[Previous entry: "Muivah meets PC, discusses Naga peace process Nagaland Page"] [Next entry: "Naga rebel leader admits China links Rahul Karmakar, Hindustan Times"]
07/25/2010: "Jamir-NSCN(IM) spat surfaces Newmai News Network"
Jamir-NSCN(IM) spat surfaces Newmai News Network
Dimapur, Jul 24: The ideological war in the media between the NSCN-IM and former Nagaland chief mi-nister SC Jamir has re-emerged after dormancy by both the parties for some years.
The return of SC Jamir to Nagaland after a stint as Governor of Goa and Maha- rashtra is beginning to create wave in Nagaland.
After Jamir had said three days back that the NSCN-IM’s demand of sovereign- ty is unrealistic in the pres-ent context, the NSCN-IM today said that Dr SC Jamir’s opposition to Naga solution is history but in the twilight of his life he is again uttering something that is done deliberately to damage the very essence of Indo-Naga talks.
It is worth noting that SC Jamir had called for a change in approach on part of New Delhi in respect of Naga peace talks and termed the NSCN-IM’s demand for so-vereignty as unrealistic these days. Jamir also said the peace-talks should be “all inclusive” involving Naga people as a whole gi-ven that New Delhi has al- ready rejected the two main demands of the NSCN (I-M) – sovereignty and integration of Naga inhabited areas in the North East. It can also be mentioned that Jamir had commented few years ago saying sovereignty is the 17th century concept.
Meanwhile, reacting to the former Governor’s comment, the NSCN-IM said that the historical facts of Naga political struggle will testify who is who in the movement.
“But in the search for Naga solution Jamir is no longer relevant. Talks are in progress with the govt of India and India is talking with NSCN giving cognizance of the fact that it re- presents the Naga people, and the world too recognize only NSCN as the legitimate voice of the Nagas. Those who keep raising the voice that unity should come first before solution is simply exposing their desperateness and irresponsibility,” the NSCN-IM said.
It asked, “Who does not desire for reconciliation and unity among the Nagas ?” The NSCN-IM then said that it was NSCN’s collective leadership who first ini- tiated and call for reconciliation through forgiveness in 2007. But it has to be accepted that reconciliation is to save the Naga people and not to appease any organization for the sake of recon- ciliation.
Nevertheless, NSCN is still committed to the initiative under the banner of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
There are many among the Nagas whose anti-Naga stand is an established fact. The government of India and the world is not blind to this. No national organization will stand the test of the time when it is run without national principle as the foundation. For without foundation there can be no solution and it carries no meaning.
The history of the Naga independent movement started earlier than 1929 and there was hardly any opposition among the Nagas. But since 1947 onwards there are some opposition, and they tried to undermined the right of the Naga people and sovereignty. Among those who opposed the Nagas Dr.SC.Jamir is one who exploited every means at his disposal to spearhead the movement. But he failed miserably. When Jamir was made the Parliamentary Secretary during the 1960s he opposed tooth and nail the meeting between Jawahalal Nehru and A.Z.Phizo. This action ultimately stopped the peace process between the Government of India and the Naga Underground. Such acts of opposition to Naga solution abound in Naga history at the hands of Jamir..
“What happened to the Naga movement after Jamir entered State Assembly in 1972. He became the stooge of the Government of India and every conceivable means was adopted to suppress the Naga movement. He went through sleepless nights inventing divisive game plans to either make the national workers surrender under pressure or kill them mercilessly. No doubt this is unfortunate but this is history,” the NSCN-IM said on Saturday.
It then stated that Dr.SC.Jamir, no doubt, is an intelligent politician, hard working and full of initiative but he never thought that others can do better than him forNaga solution and he is far from his self created image as the master of Naga’s destiny. The NSCN-IM also stated that years have past, season changes and so also situation.
“Dynamic leaders are in place now and his place is no more acceptable to the Nagas. Moreover, in the years gone by he has identified himself as anti-Naga who just hate to project any agenda for Naga solution except using the mighty force of Indian security force to crush the Naga independent struggle and distorting the Naga political history is his favorite indulgence in writing. Given this past records of Jamir with no sign of reformation and repentance in his approach Jamir’s show of face at this juncture to be a part of the Naga political solution is nothing more than false teacher or prophet. False prophet brings no hope or peace. It brings only destruction and division.For any wise person it is always better to retire with dignity than being ignored in disgrace! Anyway, who is Jamir for the Naga solution?,” the NSCN-IM asks in a statement on Saturday.
