05/27/2011: "PRESS STATEMENT Oking: dated 26th May, 2011."

PRESS STATEMENT

Oking: dated 26th May, 2011.

The Indo-Naga political dialogue will be completing its 14th year and the initiatives to find lasting peace through an honourable negotiated political settlement that is acceptable to both is still on top of the agenda to both the entities in the political negotiation. Solution through mutual respect for each other’s rights is unquestionable and the only right approach. The assurance of Dr. Manmohan Singh the hon’ble Prime Minister of India for a solution “outside the box” indicates a great amount of seriousness. The recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas was basically one of the most
realistic steps towards seeking a realistic political solution.

At this point of time the National Socialist Council of Nagalim believes that the right time has come again to receive counsel and advice from internationally renowned experts in the field of human rights, conflict resolutions, constitutional and legal matters, peace
negotiations et cetera. And in view of that the NSCN invited the committed professionals to facilitate and enlighten the Nagas in initiating / developing principles that will help resolve the political conflict between the GoI and the NSCN.

The consultative meeting with the advisers that began on 21st May continued till the 25th of May, 2011. Lt. Gen (Rtd.) VS. Atem who moderated the welcome meeting stated that the NSCN had left no stone unturned to find peaceful solution to the Indo-Naga conflict and that they are still committed towards that end. The NSCN Chairman, Isak Chishi Swu noted that the completion of 13 years negotiation indicates the seriousness of both the organization and the Naga people in the process of the political negotiation with the GoI.

Th. Muivah, General Secretary of the NSCN stated that the Nagas were extremely fortunate to have all the committed and gifted international experts who had made themselves available to help in the peace process. He stated that there can be no mistakes, both for the GoI and the Nagas, hence, the advice and suggestion of the experts through
consultation had become indispensable. He also pointed out that, for the GoI and the NSCN, an ample space exists to explore each other’s position and the Nagas are committed to successfully negotiate a pragmatic political solution through a special type of relationship that will be acceptable to both. He told the facilitators and the experts that he and the members of his organization were greatly enlightened by their balanced counsel and that the Nagas will continue to count on them for the political peace process that will facilitate both the negotiating parties.

The facilitators and experts also deeply appreciated the fact that both the GoI and the NSCN were dedicated towards arriving at an honourable political settlement. They also believe that the environment conducive for peace was not very far away.

MIP,
NSCN / GPRN
Ibobi takes guard for May 30 talks OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Imphal, May 26: Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today held a series of meetings with his council of ministers and top police and civil officials ahead of the third round of tripartite talks on the Naga demand for an alternative administrative arrangement in Naga-dominated areas and the proposed visit by Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio to Senapati.
The Union home ministry has fixed May 30 as the date for the third round of tripartite talks, to be held at Senapati, the headquarters of the Naga-dominated Senapati district.
The first round of talks was held in Delhi between Union home minister P. Chidambaram, a delegation of the United Naga Council (UNC) and Manipur’s resident commissioner, Delhi, Rakesh Ranjan, on September 21, 2010, and the second round was held at Senapati on December 3.
The UNC and Committee for Alternative Arrangement raised the demand for an alternative administrative arrangement for Nagas in Manipur last year after the Ibobi Singh government prevented NSCN (I-M) leader Th. Muivah from entering Manipur on May 6, 2010, which led to the death of two students in a police crackdown on Muivah’s supporters at Mao Gate in Senapati district that day.
“Ibobi Singh today reviewed the law and order situation with chief secretary D.S. Poonia and director-general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh. He also met members of his council of ministers to review the situation,” an official source said.
“We reviewed the situation, which is volatile in view of the Nagaland chief minister’s plan to visit Manipur and also the Senapati talks,” government spokesperson and irrigation and flood control minister N. Biren Singh told The Telegraph.
He said the state government was consulting New Delhi to come up with a plan to deal with the situation that is likely to arise after the two events, as it feels that the visit by Rio and the talks could create problems in the state capital.
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio will visit Senapati two days ahead of the proposed talks to open the Manipur unit of Nagaland’s political party — the Naga People’s Front (NPF).
Nagaland’s Lok Sabha MP C.M. Chang will also be among the VIPs taking part in the launch of the NPF unit on May 28.
Leaders of Naga civil society bodies and political leaders have also been invited to the launch by the general secretary of the unit, S. Kho John.
Sources said Ibobi Singh also discussed measures to be taken if protests against the tripartite talks are organised in the valley.
Various citizens’ bodies like by United Committee Manipur and All Manipur United Clubs Organisation are strongly opposed to any move to divide Manipur.
Naga minister slams Centre for talks delay TNN |
DIMAPUR: The Centre, which is facing a lot of criticism from the NSCN (I-M) for delay in finding an honourable solution to the vexed Naga problem, is now facing censure from Nagaland home minister Imkong L Imchen.

