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08/21/2010: "‘Independence of Nagaland not in the hands of India’ morungexpress"


21 August 2010
‘Independence of Nagaland not in the hands of India’ morungexpress

All Nagas must unite and form a National government: NNC
(From left) NNC Vice President Kiumukam Yimchungrü, General Secretary V Nagi, ‘Gen (Retd) TM Keyho and ‘Gen (Retd)’ Panger Walling at the NNC Eastern Region meeting at Kuthur village, on August 18.

Tuensang | August 20 : The bitter and long-drawn Naga political struggle, the changing equation among the Naga armed groups and discordant voices on the Naga issue, have not desisted the Naga National Council (NNC) from clinging to the “inalienable” right of Nagas to choose their own destiny.
NNC (Anti-Shillong Accord) leaders including senior leaders ‘Gen (Retd)’ I Panger Walling and ‘Gen (Retd)’ TM Keyho, and general secretary V Nagi came together at a meeting of the NNC Eastern Region held at Kuthur village, some 10km from Tuensang town, on August 18, to re-kindle the spirit of Naga nationalism among the NNC members and villagers. “Independence of Nagaland in not in the hands of India. Though there maybe doubts from many quarters about achieving this goal, I always say why not, we can get it, sooner or later,” declared Walling.
Walling who is also former NNC president said that way back in 1911 in British India, many Indians at that time thought that the banner “Go back Britishers” put up at Gateway of India, Bombay, was an impossible task, even under Mahatma Gandhi.
But ultimately, India got her freedom, he said. “Me too, in 1965 after the ceasefire, when Rev. Michael Scott, then Assam Governor BP Chaliha and a central minister visited Mokokchung, I shouted ‘Go back India’ three times,” recalled Walling, who was then ‘Brigadier’ of Northern Command, Naga Army.
‘Gen (Retd)’ Keyho also said that since its formation in 1946, the NNC had never committed itself to any compromise or decreased political commitment but had held steadfast to Naga sovereignty. Narrating a past incident, Keyho said that onetime when he was in London espousing the Naga cause, an English gentleman asked him if “independence” was a viable option since Nagaland is a “tiny state.”
“I told him he was referring to Nagaland as found in the Map of India, but that for us Nagaland means all Naga-inhabited areas along with their traditional lands given by God. After hearing this, the Englishman nodded and apologized,” he added.
NNC general secretary V Nagi reminded the gathering of Naga historical facts including the 1929 Simon Commission, Naga independence declaration on August 14, 1947 and 1951 Naga Plebiscite.
“We are not demanding Independence from India since Nagas have already declared it a day ahead of India. We are only fighting politically for recognition of our rights and history. We are just asking India to withdraw her army from Nagaland and to recognize our inherent rights as even the UN has recognized out rights,” Nagi said.
Blaming factionalism for weakening the Naga cause, the NNC leaders said that all Nagas must unite and form a “National government” to lead and guide the Naga nation with one voice.
“Today we reduced our political struggle to fighting among ourselves due to our differences rooted in distrust and rivalry. Therefore our strategy and the only armament that will work now to save ourselves and the nation is admitting our mistakes honestly instead of blaming each other...” Keyho said.
“Because of factionalism and internal divisions, we cannot walk straight. Now we are striving for Naga unity and I am optimistic that ultimately Nagas will unite,” Walling said in a positive note.
Advocating for unity based on the right political stand, the NNC general secretary said that without the right stand and spirit, “might and money” can never redeem Nagas.
Representatives from Yimchungru, Chang, Angami, Lotha, Sumi, Ao, Zeliang, Rengma regions of NNC, NNC women wing, Yimchungru Tribal Council and chairman Kuthur Village Council also spoke on the occasion.
NNC vice president Kiumukam Yimchungrü chaired the programme and member, central executive council, Zapuvisie Lhusa proposed vote of thanks.

