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12/27/2011: "Centre fails to reach peace deal with NSCN MANOJ ANAND Age Correspondent"

Centre fails to reach peace deal with NSCN MANOJ ANAND Age Correspondent

GUWAHATI The home ministry failed to meet the deadline committed to Issac-Muivah faction of National Socialist Council of Nagalim for signing a peace accord before the Christmas.
Disclosing that a verbal offer was given to NSCN (I-M) through interlocutor R.S. Pandey, authoritative security sources in the home ministry told this newspaper that offer was sent without having the approval of the Union Cabinet. The NSCN (I-M), which has hired top legal experts readily agreed to the proposal of the government interlocutor.
Informing that many in the home ministry were in dark about the proposal which may not offer legislative power but gives away executive, financial and to some extent taxation power to Nagaland in Naga dominated areas of the region, security sources said that it was also proposed that boundary dispute would be left as an issue to be settled in future.
Regretting that peace-negotiators instead of telling NSCN (I-M) that boundary of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh cant be changed, security sources pointed out that Naga leadership has been told that states are not ready to compromise with their territorial integrity so issue should be left for settlement in future.
Confessing that home ministry was in a hurry to sign some kind of agreement with NSCN (I-M), security sources however feared that any such commitment undermining the opinion of the states would be counter-produc-tive.Pointing out that NSCN (I-M) leadership was pushing for signing the peace-accord proposed to them, security sources said that home ministry is now on back foot as Prime Minister has already assured the chief ministers of north-eastern states that centre would not allow Naga peace agreement to infringe upon the federal rights and territory of the states.
Security sources also admitted that home ministry was ignoring the opinion of many other security agencies which were pro-actively involved in the peace-talks at early stages. Security sources also claimed that union home minister P. Chidambram had approved the proposal before it was proposed to the Naga leadership.
NSCN(IM), Centre yet to resolve impasse Assam Tribune R Dutta Choudhury Guwahati, Highly placed official sources in New Delhi told The Assam Tribune that the Union Home Minister and the Centre’s interlocutor made an offer to the leaders of the NSCN without consulting the issue with other senior leaders of the Cabinet, but the Government is not in a position to formalize the offer made as it may create new trouble in the North East states. Sources said that the NSCN leaders have already written to the Government accepting the Home Minister’s offer with minor adjustments but the Government has not been able to take any decision. Though it was expected that a solution to the problems would come as a Christmas gift for the Naga people, now the solution will again be delayed.

Though sources refused to divulge the details of the offer given to the NSCN by the Home Minister, the offer included creation of an entity for the Naga people with executive and financial powers over the Naga inhabited areas in other states of the region. The Government already rejected the demand for creation of greater Nagalim with integration of the Naga inhabited areas in the other NE states.