Imchen, who was recently in news for his comments on the Naga political issue, came down heavily on the Centre on Tuesday for inordinate delay on the issue despite several rounds of talks with the militant group. "We are not satisfied with statehood only," he said during a function of the Naga Peoples' Front (NPF), organized to felicitate the newly elected NPF MLA from Aonglenden constituency.

Imchen criticized the Centre for "ignoring" the issue for 50 years. He recalled that some people signed a 16-point agreement, granting statehood and creating the 16th state of the Indian Union, without taking the consent of Naga militants. The home minister wondered how the Naga plebiscite was conducted by the Naga National Council in 1951 where 99.9% people voted for "sovereignty" and subsequently rejected the 1952 general elections.

He questioned as to why NNC leader A Z Phizo was not invited for talks with the Centre for negotiation. He added that the Centre, instead, had dialogue with the Naga People's Convention (NPC) from August 1947, ending up with the 16-point agreement giving special status to Nagas under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution, which is "much lower than the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir."

On the current parleys between the Centre and the NSCN (IM), the home minister said, "It is not a peace process, but political talks with the government."
Tirade on Statehood morungexpress
Going by the recent spate of statements dished out on the Naga political issue, Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L Imchen is certainly on a high after the ruling NPF’s astounding victory in the Aonglenden bye-polls where the NPF candidate defeated the former Chief Minister SC Jamir. Since the Home Minister was given charge of the poll campaign there and the subsequent win against the heavyweight and that too from the Congress stronghold of Aonglenden, in this moment of victory, the former must be under the impression that he can do no wrong even to the extent of questioning his own allegiance as a State Home Minister under oath of the Indian constitution. Although the role of his government as pronounced by the Chief Minister is that of a facilitator, breaking from this, Imchen is now censuring the Government of India for the problems and delay in the dialogue process. The Home Minister has even gone to the extent of stating that “we are not satisfied with statehood only”. If this is so, the right thing for the Minister is to resign from the present State government and become an active participant in the dialogue so that he can push for a better deal, which though is best left to the Naga political groups to pursue. Our politicians must be well aware that Statehood is not an end in itself. Every right thinking Naga knows this. Even the Government of India including the present Congress led UPA government is well aware about the deficiency of Statehood status for the Nagas. The State Home Minister should not think that he alone can champion the cause of Naga nationhood. Many have sacrificed blood, sweat and tears.
The stated position of successive State governments (including Congress regime under SC Jamir) has always been that it will give way for any new dispensation once a political settlement is reached. Until that time, no matter how inadequate it may be even for the likes of our Home Minister, the State government will continue to function and perform its “role of active facilitator”, to borrow the term and policy of the present Neiphiu Rio government. Whether the Chief Minister subscribes to the views of his Home Minister, the latter has been criticizing the signing of the 16-point agreement and subsequent granting of statehood. Though unfortunate as it may be, this is past history. The point is that let us now focus on what needs to be done now in the present by today’s leaders so that a political solution, which has eluded the Naga people for so long, becomes a reality in our lifetime. It would be immature on the part of politicians to harp too much on the past especially when it comes to the Naga political issue. Most present politicians in Nagaland have in some way being part of the political process which evolved through various events and institutions. Imkong Imchen himself had been President of DCC Mokokchung for three terms and was Vice-President of NPCC for close to two terms before contesting as an Independent in the 2003 election and as NPF candidate in the last poll edition. To be fair to all, whatever had been done on the 16-Point agreement and thereafter should not be made into a prestige issue now. After all the Naga political issue is greater than the 16-Point Agreement. The important point now is that a political dialogue is underway between two political entities the NSCN and the Government of India. And this would suggest that both are now negotiating for ‘another’ political settlement higher than the present status. As such the question of who is right and who is wrong should not be taken up at this juncture, especially by those who are enjoying State power. Rather the focus should be on doing things the right way and not repeating old mistakes.

