12/01/2011: "Burmese Military Junta banned Naga festival Nagayouth Burma"

Burmese Military Junta banned Naga festival Nagayouth Burma

Burmese Military Junta banned every Naga unit’s tribes’ traditional festival and saying that every tribe should be allowed to hold only the Naga Traditional New Year Festival organized by Naga Cultural Centre Committee (NCCC) which is under the direct control by the military and all the NCCC leaders chosen by the Naga people were dismissed and replaced them with military handpicked candidates and the NCCC constitution was also redrafted under the supervision of Burmese military. Naga in Burma people have pointed out that the junta’s are impair the development of the cultural activity of the Naga people. A senior Burmese Army officer will be heading the Acting Naga Traditional New Year Festival from January 12th to 15th, the biggest Naga festival.

The Junta intends to extend its power by controlling Naga Traditional New Year Festival which will eventually destroy the culture. It will lead to more hatred between the dictatorship and the people. Burmese junta is manipulating not only politics but also culture, religious and literature.

If Burmese junta wants to promote the culture of ethnic people then they should provide freedom of holding cultural festivals and allow use of their own literature. People should be free to celebrate their culture by themselves without interference from the government. The regime should encourage holding festivals like Naga Traditional New Year Festival which is important for maintaining the tradition of the people.

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Short history of Naga Cultural Centre Committee (NCCC)

After the military coup in 1962, the military banned the formation of any new political groups or organisations. The Naga people felt the need, however, to come together to build better relationships among the different tribes and also to preserve Naga culture. A platform under the banner of Naga Cultural Centre Committee (NCCC) was formed in 1972 under the leadership of V. Baghung of New Somra Village, U Kailung from Lainung Village and other 10 Naga elders.
The Committee functions with the Central Executive Committee members representing the Naga townships, sub-townships and other areas where the Naga people live. The members are democratically elected by the Naga people.

During the 1990 election, there were five candidates representing the five townships. However only two, V. Teipoh representing Layshi constituency and U Kailung from Lahe constituency, were elected, while the other three were disqualified as they did not get enough votes to be declared successful.

When the National Convention was convened in 1993 the Naga expected that V. Teipoh and U Kailung would represent them. However, the Burmese Military Junta handpicked individuals and sent them to participate in the National Convention in 1994, instead of the elected MPs.
The military accused the elected MPs of having connections with underground groups and they were expelled from mainstream politics. Further, the MPs were warned against moving beyond the vicinity of their villages. The Naga representatives chosen by the military are also involved in propagating the ideologies and policies of the military junta to the Naga people at every opportunity such as at festivals, in churches, etc.

This was strongly opposed by NCCC, and, as a response to this opposition, the military dismissed some of the most influential Naga leaders and replaced them with handpicked candidates.
The NCCC continued to function with two types of membership – one democratically chosen by the people and the other handpicked by the military.
When the NCCC submitted a memorandum on the inalienable and indivisible right of the Nagas to their ancestral homeland on 1 November 2004, all the founding members and the committee.
Members were expelled at gunpoint and a new committee which obliged the Junta’s demands was elected for the National Convention. The same thing occurred in every town and village council.

The NCCC constitution was also redrafted under the supervision of Burmese military. The following is the NCCC’s new constitution draft by the Burmese military 5:

1. All Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) members should register and have united Burma national identity card;
2. To be a member of the Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) one can either be a
Buddhist or a Christian or from any other religion;
3. The Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) members should not be involved in any
political party;
4. All the Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) members should strictly follow the Burmese Government Rules and Order (Constitution);
5. Any of the Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) members who have a criminal record
and violate the Burmese Constitution in words, actions or otherwise will be expelled;
6. Neither individual nor group of the Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) should neither interfere nor mix with other ethnic nationalities, politics or otherwise;
7. As opposed to the previous norm, anyone with a mixed heritage (wherein one of the
parents is not a Naga) can be a member of the Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC);
8. The Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) members should follow the Rules
and Regulation of the Central Committee which the National Government has
given;
9. The Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) members who are against the National
Government rules and regulation can have their membership revoked;
10. The Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) sub-committee should participate in the Naga Cultural Centre Committee general election;
11. All the Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) aims and objective should be planned and worked out according to the Central Committee’s policy;
12. All the Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) policy decision should be accepted only through the Central Committee;
13. All the Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) members should carry out their own given duties (health, education, cultural etc) and cannot mix with others political parties;
14. All the Naga Cultural Central Committee (NCCC) members should have mutual
understanding of one another;

The numbers of Central executive members has also changed. Currently, there are 23 members, however earlier there were more than 36 members6.