But the trouble started after the NSCN accepted the offer of the Home Minister with minor adjustments as the Government of India is not in a position to give what was promised. Sources said that the Government has now realized that there would be bad implications in the neighbouring states and creation of an exclusive homeland for the Naga people would lead to controversies in other states of the country.
NSCN(IM), Centre yet to resolve impasse R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, Though the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M) is pressing for an early settlement, the Central Government has not yet been able to take any decision on what is to be offered to the outfit for an early solution.
Meanwhile, the Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram has also found himself in a fix after making an informal offer to the leaders of the NSCN without discussing the issue with other senior members of the Cabinet.
Highly placed official sources in New Delhi told The Assam Tribune that the Union Home Minister and the Centre’s interlocutor made an offer to the leaders of the NSCN without consulting the issue with other senior leaders of the Cabinet, but the Government is not in a position to formalize the offer made as it may create new trouble in the North East states. Sources said that the NSCN leaders have already written to the Government accepting the Home Minister’s offer with minor adjustments but the Government has not been able to take any decision. Though it was expected that a solution to the problems would come as a Christmas gift for the Naga people, now the solution will again be delayed.
Though sources refused to divulge the details of the offer given to the NSCN by the Home Minister, the offer included creation of an entity for the Naga people with executive and financial powers over the Naga inhabited areas in other states of the region. The Government already rejected the demand for creation of greater Nagalim with integration of the Naga inhabited areas in the other NE states.
But the trouble started after the NSCN accepted the offer of the Home Minister with minor adjustments as the Government of India is not in a position to give what was promised. Sources said that the Government has now realized that there would be bad implications in the neighbouring states and creation of an exclusive homeland for the Naga people would lead to controversies in other states of the country.
Meanwhile, the NSCN has engaged internationally reputed legal experts to give the leaders of the outfit legal opinion for the talks with the Government. Sources said that one of the most prominent legal experts engaged by the outfit is Michael Van Walt Van of Prague, Anthony Regan of Australia and Kenyan national Yash Ghai, who now stays in Hong Kong. These legal experts charge heavy amounts as consultation fees but with a bid to ending the deadlock early, the leaders of the NSCN have taken the services of these experts.
Fresh violence in Nagaland Times of India
DIMAPUR: Amidst the Christmas spirit reigning supreme, a fresh factional clash between the NSCN (Khaplang) and the NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) in Zunheboto district's Hokiyi village on Thursday morning shattered the hopes of a peaceful festive season for the people of Nagaland.
Sources said tension built up in Hokiyi village on Wednesday night itself after armed cadres of the groups confronted with each other. However, the situation turned worse on Thursday early morning, when they resorted to heavy firing resulting in the death of one cadre.
Nagaland home minister Imkong L Imchen strongly criticized the incident, saying, "The incident at Naharbari on December 19 last and at Hokiyi village today have highly disturbed the pleasant and joyful Christmas season."
"It is unfortunate that some people are spoiling the peaceful atmosphere in the state," he said, while appealing to all conflicting groups to shun the path of violence and give peace a chance in Nagaland.
The home minister also hoped that the conflicting parties would realize that peace is both the pre-requisite and the ultimate goal of solution to the problems of the Naga people.
Ntimes
Is reconciliation and unity so important even at the cost of Naga sovereignty

Khole who is an illiterate must surely not be aware of what is appearing in the media every day. All that comes in the media is all construed and bereft of facts. An old man in his nineties must also be mentally imbalance which is why he has started taking all credits. Today he claims to have save Chairman S.S. Khaplang, the other day I came across a news article wherein he claimed to have save the life of Isak and Muivah. I feel pity for the old sick man who is completely under the control of Ketovi. Who is holding him as a pawn and using him left and right for his petty benefits.
Otherwise, it was Khole, who affectionately sports one camouflage jacket brought from China during the early days of Naga movement and he use to tell the Naga Army confidently that, he will never put-off his jacket until Naga people gets Independent. It was Khole who promised his Konyak people that, he will never step across the International border unless Naga gets independent. May I ask Khole on behalf of his people, where are his promises? Unfortunately he is no more our hero. He is now talking only about Nagaland state, he is enjoying a lavish lifestyle who, otherwise spent all his youthful days and almost all his life in the jungle of eastern Nagaland dreaming that, one day Naga would become independent and die as a national hero. It is sad that, he has forgotten the sacrifices made by his very own people the Konyaks, Pangmis,Lainongs, Khimyungngan, Sangtam, Phom, Yimchunger, Tangsang who died protecting him and his leadership. Sadly, all the martyrs of yesterday who sacrificed their life under the then army chief Konyak and his own sacrifices for his people and the Naga nation is now cooked and construed by some inexperienced and undergraduate boys in the name of MIP.
Let me also remind Mr. Khole that, both Khoiwang and Pohwang being Konyak and since all three of them comes from the same community, there was always an affinity towards each other and for that reason with the undivided NSCN(K). They are upholding the teachings and principles of none other than Khole who had always advice them not to abandon the Tangsang brothers of eastern Nagaland under any circumstances. They are the true leader of the Konyak people. Therefore, it is not Khoiwang or Pohwang rather it is Khole who has strayed away and is now a changed person and who has not only betrayed the Konyaks but the entire Eastern Nagas.
On reconciliation let me remind the Naga people that, it was chairman Khaplang who even before the Reconciliation process was started has strongly advocated for forgive and forget policy among the Naga groups. Although, it couldn’t be materialize, the fact that Khaplang was among the signatory of Covenant of Reconciliation is a known fact. And in fact, the reconciliation process could reach this far only because chairman Khaplang agreed to the reconciliation process during the undivided NSCN (K). Therefore, the commitment of Khaplang for peace and reconciliation is unquestionable. We withdrew to register our protest on the high-handedness of the NSCN (IM) who failed to abide by the resolution. Therefore, it is NSCN (IM) who are answerable to the general Naga people on their act of violation on the agreed resolution on reconciliation. Do Kitovi and Khole think that, they would be talking about reconciliation today had not Khaplang signed the covenant of reconciliation? Coming to the point of reconciliation and unity as a pre-requisite for a settlement with the GOI, I think every lay man knows it but, is reconciliation and unity so important even at the cost of Naga sovereignty? The point is Ketovi, a man minus wisdom is under the complete grip of the Indian agencies. He was instrumental in convincing Khole to weaken Khaplang and his demand for sovereignty. Indian agencies wanted to delink the Nagas of eastern Nagaland and western Nagaland and for that, Kitovi was used. A lot of promises were made to him and was also paid handsomely. Kitovi played a pivotal role to divide the NSCN in the interest of the Indian agencies. He is the chief betrayer of the Naga people, which the coming generation will always remember. On Wangtin and Mulatonu, I must say that, they are much above from the likes of Kitovi and his criminal gangs. They are in their senses and are upholding the popular demand of the Naga people for sovereignty.

