06/25/2010: "Govt says no to 'greater Nagaland' TNN, IST"

Govt says no to 'greater Nagaland' TNN, IST

NEW DELHI: Indicating the Centre's position on the Naga insurgent outfit NSCN (IM) demand for 'Nagalim' (greater Nagaland), Union minister for development of northeastern region (DoNER) B K Handique on Thursday said it would not be possible to change the boundaries of the northeastern states.

Integration of all Naga-inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland has been a key demand of the Naga militant group, engaged in peace talks with the Centre for over a decade.

"It will be difficult to change the borders of the northeastern states. If somebody wants a bigger state, then land will have to be taken from other states. There will be stiff resistance to such a move," Handique, who hails from Assam, said when asked about the progress on the Naga peace talks.

Earlier this month, another round of peace talks was held between the Centre and NSCN (IM) where the contentious issue of integration of Naga-inhabited areas figured.

On ULFA, Handique said the peace initiatives with the outfit have started in the "right direction" as some very senior leaders of the outfit have backed negotiation to end the decades-old insurgency problem in Assam.

"It (the peace initiative) has started in the right direction. We are hopeful of a positive outcome," he said adding that he had also discussed the issue with PM Manmohan Singh.

On whether the Centre will consider giving amnesty to top ULFA leaders currently lodged in various jails in Assam, Handique was quoted as saying by a news agency that the issue may be considered during the talks.
Even if Naga inhabited areas can not be merged with that of Nagaland, Government must find some other ways to give the Nagas living in other states some sort of autonomy, in case the Naga population constitutes a majority there. But Nagaland must also give Manipur an iron-cast guarantee on the right of free movement of citizens and goods. Government should also prepare alternative routes to Imphal. Another way would be to exchange a strip of land leading to Imphal via Dimapur with the Ukhrul District of Manipur, if both parties agree. Another alternative route may be through Tamenglong. We should also consider movement of goods traffic through Chitagong Port. In this connection, I want to inform the readers of the TOI that two war cemeteries relating to Second World War are being maintained in Nagaland and Manipur. At several places on the national highways there are stones of remembrances to commemorate the death of the Allied soldiers. But only a small memorial is there at Moreh for the INA.
Borders of northeastern states cannot be changed: Handique Sify News
Borders of the states in the northeast cannot be changed as this will invite opposition from people, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Bijoy Krishna Handique said Thursday.
Responding to queries from media persons on the demand of the National Socialist Council for Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-I-M) for Greater Nagaland, he said that states of the northeast would not agree to change of boundaries and 'people would also resist' any such move.
He said the concept of Nagalim (Greater Nagaland) involves incorporation of districts from states such as Manipur and Assam. 'You cannot change boundaries (of states),' he said, adding that the boundaries were created a long time back.
On peace talks with United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), he said a large number of members of the organisation wanted purposeful talks with the government.
Handique said that any suggestion of amnesty to ULFA cadres should come from the outfit. 'When a suggestion comes, the government will consider,' he said.
The minister said that the external-aided projects for the development of the northeast include a new road project at a cost of Rs.1,500 crore, a rural livelihood project and a northeastern region community resource management project for upland areas to boost agricultural production.

