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01/04/2012: "Paramount issues in the New Year 2012 Nagaland Post"

Paramount issues in the New Year 2012 Nagaland Post

DIMAPUR While Nagaland looks forward to the New Year with hopes that the Naga political issue would be resolved; there are fears of worsening factional conflict in Nagaland between the NSCN/GPRN (Khaplang) and GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi).

Tension continues to be fanned by various statements from the NSCN/GPRN (Khaplang) and the GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) that witnessed a spark on Dec 19 that inflamed into clashes on Dec 22 at Ghukiye village, then Zunheboto on Dec 23, Dimapur on Dec 28 and Kohima on Dec 29

Territorial dominance between the two, which, till May 2010 were one, is evident with the demand for establishing of designated camps in other areas, following the division in June 2010. While factional feud between the two may likely witness escalation to other districts, the NSCN/GPRN (Isak-Muivah) group is waiting on the outcome of a series of negotiations with the government of India since cease fire came into effect in 1997.

Presently, the three groups --GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi), NSCN/GPRN (Isak-Muivah) and NNC/FGN (Singnya-Vero)-- have agreed in principle, to form a “Naga National Government”.

Meanwhile, in his New Year greetings, NSCN/GPRN chairman Isak Chishi Swu, had mentioned of a solution to the decades-old Naga political issue, within the New Year 2012.The solution mentioned, would be on the basis of negotiations held between the NSCN (I-M) with the government of India.
Media speculations on the ‘supra state’, a report gleaned from documents purportedly made available by an official functionary at the Centre, has further added to confusion.

As it were, the present state of Nagaland enjoys constitutional guarantees under Article 371(A) where no Act of parliament under certain subjects, can be applicable, unless so passed by the state assembly.

Knowledgeable sources maintained that the so-called “supra” status was essentially pertaining to the socio-cultural aspects of Naga society which are already recognized under the Indian constitution.

Besides the protracted factional problem among Naga political group, despondency in Nagaland also comes from the proposed “Frontier Nagaland” statehood demand by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO).Though the NPF government has chosen to lob the ball at the centre’s court; it would appear that the Centre has been left holding the egg belonging to the state.

Manipur will be going to the polls by end of January this year and the NPF, which has decided to take on Ibobi Singh, has announced it will contest ten seats in the hill districts.

Political observers in Manipur, however feel that the wily Ibobi could turn the disadvantage to his advantage even as some feel, that even if the NPF wins a good number of seats, it would have to contend sitting in the opposition bench. Nagas of Manipur have also raised their pitch for “an alternative arrangement” and Scuttle state comprising of Naga inhabited areas.

The parallel between the EPNO demand in Nagaland and UNC demand in Manipur, would have to traverse through a difficult path. In the ultimate analysis, the year 2012 could well be a crucial year in politics and with the 2013 assembly elections looming ahead, political realignments cannot be ruled out.

Isak Swu urges Nagas to contribute to the struggle morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): A message containing New Year wishes from the NSCN/GPRN chairman, Isak Swu has said that after the about 14 years of ceasefire with the Government of India, since 1997 “we have now reached the threshold of achieving our goal.” In fact, the NSCN leader thanked god “for bringing us a step closer” to a ‘free Nagaland.’
“For too long we have allowed our adversaries to take advantage of our shortcomings. We can no longer let them apply their divide and rule policies on us. We have come a long way since signing the first ceasefire agreement in 1997 and we have now reached the threshold of achieving our goal,” Swu stated in his message.
Isak Swu claimed that the “NSCN is founded upon the principles of the teaching of Christ” and “as soldiers in Christ…we are working for his glory, and the liberation of Nagalim.”
“As we usher in a New Year and bid farewell to what has been an eventful one, I would like to urge all Nagas to contribute in whatever way they can to the smooth completion of the reconciliation process and to pledge their solidarity to the ongoing Indo-Naga negotiations.”
The NSCN leader said the Nagas should be a people free from the yoke of separation and a people “living together in Christ-like love.” He said that the people “have to mature” and “we can no longer afford to let petty differences keep us from coming together as a people and claiming what is rightfully ours.”
It is the duty of every individual to participate in the struggle to ‘bring our aspiration to fruition,’ the NSCN leader said. He said in the message – “Let us all prepare our hearts to enter a new year and a new Nagalim with the absolute belief that God is the only fountain of life and from whom, through whom, to whom and for whom all things exist and move.”
In conclusion, the NSCN chairman added, “I would like to thank the good Lord for giving me this opportunity to greet my fellow Nagas and for bringing us a step closer to a free Nagalim.”

