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03/10/2011: "'North-east rebels getting Chinese support' Manan Kumar Express News Service"

'North-east rebels getting Chinese support' Manan Kumar Express News Service


NEW DELHI: In a development that has seeds of starting a diplomatic row, the government, for the first time, conceded on Wednesday that acquisition of arms and ammunition by rebels in the North-East is being facilitated by easy availability of weapons in the Sino-Myanmar border towns situated in the Yunnan province of China.
In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, the government said, “There have been inputs suggesting visit of some leaders of various insurgent groups in the North-East region to China on several occasions, with the objective to establish rapport with Chinese authorities, to facilitate procurement of arms and ammunition from arms agent in that country.”
The Home Ministry also confessed that the armoury being acquired from China by the insurgent groups is being smuggled through Thailand and Sino-Myanmar border to the North-Eastern states.
“The acquisition of arms is facilitated by the easy availability of weapons in Sino-Myanmar border towns like Tengchong, Ruili and Yingjiang in Yunnan province,” Minister of State in the Home Ministry Mullappally Ramachandran said.
A couple of months ago, interrogation of top National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) leader, Anthony Shimray, had revealed $7 lakh (about `31 crore) payment was made to a Chinese arms factory for procuring lethal arms. He was also found to be in possession of 110-page secret documents giving out the exact positioning of Indian defence grid in the North-East.

Reconciliation rests on being true to God Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi Morung
Reconciliation among the factions does not rest on any faction but on being true to God. The formula for reaching true forgiveness and reconciliation is obedience to the law of relationship with God which is synonymously the law of good relationship among mankind “Know your God, believe in Him, fear Him and obey Him.” Anything which is to your liking or disliking, your advantage or disadvantage, if true, it should be admitted as true; if untrue, it should be admitted as untrue; right should be admitted as right and wrong should be admitted as wrong. Moral bankruptcy is prevailing in our society. Justifying selves and accusing others is going on endlessly. No one speaks to bridge. So the element of truth is found lacking to bring about true reconciliation.
The Naga publics, the Church, the civil societies, the factions and the FNR have to be realistic and to admit the truth. Roaring lie cannot defy the truth but the neglected truth will never die but will prevail. The cause of the Nagas is independence or sovereignty but the contemporaries today have found that any kind of practical, acceptable and honourable settlement is the only way of solution in place of independence or sovereignty and the people cannot blame the national workers for concluding the talk with a settlement short of independence. We have come to such a stage that the time for argument for the sake of argument and allegation for the sake of allegation is gone but it is now the time to dig out the truth in sober mind. Failures and commitment might have been done by any organization such as the NNC/FGN and the NSCN(K) but in spite of it, they have dedicated their lives for the cause of the Nagas. So their hardship and sacrifices have to be honoured by the Naga people. Candidly speaking, the NSCN(I-M) which have been leading the talk with the GOI in the last 13 years, though they also have done lot of blunders for which they are being blamed by the Naga public, they are most capable and efficient leaders among the National workers and we have confidence that they will not betray the Nagas but whatever settlement is made will be out of the best possible bargaining power in the present context.
If certain groups of people are opposed to it or try to sabotage the talk on any pretext, it is a known fact that it is for the sake of opposition. Such people will not manage better. If someone can do better or higher, who don’t want anything better or higher? But it is a known fact that there is no one who can do better or higher among the Nagas. The writer has repeatedly challenged any Nagas to come forward with any concrete idea or proposal for talk for public consumption but not a single one raised his or her voice but simply kept on harping on unity, unity. If there is no idea or suggestion to be produced before the public, it is better not oppose the ongoing talk because without talk no settlement can be brought about and if settlement is not made, Nagaland will continue to be the threshold of factional conflict instead of a land for Christ. If the people are sincere that reconciliation is a must, the logical truth should be admitted. In a family, the success of a brother is the happiness of all and the failure of one is the sadness for all. Reconciliation in Nagaland is hypocritical and insincere reconciliation. In the reconciliation movement, instead of grasping one another, you have been wrestling with one another. Reconciliation is for the sake of reconciliation and unity is for the sake of unity without the cause. Participants of peace meetings speak good things without speaking the truth. If the success is denied, the failure is accepted. Unity is a must and it should be on the basis of the success and not on the basis of the failures. Should the people have reconciliation or unity on the basis of the past failures? Unity should be on the basis of the success. We have to be positive and not to be negative, to go forward and not backward. We are now above the Shillong Accord under the umbrella of the talk in the highest level only. It is cent per cent true and logical but many people refused to admit it because the talk is being led by the NSCN(I-M). It is hatred and jealousy. But hatred and jealous should be removed in the movement of reconciliation. We have to stand for justice and not for or against any group. The people say that settlement is impossible without unity. Unity is a must but if the people fail to realize the truth, the sufferings of the public should not be prolonged because of the ignorance of some ones. A settlement is bound to be made to put the sufferings of the people to an end. In 1960, the 16 Points Agreement was made which was opposed by all of underground people but the State Government has been in existence.
The conclusion is support the talk and participates in it in the spirit of reconciliation or being of a family by obeying the law of relationship with God.

