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12/03/2010: "Tripartite talks on UNC 'alternative arrangement' held Nagaland Page"



Tripartite talks on UNC 'alternative arrangement' held Nagaland Page

Senapati, December 3: The Centre Friday held tripartite talks with the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Manipur State Government in Manipur's Senapati District to break the deadlock over the prevailing situation between Manipur and Nagaland.
The talks mainly focused on the UNC's memorandum to the Prime Minister on September 14 last demanding an alternative arrangement. The talks would be carried on till Saturday.
Special Secretary from the Home Ministry UK Bansal said the discussions would be carried on until an acceptable solution is achieved.
"We have decided to carry on these discussions till the time we reach a very successive and very acceptable solution to the major problems of the people whom we represent," said Bansal.
The United Naga Council (UNC) chairman Sword Vashum, heading the 8-member team to the tripartite talks said the meeting was quite cordial in nature and various important issues regarding the Nagas were discussed in it.
"I would say detailed discussions on various issues, particularly to the issues relating to the core demand of the Nagas, that is, the alternative arrangements for the Nagas in Manipur," said Vashum.
On Thursday, Manipur chief minister Ibobi Singh had convened a high-level preparatory meeting. Beside some of the cabinet ministers and top bureaucrats, the meeting was attended by Bansal. (Agencies)

Chiang Mai brainstorming ends - Naga groups urged to respect each other & build trust OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph




(Top) Th. Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu: Missed
Kohima, Dec. 2: The Chiang Mai IX meet, which concluded in the absence of representatives of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), observed they have identified respect for each other and the voice of the people as the basic principles of trust and confidence.
A statement received here from Chiang Mai in Thailand signed by Quakers from the UK, Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Federal Government of Nagaland (Singnyu) and Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland/National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) called for sincerity, commitment, honest examination of prejudices and assumptions and greater transparency and willingness to admit mistakes.
“We see a need for us to adopt the right attitude and a spirit of oneness. This will require positive action, courageous corrective measures and a process of honest self-reconciliation, and — where necessary — the preservation of confidentiality. In practical terms, we see a need for more direct contacts among the political groups, and we have looked at a number of other specific trust-building measures,” the joint statement stated.
This was the ninth such meeting held since May 2008 as part of the Journey of Common Hope under the aegis of FNR, Quakers, American churches and several international organisations.
“We have unanimously adopted a resolution to prepare for the meeting among the political groups at the highest level, as mandated by Naga organisations, churches and civil societies. We have missed the presence of the NSCN/GPRN (Isak-Muivah), but are looking forward to the partnership with them in the preparations for the highest-level meeting,” the statement said.
The NSCN (I-M) did not attend the meeting saying it was useless to meet at the lower level.
The outfit said peace and reconciliation could progress if only top leaders of the Naga groups could meet and work out modalities.
Swu and Muivah have been insisting that S.S. Khaplang, chairman of GPRN/NSCN, should meet them. Khaplang lives in the jungles of Myanmar.
“We have reflected deeply on the serious difficulties faced by our reconciliation process now and considered what we can do to build trust among ourselves,” the Chiang Mai statement said.
The statement said all this would involve a far-reaching and fundamental change in attitude on the part of groups, starting with themselves. It said this would not be easy, but was sorely needed.
“May such a change be our staff and our guide on our continuing journey, as we seek to fulfil the pledge of reconciliation we have made before God and the Naga people,” the four organisations, in the statement, said.
Chiangmai IX: To prepare for highest level meet DIMAPUR, (NPN):
As mandated by Naga organizations, churches and civil societies, the representatives of GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN along with FNR and the Quakers met at Chiangmai, from November 25 to 30, and adopted a unanimous resolution to prepare for highest level meeting among the Naga political groups. Informing that they had missed the participation of NSCN (I-M), a joint statement released from Chiangmai by Quakers, GPRN/NSCN, NNC/FGN and FNR, however, said they were looking forward to the partnership with NSCN (I-M) in the preparations for the highest level meeting. The joint meeting also conveyed to the Naga people “sincerest good wishes for a Christmas filled with true love, joy, peace and hope”. This was the ninth such meeting held since May 2008 as part of the Journey of Common Hope. (Full text in page-4)

