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01/15/2012: "Swu, Muivah get nod, finally TNN Times of India"
Swu, Muivah get nod, finally TNN Times of India
Dimapur: After more than eight hours of drama by security forces near Bade village, NSCN (IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th Muivah were finally allowed to go to Zunheboto on Saturday afternoon under certain conditions. However, Muivah refused to go to Zunheboto.
On Friday, both the NSCN leaders were denied permission by the Union ministry of home affairs on the ground that the prevailing situation in Zunheboto was not ideal for their visit. However, the NSCN leaders were adamant and proceeded to Zunheboto on Saturday morning. Since early in the morning, Assam Rifles personnel put up barricades on the road leading of Hebron camp to prevent the NSCN leaders from going to Zunheboto. The ordeal continued for nearly eight hours, which also saw the entourage of the NSCN (IM) leaders stopping halfway at Bade village. It was only around 3 pm that the clearance was given for their travel. It was not immediately known whether the permission was granted by the ministry of home affairs or the state government.
Muivah, who enjoys Z+ security cover while traveling in Nagaland, has expressed his resentment over the Centre's decision to interfere in his itinerary. Talking to the media, he said there was some sort of interference from the Centre. "There was no definite clearance so we had been held back," he said.
On his visit to Zunheboto and the interference, he added, "On our part, it is the correct philosophy of the Naga people that any solution will have to be with the support of the Naga people because we are not above the people." Appreciating the Centre's concern on the security of NSCN leadership, Muivah, however, said they cannot always live in fear as they have to serve the people.
Arnab Phonglosa (Bangalore)
Z security for a terrorist ? great going India; you eliminate NSCN , half the problem of North East will be resolved. They are the real trouble creator in the entire North East and the Indian Govt. had always turned a blind eye to it.
Heated exchange between NSCN-IM and govt Zee news
New Delhi: Tempers ran high at a camp of NSCN-IM in Nagaland on Saturday when the outfit leadership demanded they be allowed to travel to the home town of chairman Isaac Chishi Swu with their own security but the Centre insisted that they can do so only with government security.
The tiff erupted when NSCN-IM leader V S Atem wrote to Union Home Ministry seeking permission for the visit of the outfit's leadership to Swu's home town Zunheboto at the invitation of Sumi Hoho, an influential tribal socio-cultural organisation.
However, the Home Ministry conveyed to the militant group that the ground situation in the Nagaland town was not conducive now due to the factional rivalry among two other insurgent groups -- Khaplang faction of NSCN and Khole-Kitovi faction of NSCN -- for a large group's visit, sources said.
An adamant NSCN-IM insisted that they would travel to Zunheboto with armed cadres, prompting the Centre today to order Assam Rifles to stop the journey by putting up barricades.
The Home Ministry's contention is that it would allow the travel only after ensuring foolproof security of NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, Swu and others as they are "highly threatened" persons and proper assessment of the ground situation, sources said.
It also put other conditions: that the delegation will not have any armed NSCN-IM cadre, there will not be more than 20 vehicles in the convoy, no public meeting and no press conference during the trip and they will be provided only government security.
The issue saw heated exchange of words between the NSCN-IM and the government representatives.
Since ensuring proper security along the road and at Zunheboto and making assessment of the ground situation takes time and cannot be done overnight, the Home Ministry has asked the NSCN-IM leadership to have patience till all the arrangements are made, sources said.
Meanwhile, the Centre has directed the Ceasefire Monitoring Group in Nagaland to talk to rival Naga militant groups to get their assurance that no untoward incident is taken place during the visit.
"The steps are being taken only to ensure security of NSCN-IM leadership. We hope that they will cooperate with the government to resolve the issue amicably and shortly," the sources said.
A ceasefire was agreed on with NSCN-IM in August, 1997. In May, 1998, the Union government appointed Swaraj Kaushal as the first peace negotiator. He continued in his post till July 1999. After him, former home secretary K Padmanabhaiah took charge as the Centre's pointsman and continued till 2009.
R S Pandey, a former petroleum secretary and a 1972 batch Nagaland cadre IAS officer, was appointed as the new interlocutor on February 11, 2010.
