[Previous entry: "Ongoing peace process is the best option for Nagas Zeenews"] [Next entry: "An appeal to rally around leaders of all factions together Bendangangshi Morungexpress"]

10/23/2011: "Resolving Naga issue crucial to development: Rio Zee News"

Resolving Naga issue crucial to development: Rio Zee News

New Delhi: With decades of insurgency affecting Nagaland's economic progress, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday said early resolution of the vexed Naga issue was crucial to the implementation of various developmental plans in the state.

"Early and lasting solution to the vexed Naga political problem will be critical to ensure success in implementation of various development plans," he said addressing the National Development Council meeting here.

The Centre has been holding talks with NSCN-IM since 1998 to find a solution to the Naga problem. In July, the Centre and the NSCN-IM had announced that they "narrowed" down differences and were working out a settlement in the "shortest possible time".

Rio said state government's strategy of 'peace for development and development for peace' has paid dividends to some extent and there was a need for sustained efforts to fuel economic growth in the state.

Noting that improving connectivity in the northeastern region was crucial for economic development, Rio said his government has set a target of 10 per cent growth rate for Nagaland during the 12th Five Year Plan.
"The North Eastern states except Assam is primarily dependent on road transport. The region shares thousand kilometres of international border with five countries. Development of road network deserves highest priority," he said.

He also complimented a proposal mentioned in the Approach Paper for 12 th Plan to open road connectivity from North East to Myanmar.

"Construction of a highway along the Indo-Myanmar border in addition to opening the area for trade will also check illegal trafficking of drugs and arms," he said.

Lt.Gen’ Niki Sumi’s posers to FNR NPN

DIMAPUR, ‘Lt.Gen’ Niki Sumi, NSCN (K) military supervisor of the ‘Peoples Army of Nagaland’ asserted that Naga aspiration for reconciliation, was neither factional, regional or tribal.

He said major players should maintain similar perspective towards a logical and realistic conclusion for “durability and sustainability.”
Stating that reconciliation was endorsed and supported by different political parties and a cross section of Naga society, he said there was no problem beyond compromise or resolution as the issue was primarily a family crisis among Nagas.

He however said it called for a radical and expeditious approach but not in haste or desperation. He cautioned that political expediency be not confused with “frantic situation of certain stakeholders, needing urgent rescue.”
Niki said the issue needed to be resolved at the earliest as delay would be perilous.

He said FNR’s Covenant of Reconciliation (CoR) received approval of majority of Nagas as well as foreign sympathizers but should be based on acceptable and honorable merger on the basis of “brotherhood, equality and ideologically, on the basis of historical and political rights of the Nagas.”

He however lamented that during FNR’s later stages of “political venture of exclusivity” (involving only NNC/FGN, IM and Khehoi groups), in formation of ‘Naga National Government’ FNR tended to “create certain misgivings and unwarranted suspicions on its credibility”.

Niki said the most critical intervention required the FNR to prevent “relapse to bloody conflagration” due to unilateral abrogation of the CoR by “Khehoi campers”. He accused GPRN/NSCN of provocative acts of arrests, abduction and “forced enrolment” of NSCN (K) cadres in Khehoi and seizures of “government properties”

He claimed that more than ten NSCN (K) cadres fell victims to the rival’s acts, causing “trepidation and annoyance” to the endeavor of the NSCN (K) for “real reconciliation”. Niki asked the FNR to clarify as to whether “Khehoi camp is part of CoR or outside its purview?”; and what FNR was doing to restrain “Khehoi camp” from violation of the “peace covenant?”

He warned that the NSCN (K) should not be held responsible for “inevitable retaliation” and “killings” in self defence but as “forced” upon it by Khehoi group.