P. Tikhak
Spokesperson,
NSCN/GPRN

An Appeal from the Forum for Naga Reconciliation

Dear fellow Nagas,
Greetings from the Forum for Naga Reconciliation!

The Forum for Naga Reconciliation wishes to express our deepest gratitude to all fellow Nagas where-ever you are living for the support your have extended to the Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope. The Naga Reconciliation in the last 36 months has made significant progress through your solidarity and prayers.

Of late, the Naga Reconciliation process has slowed down and a stalemate has been reached. Nonetheless, the three signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation – NSCN/GPRN, NNC/FGN and GPRN/NSCN remain fully committed to the reconciliation process. The Reconciliation process has not been easy. And while it is fair to say that the three groups have weathered many challenges, it must also be pointed out that the reconciliation process needs the active and expressed support, prayer and hope of the people.

At this point of the process, it is of absolute necessity for the top leaders of the three signatories to meet face to face without any further delay. The intent of the highest level reconciliation meeting is to explore together the possibilities of a new reconciled political relationship among the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation; and to develop a joint working mechanism to pursue the historical and political rights of the Nagas.

While the Naga people and the political groups recognize the urgency of the highest level reconciliation meeting, public intervention is required to further persuade such a meeting. In this respect, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation is writing to you to kindly take the initiative to express your support for this meeting by organizing a prayer vigil, candlelight march or any other creative expression in your region before March 15, 2011.

Such an outward expression will certainly encourage the Naga reconciliation process. We also encourage you to write a letter to the Naga leaders with the following points:
• Supporting the Naga Reconciliation process on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas;
• Urging the signatories of the Covenant of Reconciliation to address all outstanding issues and differences in the spirit of reconciliation through non-violence, mutual respect, understanding and love; and
• Demand that the highest level reconciliation meeting take place without any further delay so that the reconciliation process can take decisive steps towards its logical end.

The Naga Reconciliation process needs your support and prayers.
With warn regards,