1 Khanti (Headquarter) 9
2 Homlin 2
3 Nanyung 2
4 Lahe 2
5 Layshi 2
6 Din Oo Lwin 1
7 Myitkyina 1
8 Tanai 1
9 Tamu 1
10 Mandalay 1
11 Yangon 1

Nagaland enters 48 years of statehood morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): Extending greetings on the 48th year of statehood, Governor Nikhil Kumar has wished the people of Nagaland peace, development and prosperity. In his address on the eve of Nagaland Statehood Day, the Governor paid tribute to the leaders who worked sincerely and untiringly towards the creation of the State. He said it was a landmark achievement at that time. “It gives our valiant people their own identity. I am sure all of you will join me in acknowledging our debt of gratitude to their vision, foresight and their missionary zeal to secure the well being of our people through the founding of our State,” the Governor said in his message. Commenting on the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the State today, the Governor appreciated the efforts of law enforcing agencies, security forces, non-governmental organizations, the tribal Hohos, the civil society organizations, the Church bodies and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation for their commendable efforts in peace building. He said that the on-going dialogue between the Government of India and NSCN-IM has raised expectations of some accord being reached sooner or later.
Governor wishes peace, prosperity and development
However, the Governor expressed concern about the increased incidents of crime. He said that the government is very concerned and has resolved to firmly deal with extortions and other anti-social activities in Dimapur and elsewhere in the State.
He said that it is the right decision because if there is to be development and progress, it is important there is peace in the State.
He added that the government is determined to achieve this objective; while people should also ensure that they live together in harmony; that there is unity cutting across tribes and communities and rise above narrow sectarian interests to take a view that is beneficial for the society.
The Governor said further that the need for development and economic growth is felt by all. He said that the State need funds for this and while it is pursuing requirement of funds with Government of India and the Planning Commission, the people have to focus on their own assets and create an environment conducive to investment. He declared that the most valuable asset is the youth.
The Governor also emphasized on the need to implement the Right to Education Act and ensure optimum utilisation of funds meant for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. He said that State needs to exploit the tremendous tourism and investment potential that it has. He said that by organizing mega events like the ‘Hornbill Festival,’ the State should be able to attract more tourists to the state. He said that the state has rich mineral resources and favourable climate for development of horticulture and floriculture. There is also immense potential for plantation crops like tea, coffee and rubber on the vast tracts of hill slopes. “To exploit all these natural resources to our advantage, we need to strengthen our Infrastructure facilities, especially roads, bridges and power supply,” the Governor said.
The Governor said that all this requires a firm commitment to resolve all differences and join hands for economic development. He said that with strong community institutions and the spirit of working together, he sees hope for the future. “I am sure, with the dedication and the good wishes of everyone, we will be able to overcome all obstacles and create a vibrant, economically strong Nagaland that founding fathers of our State had dreamt of.” Nagaland was created as the 16th State of the Indian Union on December 1, 1963.

