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05/31/2011: "Nagaland meet on ownership of oil & gas Times of India"
Nagaland meet on ownership of oil & gas Times of India
DIMAPUR: The state cabinet, in a meeting held on Thursday, discussed ownership of natural oil & gas resources among other issues.
The cabinet took note of the reply given by the minister of state in the ministry of petroleum & natural gas to a question asked by Mahesh Joshi in the Lok Sabha whereby the Centre accepted the state government's stand and that the term "land and its resources" as inserted in Article 371 (A) of the Constitution relating to Nagaland would include mineral oil and gas resources. Therefore the state of Nagaland would have the power to frame its own laws regarding ownership and transfer of such Land and Resources under Article 371 (A).
The cabinet also decided that this reply of the Centre should be communicated to the geology and mining department and the cabinet sub-committee on land and its resources for necessary action. Tnn
NPF unit a tool to advance IM's agenda : UNLF Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2011: The proscribed UNLF has categorically stated that Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's visit to Senapati and the opening of the NPF unit in Manipur was only a ploy to advance NSCN-IM's agenda of disintegrating Manipur.
After Muivah's attempt to enter Manipur was thwarted, the NSCN-IM leader was using the Nagaland Chief Minister in pursuit of his hidden agenda, alleged the outfit.
Opening NPF unit in Manipur was a ploy to consolidate NSCN-IM's position, asserted the UNLF in a press release issued by its Senior Publicity Officer Ksh Yoiheiba.
It was a part of Muivah's plan to create a political space for himself once the ongoing peace talk (between NSCN-IM and the Government of India) is wrapped up.
To get complete autonomy for Nagaland out of the current peace process, people of Nagaland cannot do away with Th Muivah at the moment.
But when Nagaland gets autonomy after striking an agreement with the Government of India, people of Nagaland would not find any purpose to go with Muivah and he would not be given any foothold in Nagaland, UNLF predicted.
Th Muivah is aware of this fact. That is why, he is determined to create a political space for himself.
For that reason, Muivah has been scheming to take control of one or some districts of Manipur. The objective of his plan is to integrate at least one district of Manipur with Nagaland or create South Nagaland out of Naga dominated districts of Manipur, the UNLF asserted.
To realise his goal, he has been employing several NGOs and now he is using the Chief Minister of Nagaland.
People of Manipur need to check such hidden agenda of Th Muivah and Neiphiu Rio.
The UNLF also hailed the decision of the people, political parities and the incumbent Government to oppose Neiphiu Rio's plan as justified.
The MPA would stand firm against any one opposing the decision to bar entry of Neiphiu Rio to Manipur, it conveyed.
The people should fight collectively against conspiracies hatched by any individual or group under influence of Th Muivah to create conflicts or spark violence in Manipur.
Alleging that the situation where the fraternal indigenous communities do not share trust and brotherhood is a creation of the alien rule, the UNLF called upon the people of both Nagaland and Manipur to struggle for establishment of a united sovereign State.
Stating that the time-tested fraternal bond among the 34 different indigenous communities can never be snapped, the outfit called upon all to work for a new Manipur.
Accusing the NSCN-IM of killing hundreds of innocent Kukis in pursuit of their dream to build a Naga exclusive nation, the UNLF asserted that the effects of Th Muivah's ethno-centric policy was felt by not only Nagas and Manipuris but also by many other smaller groups.
This also led to internecine killings among the Naga Army and between innocent Naga civilians.
After the peace talk was initiated, NSCN-IM became an implementing agency of the Government of India's alleged policy to derail the liberation movement of Manipur and neighbouring communities and also to disintegrate Manipur and sow seeds of conflict among different communities.
Now NSCN-IM has roped in Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in the same sinister game-plan, UNLF added.
Chief Minister clarifies on NPF launching issue Kanglaonline
IMPHAL: Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, has today inaugurated the NPF`s office unit at Senapati this morning after the cabinet acceded to the request of the Nagaland Chief Minister.
Breifing media persons in this regard at his official bungalow, Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh, clarified that the state cabinet had to meet again today considering the insistence of the Chief Minister of Nagaland to visit Senapati to launch the NPF office who assured that his visit would be peaceful and a democratic one.