Rev. Dr. Wati Aier
Convenor
Forum for Naga Reconciliation
Notes from the Northeast: Naga dream still distant IST Agency: DNA Pradip Phanjoubam The writer is editor, Imphal Free Press l inbox@dnaindia.net
Mumbai | December is an auspicious festive month for most of Christian Northeast. In the Christian states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and to a great extent Manipur, red ‘Star of David’ lanterns on numerous rooftops light up the cold evenings in the streets of Kohima, Aizawl, Shillong and Imphal, setting the mood for celebrations and soul cleansing, and much reflections on the year that was. In trouble torn Nagaland and Manipur, however, the celebratory mood is subdued.
Hanging in the backdrop is the 11-year itch of the unsettled peace negotiation underway between the underground Naga group, NSCN(IM) and the Indian government. Ceasefire between the two entities began in 1997, and peace negotiations followed but the talks are still in dreadful stalemate, though each side continues to claim approaching a breakthrough and then blame each other for it not happening.
The reasons are not far to seek. One, the Naga insurgent movement is badly fragmented, with factional fights consuming much of the energy and public patience. A reconciliatory move commendably brought some of these factions together this year, but not every issue is settled and internal strife and sporadic bloody mayhems still mark the scenario. But the second reason should be much more frustrating for those pursuing a happy reconciliation to a problem that is as old as the Indian state. It speaks of a looming shadow of doubt of a possibility of the Naga dream if it is not moderated by an acceptance of modern realities.
Equally, at this moment, this moderation and the compromise called for seems too much for the Naga underground leaders to accept. The Naga leaders’ foremost goal is the creation of a greater Naga homeland that they have christened ‘Nagalim’ by merging territories of other states neighbouring Nagaland (and Myanmar) that they believe traditionally belonged to the Nagas. Once this is done, the degree of autonomy ‘Nagalim’ is to enjoy within the Indian Union is to be negotiated.
However, the shadow falls at the very outset on this very notion of territory. This could not have been spelled out louder and clearer than in the tussle over the creation of a new administrative district called SADAR hills (Special Area Demarcated as Autonomous Region) in Manipur. This new district is Kuki tribal dominated and is to be carved out of the Naga dominated Senapati district. The Kukis want it and the Nagas think the idea itself is an aggression on the Nagas. Friction between the two over the matter led to a 121-day blockade of Manipur recently.
The issue is too entangled to present an easy solution. The principal GoI negotiator, a retired bureaucrat, RS Pandey, did give it a shot with a recommendation he purportedly made, as was exposed by a Guwahati-based English daily. His proposal of a ‘Supra State’ status for the Nagas created quite a flutter.
Although the intent to bring to a closure the Naga problem is admirable the pertinent question is has the model taken care of existing realities, some of which can cause extreme strife in the Northeast’s ethnic cauldron? What exactly was the Supra State meant to be, if this proposal exists? Home minister P Chidambaram has since denied any knowledge of the proposal.
Even if his statement amounts playing his cards close to the chest, it does still indicate he too thinks the proposal is problematic.
The ‘Supra State’ in this context in all probability is a non-territorial solution of the nature so many intellectuals, including BK Roy Burman of the Centre for Study of Developing Societies, have advocated in reference to the Northeast’s many ethnic problems, and in particular the Nagas. The model conjures up the Sami parliament in the Scandinavian countries. The Samis are formerly nomadic indigenous reindeer herders living in Scandinavia and the Russian Federation before the region came to be dissected by political boundaries. They now find themselves living in different countries, though their traditional world never had any conception of such national boundaries, precisely because nation consciousness dawned on them late. An arrangement has now been made so that they can call themselves one people and nation but with no territory earmarked for their ‘nation.’
The NSCN(IM) leadership and their supporters everywhere have been maintaining a deafening silence on the proposal. Perhaps it was unilateral, put up by the negotiation interlocutor and not one on which there was a consensus amongst the negotiating parties. For indeed, if the proposal is modelled on the Sami Parliament, the NSCN(IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah had in the past rejected it and it is unlikely he would have had a change of heart now.
Even if Muivah agreed, two considerations would have been deterrents. One, if ‘Nagalim’ is not to be, the solution would leave a major section of the NSCN(IM)’s top leadership and cadres out of the core of the solution, as they belong to Manipur and not Nagaland. Two, any solution that does not address the question of sovereignty, even if notionally, would have to be after intense negotiations with the Naga public first, especially in the core Naga territory of the former Naga hills of Assam (now Nagaland), who have had to undergo tremendous hardships and losses for over half a century precisely because of their dream for Naga sovereignty. While one hopes a solution to the Naga problem comes about soon, as of now, it is difficult to see such blueprints. The reported ‘Supra State’ definitely does not seem to offer one.
A touch of difference WFS NORTH-EAST
In Nagaland, just like in many other parts of India’s Northeast, the Christmas-y feeling sets in as soon as December announces its arrival.

