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08/23/2010: "Nagaland Peace Centre Extends Support to FNR N. Theyo Lhusi Haralu Morungexpress"




Nagaland Peace Centre Extends Support to FNR N. Theyo | Lhusi Haralu Morungexpress

The historical facts of Nagaland were created by the leadership of Late A.Z Phizo like- Naga Plebiscite followed by another event of non-participation of the first Indian General Election and then Naga Delegation meeting with Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation etc. On the other hand, the political aspiration to Naga National Workers which led to armed confrontation with the Government of India, resulted in loss of human lives and destruction of properties.
The Nagaland Church with frequent prayer emerged with the idea of First Ceasefire and three great friends of Nagas like- Late Joy Prakash Narayan, Rev.Michel Scott and B.P. Chalita started the ground work on the first Peace Mission. The mission however hard and difficult was successful and the armed conflict between the Federal Army of Nagaland and the Army of India was suspended and the peace process began with political dialogue without political solution. Unfortunately, the Naga national Workers were badly fractured with one reason or the other which led to killing, kidnapping, abduction and extortion among Naga brothers, Nagas who love their people as brothers and sisters were crying for those unwanted happenings in the country of Nagaland. But who will hear the cry? They need healings. Many techniques and strategy were applied by various organizations like the Naga Churches, Naga Hoho, Tribal Hoho, Students Body, Naga Women Organisation, DB’s and GB’s in all levels. The State Government of Nagaland generously spent huge amount of money for the peace process. But fighting and killing among themselves in towns and villages continued unabated. The Nagas were therefore, on the verge of doomsday by their own hatred, revenge and deed sense of bitterness.
Sick men needs healing and the same are blessed through Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). The wisdom of Forum for Naga Reconciliation is well appreciated and widely admired because of its deep penetration in the minds and hearts of all sensible and right thinking citizens. Firstly, it was a technique and strategy that ensures safety and friendly type of game of football in which different entity, freely participated- handshaking, smiling on their faces and drinking tea/having food together. Brave and respectable women who lost their husband in the factional fighting, distributed flowers to each and every players in the playground. This constructive idea was built up in the minds and hearts of the Naga National Workers. This was followed by the Naga reconciliation meet held in Chiang Mai, Thailand from June 1 to 8, 2009 which resulted in signing of a document ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ by the NSCN (IM), NSCN (K), GPRN (NSCN), FGN and NNC and the latest by Unification group. This provided a new direction through reconciliation and forgiveness. All positive political forces are seen working to re-unite the fractured national workers of Nagaland through Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
The Nagaland Peace Centre frequently pray and appeal to all entities of the Naga national workers to exercise the gift of patience to the leaders and the architect of Forum for Naga Reconciliation and also we appeal to all citizens of Nagaland who are in spite of sheer poverty, making useful contribution to ensure sustainability to different entities of the Naga national workers to support FNR for their success.
N. Theyo,
Chairman
Lhusi Haralu,
Executive Director

Another phenomenon Nagaland Post

It is not a healthy sign that road blockade against another state has of late, become a so-called “democratic form of protest” for whatever reasons with the All Assam Students Union-backed blockade on the inter state border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The AASU accused the Assam government of failing to respond to attacks from Arunchal Pradesh side by persons allegedly backed by armed NSCN (I-M) cadres. The issue has probably been raised to xenophobic levels over the so-called ‘Greater Nagalim’ demand. While the students or those supposed to be students, may be free to believe anything, yet when it concerns an inter-state issue, there is need to be cautious lest it worsens the situation. The fear of losing even one inch of land has been played and overplayed in Assam and Manipur over the same fear. The whole irony is that Arunachal Pradesh, which has also supported the stand of all states opposed to the ‘Greater Nagaland’ concept; appears to be on the wrong side this time.From reports emanating from Assam, the protestors have vowed not to ‘cede an inch’ for the ‘Greater Nagalim’. There is some strange logic that imposing road blockade on Arunachal Pradesh will secure the territory of Assam against ‘Greater Nagalim’. If this is the belief, then it amounts to making Arunachal Pradesh an accessory in the entire scheme of things. What is of concern is that road blockades are being used under whatever pretexts while no authority has found it fit to ensure that the national highways or even any road for that matter, are open without hindrance from any people.On the issue of inter-state border incidents, the failure is probably more of systems than of the people. The protestors will always have their side of the story. However, it would seem that the DCs of the border districts between Assam and Arunachal have not tackled the problems effectively and in time. According to reports, the Naga armed faction involved, has set up camp along the border and this has alarmed those in Assam side. Whether the reports are true or not, it is expected that the border magistrates on both sides should have taken the initiative of cross checking and taking remedial measures to prevent such incidents. As the government of India knows about the sensitivity of border disputes in the region and elsewhere, there has to be a greater effort to ensure that patrolling along the disputed areas are undertaken with joint police force under a neutral command so that lives and properties of people are protected. In the meantime, the road blockade has to be cleared without fear or favour and ensure that no one resorts to such blackmail tactics.
Operations launched in Assam-Arunachal border [IST]
Saraipung (Itanagar), Aug 23: Following the tensions in the border of Assam-Arunachal days back, security forces from both the states launched a joint counter-insurgency operation on Sunday, Aug 22.
The operation was to evict National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) militant who were involved in raiding border villages.

