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05/26/2010: "The Central Government is keeping a close watch on emerging developments (ANI) Nagaland team arrives for talks with Manipur CM, Congress leaders"

The Central Government is keeping a close watch on emerging developments (ANI) Nagaland team arrives for talks with Manipur CM, Congress leaders

A six-member Nagaland Congress team has reportedly reached Manipur capital Imphal for talks with Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh to resolve the stand-off over the controversial visit of rebel Naga leader Thuigaleng Muivah to his ancestral village.
The team is being led by Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president I Imkong and also includes Nagaland Legislative Assembly opposition leader Apou Jamir, the son of former Nagaland Chief Minister S C Jamir.
The team travelled by road after cancelling their flight to Dimapur. They reportedly reached Mao Gate this morning and were escorted by a combined team of state IRB, Assam Rifles and CRPF from Mao gate to Imphal.
The team is expected to discuss the relationship between the two states and hold meetings with the state Congress leaders.
NSCN (IM) stands for peace: Rh Raising Eastern Mirror
A Staff Reporter | EMN
DIMAPUR, MAY 24: The NSCN-IM today has accused Manipur state of acting as a puppet for the ‘hidden agenda’ of the centre and categorically tagged the ruling Congress in Delhi as the main culprit for creating tension between the two states and with NSCN arising over the visit of Th Muivah to his native village of Somdal in Ukhrul district.
Addressing the public and NGO leaders during the ‘interaction on peace and current situation,’ organized by the NSCN-IM at Chumukedima Town Council hall, Kilo Kilonser Rh Raising said that even though it only require one language- ‘shut up’ to the Manipur state by the centre to calm the storm, it has not done so.
Also stressing on self reliance in politics as one of the principle of the NSCN-IM, Rh Raising expressed distrust over the games played by the Congress at the centre stating that ‘Congress is not Naga politics but Indian politics- the reason why we do not trust Congress.’
He also denounced the stance of the Manipur government that has led to the escalation of animosity between the Nagas and the Meiteis while stating that there should not be any issue over land between the Nagas and the Meities.
Meanwhile, in an endeavor to garner further support and confidence from the public, the NSCN-IM Kilo Kilonser espoused that the people are the foundation of the movement of the NSCN on the basis of which it has been established.
He also reminded that the NSCN-IM is neither a faction, nor a party but a council of the people founded on the Naga national principle.
And in the wake of the current impasse, Rh Raising mustered confidence in stating that even if tens of thousands of Nagas may be killed; the Naga issue can never be killed, not by any power on earth.
Enlightening the public over the principles of the NSCN-IM, he said it stands not only for political freedom but for freedom of all kinds including freedom from dependence from others, self reliance in politics, self reliance in production as in more export and less import, freedom from fear, aggression and exploitation, self reliant in culture and development.
He also said the NSCN-IM stands for peace- peace with a principle. “All the negotiation, revolution or solution are principle based and we will never betray the principle in which we stand,” he maintained while adding that in their 13 years of negotiation, NSCN-IM has never betrayed their principle for reason of which, the negotiation is still in progress.
Other NSCN-IM leaders who spoke during the interaction programme included Vikiye, Education Kilonser; Tokim Kilonser, War and Victim and V Horam, Kilonser MIS.
Short speeches from NGO presidents including Naga Council, DNSU, GBs’ Association, Naga Women Hoho, Chakhro Public Organization, Chumukedima, and Convener GBs and DBs’ Joint Forum were heard.
NSCN (I-M) flays NNC statement on Muivah: Nagaland Post
Facts and truth of history cannot be distorted and hidden. We will appreciate only the truth, not blind loyalty. We know your language capacity and we will not talk much about your reference to the Khiamniungan incident.
The 1975 Accord was signed by some members in the NNC and the Federal Government of Nagaland. It was a document of total capitulation and foreclosed the way forward. It was condemned in the name of Naga National Council (NNC), in order to salvage the name of NNC. Subsequently, AZ. Phizo was reaffirmed as the President of NNC and was elected to be the President of Nagalim. AZ Phizo was criticized on account of his failure to condemn the 1975 Accord. It was an issue based approach.
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) was formed in 1980 to give a new sense of direction to the Naga national struggle. On August 1, 1997 talks between the GOI and the NSCN began without precondition, at the highest level and outside the third country. The basis of the talks invalidates any other past agreement whatsoever, between the GOI and the Nagas, be it the 16 point Agreement or the 1975 Shillong Accord. The political talks embarked on its journey to find an honourable solution acceptable to both India and the Nagas and subsequently, on July 11, 2002 the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué recognized the ‘Unique history and situation of the Nagas’.
The steps taken by the NSCN and the current peace talks is a reaffirmation of the NNC the Naga people’s decision that was expressed through the 1951 Plebiscite, the August 14, 1947 declaration of independence and the boycott of Indian sponsored general elections in 1952 and 1957. How an organization upholds and values one’s own peoples history is certainly the only yardstick that must prevail in the end, be it the NSCN or any other organization.
We stand up to the challenge of Tokiho Zhimomi President Sumi Region, NNC. The historical decisions taken by the Naga National Council (NNC) deserves due acknowledgement. Phizo, Imkongmeren, T. Sakhrie, Khodao Yanthan, Kughato Sukhai and others certainly deserve special respect and applause in the annals of our history. But condemnation came when the fate of a nation has to be saved. We acknowledged Uncle Phizo’s contribution but denounced when he failed to made a clear stand on the 1975 Shillong Accord.
We see that the statement of Tokiho Zhimomi is a treacherous concoction emerging out of shameless and jealous motive. We will stand our ground when it involves the destiny of our nation.
MIP NSCN-GPRN.

