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05/31/2012: "NSCN-IM clarifies facts on shoot out EMN"
NSCN-IM clarifies facts on shoot out EMN
Dimapur, May 31: Giving its version over the Wednesday shoot out between it and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), the NSCN-IM said today that one of the slain cadres hailed from the NSCN-Khaplang group. The NSCN-IM also said the 10 Assam Rifles asked the cadres of the outfit to move out of the area shortly before the shoot out occurrd.”
For the sake of feeding the correct information base on factual truth it becomes a matter of issuing this rejoinder. Regrettably what was published yesterday on NSCN-ZUF clash in Tamenglong is incomplete and with many missing links. “The fighting took place at a place between Ejailung and Otang village(Puichi) in Nungba area of Tamenglong district after the ZUF ambushed the NSCN forces. It may be pointed out that shortly before the ambush took place the 10 AR under the command of CO Ajay Sharma asked the NSCN to move out from the area.
The NSCN were however not caught by surprise as they were fully on alert for any such eventuality and they retaliated ferociously,” alleged the NSCN-IM today. The fighting that started at 6:10 am lasted till 2pm. At the end two ZUF boys were killed on the spot and three others injured, one of them seriously. Of the two dead Tilunthai Panmei ,18 years of Taosang village was found to be from NSCN-K and the other Philimon Remai 19 years of Khoupum village from ZUF, the NSCN-IM claimed today. THE
UNC concerned, appeals to uphold reconciliation process EMN
Senapati, 31st May, 2012:- The United Naga Council is compelled to voice its deep concern over the shootout between Naga armed groups at Ejeirong, Noney on 30th May, 2012 in which two Nagas have lost their lives. The movement for reconciliation among the Naga political groups initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation has been making much progress with the blessing and endorsement of the Naga people. But the incident in Tamenglong has come as a rude shock and has caused widespread insecurity and panic among the civil populace in the area.
We fervently appeal to the parties concern to exercise outmost restraint and to make use of the space for dialogue and communication, so as to rule out the possibility of recurrence of such incident in the future. While acknowledging the Zeliangrong civil society organizations and churches for their interventions towards normalizing the situation and retrieving the mortals remains of the deceased, it is our prayer that the Christian spirit of love and forgiveness will prevail and peace and goodwill among the Naga brethren is restored. THE
Forum for Naga Reconciliation to Stop If Groups Remain Uncommitted FNR TME | Northeast Today
The Forum for Naga reconciliation is disheartened that the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) group has decided to abstain from the reconciliation meeting scheduled to be held during the last week of May in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A wearied Forum for Naga Reconciliation today issued a declaration today that if at all the Naga groups are not committed to hammering out their differences then there is no need for the forum to continue but “go back to the Naga people.”
A visibly drained Forum for Naga Reconciliation issued a statement today referring to the refusal of the NSCN (IM) to attend the meeting and reminded that such differences and misunderstandings exactly the reasons why the groups need to stay in relationship through face to face meetings and discussions.
“It was most disheartening to hear only through the media that the NSCN/GPRN (Isak and Muivah) has decided to abstain from attending this meeting. While recognizing the difficulties that have prompted them to take such a step, it is pertinent for FNR to remind all Naga national political groups that it is precisely because of such differences and misunderstandings that they need to stay in relationship through face to face meetings and discussions with each other.” It, the forum declared, has therefore become necessary for the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to publicly state: “If the Naga national political groups are not committed to hammering out their differences on the basis of the resolutions adopted by the Naga people on February 29, 2012 and to finding a lasting peace, the FNR has a moral basis but no practical basis to persist, and the FNR has no option but to go back to the Naga people.” Three weeks after the Naga Reconciliation meeting of February 29, 2012, in Dimapur, the forum said, “Chiang Mai XIII” was held from March 19 to 22, 2012. The NSCN/GPRN (IM), NNC/FGN, and GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) agreed that a “highest level meeting of the Naga Leaders be held at the earliest.”
The proposed meeting was to ‘hammer out our (Naga) political differences’ the statement said. “Accordingly, the participants agreed that the venue would be in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation was requested to prepare all logistical arrangements. For that reason, the meeting was scheduled for the last week of May 2012,” the forum said in its statement. The forum has appealed to all the Naga “political groups” to honor the assurance of their leaders at the highest levels to meet by taking this opportunity to hammer out all differences for the common interest and good of all Naga people. “The FNR assures that this meeting will create the space to constructively address all recent misunderstandings that have been expressed through the media. Making statements from a distance will only widen the gulf, creating more confusion and heightening tensions.” “We are still in Chiang Mai waiting for you. Do not disappoint the Naga people”, the FNR stated.