These militants attacked the villagers , homes were set ablaze and even demanded tax from local people. Report says trouble began since Aug 16 when about 200 locals from Arunachal Pradesh descended on Saraipung and went on a rampage.

“We want to ensure that the border area is free from any militants,” a senior Arunachal Pradesh police official said.

Border disputes continue to be on high rise in the region of North East. So, patrolling began with tight security on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border to restore peace at Simokho in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said.

NBCC pleads for peace in Kiphire morungexpress

Dimapur, August 23 (MExN): The tense situation in Kiphire between the Sangtam and Yimchunger communities remains a focus of concern, with appeals for peace from the Baptist church and a “goodwill team” from the Nagaland government characterizing the past 24 hours.
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council has expressed concern at the mounting tensions between the Sangtam and Yimchunger communities in Kiphire district. The council has called for peace. Also, legislators “on behalf of the state government” are in Kiphire district, meeting with Yimchunger and Sangtam tribal organizations. The district is in tensions following issues that were roused earlier this month, associated with ownership of land. The issue of ownership of land broke out following the government announcing the Kiphire road show which was scheduled to be held in Pungro town, earlier this month. “The present decade, 2000-2010, is a decade of peace and reconciliation.
It is therefore, envisaged that every individuals and communities would bid goodbye to bloodshed and any form of violence and settle various disputes and issues in Christian ways of forgiveness and restore mutual caring relationship in the society,” stated the NBCC in a message today.
“We earnestly urge both the communities to use peaceful means to resolve the longstanding issue.” The Baptist organization also urged all churches to pray earnestly for an early “restoration” of peace, trust and goodwill among the Sangtam and Yimchungru communities. The NBCC also urged all authorities in concern to involve in peace-building activities that will promote a society free from violence, fear, hatred and mistrust. “We appreciate the Nagaland Government for its endeavor to defuse the tense situation and urge upon the Government to continue the effort by resolving the issue amicably through negotiation,” it added.

“Eastern” legislators meet NGOs in Kiphire
Also, Legislators “on behalf of the state government” are in Kiphire district, meeting with Yimchunger and Sangtam tribal organizations. The district is in communal tension following issues that were roused earlier this month, associated with ownership of land.
Eight members of “Eastern Nagaland Legislative Union” (ENLU) led by Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development Pangnyu Phom arrived today in Kiphire on a “good will mission to the Sangtam and the Yimchunger.” Phom said tonight to have met with the local community organizations in Kiphire and later in the day, in Pungro. He said the situation is “under control” for now. No concrete solution was informed to have been arrived at. However the meetings are understood to have been cordial.
The parliamentary secretary said to have told the organizations that the road show should not be associated with the land dispute in anyway. Another meeting in Pungro was informed to have been scheduled.
Also, MLA and advisor to the VGs, Kejong Chang warned the Village Guards that their using arms against each other in the dispute between the ‘villages’ and communities will attract government’s penalizations. Their arms will be confiscated and the personnel will be sacked. If the VGs go against the government, the force will be withdrawn from the district, Kejong warned in the meetings.
The meeting unanimously adopted “To call back Yimchunger families who have left Kiphire Town from 4th to 22nd August 2010 and Camping at Shamator and Pungro” and that “this exercise shall be taken by the District Administration jointly with the NGO’s of Kiphire Town. The expenditure so incurred shall be borne by the Govt.” Further “in the event of any dispute arising between the individuals/Villages, the matter should not be taken as tribal dispute nor interfered by the tribal authorities.”
The team comprised of Pangnyu Phom, Advisor of DUDA E. Pangting, Parliamentary Secretary CL John, Parliamentary Secretary Heno, MLA Alo, and Advisor for VG Kejong, Parliamentary Secretary of CAWD T Torechu and chairman of NSMDC C Kipili Sangtam.

