08/17/2010: "‘Advise to Isak Chishi Swu’ Nagaland Post"

‘Advise to Isak Chishi Swu’ Nagaland Post

When I read the 64th Naga Independence Day speech of Isak Chishi Swu, Yaruiwo of GPRN which appeared in Nagaland dailies on 15th August, 2010, I found an unmistakable mistake in his speech, saying, “On August 14, 1947, A.Z. Phizo, the then president of the Naga National Council, proclaimed the Independence of Nagalim, unifying all Naga areas including free Nagalim, endorsing copies to the United Nations and India. The Naga people still uphold the proclamation and will faithfully continue to uphold it.”
But the undisputed written history of our nation is not so. So I am sincerely advising as a senior NNC member to Isak Chishi Swu to irrefutably set straight the written history, so that the future generations will not confuse and confront in their days to come.
The truth and reality which is already set straight in the record of our nation is that, the Naga National Council (NNC) led by A.Z. Phizo the then an NNC central executive member formally declared the Nagaland Independence on 14th August, 1947 at Mission Compound, Kohima, Nagaland under the leadership of T. Aliba Imti, the then, first President of the Naga National Council (NNC). Then Mhondamo Kithan was elected as the second president of the Naga National Council (NNC).
The third president of the Naga National Council (NNC) was Visar. And A.Z. Phizo was elected as the fourth president of the Naga National Council (NNC) on 28th December, 1950 and he continued to hold the highest office of the NNC till his last breath on 30th April, 1990.
Therefore, the history which is already written in the living history of our nation cannot be distorted and there is no plus or minus of the written history. Such blind shot speech may create confusion among the Naga families. Hence so highly regarded leader like Isak Chishi Swu should not do so in the near future.
Thinovituo, senior NNC member.
Indian state terrorism against Kashmiris, minorities flayed Kashmir media service
London, August 15 (KMS): Kashmiri, Sikh and Naga Diaporas in London, representing a common front against Indian imperialism, have condemned the oppression and human rights violations by Indian troops in their territories.
A joint statement issued in London on 64th anniversary of India’s independence, reiterated to continue the liberation struggles in their respective territories to secure freedom for their nations. It appealed the international community to dismantle the illegal occupation of their homelands by India.
The statement said, “Since 1947 India has forcibly denied our sovereign rights under international law. India has snatched our right to determine our own political status, to control our natural resources ourselves and to protect our populations and territories from human rights abuses amounting to genocide.”
The statement said that India was not sincere to settle the disputes on Kashmir, Khalistan, Nagalim, Assam, Manipur and Bodoland. “All the disputes have arisen from a common source which is India,” they added.
Flaying the deployment of occupation troops in the territories, the statement said that Indian troops were killing hundreds of thousands of people with impunity to muzzle their just voice for their right to self-determination. “The occupation authorities were committing extra-judicial killings, disappearances, rape, torture, illegal detentions and extortion in these areas,” it maintained.
Quoting the August 2009, United States Commission for International Religious Freedoms’ report, which put India on its watch list of states that fail to protect minority religious groups, it said that recent years have seen massive rights abuses by the troops directed towards Christians, Muslims and Sikhs in Indian occupied territories. “The peace and stability in South Asia can not prevail till the resolution of these disputes,” it added.
Naga groups observe ‘Naga Independence’ Day Staff Reporter/ Correspondent (NPN): DIMAPUR/KOHIMA/KIPHIRE,
NSCN (I-M), FGN/USR, FGN and NSF on Saturday observed the 64th Naga independence day at various places.
At council headquarters Hebron, NSCN (I-M) ‘Yaruiwo’ Isak Chishi Swu stated that the NSCN had never closed the door on reconciliation.
Reading out the NSCN (I-M) chairman’s speech, steering committee executive member, Q. Tuccu said the NSCN was sincerely committed to Naga reconciliation at the highest level based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas and expressed gratitude to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation for their tireless efforts. “When I gave my signature in the covenant of Reconciliation as the Yaruiwo of the Republic of Nagalim, my heart was filled with great pride and hope. I still have not given up that hope because it is the only way for the Nagas to understand together,” Isak stated. The NSCN (I-M) chairman assured the Naga people that the NSCN had not compromised and would not compromise on the issue that would endanger the future of the Naga people.
“The National Socialist Council of Nagalim will never betray the National Principle …. Naga people ....God,” Isak added. (Full text of speech on page-4)
NSCN (I-M) ‘kilo kilonser’ Rh. Raising, who was the chief guest, asserted that the NSCN (I-M) would “never” accept the Indian constitution and added that solution within that parameter would not be acceptable to the Nagas. “Indian constitution is no solution. Rather, it is part of the problem, it is the crux of the problem,” Raising said.
He said solution has to be based on the unique history of the Nagas which the government of India has recognized. He said the NSCN (I-M) was the legitimate organization of the Naga people and also recognized by the government of India, UN and many other nations. Raising said the NSCN was committed for constitution of a sovereign state.
On the occasion of the 64th Naga independence day, the chief guest recalled how the Nagas stood their ground in the face of invasion, persecution, torture and destruction of villages where enemies came from many routes and in varied colours in the form of Assam Rifles, factions, communal forces, preachers and even civil societies and national workers. He said Nagas were innocent victims of this enemies.
Raising claimed that the NSCN (I-M) brought peace to the state when it accepted the invitation for talks from the government of India. However, he said peace alone was not enough and that it must carry a political message. Raising assured that the NSCN (I-M) would never give up working for peace and solution however tough, arduous and long the road might be. “For us peace is just a seed. Peace will come when there is mutual recognition of right,” he said.
