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07/10/2011: "Nagaland by Jonathan Glancey – review The Guardian UK"
Nagaland by Jonathan Glancey – review The Guardian UK
An account of India's troubled state brings welcome attention to a neglected area
Angami tribal warriors, Nagaland, India. Photograph: Jim Zuckerman/Alamy
The last half-century has made it clear that nationalism is a two-edged sword. However optimistic and righteous Asian and African nationalists may have felt in the middle decades of the 20th century, when their primary opponents were the European colonial powers, this isn't the whole story. Political independence for a whole host of states has revealed that nationalism has often been equally directed at an internal "enemy", whose cause has been tarred with the brush of separatism, sectarianism or terrorism.
While less well known internationally than Kashmir, the upland states of the Indian north-east, bordering on China and Burma, have always had an uneasy relationship with the political centre in New Delhi, which is often seen by them as an imperial capital rather than the home of a representative parliamentary system. The state of Nagaland, whose current borders date to 1963 and which today has a population of about 2 million (some 90 per cent of which is Christian), is a conspicuous example of this imperial dimension of the Indian national state. This is the "forgotten frontier" with which this book deals.
But the Naga Hills have never quite been forgotten. The British in a series of expansionary 19th-century campaigns sought to bring this hilly and forested region under their control. Though they never succeeded in taming it, they did unleash a set of complex forces that had profound consequences. American Baptist missionaries entered the region, and came to enjoy a remarkable success. Then, in the early 20th century, the British even began to recruit Nagas to fight for them: they died in the trenches.
Jonathan Glancey writes about Nagaland primarily from a sense of sentimental attachment. His father and maternal uncle both had dealings with the area in the days of the Raj, and he retraces their footsteps. However, his book is unable to decide what it is. It is not really a "journey" or travelogue; nor is it a proper history or ethnography. The people of the region make too fleeting an appearance, and when they do they often appear generically or as the embodiment of clichés. We thus have passages such as this: "Nagas love to tell tales, as the vast vermilion sun sets over the hills and the skies turn the deepest, star-studded black". At one level, Glancey seems to be all too fascinated with figures such as TE Lawrence (and his epigone Orde Wingate of the Chindits), who thought it was their appointed task to intervene in the politics of distant lands to introduce to them a sense of justice. Yet at another level, he seems to know that this is simply the fantasy of a visitor, who scarcely has enough of an investment in the matter to make such a claim.
Indeed, despite the several visits Glancey has made to the region, what is curious about his book is its lack of focus on Nagaland. No sooner has he begun to write about some Naga subject than he is off on a tangent. These diversions accumulate to such an extent that it is difficult to follow the central thread of the narrative. For the patient reader, the book contains a wealth of scattered information, and points to a number of personalities and voices that one can investigate with profit. The guerrilla war against the Indian state in the region is by no means over, and requires a far greater level of international interest than it has been shown so far. If Glancey's book brings some attention to this area from a wide readership, it will surely have served its purpose.
Militants rejoining mainstream of Manipur society From ANI
Imphal, Militants in Manipur are realizing the futility of carrying on with the armed struggle and are rejoining mainstream society.
On June 27, 33 militants surrendered their arms before security forces in Manipur.
Twenty two surrendered cadres were from Pakhan Reunification Army, 10 from the National Socialist Council of Nagalim both Isak Muivah and Khaplang faction and one from the Naga Nationalist Council laid down their arms at a formal ceremony organized at the Red Shield Auditorium at Leimakhong Army headquarter.
"In my opinion, I do not think I have surrendered. But I think I have come back home. I hope both the centre and the state governments will work together and come up with a solution," said Molum Anal Mate, commander-in-chief, PRA
The surrendered militants will be provided assistance in their rehabilitation process, officials said.
"This is again a landmark towards peace in the state. PRA is an important group and with their homecoming the districts of Churachandpur and Thoubal will be more peaceful than ever," said Y Joykumar Singh, Director- General of Police (DGP), Manipur
Over 170 militants have surrendered their arms in 2011.
The mass surrenders of the PULF (Umar Farooq faction) and KCP MC (Lallumba faction) and PRA have set an example for other outfits to find peaceful solutions and avoid violence.
NSCN-IM accuses AR of provocation
Newmai News
DIMAPUR, July 4 – The NSCN-IM has accused the Assam Rifles of continuing to provok the Naga outfit although the ceasefire is in force.
NSCN-IM said it is seriously observing the Assam Rifles going hyper-active in districts like Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Senapati and apprehending NSCN-IM cadres on the slightest pretext and handing them over to the Manipur government. “This is not a good indication,” the NSCN-IM cautioned.
