Nagalim.NL News

Monday, May 15th

ONGC gets NSCN extortion note


ONGC gets NSCN extortion note The Morung Express
Guwahati, May 14 (PTI): Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, India’s largest oil producer, has received extortion demand from outlawed separatist guerrillas National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) before the state-run firm begins operations in the state. ONGC’s Nazira office in Assam on May 8 received two letters signed by Lt Col Angpa, Secretary, Konyak Region, NSCN demanding Rs 3 crore, company sources said.
The extortion demand made by NSCN came within days of ONGC getting Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) from the state government for two blocks the company had won under New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP).
Sources said the extortion demand on the letterhead of Office of the Chairman Konyak Region, NSCN stated that the ONGC may begin work only after “fulfillment of our demand.”
ONGC, which had in January received an extortion demand of Rs 500 crore from ULFA, has already informed the Petroleum Ministry about the latest threat.
State-owned Oil India Ltd had in 2001 shut operations in Arunachal Pradesh after extortion demands from NSCN.
ONGC is, however, not unnerved by the extortion threat and plans to go ahead with exploring in blocks in Nagaland.
Sources said ONGC as a responsible corporate has proposed to sign an MoU with the state government spelling out the local area development activities including payment of additional royalty to Nagaland government, offering of minority stake in the blocks to state government companies, recruitment of locals and scholarships to Naga students.
ONGC has already paid a royalty of Rs 33.83 crore against the crude oil extracted from Changpang field in Nagaland. However, as a goodwill gensture, the company shall further pay one time goodwill grant of Rs 67 lakh to Nagaland.
It has also proposed to pay a special grant (add-on-royalty) at the rate of two per cent over and above the applicable rate of royalty to be paid to the Nagaland government on the crude oil produced from the state.
After one year of commencement of normal and sustainable operations, ONGC planned to recruit educated unemployed Naga youths and give one scholarship each in different engineering disciplines, they added.
Bill on offices of profit today The Morung Express
New Delhi, May 14 (PTI): The central government proposes to exempt 46 posts across the political spectrum from the purview of office of profit, which threatened the Parliament memberships of several key leaders. The posts that will be exempted include the National Advisory Council chair and the Sriniketan-Santiniketan Development Authority held by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chaterjee. Apart from the NAC chair, an issue over which Congress president Sonia Gandhi resigned and got re-elected from Rae Bareli, and Sriniketan-Santiniketan Development Authority, the offices sought to be excluded include UP Development Council headed by Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh and the now-defunct All India Council of Sports earlier headed BJP leader V K Malhotra with retrospective effect.
The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Amendment Bill 2006 for further amending 1959 Act, which is likely to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday for passage during the current session which concludes on May 23, was on Sunday circulated among MPs by Law Minister H R Bharadwaj. The government has said it would hold discussions with all political parties to evolve a consensus on the issue. The inclusion of the post held by Opposition leaders is an indication that the government was keen on a consensus on the contentious issue.
About 40 MPs, many of them from Left parties extending crucial support to the UPA government, and 200 MLAs are facing disqualification petitions in the wake of the disqualification of Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan on the office of profit issue.
The Election Commission had last week dismissed a petition against Malhotra on the grounds that it was a pre-election disqualification and hence did not come under its purview.
The Bill provides a specific clause for excluding the office of the chairperson of NAC constituted by the Cabinet Secretariat on May 31, 2004.
It lists 45 other posts in a separate clause. The posts include the post of the chairperson of Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, the president of Indian Council for Cultural Relations and chairperson of the Delhi Rural Development Board.
Kapila Vatsyayan, Karan Singh and Sajjan Kumar, who headed these bodies have already tendered their resignations from the posts.
The Bill also seeks to exempt chairmen, deputy chairmen, secretaries or members in any statutory or non-statutory body or trustees of any trust, whether public or private, chairman, president, vice president or principal secretary of the governing body of any society registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 or under any other law relating to registration of societies.
The Opposition has been opposed to dilution of the spirit of Article 102, 103 of the Constitution pertaining to the office-of-profit. It has also been opposed to any bill with retrospective effect. The party has also demanded abolition of the NAC.
Need for Third party role demanded Morung Express News
Dimapur, May 14: Participating in an international conference recently at London ahead of the crucial round of talks slated for May 18 at Amsterdam, the NSCN (IM) has send out a clear message that it is not happy with the pace and progress made in the peace talks with New Delhi.
“In spite of their assurances and commitments given to the NSCN, the Government of India has not taken any concrete political steps so far. We have tabled a number of points on substantive issues for solution, but there is no tangible response from the Government of India till date”, Secretary of the Steering Committee Rh. Raising told a conference held at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster London, on May 11 during the launching of Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination.
Pointing out that the Naga people have become restive and impatient in waiting for almost a decade for a positive response from the Government of India, the NSCN (IM) leader put the case for a third party role at the talks level. “At this crucial juncture, we strongly feel the need for a third party mediation”, the NSCN (IM) official told the international conference of national representatives from Westminster, Europe and Asia.
Referring to the landmark Amsterdam talks 2002, in which the government of India and NSCN signed a joint communiqué which officially recognized the ‘Unique history and situation of the Nagas’, the NSCN (IM) pointed to its significance that Nagas are not a party to the Union of India and also that since the case was unique, solution had to be unique. “Another response to our chief negotiator Th. Muivah, Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister), Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, in the recent talks was ‘Solution outside the box’. This given term bears political interpretation”, Raising said.
In another significant statement, the NSCN (IM) declared that the British, being once “our colonial power”, have the moral responsibility to say something on the issue so that justice is done to the Nagas. “We feel that the Nagas are the innocent victims of the British intentional silence on the Indo-Naga issue. I, on behalf of the Naga people and Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, would like to appeal to the British people and their government in particular and the world community in general to help solve the problem,” Raising said in his speech. On the current peace process, it was informed that one of the significant steps taken by NSCN (IM) is the shift of policy and strategy from guerrilla warfare to mass warfare, from machine gun warfare to computer warfare and from armed confrontation to political negotiation. “Nagas are committed to political solution and they shall abide by that if otherwise dictated by circumstances”, the official commented with a note of caution.
Govt to hold talks with NSCN (I-M) in Amsterdam The Morung Express
NEW DELHI, MAY 14 (MExN): Ahead of talks to renew the ceasefire with the major Naga insurgent outfit, NSCN (I-M), which expires on July 31, the government will hold two days of parleys with the group in Amsterdam this week to discuss “substantive issues”, including the outfit’s demand for a Greater Nagaland.
The Central team, led by Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes and comprising the Centre’s pointsman for the Naga peace process K Padmanabhaiah and some Union Home Ministry officials will leave for the Netherlands on May 17 and stay on in Amsterdam for two days for the dialogue.
“All issues, including that of renewal of ceasefire with The NSCN (I-M), will figure in the talks which are aimed at keeping the dialogue with the government going,” sources said. The NSCN (I-M) and the security forces in Nagaland have been holding a truce since 1997 when the ceasefire accord was reached.
The accord has been extended every year since then, except last year, when it was renewed for six months on the insistence of the Naga outfit and further extended by six months in February.
The key and “most contentious” demand of the Naga group has been the issue of Greater Nagalim (Nagaland), to bring all Naga-dominated areas in the northeast under one administrative mechanism. However, it has seen strong opposition from Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
Delhi sincere on peace process: Team DAN Naga Delegation meets Oscar, Patil The Morung Express Karaiba Chawang
Dimapur, May 14: The DAN delegation presently in New Delhi to press upon the Government of India (GOI) to expedite the peace process after a series of interactions held so far has expressed satisfaction that the UPA government appeared to be sincere and serious with the ongoing talks with the NSCN-IM.
State Minister for School Education, Imkong Imchen who is part of the delegations told The Morung Express that the DAN delegation is in Delhi to seek opinion of the GOI and the latest status of the ongoing talks.
So far the delegation met Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementations Oscar Fernandes, Centre’s Interlocutor K. Padmanabaiah, NDA Convenor George Fernandes, Union Law and Justice Minister Hansraj Bharadwaj and Home Minister Shivraj Patil.
Imchen also said they have put across their views, and will do so with the other central leaders in the subsequent days. “With the interaction we have had so far, the Centre appears to be sincere’, said Imchen.
Tomorrow, the delegation will meet Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, while on Tuesday they will meet Opposition Leader L.K. Advani, and on Wednesday the delegations is likely to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
DAN delegation included Home Minister Thenucho, Minister for Health and family Welfare, Dr TM Lotha, Minister for School Education Imkong Imchen, Dy. Chairman State Planing Board, Deo Nukhu, and MLA Hollohon, besides the two Members of Parliament, Wangyuh Konyak and TR Zeliang.
Member of Parliament, Wangyuh Konyak said that the main objective of the trip is to press upon the Government of India to expedite the peace process without further delay.
“We will know the clear response after meeting the Prime Minister”, said Wangyuh, adding that they have meet several central leaders and have shared their views and opinion with them. The DAN delegation also said that they have told the central leaders the needs to integrate all the Naga inhabited as a first step towards the final solution.
Gogoi sworn in for second term The Morung Express
Guwahati, May 14 (PTI): Assam today made the transition from single-party government to coalition rule with incumbent Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi being sworn in for his second consecutive term.
The Congress has 53 MLAs in the 126-member House, and it is supported by 12 legislators of the Hagrama faction of the Bodoland People’s Progressive Front and seven independents. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Lt Gen (retired) Ajai Singh at a simple function in the Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan here.
The cabinet members of the new ministry will be sworn in at a later date.
Gogoi arrived at the Raj Bhavan with his wife Dolly and the newly elected Congress legislators. Digvijay Singh, who is in charge of Congress affairs in Assam, AICC observer Chandan Bagchi, BPPF president Hagrama Mohilary and state Congress president Bhubaneswar Kalita also attended the function.
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president Brindaban Goswami and AGP-Progressive president and two-time Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta were also present.
Conspicuous by their absence were the opposition BJP and the Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF), which has said it will not tie up with the Congress and play the role of a “responsible opposition”.
Govt to work for permanent peace, says Gogoi The Morung Express
Guwahati, May 14 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who was sworn in today for his second consecutive term, said peace would be his priority.
“Our new government will strive to bring permanent peace in the state and the task is challenging,” Gogoi told reporters at Raj Bhavan soon after he was sworn in by Governor Lt Gen (retd) Ajai Singh. He said his task in the second term would be more challenging than the first and he would leave no stone unturned to ensure that permanent peace returned. Stating that for a record second time in the state’s history, a Congress government was re-elected, he said this was a result of the “good work” done in the past few years. He claimed that law and order was under control and the process to bring ULFA to the negotiating table was on.
“Our government has for the last five years performed well but there is a lot to do and get the state back to the national mainstream,” Gogoi said.
The Unceasing Oozing Nagas Blood and Tears The Morung Express Article Abstract: This article tries to highlight how the Nagas blood and tears were oozing from Pre-British period till today. The Nagas history shows the proof that in different era of the Naga history; the Nagas shed their bloods and tears for different accounts, which is still continuing in fratricidal game of NSCN.
R.B. Thohe Pou In retrospection of the Naga history – we learnt that precious Nagas bloods were oozing like the perennial springs in Nagalim. Why the precious bloods were flowing on the ground from the pre-British era till today? Oh! Nagas Blood! When will you cease oozing your precious blood? The Nagas first shed their blood from the hand of the foreigners during the Ahom King invasion in Naga Hills. Now Seven Hundred and
Seventy Seven Years ( 7 7 7 ) had past after the Ahom King encountered the Nagas but the fresh bloods and tears continue to flow even today. The entire land seems look reddish due to your bloods. Let the peace, love and forgiveness reign your motherland. Ponder once again – let your heart reign with love and forgiveness. Forgetting the past mistake is equally good as forgiving the present mistake.
Introspection of the past Naga history from headhunting era till today – there is unceasing oozing bloods and tears in Naga Hills. However the oozing blood and tears in different era have different accounts. The earlier bloods shedding and tears were totally different from the present fratricidal bloods shedding and tears. Once the Nagas believed that headhunting show the manhood. They practiced headhunting to bring fertility to their land and bumper crop, to raise their social status and marry a beautiful lady. However hatred, fear, insecurity reigned in those days even though it assumed to be glorious in those days. Many men, women and children were killed in those days but the Nagas thought it shows only manhood through headhunting. As the headhunter chopped off the victim head – the helpless victim’s blood flowed on the ground crying for help. It was also during the headhunting period that the Ahom King invaded the Naga Hills in 1228 AD and killed many Nagas in fierce resistance by the Nagas.
It was in the year 1832 that British first penetrated to Naga Hills and encountering and defending the Nagas land – many Naga warriors were killed. The British finally infiltrated and dominated in Naga Hills after the battle of Khonoma - even though they did not dominated the entire Naga Hills. The Nagas blood continued to flow from headhunting era to British period, which is still afresh in the mind of our centenarians.
After the British period in Naga Hills – the Indian Army came to dominate in Naga Hills and many Nagas were killed, tortured, raped, harassed, burnt innumerous properties, which brought tears in entire Naga Hills. The Nagas blood that oozed in encountering the Indian Armed forces is still fresh in the mind of all the Nagas.
During the Naga National Council (NNC) struggle for sovereignty – under the leadership of A. Z. Phizo – the famous Naga Plebiscite was conducted in Many 1951. According to Sema, the armed violence, murder, arson, looting, and kidnapping, had become quite common and wide spread in 1954. So some of the leaders did not want the Phizo’s violent ways and resigned from NNC in 1955. Thus the first ideological crush in Naga Political leaders commenced and formed two groups as Moderate and Extremist group. Those who were in disinclination of violent ways of struggle in Naga National Movement were T. Shakhrie, J. B. Jasokie, T.N.Angami and Dr. Imkongliba among others. On January 18, 1956, T.Sakhrie (former General secretary of NNC who resigned from NNC) was assassinated for anti-NNC activities and others who openly against the movement also assassinated. For the first time in the history of the Nagas National movement – the first blood was shed and tears fell due to ideological discrepancies.
The Shillong Accord on November 11, 1975 was one of the greatest blows to the Naga National Movement. The Shillong Accord (SC) can be better called as the “Evolution of Problem Accord” (ENPA) in Naga National Movement since the bigger problem emerged after this Accord. This is the second ideological problem occurred with the Naga Nationalist leaders. The difference in ideology amongst the Naga National Movement leaders is the main reason that led to Shillong Accord but it was without the consent from the Naga civil society. The NNC leaders tried to contact A.Z. Phizo, then President of the NNC to condemn the Shillong Accord. However they could not restore the damage image of the NNC even after five years of Shillong Accord. Eventually, under the leadership of Isak Chisu as Chairman, S.S. Khaplang as Vice
President and Thuingaleng Muivah as General secretary – formed a new organization known as “National Socialist of Council Nagaland (NSCN) on January 31, 1980. However this organization did not last long for a decade without splitting into two groups.
On 30th April 1988 morning, the NSCN Headquarter at Hangsen was full of smoke and bloods with loud guns and bombs noises echoing the entire Hills. The whole Hill Ranges felt the echoing noises of guns and bombs and the wild animals tremble with fear; the wounded people longing for water screamed and cried silently in their hearts. The bloods that flowed like the Red Sea will never returned again; the tears and sweats that oozed out from their bodies are going to be remembered as the most disastrous event in Naga History. The unsuspected NSCN Vice President S.S. Khaplang accompanied with his men killed over 200 persons (men, women and children and many other officers.)
In the history of Naga National Movement – this is the third time the ideological discrepancies and mistrust occurred and mass fratricidal took place. However Isak and Muivah were escaped and later formed their group as NSCN-IM, under the leadership of Isak Swu as Chairman and Th. Muivah as General Secretary. The other group led by Khaplang as Chairman and Dalley Mongro as General secretary formed the group known as NSCN-K. After the ideological crush or differences with the Naga National leaders in 1988 – the struggle between the difference ideologies continue till today without any sign of accepting other philosophy and ideology.
Why there is unceasing oozing Nagas blood and tears? Once there was headhunting because our forefathers did not know our God creator. The British colonial reign ended since 1947 and the Indian Armed Force is now cease-fire with the NSCN. But the precious bloods, tears and sweats are still flowing in Nagalim like a perennial river. What do you gain in fratricide? When our forefather killed their brothers (Nagas) during headhunting – it revealed the manhood. When our fathers or brothers were killed in encountering the British or Indian Armies – it showed their patriotism. But today when our brothers and sisters practice fratricidal – it reveals your unforgiveness, thirst of power, jealousy and hatred, faithless in God, ideological discrepancies.
The oozing Nagas blood and tears due to fratricidal is nothing but only the barbarous act. If we view from the Christians’ perspective – fratricide is nothing but adding more problems, sins and bloods in the reddish bloody-land. The present rat racing of NSCN-IM and K to subdue and emulate one another shows not improvement in their relationship regardless of the Nagas Civil Society with great effort to bring under reconciliation table. If both the NSCN groups continue in rat racing – some day one group may surrender in course of time. However, fratricidal in rat racing will cost innumerous lost of human lives, which cannot be paid back in term of money and any goods that is available on this earth and later it may remorse for what they are doing now.
Let not another great disastrous event of mass fratricide happens again in Naga History. Human life is short. Let’s take every opportunity to make peace with our fellow Nagas and bring the honorable solution in our lifetime in our Indo-Naga Peace Talks. The present fratricidal and trying to capture each other camp may only degrade their own prestige and curtail the people solidarity in their
National Movement. Therefore the best solution for both the groups may be coming to the reconciliation table, which is invited and prepared by the Naga Civil Society. The Naga Civil Society loves you and invites both of you to come and dine together. As Father was very happy as the Prodigal son returned home – the Naga Civil Society would be very happy like that of prodigal son’s father when both the NSCN-IM and K comes to reconciliation table to reunite. Let the Naga Civil Society give solidarity in your struggle for the cause of the Nagas sovereignty as you come and reunite. As long as there is fratricidal occurring in Nagalim – there cannot be peace and love in our community; we cannot expect peace when firing of guns and killing continue to reign in our land. Keeping peace by force cannot be called as true peace and we the
Nagas want the true peace with love without fratricide in our land. The present cease-fire with the Indian government from both the groups and Peace Talks would not improve much and receive mass support unless the fratricidal is cease and emerge into one group.
Nagas! Let not your blood bleed and tears fall again for the cause of revenge, ideological crush, thirst of power, jealousy of others and in rat racing to dominate others. Instead shed your blood, tears and sweat in doing good to bring development, peace and love in Nagalim. Let your tears be wiped out by your brothers and sisters who killed your loved ones with love and embrace each others in welcoming to make reconciliation to restore peace in Nagalim. Let not your loved ones use again their blood-stained hands and tears as soup as it falls in their plates.
Today all the Nagas from teenage to centenarians want peace, love and reconciliation in Naga Hills. Let reconciliation be there forgiving each others and your loved one – the centenarians may die in peace hoping to get sovereignty even if they die today. If not they will fist their hands (According to Poumai Naga, if our parents or elders fist their hands in their dying bed it reveals their curse to their children or any one whom they want to pass their curse) in their dying beds and curse your fratricidal practice and there will be no peace forever in Nagalim. As the Headhunting ceased, British domination end and Indian government in cease-fire with the NSCN - let the fratricidal practice also end forgiving and forgetting the past mistrust, ideology discrepancies and hatred. Let the love of God of Jesus reign in our land as the Nagaland is for Christ. KUKNALIM



Frans on 05.15.06 @ 12:23 AM CST [link]


Sunday, May 14th

Government to hold talks with NSCN(I-M) in Amsterdam


Govt to hold talks with NSCN(I-M) in Amsterdam PTI D Dna India
Sunday, May 14, 2006 10:30 IST NEW DELHI: Ahead of talks to renew the ceasefire with the major Naga insurgent outfit, NSCN(I-M), that expires on July 31, the government will hold two days of parleys with the group in Amsterdam this week to discuss "substantive issues", including the outfit's demand for a Greater Nagaland.
The Central team, led by Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes and comprising the Centre's pointsman for the Naga peace process K Padmanabhaiah and some Union Home Ministry officials will leave for the Netherlands on May 17 and stay on in Amsterdam for two days for the dialogue.

"All issues, including that of renewal of ceasefire with The NSCN (I-M), will figure in the talks which are aimed at keeping the dialogue with the government going," sources said.
The NSCN (I-M) and the security forces in Nagaland have been holding fire since 1997 when the ceasefire accord was reached.

The accord has been extended every year since then, except last year, when it was renewed for six months on the insistence of the Naga outfit and further extended by six months in February.

The key and "most contentious" demand of the Naga group has been the issue of Greater Nagalim (Nagaland), to bring all Naga-dominated areas in the northeast under one administrative mechanism. However, it has seen strong opposition from Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

Naga delegation meets Patil, Oscar; requests on talks Zee News
New Delhi, May 14: Ahead of the crucial round of parleys between the Centre and NSCN (I-M) this week, an eight-member delegation from Nagaland, including State Home Minister Thenucho, today met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and urged him to expedite the peace process in the north eastern state.

The delegation, which also comprised two parliamentarians, also met Centre's pointsman for Naga talks and Union Minister Oscar Fernandes, Law Minister H R Bhardwaj and interlocutor K Padmanabhiah and urged the Central leadership to ensure "concrete" steps to solve the more than five decade-old insurgency problem in the state.

"We told them that unification of Naga-inhabitated areas is a must for solving the problem. Unification is the birth right of the Naga people and a genuine demand," Lok Sabha MP and a member of the delegation W W Konyak told mediapersons here.
"We reminded them that the Central government has the constitutional authority to integrate a particular area if it so desires. Since Naga people residing outside geographical boundary of Nagaland wanted to live together with their brethern, the Centre should take action positively," he said. Konyak said Patil and other Union Ministers have assured the delegation that the centre would consult with neighbouring states - Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh - and take a decision on the issue. Government will hold two days of parleys with NSCN (I-M) in Amsterdam on May 18 and 19 to discuss "substantive issues", including the outfit's demand for a Greater Nagaland. Bureau Report
Memorandum to PM for Naga unification forwarded Remove arbitary boundaries The Morung Express Chizokho Vero
Nagas shout slogans and march in a rally demanding integration of all Naga inhabited areas in Senapati, about 80 kilometers south of Kohima, Nagaland, Saturday, May 13. (AP Photo)


Tahamzam (Senapati), May 13 (MExN): A massive Naga Integration Rally held here demanding the unification of all the Naga inhabited areas and in support of the Indo-Naga peace process this morning along with the other districts Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel, unanimously endorsed and reaffirmed its commitment for the integration of all Naga areas under one political roof.
In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh by the Naga people of Tahamzam (Senapati) district led by Naga People Organization (NPO) after the rally, it demanded removal of “Arbitrary boundaries- imposed upon the Nagas,” to deliver justice by expediting the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process and honorable solution acceptable to both the parties.
The memorandum, which was submitted through Deputy Commissioner, Tahamzam (Senapati) District, Manipur stated that the desire of the Nagas to live as one people under one administrative roof had been continuously expressed from the very beginning by “our representatives since the year 1929.”
The memorandum signed by 12 different organizations while also expressing full support and sincere commitment to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, earnestly requested Prime Minister to respect and uphold the historical resolution and desire of the Naga people for integration of all Naga areas under one political roof.
At the rally, the participants shouted at the top of their voices slogan likes, “We demand Naga political solution,” “Expedite Peace Process,” “We demand Naga integration,” “Long live Collective leadership,” “We support peace process,” “We demand honorable solution”, “No Integration No Solution” etc.
Among the many placards read at the rally included, “We have seen our women raped and tortured in front of our eyes, no more please,” “Collective leadership , we are with you,” “Our land is our land,” “Naga integration is our birth right,” “We want peace, justice and freedom let us give peace a chance!!,” “Some of our parents are without their papa and mama for our rightful cause,” “It is time for honorable solution,” “We have suffered for more than 57 years. Now its time for solution,” “Stop insulting our wishes and desire,” etc.
Earlier, United Naga Council President Paul Leo said that time has come for GOI to allow the Nagas to determine their future. He also said that the time has come for Government of India to be very sincere.
“We cannot be silent spectators to the Naga peace process,” Naga Hoho president Keviletuo said adding that the rally would surely strengthen and enhance the negotiators. He also reiterated that Nagas are one; we are one people, one land and one nation.
NSF’s vice president, Imchatoba, former NSF president NSN Lotha, Ex- deputy speaker Raina, representative for Naga Women Union, Manipur and P. Ashuli also spoke on the occasion. The rally was held under the aegis of the United Naga Council.
UK MPs take aim at India By Seema Mustafa asianage.com
New Delhi, May 12: A group of British parliamentarians have come together to set up a "Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination" body that will seek to get international recognition of self-determination as a fundamental human right. India is a clear target, with the organisers listing "Punjab, Nagas, Manipur, Tamils and Kashmiris" in their list of movements seeking self-determination.

The chair of the new organisation, which was inaugurated at the Houses of Parliament at Westminster on Thursday, is Pakistani-origin Labour Party parliamentarian Lord Nazir Ahmed, with Mr Ranjit Singh, a lawyer who is openly supportive of a separate state of Punjab, as its administrative secretary.

The Indian high commission in London has taken the matter up with the British foreign office, which has disclaimed all responsibility, maintaining that it cannot interfere in the workings of the British Parliament. Mr Ranjit Singh, when contacted over the telephone by this correspondent, said that the effort of the parliamentarians was to propagate self-determination as a fundamental human right, and to give a platform through the organisation to all such separatist groups seeking self-determination. He said that a group of lawyers from Punjab had made a very forceful presentation for "the Sikhs' right to self-determination" at the inaugural function. He said he himself was from Punjab and supported the right to self-determination which had assumed the shape of the "Khalistan" movement in the 1980s.

Mr Singh claimed that the inaugural function was very well attended and that apart from Punjab, the "nationalist movements" of the "Nagas, Manipur, Northeast, Tamils, Kosovo, Kurdish self-determination" ... all had figured at the meeting. Interestingly, he had to be asked specifically about the Kashmiris, to which he said: "Yes, there were several speakers actually on this issue." Asked if representatives from Pakistan's Northern Areas, Gilgit, Baltistan as well as Baluchistan had been represented, Mr Singh said: "We are a new organisation, more groups will come." It is learnt that a group of Baluchis did arrive for the conference but, sources said, "they were not allowed to speak for more than 30 seconds."

Mr Ranjit Singh said that in his view, "if people are denied self-determination, the situation eventually leads to huge human rights abuses." He said that a cross-section of MPs was represented in the organisation and it would focus on "informing the world that self-determination was a fundamental right and not just a political slogan." The vice-chair of the parliamentarians group is Mr Elfyn Llwyd, MP, who represents the Welsh, Scottish and English nationalist groups. Others who spoke and are associated with the organisation include Mr Simon Hughes, president of the Liberal Democratic Party, Daniel Hannon, member of the European Parliament from the Conservative Party, Mr Peter Wishart, MP of the Scottish Nationalist Party, and Mr Kashmiri Singh, general secretary of the British Sikh Federation. The conference was organised in collaboration with the Hague-based Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO).

Lord Nazir Ahmad could not be reached. Sources said that he is the treasurer of a newly-constituted group on Sikhs and helps raise and channel funds. He is particularly unpopular with the Indian community in London, with several members having written to him protesting against the visible anti-India bias of the new organisation. Lord Dholakia, who is chairman of the Liberal Democrats' Friends of India, spoke out against the parliamentarians' initiative in the House of Lords. He said that it was important to ensure that government subcommittees were representative of all communities, and "not restricted just to those perceived as being responsible for the atrocities on that day." He went on to point out: "When examining home-grown terrorism, we need to consider the pronouncements often made by responsible people in our community in this country. I refer, for example, to those who exploit the situation in the subcontinent by advocating self-determination of some states in that part of the world. Those are the breeding grounds of emotions and hatred and do nothing but damage the stability of some people in this country and the stability of communities."

Interestingly, several Baloch and Sindhi groups are active in the UK and submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Tony Blair last year demanding that Pakistan should stop "committing ongoing atrocities against our peoples in Pakistan. Over the last six months, Pakistan's military and paramilitary forces have once again started a widespread operation using heavy air and ground artillery in various parts of Balochistan. This violent and illegal operation was started to suppress the legitimate demands of the Baloch people." The signatories to this memorandum, which is with this newspaper, included the World Sindhi Congress, Sindhi Baloch Forum and Balochistan Rights Movement, who incidentally were not invited to the parliamentarians and the UNPO's inaugural conference.

http://www.asianage.com/
International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO), of the Indian subcontinent, is a NGO, with national focus and overseas lobby network. It agitates both in India and internationally.

Masked gunmen loot passengers on NH-39 The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, May 13: Around twenty masked heavily armed youths looted two private agencies passenger buses on NH-39 yesterday.
The bus bearing registration number MN-01/1397 of Kangla Rajdhani Travels was heading from Dimapur to Imphal. The plunderers in uniform stopped the bus at Jakhama, Nagaland near Assam Rifles gate at around 8.30 pm and looted mobile phones, jewelleries and some cash. The exact value of the loot was not known as yet. One more bus of Sony Travels, North AOC was also looted on the same spot, sources added.

ONGC receives extortion threat from NSCN NDTV
Sunday, May 14, 2006 (Guwahati):
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has received extortion demand from outlawed separatist guerrillas National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) before the state-run firm begins operations in the state. ONGC's Nazira office in Assam on May 8 received two letters signed by Lt Col Angpa, Secretary of NSCN's Konyak Region, demanding Rs three crore.

The extortion demand made by NSCN came within days of ONGC getting Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) from the state government for two blocks the company had won under New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP).
Sources said the extortion demand on the letterhead of Office of the Chairman of NSCN's Konyk Region stated that the ONGC might begin work only after fulfillment of it's demand.

ONGC unnerved
ONGC, India's largest oil producer, had received an extortion demand of Rs 500 crore from ULFA in January. The company has already informed the Petroleum Ministry about the latest threat.
State-owned Oil India Ltd had in 2001 shut operations in Arunachal Paradesh after extortion demands from NSCN. ONGC is, however, not unnerved by the extortion threat and plans to go ahead with exploring in blocks in Nagaland. (PTI)
Naga model sets ramp on fire in New Delhi New Kerala
By Sanjay Kumar, New Delhi: The uniqueness of the India's northeast came to be seen in recently held Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week 2006 in the national capital. Some of the fashion designers showcased the traditional Naga dress and both male and female models dazzle the ramp with ethnic dress and wear. Most of the models walking on the ramp were not from Nagaland or belong to any part of India's northeast but what they are wearing represent the region. The dress and other accessories showcase the traditional Naga way of dressing.
There were models from the northeast region as well, who set the ramp on fire with their oomph and style. The distinct looking Naga girl -- Esther Jamir -- was one such model, who represented the northeast India in the world of fashion, making her mark on the ramp.

Esther, who belonging to the Ao community of Nagaland, represents the aspirations of the emerging talent from the state. Esther Jamir, the model from Nagaland said: "Well I was always interested in modeling. I do design clothes also. Self styled designs. I wanted to do a fashion designing course as well as try modeling side by side. Then I decided to come to Delhi. Instead of getting into designing first, I started modeling...Now I am struck with modeling."

