Nagas rally for peace as Shiroi siege ends morungexpress Naga women rally at Mao Gate
Nagas rally for peace as Shiroi siege ends morungexpress
Naga women rally at Mao Gate
Naga women rally at Mao Gate in protest against the Shiroi standoff. The standoff between the Assam Rifles and cadres of the NSCN (IM) ended today at around 9:00 AM after more than two weeks of tension in Shiroi village, under Ukhrul district in Manipur. (Morung Photos)
Dimapur : Thousands of Nagas across the hill districts of Manipur State today rallied to protest the armed siege by Assam Rifles personnel at Shiroi village under Ukhrul district even as the NSCN (IM) cadres today vacated at around 9: 40 am. The NSCN (IM) officially confirmed the end of the siege through a two sentence press note issued by its MIP. “The Shirui Siege by the 17 Assam Rifles has finally ended with the intervention of civil societies and international organizations. The designated camp will be decided by the higher authorities”, stated the MIP note.
On the other hand, PRO of the Assam Rifles Major Shansar Jung informed Newmai News Network that cadres of the NSCN (IM) have vacated the Shiroi camp and have left for the “approved camp” this morning in five vehicles. There were 25 cadres of NSCN (IM) altogether, according to PRO of the Assam Rifles.
Under the banner of Naga Women Union Manipur, a “sit-in-protest against the siege of Shiroi by 17th Assam Rifles” was staged today across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur. In Senapati, several people including school children joined the same with placards. The placards read: “We want negotiation not confrontation,” “Ceasefire is universal,” “We demand immediate withdrawal of AR from Shiroi village,” “Cutting of food, water supply is ‘Violation of Right to life,” “Do not cease peace”, Cease the Shiroi siege,” “Do not break peace to pieces,” “14 days of Shiroi siege “Enough is Enough” .
Leaders from different organizations including former UNC president Paul Leo and Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM) president Grace Shatsang addressed the gathering at Senapati. The Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), while taking part in the sit-in-protest claimed that the ceasefire between the government of India (GOI) and NSCN-IM covered all Naga-inhabited areas and not just Nagaland. Similar view was echoed by Adani David Choro, president of ANSAM. “We cannot accept the fact of the state cabinet discussion that the ceasefire is only for Nagaland and not Manipur,” asserted Adani David.
The protest also adversely affected the means of transportation along the national highway 39 as the All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur (ANSAM), United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM), Senapati District Women Association (SDWA) and other organiztaions stopped all vehicles from plying along the highway. All business outlets were also shut in Senapati.
Meanwhile, it is learned that the United Naga Council is calling for an emergency meeting tomorrow to decide on a future course of action. The UNC might even resort to strikes starting from February 5, it is learnt. Mention may be made that tension was running high following the war of words between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM). The Union Home Ministry was informed through various quarters to intervene but to no avail. To prevent any ugly turn of events, women folk of Shiroi village had to station there for days and nights ‘guarding’ in the vicinity of the NSCN-IM camp as the Assam Rifles set up a cordon. The Assam Rifles’ version was that Shiroi was not a designated camp of the outfit while the NSCN (IM) demanded that an alternative camp should be provided only after which its cadres would move out of Shiroi.
8 NSCN (IM) cadres arrested morungexpress
Dimapur : Police today said eight activists belonging to the NSCN (IM) were arrested afternoon by the Assam Rifles and handed over to Dimapur police. Confirming this, the Dimapur Superintendent of Police said the NSCN (IM) activists were arrested in the area of the iron bridge at Kukidolong by troopers of the 42nd Assam Rifles. All the arrested NSCN (IM) activists are in custody of Dimapur police, it was informed.
BJP lauds Khaplang’s clarion morungexpress
Dimapur : The Nagaland unit of the BJP today welcomed the statement of SS Khaplang calling for reconciliation. In a note today, the BJP said the need of the hour for the war-torn Nagas is reconciliation and Khaplang’s statement is in the right direction and in tune with the call and prayers of the people. The BJP has called upon all “the leaders” to give utmost priority to reconciliation and also to the “the various groups” to give up their endeavor to “dominate” the other. These activities only breed more bloodshed, the BJP stated through its general secretary TL Merry. The “different Naga groups” are appealed to “prayerfully heed to the voice of the people” and step forward for reconciliation and ‘unity’.
Lawyers to protest black amendment morungexpress
Dimapur : Lawyers in Nagaland will join from February 3, the nationwide protest of Bar Associations against amendments in the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 and entry of foreign legal professionals in the country. The lawyers will abstain from work in the courts and tribunals from the 3rd.
A note from the Nagaland Bar Association and High Court Bar Association said the “anti-public” and “anti-society” amendments will encourage more lawlessness and negate the rights of every citizen from fair and impartial trial. The amendments were made in Section 41 and Section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure as well as Section 2 (c) of the Limited Liability Partnership Bill.
The “draconian amendments” will do away with the mandatory requirement of arrest in all offences punishable up to 7 years. The courts also stand empowered to record evidence in the absence of the accused and his counsel as well as shut the right of cross-examination if the counsel is “busy” in other courts. Further the amendments in Section 41 will only give power to the police to file “challan” without arrest while the courts will remain mute spectators, the lawyers lamented.
“The NBA is of the considered opinion that the amendments in the Cr.PC will only encourage criminals and detract from the rights under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” the Nagaland Bar Association stated in its note.
A note from the High Court Bar Association of Kohima also said the entry of foreign legal professionals into the country will affect both ordinary litigants as well as practicing advocates.
