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05/21/2010: "Nothing can separate the Naga people’ Our Correspondent"

‘Nothing can separate the Naga people’
Our Correspondent

Kohima | May 20: The NPF, which recently changed its nomenclature from ‘Nagaland Peoples’ Front’ to that of ‘Naga Peoples’ Front’, today hinted that the party may actively involve in the bye-elections necessitated out of the resignation of seven Naga MLAs from the Manipur Legislative Assembly in the wake of the violence that erupted at the Nagaland-Manipur border at Mao Gate out of NSCN (IM) leader Th. Muivah’s attempt to visit his native village, Somdal in Manipur state. Interacting with a section of the local media on the sidelines of the party’s donation of relief materials to the displaced Mao Nagas taking shelter at the Kisama relief camp, party youth president, Kakuto Shohe however said it is up to the people to decide. Asked on whether the party has intentions to field candidates to these constituencies, Shohe said the party is yet to decide on the issue.

Commenting on the change of the party’s nomenclature and its efforts to expand party activities beyond the state, the youth president said this was done to accommodate the large section of Nagas that are spread out and are divided by artificial boundaries. “As Nagas, we have no boundaries, we are of one blood and we have the political right to be together”, he asserted. He however said the NPF party is yet to set up political wings in Naga areas outside the state even as it is in constant contact with the people of these areas. “Under any circumstance, nothing can separate the Naga people”, he asserted. Also, insisting that the NPF is for the Nagas, he claimed each and every meeting of the party is dominated by the issue of the Naga people.

Commenting on the outcome of the May 6 violence at Mao Gate that resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to scores of innocent civilians, he said the incident has rather brought the Nagas together and strengthened the stand of the Nagas to remain as one family. Meanwhile, a delegation of the NPF, led by its Treasurer, Phrenyumo today visited the displaced Mao villagers taking shelter at the Kisama Heritage Village and distributed huge quantities of essential food items procured from funds from the Central NPF. The team leader said the donation is a token of love and concern for the displaced Naga brothers and sisters from the party’s side. This, he said, should not be taken as the party favouring any particular group. The delegation included officials from the Central Office, Youth Wing, and various district units and women wing. During the visit, the members of the delegation also interacted with the victims and those supervising the relief camp.
http://www.morungexpress.com/local/49060.html

Hoho questions Centre’s sincerity

KOHIMA, May 20 – Apex tribal council Naga Hoho today questioned the Centre’s sincerity on its assurance to replace Manipur Police with Central paramilitary at Mao Gate on the inter-state border to instill confidence among the Naga villagers so that they could return to their home in Manipur.
“We strongly believe that the displaced persons will not hesitate to return home as and when the Centre fully implements its commitment in the interest of both Nagaland and Manipur. The curfew, which has been partially lifted in Naga-dominated areas of Manipur, should be totally removed for free and easy passage of the displaced people,” Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo said in a statement here.
Manipur Police are still at Mao town despite Union Home Secretary GK Pillai’s assurance that Central paramilitary personnel would be deployed in the affected areas. Around 500 Nagas from Mao and its adjoining villages had fled to Nagaland on May 6 following a police action on demonstrators protesting Manipur’s decision to prevent NSCN(I-M) leader T Muivah from entering the State. – PTI
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=may2110/oth06

NSF says it’s ready for the worst

Dimapur, May 20 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation today said to be still exploring avenues that would resolve the ongoing crisis the people of Nagaland and Manipur are caught in. But, the federation warned, the organization is ready and willing to “go through any situation to defend and protect the identity and rights of the Nagas.”

The NSF issued a statement today reiterating its position on the current crisis Nagaland and Manipur is embroiled in. The NSF said it was ‘constrained’ to issue the statement “for public consumption.” “NSF salutes the rich spirit exhibited by our southern Naga brothers in defending the rights and identity of the Nagas, we (NSF) only regrets that the Meteis had reacted too emotionally and till date had refused the Nagas invitation to have a people to people’s dialogue to break the stalemate,” the NSF said. The organization said to be “still exploring avenues that each others rights be respected and differences is set right though people to people’s dialogue.” The NSF however warned that it is ready and determined “to go through any situation to defend and protect the identity and rights of the Nagas.”

The NSF said it wanted to ascertain the ongoing preparation for its 3rd federal assembly which was pre-scheduled for May 7 for Oinam Hill Village under Senapati district in Manipur. On May 3, the NSF leaders made a “patient and democratic reasoning to the Manipur police personals stationed at the interstate border seeking a free passage to asses its scheduled programme.” The NSF’s request went unheeded “to the adamant and ill bearing attitudes of the Manipur police, denying the NSF inherent rights to move and travel within its inhabited Homeland. The 3rd May 2010 incident proved too provoking and had offended the NSF to the extreme.”

The undemocratic imposition of the 144CrPC by the Manipur government on the Naga contagious inhabited homeland had resulted in causing a lot of “inconvenience” and harassment to innocent Naga public and travelers, the NSF said. Resenting the imposition of the 144CrPC the federation said that on May 6 at Mao Gate, the people had staged a peaceful democratic rally to register their legitimate rights. “However this was also defied, and in the process two Naga students were shot dead cold blooded at point blank and hundreds of harmless Naga womenfolk were assaulted and injured. NSF than in exercise to contain the escalation of human rights violation upon the innocent Naga publics by the Manipur police commandos and rifles made an appeal to the Manipur government to revoked the 144CrPC, even so the Federation’s appeal was never being responded, prompting the Manipuri police stationed at the interstate boundary to heighten their acts of atrocities beyond the patience of any human tolerance and comprehension.”

The NSF stated: “In the backdrop of the Nagas identity and basic rights being pushed to the extreme, the NSF being left with no option was compelled to react, yet reasonably, imposing indefinite ban on the movement of Manipur Registration Vehicle through out Naga contagious inhabited areas.”
http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/49075.html

Former Speaker comments on ‘present Manipur crisis’ orungexpress

DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (MExN): General Secretary, NCP Northeast, Neiba Ndang has said that the present crisis in Manipur could have been averted had better sense prevailed with both the central and Manipur governments.

The NCP (Northeast) secretary general in a press statement said that decision of Manipur government to prevent the NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th. Muivah to visit his village Somdal in Ukhrul district was responsible for the situation including the tragedy at Mao Gate. “I don’t see anything wrong in Muivah’s desire to visit his native village. But instead of trying to bring the situation under control, Manipur government chose to aggravate it by using force,” Ndang said. The former Nagaland Assembly Speaker also said the “double standard” policy of the Centre was not “appreciable.”

On Manipur government accusations of “interference” hurled at Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Ndang said that such accusations were uncalled for as Rio as Naga has every right to voice his concern about the plight of fellow Nagas, as well as on humanitarian ground. The NCP leader urged the Centre to immediately intervene to restore normalcy in Manipur. Conveying condolence to the bereaved family members of the students gunned down by the Manipur police commandoes, he also prayed for speedy recovery of those injured in the police firing. Ndang further conveyed gratitude to all civil society, government agencies and individuals for extending all possible help to the injured and displaced Mao villagers.
http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/49081.html

NE forum seeks Centre’s intervention
Staff reporter

GUWAHATI, May 20 – As Manipur continues to reel under acute crisis of essential commodities due to the ongoing blockade of NH-39 by various Naga organizations, a civil society forum, North East Peoples’ Organization (NEPO), has appealed to the Union Government to intervene before the situation deteriorates further. Various organizations of the region have already submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to take appropriate steps to lift the road blockade and protect the territorial integrity of the North East.