PRESS RELEASE
Hebron: 14-1-12
The itinerary of the NSCN’s Leadership to Zunhebuto has been deferred on account of the following untenable conditions laid down by the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through its CFMG signed by Col. Rajwant Singh Colonel General Staff for Officiating Chairman,
1. NSCN (IM) leaders will travel without weapons
2. Personal security guards shall not carry weapons even in concealed manner
3. Number of vehicle not to exceed twenty.
4. Leaders will not hold any public meeting or press conference
We are extremely shocked by the immature policy of the GOI when the NSCN is holding serious political negotiation to end the more than six decades of conflict. We seriously question the stand of the GOI and the MHA. The position taken by the MHA has nakedly exposed the true colour of the GOI and a big question on their sincerity in finding an early and honourable political solution.
We condemn in the strongest term the double standard and provocative decision of the GOI to prevent the visit of our Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary, Th. Muivah to Zunhebuto.We consider this a policy of dividing the Nagas and deliberately excluding the Naga people from the efforts to arrive at a peaceful political solution.
Lasting political solution can be arrived at only through genuine democratic process of involving the people. Therefore, we question the deliberate strategy of the GOI to exclude the Naga people from the peace process and that certainly will have grave ramifications.
Failing to understand and value the steps taken by the Nagas to seek peaceful political solution to the decades old political conflict, we observe, is a serious political bankruptcy within the Indian leadership
The NSCN thank the Sumi people including the Sumi Hoho, student communities and Church fraternity for their earnest effort to welcome the Collective Leadership, Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary, Th. Muivah and their entourage. We learnt that you have given your utmost efforts. We are sincerely moved. We thank you, the Sumi people. We will not fail to come and we will not leave you behind in ther the final political solution. Kuknalim.
MIP NSCN/ GPRN
Reactions on Facebook:
Naga Fellowshipnz 1. if GOI considers them as "Indian citizen"', technically, then their act is unconstitutional, preventing "Indian citizens" from traveling to their place of domicile, which itself shows, this pesudo-democracy does not even uphold it's own constitution.
2. by preventing them from going to visit their hometowns, to remember their place of childhood, their parents, they clearly violate human rights of the respected parties.
Kiusangthong Tomuku Yimchunger 14 januari Thanks NISC, support for the Naga cause. As a naga i want to make known some of the facts and discontentments of the nagas at present. Nagas are fed up with the bloodshed between our own brothers and the burdens of taxation by different factions. Extortion is rampant and the bussinessmen are threaten to face dire consequencess if not paid. Factional clashes and killings is still going on. In the name of freedom many precious life has lost in which am also one of the victim's son of this movement. If i ask to bring back my dad would you, no not you wont and that's impossible. We have realized the futility of bloodshed between own brothers and it is time to forgive one another and strengthen the cause with one voice one heart. The contrary is that many factions are just fighting to prove their superiority and accountability. But no factions has people's mandate and how can they be accountable to the people. And if the NISC is really concern for the nagas instead of confining to one faction which you support why not support the reconciliation of all warring groups and brought into one umbrella to fight for the common cause. If am wrong to say this i tender due apology.
Beckham LuikhamI am totally convienced n impressed with all my respect to The NSCN President Isak n Mr. Secy Muivah for the following statement: '' It is the correct philosophy of the Naga people that any solution will have to be with the support of the Naga people because we are not above the people''. Mind blasting statement. Appreciate it. Kuknalim
Thohe Pou It is indeed very difficult to understand about the MHA.
Why the GOI does not want the Naga leaders to mobilize the Naga people to form a common voice to bring a final solution?
Do the GOI wants the Nagas political problem to keep unsolve?
Do the GOI want another Shillong Accord without the common voice of the Naga people? Let the leaders move freely and get the common voices of the Naga people to bring an honorable and everlasting peace solution in Nagaland.
Esau Yangya Do we sit and listen. Or do we think and act. The Indian policy is becoming naive, illogical and dangerous day by day. They have even sent their economic hit man in Nagalim(believe it or not)- this was concluded after doing some serious analysis. enough is enough
Leo Ngulani Kho GOI may do anything in the name of ceasefire. But we young generation will not forgive them. We are patiently waiting for the outcomes of the talked. Thank you Sir Welman for the information and concern.