Truck set ablaze in Nagaland Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 25 2010: In yet another act of arson targeting Manipur bound vehicles in Nagaland, one truck carrying cold drinks was set ablaze right in front of Medjiphema police station. The Manipur bound truck was stranded at Dimapur and other places of Nagaland for the last 20 days.

RK Gautam, owner of the truck bearing registration number MN-05/3805, said that his truck might have been set ablaze by unidentified miscreants last Saturday. The driver of the truck came to Imphal on May 21 after leaving the vehicle at Medjiphema police station.He also handed over receipt of transporting Coca Cola as well as documents of the vehicle to Nagaland Police.

The driver left the vehicle in Nagaland as there were some problems in the engine of the truck. Before reaching Medjiphema, the vehicle was stranded for some days at an oil pump at Jhornapani.

Leaving behind the truck there, the driver went to his home at Guwahati, Gautam said.
When the driver went back to Jhornapani after buying tyres from Guwahati, he found the truck unscathed. But when the driver reached Medjiphema this morning after taking different routes and travelling in different vehicles, the truck was found completely reduced to cinders.

The truck was found towed inside Medjiphema police station.

"What is surprising and exasperating was the silence and inaction of Nagaland Police when the truck was set ablaze right in front of their eyes", Gautam decried.

Notably, Nagaland based NSF has already declared total ban on movement of vehicles with Manipur registration numbers through Nagaland after some of their leaders were denied entry to Manipur by Manipur Police.

Moreover, seven Manipur bound trucks were set ablaze at Khuzuma in Nagaland while two other trucks were pushed down a gorge some days back.
Office of the
Coordination Committee of Naga Civil Society
Kohima-797001, Nagaland.
Email: nagacivilsociety@gmail.com

A Backgrounder on the Present Impasse
(Dated Kohima the 26th May, 2010)

Owing to the Manipur Government’s scornful and least-bothered response and attitude to the sentiments of the Naga people and other tribal communities of Manipur to review the imposition of the controversial Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections, the All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur called for a 6 – day Economic Blockade to draw the attention of the Government from April 12 to 17. The Blockades passed off without evoking any sense of concern from the Government of Manipur. So another one-week blockade was called again from the 17th of April till the 24th. This also did not raise even an eyebrow of Mr. Okram Ibobi Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur. Left with no other means of protest against such insolent behavior from a heartless Government, the ANSAM called for an Indefinite Economic Blockade beginning from the 24th April evening hoping for acknowledgement of their grievances and yet without any respond. On the other hand, the Government of Manipur went ahead with its imposition without even bothering to call the agitators for resolving the problems. And the Blockade continues till date without any sign of “attention” from the Government, while Nagas are called all kinds of names and killed, wounded and displaced for daring to demonstrate their humanity.

In the meantime, it may be worthwhile to note some of the legitimate concerns over the controversial Manipur (Hill Area) District Council Act (Third Amendment) 2008 which takes away the powers of the tribal people.

Section 29 (i) clause XIII empowers District Council to occupy and sell/allot land from villages. It can also set apart certain areas of village land for purposes the Council thinks fit. This section directly infringes the right of the Village Authority of any tribal village.
Section 29 (1) clause (XIV) of the Act also empowers District Councils to manage forest and can be declared as National Park or Protected Forest or Reserve forest by a District Council without much a do with a village authority
Section 29 (2) (a) empowers the District Councils to recommend to the State Government for appointment or succession of Chiefs/Headman/Chairman without the knowledge or approval of the concern village.
Section 29 (2) (b) authorities District Council to issue orders by its own volition in matters relating to inheritance of property, marriage and divorce and control or regulation of customs and tradition.

On the 3rd of May, a delegation of the Naga Students’ Federation led by the President who were on a preparatory visit to Oinam Village for their forthcoming NSF Federal Assembly scheduled for May 7, were stopped at Mao gate and barred from entering their own ancestral lands for the very first time which was never ever done before. Unable to take this humiliation lying down, the NSF asked the Chief Minister of Manipur to tender his apology within 24 hours or else face consequences. Mr. Okram Ibobi Singh did not even bat an eye lid to show his regret. The NSF then banned the movement of all Manipur vehicles within the state of Nagaland. This part of the story are the causes and consequences of the Economic Blockade and thereof.

