the state, and the meeting also decided that if the demands of the UNC are not fulfilled the dead bodies of two protestors will not be accepted.
Vikho Mao, coordinator of the local area Committee of Mao-Maram told media persons this afternoon at Tadubi that the present movement and demonstration in various Naga inhabited areas of the state in the aftermath of the killing was done to highlight the aspirations of Naga people, and he expressed strong condemnation against the recent attrocities and harrasment committed by the state forces against civilian who were on democratic agitations for the cause of Nagas he added.
On the other hand, similar mass protests were successfully organized at Chandel district head quarter where more than 2000 villagers from different Naga villages participated. The Chandel rally started from Maha Union Higher Secondary School Chandel this morning shouting slogans and proceeded towards Zaphou Bazar upto Chandel DC office junction this morning around 11.30am and the rally finally gathered at the Traffics point of Zaphou bazaar after return from DC Traffic junction where a public meeting was organized. During the public meeting, several public leaders including Giberiel, St. Nunghrul, and Tolkham Maring spoke.
Another unique mass rally was also organized by this morning at Tamenglong district headquarters by the local Committee on Political Affairs’ from Indoor Stadium and passed through various important areas of the district headquarters and finally gathered at Public ground Tamenglong for a public meeting. The Tamenglong Committee on Political Affairs’ submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister of India through DC Tamenglong this afternoon containing the resolutions of the public meeting demanding constitution of judicial enquiry into the killings of two students at Mao yesterday, withdrawal of state security forces from Mao area and allowing NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah to visit his native Samdal in Ukhrul district etc. Similar protests were also held at Ukhrul. All of the protest demonstrations however went off peacefully, the source added.
http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/48391.html

Nagaland Cabinet requests Muivah to postpone visit
Chizokho Vero

Kohima | May 7 : The Nagaland cabinet today decided to request Th. Muivah to consider postponing his visit, till the situation stabilises. Announcing this at the press conference here this evening, Rio said that his cabinet had decided to make an appeal to Muivah to postpone his visit to his native village Somdal, Ukhrul district, Manipur till the situation stabilizes. In an emergency meeting of the state cabinet here, it discussed “the tense and volatile situation arising out of the action of the Manipur government in connection with the visit of Th. Muivah to his birth place, resulting in the unfortunate death and injuries to Naga inhabitants of Manipur.”

The cabinet unanimously condemned the use of the state machinery by the Manipur government to suppress the voice and democratic rights of the people. The cabinet also condemned the Manipur government for banning and denying permission to Th. Muivah to visit his birth place, “when the central government had given approval for him to visit his native village.” The cabinet condemned the killings and resultant injuries caused to many innocent civilians, some of whom are undergoing treatment in the Kohima Civil Hospital. The cabinet also expressed its condolence to the members of the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured persons who are undergoing medical treatment. Earlier, in press conference, Rio termed the incident as “very very unfortunate,” which resulted in losing pervious lives and injuring many people. He said that while public are demonstrating democratic right, such thing occur in the biggest democracy in the world is not expected. “It is very sad. It is very unfortunate,” Rio said.

Rio also said that the state government decided to extend all possible help to Nagas be from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Myanmar, adding that time to time atrocities against Nagas is there. Rio said that the state government will extend whatever help possible. Regarding the dead bodies at Mao gate, Rio said the state government will not intervene as “it is out of our jurisdiction.” On being asked whether he had talked to Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Rio said the there is no point of talking to him when Prime Minister, home minister collectively decide Muivah be given permission to visit his native village. We are all under the Government of India and when it decides something it should be adhered to, Rio said.
On being asked whether the state government received any response to its request from Th. Muivah in the meeting with the latter at Viswema today, Rio replied that it had not received the response “but I am sure that they will also discuss.
http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/48389.html

One more indepedent Naga MLA quits
IMPHAL, May 7: Numbers Naga MLAs of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly who tendered resignation to speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly over the recent cabinet decision to ban on entering of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah to the state, have increased to seven following the official submission of resignation by one of Naga MLA Danny Shaiza of Ukhrul Assembly Constituency late last night.
MLA D Shaiza mentioning the reason for tendering his official resignation paper submitted today to the state speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly mentioned that, he among the Independent Naga MLAs of the state had requested the state government to reconsider the cabinet decision to ban the entry of Th Muivah, Gen. Secy of the NSCN (IM) the chief negotiator of the NSCN/GPRN in Indo-Naga peace talk.
It may be mentioned that, in the similiar ground the six Independent Naga MALs identified as W Morung Makunga of Tengnoupal A/C, Awangbou Newmai of of Tamei A/C, K Raina of Tadubi A/C, Dr Khasim Ruivah of Chingai A/C, M Thohrii of Mao A/C amd Wungnaosang Keishing of Phungyar A/C have already tender their resignations as members of Manipur Legislative Assembly collectively to the speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly yesterday through faxed from New Delhi.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9520


The day after...Mao
morungexpress

Mao, May 7 (MExN): A day after Thursday’s rally where students were gunned down by Manipur Police commandoes, Mao town wore a deserted look with the 144 CrPC still in force. When contacted, a village elder said that all shops remained closed and no villager ventured out to the field or engaged in other activities. He also said that the police commandoes had ransacked many shops and looted goods and foodstuff in the main bazaar, especially vegetables lying in the open stalls, after majority of the villagers fled the village yesterday evening, following the police atrocities. He also said that some villagers who fled to Khuzama yesterday had reported that their chickens were found missing from the coops, which were forced open, when they came to inspect their homes on Friday.

It was reported that after the rally was suppressed by commandoes, many of the villagers were forced to flee as the commandoes barged into houses adjacent the highway and rounded the male members. Many of the menfolk were allegedly roughed up and questioned on the where about of a missing teargas gun. Another villager who had stayed behind in the village said that the commandoes had damaged all private vehicles parked along the main thoroughfare yesterday evening. The owner of a TV cable service said that the door of the control room was broke open and the equipment damaged. A public leader of the area also said that the commandoes have also shifted their quarters to upper reaches of the village and that most of the high buildings were occupied by them as vantage points.