Cong blames DAN for fuelling tribal discord

Dimapur, August 23 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today stated to have been “perturbed by the tense situation prevalent in Kiphire and Pungro towns.” The Congress has termed it “very unfortunate that in this modern age of civilization, the two tribes of Sangtam and Yimchunger have been forced to engage in tribal feud much against their wishes”.
A note from Dr. K. Hoshi Chairman of the NPCC’s Media Cell alleged that the DAN government was “totally responsible for fuelling the tribal discord”. “There’s no denying the fact that the proposed state road show-cum-Yimchungru’s Medemneo festival at Pungro town was the ignition point. No doubt, the DAN government had called off the proposed road show but it had sown the spirit of distrust and suspicion between the two tribes”, the NPCC stated.
Despite knowing the mounting tension between the two tribes, the NPCC alleged, the DAN government had failed to take timely action to restore confidence. “Had the DAN government taken adequate timely measures, the prevalent ugly situation could have been avoided”. The NPCC also demanded that the DAN do more than just leaving the matter in the hands of the district administration “which are already full”.
The NPCC has condemned the ‘mishandling of the issue’. The communities of Sangtam and Yimchunger are appealed to maintain peace and uphold the spirit of harmonious coexistence in the larger interest of all people living in the two towns. The Congress also appealed to all responsible bodies representing the two tribes to desist from all activities that may further escalate the situation. The leaders of the two contending parties must dialogue and sort out their differences through mutual trust and patience, the Congress said.
Guru Rewben performs in New Delhi Ninglun Hanghal

NEW DELHI, Aug 21: Tangkhul Folk musician Rewben Mashangva, accompanied by his son Saka, Rap performer H Kom, rock musicians the HR Experience, The Imphal Talkies and the Howlers enthralled a packed audience at Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium here this evening. A release issued by the organizer, Burning Voices, Manipur Research Forum and www.e-pao.net stated that in the midst of all happenings in the North East region and Manipur in specific, the ‘shared solace’ an evening of contemporary – folk music was an attempt to reaffirm the shared culture and vision of human creativity in the hope of finding way for better times. A documentary on Mashangva and his music Songs of Mashangva by Oinam Doren was screened as a premier show followed by interaction with the filmmaker and Mashangva.

Speaking to the media before his performance, Mashangva said that he was trying revive the lost traditional music and songs, while evolving and developing all along. The folk music guru said, “I communicate with my music and it is up the audience on how they take it”. Filmmaker Oinam Doren told this correspondent that making a film on traditional music is not easy. He said, “All my sources are first hand information and there are no records or written document available on traditional music”. He further added, “Making a film on and about folk music and Mashangva is complex and very tasking”.
http://thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local%20news-14.html

Centre, State lambasted By Our staff Reporter

Imphal, Aug 21: Alleged indifferent attitude of the Centre coupled with inefficiency of the State Government has been claimed as the chief factor for disruptive elements continuing to carry out audicious attacks on both the National Highways. “Following court’s proceedings, the state government has already declared wanted men with monetary rewards against the presidents of the agitating UNC and Ansam, but till date no action has been taken up against them,” lamented UCM president Yumnam-cha Dilipkumar with reference to acts of arson carried out by miscreants, suspected to be UNC/ANSAM supporters, as both are involved in enforcing economic blockade of the National Highways.
The torching of two loaded trucks in a Tamenglong district area on NH-53 and pelting stones at vehicles on NH-39 on August 19 is a glaring example of inaction of the security men deployed along these routes, Dilipkumar fumed.
“ When no specific actions have been taken up against the persons (two presidents) against whom statute powers have been given to arrest them, many innocent people are, however, killed by the security forces under the shadow of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act a law given to them,” Yumnamcha reacted. “It seems that the centre has given a covert instruction to the security men deployed on the two highways not to take action against the agitators just to please the Naga leaders in the face of the ongoing NSCN (IM)-centre talks,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the decision of the Transporters and Drivers’ Council, Manipur which was backed by UCM not to ply on the Imphal-Dimapur section of NH 39 until and unless the centre reimburses the illegal taxes collected by rebel groups, NGOs and Nagaland police along the route. “We once again appeal to the truckers not to ply on the problematic NH 39 but to move along NH 53,” he said. He also expressed dissatisfaction over the replies given by Union home minister P Chidambaram over the issue in the parliament. “We are closely monitoring the government’s vision and action on the current situation and till now no explicit steps have been taken up to bring about a permanent solution to ensure the people of Manipur get a total relief ,” he said. “UCM is mulling over to launch a rigid civil movement if the state continues to suffer from all sorts of economic blockades imposed on the highways. We will let you know our stir plans later,” he added.
http://thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local%20news-02.html