On the other hand, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Home affairs flashed a Wireless Message to the Chief Secretary of the Governments of Manipur, West Bengal and Nagaland, vide SECRET/CRASH NO. VI-23014/28/2010-VS Dated 29th April 2010, that “SHRI TH. MUIVAH, SECRETARY GENERAL, NSCN/IM IS SCHEDULED TO VISIT HEBRON AND UKHRUL ON WAY TO HIS VILLAGE AT SOMDAL BETWEEN 2ND TO 9TH MAY 2010” followed by a detailed itinerary of departure from Delhi – Hebron and onward to Somdal, Ukhrul, Senapati and back to Hebron etc. and ending with specific instructions to the respective state Governments; quote “IN VIEW OF THE ABOVE, ITS IS REQUESTED THAT FOOLPROOF SECURITY ARRANGMENTS FOR TH. MUIVAH MAY KINDLY BE ENSURED DURING HIS ABOVE VISIT IN YOUR JURISDICTION IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY UNTOWARD INCIDENT (.) MATTER MOST URGENT (.)”

The Government of Manipur responded to this missive from the Government of India by declaring 144 CRPC and imposed curfew at Mao gate and all routes specified by the Ministry of Home Affairs as travel routes, with effect from 5 PM of May 2, 2010 and deployed Manipur Rifles, Commandoes and IRB personnel, with armored vehicles, water cannons and steel bunkers, heavily fortified and positioned for WAR, after distorting the Wireless Message, saying that Th. Muivah is going to all the hills districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong to hold meetings and rallies etc.

On the 5th of May, Mr. Th. Muivah the General Secretary of NSCN/GPRN started his journey from Hebron after postponing the journey for 2 days following the request of the Indian Prime Minister and reached Viswema Village on a scheduled visit and halted the night there. On the 6th of May, while a delegation on Naga Hoho, NPMHR, NSF and tribal leaders were consulting with the NSCN leadership and exploring options to avoid confrontations of any kind, indiscriminate firing of tear gas, lathi charge and firing rubber-bullets and live bullets by Manipur Police Commandoes and Manipur IRBs on Naga public who were waiting to receive the visiting Naga leader started overtaking the whole situation. The meeting was abandoned and leaders of the civil society and concern elders rushed to the borders to helplessly watch and listen to the gun fires and lists of casualties. The Government of Nagaland also rushed police forces and members of the Indian Red Cross Society with doctors and nurses and ambulances under the on-the-spot supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima and the Superintendent of Police. But they were prevented from entering Mao Gate even to collect the death bodies and to evacuate the injured for medical aid for more than 2 hours. This resulted in 2 deaths, 95 injured and hospitalized with many injured persons unrecorded while displacing more than two thousand Mao villagers, the details of which are now within everyone’s knowledge.

Since then, the various Naga civil society organizations comprising of Naga Hoho, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Students Federation, Tenyimia Women Organization, United Naga Council, Naga Women Union of Manipur, All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur and Mao Naga community leaders, started holding consultative meetings amongst themselves from the evening of May 6, 2010, to collectively address the crisis, which have gone beyond the causes and consequences of the Economic Blockade. Towards this endeavor a collective concern was expressed through the media and a representation was written to the Chief Minister of Nagaland the very next day on the 7th of May. So also a delegation of the civil society visited the displaced Nagas who were being sheltered at Khuzama and also interacted with the Village elders and leaders.

To further demonstrate our resentment over the atrocities committed on the innocent civilians at Mao Gate, a Peace Rally was conducted by the Naga Mothers’ Association at the NH 39 in between Khuzama and Mao Gate in front of the heavily fortified build up bunkers and armoured vehicles of Manipur Police Commandoes and IRB personnel, on the 8th of May. On the 9th of May, which was also the Mothers’ Day, the civil society organizations got together under the banner of the Naga Mothers Association and held Candle-light Prayer program with the displaced Nagas who were shifted to Kisama, Naga Heritage Village, in the aftermath of an assault on 3 Naga leaders at Kohima.

On the 10th of May, the Naga Students’ Federation organized a Protest Rally against the assault on the leaders of Naga Hoho and a member of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation on 9th May from 10 AM onwards. In the later afternoon, leaders of all the above-mentioned civil society organization got together again to formulate programs for exploring ways of resolving the deteriorating impasse. And towards late afternoon, in a meeting which were all conducted and chaired by officials of the Naga Hoho all this while ever since the crisis erupted, it was decided to form a Committee to oversee and co-ordinate the activities of all the civil society organizations. And under the Chair and Secretarial initiatives of the Speaker of Naga Hoho and Assembly Secretary of the Naga Hoho, the present Coordination Committee of Naga Civil Society was formed on the 10th May 2010. Side by side the meeting also endorsed the Naga Mothers’ Association to approach the Manipur Police for handing over the bodies of the 2 students killed on May 6 Manipur police firing.

