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05/15/2010: "Manipur: BJP puts the blame on Chidambaram Special Correspondent The Hindu"

Manipur: BJP puts the blame on Chidambaram Special Correspondent The Hindu

A BJP delegation on Friday met Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram to convey the assessment of the volatile situation in Manipur made by a three-member party team.
The party demanded that the permission given to NSCN (Isak-Muivah) leader Thuingaleng Muivah to visit his home village in Manipur be withdrawn and urgent measures taken to lift the month-old blockade of National Highway 39 which, it said crippled essential supplies in the State.
A “unilateral decision by the Home Minister” of granting permission to Mr. Muivah resulted in tension and violence in the State, in which some people have died, the party said.
Party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar, who led the three-member delegation to Manipur (the other members were Tarun Vijay and Bijoya Chakravarty), said supplies of petrol and diesel, cereals and even life-saving drugs were very limited. Some schools and colleges in Imphal had to be closed because of petrol and diesel shortage. A strike by government employees had worsened the situation.
Mr. Javadekar demanded that the Centre immediately assure Manipur that its territorial boundaries would not be changed as a result of the dialogue with the NSCN (I-M). At the same time, he did not disagree when it was pointed out the NDA government had put the issue of a greater Nagaland, comprising Nagaland and some Naga-dominated areas in Manipur, on the table for discussion. Talks with Mr. Muivah began in Bangkok when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister, he confirmed.
The BJP suggested that the Centre try and open up an alternative highway route to Manipur on an urgent basis to augment the essential supplies in the State, which could run out within a week.
Mao Gate normal
Iboyaima Laithangbam reports from Imphal: The tribals in Ukhrul district, where Mr. Muivah's ancestral village is located, has made preparations to give him a rousing welcome, though nothing is certain about his visit. Normality has returned to the Mao Gate, the scene of mob violence on May 6, when two tribal students were shot dead.
Muivah issue dominates Cong meeting Saubhadro Chatterji / New Delhi
Following the week-long standoff between the Nagas and the Manipur government over Thuingaleng Muivah’s visit to his native village, the Congress core committee decided not to allow the separatist leader from entering the state.
After prolonged deliberations, the party top-brass on Wednesday felt that the visit of the country’s top rebel leader from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-IM might worsen the law and order situation in Manipur.
Although the controversial remarks by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh was another key agenda that dominated the proceedings of the meeting, top sources in the party told Business Standard that the Muivah issue eventually took the maximum time.
The worried UPA took a stock of the situation in Manipur following the economic blockade by angry Naga organisations for not allowing their leader to enter his native Somdal village in Ukhrul district.
The All-Naga Students Association (ANSAM) based in Kohima had called for an indefinite siege that has choked the arterial National Highway 39 — the only route that landlocked Manipur depends on for essential supplies from outside the region.
While hundreds of vehicles have queued up outside petrol pumps in Imphal, the Naga leader camping since May 5 at Viswema village, 16 kms from the Nagaland-Manipur border, has refused to budge.
Union Home Secretary GK Pillai and the Centre’s interlocutor for Naga talks RS Pande rushed to meet Muivah to discuss the situation and persuade him not to forcibly enter the neighbouring state.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government has imposed curfew at Mao — the border town of the two states and deployed central paramilitary forces. Sporadic violence in the state has claimed two lives in police firing.
Muivah plays nostalgia politics The New Indian Express
The rebel Naga leader, Thuingaleng Muivah, may have done a disservice to his quest for a ‘sovereign’ Nagaland by becoming unnecessarily embroiled in a running battle with the Manipur government over his desire to visit his ancestral village in Manipur. It doesn’t take much political perspicacity to see that his decision to visit the village of Somdal in Manipur’s Ukhrul district was motivated not so much by familial sentiment as by a political desire to highlight the issue of a Greater Nagaland. As is known, one of the sticking points of the long-drawn negotiations between the Centre and the rebels is their desire to extend the present-day boundaries of Nagaland to include areas in neighbouring states, especially Ukhrul, which the Nagas regard as their own because they constitute the majority of the people there.
Aware of Muivah’s real intention, the Manipur government refused to let him enter the state, fearing that it might spark off tension in the area. Two people have already lost their lives during a protest demonstration at the entry point of Mao Gate and about 1,000 people of Naga origin have fled to Nagaland. Although Union home secretary G K Pillai flew to Imphal to request Muivah to postpone his visit, the latter has shown no intention of changing his plans. To ease the situation, the Manipur Rifles are being withdrawn and the curfew relaxed to enable those who had fled to return to Manipur. But it will obviously take quite some time for the situation to become normal, especially in view of the blockade of NH 39 by the Naga agitators which is starving Manipur of essential goods.