Adinno wants Pol. Edu for the young morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The Adinno Phizo-led NNC today said the Naga society ‘measures up to the intelligence of other societies’ but “somewhat seen very light weight in respect of political arena.” President of the NNC Adinno Phizo issued a copy of a letter addressed to “dear national workers” in the backdrop of a meeting of the outfit’s central executive committee and NNC meeting on October 20. She said that the “imperative of NNC at this time concerns educating the new generation with sound knowledge of modern Nagaland and why in conflict with India.” According to her, ‘any self-respecting society knows that knowledge is the essential tool to progress in any discipline, be it freedom of a nation.’
“Naga society has measure up to the intelligence of other societies but somewhat seen very light weight in respect of political arena. It is by no means smart to blithely flirt along the path of political wilderness,” Phizo said.
In her letter, Phizo said twenty years have lapsed since she was most unexpectedly elected to NNC office on the passing away of AZ Phizo “in the interest of continuity and stability.”
Phizo appreciated “the unswerving support and faithful prayers of our people” in pursuing “Naga nation fundamental stand on freedom in consonant with the yehzabo (constitution) of Nagaland.”
“In the present time, we live in a fast changing world, except for the people of Nagaland it remains much the same on account of the Indian occupation army militarized tyranny since the invasion of Nagaland in 1954,” she stated.
Nevertheless, she said, “in today’s connected age,” the Government of India can no longer conceal “trampling over the freedom of Naga nation.” “The massive concentration of Indian occupation army in Nagaland over six decades clearly belies GoI empty claim that Nagaland is an integral part of India because the deployment of regular army against Indian citizens contravenes the Indian Constitution,” the NNC president stated.
“To restore peace between the two nations, it is in India’s interest to withdraw her army and respect the sovereignty of Nagaland,” she said.
On the “prevailing anarchic state of affairs,” the NNC president said her organization “steadfastly refused to be distracted by the relentless enemy’s evil designs to sow discord so as to break the cohesion of Naga society and deny the existence of Nagaland.” Any “crazy idea by GoI” to thrust a “proxy vassal administration” is ‘absurd’ and totally unacceptable, she said.
“Bearing in mind the fast changing world, FGN and NNC must stand ready to meet any challenge ahead on the integrity of Nagaland,” Phizo explained.

AR rebuts NSCN (K) charges (NPN)
DIMAPUR Stating that a serious allegation was made against its operation carried out at Mon October 12, by NSCN (K) through local dailies, the Assam Rifles today rebutted the charges and said operations were launched on receipt of specific information about the presence of NSCN (K) cadre hiding in a specific house.

According to a defense release, despite denial by the occupants of the house of any warlike stores, AR personnel carefully searched the house in the presence of family members, which resulted in recovery of one pen pistol, one letter head of NSCN (K) faction, extortion cash memos, two mobile phones, one mag pouch, one side pouch, resolution of GHQ meeting in Nagamese language and one Camera Yashica.

The AR said recovery of “warlike stores” and extortion cash memos confirmed that the individual was “terrorising the locals and assisting other UGs, which it said was against the Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGR).

After the search of the house, the Assam Rifles said lady of the house was asked whether the AR troops had misbehaved, and the same was refuted by the lady and she signed the ‘No Objection Certificate’.

“The accused, Mr Ganpong Konyak, was in a completely inebriated state as against ‘sick and traumatized’ as claimed by the NSCN (K) in the article,” the release said.

The Assam Rifles have described NSCN (K) charges as “propaganda campaign” launched by “vested interests” against its successful operations in ensuring implementation of the CFGR.

“The AR stands by its commitment as ‘Friends of the Hill People’ to ensure weapon and extortion free society and a peaceful environment in Nagaland,” it asserted.

An Open Petition to Chief Minister of Nagaland Department of Post Graduate
To The Honourable Chief Minister,
Government of Nagaland,
Nagaland: Kohima.

Sub. A Petition for Safety and Protection of Human Rights/Fundamental Rights

Honourable Sir,
With great respect and humility, I beg to submit as under for your necessary and prompt action for the victim in particular and public safety in general by protecting and safeguarding their human rights/fundamental rights:
1. That Mr. Shelimthong Yimchunger, the Vice President of the Yimchungrü Tribal Council (YTC), residentially residing at Diphupar- B, Dimapur, was kidnapped/abducted by three armed men at around 7:30 p.m on 10/10/2011) from an area between Old Showuba Village and Naga United Village, Dimapur, Nagaland.
2. That the kidnapping/abduction had taken place under the pretext that some higher authority wanted to meet the victim.
3. That the victim was forced to drive his own vehicle back towards Hebron and those three armed men were sitting in his vehicle.
4. That after reaching a certain location, they pulled the victim out of his vehicle helplessly; his eyes were blindfolded, hands handcuffed from behind, and then they made persistent and merciless attempt to shot him but the bullet of revolver could not explode.
5. That they left the victim on the spot with his eyes blindfolded and hands handcuffed from behind and then they took away his vehicle (Scorpio), bearing Registration No Nl-07 C-8472.
6. That the victim could hardly manage to have access to some local people around through whose help he could reach his home at midnight. Thus, he had a narrow escape.
7. That the victim and family members, particularly the victim still go through mental, emotional and psychological trauma and the public in general, is no exception to it.
8. That from the above mentioned facts of inhuman act committed against the person victimized, the following demands are made to be met with:
(i) The Government must ensure that the people in Nagaland are safe and secure.
(ii) The human life and dignity should be affirmed and recognized above all other things.
(iii) Such inhuman act should be stopped by taking extra-ordinary measures of the laws.
(iv) Gross violation of such human rights and fundamental rights should be checked and affirmed fundamental human freedom for every human person in the State.
(v) The act of robbery, kidnapping, abduction, and murder etc. taking place in the State should be checked and eradicated thoroughly.
(vi) The victim should be compensated appropriately and proportionately, including his shock affecting adversely his mental, psychological and physical health and such act should no longer be condoned.
(vii) The law enforcing and investigating agencies into such heinous crime should be directed with all seriousness for prompt and immediate action.
(viii) The victim must obtain justice at the earliest and the people involved in committing such heinous crime must be penalized in accordance with the law of the country.

