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05/09/2010: "‘Stop Shedding Innocent Blood’ Emilo Khuvung"

‘Stop Shedding Innocent Blood’ Emilo Khuvung

Naga women holding a placard in a rally for peace and solidarity at Nagaland-Manipur border, some 32 kms away from Kohima, the capital city of India’s north eastern state of Nagaland on Saturday, May 8. Thousands of ethnic Naga rally against the killing of 3 Naga students and injuring scores of people on May 6 when Manipur police fire at the people in a peaceful rally against the deployment of Manipur police personnel at the Mao Gate, the border town of Manipur and Nagaland. The Manipur police personnel are camping at the border to prevent the entry of NSCN-IM General Secretary TH Muivah into his ancestral village. (Photo/Caisii Mao)

Khuzama-Mao Border | May 8 : Hundreds of Naga women converged at Khuzama-Mao border on Saturday for a peace rally and to protest against the violence perpetuated on women and children by Manipur security forces. Organized by the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), the rally was held to extend solidarity to those were killed and injured in the May 6 rally at Mao gate, demanding lifting of 144 CrpC and vacating of Manipur commandoes from Mao gate.
The rallyists held placards, some of which read “We want solidarity,” “Stop shedding innocent blood,” “ We condemn shedding innocent blood, We want peace” and “Set us free.”
Naga women express solidarity; demands peace
Former NMA president and advisor NMA Khesheli Chishi, in her speech stressed on the futility of killings and bloodshed. “Life is so precious and God’s greatest gift, life is not made of stone or wood, but without realizing that the Manipur police have shortened the lives of our children. Every mother gave birth to her children to make them someone in life, but they killed our children,” the NMA advisor said.
Questioning the Manipur government why Nagas cannot be at peace in their own home or sleep peacefully, she also reminded that the police are supposed to be peacekeepers.
She also called upon the Manipur Police personnel to have second thought before carrying out orders if they have any respect for their mothers. Stating that for a mother, whether Manipuri or Naga, all are one and that the Manipuris in Nagaland are not restrained from anything, she added, “We treat the Manipuris in Nagaland as our brothers and sisters but we are treated as enemies in Manipur.”
Alluding to the Mothers’ Day, which falls on Sunday, Kheshili could not restrain her tears as she said, “Tomorrow is Mothers’ Day and what kind of gift have they (commandoes) presented us –the dead bodies of our sons.”
Calling upon Naga women folk to work together and learn to share what they have in common, she also said that Nagas are known for their bravery and so they should defend their rights. “As you celebrate Mothers’ Day with a heavy heart, we also share your sorrows and solidarity,” she said in a poignant ```` ```````condolence message to family members of the deceased.
NMA advisor Rosemary Dzuvichu in her keynote address said that the May 6 incident has brought tension and traumatized the Naga women. Expressing dismay over the act of Manipur police, she said that women and children are always victimized whenever there is any conflict. “We are against bloodshed and we want security and protection of our women and children,” Rosemary said. While conveying condolences to the family members of the deceased family and speedy recovery to the injured, she also conveyed a message to the Manipur government that “Naga women from both the state want peace.”
General Secretary, Tenyimi Women’s Organization Vilanuo appealed to the Manipur government not to disturb the prevailing peace and harmony. “When it is our appeal to our father at home not to create tensions and to maintain peace and harmony, the Manipur government has killed our children and kept the body with them, which is hurting more,” Vilanuo said. She called upon the Manipur Government to stop bloodshed and restore peace in the state.
Secretary General, Naga People for Human Rights (NPMHR), Dr N Venuh, who also addressed the rally, spoke about the “great role” that the Naga mothers have played to bring peace where the menfolk have failed to protect women. He said that the issue began with the banning of NSCN/GPRN general secretary Th Muivah’s proposed visit to his village.
“Who are they (Manipur government and police) to stop a person from visiting his home town? It’s time for us Naga people to unite and stand together.” Throwing a challenge to the Meiteis to use their wisdom and analyze how Nagas and Meiteis are to co-exist, Venuh added, “we want peace and we maintain peace, but you have ruined and killed our people.”
He further called upon the Naga people to unite and bring peace in their land.
Extending solidarity to the rally called by the mothers, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Mutsikhoyo Yhobu termed the Manipur Government as “Terrorist Government” and Manipur Rifles as “Satanic Rifles.” “The world must condemn the terrorist government, must condemn the satanic rifles,” the NSF president said.
Reminding that there is no law that prohibits a person from entering his r her own homeland, Mutsikhoyo asked the Manipur government to clarify the reason for restricting Muviah’s entry into Manipur.
Conveying the federation’s condolence to the bereaved family, he also led the gathering to shout the slogan “We want Peace, We want unity.” General secretary of People’s Liberties, Andhra Pradesh, and president of Association for Working Women Welfare, Jaya Vindhyala along with two other members attended the rally.
“We are expressing solidarity for this movement and also we are demanding Manipur Government to give safe passage to Muviah to his native place.”
Highlights of the programme included Bible reading and prayer by NMA vice president Sarah Nuh, special song (“Healing of our spirit) by Kids for Fame winner Ashuni Lerina.
The gathering also sang “We shall overcome,” the same song which was sang by the Mao women in the May 6 rally, in unison, followed by a mass prayer. NMA president Abei-u Meru chaired the programme while NMA secretary Lochumbeni Humtsoe proposed vote of thanks.
There will be a candlelight service, organized by Naga Mother’s Association, NPMHR, NSF, for the displaced mothers and children at Khuzama at 4: 30 PM, The civil societies further appealed to all the members of the Naga society to be a part of the service and pray for the displaced people. The organizers have also requested the churches of Kohima to kindly make arrangements for transportation as a part of sacrifice.