On the 11th of May, NMA leaders proceeded to Mao Gate to take the bodies of the 2 students and handed them over to the respective families for necessary burial the next day. Towards the later part of the day, the first meeting of the CCNCS was held, where detail program for conducting the funeral service on the 12th May were decided to be conducted under the aegis of the Coordination Committee of Naga Civil Society to give a befitting recognition to the martyrdom of the two students. It was also decided in this meeting, that the Naga Civil Society will not succumb to the provocations of the Manipur Government and the Meitei civil population who incited the Government of Manipur to bar the entry of Th. Muivah to his native village Somdal, and rather invite them to a face-to-face talk to clear any confusions they may be having on the Historical and Political rights of the Nagas, and to also enquire why a person cannot visit his birth place and native village, for the sake of our people (both Nagas and Meiteis) “who deserve to live in peace and harmony”. Towards this an open letter of invitation was send out through the media both in Nagaland and Manipur to the Presidents of UCM and AMUCO for a meeting at Guwahati on the 13th May at 3 PM which would be hosted by the Assamese Civil Society leaders who are well acquainted to both Nagas and Meiteis. On the 12th evening, since no response was received, the Convenor of the CCNCS took one more step forward to personally call leaders of AMUCO on the phone, to which the later expressed their inability to reach Guwahati on the 13th May. So the meeting was again postponed to the 14th of May. However, our offer for talks was turned down ultimately.

What happened and transpired after that needs no further elaboration. But what needs to be known by all parties concerned is to differentiate the dynamics of the conflict. And that in the very first place the ongoing Economic Blockade has nothing to do with the visit of Mr. Th. Muivah to his native village. Secondly the Government of Manipur and the various Meitei organization has done nothing to help ease the situation, but have rather infuriated the crisis with misinformation and distortion of events. To add more fuel to the fire, the many third parties have also not helped any of the conflicting parties in their intervention except on one or two exceptional case. Most surprisingly, the Asian Human Rights Commission, which has been one of Asia’s most respected Human Rights network have itself indulged in mud-slinging activities against the Nagas and have issued statements alongside Human Rights Alert, which is a Meitei organization based in Imphal. Such is unbecoming of any neutral Human Rights organization and we call upon its members to investigate the correctness of the allegations made against the Nagas.

Therefore, if the non-Naga and non-Meitei communities and all other human rights and social and democratic rights groups across India and so also the international community genuinely wish to be a part of building peace, we would urge you to look into the issues involved and not just be carried away by economic concerns. Our deaths and injuries, displaced from homes and hearts, denied entry to our own birth places, forcible closure of educational institutions and forcible occupation of houses and buildings, continues harassments and assaults on the civilian population in Mao and Tadubi areas, denial of democratic expression and movements are all humanitarian issues.

The CCNCS recognizing the potentials of this crisis to persist beyond the present impasse takes this moment to call upon all democratic, civil liberties and human rights organizations across the sub-continent and elsewhere to make meaningful and positive interventions, without jumping to conclusions. Nagas are fully aware in our over 6 decades of political struggle, that our future are bound together not only with our neighbours but also with the world’s community in a global village. But if our aspiration to attain our rightful humanity is constantly denied, we would rather face the challenges with the worth of a human person than to live with humiliation.

Sd/- Sd/-
Neingulo Krome Rosemary Dzuvichu
Convenor, CCNCS Member Secretary, CCNCS.

Cong wants Rio to quit OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, May 25: The Opposition Congress demanded the immediate resignation of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government after employees took mass casual leave for the second day today.
The employees are protesting the non-implementation of the 6th Pay Commission.
The leader of the Congress Legislature Party, Tokheho Yepthomi, said the state government had landed in a debt trap because of which it cannot implement the revised payscale.
He said the only explanation for non-availability of resources was “gross financial mismanagement” and rampant corruption.
Yepthomi also ridiculed the DAN government for its inability to finalise its annual plan with the finance commission.
The Congress leader said in 2009, the Centre offered Rs 400 crore as advance plan assistance for the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations but the Neiphiu Rio-led government refused it.
He said the government’s lack of political will to implement the revised pay was visible from Rio’s arrogant statement to the employees to go to court or resign.
“The ministry of finance has not extended financial support to any state government on this account. Thus it is amply clear that the government has knocked on all doors and made every possible attempt to secure funds to pay its employees,” Toshi Aier, finance commissioner, said.
Chief secretary Lalthara said it would be the sole prerogative of the state government whether to implement the payscale.
The government said 60 per cent of its funds goes into paying salary to its one lakh employees and 45 per cent goes into development projects.
It equates states like Nagaland, which have no worthwhile industrial activities, with other states, which are resource rich and much advanced in these areas.
He said the Planning Commission has taken cognisance of this argument and taken up the matter with the finance ministry.
“The plan outlay of the state for 2010-11 could not be finalised, pending a decision by the ministry of finance. It is hoped that the Centre will put some arrangement in place very soon,” Aier said.
“In fact implementing the employees’ demand will swallow up all funds earmarked for development,” the finance commissioner said.
Chief secretary Lalthara said it would be the sole prerogative of the state government whether to implement the payscale.
The argument of the state government was that 60 per cent of its funds goes into paying salary to its one lakh employees and 45 per goes into development projects.
Naga unification is like waiting for Godot: O Joy Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 25 2010: Terming the dream of NSCN-IM to unite the Naga inhabited area under and form Greater Nagaland as a mere dream that will not come true, the meeting of MPP Monitoring Cell today resolved to press the Government of India to bring the NSCN-IM and GOI peace talk to a conclusion dropping the demand of Greater Nagaland.