NSCN/GPRN on Naga Reconciliation GPRN MIP
When the people desperately desire and pray for wind of change in the entire Nagalim through mutual reconciliation among the different political groups of the Nagas, it is truly unfortunate to say that the Khaplang group took much pleasure on making rhetoric blame-game against the GPRN with its standardized medium of self-justification.
True Reconciliation has to be manifested not only with verbal pledge to the Naga fraternity but it has to be made vibrant reflection in spirit and in letter. Genuine reconciliation can never be substantiated unless these exotic or foreign elements are accorded to lay with us.
Khaplang, in our utter somnambulism has acquainted in using our common adversary forces to fight against us. For instance, they have started attacking and killing our boys in Changlang with combine operation of three battalions of 18th, 19th and 44th Assam Rifles under the name of “Rocket Operation.” Khaplang also harbor non-Naga armed groups to fight against us and harbouring them in their camps giving easy ways to various crimes elsewhere in Nagalim. It is not at all absurd to say that, one of the biggest political blunders on their part is to allow these elements to gain an impetus and advantages only to serve their diabolic agenda over the Naga people. We are against harbouring non-Naga groups because their political agenda is clearly against the Naga people aspiration.
Reasoning together has no meeting point if we fail to reason deep down to the truth and realities of national principle. Way back from April 9, 1995 at Yangkhao, Khaplang and FGN agreed upon to rampantly venture a joint operation against the NSCN and the same has been reaffirmed on July 15, 2010 at so-called Monyukshu-conclave and their press statement on February 9 & March 3 2011 respectively is simply a repetition of their same evil policy.
Khaplang group have gone too far with a cosmetic facial. They don’t go deep down to the root of the Naga people’s desires. To them words of instigation of the adversaries forces become a gospel truth. Some of their people have no root in the Naga people; they dance at the tune of the adversaries’ drum. In the heart of their hearts freedom of the Naga people is not there at all.
Besides, having numbers of reconciliation summits, 9(nine) rounds in Chiangmai and 36 rounds in Nagaland Khaplang refusing highest level leadership meeting is to be viewed decisively by one and all. Reconciliation may not be desired by the people if we have no problem in hand. Surely a call of the highest level meeting is to solve our differences. Therefore, denying the fervent call of Naga people for the top leadership meeting under any pretext is simply a flimsy excuses.
Speaking the truth is bitter. Kitovi says that Khaplang is against the reconciliation in a Joint Working Group meeting held at Hukato’s residence on 18th September 2010 attended by top leaders of the three Naga political groups. On questioning why it is so Kitovi confessed that they have internal problems within themselves. But, after having much of conversation he says that we cannot go back from reconciliation. So, in the K group there exist two camps or schools of thought, one for reconciliation and the other against to it. But the NSCN have given a vow to the Naga people. We will never retreat or surrender but firmly stand on our ground for the COR.
Signing of the most unpopular agreement the so called the Shillong Accord, 1975 has brought down the Naga issue to Zero point. Nevertheless, the NSCN have struggle with persistent support of the Naga people from heaven to earth in order to retain the issue at the highest level talks from the zero point. We entered a cease-fire agreement on 1st August 1997 with the Government of India to begin political negotiations at the highest level without conditions in a mutually agreed third country. Is bringing up the Naga political issue from zero point to the highest level talk belittling the Naga in the eyes of the world? Or is selling out the legitimate birthright of the Nagas by signing an agreement under the law of the land (under Indian Constitution) is upholding the Naga interest?
Through mandatory given by the people a proposal of the NSCN was made in the process of the Indo-Naga political talks. To this Khaplang group called it charter of demand. There is no charter of demand. We are not demanding anything from any one. The NSCN only made proposals to retain what belongs to the Nagas. Through this proposal and subsequent process of the talks, the Government of India has recognized the uniqueness of the Naga history.
The NSCN never forget who have laid down their precious lives. But being in a society of big communities however strong, rich, weak, poor or powerful they may be, have learn to coexist in peace. And the NSCN is conscious enough where we should and should not compromise.
Despite of above fact and figure for the love of peace and reconciliation, the NSCN signed covenant of reconciliation based on unique historical rights of the Nagas. And it will remain committed to the same in the interest of the people.