UNC bats for truce in Naga areas By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 2 : The United Naga Council, which has been and still is a strong votary for the unification of all Naga inhabited areas under one political entity, has maintained that it is rational to assume that the cease fire between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India is extended to all Naga inhabited areas in the country.
Talking to The Sangai Express, the speaker of the UNC, S Milan said that since Manipur is a part of India and since the cease fire was signed between the Government of India and the collective leadership of the NSCN (IM), the truce pact should reach Manipur too.
Explaining his stand, Milan said that since Nagas are living in Manipur, they have every right to enjoy the fruit of the ceasefire. This is the universal fact, he said and added that if there were no Nagas in Manipur then the question of extending the ceasefire here would not have arisen. It is very unfortunate that the people who are demanding the repeal of the atrocious Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State should be so strongly opposed to the extension of the ceasefire.
To a question on the Centre rolling back the phrase, ‘Ceasefire without territorial limits’ in the Bangkok Declaration of June 14, 2001 after the massive uprising on June 18, 2001, Milan said that the answer should be given by the leaders at Delhi.
Let the Central leaders say whether there are Nagas living in Manipur or not or if the Nagas do not have the right to enjoy the benefits of the ceasefire in their birth place, countered Milan and added that the Nagas are only expressing their vision and believe that the ceasefire is extended to Manipur.
The UNC leader further said that the Nagas do not want any confrontation but are for a solution to the decades old Naga political problem. “We want permanent peace,” he reiterated.
Siroy crisis blows over; IM cadres given safe passage, PC arriving
By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Feb 2 : The Siroy crisis has finally blown over with the NSCN (IM) cadres, who were holed up there in a camp since January 19, finally availing the free passage granted by the Assam Rifles as a one time measure.
On the other hand Union Home Minister P Chidam-baram is scheduled to arrive at Imphal tomorrow at 9.10 am on an Indigo flight from New Delhi to review the law and order situation as well as in connection with the Siroy stand off, said a reliable source while talking to The Sangai Express.
The source added that the Home Minister who will be here on a three hour visit will attend a Special Headquarters Meeting during which he will meet the Governor, Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers and officials.
Chidambaram will be accompanied by the Home Ministry’s Joint Secretary for North East, Navin Verma.
The Siroy crisis started from January 19 morning, when troops of 17 Assam Rifles surrounded the camp of the rebel group and asked them to vacate it on the ground that the cease fire is not in force in Manipur.
On the other hand, the NSCN (IM) had been adamantly maintaining the line the camp was shifted to Siroy from Phungyar more than two years back with the full knowledge of the Assam Rifles authority.
The IM cadres finally left the camp at Siroy after a series of negotiations which also included the Centre.
According to a source in the Ukhrul police, the NSCN (IM) cadres, numbering 25 left the Siroy camp at 9.30 am along with their arms and added that the arms were not deposited with the Assam Rifles.
Assam Rifles spokesman, Major Shamser Jung said that the NSCN (IM) camp has been moved from Siroy to an approved camp. He however refused to say where the approved camp is located.
Even today Assam Rifles extended humanitarian aid to the IM men with food and water, said the spokesman and added that the Assam Rifles troops have not been withdrawn from Siroy as it is their operational area.
Our Ukhrul correspondent reports that the NSCN (IM) cadres were escorted upto Senapati by the Assam Rifles.
Some AR personnel are still stationed at Siroy, though Ukhrul police said they left the village at about 3 pm.
Even as the Siroy impasse was being resolved dharnas were held at different parts of the State for a peaceful resolution to the matter.
A dharna was held at Senapati bazar today. Representatives of the UNC, ANSAM, SDSA, NPMHR, NWUM and students and faculty members of Mount Everest College took part in the dharna.
A similar dharna was also held at Tagaramphung village which was attended by representatives of Thangal Union, Thangal Women Union, Thangal Students’ Union etc.
Dharnas were also staged at Tamenglong and Chandel.
For the last 16 days, since the AR troops cordoned off the camp of the IM cadres on January 19, tension has been running high at at Siroy village. Womenfolk, apart from keeping 24 hours vigil to avert the outbreak of any clashes between the two parties, had also placed themselves between the IM camp and the Assam Rifles who had set up a bunker just opposite to the camp of the rebel group.
Though the Assam Rifles authority had
earlier granted free passage as a one time measure to the NSCN (IM) cadres holed up in the camp, the rebel group
had insisted that they would leave for another place where they
can open a camp in Ukhrul district.
This was turned down by the Assam Rifles on the ground that the cadres are not allowed to move in civilian areas with arms. Moreover Manipur does not come under the ambit of the ceasefire pact between Delhi and the IM group and hence no designated camp can be opened here.
To defuse the situation a number of Naga civil society organisations, including the Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation, ANSAM etc has sent their representatives to Siroy village.
Taking a serious view of the situation at Siroy, the Congress led SPF Government had also written to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister strongly reiterating that no camp of the NSCN (IM) can be set up in Manipur as the cease fire is not extended to the State.
During the course
of the stand off, the Assam Rifles had also announced that there can be no designated
camp of the NSCN (IM) in Manipur, though it admitted that it has ‘taken note of’ the presence of three camps of the NSCN (IM) at Bunning in Senapati,Oklong in Tamenglong and Phungchong in Chandel district.
Warts of Naga malady pointed out morungexpress
Dimapur : Killings, extortion, mutual distrust and self-righteousness and arrogance of the Naga underground factions are some of the impediments responsible for today’s ‘fragmented’ Naga family, according to a group calling itself the “Naga national workers people support group”. Apart from deepening the divided Naga house, the said anti-people activities are also responsible for the Government of India and international communities refusing to take the Naga issue seriously.