Meanwhile, when contacted family members of the two students killed in the police firing said that they were finally able to see the bodies of their sons kept at police station, Mao gate. “Initially, they said only two persons will be allowed to see the bodies, but after repeated request, ten of us were allowed. We paid our respect and left after placing a shawl each on their bodies,” a family member said. Also in Senapati town sources informed that the flag march staged Friday afternoon in protest against the killing of the two students passed off peacefully, without ay untoward incident. The source said that the police commandoes stationed at DC office, Senapati, and other places did not interfere in the march. He also said that the Assam Rifles had appealed to the United Naga Council which organised the march not to resort to violent means. The AR also assured that it will assure that smooth conduct of the march if it was done peacefully, he added. There are also reports pouring in from the Hill districts of Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel of mass protest and setting afire government properties and offices.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9520

AMUCO’s shortened bandh ends

IMPHAL, May 7: Normal life in the state has been adversely affected due to the 48 hour general strike imposed by the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) today. However in a positive turn of events, the genera strike which was supposed to be of 48 hours has been shortened to 24 hour and concluded peacefully at 6 pm this evening without any unatwanted eventualities. The official announcement of shortening duration of the general strike was made during the press conference by the officials of AMUCO at their office at Kwakeithel, this morning. Speaking during the press conference, KT Rehman president of AMUCO, revealed that the organization shortened their strike considering the hardship of public in getting essential commodities due to the imposition of economic blockade in both the National Highways (39 and 53) since last months.

However it warned that if GOI fails to reconsider Muivah’s visit in Manipur AMUCO will take all possible measures with the public to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur. While condemning the decision of the GOI on Muivah’s visit, Rehman expressed heartily condole the death of three civilians of Manipur who died due to imbroglio created in an attempt to disintegrate Manipur and asserted that the GOI should bear the responsible for all the mayhem. The strike came into effect since 6 pm yesterday bringing the state to a grinding halt. During the strike all transportation services stay off roads besides that all business establishments down their shutters including the two main market of Imphal, Paona Bazaar. Moreover over all educational institution including schools and colleges remained closed inclidng government run institutions, offices in valley districts mainly remained closed during the general strike however no strike related violence was reported.

It may be recalled that a total blockade of all vehicles plying to and fro towards hill district from Imphal imposed by UCM is also in effect since yesterday morning. Showing their solidarity to the protest called by different organisation, protestors in different part the state burnt staged sit in protest and burnt effigy of Muivah.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9513

Sangai Express
By Our Staff Reporter
Women folks on vigil putting a barricade along NH-39

IMPHAL, May 7: With the ration supply of the State forces stationed at Mao to prevent entry of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah, running out and with some of the security personnel falling sick, the Army authority has been approached to aid the civil administration in controlling the situation in Senapati district. In a late evening development, it is reliably learnt that the Army personnel have been deployed at the sensitive areas along NH-39 for area domination. According to information received by the press, the ration supply of the large State forces led by IG (Law and Order-III) V Zathang stationed at Mao, is running out and some of the personnel have fallen ill but the necessary ration and medicine could not be arranged from Imphal because of the bandh along the National Highway-39 and large numbers of huge barricades put up along the Highway, thereby creating a lot of inconveniences to the security personnel.

A late report received in the evening today said that the ration stock for the security forces would be airlifted from Imphal to Mao. Talking to The Sangai Express in this regard, IG (Law and Order-III) V Zathang confirmed shortage of food supply for the security personnel stationed at Mao. As some of the personnel have also fallen ill, the required medicines were bought from a pharmacy after requesting the owner to open it today, the police officer informed. Maintaining that normalcy is slowing returning to Mao, the police officer, however, refuted the report of some newly recruited police personnel being held captive by the protestors and said that all of them are safe.

A top official in the Home Department informed that Army have been requisitioned to aid the civil admi- nistration in controlling the situation in Senapati district. Disclosing that GOC of 57 Mountain Division Major Gen DS Hooda would be visiting Senapati and Mao tomorrow to monitor the situation personally, the source said that the Government is expected to submit a detailed report on the situation arising out of the proposed visit of Muivah to Manipur to the Governor who is in turn is again expected to forward the report to the Centre.

With protestors piling up stones/woods along the road, dismantling bridge or digging up the road in between T Khullen and Mao to prevent movement of additional security from Imphal after the yesterday’s violent incident at Mao, the reinforcement of 7th MR led by its CO Kh Chandramani which have rushed in yesterday could not go ahead and are stationing at Kangpokpi.
A media team which had gone from here too could not proceed further T Khullen, which is located 3 kms beyond Kangpokpi, because of the road block. According to villagers, most parts of the bridge at Mayangkhang along National Highway 39 have been dismantled, with the help of excavator stones/earth have been piled up upto a height of 4 to 5 feet along the road at Taphou and at Karong the road has been dug up.

