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03/26/2011: "Remove Assam Rifles from Zeliangrong land morungexpress"

Remove Assam Rifles from Zeliangrong land

morungexpress

Dimapur | March 25 : Zeliangrongs today questioned the Assam Rifles if they had “no work” because of ceasefires and were using “encounters” to vie for promotions. “Is it incumbent for an army officer to concoct a stage encounter and eliminate any member of a revolutionary group who has been in ceasefire with the government of India for his promotion?” questioned Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur and All Zeliangrong Students’ Union of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland in a petition to the Prime Minister of India. They demanded that “the 11 Assam Rifles should immediately be transferred out of Tamenglong (renamed Inriangluang) district and Zeliangrong areas so that the tranquility of the district and areas is maintained.”
Question for army authorities—Are “encounters” a means for promotions?
Through the petition to Dr. Manmohan Singh the organizations disparaged 11th Assam Rifles under the command of Col. Chokar accusing him of being high handed and attempting to breach peaceful atmosphere on March 13, by arresting George Gonmei, ‘joint secretary’ of finance section of NSCN/GPRN on wrongful allegation and against the ground rules of the Indo-Naga peace process according to which Naga areas including Tamenglong district comes under the ambit of the ceasefire.
“The sole intention of the Colonel was to eliminate George on fake encounter, however timely intervention from the public had saved his life,” stated the petition signed jointly by Tahemang Panmei, vice chairman, Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur, Poupoklung Kamei, convener, Zeliangrong Baudi, Imphal zone and Pamei Tingenlung, president, All Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
That George was arrested on false charges was amply demonstrated when the law court vindicated his right and granted a bail on March 18, it stated, adding that the high handed actions of the 11 AR was thus exposed before the public.
The Zeliangrong organizations alleged the Assam Rifles having a “spirit of vengeance” because the para-military force has filed an FIR with Tamenglong police station against civil society leaders like Mrs. Nambonliu, Mrs. Priscilla, Mrs. Teresa, Ejumy, Damchuilung, Keibonang and Dingsung.
Is “supporting the ongoing peace process between the GOI and the NSCN” a criminal act, questioned the Naga leaders. They questioned whether India considered both groups of the NSCNs as “terrorists”? They wondered if the peace talks are then “fake”.“Why is the 11 AR hell-bent in creating problem in peaceful areas like Tamenglong district and other Zeliangrong areas” when “the GOI has excluded both groups of NSCN from the list of terrorists,” the petition said.
Recalling earlier incidents involving the said unit of the Assam Rifles, the petition spoke of a raid on the official residence of SDO Tousem sub-division Dinguanglung Gangmei at Tamenglong headquarters in 2010. Col. Chonkar of the Assam Rifles had allegedly humiliated a group of Zeliangrong leaders after the military officer himself invited them to meet a Brigadier.
When the Naga leaders came into the office of the Brigadier they were told that the military man cannot give an audience “because he is the boss there.” “He (Col. Chonkar) even proclaimed that he (Brigadier) was all in all and he can even eliminate anybody anytime”.
The Zeliangrong organisations alleged that the Assam Rifles were using these provocations and incidences to influence their own “promotions” because “there is no work for the (Indian) security forces” because of ceasefires. The 11 AR would like to create Naga areas similar to Jammu and Kashmir. Its activities are anti to peaceful environment, it stated further.
“Therefore, we demand that the 11 AR should immediately be transferred out of Tamenglong district and Zeliangrong areas so that the tranquility of the district is maintained,” the petition said, adding that in the event of failure to look into the demand Zeliangrong public will be compelled to take up democratic means of agitation.
(With inputs from Newmai News Network)

Naga Political issue at top agenda of DAN govt The telegraph Our Correspondent
Kohima Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today stated that the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government has always kept the Naga political issue at the top of its agenda.
“It has always been, and it will continue to be, our policy to facilitate a peaceful and permanent resolution of the Naga political issue in a manner that is honorable and acceptable to the people,” Rio said in his budget speech at the assembly session here today.
Rio said the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has also taken the collective responsibility of facilitating the Naga peace process by forming the Joint Legislators Forum on the Naga political issue.