Minister hits out at talks with Centre OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, May 24: Nagaland home minister Imkong L. Imchen today criticised the Centre for “ignoring the subject matter” pending between New Delhi and the Naga people for over 50 years.
“We are not satisfied with statehood,” he said at a programme organised to felicitate Naga People’s Front legislator Toshipokba Longkumer, who won the Aonglenden Assembly byelection recently, at the party headquarters here this afternoon.
The home minister recalled how some people, without the consent of A.Z. Phizo-led Naga National Council (NNC), had signed a 16-point memorandum “almost certainly under duress from agencies of government of India”. The memorandum became an agreement in 1960, under which Nagaland became the 16th state of the Union of India.
Imchen said in 1951, the NNC, under the leadership of Phizo, had conducted a Naga plebiscite whereby 99.9 per cent of the people had opted for sovereignty. The Nagas boycotted India’s general election in 1952. He said these two developments attracted huge international attention that gave impetus to the Naga movement. He said the international community and the Naga people were of the view that the Nagas as an ethnic community deserved liberty. It was, however, denied by the Centre, he alleged.
He said from the Naga demand for sovereignty emerged Article 371(A) of the Constitution but Phizo, the Naga rebel leader who was still harping on sovereignty, was not invited for the talks. “What was the problem in inviting A.Z. Phizo for negotiation?” he asked the Centre.
Imchen said rather than talking with the NNC, the Centre negotiated with the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) from August 1957, which eventually ended up in a 16-point agreement with two special status to Nagas under Article 371(A) which is much lower than the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir.
Under Article 371(A), the state’s land and resources belong to the people and no act of Parliament can infringe upon the customary practices and traditions of the Naga people. “Was it the ultimate demand and aspiration of the Nagas? Never, never,” Imchen said.
However, he said, the land and resources were infringed upon by the Petroleum and Gas Act, 1957 and the customary practices and traditions of the Nagas had also been diluted by the Centre. He demanded that the Centre deliver justice to the Naga people.
On the ongoing Naga peace process between the Centre and the Naga group, Imchen said it was not a peace process or peace talks but political talks with the government of India. “It is a political talk between the Naga people and the Government of India. Why should it be a peace talks? We have to differentiate between political talks and peace talks,” he insisted.
5 arrested cadres of NSCN/GPRN released Newmai News Network
Imphal: The five arrested cadres of National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isaac Muivah (NSCN/GPRN) have been set free in the wee hours of Saturday following mounting pressure from an enraged womenfolk who had gheraoed the convoy of the Assam Rifles in Senapati yesterday. According to the police, at around 2 pm Friday five cadres of NSCN/GPRN were arrested by personnel of 5 Assam Rifles from Senapati bazaar in Manipur. Even as the arrested cadres were being transferred from Senapati bazaar to Imphal, a group of local womenfolk gathered at Ningthoupham village along national highway 39 in Senapati district and gheraoed the convoy demanding their release.
News from the spot confirmed Saturday that the arrested cadres have been released by 5 Assam Rifles in the wee hours of Saturday under duress from the agitating womenfolk who demanded their release. However, on what condition the five arrested cadres have been released cannot be confirmed and their identities were not divulged by the police. The enraged womenfolk had Friday demanded for the release of the arrested cadres and they are not willing to let the convoy of the 5 Assam Rifles pass until their demand to release them was conceded to.

NSCN/GPRN flays Assam Rifles raid morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The NSCN/GPRN denounces the “current activities” of the Assam Rifles and says that the Government of India must not “provoke us to expose all the evils of India before the world.” A note from the group’s ‘MIP’ today also listed some incidents alleging “crimes” by the Indian military forces on the Naga underground functionaries.
The MIP said, “If the Assam Riffles are so active and brave” in an “island of peace” like Nagaland, they should be sent to the Chinese and Pakistan borders or Afghanistan and Iraq to prove their worth.
“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 ‘MIP’ stated. The “sincerity” of the NSCN towards peace between the two entities should not be taken as a weakness and the government of India must not “provoke us to expose all the evils of India before the world.”
According to the NSCN/GPRN, “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.” The note said that on May 19, 2011, the 16th Assam Riffles raided the private residence of “deputy kilonser” KK Angami at Chedema village and “stolen away” some documents, ammunitions and about Rs.5 lakhs while two innocent youths were also arrested.
On May 20, 2011, the note said the 5th Assam Riffles raided the houses of “some NSCN functionaries” at Senapati of Manipur and “stolen” documents, Rs. 1 lakh cash, computer and a laptop, the MIP said. Five NSCN cadres were arrested but the public did not allow the Assam Riffles to take away the cadres to Imphal, the note said. The AR also took away two AK Series gun, one Carbine and 2 9mm Pistols along with magazines and live bullets from “Maram thangal” region office.
Likewise, the MIP stated, the 41 Assam Riffles are “creating troubles and giving harassments” to the NSCN cadres in Wokha ‘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 ceasefire between the GoI and the NSCN.”
The MIP explained it this way – “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.”
Questioning whether the Government of India and its armed forces realize and respect their commitments in the ceasefire agreement, the MIP note said, “Ceasefire is ceasefire”. “Don’t make any excuse or pretext.”
Claiming Nagaland to be “an Island of peace in the entire Asia continent” the NSCN/GPRN queried whether the Government of India and its armed forces think that the “Nagas take the fourteen years of ceasefire and thirteen years of political dialogue too lightly.” Saying that the NSCN takes it “too seriously”, the MIP note said “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.” The government is told to restrain the armed forces specially the Assam Rifles.