The highway was blocked in Manipur and Nagaland in protest against the Manipur Government’s decision of not allowing the NSCN (IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah to visit his birth-place Somdal in Ukhrul district of Manipur. “The complete blockade of the arterial road has left Manipur in a lurch. As the State depends on supply from outside, it is now reeling under the unprecedented crisis of all the essential commodities, life-saving drugs and fuels,” said N Mohilal of the NEPO addressing a press meet at the Guwahati Press Club today.

“The NSCN (IM)’s claim that the districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel of Manipur and a few areas of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are a part of greater Nagalim is a clear reason for suspecting the intended trip. It is the prime duty of the Union Government to protect the territorial integrity of the north-eastern States,” he added. “The NH-39, passing through Nagaland, is a favoured road as the other two National Highways, NH-53 passing through Silchar and NH-150 passing through Mizoram, are much longer routes and severely damaged,” he mentioned, adding that though the government is trying to airlift the life-saving drugs and open up NH-150, more effective steps are required to improve food and medicine supply. The organization also said that if the blockade would continue for longer, it would incite counter-protests and the situation would go beyond control. Ruling out the possibilities of demand for declaring ‘Emergency’, the NEPO members said that it would damage the age-old relationship between the Manipuri and Naga people. “A forceful action like emergency would badly hit the mutual ties between the Manipuris and the Nagas. We appeal to our Naga brothers to lift this blockade as it is also affecting their economy,” said Montu Ahanthem, spokesperson of the organization. Protesting the proposed Manipur visit of Muivah, NEPO members said that the people of Manipur are behind the Manipur government’s decision to allow Muivah to visit Somdal if he drops the demand for a division of Manipur.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=may2110/at06
NSF explains position on ongoing impasse
DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (EMN): Clarifying its position with regard to the ongoing stalemate following the ban imposed on vehicles bound for Manipur, the Naga Students Federation (NSF) has said that it is pursuing a cause ‘with clarity and maturity’ and ‘not to provoke or hold to ransom any other community’.
A press note issued by the student body’s president and general secretary today explained the sequence of events and said the NSF team, on the day they were denied entry into Manipur, had tried to reason ‘democratically’ and patiently with the Manipur police personnel stationed at the inter-state border. But they remained adamant with ‘ill bearing attitudes….denying the NSF inherent rights to move and travel within its inhabited Homeland’, it said, adding that the 3rd May incident ‘proved too provoking and had offended the NSF to the extreme’.
The NSF said the ‘undemocratic imposition of the 144CrPC by the Manipur government on the Naga contagious inhabited homeland had resulted in causing a lot of inconvenience and harassment too many innocent Naga public and travellers’. While also voicing deep resentment over the May 6 Mao Gate incident which led to the death of two Naga students, it said that the NSF had then tried to contain ‘the escalation of human rights violation upon the innocent Naga public by the Manipur police commandos and rifles’ by appealing to the Manipur government to revoke the 144CrPC. This was also never responded to, it said. Rather, the Manipur police stationed at the interstate boundary heightened ‘their acts of atrocities beyond the patience of any human tolerance and comprehension’, the release added.

The NSF said ‘in the backdrop of the Nagas identity and basic rights being pushed to the extreme’ it had been left with no option but to react, ‘yet reasonably, imposing indefinite banned on the movement of Manipur Registration Vehicle throughout Naga contagious inhabited areas’. Saluting ‘the rich spirit exhibited by our southern Naga brothers in defending the rights and identity of the Nagas’, the NSF stated that its only regret was that ‘the Meteis had reacted too emotionally and till date had refused the Nagas invitation to have a people to people’s dialogue to break the stalemate’. Maintaining that the NSF is ‘still exploring avenues that each others rights be respected and differences is set right though people to people dialogue’, the release said at the same time it is ‘ready and determined to go through any situation to defend and protect the identity and rights of the Nagas’.
http://easternmirrornagaland.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23827:nsf-explains-position-on-ongoing-impasse&catid=51:state-news&Itemid=53

Ukl passengers complain of harassment John K Kaping
UKHRUL, May 20: In what could be described as an retaliatory response to the blockade of all the Manipur bound laden trucks by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) a counter blockade has come in force from May 8. The belongings of bus passengers containing essential commodities loaded on the bus roof were reportedly pulled down forcibly by the Manipuri womenfolk at Imphal-Ukhrul bus terminus, according to some passengers coming from Imphal to Ukhrul.
It is also reported that the Manipuri womenfolk snatched away essential goods like rice, ngari (fermented fish), and mineral water from Imphal-Ukhrul bound passengers somewhere in the valley journey in the name of the economic counter blockade. The sources also said that some quintals of rice brought from Imphal by some Tangkhul women were seized and snatched away by the counter blockade women supporters who claimed that the rice was distributed for relief at Imphal valley. The ill treatment has created disharmony, fear, confusion and anger in the minds of the Hill people, said sources.
Such activities in the name of the counter blockade have also been reported from other Naga Hill Districts of Manipur like Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel and due to counter blockade the prices of essential commodities like rice, fuel, vegetables etc. have sky-rocketed and even the taxi fares and hiring fares of light vehicles has gone up by a large margin.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9830

Record turnout of rallyists in Ukhrul From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL, May 19: The torch rally in Ukhrul yesterday evening saw a historic mammoth public turn-out of about 25,000 people ever records in Ukhrul. The rally was against the ban of the visit of NSCN(IM) general secretary and Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) Manipur Thuingaleng Muivah to his home village Somdal in western Ukhrul about 33 km off Ukhrul district headquarters. The ban, it will be recalled was despite New Delhi having given the “green signal” without any pre-condition in deference of the wishes of the Naga leader’s to see his own birth place in the land of India.

The Manipur government’s decree has hurt the sentiments of the people of Ukhrul who are all by a large “fans of Th. Muivah” or rather “Th. Muivah worshipers”, a rallyist said. Muivah is even nick-named as “Avakharar” (Grandpa) of the Tangkhul community, another added. Everybody in Ukhrul were preparing to give the leader a warm welcome after 40 years of missing his blessings and leadership, he further said. People with traditional torches in their hands signifying “solidarity” converged from nook and corners of 18 localities in Ukhrul town and marched through the town from 6:00pm. The rally was organized by the Tangkhul Action Committee (TAC). One group began the march from Hundung junction. Another began their march from Kharasom Junction and both converged at the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) ground which became jam-packed and virtually lit up with thousands of blazing torches. The rally concluded with a public in which various leaders including Solomon Ningshen, president, TNL. Ramthing Hungyo, former president TNL and KS. Jonathan, former president TKS addressed the gathering.

Meanwhile, in Ukhrul town has not given up hopes of receiving Muivah and is still preparing to roll out the red carpet for the leader. Ukhrul streets are crowded with welcome gates and posters. Shops and walls boldly display bill-boards and posters of the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmahon Singh and Th. Muivah words such as “Long Live” imprinted.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9818

Shuttle diplomacy to end eco-blockade morungexpress

Dimapur, May 20 (MExN): The apex organization of Christian churches in Manipur the All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO) has met with frontal Naga civil groups in the south. In the meetings that transpired, the Naga organizations aired their grievances and hinted to resolution but one determined only by reciprocation from the Manipur side. For instance, the ongoing economic blockade in Manipur by Naga organizations will be “immediately” lifted if the Manipur government defers the ongoing ADC elections to create space for revision of the ADC Act 2008; that the Manipur government had provoked sentiments by using security forces to deter NSCN (IM) general secretary Th. Muivah from entering Manipur; that denying entry to members of the Naga Students’ Federation from entering Manipur resulted in a backlash against Manipur state.

