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11/12/2011: "Stable and peaceful Nagaland is everybody’s interest, says Rahul PTI"

Stable and peaceful Nagaland is everybody’s interest, says Rahul PTI

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said it was in everybody’s interest to have a stable and peaceful Nagaland.
It was very unfortunate to learn that Nagaland was moving backward when the country was marching ahead even though a great deal of funds were pouring into the State from the UPA government under various flagship programmes, the Congress leader said at a public meeting.
Altogether 93 per cent of the Nagaland’s budget was provided by the Centre but it was not reaching people due to inefficiency and corruption. “It is your money, it is for your development,” he said at the Dimapur stadium during his maiden visit to the State.
Appealing to young people to join the Youth Congress and NSUI, he said, “The young people are reluctant to join politics because of the way today politics is done in this country, but we have to change this system.
“And, for that to happen that the youth must join politics to bring inclusive development in this country,” Mr. Gandhi said, adding, they should be vigilant on how money was spent by the State government. Referring to poor condition of roads in the state, Gandhi said physical and social infrastructure had to be built. Earlier, Mr. Gandhi held a student interaction session at the Nagaland University at Lumami in Zhunheboto district. He also addressed leaders and members of Youth Congress and NSUI at Town Hall here.
Congress secretary, in-charge of Nagaland, Luzino Falerio said Naga youth were inspired by the young leader’s presence.
NNC (NA) Yimchungru region to uphold Naga rights Nagaland Post
TUENSANG Naga National Council (NNC) Non-Accordist (NA) of Yimchungru region held its general meeting at Chessore village on October 28 with Z. Hozheto Chophy general secretary as the chief guest.

NNC (NA) during the meet, resolved to stand by the principle of non-violence and truth in upholding the Naga rights and work towards unity of all Nagas.

The region extended its support to the leadership of Kiumukam vice president and Z. Hozheto general secretary to stand for Naga political rights.

Kiumukam vice president NNC Nagaland, Kihoto Sumi, Ghusuho Sumi region president and Kiutsu Yim also spoke at the meeting.

Welcome address was delivered by T. Nokrunba head GB Chessore village.
Cultural dances were also presented by Thruntang club and women mercy club of Chessore village.
Tension at Manipur-Nagaland border over alleged abduction Nagaland Post
Six persons from Jessami village, Ukhrul district, Manipur were reportedly abducted by some surrounding Naga villagers on Friday sparking off tension in the border area.

Confession: In their confessional statement at Meluri village before the Meluri Village Council, which told to Nagaland Post, the six admitted that Murosou (between 126 to 127 Kms from Kohima, originally belonged to Meluri village. They disclosed that they were directed by Jessami village to “forcibly occupy” the land and cut the greenery for plantation. They admitted they had “illegally exploited the resources like firewood and destroyed the traditionally jhum cultivated land” and rendering it “unfit”.

A report from Imphal alleged that the six were abducted near Akash bridge across the Tizu river that divides Manipur’s Jessami and Meluri under Phek district Friday afternoon, while on way to their paddy field.