Rein in Assam Rifles: NSCN OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Kohima, May 22: The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim today said security forces were testing its nerves by raiding its hideouts.
The outfit said security personnel, particularly the Assam Rifles, were going overboard provoking it by raiding and arresting NSCN (I-M) cadres from different parts of Naga-inhabited areas.
It asked the Centre not to provoke them stating that security forces were vitiating the peaceful situation in the state.
“The Government of India vociferously calls for early amicable solution of the vexed Indo-Naga political problem and then unleashes a reign of terror on the Nagas, particularly the NSCN (I-M) cadres,” a note from the ministry of information and publicity of the outfit said.
It said the sincerity of the NSCN (I-M) towards peace between the “two entities” should not be taken as a weakness and the Centre must not provoke it to expose all the “evils of India” before the world.
The note said the outfit never creates any troubles in the areas inhabited by “other” people but was only defending its homeland and would continue to do so till the last drop of Naga blood. It said on May 19, jawans of the 16 Assam Rifles raided the private residence of deputy kilonser of the outfit, K.K. Angami, at Chedema village near Kohima and “stole” some documents, ammunition and around Rs 5 lakh cash. The outfit said two “innocent” youths were also arrested during the raid.
According to the NSCN (I-M), on May 20, Assam Rifles jawans raided the houses of some NSCN (I-M) functionaries in Manipur’s Senapati district and stole documents, Rs 1 lakh cash, computers and a laptop. Five NSCN (I-M) cadres were also arrested but the residents did not allow the Assam Rifles jawans to take them away to Imphal, the statement said.
The Assam Rifles also allegedly took away two AK-series guns, one carbine and two 9mm pistols along with magazines and live bullets from the outfit’s Maram Thangal regional office.
The note said jawans of the 41 Assam Rifles were creating trouble and harassing its cadres in Wokha. “In most of the Naga-inhabited areas, the Indian armed forces, especially the Assam Rifles, are continuously committing provocative acts and causing damage to lives and property of the cadres. These actions are banned by the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN,” the statement said.
Questioning whether the Centre and the armed forces realise and respect their commitments in the ceasefire ag-reement, the statement said, “Ceasefire is ceasefire. Don’t make any excuse or pretext.”
The NSCN (I-M) note said the determination and commitment to find a peaceful settlement of the political issue was helping to sustain patience in spite of all kinds of provocation from the Indian side.
It asked the Centre to restrain the armed forces.
Several Naga organisations have condemned the actions of the security forces and asked the government to restrain its forces from provoking the NSCN (I-M).
Minister hits out at talks with Centre OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, May 24: Nagaland home minister Imkong L. Imchen today criticised the Centre for “ignoring the subject matter” pending between New Delhi and the Naga people for over 50 years.
“We are not satisfied with statehood,” he said at a programme organised to felicitate Naga People’s Front legislator Toshipokba Longkumer, who won the Aonglenden Assembly byelection recently, at the party headquarters here this afternoon.
The home minister recalled how some people, without the consent of A.Z. Phizo-led Naga National Council (NNC), had signed a 16-point memorandum “almost certainly under duress from agencies of government of India”. The memorandum became an agreement in 1960, under which Nagaland became the 16th state of the Union of India.
Imchen said in 1951, the NNC, under the leadership of Phizo, had conducted a Naga plebiscite whereby 99.9 per cent of the people had opted for sovereignty. The Nagas boycotted India’s general election in 1952. He said these two developments attracted huge international attention that gave impetus to the Naga movement. He said the international community and the Naga people were of the view that the Nagas as an ethnic community deserved liberty. It was, however, denied by the Centre, he alleged.
He said from the Naga demand for sovereignty emerged Article 371(A) of the Constitution but Phizo, the Naga rebel leader who was still harping on sovereignty, was not invited for the talks. “What was the problem in inviting A.Z. Phizo for negotiation?” he asked the Centre.
Imchen said rather than talking with the NNC, the Centre negotiated with the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) from August 1957, which eventually ended up in a 16-point agreement with two special status to Nagas under Article 371(A) which is much lower than the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir.
Under Article 371(A), the state’s land and resources belong to the people and no act of Parliament can infringe upon the customary practices and traditions of the Naga people. “Was it the ultimate demand and aspiration of the Nagas? Never, never,” Imchen said.
However, he said, the land and resources were infringed upon by the Petroleum and Gas Act, 1957 and the customary practices and traditions of the Nagas had also been diluted by the Centre. He demanded that the Centre deliver justice to the Naga people.
On the ongoing Naga peace process between the Centre and the Naga group, Imchen said it was not a peace process or peace talks but political talks with the government of India. “It is a political talk between the Naga people and the Government of India. Why should it be a peace talks? We have to differentiate between political talks and peace talks,” he insisted.
SSA ‘South’, SSA ‘North’ declare ‘We are one’
Monday, 23 May 2011 12:44 Hseng Khio Fah News - Shan Herald Agency for News
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Lt-Gen Yawd Serk, leader of anti-Naypyitaw Shan State Army (SSA)’s political wing, Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), has officially declared that his group RCSS/SSA and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) better known as SSA ‘North, have united to fight against “the same enemy” at the 53rd anniversary of the Shan State People’s Resistance Day which fell on 21st May.
“There is only one Shan State Army now. SSA ‘South’ and SSA ‘North’ exist any longer. That is the good news what I would like to share with you on this auspicious day”,” Gen Yawd Serk said at the ceremony held at its Loi Taileng Headquarters, which was attended by over 2,000 participants including local and foreign news agencies. Representatives of the SSA ‘North’ who appeared at the ceremony were led by Colonel Sai Htoo, SSPP’s Assistant Secretary General#2.