Chairperson of T Khullen Women Society TS Kavaila explained that road block have been enforced as it is feared that there may be more violence in case more additional forces are send from Imphal. One Bokul from Andro, who was staying in Maram operating tractor but managed to escape from the tense situation in Senapati walking all the way today, said that the road block erected along the National Highway is incredible. Another fleeing person who was came across at T Khullen said that a group of them have floated down the river without passing Senapati town.
http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local%20news-02.html


Manipur situation serious: PC
Spl Correspondent

NEW DELHI, May 7 – Admitting that the situation in Manipur was serious, Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram said the Centre is trying to handle it, stressing Centre would not shy away from making changes in the Constitution to ensure that people of North-East feel they are part of the country. “In Manipur, there is a serious problem. A person wants to go to his home village. The Government there is resisting it. There is a problem in Manipur. We are trying to handle it,” he said on Thursday replying to a discussion on working of Home Ministry.
The Home Minister had summoned Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh for a day, on Thursday, in a bid to resolve the crisis in the State. At least six Naga MLAs of Manipur yesterday resigned in protest against State Government’s decision to ban Th. Muivah’s visit. “We must not hesitate to make whatever changes in the governance sector that is necessary within the Indian Constitution. Whatever changes in the governance sector that is necessary must be met, so that the people of North-East, feel that they are part of India, that they are able to govern themselves. I promise that that would be the endeavour in this year,” he said without mentioning the ongoing political dialogue with NSCN (I-M).
Chidambaram also referred to the situation in Assam and mentioned about the dramatic change in situation following arrest of several insurgent leaders and signing of ceasefire pacts with a bunch of militant outfits.
“Now by and large violence has come down, except in Assam and Manipur, I think, we must reach out to the North-East. We must spend more money in the North-East. Our Department and Ministries must ensure that development takes place in the North-East, he said.
Chidambaram urged MPs to travel to the North-East, even if you don’t come from those States. When North-Eastern girls and boys come to Delhi or Mumbai, there are a lot of people who look upon them as if they are foreigners. They are not foreigners and they feel very unhappy I think, we need to mainstream our minds rather than ask that North-East should be mainstreamed. It is our minds I think which keep North-East down, he said.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=may0810/at07

Cabinet reaffirms ‘no entry’ stand
By Our Staff Reporter

IMPHAL, May 7: A Cabinet meeting held today has once again reaffirmed the State Govt’s standing decision of disallowing NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting Manipur. A senior Minister in the SPF Ministry said that the Cabinet decision adopted earlier with regard to Mariah’s plan visit was re- affirmed today and the whole proceedings of today’s Cabinet was sent to the Union Home Secretary through the Chief Secretary. It is reported that the State Government has once again asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to persuade Muivah to call off his plan to visit Manipur.
During the Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, details of his meeting with Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Defence Minister AK Antony at Delhi yesterday were deliberated at length.

Notably, the Chief Minister also had a meeting with Ahmed Patel, Advisor to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi about the prevailing situation in Manipur. During his meeting with the Union Ministers at Delhi yesterday, Chief Minister Ibobi was urged to make way for Muivah to visit Manipur, conveyed the senior Minister. At this, Ibobi candidly told the Union Ministers that even though he was the Chief Minister he could not review a Cabinet decision alone. He told them that the matter will be put up before the Cabinet before any decision is taken.
http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local%20news-03.html

‘Pro-Muivah visit lobby’ at the fore front
Govt offices torched at Ukl

Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, May 7: A ma-ssive public rally was taken out at Ukhrul today to denounce the killing of the two college students in firing by security personnel at Mao-gate yester- day. Late in the night yesterday, the office of the ZEO at Phungreitang was set afire by unidentified persons, while an attempt was made to torch the office of the Forest Department, located near the ZEO office. As usual, the rally began simultaneously from two junctions, one from Kharasom Junction and the other from Dungrei Junction and finally converged at Tangkhul Naga Long ground where a public meeting followed. During the meeting, the congregation unequivocally condemned the killing of three innocent three students and wounding over 80 people in the firing by security personnel.

While lauding the decision of 6 Naga MLAs who tendered their resignations in protest against the decision of Government of Manipur to ban the entry of Muivah to his native village Somdal in Ukhrul district, the meeting also appealed to two other Naga Congress MLAs for immediate resignation in the larger interest of the Nagas.

On the other hand, the Tangkhul Reception Committee, in a statement, has informed that the schedule arrival of Ato Kilonser Th Muivah NSCN- IM which was been earlier fixed on May 8 has been deferred indefinitely. However, the Committee has appealed to the public to complete all the necessary preparations including construction of the welcome gate at the earliest possible. Meanwhile, apprehensive of more arson attempts on Government establishment and office buildings, security has been beefed up at all strategic points of the district headquarters Last night, the office of the Zonal Education Officer at Phungreitang was torched destroying four rooms completely while an attempt was made to set on fire the Forest Department office, which also located at Phungreitang. At Kasom Khullen, Ukhrul district unidentified miscreants torched the office of the SDO as well as the office of the Forest Depart.
http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local%20news-04.html

UNC appeals
Newmai News Network
Senapati, May 7: The United Naga Council has today appealed to all Organisations concerned to allow ‘safe and undisturbed passage’ from Imphal to other parts of Manipur.
The UNC statement signed by its general secretary, A. Ashohrii pointed out that a situation has been created by ‘the commu-nal Manipur State Government at Mao Gate on May 6, where the life and security of the Naga people is threatened by the very Government that is duty bound to protect its citizens’. “Taking a cue from the State Govt, the valley based mass Organisations has imposed restriction on the mobility of the Naga population in Imphal and have prevented them from travelling to their respective villages” it said. The UNC then asserted ‘in view of this development the UNC is constrained to request to all the concerned valley based organizations to allow safe and undisturbed passage from Imphal instead of confining them on the pretext of assuring safety to them’.
http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/


Senapati responds positively to rally
By Our Staff Reporter

IMPHAL, May 7: In continued protest of the State Government's decision not to allow entry of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah to Manipur, around 5000 people took out a really in Senapati district head-quarters today. After the rally, a joint meeting of the leaders of Naga apex bodies and other tribal leaders was held at Senapati indoor stadium where it was resolved that the ongoing agitation would be intensified till the Government of Manipur withdraw its stand. Supporters of Muivah from Senapati district headquarters and its surrounding areas started gathering for the rally near the office complex of Deputy Commissioner of Senapati since early morning. From there they took out a rally to passing through different parts of the district headquarters as well as along the National Highway 39 till Taphou. From there, the rallyists proceeded back and converged at Senapati Bazar. In the meeting of the leaders of the Naga apex bodies and tribal leaders held at Senapati indoor stadium after the rally, it was unanimously decided that the ongoing agitation would continue until the Govt of Manipur retracts its stand on barring the entry of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah to Manipur.

