06/20/2010: "Sumi Hoho to oppose Muivah’s visit morungexpress"

Sumi Hoho to oppose Muivah’s visit morungexpress
Dimapur, June 18 (MExN): After a ‘thread-bare’ discussion, the Sumi Hoho in an executive emergency meeting held on June 18, resolved to unanimously oppose the proposed visit of Th. Muivah, general secretary of NSCN (IM) to Pughoboto on June 21, 2010 within the jurisdiction of the Sumi Hoho. The Sumi Hoho questioned what ‘moral right’ Th. Muivah had to visit Sumi soil considering the past statements made on the Sumis by the NSCN (IM) under the leadership of Muivah. According to the Sumi Hoho, this has sown the seeds of discord between the NSCN (IM) and Sumis and consequent upon banning the Sumis, the Sumi Hoho questioned as to what moral right Muivah had to visit Sumi soil. The press note was issued by Hokishe Yepthomi, president and Kitoho S. Rotokha, general secretary of the Sumi Hoho.
GPRN/NSCN endorses Sumi Hoho decision morungexpress
Dimapur, June 19 (MExN): The GPRN/NSCN has in a statement issued today conveyed to the Government of India and the Nagaland state government that the proposed visit of Th. Muivah to Pughoboto area in Sumi Region on 21st June would amount to a gross violation of the ceasefire ground rules. “It clearly does not authorize Th. Muivah to loiter around Nagaland with heavily armed men. GOI, which provides heavy security to Th. Muivah must realize that Sumi Hoho do not solicit his visit, the region is GPRN/NSCN administered area”, stated a press note issued by the GPRN/NSCN through its MIP.
In this regard, it was pointed out that the “elders of Pughoboto area have assured in written to prevent such visit” and that “in the event of any confrontation resulting from Th. Muivah’s forcible entry into Sumi soil, Naga Army should not be held responsible”. The GPRN/NSCN has also impressed upon all Naga organizations and civil societies that Th. Muivah’s entry into Sumi soil is “never for Naga Reconciliation process” and that it was “a violation of the Covenant of Reconciliation”. The GPRN/NSCN also stated that for the first time since the Journey of Common Hope initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) began, Naga people had finally realized the “true measure of Mr. Th. Muivah’s call towards reconciling with other Nagas”.
On June 16th 2010, while interacting with the media, Mr. Th Muivah declared, “…In the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we have proclaimed that there should be reconciliation among the Nagas…” According to the MIP note, this very person, after few minutes, declared that he will not reconcile or meet GPRN/NSCN Ato Kilonser. N. Kitovi Zhimomi. “Is it not the tongue of a serpent? What is his idea of Reconciliation? In the history of Naga political struggle, none of the past leaders ever tried to use the name of Christ Jesus as cheaply as he did. Nagas are wiser now. The politics of ‘Tell a lie ten times and people will believe you’ does not work anymore”, the GPRN/NSCN stated.
Pointing out that the “Sumis have realized the futility of divisive politics having nurtured Th. Muivah for twenty five years”, the MIP note stated that the decision of the Sumi Hoho not to allow Th. Muivah into Sumi soil was a reminder that “every tribe in Nagaland retains its ancestral power and authority derived from the people”. “Naga people, since centuries, question strangers crossing their territory. Tradition says that once the visitors are told that they are not welcome, no individual in his right frame of mind would travel any further”, the MIP note stated.
Terming it as “admirable” that the Angami Nagas and Chakhesang Nagas had welcomed Th. Muivah into their land despite the lingering unforgettable past crimes, the GPRN/NSCN pointed out that to “Sumis it is all together a different situation”. “Nagas would agree that it is impossible for Sumis to allow the very person who banned the Sumi Hoho”. As such, the GPRN/NSCN has endorsed the decision of the Sumi Hoho because according to the former, “Th. Muivah by his very declaration is now a stranger to Sumis” and that “Sumi Hoho decision is only a reiteration of the age old law of the landowners”.

Sumi Hoho wants clarification

Dimapur, June 19 (MExN): The Sumi Hoho today said that a functionary of the NSCN (IM) had demanded that eleven leaders of the Sumi Hoho be handed over to the outfit “so that the latter will lift the ban on the former.” The Sumi Hoho issued a note through its president Hokshe Yepthomi and general secretary Kitoho S Rotokha. “This kind of threat was intimated to Sumi Hoho on many occasions,” it stated.
The hoho stated: “… on May 21, 2010 at Chisholimi village under Pughoboto sub-division, when Sumi Kukami Hoho (SKH) and NSCN (IM) regional authority met, one Mr. Zhehoto Awomi of Satami village under Aghunato, Zunheboto district, who is supposed to be dy.kilonser, NSCN (IM) has openly and clearly told SKH leaders to hand over 11 Sumi Hoho leaders to NSCN (IM) so that latter will lift the ban on the former. This kind of threat was intimated to Sumi Hoho on many occasions.”
The Sumi Hoho has demanded from the said NSCN (IM) functionary to furnish the names of the 11 Sumi Hoho leaders and the reason why they should be handed over to group. “…if any of the Sumi Hoho and frontal organizations’ leaders faces any untoward incidences in the hands of unidentified miscreant, Mr. Zhehoto Awomi will be held responsible,” the hoho said .

