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08/30/2011: "Pillai hopeful of Naga solution - Creation of job opportunities in N-E will curb rebel activities, says ex-home secy OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph"

Pillai hopeful of Naga solution - Creation of job opportunities in N-E will curb rebel activities, says ex-home secy OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Former home secretary G.K. Pillai addresses the convocation of Martin Luther Christian University in Shillong on Monday. Picture by UB Photos
Shillong, Aug. 29: Former Union home secretary G.K. Pillai, who is here to attend the convocation of Martin Luther Christian University, said he was hopeful of a solution to the demands of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) by end-2012. The group is currently in a ceasefire with the government.
Asked what sort of autonomy the government was looking at, Pillai said, “I cannot divulge anything about the matter as this is at a sensitive stage of negotiation.”
He said the settlement is in the final stages and the NSCN (I-M) supremo Thuingaleng Muivah was happy with the progress of the talks.
Pillai also said the state governments in the Northeast should start creating more jobs for the youths to wean them away from militant activities.
Speaking to reporters here today, he said the primary purpose of many militant groups is to extort money and the youths were joining them only because the government had failed to provide adequate jobs.
Pillai, who retired on June 30, said there is a tremendous talent pool in the Northeast in terms of sports and music and many self-employment avenues could be created. “The Northeast youths are also employed in the hospitality sector elsewhere in the country, which shows the potential of the youths in the region,” he said.
According to Pillai, the “so-called militancy in the Northeast without any ideology” could be described as a cottage industry to extort money.
Citing a case, Pillai said the original purpose of the formation of Ulfa was to fight influx of migrants from Bangladesh, but the same group took shelter in Bangladesh.
Pillai, who had initiated several positive measures to end violence in the Northeast when he was the Union home secretary, said there is no room for militant activities in the days to come in the region.
There would be a logical conclusion to the ongoing peace talks with various militant groups and violence would go down as the people of the Northeast are tired of the unrest and extortions. He also said the term insurgency has become obsolete in the Northeast, as many criminal gangs which sprang up are only running an extortion racket and kidnapping people for ransom.
On the Garo Hills-based Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) luring youths and policemen by offering big pay packets, Pillai said, “They are also getting money through extortions and since the risk of punishment is not there, crime and extortion are thriving.”
Citing an example, he said, “Most of the crimes in Delhi are committed by the first-timers and there is only 10 per cent conviction. Hence, they continue to commit various crimes without the risk of punishment.”
On the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, the former bureaucrat said the government wants a more humane law for the region.
Earlier, Pillai held a meeting with members of civil society and NGOs. He stressed the need for effectively utilising the funds provided by the Centre for the Northeast. One Naga National Government
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In this image released to the media, the Convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation is seen here presiding over the High Level Reconciliation meeting on August 26, 2011 at Dimapur. On the concluding day of the 5-day Reconciliation meeting, the Naga leaders resolved in principle to work towards the formation of one Naga National Government.
High Level Commission to expedite process
In a fast moving and significant development top Naga leaders of the three political groups—NSCN/GPRN, GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN today resolved in principle to push ahead with the formation of one Naga National Government. And to expedite this process of eventually forming the Naga National Government, a High Level Commission of the three groups was formed and it was decided that it shall hold meetings without any further delay in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation as facilitators. This was stated in a joint statement signed by the top leaders under the theme ‘Naga Concordant’ following another round of face to face dialogue held here at Dimapur on Friday. The FNR led by its Convenor Rev Dr Wati facilitated the sessions.
“Having Reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE. Therefore in pursuance of this agreement, the following signatories have resolved in principle to work towards the formation of one Naga National Government”, stated the joint statement (Naga Concordant) signed by Isak Chishi Swu, Th Muivah, Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak, Kitovi Zhimomi, Brig (Retd) S Singnya and Zhopra Vero.
The joint statement further informed that in order to ensure the realization of the Naga National Government, a High Level Commission (HLC) has been formed by the top Naga leaders. The High Level Commission shall be comprised of the signatories, headed by either the Chairman/President or the General Secretary/Vice President, and having no less than four competent members in the ranks of Kilonser/Major General and above, as found deemed fit by the respective governments.