Lt-Gen Yawd Serk, SSA South, and Col Sai Htoo, SSA North, at the press conference in Loi Taileng, 21 May 2011
“It is clear that we have the same enemy and fighting for the same ideal. We just need to work out the details,” said Yawd Serk.
Colonel Sai Htoo from SSPP shared the same view that they will keep fighting until they achieve justice, self-determination and equality.
“Before, we believed that we could solve the problems with the Burma Army by political means and we concluded ceasefire with them. But their actions didn’t match their words. This is why we decided to return to the struggle,” Sai Htoo said.
The groups say they are in deep discussion for their future strategy. Both sides have reportedly been helping each other in fighting since the Burma Army started the offensive on the SSPP/SSA on 13 March, after it refused to accept the Border Guard Force (BGF) program.
“We have been helping and supporting the SSPP since it was attacked, thought we operate separately,” Yawd Serk added.
For instance, the SSA ‘South’ attacked Tonglao in Mongkeung Township, Shan State South, while SSA North attacked Namlan in Hsipaw township of Shan State North simultaneously on 20 May 2011.Further details of the clashes remain undisclosed.
21 May marks the day when Sao Noi Saw Yanda with 30 other patriots swore the sacred oath to struggle for self-determination and equality in 1958.
Manipur parties opposed to NPF Newmai News Network |MExN

Imphal The meeting of political parties in Manipur has opposed the opening of Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Manipur. The meeting held at the chief minister’s secretariat in Imphal was attended by chief minister O Ibobi Singh (Congress), Th. Debendra Singh (Congress), Gaikhangam (Congress), P Parijat Singh (CPI), Sarat Salam (CPI-M), Yumnam Ratan Singh (CPI-M), Radhabinod Koijam (NCP), Ch Ajang Khongsai (NPP) and O Joy (MPP). In a press communiqué signed by chief minister O Ibobi Singh said the
meeting studied the aims and objects of the NPF enumerated on its constitution and pointed out the article II(2)(c) which states, “To work for unity and integrity of the people by integrating all contiguous Naga inhabited areas under one administrative roof and also
to provide protection to all the ethnic groups who are indigenous inhabitants of the State.”
Reacting to this particular article, the political parties’ meeting said that this provision challenges the territorial integrity of neighbouring north east states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. “On this count, opening of the NPF unit in Manipur State at Senapati is strongly opposed by the meeting as it would lead to instability of Manipur State and spread disharmony among different communities therein.” The meeting then pointed out the NPF article X(A)(1) which states, “Any citizen of Nagaland who subscribes to the principles of the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) shall be eligible for primary membership of the party.”
Again, reacting to this article, the meeting today said, “It is thus clear that membership of NPF will extend only to the citizens of Nagaland and to no others. In the circumstances the proposed launching of the NPF unit at Senapati will tantamount to extension of the
territory of Nagaland into Manipur and other northeastern states to further the demand for creation of the Greater Nagaland.”
The chief minister’s communiqué said the meeting also opposed to the opening of a communal political party in Manipur as it would violate the peaceful co-existence of various communities in the State. The meeting also decided to send a copy each of the resolution to the Prime Minister, the AICC chief, the Union home minister, the Election
Commission of India and to all the chief ministers of the north eastern states.