Having conveyed the views, grievances and feelings of the Naga frontal organizations, the AMCO has requested the chief minister of Manipur “to come up with a practical and lasting solution to end the economic blockade.” The AMCO said that after organizing series of fast and prayer programs, its representative met with various civil bodies such as the UCM, AMUCO, ATSUM and also Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh. “These civil bodies were also equally concerned about the situation faced by the public at this point of time,” a statement from the AMCO said today.

Manipur Christian body on goodwill mission meets Naga groups

Having taken note of their views and opinion, AMCO said, it felt the need to meet the frontal Naga bodies such as the UNC, ANSAM, Naga Women Union Manipur and Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights. Goodwill team from the AMCO on May 17 interacted with the frontal organizations at the UNC’s office, the AMCO said. A number of “enlightenment, grievances and feelings” surfaced during the four-hours long sitting, the AMCO leaders said. “The ongoing economic blockade will be immediately lifted if the state government defers the ongoing ADC elections to create space for revision of ADC Act 2008. The government has hurt the sentiments of the hill people by conducting the elections. The present amendment does not empower the MDCs in contrast to the powers enjoyed by Panchayat members. The present act is anti-tribal.”

“Regarding the visit of Shri Th. Muivah to Manipur, the state government has grieved the Naga people by sending state forces at Mao Gate to block his entry to Manipur. The incident turned ugly when the forces resorted to firing in which two students were killed. The deputation of tribal officers to control the situation with state forces has raised suspicions about the government’s intention. Both the central and state government has not resolved clearly the conditions of Th. Muivah’s visit to his ancestral homeland.”

“The denial of entrance to members of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) from Nagaland for a meeting at Oinam village by the state forces has irked the NSF of Manipur and Nagaland. This has resulted in a retaliatory blockade of vehicles to and from Manipur. Having conveyed the views, grievances and feelings of the Naga frontal organizations, AMCO earnestly requested the chief minister to come up with a practical and lasting solution to end the economic blockade.”

Mao Gate: Prayer, sit-in protests continue Morung Express News

Two weeks after the protest rally at Mao Gate where two students were killed and around hundred injured by Manipur Police commandoes, womenfolk of Mao area continue to hold regular prayer service and sit-in protests demanding removal of the commandoes and IRB personnel from the area. Everyday, hundreds of women from respective villages of Mao area take turns and stage the sit-in protest at the “island.” In a related development, Naga civil society and villagers of Senapati district have decided to “spear” the effigy of Manipur chief minister I Ibobi Singh on May 24 as a symbolic gesture of protest for the latter’s failure to recall the Manipur police forces despite assurance by Union Home Secretary GK Pillai. The Union Home secretary along with the Centre’s interlocutor for the Naga peace talks during their visit to Manipur and Nagaland on May 11 and the 12th, had assured Naga civil society that curfew would be lifted from the Mao area and central forces replace the commandoes and IRB personnel to maintain security. Villagers of Mao Gate said that although 144 CpPC has been lifted, police are still imposing night-time curfew. Normal life has not resumed in the towns and villages along NH-39 in Senapati district as the United Naga Council has declared a mourning period till May 30, in remembrance of the two students killed in the police firing. Shops and business establishments are allowed to open “half shutter” and manual labour is also restricted during the mourning period.

Meanwhile, UNC has reportedly rejected an invitation made by a top Army official to meet with chief minister Ibobi Singh to resolve the Manipur crisis. A UNC member said that since the crisis was solely due to difference between the Centre and Manipur government, the two should reach a settlement first before inviting any other party. “Because of their difference, Nagas are being victimized and the whole state is suffering. So it their sole responsibility to sort out their differences,” he added.

TFO sternly warns ADC candidates From John Kaping
UKHRUL, May 19: Tangkhul Frontal Organizations have come out strongly against the conduct of Autonomous District Council, ADC, elections in the Ukhrul district and resolved to declare all ADC candidates 2010 of Ukhrul district as the anti-Naga nationals. According to a press communique the frontal organizations resolved to initiate action against the candidates as per Tangkhul customary laws and practises.
The organizations earlier on May 14 served a dead-line to candidates to withdraw their candidatures within 24 hours. The TFO furhter spelled out the customary penalties and actions applicable saying among others that these candidates would not be allowed to any hold community posts or ascend any public platforms.
It said these people should be driven out from their respective villages and not allowed to reside in Naga areas and their properties, including house dismantled. Any Tangkhul, Naga or non-Naga who works in collusion with them shall do so at their own risks, it further warned. The communique also said this warning was necessary as the candidates are challenging the Naga national interest for their selfish ends. The TFO’s order would come in force from May 20 it said.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9817

UCM appeals to all to not misinterpret its planned “public emergency”
IMPHAL, May 19: The United Committee Manipur has appeal the general public not to mistreat or spread false propaganda regarding the ‘Public Emergency’ to be declared by the organisation with effect from May 21. In a statement, the UCM said it will go ahead with the ‘Public Emergency’ if the Government of India failed to revoke the approval given by the MHA to the NSCN(IM) general secretary Th Muivah to visit Manipur within May 20.
The UCM however maintained that there is nothing about indulging violence during ‘Public Emergency’ which is to be declared only to maintain and strengthen aged old bond and harmony amongst different communities residing in the state. The idea behind declaring “Public Emergency’ is to safeguard territorial integrity of Manipur, the UCM said and appeal individuals/organizations not to create false propaganda which might create communal tension.
The UCM further said the aim and objectives of both the GOI and the NSCN(IM) is to disintegrate Manipur by creating communal flare-up, however the UCM’s sole objective is to safeguard territorial integrity of Manipur without creating any communal tension amongst different communities settling in the state. Asserting Government of India’s double standard nature had already been witnessed by the people of Manipur during the event that led to the June Uprising in the year 2001, the UCM said the GOI has no hesitation in continuing with this nature as is being witnessed by granting permission to Th Muivah to enter Manipur despite strong opposition from the state government. The UCM is compelled to arrive at the extreme decision due to GOI’s reluctance to revoke its decision and to maintain harmony amongst different communities settling in the state.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9816

NSCN denies involvement in bomb blast Newmai News Network

Dimapur | May 20 : The "Naga Army" of the NSCN-IM has refuted to the reports where one of its cadres named was linked to the May 18 incident of a blast at the Kangpokpi Bridge. "Colonel" Levi Zimik of the NSCN-IM's military spokesman clarified that the outfit did not involve in the incident. "The name of NSCN has been wrongly implicated in the bomb blast along the NH-39, it is hereby clarified that there is no cadre enrolled in the Naga Army by the name Doni Anal. Moreover, it is further clarified for the information of all concerned that NSCN did not involve in the juvenile attempt to blow off the bridge along the highway. It can possibly be a handiwork of some untrained volunteers rebelling against the tyranny of Ibobi government. Therefore, media persons are reminded not to relate us by guesswork unless we own responsibility or facts well established otherwise," Levi Zimik said.

