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03/12/2011: "World upholds Naga reconciliation efforts morungexpress"

World upholds Naga reconciliation efforts morungexpress

In this file photo Rev Dr Wati Aier, Principal of the Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) in Dimapur, Nagaland, is seen delivering a speech in a Naga Reconciliation gathering. Dr. Aier is the recipient of the 2011 Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award. (Morung File Photo)

Dimapur | March 11: Rev Dr Wati Aier, Principal of the Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) in Dimapur, Nagaland, is the recipient of the 2011 Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award. This was announced by the BWA. Rev Dr Wati joins the likes of former US President and Nobel Peace Laurete Jimmy Carter who was the first recipient of the award in 1995.
Rev. Dr Wati Aier receives BWA Human Rights Award
The award is given annually to an individual who has engaged in significant and effective activities to secure, protect, restore or preserve human rights. Rev Dr Wati is being recognized for his work in helping to broker the signing of a peace accord between three nationalist groups in Nagaland in September 2010.
For decades, the three groups in Nagaland have been in conflict with each other and with the Indian government over issues of autonomy and sovereignty for Nagaland state and the Naga people. Between 1992 and 2009, more than 2,330 insurgency related fatalities have been recorded in Nagaland. As a result of the longstanding disputes, which date back more than 50 years, exceptionally tight security has been imposed on the state by the Indian government, with multiple checkpoints scattered throughout the state. International visitors are required to obtain special permits to enter and move around Nagaland.
Rev Dr Wati, founder of OTS in 1991, was convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), which comprised several organizations, including Baptist groups. He spent almost 20 years trying to bring the warring groups to the negotiating table. The FNR, formed in 2008, convened more than 60 meetings of the various Naga factions in the peace process.
“Over the years Wati has worked tirelessly, often against overwhelming odds, to keep a process alive that would allow deeply conflicted Naga parties to negotiate their bitter differences sufficient to extinguish the flames of violence,” said Ken Sehested, co-pastor of the Circle of Mercy Congregation in Asheville, North Carolina, in the United States, and who has known Rev Dr Wati since 1993.
Rev Dr Wati, a former vice president of the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, one of six regional fellowships of the BWA, helped to found a liberal arts junior college program for Karen refugees from Myanmar in the Mae Le refugee camp in Thailand, near the border with Myanmar. He also helped to launch the Karen Bible School in the same camp where OTS graduates are the main teachers.
He previously served as a member of the BWA Commission on Freedom and Justice and the Academic and Theological Education Workgroup. He now serves on the BWA Commission on Peace and on the BWA Congress Committee.
The Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award is given out each year during the BWA Annual Gathering, which will be held this year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 4-9. Previous recipients include Gustavo Parajon from Nicaragua, Joao and Nora Matwawana from Angola, Dennis Datta from Bangladesh, and Leena Lavanya from India.
President reaches Manipur amid boycott call by rebels TNN
IMPHAL/KOHIMA: President Pratibha Patil reached the Manipur capital on Thursday even as a militant outfit called a strike in protest against her visit to the state.

Around 2 pm, a special Indian Air Force aircraft carrying the President landed at the airport even as the city outside wore a deserted look owing to the bandh called by the banned Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF), which is opposing Manipur's merger with the Indian union.

Patil was received by VVIPs, including governor Gurbachan Jagat, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, speaker I Hemochandra Singh, ministers, legislators and senior civil and military officers.

The President, who is the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces, was accorded a guard of honour by a women police contingent on the airport premises. From the airport, her convoy moved to the Raj Bhavan where she met the governor and the chief minister. Incidentally, while a colorful cultural show was organized in her honour at the governor house, life in the entire Manipur valley came to a grinding halt owing to the 40-hour MPLF general strike from Wednesday midnight. The MPLF is a conglomerate of three prominent underground outfits active in the state.