A note explaining the reasons for the deep divisions characterizing the Naga ‘political groups’ was received here from the “Naga national workers people support group”. The group made clear that fratricide, “high handed extortion”, intimidation, “rampant defection” mutual distrust and self-righteousness and arrogance of the Naga underground factions are all anti-people activities. “They have a telling effect on the national character of our people and on the integrity of our national leaders,” the group strongly reminded. Unless the factions stop “wallowing in the above activities and attitudes” it will amount to personal aggrandizement and deviate from the “national” objectives, the “Naga national workers people support group” cautioned.
The group highlighted the reasons. Under ‘mutual distrust’, the group said ‘mutual slandering’ has continued for very long in the Naga society today it has become almost impossible to break out from “our own tribal cocoons…”. Again, fratricidal bloodshed continues for either right or wrong reasons all in the name of “national freedom struggle” and has rendered the value of human life “so cheap”, the group reminded.
The group had these words to say: “It is we who have divided our own house; it is we who have refused to be reconciled; it is we who have refused to be forgiving; it is we who have refused to be accommodative; it is we who have refused to listen to the voice of the people for whom we are supposed to be working for…let us face the fact, call spade a spade…” The group added to its reminder: “No amount of international campaign will help our situation when we cannot build up position of strength at home”.
Further, the group said various Naga apex bodies like the Naga Hoho, the ENPO, NPMHR, NSF, NMA, ENSF, UNC and ANSAM among many others including the Forum for Naga Reconciliation currently, have been working for the Nagas’ cause. “We the Naga national workers’ support group believe in the final mobility of making for a shared humanity for the sake of the Naga people who have suffered enough for the cause of the Naga nation; we do not take any pleasure in forming another group but for a facilitation of a viable direction for the Naga cause,” it stated. “Your weakness is not our strength. But we believe in the importance of building up the internal strength of the Naga people,” the Naga national workers support group added.
Thousands rally against killing in Dimapur Staff Reporter Dimapur, Feb 2 (NPN):
A section of the rallyists gathered at DC court on Monday Dimapur. (NP)
Demanding that the killers of Atovi H Yepthomi be arrested within 15 days and the reason/motive behind the killing be made known to the Thahekhu village authorities, the Thahekhu Village Council (TVC) organized a silent procession from New Market area to Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday.
Atovi, a dry fish dealer, was killed by unidentified gunmen near Durga Mandir, New Market, on January 25.
In its memorandum submitted to DC Dimapur Maongwati Aier, the TVC also warned that it will be compelled to take its own course of action according to the customary and village laws in the event of the district administration’s failure to apprehend the killer(s) within the stipulated time.
The TVC also questioned the efficacy of the police personnel deputed during that particular time as the crime was committed hardly 30 meters away from the police assistance booth at New Market.
The memorandum jointly signed by the head GB Hukiye Yeptho and GB Tovito Aye of Thahekhu village and TVC chairman Yekheto T Aye also questioned the administration as to how the armed killer(s) could sneak past the police mobile check points and heavy frisking by police and IRB personnel and commit such heinous and dastardly crime on the eve of Republic Day when the security was supposedly on highest alert all over the state.
The DC while paying homage to late Atovi assured that the district administration will not leave any stone unturned in apprehending the culprits behind the merciless killing. He also disclosed that 80 percent of evidence has been gathered while two persons have already been detained and their mobiles seized.
He also assured the rallyists that the assailants will be brought to justice and punished according to the law of the land. The large number of rallyists comprising Thahekhu villagers, GBs, business community, leaders and representatives from various groups and students holding placards which read “Let justice prevail”, “Justice delayed is justice denied”, “Down with bloodshed” etc marched to the DC office from New Market.
The head GB of Thahekhu village, Hukiye Yepthomi, handed over the memorandum to the DC in presence of Congress MLAs Hewoto Awomi and Azheto Zhimomi, GBs, SP Dimapur, various public leaders, DMC members and DNSU representatives. Hukiye expressed gratitude to the rallyists for their cooperation in joining the procession.
Meanwhile, a police officer interacting with Nagaland Post said police have already got the “clues” and that the culprits will be arrested in the given “stipulated time”. He also said two persons, a female and businessman (non-local), have already been arrested in connection with the killing and their interrogation is on. Admitting “negligence” on the part of the police, he lamented that the public is not very cooperative towards the police. He said FIRs are not lodged in time as a result of which many accused go scot-free in many cases. Meanwhile, Dimapur police has deployed additional security in and around Dimapur, especially in market places, to avoid such incidents. All the business establishments downed their shutters in Dimapur during the period of the rally. However, educational institutions and government offices functioned normally.
Both NSCN factions for peaceful solution Nagarealm.com
Kohima, FEB01 [NNN] : THE LEADERS of both the factions of NSCN have emphasized on peaceful solution of the vexed Indo-Naga political problem while also asserting that the asserting that the struggle is for the rightful place of the Nagas amongst the nations as well as for the future, peace and progress of the Naga nation.
The emphasis was made during the 29th Raising Day of NSCN, which was celebrated by both the factions on January 31.The Khaplang faction of NSCN or GPRN/NSCN celebrated the day with Kilo Kilonser (home minister) Azheto Chophy as chief guest at Khehoi Camp while the Isak-Muivah faction of NSCN celebrated it at CHQ, Hebron with Qhevehi Chishi Swu, Convener Steering Committee (highest decision making body), NSCN, as the chief guest. In his Raising Day message, which was read out by Maj (Retd) R M Lotha, Kilonser for National Social Welfare, GPRN, the Chairman of NSCN-K, S S Khaplang said "the pursuit of our rightful place among the Nations and peoples shall be our unflinching goal".
