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05/21/2011: "AR arrest 5 NSCN/GPRN cadres; womenfolk protest Newmai News Network"
AR arrest 5 NSCN/GPRN cadres; womenfolk protest Newmai News Network
Imphal: Wayfarers and road users along National Highway 39 in Senapati district had a harrowing time when a convoy of 5 Assam Rifles transporting five arrested cadres of National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isaac Muivah was gheraoed by enraged womenfolk. According to the police, today at around 2 pm, five cadres of NSCN/GPRN were arrested by personnel of 5 Assam Rifles from Senapati bazaar in Manipur. Even as the arrested NSCN/GPRN cadres were being transferred from Senapati bazaar to Imphal, a group of womenfolk gathered at Ningthoupham village along National Highway 39 in Senapati district and gheraoed the convoy demanding the release of the cadres. The enraged womenfolk have demanded for the release of the arrested cadres and they are not willing to let the 5 Assam Rifles pass until their demand to release the NSCN/GPRN cadres was conceded to, added the police.
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As the agitating womenfolk held sway, the highway almost came to a standstill with the womenfolk regulating the passage of vehicles and highway users, after checking them to let pass the logjam site.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that the state police force has sent reinforcement to Ningthoupham village to break the embargo. The identities of the arrested NSCN/GPRN cadres are yet to be ascertained and till the filing of this report the standoff between the womenfolk demanding the release of the cadres and the security forces continued.
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity
PRESS RELEASE
21st May 2011
Sincerity is not a weakness
The current activities of the Government of India and its arm forces, mainly through the ever notorious Assam Riffles in Naga areas serious scrutiny. The Government of India vociferously call for early amicable solution of the vexed Indo-Naga political problem on one side and unleash a reign of terror on the Naga, particularly the NSCN cadres on the other. The sincerity or trustworthiness of the NSCN towards peace agreement between the two entities should not be taken as a weakness. Please do not stab the NSCN which represents the Nagas in the peace process from the back. Please for the sake of humanity and the Nagas do not provoke us to expose all the evils of India before the World. From all points of considerations, Nagas are not terrorists. We never do or create any troubles in the areas of other people. We are only defending our own homeland and will continue to defend it till the last drop of Naga blood. Please don’t, don’t and don’t provoke us.
Do the Government of India and its armed forces realize and respect their commitments in the cease-fire agreement with the NSCN?? Cease-fire is cease- fire. Don’t make any excuse or pretext. At present, Nagalim is an Island of peace in the entire Asia continent. Do not vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in our land. Do the Government of India and its armed forces think that Nagas take the fourteen years of Cease – fire and thirteen years of political dialogue too lightly?? No, no, no, the NSCN takes it too seriously. But in our determination and commitment to find an honorable and peaceful settlement of the political issue we are maintaining sustained patient in spite of all kinds of provocations from the Indian side. Honor your commitment and restraint your armed forces specially the Assam Riffles, the a vowed enemy of the hill people.
On 19th May 2011, 16th Assam Riffles raided the private resident of Deputy Kilonser, K.K. Angami of NSCN at Chedema Village Nagaland during his absence and stolen away some Official documents, some ammunitions and about Rs.5 lacs of money. Two innocent youths who were around were also arrested.
On 20th May, 2011 5th Assam Riffles raided the houses of some NSCN functionaries at Senapati of Manipur and stolen documents, Rs. 1 lac cash money, one set of Computer and one labtop. Besides, 5 (five) NSCN cadres were arrested, but the public specially the womenfolk did not allow the Assam Riffles to take away the cadres to Imphal. The AR also took away two AK Series gun, one Carbine and 2 9mm Pistols along with magazines and live bullets from Shepoumaramth Region Office.
In Wokha District the 41 Assam Riffles are creating troubles and giving harassments to the NSCN cadres working there every now and then. Besides, in the most of the Naga areas the Indian armed forces, specially the Assam Riffles are continuously doing provocative acts and causing “loss of lives and properties” to the NSCN cadres which are banned by the Cease-fire between the GoI and the NSCN. The Indian armed agencies are doing all these crimes with the help of the Naga reactionary forces. Stop all these hostilities and provocation acts. If the Assam Riffles are so active and brave, then what are they doing in the Island of peace like Nagalim?? Send them to Chinese and Pakistan borders or send them to Afghanistan or Iraq and let them prove their worth.
Issued by MIP.