NSCN/GPRN on Jamir morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim has pointed out that the historical facts of Naga political struggle will testify as to who is who in the movement and that Dr SC Jamir’s opposition to Naga solution is history. The NSCN/GPRN in a press note issued by its MIP claimed that Jamir was “again uttering something that is done deliberately to damage the very essence of Indo-Naga Talks”. The MIP note stated that in the search for Naga solution “Jamir is no longer relevant” while pointing out that talks is in progress with the government of India and India is talking with NSCN giving cognizance of the fact that it represents the Naga people, and the world too recognized only NSCN as the legitimate voice of the Nagas. “Those who keep raising the voice that unity should come first before solution is simply exposing their desperateness and irresponsibility”, stated the press note. Stating that “Jamir’s show of face at this juncture to be a part of the Naga political solution” was nothing more than “false teacher or prophet”, the MIP note pointed out that it was “always better to retire with dignity than being ignored in disgrace”.
Myanmar ruler lands in India Assam tribune
Patna, July 25 (IANS): Myanmar's military ruler General Than Shwe today began a five-day India visit with plans to pray at the Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
The general landed at the Gaya aiport around 10.30 am, a police officer told IANS.
Than Shwe, 77, will pray in the evening and then visit the Bodi tree under which Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. He will reach New Delhi to meet the Indian leadership, including President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister SM Krishna.
Inclusive Reconciliation Nagaland Post
Reconciliation has been the talk and it has become more talked about after the July 15 meeting between the GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN resulting in the unconditional unification of the two Naga political groups. The two united groups have named the meeting held at Monyukshu village under Mon district as the ‘Monyukshu conclave.’
One effect of the conclave is that, the talk about Reconciliation has been expanded to inclusive Reconciliation. Reconciliation involving all other Naga political groups, the Naga civil societies, Nagas living in Nagaland and outside and all other people concerned, is what inclusive Reconciliation would chiefly mean. When the NSCN (I-M) said any sugar coated form of Reconciliation moving away from the principle contained in the “Covenant of Reconciliation” was not in the common interest of the Naga people, it was apparently pointing to the July 15 unification at Monyukshu. The principle of the Covenant was that the three Naga political groups offered themselves to Naga Reconciliation and Forgiveness based on the Historical and Political Rights of the Nagas.
The need to have inclusive political vision while dealing with Naga political issue was also raised by the Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA). The ENSA’s comment that missing out any group or community would be the greatest mistake in Naga history, can also be related to the recent developments in the Naga reconciliation process.
The ENSA was speaking for those Nagas living in Myanmar and reminded that the Eastern Nagas were not invited when the Reconciliation process was first started spearheaded by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. Similar displeasure of not being invited in the Reconciliation process was also expressed by one Naga political faction last year.
While there is lot of applauding over the outcome of the Monyukshu conclave, there are also many who have remained mute. Naga Students’ Federation was the first to welcome the unity move followed by Joint Forum of GBs & DBs Nagaland, state cabinet, NPCC, Southern Nagas’ Union of Nagaland, Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of nine apex Naga tribal unions and others. The JCC has gone a step ahead by meeting the Co-ordination Committee which was formed by the GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN to work out the modalities in furthering the unity process.
Prominent organizations that have so far not commented on the Monyukshu conclave are the FNR, Naga Hoho, NMA, NBCC etc.
For many, it is surprising that the FNR, which is spearheading Naga Unity and Reconciliation, has nothing to say when two opposing groups are uniting. Doing a postmortem of the July 15 unconditional unity, it can be said that the unity between the two groups would have received wider acceptance and approval, if deserving organizations had been duly acknowledged/engaged for their contribution in the unity that was possible. While it may not be necessary to involve the FNR, the fact that numerous reconciliatory meetings have been convened and declarations signed by the three Naga political groups at the initiative of the FNR cannot be brushed aside while arriving at such unity move.
The unity of the two groups might not have been possible if the FNR had not facilitated the numerous meetings, organized football matches, held combined Church services, toured together to different parts of the state etc. All these led to easing tension among the three groups, reduction in factional killings, gradual acceptance of each other and eventually the unity of the GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN. The two groups in their Joint Declaration said they were uniting in principle unconditionally, upholding and implementing the commitment of the Covenant of Reconciliation. Since the Covenant of Reconciliation was signed at the initiative of the FNR, it is clear that the FNR’s role in the unification of the two groups is enormous.
If this is so, then in the event of any good gestured unity between/among the Naga political groups, the contribution of the FNR in arriving at such point cannot be undermined but laudable. The Co-ordination Committee of the GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN has appealed to all other Naga political groups to unite under the banner of the “unconditional unity” agreed between the two groups. With this appeal of “unconditional unity,” it is now up to other Naga groups to respond. Inclusive Reconciliation is the need and not selective Reconciliation.
