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06/09/2011: "Myanmar split in Naga group NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph"

Myanmar split in Naga group NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
New Delhi, A Naga militant group straddling India and Myanmar turned “Indian” on Tuesday in a split that is expected to impact the entire Northeast.
S.S. Khaplang, the Myanmar-based head of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K), was expelled by his group’s leaders in Nagaland Kitovi Zhimoni and Khole Konyak.
Khole was chosen to head the NSCN (K) in the state.
“There is someone behind the split,” said a leader of the rival NSCN (Isak-Muivah) group, suggesting security agencies have engineered the split.
For the government of India, an Indian insurgent group severing ties with a Myanmar-based head is a major development.
“That the Myanmar axis is cut off is important so that we may engage with our Indian citizens,” a senior official said.
Khaplang is based in the Sagaing division of Myanmar, where his camps were the training base for Paresh Barua’s Ulfa and Manipur-based groups such as the UNLF. His NSCN (K) would also provide Barua’s boys safe passage into Assam through Arunachal and Nagaland, something it will not be able to do now after the split with the group’s Indian arm.
Besides, the NSCN leader’s tie-ups with Myanmarese groups were a concern for Indian security agencies.
The NSCN (K) split, which is not a surprise because there have for long been differences between Khaplang and the Indian leaders, is being seen as indicative of how security and intelligence agencies have “opened all fronts” whether in Myanmar, Bangladesh or Bhutan. For the last two years, the excellent rapport with Dhaka has resulted in major Ulfa and National Democratic Front of Boroland leaders being caught.
Khole’s elevation might also address the discontent of the backward eastern Naga tribes of Mon, Kiphire, Tuensang and Longleng districts, who have felt neglected since Nagaland attained statehood in 1963 and have recently demanded a separate state. He is a Konyak Naga from the frontier Mon district.
Since New Delhi would be in a mood to bestow legitimacy on Khole, “eastern Nagaland” could be effectively appeased, sources said.
The government’s official position on the split is that it is “their internal matter” but sources said it was happy with the development, more so because of the increasing incursions of the NSCN (I-M) into Myanmar.
Both the NSCN (K) and the NSCN (I-M) have been demanding secession from India and integration of all Naga-dominated areas, including those in Myanmar.
After the split, it is unlikely the group led by Khole would press the demand for integration with areas in Myanmar, which will help the government when it bargains with the NSCN (I-M).
The NSCN split into the Khaplang and Isak-Muivah factions in 1988 after Khaplang fell out with fellow leaders Thuingalang Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu. Since then, the two groups have been involved in internecine battles.
SS Khaplang’s approval order for Vice-Chairman S.S.KHAPLANG
I the chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland is pleased to approved Lt. Gen.(Retd) Khango Konyak as the Vice-chairman of the party on this day the 25th of May 2011. He has been unanimously elected to the post through the people’s council by a vote of majority. In his illustrious carrier as a military man, he has served the nation in different capacities.
He was first enrolled in the Naga Army in the year 1963. Later in the year 1966, he was send to Pakistan under Alee (Foreign) command. He had also visited China in the year 1976. Lt. Gen. Konyak as a true and brave soldier has commanded the Naga Army, in various capacities as Mobile commander, Battalion, Operations as well as Brigade Commander. He has also served as Council Guard Commander in the year 1985 and GSO-II (General Staff Officer) in the year 2004 at General Head Quarter (GHQ).
Apart from military services, in the year 1989 he was selected to the post of Chairman, Konyak Region. He has also served as the President of the Tuensang-Mon Regional union. Lt. Gen.(Retd) Konyak who had steadfastly stood for the rights of the Naga people selflessly through all thick and thin was finally elected to the people’s council as Central Council Member (CCM). He was later inducted as the Kilo Kilonser, GPRN for his dedication and commitment.
Today, his efficiency accompanied with vast experience has help him elect as the Vice-Chairman of the Party on this day the 20th day of May, 2011. Lt.Gen (Retd) Konyak in addition to his office as the Vice-chairman will continue to look after the Ministry of Home Affair’s with immediate effect.