In the week long Wills Fashion Week one of the designers showcased Naga dresses and accessories. The show illustrated the country's fascination with the northeast region and how the region's ethnic identity becomes the hallmark of the country's identity. The fashion designer Neelam feels proud to present the North East dresses in the show. "If you read the newspapers, if you see the magazines, the people, the Hollywood actor and actresses, if they need some place, if they go there, they go gaga over it. I think their culture, their peace and their places, everybody is fond of it," said Neelam Saxena, a fashion designer. Exploring different avenues to showcase their talent, youth from India's northeast, enticed by the world of glamour, are making their mark on the catwalk. The designers also feel that the peace and normalcy brings out the latent aspirations and desires of people and Nagaland is one of the best examples.
Today youth of the state is exploring all the options that the modern world offers to them. Esther Jamir, the Naga model, also feels that modeling is one arena where the young girls from the state can make their mark on the ramp. "I have always been trying to encourage girls from that side to try, they do have different looks, and now a days people are willing to experiment on different looks. And I mean there are girls coming and you get to see more of them soon," said Esther.
Because of their oriental look models from India's northeast are in great demand in the fashion world in India. At least fifteen models from the northeast region walked the ramp in the just concluded Wills Lifestyle Fashion Show.
Self-determination inseparably linked to democracy: UNPO
Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination launched in London
DIMAPUR, MAY 13 (MExN): UNPO General Secretary, Marino Busdachin has said that the issue of self-determination has its roots in and continues to be inseparably linked to the core concept of democracy, understood to mean the right to choose one’s rulers and to participate in decision-making.
“In this sense, the right to self-determination is a right of choice and a right of participation”, Busdachin was quoted as saying during the launch of the Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination which was attended among others by Rh. Raising Secretary of Steering Committee of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN).
Organised in partnership with UNPO, Parliamentarians and national representatives from Westminster, Europe and Asia met in the Houses of Parliament, London with the right to self-determination being the central theme and common denominator.
Pointing out that many of the armed conflicts that have raged in the world during the last century, and the vast majority of those that have taken place since the end of the Cold War and continue today, centre around people’s drive to self-determination, whether explicitly stated as such or not, the UNPO General Secretary told the conference.
“For this reason, it is necessary to explore ways to transform the perception of self-determination – away from being a contributing factor or even cause of conflict, and into being the notion of self-determination as a foundation and instrument for effective prevention and resolution of conflict”, Busdachin said.
Saying that for peace, security and stability to exist, any associations between peoples and communities or between them and the state must be based on genuine and continuing consent, mutual respect and mutual benefit and that peace cannot exist in states that lack legitimacy or whose governments threaten the lives or wellbeing of a section of the population.
On self-determination as it should be today, Busdachin said that at a time of inter-dependency, it should embody a broad concept which enlists solutions going from regional partial autonomy, full autonomy, association, to federalism, to independence.
Strengthening democracy, human rights, the right to self-determination and the rule of law in the broad sense is the milestone to achieving peaceful coexistence and progress, and to meeting the challenges of the present time, Busdachin further added.
Later, a 10-point Draft resolution was passed by the conference which included nationalist leaders and representatives of the Nagas, Kashmiri, Kosovar, Palestinian, Sikh, Tamil, Chechen, Kurd, Manipuri and other nations. According to the resolution, they collectively recognized each other’s nationhood and declared mutual support for each other’s individual national independence movements in their quest for ultimately achieving freedom, independence and sovereignty in accordance with the wishes of their peoples.
DAN never invited Congress for all-party team to Delhi: I Imkong The Morung Express
Kohima, May 13 (NEPS): The Leader of the Opposition I Imkong has clarified that the DAN Government had never approached the Congress Party officially to discuss sending an all-party team from Nagaland to Delhi for taking up the “burning issue of the Indo-Naga political problem with the top Indian leaderships.”
Earlier, there had been reports in a section of the local press that an all-party team led by State Home Minister Thenucho would be heading for Delhi to pressurize the top Indian leaderships to expedite the peace process between the Government of India and the Naga underground leaders. It was earlier maintained that the “Congress will be represented by Opposition leader I Imkong and three other senior MLAs of the Opposition bench.” Reacting strongly to the statement, the leader of the Opposition, in a statement issued here today, categorically made it clear that the DAN Government had never approached the Congress Party officially to discuss about sending an all-party team from the State to Delhi. As such the question of participation by the Congress did not arise, he explained. He, however, pointed out that the Congress was not “against the DAN Government in working together if it is for the cause of the Naga people” he added that “We are prepared to work together if right initiative is taken up in proper manner”.
Imkong, who is also the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Leader, termed as “unfortunate” the media report as it seemed to be the handiwork of some “vested interest to create misunderstanding and confusion among the political parties as well as people.”
He also said the reconciliation and unity process initiated during the Congress regime had collapsed due to the DAN’s policy of “equi-closeness.” The Congress Party from the very beginning warned the DAN Chief Minister against his partisan policy of going closer to a particular underground group at a time when all sections of Naga people should work for bringing different groups to a common platform, the Leader of the Opposition said. He further reminded that it was the Congress party that urged the then Indian Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao to accept the Naga problem as both political and national. As such, for the first time, Narasimha Rao as Prime Minister announced at a public rally at Dimapur on 22nd February 1993 that the “Naga problem was political as well as national.”
During the NDA Government at the Center, the Peace Process started in bureaucratic level, however under the Congress leadership, the present UPA Government had upgraded the talks to a “political level,” Imkong reminded. Imkong also expressed surprise as to how Home Minister Thenucho was thinking to lead such a delegation when his own district, Phek, has become the “hotbed of factional killings,” and also what kind of “message he would be giving to the Government of India.” Appealing to the people not to be misled or confused by such misinformation, Imkong said the Indian National Congress had been consistent with its policy towards finding a durable and acceptable solution to the vexed Naga problem.
NSUD: “Nagas want a solution!” The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 13 (MExN): The Naga Students Union Delhi has affirmed that the mass Integration Rally organised by the United Naga Council (UNC) in the four Naga Hill districts of Manipur, viz., Chamdil (Chandel), Hunphun (Ukhrul), Lenglong (Tamenglong) and Tamhajam (Senapati) in support of the Indo-Naga political negotiations truly conforms to the Nagas’ aspiration to live together as one people under a single political unit. According to Chitho Nyusou, President NSUD, “It is regrettable that the Indian Government has neglected to respect the July 11, 2002 official recognition of the ‘Unique history and situation of the Nagas’ in Amsterdam in Holland.”
He further stated that the Indian Government has been employing dilly-dallying tactics for the past eight years with no concrete decision on substantive issues including the question of integration of all Naga contiguous areas which was the main reason for holding the Integration Rally.
“We, the Naga students in Delhi, would like to appeal to Indian civil societies, political parties, intelligentsia, media and citizens to show their sincere solidarity and give their invaluable support to the initiatives and efforts of the Indian Government and the Nagas to bring an honourable and lasting permanent political solution. At this crucial juncture we would like to appeal to the International Community to intervene into the peace process to safeguard the rights of the Naga indigenous people”, stated the release. The rally was supported by major Naga organisations like the Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, Naga Mothers’ Association, All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, Naga Mothers’ Union, Manipur and other Naga civil society organisations and bodies across 'Nagalim' stated the release.
Integration rally in Manipur Correspondent Nagaland Post Tahamzam (Senapati), May 13 (NPN): Braving blistering heat, about ten thousand Nagas living in the four hill districts of Manipur took out a procession Saturday reaffirming the demand for integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas. The Naga Integration Rally, organized under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC), was held in all the four hill district headquarters of Manipur - Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel.
The rally culminated in the submission of a representation to the DC Chandel, addressed to the Prime Minister of India seeking fulfillment of the demand for integration of Naga-inhabited areas and expediting the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process towards an early solution to the Naga political problem that was both honourable and acceptable to all sections of the Nagas.
The main rally at Tahamzam (Senapati) district headquarter witnessed the participation of Nagas from different parts of the district. From Thamzam local ground, the rallyists included school children walked for about four kilometers towards Karong before returning back. At the function in Thamzam , speakers representing different organizations including the Naga Hoho, NSF, NWUM and also politicians made a strong plea for integration. Naga Hoho acting president Keviletuo in his address reminded that Nagas had suffered, shed blood and cried in the past several decades in their struggle for freedom.
Urging the Nagas to take part in the ongoing peace process, he disclosed that while eighty per cent of the issues had been hammered out in the ongoing negotiations, only a few were pending. He therefore urged Nagas not to be discouraged by it.
Keviletuo expressed confidence that the leaders engaged in the ongoing peace talks would not betray the Nagas but take the people into confidence. The other speakers included NSF vice president Imchatoba, former NSF president and present NESO general secretary NSN Lotha, NWUM leader and former deputy speaker of Manipur Raina Maram.
The rally concluded with the submission of a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India through the Deputy Commissioner, Tahamzam (Senapati). The memorandum was signed by twelve different mass-based Naga organizations led by United Naga Council president K S Paul. Among the signatories included the Naga People Organization (NPO), All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM), Poumai Masou Me (Hoho), Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Memei (Mao) Hoho, Naga Women Union, Manipur, Maram Naga Union, Zeliangrong Union Tahamzam (Senapati) Zone, Thangal Naga Union, Tahamzam (Senapati) District Students' Association and Tahamzam (Senapati) District Women Association.
In the memorandum, the Nagas reiterated their long-standing desire to live under one administrative roof and cited the numerous decisions they had taken earlier. Further, they demanded removal of the "Arbitrary boundaries imposed upon the Nagas", "deliver justice by expediting the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process" and an "honourable solution acceptable to both the parties". While expressing full support and sincere commitment to the ongoing peace process, they requested the Prime Minister to respect and uphold the historical resolution and desires of the Naga people for integration of all Naga inhabited areas under one political roof. Meanwhile, the NSCN (I-M) has expressed gratitude to the Nagas of the four hills district of Manipur for showing solidarity in support of the demand for integration.
Naga Students’ Union, Delhi- Press Statement Posted on Sunday, May 14 Kuknalim.com
The mass Integration Rally organised by the United Naga Council (UNC) in four Naga hill districts of Manipur, viz., Chamdil (Chandel), Hunphun (Ukhrul), Lenglong (Tamenglong) and Tamhajam (Senapati) in support of the Indo-Naga political negotiations truly conforms the Nagas’ aspiration to live together as one people under a single political unit. The rally has been called to reaffirm the UNC’s stand for complete and full support for an honourable and lasting permanent political solution between the Indian Government and the Naga people. The UNC has been categorical in its stand that integration of all Naga contiguous areas in Indian States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland is the first and most appropriate political step towards resolving the 59 years of politico-military conflict in Asia. Through this rally, the UNC makes its position very clear to the Indian Government that the later should no longer take the aspiration of the Naga people for granted, lest the Indian State would be solely responsible for the failure of the peace talk.

It is, indeed, regrettable that the Indian Government has neglected to respect the July 11, 2002 official recognition of the “Unique history and situation of the Nagas” in Amsterdam in Holland. Moreover, to the surprise of the whole world the Indian Government has been playing dilly-dallying tactics in the past more than eight years. In a nutshell, the Indian Government has not taken any concrete decision on the substantive issues including even on the question of integration of all Naga contiguous areas. This is the main reason of taking out this Integration Rally by the UNC in the backdrop of the political talks slated to be held in Holland in the coming week. The rally has been supported by all the Naga civil societies, viz., Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights, Naga Mothers’ Association, All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, Naga Mothers’ Union, Manipur and the rest of the Naga civil society organisations and bodies across Nagalim.

In full and unequivocal support to the initiatives and efforts of the Indian Government and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim to bring peace with justice in the Indian sub-continent through peaceful dialogues, the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi, gives our fullest support to the UNC in its effort to strengthen the peace process. We would like to urge the Indian Government to lift up to its assurance given to the Nagas of taking ‘new initiatives’ within six months ceasefire extension. It is of great concern to the student community in Delhi that the Indian Government is still following its past strategies of making peace talk as another way of the so called counter-insurgency against the aspiration of the Naga people. We strongly urge the Indian Government to come out with clean and concrete policy statement towards the inherent rights of the Naga people. We, the Naga students in Delhi, would like to appeal all the Indian civil societies, political parties, intelligentsia, media and the citizens to show their sincere solidarity and give their invaluable support to the initiatives and efforts of the Indian Government and the Nagas to bring an honourable and lasting permanent political solution. Last but not the least, we would like to urge and appeal the Naga people that the time has come for all of us to seriously involve in strengthening the peace process. This is a deciding and defining moment for the Nagas. We would like to encourage the Naga people to rise up for the genuine cause for which we have been struggling and fighting. It is not out of place to mention here that a time has come for the Nagas to realistically think of a consistent and sustain peoples’ activism through high quality level mass upsurge and demonstration in order that historical and democratic political rights does not hidden under the carpet. It is a matter of fact that the UNC has taken a right decision to hold a rally at this crucial moment of our history. The NSUD is of the opinion that more such rally be held everywhere in all Naga areas and in different Indian cities so that we would be able to draw the attention of the International Community. We would like to reiterate our firm conviction and commitment that we would stand by the aspiration of the Naga people and their inherent right to live as one family in a single political unit. It is of utmost importance that the Indian Government be more matured and sincere to the given political problem. It is high time the Indian Government takes necessary political measures so that not only peace with justice is brought in the region but also democratic values and human rights of the people are protected and respected. At this crucial juncture we would like to appeal the International Community to intervene into the peace process to safeguard the rights of the Naga indigenous people. We strongly believe that the proposed rally is the beginning of our triumphal march towards our vision. Kuknalim Chitho Nyusou President, NSUD

Nagas rally under unification banner NNN/Addie Chiphang & Staff Reporter Sangai Express
Imphal, May 13 : Cries of "we demand honourable solution", "expedite peace process", "long live the collective leadership", "one people one land" and "no integration no solution" reverberated in the hills of four Naga dominated districts of Senapati, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Chandel today as thousands of Naga students, children, women and men marched braving the scorching May heat, showing solidarity to the ongoing peace process between the NSCN (IM) and Government of India. The slogan shouting ral-lyists marched to reaffirm Nagas' demand for integration of all Naga inhabited areas under one political roof, one of the main demands of the NSCN (IM) in the nine year long peace parleys with the Centre. Submission of identical memorandaa to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh rounded off the rallies, which was held peace- fully. memorandum copies were submitted to the Prime Minister Deputy Commissioners of Senapati, Chan- del, Tamenglong and Ukh-rul districts, where the rallies were organised.
The representation to the PM said 'Nagas once again unanimously endor-se and reaffirm commitment for integration of all Naga areas under one political roof'.
demands listed include removal of “arbitrary boun-daries imposed” upon the Nagas, delivering justice to the Nagas by expediting the ongoing NSCN (IM)-Centre peace process and ho- nourable solution acceptable to both the parties. Representatives from Naga Hoho, Naga Students Federation, Naga Mothers Association and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights attended the programmes. Hoho president Kevile-tuo Angami, NSF vice pre- sident Chatoba and the latter's former president NSN Lotha were among those who attended the Senapati rally.
In his address, the Hoho president said today’s rally would strengthen the Naga negotiators. He urged the Nagas in Manipur to continue the struggle with the firm resolute of living together as one people in one land. “We are one and we should suffer today so that we can be a nation tomorrow,” he exhorted the crowd. NSF vice president said no force can block integration. If the Government of India is sincere and truthful Nagas' aspiration of living together would be achie-ved by now. K Raina (ex-MLA), addressing the gathering said, 'Nagas should stand and fight united against anyone who opposes demand for Naga integration'.
UNC president KS Leo Paul warned that if India is unwilling to fulfil aspirations of the Nagas, then Naga boys and girls will not hesitate in taking up arms and fight for sovereignty and unification. He said that the rally was organised to demonstrate to the world including leaders of Indian Government and Nagas’ neighbours, Nagas' commitment to integrate and determine their future.
“Not an inch of Nagas’ land was presented by anyone. Nagas are standing today on their land handed down by our ancestors. The time has come for the Govt of India to be sincere and make up its mind to deliver justice to the Nagas,” Leo said. Hoho general secretary Neingulo Krome took part in the Chandel rally where people in thousands set off from Maha Union Govt High School, Chandel to-wards the office of DC, Chandel district where the memo was handed over.
Prior to the march, a public meeting was held at the starting venue where apart from Neingulo Krome, assembly secretary of Naga Hoho Kenyted, NSF finan-ce secretary Kapani, ANSAM president Paul-ring, NWUM general secre- tary Sounai, Dr Gina Sang-kham of NPMHR, human rights activist Aya Hier and other Naga leaders spoke. Whether they are within the political boundary of India or Myanmar, Nagas have the capability to integrate themselves, noted Krome.
While taking a strong exception to objections rais- ed by some groups and co-mmunities to the unification process, the Hoho chief contended that Manipur can exist within an independent Naga State just as the Vatican City State exists within the political boun-dary of Italy. Reiterating that Nagas wish to have cordial relationship with other com- munities, he called upon all ethnic groups and communities to lend moral support to the Naga movement. To avoid any impasse and bloodshed among the Nagas, Krome appealed to NSCN (K) to encourage the current peace process. The rally at Ukhrul district headquarters star-ted simulatously from east- ern side of Dungrei Junction, Hundung and western side of Kasomtang IOC, Ukhrul with TNL ground as the culmination point where a public meeting resolved to hand over the memo to the DC for forwarding to the Prime Minister. Speakers emphasized on oneness of Naga people and pointed out that Naga independence movement took shape before India attained freedom.
Finance secretary of Na-ga Hoho C Diego appealed to brethrens of Tangkhul to desist from that of 'Khairao' society, and bravely and honestly accept issue of the Nagas as it is a people based movement. representatives of NSF, NPMHR, UNC, ANSAM and Naga Mothers Union also spoke. NSF president Pushika Awomi while coming down heavily on Indian Government said India is playing a divide and rule policy among the Nagas. "If no solution is brought to the ongoing peace talk, Nagas will live separately," he cautioned. In Tamenglong rally Naga Hoho speaker HK Zhimomi said if the Government of India continues to play divide and rule policy then the situation would get worst. Zhimomi further stated that Naga Hoho is committed to the peace process because it believes the people are solidly behind the ongoing peace process. He said Hoho cannot do anything if there is no support of the people to the peace process. He further stated that Nagas are no more alone as the world community has now recognised the political rights of the Nagas. NSF general secretary Elu Ndang, NPMHR con-venor Phamhring and UNC leader Tolkham Maring were alsom among those who spoke on the occasion.

No more talks on ceasefire extension, says Dy kilonser Sangai Express
By Our Staff ReporteIMPHAL, May 13: Other than emphasis only on substantive issues the forthco- ming talks between representatives of the Centre and NSCN (IM) would no more deliberate on matters related to further extension of ceasefire, said the outfit’s information and publi- city deputy kilonser Kraibo Chawang.
In a telephonic conversation with the Sangai Express today, Chawang said NSCN (IM) will insist on deliberation on the proposals already submitted to the Government of India during the Amsterdam talks from May 18 till 20.
Observing that talks in the Netherlands capital is a crucial one, the deputy ki-lonser said as the NSCN (IM) demands have already been proposed to the Union Government the ball is in the latter’s court for an amicable solution the decades old Naga political pro- blem.
Among others, the IM proposal covers amalgamation of all Naga inhabited areas in the North East region under a single admi- nistrative unit. the current cease-fire expires on June 30.
the Indian side would be represented by Minister of State Oscar Fernandes and the Centre’s interlocutor on the ongoing peace parley K Padmanabhaiah, he mentioned
Regarding composition of the NSCN (IM) delegation he said in addition to chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Th Muivah, other top leaders like V Atem and RH Raising would attend the meeting.
When questioned whe-ther some Naga MLAs had met the collective leaderships in Bangkok in view of arrival of general elections in the state, Chawang opined that the legislatures may have interacted with the IM leaders during the consultative meeting while clarifying that the organisation has nothing to do with Indian elections.

Nagas in thousands demand integration The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, May 13: The UNC sponsored `Peace Rally` in support of the Indo-Naga political dialogue was held today at the district headquarters of Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel. The rally was participated by several thousands of people who chanted slogans like `No integration, no solution`, `One land, one people` and `We want immediate solution`.

The rallyist also held placards with messages like `No integration, no solution`, `Integration is our birth right`, `We want Naga Integration`, `We fully support peace talk`, `Don`t try to stop Naga integration`, `Our land is our`, `Stopping Naga integration will create more bloodshed`, etc.

At Ukhrul district headquarters, people in large number including young school going boys and girls gathered at Kharasom junction and Dengsei junction. The rally kicked off from the two spots at around 11am. After passing through some important locations in the town, the rallyist converged at Tangkhul Long ground in the heart of Ukhrul town where a meeting was held and resolved to endorse the ongoing dialogue between the government of India and NSCN(IM).

Several prominent leaders of the organisations like Naga Students Federation, ANSAM, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, United Naga Council, Tangkhul Youth Council, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Women Council, Ukhrul Students Union spoke about resolving the vexed Naga problem and bringing Naga Integration.

Speakers at the meeting strongly observed that issue of the Naga people have to be resolved by the Nagas only. They also alleged that government of India has been playing divide and rule policy to separate the Naga. They also expressed regret that the nine year old peace talk between the government of India and NSCN(IM) failed to come out with any tangible solution. They however expressed hope that next round of talk between the two sides slated for May 28 to 29 at Armstadam, Netherlands will come out in a positive note.

Meanwhile, in a press release, the Naga Students Union, Delhi termed the integration rally in the four hill districts of Manipur as an expression of the aspirations of the Nagas to live together as one people under one political unit. The rally is a reaffirmation for an honourable and lasting solution between the Indian government and the Naga people. The release warned the Indian government not to take the aspiration of the Naga people for granted and that the Indian government would be solely responsible if peace talks fails.

The Naga Students Union affirming its full support to the UNC in its efforts to strengthen the peace process, called on the government of India to come out with a clean and concrete policy statement towards the inherent rights of the Naga people. Finally, the press note appealed to the international community to intervene in the peace process to safeguard the rights fo the Naga indegenous people. Add Newmai News Network: Cries of "we demand honourable solution, expedite peace process, long live the collective leadership, one people one land and no integration no solution" reverberated in the hills of four Naga dominated districtsof Senapati, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Chandel in Manipur today as thousands of Naga students,children, women and men marched braving the scorching heat, showingsolidarity with the ongoing peace talk between the NSCN (IM) and the government of India.

The slogan shouting rallyists had gathered and marched to reaffirem the Nagas demand for integration of all the Naga inhabited areas under one political roof, one of the main demands of the NSCN (IM) in the nine year long peace talk with Indiagovernment. Submission of identical memorandums to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh rounded off the rallies, which was held peacefully. The memorandum copies were submitted to the Prime Minister through the deputy commissioners of Senapati, Chandel, Tamenglong andUkhrul districts, where the rallies were organized. The memoranda submitted to the Prime Minister of India through the four districts` deputy commisioners said the Nagas once again unanimously endorsed and reaffirmed their commitment for the integration of all Naga areas under one political roof. The demands listed in the memoranda included removal of "arbitrary boundaries imposed" upon the Nagas, delivering justice to the Nagas by expediting the ongoing NSCN(IM)-Centre peace process and honourable solution acceptable to both theparties. Representatives from Naga Hoho, Naga Students Federation,Naga Mothers Association and

Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights attended the programmes. Hoho president Keviletuo Angami, NSF vice president Chatoba and former NSF president NSN Lotha were among those attended the Senapati rally. Hoho general secretary Neingulo Krome took part in the Chandel rally while NSF president Pushika Awmi addressed the rally organized in Ukhrul district headquarters. Addressing the Senapati rally Hoho president said today`s rally would strengthen the Naga negotiators. He urged the Nagas in Manipur to continue the struggle with the firm resolute of living together as one people in one land. "We are one and we should suffer today so that we can be a nation tomorrow," he told the crowd. NSF vice president said no force can block integration. If the government of India is sincere and truthful, Nagas` aspiration of living together would be achieved by now. K. Raina former MLA also addressed the gathering. He said Nagas should stand and fight united against any one who opposes the demand for Naga integration.

In Chandel Naga Hoho general secretary Neingolo Krome said, "The issue of Naga integration is something to do with a broken family. Nagas should not think in terms of artificial boundaries, but rather think that Nagas should live together. UNC general secretary Ajang Longmei said at the Chandel rally that the Naga aspiration and wishes to live under one administrative unit is the long cherished dream of the Nagas. In Ukhrul NSF president Pushika Awomi while coming down heavily on Indian government said India is playing a divide and rule policy among the Nagas. "If no solution is brought to the ongoing peace talk Nagas will live separately.

The Naga Hoho leader C.Daipao said at the Ukhrul rally that peoples mandate is already given to the "collective leadership` so now the ball is in the court of the government of India.

At Senapati UNC president KS Leo Paul warned that if India is unwilling to fulfill aspirations of the Nagas, then Naga boys and girls will not hesitate in taking up arms and fighting for sovereignty and unification. He said that the rally was organized to demonstrate to the world including Indian government and Nagas` neighbours the Nagas commitment to integrate and determine their future. "Not an inch of Nagas` land was presented by anyone. Nagas are standing today on their land handed down by our ancestors. The time has come for the government of India to be sincere and make up its mind to deliver justice to the Nagas," Leo said. In Tamenglong rally Naga Hoho speaker H.K.Zhimomi said if the government of India continues to play divide and rule policy on the Nagas then the situation would get worsened. HK Zhimomi further stated that Naga Hoho is committed to the peace process because it believes that the people are solidly behind the ongoing peace process. He said the the Naga Hoho cannot do anything if there is no support of the people to the peace process.The Naga Hoho speaker further stated that the Nagas are no more alone as the world community has now recognised the political rights of the Nagas.NSF general secretary Elu Ndang appealed the Nagas to fully support the peace process.NPMHR convenor Phamhring and UNC leader Tolkham Maring also spoke on the occassion.

The bane of bandhs & blockades in Manipur Donn Morgan Kipgen Sangai Express
A decade or so ago, general strike, state-wide bandhs, economic blockades, JACs inquiry commissions, etc were few and far between; thereby many cases of injustice went unnoticed. But nowadays, there have been far too many and too much of them, for justifiable causes, which become more of a liability to the general public in many cases. Yes, indeed, all the calls for recognition of grievous injustice and public anger are acceptable and their point or demands genuine. With the rapid progress of literacy rate and communication system, atrocities committed by law enforcement agencies, misgovernance, under-hand corrupted activities, misdeeds of UG militants, etc have reached far and wide and joint condemnations becoming swifter. Though mediaper-sons are sometimes mishandled unnecessarily, it is only through general media that most of the institutions or organisations spread their gospel of agit-ations, bandhs, etc very swiftly on all corners of the State. Hence, bandhs, economic blockades and JACs become more and more popular in Manipur. So much so popular that many right thinking citizens have started questioning the over-use of them and failed to appreciate the credibility of such repeated forms of public agitations and dharnas.
Violent means of protests over violent official activities often undermine the very purpose of the agitations. Nowadays the sign of grievances are more anti-public in nature, some physical vocal and some resorted to vandalism taking undue advantages for their own interest. Like the infamous Churi Chaura incident, many violent unrelated criminal activities by hoodlums and irresponsible person completely compromised the very lawfully genuine agitations or mass-protests which openly undermined the credibility of the said issues. There are no acceptable excuses for such highly or extremely undesirable 'by-products' of any genuine mass-agitations, which of course have been either ignored, disowned and vaguely justified by some bandh or blockades leaders. At least, the Mahatma Gandhi boldly and responsibly called off the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) since the bloody attack on Chur Chaura police station was carried out independently by CDM supporters. That's the highest example of accountability and responsibility openly displayed by true public leader. However, this is not meant to accuse socio-political leaders of Manipur of being irresponsible or incompetent. It's rather a matter of important fact that many bandhs or blockades went beyond the acceptable norm of public protests. Ironically, it is usually general public who bore the brunt of incessant and volatile rampaging agitations. High ranking Government officials, wealthy citizens and political leaders hardly notice the prolonged effects of such impasses or agitations. Whatever destroyed, damaged or ransacking belonged to common ordinary citizens. Judging by the weary views of the common people, bandhs or strikes have more often than not become a general punishment for the people by the people and of the people's interest. The State of Kerala might have banned bandhs but public protest or agitation for right cause is the symbol of freedom of expression and liberty of thought.
Here is present day Manipur, without any economic power house and self-sustaining natural resources, the repeated doses of general strike and bandhs promptly called by the so-called JACs have become more of a menace than public interest. Indeed, such actions have been boldly taken as a part of protest on the ground of universal human rights. It is also an acceptable reciprocal move against armed forces atrocities and pathetic inactivities of the State Govt in all plundering departments.
Tragedy is an abstract pain and indescribable sorrow. Both the near and dear ones of UG militants, SF personnel and innocent victims of CI OPs are bou-nd to have their own painful words. As for non-tragic politicalised issues, there ought to be a limit when it comes to nerve wrecking agitations. More-over, freedom of speech, expression and liberty should not be over-exploited just for the sake of it. Too many cooks spoil a brood, or so they say. At present, the real value, weightage and significance of any bandh or strike have lost their way; and the impact of bandh has gone down by the weeks. Many right thinking citizens considered indefinite bandh as an acti-on for a lost cause, viewed economic blockade as an 'economic-crime', and formation of daily JAC against the State as a grieving local dharna. Since too many bloody incidents overlapped one after another, even the media-hounds failed to catch-up, capture and cover them systematically. Pompous claims and counter-claims are the only luxury offered to media fraternity. Under the present circumstances, it would be highly advisable to submit a memorandum and filed a case fittingly in the court of law, as done in the recent surrendering fiasco. All armed forces units and State police officials know that a majority of Manipur citizens have a rather short memory and susceptible to grandiose promises.
The Chief Minister's waste-paper basket must be quite heavy and his letter heads dwindling by the minutes. The Chief Minister is instrumental in calling in the 44th Mtn Brigade since he had specially asked for four army battalions for CI OPs in the valley and he had also called in two brigades of central paramilitary forces so as to avert President's Rule. So, all the so-called 'crimes' by central armed forces should be the direct responsibility of the State Govt and direct action must have to be initiated by the Home Minister i.e, the CM, thro-ugh the Chief Secretary and Principal Secy (Home), with the assistance of Special Secy (Home) and the State police Hq. At present, we have seen or read about controversial killings and contradictory claims during the course of CI OPs day in and day out which resulted in the formation of JACs and therefore repeated call for bandhs. Perhaps many bandhs and blockades could have been avoided if the State Government knows its own responsibility and sincerely initiate prompt inquiries rather than having many parts of the State paralysed and burning on weekly basis.
God knows how much the growth of our frail economy has been harmed or sabotaged by the endless general strikes, one could guess - hazard the daily loss of a statewide bandh at around Rs 2 to 5 crores. The cost of losses and private properties would be no less than Rs 5 to 10 lakhs a day which, of course, would depend upon the nature or intensity of the agitations. With the state law enforcement agencies dragging their lazy foot and the indifferent attitude of the State Government, a charged-up street protest always resulted in mob violence and subsequently bloody confrontation when it becomes, as the police authority would have it, 'out of control'. This often ended with the loss of precious lives and limbs; and this is turn led to a more organised violent agitations.
With due respect to the victims, such kind of agitation has been crippling the state police administration and has arrested the socio-economic development, more so when an economic blockades have been called. The JACs and local organisations have to look into the merits and demerits of their proposed actions. Otherwise, the very purpose of their action will become redundant or unsympathised.
The kindergarten question: 'How many days are there in a week?' Could now be rephrased, 'How many bandhs are there in a week in Manipur?' The answer should be based on the average of bandhs or general strike called in a year divided by 48/50 weeks. Could the answer be 2.5 to 3 bandh in a week? It should be sent to the office of the Guinness Book of World Record, it surely must be uncontested and unsurpassable by nation-state on earth. Bandhs and blockades have lost their moral values and their impacts hardly noticeable. On the other hand, both the State and Central armed forces authorities know very well that if they commit a bloody or accidental crime against humanity in Manipur, there would be a loud protest with a couple of days bandhs, a week of mourning and bold headlines, then promises with ex-gratia payments and inquiry commission in a more high profile case, but thereafter everything will be forgotten, and a new case will come up and so on and on. That's how they would surely view the ever increasing bandhs and blockades. However, this is not to say that bandhs, blockades etc. should be avoided or discouraged, it means that they should be called, led and organised properly so as to have an enormous impact. Only then, the aggrieved party can call the shots, loud and clear.