Manipur govt. tells Rio to defer Senapati visit

Dimapur, May 26 (MExN): The Government of Manipur today asked Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio to defer his May 28 visit to Manipur’s Senapati district, considering the “sensitive and highly volatile” situation in Manipur, “particularly in Senapati district.” Chief Secretary of Manipur DS Poonia wrote an official letter addressed to OSD to Chief Minister of Nagaland Varghese Mammen over Rio’s scheduled visit to Senapati to attend a Naga People’s Front function.
The issue has been considered by the Manipur state Cabinet today, the letter said. “The Cabinet noted the sensitive and highly volatile law and order situation currently prevailing in Manipur particularly in Senapati district. The four-month long blockade of NH-39 and 53 during 2010 which had disrupted supply of essential commodities to Manipur and caused immense hardship to the people of Manipur is still fresh in
the minds of the government and people of Manipur.”
On advice of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, talks with the United Naga Council are scheduled to be held at Senapati on May 30, the letter said. “It has been assessed that any disturbance at Senapati HQ on May 28 when NPF holds its function will impact adversely on the talks with UNC. Senior officers from MHA will be
participating in talks with UNC,” the Manipur government said. Considering this “highly volatile law and order situation” in Manipur “particularly Senapati district”, the letter said, the Cabinet has decided that the state government of Nagaland be requested to defer
the proposed visit of the chief minister of Nagaland and other VIPs “for the time being”. The Manipur Cabinet also decided to apprise and seek the intervention of Government of India, the letter said.

NPF to go ahead with Manipur trip

Dimapur, May 26 (MExN): Another cold-shoulder from the Government of Manipur notwithstanding, the Naga People’s Front (NPC) today assured that the party this time, led by Chief minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio will go ahead with its schedule to be in Senapati, Manipur on May 28 for an NPF function. Exasperated NPF leaders today vented their displeasure at the Manipur government’s asking the Nagaland government to defer the scheduled visit of the chief minister of Nagaland.
The NPF leaders questioned the constant ‘antagonism’ of the Manipur government and why it is ‘always like this’ and ‘always doing these things.’ In February this year, there were condemnations in the media that a team of Nagaland government leaders led by Planning Minister TR Zeliang was not even offered governmental courtesy by the Manipur government when Zeliang was in Manipur. Even State-to-State Protocols
such as security were denied to the Nagaland team, according to mediareports.
General Secretary of the NPF K Kenye and Media Secretary to the NPF, Abu Metha informed late in the evening that the party would be going ahead with the program. The NPF leaders said the response of the Manipur government is of no surprise. However, they informed, in spite of the ‘antagonism’ again from Okram Ibobi’s government, the NPF is going ahead this time.
The NPF leaders has been expecting something of this nature from the government of Manipur, the former MLA informed further. ‘Such attitudes of the Manipur government, considering this is not the first time, are unbecoming,’ senior NPF leader K Kenye told The Morung Express Thursday, May 26 evening. ‘He recalled the trip of TR Zeliang
to Manipur earlier. He was not even given the protocol of state-to-state government courtesy every state in the country gives to government leaders of other states.
Kenye said India is a democratic country and strongly implied that the NPF being a government-recognized political party has every right to undertake activities associated with the normal motions of a political party. ‘We are not going there to dislodge the Manipur or anything. Such (attitude or action of the Manipur government) is no surprise. We were expecting it,” the NPF leader said. Queried whether the NPF would be meeting to discuss the matter, Kenye said meeting to discuss the matter, if at all convened, would only be tomorrow. However, he assured that the NPF would go ahead.
The NPF’s media secretary Abu Metha said every citizen has the constitutional right to visit any place and the party is simply working on engagements as any political party would, in one state or any other as with the myriad of political parties across India.
Later on, after the interaction, the NPF leader called back to inform this daily that the party has decided to go ahead with the program as scheduled. ‘We will go ahead, our people, brothers and sisters are waiting for us there and we cannot disappoint them,’ he informed over phone. Queried if this is the decision of the NPF party (the communiqué from the Manipur Government was received only in the evening today), Metha responded in the affirmative. Attempts were made to contact NPF President Dr. Shurhozelie but he was unavailable at the time of filing this news report.
http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/66292.html