Inclusive Peace Process morungexpress
Unlike the discrepancy in the statement of Union Home Secretary GK Pillai, on the status and progress of the Naga political dialogue, at least the Government of India’s interlocutor RS Pandey, a former Chief Secretary of Nagaland, appears to be more consistent with his assessment of the Naga situation. Those who are shouldering the responsibility of pursuing peace objectives, like with the Naga people, should know the ground realities and also feel the mood of the populace. Pandey having served in Nagaland as a career IAS officer will be in a much better position to push and guide the negotiation process. Here, it is obviously clear that there is a gap in the assessment between the Union Home Secretary and the Interlocutor and this is a matter of concern for the political process. An interlocutor is expected to go into the heart of the process and therefore that person will be in a much better position to assess a particular situation. But then it is the establishment, here represented by people like the Union Home Secretary, who will have the discretion to accept or reject without actually knowing the real picture. This is unfortunate. The Naga political talks’ going on for the last decade or so obviously has dragged on for whatever reasons. Mr Pandey is the third Interlocutor to have been asked to pursue talks with the NSCN/GPRN. Former Home Secretary Padmanabhaiah served the longest talking to the Naga group in an attempt to find a solution. But then nothing concrete has materialized. It becomes obvious that the role and function of an interlocutor needs to be enhanced so that his views and suggestions can find greater space in the overall decision making process. Otherwise there is no point of merit in having such people in the first place unless they are allowed to have a greater say.
Coming to the recent interview given by both Mr Pillai and Mr Pandey to the Northeast Press Service (NEPS) the former has given a time frame for a final solution while the latter has refused to give any time frame only expressing the hope that solution would be sooner than later. In other words it is still premature to spell out when the talks will end successfully that is. This is a discrepancy in the thinking between the two, which needs to be corrected. However for the Naga public, the State government, political parties and the national groups, the one clear unanimous message given out by both Mr Pillai and Mr Pandey is this: Doing our homework. Both have categorically stated that the Naga people should also do a lot of homework so that the peace process would expedite and move forward. For over ten years both sides have been putting out statements that they are sincere and talks are going on in the right direction or that both sides are committed to find a solution. If this is so then how come the process has been dragged on endlessly? We do not expect ‘full transparency’ to take place because in peace negotiation some amount of secrecy is required. However after more than fourteen years, the time has come to ‘democratize’ the dialogue process. Problems and difficulties must be shared so that the Naga public can also help in any ways possible. Although unclear and ambiguous, now that both the Union Home Secretary and Interlocutor have mentioned about ‘home work’, the Naga public can also respond and take the necessary initiative. Similarly the Interlocutor has stated about current position of the peace process by explaining the journey from Dimapur to Kohima (the final destination). Mr Pandey makes prominent mention of roadblocks standing in the way. To help in the process, he should clearly state what these roadblocks are so that the Naga public can also contribute their collective wisdom to help remove them. It is time to make the Naga peace process truly inclusive.
Was it a replay of the old rabbit and turtle in race? KK Jagoi Morung
Barely 50 year old child in Naga Politics entered to into race with the eighty year old strong man of Naga Politics-
When SC Jamir comes to the foray, it would be a straight question for the Nagas. Wither Jamir or Rio. The defeat of NPF candidate would have been a warning bell for Rio to face the music anytime. Perhaps, Jamir in the Assembly would have ousted the DAN government at any point of time, the pity scene would have been Rio and his second lieutenant TR Zeliang walking out of the Assembly wiping their foreheads.
Nothing can down size SC Jamir.
Was it political mistake of SC Jamir to contest an Assembly by election? One of the high ranking official of the Indian National Congress, as a Congress working committee member, former Governor of a big state of Maharashtra, it was too mean for the state unit of the party to field SC Jamir in a by poll, sending a strong signal to the ruling side. SC Jamir, so far a fear complex to many in the state politics, was pitted in a contest ‘in a do or die attempt’ to revive the state Congress. Or else should be the failure of the state unit to find a charismatic figure to combat Rio in the past eight years.
Now the question is - who in Congress wants SC Jamir back? As an eye wash all the state leaders may talk with due respect and regard. His return would have deposed all the present front ranking leaders of the party of their hopes for leading the government of the state. It would have been holidaying for stalwarts especially KL Chishi and I Imkong. Fear that SC Jamir would have made a cosy ladder for his pet son to be his successor. The storm in the tea cup has not subsided. A section of the Congress will have to silently admit that, at the least a stable government is in place and the number game does not give any scope for a turn around.