Manipur: Blockade off, but truckers on strike NDTV Corresponden IST,
Imphal The 68-day economic blockade on National Highways of Manipur may have been lifted but the situation on ground has not changed. Many people are still seen waiting in queues for essential items like petrol.

They are desperate to receive relief.
"Even after the lifting of the blockade I think the deadlock will continue because this is politics," said W B Singh, a resident on Imphal.

Despite the lifting of the blockade and deployment of paramilitary forces, vehicles have been refusing to drive on the National Highway-39 which passes through Nagaland.

The truckers are taking this opportunity to press for their demand - they will no more pay up extortion to the various groups demanding money from them. Extortion from vehicles on NH-39 is allegedly the underground outfit NSCN (IM)'s primary source of revenue.

"Security persons of Nagaland and underground organisations impose huge tax on transporters. They collect goods and godown tax," said N Haridas Singh, general secretary, Transporters and Drivers Council Manipur.

Even passenger buses have decided not to take the NH-39. Each bus is forced to pay Rs 10,000 annually besides the amount levied on each trip they undertake.

"There is harassment to our drivers, handlemen and even passengers. Yes we are not going on to NH-39," said Athanthem Budha Luwang, President, All Manipur Inter State Bus Association.

Even the Manipur government is backing up the truck drivers. The only other option is NH-53 which passes through Assam but the condition of the highway is deplorable. Meanwhile, the people are still waiting for essential commodities.

Manipur Transporters Damage Nagaland Vehicles Outlook India
Imphal A day after Naga students temporarily lifted their over 60-day economic blockade of two highways in Manipur, Transporters Council of Manipur activists today damaged two goods vehicles coming from Dimapur in Nagaland on a National Highway in Imphal West district, police said.

According to police, TCM activists stopped a convoy of five goods trucks, on its way to Imphal from Dimapur via NH-39, at Semka, about 8 km from here.

While three of the vehicles managed to speed away, two were damaged by the activists who were demanding compensation by the Centre and Nagaland government for the losses they have suffered due to the blockade.

"If our demand is not met, we would permanently stop running of Manipur vehicles in Nagaland," a TCM spokesman said.

TCM also demanded that extortion, beating up of drivers of buses and trucks owned by Manipur-based businessman by militants and civil organisations in Nagaland be stopped.

While over 300 trucks and buses ply on NH-39 daily, none plied on the road today. Vehicles headed for Manipur are using NH-53, officials said.

The economic blockade of NH-39 and NH-53 was called by All Naga Students Association Manipur to protest the holding of elections to the autonomous district councils in the hills.

The blockade had pushed Manipur on the verge of a breakdown with stocks of all essentials commodities, including baby food and life saving drugs, almost dried up.

Why Can’t Th. Muivah Visit His Village? By: Jagdamba Mall Kangla
For a man of Muivah’s stature with aura, every action has impacts and ramifications. Therefore, his proposed Manipur tour was an event important enough to draw the notice of the nation and to advance his mission of creating Greater Nagaland. In addition, he intended to use his sentimental visit as a political gimmick to re-invigorate the moribund Naga movement led by him. His home visit is dubious in nature. That is why he refused helicopter service. Muivah’s demand to carve out two-third area of Manipur to form Greater Nagaland had been his main agenda and this has been opposed by people of Manipur including majority of Naga community (silent due to fear of guns), Kuki and all other Manipuri people. This may be pertinent to note that then NDA Govt. entered into a formal ceasefire agreement with NSCN-IM in 2001 where it was declared that NSCN-IM ceasefire would be extended without territorial limit. In the aftermath of this in famous declaration, a public uprising erupted in Imphal. An erate mob of Manipur burnt down Assembly House including properties worth crores. Some 18 Meitei Hindus were guned down and over a hundred were seriously injured on June 18, 2001 at Imphal. The three-worded phrase “without a territorial limit” was a conspiracy to break Manipur. There are nearly a dozen cases of arson, loot, murder, kidnapping and anti-social activities registered against Muivah in Manipur and Manipur Govt. declared a reward of three lakhs to arrest him. However, there was no formal approach to Manipur Govt for his visit to Somdal-his village in Ukhrul district of Manipur. Naga frontal organizations of namely UNC- United Naga Council Manipur and ANSAM- All Naga Students Association Manipur and Naga Student Federation (NSF) Nagaland have imposed economic blockade at the behest of NSCN-IM to thwart the process of ADC election. Manipur govt acted to the demand of situation to ensure smooth election and to allow people exercise their democrative right of voting in the election.