Nagas, where are we heading for? Talisunep, V. Sema, Akho, and Grace Kyong
As fellow Nagas, it is disheartening to see the entire episode of unrest between Nagaland and Manipur. Without prejudice against any individual or organization, as concerned Nagas for the betterment of Nagaland, We would like to share our views on the current scenario.
One important thing that we (Nagas) must realize is that nobody is hell-bent by any NGO’s or organization; it is the government-elected that should act, re-act, speak and stand for the people. The role of NGO’s is to bring about peace and tranquility alone and nothing else.
The blockade would definitely affect the Nagas in general as it would leave an indelible mark in the history, quoting the Bible “You reap what you sow” this will surely bear a fruit that will be bitter to all—Now the question is whether those Naga NGO’s who have initiated the so called bandh going to feed and provide basic necessities for the entire state in incase any other organization put into force a bandh against Nagaland??. The point is, one or two organization(s) cannot not speak or fight for the entire Nagas. If for instance we conduct another plebiscite it is for sure the results will totally be different and embarrassing. Let the people decide how and what to do not individuals or organizations.
The state government is to be questioned on this issue for being just a spectator— the so called elected members are just worried about how to gain political mileage by pleasing different organizations not realizing that they have opened the doors for a “Total Destruction” for Nagaland (How long will it last). We have not seen any issues (for a solution) being brought up by any political party of Nagaland on this proposed blockade/stalemate so far. What is the state government doing? Are they sleeping or too scared to loose the next election if they speak out ‘For’ or ‘Against’ it or are they busy for the Road shows, entertainment, making plans and projects to stack their bank accounts?. The state government has totally failed on its part to support the general public. To keep in mind, it will be the people who will be voting back any government to power not individuals or organizations. Do not take the general public for a ride.
Yes, monetary game has spoiled the beauty of politics, nevertheless the voters also share the major chunk of the blame because, Voters want only money not development and this has allowed politicians as well as the bureaucrats (sidekicks of the politicians) to squeeze the States coffer for their political venture.
Every individual or especially whichever “government”, must understand that by Gods grace Nagas of today are no more gullible like how we were decades back. We are well aware of what is happening politically, socially and even economically, Nagas cannot be misguided by vested interest individuals.
Talking about NGO’s for instance NSF—it is to work for the welfare of the students, schools etc. not to get involved in politics or use it as a platform to highlight oneself for a political career. Hoho’s (of every tribe)— a body for the wellbeing of various tribe(s) that would garner unity and peace but not “divide and rule” or to dictate. Especially Churches—their role is to impart the Gospel of Christ not Gospel of division or politics etc. For instance we see in many churches where the Deacons were the yesteryears Crooks (retired govt. servants/businessmen/politicians) who think they can still work in the sanctity of God as the King-makers. How can we expect the Church to feed its flocks with the word of God with such people at the helm of affairs? Instead the flocks are all going astray because of the Church politics played by our so called Church leaders and we claim Nagaland a Christian state. God have mercy on us and forgive us for such charade.
Let us accept the very fact that we have totally gone astray from the basic ethos of how a society must be. Let us not make Nagaland a state full of ‘Union-ism’, ‘God forbid’ there maybe a time when every Union would like to make a stand or poke their nose in every situation instead of letting the law enforcers tackle such situations, thus leading to a Lawless state. Union-ism will only bring destruction, venom that’ll finish us all.
Nagaland with various tribes and dialects has been brought down low to just mere ‘isms’ rather than appreciating the uniqueness that prevails amongst us. We should not allow ‘isms’ to divide us, we are a unique lot and must stand together as one leaving aside tribal-ism, clan-ism, range-ism etc. Tinyimie’s, Ao’s, Kyong’s, Sema’s and other tribes etc. are just our identity not kingdoms or different planets. We must also understand that Nagas will not be able to live alone or survive on our own if we start creating distinction.
Let us not be what we were hundred of years back— merciless warriors always on the prowl to hunt down. We ought to know that the entire world is looking at us and let us not make ourselves a fool out of nothing and let others take us for a joy ride to Timbuktu. It is time we act, think and behave for a better Nagaland.
• Are we going to live like this for ages?
• Don’t we have the right to build our lives for our future generations?
• Let us not profess ‘Curse’ in Nagaland.
• It is time we wake up, work together and live as one—Nagas not tribes.

Concerned and Worried Nagas

Talisunep, V. Sema, Akho, and Grace Kyong
(Kohima and Dimapur)

Press Statement
Tahamzam June, 24/06/2010

The Naga Youth front strongly support the Zeliangrong Student’s Union Tamenglong District, ZSUTD and the Zeliangrong Youth Front, ZYF (AMN) on their expressing strong opposition against the decision of the state government to take over the task of maintenance and improvement of National Highway 53 by the State Public Works Department from the Border Road Organisation/ Border Road Task Force. As stated by the Mathiusang Panmei Coordinator ZSUTD and Gailang Gonmei, Coordinating Secretary to call total bandh and indefinite economic blockade in Manipur if the state government did not revoke its decision and hand over back the NH 53 to Border Road Organisation.