No vehicles plied and business establishments remained closed in the city. Only ceremonial and emergency services were kept outside the purview of the strike. Flight services, however, were not affected.

The MPLF said the President's visit to Manipur "is aimed at deceiving the international community and impose that Manipur is a part of India," and "also to create an impression among the Manipuris that New Delhi has been generously funding and taking up various development programmes in Manipur".

On Friday, Patil will meet members of some self help groups (SHGs), chairpersons of the state social welfare board and Manipur women's development corporation at Raj Bhavan, sources said.

She will also visit Mantripukhri to lay foundation of an Information Technology Park and launch the state-wide area network project. Before wrapping up her two-day visit, she will attend a video-conference with the deputy commissioner (Ukhrul), the sources said, adding that she would also address a mass gathering at Mantripukhri.

Earlier in the day, Patil lauded Nagaland for its achievements made over the years. She said inspite of "challenges" Nagaland has achieved a lot over the years, while addressing a reception in her honour at Naga Heritage Village in Kisama.

Since gaining statehood in 1963, Nagaland has made exemplary progress in various fields. However, she stressed on the need for peace and stability in this state, which is rich in natural resources.

She added that Nagaland should harness its resources and potentials in the right ways and strive towards growth and development. Patil said agriculture had a significant role to play in the state's development and domestic product generation. "The state government should aim to do away with the slash and burn method of jhum cultivation and move towards improved sustainable land-based means of livelihood," added Patil.

She stressed on the importance of development of sectors like horticulture, seri-culture, small scale industries service industries and IT, which would promise growth and development in the state. Development of bamboo industry, handicrafts and traditional goods she said would benefit Naga people.

Stressing on the education sector, she said education should continue to receive high priority in the state's agenda, as make available quality heath facilities for people.

Nagaland governor, Nikhil Kumar in his speech said Nagaland is rich in its own culture and heritage. He said what distinguish people of Nagaland is their hospitality and unflinching attachments to their roots. The governor added that the state had a troubled past and the time has come to use its assets so that peace is brought about for development and progress. Chief minister, Neiphiu Rio said despite restrains, the state had come a long way and hoped that the lack of opportunities in the northeast and sense of alienation would be overcome by the new "Look East Policy" of the Centre.
NSCN (IM) leaders positive about Naga solution From ANI
Imphal, Mar 12: National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isac-Muivah faction) leaders are positive about bringing the six decade old Naga issue to an end through a dialogue with the centre.SCN (IM) Chairman Isak Chisi Swu and General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah recently visited Nagaland after holding talks with the centre in New Delhi.
The two leaders while addressing the media expressed their satisfaction with the commitment of the centre to addressing the issue.

Over the years there has been a significant change in the stand of NSCN (IM) with regards to the peace talks.

The recent visit of Isak Chisi Swu, the president of NSCN (IM), to the country on an Indian visa was indicative of this fact. This was a major change after the outlawed group agreed for the first time to hold talks in Delhi.

"Muivah himself when he visited Dimapur recently said that talks are progressing well. Both Isak and Muivah recently met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and talks between both the parties were progressive," said Union Home Secretary GK Pillai.

The shift in the NSCN (IM)'s stand on peace talks is largely due to pressure from the civil society groups and residents of the state who want peace and normalcy in the region.

"We want that both the NSCN government and centre should work for the interests for the people. And there should be a just and an honorable solution to the problems," said Mary.

"We want development in Nagaland. We will support the side that brings development to the Nagaland," said Alem.