Nagaland CM’s visit in Manipur likely to be prevented By Hueiyen News Service
State to seek PM, HM intervention to deter CM Rio’s visit to Manipur
Imphal, An emergency cabinet meeting of the SPF government convened Thursday decided to seek the intervention of the Prime Minister and Home Minister to deter Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio from visiting Manipur’s Senapati on May 28.

The cabinet meeting held under the chair of the chief minister, O Ibobi Singh discussed the pros and cons of the law and order situation of the state, particularly in Senapati district where the Nagaland Chief Minister and leaders of the Naga People’s Front are scheduled to visit to formally launch the Manipur unit of the Naga People's Front (NPF).

The cabinet decided to entrust Manipur Chief Minister to urge the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to advise the Nagaland Chief Minister to put off his proposed visit to Senapati considering the fragile law and order situation of the state, an official source
quoting the decision passed in the cabinet meeting held from 10 am till 1 pm said.

The cabinet discussed the possible law and order situation that could arise out of the proposed visit of the Nagaland Chief Minister which comes at a time when the state government is preparing for hosting the third round of tripartite talks with the UNC. The cabinet noted that the proposed visit of the Nagaland Chief Minister will further
deteriorate the law and order of the state, the source maintained.

The cabinet directed the state Chief Secretary to contact the OSD of the Nagaland CM and pass the cabinet decision of the SPF government for necessary action. The Chief Secretary was further asked to contact the PMO and Union Home Minister’s office for intimation about the developing law and order situation in the state. The cabinet further
agreed to meet again tomorrow at 9.30 am. The cabinet meeting was followed by an all political party meeting.
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All political party meeting reasons out against state unit launched of Naga People’s Front in Senapati HQ
IMPHAL, The all political party meeting which was convened under the chairmanship of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh this evening has further reaffirmed the decision of the state cabinet regarding the proposed launching of the Naga People’s Front in the district
headquarter of Senapati district in Manipur with a formal function on May 28. According to a source, the meeting was held this evening to discuss the issue after the state cabinet had met in the morning on the issue. The meeting discussed upon the issue of the Nagaland CM’s proposed visit to Senapati district to launched the state unit of NFPF and it’s possible effect on the state. The all party meeting further analysed a copy of the invite of the launching ceremony of the NPF Manipur state unit on May 28 and further opposed it in the strongest terms. The meeting after a deliberate study of the NPF’s aims and
objective opposed that the Article II (2) (c) of its constitution states that “to work for unity and integrity of the people by integrating all contiguous Naga inhabited areas under one administrative roof and also to provide protection to all the ethnic groups who are indigenous inhabitants of the state”. The meeting further opposed that this provision challenges the territorial integrity of neighbouring North Eastern states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. "On this count, opening of the NPF
http://ifp.co.in/imphal-free-press-full-story.php?newsid=17209

State cabinet calls all party meeting; decides against formation of
state unit of NPF