Ukhrul is not the only area which the Nagas want to include in their proposed Nagalim or Greater Nagaland. There are also areas in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and even Myanmar. Since the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) group cannot realistically expect a breakthrough in the near future in its talks with the Centre, Muivah seems to have decided to rake up the Nagalim issue to remain in the limelight. Such manoeuvres are necessary for all rebel outfits, but the NSCN (I-M) may have felt the need all the more because it has a rival in the breakaway NSCN (Khaplang) group, which has kept the flag of rebellion flying by refusing to negotiate with the Centre. This may be the reason why Muivah remembered his native village after 40 years.

NVCO concern over rampant tax collection Nagaland Post

DIMAPUR Disturbed over rampant collection of taxes at the check-gates/highways by the Forest Departments and Nagaland Police, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization (NVCO) has questioned the State government on how the two departments have started to collect money
despite government standing order on June 22, 2009.
It may be noted that the state government banned the collection of money/cash by any organization or individuals, including government departments such as police, excise, forest and taxes department, etc at the check gates or in any part of the highways.
The organization in a representation by its president, Kezhokhoto Savi addressed to Chief Secretary, that while supporting the government order, Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization team has distributed the second edition of NVCO booklet sponsored by the Government of Nagaland to all the check-gates in Dimapur and Kohima and has visited the check gates at Kohima so to stop the menace of illegal collection of taxes.
However, on May 3, one of its members, despite producing the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization booklet had to pay an amount of Rs. 200 to forest department and another Rs. 20 to the police for a truck laden with sand.
Taking all this into account, the organization asked whether the state government has allowed the forest department and police to collect cash at check gates/highways.
Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization urged the authority responsible to take necessary action against the erring officer/staff at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organization has also charged the authority responsible as to why BSNL and others were charging above MRP for recharge and top-up. It further warned the public not to sell newspaper above the printed price and not to sell buffet tickets at an exorbitant rate.
The Saga Naga Samudra Gupta Kashyap Indian Express
Nine years after the Greater Nagalim issue left Nagaland and Manipur on the boil, the planned visit of NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah has again put the two states on the edge.
Who is Thuingaleng Muivah?
Originally appointed as general secretary of A Z Phizo’s Naga National Council (NNC) in 1964, 75-year-old Thuingaleng Muivah is currently general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim faction headed by him and its chairman Isak Chisi Swu, thus the acronym NSCN (IM). He, Swu and Khaplang (now heading the NSCN-K faction) launched the NSCN in 1978 following the Shillong Accord by the NNC in November 1975. The NSCN split into NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) in 1988. Muivah is also ‘ato kilonser’ — “prime minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN)” — with Swu being its ‘yaruiwo’ or “president”.
What is Nagalim?
While Nagaland (area: 16,527 sq km) was created on December 1, 1963, out of the Naga Hills district of Assam, combined with the Tuensang Tract of erstwhile North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), Nagalim or “Greater Nagalim” is the proposed sovereign Naga state that the NSCN wants. It comprises the present Nagaland as well as all “Naga-inhabited” areas of adjoining Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Myanmar, together adding up to about 1,20,000 sq km.
What is the current status of the NSCN agitation?
The NSCN (IM) signed a ceasefire with the Government of India on July 25, 1997, which came into effect from August 1, 1997. While the ceasefire was an outcome of then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao’s first meeting with Muivah in Paris in 1995, successive PMs H D Deve Gowda and A B Vajpayee also met the NSCN (IM) in Zurich and Paris in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Since then over 40 rounds of talks have taken place between the government and the NSCN (IM) leadership. Muivah, who lives in Bangkok, Amsterdam and other places, has been in India since March, mostly put up at the NSCN(IM)’s general headquarters at Hebron near Dimapur in Nagaland.
Why does Muivah want to go to Manipur?
He is a Tangkhul Naga hailing from Somdal in Ukhrul district of Manipur. The hill districts of Manipur, especially Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong, are dominated by Tangkhuls and other smaller Naga tribes. With the NSCN (IM) demanding inclusion of Manipur’s hill districts in ‘Greater Nagalim’, Muivah expressed his wish to visit his ancestral village. It would be his first visit to Somdal since 1964, which he left after joining the Naga rebels. Since then he has either been underground or has lived abroad.