Sources said the border dispute between Jessami (Manipur) and Meluri (Nagaland) had a long history after borders were delineated between Manipur and Nagaland with villagers from both sides making claims and counter-claims.
Assam-Nagaland discuss border issues Correspondent Assam tribune
DIMAPUR, Nov 12 – A joint coordination meeting of the DCs of five districts – Sivasagar, Jorhat, Mokokchung, Mon and Longleng – on Assam-Nagaland border issues was held today at the Conference Hall of DC Sivasagar.
According to a report received from Temsu Wathi Ao, District Informatics Officer (NIC) Mokokchung & Coordinator, Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland), the DCs exchanged their views with the objective of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas. The idea of cultural exchange between the districts was also emphasised by DC Mon.
Some stray incidents of criminal nature and law and order problem which occurred in the past and continue to occur were discussed by the SPs of Jorhat and Sivasagar and Additional SP of Mokokchung. All DCs were of the view that such problems of criminal nature or law and order problems should not be made border issues.
The frequent economic blockades initiated by Assam-based Hill Area Truck Owners Association against Nagaland at the alleged slightest cause were also discussed. It was resolved to address such issues at the administrative level as and when need arises.
DC Mon highlighted the recent Singphan issue where a watchtower constructed by Nagaland was allegedly destroyed by the Sivasagar district administration whereby DC Sivasagar proposed a joint inspection at the earliest.
DC Longleng queried about the present status of an LP School initiated by Nagaland and which was forcefully occupied by the Assam Armed Police during late 2007. This school had hosted two General Elections and one Parliamentary Election in Nagaland. Another point raised by DC Longleng was that in this same locality, the IPPI programme was also covered by Assam without the knowledge of the Longleng district administration.
DC Sivasagar replied that since the matter is in the court, status quo should be maintained till a decision is taken by the court. Regarding IPPI, he suggested an official communication since the matter was never brought to notice earlier.
DC Sivasagar and DC Mokokchung expressed happiness at the regular Border Magistrates level meetings between Sivasagar and Mokokchung districts. Border Magistrate Sector ‘F’ Sivasagar Richand Ahmed informed the house that border meetings are regularly held with the district of Mokokchung and the results of the meetings have been very fruitful.
He requested DC Mon and DC Longleng to also initiate such Border Magistrate level meeting at regular intervals as such meetings would bring more cordial relationship and a sense of brotherhood between the neighbouring districts of Assam and Nagaland.
Jatindra Kumar Lahkar, Deputy Commissioner of Sivasagar thanked the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Lithrongla G Chishi for initiating DC level meet at Mokokchung in June this year.
AFSPA: Army raises ‘secession’ spectre The Hindu
New Delhi, (The Hindu): The Army’s top commander in Jammu and Kashmir has said the country could be compelled to grant the State independence by 2016 if government plans to lift the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act from some areas go ahead, highly-placed security sources have told The Hindu. The assertion was made on Wednesday in an over hour-long presentation to the Unified Headquarters, the State’s top coordination body for security, by Lieutenant-General Syed Ata Hasnain, who commands the Srinagar-based XV Corps.
Army officials would not confirm the contents of the presentation, but three officials present at the meeting separately provided The Hindu with the same account of what was said. The presentation also included a slide, which asserted that while the State people were seeking bijli, sadak, paani (electricity, roads, water), calls for lifting the AFSPA were coming from four categories: Pakistan, the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate, terrorists and secessionists.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who chairs the Unified Headquarters, interjected to ask Lt. Gen. Hasnain to leave a copy of the slide behind, so he could “see where I fit in.” The presentation made no mention of the fact that the demand for lifting the AFSPA has been supported by Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and forms part of the recommendations of the recently submitted report of three interlocutors
Lt.-Gen. Hasnain claimed that lifting the AFSPA would provoke large-scale disturbances which, in the context of the looming withdrawal of western forces from Afghanistan and the enhanced presence of members of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference on the United Nations Security Council, would lead to Jammu and Kashmir’s independence. The Army’s assessment was, however, disputed by representatives of other security forces. Special Director-General of the Central Reserve Police Force Aniruddh Uppal said there was no evidence to suggest a large-scale upsurge in violence was round the corner.