(S.S.KHAPLANG)
Chairman National Socialist
Council of Nagaland

Land of Unions not Unity morungexpress
The Nagaland government has given the slogan Land of Festivals to our State keeping in mind the diversity of our tribal hues and colour and the equal number of festivals. The plurality of our Naga family is something that is an essence of our history though not necessarily an asset, although the slogan unity in diversity should encourage us to pursue common goals and objectives while maintaining the unique identity of our tribes. Having said that it is becoming a matter of deep concern that we as a people, we are more and more losing our common Naga identity. We speak of integration, unity and a shared future but through our action we are moving in the opposite direction of disintegration, fragmentation and factionalism. Thankfully, at least our Chief Minister Mr Neiphiu Rio seems to be well aware about the negative churning taking place in Naga society, which is dividing and not uniting our people. Addressing the Angami Public Organisation (APO) Conference on 20th May 2011, Mr Rio remarked about tribalism, selfish interest and factionalism. He went on to propound the idea of “Nagaism”—of the common goals and ideals that we as a people ought to pursue. Strengthening our common Naga identity is the need of the hour.
Today we have very few frontal organizations, which are representative of common Naga interest. We have some many organizations, unions and groups, each promoting their own interest. In a democratic society we must definitely give voice to the diversity of interests. But a limit has to be there otherwise our Naga identity will get drowned in the multitude of disarray. Working in a newspaper gives us the opportunity to observe the dynamics of our social and political life. We are astonished by the number of unions. Obviously many of these unions must have been registered under the State government. Still thousands of self styled unions are operating without any proper checks and balances. Something must be done by the authorities in the State Home department to put a check on the proliferation of such unions. When so much of different unions are allowed to operate, even the authority of the government is weakened.
Having said that, one should also find out as to why all these unions are being formed. The State government should also reflect upon whether it is performing its role of dispensing its services for the welfare of all sections of people. Many of these unions are formed in order “to get justice” from the government. This means that either people do not trust the government or that the latter is failing in its duty to promote and protect the rights of its citizens. This is a serious question for the State government to answer. Just take the example of the little known group called the Zeliangrong Volunteers for Forest and Environment Protection (ZVFEP), which is a completely new development. Going by its objective to protect in particular the Ntangki National Park, it is obvious that the common man has run out of hope. The State government’s failure to protect people’s right against land encroachment seems to have pushed these helpless citizenry to mobilize themselves determined to fight and protect and preserve the National Park at all cost with or without the help from the State government. Emergence of such self styled groups is the direct result of the State’s failure in performing its basic duty of law and order. The State government under the present ruling dispensation will have to get its act together and start performing its assigned duty in a firm yet tactful manner. There is a saying that a lawful society is governed by its laws while a lawless society is ruled by power. In a lawful society, the law applies to everyone. In a lawless society it does not apply to those who are in power. May be the correction must start from the top.
Make it or Break it kangla on line
By Heigrujam NabashyamPolitics of a nation, we know, is about the game of power; and the prize is the power of the State : the government.Every political party in a country is in the game. But, finally it is the one that wins the elections wins the prize or in other words the party is mandated to rule or – putting euphemistically, govern.
Likewise, international politics is also about power – the power to influence or control, if possible, over your neighbor or other countries. Every powerful countries would explore and use every possible means : diplomacy, aid, subtle force or anything that crops up in a situation.
Now, coming to our part of the world, last month there was much confusion and hullabaloo. It was about the occasion to officially launch the Naga People’s Front – NPF’s Manipur unit by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio at Senapati. Not surprisingly the brouhaha had touched the sensitive nerves of many people especially Mr. O. Ibobi Singh and his men; at least that was what the local media had reported.
The 48-hours countdown to the launch – the Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh had activated the alarm; called his men for a series of meetings; had also presided over an All Party Meet of Manipur to reassure himself that he was on the right track in his mission to save Manipur from the onslaught of our neighbor.