The MPP Monitoring Cell was formed to review the ongoing peace talk between the GOI and NSCN-IM.

MLA O Joy said that the dream of the NSCN-IM to form a Greater Nagaland or Nagalim by uniting Naga inhabited areas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is a dream which will never realized.

It is like waiting for Goddot.

However, the issue has been disturbing the peaceful relation of the hill and valley peoples of the state from time to time.

Therefore, NSCN-IM and other organizations who dream for a Greater Nagaland should withdraw their demand of Greater Nagaland immediately.

In the name of peace talk, NSCN-IM has been collecting illegal taxes from vehicles plying on the NH 39 .

Moreover, they are indulging in killing many innocent lives.

The murder of SDO Kishan in cold blood by NSCN-IM was on the contrary to the peace talk.

He also said that the indefinite economic blockade imposed by a Naga organization on the two National Highways is illegal and should withdraw it.

Taking advantage of democracy, they are exploiting many civilians in the state by cutting the lifelines of the state.

O Joy criticised the Nagaland government for interfering with the state government's policy.

He said that Nagaland government is taking side of NSCN-IM and interfering in the policies of the state government.

It is rather unconstitutional.

MLA RK Anand said that the issue of Naga unification would destroy the boundary of the state.

Therefore, Muivah should not be allowed to enter the state.

He further expressed dissatisfaction on the arising issue of feud inside the SPF government.

It is not good for the whole state especially in this situation.

They must keep in mind that the incident of June 18 was occurred when Centre imposed PR in the state when there was uncertainty of the then government due to many internal feuds.

He appealed the SPF government to end the internal crisis in the interest of the people of the state.He further said that the people of the state have been facing many hardships due to the indefinite economic blockade imposed on the two NHs.

Students are deprived of education due to shortage of fuels.

In such situation, the state government should take up every possible step to open the NH 53 smoothly. If there is shortage of security personnel, there is no objection in stripping off the escorts of the MLAs.

Pointing out the irresponsible manner of the Centre RK Anand said that Union Home Minister Chidambaram is visiting Mizoram today but he do not think of visiting Manipur and review the present situation of the state. This clearly shows how the Government of India looks upon the people of the state, he added.
NSF condemns attack on Zemes DIMAPUR, (NPN):
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly condemned the atrocities meted out against the Zeme Nagas of NC hills by DHD (J) militants and expressed shock at what it termed as “inhuman act”. Stating that the killing of innocent public, burning down houses and harassment meted out to the non-Kachari communities were against humanity and uncalled for, the federation through a statement issued by its president, Mutsikhoyo Yhobu said DHD (J) operation against non-Kachari communities have led to loss of many precious lives and many displaced. The federation while observing that responsible authorities have remained silent, rather than protect the civilians, alleged that Assam police and para military forces in “connivance” with the outfit have started operations causing “undue harassment” to the people. Ruling out the claim of DHD to establish a “Dima Raji” within the Nagas ancestral land, the NSF said it cannot be justified since history had proven beyond doubt that tribals, particularly the Nagas, were divided into various political areas without prior consent of the people by British and India, adding that a section of Nagas have inhabited the North Cachar Hills of Assam since “time immemorial.” “The various policy of divide and rule has brought about hatred and poisoned the minds of our good neighbours,” the NSF averred. Asserting that Nagas have been often brutally abused for their goodness and their hospitality interpreted as weakness and their friendliness likened as submission, the NSF said: “but we will never allow our people to be disgraced or abused for what we have” and added that they would continue to respect and protect the sacred Naga homeland. The NSF appealing for good sense prevail among Dimasa Kachari and Nagas, opined that any contentious issues between the two communities should be resolved and settled through dialogue. It also affirmed that mutual respect and honor for each other’s “genuine rights” can be the basis for bringing about understanding and peace among the people.