"We as National leaders failed to stem the rot and differences of opinion gave way to suspicion, discontentment, hatred and finally further bloody division within the Naga family. This has been the greatest misery and nemesis of the Nagas," he stated. Expressing that infighting only devalues the political right of the Nagas," he said the GPRN/NSCN is well prepared with thousands of patriots ready to defend the Naga people's aspiration against all odds, "yet we realize that nothing is for us by indulging in internal bickering." He asked, "Are we prepared to seek a common future for the sake of our children or continue to hunt each other with vengeful hearts?".
Urging the people to reconcile first with their own hearts and extend the same to others, he also asked them not to issue paper proclamations and declarations urging peace while continuing to live with "uncompromising hearts". He appreciated the effort of Kilo Kilonser Azheto Chophi and other respected leaders, Civil Societies, Churches, Intellectuals and NGO's who stood up to the challenge of bringing the Nagas together under one umbrella. He further appealed to the representatives of the entire Naga family; the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the Naga Hoho and its federating Hohos, DB's & GB's Forum, ENPO, NSF, NPMHR, NMA, Churches and other Naga NGO's & Civil Societies to continue the noble work of restoring peace, reconciliation and unity in the land of the Nagas, so that we share a secure and respectable future.
At CHQ, Hebron Camp, Qhevehi Chishi Swu, Convener Steering Committee, NSCN-IM read out the speech of Chairman Isak Chishi Swu on the occasion, wherein the NSCN-IM Chairman reiterated that the NSCN is deeply committed to political solution to the Indo-Naga imbroglio. "We cannot ignore the fact that we have an issue with India and Myanmar and we will try to settle it through political means for any tangible solution acceptable to both parties. We rule out violent means and we condemn any attempt at settlement of the issue through military might, which has been proved a futile exercise. This is the era of democracy and we are committed to settlement of all human problems through dialogue based on mutual respect, understanding and recognition of rights.
We also believe that there is no problem, which we cannot solve through discussions," he said. The NSCN chairman also asserted that solution is the priority for the Government of the Peoples' Republic of Nagalim. "Everything hangs on the pendulum of solution. If solution comes the rest will follow suit," he said. Isak Swu made it clear that Nagas movement is a resistance movement for defending the land that belong to the Nagas and that the war Nagas are fighting is not a contest of strength. The day was especially marked with the confession and atonement for the transgressions of the Naga national workers past and present.
ANLA sinks with top guns - 20 cadres of Adivasi outfit surrender OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Nagaon, Feb. 1: The five-year-old Adivasi National Liberation Army today lost its rudder when its commander-in-chief surrendered before the army at Karbi Anglong along with its other top military cadres.
The surrender came not long after the arrest of its previous commander-in-chief John Toppo in Nagaland and founder Nirmal Tirkey in Jharkhand. The current chief, Biren Gond, alias Sanjay Lakra, who took charge just a month back after Toppo’s arrest in Dimapur in December last year, is said to be the man behind the surrender.
He laid down arms at the surrender ceremony at Sariajan in Bokajan subdivision along with Udalguri district commander Bharat Rajwas, alias Rajib Dhan, Golaghat commander Arjun Gour, Sivasagar commander Francis Tirki, alias Sanjib Ghatowar, and Karbi Anglong district commander Uttam Dhangra, alias Rahul Tanti. At least 15 cadres followed their leaders.
“The new commander-in-chief confirmed the intention of senior ANLA cadres to surrender a few days back. Right now the group does not have any senior or responsible member other than 80 to 100 grassroots cadres. It is rudderless at the moment,” said a senior police official.
Floated in 2003 with Karbi Anglong and Golaghat as its base, ANLA became the militant face of the Adivasi demand for Scheduled Tribe status by 2005, with help from the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M).
It grabbed the headlines in December 13, 2007, when it triggered a blast on the Rajdhani Express at Chongajan, killing four persons. The militant group had expanded its base to Udalguri, Kokrajhar and Sivasagar districts after establishing itself as an influential organisation in Karbi Anglong and Golaghat.
“The ANLA had plans for January 26 but Republic Day passed off peacefully as all its senior cadres had decided to surrender before that,” an army source said.
The rebels today surrendered eight 9mm pistols, a carbine, 66 detonators, two timer devices, five IEDs, 129 live ammunition at the ceremony attended by Brig. Ranbir Singh of 181 Mountain Brigade, commanding officer of 6 J&K Rifles, Col Pawan Bhardwaj, Maj. Gautom Pathania, also from 6 JK Rifles, and Bokajan civil SDO P.K. Gogoi.
The path for today’s surrender was chalked out on December 26 last year, when four senior cadres, including Nirmal’s deputy Sanjay Bhengra, were arrested in Bokajan.
“We collected the names of all the hardcore ANLA cadres still involved in the movement in Adivasi-dominated areas of Assam. All those top leaders surrendered today,” said an officer of 6 JK Rifles.
Chidambaram to visit Nagaland, Manipur tomorrow
New Delhi, Feb 2 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will visit Nagaland and Manipur tomorrow.
He will meet Chief Minister and senior officers on the security related issues.
Chidambaram had made a commitment at the Chief Ministers' Conference early this year, that he would visit the North East States to have a first hand feedback on the ground realities in North East.
As part of this initiative he visited Assam on January 2. (ANI)
Chidambaram to visit Manipur, Nagaland today TNN
NEW DELHI: Home minister P Chidambaram will visit Manipur and Nagaland on Tuesday to have a first hand account of the security situation in the two troubled states.