Politics in a democracy – and in our present context too – is best served by diplomacy, statesmanship and most importantly, an unfailing understanding of the push and pull of the different sections, and interests across the political aspectrum.It is about finding ways out of tough situations. It is about knowing your limitations and merits of your adversary as well; and working out for possibilities and alternatives. And it is about not forgetting that your adversary knows you and your intentions too and the moment you forget this point, you lose the game.
Now, the NPF has extended its base into Manipur with all the O. Ibobi-given attention and had pronounced solemnly its declared objective at Senapati – not “a hidden agenda”, as O. Ibobi had naively alleged – “to bring the Naga inhabited areas under a single administrative unit”.
Mr. Rio and his team is playing a smart game that reeks of national and international politics as well. They are the party in power in Nagaland and have already proved their worth by defeating the gigantic Congress party in its own game. However it may not be very difficult to fathom out how Mr. Rio plays; no! not the clichéd view of Muivah and company helping or being hand in glove with them, but how he manage to nurture and pump up their pride and spirit despite different forces – including SC Jamir and company – working against him.
The fact of the matter is Mr. O. Ibobi Singh and his men are no match for Rio and team, and had miserably failed to understand the ground situation. The craft and diplomacy that NPF employs is beyond the grasp of Ibobi and company. Sadly, the Chief Minister had made not only himself, but the Manipur government a loughing stock, not to mention the ‘All Political Party’, before the world. The gallant Manpur police personnels had to come back totally confused and dispirited. One doubt, if any chief minister with a little self-respect would ever have the nerve to continue to occupy the seat after making the stupidest blunder entailing serious socio-political ramifications. However, Mr. Ibobi seems to be oblivious of the damage he had caused, and yet he is confident that no one can question his leadership.
However, it was very amusing to find O. Ibobi Singh addressing the media sheepishly after Mr. Rio made a walkover causing public disquite, claiming that he was a good human being with a kind heart and a great mind. Honestly, it was unfortunate to find Mr. O. Ibobi not to understand that he was the Chief Minister of Manipur – not a kind Mahatma, who could forgo his share of pleasure and riches for someone he loved so dearly.
What anyone would have expected from the CM was he would not be alarmed nor excited and treated the matter as a law and order condition. Or if he had believed that he could not let that go because that was an immediate threat to Manipur; then he could have well countered in politically with foresight and imagination. To begin with he could have taken the NPF to task for cloning the NSCN (IM) and tear apart the very idea and theory of Nagalim for trying to disturb the region – not only Manipur, before the whole world, and cut it down to size, etc. The military strategy adopted by Mr. O. Ibobi to counter the move of Rio had only enhanced the public image of the NPF. Mr. Rio’s move involves a high degree of realpolitik which can only be checked by sensible political strategy – not by military or jingoistic strategy. This should have been understood by Mr. Ibobi who has the longest-unbroken-running experience of ruling Manipur since the last decade, better than anyone.
We have also seen on many occasions that petition, dharnas, rallies, etc. cannot make Mr. O. Ibobi Singh listen. Discussions, debates, seminars are also rendered meaningless in the face of the arrogance of the government. And for this funny situation we have only ourselves to blame.
The successful launch of Nagalim by Neiphiu Riio onto the political arena from the realm of Muivah and company is an important milestone in our journey towards a peaceful solution. And from now on, the game may have to be playing on the hard turf of politics. More than emotions and sentiments questions of realpolitik, diplomacy and statesmanship could be playing more crucial roles, like never before.
Like any game, we need good players to win. Surely we need to understand the unfolding political situations and play the game well. Maybe God has given us this opportunity to prove that we have a history of two millennium.
But finally, it is the people who would elect their players and we believe that the people, who love this ancient land any pay homage to Khongjom and Kekrupaat, will rise to this occasion, because we know that we do not have all the time – verily no confusion, no illusions.
THE BIRTH OF MEITEI ETHNONATIONALISM kangla on line
ITS NECESSITY TO KEEP MANIPUR UNVIOLATED, Economic disparity is not the cause of Naga-strife By: Dr Irengbam Mohendra Singh
The Meiteis always had a concept of ‘Manipuri nation’ – Manipur sana leibak, encompassing groups of ethnic people who have different cultural, traditional, ritualistic and religious traits, all living together.
A “Manipuri nation” describes a geographical place that is defined by its borders and/or by a variety of cultures and a shared language. With the ascendancy of a new concept, Manipur is now a “proposition nation” ie groups of ethnic people who are united by a common ideology rather than a common ancestry.