Solution within time frame when dialogue begins: GPRN/NSCN EMN
DIMAPUR, MAY 26 (EMN): The ‘GPRN/NSCN’ today stated that a political solution with present Nagaland state at the core, encompassing all critical issues including artificial boundaries, within a time frame would be sought as and when GPRN/NSCN enters into dialogue with GoI.
In a statement issued to the press, it further urged the ‘entire Naga people spread across Burma, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur’ not to be misled by ‘publicity stunt played out at Mao gate recently’ while stating that all sections of people must realise that political arrangements which could be arrived at in future would be ‘through correct political steps and approaches, based on Naga historical right and people-to-people’s dialogue’.
Referring to the meeting of its ‘Ato Kilonser N. Kitovi Zhimomi and Gen. Khole Konyak, Commander-in-Chief, Naga Army’ with the Naga Hoho on May 20 last at Khehoi, the GPRN/NSCN said ‘the genesis of factionalism, GPRN’s stand on the Indo-Naga Political conflict, Peace, Reconciliation and Naga unity and other aspects of the future’ were shared in a very accommodative manner. The Mao gate fiasco and the Naga Hoho declaration of 8th May were also deliberated upon, it said. However, it said two days after the meeting on May 22 the Naga Hoho had reaffirmed ‘the same inflammatory declaration’. It opined that the fact that of the seventeen tribes in the state of Nagaland, only six tribes endorsed the view of Naga Hoho ‘clearly shows very little cohesion and acknowledgment in Nagaland state’.
Maintaining that when ‘political circuses such as the one at Mao gate are orchestrated’ Naga Hoho is expected to play decisive role and lead the people in the interest of the Nagas, it said the apex tribal body had ‘erred in its judgment by allowing itself to be dictated’.
Stating that ‘neighbourly relations must not be destroyed by a faction’s premature and hazardous political ambition’, the GPRN/NSCN termed it ‘most practical and logical to point out that until a political solution resulting from unity of all groups, giving due importance to Naga areas in other states, is arrived at with agreed terms and conditions, the present artificial boundaries will not easily vanish’.
It went on to say that the ‘Mao gate incident is a reminder that big talks and violence, more often than not, backfires’ and that ‘those insisting on forceful entry to Manipur state should be held solely responsible for the loss of two precious lives’. It moreover said ‘the attempt to label the incident as Naga-Manipur clash is outrageous’ while stating that the two state Governments of Nagaland and Manipur should ensure that people living in the two states coexist through mutual understanding and brotherhood.
The GPRN/NSCN further sought to reassure ‘our neighbours’ that there is ‘no question of Naga people going to war against Manipur state government’.
Naga orgs report continued Manipur police brutality EMN
DIMAPUR, MAY 25 (EMN): Informing of more alleged assaults on innocent Naga villagers by the Manipur security forces deployed in Senapati District, the Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM) and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) South have demanded the immediate removal of Manipur IRBs and Police Commandoes from the hills of Manipur.
According to a report released to the press, the organisations said Naga villagers returning home after attending a candlelight peace rally at Senapati Bazar on May 24 were brutally assaulted by the IRB personnel posted at Taphou. All the personnel were reportedly in an inebriated state and were demanding money from the villagers.
It informed that the first group of Nagas who were assaulted were from Ningthoupham Village. They were asked whether they all belong to the Naga community and on answering in the affirmative they were repeatedly assaulted, the report said, adding that among them PY Joseph (25) and YK Regent (41) were seriously injured.
Four other villagers of Tumuyon Khullen Village were also reportedly stopped and harassed on the grounds that they are NSCN cadres, while one Suingam, son of Lt Pangniba, was taken to a secluded place and made to strip. Their vehicle was detained and they were told it would not be returned unless the mobile phone of their officer supposedly snatched earlier by people of the area was returned, it was reported.
Another two persons from Thonglang Akutpa Village were also reportedly thrashed with rifle butts and barrel on the charge that they had not changed their Assam registered vehicle number to that of Manipur.
Condemning the ‘continuous assault on the rights of Nagas by the Manipur security forces deployed in Senapati District’, the NWUM and the NPMHR said ‘the incident just goes to prove that the Government of Manipur has given free license to its security forces to violate and suppress the rights of the Nagas and other hill people’. It, therefore, said it holds the ‘Government of Manipur represented by the Chief Minister and his Cabinet responsible for all the acts of its security forces’.
The release issued by NWUM general secretary K Marigold and NPMHR (S) convenor Phamhring Sengul demanded the immediate removal of Manipur IRBs and Police Commandoes from the hills of Manipur.
Meanwhile, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has also voiced serious concern on the unabated atrocities committed by the Manipur state forces on Naga villages in Senapati District, while stating that innocent Naga people travelling around the Mao Gate area were being ‘systemically provoked’ by the Manipur armed personnel. It informed that the Bolero vehicle of the Pastor of Phuba Baptist Church was damaged by the security personnel on May 24 on the charge that ‘Naga churches are supporting the NSCN to create problem in the state’.
The ANSAM, in a release issued by its vice president Sounii Khapa, strongly denounced the unwarranted action of the Manipur IRB and Police Commandos and demanded immediate withdrawal of all state forces from Naga areas.
Govt to start process without Paresh Baruah Staff reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 26 – The State Cabinet today decided to start the process of talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) without Paresh Baruah, the commander-in-chief of the outfit, who is still maintaining a rigid stand on the issue of talks. However, the Government also made it clear that the anti-insurgency operations against those who try to indulge in violence would continue.
Addressing a press conference immediately after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the Government waited for Paresh Baruah for a long time and there is no reason to wait for him for an indefinite period. He said that the Government received indication that majority of the leaders of the ULFA are in favour of talks and the Government has decided to go ahead and start the process without waiting for Paresh Baruah. “If Paresh Baruah wants to come for talks, he is most welcome, but if me keeps maintaining a rigid stand, we will have to start without him.” However, at the same time, he said thatthe State Government would intimate the Centre about the Cabinet decision and wait for the response from the ULFA before taking the next step.