NSCN (IM) has had a ceasefire agreement with the centre for the past 13 years, and has held over 60 rounds of talks.
Peace needed for development: Patil Our Correspondent Morung
President Pratibha Patil being felicitated during a public reception at Kisama on March 10. (Sorei Mahong Photo)
Kisama | President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today underscored the need for peace to usher in development so that people can devote their energy to cultural, educational, social and economical development. Addressing the public reception at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on her maiden visit to the state today, the President made a fervent appeal to the people of Nagaland to ensure an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
She also opined that with its natural resources and conducive atmosphere, Nagaland can aspire to become one of the leading states of the Northeast. However, she asserted, people must work together as one unit, whatever tribe they are from, whatever region they may come from, and whatever community they may belong to in order to have a vibrant Nagaland and to add to the overall progress of the nation.
Noting that since attaining statehood in 1963 Nagaland has made significant progress; she acknowledged that though development started under very challenging circumstances, much has been achieved over the years in different fields. As compared to National averages, she noted, Nagaland excels in many social indicators and complimented for the achievements further urging the State to continue advancing on the path of development and peace.
Asserting that our nation is moving ahead to be counted as one of the major economies of the world, she said our objective remains to have a high economic growth rate and to have an inclusive growth process.
Towards this, she said, the accelerated development of the Northeastern region is fundamental for the country’s economic rise and Nagaland is very much a part of this process. Emphasizing on the development of physical infrastructure, particularly transport connectivity which is a prerequisite for economic development, she opined that Nagaland should harness its resources and its many potential areas of growth. Also noting that agriculture has a significant share in the state’s domestic product, she advised that the state government should aim to do away with the “slash and burn” method of jhum cultivation and move towards improve sustainable land base means of livelihood. She also underscored the need to build capacity for undertaking forest-based enterprises in a manner that while using forest resources, forest health is preserved and its wildlife and biodiversity are conserved.
Stressing that the quality of people determines the direction and vision for future growth, the President also maintained that there should be substantial investment in human capital and that education should also continue to receive high priority in the state’s agenda as also making quality heath facilities available for the people. She further stressed on the need for preservation and continuation of handicrafts and traditions of the state, acknowledging that Nagaland has the distinction of being a land of diverse tribes, cultures, colour and variety.
She further stated that the North East region stands strategically placed at the doorstep of the Nations of South East Asia and can play a crucial role in development and effective fructification of the “Look East Policy” which would also provide economic benefits to Nagaland.
Earlier, both Governor Nikhil Kumar and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in their brief speeches, highlighted the urgent need to solve the Naga political issue so as to usher in more development and prosperity.
Rio plea GoI to resolve Naga political issue