Ethnicity means the status of belonging to a particular group having a common cultural tradition. There are such 36 ethnic groups in Manipur.
The English word ‘nation’ is related to birth, not merely geographic or political boundaries. You are ‘native’ of the land of your birth. Manipur has a geographical boundary and any ethnic group born in Manipur is a native of Manipur. Nationality is a legal concept while ethnicity is a cultural concept.
This thesis examines the ethnonationalism and the influences that sustain it. I have selected Manipur and the Meitei ethnonationalist movement. It is a short historical reconstruction touching on historiography- theorising parts of history and relying on idealistic epistemology.
As the birth of Meitei ethnonationalism is fairly new, I am trying to write a bit of its history without an inventive approach to the truth. Like many, I am an amateur historian who is coping about trying to figure out to make a ‘good article’.
Historians repeat one another, but the history of Meitei ethnonationalism is pristine. These are things known to have occurred in the recent past without twists and turns as old histories might have.
Old histories might change over time. At the physical level, truth is absolute. But the account of human affairs that we call History, and that we make the subject of college courses, has little to do with truth. It is information that our rulers want us to have.
Example: there is now enormous literature disapproving the traditional Aryan migration history because of lack of archaeological findings. The “Indigenous Aryanism” as it is called, is an expression of Indian nationalism. It is to negate the notion that Indian civilisation was brought about by white Europeans from the Steppes of south Russia.
Likewise, I have written about “Indigenous Meiteiism” as an expression of ‘Meitei ethnonationalism’, to refute the old anecdotes of Meiteis coming from China or near about, based on the absence of archaeological evidence of any group of these people migrating to Manipur.
Walker Connor invented the word “ethnonationalism” for ethnic nationalism where the ‘nation’ is defined in terms of ethnicity, incorporating ideas of culture and shared language.
Connor is one of the great scholars of nationalism and ethnic conflict. Ethnonationalism denotes both the loyalty to a nation deprived of its own state and the loyalty to an ethnic group, embodied in a specific state, particularly when the latter is conceived a “nation-state”.
Ethnonationalism is thus conceived in a broad sense and may be used interchangeably with nationalism.
The central tenet of nationalism theoretically is that each ethnic group like the Meiteis, Nagas or Kukis is entitled to self determination for an autonomous entity or for an independent sovereign state.
Compact OED defines “nation-state”: a sovereign state of which most of the citizens or subjects are united also by factors which define a nation, such as language or common descent. The nation-state implies that a state and a nation coincide. Manipur was a nation-state united by a common language.
Broadly speaking, nationalism is a term that refers to a doctrine that holds a nation, usually defined in terms of culture and language though consisting of a number of ethnic groups. Ethno-
nationality is thus a breakdown of nationality.
The Meitei ethnonationalism was born by a break-up of the ethnic components of Manipur, creating a lot of tension by the ethnic activists who try to have a historical construction of their activities.
The educated post-War Meiteis began in earnest, to secularise and adopted the principle of multiculturalism based on a notion of ‘social reform’ in which programmes were introduced to redress the disadvantages of minority communities. This included the present titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba of the Manipuri nation.
Nationalism is one of the most persistent forces in history, as components of political and cultural self-determination in the search of a unifying ethic. But from the study of world history, the idea (nationalism) can be sustained only if it avoids a descent into tribalism and intolerance of other ethnic groups.
‘Naga nationalism’ of Nagaland has accrued from their desire to carve out a Naga identity in the post-independent India. They rightly feel that they are not Indians, ethnically and culturally.
But nationality is a question of feeling that the person belongs to a particular nation, in spite of colour, caste or creed, though in legal terms, nationalism is a legal relationship involving allegiance on the part of an individual and usually protection on the part of the state.
In the beginning, the Meiteis were not bothered whether the Nagas of Nagaland were independent or not. It was just a distant drum. But the drumbeat became deafening when their demand of a greater Nagaland or Nagalim, incorporating four districts of Manipur and bits from Assam and bits from Arunachal, came to a head.
The break-up of Manipur is not negotiable to the Meiteis who have an embryonic concept of Ima (mother) Manipur embracing the hills and the plain. To them it is not like a marriage bond, where there is a legal frame work with which a spouse can divorce the other whenever he or she feels like it.