The NSCN-IM military spokesman said that as far as the scenario in Manipur is concerned, Ibobi Singh's government is responsible for all the ills that ail Manipur today. "Nobody can deny the fact that the cabinet decision of Ibobi led government itself triggered bloodshed and turmoil and ironically not by the willingness of Th. Muivah to visit his own home, as they dreadfully presumed. The struggle till now, as has been demonstrated, is purely people's will against the oppressed forces of the state. We have been keenly observing and waiting for the right moment to strike. Do not pull us in beforehand," Levi Zimik said.
http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/49079.html

Retaliatory response worsens Manipur situation
John K. Kaping
UKHRUL | May 20 : In what we describe as the retaliatory response in following the blockade of all the Manipuri bound laden trucks entering the gate of Nagaland by the Naga Students’ Federation(NSF) came in force from May 8 after the apex Naga Students’ bodies in Nagaland State was embargoed by the Manipuris to enter in Manipur to overview the situation after the May 6 incident at Mao gate where two Naga students were killed by Manipur Security Forces, the present Naga people in Hill districts of Manipur are reportedly mistreated by the Meiteis.

The bus passengers’ belongings obviously contained the items of essential commodities loaded on the bus roof carrier were reportedly pulled down forcibly by the Manipuri womenfolks at Imphal - Ukhrul bus terminus., according to some passengers coming from Imphal to Ukhrul. It is also reported that the Manipuri women folk even snatched away the essential goods like rice, ngari (fermented fish), mineral water from Imphal –Ukhrul bound passengers somewhere on the valley journey in the name of the economic counter blockade. The sources also said that some quintals of rice brought from Imphal by some Tangkhul women were seized and snatched away by the counter blockade women supporters who claimed that the rice were distributed for relief at Imphal valley. The act of such ill treatment illogically or uncivilized attitudes creates disharmonies, fear, confusion and anger in the minds of the Hill people, said the source. The same tune of such activities in the name of the counter blockade is also informed from other Naga Hill Districts of Manipur like Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel and due to counter blockade prizes of the essential commodities like rice, fuel, vegetables etc. is sky-rocketed and even the taxi fares and hiring fares of light vehicles gone up by a wide range of expenditure in Ukhrul.

Meiteis express rage by abusing Nagas in Manipur

Dimapur, May 20 (MExN): The Meiteis to express its resentment over the economic blockade on NH 39 are mistreating the Nagas in Manipur. The Tangkhul Naga Frontal Organisations Against ADC Election 2010 in a press note stated that in every intersection, Meitei people are filling their day to day stomach by snatching the food items and other goods carried by the Naga passenger traveling in bus and other vehicle. “This very incident is happening right at the heart of Imphal City-bus terminus and in every points and intersection. Various reports of incident have been received from Imphal to other Naga village bound travelers.” It stated that the bandh called by NSF at Nagaland and economic-blockade at the NH 39 has greatly effect in making some of the Meitei a “day light-highway- thief”. Forcefully snatching meat, fish, vegetables and other eatables items is the order of the day.

However, the State security forces and Ibobi’s government are turning a blind eye to this everyday happening at the state highway, or “rather encouraging them”. It added: “Looking back at the past days and weeks and years, the Manipur Government has never been for the Naga people. The Ibobi’s government announcement and allotment of Petrol and Diesel to the various districts are yet to reach Senapati, Ukhrul and other Naga inhibited district.” Moreover, the Tangkhul Naga Frontal Organisations on May19 has formally lodged a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul District against conducting the imposed ADC Election 2010. The council of Tangkhul Headman, Chairman and Hanga will have a meeting with the Frontal Organisation on May 25, to initiate and implements the decision proclaim and taken by the Frontal Organisation.
http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/49077.html

All parties meet reaffirms decision on keeping border closed for Muivah
IMPHAL, May 19: A meeting of the various political parties in Manipur, under the chairmanship of former Chief Minister and NCP MLA, Radhabinod Koijam was held today to discuss a wide spectrum of issues relating to the critical situation in the state. The meeting also took some unanimous decisions.The meeting was held at the central office hall of MPP this morning at 9 am with participation of various parties including the MPP, NCP, CPI(M), RSP, Forward Block, MPSC and JD(S). The meeting reiterated the decision taken by the 7 political parties on May 5, 2010 that Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of NSCN(IM) should not be allowed to enter the territory of Manipur stating that he is a person who has persistently been campaigning to disintegrate Manipur to form Greater Nagaland and further as a person responsible for the commission of many heinous crimes in the state.
The meeting noted the prevailing situation in the state is a creation of the the Union home minister, who gave permission to Muivah to visit Manipur without the consent of the state government and demanded the immediate resignation of P. Chidambaram. While taking into account the scarcity caused by frequent blockades along the highways the political parties also demanded that the state government and GOI to develop NH-53 properly on war footing. The surface transport ministry and the BRO have been dragging their legs for far too long a time in developing the road. It will be hard for any knowledgeable person to digest that development of NH-53 is delayed because of the proposed construction of the controversial Tipaimuk dam. The meeting held the GOI entirely responsible for opening up of the two National Highways and to ensure full protection and security to the movement of goods and passenger vehicles.
The meeting also strongly urged the Governor of Manipur and the chief minister to immediately summon a special session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly to evolve a consensual line of action in the emergent situation.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9815

6th Schedule and Greater Nagaland are same: AMSGO
IMPHAL, May 19: The All Manipur Students Guardians Organization (AMSGO) Manipur has stated that the demand for the 6th Schedule and the demand for Greater Nagaland are one and the same. This was stated H Kula, advisor AMSGO during a press meet held today at its head office at Palace Compound, Imphal.
Kula further stated that the ongoing economic blockade is being supported by only the supporters of NSCN(IM) chief Th Muivah, numbering around 50,000. The rest of the people in the hills were not supporting the blockade, he claimed. Many of the tribal students staying in Imphal had left for their villages after rumors started doing the rounds, he said. One could see that many tribals were staying in the valley areas and vice versa. So one cannot say that the hills belong to only the tribals and vice versa, he said. in the state, especially in Imphal, had come to a standstill, Kula lamented and appeal to the blockade supporters to open up the highways immediately otherwise the Education curriculum of the students would be affected severely He also appealed to the hill students not to leave their schools and hostels due to fear caused by the present political crisis.
He also asked state government and the blockade supporters to bring a solution to the present crisis immediately. President of the AMSGO, RR Chothe said that the present situation had caused a artificial drought in the state and the relations between the hills people and the valley people had plunged to a very low level because of the demand by Th Muivah to visit his home village. He appealed to all contending parties to end the blockade and counter-blockade so that the people of both the hills and the valley could live peacefully in the state as usual. If the people of the hills and the valley are willing to take a joint stand, the machinations of Th Muivah to divide the state would not work, he said adding that the people of the hills and the valley should live together as this was the most necessary thing at present.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9812

NSUM & NCFM condemns Mao Gate incident morungexpress

Dimapur, May 20 (MExN): To condemn the May 6, 2010 incident at Mao gate, the Naga Students’ Union Mumbai (NSUM) and Naga Christian Fellowship Mumbai (NCFM) on May 16, 2010 at Anushaktinagar Christian Fellowship, Deonar, Mumbai, held a prayer meeting followed by lighting of candles to convey their sympathy to the three Naga brothers who lost their life, injuring over hundred Naga brothers and sisters and the consequent torture by the Manipur Police Force forcing the innocent tribal village people to flee from their villages.