Touching upon the Monyakshu conclave in which the GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN united unconditionally, the NSNC (I-M) ‘kilo kilonser’ alleged that the two groups since 1990s had been carrying out joint operation against the NSCN (I-M) which he added was clear in the eyes of everybody. He said reconciliation should also carry a political message for the people and that the NSCN (I-M) stood on the reconciliation under the FNR.
On the economic blockade imposed on Manipur, Raising said “we are not opposed to meiteis but opposed to communal forces of the Manipur government.”
The chief guest earlier unfurled the ‘national flag’ and took salute from the Naga army contingents.
Representatives from the Naga Hoho, FNR, NPMHR, UNC, Naga Council, NWHD etc also briefly spoke on the occasion.
Special numbers were presented by the Nagaland Chamber Choir, ‘2nd Lieut’ Mazat Daimai and others while Tolli Dance Academy Dimapur also performed during the programme. Cultural items were also presented as part of the programme. Promotions of cadres of different ranks and files were announced during the programme.
FGN/USR I-Day at Kiphire
Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), United Sangtam Region (USR) celebrates the 64th Naga independence day at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall Kiphire town where hundreds of invitees, tribal leaders, students leaders and GBs attended the programme.
‘Dy. Kilonser’ law and justice and parliamentary affairs FGN, T.T. Sangtam who read out the independence day message of FGN Kedahge (president) ‘Brig.(Retd)’ S. Singya spoke on the positive outcome of the meeting at Monyakshu where the GPRN/NSCN and FGN reconciled. He said Naga reconciliation should be from the inner heart and appealed the NGOs, tribal leaders students leaders and church leaders to extend more cooperation towards the Naga cause. The programme was chaired by ‘dy. Secretary’ Alee (foreign) affairs FGN, Selithri Sangtam while C. Thripongse Sangtam Midan Peyu (Chairman) USR FGN delivered the welcome address. Some tribal leaders, GBs and others also spoke on the occasion while vote of thanks was pronounced by ‘dy. Secretary’ Rali Wali (MIP) FGN, Bendang.
India resorting to methods of illusion against Nagas –FGN
The Federal Government of Nagaland today castigated the government of India for what it alleged as resorting to methods of illusion against Nagas.
“India taking advantage of peace but cautious of imminent exposition by modern technology, resorted to methods of illusion against Nagas,” FGN kedahge ‘Gen. (Retd)’ Viyalie Metha alleged while addressing a mammoth gathering on the occasion of the 64th Naga independence day celebration after unfurling the Naga national flag at Mima village ground here Saturday.
In an oblique reference to the recent attempt by NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th. Muivah to visit his birth place Somdal village and his subsequent tour across different parts of Nagaland under Z plus security, the FGN Kedahge said India played a motherly role to carry around her child in a cradle of ‘Z plus security’ attempting to “legitimize an illegitimate child into Nagaland.”
Metha said that the Naga society had witnessed mushrooming growth of self styled and self aggrandizing individuals and groups trumpeting as national workers during the recent past. However, on little scrutiny, they were found to be only imposters who doesn’t represent their community but found either cast out or self exiled from their village, community or society. “Let no one any longer be confused but stride ahead for our national cause rather than meddling petty personnel conflict,” he urged.
He further said that the NNC and Federal Government of Nagaland were the “beginning of life and only foundations of Naga nation which has the authority of the people vested with it which are duly and wholly represented by all federating units.”
“The dawn is breaking for Naga freedom as the Lord has been truly guiding us all these years. Everyone, therefore, be courageous to march forward for the nation for we shall truly overcome,” he called upon the people.
Dwelling on the history of how peace was brought about in trouble torn Nagaland after the Indian invasion to Nagaland in 1954, he said that the war with India was forced upon the Nagas who had to defend their homeland. He recalled that peace was ushered in Nagaland following the signing of International Ceasefire Agreement signed between the government of India and the FGN on September 6, 1964 through the initiative of the Nagaland Peace Mission and reiterated that the FGN honored and held true to the agreement to the present day. Earlier, on the occasion, Metha also paid homage to all patriots who had sacrificed their precious lives for Naga nation and termed them as “heroes” and added that their sacrifices enabled the Naga nation to stand today.
During the celebration, message from NNC president, Adinno Phizo was also read out while speaker tatar hoho, Lhouvitsü exhorted the gathering. Victory certificate awards, bravery awards, military service awards and promotions of cadres also marked the occasion. Several cultural troupes representing different regions enthralled the celebration despite of the bad weather while NNC vice president, B. Pashen proposed the vote of thanks which was followed by grand independence day celebration feast.
Naga ID day keeps alive unity - NSF
The NSF which also observed the Naga independence day at Naga Heritage Complex Kisama stated the celebration was always keeping alive the unity and unique history of the Nagas.
The spirit of nationalism should remain alive in the mind of the young intellectual and it is time for the Naga younger generation to retrospect and introspect, the NSF message issued by its president Mutsikhoyo Yhobu stated. It also lauded the visionary Naga leaders who had declared Naga Independence Day on August 14 and stated that the patriot who had sacrificed their life for the cause of the Nagas should be remembered. The NSF statement also asked the intellectual Naga youth to avoid all the seeds of division from any forces which was trying to divide the Nagas.
It stated that the federation since its inception has been struggling for unity of Nagas and to live together under one administrative umbrella.
Upholding its motto–‘for greater lim and glory of Nagas,’ the NSF said it would always inspire the intellectual youth to bring Nagas under one administrative umbrella and expressed its wish to see that the remarkable celebration was brought to reality.