The Manipuri Naga ethnic challenges have shattered genuine Meitei pluralism and increased the tension between the need for cultural-ethnic distinctiveness and integrative tendencies. Meitei ethnonationalism was kick-started. They began to think in terms of Meiteis cum Manipuris.
It was at a time when the ethnic concept of nationalism was far outweighed by the pluralistic multicultural concept because of the ever changing population in the Imphal valley. This was also a crucial time when the territorial integrity of Manipur was seriously threatened as never before, with internal ethnic politics and the territorial ambition of Nagaland.
The Meitei ethnonational identity suddenly became fundamental to their sense of Meiteiness. They needed to re-establish their cultural history and began looking at their history backwards.
They were aware that behind their bravado lurks one of the great political challenges of the next decade in this extra-ordinary diversity of ethnic identities and political views in this erstwhile nation-state of Manipur.
Manipur is inhabited by the Meiteis, Kukis, Tangkhuls, Kabuis, Marings, koms and other smaller tribes, altogether 36, plus a sizeable community of Pangals. The question of what it means to be a Manipuri and how far there are overriding values to which all can and must subscribe has moved on since the ethnic Naga ethnonationalism.
The Meitei liberal policy has been unable to coax the tribal groups into a Manipuri national identity. They have demanded plural political identities, tolerance and openness from all the ethnic peoples. That has included intermarriage.
The struggle for ethnic Nagas to disintegrate Manipur began to crystallise the Meitei resolve to keep Manipur intact. Various civil organisations such as AMUCO, UCM have sprung up to shore up a united Meitei, tribal and Pangal opposition.
Manipur is as much for the Meiteis as for all the tribes and Pangals living in it from times immemorial. The Meiteis thus felt that they had to reinvent themselves with a search for their
indigenous origin in Manipur, first in the hills and then in the plain.. This was how Meitei nationalism or ethnonationalism was born.
The high-octane pursuit of Meitei ethnonationalism and to safeguard the integrity of Manipur
were reflected by the greatest sacrifice given by 18 Meiteis on the June 18 2001 uprising.
There is no end of being vigilant against Naga nationalism and Manipuri Naga ethnonationalism to show that the Meiteis are still in business, especially because (1) their demand has nothing to do with economic disparity but ethnicity; and lately (2) the NPF’s Constitution, Article II (21) reads: “To work for integration of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas under one administrative roof…”
Daniel Conversi, who introduced Connor’s work on ethnonationalism, challenged the dogma of economism as the cause of ethnonationalism. During much of the Cold War, conflicts were customarily explained as a consequence of backwardness, economic crisis, uneven development or relative deprivation. The prescription coda was hence that ethnic conflicts could be cured by addressing economic grievance.
Conversi substantiates Connor’s article (198b) that ethnonationalism appears to operate independently from economic variables and that perceived economic discrimination can merely work as reinforcing variable, as a ‘catalytic agent’, exacerbator, or choice of battle ground. The economic issues at the centre of the analysis means to miss the primary point, namely that ethnic movements are indeed ethnic and not economic.
The writer is based in the UK
Email: imsingh@onetel.com
Website: www.onetel.co.uk
60% of development work in Nagaland is ‘bogus’Our Correspondent
Kiphire: The monthly District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting of the Kiphire district was held at the official chamber of the Deputy Commissioner Kiphire with T. Torechu, CAWD and Chairman DPDB and other head of department and Kiphire Town Council, advisors.
Addressing the meeting, the chairman called upon the members present to co-operate with one another so that development work are seen on the ground and encouraged the officers saying, ‘development work that is seen today is the effort you put forward’. However, expressing his displeasure with the development work in Nagaland the Chairman said, more than 60% of the development work in Nagaland is ‘bogus’ and is only talking and not working’.
He encouraged the HoDs in the district to be more dedicated and sincere in their works and not to discourage the villagers and the public by not awarding the schemes available in the department. To get first hand information and to improve one another in development work the chairman said, ‘by now on all the DPDB members will go and inspect the development work in the district.’ He also asked the officers to choose at least two projects from each block.
Earlier DC and Vice Chairman Kiphire welcome the gathering and reviewed the meeting held last. The meeting recommended grant in aid for four schools, besides discussing various developmental works and recommendation for creation of EAC post at Mimi range. Power point presentation was also presented by the Malaria officer Kiphire.
NNC kills IM man despite reconciliation drive Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, June 05 2011: Inspite of the ongoing Naga reconciliation process among the Naga underground organisations, the NNC/FGN (Non-Accordist group) has killed one NSCN-IM cadre in Nagaland yesterday.

