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01/16/2012: "NSCN/GPRN questions ‘real intention’ of Goi Eastern Mirror"

NSCN/GPRN questions ‘real intention’ of Goi Eastern Mirror

DIMAPUR (EMN): Following the deferment of their proposed visit to Zunheboto due to the snags put up by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) GoI, NSCN/GPRN leaders, Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Th. Muivah, today released messages addressed particularly to the Sumis while questioning the wisdom of the Indian leadership over the action taken with regard to the visit.

“Nagas have come to the negotiating table seeking political solution. On the other hand the actions of the GoI and the Ministry Home Affairs (MHA) have raised serious questions as to the real intention of the GoI, whether it is reverting to military way solution as in the fifties,” said Muivah in his message.

He further added that the ‘calculated policy’ of the GoI to keep out the Naga people from the political peace process by conditioning them (collective leadership) not to have democratic interaction with their own people, as witnessed in 2010 during the proposed journey to Somdal in the south and with the Sumis now, is quiet unexpected and has come as a total surprise again when the ceasefire and the political process have reached its fourteenth year.

Muivah stated that the philosophy of the NSCN is people based and they are inalienable in all decisions that will decide the common future of the Nagas, while maintaining that the initiative and response from the NSCN and the Sumis is ‘God-given wisdom between us and amongst the Nagas’. “We will not do anything apart from the Naga people and we reiterate our sincere commitment that the Naga people will be part of the final political settlement based on the uniqueness of Naga history,” Muivah asserted.

Stressing that people are an integral part of the political solution, he conveyed to the Sumi community that they had come searching for them ‘as we all have one single objective of seeking an honourable and peaceful solution to end the decades’ old conflict with India’. “We are committed to the Naga people and we are responsible to them. We do not easily ignore the support of the Naga people because we are democratic people and deeply believe in the philosophy of mutual respect,” he said.

The NSCN/GPRN leader also said he is inspired by the overwhelming response of the Sumi people in welcoming chairman Isak Chishi Swu and himself to their homeland while stating that he can see the genuine desire of the people in understanding them and the issues being faced today as well as for their solution too. Reiterating the positive role of the Sumis, he said their sacrifice for the nation was immeasurable and unprecedented when the Naga nation was passing through its most dangerous period. He said that is a priceless contribution which will be remembered as one of the most significant periods in our national history. ‘In spite of some failures under certain treacherous circumstances the Sumi have stood their ground and that cannot be forgotten’, he added.

Muivah sought to point out that today the time has come when all Nagas, including the Sumis, cannot fail to understand each other. He, therefore, said sincere initiative to understand each other is most essential and that it is ‘high time to seek understanding amongst us to decide the right way and become master of our own fate and not to miss the opportunity’.

Expressing appreciation to the Sumis for all the efforts put in for their visit, he also assured them that, in spite of the ‘divisive policy of the GoI, we will not fail to come and engage with you again on issues that will affect us and our destiny’. It may be mentioned that, after a virtual standoff on Saturday, the NSCN/GPRN had informed that the proposed visit of its collective leadership to Zunheboto had been deferred on account of what it described as ‘untenable conditions laid down by the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through its Cease-fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) signed by Col. Rajwant Singh Colonel General Staff for Officiating Chairman’. Strongly condemning the ‘double standard and provocative decision of the GoI’ to prevent the visit of its chairman and general secretary to Zunheboto, it said in a release that it considered it as a policy of dividing Nagas by deliberately excluding Nagas from the efforts to arrive at a peaceful political solution. It was informed that the MHA had laid down conditions which included that the NSCN (I-M) leaders will travel without weapons, personal bodyguards shall not carry weapons in concealed manner, number of vehicles not to exceed twenty and the two leaders will not hold any public meeting or press conference. EMN
Nagalim: Polemic Travel Restrictions UNPO Hindustan times

The Government’s recent travel restrictions cause Nagas to protest the ‘peace precluding’ measures. 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.
Govt and KIO Set to Meet This Week By WAI MOE