Hornbill Music Festival declared open Correspondent Nagaland Post

Beth Payne, US Consul General, Kolkata being felicitated by Dr Nicky Kire, MLA Advisor MTF at the launch of Hornbill Music Festival 2010. (NP)
The Hornbill Music Festival, 2010 kick-started on Wednesday with Beth A. Payne Consul General, US Consulate General Kolkata officially launching the festival at IG Stadium, Kohima.
After declaring the festival open, Beth A. Payne applauded state government’s initiative and stated Nagland was the only state to have a Music Task Force (MTF) and hinted that it would be good if her country could replicate the Music Task Force.
The Consul General also thanked the state government for inviting her as the state guest to officially launch the Hornbill Music Festival, and for according her a warm reception during her stay in Nagaland
While drawing a comparison between Naga culture and the tradition of the Native Red Indians, Payne added she would take back home the message of love and peace of Nagas
Earlier Dr. Nicky Kire, MLA and Adviser MTF welcomed Beth A Payne and her team, for sparing their busy schedule to visit Nagaland and wished her a pleasant stay in Nagaland.
Kire further hoped the state guest would visit Nagaland even in future and also wished the participants the very best. The introductory address was delivered by Gugs Sema, PD MTF.
Topeni, Nagal Idol 2009, Keneilezonuo, Brand Ambassador NSACSs Rock Reach, Neiba Bio and Sharyn Chang, both Naga Idol finalists 2010, Bikato Kiho, winner of Nagas Got Talent (NGT) 2010, Alito Wotsa finalist NGT2010, Leah Longchar, Most Promising Artist 2nd Music Video Award of Nagaland 2010, Lui Tsudir and other band including NCSA and DGP bands took to the stage.
On December 2 there will be a Hornbill Designers Contest 2010. On all the days the gates will be open by 4pm at IG stadium with free entry. The week-long contest will be part of the annual Hornbill Festival, the annual cultural extravaganza in Nagaland showcasing the rich Naga culture, organized by the state government’s Music Task Force (MTF), department of Youth Resources and Sports and the event is managed by XL.
Nagaland aiming to reach out to bigger markets through handloom sector From ANI
Dimapur The Government of Nagaland continues to host exhibitions to enable artisans and crafts persons to reach a bigger market.
Recently, a handloom expo was held in Dimapur to promote the state's rural weavers.

"We live in a village and weave clothes. But we don't have many buyers in rural areas. Such expos in the cities are very helpful as we get an opportunity to market our products and make good money," said Hotoli, a weaver.

The Development Commissioner of Handlooms, Dimapur and Union Ministry of Textiles organized the Handloom Expo jointly.

Over 40 stalls showcased different handicraft items, providing a wider platform to local talent.

Visitors thronged the expo to buy hand-made bedcovers, artificial jewellery, gift items, bamboo made items and furniture. Many of these artisans are working with NGOs' and self help groups.

"Our main objective is to promote local entrepreneurs. Since we don't have access to a bigger market, we are trying to provide a platform to small entrepreneurs through such fairs. They can develop business contacts with the buyers. The main objective of the expo is to promote local entrepreneurs, self-help groups and NGOs," said Konole Kin, one of the organizer's of the event.

The visitors appreciated the work of local artisans and said they wanted such events to be held more frequently throughout the year.

"To organize a national Expo is a good idea by the government. As it provides the right platform for local entrepreneurs, more such expos must be held in Nagaland. I believe such expos should be given greater publicity so that more buyers can come and develop contacts with the local entrepreneurs," said Khekho, a visitor at the expo.

The northeast has talented artisans who are looking for a bigger platform to reach out to more buyers, and exhibitions like this one, are of great help to them.