The meet acceded to Rio`s request considering the assurance given and also considering the high office of the Chief Minister of a state and protocol associated with it as also to maintain a friendly and cordial relationship with the neighboring states, said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister further pointed out that the Nagaland Chief Minister yesterday evening had faxed a letter making a personnel request citing that all the arrangement had already been made and to consider the expenditure incurred in arranging the launching of the function. The letter further maintained that at the same time many dignitaries and party representatives have already started their journey, and as such he is unable to defer his visit, the Manipur Chief Minister stated.
O Ibobi further stated that keeping aside the issue of any hidden agenda, it would not be a civilized move to bar the visit of an elected representative of a democratic country who will be launching a political party recognized by the election commission of India and furhter clarified that the controversial article X (A) (1) of the NPF constitution has already been amended in 2009.
While responding to queries on the proposed talk with the United Naga Council (UNC), the Chief Minister stated that the Manipur Government will not entertain talks with the UNC on the agenda of `alternative arrangement` or concede to its demand of declaring the ADC election Null and Void.
He further disclosed that the Home department has today in a statement requested Shambu Singh, Joint secretary (NE), Ministry of Home affairs, Government of India to defer the proposed talk between the state Government and the UNC citing that the delicate law and order situation in Senapati may not be conducive to hold talks.
Moreover, despite the intimation of the MHA to the UNC to communicate with the state government, of which the UNC apparently is not willing to, it has failed to furnish its agenda for the talk, said Chief Minister O Ibobi.
The MHA has also been intimated for asking the UNC to clearly spell out their demands at least one week in advance to enable a meaningful discussion and also to advise the UNC to communicate directly with the state government, further added the Chief Minister.
In his response to queries raised during the meet on the circumstances to hold talks with leaders of the UNC who have been tagged wanted by the state Government, Chief Minister clarified that the wanted tagged can be reconsidered if the UNC put forward its atonement and give concrete assurance to avoid working against the people.
But he asserted that necessary actions will be taken against them if they remain adamant.
In the meantime, the Chief Minister appeals medias in the state to avoid publishing intimidation, threats etc that threaten the national security and its people for the home department has issued an order to taking serious note of such frequent publication and likely to take actions against it.
Rio gets a taste of SPF hospitality Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2011: It was practically an anti-climax to the tough stand announced by the Ibobi Singh Government on May 26 and 27 .
Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio crossed the Mao Gate at the head of a large number of Nagaland police who escorted him at around 9.10 am today without any restrictions while an even larger number of State Police forces that were deployed there to prevent his entry stood silently watching the spectacle.
Following an order from the State Government issued early morning today to ADGP V Zathang, who was in command of the State Police forces deployed at Mao Gate, ostensibly to prevent entry of Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio, the latter crossed the Mao Gate without any problem.
Prior to his arrival, a large number of NPF members and supporters gathered at Mao Gate waiting to welcome Nephiu Rio.
Just before his arrival at the Mao Gate, a special team of Nagaland police landed near Mao Gate on the Nagaland side of the border and waited for Nephiu Rio.
As soon as Nephiu Rio stepped inside the territory of Manipur and crossed the Mao Gate at around 9.10 am, a large gathering of people who were waiting for him there accorded a warm welcome and soon after they climbed up in their respective vehicles to follow the convoy of the Nagaland Chief Minister till Senapati.
All along the way from Mao to Senapati, Maram villagers also stood on the roadside waving at Nephiu Rio.
As this spectacle unfolded, State police forces including IRB personnel and Police Commandos, who have been stationed there since yesterday to prevent his entry, stood watching, reduced to mere spectators.
After the Nagaland Chief Minister reached Senapati and the function for launching of the Manipur State Unit NPF commenced, State security forces too started dispersing one after another silently.
NSCN-IM leaders Th. Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu. File picture
Paradox called Nagaland PATRICIA MUKHIM
Nagaland is a paradox. There appears to be a distinct mental and intellectual gap between one generation and the next. While those over 50 continue to harbour hopes that something will emerge out of the ongoing peace exercise with the Centre, the younger generation is doubtful about it.
Many feel that this peace process has reached a stalemate with no light at the end of the tunnel. Naga people are now beginning to express their views more openly about the futility of the peace process itself.
For those at the forefront of the Naga National Movement, currently led by the NSCN (I-M) which is the only group sitting at the high table with representatives of the Centre to work out a peace formula, the entire exercise has become a matter of Naga honour. If they are unable to show they have wrested something from the Centre, it would be seen as a futile mission with a very high cost.