Pace of dev under DAN regime accelerated: Rio

Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): While extending greeting to the people of Nagaland on the eve of 48th Statehood Day, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while stating that Nagas have gradually and steadily traversed over a vast canvas of progress and development in the State claimed in the last eight years of “DAN Government” rule, “pace of progress has been accelerated to a level unseen in the past”. He said that the DAN government has covered unprecedented grounds in the Agri & allied sector; in empowering women and youth; in addressing problems of underdevelopment in the backward districts; in promotion of sports and youth activities; in inculcating the spirit of entrepreneurship amongst the youth, and in many other areas of socio-economic advancement.
The Chief Minister further added that during these last few years, sustained efforts have been made for the empowerment of the farmers and the youth by observing the “Year of the Farmer;” “Year of Youth Empowerment;” “Year of Capacity Building” and the “Year of Entrepreneurship,” etc. He said that the government is determined to increase food productivity to achieve the vision of “Food for All” by the year 2020. Towards this objective, he said, the government has been organizing the North-East Agri Expo at Dimapur, besides distributing power tillers, tractors and Agri tools to the farmers.
Rio also said that during the last 48 years, the State has witnessed vast improvements in the physical and social infrastructure in the State like increase in road length; improved and better reach of electricity to the villages: higher literacy rate; better health care to all the people, etc. He said that the DAN government’s commitment to the development of rural and backward regions of the State has resulted in the creation of the Department of Development of Under Developed Areas. He also said that the creation of three new districts in the backward regions of the State, and opening of many new administrative headquarters in the rural areas have brought governance to the doorsteps of the people.
Dwelling on peace and development in the state, the Chief Minister said that the Government has tried its best to unite all the Naga groups so as to facilitate the achievement of a durable and lasting peace in our land. Rio said he is happy to state that there has been significant improvement in the law and order situation during the last 14 years of ceasefire, particularly during the last three years. He acknowledged the efforts of the citizens, civil societies, e Hohos and the Churches. He also gave special appreciation to the Forum of Naga Reconciliation in bringing together the Naga Nationalist groups on the platform of reconciliation and unity. He further appealed to all Naga groups to continue to strive for reconciliation and unity which will pave the way for a lasting and final solution of the six decade old Naga Political issue.
The Chief Minister stated that Statehood was a momentous and historic day that the aspiration of the Nagas for a distinct political identity was recognized by the Government of India by creating a full-fledged Nagaland State within the Union of India. Rio said in his message that statehood has given the Nagas the opportunity of moving forward according to their ingenuity and uniqueness. He also said that a special provision under Article 371-A of the Constitution of India was incorporated to guarantee protection of our religion, culture and traditions, as well as our land and its resources.
The Chief Minister also extended very warm invitation and welcome to all the people of Nagaland, as well as our guests from other parts of India and abroad, to come and enjoy the eleventh edition of the Hornbill Festival 2011, which is now popularly known as the “Festival of Festivals”. He also took the opportunity to wish everyone a Blessed Merry Christmas and a peaceful and Prosperous New Year 2012.
Laos Northeast India Business Forum held morungexpress

2nd Laos Northeast India Bussiness Forum delegates led by Dr Kikco Chanthaboury, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Planning and Investment, Laos PDR who are in Nagaland to witness the Hornbill Festival calling on the Chief Minister at his residence on Wednesday, November 30. (DIPR Photo)

Kohima, November 30 (MExN): Minister of Planning and Coordination T.R. Zeliang, addressing the one day 2nd meeting of Laos Northeast India Business Forum held at Hotel Vivor on November 30, 2011 said that with the fast emerging global market economy the “remote and unexplored North East”, which is the gateway of the mainland India to East Asian Countries is becoming more and more crucial and important strategically and logistically.
T.R. Zeliang highlighted the potentials of Nagaland state in various sector before the Laos delegation and said that “though North East India may be seen as remote since the region is yet to be explored fully, it is a crucial economic and cultural link between India and South East Asia in the context of India’s Look East Policy.”
One historic event that has proven the strategic importance of the NE region is the battle of Kohima which changed the tide of World War-II, which was not a chanced encounter but a battle to control strategic Moreh-Imphal-Kohima road which is the gateway of India to South East Asian countries, T.R. Zeliang said.
T.R. Zeliang also highlighted some of the potentials investment sector like the horticulture, floriculture, Naga crafts and its rich but unexplored mineral resources. He also said that significant policy like interventions like the government of India North East industrial & Investment Policy and state own Industrial Policy, Tourism Policy, Bamboo policy and policy for Organic cultivation offers an alluring packages incentives for those interested entrepreneurs who are willing to invest in the state.
Minister also stated that business interaction between Nagaland and Laos PDR started way back in 2008, which was boosted with the meeting of HSMM group and Nagaland Bio Resource Mission in 2009. This was followed by the visit of state chief minister along with state officials to Lao capital Vientiane. “I perceive this gradual development as a sign of greater cooperation, partnership and friendship”, T.R. Zeliang added.
Laos PDR is a country of 6.8 Million populations and is bounded Burma, China, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia and is main power supplier to its neighboring countries like Thailand and China and accelerating economy with demands in metals. Lao is a member of APTA, ASEAN, EAS and has applied for WTO.
Laos PDR delegation was led by Kikeo Chanthaboury, Permanent secretary of Planning, Lao PDR. Eric Sisombat, President National Chamber of Commerce also spoke on the occasion. Print and electronic media from Laos also formed the delegation.
Weeklong Hornbill festival from today Morungexpress
Kohima| November 30 : The weeklong Hornbill festival of Nagaland will start from December 1 at the picturesque Naga Heritage village Kisama, about 10 kms away from Kohima. The inaugural programme will start from 10:00 AM onwards with Nagaland’s Governor Nikhil Kumar as the chief host and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as host. The inaugural function will witness traditional welcome by Angami Nagas (Viswema village), traditional blessing by tribal guest Yansathung Jami, Yanmhon Old village, Wokha.
The weeklong festival will witness a mélange of the rich cultural displays of Nagas under one roof besides it will be marked by traditional arts, traditional Naga Morungs exhibition, arts and crafts, food stalls, herbal medicine stalls, flower shows and sales, cultural medley - songs and dances, fashion shows, beauty contest, traditional archery, Naga wrestling, indigenous games, Hornbill international motor rally, kids carnival, musical concert, Naga chilli eating competition, Hornbill National Rock Contest, greased bamboo pole climbing, top spinning, pork fat eating contest and many more.
The Hornbill festival is named after the Hornbill, the globally respected bird and which is displayed in folklore in most of the state’s tribes.