Gogoi takes oath as CM today Congress, BPPF(H) stake claim By a Staff Reporter Sentinel
GUWAHATI, May 13: Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Tarun Gogoi will take oath as the Chief Minister of Asom tomorrow for a second consecutive term at the Raj Bhawan here in presence of the Governor and party leaders. He will fly to New Delhi to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi after the ceremony.
As was expected, Gogoi was today elected as the CLP leader at a meeting held at Dispur in presence of senior party leader Mohsina Kidwai, Digvijay Singh, APCC president Bhubaneswar Kalita and several MPs of the party. Initially, Kidwai and Singh collected the personal views of the newly-elected members on the choice of their leader in writing. Later, taking consent from party president Sonia Gandhi they asked the elected party members to propose the name of their choice. Gogoi’s name was proposed by Dr Bhumidhar Barman and it was supported unanimously by all the members. Bhubaneswar Kalita, who presided over the CLP meet, felicitated Gogoi on being elected with a gamosa.
Significantly, two independent candidates — SR Subba and Mahibul Haq — were also present in the meeting. In the evening, the Congress leaders and Hagrama Mahilary met Governor Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Ajay singh and staked their claim on forming the Government.
Gogoi, while talking to the media after being elected the CLP leader, said that his government would want direct talks with the ULFA. “We will start negotiating with the other organisations as well,” he added.
He thanked the people of Asom for not supporting the ‘communal” forces like the AUDF and BJP. “The mandate this time has proven that the voter in Asom is very matured,” he claimed.
Although he said that the AUDF had affected the Congress, yet he expressed his hope that the people who deserted the Congress would realise their mistake and come back to its fold within three months. In fact, some of them has already come back, he said. Further, the thanked the minority people for not playing into the ‘religious game card’ of the AUDF. About the Independents, he said, “They have been coming to us on their own.” Gogoi said that the responsibility of his Government has doubled as the people will now expect more from it.



Frans on 05.14.06 @ 01:47 PM CST [link]




UK MPs take aim at India


UK MPs take aim at India By Seema Mustafa

New Delhi, May 12: A group of British parliamentarians have come together to set up a "Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination" body that will seek to get international recognition of self-determination as a fundamental human right. India is a clear target, with the organisers listing "Punjab, Nagas, Manipur, Tamils and Kashmiris" in their list of movements seeking self-determination.

The chair of the new organisation, which was inaugurated at the Houses of Parliament at Westminster on Thursday, is Pakistani-origin Labour Party parliamentarian Lord Nazir Ahmed, with Mr Ranjit Singh, a lawyer who is openly supportive of a separate state of Punjab, as its administrative secretary.

The Indian high commission in London has taken the matter up with the British foreign office, which has disclaimed all responsibility, maintaining that it cannot interfere in the workings of the British Parliament. Mr Ranjit Singh, when contacted over the telephone by this correspondent, said that the effort of the parliamentarians was to propagate self-determination as a fundamental human right, and to give a platform through the organisation to all such separatist groups seeking self-determination. He said that a group of lawyers from Punjab had made a very forceful presentation for "the Sikhs' right to self-determination" at the inaugural function. He said he himself was from Punjab and supported the right to self-determination which had assumed the shape of the "Khalistan" movement in the 1980s.

Mr Singh claimed that the inaugural function was very well attended and that apart from Punjab, the "nationalist movements" of the "Nagas, Manipur, Northeast, Tamils, Kosovo, Kurdish self-determination" ... all had figured at the meeting. Interestingly, he had to be asked specifically about the Kashmiris, to which he said: "Yes, there were several speakers actually on this issue." Asked if representatives from Pakistan's Northern Areas, Gilgit, Baltistan as well as Baluchistan had been represented, Mr Singh said: "We are a new organisation, more groups will come." It is learnt that a group of Baluchis did arrive for the conference but, sources said, "they were not allowed to speak for more than 30 seconds."

Mr Ranjit Singh said that in his view, "if people are denied self-determination, the situation eventually leads to huge human rights abuses." He said that a cross-section of MPs was represented in the organisation and it would focus on "informing the world that self-determination was a fundamental right and not just a political slogan." The vice-chair of the parliamentarians group is Mr Elfyn Llwyd, MP, who represents the Welsh, Scottish and English nationalist groups. Others who spoke and are associated with the organisation include Mr Simon Hughes, president of the Liberal Democratic Party, Daniel Hannon, member of the European Parliament from the Conservative Party, Mr Peter Wishart, MP of the Scottish Nationalist Party, and Mr Kashmiri Singh, general secretary of the British Sikh Federation. The conference was organised in collaboration with the Hague-based Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO).

Lord Nazir Ahmad could not be reached. Sources said that he is the treasurer of a newly-constituted group on Sikhs and helps raise and channel funds. He is particularly unpopular with the Indian community in London, with several members having written to him protesting against the visible anti-India bias of the new organisation. Lord Dholakia, who is chairman of the Liberal Democrats' Friends of India, spoke out against the parliamentarians' initiative in the House of Lords. He said that it was important to ensure that government subcommittees were representative of all communities, and "not restricted just to those perceived as being responsible for the atrocities on that day." He went on to point out: "When examining home-grown terrorism, we need to consider the pronouncements often made by responsible people in our community in this country. I refer, for example, to those who exploit the situation in the subcontinent by advocating self-determination of some states in that part of the world. Those are the breeding grounds of emotions and hatred and do nothing but damage the stability of some people in this country and the stability of communities."

Interestingly, several Baloch and Sindhi groups are active in the UK and submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Tony Blair last year demanding that Pakistan should stop "committing ongoing atrocities against our peoples in Pakistan. Over the last six months, Pakistan's military and paramilitary forces have once again started a widespread operation using heavy air and ground artillery in various parts of Balochistan. This violent and illegal operation was started to suppress the legitimate demands of the Baloch people." The signatories to this memorandum, which is with this newspaper, included the World Sindhi Congress, Sindhi Baloch Forum and Balochistan Rights Movement, who incidentally were not invited to the parliamentarians and the UNPO's inaugural conference.

http://www.asianage.com/

International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO), of the Indian subcontinent, is a NGO, with national focus and overseas lobby network. It agitates both in India and internationally.

Frans on 05.13.06 @ 07:04 PM CST [link]

Saturday, May 13th

UK MPs take aim at India By Seema Mustafa


UK MPs take aim at India By Seema Mustafa

New Delhi, May 12: A group of British parliamentarians have come together to set up a "Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination" body that will seek to get international recognition of self-determination as a fundamental human right. India is a clear target, with the organisers listing "Punjab, Nagas, Manipur, Tamils and Kashmiris" in their list of movements seeking self-determination.

The chair of the new organisation, which was inaugurated at the Houses of Parliament at Westminster on Thursday, is Pakistani-origin Labour Party parliamentarian Lord Nazir Ahmed, with Mr Ranjit Singh, a lawyer who is openly supportive of a separate state of Punjab, as its administrative secretary.

The Indian high commission in London has taken the matter up with the British foreign office, which has disclaimed all responsibility, maintaining that it cannot interfere in the workings of the British Parliament. Mr Ranjit Singh, when contacted over the telephone by this correspondent, said that the effort of the parliamentarians was to propagate self-determination as a fundamental human right, and to give a platform through the organisation to all such separatist groups seeking self-determination. He said that a group of lawyers from Punjab had made a very forceful presentation for "the Sikhs' right to self-determination" at the inaugural function. He said he himself was from Punjab and supported the right to self-determination which had assumed the shape of the "Khalistan" movement in the 1980s.

Mr Singh claimed that the inaugural function was very well attended and that apart from Punjab, the "nationalist movements" of the "Nagas, Manipur, Northeast, Tamils, Kosovo, Kurdish self-determination" ... all had figured at the meeting. Interestingly, he had to be asked specifically about the Kashmiris, to which he said: "Yes, there were several speakers actually on this issue." Asked if representatives from Pakistan's Northern Areas, Gilgit, Baltistan as well as Baluchistan had been represented, Mr Singh said: "We are a new organisation, more groups will come." It is learnt that a group of Baluchis did arrive for the conference but, sources said, "they were not allowed to speak for more than 30 seconds."

Mr Ranjit Singh said that in his view, "if people are denied self-determination, the situation eventually leads to huge human rights abuses." He said that a cross-section of MPs was represented in the organisation and it would focus on "informing the world that self-determination was a fundamental right and not just a political slogan." The vice-chair of the parliamentarians group is Mr Elfyn Llwyd, MP, who represents the Welsh, Scottish and English nationalist groups. Others who spoke and are associated with the organisation include Mr Simon Hughes, president of the Liberal Democratic Party, Daniel Hannon, member of the European Parliament from the Conservative Party, Mr Peter Wishart, MP of the Scottish Nationalist Party, and Mr Kashmiri Singh, general secretary of the British Sikh Federation. The conference was organised in collaboration with the Hague-based Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO).

Lord Nazir Ahmad could not be reached. Sources said that he is the treasurer of a newly-constituted group on Sikhs and helps raise and channel funds. He is particularly unpopular with the Indian community in London, with several members having written to him protesting against the visible anti-India bias of the new organisation. Lord Dholakia, who is chairman of the Liberal Democrats' Friends of India, spoke out against the parliamentarians' initiative in the House of Lords. He said that it was important to ensure that government subcommittees were representative of all communities, and "not restricted just to those perceived as being responsible for the atrocities on that day." He went on to point out: "When examining home-grown terrorism, we need to consider the pronouncements often made by responsible people in our community in this country. I refer, for example, to those who exploit the situation in the subcontinent by advocating self-determination of some states in that part of the world. Those are the breeding grounds of emotions and hatred and do nothing but damage the stability of some people in this country and the stability of communities."

Interestingly, several Baloch and Sindhi groups are active in the UK and submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Tony Blair last year demanding that Pakistan should stop "committing ongoing atrocities against our peoples in Pakistan. Over the last six months, Pakistan's military and paramilitary forces have once again started a widespread operation using heavy air and ground artillery in various parts of Balochistan. This violent and illegal operation was started to suppress the legitimate demands of the Baloch people." The signatories to this memorandum, which is with this newspaper, included the World Sindhi Congress, Sindhi Baloch Forum and Balochistan Rights Movement, who incidentally were not invited to the parliamentarians and the UNPO's inaugural conference.

http://www.asianage.com/

International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO), of the Indian subcontinent, is a NGO, with national focus and overseas lobby network. It agitates both in India and internationally.

Frans on 05.13.06 @ 07:03 PM CST [link]



UK MPs take aim at India By Seema Mustafa


UK MPs take aim at India By Seema Mustafa

New Delhi, May 12: A group of British parliamentarians have come together to set up a "Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination" body that will seek to get international recognition of self-determination as a fundamental human right. India is a clear target, with the organisers listing "Punjab, Nagas, Manipur, Tamils and Kashmiris" in their list of movements seeking self-determination.

The chair of the new organisation, which was inaugurated at the Houses of Parliament at Westminster on Thursday, is Pakistani-origin Labour Party parliamentarian Lord Nazir Ahmed, with Mr Ranjit Singh, a lawyer who is openly supportive of a separate state of Punjab, as its administrative secretary.

The Indian high commission in London has taken the matter up with the British foreign office, which has disclaimed all responsibility, maintaining that it cannot interfere in the workings of the British Parliament. Mr Ranjit Singh, when contacted over the telephone by this correspondent, said that the effort of the parliamentarians was to propagate self-determination as a fundamental human right, and to give a platform through the organisation to all such separatist groups seeking self-determination. He said that a group of lawyers from Punjab had made a very forceful presentation for "the Sikhs' right to self-determination" at the inaugural function. He said he himself was from Punjab and supported the right to self-determination which had assumed the shape of the "Khalistan" movement in the 1980s.

Mr Singh claimed that the inaugural function was very well attended and that apart from Punjab, the "nationalist movements" of the "Nagas, Manipur, Northeast, Tamils, Kosovo, Kurdish self-determination" ... all had figured at the meeting. Interestingly, he had to be asked specifically about the Kashmiris, to which he said: "Yes, there were several speakers actually on this issue." Asked if representatives from Pakistan's Northern Areas, Gilgit, Baltistan as well as Baluchistan had been represented, Mr Singh said: "We are a new organisation, more groups will come." It is learnt that a group of Baluchis did arrive for the conference but, sources said, "they were not allowed to speak for more than 30 seconds."

Mr Ranjit Singh said that in his view, "if people are denied self-determination, the situation eventually leads to huge human rights abuses." He said that a cross-section of MPs was represented in the organisation and it would focus on "informing the world that self-determination was a fundamental right and not just a political slogan." The vice-chair of the parliamentarians group is Mr Elfyn Llwyd, MP, who represents the Welsh, Scottish and English nationalist groups. Others who spoke and are associated with the organisation include Mr Simon Hughes, president of the Liberal Democratic Party, Daniel Hannon, member of the European Parliament from the Conservative Party, Mr Peter Wishart, MP of the Scottish Nationalist Party, and Mr Kashmiri Singh, general secretary of the British Sikh Federation. The conference was organised in collaboration with the Hague-based Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO).

Lord Nazir Ahmad could not be reached. Sources said that he is the treasurer of a newly-constituted group on Sikhs and helps raise and channel funds. He is particularly unpopular with the Indian community in London, with several members having written to him protesting against the visible anti-India bias of the new organisation. Lord Dholakia, who is chairman of the Liberal Democrats' Friends of India, spoke out against the parliamentarians' initiative in the House of Lords. He said that it was important to ensure that government subcommittees were representative of all communities, and "not restricted just to those perceived as being responsible for the atrocities on that day." He went on to point out: "When examining home-grown terrorism, we need to consider the pronouncements often made by responsible people in our community in this country. I refer, for example, to those who exploit the situation in the subcontinent by advocating self-determination of some states in that part of the world. Those are the breeding grounds of emotions and hatred and do nothing but damage the stability of some people in this country and the stability of communities."

Interestingly, several Baloch and Sindhi groups are active in the UK and submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Tony Blair last year demanding that Pakistan should stop "committing ongoing atrocities against our peoples in Pakistan. Over the last six months, Pakistan's military and paramilitary forces have once again started a widespread operation using heavy air and ground artillery in various parts of Balochistan. This violent and illegal operation was started to suppress the legitimate demands of the Baloch people." The signatories to this memorandum, which is with this newspaper, included the World Sindhi Congress, Sindhi Baloch Forum and Balochistan Rights Movement, who incidentally were not invited to the parliamentarians and the UNPO's inaugural conference.

http://www.asianage.com/

International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO), of the Indian subcontinent, is a NGO, with national focus and overseas lobby network. It agitates both in India and internationally.

Frans on 05.13.06 @ 07:01 PM CST [link]



Draft Resolutions – Parliamentarians for National Self Determination- PNSD 11th May 2006


Draft Resolutions – Parliamentarians for National Self Determination- PNSD
11th May 2006

1 – The inaugural conference of PNSD notes that self determination is a fundamental Human Right as enshrined in International law and urges the UN and its human rights bodies to hold to account those state that, often through violent means, deny this right to the various nations and peoples within their borders.

2 – The PNSD calls upon the UK Govt. EU and UN and other international Institutions to create conditions for the peaceful exercise of self determination on the basis that this is the only just and effective means of conflict resolution in many of the world’s current conflict zones.

3 – PNSD will take forward the legitimate pursuit of SD of the various disenfranchised nations of the world and build common understanding and cooperation between them on a global and regional basis. It shall work for the implementation of the right to self determination in a principled and peaceful manner so that the nations and peoples of this world freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development and so that they shall be freely able to dispose of their natural wealth and resources.

4 – PNSD calls on State Governments to engage in unconditional talks with national groups, such as the ongoing talks between the Indo-Naga talks, in order to resolve outstanding disputes involving national self determination. The UN resolutions on Kashmir demonstrate the need for the wishes of the people to be central to any solution to that conflict; it is only by engaging with nations of this world that they can convey their freely determined goals to the international community.

5 – We condemn the genocide and other war crimes committed against the freedom loving nations of the world in order to crush their pursuit of freedom and self determination and call upon the civilized world, acting through the UN and its member states, to take all necessary steps to ensure that those guilty of state terrorism and war crimes are prosecuted and punished so that rule of law is upheld and justice is served.

6 – We demand the release of political prisoners across our various movements who have lost their freedom and in many cases suffered torture at the hands of oppressive occupying regimes. We condemn all forms of persecution and intimidation of advocates of self determination and call upon the international media to take a principles and vocal stand in exposing the unlawful and anti-democratic actions of states aimed at silencing those who merely their claims to freedom as sanctioned by international law.

7 – this conference condemns the calculates frustration of self determination by demographic change, appropriation of resources and/or environmental sabotage, all of which lead to instability and potential threats to international peace and security.

8 – This conference notes with disappointment the election by other member states of India to the UN Human Rights Council when it’s Government has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Sikhs, Kashmiris, Nagas and others. Despite these atrocities of genocidal proportions and India’s failure to sign up to (fully, or at all) key Human Rights commitments expected of civilized nations, Indian spokespersons claim an exemplary Human Rights record. We urge the UN to reconsider this decision and block all attempts by India to join the UN Security Council.

9 – nationalist leaders and representatives present here today, including those from the Naga, Kashmiri, Kosovar. Palestinian, Sikh, Tamil, Chechen, Kurd, Manipuri and other nations, collectively recognize each other’s nationhood and declare mutual support for each other’s individual national independence movements in their quest for ultimately achieving freedom, independence and sovereignty in accordance with the wishes of their peoples.

10- PNSD expresses its thanks to the UNPO and Marino Busdachin for contributing so much to the cause of self determination and participating this inaugural Conference; we hope PNSD and UNPO will maintain a strong working relationship and work together in meeting the many challenges ahead.


Frans on 05.13.06 @ 01:34 PM CST [link]



SOME IMPORTANT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NAGA NATIONAL MOVEMENT Houses of Parliament, London, 11 May 2006


Houses of Parliament, London, 11 May 2006
SOME IMPORTANT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NAGA NATIONAL MOVEMENT

Naga political history may be divided into three periods:

The early period: It may be called Golden era during which every Naga village, like the Greek city state, was sovereign and independent politically, economically, socially and culturally. They were also closely interrelated. The socio-political system of the Nagas was based on the democratic and socialistic culture.

The British period: The merit of this period is the spiritual and mental enlightenment. The demerit is division of the Nagas under their colonial policy of divide and rule placing them in different administrative units for political reasons, to which the Nagas had neither consented nor accepted.

The Indian period: This period is marked with social unrest, resistance movement, violation of human rights, fighting, bombardment of villages and killings in all Naga areas. Sanjoy Hazarika, a prominent writer broadly outlined three methods adopted by the Government of India in dealing with movements for self-determination like that of the Nagas. He writes, “Policies towards the Nagas and other pro-independent groups seem to revolve around three factors: brute force to crush the physical capacity to resist, a flood of funds to soften the resolve of indigenous groups and a fierce campaign to portray them as renegades and misguided elements.”

The Nagas are, by right, a nation composed of 47 recognized communities, who are living in a compact area. They are one racially, culturally, historically, politically and religiously. They have strong attachment to the land they belong. The Naga National Movement is based on their common political will, common culture, common history and geography.

Mr. Jaya Prakash Narayan (a member of the Peace Mission on the Indo-Naga conflict) stated, “The Naga people are unquestionably a nation.” Anthony Smith, an outstanding theoretician on ‘nationalism’ classified Nagas as a ‘nation’.

History says that Nagalim is not a part of India. The Nagas rejected the Union of India out rightly when the Indian Constituent Assembly invited them to join the Union. Mr. Balgovind Baboo said, “Historical and legal documents show that before the British rule, Nagaland (Naga areas) were in no way part of India”. Mahatma Gandhi, the father of Indian nation, affirmatively said, “Nagas have every right to be independent…”

The case of the Nagas is an invasion on their rights and territory by India. Nagas are the aggrieved party. It is neither a case of secession nor insurgency. We know the term ‘secession’ applies only to those who try to secede from the Union they have joined. Nagas are not a party to the Union of India. Therefore, the question of secession or insurgency does not arise in the case of the Nagas.

The Naga National Movement for independence is rooted in the solid ground of their national decision. All sections of Nagas from across the length and breadth of Nagalim, irrespective of tribes, gender, age and religious denominations are involved in the movement. The Nagaland peace mission declared, “The Naga struggle could not be regarded as a problem of law and order. It is a struggle for national freedom.” Recognizing the right of the Nagas, 24 Congressmen of the United States of America wrote a letter to Mr. William Jefferson Clinton, the then president of USA, on 20 October 1999: “We urge you to use your influence to help support self-determination for the people of Nagalim.” And in support of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks former US President Jimmy Carter wrote to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 18th June 2005: "I am writing today to you and the NSCN leaders to express my appreciation to both parties for the initiative being taken towards a peaceful and lasting resolution."

In its fourth General Assembly held at The Hague, the UNPO recognized the sovereignty of the Naga people over their territory and the right to determine their future by themselves.

The claim that India inherited Nagalim from British India has no historical basis at all. A people are not commodities to be inherited by others. Land and culture are part and parcel of a people. Only a part of the Naga area was occupied by the British, whereas the rest remained as free as ever. Besides, the occupied Naga area was directly ruled by the British Crown. No laws passed by the British India were applicable to the Nagas, who governed their land by themselves according to their own customary laws. Moreover, there was no treaty between the British and the Nagas wherein the Nagas had ever surrendered their sovereignty. The Nagas even declared their independence on 14 Aug.1947, a day ahead of the Indian independence. But the most significant event in the Naga National Movement is the rejection of the Union of India and the plebiscite conducted by the Nagas where 99.9% voted in favor of a sovereign independent Nagalim. And that India has no authority or right to justify its illegal occupation of Nagalim.

Nagas are not terrorists. It is obvious that people who join the national independent movement are called freedom fighters. Ours is a resistance movement. We resorted to armed confrontation only in defense of our right, territory, culture, history, people and socio-political system. However, such fighting is confined only to combatants. Lt. Gen F.A Vyas of the Indian army said, “Naga insurgents never adopted terror tactics.” Mr. Murkot Ramuny, the notorious Indian Security Commissioner who created a reign of terror in Nagalim for many years, stated in his writing, “The Nagas do not kill civilians.” The Government of India has officially declared that NSCN is not a terrorist organization.

Finally, the Government of India and the NSCN are engaged in political talks. But there has been no tangible result even after eight long years. It shows their lack of political will to resolve for a lasting solution. The Government of India, through its agents, is selling the idea of peace and development without justice and freedom. They are also propagating for non-territorial solution, which is an attempt to retain the status quo of states under the parameter of Indian constitution. This kind of approach from the Indian constitutional perspective is an imposition of the Indian will upon the Nagas which is not acceptable to the Nagas. Hence, in order to bring a lasting solution to the long-drawn Indo-Naga conflict, it calls for the attention of the international community.

1. Rh. Raising
2. Angnaikham Makunga

Frans on 05.13.06 @ 01:33 PM CST [link]



Peace in Nagalim British Houses of Parliament, London, 11 May 2006


Peace in Nagalim


Professor Timothy Kaping British Houses of Parliament, London, 11 May 2006





Respected ladies and gentlemen,

I express here the profound gratitude of the suffering Naga people to our friends for so kindly organizing this special peace conference. This program will go down in the annals of Naga history. May God bless all of you!



The Nagas participated in the two world wars. Many Nagas died in Europe and elsewhere during the World War I. In 1944 the Nagas gave maximum help to forces of democracy in defeating Japan. Field Marshal Slim says in his book Defeat into Victory: "The gallant Nagas whose loyalty, even in the most depressing times of the invasion, had never faltered. Despite floggings, torture, execution and the burning of their villages, they refused to aid the Japanese in any way or betray our troops. Their active help to us was beyond value or praise...they guided our columns, collected information, ambushed enemy patrols, carried our supplies and brought in our wounded under the heaviest fire, and then, being the gentlemen they were, often refused all payment. Many a British and Indian soldier owes his life to the Nagas, and no soldier of the 14th Army who met them will never think of them, but with admiration and affection."



The demise of Nazism, Fascism and Japanese imperialism let to the freedom of many nations and lasting peace in the world. Nagas contributed to it. Now we expect the world, especially Great Britain, to help and pray for the Naga people.



Nagas declared their independence on August 14, 1947. But India and Myanmar, who owe so much to the Nagas for their freedom, forcibly occupied Nagalim. It is indeed a sad thing to recollect that, despite the help and support the Nagas rendered to the democratic world during the two world wars, neither the United Nations nor any other democratic nations ever came to the rescue of the Nagas. It is over half a century now since the Nagas have been enduring untold miseries in the hands of the heavily-armed brutes. During this illegal occupation period, over two hundred thousand Nagas have perished; thousands tortured and maimed for life; thousands of womenfolk raped and molested; thousands of homes and churches burned; properties worth millions of pounds destroyed. It is one of the greatest crimes against humanity. Why is the world remaining a mute spectator to the atrocities committed on the innocent Nagas?



Yet, despite the occupational forces' brutality and the long negligence of the world to our plight, we successfully resisted and withstood for what is inalienably ours; that is, THE RIGHT TO DECIDE OUR FUTURE BY OURSELVES.


Owing to the eternal love and mercy of our living God, now the Nagas have succeeded in internationalizing their story and have reached a stage whereby the government of India has recognized the unique Naga history and situation. Realizing the futility of suppression, India has decided to seek a political solution through peace process. This shows the change of mindset of the Indian leaders from negative to positive. This shift in policy of the Indian government is a realistic approach to the issue, and every peace-lover should appreciate it. This time we sincerely hope that honorable peace will come to Nagalim as well as to India.



Nagas have entered the 21st century with hope and prayer. We need your support. Kindly encourage India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim to uphold utmost sincerity towards finding a true solution through peaceful means.


Long live peace!


Frans on 05.13.06 @ 01:31 PM CST [link]



Speech of Rh. Raising, Representative of the Nagas, made in the conference held at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster London,


Speech of Rh. Raising, Representative of the Nagas, made in the conference held at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster London, on 11th May 2006.

Respected chairperson, distinguished dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen. It is indeed an honour for me to be invited to this august conference to speak on the situation in Nagalim (Nagaland). Nagalim is a land-locked country bounded by India in the west, Myanmar in the east and the south and China in the north. Nagas live in a compact contiguous area of about 120,000 sq. Km. that lies between the longitudes 92.5° E and 97.5° E and latitudes 23.5° N and 28.5° N. It has a population of about 4 millions, of which 95% are Christians. Nagalim stands as a corridor between the two regions of the South Asia and South East Asia. The Nagas share a close racial, social, historical and cultural affinity with the South East Asian people. The Nagas are not Indians racially, historically, culturally and politically. Among many writers, Sir Robert Reid, political Agent of Manipur (1931-32) also confirmed this.

The Naga nation is composed of 47 recognized tribes who belong to the same race, speak the same political language, practise the same culture, have the same history and social values, and profess the same religion. While English is the official language, Nagamese is the medium of communication among best part of the people.

Nagas are democratic politically and socialistic culturally. By democratic, it means any problem that arises among them is, by practice, settled in the Morung (public house) through discussion. As the Nagas are community-oriented people, they are socialists by culture. They are straight-forward, honest and considerate, but in the event of aggression on their identity, rights and territory they can still brave any grave situation even at the cost of their dear lives

They are sovereign, independent and free from any alien power since time immemorial. They have their own socio-political system based on their political philosophy, social values and culture. They too practised democratic form of governance even before the arrival of the British. Village is the basic unit of governance run by the village council headed by a chief.

It was in 1832 that the British colonial forces intruded into the Naga territory, where the Nagas put up tough resistance in defence of their rights, identity, culture, and territory for 48 years. However, the British forces finally occupied a part of Naga areas, but the rest remained uncontrolled and unadministered, which is as free as ever. There are no written treaties or agreements by which the sovereignty of the Nagas was transferred to the British. Nagas are by nature loyal to their commitments and friendly with both friends and foes, whenever they have entered into an agreement. They were friendly and co-operative with the British power. They sent 4,000 Naga volunteers to France in support of the British led allied forces in the World War I. In the Second World War too, the Nagas steadfastly supported the British.

On 10th January, 1929, the Nagas under the banner of the Naga Club submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission sent by the British parliament to express their national aspiration. It stated that the Nagas should be left alone to determine their own future by themselves.

On 15th July 1947, Naga delegates met Mahatma Gandhi the father of the Indian nation at Bhangi Colony, Delhi where, he stated, “Nagas have every right to be independent. I believe in the brotherhood of man, but I do not believe in forced marriage and forced union. If you do not want to join the union of India, nobody will force you to do that, the congress government will not do that”.

Sir Raja Gopalajari, the first governor general of independent India told the Naga delegation at the Government house, Shillong, “India wants to be friendly with the Nagas. Nagas are at full liberty to do as they like, either to become a part of India or be separated if it would be best for their interest to be isolated”.

After 67 years of British occupation, Nagas in the occupied areas declared Independence on 14th August 1947, one day ahead of the Indian Independence. This information was sent to UNO with a copy to the government of India. UN’s acknowledgement was received from Salt Lake, USA. The cable read:

“Benign Excellency (.) Kindly put on record that the Nagas will be Independent (.) Discussions with India are being carried on to that effect (.) Nagas do not accept Indian constitution (.) the right of the people must prevail regardless of size”.

Betraying their commitments given to the Naga delegates, Government of India (GOI) refused to recognize Naga Independence alleging that it was the handiwork of a few Naga leaders. In 1950, the Indian Constituent Assembly invited the Nagas to join the Union of India, which was rejected out-rightly by the Naga people. The Nagas thereafter, conducted a plebiscite on 16th May, 1951, wherein 99.9% voted in favour of sovereign independent Nagalim. The result was dispatched to the President and Prime Minister of India. It was also sent to the Secretary General, UNO. Suppressing the democratic and non-violent approach of the Nagas the Government of India forcibly conducted the first and second Indian general elections in 1952 and 1957, but the Nagas boycotted both the general elections and many others.

Thereafter, the Indian state started deploying hundreds of thousands of its armed forces to conduct military campaigns all over Nagalim beginning from 1954. In the process 250,000 innocent Nagas were killed. But their attempts to subdue the Nagas through military might were all futile exercises as the Naga people refused to accept the Indian constitution. In pursuit of its political strategy the government of India convinced some opportunists to sign ‘the Sixteen Point Agreement’ that created the present so-called Nagaland state in 1963. It was however, rejected by the Naga people.

General Thimaya, the then chief of Indian Army who conducted military operations in Nagalim observed and declared, “ a) Naga problem is political issue b) treating Naga issue as law and order problem would be wrong and c) therefore, it needs political treatment apart from military treatment”.