Meanwhile, Mao Students’ Union, Imphal has condoled the death of two college students, namely Daikho Loshu and Neli Chakho, who were killing in police firing at Mao gate yesterday. Expressing concern for the students of Mao Gate area where schools have remained closed for the 5th consecutive day, the pointed out that normal life of the people have been greatly affected due to imposition of curfew and CrPC 144.
http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local%20news-05.html

Chandel rallies, torches offices
By Our Staff Reporter

IMPHAL, May 7 : In protest against the State’s Government decision to prohibit the entry of NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah into Manipur, a mass protest rally was taken out at Chandel today. Some Govt offices were also torched last night. A large number of people assembled at Maha Union Higher Secondary School ground and marched past the Chandel DC office before winding up at Japhou Keithel.

There the protesters raised slogans like “We condemn Manipur State terrorism”, “We condemn killing”, “Manipur State terrorism down, down”, “Long live Nagalim”, etc. On the other hand, suspected supporters of the movement against the State Cabinet’s decision to bar entry of Muivah into Manipur set ablaze Chandel Forest office, Agriculture office, Chandel SDO office and Chakpikarong SDO office. Out of these offices, Chandel SDO office could be saved by timely intervention of fire tenders while others were badly damaged. Meanwhile, a press release issued by the Chandel Naga Civil Society Coordination Core Committee said that it organised the mass rally under the aegis of the CNPO from the directive of the UNC. The occasion was also observed as a black day for the killing of three innocent civilians and the injuries caused to hundreds of civilians by State forces. A two minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed souls. Finally, the three innocent persons who lost their lives were declared as national martyrs, added the release.
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Students storm Manipur Bhawan
Our Staff Reporter/Ninlung

IMPHAL/DELHI, May 7: The Naga Student’s Union, Delhi with thousands of its members, took to the street in Delhi today to protest against the Government of Manipur for killing two students and injuring 76, some of them critically, at the behest of the Manipur police commandos, firing indiscriminately at the peaceful Nagas awaiting the arrival of Th Muivah on May 6 at Mao gate, alleged NSUD in a statement. In a later development in the evening at about 6, the agitating students stormed the Manipur Bhawan, breaking down windows, doors and official vehicles. Over 6 official cars and jeeps were substantially damaged.

Police had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the students and in the melee three students were injured. The injured have been admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia hospital while eight were held by the police. They were however released later.
It demanded the Central Govt to form an enquiry committee to investigate the matter at the earliest and punish the perpetrators. NSUD also expressed its disappointment to the Centre Govt, though the Minis- try of Home Affairs allowed Muivah to be given passage to visit his native village from May 3 to May 10. NSUD is of the opinion, with the green signal from MHA Muivah’s intinerary was scheduled to tour Naga areas as integral process of reassuring his representation as the chief negotiator of the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue, it said.

However, on April 30, Govt of Manipur resolved with a Cabinet decision to ban the entry of Muivah and subsequently enforced 144 CrPc and millitarised heavily Senapati and Ukhrul districts where Muivah’s entourage will pass through.
While, the Nagas and the Naga frontal organizations were preparing the reception of Muivah’s homecoming after 46 years, with garlands and welcome gates, the Manipur Commandos and IRB under the direction of the Manipur State Govt resorted to destroying gates and shoot- ing spree to the Naga civilians. Thus, the entourage of Muivah’s cavalcade is stranded at the border of Manipur and Nagaland in Angami village since May 3. Unsurprisingly, though the security of Muivah is the responsibility of the Government of India, as long as he is in the country, there has been no central or any Indian military forces so far provided.

Seven out of nine Naga MLAs from Manipur resigned on the political ground, inspite of their continuous request to the Govt of Manipur that Muivah should be allowed to enter Manipur. But Ibobi’s Govt not only sealed off both the national highways 39 and 52 with commandos and IRB but sprayed bullet to the peaceful Nagas, these Naga MLAs represented, the NSUD alleged.
Ibobi’s autocracy has exposed that the Naga minorities’ shares in people’s representation in the Legislative Assembly of Manipur is that the majority valley based community dominance is none other than autocratic rule over the minorities.
It was also a vivid exposure of the Govt of India’s incessantly following policy of terror tactics and pitting community against community, in which Delhi is looking forward to seeing communal conflicts in the region. Thus, communal tension is flaring up and the symbolic people’s Government is torn apart in the autocratic majoritarian system in Manipur. This uncontrolled situation has led to further insecurity of Naga minorities living in Imphal valley.

The larger issue pertaining to the Government of Manipur, on the proposed visit of Muivah is suspiciously looked upon as inimical to the “integrity of Manipur.” Without valuing the effort of the Nagas towards the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process for the last 13 years, and undue accountability, Govt of India is using Ibobi’s Government as bargaining chips in the Indo-Naga political talks, on the alleged unfounded concept called “integrity of Manipur.” This does not only speak the lackadaisical attitude of the centre on the Indo-Naga political talks, but it revealed the daunting power of the state beyond the centre’s authority. Where does the authority of India’s sovereign power rest when every states in India rise to protect its own integrity, but the failed diplomacy of UPA Government belittled the power rested to the parliament under the Articles 2&3 of India’s constitution, it questioned. In other words, this callous attitude of UPA Government made the Union of India as a whole subservient to any state in India, and its sovereign power lost in diffusion.