Traffic regulations for ‘night bazaar’

Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): The Dy. SP (T) and PRO, Kohima, Melite Kapfo informs the general public that in view of the “Night Bazaar” at Kohima town starting from December 1, the following traffic regulation shall be enforced- “No entry” shall be imposed along NH-61 between ‘Y’ Junction and Razhü Point from 3 pm onwards. The stretch from ‘Y’ Junction to Razhü Point shall be “no parking zone”. Defaulting vehicles shall be towed away by the traffic police. Further, all down vehicles proceeding towards Razjü Point shall take the route from ‘Y’ Junction via Southern Gate of Local Ground and exit from Northern Gate. Cooperation is sought from the public for better implementation of the above traffic regulation.

ATM at Kisama

Kohima, November 30 (MExN): The State Bank of India will open ATM at The Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on December 1 at 9:00 AM.

DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS
•Flower show cum sale of fruits & vegetables at Hortiscape: 9 AM
•Exhibition- cum- sale of handloom & handicrafts products inauguration: 9:30 AM
•Inaugural of Hornbill Festival: 10:00 AM
•Unity in culture: A cultural exposition

EVENING HIGHLIGHTS
•Launch of Hornbill Music Festival: Showcasing achieving musicians of Nagaland
during the year 2011: 4:30 PM at Indira Gandhi Stadium
•Night Bazar

No escort for top govt officials during Hornbill

Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): In order to minimize traffic congestion in Kohima and also to “impress upon the visiting dignitaries as well as tourists that the law and order security situation is peaceful and that there are no security hazards,” the State government today issued an order preventing the use of security, pilot and security allotted to all top government officials inside the town during the Hornbill festival. However, officers travelling outside of Kohima are free to take their escorts and pilots if deemed necessary. A statement issued by Chief Secretary Lalthara stated that the police will be providing sufficient security.
Further, having received confirmation from within the country and abroad that a number of VIPs, guests, tourists, etc, would be arriving at Kohima for the Hornbill Festival, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has requested the officials to take only the official vehicle (single) without the police escort (s) and take only one security personnel (bodyguard) or only the PSO as the case may be.
The Chief Minister stated that the steps have been taken considering the improved law and order situation prevailing in the State as reviewed in the security coordination meeting held on November 28, 2011. The Chief Minister has also requested all to cooperate in the large interest of the citizens of Kohima and smooth conduct of the Hornbill Festival.
NSCN gets new ‘army chief’ Indian Express
Into its 13th year of peaceful negotiations with the Government of India, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (IM) on Wednesday appointed Phunting Shimrang as the new chief of its army following the retirement of incumbent “Lieutenant General” Ng Markson.
“Major General Phunting Shimrang, who is also a co-convenor of the joint Ceasefire Monitoring Group comprising representatives from both sides, has been named chief of the Naga Army,” a press release by the outfit said.
Markson, who, according to the press release, served for 37 years rising from “a mere private soldier to the top position of Naga Army”, has been appointed “Chairman of the Military Council” — which is in the rank of Cabinet in the Government of People’s Republic of Nagalim headed by Thuingaleng Muivah.
While the NSCN(IM) has been engaged in peace talks for thirteen years now, it was only in July this year that both sides claimed that their “differences have narrowed.”
Nagalim: Economic Blockade In Manipur Lifted Morung Express

The 121-day economic blockade in Manipur is temporarily and conditionally lifted by the UNC.
The indefinite economic blockade in Manipur that entered its 121st day Monday has been temporarily withdrawn, said a leader of the United Naga Council (UNC) spearheading the agitation. “We have decided to temporarily lift the blockade on the two national highways from 6 am Tuesday,” UNC president Loli Adani told a public meeting at the Naga-dominated Tamenglong district of Manipur.