Gogoi pointed out that the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, who reviewed the security scenario in the State in a meeting with the Unified Command yesterday, asked the State Government to take the initiative for political dialogues. He said that there is no question of discussing sovereignty and the militants would have to abjure violence to come for talks. The same formula would apply for the anti-talk faction of the NDFB also, he said.
The Chief Minister said that among the central committee leaders of the ULFA, six are in judicial custody, one is dead, two are out on bail and three are missing since the operations in Bhutan in 2003 leaving only Paresh Baruah and Jiban Moran outside. “We have indications that most of the leaders are in favour of talks and decided to take the risk of going ahead with the process of talks without Paresh Baruah,” he added. He pointed out that cross sections of people of Assam wanted peaceful solution of the problems andthe state level convention held recently also advocated the need for talks. He thanked all those who are playing their part to start the process of talks including Dr Hiren Gohain and Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami.
Replying to a question on whether the jailed leaders of the ULFA would be released to facilitate talks, he said, “let us go step by step. We will wait for the response from the ULFA before taking any such decision.”
Commenting on the law and order scene, Gogoi said that the Union Home Minister himself admitted that the situation has improved dramatically. He said that so far this year, only 20 civilians were killed in insurgency related violence compared to 232 during the same period last year and 261 in 2008. He said that so far this year, 65 militants were killed by police and security forces, while, 66 were killed last year. He informed the media that because of the improvement of the situation, the Government of India has already withdrawn some forces and State now has only 94 companies of central forces engaged in the operations.
Gogoi admitted that kidnappings and extortions in some parts of the State is a matter of concern and steps are being taken to deal with those involved in such acts.
The Chief Minister said that the Maoist groups are trying to establish bases in the State, but they have not yet been able to make inroads and the police and security forces have been directed to maintain strict vigil on the situation.
Reacting to the criticism against him by the AASU, Gogoi reiterated his allegation that the Assam agitation was influenced by the RSS and the BJP. But at the same time, he clarified that he had never said AASU was formed by the RSS.
On the situation in Lampi, he asserted that the area belongs to Assam.
When asked whether he would make the list of properties of the ministers public, Gogoi said that no law allowed him to do so.
Surrender or face the music : PC to NE UG groups Newmai News Network
Guwahati, May 25: Taking a characteristic tough stand Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has urged the insurgents based in the North East region to surrender or else face the music.
“Insurgency has no place. The insurgents have to surrender or else they will be dealt with firmly,” Chidambaram said while talking to media persons in Guwahati today after emerging from a meeting of the Unified Command Structure, which was chaired by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. “The security forces have been asked to implement the policies,” he said.
P Chidambaram said there had been a dramatic improvement in the security situation in Assam in the wake of the arrest of the leaders of a number of militant groups such as United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and Dima Halam Daogah (DHD-J).
Commenting on today's meeting, the Union Home Minister said, “We reviewed the security situation. We also reviewed the political process like how we can now move forward.” He said the issue of resumption of talks with the ULFA is the prerogative of the State Government. “The Chief Minister will decide the peace process while on our part we will extend necessary assistance,” he said.
The ULFA, in particular its elusive military chief Paresh Barua, has been maintaining that the outfit will negotiate only the Centre agrees to discuss the issue of sovereignty.
In the current context, jailed ULFA leaders including Arabinda Rajkhowa and deputy military head Raju Barua will be among those from the outfit who will take part in the talks.
On Tuesday, Chidambaram visited Mizoram prior to his visit to Assam and held a meeting with the state’s Chief Minister Lalthanhawla. “I wanted to visit the Bru villages and also the border to see the fencing work. But I couldn’t go beyond Aizawl owing to inclement weather,” the Minister said. Hundreds of Brus, a tribal community in Mizoram, fled the state last year and took refuge in neighbouring Tripura following a communal violence. “Two hundred and nine families have returned to Mizoram from Tripura. We expect more Bru families to return to Mizoram. The Chief Minister has assured me of the safe return of the Brus,” Chidambaram said. He, however, parried queries on the conflict between Naga insurgent leader Thuingaleng Muivah and Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh stating, “That we didn’t discuss (at the meeting in Guwahati on Tuesday”. In fact, he was not ready to take any questions from the reporters.
Atrocities charge against police
IMPHAL, May 25: The All Naga Students’ Association, manipur (ANSAM) and Senapati District Students’ Asso-ciation (SDSA) have alleged that State police personnel deployed at Senapati district areas assaulted several per-sons on May 24.
While an ANSAM release issued by its vice president accused the State police of assaulting occupants of a Bolero, SDSA in a complaint letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner (Senapati) said seven individuals, including students, were harassed and physically assaulted by personnel of State forces posted at the Taphou post of 9th manipur Rifles from 7 pm till late night of May 24. Insisting that IRB and commando personnel deployed in Senapati district be withdrawn as the local people no feel safe in their presence, ANSAM apart from assaulting occupants of the Bolero jeep belonging to Phuba baptist Church Pastor number plate of the vehicle was destroyed on the charge that Naga churches are supporting the NSCN to create problem in the state. In its complaint letter, SDSA president drawing attention of the DC to the incident of seven persons assault- ed at near Taphou post demanded that police commandos and IRB personnel be withdrawn from Senapati district failing which various forms of agitation would be launched with consent of the general public. The seven persons, who are from Ningthoupham and Tumuyon Khullen villages, have been identified as BK Titus, PY Joseph, YK Reagan, YK Atho, BK Achung, YK Luckson and Elizah. They were assaulted by the State forces on their way back home after work from Senapati district HQs, added SDSA president.

