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12/18/2011: "Indo-Naga talks on verge of settlement: Th Muivah Imti Leeti Longchar"



Indo-Naga talks on verge of settlement: Th Muivah Imti Leeti Longchar

DIMAPUR: NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah, who arrived Dimapur Saturday, made a significant disclosure while indicating that the dialogue with the Government of India (GoI) on the decades-old protracted Indo-Naga issue is on the verge of reaching a meeting point for an honourable settlement acceptable to all.

“We have almost come to a meeting point…you know, their (GoI) position is clear to us, ours is also equally clear to them,” Muivah said during a five-minute interaction with the media here at Dimapur Airport upon his arrival.
However, the NSCN-IM general secretary sought to make it clear that the ball remains in the court of the Government of India.
“They have to take the initiative and we are waiting for that,” Muivah stated, providing an indicator that both parties have finally come to a certain level of agreement for settlement of the Naga issue.
Earlier this week, on December 13, Muivah and NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chishi Swu had met Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and interlocutor RS Pandey in New Delhi to discuss on the ongoing peace process. After the meeting, Muivah had told reporters that ‘things have become much clearer now.’
During the month of July, the NSCN-IM and the GoI had made a similar joint announcement stating that they have narrowed down differences and are trying to come to a settlement in the shortest time possible.
When queried on media reports of the GoI offering maximum autonomy to Nagaland under provisions of the Indian Constitution or the so called Supra State status which has created quite a furore in neighbouring states, the NSCN-IM general secretary denied the existence of such a proposal while maintaining that the ‘report is only what the press people are saying’ and not from the Centre.
“Not from Government of India. Why, because we know. They (GoI) are also trying their best despite their difficulties, and even then they are trying to work through. We (NSCN-IM) are also trying on our side,” he responded.
On being asked to comment on the United Naga Council demand for an alternative arrangement outside the government of Manipur, Muivah merely termed it as a ‘side issue.’
“Our issue is our rights and integration. All the Nagas must lived together,” he said.
When asked if there was any particular reason for him coming to Dimapur, he replied, “Naga laga homeland ase, Naga manu ase, moi kile nahibo?” (This is Naga people’s homeland; I am a Naga, so why shouldn’t I come?).
NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chishi Swu had reached Dimapur earlier on December 15. The leader, who is reported to have been ailing for some time, was seen being wheeled out in a wheelchair on arrival at Dimapur Airport.

Talks moving in right direction: NSCN(I-M) R Dutta Choudhury Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Dec 11 – Talks between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M) are going on at the positive spirit and right direction, asserted senior leader of the outfit, R H Raising.
Talking to The Assam Tribune, Raising, who is also the Kilo Kilonser (Home Minister) of the Government of People’s Republic of Nagalim of the NSCN, said that the process of talks were in the right track, but he refused to divulge what the Government of India has offered the outfit.
Raising admitted that it is too early to say as to when a formal accord would be signed between the Government and the NSCN. He said that the NSCN was doing its “level best” to find early and amicable solution to the conflicts and the ball is now in the court of the Government of India.
Commenting on the allegations that the NSCN was intruding into the territories of other states, claimed that they did not intrude into other’s territories. The others are in fact intruding into the territories of the Naga people. There is no reason for others to comment on the Indo-Naga talks, he asserted.
The NSCN leader said that the process of rehabilitation of the cadres of the outfit would start after restoration of peace. He pointed out that signing of a cease-fire agreement does not mean restoration of permanent peace. Cease-fire agreement is only a part of the process to restore peace, he added.
Raising refused to comment on whether the NSCN(K) would also start the process of talks. He said that the NSCN (K) is a breakaway faction which did not represent the hopes and aspirations of the Naga people. He asserted that the NSCN (I-M) is an organization based on principles, which represents the aspirations of the Naga people.
The NSCN leader said that they would be ready to extend helping hand to any militant outfit which comes forward to solve their problems through negotiations. He said that the NSCN believes in solution of any problem through negotiation. However, he said that talk with any militant group should be held on mutual respect and recognition of the rights.
It may be mentioned here that confusing media reports on the progress of talks with the NSCN created confusion in the minds of the people of the region as it was reported in a section of the media that the Centre offered creation of a “supra state”. But Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, during his recent visit to Manipur, clarified that there is no proposal to create “supra state”.
An urgent appeal to our Naga brothers in India: The Cry of the suffering Nagas in Myanmar A. Makury Morungexpress