Stating that a Joint Parliamentary Working Committee has also been formed to carry forward this collective responsibly, Rio appreciated all members of the House, especially the leader of opposition and other opposition friends who have risen above party considerations to facilitate formation of the JLF.
“As leader of the House, I thank you sir (Speaker- Kiyanilie Peseyie), for providing the crucial leadership in bringing together the entire House to a common platform for furthering the Naga political cause.
Rio also hoped that the commitment given by the Naga nationalist groups through the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ will be upheld at all cost.
Asserting that the enormous amount of hard work and sacrifice that has gone into the signing of the covenant should not be allowed to go waste, Rio appealed to the Naga nationalist groups to restrain their cadres from armed confrontations and to desist from provocative statements and accusation in the media, “that can jeopardize the on-going reconciliation process.”
“Let me remind everyone, both over-ground and underground, that this august House had passed unanimous resolutions on four occasions, expressing the desire of the Naga family to come together under one administrative umbrella through integration of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas,” Rio said adding that it is only through unity that our aspirations can be met.
Rio said a divided Naga family will never reach its goals. Unity can happen only if leaders can rise from being tribal, faction or party leaders to become true Naga leaders. We are at a crucial juncture of our political movement, and we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away, Rio added.
Rio also thanked the civil societies, NGOs, church leaders and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation for their efforts and contributions towards the peace process.
The Chief Minister Rio expressed happiness that the Nagas living in Myanmar have finally been given political recognition. “We are happy for them and wish them well for their future,” Rio said.
The Naga Self Administered Zone (Autonomous Zone) was declared on 20th August 2010 by the Government of Myanmar. The Nagas of Myanmar participated in the Union of Myanmar general elections held on November 7, 2010. They now have representatives in the parliament and assembly representing the Naga people, Rio said.
Recently, a delegation for Nagaland led by parliamentary secretary Yitachu, MLA CL John, MLA Kipili Sangtam, commissioner and secretary M.K. Mero and some Naga businessman visited Yangon at the official initiation of Shwe Naung Yan Manufacturing Co. Ltd for building up closer social ties, cooperation and to explore business and trade opportunities.

Naga Political issue at top agenda of DAN govt Our Correspondent morungexpress
Kohima | : Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today stated that the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government has always kept the Naga political issue at the top of its agenda.
“It has always been, and it will continue to be, our policy to facilitate a peaceful and permanent resolution of the Naga political issue in a manner that is honorable and acceptable to the people,” Rio said in his budget speech at the assembly session here today.
Rio said the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has also taken the collective responsibility of facilitating the Naga peace process by forming the Joint Legislators Forum on the Naga political issue.
Stating that a Joint Parliamentary Working Committee has also been formed to carry forward this collective responsibly, Rio appreciated all members of the House, especially the leader of opposition and other opposition friends who have risen above party considerations to facilitate formation of the JLF.
“As leader of the House, I thank you sir (Speaker- Kiyanilie Peseyie), for providing the crucial leadership in bringing together the entire House to a common platform for furthering the Naga political cause.
Rio also hoped that the commitment given by the Naga nationalist groups through the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ will be upheld at all cost.
Asserting that the enormous amount of hard work and sacrifice that has gone into the signing of the covenant should not be allowed to go waste, Rio appealed to the Naga nationalist groups to restrain their cadres from armed confrontations and to desist from provocative statements and accusation in the media, “that can jeopardize the on-going reconciliation process.”
“Let me remind everyone, both over-ground and underground, that this august House had passed unanimous resolutions on four occasions, expressing the desire of the Naga family to come together under one administrative umbrella through integration of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas,” Rio said adding that it is only through unity that our aspirations can be met.
Rio said a divided Naga family will never reach its goals. Unity can happen only if leaders can rise from being tribal, faction or party leaders to become true Naga leaders. We are at a crucial juncture of our political movement, and we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away, Rio added.
Rio also thanked the civil societies, NGOs, church leaders and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation for their efforts and contributions towards the peace process.
The Chief Minister Rio expressed happiness that the Nagas living in Myanmar have finally been given political recognition. “We are happy for them and wish them well for their future,” Rio said.