A press note issued by President, Toshi Ao informed that the meeting was started with prayer, praise and worship by Olem Jamir, Director, Cross Road International, Mumbai, followed by the NCFM pastor Arep Tzudir preaching on justice and forgiveness. A one minute silence was observed to pay respect to the Naga brothers killed on the May 6th incident. Sothing Shimray spoke on behalf of the seniors’ and more than 150 Nagas attended and offered prayers and support.

The note also mentioned that the President NSUM in his presidential speech termed the actions of the government of Manipur as despotic, against human rights and democratic principles and that such action corroborate undermining the rights of the Naga tribes and an open declaration of war against the Naga tribes. “The Government of Manipur has lost the values of brotherhood and is creating antagonism between the innocent people of Naga tribes and Manipur people. The despotic and atrocious actions of the Manipur Police Force substantiate their intention to perturb serenity of the Naga people” he stated. The note also stated that the NSUM extend its absolute support to the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and appeal to the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) and all who believe democratic principles to condemn such despotic, atrocious and inhuman actions of the government of Manipur.
http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/49076.html

UCM rally foiled by police
IMPHAL, May 18: A rally organized by United Committee Manipur (UCM) opposing Th Muivah’s proposed visit, was foiled today by the police. Hundreds of people drawn from different communities gathered at Thau ground from 9:30 am this morning and a meeting was held. Later after the meeting, the gathering tried to take out a protest rally from Thau ground towards Khoyathong, but the attempt was foiled by the police near NCC gate where the rallyists were dispersed.
The protestors were holding placards which said “Remove the double standard policy of GOI”, “No Greater Nagalim”, “Territorail integrity of Manipur should remain intact”, “If India divides Manipur boundary, Manipur departs from India”, “Resign P. Chidambaram on moral grounds”, “Don’t break Manipur’s Identity”, and “Don’t divide Manipur boundary” etc. However, the police did not have to use any force as the protestors left the area and returned to Thau ground.
While speaking during the meeting the former president of UCM Sapamcha Jadumani, questioned the state government as to why the leaders of the Naga students’ bodies were not arrested yet for imposing economic blockade for a very long time, and pointed out that despite the ruling of the Surpreme Court declaring it as illegal blockades were taking place in this part of the country.
UCM advisor, RK. Ranendrajit, claimed that the Government of India is playing a double role and asserted that the UCM will continue to confront all the forces that are trying to disintegrate the state. Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, president of the UCM, while delivering his presidential speech, appealed not to create false propaganda that could fuel communal tension and urged the state Government to be firm with its decision of banning Muivah from entering Manipur. In the meantime, a mass rally organized by the All Manipur Nupi Marup was held today at Uripok. The rally was held under the theme ‘We want peace not war’.
The rally participated by over hundreds of womenfolk started from Uripok this morning around 11:30 am and concluded at the same starting point after covering Imphal bazar areas. A meeting was also held after the rally which was participated people of different communities and later resolved to appeal the ANSAM to end economic blockade in view of the severe hardships faced by the people in getting essential commodities.
http://ifp.co.in/shownews.php?newsid=9786

2 Manipur district council candidates abducted

IMPHAL, May 20 – Two independent candidates of forthcoming elections to autonomous district councils in Manipur hill districts have been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen, official reports said here today. The gunmen abducted ST Bechun and another independent candidate of Chandel district autonomous district council yesterday.
The council goes to polls on June 2 next. The All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur and United Naga Council are opposing the elections saying that enough monetary power was not given to the district councils, a charge denied by the State government. Tangkhul Naga organisation, Tangkhul Naga Katamnao, in a statement today said that if any Tangkhul Naga contested the forthcoming district council elections in Ukhrul district, he or she would be driven out of his or her respective village.
It said the candidate would also not be allowed to stay in his or her village and house would be dismantled. Besides the candidate would be ostracized in Tangkhul community. It said that the umbrella Naga organisation, United Naga Council UNC had rejected the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act of 2008 under which the elections were being held. – PTI
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=may2110/oth05

Manipur to airlift more items - Ibobi govt braces for fact that highway blockades will not be lifted in a hurry OUR CORRESPONDENT

Imphal, May 20: The Okram Ibobi Singh government will bring in more essential items to the state through air and land, in anticipation that the ongoing economic blockade along the two main supply routes to Manipur would not be called off immediately. With the next round of talks between the Centre and NSCN (I-M) reportedly scheduled next week in either Kohima or Viswema, the Manipur government does not expect the All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) to lift the blockade before the parleys.
The Naga students’ body had imposed the indefinite economic blockade along the Imphal-Dimapur and Imphal-Jiribam highways since April 11 against holding of autonomous district council elections in five hill districts. The association intensified the blockade after the Manipur government prevented NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah to enter the state. “We do not expect an end to the blockade in the near future. So we will use both air and land routes to bring enough stock of essential commodities,” government spokesperson N. Biren Singh said. As of now, the Imphal-Dimapur highway does not figure in chief minister Ibobi Singh’s scheme of things. The Manipur government dropped plans to use the supply route after the state director-general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh was asked by his Nagaland counterpart not to send the trucks till the situation became normal.
The Ibobi Singh government thereafter started using National Highway 53, linking Imphal and Silchar and National Highway 150 linking Imphal with Silchar via Mizoram. While loaded trucks came through NH150, the chief minister sent more than 100 empty trucks to lift essential commodities from either Silchar or Guwahati yesterday with security escorts.
The security escorts would bring loaded trucks that are stranded at Jiribam, bordering Cachar in Assam to Imphal by tomorrow. “We are opting for National Highway 150 and Imphal-Jiribam because we can protect our trucks within the state and our trucks can move freely in Mizoram and Assam,” Biren Singh said.
In addition to this, Ibobi Singh is using air force cargo planes to transport rice and medicine. Two air force cargo planes brought 50 quintals of rice each today. The rice was distributed in Imphal East and Bishnupur districts at Rs 16 per kg. With this, the quantity of rice airlifted since May 17 rose to 220 quintals. These were distributed in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur. Fifty quintals of medicine were also airlifted to the state today. With this, the quantity of medicine airlifted to Manipur since May 17 went up to 110 quintals. While shortage of essential commodities is being offset through transportation by air and road, the fuel stock in the state is running dry. Some fuel tankers stranded outside the state would also be reaching Imphal in the next few days, an official source said.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100521/jsp/northeast/story_12472599.jsp
PTI responsible for distorting news of Mao killing
Press Trust of India is considered to be one of the most trusted news agencies in India. PTI is a registered news agency since 1949 and many national and local dailies subscribed to it. It would be difficult to question the reliability of PTI news report as it is one of the most trusted news agencies in India but the accurate news need to be reported keeping the neutrality and the spirit of the media. Most of the National dailies, like The Times of India, The Hindu, The Statement, The NDTV, ZeeNews etc reported that two women were killed in stampede and the source is given as PTI. The PTI reports, “May 6 (PTI) NSCN (IM) leader Th. Muivah today put off his visit to his ancestral village in Manipur even as three among a crowd waiting to welcome him across the border were killed in a stampede when police fired teargas shells to disperse them…Two women died in a stampede after police burst tear gas shells to disperse hundreds of Th. Muivah supporters”
It was clear enough those two students (Chakho S/o Neli, B.A. 2yr St. Joseph College, Bangalore and Loshou S/o of Daikho BA 2yr St. Joseph College, Jakhama, Nagaland) were gunned down in the morning by Manipur Commandos and IRB. First, so there is not any question arise about the stampede by the crowd. Secondly, it is also clear enough to identity from the dead bodies whether it is a man or a woman if the PTI reporter presents at Mao on that day. If their reporter did not present in that barbaric and inhuman killing by Manipur SF, how can they circulate their erroneous news to national dailies and TV channel like Zeenews?
Thirdly, the Times of India reports and the source is given as PTI, “Meanwhile, Manipur police opened fire and used teargas shells to quell protests by Nagas, mostly women from Ukrul district, at its side of the border at the inter-state check gate at Mao in protest against the Manipur government's decision disallowing Muivah's visit.” All Manipur United Club Organization (AMUCO) called for 48hrs total Bandh in Manipur from 5-7 May evening and none of the vehicle plies from Imphal to all the hill districts. The incident took place at Mao on 6May and there is not any chance for the Tangkhul Women to come to Mao, Senapati District for mass rally. How can they report that most of the women were from Ukhrul district? What are they trying to report by this? In Mao area we can hardly find any Tangkhul household, so question does not arise here again that the Tangkhul women were present in mass rally on that day. Muivah belongs to Ukhrul district but it does not mean that only the Tangkhuls work for the Naga political problem. This report is ambiguous in its nature and it seems like the whole report is trying to manipulate the Naga issue and try to mislead the people. In conclusion, I would like the PTI to apologize to the Naga people for erroneous news report and trying to mislead the people. http://easternmirrornagaland.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23426:pti-responsible-for-distorting-news-of-mao-killing&catid=68:lettersaviews&Itemid=63Dr RB Thohe Pou