IMPHAL, The state cabinet in a special meeting held this morning chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh at his official cabinet chamber has decided against the plans of a Nagaland ministerial team led by the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, to enter Senapati district for launching of a new extension office of the Naga People’s Front, NPF at the district headquarter on May 28. According to a source, the state cabinet has decided to stop the launching ceremony considering the delicate nature of the issue which could even led to a communal disturbance in the state and interference of the political leaders from the neighbouring state to the internal matters of the state. The cabinet meeting which was held this morning taking into consideration the seriousness of the issue was attended by almost all cabinet ministers of the state and deliberated on the issue. The meeting further decided that the Chief Minister will request for intervention from the Prime Minister of India and the union home minister to advise his counterpart from the neighbouring Nagaland state to differ with his plans to open up his political party the Naga People’s Front in the state. The source further stated that after intimation to the Prime Minister, the state cabinet has further instructed the state Chief Secretary to convey the same cabinet decisions to the OSD of Nagaland Chief Minister at the earliest. Meanwhile, another official source has confirmed the intimation of the cabinet decision to the Nagaland OSD through the state chief secretary late this evening explaining all the decisions of the state cabinet regarding the issue and to disallow the proposed visit of the Nagaland ministerial team into the state to launched the state unit of the political party NPF at Senapati district. Further considering the political factor of the issue and the challenged imposed by the proposed visit to the state, the state cabinet has decided to an all political party meeting under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister O Ibobi to chalk out a possible and amicable political strategy to face the issue.
http://ifp.co.in/imphal-free-press-full-story.php?newsid=17208
NPF launch hits Manipur roadblock (NPN):
KOHIMA/IMPHAL Plans for expansion of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Manipur with the proposed launch by Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and NPF Working President Dr Shürhozelie at Senapati has come up against a road block with the Manipur cabinet having decided to advise the Nagaland chief minister and his team against visiting Senapati on May 28.
It was learnt that the Manipur cabinet has faxed the message to the state chief minister through the state cabinet secretary, advising the state chief minister Neiphiu Rio to either not attend or even postpone the scheduled launch of the NPF Manipur unit at Senapati.
Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L.Imchen Thursday confirmed the receipt of the fax to this correspondent.
Mr Imkong Imchen was however determined that the NPF was not going to go by the advice of the Manipur cabinet and that chief minister Neiphiu Rio was firm that he and NPF functionaries were going to attend the scheduled launch of the NPF Manipur state unit. “It is a party affair and nobody can stop any political party from launching their party anywhere in the country” Imkong shot back. He went on to cite the example of the INC and BJP which have their respective headquarters in New Delhi but are spread across the country.
Imkong sought the views and opinions from the Nagas in Manipur and the United Naga Council (UNC) regarding the advice of the Manipur state cabinet to the chief minister of Nagaland. On the other hand, there are apprehensions that the simmering tension between the two states could even lead to a serious law and order situation if both sides did not resolve the issue. This was seen in the light of how the fragile law and order situation took the form of a conflict between the two communities- Nagas and Meities- during the May 2010 incidents at Mao gate. It was feared there could be a situation if the Manipur government resorted to any force to prevent the chief minister of Nagaland from visiting Senapati and the latter equally determined to visit Senapati to launch the NPF Manipur unit.

Manipur seek PM, HM intervention
Against the backdrop of the decision to launch the Naga People’s Front Manipur unit in Senapati, an emergency meeting of the Manipur SPF cabinet was convened Thursday where it was decided to seek intervention of the Prime Minister and Union home minister in deferring Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio’s visit to Senapati on May 28.
The cabinet meeting was followed by an all-party meeting. The cabinet meeting chaired by Manipur chief minister, O Ibobi Singh discussed the pros and cons of the law and order situation of the state, particularly in Senapati district where the launch of the NPF
Manipur unit was scheduled. Members of the cabinet pointed out that the proposed visit of Rio to launch NPF Manipur unit, coincided with the preparations for hosting the third round of tripartite talks with the United Naga Council (UNC). The cabinet expressed apprehension that the visit by Nagaland chief minister and NPF entourage would have an adverse affect resulting in deterioration of law and order of in the state. According to an official source quoting the minutes of the cabinet meeting, it was decided to entrust Manipur chief minister O.Ibobi to seek the interventions of the Prime Minister and home minister to advise the Nagaland chief minister to defer his proposed visit to Senapati considering the fragile law and order situation in the state. The cabinet also directed Manipur chief secretary to contact OSD to Nagaland chief minister to relay the decision of the SPF government cabinet for necessary action. The chief secretary was also asked to contact the PMO and Union home minister’s office on the developing law and order situation in the state. The cabinet further agreed to meet again on Friday at 9.30 a.m. Mention may be made, that the BJP Manipur unit had earlier cautioned against the proposed visit of the Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio if there was any hidden agenda behind the proposed launching of Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Manipur. “We welcome the opening of its (NPF) unit in Manipur as a political party, but if it is to be opened with a hidden agenda of disintegrating Manipur, we would not remain silent,” BJP vice
president Prof Tikendrajit cautioned. Briefing reporters here Thursday, Tikendrajit stressed on the need for checking the activities of the NPF if it opened its unit in the state,
by hinting that “they would have certain hidden agenda other than political activities”.
On March 31, the Nagaland chief minister formally declared formation of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh units with the appointment of adhoc office bearers. On the occasion Neiphiu Rio had said the party after a thorough deliberation, decided to form NPF units in states of the north east inhabited by Nagas particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Rio had asserted the main intention to expand beyond Nagaland should not be misunderstood as it was only to create harmony with other regional political parties, while taking interest of the Naga political issue.
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05/27/2011: "PRESS STATEMENT Oking: dated 26th May, 2011."