The Naga Self Administered Zone (Autonomous Zone) was declared on 20th August 2010 by the Government of Myanmar. The Nagas of Myanmar participated in the Union of Myanmar general elections held on November 7, 2010. They now have representatives in the parliament and assembly representing the Naga people, Rio said.
Recently, a delegation for Nagaland led by parliamentary secretary Yitachu, MLA CL John, MLA Kipili Sangtam, commissioner and secretary M.K. Mero and some Naga businessman visited Yangon at the official initiation of Shwe Naung Yan Manufacturing Co. Ltd for building up closer social ties, cooperation and to explore business and trade opportunities.
NSCN(K)rebels to preserve oil Times of India
TNN, DIMAPUR: The NSCN(Khaplang) has said that all mineral reserves in the Naga homeland belong to the indigenous people and extraction of natural resources by any company on their soil would be allowed only if it benefits the people and the future generations.
Stating that no politicians or groups of the day have any right to grant permission to exploration companies for extraction of minerals from Naga soil, the outfit added it does not recognize any MoU between parties for exploration at Champang oil fields in Wokha district of Nagaland. "Exploration and transportation of crude oil from Nagaland to other states is unacceptable as this would mean zero employment opportunity for Naga youths. A wealth that can run for hundred years will not be allowed to run dry in 10 years," it said.
Unfolding of Nagaland Rev. Sr. Angel Mary Morungexpress
It was by chance that a rare opportunity came my way to visit Nagaland. Born and brought up in the South, in a cozy, familiar set up, the very idea of a journey lasting three days in the train was a jolt-quite hard to stomach. However, I had the joy of traveling with a friendly group. The journey helped me, step by step to traverse the breath of India for the first time crossing seven states, many rivers and fields. Led so far away from my hometown was a sort of weaning of ties, no doubt leading to new friendships and horizons.
The short stay here has made me to realize the vastness of the land, mountains and hills turned to plains dotted with buildings many storeyed, well designed, and imposing enhancing the panorama.
During the first part of my stay I had the joy of reaching, seeing and being with the people of Shamator. People there, so far away, secluded from advancements are very friendly, warm, courteous and industrious. My visit to families needs a special mention. Invariably, every home keeps the fire alive and I was given a seat close to the fire. While the exchanges go on, the mother prepares the tea and serves so respectfully. I couldn’t miss noticing orderliness in the kitchen. It is simply outstanding. Every object in its place, arranged neatly makes the place very clean and tidy. However simple the setting, cleanliness is outstanding. The family tie is strong and the children are cared for.
The idea of two meals a day was very new to me. In the south we have three meals and two mid breaks. Here, a good morning meal, with interviewing cups of tea and an early supper brings the day to a close. Power failure may be one reason too. On the first morning I was served rice, dhal, beans (Kholar) and a non-vegetable item. Spending time with children in the school, teaching and playing with them, the stomach had lost its timely pinch. I was surprised to see myself at ease with the pattern of life.
Their concept of time though, seems different. Punctuality is set aside, instead they patiently wait for the gathering and it is only when all are present, is it the time to start whatever the activity. Time moves very slowly here.
Though the catholic community in Shamator town under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Francis Yimso is an evolving one, their capacity of the group for organization, sharing and carrying out responsibility was very inspiring. Though apparently simple they were basically very efficient indeed. This was most evident when the two day seminar on Evangelization was conducted by Rev. Fr. Benny and his team, on 18th and 19th of this month. The attendance was astounding and the participation was very good and the activities were interesting. The hospitality of the villagers to receive, accommodate and serve meals in small units was excellent.
Our hosts Rev Fr. Carolus, the Vicar General and the fathers of the Bishop’s House were too generous and thoughtful, planning to give varied experiences to the maximum particularly in the town area. Visit to different private schools was enchanting. Smartly clad in bright colored uniforms with shoes, ties, ribbons, the children look like beautiful dolls. Their smile and gentle way of responding are magical. The training and discipline inculcated will surely take them to great heights in the future.
The numerous churches stand aloft with its tall roof soaring towards heaven, inviting and reminding the people of Divinity. The bustle around the church, grouping of houses, shops etc acclaim that God is the center and our human life revolves around Him. Faith and life seem to be intermingled.