According to the NSCN-IM one Nechizo, "Naga Army" (NSCN-IM's armed wing) hailing from Thehephu village and falling under Phek district, Chakhesang Region was killed by the NNC (Non Accordist) on Saturday.

"This is certainty not a good precedent set by the NNC and NSCN will not take things lying down if this is an open provocation," the NSCN-IM statement said.

"Nevertheless, for the short service rendered by Nechizo, the Naga nation and NSCN will ever remember him.

The fact his service to the nation was nipped at the bud at the hands of the unruly organization is a matter of regret.

But in his death let many more young Nagas like the national service.

We condole his death and express our deepest sorrow to the bereaved family members.

May God whom we trust and sustain us comfort them at this hour of grief and sorrow," the NSCN-IM said tonight.

Saturday's killing had come after the Naga leaders had descended at Kohima on May 13 to participate in the 3-day prayer programme for the Naga reconciliation.

Organised by Naga Shisha Hoho Prayer Group, leaders of the Naga Hoho, the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Students' Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM), Eastern Naga People's Organisation (ENPO), Eastern Naga Students' Federation (ENSF), Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) participated in the 3-day event.

The Naga underground leaders had also attended that programme.

The programme which was held under the theme, 'call for the Nagas to pray for redemption' was held at Naga Shisha Hoho Prayer Centre Pruzie, Kohima.

The programme had come at a time when the Naga reconciliation process initiated by Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) had become a blow-hot-blow-cold state of affairs.

As recent as last month, there had been a media war and occasional clashes between NSCN-K and NSCN-IM.

In the month of March, NSCN-IM leaders Th Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu arrived in Dimapur for the 'highest level meeting' .

However, the meeting of Naga top leaders involving Th Muivah, Isak Chisi Swu and S S Khaplang and also leaders from NNC could not take place due to some 'technical' problem.

After camping in Dimapur for about two weeks, Muivah and Swu went back to New Delhi.

However, inspite of these developments the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) does not lose its patience.