Chidambaram will hold a security review meeting at the Imphal secretariat with chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and senior officials. From Imphal, he will fly to Nagaland's commercial capital Dimapur where he will hold another security review meeting at the Police Training Academy at Chumukedima.
Chidambaram is likely to emphasise the need to ensure strict enforcement of the ceasefire ground rules with NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K). The infighting between rival Naga groups has been a matter of anguish for the home ministry.
Chidambaram coming here today Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 02 2009: In an apparent link with impasse between the Assam Rifles and NSCN(IM) at Siroy village in Ukhrul district which ended today, Union Minister of Home Affairs, P Chitambaram will be arriving in Imphal tomorrow morning in a brief visit to Manipur and Nagaland.
Manipur government has received an intimation containing the tentative programme of his tour late this evening, official source said adding that on receipt of the intimation, state authority has also started security and other arrangements for the arriving VIP in the state capital.
Source said that as per the tour programme received by the state authority, Union home minister, P Chitambaram who leave the national capital New Delhi at 5.30 am in the morning in a special aircraft of the Indian air force and arrived in Tulihal airport, Imphal at around 8 am. He will enter to the Raj Bhavan directly and will hold a meeting with the state Governor, Gurbachan Jagat.
This will be followed by another round of meeting with the top brass of the security force units deploying in the state.
The Union minister will chair a meeting to review the security meeting which will be held at the conference hall of the Old Secretariat in which top bureaucrat officers of the state government including the chief secretary, principal secretary and state DGP and other under rank officers.
The security meeting is consider to be a important one in the wake of AR-IM stand off at Siroy village in Ukhrul district which ended today.
Top officials of the state and Central security forces like the Assam Rifles, BSF, CRFP and Army in the state are likely table a brief account on the developing situation in the state arising out of the stand off and security position of the state.
Before concluding his four hour visit in the state and departure for Dimapur, Nagaland, P Chitambaram is likely to call on with the state chief minister, O Ibobi.
In the same like manner, the Union minister will hold security meeting with the top brass of the state and Central security set-ups of the state.
He will also hold talked with the officials of the cease fire monitoring cell of the IM and GOI, the source said.
19 villages declare Patkai Range as bio-reserve Lipichem Morung Express
Kiphire : Home to a rich and diverse flora and fauna, Patkai range is all set to become a bio-reserve in a few months’ time. Rich in rich mineral resources and virgin forests, the range is also home to Mt. Saramati, the highest peak in Nagaland state. 19 villages of Saramati range assembled at Pungro recently and unanimously resolve to declare the entire range a bio-reserve. Salem Ali Centre Institute for Ornithology and Natural History (SICON) and NEPED are working as facilitators in the project for conservation of wildlife and for protection of biodiversity. It is funded by Tata Trust with 450 villages in “eastern” Nagaland and those in the area falling under the project’s area.
Talking with this correspondent, Shubham, a resource person from Salem Ali Institute Centre for Ornithology and Natural History said there could be many unexplored fauna in the area. However, so far no one has done any in-depth research. He said many developmental activities can be attained, by protecting the flora and fauna. When queried about any unique avian species in the area he said so far, Mssrs Hume’s Pheasant is found only in this part of the world. Named after the wife of a Governor General of India’s British pre-independence era, not much information about this avian species is available and little studied as well, he added.
The resource person commented that villagers have the knowledge of preserving and protecting wildlife but there are no facilitators. ‘We are happy for the tremendous response of the villagers so far in the project and the recent declaration is one amongst it’ he added.
RICE-BEER, MISSIONARIES AND POLITICS OF TRANSLATION Nagarealm.com
INTRODUCTION : The problem of alcoholism in the Naga society has been a growing concern for the last hundred years or so. Alcoholism has been considered as one of the major social evil or sin. Although, there are dozens of other major social evils like murdering, kidnapping, stealing, extortion, bribery, nepotism, cheating, lying, gossiping, hatred, jealously, alcoholism and substance abuse that have inflicted the Naga society, alcoholism has been considered as the worst of all.
Moral and religious institutions like the church, Naga Mother’s Association and even the Nagaland state government see alcoholism as a religious problem. They saw alcohol as evil that brings distance between God and people. There is no doubt that the consequences of alcoholism have brought health related problems, relationship problems and even social problems. But alcoholism in Nagaland is more then just a religious problem. The use of alcohol has been recorded before the advent of Christianity into Nagaland. But alcohol was not a problem then. It was part of the stable food. No records of oral history show the abuse of alcohol before it was prohibited by the Baptist missionaries in 1870s.
In 1870’s, the American Baptist missionaries prohibited the use of rice beer. Later, during the 1980’s, the Naga Baptist churches and the Naga Mother’s Association banned the consumption and sell of rice beer and alcohol. In 1989, the Naga Baptist churches and the Naga Mother’s Association lobbied with the State government of Nagaland which resulted in passing of ‘Total Prohibition of Liquor’ Act. In 2008, the Naga Baptist churches and the Naga Mother’s Association are pressuring the State government of Nagaland to reinforce the total prohibition of Alcohol Act in Nagaland.
Why has alcoholism situated itself as a center of problem for more then a century? Historically, how did is develop? Why is the issue of alcohol consumption given such importance? Sociologically and anthropologically, it raised a very interesting set of questions. Is the problem of alcoholism just a stranded relationship with God, as the Naga Christians popularly believe, or is it possibly a form of symbolic resistance against the dissemination of the heathen culture with the introduction of Christianity?