Inspector General of Police in-charge of the region S.M. Sahai said recent events — including suspects held for last month’s bombing of the Delhi High Court and last summer’s mob violence — showed that future threats would come not from large-scale insurgency, but from the influence of Islamist radicalism among small groups of alienated young people. Mr. Abdullah did not return calls from The Hindu, but officials present at the meeting said he made no direct response to the Army’s claims.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has called for a phased rollback of AFSPA on a test basis, pointing to the dramatically-improved law and order situation in the state. The plan envisages that, in the first phase, AFSPA will be removed from areas of the districts of Srinagar and Badgam where the Indian Army has not been present for several years—and therefore does not need the special powers vested by the legislation.
NSCN Khaplang to re-establish camps, sub-office in Dimapur Our Correspondent
Kohima: The NSCN (Khaplang) is all set to re-establish camps and a sub-office in Dimapur. According to a highly-placed NSCN (K) source, the organization has identified several locations within Dimapur jurisdiction for setting up a sub-office. Of these, it has found Padampukhuri (Naharbari) and Seithekiema (Patkai Christian College) the most viable, the source said.
The group has, however, expressed reservation that the Khehoi Camp-based GPRN/NSCN is stiffly opposed to its presence in Dimapur area. Claiming that the opposition is mainly due to Khehoi camp’s apprehension that its “extortion activities” within Dimapur area would be affected, source said the NSCN-K is determined and prepared to set up its sub-office and even camps within Dimapur area.
Also, reiterating that Khehoi camp belongs to the NSCN led by Khaplang, the source said the NSCN is restraining itself from forcefully re-occupying the camp merely because it does not wish to vitiate the prevailing peaceful atmosphere. “We are in a position to evict the Khehoi campers and reclaim the camp that is rightfully ours had we really wanted to. However, this will result in bloodshed and we do not want that at a time when peace is prevailing. Therefore, for this reason alone, we have chosen to restrain ourselves for the time being”, the source added.
Meanwhile, the sources also informed that the recent Cease Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) meeting held in Dimapur was a routine affair where the members discussed on ways and means to ensure more effective implementation of the ceasefire ground rules laid down following the peace pact between the NSCN and the Government of India.
It may be recalled here that the NSCN, formerly led by Khaplang, split into two groups on June 7 earlier this year – one led by Kitovi Zhimomi and the other by S.S Khaplang.
NSCN/GPRN questions Zeliangrong Baudi morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The NSCN has stated that “the so called Zeliangrong Baudi organisation” has been posing themselves as if it is the people mandated organisation, but the Zeliangrong people in general had not sanctioned due recognition to the said organisation. NSCN also said that press notes issued to the media by the said organisation have been always condemning the NSCN-IM without the real ground facts and unfound provocation against the NSCN (IM). This was stated in a press note issued by Central Administrative Officer, Zeilad Zeliangrong region NSCN/GPRN.
The note also said that ZUF was formed to challenge the Nation particularly the Zeliangrong People. It was further stated that the slogan quote “Zeliangrong Ringtelou, meaning Long Live the Zeliangrong People, its objective was to defend the land and resources of the Zeliangrong People” this slogan is being used as the camouflage of the ZUF which is a mockery to the Zeliangrong People.
NSCN further alleged that the Zeliangrong Baudi slammed the NSCN cadres who were on protection of Zeliangrong People and also the Naga as a whole. “It is the duty of the Naga Army to check anti-national elements, caused by the ZUF in which certain section of the people, particularly Subung villagers who have been cooperating and feeding the ZUF. Therefore, the Army Cadres of the NSCN who were on duty had taught them (villagers) a lesson not to continue their support to the ZUF,” It said and added that the allegation, condemning the cadres of the NSCN by the Zeliangrong Baudi without knowing the reason is totally unfound.
The Zeilad Zeliangrong region in the note stated that it strongly opposes the Zeliangrong Baudi, and warns them not to repeat the provocative publications in future. “It is also to be noted that Zeliangrong Baudi should be aware of their involvement with the ZUF behind the screen,” further stated the note.