CM appeals to ‘UG groups’ on unity Our Correspondent Morungexpress

Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio taking salute from the march past contingents during the Independence Day celebration on August 15 at Secretariat Plaza, Kohima. (DIPR)

Kohima | August 15 : Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today appealed to all the underground groups to listen to the voice of the people, to rise above their differences, and work towards the common goal of achieving permanent peace in our land. “We must always keep in mind that peace and the well being of Naga people stands above all else,” Rio said in his address at the Independence Day celebration here in the Secretariat Plaza. Rio said the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), “who are entrusted with the responsibility of steering the state, are committed to bring peace and prosperity to Nagaland.”
‘Law and order situation improved considerably’
Stating that it will be the endeavor of DAN to see that every citizen is able to lead a life of dignity and self respect, Rio said “therefore, the first and foremost priority is to find an honorable and acceptable solution to the long standing Indo-Naga political issue.” He said that on November 27, 2009, the Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on the Naga political issue was formed comprising of all sixty members of the present 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly irrespective of all party affiliations.
From within the JLF, the Joint Parliamentary Working Committee (JPWC) was formed. Subsequently, the Forum has had meetings and consultations with ex-parliamentarians at Chumukedima on April 14, 2010 and with the civil societies, church leaders, representatives of mass based organizations and NGOs on 9 June 2010. “All these meetings have unanimously resolved to work for understanding and oneness of Naga society amongst all sections,” he said adding that the sittings also passed resolutions to record its appreciation to the selfless sacrifices made by many Nagas, for the common cause of the Nagas and the tremendous efforts put by the civil societies, the Hohos, the NGOs, the churches, and by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation in their tireless efforts in the journey of reconciliation. He also asserted the joint sitting further recorded its appreciation to Government of India, particularly the Prime Minister and Union Home minister for their renewed sincerity towards finding a permanent solution to the decades old Indo-Naga political problem.
“All sixty elected members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly have risen above all else to come together for peace and political settlement, which is the fervent cry of the people,” Rio said adding this process of inclusiveness is a must in the way forward and the legislators forum aims to take the views of all sections of Naga society to the negotiating parties so that the negotiations results in a logical conclusion that is honorable and acceptable to the people.
Further, the Chief Minister said the law and order situation in the state has improved considerably, adding that the civil administration, state police, the army and para military forces have done a commendable job in maintaining law and order in the state through their tireless efforts. The state police has been further reinforced with the recent induction of two more Indian Reserve Battalions- the 14th NAP (IR) and the 15 NAP (IR) (Mahila battalion) providing at least 2000 job opportunities to the youth.
The capacity and efficiency of the state police is also being upgraded through improved training, better mobility and procurement of modern arms and equipments, Rio said adding that the implementation of police modernization programme was on full swing.
“Our policemen are presently being deployed in Delhi and West Bengal on the request of the Government of India” Rio said adding that it was a matter of satisfaction that the Government of India and other states have confidence in the ability of the state police to maintain law and order even in other parts of the country.
Rio said the task of taking the state towards peace and progress “is arduous, but achievable; the road is long but reachable.” “If we resolve and commit ourselves steadfastly to build a peaceful, vibrant and progressive Nagaland, the challenges we confront are not insurmountable,” he said and challenged the people to rise above its differences, and together, build the state of “our dream.”
“Let us transform our inherent strengths and natural endowments as engines for economic growth and progress and be a proud partner in the great task of building a strong and united India,” Rio said.