The veteran Congress leader once he steps into the assembly, will sent shock waves across the Naga society. PV Narasimha Rao was bold enough to take a U turn in the Congress dynamics in the Naga Movement, while taking a stern step to enter into a dialogue process and rolling back the partisan attitudes in the state and silence all the big guns. It required a change in the guard of the state. SC Jamir was given the governorship and kept him out of the state politics. Yet his frequent visits to the state was a headache to both Congress and ruling NPF. Yet the last game in the state legislature and the Presidents Rule turned to be a disaster for the Congress.
Now, there cannot be a change in the equations of the centre with that of the state. Rio, emerged as a the most powerful Chief Minister of the region. The story on corruptions is not a sellable commodity in the state. Law and order situations also do not suffice the agenda of the Congress. It has to look into new avenues to fight out. The baggage is left dry and empty. Whereas for Rio, it is another testing time. Rio cannot be ruled out of Naga Politics. From 1963, no political leader could empower the right of the Nagas as per the Article 371A. He first followed the suit of SC Jamir and made a silent revolution in the state. Rio rightly chooses TR Zeliang to head the Cabinet subcommittee and TR in his interim report recommended for a resolution in adopting Article 371 A. A history was made and the state is empowered to take Policy decisions and central acts can no more be enforced. SC Jamir government had always succumbed to the central acts and deprived the Nagas of their constitutional safeguards. His return would have been disastrous for the Nagas, the entire effort of Rio government in empowering the Naga rights would have been turtled.
Nagaland political situation is different. People have been deprived for years. People need money and development. Every minister and legislature is burdened with the unending demands to meet the needs of commoners- from school admissions, medical care, higher education for children, marriage and the list goes on. This situation cannot change who ever rules the state till a proper economic frame work evolves. Simultaneously development also needed. Such a societal situation circumvents the political system and no one can close the doors and turn their back against the ground reality. Success of Rio is mainly due to the balanced way in which he and his comrades have been managing the public interest without much damage to the state’s development initiatives. Centre also seemingly understands this jeopardy and never stamped it as a corruption. This goes well with the realisation that the state will have trust in the statutory democratic system, only if the immediate needs of the public are met by their leaders. It is a tough management of the government. Can the opposition close their eyes and blame the ruling front. Their campaign of corruption turned out to be a good piece of music to listen to, at the same time, invites hostility of the commoners, especially women and the upcoming youth. Today’s youth had a horrifying childhood in an environment of uncertainties. Rio could effectively give a healing touch, held their hands and made an effort to bring them to the forefront.
SC Jamir, the wonder man, who rose to be the parliamentary secretary to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, despite the fact that he represented one of the least populated states, is never to be forgotten and is a countable force despite the failure. He will certainly write a new equation behind the curtains, hopefully not an open invitation the people to the corruption free ivory towers. Yet he is spell bound to read the message his clansmen have slapped on him - Rio is to stay and they need their rights to be enforced as the law of the land.
AFSPA Must Go – The draconian law completes 53 years By Mahtab Alam, Two Circles Net
On 4th of March 2009, when it was touching noon, (around 11:50 am), Mohd Azad Khan was reading a newspaper in the courtyard of his house along with one of his neighbouring friends, in Phoubakachao Makha Leikai Yumnan village of West Imphal district, Manipur. Azad, a barely 12 year old boy and a student of class seventh at the local high school, was sitting with his friend Kiyam Anad Singh (14 years), when some personnel of the Manipur Police Commandos rushed in to his house. One of the personnel dragged Azad by both of his hands and started beating him severly. Meanwhile, the commandos asked Kiyam the reason for keeping company with Azad. “Don’t you know, Azad was an activist of an underground organisation,” they asked. The commandos showed him a gun saying that it belonged to Azad and slapped him on his face. Subsequently, Azad was dragged out some 70 metres towards the north.
While Azad was being dragged out of the courtyard, the commandos fired some rounds in the air and at the same time other commandos prevented his mother and other family members from following them, pointing guns and forcing them to go inside their house. After dragging Azad, he was pinned down on the paddy field and shot dead. Almost immediately, the commandos threw a pistol near the dead body. The whole incident was witnessed by his family members as well as neighbouring villagers, as all of this happened in broad daylight. After the killing, the dead body was taken away by the raiding commandos in their vehicles. The villagers tried to follow the police commandos but were stopped.