NSUD strongly condemned the dilly-dallying politics of the Government of India that questionably put on-hold the integrity of Delhi to intervene and provide security to Muivah’s entourage, thus, Manipur is driven to uncontrolled power in the hands of autocratic government. It further demanded immediate deployment of central security forces for the Nagas living in Imphal valley and provision of adequate paramilitary forces for safe entry of Muivah’s retinues. “Th Muivah is a peace negotiator, and often peace is waged through war. If we do not have peace in us, at least lets all fight to keep the way to peace”, it added
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Ten govt offices torched in hills; rallies held

By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 07: Over 12 government offices in hill districts of Manipur were torched as demonstrations like carrying out of rallies and burning down of effigies of Prime Minister, Home Minister and Manipur Chief Minister reported in the four hill districts. Demonstration rallies galore in four Naga dominated hill districts of Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong districts against obstruction on way to Th Muivah’s visit to Manipur and death of two students in suppressive action of the security force. As many as 12 district level offices in Chandel, Ukhrul and Tamenglong districts have been set on fire by miscreants suspected to be supporters of Muivah’s visit in the state, police reports said. Seven of the burnt down offices were in Chandel district. The district office of agricultural, horticulture, forest beat, divisional forest and a newly constructed police barrack in Khongjarol and two sub-divisional offices (SDOs) at Chandel district headquarters and Chakpikarong sub-division were burnt down by miscreants last night around the same timing.

Office structures and documents stored in the offices were left only the residue in the arson act, the report added. At least four offices in Ukhrul district- agriculture and divisional forest offices pf ukrul sub-division and forest and SDO offices of Kasom Khullen sub-division were also burnt down by miscreants in the wee hour of today. The district agriculture office has been totally gutted while the forest office was saved by the villagers nearby at the start of burning. The Tamenglong district agriculture office at Dailong village was also torched by miscreants in the early hour of today, the police report said.

Rallies protesting against the state government move to prevent entry of NSCN (IM) general secretary, Th Muivah were also carried out at the district headquarters of Chandel, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Senapati district headquarters. Meanwhile, a report from Mao gate said that no untoward incident reported in the area even though situation remains tense. The dead bodies of the two students yesterday in police suppressive action to some protestors ransacking a temporary police barrack are yet to claimed by their respective families.

Reports said families with the support of the Naga based NGOs refusing to accept the bodies putting their demands of making way to Muivah’s entry into state and withdrawal of the police and security forces from the Mao gate. Until the demands are fulfilled lifeless bodies lying at the police custody will not taken back, NGOs reportedly pressed. In Tamenglong district headquarters, effigies of Chief Minister, O Ibobi was burnt down by the protestors taking part in a mass rally organised in protest against the government decision regarding the banning of Muivah’s entry and police action to the protestors at Mao gate.
http://www.hueiyenlanpao.com/news.php?newsid=484

Tml meets on Mao incident
Azonah Zaspar

TAMENGLONG, May 7: A public leaders’ meeting related to the NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah’s proposed visit to manipur was held at Tamenglong district headquarters where a protest rally was also organised today in denunciation of the Mao incident that claimed the lives of civilians. The meeting held at Shikinuh Inn, resolved to invite Th Muivah to Tamenglong district apart from appreciating decision of Naga MLAs to resign from the State Assembly in protest against the mao killing. Asking the remaining MLAs to step down, the meeting also expressed solidarity to the bereaved families as well as to depute a team with relief materials.

The protest rally participated by over 4000 people from all walks of life was organised by Committee on Political Affairs (COPA). A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister was also handed over to the Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong. The representation condemned killing of civilians in the Mao firing and demanded imposition of President’s Rule in manipur by ousting the ‘most communal Government’. It also demanded that services of the DGP, DIGP, SSP (imphal West) and SP (Bishnupur) be terminated. Meanwhile, office block of the district’s Agriculture and Horticulture Department has been torched at around noon today by unidentified persons. Joint memo: Condemning the yesterday’s Mao Gate incident where two students were killed and more than 80 people sustained injuries in police firing, Naga frontal organisations demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident. In a joint memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, United Naga Council (UNC); Naga Women’s Union, Manipur (NWUM); All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) demanded institution of a judicial enquiry into the incident and withdrawal of 144 CrPC which has been imposed to prevent entry of Ato Kilonser of GPRN Th Muivah.

Furthermore, the joint memorandum demanded immediate withdrawal of IRB and Police Commandos from Naga inhabited areas and to allow entry and ensure the safe passage of Muivah to his native valley. As long as these conditions are not fulfilled, the Naga frontal organisations have decided not to claim the bodies of the two innocent students from the police custody. Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPM
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If leader of Hizbul-Muzahideen wants to visit Kashmir, will India allow him ?

By Khangembam Romesh
Here the term 'sincerity' is desperately related with the question of identity of Muivah. Who is Muivah? What lies behind his proposed visit to Manipur? Whether the claim of his planned visit as 'not non-natural' is valid or invalid? Taking the legal into account, these questions may be taken into consideration. There are also certain things involved other than the legal.
On what motive he is visiting his birth place after a long decade? What is the morality of his proposed meeting and interaction with the people especially Nagas, being as a law breaker/destroyer of Republic India?

The validity or invalidity of his tour is to be judged in the light of particular laws enacted by the respective state in the interest of the people. Cases involving a terrorist or a groups of terrorist are to be looked after by the state's legal code (if it would affect directly or indirectly the state) according to the situation (not necessarily all the time, but at certain state of affairs based on the probable outcome, may be violent or not but no matter). In case of Muivah, I hope, both India Government and Manipur Government must agree that he is not above the people of Manipur; despite being born in Manipur. If he is just visiting his mother state, then what is the logic of his claim that he don't need to take permission from Manipur Government. Everybody knows what his claim indicates for. Then, why should he be allowed to enter Manipur. I think, India Government must know better. If the rebel leader of the outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen plans to visit Kashmir to motivate innocent public in the name of peace under the banner of India-Pakistan Peace Dialogue-should India Government allow him to enter Kashmir? When I wish to go to Manipur, there is no restriction, no need to obtain permission, because I am different from Muivah. My act and intentions are quite different from that of his. The particular act performed by an individual or a group can determine, what is his/her hidden agenda. Muivah could have been born in a different time at Somdal in Ukhrul district, but his position in life and all his personal characteristics have been completely different from what he was.