The Forum for Naga Reconciliation is instrumental in halting the three Naga underground groups from the fierce factional clashes that were witnessed in Naga areas until the early part of 2008 .
Catholics clear air on evangelization slur morungexpress
Dimapur, June 6 (MExN): The Catholic Association of Nagaland today said its mission and work are transparent and there are no strings attached contrary to allegations leveled against the community by certain sections of the society. The Catholic association issued clarifications today, referring to an opinion piece in the local dailies on June 4.
“The mission of the Catholic church in Nagaland is never subtle. The church carries out her mission with openness, clear vision and focus. She will continue to go with the message of Jesus Christ and His church to every place and will most humbly accept the invitations of whichever village or people,” the association said. Elias T. Lotha, secretary general of the association, appended the note.
In fact, the association said, the church is not able to cope with meeting the invitations from many villages for lack of personnel and other resources. ‘The church will deem it a serious failing in her mission when and if it refuses to accept those who willingly come forward to embrace the message of the Gospel which is the only mission of the Catholic church here in Nagaland or anywhere else in the world,’ the association said.
“The Catholic Church has neither gone nor will it ever go to steal the sheep from any fold. But at the same time she does not close her door when a sheep comes knocking at her door.” The Catholic association also expressed serious concern that the rule of law is not being ‘respected’ in “certain area(s) of our beloved land known for respect of freedom and equality.” The people are not allowed to be free in matters related to their beliefs and conscience, the association lamented.
“We admire the noteworthy effort of the churches in Nagaland to send out missionaries to places hitherto unreached by the good news. This nobility at the same time must not be disgraced by wrong accusations and random fancies. The Catholic Church respects the faith and conviction of every individual and our missionary task is based on this principle,” the association added.

ACU condemns torching of church

Kohima, june 6 (MExN): The Angami Catholic Union (ACU) expressed shock and strongly condemns the act of destroying and torching the Catholic Church at Phokhungri village, Meluri Sub Division, Phek district by some vested interest persons. The Union vehemently condemned such inhuman acts against democracy who are supposed to protect and promote Christianity. The Union also urged the government to take stringent actions against all those who are involved in this act and bring justice to the affected people. This was stated in stated in a release issued by ACU president Saku Francis Xavier and general secretary Ketouseü Monica.

Assam Rifles collective endeavour with Naga populace towards greener and cleaner Nagaland morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): In tune with its motto of “Fiends of the Hill People”, 5 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) celebrated the incredible diversity of life on our planet by undertaking an intensive tree plantation drive in hands with NGOs, school children, villagers and govt officials all over the state on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5. The theme of the event was “Forests: Nature at your Service.”
All under command units and 5 Sector Headquarters under the initiative and able guidance of Maj Gen Sandeep Singh, AVSM, SM, VSM, IGAR (N) and Brig R Ravi, Cdr, 5 Sector Assam Rifles, under took large scale tree plantation in their respective areas. In his message, Maj Gen Sandeep Singh asserted that the Assam Rifles is committed in its relentless endeavour to promote afforestation, prevent soil erosion, reduce levels of pollution and conserve flora and fauna. He emphasised on the need of rain water harvesting, use of bio-degradable products, non-use of polythene, disposal and recycling of waste matter and large scale tree and grass plantation. He reiterated that the Assam Rifles is committed towards a Greener Nagaland and pledged to constantly work towards it.
All battalions under took extensive plantation drive mainly at Cheiswema, Jalukie, Medziphema, Kohima, Phek, Wokha and Dimapur wherein a total of 4000 saplings of different varieties of plants were planted by the troops and their families, school children and native villagers in and outside military garrisons. Also, several functions like painting and essay writing competition and voluntary cleaning drive were organised in which civil and AR School children, troops and their families actively participated.
This has been informed here in a press note today.