Beckham Luikham The policy of GOI is that of devide n rule policy, they are not at all concern about the security. infact GOI waiting the dead of NSCN's leaders. GOI has cultivated the seeds of distrust among the Naga people n it is growing thick n strong among the people. Now that the perception n assumption of the people is that, NSCN leadership has dropd the sovereignTy demand which is the ultimate dream of the Nagas n thus the integration issues has also been ruled out by the GOI so nothing is gonna bear out of the Peace talk by NSCN IM. That what in the people mind n consequently they support of the people are thining out because of misunderstandings n lack of trust to the leadership. At this point in time if the leadership address the confused people it wll the boast n resume the peoples trust n bring more light to the movement therefore the GOI is attempting to subjugate n derail the cause. This is really pathetic from the GOI's part to stop the proposed meeting in the wee hour when the people have all prepared n reached the venue from nock n corner. Now the disappointments of the people n its outcome can be either negative or possitive it totally depends on the puplic leaders. It is my fervent request to all my brethrens wake up before it is too late as there is no victory in humiliation. Unity is the answere to all doubt n Qs we have in mind n our life. Thanks n kuknalim!
Vikeduo Linyü I would like to ask the NISC to tell the leaders of various factions, to please stop taxing and extorting from us. We are fed up of them. Thank you for your support, but for reality check this is the right place.
R.k.paul Chawang The victory of naga struggle will depend on the intensity of all naga participation. The moment the movement goes against the interest of the Naga Public it will collapse. Take every care to include all naga tribes representatives in all decision makings that will shape the naga future for a greater naga nation. Care not much on what u can get from the struggle but commit more on what u can give for greater naga nation.
Peter Rutsa Lies lies lies of the Indian Government Sir. Am not Pro-NSCN but this is not the right time to support their activities. Especial when there is so much injustice even within the ranks. And Father Isaac and Muivah are not helping by turning a deaf ear!!
Romeo Dumai Naked true of Indian politician dealing with the Nagas
Hillary Clinton lays down rules for Burma support New Zealand Herald
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US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Photo / AP
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the US will embrace Burma further if the once-estranged Asian government releases all remaining political prisoners, ends violence against minorities and cuts military ties with North Korea.
Clinton spoke by telephone Saturday with Burma's foreign minister of the country as well as with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
She told them Washington is "prepared to meet action with action," a day after the US and Burma agreed to exchange ambassadors and restore full diplomatic relations.
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Clinton also commended the Burmese government for its decision to release of hundreds of political prisoners and agree to a ceasefire with the ethnic Karen minority.
But Nuland said Clinton stressed further steps.
Nuland said Suu Kyi voiced support for US diplomatic efforts.
- AAP, AP
‘GOI has hurt sentiments of Nagas’ morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The Naga Hoho said it is amazed to learn that the Government of India has imposed restriction on the movement of Isak Chishi Swu and Th.Muivah in Nagaland. In doing so, the Naga Hoho said that the Government of India has “once again hurt the sentiments of Naga people.”
In letter addressed to the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today, the Naga Hoho President Keviletuo Kiewhuo, Federal Assembly Speaker HK Zhimomi and General Secretary P Chuba Ozukum said, “we are amazed to learn that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India have once again hurt the sentiments of Naga people owing to restriction imposed upon the movement of Isak Chishi Swu and Th.Muivah in Nagaland.”
Asserting that it has become imperative on the part of Leaders to meet people in different levels to appraise the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks and reconciliation process among the Nagas, the Naga Hoho said that the Collective Leaders are not “political prisoners” but striving towards bringing amicable solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political
problems.
Naga Hoho seeks redressal; NISC denounces government
The Naga Hoho on behalf of the people of Nagaland has appealed to the Union Home Minister to revoke the restriction order and allow the Collective Leaders to move around their native place so as to ensure smooth sailing of Indo-Naga peace process without confrontation.
The ‘Naga International Support Center’ (NISC) also denounces the Government of India for ‘prohibiting’ leaders of the NSCN/GPRN from visiting Zunheboto. The NISC said to have received a “disturbing report” from what it called the “government of Nagalim” disallowing the NSCN/GPRN’s leaders from proceeding to Zunheboto.