Jitendra Singh reviews situation in Nagaland Press Trust of India
Union minister of state for Home Jitendra Singh today visited Nagaland and reviewed security scenario with senior officials of Assam Rifles here.
He held discussions with senior officials of the paramilitary force at IGAR (North) headquarters here on over all law and order situation in the state, Assam Rifles sources said. The minister also called on chief minister Neiphiu Rio.
Earlier, the minister visited border areas and interacted with the Assam Rifles personnel.
According to an official release, the minister accompanied by Inspector General of Assam Rifles (IGAR) Maj Gen B S Das visited Mon where he interacted with the district administration officials and leaders of Konyak Union, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), Eastern Naga Students’ Union (ENSF) and other students’ bodies.
The ENPO also submitted a memorandum to the minister reiterating its demand for a separate "Frontier Nagaland" state comprising four border district of Nagaland, while the Konyak Union submitted a petition requesting him to set up another Assam Rifles battalion in Mon district, the release said.
Singh also visited Longwa, the last border village on Indo-Myanmar border where trading hut has been set up to facilitate barter trade between the people of across the international boundary.
Zunheboto cries out against senseless killing We don’t need this ‘freedom’, factions told Aaron Jimomi | EMN
ZUNHEBOTO, A public rally was organised by the Zunheboto Range students’ Union (ZRSU) today to protest against the killing of an innocent school student in the factional clash at Zunheboto on Tuesday, May 29.
Over 4000 people gathered to raise their voice against the ghastly act. The District Administration, Sumi frontal bodies, students and people from all walks of life joined hands to condemn the irresponsible and horrifying action of the factions.
Kiheto Sema, DC Zunheboto, in his brief speech appealed the public to stand strong and united against anti-social elements and that it is time to stop being indecisive. He also emphasised that clear resolutions on limiting the operations of the factions in Zunheboto district was taken in the month of December 2011 after another atrocious act by the factions but these could not be effectively enforced due to lack of public support. He said this latest incident should be a resounding wake-up call for the public to join hands with administrative authorities to fight for peace and security in the land.
SKK President Nihoi Sumi lamented the death of a promising young student who died for no fault of his. Expressing his grief over the incident, he said the life of the young boy has been brutally snatched away along with the aspirations and hopes for a brighter future on such young people.
He strongly stated that we do not even need this so-called ‘freedom’ when it is becoming a cause misused for the advantage of a few at the expense of the majority. If we have to die for the cause of fighting against those tyrannising us on the pretext of fighting for our freedom, we shall gladly do so, he asserted, adding that we have to stand for what is right at all cost.
The SKK president pleaded to the people of Zunheboto that it is time now for the public to come together with firm conviction to strongly stand against these oppressive forces.
The Sumi Totimi Hoho (Sumi women body) voiced their frustration and sorrow over what is happening while pointing out that it is the common masses who feed the members of the factions, clothe them and provide them shelter.
“Your guns are our guns, your houses are our houses, even your underwear are our underwear….”, they said, meaning that everything is collected from the public and this is how ‘freedom-fighters’ repay the people for whom they are supposedly fighting for.\
The STH also declared that if these acts are a true reflection of what the factions stand for, their actions will never beget the motherland they fight for but will instead earn an irreversible curse of the mothers. “You say you are fighting for our motherland but you have killed the child of the mother,” the STH mourned.
The Sumi Hoho and Sumi Kukami Hoho vociferously condemned the actions of the factions.
The Sumi Hoho Vice-President Hovishe Arkha said the young victim, Toki, also had a beautiful dream, his family and friends had great expectations on him but the dream had been most callously snuffed out forever. He challenged the warring factions that anyone can own a gun including civilians but possessing guns do not give anyone the right to take away life instead it is a responsibility to protect life.
He called upon all sections of the society, including NGOs and church leaders, not to be mere onlookers despite knowing these grossly inhuman acts being committed in front of their very eyes.
Accountability to God demands taking action and standing against the wrong done on others especially our own kith and kin, Arkha asserted.
The rally concluded with a word of prayer by Dr Daniel, Pastor SBAZ. Followed by the funeral programme of the deceased at South Point West where thousands paid their last respects.
RESOLUTIONS PASSED
1. All factions to return to their respective designated camps with immediate effect reaffirming the resolution passed by the Sumi elders and Sumi frontal Organization on 22 Dec. 2011 at DC’s conference Hall Zunheboto.