“Ever since the Indo-Naga ceasefire was declared and put into effect from August 1,1997 the Assam Rifles has been restlessly rubbing the NSCN on the wrong side. But the tolerant spirit of NSCN in the backdrop of the ongoing ceasefire controls the situation. Unfortunately, the Home Ministry of the Government of India failed to rein in the Assam Rifles for acting contrary to the ceasefire regulation. The latest incident has come as another provocation,” the NSCN-IM alleged.
Citing a case in Nagaland, NSCN-IM said the 6th Assam Rifles under the command of Col Sarma is conducting joint operation since July 2 against the NSCN-IM cadres of Songson Battalion at Tizit in Nagaland. “The Assam Rifles and Territorial Army numbering around 350 are taking part in the operation. They have come from Maiipla, Sivasagar district, Mon, Tizit and Nagimora. Under the prevailing situation with ceasefire still in operation this is highly provocative. But a time may come when Naga Army will have to give a proper reply, “ it said.
Nagaland rebels sneak into Dima Hasao district TNN IST
A group of 25-30 NSCN (IM) cadres has reportedly sneaked into southern Assam's Dima Hasao district from neighbouring Nagaland. This came to light following the arrest of two members of the militant outfit in Haflong on Wednesday night.
Acting on a tip-off, security forces raided Longme and Suratnagar villages near Haflong, the headquarters of Dima Hasao district, on Wednesday night and arrested the two self-styled senior sergeant majors of NSCN (IM) - W A Amos, alias Momo Anal (39), and Thuingalen Sira, alias Aleng (49) - a senior police officer said on Thursday. No arms or ammunitions were found on them, sources said.
During interrogation, the two militants revealed that a group of 30 NSCN(IM) cadres entered Dima Hasao from Nagaland and Manipur recently. They also confessed to the group carrying sophisticated arms and ammunition with them.
NNC responds to “Peoples Council of Nagaland” morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The NNC has responded to the press statement given by the “Peoples Council of Nagaland”, stating that this very group is confusing the Naga people. It claimed that there is only one authentic organisation under the name NNC (N/A) under the leadership of Z Hozheto Chopy, general secretary and M Kiumukam Yim, vice president.
“Responding to every meaningless utterance by a band of desperados under the banner of “Peoples Council of Nagaland” lead by V Nagi would be demeaning the office of NNC (N/A) under the leadership of Shri Z Hozheto Chopy Gen.Secy. and Shri M Kiumukam Yim. V.P but since this band of desperados are all out to confuse the Naga People by their ferrous design the NNC (N?A) is constrained to issue this clarification and put the matter to rest once and for all (sic),” it retorted in a rejoinder issued by MIP NNC (N/A).
The note also added that NNC (N/A) is the “torch bearer” of the Naga national movement from the beginning and that it will continue to shoulder the legacy till the political aspiration of the Nagas is achieved. “No force on earth can desist or discourage us from carrying out the pious national duty. Taking the confidence of the Naga people we will sacrifice our everything till we secure our political goal.”
In regard to the formation of People’s Council of Nagaland by V Nagi and his associates, the NNC stated that it appreciates the political aspiration of V Nagi. “…we do not know his agenda is by we believe that it will benefit the Nagas (sic).”
However, it also stated that at this crucial juncture when KNR and other Naga political bodies are earnestly working to solve the vexed Naga issue and talks are being held at the highest level, the NNC (N/A) would like tom advice V Nagi and his friends not to bring confusion to the Naga society. Not that the Naga intellectuals will be taken in by his grimace.
Also, it has informed V Nagi and his group to desist from misusing the “pious” name of NNC (N/A) and stop writing irrelevant mater in the local dailies as “Nagas are no fools to be taken in by such writings”.
Militants rejoining mainstream of Manipur society From ANI
Imphal, Militants in Manipur are realizing the futility of carrying on with the armed struggle and are rejoining mainstream society.
On June 27, 33 militants surrendered their arms before security forces in Manipur.
Twenty two surrendered cadres were from Pakhan Reunification Army, 10 from the National Socialist Council of Nagalim both Isak Muivah and Khaplang faction and one from the Naga Nationalist Council laid down their arms at a formal ceremony organized at the Red Shield Auditorium at Leimakhong Army headquarter.
"In my opinion, I do not think I have surrendered. But I think I have come back home. I hope both the centre and the state governments will work together and come up with a solution," said Molum Anal Mate, commander-in-chief, PRA
The surrendered militants will be provided assistance in their rehabilitation process, officials said.
"This is again a landmark towards peace in the state. PRA is an important group and with their homecoming the districts of Churachandpur and Thoubal will be more peaceful than ever," said Y Joykumar Singh, Director- General of Police (DGP), Manipur
Over 170 militants have surrendered their arms in 2011.
The mass surrenders of the PULF (Umar Farooq faction) and KCP MC (Lallumba faction) and PRA have set an example for other outfits to find peaceful solutions and avoid violence.