2500 Naga families from Mao flee to Nagaland Nagaland Page


Kohima, May 7: Around 2500 Naga families from Mao town and its adjoining villages have fled over to Nagaland side for fear of their lives. People are still crossing over to Nagaland side and are taking shelters in Khuzama, Kidima and nearby villages since yesterday. At Khuzama alone there are about 500 people sheltered in the church and Sacred Heart High School. Some people have been shifted to Kohima town by voluntary organizations and Southern Angami Public Organization.
Red Cross Society, Dimapur branch and several Naga organizations have distributed relief materials to the displaced people. The Southern Angami Public Organization has opened an emergency office at Khuzama to cope with the situation.
Most of the people are worried about their cattle and domesticated animals back in their villages. Displaced people have narrated about the brutality of the Manipur police. They said men were beaten up by the police after house-to-house raid and search were carried out by the security forces and that combing operation is still going on in the villages nearby Mao town.
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, former Congress president and MLA, K V Pusa and several Naga organizations visited the displaced people and comfort them. They also donated relief materials and food stuff to the displaced people.
Rio also visited the patients who were injured from Mao town are admitted in hospitals in Kohima.
Meanwhile, Mao town remained uneasy calm today even as curfew has been imposed since yesterday. Hundreds of police have been reinforced from Imphal but there is still uneasy peace in the town seeing the body language of the security personnel.
After the Mao gate incident situation is also tense in Kohima and Dimapur as some of the shops belonging to Meitei people remained closed in these two towns. But authorities are not taking any chances to let situation flare up in Nagaland too. IRB personnel are patrolling the Nagaland-Manipur border area and that barricades have been erected before reaching Mao gate area to prevent the movement of People. (Page News Service)
Manipur govt adamant, six Naga MLAs resign Sobhapati Samom EMN
IMPHAL, MAY 6: The Manipur Government has refused to budge on its decision not to allow NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah to enter the state even as six Naga members in the Manipur Assembly have tendered their resignations.
Following a marathon meeting of the cabinet here in Imphal on Thursday evening, Government spokesperson Biren announced that the government will not compromise from its decision not to allow Muivah to visit his home village.
Meanwhile, six Independent Naga MLAs have resigned from the Manipur Legislative Assembly considering the prevailing situation in Manipur.
“We have sent our resignation letters to the Speaker,” one of the MLAs, who is presently camping at New Delhi along with some of his colleagues to meet the Prime Minister and Home Minister in connection with the ongoing impasse, informed over phone tonight.
The resignation letters of the MLAs - Wungnaoshang Keishing, Morung Makunga, Awangbow Newmai, K Raina and Dr Khashim Ruivah - were faxed to the Assembly secretariat while Danny Shaiza delivered it in person as he is in the state, the MLA said.
“The government failed to consult us while taking any decision,” he further said. The Naga MLAs have been appealing for the Manipur Cabinet’s decision to block Muivah’s visit to be reconsidered.
“If the state government’s policy is intended to thwart any initiative of bringing peace then we, as peoples’ representatives, will have no moral obligation to continue in office,” he explained.
There are 10 Naga MLAs in Manipur’s 60 member state assembly. Speaker Dr S Budhichandra could not be contacted for further details of the resignations.
ASSAM TRIBUNE REPORTS: Denouncing Centre’s move to allow Muivah to visit the State, Opposition Manipur People’s Party (MPP) has demanded resignation of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on moral ground taking responsibility of the conflicting situation arising out of the proposed entry of Muivah to Manipur.
The party has sent memoranda to the Prime Minister and Home Minister expressing party stand with regard to the objection to the entry of Th Muivah terming him as person masterminding disintegrating Manipur and seeking resignation of Chidambaram as Union Home Minister, MPP president, Dr Nimaichand Luwang said.
CHAKHO SON OF NELI OF KALINAMAI VILLAGE, BA 2ND YR, ST.JOSEPH COLLEGE, BANGALORE.