But the manner in which things are moving seem to suggest that the Centre cannot set a precedence which might balkanise not only the northeastern region with so many ethnic groups laying similar claims to a past sovereignty, but also other troubled parts of India. The Naga claims would have to be seen from so many different perspectives and not just the Naga viewpoint. That, to my mind, is the crux of the matter.
Since many other armed groups in Assam like Ulfa and the NDFB are also waiting in the queue to talk of settlements with the Centre, it becomes even more crucial for the government to appear to be doing the right thing.
Future worry
Deals signed with any group have to be equitable, or else the Centre would be sowing seeds of future dissension in the region. It is learnt that Muivah and other leaders of the NSCN (I-M) are currently consulting some of the best international minds, from Australia and the US among others, on setting out a template for negotiations with Delhi.
When this issue was broached with some Naga intellectuals and those intensely engaged in the peace processes in Nagaland, they expressed surprise that such things are going on in New Delhi. Many felt that if such international scholars are helping to put together a framework of negotiations then they should have come to Nagaland and meet the people here to better understand the internal dynamism of Naga society.
Hiring international consultants with tried and tested skills and the calibre for putting together a workable, mutually acceptable formula for a Nagaland with a different political arrangement is expensive business. But the NSCN (I-M) is willing to put its money where its mouth is.
After negotiating with the Centre based on its own indigenous wisdom and getting nowhere near a solution, perhaps the outfit feels it should now use all resources at its command. However, as a lay person with limited understanding of sophisticated peace formulas and complicated political procedures, I wonder if there can ever be a future for Nagaland that leaves the Meiteis out in the cold with only a fraction of their land.
There are those who follow the rule of thumb in negotiation processes and propose this formula, In a negotiation you have to state your case implicitly and explicitly without being apologetic about how your case will affect others. It is the business of the principal respondent, (in this case the Centre) to work out the nuts and bolts and convince the other party to accept the settlement.
The leaders of the NSCN (I-M) have been following this trajectory for over a decade. It has left a trail of bad blood and mutual distrust which has hardened the stances of the Meiteis and the government of Manipur which is increasingly playing out its role as the protector of Meitei cultural and political articulation, if not chauvinism. This is perhaps the most difficult obstacle and it is here that things refuse to progress beyond a point.
Road map
There are other forums in Nagaland such as the Peace Committee of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council which are also struggling to make sense out of the 64-year-old struggle and to see how the present can be extricated from the complicated past with its vicious stances of revenge and the slow transition to reconciliation.
I am not so sure that this platform has the wherewithal to negotiate the rough and tumble of the Naga political conundrum. Often, prayer alone is not enough to solve humanly created jigsaw puzzles. You need political acumen, an astute sense of the present and its implication on the future and, of course, a fair degree of pragmatism. Does the NBPC have this? What pool of experience is it drawing from? Are church leaders alone able to provide a road map for political negotiations? And, are they aware of the latest developments in the peace process? Or do they only wait to be briefed by Muivah when he deigns to visit Camp Hebron? Are they able to express their independent views to the NSCN (I-M)? Or, do they have to weigh every word they say for fear of retribution?
There are several other civil society groups in Nagaland other than those ordained by the NSCN (I-M). Are they able to articulate their positions and points of view as they see them now, as opposed to what happened in the past? There is a huge generation gap in Naga society. The present generation speaks a different language than its elders. It speaks the language of development and progress, of secure livelihoods, of a more stable environment (the current engagement on the future of the Intanki forest, the lifeline and oxygen cylinder of Nagaland) and of food security, among others. The Naga youth are unwilling to be passive witnesses to political and bureaucratic corruption. The recent byelection to Ungmah constituency to fill the void left by late Nongshilemba Jamir, apparently cut a neat hole in the pockets of the contenders, of which the senior patriarch S.C. Jamir was one.
Clean polls
Last week there was an animated discussion on clean elections in Nagaland. The target is the 2013 Assembly election. Nagas want to curtail election expenditure so that the more capable young people with no money to splash around can also contest, win and serve the electorate. So far, politicians just throw money around to get elected and spend the next five years recovering it with profit.
There is a genuine desire to put an end to this vicious cycle. Some resource persons from Mizoram were brought in to share their experiences since that state is a model for the most thriftily conducted elections.