Coincidently Muivah planned to visit his hometown at this point of time. As per the schedule of circular from MHA it was clearly indicated that Muivah would address meetings at different hill districts in Manipur. This was taken as proclamation of Greater Nagaland. Otherwise, why this sudden homesickness? This is a question to every Manipuri’s lips. While coming to final decision, Government of Bharatvarsh should remember that Manipuri people including Meities, Kukis and majority of Naga people in Manipur stand for strengthening the sovereignty of the country while Muivah is working for another partition of our motherland.

The Clash of Ideologies
The clash between Nagas of Nagaland and Meiteis of Manipur has more than one reason. Firstly, Nagas are expansionist by nature and that is why, they have boundary dispute with all the three neighboring states and Myanmar. Secondly, majority of Nagas are Christian and Meities are Hindu NSCN-IM and Nagaland Church are in hand in glove with each other. Baptist Christianity is declared religion of NSCN-IM and Muivah is working for “Nagaland for Christ”. The Church and NSCN-IM have made Meitei community as their immediate target. They are bringing Korean missionaries to convert Hindu Manipur into “Manipur for Christ” on the line of “Nagaland for Christ” which Meities are opposed to. On hand, NSCN-IM claims two-third of Manipur as integral part of Greater Nagaland. On the other, Nagaland Church and NSCN-IM are working to “save” Meities by converting them into Christianity. Thus, present war between Nagas and Meiteis are political and ideological as well. It is also a clash between Christianity and Hindu Dharma. The Meiteis are at double loss. On one side, their territory is in danger. And on the other, their age old Hindu Dharma and Sanskriti are threatened. The Church is bringing Korean missionaries to convert Hindu Manipur into “Manipur for Christ” so that Christian Meiteis will not oppose Christian Nagas in the name of Christian solidarity and the formation of Greater Nagaland will succeed smoothly. In addition, Meitie might will considerably decrease paving the way for easy external intrusion.

The Economic Blockade since April 11
Manipur is the greatest hurdle in the formation of proposed Greater Nagaland (Nagalim). Moreover, Manipur happens to be home of Muivah (Somdal village in Ukhrul district). Because of this,, Manipur is first and foremost target of NSCN-IM. Since NSCN_IM cannot impose any blockade because of ceasefire agreement, it uses its overground frontal organizations to finish the job and teach a lesson to Manipur and for that matter to anybody whether they are Dimasas in NC Hills or Karbis in Karbi Anglong in Assam and people of Changlong and Tirap in Arunachal Pradesh whosoever dare to dissent.
Naga Student Federation (NSF) in Nagaland, United Naga Council Manipur (UNC) and All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) are at work and they have imposed economic blockade since April 11 on NH-39 and NH-53- the two sole blood arteries leading to the heart of Manipur. The unethical economic blockade imposed on Manipur has caused undue and avoidable miseries in every-walk of all section of Manipur people including Nagas. As a result, the stock of rice, oil and other food commodities, domestic gas, diesel, petrol and kerosene is exhausted. The patients are dying due to non-availability of life saving drugs and oxygen cylinders. The essential commodities are just not available at any cost. The lower strata of Manipuri people are starving. The petrol pumps are dry. The life in Manipur has come to a standstill for no fault of theirs. The situation is, indeed, very grim. The farmers are yet to tilt their fields though they have enough water. Tractors and power tillers remain idle. Reason? No diesel. Unless diesel and fertilizer supply is restored, Manipur would face an acute shortage of rice next year. And a famine is predicted .

