[Previous entry: "Top Naga leaders in Delhi IBN PTI"] [Next entry: "ACKNOWLEGMENT"]

01/24/2011: "Red carpet welcome for Swu, Muivah at Delhi The Sangai Express"

Red carpet welcome for Swu, Muivah at Delhi The Sangai Express

New Delhi, January 23, 2011: Hundreds of Nagas in Delhi gathered today evening to welcome the arrival of Chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim Isak Chishi Swu, who was accompanied by his wife. He was also flanked by the NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah, also accompanied by his wife and other Naga leaders.

Speaking before the anxious Nagas who waited to hear him, the Chairman said that the NSCN leadership is coming to Delhi on the invitation of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, for the purpose of furthering the political negotiation towards concretizing it into a final solution.

He added that the NSCN acknowledges the positive attitude and effort of the Government of India and that NSCN is also committed from its side.

With the finest moment near at hand the Chairman cautioned that it will be prudent for both the side not to miss this opportunity to resolve the issue.

General Secretary Th Muivah in his speech informed that the GOI has understood and recognised the uniqueness of the Naga history, and is basis where the talk was initiated.

He assured that the nagas will not be betrayed.

"We are not a lost people or a lost nation" said the General Secretary of the NSCN (IM) who further elaborated that successive Prime Minister has assured for a solution including the present PM, which is honourable and acceptable to both the side.

"what is honourable is up to us ' said the General Secretary.


Isak Chishi Swu and Th Muivah at New Delhi


He further stated that to what extend the GOI will reflect ( their understanding and acceptance of the naga history) is a serious question and "that is the issue remaining to be solved" said Muivah.
Emphasisng the commitment from the side of the NSCN The general secretary said "we have not fire a single bullet" and that the leadership is here today without any arms for talks reasserting that "if GOI is committed, solution is not far way".

He also cautioned the gathering that the long 13 years of talks is not a weakness form the part of the NSCN , but the ‘patient enough' Nagas should not be forced what is not possible.

Both the leaders spoke on the concern of difference arising among the Nagas, and that NSCN is working hard toward the reconciliation process and is prepared to meet at the highest level.

Organized by Naga Community Delhi several naga students, scholars, employees attended the reception.

Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu and the Poumai Tsiidoumai Me presented a traditional dance and folk song in welcome of the Naga leadership.

Prayers were also held by Naga pastors residing in Delhi.

