[Previous entry: "Khaplang issues expulsion orders morungexpress"] [Next entry: "Plea to expedite Naga talks OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"]

06/13/2011: "Nagaland: Revolt within a Rebellion By South Asia Intelligence Review/IBNS"

Nagaland: Revolt within a Rebellion By South Asia Intelligence Review/IBNS

Fresh feuding has broken out among Naga rebels twenty-three years after a bloody internecine struggle left scores dead and an insurgency divided. Another split is now threatening to impact on the protracted Naga peace process.

On June 7, 2011, a meeting of the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) ‘expelled’ its 'chairman', S.S. Khaplang, on charges of behaving in a ‘unilateral and dictatorial manner.’ This essentially means that the NSCN-K has split with those who have expelled Khaplang choosing ‘General’ Khole Konyak, until now the group’s ‘commander-in-chief’, as their new chairman. The outfit will drop Khaplang from its name, and is shortly expected to announce a new name. Khaplang is expected to continue to head a faction under the original name, NSCN-K, as he still has a considerable following and can command his cadres from his base in Myanmar.

An internal power struggle has troubled the NSCN-K for some time now, and Khaplang’s ouster is a culmination of growing difficulties within the group. On March 17, 2011, Chipu Menon aka ‘Brigadier’ Khungwang, head of the NSCN-K’s operations in Arunachal Pradesh, was killed near Mon in Nagaland after allegedly being ‘summoned’ by some senior leaders of the outfit for ‘urgent discussions’. Media reports indicate that some NSCN-K leaders had claimed Menon was awarded ‘capital punishment’ for allegedly killing five senior citizen from Bordoria and Kaimai villages under the Tirap District on the pretext that they were working for the rival Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN (NSCN-IM) in 1999. Menon was also accused by some of his colleagues of setting up a new rebel group, the Arunachal Naga Liberation Force, in Tirap and Changlang in 2010, and extorting money from local businessmen in the name of this new outfit. Menon’s killing demonstrated that the power struggle within the NSCN-K had become acute.

The NSCN now has four factions — the Isak-Muivah faction, the NSCN-K splinter headed by Khole Konyak, the NSCN-K headed by Khaplang, and NSCN-Unification. The NSCN came into being in 1980, after a split from the Naga National Council (NNC). Led by Thuingaleng Muivah, Isak Chishi Swu and S. S. Khaplang, the NSCN parted ways because it opposed the NNC’s signing of the Shillong Accord in 1975 and its acceptance of the Indian Constitution. In 1988, the NSCN itself split over purported ‘ideological differences’ in a violent parting of ways. Early that year, Muivah apparently received news that the Indian Government was ready for talks within the framework of the country’s Constitution. Although the offer was rejected, there were widespread rumours that Swu and Muivah had ‘sold out’ and planned to oust Khaplang, seize arms from the Konyak cadres and surrender in India. Amidst a ‘National Assembly’ session of the group that was called to resolve the controversy these reports had generated, Khaplang’s fighters, backed by a section of Burmese troops, attacked Muivah’s group in a pre-emptive strike at dawn on April 30, 1988. Some 140 of Muivah’s cadres, primarily Tangkhuls, were killed. This incident resulted in the split of the NSCN, as Isak (Swu) and Muivah formed the NSCN-IM, while Khaplang gave his own name to his faction, the NSCN-K.

In 1997, the NSCN-IM and the Government of India signed a ceasefire agreement and entered into a peace process to resolve what the outfit calls the ‘Indo-Naga conflict.’ Today, fourteen years later, and more than seventy rounds of talks across the world between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India, a ‘solution’ remains elusive. The NSCN-K followed suit, entering into a truce with New Delhi on April 30, 2001, but has not begun formal talks yet.

Another split, though bloodless, came about on November 23, 2007. Several NSCN-IM cadres, led by its one-time ‘home minister’ Azheto Chopey, broke away from the group and formed the NSCN-Unification. On January 21, 2008, the NSCN-IM ‘dismissed’ 27 of its cadres, who had defected along with Chopey from ‘national service’ with effect from January 22, 2008, for ‘deliberately defying’ a directive of the ‘yaruiwo’ (prime minister) Isak Chishi Swu, to return from the “reactionary camp” and report to the Council Headquarters. Since January 2008, the NSCN-U has been involved in bitter clashes with the NSCN-IM, culminating in the death of 14 of its cadres near Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial hub, on May 16, 2008. Since 2009, however, the NSCN-U has been maintaining a low profile.