I, therefore, on behalf of the victim, his family and those affected adversely by such inhuman act would like to bring to your kind notice for necessary and immediate action, so that the people in general must feel that their human rights/fundamental rights are protected and safeguarded against such perpetrators.
Thank you so much!

Yours faithfully,
T. Lakiumong Yimchunger, LL.M. Final year, Department of Post Graduate
Studies & Research in Law, Rani Durgavati University,
Jabalpur (M.P.) yimkhiunger@yahoo.co.in
The Naga Club & Sovereignty Issue Kewezü Mero
In 1917 during the World War I between France and Germany about 4000 Nagas joined the Allied Force and won the battle. After the war victory when they returned to Nagaland, they decided that all the Nagas should come together under one political umbrella.
So they formed a Naga Elders union. In the meantime they found out that there was a British Club Building at Dimapur. The Naga Elders union asked the British Government to shift this building to Kohima and it was relocated to the present Mission Compound at Chotobosti, Kohima. In the same building the Naga Club was established and accordingly a Naga shawl was hoisted as a flag with prayer.
This hoisting of Naga Club Flag was witness by CR Pausey, the then DC. Rev. George Supplee Chaha and A. Kevichüsa EAC. Just after the hoisting of the flag, a rainbow appeared over the Naga Club Building. Therefore, the Nagas Club Flag was enshrined with Rainbow colour.
On 10th Jan 1929, Naga Club submitted a Memorandum to the British House of Commons where the Naga areas was incorporated as “Excluded Area in the British India Act, 1935”. This was formally approved and sealed by the British Crown in 1936. Accordingly Robert Reid had officially documented this Excluded Area British India Act in the Transfer of Power and International records. In this way Excluded Area was also well documented. In the 2nd World War, the British also acknowledged the contribution of the Nagas in the war victory. Hence the British continued to give support for the right of the Nagas. Meanwhile, the Nagas began to set up NNC and started asking Statehood from India. Imti Aliba Ao was the first NNC President followed by Mhondamo Lotha and Visar Angami and the fourth President was A. Z. Phizo.
The British could not support the Nagas because the British had already made Naga Homeland as an Excluded Area which is Sovereignty.
India has granted State to the Nagas on the request of the NNC. A.Z. Phizo did his best for the Nagas Sovereignty. However, he could not over rule the NNC resolution and finally agreed to be under India’s rule through the signing of Shillong Accord.
After many years in 1982, Naga Club was reorganized and in 1994, the history of Nagaland as “Excluded Area” was again highlighted by the Naga Club under the initiative of Mr. Kewezü Mero Joint Secy. and Caretaker of Naga Club. The British had recognized the Excluded Area through the Naga Club Memorandum which was a historicle fact and International Act and it was endorsed by the Indian Leadership. This led to revive the issue of Naga Sovereignty today.
Based on this historical fact, the issue of Naga Sovereignty will be settled soon without much legal problems. Since its inception the Naga Club motto was formed as “Nagaland for Christ”. This was a divine revelation through the Holy Spirit. This means that the land and the people will work for the cause of God’s Kingdom on earth by reaching out to other unreached people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the Naga leaders will govern the land with the wisdom to produce missionaries who will go into all the world and preach the gospel to all nations. The Naga government must be governed by those committed Christian leaders who are deeply committed to the works of missionary. The original vision and mission of the Naga Club will thus be fulfilled when Nagaland become a missionary land as per divine revelation. This is what God wants Nagaland to be.
Let each and everyone of the Nagas be shine in the Lord and let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you. Amen.
Kewezü Mero, Joint Secy. & Caretaker, Naga Club
Nobody gains by provoking situation: Dr Shurhozelie Oken Jeet Sandham (NEPS)*
Kohima, October 19 2011: Nagaland Minister for Urban Development Dr Shurhozelie termed as unfortunate the Naga people's still inability to come together.