St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama is the only college that I visited. The imposing structure neatly maintained announces loudly the strenuous toil of the founders, their fore-sight in visualizing and achieving step by step, the glory it is now to the Land. Higher Education will surely make the youth of Nagaland to soar high in the future.
“Windows to heritage” (Kisama) is one spot which no one can afford to miss seeing. To me it was a treat to the eye, mind and soul. Cultured people take pride in their heritage. Tastefully they display their artistic talent using bamboo. Though the material is the same, the varied patterns, designs and the use of it for different purposes clearly display their creativity. Their bravery is exhibited powerfully. If a visit, on an ordinary day could inspire so much, I can guess the grandeur when the festival is held in the 1st week of December. The architectural display of patterns of building, supporting systems and decorative roofing are very advanced and is enchanting to behold. To anyone with an artistic slant, this centre of heritage is a colossal and authentic display of information.
However the journey from place to place cannot be overlooked. It is so very time consuming and tedious. The roads no doubt can be improved. All the same I’m thankful for the present roads; they give a chance also to view the panorama of the land. The winding roads of the hills make connectivity possible. Thanks to the laborers and engineers of the past.

Nagaland of nobility
Always abloom with newness
Godly manifestation of infinite glory
Awesome in vastness and beauty,
Laudable in culture, rich ad varied
Adorning the past glory with
Newer horizons to achieve
Daring and doubtless, a new era to unfold!

Separate state issue dominates Nagaland assembly PTI | IBN
Kohima, Mar 25 (PTI) The demand for creation of a separate state by Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) today took the centre-stage in the assembly during the debate on the governor's address.Expressing concern over ENPO's memorandum to the prime minister demanding creation of Eastern Nagaland comprising four border districts, the opposition Congress members asked the state government to ponder over the issue and redress the grievances of the people of border areas of Nagaland.Participating in the discussion, former chief minister K L Chishi said the issue needed attention of the government and it should be nipped in the bud before it took a serious turn threatening the integrity of the state.Senior Congress member H Chuba Chang, who is from border district of Tuensang, said ENPO issue had been a long standing problem in the region and it needed attention.Chang pointed out that out of 30,000 gazetted officers in the state, the four districts combined have only 300 such officers and there was serious discrimination against fund allocation for this backward border region.In this connection he pointed out that the Article 371-A of the Constitution categorically mentioned that the fund allotted by Centre for Nagaland should be equally divided among the three districts of Tuensang, Mokokchung and Kohima.There were only three districts at the time of creation of Nagaland.Apok Jamir said although the government created a separate department for backward areas namely DUDA in 2003, in the past eight years it failed to live up to the expectations of the people of the border areas.
Don’t break up state: Pusa
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, March 25: Congress lawmaker K.V. Pusa while opposing the disintegration of Nagaland urged the state government to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state in the Assembly today.
Raising a supplementary question on demand for a separate state by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO), Pusa said like the neighbouring states, the Nagaland government should also stand firm against the disintegration of the state.
But at the same time he urged the state government to address the grievances of the people of the four districts of Mon, Kiphire, Longleng and Tuensang.
“Like the neighbouring states, safeguard the integrity of our state,” he said.
He said there are 20 MLAs from four districts out of which 14 are with the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) and urged them to work in a united manner for eastern Nagaland.
He also called upon the MLAs from eastern Nagaland to contribute for the welfare of the state so that Nagas could progress equally adding that they should strengthen the state rather then fight for their rights the Congress leader said.
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio said ENPO had submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister for a separate state for the people of four districts and a copy of which was also submitted to Union home minister P. Chidambaram.
He said the organisation had handed over a copy to the Nagaland governor but both the ministry of home affairs and the governor wrote to the state government to offer its views and comments.
The state government is not privy to the reason for such a demand he told the House.
He said the demand for a separate state is a very serious issue and therefore the cabinet had met to appeal to the ENPO to reconsider its demand.
Rio in his budget speech also said government was aware of the feelings and genuine grievances of the people and would address them with all sincerity and seriousness.
While it is for the Centre to decide the issue of granting statehood, it is sad to think of the further division of the Nagas.
He urged the people to remember that history would judge them for all their decisions and actions at this critical juncture.