Based on the contingency of some particular aspect of his present personality (say, twist of events and circumstances), his life (I would say as a whole), the fact of his being the person he is now, is just a terrorist, nothing else. The kind of understanding a person will have of his own identity is irreducibly distinct from the sort of understanding he can have of the identity of other people. The events of the past and present life of Muivah being wholly different from what we are. His vivid distinctness about the contingency of his own life (or whatever he had been involved), has been the fact that of killing many innocent people, violation of other's rights, destroying other properties, demanding to take away properties of others just for a particular benefit (of a specific group), but which are not theirs or given and in turn threatening to the security of the country/state. This is what he has done so far, seems like still continuing.

Considering his inner motive that reflects from what he used to deliver at many events, how can one say the proposed visit is fair and just for peace. The incident of burning down loaded goods trucks coming to Manipur by NSCN (IM) armed cadres at Khuzuma (Nagaland) is that kind of violent action (may be deemed as one of terrorist activities), perhaps beyond the 'ground rule' of the peace talk. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has to clarify in this regard (whether this act violates the ground rule or not), if there is sincerity in their peace policy. In case, if it were happened the violation of ground rule of the cease fire agreement between NSCN (IM) and India Government, what action has to be taken against them? Despite the existence of peace talk, such dreadful activities are being still carried out by NSCN (IM) within the territory of Nagaland.

I wonder how the MHA considers the planned trip as Muivah's home visit. Has Muivah ever assert himself as a Manipuri at certain episode? My inclination, at this point, would be to have more of a think about the proposed trip and to revisit what Muivah and NSCN (IM) have done earlier on the land of Manipur (can be recalled the gruesome killings of Dr Kishan, Baby Lungnila Elizabeth, the incident of Shirui that took place some time back). The Central Government has to rework over the matter of the proposed visit of Muivah taking the situation severely into account. If the peace talk between Delhi and NSCN (IM) implemented effectively and confines the agreement only in Nagaland, then Muivah may not have entertained the scheme of touring Manipur. Why did Muivah plan to come to Manipur from Delhi via Kolkata by air to Dimapur and to travel by road to Somdal taking the land route on NH-39 (as per the indication in the wireless crash message from the Union Home Ministry). Why not via Imphal towards Ukhrul? So as I think, the issue of 'sincerity' in both Central Government and NSCN (IM) is a BIG question mark? What I want to comment is that the proposed tour is 'un-natural'. This visit is not that kind of the emotional attachment bonded between Muivah and his birth place. If so, what has he done so far for Manipur? Nothing, he is just a terrorist, not a leader. Muivah and the Naga frontal organisations UNC, ANSAM, NPMHR, and NWUM have no right to profoundly claim the proposed unofficial trip of Muivah as "not un-natural". The violation of a law and the punishable offence may be meted out to NSCN (IM), the Naga frontal organisations or individuals depending upon the situation. Because it has now, become a serious threat to the integrity of a state that belongs to independent India. In the present confrontation, there is no question of inherent Naga right. All Nagas in Manipur have every right as being Manipuri, but not for Muivah. The NSCN (IM) should not use the words 'Meitei neighbour', because Manipur is not the land of Meiteis only. They should understand it.
http://www.hueiyenlanpao.com/news.php?newsid=486

Govt.of Manipur Opposed the Entry of Mr. Muivah (the Naga Leader) into his native Village: An Appeal

The Govt. of Manipur is committing an unpardonable crime to the peace loving Nagas. On this fateful day, the 6th May, 2010, where some innocent Nagas were shot dead, more than 100 individuals injured (some critically), hundred thousand women, children and men folk are being displaced from their homes; houses are being broken into and destroyed. It is against life, property and nation.

Local Media of Manipur have reported that those killed were “terrorists”. But those killed were innocent students and peace loving individuals exerting their freedom of expressions and rights to protest injustice. The Govt. of Manipur utilizing all war-fares machineries including para-military against the innocent civilians.

The Nagas have just exerting their democratic right which is a basic right of every human being. The government of Manipur is fully responsible and accountable for the very assassinate of the democracy.

Therefore, I sincerely appeal to every right thinking citizens to condemn this blatant injustice and autocratic act of the Manipur Government and demand judicial probe from the Govt. of India, atleast a retired Supreme Court judge.

Sd/-
Mr. Joel Lohrii
Advisor Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal People – NEZ
Nagaland Unit.
Nagaland condemns use of force The Hindu
Manipur is opposed to Muivah's visit arguing that it will disturb communal amity in the State
— Photo: PTI