Delhi and Naypyidaw had very recently countersigned the agreement on constructing a very huge hydroelectric dam in the Chindwin River viz. Tamanthi Dam whose actual site is at Tazone-Lawayyan around 35 km away from Homalin town (Eastern Nagaland or Myanmar Occupied Nagalim), Sagiang Division. For this project Delhi is mainly involved financially and technologically, whose feasibility report was given by Switzerland’s Colenco Power Engineering, Ltd. This Hydroelectric dam is expected to produce 1, 200 MW, of which 80% will be sent to Delhi and the remaining 20% will be used in Monywa Copper Mine, Sagaing Division.
Since, the time the two governments began to commence the work in early 2007, more than 2,400 villagers from Tazone and laywayyan villages had already been displaced in coercion without a proper compensation or without any compensation from the junta government. It is estimated that the water reservoir of the dam will cover more than 1400 sq km and more than 45,000 people will be permanently displaced.
But this report seems inadequate because Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which was commissioned to look out itself complained that the team was not given sufficient time and access to survey by the junta government. So we, surveying it from the ground level, can be sure that around 100,000 people including Non-Nagas will be affected because the flood reservoir will reach up to Minsein of Khamti Township (even Khamti town itself is uncertain as measured by the experts).
The people who live along the banks of the Chindwin River, Nanteleik/Tizu/Sati River and Nawin River are 90% agrarians. The water reservoir also will reach up to Yannwe plain on the bank of the Nanteleik/Tizu/Sati River, the first tributary of the Chindwin River and Kantkodaw Naga village and Monkailin a Kuki village on the bank of Nawin River, the second tributary. Then, this statistics gives a rough view that tens of thousand acres of the agricultural land (80% agricultural land of the Nagas) will be submerged completely.
Relocation of the displaced people is also completely unfair. For instance, a man in Maungkhan village who constructed the house by spending 150 lakh Kyats (almost 10 lakh Rupees in present currency exchange rate) was informed only 15 lakh Kyats in return from the junta government. In New Tamanthi (Naga village), a Naga farmer who has 15 acres of paddy field in Set Nga Kwin was informed 150,000 Kyats in total where as the present market rate is 5 to 8 lakhs per acre. Those dislocated villages and people are not given a proper site. The junta said, all the dislocated people have to do “Kotu Kota,” which literally means “self-support” or better “self-struggle.”
The villages which are not affected by the flood reservoir are also ordered to share their properties, land, and source of income to those displaced people. Additionally, there are some more severe corollaries such as health problems, lack of education, unemployment, social problems and environmental issues viz. loss of bio-diversity and flora and fauna, soil pollution, deforestation, etc. Many of the natural resources like gold mine, teak forests and some other precious stuff will be sucked
by the Non-Nagas like Burmese, Indians and Chinese. It is a deliberate Human Rights violation, a kind of genocide committed against the innocent people and an open insult to the land owners (the Nagas) as this agreement is sorted out without the consent of the Nagas and people there.
The leaders in Eastern Nagaland (Myanmar Occupied Nagalim) are picked-ups and mouthpiece of the junta and they keep mum and even stay in line with the junta as though nothing is going wrong, which in reality is deadly! The Thein Sein government is blowing the trumpet of democracy in Naypyidaw but the actual ground proves their claim to be a lie STILL and the double standard of the junta is so clearly seen. To mention more, the junta government is still practicing Human Rights violation, religious exploitation, structural violence and force labor on the Nagas in Eastern Nagaland.
Therefore, it is our humble request to our brothers (DAN, NPMHR, NBCC, NSCNs, Senior Citizens, Naga Hoho, NSF and many other Naga organizations) in India to reach out to us in every possible way and to uphold us by raising voice against Delhi to stop helping of the junta in materializing this heinous project and to let review the LOOK EAST POLICY of Delhi. Thank you and God bless you all. Kuknalim!