Questions have always been asked as to which of the principal NSCN factions (NSCN-IM or NSCN-K) was the ‘true representative’ of the Naga people; or whether New Delhi or the Nagas themselves believed there could be lasting peace with a possible accord being reached with either one of the Naga rebel factions. That the answer was always in the negative is indicated by continuing efforts by Naga civil society groups, particularly Church leaders and the Naga Hoho (the apex tribal council), in trying to unite the two rebel factions. The logic for this, as yet unsuccessful, unity effort is simple — only an accord by the Government of India jointly with the two NSCN factions has the potential of bringing lasting peace. It is impossible to see New Delhi signing two separate deals with two Naga rebel factions fighting over more or less the same issues. With the split in the NSCN-K, the job of Naga civil society and the Government would appear to have been made somewhat more difficult.

There is, however, another side to the story. Reports trickling out of the anti-Khaplang camp suggest that Khaplang was first impeached by the outfit’s ‘Tatar Hoho’ or ‘parliament’ and then expelled, not just for behaving in an ‘autocratic’ manner, but for obstructing the process of unification among the Naga insurgent factions. The accusations against him included the charge that he had unilaterally ‘dismissed’ ‘General’ Khole Konyak, the outfit’s ‘commander-in-chief’, who was also the undeclared vice-chairman of the group, and appointed a new vice-chairman; that he had ordered his leaders not to attend the Naga reconciliation meeting organized by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation on September 18, 2010; and that he has been in exile for too long, operating from his base in Myanmar, and had consequently lost sight of things on the ground.

If charges of Khaplang actually ordering his men to keep away from the Naga reconciliation efforts are true, there is a possibility that his ouster could actually hasten the process of unification of the NSCN-IM and the faction headed by Khole Konyak. There is possible speculation, moreover, that Khaplang’s ouster may have come about because the Hemi Naga from Western Myanmar was not fitting into New Delhi’s scheme of things with regard to a peace deal; and that Khole Konyak and others have inched closer to sorting out differences with the Government. Khaplang, in this scenario, would appear as a spoiler, because his affiliations are with Nagas from Myanmar, allowing him to strike a far more belligerent posture.

Khaplang’s ouster is certainly going to disrupt, or at least weaken, the Myanmar connection of several frontline rebel groups from the Northeast, such as the Paresh Baruah faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and Manipur’s United National Liberation Front (UNLF), which have found safe haven in that country under the wings of the NSCN-K. These rebel formations, operating out of Myanmar, were also provided logistic support by NSCN-K cadres in Nagaland, parts of Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh –states that either share direct borders with Myanmar or that are close to these borders (Assam). This certainly gave Government agencies reason to undermine Khaplang.

These are, of course, just teasers; the reality may be nothing more than the usual power struggle within insurgent formations.

Khaplang’s ouster in a bloodless coup became possible because he has been away from the Naga heartland (Nagaland) for far too long, and had lost touch with the Naga people, mainly in Nagaland and Manipur. Under the new circumstances, the two factions – Khaplang and Khole Konyak – may both weaken substantially; or Khaplang may be progressively sidelined, leaving behind a stronger Khole Konyak formation. In either case, New Delhi may find itself in a better position to dictate terms to the rebels. If, on the other hand, the NSCN-IM and Konyak factions move towards unity in the days ahead, New Delhi would have to listen to a broader Naga voice.

On June 10, 2011, Khaplang had retaliated with the counter-expulsion of several breakaway leaders, including ‘general secretary’ Kitovi Zhimomi (one of those who is in charge of the Konyak faction after Khaplang’s expulsion) and erstwhile ‘home minister’ Azheto Chophy, besides six other functionaries. Khaplang’s silence on ‘General’ Khole Konyak, the new ‘chairman’ named by the group, is, however, significant. Khaplang has sought to add a new dimension to murky NSCN politics by saying that members whom he has now expelled are actually members of NSCN-Unification, and not his group, the NSCN-K. Khaplang has also formally declared that his group would not be part of the Naga reconciliation process.