Ministry of Information & Publicity
Government Of The People’s
Republic Of Nagalim

‘Naga society desires peace and unity’
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Phek | March 9 : Minister for Health & Family Welfare, government of Nagaland Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu yesterday asserted that population is an asset of the society. Peace and unity is the common desire of the Naga society and the responsibility of achieving the common desires lies with the common people of the society, Nienu said and urged the people to maintain brotherhood among the different sections of people.
The Health Minister was addressing the 2011 Kuzhami Welfare Organization (KWO) Phek general session held on March 8 at Phek Town Hall. Nienu encouraged the people gathered to maintain positive outlook in the society as in a united society there would be no misunderstandings.
As part of his individual contribution to the Kuzhami bothers, the Minister donated two lakh towards the KWO fund and fifty thousands for the day feast. Mikha Lomi, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Phek and Wetsope Krome, Superintendent of Police (SP) Phek were among others who exhort the day function.
Earlier, the function was chaired by KWO president Neilhite Akami, invocation by Kewezolo Mero, Pastor, Nepali Baptist Church, Phek Town, general secretary report was read by Teisovikuolie Therieh, indigenous tune was presented by Wehicho and friends, vote of thanks was proposed by Tsulhi Khape and closing prayer was pronounced by Kevichusa Koza, pastor, CRC, Phek followed by mass feast.
Peace talks with North East rebel leaders 'good': Pillai Sify Home
Union Home Secretary GK Pillai has described the progress of the ongoing peace talks between the Government and the rebel outfits in the North East such as the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) as 'good'.
While interacting with the media at the Manipur Tribal Cultural Exchange Programme, in Imphal, Pillai said: " I don't think there is any setback to the talks. The talks have been going on with Muivah (General Secretary of NSCN (IM)) and also took place when he came to Dimapur yesterday."
NSCN (IM) General Secretary Muivah and President Isak Chishi Swu had come to Delhi on February 27 to hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a bid to solve the Nagaland issue and had termed the talks as 'fruitful'.
Pillai has expressed hopes of more insurgents groups coming forth for amicable talks.
He said: " Security operations are underway, we are hopeful that more people will come forward for talks because it is not good to kill or beat people in jail. it is not something which anybody likes."
" I am hopeful that with the arrest of Meghan and other UNLF (United National Liberation Front) leaders, many of them will now start to come forward for talks like the other groups in the north east region," he added.
According to Home Ministry reports, the government's efforts to maintain peace with the insurgent groups is paying great dividends as the northeast had witnessed minimum violence in 2010.
About 20 security personnel, 94 civilians and 247 militants lost their lives in the northeast in 2010, which indicates that the scenario has improved as compared to previous years.
Thousands have died in three decades of violence since ULFA was formed in 1979 in Assam, demanding independence from India, which it accused of plundering the region's mineral and agricultural resources.
However, public support for the group has declined in the recent years. (ANI)