LOSHOU SON OF DAIKHO OF KALINAMAI VILLAGE, BA 2ND YR, ST.JOSEPH COLLEGE, JAKHAMA.











NSCN committed towards peaceful solution morungexpress
Dimapur, May 8 (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim is committed and determined that the general secretary Thuigaleng Muivah will visit to Somdal in Ukhrul district and other Naga areas in Manipur. “We abide by the wish of the Naga people to visit our own people to spread the good news of peace and complete the journey according to their wish,” stated a press note issued from Camp Viswema by the MIP today. It was affirmed that the NSCN was totally committed towards the peaceful political solution of all issues. “We have undertaken this journey of peace to Somdal and other areas of Nagalim respecting the wish of the Naga people.It is unfortunate that the Manipur state government has opposed the visit of out Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah to his own people and we condemn it in the strongest term the irrationality of the state government, “ it said. The NSCN also revealed that the government of India has communicated its concern and request to defer our programme. “However, we wish to remind all concerned that we are committed to the wish of the Naga people and we will do that to the end,” the NSCN affirmed.

Situation at Mao gate normal, security forces still deployed Press Trust Of India IST

Imphal, Security forces were keeping vigil at the Mao gate on the Manipur-Nagaland border to prevent the entry of NSCN-IM general secretary T Muivah and the situation was under control.
The situation returned to normal after Muivah postponed his visit to a village in Manipur, his birthplace, police officials said today.
The Nagaland government as well as the PMO requested Muivah to postpone his trip, who has agreed to it.
The Manipur government has requested the Centre not to allow entry of Muivah who was involved in criminal cases in the state and ceasefire between Centre and NSCN-IM was only in force in Nagaland.
Muivah, camping at a border village since Wednesday, yesterday put on hold his visit to his ancestral village after the Centre and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio urged him to defer it and plan his tour in a more congenial atmosphere.
No Forced Union Let People Decide morungexpress
Disturbing reports emanating from Mao Gate area and the killing of two Naga youths in police firing, on May 6, 2010 certainly does not augur well for peace and stability in the region including Imphal valley, Naga Hill areas of Manipur and Nagaland. The Ibobi Singh government in Imphal remains steadfast in its decision to disallow the entry of Th Muivah to his native village under Ukhrul district of Manipur. The problem arises in that Chief Minister Ibobi Singh has no other option but to placate Meetei sentiment in the Imphal Valley. The earlier decision of the Manipur government to declare June 18 as ‘state integrity day’ in order to commemorate the anniversary of the 2001 anti-ceasefire uprising is well known. Since protecting the present State boundary has become a paramount objective of the political establishment in Imphal, the refusal to give way on the Muivah visit despite Delhi’s prompting should therefore not come as a surprise. While one should respect the sentiment of the valley people i.e. the Meeteis vis-à-vis protecting the present State boundary, nevertheless isn’t it now time for Imphal to do a reality check and look at the ground situation.
No doubt integration of Naga inhabited areas has today become an intricate issue. But then the Nagas in Manipur cannot be forced into a union with Manipur against their wishes. And in recent years the urge and desire of the Nagas there to integrate with their other fellow Nagas has become so strong that even the Manipuri people should duly acknowledge this reality. Emotionally too there is close affinity among the Nagas despite the man made boundaries. What is more, the Naga areas in Manipur bordering Nagaland exhibit commonalties with the latter in terms of race, language, religion, natural systems, environment, culture and ways of life. Physically too, it will be easier to administer from Nagaland. To illustrate this point, as casualties began to mount on May 6, it was the Red Cross unit of Nagaland State, which was able to rush in life saving drugs to the Community Health Centre in Mao under Manipur State. On many other occasions as well, succor and relief would come more quickly from Kohima then it would from far away and ‘distant’ Imphal. So naturally Nagas in Manipur feel much closer to their brethren in Nagaland and therefore the desire for integration not only as a matter of administrative convenience but also as a right.
As rightly pointed out by the Manipur based ‘Campaign for Peace & Democracy’, everyone should put their heads together to find a democratic solution. The Nagas in Manipur under the United Naga Council have been peacefully petitioning the powers that be for unification of their homeland. And the fact that they are determined to live under one political administration has been amply demonstrated by the historic decision on 21st of June 2006, when a delegation of the Naga Hill areas met the then Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Oscar Fernandes to hand over Hill House Tax–2006 of Rs. 14, 23,425 of 94894 Naga households living in Manipur. Similarly, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has been working towards affiliation of schools and colleges in the Naga districts of Manipur to the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and the Nagland University (NU). Even the prescribed textbooks of the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BoSEM) beginning from Class VIII - X was surrendered. All together about156 private schools have introduced the NBSE’s prescribed syllabus from the academic session 2006. Given these facts and reality, the Manipur public, civil society organization and the establishment there should try to work on a democratic solution along with the Nagas. Let the voices of the common people be heard. Let’s put an end to force. Let Meeteis and Nagas live in peaceful co-existence as good neighbors.