The realities of Naga insurgent politics remain complicated, and the road to Naga peace is full of traps and pitfalls. A single, united, Naga voice is still nowhere to be heard.

(The Guest Writer-Wasbir Hussain- is Director, Centre for Development & Peace Studies, Guwahati; Member, National Security Advisory Board)

(The view expressed in the article is of the author and not India Blooms News Service)

Naga Hoho reaches out to Tribe Hohos morungexpress
DIMAPUR, (MExN): As per the Resolution made during the Executive Council meeting of the Naga Hoho on 27th May, 2011 with regard to goodwill visit to all District Headquarters of Tribe Hohos in Nagaland, the first phase of the Naga Hoho delegation covered Tseminyu, Wokha and Mokokchung from 10-11 June, 2011. This was informed in a press note issued by Naga Hoho General Secretary P. Chuba Ozukum.
During the interaction with Rengma Hoho, Kyong Hoho and Ao Senden, various speakers dwelled on the issues pertaining to the present Indo-Naga peace talk, reconciliation and unity, women Reservation, land and its resources, Nagaland Tribal Council Act, job reservation, Nagaland Assam border problem, random taxation imposed upon the general public and ENPO’s demand for separate state. “It may be mentioned here that the deliberation was very fruitful and unanimous in all aspects which would be an added advantage for the forthcoming Federal Assembly during further deliberation and adoption of Resolutions”, stated the press note.
The Naga Hoho Executive expressed deepest appreciation to Rengma Hoho, Kyong Hoho and Ao Senden for extending fullest co-operation, warm reception and the hospitality that have shown to the Naga Hoho delegation. The second phase of etennary is being scheduled with Pochury Public Forum on 16th June at Meluri and Chakhesang Public Organization on 17th June at Pfutsero. The touring will continue on 23rd June with Sumi Hoho at Zunheboto and followed by interaction with Zeliangrong Baudi on 30th June at Jalukie. Further, Naga Hoho shall meet Angami Public Organization and Naga Council Dimapur at a convenient date which shall be intimated in due course of time.
Nagaland sub-committee to study state demand Economic Times
KOHIMA: The Nagaland government has constituted a cabinet sub-committee to study the report on the Eastern Naga People's Organisation's (ENPO) demand for creation of a separate state comprising four border districts of Nagaland.

The government had earlier constituted a committee, headed by a senior bureaucrat, to study the ENPO's demand and submit a report on the same at the earliest.

On receiving the committee's report, a recent cabinet meeting decided to set up the cabinet sub-committee to examine the panel's report and recommendations, officials said here today.

Chief secretary Lalthara said the sub-committee would suggest necessary follow up actions that might be taken by the government.

The cabinet also decided to invite all the MLAs of eastern part of Nagaland along with office bearers of ENPO, Eastern Nagaland Women's Organisation (ENWO) and Eastern Nagaland Students' Federation (ENSF) for a meeting on various demands of the ENPO in the latter part of this month

The cabinet also decided that the chief minister would lead a cabinet team to meet and apprise the prime minister and the Union Home minister about the ENPO demands and the views and suggestions of the state government on the issue, the chief secretary said.

Naga Hoho goodwill tour Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR Following its resolution of May 27, for a “goodwill visit” to all headquarters of all tribal hohos in Nagaland, the Naga Hoho conducted the first phase from June 10 to11 covering Tseminyu, Wokha and Mokokchung. Naga Hoho general secretary, P. Chuba Ozukum said during the interaction with Hohos of Rengma, Kyong and Ao Senden, various issues pertaining to the present “Indo-Naga” peace talk, reconciliation and unity, women reservation, land and its resources, Nagaland tribal council act, job reservation, Nagaland-Assam border, random taxation imposed to the general public and ENPO’s demand for separate were discussed at length. The deliberations were fruitful and unanimous in all aspects which would be an added advantage for the forthcoming Federal Assembly, said Naga Hoho. It has released the second phase of itinerary, which includes meeting with Pochury Public Forum on June 16 at Meluri; Chakhesang Public Organization on June 17 at Pfutsero; Sumi Hoho at Zunheboto on June 23 and interaction with Zeliangrong Baudi on June 30 at Jalukie. The meeting with Angami Public Organization and Naga Council Dimapur would be held at a convenient date to be intimated in due course of time, the Hoho added. Meanwhile, Naga Hoho executive has expressed gratitude to Rengma Hoho, Kyong Hoho and Ao Senden for extending their support, hospitality and warm reception to the Hoho’s delegation during the tour.