NPF/DAN govt: Riding on a positive high A Special Correspondent | EMN

KOHIMA,: The past twelve months have witnessed a good semblance of stability, relative peace and the usual political paper wars between the political parties and the underground groups.
The Neiphiu Rio led NPF/DAN Government has been riding a positive political wave for the past few years and the ruling party’s high came in the cauldron of Congress strength, Aonglengden under Mokokchung district.

The NPF defeated the grand old man of Naga politics, former Chief Minister, SC Jamir, who is not only a former Governor of three States but also the Congress party’s high command being a member of the Congress’ highest body, the working committee. Jamir was defeated in his very own backyard, from where defeat was least expected so far as he and the Congress was concerned. The regional party also smoothly passed through a general convention that elected a new team of office bearers to lead the party in the crucial years ahead, unlike the Congress which has gone to unbelievable limits when it was time to reorganise their ranks. The establishment of the NPF in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur was a political thriller of the highest order with the Manipur government creating every possible roadblock to prevent it from happening. Rio and Shürhozelie took it to political brinkmanship and New Delhi had no option but to allow the democracy to prevail. Ibobi Singh and his anti-Naga tirade could not stop a development which should actually have been just a routine affair.
Despite an opposition in disarray, the government also ran into embarrassment with allegations of financial misappropriations in the education and police departments. The dusts over these scams are yet to settle and are likely to have repercussions in the months ahead. The education department continues to wrestle with the issue of bogus teachers even as the government is carrying out massive streamlining exercises, while a new DGP with a clean cut image has taken over the State’s police force.
The demand for a separate state by the ENPO was the other big political story and all eyes are set on New Delhi on what happens next. New Delhi not only has to grasp with this new demand but also handle the now exhaustively lengthy Indo-Naga political dialogue. While a semblance of peace has ensured, factional clashes in the end of the year have threatened to destroy the process of reconciliation which has been making headway under the banner of the FNR, which comprises the civil society and church leaders. Eruption of violence has reminded one and all that the peace is fragile and uncertain.
The State Government continued its bandwagon of slogans with the Year of Entrepreneur while the year ending Hornbill Festival concluded in a most successful manner giving a semblance of the potentials of the youth and the State as a whole. Tourism has taken centre stage and there is a realisation that tourism and the service industry are perhaps the main areas of focus so far as sustainable economic growth is concerned.
The biggest feather in the cap for the State Government and the Rio leadership was Nagaland winning the ‘most improved infrastructure’ award in India Today’s State of the States Awards. This award coupled with the Chief Minister delivering a lecture at Queens University Belfast in the UK created an air of achievement and feel good factor for the ruling political conglomerate. EMN

*Thuingaleng Muivah*
Whether one admits it or not, the outcome of the talks would be crucial in many ways for the others too. We would be very careful not to make mistake. It is not wrong to seek a political solution as we have been doing. But we should not be misunderstood when we say that an acceptable solution is still not in the offing.
We are very clear that we will be steadfast in standing our ground, and work towards a solution which is honorable and acceptable to both entities.

Naga National Council (NNC) invokes ‘Yehzabo’; reiterates stand Nagaland post

DIMAPUR Naga National Council (NNC) has invoked the “Yehzabo (Constitution) of Nagaland” and “resolution” of April 1955 and reiterated its stand and policy on “sovereignty”, violence, “political institution” and “taxes”.