Deadlock over Muivah endears Ibobi to Manipur
Imphal: From being a much disliked man to becoming the darling of Manipur, life for Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has come full circle, thanks to his government's firm move to ban the entry of Naga separatist leader Thuingaleng Muivah.
For once, the people of Manipur have rallied behind the 62-year-old chief minister - so much so that Singh has turned into a real hero for his belligerent posturing of not allowing Muivah, leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, to visit his birthplace in Manipur's Ukhrul district.
The decision led to violent protests - three Naga supporters killed in firing by Manipur Police May 6 and - an acute food crisis due to an indefinite economic blockade by Muivah supporters, with trucks carrying essentials and medicines refused entry into Manipur passing through Nagaland via National Highway 39. The chief minister remained dogged. He was summoned to New Delhi in the first week of May and asked to let Muivah visit his birthplace. A group of ministers led by P. Chidambaram, Pranab Mukherjee and A.K. Antony met him and tried convincing him to let Muivah visit the state, but the plea was turned down flatly by Singh. "Surely the image of Ibobi Singh has gone up manifold and he has become the darling of the people for the simple reason that he defied the diktat of the central government over Muivah's visit to Manipur," Babloo Loitongbam, a noted rights leader, told IANS. Until recently, the streets of Manipur frequently would witness the chief minister being burnt in effigy and demonstrations against the Congress-ruled government on issues ranging from rights violations to salaries not being at par with the central pay scale, besides a myriad local problems. (IANS)
http://www.theshillongtimes.com/
Estranged Communities and the End of Mr. Muivah What next in Meitei Naga Relationship? Vikram Nongmaithem *
The current developments in Manipur and Nagaland and beyond after the unfortunate incident at the Mao gate where two young people died do not augur well for the future of the people of different communities in both the states. While the divide and rule policy of the Indian is the fuel beneath the raging fire, Muivah's politics of brinkmanship coupled with the inept handling of the issue of his proposed visit to Somdal, his native place by the government of Manipur under Mr. Ibobi are going to be harbingers of chaos and anxiety among the people belonging to the different communities.
The current dispensation of the government of India reminds us of the story of the monkey distributing bread between two cunning cats. While the cats fought for greater share and got nothing the monkey got and ate everything that was there. Since Mr. Muivah is demanding all that seem to belong to the Nagas it is very likely that he is going get nothing. He has been residing in foreign land for a long time and it seems he has lost grasp of the ground beneath his feet when he returns and finds himself on a slippery slope. After fighting for a long time, now he knows the Nagas want peace. But, who doesn't want peace anyway? The Indians, the Nagas, the Kukis, the Meieteis, the Americans and even the Jihadists and the Fiddayeen squads ? I think even Kasab wants peace.
While the incident at Mao gate is condemned by all right thinking people, many who think of themselves as intellectuals and leaders have used highly communal overtones in their sayings and writings in the wake of that ugly incident. Political protest in any form is often met with repression using force. Such incidents are more common in the valley than in the hills of Manipur but many in the hills do not seem to know that.
Kaka D. Iralu, a prominient Naga scholar of repute wrote the next day in an article in The Morung Express that seems to suggest that the Meiteis had come with weapons in large numbers and resorted to a full scale invasion on the Nagas at Mao gate. Here I quote his words, "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." (What next in Meitei Naga Relationship, The Morung Express, 7 May, 2010)
As a Naga scholar of repute Mr. Iralu should know it better that it was the law enforcement forces of the government of Manipur not the Meiteis in general who were involved in that incident. The Morung Express is a widely read newspaper and people like Mr. Iralu should not degrade themselves by telling lies and indulge in hate campaigns. Way back in 2001 when the Indo-Naga ceasefire was extended without territorial limits in the stroke of a pen in faraway Bangkok eighteen precious lives were lost. Should the Meiteis blame it on the Nagas for that? Was it the Nagas who shot the bullets? Certainly not.
Live and Let Live
Greater Nagalim is a dream, a dream that would be very difficult to realize. It is a dream Mr. Muivah forced upon the other Nagas to dream whether they like it or not. The territory of Mr. Muivah's dream comprise of the whole of the present Nagaland and large parts of the present states of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar. Therefore it is totally unacceptable to Mr. Muivah's neighbours on the East, West, North and South. Good fences make good neighbours. Where does Mr. Muivah plan to put up his fences? If the different communities in the Northeast are to co-exist in harmony all of them should know where to put up the fence and where to put up the gates? Clapping needs two hands.
The Milch Cow
The National Highways 39 and 53 are the arteries of the state of Manipur. The NH-39 often labeled as the lifeline of the state of Manipur in the geography textbooks of the schools should be relabeled as the weak and unfed milch cow. The NH-39 is actually the support system of a dying patient. This stretch of the highway passing through the state of Nagaland is a hospital room with a dying patient which the doctor does not know it exists. Gun toting militants can come out any time during the day or night and putting off or on the life system as it pleases them. They rob buses, passengers and sometimes molest women. That is their business. That is their duty i.e. milking the milch cow.
The Big Boss
The Indian state is the largest democracy in the world. That is why when communism has been wiped out from eastern Europe and the former USSR which were bastions of communism during the Cold War era, the CPI (Maoists) are gaining a big chunk in the heartland of India. India is a unique democracy. Presently it is heatedly debating whether the army and the air force should be used in its operations against the Maoists. The irony is that both the army and the air force have been used in the last forty years or so in Kashmir and the Northeast and in doing so it never hesitated. India is a country liberated from the colonial rule of a long period of two centuries using the weapon of non-violence and ahimsa. So it needs a lot of violence to sustain an independent and united India. A particular form of unity in a particular region of India is a threat to the unity and the idea of India whether it is the South, the Northeast, the Northwest, the Dandyakarna region, the North. It needs to divide people along lines of caste, class, sex, religion, ethnicity. India's post independence politics tells it all.
The Little Boss: the Coming to an End
Mr. Muivah's greatness lies with his diplomacy and patience but it seems to have dissipated. He ought to have been a little sensitive about what the Meiteis would feel about his decision to come to Somdal. Only nine years back the whole valley of Manipur erupted in flames over the phrase "cease-fire without territorial limits" which the NDA Govt. under Mr. Vajpayee uncannily agreed to put into writing in the Bangkok Agreement between the NSCN(I-M) and the Govt. of India and the consequence was that eighteen people lost their lives and the Manipur State Assembly building was gutted down in flames.
Only recently a Meitei SDO officer stationed at Kasom Khullen (near Somdal in Ukhrul district) and two other officials were killed in cold blood in which a high level functionary of the NSCN (I-M) played a big role. The NSCN (I-M) later handed over the killer after a long period of denial of the involvement of their cadres. The way he takes his decisions in such a crisis is surprising He is now a confused man and he doesn't know what he is doing. He is old and he accepts the government of India's tactics of buying time. His plan for a roadshow in Manipur has been a non-starter from the beginning. It is no wonder to see why he has chosen to stay at Viswema instead of Kohima which is barely a few kilometers away.
In Kohima he has a lot of adversaries and he won't be able to stay in the limelight for long and probably may find himself as a non-entity there. Tribalism has long been the bane of the Naga political movement and there are more Nagas who oppose him than who support him. The Nagas want peace because they have been in a state of war for the last sixty years or so.
War brings sufferings. It is a totally false notion to assume that those who support the ongoing cease-fire and peace talks between the government of India and the NSCN(I-M) are supporters of the NSCN(I-M)'s agenda for a greater Nagalim. The NSCN(I-M) itself is a by-product of the Shillong Accord of 1975. Therefore, it won't be too presumptuous to say that even if Mr. Muivah comes to agree to an agreement with the government of India a militant faction might arise from a section of the NSCN(I-M) who oppose him because the Indian state will never allow Naga sovereignty. The probable situation might be something like that of the time which gave birth to the NSCN itself because the agreement would be seen as a total sellout by Mr. Muivah as India will never accept the sovereignty of Nagaland because India is not India without Nagaland just as India is not India without Kashmir.
Mr. Muivah's brand of Christian Socialism is also totally unacceptable to the different tribes of Manipur and Assam other than the Meiteis (his constructed enemy) because he is seen as a land-grabber rather than a socialist. By simply adding a religious tag to his movement he has misled many Nagas for long. Why else should a large number of Nagas and people of other tribes have died due to fratricidal and inter-tribal wars among the Christian brethren? Does he want to project the Meiteis as the common enemy to appease the cadres of the NSCN (K)? Is not the NSCN (K) adopting a more rational approach vis-à-vis the ground reality in the region and the current political climate? Should all the Naga civil society and other Naga NGOs allow themselves to be hijacked by the NSCN(I-M)'s totally unrealistic agenda of a Greater Nagalim at the cost of peace with other communities in the region? Isn't it time for a reality check?
Today a number of heavily armed miscreants are on a looting spree on the national highways and state highways. If Mr. Muivah is the Prime Minister of the so called Nagalim why can't he stop these miscreants from daylight robbery from innocent travelers? Are not all these things law and order problems in his territory? Why can't he control them? What has he spoken out against such incidents to deter criminals from doing those crimes right under his nose? What is his GPRN doing? Fiddling in the jungle? Why should a Prime Minister of a nation remain silent when all kinds of injustice are going on in his own land?
Peace talks with India against India may bring about many outcomes both positive and negative depending on the way things are perceived from different angles by different parties. Are all the Naga politicians in Nagaland and Manipur ready for that? What are the alternatives? One thing Mr. Muivah should always remember is: "If Mr. Muivah gains, other Naga politicians may gain too, but if he looses they have nothing to lose." Hope Mr. Muivah does not fall from this tightrope walk. Where is your umbrella?
Vikram Nongmaithem contributes regularly to e-pao.net. The writer can be contacted at ikramsingh(at)yahoo(dot)com
This article was webcasted on May 20th, 2010.
http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Muivah_Visit_201005.Muivah_Articles_201006.Estranged_Communities_and_End_of_Muivah