Our Correspondent
Kisama | March 10
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today made an earnest plea that the Government of India makes concerted efforts to resolve the Naga political issue with full commitment. “The state and its people have been mired with conflict for too long, many precious lives has been lost, too much suffering has been faced by our people,” Rio told President Pratibha Devisingh Patil here today at the public reception programme.
Rio asserted that the people of the state are truly yearning for peace and speedy progress. “The time has now come to make peace and our people are anxiously waiting for a positive outcome of the Naga peace process, which is going on for a long time,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister recalled that Nagaland was carved out of Assam as the 16th state of the Indian Union 48 years ago as a result of the 16th Point agreement arrived at between the Government of India and the Naga People’s Convention. He continued that the state was given special status as well as special constitution safeguards by incorporating Article 371 (A) to the Constitution.
“We have come a long way since then. Despite constraints of resources, lack of infrastructure and institutional capacity, compounded by the continuing insurgency, we have been able to significantly expand the reach of the government and raise the socio economic status of our people,” Rio said.
Though long years of political strife, Rio said the unresolved six decade old Naga political issue, and the slow progress of the peace process have brought about a feeling of alienation and frustration amongst large sections of the Naga society.
Rio also expressed the hope that the lack of economic opportunities in the North East region, and the sense of alienation felt by the people would be overcome with the new “Look East Policy” of the Central government.
“However, we are somewhat disappointed with the slow implementation of the Look East Policy in this region,” Rio said adding that while the rest of the country has opened up to a globalized economy, attracting huge investments and economic resources, and is in the process of creating infrastructure of global standards,” Nagaland is yet to be connected by a decent four lane road, or a rail link, or an airport in state capital, Kohima.
“We also do not have a single central or regional institute of technical or professional education worth the name,” he said. As a result, while thousands of Naga boys and girls go out of the state in pursuit of higher studies, no students from other states come to Nagaland for education.
“This one-way traffic is not exactly conducive to building a sense of national integration. We feel it is a time the agencies of the Central government change their perspective of our state and make renewed efforts to address these imbalances,” Rio said.
Despite all these, Rio said, the state of Nagaland has been a bulwark in the face of enormous challenges to the unity and integrity of the country, adding “we have also, with the sustained supports of the government and civil societies, managed to bring about a semblance of peace in the state, and in the process, have helped to create hopes for a better tomorrow.”
Welcoming the President on her two day visit to Nagaland, Rio said her visit has come at the most opportune time and hoped that it will herald the fulfillments of “our hopes and aspirations, and mark the beginning of a new era in our shared destiny, one that is marked by trust and mutual respect.” “On our part, we are fully committed to an early and peaceful resolution to the Naga political problem, Rio added.
‘Who are the Black Sheep and who are the Culprits that wreck the Naga Peace & Reconciliation?’ GPRN
The NSCN rubbishes the rhetorics of the joint statement of the Khaplang and Shingnya parties which was issued on 8th March, 2011, stabbing at the back of the Naga reconciliation process for which Joint working groups (JWG) met on the same day and issued a statement of commitment. This is not the first time that the duos have been behaving treacherously. One and all are aware that, even last year on 15th of July (Manyekshu Conclave) they’d bluffed the Naga people by declaring that they had unconditionally merged together in the interest of Naga unity which also took place just after the 9th Chiangmai Meet. Naga people must know that, back-stabbing is not the work of the upright and the brave but that of the cowards. These disgruntled section of the people even if they form tens of groups who have no vision and mission for the Naga people will not carry the people along. It is crystal clear that no amount of agreements or memos of understanding will work because; they are yet to prepare themselves to be honest, truthful to God and man and above all, they are unable to overcome their parochialism and prejudice. They will always place themselves above the Naga nation.
The more statements of provocation carried in the media, the more it lowers the image of the Nagas and that is why NSCN has been refraining itself from issuing rejoinders or statements. It is not that NSCN is at fault or its MIP is unable to represent itself through the media. Khaplang himself is one of the signatories of the Covenant of reconciliation and since its signing on 13th June 2009, more than half a dozen of resolutions to hold the highest level meeting as early as possible were adopted to which Khaplang has not paid the slightest of respect and cooperation. After the 18th September 2010 high level meeting, Naga people have given 45 days ultimatum to all the stakeholders in the reconciliation process to hold the highest level meeting. The deadline expired on the 4th of January 2011. Who is responsible for not meeting the deadline? On 30th of December 2010, Conveners of the Joint working groups met at 2pm at the residence of Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Convener of the FNR in which convener of the K group Mr. C Singsong himself had honestly admitted that, there was problem within themselves on account of non response from Mr. Khaplang. Convener of the FNR also fully agreed with the confession of Mr. C Singsong. Since representative of the K group had pleaded for more time, it was understood together to hold the highest level meeting in the last week of February 2011. Then how come that Khaplang and FGN groups are accusing the NSCN for the delay? As for sending its men to Eastern Nagalim; the troop passed nearby Pangsha in Khianmungan area where incidentally Tatar Hoho of the FGN was about to be held. If the NSCN soldiers were on offensive mission it would have attacked the FGN there and then. The same troop also passed through Gen. Kholi’s area but it did not attack anybody which must be clear and convincing enough that NSCN has no any ill intention against any Naga groups. But Nagas need to know this fact that the Manipuris and Assamese have been moving around the length and breadth of Eastern Nagalim extorting rations and head-load porters from the poor Naga people for more than 20 years now. Naga people often get thrashed at the hands of these merciless non-Nagas for being unable to provide good food or for failing to organize sufficient porters. At the sweat and tears of Naga public, Khaplang continues to enjoy crores of rupees paid to him by these reactionaries.
Yes NSCN will not always remain a silent spectators to these kind of atrocious treatments meted out to our poor people to satiate the ungrateful people who come in the garb of neighbors. In the land of the Nagas, there is no area under the exclusive domination of Mr. Khaplang as such. When Assames and Manipuris are allowed to rampage the Eastern Nagalim, why pointing of fingers at the NSCN cadres who are the sons of the soil? We have the responsibility to protect the land and the people, be it in the East or the West. When the NSCN troop was attacked in the East, two thirds of the attackers were Manipuris which is confirmed from the Naga public. NSCN has not attacked and it will not unless, it is fired upon. But reprisal is a natural weapon or strategy of warfare to deter the enemy from further offensive attack.
Now, NSCN would like to remind the Naga people that, K-group had entered into an agreement on 26th of June 2008 with us that, it would not provide shelter to any non-Naga armed groups nor use them against the Naga brothers. This agreement was signed in presence of the FNR, Quakers Society and American Baptist Church leaders. It is almost three years since the signing of the agreement and Khaplang continues to take Naga people for a ride. Let the Naga people judge. God knows who the culprit is.
There is not even a shred of mistake on the part of our Gen. Secy. Th. Muivah in his statement that, there is no wisdom in continually seeking pretexts in order to escape from facing reality either by Khaplang or Shingnya. Highest level meeting was convened by the FNR to be held in the 1st Week of March, to which our collective leadership had promptly responded by laying aside many other equally important matters and had rushed home. We remain committed for peace and reconciliation amongst Naga brothers but we will not go in search of those who are against reconciliation. Don’t take the Naga people for granted. We have been patiently bearing all kinds of affronts and provocations but there is limit to everything.