A press statement Wednesday signed by NNC joint secretary, Acüyi said NNC was a “political institution and the guardian” of FGN and “not a government”. While asserting that NNC could “never impose taxes”, it said that people “must not pay the taxes unnecessarily/cowardly” to “self-styled organizations”.

Invoking ‘Yehzabo’, NNC stated that ‘constitutionally’ NNC had “no kilonser, tatar, midan peyu, leacy, razou peyu, Naga army etc.” as governmental power was vested to FGN. The joint secretary clarified that NNC and FGN were two entities under the ‘Yehzabo’ and not only one entity like that of “fake NNC and fake FGN.”

From its formation on February 2, 1946, NNC said it has “steadfastly” stood for “Naga sovereignty”. Emphasizing that “non-violence has been the resolute policy” of NNC, the press statement condemned violence in Nagaland.

New Year message to the Nagas by Isak Swu Isak Chishi Swu | Yaruiwo, GPRN
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

My fellow Nagas, let me begin by wishing you a happy and prosperous 2012. 2011 was year of many ups and downs, but thank God for His divine providence. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endures to all generations. (Ps.100:5)
The NSCN is founded upon the principles of the teaching of Christ. As soldiers in Christ and as nagas, we are working for His glory, and the liberation of Nagalim. In the Journey of our political struggle many storms and floods have arisen and beat against the national workers particularly and the Naga people in general, yet we have not been swept off the foundation. The NSCN has stood firm and remained steadfast to our principles. We are still in Christ and for Christ. In the midst of difficulties, sometimes through human weaknesses and temptations of Satan, the feeling of God’s presence may be clouded and obscured, but God is still the same, and we are still in the hands of God.
As we usher in a New Year and bid farewell to what has been an eventful one, I would like to urge all Nagas to contribute in whatever way they can to the smooth completion of the reconciliation process and to pledge their solidarity to the ongoing Indo-Naga negotiations.
Nagas should be a people free from the yoke of separation and a people living together in Christ-like love. We as a people have to mature, we can no longer afford to let petty differences keep us from coming together as a people and claiming what is rightfully ours. For too long we have allowed our adversaries to take advantage of our shortcomings. We can no longer let them apply their divide and rule policies on us. We have come a long way since signing the first ceasefire agreement in 1997 and we have now reached the threshold of achieving our goal.
My fellow Nagas, it is the duty of every individual to participate in the struggle to bring our aspiration to fruition.
Absolute and blind obedience to the laws imposed on us by our oppressors is the destruction of one’s own liberty, conscience and reason. We have to seek the truth and live by it, only then can we be truly liberated. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”. (John 8:32) only as liberated people can we serve the nation and the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness for the glory of God and public good.
Let us all prepare our hearts to enter a new year and a new Nagalim with the absolute belief that God is the only fountain of life and from Whom, through Whom, to Whom and for Whom all things exist and move.
May the divine providence uphold direct and guide the Naga people to the end.
In conclusion I would like to thank the good Lord for giving me this opportunity to greet my fellow Nagas and for bringing us a step closer to a free Nagalim.
KUKNALIM!

Here is the darkest part of the world where all kinds of violation and exploitation are being practiced structurally and systematically on the innocent Nagas by the Burmese junta. But hardly a soul from other part of the world knows how severe it is. This is the place where only the enemy and the dearest friend can reach. Though ignored, neglected and forsaken for decades we still call dearly this place, “My lovely Eastern Nagaland.”

Can we say possible? In reaching out to the deprived Nagas of the Eastern Nagaland, the Church can be an effective driving force. But sadly, the Church is paralyzed and conceived still with discrimination, marginalization, racial prejudice, favoritism, isolation, exploitation, violation of rights and oppression. However, the Church reaffirming the faith should stand as a shelter wherein people find and experience love, peace, justice and equality as meant by Jesus Christ. The Nazareth Manifesto (Luke 4: 18 & 19; The Bible) is not just an ideology but to be understood as praxis-oriented and to be carried out practically. If the Church still fails to encounter with the challenge, we so-called the Christians miss the essence of what Jesus taught and we should rather be ashamed of being Christians since our claim and deed are deconstructive per se.