UNC flays HM’s statement(NPN)
DIMAPUR, Taking strong exception to a statement purportedly made by union home minister P. Chidambaram in the Lok Sabha on August 19, that there was “no question of altering the integrity of the state of Manipur,” the United Naga Council (UNC) Sunday asked the government of India to clarify the sincerity of its stand in addressing the political issue of Nagas in Manipur. According to a UNC publicity wing release, the government of India’s actions must be “fair, rational and accompanied with due protocol”, said Chidambaram should bear full responsibility for “imposing the condition of the territorial integrity of Manipur on the peace talk.” Stating that the prestige and sincerity of the Indian government has been put to question by Chidambaram’s statement, the UNC questioned whether the union government had been “fooling” the Naga people all these years, and whether it intended to keep its word right from the beginning of the peace talks which have been going on for the last 13 years. Also citing Articles 3 and 4 of the Indian constitution, the UNC alleged that Chidambaram has gone against the constitution by unilaterally declaring that it would “be inconceivable that we break up the states.” The UNC said such statement would only provoke and stir violence, while causing more alienation and mistrust amid all efforts to build understanding between the Nagas and the Indian government. “What Chidambaram must understand is that Nagas are not trying to break up Manipur state. The Nagas of Manipur just simply do not want to be part of a state that is built on an ideology of force, communalism and oppression,” the UNC statement added.
Has the Govt. of India Lied to the Naga People, Then? Mizoram Express By Puni Modoli, former president United Naga Council
The statement in the Lok Sabha on 19th August 2010, by the Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram that the Govt. of India rules out any move to alter the boundary of the states in the North-East region to ACCOMMODATE the demand for ‘Greater Nagalim,’ is but a fitting example of the left hand of the UPA II not knowing what its right hand does. While the GOI is free to use its options in governing the country evaluating the consequences, its actions are expected to be within the parameters fairness, rationality and due protocol. If the statements were made at a press conference it would have been bad enough but having made the statement on the floor of the house he surely knows the total ramifications of his action. P. Chidambaram knows he treads dangerous grounds and is well experienced on the fact that loose talk from insulated high seats can cause tragedy at the ground level .While replying to discussion on the reimpossed economic blockade in Manipur there appear to be little reason to pre-empt the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks, and make a policy statement on the floor of the parliament, against the spirit in which the peacetalks are being held presently. Much because the Naga peace talks is also a Government of India agenda. More because the matter was still under negotiation with the Government of India. On 19th August ’10, P. Chidambaram represented the GOI .
The Home Minister is well aware that ceasefire declaration and the subsequent peace talks were being held a) at the Prime Ministers level. b) in a third country, and c) without pre-conditions. Though the conditions have been softened over the years due to the good rapport between the negotiators, the three guiding principles remain intact. The proper and honourable way to completely rubbish the on-going peace talks would have been to, a) first call-off the ceasefire with the Naga groups, b) unilaterally withdraw from the peace talks, and then c) make the declaration in Parliament or elsewhere.
The question here is not whether Nagas are to be united or not, the question here is why the GOI should serve an ultimatum on its own prestige and sincerity. The question here is not whether the Naga peace talks are ejected or not but how the Government of India really looks at the the much flaunted peace talks offers made across the country where peoples movements exists much for the same reasons, be it Kashmir, the Northeastern states or the Maoist areas of central India. The Indo-Naga peacetalks are going on for all the world to see but after the Home Minister’s statement in parliament, the questions in the minds of the people is - has the GOI fooled the Naga People and the whole world for all these years? Is it such that the GOI had never intended to keep its word as far as peacetalks were concerned right from the beginning?
Chidambaram talks of “the pluralistic character of states that cannot be wished away”. What the he unfortunately does not realize is that all naga area district headquarters and townships are miniature India’s where many communities co-exist peacefully. On “honour, dignity and equal rights” in Manipur state – the less said the better. On 28th August 1948, four persons were shot to death by Manipur Rifles exactly at the place where two students were shot dead by the Manipur Police commandoes on 6th May 2010. The meitei – naga divide/conflict started more than 200 years back from the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. Tha Nagas have time and again tried to swallow the bone of the meitei promises of “honour, dignity and equal rights” but have always ended up with lacerated throats and nothing else. So the H.M’s offer, passed on through meitei hands is not likely to serve any real purpose.