Orgs flay Manipur Govt over May 6 incident morungexpress
Dimpaur, 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.

What next in Meetei Naga relationship? Kaka D. Iralu
Kohima | May 6 : 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.

Rio meets Muivah, conveys cabinet request to postpone visit Correspondent (NPN)



Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (right) shake hands with the NSCN-IM General Secretary Th. Muivah at Viswema on Friday.
KOHIMA, State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio said the state cabinet at its meeting Friday resolved to request NSCN (I-M) leader Th. Muivah to consider postponing his visit to Somdal in Manipur, till the situation stabilizes.
Addressing a hurriedly called press conference at his official residence Friday evening, Rio said the decision was arrived at an emergency cabinet meeting in the light of the tense and volatile situation arising out of the Manipur government’s decision to ban Muivah’s proposed visit to Somdal and subsequent incidents leading to deaths and injury of Nagas in Manipur.
He said the cabinet also condemned the use of state machinery by Manipur government to suppress the voice of the democratic rights of the people and for banning Muivah from visiting his village despite approval of the central government.
While describing Thursday’s incidents as “very said and unfortunate” Rio said some of the injured were admitted to Naga Hospital Kohima.
He said the state government received reports of mass exodus of Nagas from Mao area into Nagaland some of who had taken shelter in Khuzama, Kidima, Kohima and Dimapur. Rio also said the government would extend all possible help to them. The cabinet also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished early recovery of those currently undergoing medical treatment.
Earlier, Rio along with home minister, Imkong L Imchen, health & family welfare minister, Kuzholuzo Neinu, education minister, Nyiewang Konyak, roads & bridges minister, G. Kaito met Th. Muivah at Viswema village council hall where they held a closed-door meeting for one and half hour. Rio told media persons that he conveyed the cabinet decision to Th. Muivah to postpone his visit.
Later, on returning to Kohima, Rio rushed to Naga Hospital Kohima to meet with the injured victims in the NHK. He interacted with the victims while the doctors briefed him about the nature of their injuries.
Muivah determined to visit Manipur
Pamreiso Shimray
Viswema, May 7 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) on Friday said its “ato kilonser”, Thuingaleng Muivah will go ahead with plans to visit his village, Somdal in Ukhrul district, despite the Manipur government’s defiant refusal to lift the ban on his entry.
Addressing a press conference, Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CMG) convenor, Phungthing Shimrang said, Muivah was determined to go ahead with his visit and has only deferred it at the request of Government of India and civil societies. He said the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) asked Muivah to postpone the visit till the home ministry settled the matter with the Manipur government. “We are waiting for government of India’s response,” he said.
Phungthing condemned the excesses committed by Manipur’s security personnel at Mao Gate. He held chief minister, Okram Ibobi Singh solely responsible for the incident.
Interestingly, Phungthing revealed that the MHA accused Naga outfits had fired at the security forces at Mao Gate. Refuting the charge, Phungthing blamed Delhi for Thursday’s episode. “Perhaps, the Central government is not able to rein in Okram Ibobi Singh,” he added. Phungthing also appealed the media to disseminate undistorted facts and refrain from false propaganda.