Army recruitment rally in Phek: Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR The army would be conducting recruitment rally in Phek local ground for all the districts of Nagaland from August 23 and 29.
According to secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Nagaland, Lt. Col. SI Jhakhalu (retd), the districts to be covered on August 23 include Phek, Kiphire, Zunheboto and Mokokchung and August 24 for Mon Longleng, Tuensang, Peren, Wokha, and Dimapur for the post of general duty for class 8 passed and above between the age group 17 years and 06 months to 21 years.
On August 25, tests would be conducted for dependents of ex-servicemen, serving soldiers, widows, sportsmen, and NCC certificate holders for all the districts of Nagaland for the post of general duty for class 8 passed and above between the age group 17 years and 06 months to 21 years, while at the same time, tests would also be conducted for soldier technical/clerk and nursing assistant would be conducted for candidates who have passed 10+2 with 50% marks in science/arts between the age group 17 years to 23 years belonging to Nagaland and Manipur states.
Medical tests would be held on August 26 to 28, while the written exam for candidates who have qualified in the tests would be held on August 29.
Meanwhile, candidates have been advised to contact the nearest Assam Rifles and Zila Sainik Board officers for pre-medical and physical tests including document
checking before heading to Phek.

PM reaches out to Kashmiris, delivers master stroke on NE Press Trust of India
DELHI, Aug 16 : In a firm message, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked agitating Kashmiri youth to end violence saying it would not benefit anyone even as he offered to carry forward the dialogue process within the framework of the state being an integral part of India.
Addressing the nation on the 64th Independence Day against the backdrop of recent unrest in Kashmir, he said the Indian democracy has the “generosity and flexibility” to address concerns of any group.
In his 35—minute speech from the ramparts of historic Red Fort, Dr. Singh said India is willing to resolve differences with Pakistan through discussions but the dialogue cannot go far if terrorism emanating from there does not end.
Emphasise on internal security : He also spoke about the “serious challenge” posed by Naxalism to internal security and stressed the need for rising above “personal and political interests” to deal with the menace firmly through Centre-state cooperation. Making a fresh offer for dialogue, the Prime Minister asked the Maoists to abjure violence and come to the negotiating table.
Dr. Singh said the government was working to create a new and prosperous India where everyone would have access to better education, healthcare, food security and other benefits.
On the North East States, the Prime Minister delivered a sort of a political master stroke in asserting, “I would like to convey to all political parties and groups of the North East that disputes in the name of States or tribes can only harm us.”
Concern over inflation : At the same time, the 77 year old economist Prime Minister acknowledged that “high inflation” was hurting the people, with poor being the worst affected, and said the government was making every effort to control it.
Unfurling the national tricolour for the seventh consecutive Independence Day and becoming the third Prime Minister to do so after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, he expressed regret over the loss of lives in the two month long violence in Kashmir which has left over 50 people dead.
“The years of violence should now end. Such violence would not benefit anyone,” he said in his speech delivered in Urdu.
Underlining that Kashmir is an “integral part of India”, Dr. Singh said, “Within this framework, we are ready to move forward in any talks which would increase the partnership of the common man in governance and also enhance their welfare.”
He said the government is “ready to talk to every person or group which abjures violence“.
Recalling his recent meeting with political parties from Jammu and Kashmir where he had expressed willingness to consider autonomy within Indian Constitution if there was consensus, he said, “We will endeavour to take this process forward.”
Dialogue with Pakistan : He said the government wants to resolve all differences with Pakistan but made it clear that the dialogue cannot go far unless terrorism emanating from there ends.
“As far as Pakistan is concerned, we expect from them that they would let their territory to be used for acts of terrorism against India,” he said at the function which was attended by a host of leaders, including UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and BJP Parliamentary Party Chairman L. K. Advani besides ministerial colleagues and diplomats.
Noting that India has been emphasising this in all the discussions with Pakistan, he said, “If this is not done, we cannot progress far in our dialogue.”