The statements that it will be ‘inconceivable that we break-up the states’ appear to be escapist politics and tantamounts to saying we are not prepared to set things right or let justice prevail– let the situation continue. We don’t mind. His assertion of “no question of altering the integrity of the state of Manipur” he tries to imply that the political boundaries of Manipur is sacrosanct. By that yard-stick then maybe no boundary disputes exist in the country between the states nor border disputes with neighbouring countries. However, the statement was in stark contrast to the press statement Shri. Pranab Mukherjee the then Defence Miniter of India made on the first of December 2006, where he went on the say “in the course of the settlement of Indo-China boundary dispute, the territorial integrity of Arunachal Pradesh may have to be compromised”. That he went on, less than two months later to receive the Padma Vibhusahm on 26th Jan 2007 is altogether another matter. It was not the territorial integrity of Arunachal Pradesh but that of India vis-à-vis China – between sovereign countries. Within the country at best it will be boundary disputes between neighbouring states which every state in the NE has with its neighbouring states. The issue of territorial integrity of a state within the country did not arise when Jharkhand, Chhatishgarh and Uttaranchal were created, simply because it does not arise. However, the Government of India, appear to have different ways of dealing with the same problem with different people in different parts of the country.
The local administration of tribal areas by the tribals granted by the Sixth Schedule amendment to the constitution was whittled down by the majority Meitei Government (40 reserved meitei assembly seats in the house of 60) to a loud sounding nothing. It was also kept in abeyance for the last 20(twenty) years. It must be appreciated that the Union Home Minister realises that the truncated caricature of the Sixth Schedule amendment granting the autonomous district councils is known as the Naga Autonomous District councils in Manipur It is unique in the entire country.
The socio political structure in the sate of Manipur is built like a Pyramid. The valley area of the state, (25% landmass 70% population) stands right at the top. All development activities, funds, educational institutions, medical facilities, markets infrastructure, sports complexes, everything you-name-it, is located in the valley area, the top of the pyramid and nothing percolates down to the Nagas who are at the bottom. Sometimes it is as though the hills areas are called part of Manipur just because two lifelines passes through Naga territory. These lifelines feed the whole of Manipur state and not only Imphal. In every economic blockade the worst hit are not the meitei people of the valley but the hill people of the six hill districts. All the godowns, whole sellers- government and private, petrol and fuel depots, all buffer and reserve stocks of all essential commodities are stored at Imphal. From Imphal these goods are collected/dispatched to the hill areas on daily- weekly-monthly basis depending on the goods. During economic blockades this transfer to the hill areas are completely stopped and all the quota for the hills are retained as the reserve stock for the valley. In Manipur, the oppressor have become the victim and the victims have become the oppressor. And the rest of the country realizes that the hill areas are inhabited only when economic blockade is called on the two highways NH 39 & 53.
Now it is upto the Prime Minister of India to make a statement on the same floor of the House on the status and life of the Naga Peace talks. The Prime Minister have to convince the people that his government had not lied to the Nagas , the Indian nation and the world at large. The denied people in the war zones across the country need to know and gauge the sincerity of the Government at the centre. They need to know whether the government really seeks peace sincerely or is not so adverse to use treachery and lies to suppress the rights of the oppressed indigenous tribals and alienate them from their land and resources to the advantage of majority advanced communities in the neighbourhood. Whether the Government really means to protect the indigenous tribes so that they may best preserve their traditions and customs, their lores and ways of life, their land and resources or whether they are out to annihilate the tribals of the land.
Yes, the Prime Minister of the land owes it to the other people of India and the Naga people especially those living in the present state of Manipur an explaination on the stand of his Government in the light of what has been stated by his Home Minister on the floor of the Lok Sabha on 19th August 2010.
http://mizoramexpress.com/index.php/2010/08/has-the-govt-of-india-lied-to-the-naga-people-then/
UNC sees red, questions New Delhi’s sincerity By Our Staff Reporter