Burmese government minister Aung Thaung, left, and KIO Chairman Lanyaw Zawng Hra exchange a document during a meeting in Ruili, China, on Nov. 29, 2011. (Photo: KIO)
Despite ongoing military offensives in Kachin State, delegations of the Burmese government and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) are scheduled to meet again for peace talks in the Chinese border town of Ruili on Jan. 18.
“The KIO’s peace-building committee and the government peace-building committee agreed to meet in Ruili on Jan 18,” said La Nan, the joint secretary of the KIO, who also acts as a spokesman for the organization. “Both sides are waiting for the Chinese authorities to make security arrangements for the meeting.”
The government delegation will include Aung Thaung, who is the former minister for industry-1 and currently a secretary of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP); Thein Zaw, the former minister of telecommunications, posts and telegraphs and currently a USDP leader; Labor Minister Aung Kyi; and Minister of Cooperatives Ohn Myint, La Nan told The Irrawaddy on Monday.
At least least nine officials will join the KIO delegation, including central committee members, according to La Nan. He added, however, that the group's chairman, Lanyaw Zawng Hra, who headed a delegation that took part in peace talks in Ruili on Nov. 29, will not be join the delegation this time. The talks in Ruili will come less than week after the government signed a ceasefire agreement with the Karen National Union (KNU), which began fighting Burma's central government shortly after the country achieved independence in 1948. It was the first time the KNU had ever agreed to a ceasefire. The government and the KNU signed a five-point ceasefire agreement at the state level and agreed to discuss 11 other points at the union level, including guarantees of the human rights and safety of civilians, an end to forced labor and an end to arbitrary taxation and extortion, in the future.
However, the Burmese delegation that met with the KNU is different from one that will meet with the KIO. Railway Minister Aung Min, Industry Minister Soe Thein and Minister of Immigration and Population Khin Yi were at the meeting with the KNU in Pa-an, the Karen State capital, last week. Another difference between the two sets of talks is that the negotiations in Ruili will take place amid an ongoing Burmese army offensive against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the armed wing of the KIO.
“On Sunday alone, there were three skirmishes between the KIA and government troops, and two day ago there were five skirmishes,” said La Nan. “At the same time, the government army is sending more reinforcements from Myitkyina and Bahmaw to KIA-controlled areas.”
Military operations in Kachin State have now extended even to the well-known jade mining town of Hpakant, where Kachin media agencies and human rights groups have reported that civilians have been killed by government troops.
KIO officials said they will raise human rights violations and the targeting of civilians when they meet the government delegation in Ruili in two days time. They said they will also reiterate their demand for political negotiations leading to a lasting solution to Burma's ethnic conflicts. The group also raises human rights violations and the issue of refugees when it meets with foreign delegations. Some KIO officials recently met with Derek Mitchell, the US special envoy to Burma, in Thailand. “The US envoy expressed his concern about conflicts in ethnic areas, saying this is an important issue in Burmese politics. It is also something that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has highlighted in her meetings with foreign delegations,” La Nan said.
The KIO official also said that the group welcomed expressions of concern about the Kachin situation by Min Ko Naing, another prominent pro-democracy leader who was released from prison on Friday. “I am very concerned about achieving peace in ethnic areas because when I hear the news about the armed conflicts, particularly in Kachin State, it makes me very uncomfortable,” Min Ko Naing said, speaking toThe Irrawaddy shortly after his release.“That's why we need peace across the country immediately. Then we can work toward building national reconciliation.”
In early December, Rangoon journals quoted Kachin State Chief Minister La John Ngan Hsai as saying that President Thein Sein had ordered government troops to halt military offensives in the state. However, there has been no cessation of the conflict since then, raising questions about relations between the government and the army.
Ethnic Issue Key to Ending Sanctions: McConnell By PATRICK BOEHLER The irrawaddy