“Let us be careful to see that we don’t throw away all the gains achieved through years of our collective struggle, hard work and sacrifice,” Rio said.
He said he was aware that it was not possible for him to adequately and satisfactorily address all the issues and problems being faced by the people of eastern Nagaland in a short span of time.
He, however, said they were firm and unwavering in their commitment to bring about speedy and equitable development to the people of eastern Nagaland and to remove the feelings of neglect and discrimination being felt by them.
On law and order, Pusa said, “A peaceful atmosphere alone does not guarantee long-term security, which is a prerequisite for all-round development. The efforts of all governmental and non-governmental agencies and organisations working towards unity and reconciliation is appreciable, but a permanent settlement of the issues relating to factors creating divisions in our society will require long-term solutions,” the Congress leader said.
He said this would not happen if the government failed to identify its place and role in the matter and shift its responsibility to the NGOs and the indigenous hohos alone.
Pusa said the role played by Forum for Naga Reconciliation might have been effective for now but in the long run the sustenance of its efforts would depend on the government policies.
He insisted that the government should go much beyond extension of support and commitment to facilitate the peace process.
“It is the responsibility of the government to make policies that are conducive to peace and to run its administrative organs effectively for the maintenance of peace,” Pusa said.
On the development front, he opined that emerging regionalism has been on the rise in a small state like Nagaland on the premise of inequitable distribution and development.
This reflects the failure of the government machinery in recognising the grievances and needs of the backward areas in time.
“If we want to retain the unity of our small political family it is imperative the government immediately take up remedial measures to address the grievances of the eastern Nagas,” Pusa said.
He said the approach of the government should not be to appease backward areas with sops in terms of economic packages alone, but developmental projects that challenges the people of those areas, recognising their talents and local resources should be taken up.
He said the government should not encourage regionalism in backward areas and get rid of identification on regional or tribal basis. Instead economic and developmental yardstick should be used.
On the much talked about Article 371(A), Pusa said it would be wrong to think that this Article hampered fast economic growth in the state in regard to land and its resources.
But he said this empowers lawmakers to decide on the development of Nagaland and its resources.
“As members of a democratically elected Assembly, we cannot blame the people whom we represent for not being able to exercise our powers in the exploration and utilisation of our rich natural resources for the benefit of the people,” Pusa told the Assembly.
He said in doing so they should maintain proper balance between economic benefits and the environment consequences, otherwise, in the long run it may have negative impact on the future of Nagaland and its people.
Remove Assam Rifles from Zeliangrong land
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Dimapur | March 25 : Zeliangrongs today questioned the Assam Rifles if they had “no work” because of ceasefires and were using “encounters” to vie for promotions. “Is it incumbent for an army officer to concoct a stage encounter and eliminate any member of a revolutionary group who has been in ceasefire with the government of India for his promotion?” questioned Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur and All Zeliangrong Students’ Union of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland in a petition to the Prime Minister of India. They demanded that “the 11 Assam Rifles should immediately be transferred out of Tamenglong (renamed Inriangluang) district and Zeliangrong areas so that the tranquility of the district and areas is maintained.”
Question for army authorities—Are “encounters” a means for promotions?
Through the petition to Dr. Manmohan Singh the organizations disparaged 11th Assam Rifles under the command of Col. Chokar accusing him of being high handed and attempting to breach peaceful atmosphere on March 13, by arresting George Gonmei, ‘joint secretary’ of finance section of NSCN/GPRN on wrongful allegation and against the ground rules of the Indo-Naga peace process according to which Naga areas including Tamenglong district comes under the ambit of the ceasefire.
“The sole intention of the Colonel was to eliminate George on fake encounter, however timely intervention from the public had saved his life,” stated the petition signed jointly by Tahemang Panmei, vice chairman, Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur, Poupoklung Kamei, convener, Zeliangrong Baudi, Imphal zone and Pamei Tingenlung, president, All Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
That George was arrested on false charges was amply demonstrated when the law court vindicated his right and granted a bail on March 18, it stated, adding that the high handed actions of the 11 AR was thus exposed before the public.