So there is at once a sense of hope in the future of democracy in Nagaland but also a sense of futility each time the agenda of the peace process is flagged. People are living and walking two difficult and apparently mutually exclusive paths. Which one wins the day remains to be seen. But there is one thing you cannot accuse the Nagas of. They are never contented with the status quo. They continue to be restive about the future even while seeming to have fit in very well with the modern ideas of Indian democracy. Nagaland is indeed a paradox! But an interesting one, if not for the fratricidal clashes and the rising extortion from armed outfits. Extortion is killing the entrepreneurial spirit of the average Naga youth who wishes to follow the honourable way forward.
(The writer can be contacted at patricia17@rediffmail.com)
'No entry' growl to 'personal request' squeak ! Quixotic decisions The Sangai Express Editorial
It was definitely a bucket of cold water after a hot shower and it is hard to say which side was left more bemused-those rolling out the red carpet at Senapati district headquarters or those who had imposed a dawn to dusk general strike in Imphal.
Word smiths we are, but the temptation to flip through the dictionary or an encyclopaedia of the English language and its usage to see what adjective can be used to add that extra zing to the term anti-climax is overwhelming.
In the span of 48 hours Chief Minister O Ibobi convened four meetings in the face of the knock on the door of Manipur from our southern neighbour. With the Lim advocates increasing the volume of the NPF drum beat in anticipation of Mr Nephiu Rio's visit to Senapati district headquarters on May 28, Mr Okram Ibobi appeared to suddenly find his bearings and he wasted no time in convening a meeting of his Cabinet on May 26 to discuss the 'crucial issue.'
After the Cabinet meeting, the same day, the Chief Minister convened an All Political Party meeting wherein it was decided that the State Government would bar the entry of Mr Rio and some of his Cabinet colleagues to Manipur to set up the Manipur unit of the Naga Peoples' Front, the party which is heading the DAN coalition Government in Nagaland.
This decision was endorsed by the Cabinet in yet another meeting held on May 27, just a day ahead of the proposed visit of Mr Rio. It looked really impressive.
In line with the decision of the All Political Party meeting, which was endorsed by no less than the SPF Cabinet, our smart police commandos, decked out in their finely starched Khakis and wielding Kalashnikov rifles, suited and booted 'to kill,' were despatched to Senapati district in the morning of May 27.
Fittingly the additional force was led by senior IPS officer and ADGP V Zathang and DIG Range I L Kailun, who is also holding additional charge of SSP, Imphal West and our cops really looked impressive, with the permanent scowl on their faces and massive Raybans to shield the Sun.
A sense of deja vu' was palpable, for it was just a little more than a year ago that a similar drill was put in place, that time to prevent the entry of NSCN (IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah to Manipur. The compelling reason was the same, though the actors had changed.
From Muivah and his men to Rio and his Cabinet colleagues, the actors changed but the script remained unchanged-Greater Nagalim. What followed on May 28, 2011 was something that must have left those rolling out the red carpet at Mao Gate and Senapati district headquarters as well as those who had called a general strike on the same day, May 28, totally flummoxed.
The flip flop stand of the SPF Government was something which would have left even the most notorious party hopper red faced with emba- rassment and so from a "growling no'" Mr Ibobi changed to a "personal request" squeak. Perhaps the guys from Nokphade can take a leaf or two from the conduct of the Chief Minister or maybe Mr Ibobi does not have to worry about a job if he is ousted in the next election, as he can always double up as a stand up comic.
The reality however paints a very dismal picture. It was at best a desperate attempt at damage control, when Chief Minister O Ibobi convened a press conference in the morning of May 28 to announce to the people that his Government had decided to give the green signal to Mr Rio and his Cabinet to enter the territory of Manipur and launch the State unit of the Naga Peoples' Front.
Just as the Nagaland Peoples' Front mutated to the Naga Peoples' Front, the "communal party" turned into a seemingly harmless political party, which is recognised by the Election Commission of India within the span of less than 48 hours, if we go by the version of Mr Ibobi.
There is no law to stop Mr Rio from launching the State unit of the NPF in Manipur, was the explanation that the Chief Minister took pains to elaborate to the media, conveniently forgetting that he deemed it perfectly legal to stop Mr Rio just 24 hours earlier !
In a sense we may say that we are fortunate to have Mr Ibobi as the Chief Minister for none can fault him on not being a gentleman, who is ever willing to acknowledge a "personal request," this time from his Nagaland counter-part. Certainly our Chief Minister is not a Mayawati or a Bal Thackeray who do believe in such lofty principles !