S.C. Jamir on Solution of Naga Problem kanglaonline by Jagdamba Mall
State exists not only for mere life but also for the sake of good life. -Aristotle
Demand of Naga Sovereignty is a myth and state of Nagaland is a reality. Delhi has an open mind towards Naga Problem. Mother India is inviting all of you to come. So Nagas must come with one mind. - Dr. S.C. Jamir, Governor of Mahashtra, Gujarat, Goa and former Chief Minister of Nagaland.
The booklet (Bedrock of Naga Society) merely points out the falseness of the claim that the Nagas were an independent nation since time immemorial. -Dr. S.C.Jamir.
There are two top-ranking Naga leaders in recent history of Nagaland. One is Dr. Hokishe Sema and the other is Dr. S.C. Jamir. These two personalities from Naga society are highly honored entity. Both of them have been very active in underground and overground politics of Nagaland and both of them have been at the hit list of “national workers”. Dr. Hokishe Sema’s vehicle was attacked to kill him but God saved him. Shri. S.C. Jamir was also attacked several times but again, God was kind enough to save him. Had these two geniuses been killed by “national workers,” think of the intellectual void created in Naga society. In the brutal attacks of these two leaders, today’s “national workers” who are now being addressed as “collective leadership”, were responsible. Those days they were in NNC, today they are known as (NSCN-IM/NSCN-K).
Same wine in different bottle. These are the “national workers” who are responsible for mass-murder of 48 Chakhesang men of Thevopesumi village in 1956 in one-go. Their only fault was the collective decision of village people not to shelter any underground guerilla for the fear of Army.
Dr. Hokishe Sema had opined very often that the demand of sovereignty is irrelevant. And there is no sense in killing our own people for “Independence” of Nagaland. Today, he is no more but he is in our memory. Shri S.C. Jamir-the scholar, the genius, the brave, the patriot, the warrior, the most successful social and political leader-all rolled into one-is the strongest and most stable pillar of Naga society who has been showing the correct path to Naga society, guerilla leaders and their cadres, who are the victim of confusion and propaganda in the name of bogus claim of unique history.
Sovereignty: Myth and Reality
The fundamental assumption underlying the notion that statehood compromised the sovereignty of Nagas, is that the Nagas were a separate independent entity from time immemorial till the British rulers conquered them. Therefore, when the British left India in 1947, the Nagas should have reverted to their independent status. But the fact is that Nagas never had an independent political existence at all either immediately before British rule or even during the British rule. Nagas were never an independent nation. A political entity or a nation has to be based on historical facts. It pre-supposes the existence of a definite political structure that governs a clearly demarcated area of land. It also demands that the political structure would be a monarchy, a democracy, an autocracy, an oligarchy, a dictatorship or any other structure that is universally accepted by political scientist. But Nagas lack these criteria. Shri. S.C. Jamir has been telling this fact (Bedrock of Naga Soceity).
Dr. S.C. Jamir’s latest proposal
While interacting with 29 students of the Political Science Department from Patkai Christian College, Chumukedima on 1st April 2006, Jamir proposed that Nagas should work out with the Government of India a political frame work which can protect the future of the Naga people, their distinct identity and economic well-being by way of some financial pakage “A political frame work acceptable to all parties concerned and one which could safeguard the future of Naga people, must be worked out by the negotiating parties in consultation with all sections of the Naga Community” said Shri Jamir. On viability of “Independent Nagaland” Jamir said that the world has changed tremendously in the last few decades and the necessities too have changed. The world is a globalized village now and no nation can afford to isolate itself from the rest of the world. We are witnessing an era of inter-dependence when nations are coming together for mutual economic benefits, for instance, the European Union, the SAARC or ASEAN. This is a century of unions and unlike the earlier era, this is going to be the Asian era where countries like India and China are going to dominate world economy and therefore, world politics, Jamir stated and added “In my opinion, it would be best for Naga people to be part of a giant” nation where we are proud