Leaders’ tryst with destiny - Swu drops hint that Khaplang may join talks NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, Jan. 23: From trekking the leech-riddled tracts to meet chairman Mao Zedong five decades ago to being immaculately dressed to an ovation at Lodhi Estate, Naga rebel leaders may now be facing their tryst with destiny.
Leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) said this evening that they would work towards “concretising a final solution”. The Centre also indicated that a broad framework for a settlement of the Naga issue was likely to be chalked out by the end of the year.
NSCN chairman Isak Chishi Swu received a welcome reception at a government bungalow here on his arrival from Bangkok on Friday night. Swu and Muivah, comrades-in-arms since the Naga armed rebellion of the 1960s when sovereignty was non-negotiable and they were in touch with China, continued with rhetoric today but said a solution was in sight with reflections of Nagas’ “unique history and situation”.
While announcing that they are here at the invitation of the “honourable Indian Prime Minister” Manmohan Singh, Swu said they would further the “political negotiation” towards concretising a final solution.
“We acknowledge the positive attitude and the effort of the Indian government for creating such a conducive atmosphere,” he said.
The political speech construct of “Indian leaders” was used more vehemently and frequently by both leaders just as the rebel leader continues to popularise the semantic “Indo-Naga” peace process in Nagaland.
However, Swu conceded it would be prudent for both the government and the NSCN not to miss the opportunity to resolve the issue “while its finest moment is at hand”.
The Sema tribe octogenarian did not elaborate on the finest moment but tidings are that it is indeed there. Swu also said that reconciliation among the Nagas (read NSCN-IM) and the NSCN-Khaplang) can happen.
“Facilitated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) we are prepared to meet at the highest level soon,” said Swu, suggesting S.S. Khaplang of the rival faction who lives in Myanmar, may come to Nagaland for talks.
Swu has already come in on an Indian passport and will live with Muivah in the same house here before heading for a reconciliation meeting.
The Centre has asked the rebels that they needed to unite in order to accept and implement a final and lasting solution.
Before that, however, general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah had several words of caution. He said the government should realise the Nagas had been honest in living up to their word by not attacking a single “innocent Indian on our land”.
Therefore, he said, the solution should not offer that “which is not ours” while reflecting history and situation of the Nagas that the BJP government admitted was “unique”. “We will be honest and straightforward,” said Muivah.
The general secretary, described by a student leader Kekhrie Yhome today as “notorious and mischievous….and unmatched since A.Z. Phizo” among revolutionaries, made another one-liner out of Manmohan Singh’s remarks.
Muivah is known to be a great political choirmaster. As if to prove his capabilities, hundreds of students chorused gospel song How great thou art impromptu as lights went off suspiciously at the home ministry safehouse.
Muivah said the BJP government, with Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee at its helm, had admitted to the “uniqueness of Naga history and situation”, Narasimha Rao had said Naga problem was not a law and order problem but a political one and Singh has said an “out of the box solution” is needed.
One can expect “out of the box” on several posters just as “uniqueness” has continued to be a slogan since Vajpayee said it in 2003. If that does not happen in Muivah’s perception, he warned that a solution would not be accepted.
Naga leaders agree for 'mutually acceptable' settlement with Centre (ANI)
Leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) Isak Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah have agreed to work out a 'mutually acceptable' settlement with the Central Government to resolve their differences.
Coming as a landmark breakthrough in the ongoing peace talks, the NSCN-IM leadership also accepted the Indian passports for the first time from the Central Government.
Addressing a massive gathering of Naga activists, students and leaders here, Isak Swu publicly appreciated the central government's efforts to formulate a just settlement of the simmering issue.
"We acknowledge the positive attitude and the effort of the Indian government for creating such a conducive atmosphere. On our part, true to our commitment given to the Indian leaders, we are prepared to work out what is an honourable and mutually acceptable to both sides for a just and lasting solution," said Swu.
Swu also urged the Naga people to unite and rise above the shackles of social divides to promote progress and peace in Nagaland.
"The forces to destroy and divide the Nagas will always be there. But if the people understand the issue and love their land, we can always prevail upon these destructive forces. It is my firm conviction that despite our differences and past mistakes, we should be truthful to God and sincere in our approach for a genuine reconciliation," said Swu.
Asserting that both Naga leaders and the Central Government were genuinely interested in restoring normalcy in ties, Muivah, general secretary of NSCN-IM, said that progress had indeed been made.
"Now, I believe that progress has been made. Because the government of India has understood us. So, something positive can be expected, there is no doubt about it. I think every sensible person will agree with me. We have made our position very clear to the government of India," said Muivah.
The NSCN-IM has been demanding the creation of a separate state called 'Greater Nagaland,' comprising Naga-dominated areas of northeastern states.
However, the Indian government had always rejected this demand, saying that other ethnic groups living in the adjacent provinces are not ready to part any with territory.
Call for unity through reconciliation morungexpress

In this image released to the media, Chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Th. Muivah are seen along with their wives at the civic reception organized by the Naga community New Delhi in honour of the Chairman.

Dimapur, (MExN): Following the arrival of Chairman Isak Chishi Swu to India and his subsequent trip planned for Nagaland, the Collective Leadership of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN/GPRN) today issued a one page declaration titled “Our Message, Our Voice”.
What was significant in today’s statement from the NSCN/GPRN was its reiteration of its earlier commitment to unity through reconciliation. “We earnestly appeal to you all to uphold the Covenant of Reconciliation based on historical and political rights of the Nagas in true spirit. Let us journey together towards our common destiny”, the Collective Leadership pronounced in an obvious appeal to the other Naga political groups in particular the other signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation.
Nagas right to self determination will strengthen India’s democracy: Collective Leadership
Further, in an apparent message to the Government of India and also the people of India the statement from the top NSCN/GPRN Collective leadership had this to say: “If the recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas” is translated into reality, the solution is not far off, it stated. While acknowledging the democracy of India, the statement stated that “we can also assure that understanding the right of the Nagas to self-determination will only strengthen India’s democracy”.
The Collective Leadership also expressed how they had been “overwhelmed” by the warm reception given to them by the Naga people pointing out that this love and support has brought them this far. “We are only reminded of the collective strength of our movement, a people’s movement”, it stated.
Pointing out that the “journey together towards our common goal” was the “one clear vision we have”, the Collective Leadership reminded of the “different roles we must undertake” in this journey. “Youth and children, to whom we entrust our future, inherit the legacy of Truth, Freedom and Justice. Etch these values in your hearts and minds without which we have no reason for our existence as a people”, the statement stated.
The Collective Leadership has also thanked mothers and sisters “who keep the hearth warm and burning”. “Let every hearth they lit guide us towards the right path”, it stated. Besides, it has thanked the grandparents, “whose sacrifices have kept this movement alive” and “whose wisdom has guided us for keeping our stories and hopes alive!” “May the stories of our struggles and sacrifices never be forgotten. May it keep our future and vision alive!” it added.