ENPO demand report submitted Eastern Mirror
CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE TO STUDY REPORT FOR FOLLOW UP ACTION
DIMAPUR, JUN 10 (EMN): On receiving the report of the Committee constituted to examine the memorandum submitted by the Eastern Naga
People’s Organisation (ENPO) for creation of a separate state of Eastern Nagaland, the State Government has set up another Cabinet Sub-Committee to study the report and recommendations of the Committee.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee, while studying the report and recommendations of the Committee, will also suggest necessary follow up actions that may be taken by the government. Chief Secretary Lalthara informed in a communiqué.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted today consist of Minister (H&T Edn, UD) Dr Shürhozelie and Minister (SE) Nyeiwang Konyak as convenor and member in the Education sector, Minister (Agri) Dr Chumben Murry and Advisor, DUDA EE Pangteang in Agri sector, Minister (R&B) Kaito Aye, and Minister (Forest) MC Konyak in Road sector, Minister (H&FW) Kuzholuzo Nienu and Minister (PHE) Dr K Ngangshi in Health sector and Minister (Planning) TR Zeliang and Minister (Home) Imkong L Imchen in Employment sector.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee may also co-opt any minister, parliamentary secretary, adviser, MLA or officer in the committee, the Chief Secretary informed, adding that the report and recommendations should be submitted within two months.
The State Cabinet also decided to invite all the MLAs of Eastern Nagaland along with office bearers of ENPO, ENWO and ENSF for a meeting in the latter part of June 2011 to have a discussion on the various demands of the ENPO. Following this, the Chief Minister will lead a cabinet team to meet and apprise the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister about the demands of ENPO and the views and suggestions of the State Government on the issue, it was informed.
The cabinet meeting held Thursday also decided that a copy of the report and recommendations will be circulated to all concerned departments of the State Government for necessary follow up action. A copy of the report will also be sent to the MHA, GoI for their necessary action, the release further stated.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet has appreciated the Committee for coming out with an exhaustive report and recommendations which would provide a good guide to the State Government as well as the central government in addressing the problems of backwardness of Eastern Nagaland.
It may be recalled that ENPO had demanded that a separate state with name of “Frontier Nagaland” to be carved out of present day Nagaland state comprising of four districts Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng. ENPO leaders had maintained that they can no longer remain as part of the present Nagaland as the hope for development under the present condition is impossible.

Relief funds to be released
The State Government has decided to release an amount of Rs 6, 33, 86,750 crore to compensate as relief fund to people whose houses and other properties were damaged during disturbances at Mokokchung town, Wungram Colony in Dimapur, Vihokhu and Khehoyi villages at various point of time.
The compensation agreed to be paid for the various incidents are Rs 2,49,09,666/- for Mokokchung town incident of August 24-29, 2003, Rs1,19,71,674/- minus the amount already paid by the government for Wungram colony incident of April 22, 2007 and Rs 2,64,86,750/- for Vihokhu village incident of June 28, 2008.
The decision was made at the Cabinet Meeting held at the Chief Minister’s Office on Thursday.
Chief Secretary Lalthara said the cabinet discussed the reports of committees set up earlier to assess the damages caused to buildings and other properties etc during the incidents at Mokokchung town, Wungram colony in Dimapur and Nikokhu and Khehoyi villages at various points of time.
“The damages to houses and other properties during incidents of violence at various points…may be compensated by the State Government, not to the extent of the full damages due to want of fund, but at the rates recommended by the committees of senior officers set up to assess the extent of damages and to recommend some compensation to the affected persons,” the release said.
The grand total amount will be paid under Non-Plan and seek reimbursement from the MHA, GoI under SRE.

GHS up-gradation approved
Meanwhile, in order to meet the requirements of more seats at the higher secondary level, the Cabinet has approved the up-gradation of Government High Schools (GHS) at Aboi and Tizit to that of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS).
Creation of 31 posts of various categories for the two upgraded schools as well as for GHSS Mon has also been approved.