In uplifting the Nagas in Myanmar, let me say we should be more concerned with the present realities that are hunting them down like Human Rights violation, oppression, religious exploitation, and oppression, and discrimination, denial of basic amenities, marginalization and cultural genocide under the boots of the Burmese regime. As we get into this engagement of helping out our dear ones dying in the hands of Burmese colonialists and ethnocentric ideologists, we also need an effective media that can highlight to the world the scenario prevailing on the ground. A quotation says, “The ink of a scholar is sharper than the sword of a warrior,” the Prophet Mohammad (P).

This can be an effective paradigm shift for this year in extending our hands to the deprived ones as we walk under this humanitarian banner of SOLIDARITY & SUPPORT~ NAGAS IN MYANMAR.
May God help us to achieve our birthright again.
KUKNALIM!!!

The stand and policy of the NNC Eno Acüyi Morungexpress
From the formation of the Naga National Council (NNC) by the Naga people on 2nd February, 1946, the NNC steadfastly stands for Naga Sovereignty as a nation as the Naga people have given national mandate to NNC through Voluntary Plebiscite on 16th May, 1951. And it is practically a known fact that non-violence has been the resolute policy of the NNC and not violence. Violence never bears a good fruit. Violence is the sweetest thing for Satan and for the wicked men. The one who had no right to proceed further often used violence to hijack the right of others. The NNC always condemns any individual or group who creates violence in Nagaland or anywhere. For violence is the arch enemy of all religions and modern world. Thus NNC always maintains peace and tranquility with other nations, communities and groups and works to settle all problems through peaceful means.
Besides some of our people deadly opposed against NNC and they followed the paths of violence. As a result thousands of lives, immeasurable wealth and precious times have been lost in the past 3 (three) decades. But I believe that many of our people have now realised and come out with positive attitude. And it is the right time to follow the non-violence policy of NNC the parent body of our nation. So that we shall unitedly march forward to build up a prosperous nation of Nagaland for Christ.
It is also necessary to remember that the Naga people have adopted a famous Resolution on 12th April, 1955 at Touphema Village, Angami Region and this singular resolution of our people was ratified by NNC on 27th April, 1955 in its Session at Lakhuti Village, Lotha Region. The Resolution reads: “Any person or persons who in order to destroy or undermined the integrity and the well being of Nagaland and who for this purpose act, abet or set up organisation against or oppose the political administrative and traditional institution of the nation, or attempt to do so, whether into or without the aid of another country or countries shall be deemed to have committed Treason.”
Therefore NNC always abides by the pledge and stand of our people and NNC knows that India, the aggressor will definitely go back home one day sooner or later and that day will be the final victory of ours. The precious lives, blood and tears of the true patriots will thus never go in vain. The time and posterity shall certainly witness it.
The NNC and FGN are two entities in accordance with the power distribution of the Yehzabo (Constitution) of Nagaland and not only one entity like that of the fake NNC and fake FGN.
The Article 8 said: The National Government shall be called “The Federal Government of Nagaland”. Article 137 said: The Federal Government of Nagaland shall maintain a standing “NATIONAL ARMY”. Article 144 said: The Naga National Council (NNC) shall work on the following principles:
a) There shall be a Central Executive Council, which will guide and control the political policy and decision for the nation.
b) There shall be a Regional and Sub-Regional Council which will deal with organisational activities and problems in the regions.
Constitutionally the NNC has no Kilonser, Tatar, Midan Peyu, Leacy, Razou Peyu, Naga Army etc. As the governmental power is vested to the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN). NNC is a political institution and the guardian of the FGN and not a government. NNC can never impose taxes on Naga people or otherwise except free will donation and NNC Membership Fee from the Naga population as every Naga who is born of the Naga blood is an NNC member. Therefore our people must not pay the taxes unnecessarily/cowardly to all self styled organisations which were created/formed by themselves without the knowledge of the Naga people.