At the initiative of the Nagalim Baptist Church Council (NBCC), a ceasefire agreement was reached on 6th September, 1964 between the Government of India and the Federal Government of Nagaland to pave the way for political talks, yet it ended in a dead-lock on account of Indian colonial policy which was followed by resumption of armed confrontations between the two forces.

A few years later, a Delegation of Federal Government of Nagalim signed an accord in1975 known as the ‘Shillong Accord’ in the name of Federal Government of Nagaland and Naga National Council (NNC), which accepted the Indian constitution unconditionally. It was however, totally condemned and rejected by the Naga people in their National Hoho (Assembly) as an accord of treason.

As the national movement could not be continued under the banner of the Naga National Council (NNC) for its implication in the Shillong Accord, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) was formed and declared in the National Assembly in 1980. It was a great victory of the democratic Naga people. But the Indian aggressor does not stop there. After eight years of its birth, the Indian state through its intelligent agency and Naga traitors hatched a conspiracy and engineered an abortive coup attempt in 1988 through Mr. S.S. Khaplang, the then vice president of NSCN. Like the people’s militia of East Timor, Khaplang’s henchmen backed by Indian armed forces have been fighting against NSCN, the authentic political organisation of the Naga People since then. Within a few years, NSCN could make the outside world understand of the Naga case to a great extends through intensive lobbying in the international political arena. Outside world was totally disinformed of situation in Nagalim. NSCN became a member of Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) on January 23, 1993.

In the 47th session of the Commission on Human Rights, Mr. Boutros Boutros Ghali, the then Secretary General, UNO officially acknowledged the written statement of Mr. Isaak Chishi Swu, the Chairman of NSCN. The acknowledgement read, “There is Human Right Situation in Nagaland”. It was circulated in accordance with ECOSOC Resolution 296(XLVI).

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim is committed to a total ban of the use of uncontrolled anti-personal mines in signing the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment on 17th October 2003.

Current Peace Process: The declared principles of NSCN are freedom from all kinds of bondages and independence from any foreign domination. Besides, close relation with other people and nations on the basis of mutual respect and recognition of rights. One of the significant steps taken by NSCN is the shift of policy and strategy from guerrilla warfare to mass warfare, from machine gun warfare to computer warfare and from armed confrontation to political negotiation. Nagas are committed to political solution and they shall abide by that if otherwise dictated by circumstances.

After decades of fighting, Indian political authorities in Delhi and the three former Indian Army generals including Gen. Shanker Roy Chaudhury, chief of Indian Army stated. “Military solution is not possible. It is time for India and the Nagas to talk across the table. So why not start political dialogue?” They too felt that a lasting solution to the long-drawn Indo-Naga issue through political dialogue was inevitable Realising the futility of military solution, Government of India sent feeler after feeler to the NSCN leadership for political dialogue. Thus, the second ceasefire agreement was signed between the government of India and NSCN as two entities on 1st August, 1997 to start political negotiation on the three agreed terms. (1) Talks without any conditions (2) Talks at the Prime Ministerial level and (3) In a third country.
The political talks between the government of India and NSCN were held at the following venues: 1) Paris 2) New York 3) Bangkok 4) Zurich 5) Geneva 6) Amsterdam 7) Kaula Lampur 8) Chiangmai 9) Milan 10) Vienna 11) the Hague 12) Osaka and 13) New Delhi.

At the Amsterdam talks in 2002, the government of India and NSCN signed a joint communiqué which officially recognized the ‘Unique history and situation of the Nagas’. It signifies that Nagas are not a party to the Union of India when it was formed and declared in1950. It was further affirmed that situation in Nagalim is political and not a law and order problem. It is created by the aggressor not by the Nagas. They also stated that since the case was unique, solution had to be unique. Another response to our chief negotiator Th. Muivah, Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister), Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, in the recent talks was ‘Solution outside the box’. This given term bears political interpretation.

With a view to having wide ranging consultations with our people on the current peace process, NSCN has conducted consultative meetings for five times, where all sections of Nagas from across the length and breadth of Nagalim attended. At the 4th consultative meeting held at Hebron on 20 and 21 January 2005, the collective leadership of NSCN was reaffirmed and mandated for working out an honourable solution to the Indo-Naga political issue.

In spite of their assurances and commitments given to the NSCN, the Government of India has not taken any concrete political steps so far. We have tabled a number of points on substantive issues for solution, but there is no tangible response from the Government of India till date. The Naga people have become restive and impatient in waiting for almost a decade for positive a response from the Government of India. At this crucial juncture, we strongly feel the need for a third party mediation.

The British, being once our colonial power, have the moral responsibility to say something on the issue so that justice is done to the Nagas. We feel that the Nagas are the innocent victims of the British intentional silence on the Indo-Naga issue. I, on behalf of the Naga people and Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, would like to appeal to the British people and their government in particular and the world community in general to help solve the problem.

We are very happy that the Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination (PNSD) has come into existence to champion the cause of all the suppressed and dominated peoples and nations like Khalistan, Kashmir, Nagalim and others. I, on behalf of the Naga people, assure the PNSD of our best possible cooperation and good wishes.

Let this be known to the whole world.


Frans on 05.13.06 @ 01:30 PM CST [link]



Speech delivered by Drs. F.A.M. Welman of the Naga International Support Center at the Houses of Parliament London during the inaugural conference of Parliamentarians for National Self Determination, PNSD.


Naga International Support Center, Nisc, www.nagalim.nl
A human rights organization

Press Release
London, May 11 2006

Speech delivered by Drs. F.A.M. Welman of the Naga International Support Center at the Houses of Parliament London during the inaugural conference of Parliamentarians for National Self Determination, PNSD.

Ladies and gentlemen

Just two weeks ago I was terribly shocked. Here in London Mr. Yongkong, an old Naga, friend had died under lonesome circumstances. He devoted his life to the cause of the Nagas to be free. I recalled the day he proudly cooked Naga food for me, while telling how in the sixties he had come to Britain to stand by A.Z. Phizo, the revered leader of the Nagas and president of the Naga National Council, who was responsible for resisting the Indian military invasion. With glittering eyes Yongkong spoke fondly of his Naga Hills, but he never returned to Nagaland. His old British passport astounded me. Amazingly behind place of birth is written Nagaland. Through his passport Nagaland is recognized as a separate entity, a nation, for it does not show India. It does not show Burma, it clearly states Nagaland. I have this passport with me so you can all see for yourself.
What is so important about Mr. Yong Kong?
Together with Mr. Phizo he stood for the Nagas to be free of domination, for Nagas too have the freedom to determine their own future, the right to self determination.
Are the Nagas not free then?
The British left, without making provisions on the status of the Nagas and emerging India assumed that the Nagas were to be part of the Union of India.
When then first Government of India asked the Nagas to join the Union of India, they answered, ‘no we would like to be left alone. We will govern ourselves.’
When the Nagas followed up on the commitment given by Mahatma Gandhi and declared their independence a day ahead of the Union of India, the new rulers did not like that. Even though a plebiscite showed that an absolute majority but in 1951 that the Nagas wanted to be free of, what to them was, foreign domination. The Indian Government was not deterred by that. Deliberations followed and can be read in detail. Here it suffices to say that Prime Minister Nehru started the war and in 1954 Indian troops invaded Nagalim, the homeland of the Nagas as opposed to Nagaland state which is just a small portion, and sealed it off. The troops have been there ever since. Nagalim was isolated from the outside world and even today visitors need to obtain (from India) a remote area permit. I can disclose that those are very hard to get, in fact I wrote a book on three attempts to enter the Forbidden land. This war has lasted 52 years. It easily is the longest running war in modern history.
What has this got to do with the British you may wonder?
Before Great Britain handed its South Asian colonies and princely states over to the, to be formed India, time and again Nagas told the British representatives that they wanted to be as free as they had been before the British –partly- colonized them. Time and again they said they did not want to be part of the Union of India. Time and again!!!
Starting in the later part of the 1900's, when just one third of the territory was occupied and colonised by the British and some Nagas peoples conceded. However, never the treaty the British produced, was signed. Later, in 1929, the Simon Commission came to hear the Nagas at the Naga Club. Again the Nagas told that commission that they wanted to be as free as the British had found them; free to govern themselves, free because the Nagas are neither culturally, historically, religiously nor ethnically related to the peoples of India. But because Britain did not provide, the then Naga National Council declared Nagaland’s independence. The United Nations received this cabled declaration but did not act on it and Britain kept silent too. As a result the international community was not informed of the situation the Nagas were caught in, should they resist the India. Because of Great Britain’s obscure but important historical role, on the pretence of Jawarhlal Neru, India assumed to rightfully have taken possession of Nagalim. The two moral and based on human rights legal questions are:

Did Great Britain own Nagalim? And, if so, on what basis did Great Britain actually hand Nagalim over to India? Let’s examine a few important points:
British documents unequivocally show that Nagalim as it was then called, the Naga Hills, was never completely controlled by the British. Just one third of the Naga areas, through the unsigned treaty just mentioned, became part of the British Empire and was officially administered. The other part -two third- were called ‘unadministered areas and the people living there free Nagas. The Nagas lived freely and without interference of the British. These areas were not surveyed let alone administered. The question to Great Britain is then:
Was Nagalim actually handed over to India? According to India, Apparently so.
How could it be when it had no jurisdiction over a large part of Nagalim?

Of course these two similar questions are for India too:
Did India accept Nagalim from Britain? Does India formally own Nagalim?
Did it formally agree to rule over the Nagas?

Consequently I like to pose the question of pre- and post colonial accountability
Almost sixty years after Great Britain released its Indian subcontinent this conflict through its negligence, but initiated by the Union of India still awaits an honourable solution.
The British kept silent all these years. It did not intervene when India brutally took possession of Nagalim. Only token statements in line with India’s policies surfaced, like this one of the visiting British High Commissioner to the so-called North-East. On the peace talks during his stay in Shillong he said:
"The political talks between the Nagas and the Government of India are in the right direction," and on the Indian Government: "that to have the North-East militants branded as terrorists by the Indian Government is unfortunate."

For Great Britain to take post colonial responsibility it is timely to speak out, show inner strength and help resolve this long standing conflict. The human suffering of Nagas and Indians has to come to an end. With respect to this I put to you:

Morally Great Britain bears responsibility to clarify the position of the Nagas up to India's independence. Let is be known that Great Britain is accountable for the status of Nagalim. Great Britain occupied, colonised and ruled over just a part of Nagalim. Why then does Britain refuse to intervene in this conflict?

Because Great Britain kept quiet about the status of the Nagas it may be responsible for more than just negligence. Considering the divide and rule politics of the Indian Government the Nagas, who were one up to 1975, due to the infamous Shillong Accord, were forcibly segregated. As a result the Naga National Council, NNC, became practically defunct its leader languished here in London as his pleas fell on deaf ears. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland, NSCN, in 1980 saved the quest for self determination by resuming the struggle the NNC had left off. As a result to the chagrin of Yong Kong the Naga Nation became divided. It is the NSCN; most of its leaders were high ranking NNC members, which eventually led the Indian government to the negotiating table, just as the NNC had been able to do in the sixties. Both NNC and NSCN withstood Indian intruders. So much so that Indian generals came to the conclusion that India could only win the war when all Nagas were annihilated. This is why in 1995 the Indian Government began to talk about the possibility of a cease fire. Military solution is not possible it was concluded and in1997 the cease fire was agreed upon.
The consecutive peace talks that followed could have been a golden opportunity for Britain to shed light on the rights of the Naga Peoples. Especially so when the Indians themselves had little knowledge about the history of the Nagas:
Why did Great Britain omit to take up this righteous role?

The Government of Britain is not alone in forsaking postcolonial responsibility.
Among other places the peace talks are held in Amsterdam, so I ask you: Why are these important talks not held in Great Britain as well?

Post colonial countries are accountable for what they did to the people they colonized.
I am a Dutchman, the Naga international Support Center, NISC, is based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Government of the Netherlands, like that of Britain, after hastily abandoning its colonies did sow seeds of conflict. The people of West Papua were promised independence, but were left with the United Nations. They were, with both the blessing of the USA, The UN and the Dutch Government, delivered to the Government of Indonesia, which in turn colonised West Papua. There are many more examples of decolonization that led to the nations paying a high price when daring enough to stand up for the right to self determination.

Thinking back on the time I spent with Yong Kong and his zest for a Free Nagalim, despite the failures, I saw hope in his face. The torch now carried by the NSCN, the issue of enabling the Nagas their right to self determination against the odds of an overwhelming power, flared still after more than five decades. It is time for obscured Nagalim to come out of isolation and show the world it claims its rightful place in the international community.

- The Naga International Support Center calls on the British Government, the British Parliament, the international community to come forward and review the past in relation to this Indo-Naga conflict and consequently to protect the rights of the Nagas, primarily their right to self determination. It is high time to show post colonial responsibility

- NISC calls on the British representatives, present here and present elsewhere, to inform all concerned about the realities of the Naga Peoples and others.

- NISC calls on the governments of the international community to dialogue with the Government of India.

NISC calls on the international press to come to Nagalim to report on the atrocities that took place and were kept from public view. Get access so disputed information. Then the claim that more than 200.000 Nagas were killed due to warfare and starvation can be verified. Human Rights organization conduct fact finding missions!

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for allowing me to speak frankly to you. Let’s join hands and stand by those who, in spite of many stumbling blocks, for many years fought courageously for their freedom and have had the patience to negotiate with India. I appeal to you to stand by the representatives of the Nagas, the NSCN to contribute to an honourable solution to this long lasting but practically forgotten conflict.

Thank you for your attention.
For more information please contact the Naga International Support Center
Email nisc@nagalim.nl">nisc@nagalim.nl, website: www.nagalim.nl


Frans on 05.13.06 @ 01:20 PM CST [link]



UNPO at Launch of Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination


12-05-2006
UNPO at Launch of Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination
On 11 May 2006 parliamentarians and national representatives from Westminster, Europe and Asia met in the Houses of Parliament for the launch of Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination (PNSD), with the right to self-determination being the central theme and common denominator.
The Conference was chaired by Lord Nazir Ahmed who spoke on South Asia Independence Movements and emphasised how nationalist movements are bound together by shared challenges and objectives, with the right to self-determination being the internationally recognised means to attain their respective goals. As chair of PNSD Lord Ahmed emphasised that the pursuit of self-determination must be achieved through peaceful measures and that non-violent means must fundamentally inform the debate and struggle for the right to self-determination. UNPO General Secretary, Marino Busdachin, highlighted in his speech how a novel approach to the concept of self-determination is needed, to depart from the ‘trap of self-determination’ and transform the understanding of the concept. Mr. Busdachin underlined that self-determination, rather than being perceived as the cause for conflict, must be seen as a tool for the effective prevention and resolution of conflict. He called for a renewed discourse and appealed to parliamentarians, representatives and activists alike to rethink both strategies and actions, in order to re-launch a strengthened, legitimate and more effective quest for self-determination and the resolution of long-standing conflicts. (Full transcript of speech is included below)

Other participants and speakers attending and invited to the conference included: Lord Judd; Lord Rea; Rt. Hon Elfyn Llwyd (MP, Leader Plaid Cymru); Simon Hughes (MP, Chairman Liberal Democrats); Kashmir Singh (LLB LLM General Secretary British Sikh Federation); Khalid Mahmood (MP, Labour); Douglas Carswell (MP, Conservatives); Daniel Hannon (Member of the European Parliament, Conservatives); Rh. Raising (Minister, Secretary of Steering Committee of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN)); Pete Wishart (MP, SNP Group Chief Whip); Frans Welman (Naga Support Centre); and several other prominent national representatives.


Speech by UNPO General Secretary, Marino Busdachin
11 May 2006, Houses of Parliament, London, UK


“Mr. President, Lord Ahmed,
Honourable MPs,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am glad to be here and grateful to have the opportunity to address you during today’s important meeting on behalf of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization. I convey to you the salutation of the 63 Members of UNPO, with different goals and aspirations, sharing one condition; not being represented, not having the right to express themselves, nor to enjoy their identity, - the unrepresented, the voiceless are hundreds of millions around the world and usually forgotten, outcast and oppressed.

My vote is that this conference, held by Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination and organised in partnership with UNPO, will strengthen and be able to give new breath to a battle for the affirmation of the right to self determination.

First of all, on behalf of UNPO, I would like to underline that at its core, self-determination means simply that human beings, individually and as groups, should be in control on their own destinies and that institutions of government should be devised accordingly. It is this idea that promoted the downfall of colonial structures and the abolition of apartheid and that today promotes democratic reform the world over.

Self-determination has its roots in and continues to be inseparably linked to the core concept of democracy, understood to mean the right to choose one’s rulers and to participate in decision-making. In this sense, the right to self-determination is a right of choice and a right of participation.

But, as history teaching, hardly any right recognized by law is absolute and even less enforced.

This is particularly and bitterly true for the right of Self-determination.

Many of the armed conflicts that have raged in the world during the last century, and the vast majority of those that have taken place since the end of the Cold War and continue today, centre around people’s drive to self-determination, whether explicitly stated as such or not.

For this reason, it is necessary to explore ways to transform the perception of self-determination; - away from being a contributing factor or even cause of conflict, and into being the notion of self-determination as a foundation and instrument for effective prevention and resolution of conflict.

In past decades, our world has witnessed a growth and welcoming commitment to democracy. We have seen a steady trend moving towards the establishment of democratic forms of government. Today, from Latin America to Africa, from Europe to Asia, democracy is a worldwide accepted and practiced principle.

I sincerely believe that democracy must be considered a fundamental human right and must form the backbone of the newly established UN body; the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

For peace, security and stability to exist, any associations between peoples and communities or between them and the state must be based on genuine and continuing consent, mutual respect and mutual benefit. Peace cannot exist in states that lack legitimacy or whose governments threaten the lives or wellbeing of a section of the population.

The international community, its members and institutions have an obligation to act where international law, including human rights and the right to self-determination, is violated.

Prevention of conflict requires proactive measures to persuade states to act in compliance with international legal standards towards their citizens, including distinct peoples and communities that exist within their borders, and to desist from actions, such as population transfer or forced assimilation, which impede the exercise of self-determination.

States must be made to realize that aspirations of peoples and communities cannot be ignored.

Many non-democratic states, alike many states with a low level of democracy, today, greatly fear that self-determination could become a new norm in international relations. These states fear that the doctrine of “humanitarian interventionism” would supplant the doctrine of state sovereignty.

Since 9/11, the international war against terrorism has firmly re-established state sovereignty as the predominant principle in international relations. Too many states have exploited the war against terrorism to justify its repression to many peoples and nations, and in order to soften criticism and protest of the International Community.

Self-determination could be a trap, - and was for a half of the last century.

We need to rethink our strategy, our actions.

Self-determination today, at a time of inter-dependency, should embody a broad concept which enlists solutions going from regional partial autonomy, full autonomy, association, to federalism, to independence.

In a time where states proceed to a different form of association it seems anachronistic acting for the right to self-determination. That it is not true. This is the moment and the occasion to re-launch the initiative.

I would like to suggest to prepare an international conference on this thematic issue, in order to update the debate on the question of self-determination. And I would like to suggest that UNPO and the Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination, convened today here at the Westminster parliament, would organise such a conference in the next months.

Strengthening democracy, human rights, the right to self-determination and the rule of law in the broad sense is the milestone to achieving peaceful coexistence and progress, and to meeting the challenges of the present time.

I can see the determination for the struggle of the aspiration for a full identity of millions of individuals and hundreds of nations and peoples worldwide; and to achieve the full expression of a fundamental right as the broad concept of Self-determination in International Law and consequent actions by International Organisations and the United Nations.”



Frans on 05.13.06 @ 01:19 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, May 9th

Army refutes news of joint operations with NSCN (IM)


Army refutes news of joint operations with NSCN (IM) UNI Nahvind Times
Imphal, May 8: The army today refuted charges that it carried out any joint operations with the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivan) (NSCN (IM)) outfit.
A press information bureau (PIB) (defence wing) report said there was no casualty during any encounter with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) cadres at Tingkai Khullen.
The PIB stated that earlier this month an operation was launched at Tamenglong district of Manipur from May 2, during which many militants camps were busted.
An AK-47 rifle, improvised explosive devices (IED), ammunition, detonators and some incriminating documents were recovered and an UNLF cadre was killed.
Meanwhile, the police said that late last night some unknown miscreants fired some rounds at Dr Maniruddin Sheikh, the speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly’s residence.
The residence is located at Lillong. However, no one was injured.
In a separate incident, the police said a Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) cadre was apprehended by the imphal West police.
Pawar to lead delegation to Israel PTI Economic Times
NEW DELHI: Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar will lead a high level delegation to Israel to boost technological cooperation between the two countries in the farm sector.
The delegation will attend an expo in farm technology, Agritech-2006 during May 10-12, an official release said.
The technological cooperation between the two countries is expected to get a boost in the field of agri-processing and marketing, food processing, post harvest management and value addition, food marketing, establishment of cold chain and product handling, it said.
Agritech- 2006, organised jointly by the Asia Chamber of Commerce and industry body FICCI, will also see participation from the chief minister of three states- Gujarat, Rajasthan, Nagaland and the Agriculture Minister from the states of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
India and Israel had entered into an agreement in 1993 for cooperation in agriculture and allied activities. The agreement provided for cooperation in water and soil management, arid and semi-arid crop protection, animal science, fruit and vegetable cultivation, plant protection, agricultural research and agro forestry
No talk time for CF review NSCN (IM) wants meeting before Amsterdam talks Morung Express News Dimapur | May 8
NSCN (IM) officials are anxiously waiting for a positive response from the Government of India with regard to a review meeting planned to be held at Kohima to discuss the ceasefire ground rules as agreed by both sides during an earlier meeting held at Delhi on March 29. The two sides had planned on a Kohima meeting after government of India officials had requested for some more time to sort out details with regard to a review of the ground rules.
NSCN (IM) officials are irked by the complete silence on the part of Indian officials and have expressed displeasure over the constant failure to meet ‘specific commitments’. The NSCN (IM) on its part wanted a ‘complete review’ of the mechanism that governs the ceasefire ground rules. Further it wants the meeting to take place before the next round of peace talks slated for May 18 at Amsterdam.
When contacted, army sources did confirm about the planned meeting slated for the first week of May at Kohima. They were however not willing to divulge further details.
Sources told The Morung Express that the review meeting was a ‘necessity’ and as a follow-up to the last round of peace talks held at Bangkok. It may be mentioned that the Government of India-NSCN (IM) ceasefire was signed on August 1, 1997 with the agreed ground rules which included cessation of ‘active’ military operations by security forces while curbing activities of the NSCN (IM) such as kidnapping, extortion, killing etc. The ongoing ceasefire signed for a period of six months in January is expected to expire in July end.
World recognizes Naga healing system Chizokho Vero Kohima | May 8 The Morung Express
Good News. The Naga healing system has caught the attention of the medical world.
Dr. N. Kezienuo has been conferred with the prestigious Health Excellence Award for his outstanding contribution and praise-worthy achievement in the field of health and medicinal sciences at the International Grand Conference, Convocation and Award Presentation Ceremony on Holistic Health, Homoepathy and Healing at Taj Bengali Hotel, Calcutta earlier this month. He was among the 39 recipient in the country.
The function was organized by International Institute of Health Science, sponsored by New Age International University, Italy, Europe and co- sponsored by Indian Broad of Alternative Medicines, International Homoepathetic Medicinal Foundation, Institute of Education, Research and Development.
Dr. Kezienuo, MBBS, Psychiatrist, Acupuncturist and Principal Investigator, Naga Medicine Research centre, Kohima which was set up in 1989 as per the resolution adopted in the second conference of All Nagaland Traditional Health Workers in November 1989 at Kohima under the aegis of Nagaland Khadi & Village Industry Board.
Since 1995, Dr. Kezienuo set up the Naga Institute of Herbal and Indigenous Medicine at Jail Colony, Kohima at the behest of the former chief secretary of Nagaland, AM Gokhale under the registration of Society’s Act of 1860.
He has also written a book entitled Naga healing Vol. I in 2002 for use of first-phase training curriculum at the institute.
The trainees learnt some curative acupuncture formula for a dozen of diseases including for cure of Rheumatic and humoral diseases, Stoke Hemiplegia, etc. which are usually intractable to chemical drugs.
Many patients are said to be cured within a week time of treatment and seems some of the trainees are earning even upto Rs. 5000 and above per month, he said.
Dr. Kezienuo says that after he had presented a paper on true healer within and few special features of Naga healing, some of his colleagues came and touched his feet and saluted him.
They also congratulated him for being able to make Naga healing system known to the world at large for the benefit of humankind.
Open letter on the controversy of PM's Package for Wokha district- Nagaland Post Column Of late, there have been controversies and paper wars on PM's package for Wokha district which continues till today in the local papers. The District Congress Committee, Wokha has been keeping silent over the issue regarding allotment of contract works to some individuals as sub-contractors un-officially by a vested interest to party supporters as political gifts. There has been allegation and counter allegation that the contract works have not been allotted as per the terms of tender notice and that there are a lot of duplication of works over the recently constructed roads for improvement of roads in Wokha town.
In these controversies a lot of questions arise such as:-
1. What are the specific works to be done under the package and the guidelines for implementation of the works?
2. If it is PM's package the DCC Wokha would like to know if the schemes are for the entire Wokha district or for Wokha town alone.
3. If Tender notice was issued how many tenderers were there and who was allotted the work? Why the contractor is keeping silent all along? The DCC Wokha would like the contractor to come out with the truth of the issue.
Taking a thorough scrutiny of the controversy, it appears that the works allotted to cub-contractors un-officially by a political leader is questionable and there are lot of amble opportunities for corruption and misuse of the fund. Therefore, the DCC Wokha would like to request the authority to take up the matter seriously and conduct high level investigation and if necessary re-cast the scheme for the well being and interest of the people of Wokha district and also punish all these who are involve in such kind of corrupt practices.
K. R. Murry, President, DCC Wokha.
N. Tsenthungo Ngullie, Vice president, DCC Wokha.
Renbemo Lotha, General secretary, DCC Wokha.
Zubemo Lotha, General secretary, DCC Wokha.
Reweaving the Fabric of Naga Society• By Tezenlo Thong Kuknalim.com

Weaving was a pivotal part of the Naga culture, and every average woman knew the art of traditional weaving. Our foreparents grew cotton, spun it into yarn and dyed it. Then, our honorable ladies wove beautiful traditional clothes out of it to adorn our beautiful bodies...

Today, this invaluable tradition is being gradually forgotten and lost as manufactured clothes and fabrics take the place of the traditional weaving. Our Naga women need to learn to weave again, no less than our Naga men who need to salvage traditional line of male works.

It has been often said that society is like a fabric, and so if we have forgotten the art of actual weaving, we also have forgotten the art of weaving our very own society. Just as manufactured clothes have taken over traditional weaving, our highly evolved traditional values are being replaced by Western or foreign values. Furthermore, it is common empirical knowledge that when one removes any threads, the fabric is weakened proportionately, because every thread in a fabric exists to strengthen the entire piece. In traditional weaving, in particular, the threads are woven together to give a distinctive texture, design and cultural meanings to the fabric. And when any piece of thread is pulled out, the fabric not only begins to weaken and disintegrate, but also its distinguishing and artistic features that exude cultural meanings begin to fade away.

Analogous to a piece of fabric, our Naga society has been in tatters because of the onslaught of modern Western culture. Since the inception of Western colonial and missionary conquests in the nineteenth century, the threads of our cultural fabric have been pulled out one after another, which has come to greatly weaken our society. Vices that were foreign to our foreparents have taken deep roots among us. On the other hand, traditional virtues that underpinned our society and kept it going for ages have almost disappeared. Thus, our society has been greatly weakened and is rapidly disintegrating. Today, we live in a dysfunctional society, characterized by economic and power disparity, class distinction between the haves and have-nots, venality, unrestrained corruption, insatiable greed, a penchant for accumulation and affluence, senseless homicide and all sorts of conceivable vices. There is, therefore, an urgent need to reweave traditional values and meanings into the fabric of our contemporary society.

What would reweaving the fabric of our society entail? It will mean several things. First, we need to make a concerted effort to reaffirm our Naga identity and values. Most youngsters have lost, if not almost lost, the will power to reassert our identity, culture and history. The notion that indigenous culture is deficient abounds, which the colonized deliberately fabricated to colonize the minds of colonial subjects in order to generate “civilization”, conversion and change. Also, modern scientific culture conceives what is natural as primitive, backward and lacking in features of civilization, which we have all unfortunately come to imbibe ardently. It is, therefore, not uncommon for the colonized to engage in self-shame, self-negation and self-sabotage. When in Indian cities, for instance, many of us often deliberately choose to hide our identity and pretend to be aliens from one of the affluent countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore or Hong Kong (China). The cause for this is that, not unlike other Indigenous Peoples with similar histories of traumatic cultural disruption and colonial experiences, we have deflated and wounded self-pride, which is why we make no serious efforts to recover, revive and relive our traditional values. There is, therefore, an urgent need to reconstitute our spirit and restore the self-pride, which was our foreparents’ treasured possession that provided them with the resilience and tenacity to thwart the onslaught of foreign cultural and military invasions.

Second, we need to identify the bedrock principles rooted in our traditional culture and reclaim and relive them. We need to revive and make functional our moribund bedrock principles and values that define our being and guide our actions in modern-day existence. So that instead of defining and judging ourselves, our conducts and that of others in terms of Western values, our traditional values will determine our social relationships and conducts. In today’s globalized world, our survival as a distinct people and minority group or nation hinges on our ability to reclaim and retain our historical and cultural identity and principles. We will, otherwise, soon face the fate of many indigenous peoples who have been fully inundated by dominant cultures and have become untraceable.

Third, we need to pass on those traditional values, culture and history to posterity. Can we imagine a future generation of Nagas that knows nothing about our history and culture? Can we build a nation out of a generation that has a deluded and negative view of or impression on its own history and culture? Obviously, we cannot expect to build a vibrant and healthy nation out of a generation that knows nothing about its historical past and culture beyond the delusion that its ancestors were fierce headhunters or bloodthirsty savages.

We have been pursuing a sovereign nation-state, so whose history are we going to teach our children should we become politically independent? Are we to continue teaching Indian and Western histories and ways of living, exclusive of Naga history and culture as it is the practice now? Unfortunately, whereas knowing Naga history and culture is only incidental for our youngsters, learning and knowing Indian and Western cultures and history is officially mandated, when the reverse should have been the norm. The Nagas are not devoid of history and culture, and so it defies common sense as to why nothing is been done by our government to reclaim, revive and teach our history and culture in schools.

How can we teach, adopt or relive our history, culture and traditional values if we do not know anything about them? How can we truly desire to know or learn them if we have the misconception that there is nothing virtuous about our past? To reweave traditional values into our contemporary society, we need to change our mind-set, recover, revive and relive our culture and values and impress these great values of our foreparents upon future generations. Time is of the essence. In fact, it is against us. Therefore, something needs to be done urgently lest the traditional “knowledge bank” should go bankrupt and we find ourselves groping in darkness forever.