Any Interim Arrangement to be outside of the Indian Constitution

Meanwhile following the series of meetings of the Naga leaders held on August 24-25 another six point joint statement was signed on August 25, 2011 by the three political groups. Among the significant decisions taken included the resolve that “any interim arrangement of the political rights of the Nagas shall be outside of the purview of the Indian Constitution per se”. Also it a “affirm to work for the territorial integrity of all Nagas”.
During the last three meetings of the Highest Level Naga Political Leaders, a decision was arrived, “to work towards a shared Naga future on the foundation of our Historical and Political Rights” (August 20, 2011); and following that the leaders, “Agreed to Strengthen and Broaden the Peace Process based on the Uniqueness of Naga History” – our historical and political rights (August 22, 2011).
Hence, according to the joint statement, as a step towards the actualization of the above stated resolutions, the August 24 and 25, 2011 meetings agreed on six points. This includes being “reconciled” on the historical and political rights of the Nagas.
It also “acknowledged” that we have hurt one another and that in the spirit of love we have forgiven each other; and are prepared to understand each other towards a shared future.
It also “reaffirm” to resolve not to “harbor any non-Naga organizations adverse to the Naga political cause as discussed in Chiang Mai II and IV, and subsequently signed on January 15, 2010 in Dimapur, Nagaland”. Furthermore, “serious note is taken on the harboring of non-Naga organizations opposed to the Naga political cause and hence, strongly denounce such acts”. The other points include “disengage in and from all forms of actions and associations detrimental to the Historical and Political cause of the Nagas”.
NAGA CONCORDANT

Having Reconciled on the basis of the Historical and Political Rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are ONE. Therefore in pursuance of this agreement, the following signatories have resolved in principle to work towards the formation of one Naga National Government.
To ensure the realization of the Naga National Government, a High Level Commission (HLC) has been formed by the top Naga leaders. The High Level Commission shall be comprised of the signatories, headed by either the Chairman/President or the General Secretary/Vice President, and having no less than four competent members in the ranks of Kilonser/Major General and above, as found deemed fit by the respective governments.
To expedite this process of eventually forming the Naga National Government, the High Level Commission shall hold meetings without any further delay in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation as facilitators.
Naga groups in the process of releasing political prisoners

Following the request of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) which cited the ongoing positive highest level meeting and the prevalent atmosphere, the Naga political groups are making all arrangements to expedite the process of releasing all political prisoners. This was disclosed by FNR convener Rev. Dr. Wati Aier. He also reiterated that the FNR has not left anyone out of Naga reconciliation and that the FNR was always open with its doors. Having “reconciled,” Rev Wati appealed the Naga leaders not to retract from its commitment and resolve.
PIL filed against ONGC in Guwahati HC Al Ngullie Morung Express News
An oil well rig surrounded by spilt crude oil seen here in one of the many abandoned oil fields of Champang village. The Media say crude oil has been spilling from the oil rigs for about 16 years now and has turned the villages of Champang and Tssori in Wokha district of Nagaland, into ‘cluster of little combustible neighborhoods’ since the ONGC stopped oil extraction activities in 1994.

The long and exceptionally tumultuous history of oil and natural gas exploration in Nagaland since March 1981 marked yet another significant twist today with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) having been filed against the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in the Guwahati High Court.
Rs. 1, 000 Crore compensation for villagers, criminal proceedings against ONGC, Govt officials sought
A copy of the PIL, obtained by The Morung Express, held primarily the ONGC and the Nagaland state government for the wide-ranging damage the oil enterprise has inflicted on the economic lives of villagers living in the crude oil-rich swathes.
In the PIL representing Champang village and Tssori village – Nagaland’s only two areas rich in crude petroleum – the petitioners have sought at least Rs. 1, 000 Crore as consolidated compensation to the villagers for the damage the now about-16 years of unabated oil spillage the ONGC left behind, has caused to the two areas.
The Media has been highlighting regularly the condition of the contaminated soil and water the oil spill has caused on the area. The two villages have been referred by newspapers as ‘cluster of little combustible neighborhoods. The catastrophe did not look imminent when ONGC began a survey in the oil fields in 1963.
Likewise, the petition to the Court has sought payment for the loss of oil from the oil spill and that the High Court order the ONGC and the state government of Nagaland to clean up the waste that has reduced the two areas in a virtual economic and environmental nightmare. Further, the petition has appealed to the court to prosecute and initiate criminal proceedings against the officials of the ONGC as well as the state government and Central government, accused as being ‘responsible for such damages.’
The Petitioners are Mmhonlumo Kikon & Others Versus the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, the Basin Manager of ONGC, Cinnamara in Jorhat, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, the State of Nagaland, the Nagaland Geology and Mining Department, Nagaland Forest Department, the Nagaland State Pollution Control Board and the Union of India represented by the Ministry of Petroleum and another, the Natural Gas and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
The PIL has alleged large-scale oil spillage in Champang and Tssori villages in Wokha district ‘due to willful negligence of the authorities to take appropriate steps to stop the oil spilling from oil rigs/oil wells situated in the oil fields. The oil spill began after the ONGC halted production in May 1994 following opposition Naga organizations.
The petitioners accused the respondents for failing to take action and prevent and protect the environment and ecological system in the two villages. The petitioners have appealed to the court to enforce the legal and fundamental rights of the people of Champang and Tssori by declaring the actions/inaction of the respondents as illegal and unconstitutional.
The petitioners appealed to the court for about Rs. 1, 000 crore as consolidated compensation to the villagers for damage to their health, economy, agricultural land and activities due to the oil spill. According to media reports earlier, ONGC has paid a royalty of Rs 33.83 crore to the Nagaland government, but of that only Rs 67 lakh ‘reached the village.’
The PIL requested the High Court to direct particularly the ONGC and the Government of Nagaland to immediately clean up the oil spill within a stipulated time. Along with this action, the High Court is requested to direct the Government of Nagaland not to enter into any negotiation, understanding or permission with the ONGC or other companies (Indian and foreign) working on oil exploration, extraction or production to explore, extract oil in the state of Nagaland till the impact of oil spill affected area is redressed.
Stating the circumstances, the petitioners have appealed to the Court to initiate criminal proceedings and prosecution of the officials of the ONGC as well as the state government and central government.