Counter-blockade: An internecine or commensal exercise?
Dr Benjamin Gangmei *
In this short write-up how Counter-blockade is considered a lesson for all concerned is broached. In multi-ethnic societies like Manipur, what a group considered expedient is often turned out to be" detrimental to others. It is more so in an emerging volatile atmosphere. So, while one may be considered wise by manipulating a situation to his advantage, sometimes he may be wiser by not doing it. What all we do which are immediately proved effective do not always make us future-wise.
Present brouhaha was originated from Economic Blockade imposed by the ANSAM. Without mincing words one may say that economic blockade on NH-ways is violative of human rights. It is counter- productive as well. All right thinking men and women do not approve such tactic used as pressure on the State or Central Governments to fulfill demand(s).
And economic blockade, with the violation and losses, usually affects all sections of people irrespective of valley and hill people. So, even if one group resorts to economic blockade it does not affect particular ethnic group(s). And there lies the difference between Economic Blockade and Counter-Blockade. For the Counter-Blockade does affect particular ethnic group. It is more communal. The Blockade starts cutting a strong golden cord of communal harmony or co-existence. Counter-Blockade gives an illustrious lesson for all.
The lesson of Counter-Blockade has to do with the concerns of future. Someone has rightly said that "Necessity is the mother of invention", the saying is also true of social invention. No hill or valley districts are safe with the present like-economic blockade and counter-blockade which cut off the life-lines of the State and of the hill districts. And such impasse will compel each district to search for its own life-lines. With that attainment no group(s) or blockade party may not be in position to bother each section of people as economic blockade or counter-blockade does today. In the other words, ethnic assertion/politics with National Highways will be in less effect. While penning these lines accidentally the local dailies (The Sangai Express and Hueiyen Lanpao) 17th May 2010) reported the instance of seeking supply lines of districts. So while it is not my platitude, counter-blockade helps the idea put into practice. And with such separate life-line the efficacy of interdependence will be ineluctably redefined in our context. Therefore, present historical process has bearing on our future.
The present stand-off arising out of economic blockade or counter-blockade is a pressing reminder to UGs operating in the State. How do they involve in State development works is rife and trite. They are greatly responsible for poor quality and disruption of development works including the construction of life-lines of the State and districts. They could have been, in addition to Govt. authorized agents, constructive and effective agents to promote development infrastructures in different parts of the State. But many infrastructural programmes and their implementation are deterred or failed on account of UGs' involvement in peculation or trite "percentage collection" or contention for contract work, etc. In many public circles, on account of ceaseless extortion, people start asking whether the UGs are revolutionaries or revolutionaries of wealth.
The writer was told that in one of the hill districts two programmes of prospective supply lines could not see the light of the day. The failure is primarily attributed to UG factor. Therefore, the present impasse facing all sections of people is lesson to the UGs. It is truism that no human mission cannot progress without dependable communications --land and tele, in modern society. Any harm external to us may be preventable but harm that comes of our own action is real harm to us. The problem of economic blockade on National-Highways is a long drawn issue. And the current crisis is another lesson for the State Govt. compelling it for resolving the issue diurnally. The two questions the State can ask are: Can there be any new life-lines which can deter the problems of economic blockade?
Can Highways Protection Force be a panacea to the problems? Perhaps the 'ANSWER' is big 'NO'. The physiographical nature of North-Eastern region does not favour either option. So, the compelling option is to promote the conditions of the existing life-lines along with making an inter-State agreement on transport concerns and the tactful handling of problems with responsiveness of the State Govt. For example, if both the parties had timely sat together, present crisis and dilution of the problem could have been safely adverted. So, if physical means are not always safe, perhaps the best bastion for our security is the protection and promotion of commensal life through the act of reasonable and realistic complaisance of State authority and healthy Inter-State comity by making some binding.
It seems that present non-plus facing any section of people is partly the result of dilution of the issue. That is Counter-Blockade that goes in communal line is the dilution of economic blockade issue with the proposed visit of Th. Muivah to Somdal, Ukhrul. For the State Govt., citing a reason has avowedly stated that his coming to Manipur would create great impetus to ANSAM's opposition to District Council election. It is because the blockade is seen as a transcalent picture. Yet logically viewed, economic blockade, though it appears to be consectaneous, has nothing to do with Muivah's visit. Chronologically it preceded his visit programme and its purpose is sheer rejection of the District Council elections, 2010 and for amendment of District Council Act, 2008. So, while we don't approve economic blockade, we lamentingly disapprove counter-blockade for being imposed it in communal line. Counter- blockade has collateral damage. It directly or indirectly draws line between the presence of two ethnic groups and thus it indirectly lends itself to the claim of ethnic boundary advocated by the party in question. And it also has made the concerned hill tribes feel that they are not treated as the people of Manipur by not sharing essential commodities. It would have been more reasonable if counter blockade was imposed in collective interest.
That is, if restrictions only on the free flow of large volume of essential commodities to hill districts is controlled, it would not be construed as communal expression. And what is most ironic is that it was allegedly imposed at the behest of some frontal organizations which preach communal harmony and think and work for the future of Manipur. While many responsible men and women were making the best of a bad bargain, there were people who created zero-sum by indulging in communal activities in the name of counter-blockade and opposition to Muivah's visit. Thank Christ Jesus who loves every human being for taking care of us in every provocative situation. The stretch between Khumbong and Keithelmanbi on the NH-53 is one of the places which bore the brunt of counter-blockade.
Even the Kabuis of Maha Kabui village who are the fellowmen of Khumbong and Moidangpok leikais were forced to walk between the stretch; held back those daily necessaries brought in bazaar bags from Imphal; prohibited their auto rickshaws to ply, etc. Kabui customers were denied to purchase daily necessaries at Ningthoukhong and posters printing with communal statements were also displayed at Bishnupur. And the members of the same community were also beaten at Gularthol, Jiribam.
But patience and understanding have defeated sinister design so far. It is also reported that some Khoibus were ill-treated in Chandel district and many others received a raw deal at the hands of counter-blockade supporters at Ukhrul and Chandel roads. Such and other minor incidents are capable of being ignited communal flame and defeated the purpose of the offending party.
It may be good to be present-wise but it is better to be future-wise. Shape of one's future possible ties with other shall be determined by the situation of ethnic presence, history, location where run streams of life, etc. If one is too present-wise, he may destroy his future. We are all part of the present historical process and are responsible for steering its course. Let us not commit bad history lest the generations to come will not forgive us.
http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Muivah_Visit_201005.Muivah_Articles_201006.Counter_blockade_internecine_or_commensal_exercise