KCP factions resolve row, play unity card By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 8: In a significant step towards unifi- cation of faction ridden Kangleipak Communist Party, a special session of the outfit's Central Committee attended by leaders of all the factions was held from May 4 to 8 and resolved to come under a single roof once again.
The session presided by its president KK Mangang was attended by general se-cretary Laba Meitei, home secretary Lamphel Luwa-ngcha, finance secretary KK Nganba and secretary of publicity and propagan-da Pibarel Mangang, secre- tary of information and public relations Pakhang-lakpa, senior member Kokai Meitei, commander of mobile task force City Meitei, unit commander Tombi Meitei besides other unit commanders.
A statement issued by its president KK Mangang informed that the session conducted a detailed study of ups and downs endured by the outfit in its long history of 26 years. It ac- knowledged that the outfit was embroiled more in intra-party tussle and fund mobilisation than engaging the common enemy and discharging duty as true re-volutionaries. Such devia- tion and straying from the principle entailed hardships to the people besides creating atmosphere of uncertainty in the State, acce- pted the leaders. The statement while conveying sincere regret over their blunder, appealed to the people to give them a second chance.
The leaders unanimous-ly agreed on the fact that ending all kinds of confrontations among the different factions of the outfit would go a long way in enabling its cadres to discharge their duties due to a genuine revolutionary and would certainly help in reducing the hardship endured by common people.
The historical session also resolved to convene a party congress within a year to constitute a central committee whose landmark feature would be unity and maturity among the party leadership.
During the intervening period before the party congress, the present central committee and military council would be abolished and an adhoc central committee of three members would look into the affairs of the party and it would strive to convene the party congress at the earliest.
The adhoc committee is constituted by KK Mang-ang (convenor), Laba Mei- tei and Lamphel Luwang-cha. To assist the adhoc central committee, a five member consultative group including KK Nganba, Pibarel Mangang, Pakha-nglakpa, Kokai Meitei and City Meitei was also set up during the session. As and when the new central committee is formed after the party congress is convened by the adhoc committee, the new central committee would look into the financial affairs of the outfit. Until a resolution is adopted by the central committee, the party would not seek donations from the public either in cash or kind. Moreover the session also agreed to suspend collection of taxes and no contract works/projects would be procured under its name barring those which were entrusted to work agents earlier. The statement further appealed to the people not to entertain any demand for tax or donations before a statement is published in this regard by the central committee which would be constituted specifically to look into financial and tax matters of KCP. Declaring that all the erstwhile factions of the outfit have been united, it asked the people not to extend any cooperation- physical or moral to those who claim themselves as a faction of the party.

UNLF points out flaws on surrender issue, cautions By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 8: Contending that Taorem Hemanta and Ngairangbam Mocha, who stated before the CJM, Chandel on May 5 and 6 to be UNLF cadres who surrendered to the Assam Ri- fles, the underground UNLF charged security for-ces of terrorising the youths to make scripted confessions. Recalling court room episodes, a UNLF statement issued by senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba said T Hemanta s/o Manglem of Luwangsangbam Matai Khul (village) was produ-ced before the court by Army authorities after subjected to psychological threats during detention at Leikun camp of 34 Assam rifles, to proclaim himself as surrendered UNLF member as cover-up exercise by the Army. Hemanta was simply a driver lured by agents of security force with promises of jobs and incentives, it added.
Substantiating the accusations, Yoiheiba strongly objected records placed before the CJM court by one Major Arun Tiwari of 37 AR regarding the 22 year old Hemanta’s Army No as 136 and surrendering with a US carbine and one magazine.
He pointed out that No 136 as per UNLF’s enrolment record belonged to its deceased Sgt Maj Puren alias Rosankumar s/o Sh Sanajaoba of Kakching Wairi Leikai.
Informing that Puren died in a Manipur river mishap on September 23, 2000, the statement observed that Maj Arun’s efforts to project Hemanta as UNLF cadre has exposed the Army’s surrender drama be- yond doubt.
Not only is the name He-manta alien to the organi- sation, producing the US carbine is literally a tactical miscalculation of the Assam Rifles as such weapon has been out of UNLF’s armoury since long back.
The UNLF also rubbish-ed May 6 report of PIB (DW) that Ngairangbam Mocha alias Nanao alias Shantikumar alias Nong-shaba s/o (L) Ng Lila- chandra of Mayang Imphal Thana Leikai is one of its cadre who surrendered on March 27 at the Leikun post of the AR.
Claiming that the name Mocha as mentioned by the AR authorities is a fictitious one, the armed group further asserted that there is none in Mayang Imphal Thana Leikai under such name and described the PIB report as part of security forces’ ongoing campaign to confuse the public.
It also appealed to responsible citizens of Ma- yang Imphal to clarify whe-ther Ngairangbam Mocha is known to them rather that endure misleading information emanating from Army fortresses.
highlighting numerous cases of civilians made to suffer atrocities committed by security personnel, UNLF said the latest episode is yet another dimension of the Army’s asser- tion that it can manipulate people of Manipur anytime according to its whims and wishes.
Expressing solidarity to suffering of those families who had endured numerous facets of abuse, UNLF said the fact that even civilians arrested in broad day- light are dressed up in combat attires and branded as UGs after death sums up the intention of armed forces who could go to any length to extend colonial rule.
The Army authorities/personnel have even managed to mislead their higher-ups for promotional incentives capitalising on counter-insurgency programme of the Government, alleged the statement referring to the scandalous North Cachar Hills incident wherein innocent people doused in tomato sauce were made to lie down and their photographs taken as militants killed in encounter.
The ongoing surrender drama is nothing short of the tomato sauce episode to make for failure of numerous surrender scheme floated by the Government, said the UNLF while cautioning all to be on the alert as there is still possibility of the security forces carrying out similar ploy with slight alteration to demoralise the sovereignty movement. It also appealed to the people to stand up for their rights instead of falling prey to evil designs hatched by security force through pleasantries taking advantage of the economically under-developed State.

Fear, violence & democracy: The case of Manipur Amar Yumnam Sangai Express
Despite occasional hiccups, the desire to live together in an atmosphere of lasting peace has been the undeterred longing of human beings. Forced agreements were the foundation for such an atmosphere in the distant past, but this could not be sustainable as any new force could challenge old order and binding force. So this has long been replaced by the human endeavour to evolve a mechanism for unforced agreements. It is in this process that human beings have evolved democracy as the best means to establish an atmosphere of lasting peace based on unforced agreements. In the process the need for violence has been greatly reduced though not completely eliminated.
The Place of Fear: In this entire process of endeavouring for a lasting peace, fear has played a key role. Before I proceed far, I must hasten to add that the nature of fear has however undergone a major transformation. First, it was the fear of the unseen, who could cause thunderstorms, floods, earthquakes and what not, that made human beings to behave. Second, it was the fear of the despot or some authority, who could protect or organise protection from dangers, that evoked fear and established a semblance of order and hierarchy. But the problem with this system was that the fear and compliance was forced. The natural resistance and reaction of human beings to force and suppression made this system unsustainable. The search of human beings for a more friendly compliance to order and hierarchy continued. It is in this process that mankind have discovered democracy and its inherent framework for unforced compliance and structured hierarchy. This framework is what is called the rule of law.
But does this imply that democracy has ruled out any place for fear in a society? The answer is a definitive no. There is a deep-rooted and sustained fear even in democracy, but the only difference is that this is an unforced fear. Democracy is sustained by this fear. In a democracy the people feel the sustained fear that any wrong-doing would be dealt with a due process of rule of law and there would be very little scope, if any, for the wrong-doer to get away. Whereas the forced fear of punishment instilled by a despot would be avoidable even with a wrong action, and with appropriate cajoling of the despot, fear of ultimate punishment for crime by a due process of law is real and much more enforceable than the punishment caused by the former.
Fear in Manipur: It is in this context that we now need to examine the contemporary scenario in Manipur. There prevails widespread fear in Manipur, but all of the wrong kind. We can now examine the character of the fear prevailing in the State with real examples.
First, we have the fear caused by the Naobi incident. The way the State security forces have reacted to an earlier ambush incident and downloaded their anger on the poor girl, Naobi, is absolutely a representative case of the way the state mechanism functions in the State. That the whole incident smacks of immaturity and lack of training on the part of the State security forces despite the so-called repeated attempts at modernisation is beside the point. What matters is that the Naobi incident caused widespread fear among the people in the State. But this fear was founded on insecurity, suspicion and hatred consequent upon the violent violation of the rule of law by the State security forces. In a democracy, the fear is based on respect and widespread feeling of security by the masses under the rule of law. The fear caused by the Naobi incident was definitely not of this kind.
But we may ask as to what is the kind of fear we like to feel in so far as our relationship with the State security forces is concerned. Here again we have a vivid and recent example. The efficiency with which the same State security forces have recently resolved the phimu setpa (black dressed) mystery is but laudable. The people of the State were suspicious that the security forces themselves were involved in the crimes committed by this group. But now the State security forces have uncovered the truth with a great efficiency and without any hassle. What is significant is that this solution too has generated a fear as well.
The fear and assurance generated by this is that no criminal would go scot-free if the State security forces are determined to bring the criminal to book. This is exactly the kind of fear we would love to feel about them. This is indeed a landmark positive departure relating to a force long known for corruption and incompetent flamboyancy.
Secondly we have the fear caused by the recent incident relating to the print media in the State. The incident of forcing the fourth estate to toe a particular line lock stock and barrel has the implication of the culture of violent enforcement of agreements having come a full circle affecting every segment and agency of the society. But this is not democracy nor is it an ingredient for any intended democracy.
The third example of fear I have in mind is the one created by the more than frequent general strikes. I understand that the historical tendency of the state administration to respond only to bandhs is itself a violent behaviour; violence encompasses much more than physical assault. But to respond to state violence of inaction by a public violence of forced stoppage of every activity cannot and should not be a weapon frequently resorted to. General strikes violently violate the schedules and livelihoods of people. The society should now be able to evolve a less violent means for achieving the coveted objectives other than the general strikes.
Still another example of violence and forced agreement is the ongoing surrender drama involving the Manorama-famous Assam Rifles. The implications of this are getting unfolded increasingly. But, amongst others, the violence it has inflicted upon the credibility of the national security forces and, ipso facto, the Indian nationalism is unpardonable.
The Bottom-line: The bottom-line of my argument is that violence and forced fear based on hatred have increasingly become inherent characteristics of functioning of both state and non-state agencies in Manipur. This is not only an unsustainable situation but harmful for democracy as well. The genius of Manipur should now be called upon to evolve a non-violent atmosphere for establishing unforced agreements.
Congress setback due to Muslim anger, say leaders Narayan Swamy, Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) Muslim leaders said Tuesday that the community's disaffection with the Congress party was a key reason for its anticipated setbacks in elections in Kerala and Assam. They said in interviews that among the many domestic and other issues, one that had caused the community immense pain was India's growing relationship with the US, evident in the warm reception President George W. Bush got here in March. Exit polls at the end of staggered assembly elections Monday forecast a rout for the Congress in Kerala, where Muslims and Christians make up almost half the population, and a possible defeat in Assam, where Muslims live in large numbers.
'There is no doubt that Muslims are angry and upset with the Congress,' said Shahi Imam Ahmed Bukhari of the Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque in the city's old quarters here. Bukhari, who had campaigned against the Congress in Assam, said a string of domestic and other issues had combined to push Muslims away from the Congress. He identified one of this as New Delhi's growing strategic ties with the US. Far away in Mumbai, Intezar Naeem, editor of the Radiance weekly, agreed. 'The problem with the Congress is that it keeps making promises but does not deliver,' Naeem told IANS over the telephone. 'Why will anyone vote for a party like that?' He said Muslims had put away a decade of visible anger towards the Congress, sparked by the 1992 razing of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya, to vote for it in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections that surprisingly brought the party to power. 'But the expectations generated by the Congress victory have not been fulfilled,' he added. 'Muslims are the greatest sufferers in our society. They had expected practical steps from a Congress government. It never happened. 'Be it Assam, be it Gujarat, be it Maharashtra, be it nationally, everywhere Muslims feel disappointed. Even recommendations of official committees that have probed communal riots are not implemented. How can the Congress expect Muslims to vote for it?
'On top of everything, Western companies are killing our small enterprises. The US is acting like the (British) East India Company. No Indian likes this. Muslims too don't like this.'
Muslims number some 140 million in India and form its largest minority. The country is home to the world's second largest Muslim population. Moulvi Mohammed Mouzzam Ahmed, the Naib Imam of the historic Fatehpuri mosque here and a member of the Delhi Waqf Board, echoed their views, highlighting the various complaints of his community. 'There is a feeling that the Congress is not worth the Muslim vote,' he said. 'Muslims have justifiable demands related to education, welfare and security. They are not making these demands just as Muslims but as Indian citizens. But these demands are not being met.' All three leaders said the community's main grouse related to employment and education. Besides, they said, the Congress needed to ensure a riot-free society irrespective of which party ruled which Indian state.
'When (Congress president) Sonia Gandhi led the party to power (in 2004), we did feel that she needed to be given a chance and that she was sincere. But she has done nothing for Muslims as a whole. 'The government seems to be simply trying to put a carpet over legitimate Muslim grievances by appointing so-called high-power committees. What is the use?'
Both Naeem and Moulvi Ahmed argued that India's vote against Iran in Vienna on the nuclear issue and New Delhi's tilt towards the US amid the Iraq bloodshed had also caused acute bitterness. Imam Bukhari said Muslims were, however, fully behind the Left in both Kerala and West Bengal because of the communists' commitment to secular values. In the former, several Muslim groups that in the past have supported the Congress called upon their supporters to vote for the Left this time. Naeem said the Congress should realize its errors.
'They still have time,' said Naeem, recalling the meetings Muslims leaders have had with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. 'They need to talk less and do more. All Muslim problems are the creation of the Congress. So they need to resolve them.'
ULFA shoots AGP leader in Assam By Indo Asian News Service
Guwahati, May 9 (IANS) A senior leader of the opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) was Tuesday shot and critically wounded by separatists in an Assam village while one of his security guards was killed. A police spokeseperson said militants of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) attacked AGP leader Pradeep Hazarika at village Samaguri Mautgaon in eastern Sibsagar district, about 350 km from here, at about 1 p.m.
'A group of motorcycle borne ULFA militants attacked Hazarika. He suffered bullet injuries on his shoulder,' police official A. Das told IANS. A security guard escorting the AGP leader was killed and six others, including a police constable and other party supporters, were wounded.
Doctors said Hazarika's condition was critical. Hazarika had contested the assembly elections that concluded last month from the Amguri constituency in Sibsagar district. Counting of votes will begin Thursday. The ULFA, fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, last week named a number of AGP leaders for being allegedly involved in killing their cadres while the party was in power from 1996 to 2001. Hazarika was also named in the ULFA statement and was alleged to have organised 'secret killings' of ULFA family members and cadres.
Centre-NDFB talks on May 10 Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, May 8 — Talks to renew the year-long ceasefire between security forces and insurgent outfit National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) would be held here on May 10, official sources said today. The delegation of NDFB, which has been demanding “a sovereign state of Bodoland”, will be led by its general secretary Govinda Basumatary. “The talks would be held with the Union Home Ministry to renew the ceasefire reached in May last year,” the sources said. – PTI

The next govt and future of Asom — Rekha Bhattacharjee
On 11 May 2006 we will have State election results. The predictions have been all along for a ‘hung Assembly’ in Asom, an area that since 1947 bordered on East Pakistan and since 1971 borders on Bangladesh. The partition of India resulted in perhaps the largest transmigration in world history with refugees travelling in both directions. Bengal and Asom received theirs. Worse still West Pakistan’s genocidal invasion of East Pakistan in 1971 repeated this phenomenon as it drove millions of Bangladeshi refugees into West Bengal and Asom. Many remain there to this day. Today many question the future of India’s North East, mainly Asom.

The Government of India, always anxious to keep a lid on communal and other tensions decreed that all persons in India as at 19 July 1948 be deemed citizens. One man, one vote is a powerful political mantra. It has been said that a politician is a person who has his eyes on the next election, while a statesman is one who has his eyes on future beyond the next elections. Along India’s unprotected and largely unfenced North East some 20 million Bangladeshis have infiltrated into the country. The Government of India eyed this vote bank and passed the Illegal Migrants (Determination of Tribunals) Act which provides that anyone settled in Asom before 25 March 1971 is deemed to be a citizen. The cut off date of 19 July 1948 remains for the rest of India. Worse still under the IM(DT), the onus is on the complainant (accuser) to prove that a person was not in India on 25 March 1971. The IM(DT) thus bypassed the Foreigners Act which placed the onus on the alleged resident rather than a complainant. As illegal migrants poured in unchecked and diluted the demographic structure of Asom, protests followed. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) Member of Parliament challenged the IM(DT) in the Supreme Court which struck it down on 12 July 2005, after twenty long years.
Influential minority leaders of Asom have now formed a new party, the Asom United Democratic Front (UDF) to protect the illegal migrants who continue to pour in unabated and unchecked and now form a majority in at least five districts of lower Asom. Politics makes strange bedfellows, and the ruling Congress government in Asom is now toying with the option of forming a coalition with AUDF. The Centre under Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi has now amended the Foreigners Act so that claims are referred to a tribunal where Smt Gandhi assured a rally while campaigning in Asom that a hearing would be held before a person is declared a foreigner. Ironically genuine citizens are at risk. The BJP has condemned these maneuvers. What then is the result of rather tardy electioneering? First and foremost, it compromises national security if foreigners can march in unchecked. But there are greater implications. Bangladesh has always had its eyes on Asom as a future annexation. A few years ago, a delegation of intellectuals from Bangladesh to China declared that Asom will one day become part of Greater Bangladesh. The Congress seems oblivious to such a danger, or, if it does, it ignores that danger for short term political gain. The history of India after Prithviraj shows how such short term alliances have wreaked havoc on the unity of India, and the integrity of its borders. How can this disaster be averted? The ball is now in the court of the students and the people of Asom. It is for AASU and the educated to take up cudgels on behalf of the genuine and indigenous people with rallies, pamphlets and bulletins. The unemployed people in Asom must realise as they who are suffering as illegal migrants become entrenched and take up their jobs.
But what will prevent the major parties – Congress and AGP to form an Angela Merkel/Gerhard Schroeder type of coalition after the next elections. Or are Asom politicians that bitterly divided that they would give Asom away to Bangladesh rather than form a coalition? A leaf can be taken out of strife torn Kashmir where a Common Minimum Programme has been formed by the People’s Democratic Party-Congress Aliance. (PDP/CA) Surely Asom Assembly could follow suit. The aim in Kashmir is to protect persons who have been victims of militancy and one poignant aim has been to secure the return of Kashmiri Pundits to their homes. How Asom will fare and whether it will fall into Greater Bangladesh within a decade is a matter of concern for all those who cherish the integrity of India and who wish to keep democratic values alive in the great country. It is time for the whole of Asom to act, and act quickly.
The Congress ‘high command’, should apply what Sonia has been saying during her election campaign. “Unlike the Opposition Parties, Congress Party had ideology, policy, ideals, principles and culture. Politics cannot be done through double standards.” The supreme sacrifice will be if Sonia Gandhi can take that decision for Congress to sit in Opposition rather than join hands with AUDF. But if it can bring about a Common Minimum Programme like Kashmir with AGP - with one strike the government will be able to diminish infiltration and insurgency, create employment paving the way for development and prosperity in the State.

Frans on 05.09.06 @ 03:10 PM CST [link]


Monday, May 8th

Border lull broken


Border lull broken The Telegraph
NISHIT DHOLABHAI Geleki (Sivasagar), May 7: Familiar signs of conflict sent alarm bells ringing on either side of the disputed Assam-Nagaland boundary after the detention of 15 Nagas in Sivasagar district for an alleged motorcycle theft. Sources in Nagaland accused Assam police of targeting the Nagas in retaliation to alleged arson by Naga villagers in a small tea plantation on this side of the boundary. The arsonists had set the plantation office ablaze.
Shoppers at Naga Haat (market) in Singribil village, also in Sivasagar district, were taken aback when a police team rounded up 15 Nagas on Saturday for their alleged involvement in a motorcycle theft. Warned by their Assamese friends, many Naga shoppers and vendors scurried back to their villages, leaving behind their cane baskets.
Small traders like Jabbar from Kolgaon closed shop two hours before time. “Aji Naga nai to bikri bhi nai (there are no Nagas today and no business either),” he said. The prime accused in the motorcycle theft was identified as Dadul, a resident of Geleki and married to a Naga woman.
“We have only held them back, not arrested them. The idea is to pressure the Nagas to hand over the accused to us,” said R. Moran, officer-in-charge of Geleki police station.
L. Nokdang, a former villa-ge council chairman from Soyimlenden in Nagaland, rea-ched Geleki soon after to sec-ure the release of three youths from his village. “This is like blackmail. You cannot ask us to do the police’s job everytime,” he said, urging Assa-mese villagers to form a group of volunteers to apprehend the real culprit if he happened to be “in Naga territory”.
A 25-strong mob had raided Nyjung tea estate just two days earlier. Villagers on either side of the boundary said a section of the plantation was on Naga territory. Some villagers accused the administration of issuing a patta (ownership document) to the tea estate owner despite knowing that the land was part of the Disputed Area Belt. At Anaki Yimsen village in Nagaland, elders said the conduct of Assam police and tea estate owners on the other side of the boundary was a threat to peace in the area.
“We have been involved in jhum (shifting) cultivation for ages and everyone knows this is our land. But when we let the forests grow, the tea estate owners extend their plantations and encroach on our land,” said Chuba Ao, a Naga villager. Residents of several Naga hamlets, including Anaki, Anaki Yimsen and Kangtsung, said they had excellent relations with people in Singribil and Geleki. Tea garden worker Bhupen Kurmi admitted that the owner of Nyjung tea estate had encroached on Nagaland’s territory.
One village, twin identities - Naga village in Assam combines the best of both worlds PULLOCK DUTTA The Telegraph
Saripora (Sivasagar), May 7: You would expect Saripora’s Naga past and Assamese present to be the recipe for another identity crisis in a region of myriad communities, cultures and aspirations. But residents of this village straddle both worlds with ease. Every member of the 700-odd families residing at Saripora, in Sivasagar district, has two names — one Naga and the other Assamese. Everyone in the village is as attached to the Naga shawl as to the Assamese gamocha. Each villager is as faithful to the traditional Konyak Naga customs as he or she is to the adopted culture of the Assamese community.
“We are a part of Assamese society and we are Nagas, too,” says Sayang Konyak, the earnestness in her voice compelling you to believe her.
Saripora’s history dates back to the 16th century, when a group of Nagas followed the Ahom king Gadadhar Singha, who had been forced to temporarily take shelter in Nagaland to escape persecution in Assam, to this small village. Four centuries later, Saripora remains an odd mix of identities but comfortable in its own skin. There is no conflict between the past and the present or the Naga shawl and the Assamese gamocha. “In our village, we are known by our Naga names. Outside it, everyone calls us by our Assamese names,” says Pongtai Konyak, a higher secondary student. The name Pongtai is only for his village mates. Once in school, Pongtai is Utpal to his Assamese classmates. Like Pongtai, Yonguo is Pradip and Hamkai is Bipul to their friends in school. Do their dual identities ever leave them confused?
“Never,” says Pongtai. Attempts to hold on to the tradition of their forefathers are, however, visible all over the village, be it in a school that teaches girls to make traditional Naga shawls or at home, where adherence to traditional Konyak rituals is strict. Sayang, who recently opened the school to teach the village women the fine art of making Naga shawls, says her motive is not commercial gain. “I don’t wish to make money from this school. The training is free. My aim is to keep our heritage alive. Our shawl is what the gamocha is to an Assamese.”
Unlike in Nagaland, where the majority of the people are Christians, the Nagas of Saripora are Hindus. They ostensibly converted after being blessed by the satradhikar (head monk) of Moiramoria Satra, Debananda Mahanta, decades ago. “We have taken up Hinduism, but we still follow the religious traditions we inherited from our forefathers,” says Watai Konyak, the 105-year-old gaonburah (village elder).
Watai still wears the traditional headgear worn by Naga chieftains and speaks Konyak. The village even has a Morung Ghar (a traditional community hall), where animal sacrifice and feasts are common. “The only major change is that we no longer have stringent rules against inter-caste marriage,” says 95-year-old Wanchui.
NNC reacts to NSCN-IM statement The Morung Express
Dimapur, May 7 (MExN): The Naga National Council (NNC) has reacted sharply to the statement of Romeo Maring, which appeared in local dailies on May 5, terming the statement as misleading the general public as he is confused with the concept of the Naga Nation.
NNC member Samuel in a release said that the Nagas from southern part of Nagaland like the Tangkhul, Zeliangrong, Shepoumaramth etc are making a mockery of the National movement by supporting the so-called ongoing peace process between NSCN (Isak-Muivah) and Government of India.
He also said that the NSCN-IM have forgotten their own words and are holding talks with India for solution within the Indian Union which is in India’s favour, as such the peace process is the selling process of Naga’s national right, added the release.
Fresh factional fighting in Nagaland claims three lives Newmai News Network

Kohima, May 7: Two NNC/FGN cadres were killed while three other cadres were injured in a pre-dawn raid launched by NSCN (IM) cadres in the wee hours of Saturday at Phek Village of Nagaland at around 2 a.m.

According to highly-placed Nagaland police sources, `ss` Pvt. Nukuzo Lohe of Yoruba village was killed on the spot while L/Corpl. Veto of Chozuba village, who sustained grievous injuries, died on the way to hospital. Four other FGN cadres – 2nd. Lt. Vesapra of Dz��mi village, Sgt. Maj. Nuvotso of Thurutswu, L/Corpl.Ravota Vasa of Sathazu and Pvt. Rukuzo Khesoh of Chozuba village, sustained bullet injuries and were admitted at Phek district Civil Hospital.