The Zeliangrong organizations alleged the Assam Rifles having a “spirit of vengeance” because the para-military force has filed an FIR with Tamenglong police station against civil society leaders like Mrs. Nambonliu, Mrs. Priscilla, Mrs. Teresa, Ejumy, Damchuilung, Keibonang and Dingsung.
Is “supporting the ongoing peace process between the GOI and the NSCN” a criminal act, questioned the Naga leaders. They questioned whether India considered both groups of the NSCNs as “terrorists”? They wondered if the peace talks are then “fake”.“Why is the 11 AR hell-bent in creating problem in peaceful areas like Tamenglong district and other Zeliangrong areas” when “the GOI has excluded both groups of NSCN from the list of terrorists,” the petition said.
Recalling earlier incidents involving the said unit of the Assam Rifles, the petition spoke of a raid on the official residence of SDO Tousem sub-division Dinguanglung Gangmei at Tamenglong headquarters in 2010. Col. Chonkar of the Assam Rifles had allegedly humiliated a group of Zeliangrong leaders after the military officer himself invited them to meet a Brigadier.
When the Naga leaders came into the office of the Brigadier they were told that the military man cannot give an audience “because he is the boss there.” “He (Col. Chonkar) even proclaimed that he (Brigadier) was all in all and he can even eliminate anybody anytime”.
The Zeliangrong organisations alleged that the Assam Rifles were using these provocations and incidences to influence their own “promotions” because “there is no work for the (Indian) security forces” because of ceasefires. The 11 AR would like to create Naga areas similar to Jammu and Kashmir. Its activities are anti to peaceful environment, it stated further.
“Therefore, we demand that the 11 AR should immediately be transferred out of Tamenglong district and Zeliangrong areas so that the tranquility of the district is maintained,” the petition said, adding that in the event of failure to look into the demand Zeliangrong public will be compelled to take up democratic means of agitation.
(With inputs from Newmai News Network)
Mother of insurgencies or reinvention? M. S. Prabhakara The Hindu
PTI In this May 2010 file photo, supporters of Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary NSCN(IM), blocking National Highway No. 39 in protest against Manipur government's decision to prevent its leader from visiting his home town Ukhrul, in Senapati.
Has the Naga insurgency come to terms with its unrealised and, indeed, unrealisable sovereignty aspirations?
In the early 1980s (when this correspondent returned to Guwahati as working journalist after an eight-year absence), insurgency in the northeast was limited to Nagaland, parts of Manipur and what was then the Union Territory of Mizo Hills. In Nagaland, the Naga National Council (NNC), political face of the oldest of the insurgencies in the region, was led by Angami Zapu Phizo, then in exile in Britain. Despite the challenge posed by a faction of the NNC that had recently split after much rancour on both sides and formed itself into the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), the NNC remained the dominant voice of Naga nationalistic assertion. In Manipur, Naga insurgency was active those days in the Naga-inhabited hill districts mainly in Tamenglong, while in the Imphal Valley, several outfits, some of them fighting one another as much as the Indian state, were active: the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA), the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP). In the Union Territory of Mizo Hills, the Mizo National Front (MNF) arrived at the Talk-Talk-Fight-Fight stage, and was on the way to give up its secessionist agenda, sign a peace accord and become a legitimate party of the government. Insurgency had not become a generalised fact of life in the region including Assam, though formally the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) had been founded in April 1979.
The objectives of all these organisations, including the nascent ULFA, were broadly the same: independence and sovereignty, the restoration of sovereignty that ‘lapsed' to the people these organisations claimed to represent when the British left India but which India refused to concede.
The undeniable historical fact underlying this idea of ‘restoration of sovereignty' as against the ‘demand for sovereignty' is that beginning with the British annexation of Assam following the defeat of Burma in 1826 in the First Anglo-Burmese War, the colonial government had embarked on consolidating the boundaries of these newly acquired vast territories, progressively annexing more of these borderlands and extending its own boundaries. The annexation process was neither painless nor fair; nor even conclusive, the last most evident in the description of some of the ‘new' territories in the old maps as “excluded,” “partially excluded” and “unadministered” areas. The bland bureaucratic prose of the introductory chapter of the Assam Land Revenue Manual says it all.