PS to Home Minister refutes allegation morungexpress
Dimapur, May 8 (MExN): Countering to the press release issued by Dr. K. Hoshi, Chairman Media Cell, NPCC, the PS to Home Minister, Nagaland, Imtinungsang has expressed amusement. A rejoinder to the NPCC stated that the Home Minister at Khar village on May 3, 2010 had spoken in Mongsen dialect of the Ao language because he being from Mongsen group of the Ao tribe he has to speak in Mongsen dialect. The pressmen must have misquoted what the Home Minister was speaking, the PS stated. He had never condemned nor uttered any word disregarding the integrity and professionalism of the Nagaland Police but he had attributed immense regard to the good services rendered by the Nagaland Police in dealing with the Nagaland situation.
“As I being his Personal Secretary and also being a witness on that I am prepared to testify on any occasion of what I am stating now. My Minister was always stating about the efficient professionalism and effective performance of the Nagaland Police from 2008 as a Home Minister of the State,” Imtinungsang added.
The PS further added that “Dr. K. Hoshi may even have complains and correction on the design of the paradise and therefore our Almighty God is also appearing to learn from this learned teacher Dr. K. Hoshi. I wish and pray that Dr. K. Hoshi continue to teach not only the Naga people but across the world. So, that through his lecture and teaching we will be even more perfect than the God himself.”
Ibobi govt solely responsible: Rio Eastern Mirror
DIMAPUR, MAY 6 (EMN): Conveying its solidarity to the Nagas in Manipur, the Nagaland State Government has extended humanitarian and emergency services to those injured in the police firing at Mao today. Holding the Government of Manipur ‘solely responsible for the prevailing situation’,
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in a press statement issued this evening, expressed concern that the ‘repressive action’ of the Ibobi-Government might also jeopardise the ongoing talks between the Govt of India and the Naga underground groups.
He strongly termed as unfortunate that the brute forces of the State Government machinery is being blatantly used to suppress the genuine voice and democratic rights of the people, enshrined in the Constitution of India.
“We ought not to forget that India is the world’s largest democracy… but it is indeed most unfortunate that the Armed forces of the State are being used to torture, threaten and kill its own citizens,” Rio stated, adding that no amount of such repressive force can suppress the voice and desire of a people as the voice of the people is supreme in any democracy.
The Chief Minister also stated that the GoI must take all necessary measures required to control the situation by directly intervening into the matter immediately.
NPCC voices resentment
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) expressed ‘deep resentment’ over the indiscriminate firing by the Manipur Police upon innocent public at Mao Gate.
NPCC president Imkong, in a release, said the loss of innocent lives and infliction of injuries upon innocent people cannot be justified in any civilised democratic society.
While appreciating the magnanimity of the GoI, especially Home Minister Chidambaram, for allowing Th Muivah to visit his native village, the NPCC voiced disappointment over the decision of the Manipur Govt to prevent the entry of the NSCN-IM leader.
The party appealed the Manipur Govt to diffuse the present situation and allow Muivah to visit his hometown for reunion with the villagers.
2500 Naga families from Mao flee to Nagaland Nagaland Page


Kohima, May 7: Around 2500 Naga families from Mao town and its adjoining villages have fled over to Nagaland side for fear of their lives. People are still crossing over to Nagaland side and are taking shelters in Khuzama, Kidima and nearby villages since yesterday. At Khuzama alone there are about 500 people sheltered in the church and Sacred Heart High School. Some people have been shifted to Kohima town by voluntary organizations and Southern Angami Public Organization.
Red Cross Society, Dimapur branch and several Naga organizations have distributed relief materials to the displaced people. The Southern Angami Public Organization has opened an emergency office at Khuzama to cope with the situation.
Most of the people are worried about their cattle and domesticated animals back in their villages. Displaced people have narrated about the brutality of the Manipur police. They said men were beaten up by the police after house-to-house raid and search were carried out by the security forces and that combing operation is still going on in the villages nearby Mao town.
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, former Congress president and MLA, K V Pusa and several Naga organizations visited the displaced people and comfort them. They also donated relief materials and food stuff to the displaced people.
Rio also visited the patients who were injured from Mao town are admitted in hospitals in Kohima.
Meanwhile, Mao town remained uneasy calm today even as curfew has been imposed since yesterday. Hundreds of police have been reinforced from Imphal but there is still uneasy peace in the town seeing the body language of the security personnel.
After the Mao gate incident situation is also tense in Kohima and Dimapur as some of the shops belonging to Meitei people remained closed in these two towns. But authorities are not taking any chances to let situation flare up in Nagaland too. IRB personnel are patrolling the Nagaland-Manipur border area and that barricades have been erected before reaching Mao gate area to prevent the movement of People. (Page News Service)