Protesting against ban:Supporters of NSCN(I-M) T. Muivah blocking National Highway No. 39 in Senapati district of Manipur on Friday in protest against the Manipur government's decision not to allow the leader to visit his hometown.
KOHIMA/IMPHAL: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on Friday that immediately after he returned from New Delhi, he held a Cabinet meeting to discuss the volatile situation arising out of the Manipur government's action to prevent NSCN(I-M) leader T. Muivah from visiting his birthplace.
“The Cabinet unanimously condemned the use of state machinery by the Manipur government to suppress the voice and democratic rights of the people,” Mr. Rio said, referring to the fatalities in Thursday's police action at the Mao checkpoint on the Nagaland-Manipur border.
He claimed that 1,000 villagers fled Mao and were taking shelter in Nagaland.
Senior Nagaland officials, who visited the Mao area, said two Naga students were killed and many sustained bullet injuries when the police opened fire at those waiting to welcome Mr. Muivah.
Three killed in stampede
Reports from Imphal said three persons, including two women, were killed in a stampede when the police burst teargas shells to disperse the gathering.
Earlier, senior NSCN(I-M) functionary Phungthing Shimrang said that since the Prime Minister's Office “requested us to wait for things to settle, we cannot disregard the request.”
Manipur has opposed Mr. Muivah's visit arguing that it would disturb communal amity in the State.
In Manipur, shops and business establishments remained closed on Friday in response to a strike called by the All-Manipur United Clubs' Organisation, opposing Mr. Muivah's visit. Transport between Manipur and neighbouring States were cancelled in view of the strike, which began at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Six Naga MLAs in Manipur resigned to protest the State government's decision to disallow Mr. Muivah to enter the State. — PTI
Manipur Bleeding By Madhu Chandra Countercurrents.org
Manipur in far northeast corner of India burns again. Indeed, it burns round the year with multiple socio-political crisis and communal clashes. Three people killed yesterday at Nagaland – Manipur boarder town of Mao Gate in a protest against Manipur Government’s decision to disallow T. Muivah – a leader of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN – IM) to enter Manipur. The Naga communities which represent somewhere 17% of Manipur’s population anger against Manipur Government’s decision meanwhile the rest of the population is agitating against T. Muivah’s coming to Manipur.
National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) was formed in 1980 under the leadership of Isak Chisi Swu from Nagaland, T. Muivah from Manipur and S.S. Khaplang from Burma opposing Shillong Accord signed between Naga National Council and Government of India. Later in 1988, NSCN split into two fractions, namely NSCN-K led by S.S. Khaplang and NSCN-IM led by Isak Chisi Swu and T. Muivah. NSCN-IM is banned outfit militant group until cease-fire agreement made on July 25, 1997 between NSCN-IM and A. B. Vajpayee Government. When cease fire was extended beyond Nagaland, Manipur experienced volcanic communal violence when opposed by the public of Manipur. State Assembly burnt, 18 lives lost, and Manipur remained a month long burning with public irate until Government of India restricted the Naga Cease Fire within Nagaland state.
Manipur has over dozens of separatist militant groups apart from the one led by T. Muivah. Manipur once known for a peaceful state and harmony among the communities and it is gone and became a killing field today. All the militant groups and draconian security forces must hold responsible for the bloodshed in Manipur. Either militants or security forces kill everyday one or two. Every third day is public strike called by various communities, which effects the economic of the state and educational carrier of the youngsters.
The biggest concern, in connection to T. Muivah’s visit to his native village Somdal in Ukhrul district of Manipur is the fear of communal clashes among the public of Manipur. To Nagas of Manipur, T. Muivah is their messiah and they long to see him, to hear his aspiration to their decades’ old demand of Greater Nagaland and definitely his visits scheduled in Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel districts will revive that aspiration.
Naga peace talk with NSCN-IM and Government of India is one good gesture moving toward permanent solution to Naga issues. Everyone must support this and people of Nagaland long to see the permanent and lasting solution. All other outfits must negotiate for peace talk, because no gun brings solution except more bloodshed.
The concern had by the neighboring states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and particularly Manipur is the way in which Government of India has handled the Naga Peace Talk. Indian government decided cease-fire agreement with NSCN-IM without consultation with any of neighboring states, which brought bloodshed in the state of Manipur in 1997.
This time, Ministry of Home Affair’s (MHA) decision to allow T. Muivah’s intension to visit Manipur without consulting the state Government of Manipur has led to irate. Three lives lost, twenty persons injured, two National High ways from Dimapur and Silchar to Imphal, which are lifeline for Manipur are blocked. Trucks carrying the essential commodities stopped and seven of them burnt. Public including all communities irrespective of tribes and ethnics are affected. Now MHA has reversed its decision to postpone T. Muivah’s visit to Manipur. If MHA wants to insist allowing T. Muivah to visit Manipur, in spite of the fact what happened when cease fire extended to Manipur in 1997, it will be like state sponsored genocide to the people of Manipur.
One of the biggest concern and allegation by the public of Manipur against T. Muivah is that he may be peace initiative for Nagas with Government of India but he has committed crime against hundreds and thousands of killings. In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the Kuki Inpi Manipur blamed the NSCN (IM) leader for killing 900 Kukis, uprooting 350 Kuki villages and rendering over 100,000 Kukis refugees in their own land during the 1990’s. The rest of the public of Manipur believe that T. Muivah’s visit will be greatest threat to state integrity and will create enmity among the public of Manipur. One of the most unwanted bloodshed could erupt among different communities, if any unwanted incident happens to T. Muivah during his visit to Manipur. This should be kept in mind while making decision on his visit.
The more oppose to T. Muivah’s visit to Manipur is going to cause more hardship for the people of Manipur. Two National Highways will be blocked to stop bringing the essential commodity supplies to the state. The life of people will suffer more; this includes all tribes and communities. Looking at T. Muivah’s schedule to visit Naga dominated districts of Manipur, suggests that he has specific intension to achieve toward his cause.
What alternative could MHA propose and acceptable by Manipur Government and the public? If MHA wants to allow him to visit, then it should be with strict guidelines. First, restrict him to visit only his native village Somdal and not beyond. Second, restrict any public gathering and meeting during his visit. Third, restrict any communal statement either in word or written that will create or provoke enmity between any groups or hurt sentimental, which are offensive crimes under Indian Penal Code. Fourth, any member of NSCN-IM is outlaw outfit members beyond Nagaland and so is the same with T. Muivah.
Madhu Chandra is a social activist and research scholar based in New Delhi. He works as Regional Secretary of All India Christian Council (www.indianchristians.in), Spokes Person of North East Support Centre & Helpline (www.nehelpline.net) and National Secretary of All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations (www.scstconfederation.org).
AN OPEN LETTER OF APPEAL TO OUR MEETEI NEIGHBOURS



First of all I want to make my position very clear that I am not writing this letter in support of any individual or faction in our present faction and leaders ridden Naga society. I also want to emphasize that I am not writing this letter to the Prime Minister of India but to our Meetei Mongolian brothers and sisters in Manipur. I say this because far away Delhi is not our neighbor but we will always be neighbors as long as the world lasts.