This is another desperate attempt to distort and divide and confuse the Nagas and the Tribals in the name of development to loot public money by Ibobi and Ranjit in the name of meitie patriotism. When the whole of Tamenglong were sideline as though people never exist and have never addressed to maintained and improved, now Ibobi gang are caught in a situation where their own people are on the verge of going against them. Now with some catchy phrases to find means to loot peoples developmental money and for the benefits of valley is trying to divert attention in the name of improving NH 53. When the NH 39 between Maram and kangpokpi was to be given to BRTF they managed to put it under PWD and gave away to their family members the contract works. Bills are all paid and now the quality of the workmanship and the condition is the living witness.

It is time for the people to understand with reality the sinister design of Ibobi and his gang to promote communalism and hatred amongst the people for their personal agenda of benefits. No matter what the Communal Govt. play Nagas will not be fooled. We will resist in any form or colours that may emerge to create confusions.

The Naga Youth front would like to inform all concern that such gimmick of so called ADC election result will be given with befitting reply in a days to come. Any forms of announcement to fool the Nagas and the tribals with monetary scheme or so called power to ADC will not be solution as perceived. As for the Tribals the ADC election stands “null and void”

We stand by the decision of ZYF (AMN), ZSUTD against the aggression on our people and land. I appeal to All Naga and specially Zeliangrong and Tribal to be aware of such sinister design to fool the people in the name of committee/development body/ cooperation committee/chingtam amatani slogans.

Long live Nagas.

(M.Dosopuwa)
Investigation and Publicity.
Muivah’s goodwill message to Sumis morungexpress
Dimapur, June 24 (MExN): General Secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim Th. Muivah today said in Pughoboto that “when our nation is passing through a crucial phase and dangers lurk everywhere” it is now an opportune time to talk and exchange concerns with each other and decide what is best for the people. The NSCN leader also assured that “necessary steps” would be taken to lift the “ban” imposed on the Sumi Hoho.
“I and my team members recognize the rational wisdom of the Sumis in and around Pughoboto and appreciate your appeal for lifting of ban on the Sumi Hoho. We have come for peace and reconciliation and our Government in consultation with Chairman Isak Chishi Swu will take the necessary steps,” said Th. Muivah in his speech on June 24, in Pughoboto. A copy of his speech titled “message to the Sumis” was received here from the outfit.
‘Time to talk and decide what’s best for the people’
“When our nation is passing through a crucial phase and dangers lurk everywhere I consider it an opportune time for us to talk and exchange our concerns with each other and decide what is best for our people. We can jeopardize our fate if we are to accept all the ideas and the forces of changes that comes to us,” he said. The history of our nation cannot be interpreted according to the whims of any individual and nobody is above the national principles or righteousness, he added.
Muivah said he had “come seeking for you today to understand you and I am fully convinced when you say you have not wavered and stood firm for the Naga national cause.” According to the NSCN leader “in the name of Jehovah and the national cause” he and NSCN chairman Isak Swu struggled for more than 47 years. “He took the decision to stand till the end, if Nagaland will be for Christ. We are united on two key foundations: The will of Jehovah (and) our land and the National rights of the Naga people. We have not wavered from these two uncompromising principles.”
Muivah said the “national leaders” including AZ Phizo, Imkongmeren, Kughato Sukhai, T. Sakhrei, Khodao Yanthan and others did not compromise the Naga “national” aspiration to decide the future of Nagaland. “They did not fail in their time and their decision showed us the way and we are not a lost people. Yet again, with the formation of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim we did our best for Nagalim and for Christ. The Sumis gave their best and we truly value your contribution,” Muivah said.
“Today, our organization under the leadership of Isak Chishi Swu has entered into political negotiation with the Government of India on three clear foundations respecting the Naga national rights, that is, at the highest level, without pre-condition and outside India in a third country. The Indian leadership also concurred that they are keen to have an early political solution that is honorable and acceptable to both. We will negotiate for an honorable solution based on the unique history and situation of the Nagas that was recognized by the GOI on July 11, 2002. We assure you that the peace dividend will be shared by all the Naga people.”

Nagalim.NL News

06/25/2010: "Govt says no to 'greater Nagaland' TNN, IST"