It is another thing, that the DAN Cabinet had decided not to buckle down and go ahead with the proposed visit despite the Government of Manipur making it clear on May 26 and 27 that the door of Manipur would be shut on Mr Rio and his men on May 28.
As things unfolded, the additional State police personnel who were rushed to Mao Gate and Senapati district headquarters to thwart any attempt from the Nagaland Chief Minister to enter Manipur were reduced to mere spectators, when the huge cavalcade of Mr Rio arrived and zoomed past Mao Gate.
There was something tragically comical about the way in which our tough, smart, Kalashnikov wielding police commandos, were made to hide their tails, courtesy Mr Ibobi.
There was something vaguely disturbing to see life paralysed in the four valley districts on May 28, courtesy the general strike called by UCM and the energy and life that reverberated at the meeting venue at Senapati district on the same day.
Mr Ibobi definitely needs better and more mature political counsel and it is time he realises that the Yes Sir men around him are there to massage his ego only.
This can lead to embarassing situations for such a "coterie culture" is bound to make him appear like a born loser in public.
NPF unit not a matter of concern, says AMUCO The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30 2011: AMUCO has not changed its earlier perspective and stance with regard to the campaign of Naga expansionism aimed at consolidating different communities who speak different languages and are partially different in culture under the nomenclature 'Naga' .
AMUCO would fight all challenges and threats to the integrity of Manipur resulting from activities of any community working for their own aggrandisement.
"As for the recent visit of Nagaland Chief Minister and the opening of the Manipur State unit of the Naga People's Front (NPF), it was neither a matter of concern nor worry", AMUCO stated in a press release.
It was only a ploy to create certain situations where different communities can be pushed into conflict in the backdrop of the peace talk between the Government of India and a faction of the NSCN.
The Government of India's game-plan hinges on the ploy of fulfilling the aspirations of some people and at the same time threatening the integrity of the Meiteis and other non-Naga communities, AMUCO remarked.
Regarding the territorial boundary of Nagas, the boundary between Naga Hills and Manipur State was demarcated as an international boundary in the 19th century.
As such, there is no point of dispute about the boundary but the Government of India has been deliberately putting Nagalim as an agenda.
By doing so, the Government of India has been using NSCN and their projected larger territory as an effective tool of suppressing the insurgency movements in the North Eastern region.
After Nagaland State was formed from Naga Hills in 1963, the boundary of Nagaland was modified several times and now there is no area for any dispute.
But since the NSCN-IM and the Government of India started political dialogue, the need for a larger territory arose.
The imaginary map being drawn by the Government of India and those demanding greater Nagaland is a totally new concept not understood by any of the boundary commissions existing in the world.
Yet, the Government of India has been supporting the illegal Nagalim territorial expansionist movement as a movement acceptable to the Indian constitution.
The fact that the people of Manipur have been closely watching the movement so that it does not result in ugly incidents is clearly testified by the past events, AMUCO asserted.
On the other hand, the Government of Manipur seems to have no in-depth knowledge of the issue.
The recent issue of Senapati and the decision taken by the SPF Government and some political parties and their statements were not representing the people of Manipur.
The decision of the Government was seen as a decision taken by someone with myopic vision who could not understand the issue thoroughly.
That was why the SPF Government faced an embarrassing situation.
This misplaced decision of the Government humiliated Manipur in front of other North Eastern States .
Moreover the ADGP of Manipur Police and the State security forces who were sent to Mao gate were grossly abused by the Chief Minister who is also in charge of the Home Department.
It would have been very noble if the Manipur Government remained silent in the recent NPF issue.
If the SPF Government was opposed to opening NPF unit in Manipur, then why they did not raise any voice when an NPF office was opened at Dewlahland, Imphal on March 31 this year.
It is questionable why the Government first decided to oppose the move before it was reversed after a few hours.
Though the Government might have pressed for indefinite deferment of the tripartite talk to avoid any possible mass movement but the issues were not very much related.
It appears that the SPF Government is confused about what is head and what is tail of the issue, AMUCO alleged.
It is only natural for a party like NPF to abet Naga integration.
It is acceptable to the Indian laws for a UG group under cease fire with the Govt of India and a political party set up under the Indian constitution to go together, AMUCO noted.
If the Government of Manipur is determined to challenge this move politically, politicians of the State should have the capability to take on the challenge constitutionally and through Parliament just as the Government of West Bengal did.
AMUCO further called upon the politicians to make political moves after studying thoroughly the past, present and future of Manipuri nation.