US Senator Mitch McConnell, left, and Aung San Suu Kyi speak to reporters in front of her home in Rangoon on Monday, Jan. 16. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)
An end to ethnic conflicts will be a key consideration in whether the US lifts sanctions on Burma, said visiting US Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell at a joint press conference with Aung San Suu Kyi at her residence in Rangoon on Monday.
“I thought the ceasefire with the Karen recently was a very important step in the right direction. We would like to see that kind of progress made with other ethnic groups," McConnell said.
“Those are the kinds of steps forward that I think would be clearly met on the United States side by consideration of lifting sanctions.”
McConnell added that he shared “the view that Secretary [of State Hillary] Clinton expressed the other day that it's now appropriate for the US to have an ambassador here.”
He referred to Clinton's announcement on Friday that the US is preparing to send an ambassador to Burma for the first time since the violent suppression of the democracy movement in 1988.
While applauding the steps toward democratization undertaken so far, McConnell said that the US was also “looking forward to a free and fair by-election on April 1.” Suu Kyi and other members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party plan to contest the election.
“In the wake of that, I think it would be appropriate for us to further consider in the United States the various sanctions that we have in place and the appropriateness of continuing those.”
Suu Kyi thanked McConnell for his long-time interest in Burma and stated that she trusted that he was watching the situation in Burma very closely.

Adding that she discussed the prisoner release in her conversation with McConnell, she noted that “the home minister said that the release of the political prisoners was based on the NLD lists. So we are going to check that list and see how we stand with regard to how many political prisoners are left.”
Suu Kyi was referring to a list of 604 prisoners the party had identified as political detainees. At a press conference on Saturday, Home Minister Lt-Gen Ko Ko said that the government was able to locate 430 of the people on the list, of whom 302 were reportedly released.
Suu Kyi was asked by a reporter about her reaction to being made a Commander of the French Légion d'Honneur by French President Nicolas Sarkozy last weekend. Visiting French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé conferred the award on her during his meeting with her on Sunday as part of the first ever visit by a French foreign minister to Burma.
In response to the question, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate said that she hoped that one day she would be able to go to the United States to collect her congressional Gold Medal. This highest civilian award in the United States was presented to her in absentia in May 2008.
McConnell is scheduled to meet President Thein Sein in Naypyidaw on Tuesday. He is expected to bring up Burma's relations with North Korea in his talks with the president.
“While the Thein Sein government will need to do more to explain the military relationship with North Korea and hold free and fair elections, it appears entirely appropriate that the United States would consider restoration of more formal diplomatic ties,” he had concluded in a press release prior to his departure for Burma.
McConnell has been a steady advocate for sanctions against Burma. Since 2003, he has been sponsoring legislation extending US sanctions against the then military regime.
The senator refused to say whether the pressure of the international sanctions were the reason for the democratic reforms.
“I am not the best one to assess all of the reasons for the rapid changes that are occurring here,” he said. “All I can say is that it is wonderful.”
This was his first personal meeting with Suu Kyi
UNC kick starts campaign for NPF NTIMES

IMPHAL, With the objective of ensuring victory for all the 12 NPF candidates contesting in the Manipur Assembly elections, the United Naga Council has kick-started a public awareness campaign.

Talking to The Sangai Express, one UNC functionary said that awareness campaigns were carried out in interior hill areas inhabited by Nagas so as to enable people understand the aspirations and objectives of the UNC.

On account of the striking similarities between the ideology and principle of the UNC and NPF, the UNC decided to support the latter in the ensuing Assembly elections.

The NPF has fielded its candidates in three Assembly segments of Tamenglong district, three Assembly segments of Senapati, three Assembly segments of Ukhrul, two Assembly segments of Chandel and one Assembly segment of Churachandpur.

Saying that Naga people living in interior areas do not have clear understanding about why the UNC is supporting the NPF, the UNC functionary stated that the public awareness campaign is aimed at enabling the people to realise how they have been subjugated and how their aspirations have been kept marginalised.

He further informed that the awareness campaign has been going on in all the 12 Assembly segments where the NPF has put up its candidates.