However, received wisdom had it even those days that the resolution of Naga insurgency was central to resolving other insurgencies, actual and incipient. Long before such disaffection manifested itself among other people of the region, tribal and non-tribal, Phizo himself had tried on the eve of Independence to enlist the support of the largest and most advanced of the people, the Assamese, as well as other tribal people who, in course of time, were to form the core of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram — the last two then politically and administratively part of Assam — for realising his plan for an Independent Nagaland. He also urged them to seek an independent status outside India.
Being the oldest insurgency in the region, which had also lent some material support to other disaffected elements, this perception was somewhat justified. This has been especially so since the NNC split and the formation of the NSCN in early 1980. Even though the NSCN in due course also split into two factions, and the NNC has refused to fade away, the NSCN (I-M) bearing the initials of chairman Isak Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah remains the dominant voice of the sovereignty aspirations of the Naga people.
However, all these insist that settlement of the “Naga political issue,” that is restoration of Naga sovereignty and independence — the resolution of what has come to be known in the Naga nationalist rhetoric as “the mother of all insurgencies” in the region — is central to resolving the other problems in the region.
This perspective has been expressed several times by Muivah since the NSCN (I-M) began talking directly to the Government of India nearly 15 years ago. During this period, the NSCN (I-M) leaders have met several Prime Ministers in foreign lands and in India, and have had prolonged dialogue with ‘interlocutors,' initially in cities in Europe and South East Asia, and later in Delhi. Peace of a kind has prevailed in Nagaland and in the Naga inhabited areas of Manipur, though the “Naga political issue” remains unresolved. The other side of this peace is the parallel administration of the NSCN (I-M), which is evident to the most casual visitor to Nagaland and the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur. Perhaps one can see this as the Naga people's unique way of reconciling the irreconcilable, the “resolution of the Naga political issue” without actually getting the lost sovereignty restored. By simply putting these tricky issues on the back burner, the State government and the Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim coexist in Kohima and near Dimapur. Situations where legitimately constituted State governments face challenges far more dire prevail in many parts of eastern and central India.
How has this unique “resolution of the Naga political issue” impinged on the ferment in the rest of the region? Has the “mother of all insurgencies” in the region, whose leaders now travel on Indian passports with all implications of securing such a document, come to terms with its unrealised and indeed unrealisable sovereignty aspirations and injected a dose of realism into the sovereignty aspirations of other groups with far less legitimate claims than the Naga people who, under Phizo, formally declared Independence on August 14, 1947?
One significant development in the insurgency scenario is the “arrest” of senior leaders of ULFA and their resolve to hold talks with the Government of India without any precondition. Another is the “arrest” of UNLF chairman Rajkumar Sanayaima, who maintains that he was abducted by Indian agents in Dhaka and brought to India. Unlike ULFA leaders who are on bail, Sanayaima remains in prison, defiant about not talking to the Government of India except on four preconditions being accepted, the core of which is a plebiscite under U.N. supervision to ascertain if the people of Manipur want to remain part of the country. The differences in the government's approach to the NSCN (I-M), the ULFA and the UNLF are as striking as is the relatively realistic approach of the first two which too were insisting that the core issue in any talks with the government had to be sovereignty. Like the lady in the song, the NSCN (I-M) and ULFA leaders kept saying they would never consent, and yet consented. Will the UNLF follow suit?
There are other interesting developments on the insurgency front. Since the mother of all insurgencies began speaking to the government, other insurgent or terrorist groups have become active; these outfits have survived and even prospered by their capacity to reinvent themselves, though not their stated aims and objectives, and are carrying on. The most curious instance of such reinvention is the path taken by Dima Halong Daoga (DHD), based in the North Cachar hills of Assam, one of the two Autonomous Hills Districts of the State, the other being Karbi Anglong where too the United Peoples Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), like almost every similar outfit, split into pro-talks and anti-talks factions. The DHD's reinvention of itself by using a section of the Indian state, in this case, the administration of the North Cachar Autonomous District Council, a constitutional body, to channel development funds meant for the district to itself, an outlawed outfit, is indeed breathtaking. The charge sheet by the National Investigative Agency available on http://nia.gov.in/niacases.aspx provides the most salutary education on the reinvention of insurgencies.