Issued by MIP
Government of the
People’s Republic Of Nagalim
President Patil told to remove Kannan, AFSPA
Dimapur, March 10 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation today called the President Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Raj Bhavan and submitted a three point memorandum to represent the voice and sentiments of the younger generation to her. NSF President Mutsikhoyo Yhobu along with general secretary O. Wati Jamir and former President Achumbemo Kikon apprised the President about the prevailing situation in Nagaland University; revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Indo-Naga Peace Process.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) asked the President of India to remove Nagaland University’s unpopular Vice Chancellor Prof. K Kannan and interestingly, alongside removal of the black law the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958. The apex Naga students’ organization issued a copy of a memorandum addressed to President Pratibha Devisingh Patil. The President is in Nagaland on a two-day visit. Among other grievances, the NSF wanted the president to intervene, the memorandum emphasized on the demand for the removal of Vice Chancellor Prof. Kannan and the AFSPA.
Meanwhile, Yhobu has informed that regarding the NU crisis, in her response to the concern raised by the Federation, the President has asked them to be patient as the Vice Chancellor’s tenure would be over by July this year. He also said that the President has assured the NSF that their demand for appointment of a competent and a man of integrity as Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University would be fulfilled. On the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, Yhobu said that the President had shown keen interest to know more about the Indo-Naga peace process and also asked the Federation to put up suggestions towards finding a solution which will benefit the Nagas as well as the Government of India.
On the Vice Chancellor, the NSF demanded his immediate removal for corruption and mismanagement, which the NSF said are ‘substantiated’. The NSF explained the state of affairs in NU where allegations of corruption and mismanagement continue to plague the institution.
“Your Excellency would also appreciate that he has no moral right to continue as Vice Chancellor of NU as his in-competency and mismanagement of the university fund has been well substantiated. We are also aware of the bureaucratic red-tapism in the Government functioning as such, should the process for his removal stretches till July, his tenure should not be extended beyond July 2011 as his five years tenure comes to an end in July 2011. On removal of the present Vice Chancellor, we urge upon your Excellency to appoint a competent and a man of integrity as Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University so as to uphold the sanctity of the university.”
On the black law, the NSF said that continuous enforcement of the AFSPA in the Naga areas and other northeastern states including Jammu & Kashmir is only adding to the problems of the Government of India instead of bringing about any solution. “On the strength of this so-called draconian Act, the Indian Army has been harassing the innocent public and even women and children have not been spared. We therefore seek the prompt intervention of your Excellency for immediate revocation of the AFPSA,” NSF said.