Former chief minister, Dr. S. C. Jamir has also called for all-inclusive approach to Naga talks on the part of the centre. Jamir has said that holding talks with the NSCN (I-M) alone would not solve the Naga political problem and called for involving all other Naga political groups, tribal and political leaders and other civil societies. The centre has been fed with similar messages even in the past that all sections of Naga society has to be taken into confidence in bringing a final solution to the Naga issue. The centre is wise enough to handle the problem.
A lot has taken place last week starting from the CEC NUTA demanding for a fresh CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in the functioning of Nagaland University, the consultation on prohibition being put on hold due to lack of consensus on the issue, the budget session where the opposition members demanded the removal of two ministers, the issue of taxation between the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and district administration and Naga Council, to the demolition of a Catholic Church in Anatongre village leading to a debate between the NBCC and Catholic Association of Nagaland. All these issues are yet to arrive at a conclusion.
K. Filip Sumi
(www.filipweekly.wordpress.com)
CM asks Centre to allow foodgrains import from Myanmar The Imphal Free Press
Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI, Jul 24: Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh drew the attention of the Prime Minister and chairman of the Planning Commission Dr. Manmohan Singh to seriously consider allowing Manipur to import food grains and POL products from neighbouring Myanmar through the Moreh-Tamu sector of the Indo-Myanmar border.
Attending the 55th Meeting of the National Development Council held at Vigyan Bhavan here on Saturday, the chief minister stated that a Land Customs Station (LCS) with basic infrastructure facilities like warehouse and weighbridge was established at Moreh, the border town of India with the assistance of the Ministry of Commerce.
Informing that 45 acres of land at Moreh was handed over to the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs for establishing an Integrated Check Post (IPC); he urged the Union Home minister for expediting the setting up of the ICP which would give a meaning to the Look East policy of the Government of India.
The chief minister also stated that Manipur shared a long and porous international border with Myanmar and there was unrestricted cross-border movement of militants and smugglers. The state government had already proposed to the Ministry of Home Affairs for fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border. He drew the attention of the Centre for considering the proposal seriously so that effective border management would ensure a check on militancy and restore normalcy in Manipur and other North East states. He also requested the Centre for deployment of Border Security Forces along the border for effective surveillance and better border management.
The chief minister emphasized the need for more extensive roads especially in the north eastern states. He pointed out the acute shortage of essential commodities due to extremely poor condition of NH-39 and NH-53 in Manipur. He said that the main reason for the poor state of affairs was inadequate allocation of funds and lack of adequate manpower and equipment with Border Road Organization. Terming it as a good initiative for quick upgradation of the national highways in Manipur; he supported the Mid-Term Appraisal of the 11th Plan which laid emphasis on speeding up implementation of national Highway Development Programme to achieve a completion rate of 20 kms of highway per day.
He underlined that the uncertainties and scarcities arising out of economic blockades of national highways, the life-lines of Manipur state needed to be addressed on topmost priority by upgradation of NH-53 and NH-150 to all weather and double lane highways. Since road projects were capital intensive by nature, he stated that timely flow of funds to the implementing agencies should be ensured by the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways.
Stating that poor connectivity was one of the root causes impacting on industrialization; the chief minister stressed the need for sustained and rapid road development in the north eastern region. He proposed restructuring of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme and providing additional funds for expediting completion of roads already taken under the ambitious programme.
O Ibobi Singh made a special mention for expediting completion of railway projects taken up in the NE region. He drew the attention of the Centre to complete the railway line from Jiribam to Tupul in Manipur within 2014 and its extension upto Imphal within 2016 and to extend the line upto Moreh on the Indo-Myanmar border.
Referring to health sector in Manipur; the chief minister stated that the government could provide better health care facilities with strengthening primary health centres in the rural areas in the last three years of the 11th Plan. He said that there was shortage of specialist doctors and nurses in Manipur. He drew the attention of the Centre for making special arrangement for reservation of seats for the students from the North East in the admission to post graduate courses in different medical colleges. He requested the Planning commission to continue providing funds for the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) at Imphal.
The chief minister stated that projects under the Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) were implemented in three hill districts of Manipur namely Tamenglong, Chandel and Churachandpur. Since the programme aimed at bridging the development gaps and addressing backwardness; he stressed the urgent need for extending the programme to the remaining hill districts namely Ukhrul and Senapati.