Narrating the sequence of events, the sources said the raiding NSCN (IM) party surrounded the FGN camp at around 2:15 a.m. where around 12 FGN cadres were housed and fired at the FGN cadres. The NSCN (IM) cadres also lobbed three hand-grenades, out of which only one exploded.
The bodies of the deceased were later handed over to their native villages for final funeral rites and burial. According to the sources, the raiding NSCN (IM) party left later at around 5:30 the same morning for their camp, reportedly located at Lozaph��der Phek district. Chairman, JVC.
Border dispute is of governments, not of peoples’ Thannganing Hungyo Merapani/Geleky Morung Express News
The Assam-Nagaland border dispute is not an argument between the people but one between governments. A large section of people living in border areas, both Nagas and Assamese alike, reverberatingly echo this statement. The larger Merapani area comprising both Nagaland and Assam is situated in what is called the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), which falls under the D Sector and the Doyang Reserve. People settled here by clearing forestland. All occupants are living minus heir pattas. ‘Old man’ Rokhemo Ngully, 88, is the oldest surviving member of the Merapani Foothills Village, a Lotha Naga village that falls under the DAB.
The aged contours of his face crease to show visible pride as he displays a certificate dated December 1 1963, asking him to receive an inauguration medal during the Nagaland Statehood inauguration ceremony. People, whether Ahoms or Nagas, do not have any animosity among them and are part of a family where disagreements from time to time occur, which is but natural, he says. Rokhemo takes the name of an old friend, Kulai Saikia, who resides on the “Assam side” across the Sibang nullah, barely a five-minute walk from the Naga village. “There are no tensions between the people because of Kulai,” the octogenarian informs.
Kulai, from Sibangpar village, two years junior to Rokhemo, has handed down the legacy of holding the title of gaonbura to his son Muninder. Whenever an argument between the two peoples erupts, Kulai intervenes to sort out the problem. The Nagas were not in fault when they cleared forests to grow food, he says. His skin wizened by the sun, Kulai points out that the Assam Government had not taken care of its resources and had not established a proper border. He laments for the incident in 1985 where a big clash had taken place between the people.
“To solve the border dispute, the people should arrive at a mandate through understanding,” he advocates. The governments of Assam and Nagaland have to take into account the desires of the people, who are living reality on the land, he implies. RD Meena, the commandant of the CRPF Company stationed at Merapani says there are no conflicts as such between the people. Whenever a disagreement arises, members of peace committees of both identities arrive at the Central Police camp to resolve their differences. Security forces in the area bring peace, he says. Conflict resolution researchers are however of the view that militarising borders creates confusion in the minds of the people, as highlighted recently during a programme in Dimapur.
One cannot define the ‘technical’ border. Families of different communities intersperse and intermingle freely, devoid of a hostile scenario. Trade is carried out and ‘understandings’ for economic benefits are prevalent. Porters on bicycles transport bamboo from the “Nagaland side”. Stone and other resources also figure in the business list. Naga villagers on the other hand come down to the plains to purchase meat, vegetables and other household items.
DAN Cabinet decision on Peren draws flak The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 7 (MExN): The state cabinet’s decision on selection of Peren district HQ has drawn flak from three apex bodies of Jalukie, the Whole Jalukie Council, the Jalukie Punling Nko and Jalukie Village, for its decision arrived at earlier in total disregard of the people’s mandate which the cabinet had promised to honour, a joint statement issued by the three bodies alleged.
In an open letter to the state Chief Minister, the three bodies said that the state cabinet decision to place the district headquarter at New Peren, in disregard to the consensus of people’s choice of Jalukie is “visionless and tyranny and has failed to see the internal crisis and has not visualized beyond the political party”.
Amidst lots of controversies and speculations, the Zelianrong Baudi in its general meeting decided to place the district headquarter at Jalukie, after they were given the mandate to do so by the people. However, in a dramatic twist to the issue, the state cabinet out of the blue selected New Peren for the district headquarters, adding more malice to the issue, it was alleged.
It said that the Peren District HQ site selection was done by the Zeliangrong Baudi, on the mandate of the people with support and contribution from the Government team in verifying and surveying the land.
Giving the detailed account of how Jalukie became the consensus choice, the three bodies said that the first preference proposed by PDC & FC and recommended by the Baudi was invalidated at the general meeting of January 25, 2006 and the house endorsed the Baudi to jointly initiate with the Government in selecting a new site. Accordingly, the Baudi team selected and proposed Jalukie as the best site, it stated.
The Government team along with the Baudi and Jalukie landowners then had a meeting on 13th March 2006, wherein it was agreed upon for establishment of Peren District HQ site at Jalukie, it informed. “And so, the Jalukie People gave free hand to the Government. Unfortunately, unprincipled intervention of political hands distorted and left the matter to return to the site disposed by the people for reasons that supersede all merits and advantages”, the three bodies stated.
It further pointed out that the decision of the Baudi is final and any other decision will go against the people and which is a crime, “whether it be individual or party or Government. We as Nagas believe that ‘there is no power that is above the mandate of the people”, the appeal to the Chief Minister stated.
The three bodies alleged that the state government has fallen victim to the political pressure of few individuals. However, it is only for short gain, the three bodies stated.
“No compromise of principle on ground of politics, wealth or money. It is unfortunate and pitiful on the part of the present Government to run its course on emotion, overlooking the human principle for the sake of immediate short gain and political name, never considering the wishes and needs of the people’s choice”.
The three cautioned that the state government will be held responsible for any consequences arising out of the cabinet decision. “Your honour is requested to reconsider the Assembly decision on ground of justice and benevolence and see that the decision of the people is made final”, said the letter signed by Heiyieying, Chairman, WJC, Namgaukum, Chairman JPN.
A Man of Integrity TODAY'S EDITORIAL The Morung Express
The Naga cause is very clear, but it is the people that complicates it, was an insightful declaration that Uncle Yongkong kept reminding. It was in one of the metro stations of London that I first met Uncle in the summer of ‘99. He was smartly and neatly dressed and had come to the station to take us to his home for food, lest we get lost in the busy London metro. As a student, I was on my way to attend a month-long study program in Europe and had the good fortune to be able to transit in London and meet Uncle.
Compact in stature, Uncle Yongkong’s personality stood out amongst all others in the busy metro station, and it was not difficult to locate him even though I had never seen him before. It was his eyes that reflected and spoke with gentleness, the integrity and dedication for a cause he fought and died for. His calm determination epitomized the resilient resistance in which his generation of Naga nationalist pursued the freedom of the Naga nation.
Uncle Yongkong led a disciplined life; a life rich with experience and sharpened by the realities of struggle, that bore scars of human suffering which yearned for freedom. In his core, Uncle was a man of duty. His strong sense of duty for a cause that called for the liberation of a people was what sustained his spirit in times of loneliness and anguish. He lived life passionately and was an intense storyteller, and would take ones imaginations into the many experiences of hope and courage.
Uncle lived not for himself, but for the future of the Nagas. His desire to see that the future of Naga generations secured in freedom and peace was at the center of his existence. He felt despair and pain with the brokenness of Naga cohesiveness and was deeply worried about its consequences. He strove for the need for Nagas to find understanding from their common struggle and vision, and emphasized on the need for unity in purpose. He often said that a nation without a vision would perish.
In spite of severe pain from arthritis, he continued to write letters, some of which would even take days to complete. This was the kind of man he was. He was deeply concerned for the well-being of younger Naga generations, who he felt were isolated from their history and had little or no knowledge and understanding of the Naga cause. He underlined the need for young Nagas to learn their history and to love their people and land and to steadfastly hold on to Truth.
With Uncle Yongkong’s death, we are witnessing the near-end of a generation that proudly defied the yoke of oppression and zealously pursued freedom. It is because of their stand and contribution, that there is a story to share today. In his death, new life has been found with the knowledge that many more Yongkongs have arisen, inspired to carry on the torch, lit by the elders many years ago.
Rio, Azo Israel-bound Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Dimapur, May 7 (NPN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Agriculture Minister Azo Nienu will figure in a high-level Indian delegation that is leaving for Israel on May 8 to take part in the "Agritech 2006 Conference" to be held at Tel Aviv in Israel. According to a source, Rio and Azo, who left for Delhi on Friday for the five-day tour, would also visit Greece and Kairo. The five-day visit of the delegation is aimed at looking into possible areas of cooperation with Tel Aviv. The delegation, to be led by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, will meet Israeli Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon.
Apart from Pawar, Rio and Azo, the other members of the delegation will include the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan and Gujarat, Vasundhara Raje and Narendra Modi respectively. Agriculture Ministers of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana will also participate at the tri-annual event. Pawar will be meeting Simhon and other senior officials during the three-day visit.
"There is a tremendous potential for cooperation between India and Israel in the field of agriculture and the high-level delegation from India reflects this potential," a spokesperson for the conference told the news agency. FICCI is also sending a large delegation consisting of several businessmen, she said. India is keen on looking into possibilities of cooperation in various areas including irrigation equipments and drip irrigation, agro-technology, seeds production, agro-processing and agro-marketing.
Parliament to discuss ‘office of profit issue’ Nagaland Post
New Delhi, May 7 (IANS): After a prolonged recess, Parliament will resume next week and grapple with the issue that caused much consternation in the country's political circles - the office-of-profit controversy. During the session beginning Wednesday, the government is likely to introduce a bill to amend the Prevention of Disqualification Act that led to Congress president Sonia Gandhi's resignation from the Lok Sabha after actress-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan's expulsion from the Rajya Sabha.
Gandhi resigned as Lok Sabha member and National Advisory Council (NAC) chairperson March 23 after being accused of holding an office of profit. The controversy began when the Election Commission disqualified Samajwadi Party leader Bachchan on the ground that her post as chairperson of Uttar Pradesh Film Development Corporation was an office of profit. The office-of-profit controversy has dogged all political parties whose members are holding offices at the central or the state levels that disqualify them from being lawmakers/legislators.The government has made its intentions known and hopes to arrive at a consensus because of the everyone-is-in-it situation among the elected members, including Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee. The other significant issue that the government wants to take up is an amendment to the law to ensure that witnesses do not turn hostile. This follows a number of recent cases, including that of Zahira Sheikh, the star witness in Gujarat's Best Bakery massacre trial, and the case of shooting of model Jessica Lal.
The parliament session ended abruptly March 23, when the opposition prevented any work over the office-of-profit issue on the last day. It charged the government with trying to save embarrassment and eventual disqualification of Gandhi.
Between March 23 and May 10, it was the longest recess within any budget session during which the Standing Committees met only perfunctorily and could not take up the Demands of Grants.
The whole idea behind constituting these committees is to ensure that budgetary allocations and other functions of the government are scrutinised closely by smaller parliamentary committees since the two houses have limited time. This has not been done adequately this year. This session will have just 10 working days. Of them, the first day would be marked by obituary references and adjournment. The Lok Sabha lost two members - Mehboob Zahidi and former union minister from West Bengal A.B.A. Ghani Khan Choudhury. The Rajya Sabha lost Pramod Mahajan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary. Speaker Chatterjee will be meting leaders of parliamentary parties Tuesday to make his customary appeal - which goes mostly unheeded - for the smooth functioning of parliament.
NNC/FGN and betrayals- Colum Nagaland Post
We, the Naga people are in-herently a sovereign independent people and a distinct nation. Therefore, the Naga people democratically formed the Naga national Council (NNC) on February 2, 1946. Hence NNC is the only mandated national council in Nagaland. Then the Naga people through federation proclaimed the federal government of Nagaland (FGN) on March 22, 1956 to govern the Naga territories at the extent of the Yehzabo (constitution) of Nagaland as a sovereign nation. Thus the FGN is the only legitimate government in Nagaland. So our people have solemnly acknowledged in the preamble of our national constitution. The preamble says,: we, the people of Nagaland, solemnly acknowledge that the sovereignty over this earth and the entire universe belongs to Almighty God alone, and the authority of the people to forefathers, the national workers and our people through the years of trial, and having our attachment to the truth of popular sovereignty as declared on March 22, 1956 and…..wherefore our people must steadfastly stand on our own pledge as a democratic people and a true Christian. Lest God will curse us.
The unauthorized Naga People Convention (NPC) led by some educated nagas first betrayed our nation in 1960 by signing of the 16 point agreement with India and sat the chairs of sin against the patriotic blood and tear of NNC/FGN and Naga patriots. Thus the 60 Naga MLAs, 2 Naga MPs and their followers are still sitting on the same chairs as anti-Naga nationalist and consuming the lives, rights and properties of our people and nation.
Besides, by the grace of God and through the prayerful mediation of the Nagaland peace council (NPC) of the NBCC, an international ceasefire agreement was signed after heavy fighting between the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and the government of India (GOI) in 1964.
Two governments of the two nations and not UG or else. We are a nation as true as that of the other nations in the world. We have our national sovereignty and freedom, our national constitution (Yehzoba), our national flag and everything. We have nothing to do with Indian constitution, Indian integration, Indian federation or any status of the aggressors. Any Naga who has a slave’s mentality wants to live under the constitution of the enemy. Some betrayers say" statehood is not the final". Then what is that fraud and what kind of Satan is that?
Also a revolutionary group in collaborating with India formed in 1968, fought against NNC/FGN to destroy our nation. But later they surrendered to Indian in 1973 and buried itself. Then India again operated in our country with all acts of evil and terrorism. However, Shillong Accord was signed on November 11, 1975 between India and five individual Nagas (on behalf of the representative of nameless underground organizations) and restored peace in Nagaland. India, the largest democratic country in the world did sign the Shillong Accord so madly or foolishly with five individual Nagas without the name of any underground or organization. The people and nations in the world will laugh and accuse India. It is the political game of the signatories of the two sides. Let us leave it to them. There is no NNC, FGN or Nagaland in the Accord. Therefore Zashei Huire, the then president of the federal government of Nagaland (FGN) had made a statement on 30/12/75 and clarified clearly about the Shillong Accord according to the decision of the federal emergency meeting held on Novermber 29-December 2, 1975 at Dihoma as the meeting disapproved it.
The government of India also in its first Lok Sabha session in 1976 flatly rejected the Shillong Accord as India knew that she was defeated in the Accord and the Accord was useless for her. Hence, Gandhi, the then PM of India sent a senior officer of RAW and convinced Th. Muivah and Isak (deserters) to settle the Naga case on the line of Suisa'a proposal. So the Myanmar international news (MIN) of February 1981 clearly said, "… Muivah and Isak were contacted and recruited by Gandhi's administration through Research Analysis Wing (RAW) ……" Moreover Dr. A. Z. Phizo to a press man said, "NSCN was created by India and India will settle it". As a result division, extortion and killing began in our land with the formation of the NSCN and now NSCN-IM as Muivah sowed such poisonous seeds. It is now quite clear and we have nothing to confuse or fight each other for the propagandas of the enemy and its agento.
Th. Muivah was arrested on January 19, 2000 and again rearrested on January 30, 2000 by Thailand government. But easily Muivah was released from Bangkok jail within a year on the request of three former PMs of India and Muivah was taken to Amsterdam with the passport of RAW (India) in the pretext of talks and solution and traveling still with the passport of the enemy's intelligence (RAW) to distort the history and reality of our nation. But everything will be opened now. Peace with enemy and war against the Nagas is the enemy of the Nagas. Any organization organized by itself without the knowledge of the Naga people is not the organization of the Nagas and the Naga people have nothing to face any eventuality for sake of such group. They are anti-democratic, anti-national and anti-Nagaland for Christ.
We, Nagas are one. God has given us a blessed land with all our needs to serve Him. Let us leave every bitterness behind and let us reassemble in the original home and complete building the nation for Christ. And that day will be the day of real peace and unity of our people with final victory to praise the Lord. Eno. Wepetshii Kapfo, CCM, NNC. Eno. Rinso Tangkhul,
Army rejects UNLF claim By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 7: categorically rejecting the success claim of UNLF in the Tingkhai Khullen clash as baseless and uncorroborated the Army authorities countered that out of 15-17 UG cadres involved in the gun-fight one got killed and blood trails indicate injuries sustained by few others.
PIB (DW) in a statement quoted army authorities as saying that an operation was launched since May 2 in interior pockets of Ta-menglong district and on May 5 morning came under fire from UNLF cadres resulting in an encounter and subsequent casualty inflicted upon the UGs.
Search of the area led to recovery of one LMG, one AK-47 rifle, another AK-56 rifle, 18 IEDs, 17 detonators, 12 rucksacks and numerous incriminating materials, PIB maintained.
Negating UNLF's claim of one casualty and the remaining six reaching their location safely, the Army authorities ridiculed the contention pointing to recovery of the rucksacks which clearly establishes that presence of UGs far exceeded the claimed numbers.
further clarifying that neither did the army personnel suffer any casualty nor were NSCN (IM) cadres involved in the counter offensive as alleged by the UNLF, the statement said the UGs hardly resisted the army onslaught as they fled into the thick jungles leaving behind weapons and other war-like stores.
In a separate incident, another column of troops whi-ch was operating in Marangching area, located about four kilometres north east of Tupul, busted a temporary hideout of the UNLF and recovered 17 rounds of latho-de, one uniform and incriminating material, said the PIB statement further insisting that several setbacks suffer-ed by the UG group in the recent past is compe-lling the outfit to resort to false propaganda through the media.
NDFB threatens rethink on ceasefire From Kishore Sarkar Assam Tribune SAGARFENA, May 7 – “The NDFB is fighting for liberation and freedom of the Boro people for about last 20 years and it will not come down from its objective,” said NDFB secretary general Govinda Basumatary here today. He further said that “the NDFB is awaiting to reciprocate positively to any formal invitation from the Central government which is yet to reach us”.

At the same time, he also warned Central government that NDFB might reconsider the ongoing ceasefire if the government did not show its intention of solving the Boro problem, in which case, the result may be fatal and the Central government must take the blame for the same.

Attending the last rites of the NDFB martyr Dwithun Mushahary, allegedly killed by police firing at Sapatgram during the 24-hour NDFB bandh on April 25 last, at his native village Sagarfena under Tipkai police station in Dhubri district, Basumatary along with the top brass of NDFB, ABSU, BSS, ABPF and others paid floral tributes to the late martyr. They also met the bereaved family members. It may be noted that this matryr joined NDFB only three years back.
In this connection, a public meeting was also held at the same place under the presidentship of Sarbeswar Basumatary, secretary of ABPF, Kokrajhar district unit. Thousands of people from Kokrajhar, Udalguri, Chirang, Bagsa, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur and Karbi Anglong thronged the venue to salute the martyr and also to substantiate the demand of NDFB for an early negotiation with the Central Government as the ceasefire will conclude by the end of this month.

Addressing the mammoth gathering Gautam Mushahary, secretary, ABSU said that 50 per cent of the problems of Boros had been resolved with the historic Bodo Accord, 2003 with the BLT and it was urgently necessary for the government to expedite the peace process through immediate talks to restore absolute peace, development and prosperity of this area. Members of other leading Boro organisations also spoke in the public meeting supporting the NDFB’s call for talks.



Frans on 05.08.06 @ 01:15 PM CST [link]


Sunday, May 7th

Nagas mull strategy for peace talks


Nagas mull strategy for peace talks OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Dimapur, May 6: United Naga Council, the apex body of Nagas living in Manipur, has mooted twin strategies to pressure the Centre to take the peace process with the NSCN (I-M) forward. Talks between the two sides will resume in Amsterdam from May 18.
The UNC has appealed to all churches in Naga-inhabited areas to hold “special” prayer meetings tomorrow followed by peace rallies in the four Naga-dominated districts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Uk-hrul and Chandel on May 13. The Naga peace process, which started in 1997, hit a hurdle with the Centre remaining non-commital on NSCN (I-M)’s most crucial demand of integration of all Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella. Various Naga organisations and the Nagaland Assembly endorsed the demand.
NSCN (I-M) spokesperson Karaiba Chawang admitted that the eight-year-long peace process has reached a crucial stage and the three-day Amsterdam dialogue would be very crucial to the progress. “It will be a testing time ahead,” he said. Expressing disappointme-nt at the fire-fighting approach to the crucial peace process, leader of Opposition in Nagaland I. Imkong said, “We only know how to create a hue and cry at the last moment when the ceasefire is on the verge of expiry”.
Yangkong unconquered even in death Morung Express News Dimapur | May 6
A pioneer of the ‘Naga Freedom Movement’, even in death Late Yongkongangshi Longchar remained unconquered steadfast in his resolve that his mortal remains should not be brought back to his homeland to be surrendered to India. As a mark of respect for this wish, family members and well-wishers from across the Naga Homeland joined in at different places to coincide with Late Yongkongangshi’s funeral service at Westbourne Park Baptist Church, London held today at 10:30 am (GMT) after which he was laid to rest at the West London Crematorium at Kensal Green. Yongkongnangshi Longchar, more popularly known as Yongkong and a close associate of AZ Phizo, breathed his last in his London residence on April 24 after elapsing into a coma a few days before. He was 83 and had been suffering from complications in his spinal nerves and heart.
Mourning relatives at Dimapur coinciding with the Funeral Service at London today spoke out about how Yongkong had earlier conveyed his desire that neither his bones nor ashes should be brought back to a ‘factionalized land’ and till the day Nagas gets freedom. A staunch believer of unity, Yongkong had opposed tooth and nail the division among the Nagas.
Several speakers spoke of the unflinching commitment that Yongkong had for the cause of the Naga nation. “I have been sent on a mission by the Naga people. Until I fulfill this, I cannot return home”, he reportedly told Congress leader I. Imkong when the latter had gone as part of the delegation to bring back the remains of Late AZ Phizo. “Our leader Yongkong sacrificed everything he had for the cause he believed in”, Imkong said in his brief address during the service held at IMC organized by the Sungratsu Union Dimapur. Family members also shared about how they had pleaded with him many times to return home during his last days. “However for him Nation came first. All other things were secondary”, a family member told the gathering at Dimapur. A similar programme was also held at the State Academy Hall, Kohima. Later during the service, the title of ‘MAINSHILONG’, meaning resolute and unwavering in the Ao dialect, was bestowed on Yongkong by the Ao Asetkong Union of Dimapur. Among those who attended the Dimapur service included CLP leader I. Imkong, Naga Council President Savi Leigise, senior citizens, public and Church leaders besides a horde of family members and well-wishers. Born to Martsüden Longchar in 1923 at Sungratsü Village under Mokokchung district, Yongkongnangshi joined the resistance against India in 1956 and was deputed to England as a ‘Kilonser’ the following year. The octogenarian also served as General Secretary under the political set up of the NNC for a brief period. Yongkong never married. He was of the conviction that since he was fighting for the Naga cause he would not marry and have children.
A tribute to Yongkong Morung Express News

If you could heed our voice which is blowing in the air, we bid a lone last adios, remembering you as a hero, a patriot and a leader to follow. In your honor, we tender you affectionate stillness in barrage of bullets stead. You serenely rest as an ipitome of Naga spirit and freedom. Your assignment is attained as your vow till your final breath has arrived. Your pledge to Phizo in East Pakistan is a promise we would struggle to maintain before you depart for your voyage home eternally. Whilst you grieve for the joy of home and the rainbow flag fluttering in Nagaland, your honor has entered the annals of the Naga freedom movement. It would be a preconceived notion if we forget to acknowledge that ‘we are where we are’ due to patriots like you. We benefit from the life we live for the sweat and the tears you shed. We salute you.
To his grandson-you lose a grandfather and we lose a leader.
Akieseto Khate, Vice President Naga Students’ Union Shillong
2 FGN men killed in Phek Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, May 6 (NPN): In the continuing violence factional violence, two NNC/FGN cadre members were killed and three others injured after an attack by an armed group of the NSCN (I-M) at Phek Village in the wee hours of Saturday.
Police sources said 'ss' Pvt Nukuzo Lohe of Yoruba village was killed on the spot while 'lanc/corp.' Veto of Chozuba village, died of injury while on way to hospital. Four other FGN members including '2nd lt.' Vesapra of Dzülhami village, 'sgt. maj.' Nuvotso of Thurutswu, 'l/corpl.'Ravota Vasa of Sathazu and 'pvt.' Rukuzo Khesoh of Chozuba village, also sustained bullet injuries and were admitted to Civil Hospital, Phek.
Sources told this Correspondent that the incident took place after the NSCN (I-M) attacked the 12-member FGN group inside the camp. According to reports, the bodies of slain cadre members were handed over to relatives. Further details were not available. It may be mentioned heavy exchange of firing between the rival NSCN factions was reported on Friday from Manipur's Senapati district but casualty, if any, was not known. The gun battle in Tinkhai Khulen area began at around 8 am and lasted for several hours, the sources said. Earlier on May 2, the two factions clashed at Khundong village in Tamenglong district.
Sangtamtilla village gets community hall Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR: The 'Op Sadbhavana' community hall cum library at Sangtamtilla village was formally inaugurated by Maj. Gen AK Samantaray, VSM, chief of staff, 3 Corps on Saturday.
Addressing the villagers after the formal inauguration, AK Samantaray, said that the inauguration of community hall cum library was a proud moment for the people of Sangtamtilla village as their long aspired dream has come true. He also said that the project was a step forward to win the hearts and mind of the local people and also a step in bridging the gap between the Army and the local population and to understand each other.The Major General later presented books to the library. Besides he and his wife also planted Ashoka trees on the occasion to imbibe environmental awareness among the people.
The project was undertaken by 5003 ASC Bn as part of 'Op Sadbhavana', under the able guidance of Brig Balbir Singh, DDST, 3 Corps and his team.
Presentation of various cultural items and songs were the highlights of the programme.
Nagaland can be gateway of ‘Look East Policy’-Shurhozelie Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, May 6: Nagaland could become the gateway of the Centre’s 'Look East Policy' through the three International Trade Centres(ITC) set up by the state government...

in the border areas to harness benefits of the policy, according to Planning Minister Shurhozelie.

Mr Shurhozelie, who was inaugurating a market complex at Phek town yesterday, has pointed out that the ITC at Avankhu village under Phek district is the shortest route connecting South East Asian countries and it has the prospect to become a very successful ITC. He was of the opinion that if once developed, the ITCs will bring economic development not only for the state, but for the entire country.He said the newly opened market complex will provide opportunities to local youths for their self-employment which will bring economic development for the state. UNI

Marching in memory of their Nagarealm.com
UK, MAY06 : Almost 80 ex-soldiers went on parade on Sunday during a service organised by the Epsom branch of the Burma Star Association to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Kohima, the turning point in the war against Japan. The association's standard was carried in procession to St Martin's Church for the service, which was conducted by the vicar and branch chaplain Reverend Simon Talbott.

Among the special guests were the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Adrian White, and the mayors of Epsom and Ewell and Reigate and Banstead and the chairman of Mole Valley District Council. [Thisishertfordshire]

Naga tribes and Nagaland government- Nagaland Post
Naga lifestyle is an attrac-tion indeed among the 16 major tribes of Nagaland and others with the highest prestigious seat, meant to be occupied by a particular tribe (presently Angami) whoever becomes the chief minister of Nagaland state is emitting the open and hidden images of the Nagas, living in the North East states of India and also to the nations of the world. Are we the Nagas solemnly aware, cautions of it? A question in the past, the present and the bigger for the future. Mostly, the peripheral co-existence of the Nagas and its governance are known to be animated and strictly in adherence to democratic system in nature in chronology of Mongoloid race. The Nagas are known to be hard working in professions associated with seasonal works- of cultivation, huntings, games sports, festivals, gennas in common platform by both male and female together from time immemorial till to date. The advent of new religion, Christianity and civilization reaching the Nagas of the then Naga hills, transformed the lifestyle of the Nagas within a span of approximately 200 years or say to the third, forth generation under the full anticipated protection, inner line permit, tribal quotas, introduced during the British-India rule over India till date, is considered, the second gift of nature to the Nagas and the tribals of the North east India. But now, one can easily visualize the Nagas deteriorating in human qualities, exploiting one another and among the tribes, lacking in disciplines and measures of control, in general. Can the Nagas solve Indo-Naga solution with different created factions pointing loaded arms at each other waiting for a sound of whistle in different districts of the North East states?
In such a situation, can any chief ministers of state solve the Indo-Naga problem with brain loaded with intelligence? Cease-fire with arm in hand, free movement is considered meaningless, but rather cease-fire without arms may be a better choice for solution.
The present created situation and cease-fire is a ground created for Jack of all trades and master of none, keeping down the Nagas, prolonging the solution, hampering/sharing development funds, neglecting generations, which a great, great loss to the Nagas. Lately, the government of India, realizing the actual backwardness of the Nagas, came forward and poured generous funds for various schemes and projects. Have we (Nagas) transformed the funds provided into a state asset for the coming generation? If not then it can be easily exposed and made known by any investigation agency by the government, like retired judges, government servant/retired servant, CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) etc., instead of criticizing the political parties of the state.
The Nagaland servants conduct rules 1968, amended from time to time is common to all grade of government servants and it’s immediate application will definitely improve the per-formances of the government servants known to all Nagas. A corrupted servant known to all Nagas must be removed in order to develop sanctity. The Nagas avoid statutes, rules, traditional customary laws, thereby earning pun-ishment and failing which, it encourages limitless corruption and deterioration of the existing generation as has been happening already from time to time. The Naga public leaders, key post holders are well aware of the fact that citizens have full faith in them. So, as politicians, the present generation will take their example as a yardstick.
K. C. Angami, Kohima.
Shansham : A home for addicts The Morung Express

Inmates of the Shansham Rehab Centre at Mon. (MExPix)
DIMAPUR, MAY 4 (MExN): Pouched on the side of a hill, Shansham Rehab Center at Mon came as ‘home’ for the souls spoiled by the substance abuse.
Mon district, which is being disillusioned by opium for years, still account for highest rate of substance abuse in the state no other Rehabilitation Center.
Launched on June 26, 2005, in commemoration of International Illicit Drug Trafficking and Abuse Day, the Shansham Rehab center is struggling in its small way to proffer relieve and show escape way to the addicts. The present home was constructed and given to the Shansham Organization by Assam Rifle for setting up of Rehab Center. However, the latter has been asking the Organizations to shift, citing security reason. So far the Center has about 200 clients, and at present, the Center homes about 20 inmates. This is the only Rehab Center in the whole district which home about 20,000 substance abusers, and catered various activities like sports, music etc besides counseling. However, like any other Rehab Centre, Shansham Organization is struggling to withstand the test of trial. Equip with meager resources, the Centre mainly depends on individual well wishers, community, Government, and other humanitarian agencies for sustenance.
“We have received a piece of land and has started earth cutting for construction of the Center”, said Shakai Director of the Organization. However, the center would need more infrastructures, as such the appeals to the community for assistance continues, he added. The Center main sources are the community and well wishers so far, with supports from the Assam Rifle.
Albeit, district administration chose to belittle the figure of drug addictions amongst the adults and its trafficking, many cases has proven that Mon district is still under the total grip of drug addiction menace. Social workers and NGOs put statistics at approximately 20,000 drug related cases annually, although, there is no official record. Moreover, at least 16-20 substance abuse related deaths are reported annually from the district, said social workers.“About 90% of the families are affected by substance abuse even in Mon town alone, plus there is high rate of school dropouts, delinquency, HIV related cases, broken family overdose amongst the youths etc”, said Shakai. He also said that drug addiction has taken a dramatic turn. Earlier, it was popular among the well heels, but now it has started attacking the poor and marginalized section of the society. Even the district sub-jail, which account for the highest inmates, about 90% are drug addiction related cases. Perhaps, given this fact, Shansham Rehab Centre could be a haven for those souls eager enough to escape from drug addiction and related evils.
Church wants dialogue, education for peace in northeast Catholic India
Diphu (ICNS) –- A regional peace conference the Catholic Church initiated in northeast India has asked for dialogue and responsible education to end the ills of their strife-torn region.

A conference statement addressed to the people in Northeast India, particularly in Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya asked them “to multiply and unite their efforts against the manifestations of intolerance and violence” in the region.

It said the Church is concerned that the violence and intolerance are affecting hundreds and are spreading across new regions throughout the Northeast. Such violence breads aggressive fanaticism and inter-ethnic rivalries, the conference said.

Thousands of people are forced to leave their homes and become displaced persons "simply because they come from different community or culture,” the statement noted.

While expressing solidarity with the victims of ethnic violence, the conference noted that cultural differences have indeed been the cause of numerous conflicts. “We believe that mutual acceptance leads to peace,” the statement said.

The region’s people are different in color, language, religion, life-style, customs and values, but they are also united by common problems, challenges, threats, dependence on nature and by a common aspiration for survival and for a better life, said the statement dated May 3.

Stressing the need of dialogue it said dialogue is not “only a means of communication but is an expression of equality between partners, of the art of living together, by developing respect for common moral values.”

The statement also appealed to political and religious leaders to use their authority and influence to strengthen the spirit of tolerance and mutual understanding to seek reconciliation and peace.
Teachers and parents are responsible for education and training of children and youth and they should inculcate in children the spirit of openness and respect for other peoples.

Education should foster the ideals of altruism, compassion and solidarity with the victims of poverty, disease and illiteracy and reject violence, it said. The statement also appealed to media people to be responsible in covering the cultural and socio-political life peoples in the region to avoid manifestations of irreverence and intolerance towards ethnic groups.

The government including security forces should uphold human values, respect for human dignity and ensure peace, justice, equality and fraternity for all irrespective of race, color, language, religion, ethnicity and gender, the statement said.

Another surrenderee prefers AR haven By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 6: Following a habeas corpus filed at Gauhati High court by Nilla-chandra, father of Momo- cha and a subsequent directive issued by the court, Momocha (17), who has allegedly confined since his surrender was produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chandel located at Imphal. Giving his statement before the court, Momocha identified himself as Ngai-rangbam Mocha alias Shantikumar s/o Ng Nilla-chandra and Jamini of Ma- yang Imphal Thana Leikai, and has four siblings. Momocha is one of the five youths of Laimanai village who were reportedly assured jobs in Assam Rifles by one ‘recruitment agent Yengkhom Soma-nanda of the same locality. On March 13 this year, all the youths were produced as cadres of different UG outfits giving up arms in a grand function christened ‘Home Coming Ceremony' at Mantripukhri HQs of IG AR (S).
Barring Momocha, all other youths ---H Ingo, H Lemba, H Gobin and S Gobin were released earlier by the Court.
He has studied upto IX standard at Langmeidong High School. As he pleaded to stay with 37 AR, the court allowed him to stay with the AR unit.
Yesterday too, another victim of the surrender drama Taorem Hemanta of Matai village opted to stay with AR before the court claiming that he is a genuine surrenderee, thereby reducing to nought his parents seeking legal assistance to claim him back from the Assam Rifles.
Meanwhile, a PIB (DW) statement conveyed of Mocha alias Nanao admitting to be a cadre of UNLF and following his surrender, has chosen to stay with AR till rehabilitation by the State Government. It disclosed that the former UNLF cadre surrendered before 37 AR along with an AK-56 rifle and a magazine on March 27 and had undergone initial screening as per Surrender cum Rehabilitation policy. The surrenderee also refused to identify Heikrujam Nillachandra as his father, as mentioned in the petition filed at the Gauhati High Court, contending that his father is one Ngai-rangbam Nillachandra. A melodrama unfolded in the court room as his mother collapsed hearing his unexpected plea to stay with AR despite being urged by his parents and sisters to disclose the truth without fear and apprehension.
Declaring that the statement presented by Momo- cha was distorted, Heikru-jam Nillachandra insisted that Momocha is his true son and wept inconsolably.
When his identity card of school days issued by Langmeidong Junior High School was produced before the court by family counsel Meihoubam Ra-kesh, Momocha acknow- ledged the document but still refused to own the name telling that his name is Mocha.
At the end of procurement of statements, Rakesh pointing to his parents and sister, asked Momocha if he knew them to which he (Momocha) replied in the afirmative. But contrary to the claim of the parents, he identified Nillachandra as clan brother and Jamini as his (Nillachandra) wife and the elder sister as their daughter. After hearing the statements, the judge allowed the Assam Rifles to take Momocha to their camp at Leikun. The shocked and heart broken mother collapsed again while coming out of the court room and was rushed to RIMS in a police vehicle.
"The AR men have thoroughly brainwashed my son in their custody. Refusing to recognise parents is unthinkable and there is no greater sin one can commit. Such evil attitude adopted by my son is not a result of his conscious mind", noted Nillachandra with despair and apprehension writ large on his face.
The crest-fallen father repeatedly pleaded his counsels to rescue his son from the clutches of AR.
Before and during the proceedings today, stringent security measures including water canon were put up by police and AR personnel and no Meira Paibi was permitted near the court complex.

Three ZRNF cadres slain by AR at Sapermeina The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 6: Three suspected activists of the recently formed underground group Zaliangrong Revolutionary National Front ZRNF who were said to be involved in burning down an inter-state passenger bus last night at Sapermeina were gunned down by the personnel of 14 AR at an isolated spot located between the G. Khullep and N Songlun village about 3 km north of Sapermeina police station last night around 10.30 pm.

According to official sources, the incident took place soon after the suspected ZRNF cadres forcibly stopped and set ablaze an inter-state passenger bus bearing registration No MN01-1589 at the gun point near G Khullep village along the NH-39 around 10.15 pm.