IMPHAL, Taking strong exception to the reported statement made by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in the Lok Sabha on August 19 that “..no question of altering the integrity of the State of Manipur”, the United Naga Council (UNC) asserted that as Chidambaram represented the Government of India in the Lok Sabha, he must bear full responsibility and liability for his statement.

While the Government of India is free to use its options in governing the country by taking into account the consequences, its actions must be fair, rational and accompanied with due protocol, the UNC said in a press release. The Indo-Naga peace talks which is based on the three principles–– at Prime Ministers level, third country and without precondition- tions, have been going on for the last 13 years with none of the parties negating these principles. As such, the Home Minister must bear full responsibility for imposing the condition of the territorial integrity of Manipur on the peace talk. Stating that the prestige and sincerity of the Government of India has been put to question by the Home Minister’s statement, the UNC asked if New Delhi has been fooling the Naga people and the whole world all these years.

“It is now being made clear that the Government of India never intended to keep its word right from the beginning as far as peace talks are concerned’ the UNC charged. Reminding that Articles 3 and 4 of the Indian Constitution provide for increasing or altering boundary of any State, the UNC accused Chidambaram of going against the Constitution by unilaterally declaring “it will be inconceivable that we break up the States”. Such statement of the Home Minister would only provoke and stir violence and expose the discrimination and insincerity to- wards the Nagas and hill tribes of Manipur. The Home Minister characterised an ideology which was hell bent on legalizing ‘might is right’, the UNC alleged.

Alleging that such conceited attitude and power- mongering politics has been the cornerstone of Indian politicians towards the North East, the UNC decried that Chidambaram has undone all efforts to build understanding between the Nagas and the Indian Government; and with one swipe, he has caused more alienation and mistrust. Manipur may be pluralistic in demography, but is communal in structure and oppressive in character. “What Mr Chidambaram must understand is that Nagas are not trying to break up Manipur State. The Nagas of Manipur simply do not want to be part of a State that is built on an ideology of force, communalism and oppression”, it iterated. Comparing the socio-political structure of Manipur to pyramid, the UNC asserted that all development activities, funds, educational institutions, medical facilities, market infrastructure, sports complexes, everything is located in the valley area when nothing percolates down to the Nagas who are at the bottom of the ‘pyramid’.

In every economic blockade, the worst hit are the hill people, not the Meiteis of the valley but the rest of the country seemed to realise that the hill areas are inhabited only when economic blockade was called on NH 39 and NH 53, the UNC said. Keeping in view the Home Minister’s statement, the UNC sought a confirmation from the Government of India whether it seeks peace sincerely or prefer treachery and lies to suppress rights of the indigenous tribes and alienate them from their land and resources to the advantage of majority advanced communities in the neighbourhood. “As for the Nagas in Manipur, we declare that Mr P Chidambaram does not have the final say on the Nagas and their future. It is for us the Nagas in Manipur to decide our future and this will be done by the severance of all ties with the Manipur Government”, added the UNC.
http://thesangaiexpress.com/News_pages/Local%20news-01.html

UNC takes strong exception to HM's statement By Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 22: The United Naga Council (UNC) has taken very strong exception to the statement made by Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram in the Lok Sabha on August 19, that there was " no question of altering the integrity of the State of Manipur."

As for the Nagas in Manipur, the UNC declared that P Chidambaram does not have the final say on the Nagas and their future. It is for the Nagas in Manipur to decide their future and it would be done by severance of all ties with the Manipur Government, a press release of the UNC asserted today.

The UNC said, while the Government of India(GoI) is free to use its options in governing the country by taking into account the consequences, its actions must be fair, rational and accompanied with due protocol. The GoI cannot be wrong and as Chidambaram represented the GoI in the Lok Sabha, he must bear full responsibility and liability for his statement. The UNC further said in its press release that the ceasefire declaration and the Indo Naga peace talks are being held at the Prime Minister's level, in a third country, and without pre-conditions.