THE HEATHEN NAGAS OR THE ANIMIST
Let me not indulge myself in describing the formation of clans, pharty and villages. But in this paper, I would to highlight some of the cultural world before the advent of Christianity. Sadly, the little literature that we have today is manipulated and reconstructed to fit into the Christian culture. Therefore, I would be closely examining those Christian literatures.
The year 1872 marks the arrival of the first American Baptist missionary, Mr. Clark to the Ao Nagas areas. In 1876, Mr. Clark and his wife settled in an Ao Naga village called Molungyimchen. In the next few years, Mr. Clark and his wife, along with some new converts moved out of the Molungyimchen and formed a new village called Molungyimsen. Mrs. Mary Mead Clark, in her autobiographical journal “A Corner in India” claims that the reason for forming a new village was because the new converts were persecuted by the heathens. The heathen, while forming a new village, requires thorough site selection, location, fertility of the soil and whether the land was owned by some destructive and angry evil spirit or not. Thus, elaborate rituals and ceremonies are performed to make peace with the spirits, seeking blessings and protection. The new village formed by Mr. Clark did not head to any of those heathen practices. The goal of this new village was, as Mary Mead Clark wrote; There was, however, to be no law preventing others who might join this new community from worshipping as they chose, ‘no law to make Christian’; but the standard of the cross was erected, the gospel of salvation from sin through Jesus Christ alone was proclaimed, and his followers were to be allowed to worship unmolested the one true God.
As M.M. Clark points out in her autobiography, there is no law to make a person Christian. Any heathen can come and worship and be baptized. But the establishment of the ‘standard of the cross’ was more then the gospel. It was salvation from the sin. Here, sin is defined from the context of the Baptist Christians. Thus, anything that was heathen was sin. The concept of sin becomes clearer when we look at some of the letters written by Mr. Clark and other early missionaries among the Ao Nagas. On December 5th 1871, Mr. Clark wrote,
Now a few words about these savages of the hills. They are men of blood and war……they wear very little clothing and eat meat when either fresh or putrid. … They are religious or rather superstitious; but they amount to little…These Nagas have a good name for truthfulness and for general purity of life, except that they are dirty and blood thirsty…(Published by Baptist Missionary Magazine, April 1872)
M.M. Clark in her autobiographical book makes a clearer distinction between a heathen and a Christian. She wrote; A religious and social reform has been quietly going on at Molung (village), beginning with a young man, who, strengthened by the Holy Spirit and helped by Assamese teacher Zilli, laid hold of one of his companions, and by persistent, prayerful effort brought him to Christ. ..Every form of demon worship, open or suspected was attacked – Sunday breaking, rice beer drinking, licentiousness, and social vices….Instead of congregating promiscuously at different houses to sleep at night, singing objectionable songs, telling doubtful stories, and engaging in lewd conversations, these young reformers separated themselves and build a dormitory for their own accommodations, in which purity and holiness should reign. Here at morning and evening time the voice of prayers and songs of praise are heard….Total abstinence from all intoxicants is required. One of our young reformers has his house built and is ready to receive his intended bride, but he will not marry her until she promises - and practices too – to give up rice-beer drinking.
Christoph Von Furer-Haimendorf , professor of Asian Anthropology at the university of London, in his book “Return to the Naked Nagas; An Anthropologist View of Nagaland 1936 – 1970” provide some very insightful observations about the Ao Nagas. One of the first observations that Christoph Von Furer-Haimendorf made was the disappearance of Morung. Morung, the social and educational centre that fosters the community spirit was discredited as a house of heathens by the Christians. Morung was then replaced by establishing churches. Folktales, folklores, legends and myth were replaced by hymns, stories from the Bible and prayer. Folkdances and poetry was deemed as part of heathens and were discredited. Second, all forms of ceremonies and rituals were discarded. One of the important festivals, The Feast of Merit, was forbidden by the Missionaries as lavish and individualistic. But the Feast of Merit served both social and economic functions. For the Ao, social prestige derives from sharing one’s wealth with others. Among the Aos, a feast is a communal activity. Every part and responsibility of the feast is structured. Starting from collection of the food, preparation of food, singing and dancing during the feast, ceremonies and rituals, the roles are pre-assigned by tradition. The feast of Merit also serves an economic function. For Aos, meat is difficult to get because they spend most of the time farming. During feast, meat is distributed to every member of the community, young and old, men and women. The third observation was the prohibition of rice beer. Rice beer was served for all occasions, ceremonies, festivals and social gatherings. It was part of the family meal. Rice beer was a replacement for baby’s milk and refreshment for adults. It was replaced by tea. The fourth observation was the replacement of symbolically rich head gear and loin cloths by pants, shirts and blouses. The pride for generation which was valued and cherished, the possessions of ornaments like ivory armlets, necklaces of boars’ tusk, cowry shells, head dresses, baldrics, and symbolically woven were being discarded. Wooden carvings, sculptors and art works that decorated the houses and morung were replaced by Christian cross and Christian paintings. Finally, all things deemed sacred by the heathens including trees, stones or other objects were almost destroyed.
M.M. Clark in her autobiographical book also adds to this list of changes. The Aos consider certain events as omen. For instance, death of the mother during childbirth, death by falling from tree or of any height, death cause by snake bite or by wild animals were all considered as bad omen. Properties belonging to those victims are disposed, family members secluded and cleansing rituals are held. Baptist missionaries dismissed all those beliefs and practices. Again, the Aos dispose the dead bodies by leaving on a raised platform. The missionaries replaced this practice with burial.
POLITICS OF TRANSLATION & RELIGIOUS DOMINATION
There is always an asymmetrical double position in translation. The Baptist American missionaries while translating the scriptural passages related to wine was in accordance to their ideology rather then literal. The American Baptist, in any of their documents did not provide any theological justifications for their total abstinence from the use of alcohol content. But during the process of translation, it was redefined.