Corruption, mismanagement and lack
The organization turned its sights again on embattled Nagaland University.
NSF calls on President Pratibha Patil with 3-point memorandum
5

Amongst the central universities in India, the NSF said, NU “could be the only one where there is no Pro-Vice Chancellor”.
The President is requested to appoint two Pro-Vice Chancellors for the Kohima campus, Meriema and SASRD campuses. “This will definitely help improve the functioning of the University and it will also relieve the burden of those students coming from far flung areas as the appointment of Pro-Vice Chancellor will create administrative conveniences.”
The shortage of faculty in NU was also explained in the memorandum. “The present Registrar of the university has already tendered resignation because he was implicated in cross financial irregularities and mismanagement. As a result, the university is running without a Registrar,” the NSF said.
There are vacancies still kept “in the cool storage without being advertised” because of which the university is short of faculty members.
Corrupt VC and NU officials
Likewise, the NSF decried the lack of basic amenities and poor infrastructure in NU. In spite of adequate funds sanctioned by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the university’s authority has no interest to develop the university, NSF stated.
“On the other hand, the most of the university officials’ right from the Vice Chancellor are tainted with corruptions and scandals. As a result, even minimum basic amenities and infrastructure which a university ought to have, are not available in the NU. An urgent intervention of Your Excellency is also required in this regard.”
The failed “Online question paper delivery system” and the issue of reservation for Naga youths in the various categories of appointments in Nagaland University were also broached.
Indo-Naga Peace Process
“As young people having dreams to grow and progress like any others, we are eagerly looking forward for peaceful settlement of the Indo-Naga political conflict. Indeed, Your Excellency must have been already briefed about the ongoing peace process vis-à-vis political talks between the Naga nationalist and the Government of India which is being continuing for about 14 years now without any tangible progress.”
The NSF assured that resolving the Indo-Naga issue is in the interest of not only the Naga people but also equally in the larger interest of India. “Therefore we urge upon your Excellency to make a very serious intercession and expedite the peace process vis-à-vis political talks so as to bring it to a logical conclusion,” the NSF stated.
Sumi Nagas celebrate 100th anniversary of migration to Dimapur From ANI

Kohima, Mar 12: Sumi better known as 'Sema Naga' recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of their migration from Zunheboto to Nagaland.
Sema is one of the major tribes of Nagaland recognized for its martial art skills. Initially, they inhabited the district of Zunheboto, but have now spread all across the State.

Chief Minister Nephiu Rio, who inaugurated the daylong festival to celebrate the anniversary, underlined the need to spread the message of harmony and unity among Nagas and live like a family.

"Though there are many different tribes among the Nagas, we should be together and live like a family. There should be no differences amongst us and should promote the message of brotherhood and unity," he added.

The festival, which was celebrated under the theme of "United we stand", helped young Sumis to better understand their culture and tradition

"The message to the young people or future people is to live in cordial relations, unity and try to understand each other as we have lived together for hundred years so that we may live for hundred years again. We want to see all Nagas being united and living under one umbrella," said Tohovi.

"The cultural displays in various forms it show that the unity, oneness and love that has been expected by the people," said Gloria.

Nagaland has about 40 small and big tribes which have their own unique culture and traditions.

The majority of the Sumis live in Nagaland, although many Sümis have migrated outside Nagaland for work and education. The Sumi is one of the recognized scheduled tribes of India.