2. Reinforcement of Paramilitary forces in Zunheboto District for town patrolling and public safety.
3. Commander of both factions responsible for the clash to be discharged from active service
4. No Tax will be paid to any factions whatsoever before the consultation meeting of the Sumi elders and Sumi frontal organisations.
Nagaland: Hundreds Join Rally Against Student's Murder PTI Outlook
Kohima Hundreds of people staged a public rally in Nagaland’s Zunheboto town protesting the killing of a student in the gunfight between two rival factions of NSCN in civilian area, asking the leaders of respective underground groups to immediately send back their cadres to respective designated camps from populated areas.
Keeping the body of the victim at the venue, hundreds of people from all walks of life attended the public rally at the town police point yesterday protesting the killing of the 16-year-old Class-X boy in the factional feud between the cadres of NSCN(K) and NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) on Tuesday, reports received here today said.
The meeting adopted a four-point resolution demanding immediate vacation of civilian areas by the cadres of both the groups and confine themselves to their respective designated camps as per the agreed ceasefire ground rules.
The rally also demanded termination of commanders of both the groups responsible for the gunfight leading to the killing of the innocent boy.
In another resolution, the the public resolved not to pay any kind of tax to any faction without prior and proper consultation with the Sumi Naga frontal organisations and elders.
In the event of anymore gunfights and disturbance of public peace, the rally resolved that the public would come out on the streets and chase the underground activists out from civilian areas.
The meeting also asked the government to deploy more police and paramilitary personnel for patrolling in Zunheboto town to instil a sense of security.
The rally also wished speedy recovery to the two persons who were injured during the exchange of fires between the two rival groups.
The rally, which was organized at the initiative of All Sumi Students Union (SKK), was attended by leaders of all the Sumi frontal organizations and the government officials, including deputy commissioner and superintendent of police.
Meanwhile, in a statement received here, NSCN (Khaplang) accused NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) for the Tuesday’s incident at Zunheboto, saying later’s general secretary Kitovi Zhimomi should be "held solely responsible" for the deaths of the civilian.
‘Develop infrastructure on Indian side of border too’ PTI
Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday expressed happiness over Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s recent visit to Myanmar where he announced assistance for infrastructure development in border areas of the neighbouring country which also includes Naga inhabited areas of Myanmar.
Expressing happiness over the prime minister’s announcement, Rio insisted that it was also equally important to development of infrastructure, particularly connectivity, on Indian side of the border so that economic potential of region could be realized fully.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day Indian Road Congress (IRC) conference, Rio said the Myanmar regional authority on the other side of the border had proposed to develop four border trading points along Nagaland, and accordingly the state government had submitted the proposal to the Centre but no initiative had been taken so far from New Delhi.
He claimed that the Naga people on Indian side of the border was happy with the political recognition given to the Nagas in Myanmar by the new democratic regime there and six Nagas were elected to their parliament in the election.
Stressing on the need to develop the historic Stillwel Road and improvement of the existing national highway to Kohima, the chief minister insisted that if India’s Look East Policy has to see light of the day, infrastructure development in border areas on both sides of Myanmar is a must.
Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s announcement of converting the existing Dimapur-Kohima road to a four-lane one, the chief minister regretted that although nine years had past since that announcement in 2003 at Kohima, the Centre was yet to fulfill that commitment.
Expressing happiness over IRC’s decision to hold its 197th conference at Kohima and bringing large number of technocrats and bureaucrats to the event, Rio hoped that the delegates would understand and appreciate the special problems and needs of hilly terrains of the North-east while one talks about good infrastructure.
Rio said since Nagaland has a single airport, only eight km of railway link and no waterways, it completely depends on surface connectivity and he expeted much from the IRC conference which has scheduled a complete session on "Hill Roads and Landslides."
Stating that the road is the face of the nation and it reflects the level of development and the standard of living of the people, the chief minister lamented that "many a time, special problems of the region get overlooked in the corridors of power in New Delhi."
He said while India has made impressive achievements in terms of economic growth during the last nearly two decades, infrastructure deficit has been a continued concern and constraint for faster growth in the north eastern region.
Highlighting major challenges faced by the state in quality road construction, the chief minister called upon the IRC to ponder over and search for suitable technology necessary for the highly rain fed hilly terrains which experienced frequent landslides devastating the roads and bridges.
Although the quality as well as the coverage of the road network had improved in recent years, there were still big regional variations in road infrastructure, he maintained.