The word ‘rice beer’ in Ao is translated as ‘yi’ or ‘azu’. Yi means wine, with the alcohol content. Rice beer or yi consist of yeast and steamed rice, which is kept, fermented for a day or two. The Baptist missionaries prohibited the use of yi because it was sin to drink. Even during religious occasions like the Lord’s Supper, the missionaries used grape juice. The word ‘wine’ as mentioned in the bible (John 2: 1-11, 1 Corinthians 11: 17-34, Mathew 26: 26-29), was translated as ‘tsükmenatsü’ which means grape water (tsükmena means grapes and tsü means water) or juice extracted from grapes with no content of fermentation or yeast. Thus, it was preached that Jesus changed water to grape juice and Jesus used grape juice during the Lord’s Supper. It looks like a case of mistranslation but it was rather intentional because it was ideologically motivated.
Another concept that the American missionaries translated was ‘Hell’. Lacking in Ao terms to describe the concept of Hell, the American missionaries borrowed the Ao term molumi’. Molumi in Ao means ‘a great fire’. But the Ao concept of Molumi was a concept used by heathens, even before the advent of American missionaries in Nagaland, to talk about a great fire that will swept up from the banks of Brahmaputra and burn the whole earth. The ideological conception was that, those who continue to drink yi will be burnt in molumi. For the Aos, this became the Christian hall mark. To be Christian is to abstain from drinking yi. The missionaries expelled those members who transgressed this prohibition. But from the missionaries’ perspective, prohibition of yi was less to do with scripture. For them it was economic and social. They saw Ao Nagas as poor people with no savings. They thought that prohibiting yi will reduce in the consumption of rice. Thus, they can save up more rice at the end of the year. Maybe this was part of the capitalist and individualistic ideology that the Baptist missionaries must have taught the communal and agrarian Ao Nagas. The ideologically motivated translation of ‘yi’ and ‘molumi’ served as the cornerstone for Naga Christianity.
Yi was more then a drink for the Ao Nagas. Yi embodies the Ao culture. Yi was not something that one could buy and sell. Rice beer was served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was also used for any kind of ceremony, festivals or gatherings It was personally made from the rice harvested from their field, which is the product of their yearlong hard work, dedication and blessings. Yi is made with great care so that they can produce the best yi. Apart from consuming it in the family, yi is served to friends, visitors and others. It is sharing of the best that you can make. It is the family pride. Therefore, to give up yi was more then giving up drinking. It was giving up one’s own identity and culture.
To give up one’s own identity and culture is not simple. Mills provides some accounts of how some of the Ao Nagas reacted to this change. The idea that molumi is real and all heathens will burn when they die does make them think about changing from being heathens to Christians but on the other hand, to give up one’s own identity and culture is a steep climb. Some Ao Nagas made some clever decision to remain heathens till they are old and convert to Christianity when he is old or ill. While some others convert to Christianity and discarded it when they feel that they could not resist the heathen’s way of life. Such changing of faith was quite common. According to 1921 census, there were 1180 people who left Christianity but not fully returned to animism. This number does not include those who have rejoined animism or those who have re-embraced Christianity.
In 1870’s, the American Baptist missionaries prohibited the use of rice beer. Later, during the 1980’s, the Naga Baptist churches and the Naga Mother’s Association banned the consumption and sell of rice beer and alcohol. In 1989, the Naga Baptist churches and the Naga Mother’s Association lobbied with the State government of Nagaland which resulted in passing of ‘Total Prohibition of Liquor’ Act. In 2008, the Naga Baptist churches and the Naga Mother’s Association are pressuring the State government of Nagaland to reinforce the total prohibition of Alcohol Act in Nagaland. Despite all these measures, the issue of alcoholism is far from being resolved. Today, alcoholism is more prevalent among the lower income people and the working class whereas, corruption, nepotism and bribery are very much prevalent among the higher income people. The funding for the development of Nagaland comes through the State government of Nagaland from India. Because of the centralized system, money and power is concentrated with the departmental heads, directors, politicians and bureaucrats. The actual development in Nagaland and the money sanctioned by the government of India does not tally because a larger share of the funds is diverted for personal use.
Nagas seems to be in a limbo of ontological consequences and social reality. On one hand, Nagas are persuaded by their religious ideology that if one commit ‘social sins’, one will burn in hell forever. On the other hand, they see rampant corruption being practiced in the Naga society without any visible ontological consequences to witness. From the above discussion, we see that, (1) The religious and other civil societies are constantly renewing the ideas that yi is a serious social evil and it’s consequences are not just physical but ontological. (2) Because of its ontological characters, one cannot question its validity but accept it as a given truth. (3) Naga society is divided by economic class. The problem of alcoholism is more prevalent with the lower income group of people. It is therefore a possibility that the lower income people continues to break the prohibition to make a symbolic resistance against the church as well as the wealthy and elite group of people.
CONCLUSION
It is hoped that this introductory paper will develop into a more detailed and ethnographic study that will capture the everyday lives of the Nagas in modern era so that we can understand how pre-modern society transform into a modern society in a relatively short period of time. We will also be able to see how individualism and capitalism have contributed to class system, hierarchies and dominance. But most importantly, this paper will show how people at the periphery, who are being dominated, continue to participate in their own dominance but symbolically continue to resist against the hegemonic forces. Hopefully, this paper will draw light to Ao Christian belief that all social evil can be dealt spiritually. The social evil that we see today is a manifestation of a long rooted struggle and resistance. As such, the problems should be re-evaluated in the light of the historical change and transformation.