Military Mindset & Reconciliation Cannot Go Hand In Hand: GPRN/NSCN & FGN/NNC GPRN/NSCN | FGN/NNC
Henceforth, we commit to working our differences as outlined in the Covenant of Reconciliation. Furthermore, we commit to cessation of all forms of hostilities including, any territorial expansion, for this the JWG will meet from time to time” Lest the Nagas forget, this second point of the Joint Statement on 18th Sept. 2010 was agreed to by leaders, including Th. Muivah, and signed in presence of Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
Upon his arrival at Dimapur on 3rd March after another round of so-called “positive talks”, Th. Muivah declared that he is at liberty to send his armed cadres anywhere, even to eastern Nagaland where IM have had no base for over twenty years. It is shocking to learn that a man whose Chairman signed the Covenant of Reconciliation in June 2009, and who appended his own signature to cease all forms of hostilities, should brag that it is not unnatural to send his armed men to Khiamnungan Region where FGN/NNC Kedahke Brig. (Retd) Shingnya is based and to interior eastern Nagaland towards the base of GPRN/NSCN Chairman S.S Khaplang. The two leaders are not men of pretexts and excuses. These are leaders of men who, decades ago, Th. Muivah tried to kill but failed. In the last twenty five years, Nagas have lost thousands of men and women owing to the sin of using God’s name to further one’s politics. When IM cadres arrives thick and fast towards interior Eastern Naga villages such as Lao and Chalam on the eve of highest level summit, let anybody call it an excuse or a pretext to avoid the summit, it deserves serious evaluation as Naga history is replete with sorry episodes.
Chairman S.S Khaplang and Brig.(Retd) Singnya therefore sought deferment of the highest level summit because IM’s sincerity is seriously lacking. Requesting for deferment of highest level summit by two of the three signatories should not be misconstrued as going against Naga Reconciliation. Th. Muivah can simply brush off the killings and injuries committed by his men at Mekokla, Tizit, Chumukedima, Pochury Region etc. A Naga anywhere is too precious. After signing the Covenant of Reconciliation, these merciless incidents have shaken its pillars.
GPRN/NSCN has a strong affinity with Naga brethren in Arunachal Pradesh and maintains a strong base for years. From time to time Nagas in Arunachal Pradesh come forward with request to arrest drug traffickers and extortionists but in all cases they turn out to be IM cadres. Linking GPRN/NSCN with Assam Rifles and Indian paramilitary forces is baseless. It is a theory too silly to believe. People who stay in Lodhi estate, an official residence for Indian MP’s, fully manned by Indian paramilitary forces, should not invent such stories. That Th. Muivah has come tumbling down from issue of Naga Sovereignty to integration to now ‘give and take’ within Indian constitution is apparent. It is he who has deliberately orchestrated a military mission to eastern Nagaland from Lodhi Estate in Delhi. It is too early for someone who cannot even go to his native village to talk about ‘give and take’ policy with the GOI. Who is bluffing whom?
The last highest level summit took place at Dimapur on 18th Sept. 2010. Every single word spoken by the leaders at the highest level summit was recorded and captured on video by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. If the Naga people could view the DVD copy of the Summit, inclusiveness of all Nagas was vehemently objected to by Th. Muivah which raised many eyebrows since the primary objective of the summit was inclusive reconciliation. It also left a big question as to what the issue of integration is all about when inclusiveness, whether of people or land, is ruled out. The joint statement of the summit signed by N Kitovi Zhimomi, Brig. (Retd.) Singnya and Th. Muivah on 18th Sept. 2010 could be viewed once more, given the present situation in eastern Nagaland and Th. Muivah’s media interaction at Dimapur on 3rd. March 2011, it is a spiteful contradiction to the very joint statement he signed five months ago at Dimapur. It shows the inconsistency of a man who maybe in conflict with himself. A college can exclude one student but a student can never exclude an institution.

MIP, GPRN/NSCN & Rali Wali, FGN/NNC
Naga women’s clarion call for equal Rights morungexpress
Dimapur, March 8 (MExN): As 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the quote “whatever women do they must do twice as good to be thought half as good” still rings true.
The quote was echoed by Lydia Yeptho of Lawyer’s Collective, Nagaland, at a workshop on ‘Women’s Right & Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 1985’ here at IMC Hall, in commemoration International Women’s Day on Tuesday.
Explaining the significance of IWD, Lydia also disclosed some haunting statistics of the status of women worldwide. Three quarters of the poorest are women; domestic violence is the number one killer in the developing countries and that one out of three women runs the risk of being beaten, forced to have sex and suffer some form of abuse in their lives.
The status of women in Nagaland is no different as pointed out by Nagaland State Women Commission chairperson Sano Vamuzo, Naga Mother’s Association president Abieu Meru and Naga Women Hoho Dimapur president Hukheli Wotsa, in their respective speeches.
Sano said Naga women have one common trait – endurance – and this has kept them from reporting whatever indignities they are undergoing in their homes. Giving her views on increasing violence against women in the society, the NSWC chairperson attributed it to complicity and competitive lifestyle of the modern world.
Urging Naga women to come out of their silence, Sano also said Naga women were puzzled why 33% reservation for was yet to be implemented in Nagaland. NMA president said that Naga women still have to fight for their rights in all spheres of life and that the Naga customary laws are usually tilted towards men folk.
Abieu also said that though rape cases were on the rise in the state, the authority has failed to deliver severe justice to discourage such crimes. She said the recent rape case in Phek district where the alleged rapist is still on the loose is a glaring example of the failure of the authority.
NMA demanded the state government to guarantee equal rights to women in social, political and economic fronts and also to implement 33% reservation for women at the earliest.
Hukheli Wotsa said today even educated men have become “wife beaters” and treat their women like “punching bags”.
Admitting that women may be unreasonable sometimes, she however said it does not justify violence against wives or women. The NWHD president also advocated workshops for men so that they are better educated and aware about the rights and dignity of the fairer sex.
In the second session, the discussion on ‘Women’s rights and protection of women from domestic violence Act, 2005,’ was led resource persons Pranav Raina and Liyi Marli Noshi of the Women’s Rights Initiative, New Delhi. Earlier, district sessions judge of Dimapur, Hukato Swu in his welcome address noted with dismay that until date, the court in Dimapur had not received any complaints relating to alimony or violence against women.
He encouraged women to avail the free legal services provided for them under the State Act 1987. The theme for IWD 2011 is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women.”
President Pratibha Patil arrives Chizokho Vero Morung