As a part of the campaign, awareness programmes were organised in areas inhabited by Nagas within Bishnupur district, he added. TSE
Neiphiu Rio to campaign in Tml, Chandel and Ukhrul Imphal Free Press
UKHRUL, Jan 15: The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio is all set to visit Manipur on 19th and 21st of this month on campaign trial for Naga People’s Front in the State.
Detailing the schedule of his visit, the itinerary programme issued by S. Kho John, General Secretary, NPF Manipur Unit said, the Nagaland Chief Minister will visit Tamenglong on Jan 19, at 11 am, Chandel on 21 Jan at 10:30am and Ukhrul on 21 at 1pm.
Meanwhile, Ukhrul AC NPF candidate Samuel Risom today campaigned along with his workers in the areas of Sihai Khullen, Sihai Khunou, Khamasom Khullen, Khamasom Walleley and other neighbouring villages.
Chingai AC NPF candidate Paul Muinao accompanied by former Minister Aza Shimray and former MLA Dr. Khashim Ruivah visited the villages of Nungbi, Chingjaroi Peh (Paoyi), Paorei and Phungcham.
The campaign of Phungyar Kendra NPF candidate Honreikhui Kashung has covered Mapithel, Kasom and Thoubal range.
Naga Council, Naga Women Hoho condemn act of MHA morungexpress
The Naga Council and Naga Women Hoho Dimapur roundly condemn the act of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in laying down unacceptable conditions against the visit of NSCN leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah to Zuhneboto district which eventually forced the two leaders and their entourage to cancel their interaction with the people of Zuhneboto keeping in mind the dignified position of the Naga people vis-a-vis her Unique history.
Civil society notes with deep regret that though successive Prime Ministers’ of India including PM Manmohan Singh have expressed a keenness to solve the Indo-Naga imbroglio and much as the Naga people desire that normalcy should return to our land, policy makers in the MHA and the defence establishments have repeatedly thwarted the attempt under one pretext or the other, the latest being the laying down of conditions by MHA against the proposed visit of the Collective Leadership of NSCN (IM) to Zuhneboto which was designed to humiliate the organisation. The near-normalcy in our land is due to the efforts of FNR with the support of the Naga people and this is the desire of all Nagas-to live in peace honourably. At a time when the language is reconciliation, peace and harmony, deliberate and mischievous attempts by outside agencies to prolong the Naga conflict-within and without, is a negation of Gandian philososphy as well as the markings of a police state.
It is the appeal of Nagas to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the entire political leadership of India that sincerity in approach and a political will is what is needed to solve a political problem. Naga people deserve to live in peace like the rest of India and to accomplish such, Indian Government should follow diplomatic and just means to solution rather than resort to covert and dirty tactics designed to protract the conflict.
NC and NWHD also appeals to NSCN (IM) not to take hasty decisions even though the act of MHA is condemnable. Ceasefire in Nagaland should be given a chance so as to give fruition to political solution acceptable to all Nagas.

1. Bangerloba, VP, Naga Council
2. Hukheli Sema, President, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur
3. Vikato Zhimomi, VP, NC (admn)
4. Mhalo Ngullie, NWHD
5. Jesenli Kez, NWHD
6. Kavili Chishi, NWHD
7. Ntsemo Ngullie, GS, NC
8. Joseph Shingnaisui, NC
9. Dietho Rhakho, NC
10. Joel Nillo Kath,NC