Rejoinder to Patricia Mukhim
Issued by: MIP/GPRN

It is rather surprising to note that a noted media personality like Patricia Mukhim will have the temerity to go hyper and not choosing to go moderate when she even failed to touch on the core of the issue that the right thinking people across the country is talking about. But if the past records is of any indication the writing of Patricia against the Nagas, particularly against the NSCN is not too surprising. It only goes to confirm the person she is and what she was. NSCN would like to go on record that the recent writing of Patricia in the Northeast column of The Telegraph in “Northeast Echoes” is too unpalatable.
Notwithstanding the fact that Patricia is obsessed with going critical of anything NSCN this time round she should have exercise moderation by touching on the human laws that frame the international laws. But she seems to have been totally carried away under the influence of some agencies that she closely associated with.

It is more than 13 years running ever since the Indo-Naga ceasefire was signed between the government of India and NSCN. Whatever be the literal meaning of ‘ceasefire’ and ‘sovereignty’ as argued by Patricia she should have taken things from proper historical perspective. The realization of the futility of going for military solution for the Naga problem emanated from the then Commander-in-chief of Indian Army Gen. S. Choudhury. The message instantly picked up the government of India, and the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks is all about maturity shown by govt. of India and NSCN.

In spite of the fact that the NSCN had expressed its displeasure over the slow progress of Indo-Naga political talks the Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh has given his commitment that way must be explored for a peaceful negotiated settlement that is honorable and acceptable to both. NSCN believes that government of India will stand by its commitment.
The proposed program of NSCN General Secretary Th.Muivah going to his native village was arranged and approved in New Delhi. But when the Manipur state government and the Meiteis raised hue and cry, and even going to the extent of creating war-like situation at Mao Gate to block Muivah from crossing the artificial boundary it became an emotive issue for all the Nagas. When the Manipur commandos gunned down two young students and injured scores of women and men when the Naga women were protesting in a peaceful democratic manner the Nagas as a whole driven to the point of no return to assert their rights against the terrorist government of Manipur. This is the turning point for the Nagas and they are not on the wrong side.

The Manipur state government and the Meiteis blockade against Muivah is coming into direct confrontation with the international law and human right. The government of India is answerable for any such violation. NSCN is a people’s based organization and mandated by the Naga people to carry forward the Naga problem before the government of India. With its historical and political rights clearly defined it also runs a government system called Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN). NSCN dared to legitimately collect taxes from the people and from all commercial transactions and business establishments. Except in the hands of black sheeps and anti-social elements ‘extortion’ is not applicable to NSCN.

The political aspirations of the Naga people is something uniquely placed. The fact that the government of India recognised the unique history of the Nagas and its situation speaks volumes of Naga’s rights. The immaturity of Patricia is also revealing in more than one way. The way she tried to handle ‘aspirations’ is anti-thesis of people’s interests. She was off the track in touching how people of the northeast region should approach to meet their aspirations. In the case of Nagas thousands of lives had been sacrificed and property worth crores of rupees been destroyed by the Indian Armed Forces. But the Nagas stood the ground, even to earn admiration from the enemies who wanted to destroy the Naga issue.
NSCN will not question the legitimacy of other organizations mentioned by Patricia. The government of India should know better and the people of the respective organizations should testify this before the government of India. It is needless to compare NSCN General Secretary Th.Muivah with the like of Arabinda Rajkhowa,Paresh Barua or Ranjan Daimary. The moot point is how far these revolutionary leaders handles the aspirations of the people they claimed to represent and how people responded. This is what matters the most in the people’s revolutionary movement.

Patricia’s deep rooted grudge against NSCN and her desperateness to saw seed of animosity among the NSCN leaders only goes to expose under whose influence she is working as a journalist for all these past years. This is typical of the handiwork of Indian intelligence agencies. On the Mao Gate incident NSCN Chairman had expressed his strong views against the brutality of Manipur state government resorting to terror tactics to suppress the Naga women who were protesting in a peaceful democratic manner. But it is none of the business of Patricia to poke her nose into affairs of the Nagas or any other struggling peoples in the region.

We don’t see any wisdom of her overreaction to the peace initiative between the Government of India and the Nagas represented by the NSCN that was initiated at the highest level, without precondition and at a third country. The political dialogue will hopefully conclude with conflict transformation that will have positive ramification in the region.
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