and equal citizens and can partake in the benefits of that economic giant. Shri Jamir pointed out that in present day context, economic sovereignty has eclipsed political sovereignty and exhorted the younger Naga generation to set their priorities right so that they can march ahead with the changed times. Speaking as Chief Guest in Tangnyinn Aoyea (festival) in Lungwa village of Mon on 12th April 2006, Jamir said India while trying to strengthen its relationship with China and all other neighboring countries had an open mind towards the Naga Problem. “Mother India is inviting all of you to come. So Nagas must come with one mind”. Jamir said referring to the Indo-Naga Political talk “If Nagas want to solve their political problem, they must follow the path of peace. If we continue to fight. We have no future and the future Nagas will blame the present Nagas” Jamir narrated. (The Morung Express 13.04.2006). Former Maharashtra Governor said on 5.04.2010 at Mokokchung that Nagas should not be too obsessed with politics since the Naga political problem is just a fraction of the society; he said that Naga people should firstly try to address the human problems in the society, and then ultimately a solution will also be found to the Naga political problem. Elaborating on the human problems in the Naga society, Jamir implied that the people are not free to speak, to move in the society and no security in the society. He said further that Naga society cannot grow on falsehood, inequality and discrimination saying that it is important for the Naga people to know their roots and preserve their traditions and culture. Jamir maintained that the polity of Nagas should be in conformity with the contemporary political scenario of the world and the country. Rheoteric or political demagogic cannot bring any political solution to the Naga problem. He said that there is sufficient scope for the Naga people under the Indian polity. (The Morung Express 6.04.2010).
Lok Shri Dr. Jamir was first ambushed in Kohima while he was coming from his forest colony residence. He escaped the rain of bullets from both sides but his wife was hit in her thigh. He was attacked second time in Nagaland House 29, Aurengzeb Road, New Delhi and his body was riddled with A.K. 47 bullets. Here again, the doctors of All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) New Delhi saved his life with the grace of God. Thirdly, the mines were planted on way to his Chumukedima residence. But it was detected by security personnel well in time. Forthly, the fourteen powerful bombs were planted between Piphema and Medziphema on NH-39 and all of them were exploded on running convoy of Jamir when he was Chief Minister. Surprisingly neither he nor any body from his convoy were harmed. Jamir carefully came out of his vehicle and hid him in the ditch caused by the explosion. The explosion was accompanied with the breeze of bullets from A.K. series assault rifles from nearby hills. God miraculously saved him here also. He was rescued by army helicopter. One of his security men was killed. On return to Kohima, Jamir announced a reward of rupees ten lakhs for giving the clue of the culprits responsible for the explosion of bombs at his moving convoy on NH-39 near Piphema.And fifth, his convoy was ambushed when he was coming from Mokokchung to Dimapur. He miraculously escaped here also. Dr. S.C. Jamir wrote sixteen page small booklets- “Bedrock of Naga Society” published by Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (I) in 2000. In that booklet, Jamir described the true history of Nagas. He concluded that demand of sovereignty was a myth and the formation of state was a reality which fulfilled long-cherished dream of Nagas. This small booklet put NSCN-IM movement in reverse gear. This doubled the anger of NSCN-IM on Jamir.
Shri Rishang Keishing, a Tangkhul Naga from Ukhrul and three term Chief Minister of Manipur says repeatedly that he is an Indian first and a Naga afterwards. During his Chief Minister ship, the Manipur Assembly has repeatedly resolved with one voice that not event a single inch of Manipur would be seceded for creation of Greater Nagaland. These are few burning examples. Lok Shri. S.C. Jamir, late Hokishe Sema, Reishang Keishing and other prominent Naga leaders have large number of their followers. But they are silent for fear of the gun. The Naga society is required to keep a note of what there leaders has said about the solution of Naga problem at different point of time. They should also read every statement from Prime Minister, Home Secretary G.K. Pillai and interlocutor R.S. Pandey in the Naga peace talk since GOI is telling the Nagas about the current positions.