‘Taxation’ alienating citizens from Naga groups Morung Express News
Dimapur | The obvious answer was already ‘yes’ when readers began voting whether so-called “tax” is hindering development of the state and her people who are already barely surviving. The response reflected the depth the culture of “taxation” in Nagaland had sunken to – a huge 77% resonantly agreed that rampant extortion by various organizations was hindering the pace of development in the state.
77% of respondents agreed to The Morung Express poll question “Is rampant collection of tax hindering the pace of development Nagaland?” while an almost inconsequential 6% claimed “no” and the rest, 16%, chose to stay moderate.
A reader summed up the 77% of the comments received for the poll. The reader reflected common sentiments of most Nagas today that the so-called “taxation” in the state is not only stunting the Naga people and state from developing; it is also alienating the Naga citizen from the Naga “political” groups.
The reader stated: “Let us be honest this tax collection is really alienating the Naga underground factions from the people. No one is questioning the legitimacy of the Naga freedom movement. But today because of rampant tax collection, people are getting frustrated and angry. Majority of the Naga public are barely surviving, they are just meeting needs end. But they are also the ones who are taxed the most. Young Naga entrepreneurs are not able to develop because they are burdened with tax. Also most of the underground groups do not have an organized tax collection system. So much of the money collected is being eaten up at the lower level. Something needs to be done immediately.”
Another reader asked: “What if we get sovereignty sans economic and social security?” The readers agreed that extortion impacts price rise and the public are the ones who have to pay higher for even their most basic commodities as one reader commented: the so-called “taxation” in Nagaland is so rampant one has to pay from “tax” from “needle to the air we breathe” and undoubtedly a hindrance to development.
“That's the reason why we don't get investments from big multinational companies and the employment and development associated with it. Who will like to invest and start a business venture when they have to cope with demands and taxes from various so called national workers (always increasing in number too!)”
Another citizen also wondered “what the so called 'national workers' do with our hard earned money..... Will like to challenge them to show to the public what they have done with the money collected, apart from funding their opulent lifestyles. Can they give us a yearly report on what achievements or development they have done for the Nagas, apart from buying bullets and guns to kill his fellow Naga brothers?”

Some of those who voted NO had this to say:
“Not necessarily. Tax has become a way of life for Nagas. In the past Nagas used to donate tax to the NNC and likewise to the many groups now. The problem is there are just too many factions and this is why people are getting tired of paying too much tax to too many factions. The truth however is if Nagas are to become an entity, the people have to pay tax. All other states are paying tax to the government. In countries like the US the citizens are paying close to 60% as tax. But the government in return is doing a lot of things for the people.”

Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say:
“The rampant collection of tax is a result of the ongoing political imbroglio. Just trying to get rid of rampant illegal tax collection will not solve the problem because it will rear its ugly head in one form or the other. The solution actually lies in solving the political problem.”
“Is Nagaland even developing? That's news.”

Rio calls for unity amongst Nagas NTimes

DIMAPUR, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today called upon the Nagas to be united in one voice. Addressing a mammoth election rally in Tadubi in Manipur, he also stated that the NPF will continue to speak the Naga voice and stand for the rights of the Nagas legally within the Constitution of India.

The Chief Minister said though Nagas have been divided we have a future if we are united as a family. He asserted that the NPF has realised the suffering of the Nagas especially under Manipur state and said the party was providing an opportunity for Nagas to come together under the NPF platform.

While reiterating that the NPF has respect for all other political parties, he however stressed that Nagas would never compromise our interest and our future.
Urging the southern Nagas to unite in one voice, Rio said, “It is not for us to tell you what to do because you know very well as you have suffered the most and we are confident that you will not compromise the future of the Nagas”. He stated that it was a new beginning starting with emotional integration and the time has come to integrate politically, culturally and economically as a people. Then only can we integrate physically, he said.

Rio also reminded that many agencies were working against the interest of the Nagas but assured that Nagas would not fight against them but only speak our rights in a democratic manner.

On the NPF’s strategy, he informed that the party would team up with like-minded parties and form a new Manipur Government in Imphal.
“We are fighting elections to run a new government and not to sit in opposition,” Rio asserted and added that Nagas have to come together and get their rightful place under the Indian union.

The election rally was also addressed by the three NPF candidates to contest in Senapati district. K. Raina, the NPF aspirant for the 49 Tadubi seat, in his address informed that he was offered the Congress ticket but refused to follow the Congress party because he felt that it is not going to address the Naga issue or solve the sufferings of the Naga people. Congress will never integrate Nagas, only the NPF can bring the Nagas together, he stated.

L. Dikho, the party’s candidate for the 48 Mao seat, committed to work tirelessly for the Naga cause and political settlement under the policy and ideology of the NPF.
The party’s third aspirant, Dr. Alexander Pao, said the NPF stands for peace, progress and development while working for the Naga cause. Let us realise the need for unity and togetherness, he urged.