So, no matter where you go, here, in Dimapur — Nagaland’s biggest town — the star of Christmas appears everywhere, and in all sizes. Stars range from the simple to the fancy, and shine from atop churches, people’s front yards and, of course, in the shopping arcades.
Nagaland being a Christian dominated state — 90 per cent of the Naga population is Christian — Christmas happens to be the biggest festival of the year. While the celebrations are mostly traditional, there are a few customs and practices that are unique to this region.

Food, an important part of any festival, is one such defining aspect. Alovi Aye, a civil servant, who hails Nagaland, puts it this way, “Unlike other places, in some of the Northeast states — including Nagaland — the Christmas feast is hosted by the church. So while there may be families who have their own Christmas lunch at home, it’s mostly community feasting we have here.”

But there is a great deal of variation, too, considering the fact that there are 16 officially recognised tribes in Nagaland and each has its own church. “Every tribe has its distinct feature. For instance, its food habits. Obviously then, the Christmas feast will have at least a couple of food items that are specific to a tribe in a particular community feast,” reveals Asen Jamir, a college student based in Dimapur.

Aye provides some examples of festive fare, “Axoni, or fermented soyabean, is an integral part of the feast of the Sumi tribe. Gahlo, which is like a rice porridge with vegetables, and Moudi, a dish made of beef, pork and Mithun — the state animal that is a domesticated free-range bovine species — without water, is a speciality of the Angami tribe.” The Lotha tribe loves its pork with bamboo shoot and the Ao tribe specialises in Anishi, a preparation of yam leaves, she adds.

Meat is an integral part of the spread, considering the over-hunting of the Mithun (Bos frontalis) though measures have been taken to protect it. This has, of course, resulted in the Mithun slowly making its way out from festival menus. Aye believes that this is “a good thing” given the need to protect this species.

But conservation needs apart, Shiloh Lotha, an entrepreneur, who runs her own boutique in Dimapur, says that she eagerly awaits the feast every Christmas and loves the spirit of community it signifies, “This festival is all about love and brotherhood, and the community feasts that we have reinforces this. The village women get together days before the actual celebration, pounding the rice, cutting the vegetables and preparing the meat for the feast.”

According to Lotha, most of the local churches organise the feast themselves, as they have the requisite funds for it. But sometimes they also accept donations. “Whatever it is, it’s an occasion to bond with each other, especially the kids who go out of the state these days for their education and come home for Christmas. This tradition brings us all closer,” she observes.
As in Nagaland, Christmas is celebrated with a lot of hooplah and merriment in Mizoram — another Northeast state that has an almost an 87 per cent Christian population. Here too celebrations centre around the community feasts, with the hoary practice of eating boiled rice, meat and vegetables in wild plantain leaves still practiced in many villages.
But Marshal David, who owns a music shop in Aizwal, Mizoram’s capital, points out that one doesn’t need to wait until December 25 to be soaked in the Christmas spirit. “Come December 1, and no matter where you go, the yuletide spirit is in the air. The holiday mood having set in, people are in good cheer and shopping their hearts out. And, of course, you hear Christmas songs every now and then,” she says.

And just like without the food there are no Christmas celebrations, the right mood is only set with the right kind of music. ‘Krismas lenkhawm’, or Christmas songs by Mizo composers like Rokunga, Patea, Damhauhva and others, as well as carols in English are sung by guitar strumming carol groups, which go from house to house and get a warm welcome everywhere.
In Aizawl, street corners and road intersections are done up in colourful decorations with cribs depicting the birth of Christ, snow men, life-sized Santa Claus dolls, reindeers and even sleighs are up for sale in the shops.