Interacting with media at Guwahati on 22nd July 2010 Dr. S.C. Jamir said involvement of the NSCN-IM led by Th. Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu alone in peace talks would not solve the problem. Now onwards the peace talks should be all inclusive involving Naga people as a whole given that the Centre has already rejected the two principle demands of NSCN-IM-sovereignty and integration of Naga inhabited areas in the Northeast. He termed the NSCN-IM demand for sovereignty unrealistic in the present context (Nagaland Post 23.03.2010). Addressing the Tsungremong festival celebration organized by Ongpongkong Senso Telongjem Chumukedima at Mount Mary Higher Secondary School, Dr. Jamir asked whether those who use the slogan “Nagaland for Christ” were actually following it. This was an apparent hint towards NSCN-IM who uses this slogan at every available opportunity. He said further-The insurgency syndrome has created uneasiness among the people. He lamented that villagers and administrators were reluctant to speak out the truth and the Churches fail to raise voice against evils plaguing Naga society. Expressing concern over the present condition of the Naga society Dr. Jamir said even many young scholars refuse to return home and it was a problem that needed deep introspection. (Nagaland Post 04.08.2010).
Emergent Assembly session demanded REPORTER Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Aug 20 – Criticising the State Government for its ‘lethargy and inaction’ over the recent border incursion by miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh with support from a separatist ultra outfit at Charaipung in Sivasagar district, public activist Prof Deven Dutta called for an emergent session of the State Assembly to discuss the situation and initiate firm measures to drive out the encroachers.
“What the State is witnessing at the Charaipung border are exceptional developments threatening the very existence of the people. This is a virtual invasion that also involves a separatist militant outfit. A police barrack and residences inside Assam have been destroyed but the State Government seems utterly nonchalant about the situation… an emergent session of the Assembly should be convened to discuss the matter,” Prof Dutta said.
Questioning the ‘status quo’ which the State Government often reiterates about border rows, Prof Dutta said that repeated incursions and illegal occupation of more and more of Assam’s land by several of its neighbours had made a mockery of the ‘status quo.’
“The status quo referred to by the Government is a misnomer as it does not denote the pre-skirmish or pre-occupational position. Everyday the miscreants are pushing into our territory and our Government is content with maintaining ‘status quo’ even if it actually means losing our land,” Prof Dutta said.
Terming the lackadaisical attitude of the State Government and the administration as absolutely appalling, Prof Dutta said that not a single minister or MLA visited the Charaipung area. “The Chief Minister might be recuperating in Mumbai but that does not mean that the Government and the administration should come to a standstill. There is also a Chief Minister in-charge besides a ten-member cabinet committee to supervise the administration. Are they all in a state of deep slumber so as not to react to such an ominous development?” he asked.
Prof Dutta also decried the role of so-called student organisations with ‘old and non-student leaders’ that had been maintaining a stoic silence over the developments. “These organisations are habituated to raising a hue and cry over almost every other issue but most surprisingly when it comes to border incursions by neighbouring States, they remain conspicuous by their silence. At the most a few local student leaders are making statements but the gravity of the situation warrants a vociferous protest by the top leaders. Could it be that these so-called student leaders do not want to displease their counterparts in other student bodies in the neighbouring States?” Prof Dutta questioned.
Criticising the role of the administration, Prof Dutta said that deputy commissioners and superintendents of police are not supposed to wait for instructions of their political leadership when it comes to ensuring safety of lives and property of citizens and public property including land. “The people also have a right to know the role of the Chief Secretary and the DGP in this regard, as security of the people and the State’s territorial integrity is at stake,” he said.
Asserting that there was a sinister design of including parts of Assam in the NSCN (I-M)’s ‘Greater Nagalim’, Prof Dutta said that the submissive and weak stand of the Assam Government encouraged the encroachers to illegally occupy and settle on the State’s land. “The encroachers have even set up offices, schools, churches, etc., on Assam land with the State Government remaining a mute spectator,” he added.
Prof Dutta said that the State Government’s inaction on encroachment by neighbouring States, especially by Nagaland, raised questions whether it had a tacit understanding with the Centre on the matter. “Even as Nagaland is encroaching on more and more land, the Centre keeps telling the Assam Government about maintaining the sanctity of the so-called status quo,” he said.
Assam-Arunachal border row turns violent Indo-Asian News Service
Saraipung, Panic gripped villagers in Assam after incursions and attacks by tribals from Arunchal Pradesh, backed by militants of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), during the past one week. A police spokesperson said heavily armed NSCN-IM militants accompanied by locals from Arunachal Pradesh have been continuously raiding Saraipung village in eastern Sivasagar district, about 400 km from Assam's main city of Guwahati.