Nagas in Delhi demand dismissal of Ibobi Govt Nagaland page


Dimapur, May 7: The Naga people in Delhi today sought Prime Minister Dr Mammohan Singh's immediate intervention into the 'warlike situation' at Mao, Senapati and other Naga hill districts of Manipur.
They demanded immediate action from the Government of India to diffuse the situation in the border areas and sought immediate withdrawal of security forces from Mao Gate and all Naga districts and revoke CrPc Section 144 wherever imposed; constitution of a Judicial Enquire into the firing incident of May 6 at Mao Gate and immediate dismissal of Ibobi Singh's Government.
They also demanded the government to ensure safety of Th Muivah to resume his journey and adequate compensation to the injured and family members of the deceased.
In a representation to the Prime Minister, the Nagas stated that with the unwarranted besiegement by the security forces and the arbitrary imposition of prohibitory order of CrPc Section 144 at Mao Gate and its adjoining areas, the Naga peoples have been put to great difficulties. The entire area has been virtually turned into a barrack leading to tremendous pressure and oppression like creation of fear psychosis; severe restriction of daily life; disruption in schedules of educational institutions and students; disruption of commercial activities and grave danger to life and property. (Page News Service)

‘Kukis should not fail to under Muivah’s proposed visit to Somdal’ Nagaland Page
It is unfortunate that many kukis are yet to be farsighted and take things from the realistic point of view. It is all the more unfortunate when certain Kuki organizations raised hue and cry over the issue of Naga leader Mr. Muivah visiting his native village, Somdal at Ukhrul district, Manipur. What is to come is more important than just digging the past.
In the first place the Kukis should not fail to understand that Muivah's propose visit to Somdal is for the purpose of meeting his own people at his own birth place, which is his birth right like anyone else. His going to Somdal is beyond Kuki's rtight to protect Manipur integrity.
NSCN General Secretary Muivah is to visit his own people at his own village and not Kuki land or Meitei land. What reason is there for the Kukis of Manipur (Kuki Inpi Manipur) to oppose Muivah's visit to his village? Where is the human logic involved? If Kuki Inpi Manipur(KIM) would like to raise their voice against the Indo-Naga Political issue they should first know their political attitude, and the principle of Christianity, "Love one another as you love yourself". We are impressed this is the main objective of Naga freedom fighters. It will do immense good to the Kukis living in Manipur,Nagaland and Assam to realise who is their neighbours to love and who was with them since time immemorial.. They should not simply try to undermine the Indo-Naga issue at the cost of their own interest and security.
We are grateful to the NSCN/GPRN who whole heartedly studied the political rights of ethnic tribes of Manipur and Nagaland. This led to the official recognition of Kukis of Nagalim to be one under the banner of Kuki Tribal Union(KTU), and which was recognized as a tribe of Nagaland in 1964, and re-affirmed in 2005 by the Collective Leadership of NSCN. This paved the way for the Kuki brethren to put up their options before the NSCN leaders and project their interest in a more meaningful way.
It is also to be noted very clearly that the Indo-Naga Political issue is far beyond the subject of the Kuki community and the place of his visit falls under Nagalim and has nothing to do with the Kukis or the Meiteis.
There was a time when Kukis and Nagas fight against one another. This is the bad side of Naga-Kuki relationship.But there is time for everything. Time has come for the Kukis to seek the road of salvation and not conflict. It is also time for the general Kukis to decide who will be right people to live with as neighbours here on earth and in heaven.
Kukis must also seriously study themselves whether it will be worth to make bed-fellows with the Meiteis. But it will be as good as making friendship with a hungry tigress who will eat them at any moment that suit her.
Mr. L.H. Paohao
President, Kuki Tribal Union (KTU)