A. Makury
Senior Researcher, MNLD, Thailand

The Ten Commandments of Armed Forces Special Powers Act

1. You shall have no other ‘god’ under AFSPA except ‘military rulers’.

2. You shall not make for yourself a strong civilian Government that would repeal AFSPA from the land.

3. You shall not take the name of AFSPA in vain, for AFSPA will not hold anyone guiltless who takes its name in vain.

4. Remember Curfew days to keep it holy. On these days, you shall not venture out from your residence for AFSPA’s hallowed ‘angel’ (bullet) may punish you.

5. Honour your Army Generals and Captains that your days may be long in the land, which you have inherited from your fore-parents.

6. You shall not kill Indian armies even though they kill your people and rape your sisters.

7. You shall not commit even a slightest mistake before AFSPA for that could cost your life.

8. You shall not raise your voice in media about atrocity committed by Indian armed forces.

9. You shall not file case in court against human rights violation by Indian armed forces.

10. You shall not covet your neighboring States’ civilian Governments, development and security.

AFSPA is producing many insurgent groups in Northeast and JK. When AFSPA was imposed in Manipur in the early 1980s, there were only two active insurgent groups operating in Manipur. Today, after 30 years of its imposition, the provocative act of AFSPA has given birth to nearly 40 insurgent groups. There are 6,70,000 military forces in JK just to fight against 600 odd militants. The number of military forces could be more in NEI. Under heavy militarisation, common people are struggling for survival and dignity. The Central Government will never ever impose this inhumane Act in other States of India except in NEI and JK. If AFSPA is not racism, then what is it? AFSPA simply says ‘you are savaged people.’

In other words, ‘you are too ignorant to decide for your life’. Hence, to make us ‘civilize’ and good people, armies keep an eye on all our movements and activities. They interrogate and frisk us. They torture us for silly matters. They bang into our house late at night to check what we are doing. Ridiculous!!! We are forced to live according to what the Indian armed forces think best for us. This is the reason why many people have joined insurgent movements. If there is respect, peace and development in the State then who will like to risk their life in jungle leaving behind loved and dear ones, suck by leeches, bite by snakes, torture by wintry cold and summer storms.

Our Ministers and Defence Minister at the Centre often says that the ‘ground reality’ is not suitable for revoking AFSPA. However, the fact is that this unfavourable ‘ground reality’ is created by this Act. Once this draconian Act is revoked and the aspirations of common people properly understood and addressed, will there be peace in the State.

AFSPA means ‘military rule’. Many people from mainland India criticise military rule in Myanmar but hardly speak out against the harsh military rule under AFSPA in India. AFSPA, instead of helping people’s Government, undermines it in its entirety. So often, the State Government became a tool of AFSPA protecting armies at the cost of civilians. The power of Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers is curtailed to a ‘toothless tiger’ by AFSPA. The helplessness of Chief Minister is seeing in the imprisonment of Irom Sharmila Chanu for more than 11 years.

AFSPA clearly signifies that there are no qualified local politicians (educated people) to maintain ‘law and order’ in the State. Or if at all there are, then New Delhi undermines the capability of our leaders. Deeper analysis shows that our States are under the control of and run by ‘outsiders’ who are army generals, captains and so on. We are under captivity. We have no freedom. Our life is in the hand of armies. When Indian army officers staunchly oppose any move to repeal this Act, it is quite understandable. Under AFSPA, they are the ‘big boss’ or ‘god’ who controls everything. When a Chief Minister has no power to control over a mere army captain, one ought to feel shame.