Green' waltz to save flying tigers Rahul Karmakar, Hindustan Times
Kisama, The endangered hornbill will finally get something out of an annual ethnic extravaganza it was named after. However, that too depends on how good the Nagas are at ballroom dancing. Nagaland's warriors are used to waltzing, often with spears and machetes, to celebrate a war victory. For a change, some of them would be waltzing to fight a different war - for the hornbill.
The 11th edition of the seven-day Hornbill Festival showcasing Naga lifestyles got under way at Kisama, 8 km south of state capital Kohima, on Wednesday.
Until this year, the organisers never really spared a thought for the bird they were cashing in on for a tourism turnaround.
Nagas agree this took a long time coming in a state, where hornbills, despite being eulogised in folklore, are killed for their feathers to make an ethnic statement.
Tribes such as the Zemes even believe the hornbill's socio-ecological value equals that of a tiger, also an awe-inspiring creature in Naga culture. The 'equality' is primarily because of a roar-like sound the hornbill makes.
The tiger is no longer found in Nagaland. Conservationists believe the hornbill is headed the same way, and no one knows how many of these birds exist in the wild.
"We have organised a ballroom dance on Friday, partly to fund an initiative to save the hornbill," tourism commissioner-secretary Himato Zhimomi said.
"You can call it the green waltz."
The ballroom dance comes for a price - Rs 5000 per head. Much of the proceeds will go to charity, but 30% is earmarked for the save-hornbill fund.
"This is part of our effort to add value to this festival and not let it be song-and-dance kind of thing," said tourism parliamentary secretary Yitachu.
Wildlife officials have welcomed the Hornbill-for-hornbill idea.
"Their number is dwindling by the day," said principal chief conservator of forest S Goel.
His department had some time ago submitted a proposal to New Delhi for declaring the Mount Kista forest in southwest Nagaland's Peren district a hornbill-specific biodiversity area.
Severing All Ties With State Govt Still Top Agenda For UNC, Stops Short Of Lim Demand No final say, but separate UT or State mooted Sangai Express
Senapati, Dec 3 : Thankfully the demand for a Nagalim, which means carving out huge chunks of territories from the neighbouring States, particularly Manipur, and bring all Naga inhabited areas under one administrative unit did not surface in the first tripartite talk held today between leaders of the UNC, envoy from the Centre and representatives from the State Government at Senapati district headquarters today.

However the Lim shadow hung heavily in the demands or conditions put forward by the UNC, when it insisted on the creation of either a separate State or formation of a Union Territory for the Nagas of Manipur.

The points raised by the UNC leaders in today's talk was in line with the Declaration adopted on July 1, 2010, under the Naga People's Convention, which had clearly stated that they would cut off all ties with the Government of Manipur.

Former Lok Sabha MP from the Outer Parliamentary Constituency and Naga leader Mani Charenamei, who was among the eight-member United Naga Council (UNC) representatives at the tripartite talk at Senapati district today, said the alternative arrangements demanded by the Nagas could be formation of a separate Naga Union Territory or a State.

The demand is within the Constitution of India, Mani said while addressing a press conference at Senapati district headquarters, located about 60 kilometers from Imphal in the afternoon today.

The former MP spoke to the media about an hour after the tripartite talk.

On the other hand the representatives from the State Government made it clear that the territorial integrity of Manipur is non-negotiable, said a source.

UK Bansal, Secretary in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (Internal Security) and Chief Secretary DS Poonia led the Central and State Governments respectively, while Sword Vashum headed the UNC delegation in the talks held at the office complex of Deputy Commissioner (Senapati).

On being asked about the outcome of the talks, Charenamei said, “Today being the first day, I should say that we have been able to make some sort of a breakthrough but we have not set any deadline for the next round of talks.”

Incidentally the core issue of alternative arrangements for the Nagas was not discussed thoroughly in the talk.

On this core issue, Central team leader Bansal said “We have tried to understand each others’ point of view and what alternative arrangement connotes, because it has lots of meaning and can be interpreted in many ways. Some points have come up. We are carrying it forward in the next round of meeting.”

About the talks, Bansal said, “We hope to pursue the dialogue till it comes to a logical conclusion. They (Naga leaders) have come and sat across the table discussing issues. I’m very hopeful that continuation of the interaction will lead to positive development of the people.”

On the other hand UNC delegation leader Sword Vashum said the core issue is only alternative arrangements for the Nagas.

Elaborating, he said the Nagas in their highest decision making forum, the Naga People’s Convention ( NPC) held on July 1 this year, had already decided to sever all political ties with the Government of Manipur. A memorandum to this effect was also submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on September 14.

Vashum, a senior official in the Central Government, expressed serious concern over the failure of the three Cabinet Ministers of the State to turn up for the talk despite being notified earlier saying that the Chief Secretary cannot make any political decision.

Besides the core issue “we are not running away from discussing other related issues in the talks,” Vashum added. Besides Bansal, other central government representatives include Sambhu Singh, Joint Secretary ( MHA), northeast, Ashuli Challai, director Doner, Colonel Sanjeeb Narayan, Director MO 2 and Brigadier AK Narula commander 59 Mountain Brigade representing Eastern Command.



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