Meghalaya, the third of the Christian-dominant state of the Northeast — with 70 per cent of the population of this faith — also leaves no stone unturned in its celebrations. Georgina David, a young doctor who works in a missionary hospital in Shillong, says that she cannot recall another instance when the whole town gets together to celebrate a festival with so much enthusiasm, just like one big family. “I am from Delhi and have been in Shillong for the past one year, working in this hospital. Even before December, weeks before actually, I was asked the same question by the staff and all I knew was that I was going to be here for Christmas.

And when I said yes, there was such an exuberant response! I didn’t quite understand why, until December came and the whole town changed gear. Beautiful decorations were put up everywhere; shops were open until a little late for enthusiastic shoppers; and offices were running on minimal staff because everyone was off for the holidays!” laughs David. She adds, “In the hospital, too, there is a change in mood. The flow of patients dwindles and the staff move into holiday mode.”

Since music is big in Meghalaya there are, not surprisingly, music concerts every evening for at least a week until Christmas. And one shouldn’t be surprised to see random people break into a four-part harmony at the drop of a hat in a busy market! According to David, the success of the Shillong Chamber Choir simply underlines the fact that people here love their music. “Around Christmas that love seems to soar. There are choir practices everywhere, in which young girls and boys, dressed to the ‘T’, let their voices rise and drop like true professionals…it’s a scene to behold!” she remarks. Shillong’s Cathedral Church, one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the Northeast, has thousands of people attending the midnight mass.

In short, if you are looking for a magical Christmas — with a delicious, musical twist — then you may consider heading to India’s Northeast.
Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation reaffirms ‘peace zone’ declaration Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) said it had sat for an emergency meeting at Tuensang Dec.23, 2011 with tribal leaders, NSCN (K), GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) and NSCN (I-M), and the house unanimously decided to reaffirm and declare ENPO jurisdiction as “peace zone.”

According to ENPO vice president Sashi Naga and press secretary A.Mosa Konyak the organisation has “once again” reaffirmed its Dec 18., 2007 resolution, which was reaffirmed Nov.13, 2010 at Kiphire in the presence of ENNWA/ENNWO and FGN (accordist and non-accordist).
“Therefore, whoever over rule the resolution, the ENPO will be compelled to decide its own course of action,” the signatories said.
57 insurgents surrender in Manipur ANI
Imphal, Imphal, Dec 26 (ANI): Fifty-seven insurgents, belonging to various militant outfits surrendered at the Inspector General Assam Rifles (IGAR) Headquarters in Imphal recently.
The boys who had strayed on the wrong path have realized that their life was being ruined and decided to give a new dimension to their life as they laid down their arms.

The surrendered militants hailed from various groups including United National Liberation Front, People's United Liberation Front, Kangleipak Communist Party, Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, People's Revolutionary army, People' Liberation Army, Pakan Reunification Army, Kuki National Liberation Front, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup and National Socialist Council of Nagalim.
Mohammad Khan, a surrendered terrorist told the reporters that he was not happy in the militant group and wanted to live a peaceful life with family.
"Earlier I was not happy because of our activities, but from now on I want to live peacefully and happily with my family. And that is the reason I have given up arms and came back," said Khan.

Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh, on the occasion, said he was hopeful that the boys and girls who have gone wrong will one day definitely realize their mistake and turn away from it.
"This is not a problem of yester years; it has been going on for a very long time. One day I think people of Manipur will definitely realize and those of our brothers and sisters who have gone wrong will definitely realize and this problem will sorted out one day and this is my belief," said Singh.
More than 250 insurgents have surrendered in Manipur in 2011 alone.
Both the security forces and the government have been receptive to the insurgents' decision to lay down arms and are extending all possible support to rehabilitate these cadres.
The family members of the surrendered cadres were also present to provide them moral support.
"You see the families have come and we have approached to request their boys to come to the mainstream of the society. And they have turned up in large numbers and in future more and more number of people will be coming and joining the mainstream," said Major General U K Major, IGAR (South).
Northeast has for long been a restive region with several militant groups fighting for freedom and autonomy against the government.
Both sides have now realized that solution can be reached through dialogue and discussion turning a new page in the region's history by giving peace a chance. (ANI)