Cong to debate only for solution roadmap morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): In a new twist to debate between the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) and the Congress, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today said it would participate only based on finding a “suggestive road-map” for solution to the Naga political issued. The NPCC’s media cell issued a response today, to the NPF working committee’s accepting the opposition’s challenge to a debate. However, the Congress decries the ruling party for ‘dragging’ in the church.
“The NPCC will participate only when it is convinced that the debate will be confined in presenting suggestive road-map of the two political parties for solution. The NPCC will certainly welcome such constructive debate if that will help resolve the Naga political problem,” the NPCC said. “The NPCC will certainly welcome such constructive debate if that will help resolve the Naga political problem.”
The reason the Congress explained was that the NPF accepted the challenge “to set the record straight and clarify many misconceptions on the role it has been playing as a facilitator.” Quoting the NPF’s statement, the Congress said the regionalists’ reason is “unacceptable.”
“The NPCC out-rightly rejects such myopic agenda. Why should the NPCC engage itself in such face-saving exercise of the NPF? If that is their objective, what is their problem in making a public statement in the print media? What better public platform do we have than the print media?” the Congress queried.
Calling the NPF’s purpose ‘nothing but an image-saving exercise, the NPCC said the ruling party’s having lost “their public face,”, now “have to do something to save it.” The NPF President concocted the concept of “open debate”, the Congress added.
What the NPCC explained was that it had thrown the challenge ‘for a healthy political debate because NPF was repeatedly avoiding the questions posed by the NPCC and keep on raising trivial issues.’ “The NPF had thrown volley of questions at NPCC to which, it had made public statements on those questions,” the media cell of the Congress said.
The NPF has been repeatedly criticizing the 16-point agreement while it continues to enjoy its fruit, the Congress reminded. “It still avoids in making a public statement as to whether its livid criticism of 16-point agreement reflects its outright rejection. The NPF has also cleverly avoided in making public statement on Shillong Accord. Without making public statement on these vital questions no meaningful open debate can be set into motion.”
The opposition said that a “fierce debate” on the past is not going to solve the protracted Naga problem. “The NPCC firmly believes in formulating and suggesting a progressive road-map to all the parties involved for solution. The NPF should not have the wrong notion that what its President had written and compiled will be accepted as the gospel truth,” the opposition said.
The NPF’s requesting the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) to “sponsor” the debate is also criticized as “unfortunate”. “The church being a neutral body, it would be most inappropriate to drag-in the Church into the debate of the political parties. Even if that be so unavoidable, it will be discriminatory to leave out other denominations just because they are smaller in number,” the NPCC stated.
Dress decently or face action, Hoho tells women IST
Expressing concern over the rising crime against women in this business hub of Nagaland, a local Naga pressure group has asked the fairer sex to dress "modestly and decently" or face action.
"Incidents of rape and murder are being frequently reported from various parts of Dimapur. We are ready to fight such evil practices. But women, both young and old, should be modest and decent in their dressing sense. If anybody is seen wearing indecent dress, we will take action," the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur has warned.
At an emergency meeting held on Sunday, the NWHD decided to submit a memorandum to the governor through the deputy commissioner to draw the former's attention to the menace. The members of the organization said whenever a girl child or a woman, representing any community or tribe, was assaulted, raped or murdered in any part of Dimapur, the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur should be immediately informed, either in writing or through phone calls.
Three from Nagaland detained at airport (PTI)
Kolkata, Three persons, including a police constable, were detained by the airport police in Kolkata after they failed to explain why they were carrying Rs 92 lakh from Nagaland''s Dimapur, officials said today.
Rajendra Pillai, a constable, Anil Kumar and a businessman, Shashi Kumar, were found to be carrying the cash during their journey last night.
They were handed over to the Income Tax department officials today for further enquiry, police said.
1 held for running prostitution racket of NE girls Nagaland Post | New Delhi/Kanchipuram (NPN) In a major breakthrough, Tamil Nadu police Wednesday arrested a Korean national for running a prostitution racket under the guise of a hotel-cum-bar, police said. The Korean national identified as Park Ju Dei was arrested at Nemili near Sriperumbudur along with eight women hailing from the Northeast including Mizoram and Nagaland, police said.
Seven high ranking Korean business executives were also rounded up when authorities stormed the hotel but were let off with a warning, police said. Sriperumpudur Dy SP Balasubramaniyam said Ju Dei had among his clientele many top ranking executives of various Korean firms.
A Delhi university student from Nagaland also said that many foreigners— disguised as mission workers as well as business firms have turned Nagaland into a hunting ground by fooling people and ensnaring the gullible, especially girls. She opined it was a wake up call to Nagas not to go crazy about “everything foreign” and to be aware especially about promoting foreign cultures even as innocuous as they may seem