AR troops who got wind of the incident chased down the suspected militants and killed them after a short gunfight. Sources disclosed that the militants set fire to the passenger bus for failing to meet monetary demand served by the outfit. The bus was proceeding towards Imphal without passengers after developing a mechanical fault.According to the SP, Senapati, Chandramani Singh, troops of the 14 Assam Rifles upon getting wind of the incident, launched an operation to nab the militants. The escaping militants, who were in a Maruti vehicle, were challenged by the AR troops, but instead of stopping they opened fire upon the troops. All three militants were killed in the ensuing gunfight. Giving details, a statement issued by the PIB, defence wing, said that when the occupants of the Maruti van opened fire on them, the alert troops punctured the front tyre of the vehicle using a tyre-buster.

The militants thereafter tried to escape on foot but all three were killed after a short gunbattle that lasted around 15 minutes. Conducting a search of the area, the troops recovered one M-16 Rifle with four live rounds, a 9mm pistol with two live rounds, one .22 pistol with one round, two Chinese made hand grenades, one mobile handset and one WT set.

The bodies of the suspected ZRNF along with the seized arms and ammunitions were handed over to the Sapermeina police station this morning, and later they were brought to the RIMS morgue for identifications. One among the three was identified by his family as Nehemiah Rongmei 29 son of Mujiklung Rongmei of Nongnang Awang Khul, though the family members said he was a businessman. The identities of the other slain victims are yet to be confirmed.



Frans on 05.07.06 @ 02:12 PM CST [link]


Saturday, May 6th

Naga militant factions exchange fire in Imphal


Naga militant factions exchange fire in Imphal Press Trust of India
Imphal, , 2006Heavy exchange of fire between two Naga militant factions -- NSCN-IM and NSCN-K -- was on Friday reported from Manipur's Senapati district bordering Nagaland but casualty if any, was not immediately known, official sources said.
The gunbattle in Tinkhai Khulen area began at around 8 am and lasted for several hours, the sources said. Police forces have rushed to the spot, about 35 kms south-west of Imphal, they added. Hindustan Times
Datta stresses good relations between Nagaland, Asom Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, May 5: Responding to the rousing reception at Nokpu, an Ao Naga village under Mokokchung district, Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta has urged the Naga people to take to agriculture for overall development of the State’s economy.

The answer to the economic backwardness of the State lies in agriculture. Gone are the days when the best thing to go after was government jobs, said Datta while addressing a gathering at Nokpu village, bordering Assam, comprising mostly of Ao Nagas. The Governor was in the village to participate in the celebration of Moatsu, the premier festival of the Aos. Datta became the first Governor of the State to visit Japukong Range where Nokpu is located.

Conveying Moatsu greeting at the colourful celebration, the Governor asserted that Nagaland has enormous resources in the agricultural sector. What is required is to have an organized effort from the State Government, villagers and neighbouring States, particularly Assam, for the connectivity so that the surplus produce could reach markets outside Nagaland.

Commenting on the short drama, ‘Moina’ depicting the 17th century Ahom-Nokpu Naga relationship through the marriage of Sentishila, girl from Nokpu village to the Ahom King Godapani, staged during the occasion, the former IB chief said the play portraying the age-old neighbourly relationship between Ahoms and Nagas in particular and for all people in general is the need of the hour today. He lauded staging of the drama as it underscores the need for good neighourly relationship for mutual benefits and peaceful co-existence between the two communities. There is an urgent need for building good ties between the people of Assam and Nagaland for the prosperity of both the States.
MLAs refute NSCN (K) allegations By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 5 : Strongly refuting the allegations of the NSCN (K) that he had paid a sum of Rs 10 lakhs to the NSCN (IM), FPM MLA from Tamenglong Assembly Constituency, Samuel Jendai today said that the allegation is baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement, the MLA said, “It is mentioned that I have paid a sum of Rs 10 lakhs only to the NSCN (IM) which receipt is stated to be in the hands of the NSCN (K), Zeliangrong Region.
“I strongly deny this allegation, it is baseless and seemed to be politically motivated by somebody working against me,” said the MLA.
Throwing down the gauntlet, the MLA said, “ I also would like to challenge that on the day NSCN (K) Zeliangrong Region substantiate their allegation and authenticate it, I would tender my resignation from the membership of Manipur Legislative Assembly. The outfit is further apprised to come out with authentic documental evidence within no time.”
Making his stand clear, Samuel Jendai added, “Further, it is my sincere appeal to any underground group not to involve in local politics. And this kind of indulgence in local politics will not bring any good result to the people, rather it would create confusion in the minds of the general public in the future.”
On May 4, the spokesman of the Zeliangrong region of the NSCN (K) had accused the MLA of giving Rs 10 lakhs to the NSCN (IM) and had alleged that the outfit has the receipt to prove this.
The receipt was recovered from a camp of the NSCN (IM), the spokesman had asserted.
MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam against whom the NSCN (K) had raised an allegation that he had set up an armed outfit in cahoots with the NSCN (IM) has also dubbed the allegation as baseless.
Committees to speed up Kashmir dialogue The Morung Express
From left, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Hurriyat leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Abdul Ghani Bhat talk before a meeting in New Delhi, in this May 3 file photo. (AP Photo)
Srinagar, May 5 (PTI): To accelerate the dialogue aimed at resolving the Kashmir problem, India, Pakistan and the Hurriyat Conference will set up separate committees to discuss the issue, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said today. The committees will remain in touch with each other and discuss the Kashmir issue more frequently, the Mirwaiz told a Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid here on his return from Delhi following a meeting with the Prime Minister.
The Mirwaiz, who led a six-member team that held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday, said the Indian government’s committee will be headed by Home Minister Shivraj Patil while former Hurriyat chairman Abdul Gani Bhat will lead the three-member committee of the grouping. The Pakistan government has also been asked to set up a similar committee, Mirwaiz said. He said the Hurriyat committee would be assisted by constitutional and economic experts who would give their expert advice. The Mirwaiz welcomed the opening of the Srinagar- Muzaffarabad route for trade by India and Pakistan, saying Islamabad had proposed not to tax goods exported from Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
He hoped New Delhi would reciprocate by exempting imports from across the Line of Control from any levies. The Mirwaiz reiterated a demand for opening all routes between the divided parts of Kashmir that existed as on August 14, 1947.
UNLF claims success strike at Tml By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 5 : The proscribed UNLF has claimed that its MPA cadres inflicted heavy losses on a combined force of the Indian security force and the NSCN (IM) in two gun fights near Joujangtek in Tamenglong district and at Tingkhai Khunou. A spokesman of the UNLF informed the press that a fierce gun fight ensued between a combined force of the Indian security personnel and NSCN (IM) cadres and MPA cadres near Joujangtek at Tamenglong district yesterday at about 12.30 pm. The gun fight lasted for about half an hour. Another encounter ensued at Tingkhai Khullen today at about 7.30 am, said the spokesman and added that while one MPA cadre died in the two day encounter, at least five security personnel and NSCN (IM) cadres were killed. Many others were also injured, claimed the spokesman. The spokesman further said that the MPA cadre died in the encounter today at Tingkhai Khullen. In today's encounter three members of the combined force lost their lives while many more were injured. The MPA cadres numbered only seven, said the spokesman and added that they dealt a heavy blow on the combined force. One of them passed away in the encounter while the remaining six have returned safe and sound, added the spokesman. The two day encounter ensued when the combined force of Indian security force and NSCN (IM) cadres sneaked up on the place of the MPA from the side of Nungba through Laphura-kom, Lamdangmei and Charoi Panthang village.
The situation is still tense and another round of encounter may occur any time, said the spokesman and added that the MPA cadres are on high alert. Additional security force of the Indian Army have arrived at the sites of the encounters, disclosed the spokesman further.
Meanwhile villagers staying at the periphery of Tingkai Khullen reported hearing the loud reports of gun fire and bombs at about 8 am today. Police also received reports about the sound of gun fire and bombs but did not proceed to the area as they were not sure of the exact location of the encounter. The loud reports of gun fire and bombs triggered fear and alarm among the local people.
Malaria claims 7 more lives in Karbi Anglong From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIPHU, May 5 – Malaria has claimed seven more lives in Karbi Anglong during the last couple of days. According to information two persons died in Phuloni area, two in Bokolia area, one in Howraghat area, one from Kheroni and one from Borthoiso village near Baithalangso died of Malaria. While the number of people of the district suffering from the killer disease is still rising.
On the other hand, Joint Director, Medical and Health, Karbi Anglong claimed that the death due to malaria in the district is nil. There are 30 DDT squads which have been pressed into service. He also revealed that there are adequate medicine to meet any eventuality. Interestingly people from the interior areas alleged that DDT hasn’t been sprayed as of yet.
Campaigning begins for Imphal municipal elections
Warm up for Manipur Assembly elections Sentinel
IMPHAL, May 5 (UNI): Campaigning has begun for the Imphal Municipal Council elections scheduled to be held on May 31. The Congress is organizing series of meetings in various constituencies to prepare for the elections. Elections will be held for 27 wards of Imphal Municipal Council (IMC). A meeting was organized today at GM hall Imphal and another meeting of the Congress party will be held at Ukhrul tomorrow. The municipal elections are of importance as the General Assembly Elections are scheduled to be held within six or seven months. Congress leaders said they will field candidates in all the 27 wards and there will be no pre poll alliance. The Communist Party of Inida (CPI) is a partner of the Congress-led secular progressive front Government hence there will be a friendly contest it was added. The other political parties like the National Congress Party (NCP) will also field some candidates party sources said. The Manipur People’s Party (MPP), Democratic Revolutionary Peoples’ Party (DRPP) and Federal Party of Minipur (FPM) have announced that they will merge to form a strong regional party and a meeting will be held on May 9 to discuss about the modalities of merger. The three parties may also put up common candidates.
A Callous ASEB Sentinel
The power situation in Asom is so dismal and intriguing that one wonders whether there exists any board to cater to the most vital need of the people in this century. Electricity — not of the kind that the people of the State are used to — is what developed societies or even the developing ones unfailingly strive for as far as uninterrupted power supply is concerned. This is not to say that such societies are absolutely free of bottlenecks, for electric power is a requirement that seems to be forcing people to have more of it as they diversify themselves into different entrepreneurial ventures in this age of technology. Back home, in Asom, it has been a case as though the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) — that is supposed to supply power, not hinder it — has gained a contract of sorts to see to it that the people suffer. By people, we mean those who are otherwise powerless, their voice stifled by the callous order of the day, but who definitely have reasons to believe that a ‘happening’ State would provide them the very basic need — electricity. In fact, they are also the ones who depend on uninterrupted power supply to earn their livelihood. Or, does the ASEB think that they too should commit themselves to unfair means in order to have some alternative arrangement for electric power, since the Board has ‘other’ things to cater to?
That members of the the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) had to be caned by the security personnel on Thursday as the student activists protested against the ASEB at its head office in Guwahati for the utter inefficiency of the Board, is a grim reminder of the fact that one has to first prepare for police atrocities — the ASEB could have averted Thursday’s incident had it been a bit more sensible as an organization in a functioning democracy — before embarking on any dissident course. The ASEB has, in a classic illustration of its callousness, conveniently chosen not to explain its oft-repeated excuse of the so-called distribution and transmission losses. What is, however, not lost even on the man on the street is that these transmission and distribution losses are what account for the pilferage of electricity — called power theft in simple language. As we reported on Thursday, the distribution and transmission ‘loss’ of the ASEB to the tune of 46 per cent in the Barak Valley against an all-India average of 20 per cent — the average figure in the State is 33 per cent — ought to provoke one into thinking as to what the Board has done to make up for the so-called loss which, to a large extent, seems to power theft.
Having said this, one must understand that the lackadaisical attitude of the ASEB has much to do with the failure of the media to project one of most dismaying failures of the State — supply of electric power to the people in this age. In a democracy as ours, that boasts of it being a trendsetter amid the impediments of the day and where the media, given its freedom, ought to follow the trail of the unholy, the worst that the media can do is not be with the people. The point is pretty simple: people are suffering due to erratic power supply, thanks to an irresponsible ASEB, and so the media ought to anchor — and relentlessly fight for — the people’s cause. The ASEB cannot be allowed to take the people for a ride, and its lame excuse of ‘loss’ falls flat on everyone with eyes to see and mind to think. Does the ASEB think that it can still remain a typical government Board as to have protesters — against its abjectness — beaten up by those who are supposed to defend their legitimate rights?
Of Failed States Sentinel
The survey conducted by the US-based Foreign Policy magazine and the Fund for Peace think-tank, that sought to rank nations as failed states on the basis of 12 indicators, has brought forth stunning results in regard to South Asia. Pakistan, ranked 9, is among the world’s top 10 failed states; the main factors attributable to this are its failure to tackle tribal areas and rising ethnic tensions, as also the devastating earthquake last October in Kashmir that it failed to deal with. One must note that Pakistan was ranked 34 last year. It remains to be seen how Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf would react to his state’s abysmal fall; this, despite his arrogance as to Pakistan’s so-called leap into the fold of global economy, and as to its claim for parity with India. India, on the other hand, has a reason to cheer for its being ranked 93 — a rise from last year’s 76 — leaving China at 57, a decline from 75 last year. The authors of the report believe that India does have the potential to surpass China in the long run in terms of key parameters that define a state’s inherent capabilities to take giant leaps forward. The advantage that India has is that it is a functioning democracy where sane voices are heard and heeded, unlike China that is still politically totalitarian. But as a whole, it does not augur well for South Asia that five of its nations are among the world’s top 25 failed states — Pakistan (9), Afghanistan (10), Myanmar (18), Nepal (20) and Sri Lanka (25). All this means that these countries need to initiate radical measures to attack the malaises of uneven development, failing security apparatus and dismal human rights records.
Naxalism and the Poor, the Lowly and the Lost MV Kamanth Sentinel
In the last 40 years, Naxalite (Maoist) insurrections have spread like a forest fire from just one village to 170 districts in 13 States. The ‘‘Red Corridor’’ has penetrated into the heart of India from the Nepal border through Bihar (30 out of 38 districts), Jharkhand (15 out of 22 districts), Orissa, Chattisagarh and Andhra right down to a few districts in Maharastra and Karnataka. In a note submitted to a recently held JRD Tata Memorial Seminar, Mr A D Moddie pointed out that the Naxalite fire has spread faster since 1990, with the neglect of rural India after liberalization, the Naxal movement getting better armed with Kalashnikovs, land mines, wireless and country -made weapons. It is an open question how such weopons have been amassed through which sources, though one always has the example of the Virappan villain to go by. What is shocking is that State governments seem utterly insensitive to what is going on within their boundaries. According to Mr Moddie, the general causes for the fast spread of Naxalism is the failure of land reforms, the plight of poor peasants and tribals, lack of participative development and alienation of tribals towards sarkari development which has dispossessed them of their land and livelihood.
According to Mr Moddie, some 50 million people have been affected by the construction of big dams alone. The figure is disputed, but is believable. Thus, a study conducted under the auspices of the Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR) in 1994 noted that about 321.3 million people had been displaced between 1950 and 1990 to make way for mines, dams, industries and wildlife sanctnaries. It is a frightening figure, considering that it does not include the number of people displaced in urban areas. Mr Moddie can conceivably be right because more people have been displaced since 1994 or some 12 years ago.
Very little is heard about them. The significance of the number of displaced people in India is better understood when one realizes that out of 195 member countries of the United Nations, as many as 112 have a population of less than 50 million, and that includes Argentina (38 million), Canada (31 million), Ghana (30 million), Kenya (31million), Myanmar (49 million), Poland (39 million), and Tanzania (35 million). Australia has a population of 20 million and France 59 million. There are several countries like Belgium (10 million), Denmark (5 million), New Zealand (4 million) that pale into insignificance in the face of the number of people merely displaced in India. If that is not frightening, what else is? The tragedy is that the number of tribals and Dalits displaced is disproportionately high. According to Usa Ramanathan, an honorary fellow of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies writing in The Hindu (14 April), in West Bengal alone about 70 lakh (7 million) had been adversely affected by projects between 1947 and 2000, of whom 30 lakh had been physically displaced and only some three lakhs had been ‘‘resettled’’. Fancy 36 lakh people having to fend for themselves without any help whatsoever from the state. It is a matter of disgrace. Tribals made up 20 per cent of this number and Dalits 30 per cent. 31 lakh lost their land and livelihood without being physically relocated. In the same period, in Assam, around 25 lakh people were deprived or dislocated. We speak of them as ‘‘people’’ when they are our fellow human beings and deserve every help they can get. Usha Ramanathan mentions other instances that are soul-wrenching. On January 2, the police opened fire on tribals who were preventing the take-over of their land for setting up industries in Kalingangar in Orissa. A total of 634 families were displaced from the site of the Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd, but only 50 persons apparently got employed. Some 430 families were displaced for Visa Steel but no more than 42 were given employment or approximately one individual in ten families. If Usha Ramanathan is to be believed and there is no reason why she should not be, the State Government bought the land from the tribals at Rs 35,000 an acre and sold it to the industry at Rs 3.35 lakh an acre. That is some business deal at the cost of the tribals.
The State Government must have thought that even in giving Rs 35,000 an acre, it was being charitable to the poor landowners. Officially, in Orissa, 81,176 families from 1,446 villages have been displaced due to development projects between 1950 and 1998 which required acquisition of 14,82,626 acres of land. When the Hirakund Dam was built between 1948 and 1957, as many as 285 villages were affected, of which 248 were in Orissa. Around 4,744 families, all belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Tribes, were forcibly displaced of whom, it is claimed, 2,185 families were resettled in 17 rehabilitation camps. Nobody knows what has become of them.
One of the phonic words in the English language is ‘‘rehabilitation’’. It can mean anything. What needs to be remembered is that the state is not doling out charity to these ‘people’. Displacement can be very painful. People are removed from their natural environment which can be emotionally draining. They are pushed from one natural surrounding to another which can be totally alien and disturbing. And then there is the process of having to make a living and getting adjusted to a totally new way of life. It is inhuman to treat tribals and Dalits that way. Given this, is it any wonder that Naxalism is thriving, and what is more, spreading throughout the country? Admittedly, violence cannot be tolerated, but do we ask why there is violence in the first place? And to think that some 50 million people have been displaced, fancy throwing out the entire population of Canada, Australia and New Zealand in order to satisfy the demands for industrial or agricultural development. How thoughtless — and inhuman — can one be? The public must speak up for the lowly and the dispossessed, and demand that justice be done to them. That is the only and most sensible way of fighting Naxalism. Fighting violence with counter-violence does not meet the ends of justice. Think of 50 million people thrown out to streets by callous State governments and greedy industrialists. Their rehabilitation should be the concern of every decent citizen in this great country, and not just of the Narmada Bachao Andolan. We need many more Medha Patkars, howsoever much we may regret her decision to fast into death for a good cause. There cannot be a better cause.



Frans on 05.06.06 @ 12:16 PM CST [link]


Friday, May 5th

Church Role In Conflict


Church Role In Conflict Nagarealm.com
In the northeastern frontier, and more so in the predominantly tribal states like Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya, the Church has played a key role in shaping the world view of its adherents. Tribes have abandoned many of their primordial values to adapt and assimilate what they have been told is a more progressive faith, divorced from superstitions and the worship of nature and of deities. In their enthusiasm to imbibe the values of Christianity, the tribes have somehow jettisoned their priceless value systems which are based on a deep respect for truth, justice and an attitude of mutual helpfulness. Also left behind in the dustbin of human history is the respect for human life and all that it symbolises. There is an unceasing desire to possess all the good things of life.

The negatives are what have created a muddle in our present societies. They have caused a spiritual vacuum even as the race towards materialism and creature comforts is assuming a frenetic pace. Since the human person is not just all flesh but encompasses the spiritual and mental as well, he is very often unwillingly drawn into periods of introspection. This reflection causes a kind of spiritual spasm that twitches at the soul and the conscience. An inner conflict like a raging storm begins to torment our souls. If we have time to listen to our conscience and unravel the mysterious, muddled thoughts, the result would be a better human being. Sadly many of us are afraid of silence. Nor are we ready to disentangle the spiritual knots for fear that we might have to face up to some of the harsh realities of our negative actions. As a result, we shut up that voice before it becomes too jarring.

The inner voice Moral science lessons we learnt as youngsters say the still small voice is our conscience telling us to shun the path of cruelty and criminality and to do what is right. It guides us on the path of reason and humanity. That voice is not the exclusive brand equity of Christians alone. Every human being possesses it. But whether every person listens to that voice is another matter. The pursuit of wealth and “happiness” (almost as if wealth is equal to happiness) somehow detracts us from daily introspection, which is integral to our holistic development as wholesome human beings.

Mahatma Gandhi had a schedule of evening devotion where he would reflect on his daily actions. Perhaps that is what gave the Mahatma the strength to shun political ambition and to reflect instead on social liberties such as the emancipation of dalits and others who were at the lower rung of the social ladder. Iconoclasts, and there are many in this new age, would pooh-pooh such ideas. But the fact is that all new-age gurus, including those with a huge following like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, have always stressed meditation as an antidote to the poison that we accumulate in our daily interface with the world around us and the conflict within our inner selves.
Introspection involves not just a recognition of our sinful nature but also of making reparation for the wrongs we have committed.

‘Silent’ response A thought that often comes to mind is whether Christians have enough time for introspection or whether church services have become noisy, verbose affairs that do not convict the sinner but are palliatives to the troubled conscience. How else does one explain the fratricidal killing among the Nagas when every militant camp has a regular ritual of prayers, Bible reading and exhortation? Christians are often very condescending towards people who follow other religions. Non-believers are called gentiles. The more supercilious rightists would even label non-Christians as “idol worshippers” who are doomed to hell.
With that kind of argument, you would think that Bible-thumping preachers would be shaken at the number of murders that are committed in Nagaland on a daily basis. You would expect the Church to be indignant and to protest and consider some kind of positive action against this tendency. But the Church seems to have lost its voice of prophecy. Are church leaders also afraid of reprisals from one or other militant camp? Or is the Church indirectly aligned with one militant group and therefore acquiesces with what that group does for fear of offending it? If that is the case, can the Church still call itself the united body of Christ?

Most of the wrongdoings such as factional killings and extortion, which are grievous acts of criminality even by common state law, seem to have been condoned by the Church. Otherwise, why should the Church not speak up and exhort people to resist extortion and rise against the gun culture.

Naga exodus Despite the ceasefire, militants are roaming around with weapons in many districts of Nagaland and Manipur in a manner that is meant to intimidate and to extract compliance from businessmen or government officials who are targets of extortion.

Is this the kind of climate that the Naga people want indefinitely? Do they want their young to leave their hearths and homes and seek mental peace elsewhere because the atmosphere is too dense with gunpowder? Almost every commercial establishment in Delhi today has one or two Naga girls as shop assistants. Although this is not a bad thing to happen and Nagas are integrating very well into the “Indian” milieu, the question is whether they do so out of choice or because of economic and other compulsions. Is it fear that is driving them away to safer environs?

Free platform Every Naga youth is of course eagerly awaiting the day when the ongoing peace process ceases to be merely a process but becomes a reality. But no one is really sure if that day will come soon. In fact, no one really knows what is actually transpiring between the NSCN (I-M) and Union government. Does every Naga know what the NSCN (I-M) leadership aspires for? Does that aspiration include the dream of every Naga right down to the last man in the hamlet of Mon or Tuensang districts?

With the Naga Hoho having become almost defunct and its various wings totally co-opted by the NSCN (I-M), it is time for the Church to raise its prophetic voice now or never. Hopefully the Church, one hopes, is not co-opted by any of the factions and therefore free from all encumbrances and obligations. The Church must provide the platform for the faithful to speak up and say what they want. This free platform for liberal ideas has never been raised in the past. People do not say what they feel in their hearts for fear of getting a bullet. In this climate of tension and intimidation, how can people breathe peacefully leave alone hope for peace now or in the future? The Church has a role in disarming all those who stand in the way of true peace, which frankly speaking, does not hinge on the NSCN(I-M)-Centre talks.