Naga against GOI for ‘Alternative Arrangement’ Newmai News Network
Imphal | November 12 : The influential Naga civil body, United Naga Council (UNC) on Saturday said a massive and intensive campaign has started by various Naga civil organizations against the Government of India for delaying to settle the long pending issue of ‘Alternative Arrangement’ for the Nagas outside the Government of Manipur.
As a part of the campaign jointly spearheaded by UNC, All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Naga women Union, a public meeting was held at Thonglang Akutpa (Bena) along IT road wherein hundreds of people took part, a UNC source told Newmai News Network Saturday.
The campaign began a few days back and it had already been carried out in Tamei headquarters, Tamenglong district and Chawangkining village in Senapati district, UNC general secretary Gaidon Kamei said. The UNC leader said the campaign has been launched to pressurize the Government of India to fulfill the demand of Alternative Arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur at the earliest possible.
He also informed that the massive campaign will be conducted district wise as well as block wise and the date and time for the purpose will be informed to all concerned very soon.
The ANSAM has been enforcing an indefinite public curfew everyday from mid-day to 1pm (one hour) in all the Naga areas in Manipur since October 25 last pushing their demand for an alternative arrangement outside the government of Manipur besides the UNC and ANSAM had imposed bandh recently against the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed recently between the state government and Sadar Hills Districthood demand Committee, which the two Naga bodies have the apprehension that Sadar Hills district might be created by bifurcating Naga areas.
Expanding FNR morungexpress
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) is still being talked about for the commendable work it has done so far in bringing about a semblance of peace, order and the hope for a shared future. As all of us will recall that the FNR stepped in at a time when Naga armed groups were bitterly fighting against each other. There was bloodshed and even more hatred, anger thereby fuelling more vengeance, retaliation and distrust. And so ever since it started its Journey of Common Hope and the historic Covenant of Reconciliation was signed by the top leaders Isak Chishi Swu, SS Khaplang and Brig’ (Retd) S Singnya representing the various Naga groups, there has been a consistent effort put in by all stakeholders and the outcome has been positive. Having said that there have also been times when the FNR has failed to live up to expectation/s. But let us not forget that the FNR isn’t about perfection and that it is a human endeavor. People involved in the FNR are perfectly normal human beings and they are bound to make mistakes. And if they do fail so miserably, then the Naga public has every right to question the work or leadership of the FNR. But we honestly feel that such a time has yet not come for the FNR to retire or even disband. That would in fact be a tragedy because the FNR has still much to offer and at the moment they need all the encouragement and support of the people, the civil society and the Naga national groups.
It is quite obvious that the FNR is presently at a low because of the unfortunate turn of events where more division has come out to the fore in the very recent past. And as a result therefore the reconciliation process has been hit by new accusation/s, further division and the resultant distrust, suspicion and uncertainty. All this has had a negative bearing on the FNR’s own confidence and motivation to work. And this was clearly brought out by the September 21, 2011 statement where the FNR has stated that “a time will come when the FNR will need to be dissolved”. In fact this column takes the position that even if the task assigned to the FNR is complete, the FNR should not be dissolved. In the last more than 40 months or so, the FNR has played too much of an important and historic role that we should even contemplate burying it into the ground. We seriously propose that even though leadership or people may change, the institution of the FNR should be preserved for the contribution of many more things for the Naga nation and people. So we need to envision a greater role for the FNR beyond reconciliation. The institution of the FNR can be modeled along the lines of ‘United Nations’ kind of umbrella body or secretariat where the interest and right of the diversity of Naga people, region, tribes can be protected with due respect and honour.
For the immediate though, the work of the FNR need to expand beyond the confines of present day Nagaland. It may demand greater resource and mobilization, yet there is no reason why the FNR cannot do this given that reconciliation demands a truly inclusive approach both with regard to bringing on board the other Naga groups and also working towards making the Covenant of Reconciliation without territorial limits. The incidents of violence and killing in Naga areas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Burma are having an adverse effect on the overall reconciliation process. The recent violence in Zeliangrong areas of Manipur between Naga groups is not a good sign for reconciliation. The FNR must be attentive to the disturbing situation in Naga areas beyond Nagaland. Maybe this is a good time for the FNR to rethink on its functioning and come up with fresh and innovative ideas to face the challenges ahead. An expansion of its membership as well as its task and area of operation (of the Covenant of Reconciliation) will make the present reconciliation process more dynamic, consistent and truly inclusive.