Myanmar attracts 8 billion dollars in new Chinese investment Earth Times
August 15, 2010: Yangon, Military-run Myanmar attracted more than 8 billion dollars of new investment in May for energy and mining projects from Chinese companies, a news report said Sunday.
The projects include two hydroelectric dams in Kachin state, valued at 5 billion dollars; oil and gas pipelines from Rakhine state to Yunnan, China, for 2.15 billion dollars, and a copper mine in Monywa for 997 million dollars, the Myanmar Times reported.
"You need energy to drive an economy," said Min Win Myint Aung, former director general at Myanmar's Ministry of Electric Power. "This has made China move pre-emptively and acquire energy resources before other countries."
Prior to May, Thailand's foreign direct investments in Myanmar amount to 7.4 billion dollars, while mainland China accounted for 6.4 billion dollars, and Hong Kong invested 3.7 billion dollars, the weekly newspaper reported.
Four years ago, China's official investments in the country amounted to less than 200 million dollars. China has mainly invested in energy projects in neighbouring Myanmar. Most US and European firms are barred from investing in Myanmar's energy sector by economic sanctions imposed on the ruling junta.
Delhi gunshy over Myanmar khaleej Times By: Rohit Viswanath,
: A lot has been written on the recent visit of Myanmar’s dictator, Than Shwe, to India. During the course of his stay, India pledged Myanmar millions of dollars in assistance to build railways and roads, boost agriculture, build power transmission lines as well as extend co-operation in telecom.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed to extend Indian assistance in repairing the Ananda temple in Bagan, an important tourist attraction in Myanmar.
Scholars have been extremely critical of the warm welcome extended by New Delhi to the dictator and the way India has engaged with his tyrant military regime. They have labeled India’s Myanmar policy as imprudent, futile and dangerous. There have been some though, who have viewed the move to be pragmatic. In my view, the strategy goes a bit further.
Pragmatism is pursuing what is practical, sensible and convenient. New Delhi’s strategy is pragmatic not only from the point of India’s own national interest, but also from the point of addressing the systemic failures in Myanmar, promoting democracy and thereby strengthening regional stability.
When pro-democracy outfits in Myanmar were suppressed initially, India was among the first countries to openly condemn the move. However, over the years New Delhi has curtailed its denigration for various reasons. The underpinnings of this approach are multi-dimensional. As India faced a growing rebellion in its northeast, it reached out to Myanmar’s military leaders to help rein-in the insurgents who were based and trained across the border. This tactic reaped modest success. Policy pundits in New Delhi soon realised that Myanmar’s huge oil and gas resources could be exploited to fuel India’s economic growth.
Myanmar has proven reserves of about 2.5 trillion cubic meters of natural gas. Access to its resources will help augment India’s energy supplies. Both the countries are also working together to curb cross-border trafficking in narcotics. Further, New Delhi sees Myanmar to be a vital connecting link to the ASEAN region. There are other imperative geopolitical reasons as well. India’s earlier strategy of pushing for democracy in Myanmar had not only led to the estrangement of its neighbour from itself but had also facilitated China in gaining centre stage in Yangon. To check China’s growing influence, India needs to build a dynamic partnership with Myanmar.
Vested national interests have shaped the foreign policy of almost all major states. History has seen despotic leaders like Idi Amin being supported by countries that claimed to be champions of democracy. But India’s approach towards Myanmar is dictated not merely by its own vested interests. Critics who accuse India of giving in to its pursuit of strategic advantages and failing to perform its role as the world’s largest democracy do not perceive the fact that international sanctions against tyrant regimes or their isolation has never worked. It only serves to further alienate the distressed country.
India’s policy of engagement with Myanmar is a step in the right direction. It should be encouraged and taken to a higher level that will help craft a novel paradigm in international relations to remedy rogue states. Just like opening up of trade and business solved many of the ills that were deep-rooted in India, sustained engagement and deepening of international business can help bettering governance in Myanmar.
The first ever elections in Myanmar in 20 years have been announced for later this year. New Delhi should seize this opportunity to help in conducting free and fair elections in Myanmar. As the most successful democracy in the region, India should use its clout to see to it that the elections are held in a democratic manner. This would do Myanmar good by improving its international image. India would do justice to its role as a responsible democratic power by engaging with the Junta rather than by bowing down to pressure from human rights and other international groups to boycott Myanmar.
Rohit Viswanath formerly worked for Forbes and is a freelance writer

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08/17/2010: "‘Advise to Isak Chishi Swu’ Nagaland Post"