Manipur situation serious: PC Spl Correspondent Assam Tribune
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.
Find a democratic solution: CPDM Campaign for Peace & Democracy Manipur
On condolence
May 6 2010 was not the first instance in the history of the Mao people to have lost precious souls in the attempt to express their political aspiration. Comrade Irabot of Manipur, a Meetei communist, on 17 October 1948 had noted that in the revolutionary movement of the Mao people three of them had been killed in an attempt by the ruling government to arrest the then leader of Mao people Mr. Daiho. History of people is largely a history of political struggle where many had sacrificed lives while in political action. Whether it was 18 June 2001 or 6 May 2010, we have had noticed lost of lives. At the receiving ends the victimised families could never be compensated. But as a symbol of glory or defeat, the names of those who had laid down their lives for political cause live much longer in their respective communities than the actual lifespan of a human being. They will be remembered!
CPDM expresses condolence for Mr. Loshua, Mr. Chakho and Mr. Lokho who were killed in police firing at Mao Gate on 6th May 2010. The loss of a son, friend, relative and citizen can never be compensated and yet we demand the Government of India and progressive forces in Manipur to address the concern of the victimised families with whatever material relief and means available to them. The reported injury of several others in state repression under whatever pretext fully shows that situation in Manipur have become volatile on the issue of Muivah’s entry in Manipur and we acknowledge that unwanted bloodshed had taken place in the process of kowtowing a particular restive section of the Manipur population. The Government of India must pay for hospital & medical charges of those who have suffered casualty and are under medical treatment either in Nagaland or Manipur hospitals. The entire medication period of an injured victim must be officially recognised as labour time and the economic concern of such victims should be addressed through monetary allowance at the rate of minimum daily wage per head. From legal perspective, we demand a free and fair judicial probe into the immediate incident that had led to the firing and book the culprits responsible for it.

On terrorism
CPDM takes serious note of the ever increasing security tight up unleashed by the state in several parts of Manipur on the pretext of defusing the ongoing tension in Manipur. Hitherto unnoticed police barricades are being installed, regular flag march and frisking are being carried out, and free movement of persons is being restricted to the much inconvenience of the ordinary citizens in Senapati and Ukhrul districts. Similar trend of security tight up is being noticed in the urban areas in Imphal and other adjoining valley districts. We express our apprehension that the trigger happy state forces and the unruly auxiliary recruits in the format of VDF would at any point of time went out of control and create terrors that could have wide ranging implication towards misrepresenting facts and spreading of communal rumours in any form. We would like to appeal them to refrain from terror activities that would lead to branding them as either communal forces in uniform or agent of India’s divisive policy. While these forces are being deployed in Imphal to prevent public gathering or obstruct general strike directed against Muivah’s visit to Manipur; they must not exceed in exercising brutality to the scale of creating disturbance to the market, particularly affecting the economic livelihood of tribal street vendours from the outskirts of the valley districts and widow street vendours who are the sole bread winners of their respective families as their husbands were killed either in gun battle or in fake encounters.
On economic blockade
CPDM is aware of the economic underdevelopment that the present Manipur had been undergoing through ever since the imposition of colonial laissez faire in 1891 and which have been continued till today. In the year 2005 out of the total number of 356193 households living in Manipur 115600 households were living at the Below Poverty Line. At present Manipur is dependent on import of commodity and money for survival. Apart from industrial products, other basic consumption products such as food grains, pulses, vegetables, fruits, edible oil, milk and dairy products, medicines, snacks, liquor, poultry products, fish and almost all varieties of consumer goods of day-to –day usage are being dependent on import. In such a situation imposition of prolonged economic blockades along National Highways by any section of agitating population of Manipur or by neighbouring Nagaland as a form of political bargaining would be genocidal on the part of the people of Manipur. A negative response to it by imposing counter-economic blockade along inland transit routes leading to the hill districts of Manipur would be equally counterproductive. Business entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the economic blockade and everywhere in Manipur prices of daily staples goods have grown up at an exorbitant scale. The prices of rice had been doubled up, petrol had been increased above 120 Rs per litre and hospitals are postponing routine surgical operation on ground of deficient supply of oxygen and medicines. While the famine type alarming situation in the valley is being reported in the media the plight of the situation in the interior rural areas and hills must have been worst. We, therefore, appealed to the Government of India and the contending civil societies to find out the most effective democratic means to put an end to economic blockade that cuts off the economic lifeline of an entire population or any section of population on the pretext of political agitation.