Working president of the NPF Manipur unit, Sword Vashum, in his address stated that Nagas have to unite as a people and make ourselves heard to the outside world.
The invocation and benediction was delivered by Rev Loli Kape and Rev K. Hepuni respectively while the vote of thanks was pronounced by Pilot, president of the NPF Mao constituency and the programme was chaired by Dr. Lohru.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Ministers Imkong Imchen, Doshehe Y. Sema, Dr. Chumben and MC Konyak, parliamentary secretaries Yitachu and R. Khing and a host of senior party functionaries from the NPF central and divisional units. EMN

Time for Nagas to seek understanding’ Morungexpress

Dimapur, (MExN): The leadership of the NSCN/GPRN, Isak Swu and Th. Muivah assures that they are “committed to the Naga people” and are “responsible to them” in spite of the ‘divisive policy’ of the Government of India. Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Th. Muivah issued separate press statements today in the aftermath of the Government of India refusing entry to the two leaders into Zunheboto district.

‘I will never forget the willingness and the trouble that you have undertaken to receive me and Th. Muivah. We might not have been able to meet you as planned but the readiness which you exhibited to receive us has emboldened and encouraged us all the more. We respect and honour you for this’ stated Swu’s message.

Both Swu and Muivah’s messages were addressed to the Sumi community. Both the leaders assured that they would certainly come to visit the Sumi community. A translation of the message said that the contribution of the Sumi people to ‘Naga nationalism’ is recognized and thus adversaries are at work sowing seeds of discord. However, once again

Isak, Muivah thank Sumi community
Naga people have known what Sumis are and they (Sumi) have encouraged the Nagas. It is through your (Sumi) support that we are able to once again lift our head high among the nations. Continue to stand firm for what is right,’ the NSCN chairman stated in his message

Referring to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ stopping the NSCN/GPRN leaders from visiting Zunheboto, the NSCN chairman said ‘it is not a shame for us to have been stopped by the Indian government from entering into Sumi homeland.’ ‘We will continue to work together in consultation with one another since we are one. (Refer Romans 8:31). Muivah and I will come and meet the Sumi. May God bless you all,’ Isak Swu added.

In his message to the Sumis, general secretary, Th. Muivah said that “I can see the genuine desire of your people in understanding us and the issues that we face today and for their solution also. We cannot but praise God.” Pointing out the positive role of the Sumis, Muivah stated that the sacrifice of the Sumis for the “nation was immeasurable and unprecedented when the Naga nation was passing through its most dangerous period.” He said that the “Sumis have stood their ground and that cannot be forgotten.”

Th. Muivah said the time has come when the Nagas, including the Sumi, cannot afford to fail to understand each other. He pointed out that the sincere initiative to understanding each other is most essential. “It is high time to seek understanding amongst us to decide the right way and become a master of our own fate and not to miss the opportunity,” Muivah said in his message.

“We will not do anything apart from the Naga people and we reiterate our sincere commitment that the Naga people will be part of the final political settlement based on the uniqueness of Naga history,” the NSCN leader said. “People are an integral part of the political solution and we had come searching for you as we all have one single objective of seeking an honourable and peaceful political solution to end the decades-old conflict with India.”

“We are committed to the Naga people and we are responsible to them,” Muivah asserted.

“We do not easily ignore the support of the Naga people because we are democratic people and deeply believe in the philosophy of mutual respect.”

The NSCN leader denounced the “calculated policy of the GoI” to “keep out the Naga people from the political peace process” by “conditioning us not to have democratic interaction with our own people…”

However, Muivah stated, in spite of the divisive policy of the government of India, “We will not fail to come and engage with you again on issues that will affect us and our destiny.” Muivah expressed gratitude to the community for the “earnest efforts” given to welcome him and the NSCN chairman to the land of the Sumi. MExN

NSCN (K) flays Government of India (GoI) action Nagaland Post

NSCN (K) emissary Kughalu Mulatonu has accused that the government of India (GoI) of displaying “political naivety” for not allowing NSCN (I-M) leaders to visit Zunheboto. In a statement, Mulatonu said the government of India has only “betrayed its democratic constitution” in violating the cease-fire ground rules as no Sumi civil society opposed the proposed visit of the NSCN(I-M) leaders and their entourage.