According to the UNC, it had decided to lift the economic blockade on three conditions viz, the assurance from Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to the Naga body on the Sadar Hills issue; the various appeals from the church and civil organisations to lift the blockade; and also taking into account the suffering of the people because of the impact of economic blockade.

Meanwhile, United Naga Council Information Secretary S Milan informed Newmai News Network that Union Home Minister P Chidambaram who met the UNC delegation in New Delhi on November 22 had assured verbally that the government of Manipur would not be allowed to take any unilateral decision on the Sadar Hills issue. This verbal assurance was followed by a written assurance from the Ministry of Home Affairs that came to the UNC on November 24.

S Milan however said the ongoing one hour public curfew that has been ongoing in Naga areas of Manipur from 12 noon will continue until further notice. The UNC leader then asked all the Naga tribe organisations and the Naga public to remain alert to face any eventuality in case the government of Manipur takes any unilateral decision on the Sadar Hills issue.

The decision to lift the blockade comes ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s daylong visit to Manipur Dec 3 where he is scheduled to launch and inaugurate several development projects. The prime minister is also expected to address a public meeting.

The UNC’s decision is seen as an olive branch with the Naga leadership hoping to get an audience with the prime minister to air their grievances.

To recall, the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) had imposed an indefinite economic blockade along the national highways leading to Manipur from August 1. The SHDDC has been demanding a full fledged district status for Sadar Hills. To this the Nagas under the aegis of the United Naga Council protested saying no ‘Naga areas’ be bifurcated to create the Sadar Hills district. The Kuki dominated Sadar Hills is situated in the Naga dominated Senapati district in Manipur.
The SHDDC lifted the agitation from November 1 after having signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Manipur on October 31 agreeing that the Sadar Hills be granted district status by November itself. With only two days to lapse on the MoU, the SHDDC met the Chief Minister in Imphal today over the signing of the memorandum of understanding. SHDDC Chief Ngamkhohao Haokip informed NNN that they would meet the government representative again after the Prime Minister’s visit to Manipur on November 3.

It may be mentioned that over 60 vehicles including private and public had been burnt down by both the SHDDC and UNC volunteers during the agitation. The state has been facing price rise and scarcity of petroleum products due to the blockade.
Blocklade-hit Manipuris find solace in cultural fest By Gaurav Sharma, IANS,
Imphal : Affected by the more than 100 days of gruelling economic blockade and ethnic clashes, people here are trying to find some solace in the ongoing 10-day Manipur Sangai Festival that kicked off last week.
With the beginning of the festival Nov 21 here, a sense of euphoria has descended upon the people, who can be seen crowding food stalls, dancing to local pop songs, and shopping for assorted goods that range from jewellery to handicrafts.
"This cultural festival has brought some respite to us as this economic blockade has really affected our life in each and every aspect," 30-year-old Imphal resident Thekpal told IANS.
Organised by the state's tourism department, the festival strives to showcase and promote the art and culture, indigenous sports as well as the scenic natural beauty of Manipur.
"It has brought joy to the people in the state who are sandwiched between the ethnic clash between Kukis and Nagas that has resulted in this economic blockade," said 24-year-old college-goer Suresh.
The festival boasts of more than 100 food stalls and around 400 handicraft outlets.
"Clashes, strikes, blockades will remain here, and because of this perennial problem, we can't enjoy our life here," he added.
Manipur is reeling under the economic blockade since Aug 1. Kuki tribals, affiliated to the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC), blockaded national highways 53 and 39 to demand that a Kuki majority district be carved out of a larger district claimed by the Naga people as part of the "Greater Nagalim".
The Nagas responded to the SHDDC move with a blockade of their own, and are reluctant to give an inch of land to the Kukis.
The blockade has led to an acute shortage of essential commodities. Petrol is being sold for Rs.250 per litre and cooking gas cylinder for Rs.1,700.
"This festival is like an oasis in the desert which has given much needed succour to the entertainment starved people," tourism department's deputy director Shyam Sunder told IANS.
"Whether it is Nagas or Kukis, they are performing with their respective troupes on one stage. It brings all the tribes together," he added.
However, he says, the blockade has affected the popularity of the festival to some extent.
"We expect people from other states to visit this festival but due to road blockades, they will not come. Those who can afford flights can come and enjoy here," said Sunder.
Sangai is an annual festival which was started in 2010 and received good response from the people in the state. It generated a revenue of Rs.3 crore for the state.
(Gaurav Sharma can be contacted at gaurav.s@ians.in)

Nagalim.NL News

12/01/2011: "Burmese Military Junta banned Naga festival Nagayouth Burma"