The Bible which I personally believe is the word of God to mankind commands that we should love God with all our hearts soul and mind and our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:34-36). We also have a Naga proverb which says that a neighbor is more important then one’s own kith and kin. This is because in ancient times where our houses were build by straw, if our houses catch fire, it is not our kith and kin who douses the fire but our immediate neighbors.

Keeping these truths in the background, I wish to plead with our Meetei brothers to exercise restrain instead of provoking one another in the present ongoing crisis created by Uncle Muivah’s intended visit to his native village and the subsequent Manipur Government’s reaction. Whatever modern ethos of neighborly relation ships may be, in traditional Meetei or Naga cultures, it is never a practice in our customs that a house owner requires the permission of his neighbor to enter his own private house. As neighbors, we cannot help crossing one another’s lands and territories in our day today activities and works. However, if this necessary practice is to be banned from henceforth, then we will end up confined to our own small compounds with no avenues to interact with the rest of the world. That kind of a future would be very suffocating and frustrating for both parties concerned.

Let us therefore exercise native wisdom in maintaining good neighborly relationship so that we and all future generations of Meteis and Nagas can continue to live as good and friendly neighbors.

Very sincerely,

Kaka D. Iralu
May 4, 2010



THE REAL NAGA ISSUE VIS- A-VIS THE MANIPUR NAGA ISSUE

Kaka D. Iralu
May 5, 2010
E.Mail: kakairalu@rediffmail.com


The present Naga-Manipur issue that has arisen from the intended visit of Muivah to his native village of Somdal in the Manipur state of India is but a mere ripple of the wider Indo- Naga-Burma international issue. The bigger international issue is one of whether a European (Caucusian) race who have absolutely no land ownership rights over Asian Mongolian-Naga lands can dissect Naga lands into pieces and give it as presents to India and Burma? Secondly, the corollary issue is whether a Dravido-Aryan race called Indians and a Ava-Burman(Khonbuang) race called Myanmarese can claim these Naga lands as their own lands because Britain had bequeathed it to them?

This bigger issue is not an inter-state boundary dispute between the Indian Manipur state and the so called Nagaland state of India. It is in reality, an international issue over the rights of a nation to their ancestral geographical lands. The issue is whether Nagas, like any other nations on earth have a right to live in their own land free from foreign invasion and domination. The issue therefore is an international issue and not an internal Indian issue that can be solved by the Home Ministry of India. Far from it, its solution can come only from the corridors of an international Court of Law or an endless protracted war of self defense against invasion forces. The Nagas have been defending as well as pursuing both these fronts for the past sixty three years against overwhelming odds.

If however, some Naga leaders will pursue a Federal relationship with India or integration of Naga territories under the Constitution of India, then they will betray the Naga national cause and ripples and tensions like the one we are experiencing now will continue to plaque us for all times to come.

In this connection, one also wonders whether our Mongolian neighbor nations- the Ahoms of Assam and Meeteis of Manipur are aware of their international rights to their ancestral lands. As far as South Asian history is concerned, it is a fact that no Indian invasion forces, whether led by a Hindu king or a Muslim Emperor, had ever been able to cross the Brhamaputra River. The corollary question therefore is: How then have these two sovereign independent kingdoms and nations become a part of India after the Indian Independence Act of 1947? If they have joined the Indian union through their own volition, then the matter must end there. If however force or coercion had been used, then it is quite a different matter because in the process of this union, in the case of Manipur, the whole of the Kabaw valley and the Somra tract were ceded to Burma.

As for Nagas, even though their ancestral lands have been dissected into Burma, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and the tiny Indian created state of Nagaland, they are still quite clear about their boundary lines. They are absolutely clear about these boundaries because their ancestors have been living in these lands from time immemorial and their offspring are still living there. These lands have been bequeathed to them by God and their ancestors and it is their most precious possession on earth. This is so, because on the whole face of the earth, this is the only land that belongs to them. Therefore let no neighbor or foreigner ever think that the Nagas will ever surrender their lands to anybody else and become refugees in their own lands.

WHAT NEXT IN MEETEI NAGA RELATIONSHIP?

Kaka D. Iralu
May 6, 2010

The much undesired incident has happened and May 6, 2010 will go down in modern Meetei Naga history as a very black day. Shooting down 74 unarmed Naga men and women and killing two (some say six) is indeed an attempt at massacre. Some of the victims told me that they were even dragged out of their houses and shot. The total casualty is still uncertain as many have fled into the jungles with their injuries. The firing started at around 11 AM but Nagaland Red Cross teams were allowed to enter Mao gate only at 2PM. I was also told that even the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima and the SP were not allowed to enter Mao gate. And even as I file this report at 7 PM after interviewing the injured in the Naga Civil hospital, on my way home, I saw siren blaring ambulances headed for the hospital. Were the Red Cross denied entry to the Manipur side so that the injured would bleed to death? Nagas in their hundreds waited anxiously from the Nagaland side of the border with first aid- all in vain. I also saw Nagas in their hundreds at the hospital where total strangers were seen paying medical bills for the injured. There were also those with flasks of tea as many had not eaten the whole day. Once again the word “Naga” will rally the Naga nation to its feet again because four million Nagas from across five different states will be hearing what has been done to Nagas again. Memories of August 27, 1948 are also still fresh in the minds of many of today’s victims. On that day too, three Nagas namely-Asusu Heponi, Modo Kholi and Marhu lorhu were shot to death and three others were injured when thousands of Nagas were marching in protest, refusing to pay taxes to the Manipur Raja because they were not Meeteis but Nagas by birth, land and history.