“The raids have been going on for the past one week with large group of people from Arunachal Pradesh, backed by NSCN-IM militants, crossing the unfenced border and launching attacks on Assamese villagers. Several homes were set ablaze, besides the attackers assaulting locals on the Assam side,” a senior police official said.
Trouble began on Aug 16 when about 200 locals from Arunachal Pradesh descended on Saraipung and went on a rampage dismantling homes and setting ablaze a tea garden factory, besides attacking residents.
“The entire game plan is to terrorise the villagers and encroach on Assam land to set up permanent structures by people from Arunachal Pradesh. By helping the locals, the NSCN-IM is desperately trying to set up some foothold in the area for safe base inside Arunachal Pradesh,” the official said.
On Friday, NSCN-IM militants ambushed the convoy of the Sivasagar district police chief Akhilesh Singh in which two of his security men were injured.
“We are feeling really threatened by the repeated incursions and would like the Assam government to send security reinforcements to instil a sense of confidence,” said Tarini Barman, a community elder.
Border disputes are nothing new in the northeast with fights for territorial supremacy often leading to violent clashes.
SC appoints mediation team for Assam-Nagaland border India Blooms News Service (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati, Aug 21 (IBNS) : The Supreme Court (SC) appointed a two-member mediation team to examine the border dispute case between the two states of Assam and Nagaland on Saturday, sources said.
The SC has appointed senior advocates Sriram Panchu and Nirjan Bhat as mediators to examine the 22-years old border dispute case of Assam-Nagaland.

Sources said, several disputes, includes bordering issue and water sharing between the northeastern states, are pending before the apex court and now the mediation team will examine and submit its interim report before the court by December 6 this year.

The SC also asked Chief Secretaries of both Assam and Nagaland to assist the team to come out with an amicable solution.

Repeal law giving army special powers: Activists Sify News
Students and civil rights groups Saturday protested in the national capital to demand the repeal of a law that grants the military special powers, including legal immunity, during operations in country's troubled areas.
A day after Home Minister P. Chidambaram said that changes proposed by his ministry in the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act could be implemented after consultations with all concerned, the activists said there should be no sucj law.
'The people from Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram and other states where AFSPA is there, don't want changes in the law, but we are clearly asking for the repeal of AFSPA,' said Sucheta De, secretary of students' body All India Students Association (AISA).
The protestors also cited various instances of human rights violations in the name of the special powers given to armed forces.
G.N. Saibaba, an assistant professor at Delhi University and vice president of the Revolutionary Democratic Front of India, branded armed forces in a few states with AFSPA as 'killers' and said they should not be given charge in sensitive areas of the country.
According to Nandini Sundar of Delhi School of Economics, 'The government claims that areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram and Jharkhand are peaceful because of the army. The truth is that years of oppression have silenced the voice of democracy.'
The act is in force in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.
Centre extends suspension of operations against Manipur Kuki rebels by 45 days Iboyaima Laithangbam The Hindu
Decision taken after high-level meeting attended by Union Ministry officials
The suspension of operations by the Centre against the Kuki rebel groups of Manipur has been extended by 45 days. The ceasefire expired on August 19.
The extension was announced after a high-level meeting attended by Union Ministry officials, including Navin Verma, and Manipur Chief Secretary D.S. Poonia. The truce agreement was signed on August 21, 2008.
Charges of violations
There had been allegations of violation of ceasefire by rebels. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, who is also in charge of Home, had repeatedly warned that the government would back out of the ceasefire commitments if there were continued violations of the ground rules.
The Centre had also signed ceasefire agreements with the two Nagaland-based Naga rebel groups, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang).
Both groups also operate in Manipur.
On June 14, 2001, the ceasefire was extended “without territorial limits” and there was protest from the people of Manipur on June 18, during which 18 persons were killed.
After this, the Centre withdrew the ceasefire extension.



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