Reconciled Naga rebel groups agree to form single govt
Published on August 26, 2011 in Top Stories | View Comments
DIMAPUR, Aug 26 (NNN): The three Naga underground groups–NSCN-IM, NNC and NSCN-Khole/Kitovi has agreed upon in “principle” today to work towards in the formation of their single government.
At present these three underground outfits have their respective government. The NSCN-IM has called their government as Government of People`s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN). The NSCN-Khole/Kitovi group`s government name also the same with the former except the last term. One is Nagalim and the other is Nagaland. The NNC calls their government as Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN).
On Friday, top leaders of the three Naga outfits signed a `concordant` to work towards the formation of the single underground government which has been proposed to call “Naga National Government”.
Today`s development came following the series of meetings including that of intense prayer programmes convened by Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in Dimapur.
Meanwhile, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio welcomes the signing of the `concordant`, which was signed in Dimapur today.
“The top Naga underground leaders have reconciled on the basis of historical and political rights and have agreed that Nagas are one,” said the chief minister in a statement made available to Newmai News Network tonight.
Ibobi slur angers NSCN-IM OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Kohima, Aug. 28: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has lambasted Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh for branding the group a “terrorist outfit”.
In a hard-hitting statement by the outfit this evening, the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) charged Ibobi Singh with trying to derail the Indo-Naga peace process by levelling allegations against the outfit and branding it a terrorist organisation.
“For any terror-like incident in the state, Ibobi Singh will not take time to think twice before he names the NSCN as the culprit and demanded the Centre revoke the Indo-Naga ceasefire. This has been the ongoing war of Ibobi Singh against the NSCN. But there are times when he was caught on the wrong foot,” the outfit’s statement said.
The outfit said the animosity of Manipur chief minister Ibobi Singh against the Nagas in general and the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks under the banner of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) in particular needs no elaboration, adding he himself had proved it on numerous occasions and so is the well-founded apprehension by the Nagas that there is nothing good to expect from Ibobi Singh other than destructive utterance against Naga interests.
“And the chief minister continues to spit venom against the NSCN,” the outfit said.
It said after a bomb blast in Sangakpham Bazaar in Imphal recently, Ibobi Singh hurriedly put the blame on the NSCN and started making a big noise that he would brief the Centre on the activities of the NSCN in the state and press the government in New Delhi to revoke the ceasefire.
The outfit said Ibobi Singh had even claimed to posses evidence of the NSCN’s involvement in the bomb blast.
“Now shamelessly after the true colour started to unfold itself, he told the Manipur Assembly that the arrested person in connection with the bomb blast is not an NSCN cadre but one of the IRB — his own boy,” the statement castigated Manipur chief minister.
The statement said it is a public mockery for a person of chief minister’s stature to find himself in the wrong place by putting the blame on the NSCN.
Ibobi sabotaging peace process NSCN
Morung Express | Dimapur, August 28 :

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim has stated on what it termed as the “animosity of Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh towards the Nagas in general and the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talk under the banner of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) in particular”. A press note from the MIP stated that this animosity needed “no elaboration” because he (Ibobi) himself has proved it in numerous occasions. “And so is the well founded apprehension by the Nagas that there is nothing good to expect from Ibobi other than destructive utterance against Naga interests. And the Chief Minister continues to spit venom against NSCN”, stated the MIP press note.

A case in point is when there was bomb blast in Sangakpham Bazaar in Imphal recently. The MIP note stated that “Ibobi hurriedly put the blame on NSCN and started making a big noise that he will brief the Centre on the activities of NSCN in the state and press the government in New Delhi to revoke the ceasefire”. Significantly, he even claimed to posses’ evidence of NSCN involvement in the bloody bomb blast, stated the MIP. “Now shamelessly after the true colour started to unfold itself he told the Manipur Assembly that the arrested person in connection with the bomb blast is not NSCN cadre but Indian Reserve Battalion, his own boy”.

“It is a matter of Nagas right to point out that Ibobi is not greater than the historical and political rights of the Nagas who dared to resist, fought and asserted their rights for more than 60 years. And it is also a matter of fact that government of India ultimately came round to recognize the uniqueness of Naga history and situation and gave the commitment that solution shall also be unique”, the MIP note stated.