Blockade, May 6 incident reduce Mao to a ghost town By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express

Mao town, otherwise bustling with activities remains idle
IMPHAL, May 25 : Conse-quent upon the total blockade launched against the State Government’s ban on entry of NSCM (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah to Manipur, Mao people have been reeling under the impact of the blockade.
A spot survey conducted by The Sangai Express on May 24 found that Mao area has been hit by acute scarcity of essential commodities. With the Mao bazar remaining shut for the last many days, almost all hotels which cater to the needs of drivers and bus passengers have also shut down.
Since the May 6 incident of Mao Gate, all shops and business establishments have been shut down.
Except for one pharmacy and a few shops run by non-Manipuris dealing in grocery items including rice, all other shops remained closed till yesterday.
With all inter-State bus service and movement of all kinds of vehicles through Mao suspended, all eateries and hotels bear a deserted look.
Talking to The Sangai Express, proprietor of Okay Hotel, Ashikho Mao said that all kinds of hotels have been seriously affected by the ongoing total blockade.
Earlier, each rice hotel of Mao Keithel sold around 100 plates of rice daily at the least. But after the total blockade was launched, it was hard for a hotel to sell even 10 plates of rice.
Following suspension of transport service through Mao, almost all hotels have closed down.
The few remaining hotels have started serving non-local rice as local varieties of rice were no longer available. Prices of all essential commodities have also shot up, Ashikho Mao said.
Local potato was also not available while imported potatoes have also become quite scarce.
Earlier each hotel sold rice and dishes of about Rs 6000 per day on the average at the rate of Rs 60 per plate of rice complete with gravy and dishes. But with no customers, it has become hard to earn even Rs 600, he said. A non-local who runs a grocery shop said that some essential food items like rice, dal etc were brought from Kohima. However, prices of essential commodities have not escalated too high, he said. According to Ashikho Mao, price of Parman rice has rose to Rs 24 from Rs 22 per kg. Price of non-local variety of potato has increased to Rs 14 per kg from Rs 10 per kg and mussory dal to Rs 60 from Rs 50 per kg.
One fish-monger said that Mao Keithel was virtually shut down after the May 6 incident. Neverthe-less, Mao people who fled from their homesteads, frightened by the incident, have started returning to their homes. As people can-not starve even as essential goods have become quite office, they have been buy-ing goods of their needs from shops run by their acquaintances through the back door, he said.
Anti-Muivah stir spread far & wide By Our Staff Reporter Sangai
IMPHAL, May 25: In respo-nse to the public movement call of UCM, protest demonstrations were witnesses in different parts of Bish-nupur and Thoubal district today denouncing the proposed visit of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Mui-vah to Manipur.
At the community hall of Nambol Irengbam in Bish-nupur, the protest demons- tration was attended by representatives of various communities.
At the end of the demonstration which commenced since 10 am, the protestors also took out a rally till Nambol Oinam Bazar where a similar protest demonstration was also staged by the womenfolk of the area.
There a public meeting was also held with UCM president Yumnamcha Dili-pkumar, UCM advisor RK Ranendrajit and UNC secretary organisation JK Man- gal as the main speakers. They contended that there is a hidden agenda of the Government of India behind the permission given to the entry of Muivah to Manipur. This should be understood by the people, they said.
In his address, Dilipku-mar pointed out that there has been no change in the stand of the Government of India over the proposed visit of Muivah to Manipur. So, the public should stay alert against the two-pronged tongue of the Govt of India. Any challenge to the territorial integrity of Manipur should be faced by the people collectively, he exhorted.
RK Ranendrajit reiterated that Manipur has become dependent for everything after it became a part of India. Violent incidents have also escalated. Public should understand the real enemy behind all these, he added. After the meeting, the protestors shouted slogans and took out another rally till Thambal Marik College, Oinam. As part of the public movement, a large number of local people also staged a protest demonstration cum public meeting at Leimaram Shanti Bazar. The meeting was addressed by UCM leaders.
On the other hand, in continued protest against the proposed visit of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah to Manipur, a mass sit-in-protest demonstration was staged at Lilong Chajing Bazar today.
The protest demonstration was organised by ALCCO, which is a conglo-merate of seven local clubs. Meira Paibis from seven localities participated in the protest demonstration.
The protestors also broke pots coloured red and marked with ‘Muivah’ at the occasion.
A similar protest demonstration was staged at Tho- ubal Athokpam Bazar today. The protest demon- stration was jointly organised by People’s Welfare Forum, Thoubal; AMYPO and Women Development Welfare Association.