He pointed out that with higher priority being given to more commercially viable projects, the less commercially viable but equally important requirements of small states like Nagaland often got ignored.
Similarly, since the smaller states of the region have limited resources and largely depend on the Centre, commercially viable projects under PPP mode were yet to take off here, Rio said.
"It is surprising that despite India being one of the main producers of highly qualified technical manpower, we have not yet found a reliable technology to deal with the special road construction problems in the North-east," Rio regretted.
Inadequate funding for maintenance means that the state was not able to tackle the problems of faster wear and tear, caused by difficult terrain and heavy rainfall, he observed, pointing out that the life of a newly constructed road is much shorter.
"We need to work out state specific norms, and financing mechanism to maintain roads for a longer period," the chief minister insisted.
IRC president and Gujarat additional chief secretary P N Jain said the Congress has carried out research on construction in hostile terrains and new technologies are available with it and those would be discussed during the conference.
Indo-Myanmar ties: A boost for North East NPN
Myanmarese military regime has taken a strong stand with regard to any anti-Indian terror groups, particularly pointing its fingers towards Northeast militants’ active along the porous border areas, indicating a crack down soon.
On the other hand, infrastructural and other development packages offered by India to Myanmar is seen as a boost for the economy of the four Northeastern states--Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram (bordering Myanmar), an opportunity for these states to open doors for International market and tourism.
A senior government official said, a close relationship with Myanmar--social, cultural and physical connectivity, can revitalise the Northeast region.
But the question remains as to how effective can the state governments in line with the Centre push forward; taking serious note of the opportunities that has been made available.
Myanmar is critical for the success of India’s ‘Look East Policy’ as it provides connectivity between India and ASEAN countries.
Earlier, talking to mediapersons onboard his special aircraft (Air India-1), when asked on why the four chief ministers of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur were not included during his maiden trip as it mainly concerns the four Northeastern states, Prime Minister said this visit, after almost 25 years by an Indian Prime Minister, was focussed on preparing strong ground work on various issues and then the idea of taking the CMs can be considered.
Border security issue: Ahead of the PM’s visit to Myanmar, considered as a “goodwill gesture”, the military government had strictly ordered Manipur based insurgents to close down its camps including training cells in Myanmar region latest by June 10.
Sources say that a crackdown is imminent, if they fail to move out by June 10, like the one carried out by Sheik Hasina’s government (Bangladesh) in 2009.
Government authorities say that following a two year-long crackdown by the Sheikh Hasina government of Bangladesh, ULFA and the NSCN have fled to Upper Burma.
Dr. Manmohan Singh said that President Sein has assured him that his country’s soil will not be used against India.
“I have assurances from President Sein that Myanmar territory will not be used against India and our (Myanmar) border remains as peaceful as humanely possible.”
Prime Minister was replying to a question about insurgency and terror activities active along Northeast India-Myanmar border.
He also said that President Thein Sein has asked India to pin-point any anti-Indian group functioning along the Indo-Myanamr border in order to enable Myanmar government take stern action against them.
Describing his visit to Myanmar as “very useful” amidst providing avenues for economic and strategic ties, Manmohan Singh said a detailed discussion was carried out with Myanmar’s President Thein Sein particularly on the border security and development issues.
According to sources if the Manipuri outfits were forced to shut down their camps, it would have a considerable impact on the security situation in the State.
Sources further said, other Northeastern militant groups based in Myanmar may also have to face the heat there with improved bilateral relations between the two countries.
The military order also clearly indicates the revival of decades old ties shared between India and Myanmar which remained estranged for some years.
It also comes after India set out a rider to NSCN (K), after the latter signed a peace truce with Myanmar government April 9, asking the Naga group not to shelter and train Manipur and Assam based outfits in the Naga dominated areas of Myanmar.
According RK Nimai, commissioner, Arts and Culture, Manipur government quoting HNS report said that the “cease-fire, between the NSCN (K) and the government of Myanmar, will enable a number of Kukis to infiltrate into Manipur thereby creating problems in the state”.
Meanwhile, union foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai said, “The prime minister personally raised the issue of Northeast security and received an assurance from President Thien Sien that Northeastern insurgents and anti-Indian groups would not be allowed to operate on Myanmar soil.”
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s three-day visit to Myanmar has created a new era of security strand posing as a hostile response to Northeast insurgent groups.
When asked about the outcome of the trip, Dr. Manmohan Singh said it was very fruitful and hoped for stronger long-lasting bilateral ties with Myanmar. NPN