On rumour
CPDM acknowledges the spread of rumours of various types that could only contribute in communal stereotyping and exasperation of the situation. Yesterday, there was a rumour about 20 labourers belonging to Meetei community being detained at Shiruii areas by the Tangkhul people of that area. We have confirmation from the Naga People’s Human Rights Movement that such thing had not occurred at all. It seems that about four persons were detained by the Assam Rifles near Shirui on ground of suspicion. According NPMHR, those detained were being interrogated and released after verification. Another rumour was articulated at the press meet held at Constitution Club on 6 May 2010. One of the MLAs present there had said that all the securities from the Imphal Valley were being deployed in the Naga areas to the extent that there was no security forces left in Imphal to guard the Banks and control the public meeting planned by the United Committee Manipur. The statement of the MLA was wrong. The Banks in Imphal had been guarded by the CRPF and all those deployed in Mao areas belonged to the Manipur Police, Manipur Rifles and Indian Reserved Battalion. Contrary to the rumour, the newspaper this morning had reported that the Manipur Police had disrupted the proposed public meeting called by the UCM and at the same time security measures had been beefed up in the valley districts to prevent 48 hours general strike that was called by the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation.
Another rumour was widespread among certain section of Manipur students in Delhi. In the evening a team of Nagas were being led by the Naga Students Union Delhi to meet the Residence Commissioner of Manipur at Manipur Bhavan. The purpose of the meeting was aimed at seeking for an official explanation about the situation prevailing in Manipur. However, the event was being misrepresented as Nagas storming to destroy the Manipur Bhavan. CPDM had its own interpretation about it and had circulated clarification on the matter to that section of misunderstood students who were moved by the rumour. Firstly, the Manipur Bhavan is a site of power and symbol of state authority. Any group or community of Manipur have the right to approach it for any official matter. Secondly, we have noticed in Manipur a tradition of destroying public property such as official buildings and government institutions as a form protest. The confrontation between the state and a section of the agitating population and destruction of state symbol representing the entire population may not necessarily be perceived as communal directed against any particular community. Thirdly, the Manipur Bhavan area is deemed a restricted zone and always manned by security forces. Whenever a crowd of agitating students would gather around it there was reinforcement of Delhi Police to defend the Bhavan. The possibility of destruction of Bhavan by a small crowd is out of question. Therefore, whatever rumour that was being conveyed to us, was simply a miscalculation. We, therefore, appealed to all concerned citizens not to circulate rumour that may hurt feelings and please do not create communal rumours merely to create confusion and tension. Our future lies in unity and struggle towards a durable peace. Communal rumour can never defend community. Your rumour can cost you.
On Minority & Security
Security is the prime concern of every human being. We all want to be secured and defended. However the ongoing unrest is seemed to have caused insecurity to several sections of the population in varying ways. We are being reported that psychological fear of communal onslaught that would affect lives and properties is being dominantly perceived by those who were minorities in any part of the state. Any reactionary person or collective could spread communal propaganda and ignite communal clash by way of targeting a minority section anywhere. Whether it would be Meetei or Naga or Kuki or any other communities; each one is dominant in certain areas and minority in certain areas. The sense of inferiority and fear of communal onslaught could be perceived by the minorities where they are always vulnerable due to lack of adequate security arrangements or defense mechanism. CPDM, therefore, appealed to the union Government of India, state governments of Nagaland and Manipur and other democratic forces to ensure security of the minorities vis-à-vis potential psychological and physical threats by dominant communities in any part of the two states in course of the ongoing unrest. CPDM at the same time appealed to all that the civil societies who are engaged in the ongoing unrest to ensure security for the minority communities cutting. We have seen barbarian onslaughts during the Kuki-Naga clash 1992-96, Meetei-Panggal Clash 1993, Kuki-Paite clash 1997-98. Every community is a loser in it. Let us not allow it to happen again.

On Muivah’s Visit
CPDM in its press release Ref No: 20100505 CPDM/ PR (internet reference: http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2010.PR_CPDM_20100505) had expressed clear stand on Th. Muivah’s visit to Manipur. We are being confirmed by the civil societies in Delhi that it was the Government of India that had planned Muivah’s visit to Manipur. However, the proposed visit has been differently responded by different sections of the population and had become a matter of unrest in Manipur. The brutality of repression and immediate negative impact of unrest are being felt by those who welcome or oppose Muivah’s visit to Manipur. Since the unrest have reached to the extent of losing lives, infliction of casualties and artificial famine of goods, we charged upon the Government of India as fully responsible for mishandling of the situation. We strongly feel that browbeating to one another and labelling charges to one another among the contending civil societies would merely consume time and labour and these can never restore a durable peaceful existence. We, therefore, appealed to the Government of India to clearly analyse the situation, create a common platform for all and invite all the contending forces towards a meaningful dialogue for a peaceful and practical solution.

Long Live Democracy
Released and circulated by Campaign for Peace & Democracy Manipur on 7 May 2010