Eno Acüyi
Joint Secretary,
NNC, Nagaland
Hello!! Dear brothers and sisters from India,
I would like to greet all of you Happy New Year!
Upon requests from some brothers and sisters from India to share the situation of Nagas in Myanmar(Burma), I am very pleased to share as much as I can catch up with the info. As some of you have already known, I am a Naga from Myanmar, now in the US for studies.

1. There is no data released by the gov about the population of Nagas in Myanmar, but it is estimated to be between 3 hundred thousands to 4 hundred thousands according to religious based data (not very sure one).

2. There are four main tribes which are Thang Shang, Tang Khul, Makuri, Para and Lainaung mainly in five towns, note that there are still many clans and dialects which are totally unique from each other even within each main tribe. For example, in Thang Shang (former named Heimi) tribe, there are 54 clans with different dialects.

3. The Burmese gov assigned Naga Self-Administered Area combination of three township, Nanyun, Lahe and Lahee according to 2008 new hybrid constitution. Lahee is the capital of the self-administered area.

4. The literacy rate of Nagas is supposed to be under 1% of the population.

5. Most of the people even don't know what health care is.

6. It can be said that the political situation and the percentage of repression are getting better than the former military government.

7. So far, there is no Naga political party yet.

*Nagas in Myanmar is the least developed even among other undeveloped 365 ethnics groups.

Naga Peoples’ Front to contest 12 seats in Manipur Nagaland Post
KOHIMA Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) which will make its maiden entry to Manipur in the forthcoming Legislative Assembly election has reportedly decided to contest in only in twelve Naga inhabited assembly constituencies though the final list of party ticket was yet to be finalized.

NPF top brass led by its president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü and chief minister Neiphiu Rio who met with the five member-Manipur election committee headed by T R Zeliang had an inconclusive brain storming session Tuesday evening to finalize the lists of the aspiring. The meeting reportedly resumed at the official residence of the chief ministers Wednesday but remained deadlocked, sources said.

The areas of dispute were three constituencies pertaining to the issue of three sitting MLAs and UNC candidates seeking NPF tickets but who were declared as “betrayers” by UNC for failing to resign from the Manipur assembly last year in deference of the people’s decision.

Both NPF President Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu and Secretary General K.G Kenye when contacted, confirmed that the meeting could not finalise the list but added, it would be finalized within a day or two.

Further, Kenye said selection of candidates would be made after survey report of almost half the assembly constituencies was received by the party.

It may be mentioned that altogether 56 aspiring candidates for 14 different Assembly Constituencies of Manipur including two from the Kuki dominated areas have applied for the NPF party ticket.

In one of the assembly constituency under Ukhrul district, there are at least nine NPF ticket apirants while in another constituency, there were seven applicants.

It was also confirmed that a candidate from the Meitei community was also among NPF ticket aspirants for a constituency in Imphal.
Altogether, 55 out of the total 56 applicants for the NPF party tickets were made to sign a pledge earlier on December 30 last at Naga Taphou village declaring that they would support for the success of the NPF official candidature even if they were denied the NPF Party ticket.

NPF Secretary General K.G.Kenye also disclosed he would be leaving for Delhi to obtain clearance for the party symbol ‘Cock’ from the Election Commission of India in the forthcoming election to the Manipur Legislative Assembly, as the NPF is entering Manipur election for the first time.

10 executive members for Kuki areas
DIMAPUR, JAN 4 (NPN): NPF has appointed ten executive members for Kangpokpi and Churanchandpur divisions in Manipur making inroads in Kuki inhabited areas. A press release from NPF Central HQ signed by secretary Thangsat Thangeo Tuesday said due to NPF’s “talented and far sighted leaders”, the party now had the potential to reach greater heights.

While appreciating the DAN government for the “all-round development” in Nagaland, the press release said that Nagas and Kukis should “live and co-exist harmoniously”.

It also stated that NPF has “partly fulfilled” the vision of the “Naga Club” by trying to bring together the people of all Naga inhabited areas to work for a common cause. The press release also reminded that Lengjang Kuki was one of the signatory members of the Naga Club memorandum to Simon Commission in 1929.