Who is gainer?
Who is gainer? NSCN-IM? Th. Muivah? Or Nagas as a whole? No. Never. NSCN-IM, Th. Muivah and Nagas as whole are at irreparable loss. The sane image of Nagas is dithering away. The people have started questioning even the wisdom and foresightedness of Nagas. The credibility of NSCN-IM and Muivah has gone down. The people are openly criticizing in public and in the media. The integrity is doubted. The people of Assam, the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the people of Manipur have turn hostile to the demand of NSCN-IM. The innocent Naga society has been pushed to the wall and made to suffer isolation and disagrace.Imagine if similar economic blockade is imposed by people of all the three neighboring states encircling Nagaland, what would be the miseries of people of Nagaland? In all these episodes and sufferings, Manipur is the gainer. In 2001, Manipur could survive the similar economic blockade of 52 days imposed by same frontal Naga organizations. It has also scarified 18 lives on 18 June 2001 to protect its territorial integrity. This time also, Manipur will certainly come out boldly out of the present crisis caused by economic blockade. The sufferings will certainly be more if Nagas do not lift economic blockade. More Manipuri people will die due to starvation and non-availability of medicines. But the economic blockade and different other pressure tactics will certainly fail to cow down Manipuri people particularly Meities. The Meiteis joined with Kukis and other major communities of Manipur including large silent section of Nagas will never succumb to pressure tactics. Because their history is such. They may be fighting amongst themselves on domestic issues, but they are all united on external front, their history guides them. Nagas have no such history. The Christian conversion followed by advent of secessionist uprising does not constitute the glorious history of Nagas. But Manipuri people have. Further, the economic blockade have been condemned by one and all. On the contrary, the sufferings of Manipuri people due to Nagas’ economic blockade have evoked sympathy throughout the country for Manipur people. Rashtriya Swamyamsewak Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bharatiya Janata Pary (BJP) and scores of social organizations have come out openly in support of Manipur. They have cautiously avoided cursing the actors of economic blockade but have expressed their solidarity with the people of Manipur in this hour of their suffering and sorrow. Home Secretary G.K. Pillai has repeatedly said that sovereignty and formation of Greater Nagaland are out of negotiation. The proposal of “Shared Sovereignty” mooted by R.S Pandey- the interlocutor appear to be lost in the wonderland. This has emboldened the people of Manipur. The people have started asking the Govt of Manipur to publish the criminal cases registered in different police stations in Manipur against Muivah for extortion arson, loot, decoity, murder and kidnapping etc. Ibobi Government has issued warrant of arrest against the leader of United Naga Council Manipur (UNC) and All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM). A reward of Rupees one lakh has been declared for that. The Manipuri people are meeting the leaders of various civil organizations to garner their support. On the other hand, the stamina of actors of economic blockade is exhausting. It is certain to happen.

In view of the facts stated above, it is high time for the leaders of NSCN-IM including Muivah and his overgournd frontal civic organizations spear-heading the economic blockade (i) to read the writings on the wall (ii) to notice the ever-increasing minus balances in the balance-sheet of Naga honour on national and international front (iii) to give up their irrelevant and unethical demand and (iv) to resolve live peacefully as a rightful honorable and responsible citizen of Bharatvarsh. If the Naga leaders are not willing to do it today gracefully, the situation will compel them to do it tomorrow unwillingly and disgracefully. I, as one of the well-wishers of Naga society, am fully optimistic that the wisdom will certainly prevail in Naga mind and because of their collective efforts, a permanent lasting solution will certainly be found out very soon. The pre-condition is that they should stop using Naga insurgency as fabulous business and most powerful and very effective tool for money-making to become money lords over-night without putting requisite labour.
Sumi Hoho bans Muivah visit OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, June 19: Sumi Hoho, the apex organisation of Sumis in Nagaland, has banned NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thiungaleng Muivah from entering areas inhabited by the indigenous community in the state. Muivah is scheduled to visit Pughoboto, the hometown of NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu, in Zunheboto district on Monday. The hoho took the decision during a meeting of all frontal organisations of Sumis at Zunheboto town yesterday.
A representative of the hoho said the statements made on Sumis by the NSCN (I-M) under the “leadership” of Muivah have sown “seeds of discord” between the outfit and the Sumi people. The organisation maintained that Muivah had “no moral right to visit Sumi soil”.
“We will not allow him (Muivah) to enter our land. Why should we allow him to enter when they (the NSCN-IM) had banned us,” Sumi Hoho president Hokishe Yepthomi told this correspondent. The NSCN (I-M) had banned Sumi Hoho in 2008 for its alleged nexus with the NSCN (Khaplang).
The NSCN (K) has also warned Muivah that he would not be allowed to enter Zunheboto. On June 16, Muivah had sent an olive branch to NSCN (K) chairman S.S. Khaplang but alleged that the outfit’s general secretary N. Kitovi Zhimomi was against the reconciliation process. Zhimomi lives in Zunheboto town.
The NSCN (K) had recently summoned the village chiefs of Pughoboto subdivision and warned them not to let Muivah in. But in clear defiance of the Khaplang threat, the people have decided to welcome Muivah. The decision was taken yesterday during a public meeting in Pughoboto town.
The NSCN (I-M) said Muivah, who is on a goodwill mission to facilitate the ongoing reconciliation process among Naga factions, would visit Pughoboto.
Muivah said he would visit Nagaland districts before his next schedule.
The Khaplang group has also skipped the ongoing Naga reconciliation meeting at Chiang Mai in Thailand, which has been sponsored by several international organisations, churches and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
Konyak Union, the apex body of Konyak indigenous community, said it would neither welcome nor oppose Muivah’s visit to Mon. NSCN (K) commander-in-chief Khole Konyak hails from Mon.

Nagalim.NL News

06/20/2010: "Sumi Hoho to oppose Muivah’s visit morungexpress"