Stating that the government of India practically disallowed “a man not to set foot in where umbilical cord was buried”, Mulatonu also did not spare the NSCN (I-M) leaders for “disgracing Sumis” by forcing them to make “such a rampant preparation” without getting a “final nod from Delhi”.

Mulatonu questioned as to whether such an episode was “a day of reckoning for the Nagas or a slap on the face of one man and his organization?”. He asserted that the NSCN (K) would never have “bowed to such apolitical drama” in Naga soil “where the sons have paid the price to stand for liberation”.

Mulatonu further asked whether the government of India was “dictating” the Nagas or the NSCN (I-M) leaders have “become self-defeated”. He said when NSCN (I-M) was an “individual organization”, then was it the “price they earned” and was against the Nagas. Mulatonu said he “strongly condemned and disapproved of this drama”.

Meanwhile, NSCN (K) sources told this Reporter that the NSCN (I-M) leaders were “welcomed and free to visit Zunheboto”. He said there was no objection from the NSCN (K) against the visit of NSCN (I-M) leaders to Zunheboto. “The leaders can pay a visit to their homeland and can interact with the people”, the sources added. NPN
Divide and Rule: how to reconcile and unite? Frans Welman
January 12, 2012 by thohepou
Divide and Rule: how to reconcile and unite?
History of state formation
From Naga History it is evident that the Naga Peoples organically had nothing to do with the Indian subcontinent. They had no trade relations or were in touch by other modes of communication. Only because the British partially incorporated the Nagas and their lands they are now part of the Union of India. Also, the Nagas have no Cultural, Religious, Linguistic or Historical relations or affinities withIndia; in fact they only traded and communicated with their surrounding peoples. And so it was the British who made them part of their South Asian, their Indian Empire.
Though the Nagas submitted their 31 points program for honorable solution years ago so far the Government of India only agreed to one of the points, one considered to be a milestone for the Naga Peoples as a nation. Because it confirms their stand and is the basis for their desire to be sovereign; through this point ‘the unique history and situation’ as it was put in writing was recognized by the Indian side. It officially and meant the right to self determination was de facto acknowledged and thus for the Nagas this recognition opened the way to real and now amicable negotiations on the kind of relationship between the two nations. The hopes of the Nagas vanished into thin air again when the new Congress Government was installed. Though the BJP Government signed the communiqué on ‘unique history and situation’ it did not follow up on it and could not because unexpectedly the Congress Government rose to power when snap elections called for by a buoyant BJP was lost by that party.
Thinking this would make the Nagas sail easier through the peace process, as back in 1995 it was under the Congress Government that the secret talks for a ceasefire were held and concluded with its signing in 1997, proved to be a little too premature. Still, because of the recognition of the unique history questions like this were on many a Naga mind and lips: “Could this new Congress Government live up to expectations? Would it indeed strive for the honorable solution so dearly wished by the Naga Civil Society? Would the Indian military leave Nagaland any time soon?”
At the time of this hope rising and hidden from public view other forces were at work, forces with had only one aim in mind, the successful aim of the Indian Intelligence Services. It was their aim to disrupt the unity of the Nagas so resistance would fracture. The Nagas on the other hand, instead of using their intelligence to promote their cause internationally, but applied resources and time to stamp out dissension, this way attempting to prevent the Naga society from being confused about who did what, for what purpose but also to show who really represents them.
To understand this huge divide and rule project again History is the important factor. When today Naga Organizations claim to represent the Nagas it would suffice to check their credentials against their historical record. So, when the Naga National Council states it is the only true Naga Organization to represent all Nagas one has to remember the Shillong Accord of 1975 and its implications and repercussions before considering it to be a true representative. And so this question unavoidably rises: What is this Shillong Accord. Who instigated it and what did it lead to?
This Accord between India and the Naga National Council signed by some Federal Government members, among which Kevi Yallay, the brother of the NNC president who as an exile lived in London but was very much the president of the NNC, sealed the fate of the Nagas. It stipulated that the Accord had been reached voluntarily and that it was ‘under the Constitution of India’. Though this infamous Shillong Accord was not ratified by the NNC as a whole and A.Z. Phizo did not confirm it either, disarming of the Naga Army was ordered and militia were launched to effectuate disarmament; peace camps were built to house the Naga soldiers who surrendered their arms. One such camp exists to this day.