“As far as the Nagas can comprehend this restriction of movement in their own land told to retired general Atem by a representative of the Government of Nagaland state: ‘the situation around Zunheboto is not stable, not safe, and so we cannot allow the Naga leader and their entourage to proceed to Zunheboto’”, a press release from the NISC stated today.
Last year, the NISC narrated, on his way to his home village in Manipur, the general secretary of NSCN/GPRN-Isak/Muivah was “stopped and troubled” when Manipur soldiers opened fire “on the crowd around Muivah and killed innocent students.”
“Although NISC knows the opposing Meitei feared the Nagas of Manipur would get a boost of confidence by the visit of their paramount leader, it still was an infringement of human rights. But in Nagaland the situation is entirely because Zunheboto is in Nagaland State and the leaders do not cross borders; and they have their own protection with them. So, at the negotiating table the Government of India talks peace on the highest level while, away from the table, prohibits, restricts and arrests.”
The NISC “encourages politicians and journalists” to demand clarity and question “the policy or the absence of policies of the government of India on the northeast in general and the Naga nation in particular.”
Naga leadership see 'insult' in government's travel restrictions
Sanjib Kr Baruah, Hindustan Times
New Delhi, After a Christmas gift in form of a final resolution of the vexed Naga issue eluded people in the northeastern state, not everything is hunky dory in the ongoing talks process between the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isaac Muivah faction) and the government. The latest is an outburst of anger by the Naga leadership on travel restrictions imposed by the home ministry.
The origin of the squabble lay in the home ministry's refusal to permit the NSCN leadership to visit Zunheboto, hometown of chairman Isaac Chishi Swu, on the invite of the Sumi Hoho, an influential tribal organisation of the Sema tribe to which Swu belongs. The visit, scheduled from January 13-15, has now been indefinitely deferred.
"This is nothing but an insult to the Naga people and we are taking this up very seriously. The travel relates to the collective leadership that is involved in talks with the Government of India," fumed Phunthing Shimrang, convener, NSCN (IM) Ceasefire Monitoring Cell.
"The NSCN leadership has been travelling to these areas so many times in the past, no threat has ever been perceived. Moreover, we are focused on reconciliation at the moment. I can only say that some hidden agenda is at work here," he added.
Said a NSCN (IM) press release: "We question the deliberate strategy of the GOI to exclude the Naga people from the peace process and that certainly will have grave ramifications."
The home ministry on its part claimed that ground reports indicated security threats. "We have gone by our ground reports which said that the situation is not conducive for a large convoy of the NSCN (IM) to move into the area," said a senior home ministry official.
Earlier, the government had raised queries on how the NSCN leaders met up with MLAs of the ruling Naga People's Front and civic society representatives at a Dimapur resort despite travel restrictions. A senior government official had said that the meeting was to chalk out a strategy for the forthcoming Manipur polls.
Globalisation doing what politicians couldnt in Nagaland:Book PTI
New Delhi, (PTI) Know a state capital in India which does not have a single cinema threatre? Kohima, the capital of Nagaland does not have a single theatre and has few libraries. Widespread ignorance and indifference has almost shut out the strategically crucial border regions of India from the mainstream with telling and often tragic consequences, says a new book 'Scrolls of Strife, The endless history of the Nagas'. The result is Nagaland is educationally a backward state and career prospects are stunted. Many Naga students are compelled to leave in order to build their careers. "And it might just be the only state capital in India without a cinema theatre", the book says. Kohima at one time indeed had one theatre which was bombed out, it says. Globalisation, however, seems to be doing what decades of inept political handling could not. Shoals of Naga youth are floating away in search of greener pastures, seeking jobs and education across India. Many Nagas now are world citizens, travelling quite freely and winning for themselves meaningful participation in diffeent spheres of life despite occasional prejudice and abuse. The National media occasionally takes note of the people from the Northeast doing well on a bigger platform. People achieving their dreams in high-profile segments such as the entertainment industry and the sports areas may serve a purpose by attracting the attention of the world to the Northeast, the authors say. MORE
Naga People's Front enter electoral politics in Manipur ibnlive
It is a new flag that's raising the political temperature in the Naga dominated hill districts of Manipur. In Senapati district, messages of an alternative arrangement or posters that talk about the integration of Naga dominated areas for a greater Nagaland remains the primary plank on which the Naga People's Front are entering electoral politics for the first time in Manipur.