Strong CM needed against extortion, crimes morungexpress
‘Govt knows assailants, protected by whom’ – Cong
Dimapur, June 9 (MExN): The Nagaland Congress today strongly echoed its sentiments that it is time for a strong chief minister and Home minister to curb the rising crime in Nagaland, particularly the deepening extortion culture and assault on lives of citizens. In the backdrop of increased criminal activities and the fear of speaking openly against it, the Congress appealed today that the Naga People’s Front (NPF)-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) must now heed to the cries of the Naga citizens.
An instance of the government’s apathy as stated in a Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) media release was the May 27 assassination attempt on a woman, a retired government officer in Kohima. The state government has yet to bring to justice the criminals responsible for the assassination attempt in spite of fully knowing where they are hiding and protected by whom, the NPCC reminded.
“If the DAN government is worth its salt, let it wake up from the slumber and show its existence. The Home minister is a weakling. The people of Nagaland deserve a strong, performing Home minister. How long will the chief minister take to heed the voices of the people?” the NPCC stated today in an unusual statement shorn of any political additives.
The Congress pointed out to the truth that public disturbance not manifesting outwardly is not public peace in itself. “With extortion, rape, attempted rape and assassination, threat and intimidation, theft/robbery of private and public properties, kidnapping for ransom, killing, etc. taking place on daily basis and disturbing public order, no one knows what will happen next,” the NPCC reminded. “The lives and properties of the people are no more secure. The publics are constantly terrorized. People have no peace of mind. There’s serious public disorder that is more hidden than visible.”
The NPCC also pointed to the everyday illegal taxes and extortions by myriad of organizations. Government agencies themselves are involved in these illegal activities is even more shocking, the NPCC media cell said. Stating that the government of the day has totally lost control of its own machineries, the NPCC said the Home Minister “has been too busy having embroiled in one controversy or other because of his foot in the mouth syndrome that he has neglected his own duty to keep track of the happenings in his own kitchen.”
On Extortion ‘for organization’s sustenance’
Another issue the Congress raised was that of the infamous allusion of the government earlier that organizations may engage in ‘taxes’ for ‘sustaining the organization.’ The NPCC stated – “If illegal taxation from the innocent public by various organizations is the only means of survival for the organizations, it is high time that the government have a re-look on the policy of the right to form organizations. What punitive action, will the government take against the defaulting organizations and whether the government will realize the illegal money from those organizations?”
“If so, will the recovered amounts go to the State exchequer? The public have the right to question the govt. on transparency and accountability on the fate of such illegal money,” the Congress reminded. Apart from the administrative and law enforcement agencies, the NPCC stated, the so-called “20-25% taxation” on government employees has become an established system in all other departments of Nagaland.
“They have not felt the pinch. So, they either feign ignorance or take the excuse of the cases being not reported. The DAN government is yet to nab the culprits of May 27 assassination attempt on a lady retired officer despite fully knowing where they are hiding and protected by whom,” the NPCC reminded the DAN leadership.
Cong cannot “reframe” Naga issue
Dimapur, June 9 (MExN): The war of words between the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) continues with the former stating that the latter cannot “reframe” the Naga political issue since they have back-stabbed the people from NPC days.” The NPF’s media cell issued a statement today criticizing the Congress for being “so allergic.”
“The NPCC sincerely need a reality check to ascertain their position and to feel the pulse of the people. The stagnant policy of the state Congress party cannot reframe the term of the Naga Political issue since they have backstabbed the people from NPC days.
On June 9, the NPF stated, the NPCC “has honestly admitted” that “they are only for the statehood.” As far as the Naga political issue for the state Congress party is concerned, ‘statehood is a full stop and nothing goes beyond statehood,’ the regional party said of the opposition.
The NPF explained – “State Congress party has certainly reiterated that the demand is nothing beyond the statehood and therefore all the on going political activities are nothing but a mere law and order issue. The real identity and hidden agenda of the state Congress party has been flatly exposed by their official statement of June 4, which was reaffirmed on June 8, 2011.”
This, the party asserted, is the reason “why they are so angrily in overdrive with Rio CM and Imchen HM for the sheer fact that both of them always stand firm on the Naga political issue which is so allergic and in complete contrast to the NPCC.”
The NPF also mocked the Congress’ recent electoral misfortunes. The NPCC is “well aware” that they have “no hope for the next general election following the series of stunning defeat inflicted on them by the patriotic forces of the NPF and now the AICC has already cold- shouldered on NPCC sensing their inevitable division and shattered party setup which is known by the people”
In such a situation, the NPF said, the Congress has ‘nothing meaningful to do except to trade charges to give a color of their existence’.
“But they do know that even with such trick they cannot fool the people any longer, poor fellows. The NPCC sincerely need a reality check to ascertain their position and to feel the pulse of the people,” the NPF added.