The chief minister attended the meeting with the Deputy Chairman of Manipur State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam and the Manipur chief Secretary D.S Poonia.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh presided over the meeting of the 55th National Development Council held at the Plenary Hall of Vigyan Bhavan on July 24, 2010.
Besides full time members, Union Finance minister, Pranab Mukherjee, Human Resource Development minister, Kapil Sibal, Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, Railway minister Mamata Banerjee, Home minister P Chidambaram, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Minister of State for Planning V. Narayanaswamy also participated.
Chief Ministers from all the states, senior Central and state government officials took part in the day-long meeting which began at 9.30 am.
Houses of UG child recruiters burnt down at Heituppokpi The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Jul 24: Angry residents of Heituppokpi burnt down the houses of alleged child kidnappers namely Okram Biju, 25, son of Sharatchandra, a resident of Wangjing Purna Heituppokpi and the house of his cousin brother O Naba, 56, son of L Maimu at around 4.30 pm today.
Reports stated that Khundrakpam Bitanjit, 16, son of Surjit of Heirok Part-II Laimayum Leikai, presently studying in Class VIII at Heirok Public Junior High School was taken away from his residence on July 1 on the pretext of giving him a job as a handiman.
Similarly, Saikhom Sidhanta, 16, son of Late Shanto of Heirok Part-I Heituppokpi had also been taken away from his residence on July 3 to work in a hotel located at Moreh. They have both remained untraceable since the said date of their departure from their respective residences.
Yet another child, Okram Amarjit alias Manaobi, 13, son of Premjit of Wangjing Heituppokpi Awang Leikai had been taken away from his residence on June 17 to work as a handiman and he also has remained untraced.
It had come to public knowledge of Heituppokpi area that Kh Bitenjit and O Amarjit were taken from their residences by O Biju and O Naba, shortly after the disappearances. A meeting was held to trace the whereabouts of the missing children at Heirok Part-I on July 22 presided by the Pradhan of Heirok Part-I, M Rajmani and the meeting resolved that the abducted children should be handed back to their families by today.
As per the resolution of the meeting the locals of the area including the family members of the missing children went to the residence of Naba and Biju and found out that both persons were absconding.
Venting their anger the mob which gathered at the said area burnt down the houses of the alleged child abducters.
It may be mentioned that O Biju was arrested by 29 Assam Rifles from Tengnoupal and an abducted child namely Soibam Ronaldo, 13, son of Dilip of Wangjing Soibam Leirak was rescued on July 17. During on the spot interrogation, Biju had revealed that he was transporting the child for recruitment to an UG group and had earlier handed over the three missing children to the particular group.
16 killed in clash between rival UG groups NNN/Staff Reporter
Imphal, Jul 24: Around 1500 villagers from six villages fled from their home- steads and many of them were reported displaced while some of them are taking shelters in different parts of Manipur following fierce gun battles between rival Kuki militant groups in the border areas of Senapati district and Imphal East district.
However there is no offi-cial confirmation as yet. When The Sangai Express contacted the SSP of Thou-bal Clay Khongsai, he said that there are talks do-ing the round and added that there is no report about the recovery of bodies so far.
The police are yet to venture to the area where the gun-battle reportedly took place. An Assam Rifles post is reported to be pre-sent somewhere near the said area.
Significantly, four ca-dres of a Kuki UG group were admitted to Shija Hos-pitals for injuries sustained during a clash with ano-ther rival Kuki UG group on July 21.
In the meant time, a relief camp sponsored by some village volunteers has been opened at the community hall in Itham village which is located near the six villages bordering Senapati district and Imphal East district. The six villages included Sei-chang, Bungbal, Chaning, Salem, Bongjang and Kamusaichang village.
Atleast 16 cadres from both the rival parties were killed in the gun battle while one civilian got bullet injury in the cross-fire, according to various sources.
The sources said that 16 deceased cadres of both rival groups (Kuki National Front (KNF-P) on one side while combined team of Ku-ki Liberation Army (KLA) and Kuki Revo-lutionary Army (KRA) on the other started the gun fight since the morning of July 21.
The sources further said that said that atleast 10 cadres have been wounded of which some of them are undergoing treatment in hospitals. Both the rival groups are signatories of Suspension of Operation (SoO).
A villager who fled from his homestead disclosed that the gun fight is still continuing as the sound of gun shots can be heard after a gap of every 20-30 minutes from different directions. The displaced and anguished villager is taking shelter in one of his relatives in Imphal presently.
The reason behind the gun fight between the rival groups was said to be over area domination which has become the ‘bone of contention’ for both the groups, according to the sources, adding that there have been 2-3 clashes in the past for the same reason.