Kohima | President Pratibha Devisingh patil received by Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on her arrival to Nagaland at the Kohima Assam Rifkes helipad on March 9. Also seen in the picture is Chief Secretary Lalthara and DGP K. Kire (DIPR)

The President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil arrived at Kohima on 9th March 2011 for her two day visit to the state. The three Indian Air Force helicopters, carrying the President and her entourage landed at Assam Rifles Helipad. The Governor of Nagaland, Nikhil Kumar and Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio received the President with bouquets as she alighted from the special aircraft. The President received a ceremonial Guard of Honour from a large contingent of 15th IR Mahila Battalion and DGP band. The President was accompanied by her husband Dr. Devisingh Ramsingh Shekhawat. State Chief Secretary Lalthara and Director General of Police, K. Kire were also present to receive the President.
Later in the evening, the Chief Minister and Governor called on the President. She also met various NGOs and later witnessed a colorful cultural programme at Raj Bhavan. Several organizations met President and submitted memorandum to her. Naga Mothers Association in its memorandum while dealing on peace, was hopeful that President will help in bringing about amicable honorable solution to Naga political issue and usher in the much needed peace to find its roots in Nagaland at an early date. Also touching on 33% women reservation, NMA believed that President will continue to stand for the rights of women so that women can take part in all levels of decision making bodies and contribute to the society and the nation. The NMA also urged President to take cognizance of the NPF Inquiry Committee Report of the ruling state government and put an end to Nagaland University Imbroglio.
“We seek your Excellency’s support to ensure that the stipulated rules of representation for women is implemented at all levels of decision making in the state as the Nagaland Municipal Act 2006 giving 33% reservation to women is yet to be implemented by the state,” said Tenyimi Women Organization in a representation and reiterated its stand for reservation and “we believe that under your guidance Naga women’s plight will be addressed appropriately.”
TWO also appealed for an early solution to the Naga political issue through peaceful negotiation in the interest of the Nagas; particularly Naga women who have been the victims of the Indo-Naga conflict for more than half a century.
TWO also requested President to pay special attention on the problems faced by “our children in Nagaland University of which you are its Hon’ble visitor.”
The Angami Public Organization in their memorandum addressed to President has called for protection of Intangki forest and setting up of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science in Kohima. The Muslim Council Dimapur also requested the President to establish Central Board of Secondary Education at Dimapur under Muslim Council Dimapur.
Later at the cultural programme this evening, the Chakhesang choir enthralled the visiting VVIP and the audience with the number Halleluyah while the Hope Centre for Excellence, a group of professionally trained musicians led by Nise Meruno, presented Amigos Para Siempre, tears in heaven and We Are The World, with a touch of folk fusion arranged by Nise Meruno.
The cultural programme also featured the Divine Connection, a gospel band and the most recent achievers of the reality show ‘Rock On’ hosted by MTV and winners of the 2011 edition. They presented a medley selection of music including Vande Mataram which stole the show of the evening.
Another highlight of the evening was the fashion show, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern attires of the 16 tribes of Nagaland. The programme held at the banquet hall Raj Bhavan was attended by the chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphui Rio and his lady wife, his cabinet colleagues, Parliamentary secretaries, Administrative heads of Department, officials of the President’s entourage and NGOs.
On March, 10, the President will interact with tribal Hohos/NGOs and representatives of civil societies at Raj Bhavan from 9:00 AM onwards. Thereafter, she will proceed to Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, where she will be accorded a civic reception. She will unveil monolith at the entrance of the main arena.
Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung, general secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council will say invocation prayer while welcome speech will be delivered by Toshi Wungtung, general secretary, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Governor Nikhil Kumar will also speak on the occasion.
Vote of thanks will be proposed by Er. Y. Chuba, advisor, Kohima Municipal Council. Meanwhile, all officials, public leaders, NGOs and the public have been invited to attend the public reception at Kisama. Public transportation will be available at NST Station Kohima at 7.30 AM on March 10.
(With inputs from DIPR news)