Our politicians should feel embarrassed the most. Is it necessary to spend time and energy electing our representatives when they have no power to give us freedom, development and security? Is it not better if a Governor rules us directly so that there is better administration and development in the State? As State’s election draws near, people of Manipur must set an example for others by voting brave men and women into Assembly seat who would dare challenge to revoke AFSPA from the State. It’s high time to have a sensible Government that will protect the life of and give security to each individual—for in essence the Government exists for the wellbeing of its citizens and not its citizens for the Government.

For the sake of peace in the land, security of its citizens and holistic development, AFSPA must go. The sooner, the better.

Courtesy: ZK Pahrii Pou

Rediff.com » News » 'No supra-state offer for Nagas by Centre'
'No supra-state offer for Nagas by Centre' rediff
The controversy surrounding the formation of a supra-state for the Nagas is sweeping northeast India [ Images ]. According to a Guwahati-based newspaper report, New Delhi [ Images ] has decided to grant supra-state status to Nagaland following a hush-hush settlement of the long pending Naga struggle perpetrated by one of the deadliest insurgent groups in the region -- National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah).
Rediff.com's Surajit Talukdar got in touch with author Frans Welman, secretary of the Amsterdam-based Naga International Support Centre, who is considered to be close to the leadership of the NSCN (I-M). Here are excerpts from the exclusive e-mail interview:
Is the supra-state offer to NSCN (I-M) by Delhi true?
It is not true.
What is the NSCN (I-M)'s opinion regarding the supra-state body offer?
I heard from insiders in the NSCN (I-M) that nothing like this (supra-state body offer) has been discussed with the Indian government. In fact, I saw a denial statement from them on that too.
But there is a possibility that within the Government of India, this supra-state thing has been leaked.
What is the Nagaland government's view on the supra-state issue?
The Nagaland government has never discussed this issue.
What are the opinions of other Naga political organisations? What is the NISC's take on this issue?
As far as I know, majority of the Naga political organisations are against the supra-state offer as it means living under the Constitution of India. The Naga people believe in their right to self-determination. Since 1953, they have been fighting to go beyond the purview of the Indian Constitution. The NISC supports the Naga people's wishes.
What is the Khaplang faction of the NSCN's stand on the NSCN (I-M) peace process?
The Khaplang group is thinning out after the recent departure of some of its loyalists. His group is much smaller now. But Khaplang also wants sovereignty. His group is now observing a ceasefire with Delhi.
Is the NSCN (I-M) garnering support for their demand in other parts of the world?
I have just released a photo book on Naga culture as well as a book on the peace talks. I hope that these will be tools to help the Nagas in Europe and elsewhere to know the human rights aspects of the Indo-Naga conflict, which could possibly put the Indian government on the defensive.
Do you think the common people in Nagaland are behind the NSCN (I-M)?
Many commoners criticise the NSCN (I-M). No organisation is perfect, after all. Some people are becoming rich and corruption is increasing in Nagaland, leaving lots of Nagas envious.
Have you recently met NSCN (I-M) leaders Thuingaleng Muivah or Isak Chisi Swu? Can you say something about the meeting?
Before their departure to India a few months ago for peace talks, I met Isak Chisi Swu in Bangkok and before that Thuingaleng Muivah in the Netherlands. They are both hopeful that India might be able to gracefully come to a mutual conclusion.
In your view, what is the future of the Naga struggle?
India has all the facilities and can wait till the old guard dies out. But considering the expected uprising of the Meiteis of Manipur and the arrest of Anthony Shimray who worked under orders of Naga leaders, the stand of the Government of India cannot be trusted. If there is no support from the international community, then it looks like this struggle will slowly fizzle out, only flaring up at times.
Is the NSCN (I-M) still supporting other terror groups in northeast India?
Not at the moment.
Surajit Talukdar



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