Why does Manipur have a problem with the visit?
The government of Manipur obviously does not want to part with even an inch of its territory. The Centre’s decision in 2001 to extend the ceasefire with the NSCN (IM) without territorial limits had evoked massive protests in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. In Manipur, protesters had even set the state Assembly building on fire. Eighteen persons were killed in police firing. Manipur’s stand is that Muivah is not just visiting his village but would also address public meetings to whip up the campaign for inclusion of the state’s hill districts in ‘Greater Nagalim’.
What is the Centre’s role?
Incidentally, the Centre, on April 29, asked the governments of Manipur and Nagaland to provide Muivah, a Z-plus protectee, “foolproof security” when he visited Somdal in Ukhrul, and held public meetings at Ukhrul and Senapati. But Okram Ibobi Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, is determined not to let Muivah enter his state.
What is the current situation in Manipur?
The Meiteis who dominate the Imphal Valley (and constitute about 70 per cent of the state’s population) are opposed to Muivah’s visit. The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) has imposed a ban on vehicle movement from Imphal Valley to the hill districts. The United Naga Council (UNC) of Manipur on the other hand has resorted to strikes against the Ibobi Singh government’s stand against Muivah. Two persons were killed when police fired upon protesters at Mao in Manipur close to the Nagaland border on May 6. Protesters have also set on fire government offices in Manipur’s hill districts. The two highways which connect Manipur to the outside world — NH-39 and NH-53 — have been paralysed due to blockades put up by both sides.
What is Nagaland’s stand?
While on the one hand Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphui Rio has accused Ibobi Singh of “using state machinery against the people of Manipur who are protesting democratically (against Manipur’s refusal of entry to Muivah)”, on the other hand, he personally went to meet Muivah to ask him to postpone his visit to Manipur till the situation improved. The Nagaland Assembly has in the past adopted resolutions supporting integration of all Naga-inhabited areas.
Where is Muivah at the moment?
Having set off from Hebron along with several top NSCN (IM) leaders for Somdal on May 5, Muivah is currently put up at Viswema, a village in Nagaland 10 km short of the border with Manipur. While the PMO and the Government of India have requested him to postpone his Somdal visit till the situation improves, Muivah is bent on going ahead. He had earlier turned down a government offer to take a helicopter to Somdal.
Adinno Phizo greets Nagaland Post
Dear Naga national workers,
My warmest greetings and best wishes to members of central committee, NNC, as our national representatives from respective region meet in Kohima on 14 May.
It is unbelievable that I am privileged to serve our nation for the past twenty years, including a year as acting President, following the death of our peerless leader A Z Phizo, the Father of Naga nation, in 1990.
I am fully aware of the responsibility entrusted with NNC office as well as the expectation from our people in advancing 16 May 1951 Naga consensus. The Naga stand is straightforward, from ancient time, ‘Our country is ours’ (Urra Uvie).
Our people have endured unbearable sufferings and hardships since the Indian army naked aggression against Nagaland in1954, and subsequent unremitting Indian occupation army militarized tyranny in Nagaland. Even then, our people refuse to be intimidated by Indian bully to this day. I applaud our resilient people for their unwavering loyalty and support for NNC on Naga stand.
Together with our indefatigable people, our dedicated NNC and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) national workers have weathered the situation as it comes. In any nation, there are disaffected sections and Nagaland is no exception. The purpose of NNC is to give a clear direction to our people to enable every Naga an informed choice. The remarkable cohesion of Naga people to date is a testament to the maturity and sound foundation of Naga nation.
Not that long ago our people had a sense of purpose and anti-social behavior was very rear. But in recent years imported insidious culture finds home in Nagaland. Just recently, the shocking and disturbing news of ugly scenes in Mao area that led to the tragic death of two young students is symptomatic of weak leadership and lack of discipline among a section of Naga society. The people involved exposed themselves to the world of political immaturity. NNC will never condone exploitation of any kind.
Today we live in a world totally different from the government of India (GoI) anachronistic policy towards Nagaland. In the new international order, transparency and peaceful resolution take the centre stage. India is at war against Nagaland and not with a “faction” patronized by GoI. It can no longer hide the truth from the ever present internet. As we march forward, we have a clear vision not just for the present but as much for the future generations. Nothing can deter Nagaland from staying the course of NNC political vision: ‘To be a Man among men, and to be a Nation among nations’.
We thank the Almighty God for sustaining our people and Naga nation. May God guide you and bless you as you serve Naga nation.
God bless Nagaland. Urra Uvie.
Adinno Phizo, President.