High ranking NNC leaders were enraged by the signing of the Shillong Accord; they termed it ‘a total sell out’, a total surrender. Some NNC leaders learned about this news while on a mission inChinaand denounced this Accord but pleaded with Phizo, their supreme leader, to denounce it too. He did not but later inLondonis quoted to have said that it was ‘a political game’ being played. Realizing the danger disunity could spawn they wanted to save the NNC and for five years worked on that before they founded it’s successor the National Council of Nagaland, NSCN. In between 1975 and 1980 the militias persecuted anyone who disobeyed the order handing in weapons, arrested those who were unwilling and worse killed them. NNC leaders like Isak Chishi Swu and TH. Muivah, who denounced the Shillong Accord, were also arrested and held captive in a remote area. Held captive by their own people and being threatened with death, they were ordered to dig their own graves, made these NNC leaders realize that the first major schism in the ranks of the Nagas was unavoidable. This fact could only be averted when their captors, called by them Accordists, retraced their steps to denounce the Accord too. They did not, though only years and decades later some signatories, one even on his deathbed, did so. This schism in the ranks of the Nagas festered and still permeates through all political activities. That schism is still an open and infected wound today, its puss influencing the state of affairs.
Though the Indians masterminded the Shillong Accord to their surprise it had far more consequences than they ever anticipated. Their planned schism in Naga Society was now fact; divide and rule worked; it had worked even all the way to those who were the backbone of the NNC. The Indian Intelligence knew then that only through a revolution against the leadership of the NNC, read Phizo, could the Naga stand be saved and the national issue be salvaged. In the sixties already the Indians tried to separate the Nagas by letting those who were in favor of a Naga settlement under the constitution but with a state of their own call the shots. The Naga Peoples Council then backed up the forming of Nagaland State which was carved out of Assam and separated Nagas now living in the other new states in the Northeast of India like Arunachal Pradesh, the remainder of Assam itself and of course Manipur.NagalandStatein 1963 was born with Naga state politicians elected by the people. Elected? Officially yes, but unofficially the practice of corruption was born too and so state politicians bought votes to gain influence and money later which was being poured in by the Government of India. Corruption was another way of divide and rule, intelligence services knew.
After the first political division of Nagaland intoNagalandState, under the constitution ofIndia, the Shillong Accord and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland took up the struggle where the Nagas of NNC had left off. For years, eight to be precise, the new Naga Forces gained strength, while behind the scenes the divide and rule gaming went on unabated. In 1988, the NSCN split into two Khaplang, until then part of the NSCN, revolted with a coup and formed his own NSCN. From then on till this day there are two rival NSCNs.
Now the question was in what way the divide and rule policy of the Indians was at work in this internal struggle. Was it because Khaplang suspected but did not know that the leaders of the NSCN without him had reached an accord with the Indians and he revolted against that? According to him, yes indeed. According to Isak Chisi Swu and Th. Muivah this was utter nonsense, the opposite was the case and it involved a participant in the formation ofNagalandState, the later Chief Minister S.C. Jamir. Jamir who had long before stated that to be within the Union of India would be the best option for the Nagas. With the eminent help of the Indians he moved heaven and earth to crack down on the Naga Forces and found in Khaplang an ally. But why would Khaplang oblige? Khaplang was dissatisfied with his position in the NSCN. As a renowned leader among his own Eastern Nagalanders, who had a different heritage of leadership compared to most other Naga tribes, could not abide by the rules of the revolutionary Government he agreed, not even when this was necessary for the formation of a Naga Nation.
Extracted from the book: Between David and Goliath -the Conflict and Peace Talks between Nagaland and India: The Indo-Naga experience by Frans Welman, Amsterdam
Sani Kayina
Indian government can sign an agreement in the morning and unequivocally deny the same in the evening - I am not quite surprise with Chidambaram's latest move.