During the last one hundred and thirty six years, Christianity has grown to a great extend. Almost all the Ao Nagas are Christian. It’s part of one’s own birthright. One is born into it and officially registered as a Baptist Christian (or other denomination) through baptism. Heathens have disappeared. Our history of the heathens is just a nostalgic reminder of who we were once upon a time. No serious attempts have even been undertaken to revive any of the heathen ways. In fact, much of heathen’s ways have been lost. It’s only through the archival books written by the Baptist missionaries and British anthropologist that reminds us who we were. The twentieth century Ao Nagas flock to urban places and looks at the villages as a living museum of the old world. We often see modern men and women with traditional ornamented dresses performing folkdances and folksongs as a form of tourist attraction. Except for the few who takes keen interest for individual reasons, we do not understand what the song means nor do we understand the meaning of the dance or the symbols. It’s nothing but simply a sad reminder of who we were. But unless we understand our past, as a historical event, not just a story of ‘from darkness to light’, but a history of change and transformation with serious implication in the twenty-first century, we will continue to be lost in our irrelevant metaphysical bubble.
Imna Imchen
IPhD, UMKC, US
Namphake welcomes Thai princess Pores Aind Assam Tribune
NAMPHAKE VILLAGE (Naharkatia), Feb 2 – Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Kingdom of Thailand on her maiden visit to Tai Namphake village in the Dibrugarh district was amazed to find how a small group of Tai Phake community was successful in preserving the rich culture, customs, traditions, rituals and language of their ancient land despite living amidst diverse ethnic and linguistic population. Princess Sirindhorn, who seemed emotionally moved seeing people of her own kinfolk, communicated in Phakial language, expressing that she felt proud that the Tai Phake men and women in the remote village still valued their language and cultures. Tai Phake is the branch of the great Tai race that entered Assam in the latter half of the 18th century. Princess was interacting with the villagers of the Tai Phake community inside the Namphake Buddhist Monastery.
The Princess also took part in a short prayer inside the monastery. Some eleven Buddhist monks led the prayer. She then got her wrists tied up with the holy thread, which according to the Tai Phake customs is tied only on the dear ones. She was offered a set of Tai Phake wedding dress and officially welcomed to the village.
Princess Sirindhorn, was later escorted to a temporary museum at the Namphake lower primary school where she had a look at the traditional handicrafts, weaving tools, agricultural and fishing kits, costumes of the Tai Phakes, Books on Tai Phakes, and traditional food of the community. She also visited a house of one Aijanta Gohain in the village, to have a first hand knowledge about the living habits of the people. The villagers were also delighted to receive donation of some 500 dollars and some books from the Princess for the Namphake ME and High school.
The Princess landed in the Namphake ME and High school ground by a special IAF helicopter at 1:40 PM. She later left for Jorhat at 3:45 PM. On her arrival, hundreds of villagers, including women and children surrounded the helipad, waving their hands to greet the Princess. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Prasenjit Gogoi and village headman Chamthoun Weingken received the Princess. She was then accorded a welcome with the traditional drumbeats and dance all along the road upto the monastery, where she interacted with the people.
The crowd in the Namphake village included Tai Phakes from Margherita, Bor Phakial, Ningjam, Phaneng, Long Gaon, Mamo and Molang of Tinsukia district. There are as many as eighty Tai Phakial families in Namphake, which lies in the reverine area of Burhidehing.
Pranab to take up North-East ultra issue with Bangla: CM
Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Feb 2 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today admitted that it would be difficult to solve the problem of insurgency till the insurgent groups continue to stay in the neighbouring countries and said that the External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee will take up the issue strongly with the Government of Bangladesh during his ensuing visit to the country. Addressing a Press conference here today, the Chief Minister said that the External Affairs Minister would request the new Government of Bangladesh to flush out the camps of the militants from that country. “The militants who are receiving help from Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), HUJI and other forces must be flushed out from Bangladesh for the solution of the problem,” he added.
Gogoi said that the State Government would provide lists of camps of the militants to the External Affairs Minister before his visit to Bangladesh. He revealed that according to information available, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) have at least 15 camps in Bangladesh, of which, around five to six are major camps located in the areas like Chittagong, Sherpur, Maulvi Bazar etc. According to information available with the Government, around 300 cadres of the ULFA and NDFB are still in Bangladesh, while, at least 10 senior members of the outfits are in that country. The militants also have business interests in Bangladesh, Gogoi added.
The Chief Minister said that the Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram has assured all possible help to the State Government to deal with militancy. He said that the Centre has already provided 17 extra companies of forces and assured all possible help for modernization of the police force.
Gogoi said that the ground rules of the cease-fire agreements with the militant groups have been made more stringent and now any militant group willing to come for talks would have to deposit weapons and all the members of such groups would have to stay in the designated camps. The militant groups under cease-fire agreement would not be allowed to collect any donation. He admitted that the State Government was reluctant to extend the cease-fire agreement with the NDFB, but after the division in the ranks of the outfit, the pro-talk faction agreed to abide by the new ground rules and deposited weapons and around 670 cadres are now in designated camps. He said that the Government received feelers from the DHD (J) and KLNLF expressing willingness to come for talks but the groups would have to abide by the ground rules of cease-fire agreement to come for talks.
Gogoi also thanked the Centre for accepting the proposals of the State Government to increase the strength of the BSF and replace the old fencing with a quality one along the Indo-Bangla border to prevent infiltration and hoped that the entire border with Bangladesh would be sealed soon.
Frans on 02.03.09 @ 06:49 AM CST [link]