Azad is not alone
Believe me, this is not the script of a horror/action film but a real life story. What is most disturbing is that the case of Azad is only one amongst the hundreds killed in cold blood. Over the years, cold blooded murder, or ‘encounter’, as they call it, has become a routine of Manipur. Like Azad, you would be reading the newspaper today and be a news item in tomorrow’s newspaper, which too would be limited to those published in Manipur and neighbouring areas. In the same year, on 23rd July, Chongkham Sanjit (27 years old), was killed in cold blood in broad daylight, barely 500 metres from the state assembly. But it was only when the news weekly Tehelka, published the photographs of the episode by an anonymous photographer, that news of Sanjit’s cold blooded murder reached us.
Cold blooded killings, and, in particular, fake encounters by the Manipur Police Commandos (MPC) have become a day-to-day affair in the life of Manipuris. In 2008, there were 27 recorded cases of torture and killings by the MPC. In several cases, ordinary civilians carrying money and valuables have been robbed and sometimes killed. In few of the cases, official ‘action’ has been taken but for the most part, their extra-judicial activities go scot free. In fact, it happens the other way around.
Take the case of Azad. Her mother Garamjan Bibi deposed before an Independent People’s Tribunal headed by Justice (retired) K Kusha of Kerala High Court, during 11-13 December 2009. “When I tried to bring out the truth, filing a case with police, the police commandos warned me to withdraw the case if I wanted to save my life.” It must be mentioned, in all of the cases, Commandos repeatedly threatened the petitioners to withdraw the cases. What is more glaring is that it is not just happening in Manipur only, but different parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Kashmir as well.
The root cause
Why is it happening so? What makes these forces so powerful, or rather, so brutal? The answer is, Arms Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)-1958, a draconian law in the name of maintaining law and order in the so-called disturbed areas. According to the Act, in an area that is declared as ‘disturbed’, even a non-commissioned officer of the armed forces has powers to: "Fire upon or otherwise use force, even to the extent of causing death, against any person who is acting in contravention of any law", against "assembly of five or more persons" or possession of deadly weapons. To arrest without a warrant and with the use of "necessary" force on anyone who has committed certain offenses or is suspected of having done so and to enter and search any premise at any time in order to make such arrests. It gives army officers legal protection for their actions. There can be no prosecution, suit or any other legal proceeding against anyone acting under the law.
The act is not only problematic because of violation of rights that occur in ‘disturbed areas’. But it is also problematic because once the AFSPA is in force – as it is in all Northeast Indian states – the government through a simple notification can declare any area, the entire state, or parts of the state, as ‘disturbed’ without any public debate. The deployment of the armed forces, the suspension of fundamental freedoms and the ‘special powers’ of the armed forces can immediately come into force. An area can remain ‘disturbed’ for years with no end. The act legitimizes a localized form of indefinite emergency rule in the areas. Ironically, the Act is nothing but a replica of the 1942 Ordinance framed by the colonial powers to control the wave of Indian freedom struggle.
AFSPA must go
It has been 53 years since the act came into being. And over the years, it has become an established fact that due to the draconian law, hundreds of ordinary citizens of the so-called disturbed states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Kashmir have lost their lives. Extra-judicial killings, illegal detention, rape, torture has become a routine affair for the people—men, women, old and child all alike, of these ‘disturbed areas’. The act has become a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and high handedness by the one who is supposed to protect their life, liberty and dignity. Even the Justice Reddy Committee, appointed by Government to study the issue during UPA-I admits it, "the Act, for whatever reason, has become a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and high handedness."
And without an iota of doubt, the impacts of the draconian laws like AFSPA are far reaching and disastrous. These are tools of the Indian government, through which it is alienating and pushing towards the wall its ‘own-people’. Government after government, no matter which party is at the helm of affairs, is not worried about these people, nor ready to scrap this tool of oppression.
This 22nd May, when the draconian law is completing its 53th year of enactment and going to enter the 54th, it is the duty of us, the people from the so-called mainland India to stand up by the side of (or with) the oppressed and demand to scrap the AFSPA. After all, injustice anywhere is everywhere. It is time to join Irom Chanu Sharmila, who is on her fast unto death, now going to enter in 11th year, with the firm resolution to see the Act meet its end and an end to the injustice (mostly unaccounted) by the armed forces on the innocent civilians. Today when hundreds and thousands of people from Kashmir to Manipur are demanding to scrap the AFSPA, let us come together and join hands, stand in solidarity with the people of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Kashmir and say: AFSPA must go now and by now. Enough is enough.