He said when "something is still wrong, we don't still speak" .

At this rate, he wondered, as to how the proposed Naga National Government would come about.

Interacting with media persons here at his private residence Wednesday, the Minister stated that the Naga leaders had to be very careful in their "utterances and deeds.

He said "Nobody will gain anything by provoking the situation" .

The veteran regionalist, who had witnessed the Naga political developments for half-a-century, said the "Nagas would have perished long time back." "But we survived because we have good numbers of believers," he disclosed.

Expressing his regret on the recent development between the ruling NPF MLA Azheto Zhimomi and the NSCN (K), he called upon them to sort out any difference they had through dialogue.

The NPF chief explained that it might not be quite proper on the part of the MLA tackling the situation because above him, there was a party he belonged to and the Government he was part of. Dr Shurhozelie, who is also President of the ruling NPF party, said, "Everyone has chance to solve any problem if we meet." He further said the party and the Government was here to help everybody.

He also disclosed that the current matter between the party MLA and the NSCN (K) was yet to bring to the notice of the party as well as Government.

"We are sincere while talking about Naga political problem," he said. "At the same time, we also want the people including the Naga national workers to appreciate our stand also" .

He also said the Center was sincere to resolve the Naga political issue.
"Now the ball is in the court of the Naga people," he added.

Stating that putting threat on the life of MLA Azheto Zhimomi would not solve the problem, Dr Shurhozelie, while pointing out that he (Azheto Zhimomi) might have committed some mistakes, "yet there is every chance for meeting between the parties concerned and settle the differences amicably " .

"In the interest of the Naga people as a whole, one should not be too hasty in judging things," the NPF chief said calling upon the Naga national workers to "make judgment things by themselves and not on hearsay or what other say" .

At the same time, they had also been discussing and asking their party (NPF) members to remain true to the principles of the party and also remain "neutral," Dr Shurhozelie said.

"But if you want to act as facilitator, we can't keep ourselves isolated.
We have to meet people" .
Nagalim: Sharing Experiences, Belfast Hears Story of Peace Process Below is an interview by The Times of India:
Queen’s University in Belfast has learned of the situation in Nagaland, the historical context for current negotiations and the current ceasefire and desire for peace.
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday [18 Oct. 2011] became the first CM of the state to speak at an event organized by an international university in the UK.
Speaking on "Governance and Conflict - the Naga Context", Rio highlighted the Naga political movement from its roots to present-day ceasefire. Rio gave a detailed explanation of the political journey of the Nagas since the arrival of the British in Naga areas and mentioned some of the major landmarks like the special provisions for the Nagas under the Eastern Bengal Regulation Act, 1873, formation of the Naga Club in 1917, the submission of the memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929, the 1951 plebiscite, the introduction of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the formation of Statehood and the 16 Points Agreement, the ceasefire of 1964 and 1975, the Shillong Accord, the present ceasefire and ongoing political dialogue.
Rio dwelled on the Naga demand for integration of all Naga-continuous areas and also on the condition and status of the Nagas living in Myanmar. Rio stated that the Nagaland assembly had passed four unanimous resolutions supporting the demand for Naga integration.
He said, "The present mood of the Naga people indicates an overwhelming desire for peace and development. There is a growing realization amongst the Nagas that the ongoing peace process and the political dialogues are the best options available to the Naga people today, and that we need to make the best use of this opportunity rather than cry hoarse over the lost opportunities."
He added that his government is committed to the peace process and that it has declared its readiness to make way for any new political dispensation that may emerge from the ongoing political dialogue. Highlighting the problems of governance under an environment of conflict, he said he survived a bid on his life in 1995. However, he stated that with the ceasefire in place, positive progress is being achieved, as warring groups are beginning to sit down together, with an aim of reconciling with each other.
The chief minister stated that conflict situations demand special approaches to achieve good governance and that the government had adopted "involvement and empowerment" of village communities through VDBs and the policy of communitization.
The lecture was attended by politicians, academicians, scholars, university students, and representatives of business community. Addressing a packed auditorium of the university' state of the art library, Rio thanked the University for inviting him to Queens to deliver the lecture. In the interactive session, the audience raised questions ranging from the legacy of the Second World War's Battle of Kohima, India's Look East Policy, the regime of Protected Area Permit and the impact of the Naga situation in Myanmar, among other issues.