It said, the principles of the three point guidelines have not been negated with a ceasefire call off or withdrawal from the peace talk by any of the parties. The peace talks have been going on for the last 13 years for all the world to see. Therefore Chidambaram must bear full responsibility for imposing the condition of the territorial integrity of Manipur on the peace talk.Stating that the prestige and sincerity of the GoI has been put to question by Chidambaram's statement, the UNC asked if the GoI has been fooling the Naga people and the whole world all these years. "Is it now being made clear that the GOI never intended to keep its word right from the beginning as far as peace talks are concerned?" the UNC asked.

It said, Article 3 and 4 of the Indian Constitution provides for increasing or altering the boundary of any state. Although admitting that Nagas are there in Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Chidambaram has gone against the Constitution by unilaterally declaring that it will "be inconceivable that we break up the states." Reminding that India is a democracy of the people, by the people and for the people, the UNC said, it is undesirable that the Indian Home Minister, P Chidambaram made a mockery of this basic democratic principle.

Such statement only provokes and stirs violence and exposes the discrimination and insincerity towards the Nagas and the hill tribes of Manipur. The Indian Home Minister characterizes an ideology which is hell-bent on legalizing 'might is right.' This conceited attitude and power-mongering politics has been the cornerstone of Indian politicians towards the North East. Chidambaram has undone all efforts to build understanding between the Nagas and the Indian government; and with one swipe, he has caused more alienation and mistrust, the UNC lamented.

It said, Manipur, a state that acquired full state status on January 21, 1972 may be pluralistic in demography, but is communal in structure and oppressive in character. This dogma is what Chidambaram wants to protect, at the cost of the rights and dignity of the hill tribes of Manipur. The Meiteis have been our neighbours in the past and will continue to be our neighbors in the future. What Chidambaram must understand is that Nagas are not trying to break up Manipur state. The Nagas of Manipur just simply do not want to be part of a state that is built on an ideology of force, communalism and oppression, the UNC said.
http://hueiyenlanpao.com/news.php?newsid=2345
Supreme Court Appoints Mediators to Resolve Northeast Border Issues
By sinlung
New Delhi, Aug 21: The Supreme Court today appointed a two-member mediation team to examine the border dispute between Assam and Nagaland but rejected the plea for for recusal of Justice Tarun Chatterjee from being the chairperson of the "Local Commission" constituted to resolve the row.

The apex court said the mediators comprising senior advocates Sriram Panchu and Nirjan Bhat would submit its interim report to the court by December 6 and asked the Chief Secretaries of Assam and Nagaland to assist the team in hammering out an amicable solution. The first meeting of the team would be convened in Delhi on September 18 by the Union Home Ministry and the second meeting shall be held within four weeks thereafter, the apex court said in its order. A Bench of Justices Markandeya Katju and T S Thakur, however, rejected an application moved by Assam's Advocate General K N Balagopal seeking recusal of Justice Tarun Chatterjee (retd) from being chairperson of the "Local Commission." "Let us give a try to the mediation efforts.

There have been number of Tribunals and Commissions on various issues but they have not solved the problems.

The Tribunal passed an order in favour of Karnataka in the Cauvery dispute but there were protests in Tamil Nadu," the Bench observed. The apex court passed the order while dealing with Assam's application seeking Justice Chatterjee's recusal as chairperson of the Local Commission constituted earlier.

Advocate General Balagopal told the apex court that judicial prorpriety demanded that Justice Chatterjee should recuse himself as he was part of the Bench which had on September 25, 2006, constituted the Commission with Justice S N Variava, a retired judge, as chairperson. The appointment, he said, was made on the basis of names suggested by then Attorney General.

The counsel pointed out that Justice Variava subsequently expressed "personal difficulties" and withdrew from the Commission by a communication dated December 26, 2009. He said that thereafter the apex court passed an order appointing Justice Chatterjee as chairperson of the Commission. According to counsel "judicial propriety required" that a judge, who was part of the Bench which constituted the Commission, should not himself become the chairperson.

However, the Bench said the state should have raised the objection on January 12, 2010, when the order appointing Justice Chatterjee was made.

Hence, it dismissed the application. Justice Chatterjee was recently in the news after the CBI gave him a clean chit in the UP Government's multi-crore PF scam.
http://www.sinlung.com/2010/08/supreme-court-appoints-mediators-to.html


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