(Mahtab Alam is a Civil Rights Activist and an independent Journalist. He can be contacted at activist.journalist@gmail.com)
Rio expounds on Naga tribal, political and social concerns Morungexpress
Kohima | May 20 : Chief Minister Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio said Angamis hold a very high status in the Naga society and said “If we are strong, the position of the Nagas will also be strong and it is up to us to uphold it”. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest during the general conference of Angami Public Organization (APO) here at APO hall the chief minister said that during his eight years in office, there has been immense significant development in the Naga Society as a whole and he expressed hope that Angamis too have progressed in many ways, “everything has been possible because of the support rendered by the people in general”. As the present APO term ends, Rio said they have worked cohesively for the Nagas in general and expressed hope that the new team will also work sincerely. He assured that his government will work together with the APO for the upliftment of the Angamis and Nagas in general.
Expressing concern over Naga Political issue, Rio said Naga political issue has been a concern for all the Nagas and unless a final solution is brought about, Nagas in general cannot make much progress and urged to work together towards finding an early solution as Nagas have too long been engaged with Naga political issue, fighting for independence but considering the present situation it is not moving on the right path as it has been taken over by individualism, partyism, tribalism etc, he added.
Rio urged the gathering to give up all such isms and come to the level of Nagaism in order to work for a final solution of Naga political problem. “There is no Naga leader in general except for tribal, party and factional leaders, so Angamis will have to try and show the way for Nagaism”, said Rio. Asserting that Civil societies are conscience keepers of the society, Rio expressed his happiness that Angamis are holding key post in the Naga society like Naga Hoho, NSF, TPO, “this shows Nagas has high hope upon the Angamis and we should be able to uphold it, Lets us not be in the comfort zone but move forward and do better for the Naga society, Let us sacrifice and work for Nagas”, he added.
Touching on the Road Show and Tribal Festivals, Rio said state government is funding tribal Hohos to organize the festivals and also to showcase their respective cultural heritage so that one’s identity can be upheld and also urged to maintain the patenting of Naga dishes and traditional wears and also commercialization of it. The Chief Minister suggested that the youth to improvise and evolve new designs of our traditional dresses so as to attain standards for commercial value and exports. He reminded that the government of Nagaland has declared 2010- 11 and 2011-12 as the Year of Entrepreneur and is providing financial assistant to 1000 youth.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the State government presented its Annual Budget for 2011-12 with a 10% step up over last year’s Budget but the Planning Commission awarded a step up of 20% indicating its supports for developmental activities which could make Nagaland economically self dependent from totally dependent and consumer State. He also emphasised that in our endeavours to entrepreneurships we should not chase away non-Nagas, instead should collaborate and learn the trades with them.
He also propounded that the present Election system should be replaced with a traditional selection system. He was of the opinion that the root cause of the corruption is election and urged that the Angamis as a tribe make contribution to evolve a selection system and solve the problem. The Chief Minister also commented on the popular Angami slogan “Keviu uya”, and said that it is perhaps more appropriate to be saying “Keviu vierhe”.
Expressing concern on the poor sanitation in the state capital, Rio said ‘Kohima is the Mirror of Nagaland – Classic Club’, but people comment the untidy of the town and urged APO, AWO, District Administration and KMC to work together in order to beautify Kohima and also impart sanitary and cleanliness habits among the general public and also said the need for collecting tax from every household for such activities in order to pay to those working for cleanliness drive and to set example to others.
Rio also pointed on the issue of water scarcity, stating that if water supply does not reach people, capital may not always stay with Angamis, despite having many sources, “we can’t bring water for the people is a big issue” and urged those villages who have sufficient waters to come forward in giving water for the citizens of Kohima. He also lauded the successful completion of Census 2011 and thanked ‘all’ for giving accurate figures.
Earlier invocation was pronounced by Rev. Lhouzoviu Shüya while Presidential addressed was delivered by Kekhreingulie Linyü. Reports were given by Treasurer, Vithepfulie Kehie and General Secretary, Keneigunyü Sekhose. Reading the Constitution of APO by Kevino Chasie followed by house approval and released by Chief Guest. The programme was attended by dignitaries like Speaker Nagaland, Kiyanilie Peseyie, Dr Shürhozelie Minister for Higher Education & Urban Development, Vikho-o Yhosü MLA, K.V. Pusa, Congress Legislator, L. Kire, Commissioner & Secretary to Chief Minister and government officers and public leaders.
(With inputs from DIPR)