Civic Reception held to welcome Isak Chishi Swu

Dimapur, January 23 (MExN): The Naga community residing in New Delhi held a civic reception to welcome National Socialist Council of Nagalim Chairman Isak Chishi Swu who has arrived at Delhi. “The joy of receiving him again has renewed our hope too. We trust that the objective of his journey will be fulfilled”, stated a brief press note issued by the Programme committee. Reminding that the NSCN and the Government of India (GoI) has covered 70 rounds of talk, the press note believed “that each meeting has brought them closer” and congratulated both the parties for surviving what it termed as the longest ceasefire ever.
According to the press note this has brought out three important things; that, the Indo-Naga conflict is political in nature political steps is required to solve the same; that, a ceasefire is necessary to create conducive atmosphere for a political dialogue and that, dialogue is the only way to end violence and bloodshed and pave way to peace.
The press note urged that through this long ceasefire an honourable solution is brought at the earliest. It also extended its support to both the parties for a healthy dialogue and hope that this peace talk not only forges “new relationship between the two Nations but also show the way to end conflicts around the world especially in South Asia”. “We look forward to celebrate the freedom and agreement of the two nations at the soonest”, it stated.

NSCN positive on talks with Centre HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times

Leaders of India’s longest running insurgency —National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) — on Sunday hinted at progress in the ongoing talks on the vexed Naga issue, saying they acknowledged the government’s “positive” attitude in finding a lasting solution. The NSCN (IM) has held on to a ceasefire agreement with the central government since August 1997. NSCN (IM) chairman Isak Chisi Swu said the rebel leadership was in the country at the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for peace dialogue.
He said he hoped that the Centre would deliver on its promise that any agreement with the outfit would reflect the “unique history” and position of the Nagas.
“We are committed to an honourable, just and lasting solution,” Swu told a function organised to welcome his return to the country This time, he traveled on an Indian passport.
The Naga leader said he welcomed the government’s positive attitude towards the ongoing talks between the group and the interlocutor RS Pandey.
At the same time, Swu also stressed on the need for reconciliation among the Naga people to bridge their differences. “I …hope that they (the government) will not miss the opportunity,” he said. NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah — who has been holding talks with the interlocutor, RS Pandey, hoped the government would recognise the Naga identity and in bringing a lasting solution to the six decade-old insurgency problem in Nagaland.
At the last meeting, the NSCN-IM had proposed a federal relationship with the Indian Union with additional financial and legislative powers.
The Central government, on the other hand, offered financial package for socio-cultural development of Naga people.
Eco Blockade against Nagaland lifted morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The economic blockade imposed on Nagaland specifically towards Mon district by seven social organizations have been lifted with effect from today. This was informed in a press note issued by Er. Temsu Wathi Ao District Informatics Officer (NIC) Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Mokokchung & Coordinator, BPCC (A-N).
It has been reported that some Naga persons equipped with sharp weapons had attacked and inflicted injuries on a lady named Smt. Belly Rai of Namtola area (Assam-Nagaland border) under Charaideo sub-division in Sivasagar district on 17th January last who later succumbed to her injuries at hospital.
The Assam State administration failed to book the culprits for days together resulting in spearheading economic blockade against the neighbouring state by All Assam Gorkha Students Union (AAGSU) supported by All Assam Students Union (ASSU), All Assam Jatiyatabadi Juva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), All Assam Tea Tribal Students Union (AATTSA), Bengali Yuva Chatra Federation and Purbuttor Hindustani Samitti from January 22.
To defuse the situation, a joint meeting was held at Namtola P.S. where Assam Officials were led by Dhiren Hazarika, SDO (Civil) Charaideo Sub-division, Mehruddin Ahmed, Circle Police Officer, Apurba Kumar Bora, OC Namtola Police Station and Khrishna Newar, Advisor of All Assam Gorkha Students Union (AAGSU) and Nagaland was represented by Ms. S. Asangla, EAC Mon HQ, T.C. Chuba, SDPO Tizit and N. Konyak, President of Konyak Union.
Nagaland delegation assured the house that it shall institute an impartial inquiry leading to the events so that the culprits are identified and booked as per the law and therefore sought time till 31st January 2011. Hence, the aggrieved organizations temporarily lifted the blockade.
[Input from Dainik Janambhumi (Assamese Daily) Jorhat Edition 24th Jan 2011]