True peace comes from within the heart and it reigns only when guns are silenced and people learn to appreciate and give space to dialogue and dissent. At the moment, the Church seems to be the only body that can bring sanity and peace in the long run. It can do that not by silencing believers into acquiescence but by empowering them to speak the truth that is in their hearts. [PATRICIA MUKHIM, telegraphindia]
NSCN (K) claims IM-MLA link By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 4 : The NSCN (K) has claimed that it possesses documentary proof which allegedly suggest close ties between the rival IM group and MLA samuel Jendai as well as attempt by MPCC (I) president Gaikhangam to float a new armed outfit. According to a spokesperson of NSCN (K), Zeliangrong Region the unholy alliances of the two legislators came to light when its cadres raided a rival hideout at Alingson village (Khungdon Khun-khai) under Nungba PS of Tamenglong district on May 2. A money receipt recovered from the busted camp indicated that Samuel Jendai had provided Rs 10 lakhs to the IM group, said the spokesperson while speaking to the media somewhere in Imphal East district today. While asserting that the receipt copy is in the possession of the NSCN (K) and any interested person may verify the same, he also accused Gaikhangam of collaborating with IM leaders to form the new outfit.
Elaborating , the spokesperson said during the same attack documents indicating correspondence between the MPCC chief and top IM leaders have been retrieved. On Gaikhangam’s intimation chief of army of the NSCN (IM) Hansi had instructed operation com- mander of the outfit’s MP battalion Maj Luikham to cease all military offensive against the new outfit, claimed the spokesperson who also added that copies of Hansi’s instruction to Luikham and the latter’s acknowledgement letter which also listed seized weapons are in possession of the K group.
Contending that the seized weapons listed in the letter indicate seven in total, the spokesperson also rubbished politicians making a hue and cry over existence of large number of insurgent groups as cover-up exercise of their own sinister designs.
In the May 2 morning offensive wherein the IM cadres suffered casualties in the nearly four hour battle, the K raiders chased the rival fighters upto Lanka, he said and maintained that the items recovered from the busted hideout include huge consignment of condoms. He also recalled of similar items recovered from the Kei-mai camp of IM group in another attack in 2003.
referring to the condom recovery, the spokesperson questioned whether IM cadres involved in the insurgency movement under ‘Nagaland for Christ’ slogan is carrying the condoms for awareness campaign or are themselves adopting safety measures from the dreaded disease.
In another recent encounter (May 3) at Joujang one chinese rifle, sniper rifle and camera each, along with seven uniforms, 50 round of ammunition and Rs 25,000 were recovered from an IM camp, the spokesperson claimed. Informing that there was no casualty on either side in the second attack, he said both the IM hideouts had been burnt down. Reacting to IM’s insistence on involvement of UNLF and KNF activists whenever their (IM) camp is attacked, the spokesperson in a lighter vein said time has come for responsible IM leaders to proof such claims before their sub-ordinates shift blame on US Army on future attacks. He also demanded that IM leader Winning substantiate claim that K group suffered many casualties in the Alingson attack.
UNC to stage rally on May 13 Nagarealm.com
KOHIMA, MAY05: In view of the Indo-NSCN (IM) political talk scheduled to be held from May 18 to May 20 at Armsterdam, the United Naga Council (UNC) is organising a massive rally in support of the peace process on May 13 in the four hill districts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel. "At this history making period, we sincerely appeal to every Naga citizen and Church members to participate in this rally, in all the four hill districts.
"We also appeal to all the Churches to have a special prayer programme on this Sunday May 7 for honourable solution on Naga issue.
Let us unite together in prayer", said the UNC statement. The peace talk between the NSCN (IM) and GoI has been dragging on for the last eight years. [NNN]
Karbi rally for peace Correspondent Nagaland Post
Diphu, May 4: A massive rally, taken out here on Thursday under the aegis of District Citizens' Peace Forum (DCPF), called upon the people of Northeast, particularly Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya, for showing solidarity with the victims of ethnic violence.
The rally expressed deep concern over manifestations of intolerance which were affecting hundreds of people throughout the Northeast thereby fanning fanaticism and inter-ethnic rivalries.
The speakers at the rally including Rev. Laldawngliana, Administrative Secretary, Presbyterian Church of India, Shillong, Rev. W.C. Khongwin, Presbyterian Church of India, Tom Mangattuthazhe, Joint Secretary DCPF, Rev. Dr. Socrow Rongpi, Chairman DCPF, Rev. W. Teron, Vice Chairman of DCPF and Rev. P.B.M. Bosoiawmit, Presbyterian Church of India, Shillong said that people affected by ethnic violence could not be ignored just because they belonged to different community or culture.
Stating that cultural differences have indeed been the cause of numerous conflicts, they agreed that mutual acceptance led to peace. The speakers maintained that "violence is not genetically programmed into human nature and neither a part of our evolutionary legacy, nor of our genes".
Further, they said that in today's world "respect becomes not only a virtue but a condition for the survival". The participants appealed to all to multiply and unite their efforts towards a peaceful settlement of conflicts through dialogue and discourse. Considering responsibility towards future generations, they also appealed to "political representatives and all communities to use their authority and influence for strengthening the spirit of tolerance and mutual understanding in order to avoid hostility.
Further, they appealed to teachers and parents of all communities to inculcate in children and youth the spirit of openness and respect for other people, to foster the ideals of tolerance and rejection of violence. Acknowledging the role of media in upholding peace, the speakers urged journalists to show personal responsibility while covering the cultural and socio-economic lives of other people. They also appealed to the youth of all communities to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship with other people of their age, to study the languages and culture, to value and respect the diversity of culture as the common heritage of humanity and to express solidarity against violence.
Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Culture in Myanmar COMMENTARY Danee The Morung ExpressVoorhees
Imagine a country relatively untouched by the influences of global culture and media, where you’re hard pressed to find a Coca Cola. McDonalds in Bangladesh, yes, Starbucks in the Philippines, for sure, but you can find neither here. Armani’s never even heard of it.
For Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), who closed its borders in the 1960s to foreigners to protect against “alien influence” and the evils of the West during the “Burmese Path of Socialism,” this isn’t a fairy tale. The Myanmese dress in traditional garb; men and women both wear the longyi, a tube-like skirt of multicolored plaid that knots in the front. Myanmese TV shows tapes of traditional dances, and everyone knows the old stories and songs. Men and women paint their faces with thanaka. There is little evidence of the presence of multinational corporations.
Like the nearby country of Bhutan, which requires all citizens, including minorities, to wear traditional Buddhist dress when attending public ceremonies and visiting schools, Buddhist religious buildings, monasteries and government offices, the Myanmese government has gone to great lengths to preserve the traditional Bamar culture and keep the influence of the West to a minimum. The new Prime Minister of Myanmar, Khin Nyunt, once summed up their position on foreign influence, saying, “cultures and standards of large countries with the upper hand in technology and economy have been breaking up, overwhelming and changing national values and traditional cultures of smaller ones,” and that it was up to the country’s youth to preserve and maintain traditional culture. At different times, his government has outlawed rock n’ roll, break dancing, and Western-style dress.
Indeed, the government, known as the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), remains cautious of foreigners. When travelers were allowed back into the country in the 1980s, visas were issued for seven days only. Travelers were required to stay in government owned guesthouses, and register with the local police wherever they went. There were permitted areas and forbidden areas for travelers. There was even special money foreigners were supposed to use, called FECs (Foreign Exchange Certificates). Foreign journalists were not granted visas, and suspected journalists were denied visas or deported. There was even a limit to how much film could be brought in. In some ways, it was much like traveling to North Korea today. Tourist money was certainly welcome, but were the tourists?
Slowly, the regime worked out ways to handle travelers. Like Bhutan, who used to limit the number of visas granted per year (about 2,000) and didn’t open their borders to outsiders until 1974, they desired a way to limit the influx of change that accompanies large herds of tourists to their destination.
Today, most travelers are allowed twenty eight day visits and can stay in private guesthouses, because tourists mean tourist money. And in the face of international tourism boycotts advanced by such groups as the Boycott Burma Campaign and the Free Burma Coalition, they need to accommodate the travelers who do make it to the country the best they can. However, these travelers remain subject to surveillance. FECs remain in circulation, and certain districts remain off limits to foreigners. Foreign journalists are still not allowed in the country, and suspected journalists are questioned and followed.
Limits on travel don’t only apply to people coming in; they also apply to Myanmese citizens. The SPDC restricts the movement of it’s citizens, internally and when going abroad. They make it particularly difficult for females to obtain passports. Women under the age of 25 are not allowed out of the country without a guardian, and marriage of females to foreigners is banned, though this ban is difficult to enforce. Prime Minister Khin Nyunt even reportedly disowned his son when he married a foreigner. Contact with the “other” is to be avoided as much as possible.
It is also difficult to obtain information about the outside world in the country. Though you can watch the BBC from a tourist hotel’s satellite TV hookup, most people lucky enough to own a TV receive two channels: one government channel and one armed forces channel. Satellite hookups are available only by government-issued license. It is illegal, and punishable with sentences from 7 to 15 years, for civilians to use the internet. Possession of a modem or any kind of computer equipment not registered with the government is also illegal. Lastly, the press is state-controlled, as is the production of books. The SPDC’s Department of Press Scrutiny screens books before allowing their production and sale. In 2002, 8,700 books were approved for publication, the most popular being works that “raise the morals of youth.” Foreign periodicals are available in a few places, but screened before sale. Periodicals with mention of Myanmar are generally kept off the market. The effect of limiting access to information is nominal, however. The US government estimates that the functional literacy rate in Myanmar is about 30%, due to both the erratic opening and closing of schools in the country and the costs of educating children (which is the family’s responsibility.) According to Christina Fink, author of Living Silence: Burma Under Military Rule, some people even discourage their kids from reading for fear this will around an interest in politics, which is a dangerous game in Myanmar.
But there has been contact with the outside world, though Myanmese citizens are sporadically forbidden from sending letters abroad. To some, foreigners are the bearers of books, news, and luxury items they could otherwise not obtain. Foreigners are also the richest around in a country where the minimum wage is $.10 per day. The biggest dream young people have is to learn English and become a tour guide. It is the most lucrative opportunity available in their extremely controlled and limited economic environment. And, wherever you go, people love to sing “Hotel California” with you.
The History of the Regime and Human Rights
The brutal regime that rules the country and puts these laws into effect first took power in 1962, led by General Ne Win. Immediately, his government put the country on the “Burmese path to socialism,” which involved taking over the economy down to the retail level and controlling both the banks and the import/export industries. Having been a former colony of Britain, they were highly suspicious of developing a neo-colonial relationship with this outside world, as they perceived was occurring with other newly independent countries. So following China’s lead, choose to focus on internal development without help from outside. It was during this period that the borders were sealed and many foreigners, including missionaries, were expelled.
The rise of the concept of nationalism during this time period, influenced by the Japanese rhetoric of “Asia for Asians,” also led to their heavy emphasis on reviving and accentuating Burmese culture. Developing pride in their traditions and their glorious past (pre-Britain) helped strengthen the power of Ne Win’s regime.
The country struggled under socialist isolationism for many years, finding it difficult to effectively organize industry and production. In the 1980’s, the border was reopened in hopes of attracting foreign investment and development.
It was a few years later that news began leaking out about the regime, particularly about its human rights record. Early news came from travelers who made the best of their seven day visas. Then in 1988, huge uprisings occurred as citizens took to the streets to demand democracy. In the weeks that followed, 3,000 people suspected of taking place in the demonstrations were murdered, and the country’s democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was placed under arrest. Into the nineties, more news began to come out, and a list of abuses ranging from forced servitude to build infrastructure, to holding large numbers of political prisoners (between 1,000 and 1,500), to forcing Myanmese refugees back across the border at gunpoint. They are also complicit in the world opium trade (some report that 50% of the United State’s heroin originates in Myanmar) and in human trafficking. Meanwhile, Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy party won the free elections in 1990 with 82% of the popular vote but were never allowed to take office, remained in and out of government custody. While in under arrest, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts. The imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi has brought the regime a great deal of international attention and boycotts. In fact, Myanmar’s maintenance of culture is a cause and effect cycle related to the heavy hands of the regime. First, they impose laws and strict punishments to maintain culture and control; and then their brutality and disregard for human rights gets them labeled what the US calls a “pariah regime.” It results in them being heavily sanctioned by governments all over the world, making foreign investment and international trade extremely difficult. You could say it’s a mutual dislike.
At the end of July, the United States signed into law the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act in response to Suu Kyi’s latest arrest in May, which (among other things) bans all imports from Myanmar for a period of three years and hits the impoverished country with a $356 million dollar per year loss. Approximately 100,000 garment factory workers who produce American clothing, and whose wages are estimated between $.04/hour and $.10/day, will lose their jobs. Prior to these sanctions, President Clinton signed a law into effect that forbade any further American investment in Myanmar due to human rights abuses.
The European Union has imposed a visa ban on SPDC officials and their families. Japan, Myanmar’s greatest source of foreign aid (totaling 69.9 million dollars in 2001), has even ceased aid until Suu Kyi is released. Each of these actions has caused foreign activity in the country to grind to a halt, and forced the government to forge ahead alone in the development process. It has also made it easy for the SPDC to limit the amount of “alien influence” in the country and preserve their culture.
But Whose Culture?
But whose culture is the SPDC preserving? There are 67 ethnic groups within Myanmar, and the country has been plagued with ethnic uprisings since the Bamar-dominated SPDC took power. Other groups object to being ruled by the SPDC on these grounds, and several have formed their own governments, which come in constant conflict with the SPDC. ECHO, the Humanitarian Aid Office of the European Commission, estimates that as many as one million persons have been displaced in Myanmar during this ongoing conflict. The Bamar people do represent approximately 68% of the population, and Buddhism is the dominant religion. But what about Christians and Muslims in Myanmar, who have not been allowed to construct new churches or mosques in recent years? What about ethnic Chinese and Indians whose families came to Myanmar during colonial times but are not allowed to be citizens?
One such group, the Chin, are Lai-speaking Christians. In Chin State, a northern division of the country, soldiers have reportedly been offered financial and career incentives to marry Chin women, teach them the Burmese language, and convert them to Buddhism. Other reports tell the story of Chin children, separated from their parents under the guise of educating them, who are taken to Buddhist monasteries and converted without their parent’s knowledge. It seems that the SPDC’s idea of traditional culture is Bamar traditional culture, and that they will go so far as to push that culture onto ethnic and religious minorities in the country-- in effect, imitating what they accuse Western cultures of doing in smaller nations.
Through the efforts of both Myanmar and other countries, Bamar traditional culture has remained largely intact. But with the incredible internal strains caused by ethnic conflict, a dire economy, a desire by many for democracy, and international pressure, though, is it a matter of time before the regime cracks? Members of the international community hope that this is the case. It is hoped that sanctions and pressure on top of it’s internal problems will eventually crumble the SPDC in the same ways that boycotts and divestment toppled the Apartheid government of South Africa. But what will happen when its borders are opened and foreign investment and business rushes in? Will Myanmar’s traditional culture remain as it has been? Paul Riceour remarked that “every culture cannot sustain and absorb the shock of modern civilization.” What will happen in Myanmar remains to be seen.
Burma’s probability: Wooing China and India (Contd from previous issue) Sangai Express
These actions unequivocally brought immense impacts on both the populace and the ruling military regime. Had these engagements been concerted efforts involving Burma’s neighbouring cou-ntries – particularly China and India, juggernaut changes could have happened. With the recalcitrant nature of Burma’s military leaders and appeasement diplomacies of some of the deciding countries on their side, no pragmatic transformation has been visualized till date. While many tend to see the EU and US for tougher actions including military intervention, its reality is far from near. Imminent dangers posed by countries such as Iran, North Korea and the unabated Middle-East crisis overshadow problems in the Southeast Asian country like Burma.
The 2005 informal briefing on Burma at the UNSC, which was the culmination of Burmese democratic movement for the year, was words that ended without enforcement. China and Russia stance on the ground that “Burma is not a threat to international peace and security,” which is the basic objective for forming the United Nations, has stalled the Security Council’s unprecedented manoeuvre. In yet another encouraging sign, ASEAN, while sidelining its traditional non-interference policy on member country, reached agreement to push for the speedy democratization process. However, this initiative turned out to be only a rhetoric remarks when the ASEAN special envoy, Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, visiting Burma in March 2006, had to cut short his three-day trip by one day and returned home empty-handed without even meeting Aung San Suu Kyi. Albar’s visit followed a trip by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to Rangoon only to signalled Jakarta’s growing interest in engaging with the junta-led administration. These failures further dashed a hope for the regional bloc’s anticipated engagement.
At this juncture, the feasibility of one intervention could be a formal discussion of Burma’s issues at the UNSC with binding resolutions. To achieve this objective, cooperation from lobbyists and advocates including the Burmese activists and members of the Security Council is necessary. If any binding agreement can be reached, non-compliance on the part of the Burmese military regime will be moved in accordance with the resolutions. Any intransigent reaction on Burma could even entail sending of UN peace keeping forces.
Popular uprising
When talking about Burma politics, the 1988 democracy uprising, popularly known as the 8888 uprising, cannot remain untouched. This was the turning point of a democratic struggle permeating beyond international borders. The 1990 country-wide general election and the birth of umpteen political parties thereafter are the consequences of this historic popular uprising. Had not the 1990 uprising happened, the international awareness of Burma’s issues could have been in the shadow of the world’s politics.
A noble cause to rise up for another popular uprising is not an easy question to answer. The massive loss of lives and properties, the horrendous massacre and incarceration of several brave demonstrators by the military personnel have tremendously demoralized the nerves of many in the country where justice does not prevail. Despite all these cumbersome tasks and bemoaning scenario, Burma’s political turmoil and the continued rampant human rights abuses speak far exceedingly. Some international observers express reservations on the probability of a mass uprising. However, glimpsing at transitional governments around the world, changes generally come from within. This does not simplify that movements in exile should abandon its trend of moving forward. When movements from both within and outside the country are at its melting point, people’s power will prevail.
Finally, support and cooperation from the international community is an ever demanding diplomacy. Coordination of pro-democracy campaigns from within and outside Burma is at its prominence to effect changes in the country. When the western world, particularly the United States government and like-minded countries, is exerting its pressure at the United Nations Security Council, advocates and lobbyists around the world should impress other international players to accentuate the move. It now evidently appears that exploring amicable solutions to the Burmese myriad problems with the preclusion of its two neighbours – China and India is a hard nut to crack. Umpteen engagements from the western nations are found to be effective to a certain extent, yet a pro-active cooperation of these two Asia heavy weights is a paramount importance.
— Concluded * The writer is the General Secretary of the US based Kuki International Forum (KIF) and a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Burma (1947-2004).
He can be reached at nehginpao@yahoo.com">nehginpao@yahoo.com.
Mosquito terror hits Assam rebels By Indo Asian News Service
Guwahati, May 5 (IANS) Stinging mosquitoes have ejected dozens of separatist guerrillas in Assam out of their jungle bases to seek treatment for the cure of malaria, police Friday said. A police spokesperson said a malaria epidemic sweeping Assam and its adjoining areas have forced rebels of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to come out of their hideouts. 'We are keeping a close watch on hospitals where we suspect ULFA cadres hit by malaria have been admitted for treatment,' said a senior police official. At least 90 people have died of a malaria epidemic in Assam since the disease struck the state last month.
The ULFA, fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, have bases in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar, besides in heavily forested areas in eastern Assam. 'This is not a new phenomenon. Each year we find ULFA cadres forced to come out of the jungles during the malaria season for treatment,' Assam Inspector General of Police Khagen Sharma told IANS. 'During the days when the ULFA had its bases in Bhutan we found cadres coming out of their hideouts after being hit by malaria.'
A retired chief engineer of the state's Public Works Department (PWD) who was kidnapped by the ULFA died of malaria last week. 'The abducted chief engineer was brought by the ULFA from a hideout and admitted to a private nursing home. He later died as his condition worsened while in ULFA custody,' another police official said. Militants apart, a large number of army and paramilitary soldiers, including policemen, posted in the jungle terrain were down with malaria.
'Malaria claims at least eight to 10 security personnel posted in Assam and other northeastern states every year,' an official of the Central Reserve Police Force said. The northeast is a known 'malaria zone' with the disease claiming an estimated 500 lives annually. At least 230 people died in Assam last year of malaria, which is caused by a small parasite spread through mosquito bites. The dangerous malaria season lasts three to four months beginning in mid-March. Cerebral malaria is the severest form of the disease and can cause seizures, comas and other problems. Health officials in the adjoining states of Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland said there were cases of malaria in their region, although the disease has not assumed epidemic proportions like in Assam.
No hesitation in firing on cadres to protect civilians: Maj Gen Kumar
From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
DIMAPUR, May 4 – Expressing serious concern over the recent spurt in clashes between the rival factions of NSCN in civilian populated areas, the security forces has warned that it would not hesitate to fire upon the cadres in such a situation despite the existing ceasefire with both the factions.

Expressing dismay over the recent clashes between the cadres of rival NSCN factions within the vicinity of several villages in the State, General Officer Commanding Nagaland (North), Major General SS Kumar asserted that he would not hesitate to order firing if ‘they’ resort to activities endangering the lives of the innocent villagers.

“We don’t care as long as they restrict their war to the jungles. But we will not hesitate to order my troops to fire if they bring the war to populated areas and endanger the lives of the innocents”, he told media persons at Medziphema, near here.

To prove that he meant business, Gen Kumar, recounted a recent incident when he ordered his troops to seal off a whole town with barbed fencing when he learnt that some cadres of an NSCN faction had ordered a high-ranking police official to arrange food and accommodation for dozens of them.

The cadres had to finally pull out of the town after the Assam Rifles jawan’s kept the town under siege for several days even though the police official pleaded with the General to withdraw.



Frans on 05.05.06 @ 02:45 PM CST [link]


Thursday, May 4th

UNC rally ahead of Amsterdam talks


UNC rally ahead of Amsterdam talks The Morung Express

Imphal, May 3: In view of the Indo-Naga political talk scheduled to be held from May 18 to May 20 at Armsterdam,the United Naga Council (UNC) is organising a massive rally in support to the peace process, on May 13 in the four hill districts of Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel.
“At this history-making period, we sincerely appeal every Naga citizen and church member to participate in this rally, in all the four hill districts.
We also appeal to all the churches to have a special prayer programme on this Sunday May 7 for honourable solution on Naga issue. Let us unite together in prayer”, said the UNC statement.
Newmai News Network
Kilonsers inducted, 4 join NSCN (IM) The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 3 (MExN): The NSCN-IM today inducted 2 new Kilonsers and 3 Deputy Kilonsers at a joint council meeting held at Camp Hebron. Although, the release did not make a mention of the portfolio allotted to the new kilonsers, the new faces in the list included A.P Shimrah (Kilonser), Yanger Pongener (Kilonser), Hokugha (Dy. Kilonser), Lima Chuba (Dy Kilonser) and BC Ezung (Dy. Kilonser). Qhevihe, Convener, Steering Committee administered the Oath of allegiance to them, said the release by its Kilo Secretary Bohoto Kiba.
The same release also said that NSCN-K Deputy Chaplee Kilonser, Imkong Wapang along with its former Trade & Commerce Kilonser, Hriini, ST Konal, Tatar, and Mayang Sucha Jamir, PS to Chaplee Dy. Kilonser has joined their fold. Terming the joining of the rival leaders a home coming, it said that the four leaders were accorded a warm welcome today after the oath of allegiance ceremony to the newly inducted Kilonsers.
The release also further said that the four leaders of the NSCN-K has cited dissatisfaction over the ‘callous and wrong ideology’ and the prevalent indiscipline within its rank and file as the main reason for their defection.
The function was attended by the joint council members and other GPRN officials, while it concluded with mass prayer.
Letter to the editor
Nagaland is swelling with funds The Morung Express
• Sir-Nagaland is swelling under funds with two categories of people. And these categories of people are called Bureaucrats and politicians. Most of them are amassers and irresponsible. Why? They never arrive in time. They think keeping people waiting gives them a felling of importance or power. They fight for promotions based on length of service not on performance. They form committees and sub-committees for shifting responsibilities. Whenever in scam or misuse they are looking to make someone a scapegoat. Many times we hear our people say our people need time to grow up. But how, when the Govt. machineries are afflicted with cancerous corruptions, can we see people grow up? “Unjust governance is organized crimes”.
Starving people jailed for their minor stealing, where as when lakhs and crores of public money is extorted or stolen by the freedom fighters, Govt. officials and political leaders, there is no law to bind them. The Holy Bible is being used by the criminals as their scapegoat and the law and order of the land is only for the innocents. The term of ‘Corruption’ in Nagaland is the use of public office for private gain; Corruption is anti-people, anti-poor, anti-development. Political parties are personality centered rather than visionary centered. Politicians have created plenty of shields to protect themselves so that they are not held responsible for their misdeeds.
Entering to political game is seen as an opportunity to make money. Today, we see two kinds of honesty! A kind of honesty is one who takes bribe and does the work. The other dishonesty is the one who takes the bribe and doesn’t do the work. It is a fool, who does your work without taking any bribe. One should know always that a person bought by you will also someday be bought away from you.
Who or what can heal the swelling of the Nagas? Patriotic and trustworthy people must hold the position of leadership, and then only the swelling of Nagas with funds will be healed. Christianity condemns bribery, stealing, cheating and killing. Why don’t we practice what we believe in? Our Holy Bible prohibits double standards. Our compelling situation is to wage a war against bribery, killing and corruption.
The greatest evil in any society is when the government/leaders do not do their jobs properly. Knowing what’s right and not doing it is lack of commitment. Not knowing what’s right and, hence, not doing it is ignorance. Excusing such ignorance’s can be a source of great pain, misery, and loss not only for us, but also for the coming generations.
Eno. Imti John
Director, Reformation Ministry of Nagaland
Kohima green meet urges brakes on jhum OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, May 3: The increasing damage caused to forests by rampant jhum cultivation was discussed at a national afforestation and eco-development board meeting held here yesterday. Attended by officials from across the country, the meet discussed problems specific to Nagaland, in addition to the chalked-out agenda of covering ecological challenges faced by the country as a whole. A forest officer said that while sustainable jhum could offer a solution to the problem, rampant felling needed to be stopped immediately.
Over the last two months, forest areas have been cleared and burnt down along the arterial Dimapur-Kohima-Imphal National Highway 39. This, in spite of the government announcing a penalty of up to Rs 50,000 for burning down forests.
“We are helpless and the respective deputy commissioners have not penalised anyone. Who will bell the cat?” asked a senior forest department officer. An example is a burnt patch of land left with foot-high tree stumps on the outskirts of Kohima, carries a board — “Banana and passion fruit project 2005-06, department of horticulture”. In Nagaland, nearly 85 per cent of the forest area is community-owned. The state government and chief minister Neiphiu Rio have made repeated appeals to jhum cultivators to conserve the rapidly depleting forest cover, but in vain. In areas like Mon district, barren hills stretch for miles, while Kohima and Phek are rapidly losing their green wealth. In several areas of the state, jhum cycles have been reduced to less than 10 years from the earlier 15 years. The afforestation board has seven centres across the country, headed by university professors. The chairman of the board is an inspector-general of forests from New Delhi.
Rio, Wangyuh, State BJP express sorrow over Mahajan's demise Kuknalim.com
DIMAPUR, May 3: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Lok Sabha MP Wangyuh Konyak and the BJP, Nagaland unit have mourned the demise of BJP general secretary Pramod Mahajan at Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai on Wednesday evening. In a condolence message issued to the press, Rio expressed shock and sorrow over the death of Pramod Mahajan after being shot at by his brother on April 22.

"He (Mahajan) had a long innings of three decades of political career, beginning as an ordinary RSS worker in 1978 and ending up as one of the most influential leaders, who was calling the shots within the BJP party. He was also popularly recognized as the best election manager of the BJP," Rio said. He said Mahajan's death was a great loss to the nation, and the people of the country lost a prominent political figure and a man of the masses, adding "The vacuum created by his death will be difficult to fill in."
In a separate condolence message, Lok Sabha MP Wangyuh stated that he was shocked to hear the news of Mahajan's death after being shot at by his brother on April 22.

"The passing away of Pramod Mahajan is a great loss not only to his family and the BJP but also to the nation. Though he is no more with us, his deeds will be remembered in the days to come," he said. He, on behalf of the BJP, Nagaland unit, conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family. Meanwhile, the BJP, Nagaland unit, has expressed deep grief at the untimely death of former Union minister and the party's national general secretary Pramod Mahajan on Wednesday.

At an emergency meeting of the party held today, State BJP president M. C. Konyak, general secretaries O. Mozamo Ngullie and Ato Yepthomi, BLP deputy leader Dr. T. M. Lotha, treasurer Basu Damani, all BJP legislators and office bearers expressed grief at Mahajan's death and prayed to God to be with the bereaved family at this hour of pain.
The State unit of the BJP termed the death of Pramod Mahajan's as an irreparable loss to the party. M. C. Konyak said BJP had lost "its most jubilant and energetic leader who has become immortal for the party and will be remembered for all the times to come."
The BJP, Nagaland unit, has asked all its district units to call condolence meetings and organize charitable services in memory of Late Mahajan. Meanwhile, the BJYM Nagaland led by its president Imkong Imchen and general secretary V. Shikuto Sema have also condoled the death of Mahajan who, BJYM said, was "one of the brightest stars in the BJP firmament." (NPN)
Catalyst for Peace The Morung Express Today's Editorial
India’s feel good factor over Kashmir—what with a democratically elected government in Srinagar, a peace process with Pakistan well in place and positive vibes with the world’s only super power the United States—is now turning sour with the level of violence gathering storm in the Kashmir valley, epitome to India’s secular credentials. The killing of thirty-five Hindus this week by militants is not only horrifying as in the way the massacre occurred but the act itself is most despicable for the mere intent to cause bloodshed on religious lines. Combined with the kidnapping and killing of a Hindu Indian engineer in Afghanistan by the Taliban, there is increasing apprehension that such incidents will only further divide people on ethnic and religious lines. This is a dangerous mindset to operate politics from, given the bitter experience of partition and communal violence across the Indian sub-continent.
That the stepped up violence has occurred only hours before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was to hold the second round of discussion with the leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) only adds to the fear that there are forces inimical to peace out to stall the process for their own vested interest. There is no reason to doubt that the stepping up (or down) of violence inside Kashmir on a dual basis seems to be a de-facto policy plan from within the establishment in Pakistan, most notably the handiwork of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Such patterns of generating violence from across the Line of Control (LoC) should not come as a surprise although it is most disappointing to know that violence has come to pass once again even after the amount of time invested by both New Delhi and Islamabad on the peace process.
While there is a growing opinion gaining ground that the government at the Centre should de-rail itself from the peace process with Pakistan, such a response by New Delhi can in no way guarantee peace to flourish either. Rather than take the exit route, India should continue to pursue a peace settlement in the region. For this, there is no reason why the momentum of the peace process should not be given a push. Both India and Pakistan must realize that the bilateral talks must lead to change in the ground situation. For Islamabad this entails that it stops the covert support to cross-border terrorism. This will put less pressure on New Delhi to address the core issue of Kashmir. A belligerent tactic by Pakistan will only push the UPA Government into taking a rigid posture as a face saving formula.
Although, no two countries in the world have so much in common, the human tragedy caused by political violence has diminished goodwill of people on both sides of the border. The political leadership in both the country must realize that their futile path of confrontation has deprived people an opportunity for genuine social and economic development. For this reason, both New Delhi and Islamabad needs to give priority in developing and stabilizing mutually beneficial interaction while realistically taking full measure of the obvious political complexities involved. The large constituency for peace drawn up in both countries should not be allowed to dwindle. At the end, this may be the only catalyst to sustain a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
How Long? The Morung Express

How long will it be before Nagas realize that there are ways of settling differences of opinion other than just resorting to the use of force and violence? Evidently it seems like the hammer is perceived as the only available tool for resolution, and everything else seen as nails, to be hammered upon. What then is the difference between political actions and criminal acts?
How long will one turn a deaf ear of indifference to the voices that echoes from the past, reminding the futility of the arrogance of power? Indeed the chasm of the being has reached a point where any possibility of dialogue for understanding is being broken down by the vicious nature of violence within. Tragically, how long will it take for grace to reach the hearts of humankind?
How long will it be before the people challenge their politicians to work for the future of the next generations and not their next election? How long will it take for the bureaucrats to make policies effective in paper as well as in the hearts and lives of the people who are faced with the consequences of their decisions? Indeed how long will it take to weave freedom with responsibility, service with humility, concern with courage and to act with fairness and equity? How long?
How long will it take before one realizes that with every act of violence; the pain and anger, the hurt and alienation it caused, is being passed on from one generation to the next? How long before one acknowledges that the chasms within is only destroying the very foundation of what one envision to build? How long will it take to recognize that with every missed opportunity for understanding, the chasms only widens and engulfs the drowning voices for freedom?
How long will it be before there one overcomes mistrust, transcends prejudices and stereotypes? How long will it take to put aside pride and reach out to fellow humans with compassion? How long will it take for one to look beyond the façade and concede the truth? How long before one comes to a point where one cannot remain indifferent to the principalities of evil that is eating away the core of human life?
How long will it be before the society is able to take responsibility for their actions and to take criticism responsibly without having to feel the need to issue rejoinders? How long will it take before civil religion is questioned and transformed into a prophetic voice of hope and compassion? What will it take before people can express their yearning without having to feel ashamed about it? How long will it take before empathy breaks down the walls of hatred, yes how long?
Indeed, how long before every gun is silent, injustices corrected and the human endeavor to live a life of purpose and fulfillment accomplished? Indeed, how long until there is realization that change needs to begin in the consciousness of challenging the status quo of the mind?
But then, how many are out there actually listening and wondering, How Long?
Tribal bodies tell AMSU, DESAM, KSU to lay off Newmai News Network. Sangai express
Imphal, May 3 : Even as the teachers recruitment under Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) has raked up some contentious issues from AMSU, DESAM and Komrem Students' Union, the All Colleges Tribal Students Organisation Manipur (ACTSOM), Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland), Movement for Tribals People Rights Manipur (MTPRM) and Sadar Hills Youth Union (SHYU) in a jointly signed statement said that the memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Manipur and MTPRM in the year 2003, and accordingly local qualified candidates were appointed/recruited on adhoc basis to meet the immediate needs of teachers under Autonomous Distric Councils.
The organisations said “the statement of AMSU, DESAM and Komrem Students Union published in the local newspapers on May 3 is nothing but to create disturbances and derail the teachers recruitment process for the schools in hill districts”.
It said that the time frame of advertisement for enrolling local candidates was published in their respective employment exchange offices and also in the newspapers and added “AMSU, DESAM, and Komrem Students Union have limited knowledge regarding Autonomous District Councils administration since there are no junior high schools under ADCs as mentioned in their statement.
Meanwhile, the four hill based organisations appealed to DESAM, AMSU and Komrem Students Union to stop disturbing the recruitment process and warned that the hills based organisations will not remain silent spectators.
At the same time, ACTSOM, ZYF (AMN), MTPRM and Sadar Hills Youth Union also appealed the Government of Manipur to recruit only local qualified candidates as per the MoU and with the recruitment rules of primary teachers.

Surrender’ bandh cripples normal life By Our Staff Reporter Sangai express
Imphal, May 3 : The 20 hour long general strike called by the JAC Against Fake Surrender which came into effect from midnight yesterday and enforced till 8 pm today concluded without much untoward incidents.
It nevertheless affected normal lives in the State. All commercial establishments and markets remained closed, no passenger vehicles plied on all the major roads and highways, all educational institutions remained closed and attendance of Government offices was nominal. Khwairamband Bazar wore a deserted look.
In other district HQs of the State, as all inter-district transport services were suspended, business transactions were severely affected even though a few shops opened their shutters here and there.
Moreover suspected strike supporters torched the effigy of IG AR (South) BS Ghotra strongly condemning the alleged fake surrender drama stage-managed by AR authorities.
The strike was called in protest of the ‘forced’ surrender of five youths as cadres of different UG outfits by luring them with jobs in Assam Rifles.
Volunteers of AMSU, AMKIL and THANIL extending their support to the JAC torched the effigy of IG BS Ghotra besides shouting slogans against the stage managed fake surrender drama.
Even as 24 tourist buses and trucks left Imphal today, not a single bus or truck arrived at Imphal during the general strike. It is reported that the strike was almost total as many organisations showing solidarity to the JAC imposed road blockades in several parts of the State.

‘Surrenderees’ recount ordeal in AR custody By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
The ‘surrenderees’ after they were released from AR custody
Imphal, May 3 : Two youths who were allegedly compelled to act as surrendered militants after being lured with offer of jobs in the Assam Rifles have revealed their bitter experience while in the military custody.
Judicial Magistrate First Class Imphal East released the two, Heikrujam Gobin, (20) and Sagolsem Gobin (19) today on their execution of a surety bond and a personal bond of Rs 10,000 each.
Short after their release the duo said they along with Heikrujam Ingo (18), H Lemba (18) H Momocha (17) all of Laimanai village in Thoubal district were lured and taken to different AR camps on the promise of giving them job in the Assam Rifles by one Yengkhom Somananda of the same locality on different dates.
They (both Gobins) were kept at the AR camp at Mantripukhti. During their stay some AR men threatened them to introduce themselves as surrendered militants before senior army and AR officers.
They were also given fictitious names, they said. Out of fear they acted as surrenderees before the officers, the two Gobins said.
During their stay they also found another two youths who introduced themselves as real surrenderees belonging to two different Kuki underground organizations.
“I along with eight others were compelled to put on camouflage fatigues and laid down arms one after another before an army officer in a surrender ceremony held recently at Mantripukhri with our faces masked,” a frightened H Gobin recalled. S Gobin, however, did not join the ceremony, he added. Both Gobins also flatly rejected the police statement submitted before the court that they in collu-sion with some persons including Somananda pro-cured arms and surrendered the same to AR authorities with the intention to get job under the surrender policy.
An emotional S Kumar father of S Govind said, “ I’ll never succumb to any false promises of giving job to my son. I’ll support his earlier cultivation works”.
CJM Chandel on April 27 released Ingo and Lemba on their execution of personal bonds. Till now the rifles has not produced Momocha for which his father filed a miscellenaous application before the High Court to free the youth.
Following the revelations of Ingo that two more youths - Md Hussain of Paobitek in Thoubal dist and Taorem Hemanta of Matai village in greater Imp-hal -were kept inside the rifles’ camp at Leikun -pa-rents of the duo filed two fresh habeas corpus peti-tions before the High Court to secure their release. A statement issued by the army said Md Hussain was produced before the CJM Chandel on Tuesday but he had volunteered to stay with the Assam Rifles for further rehabilitation.
Hussein of the banned RPF surrendered along with arms on February 25 and he took part in the “Home Coming Ceremony” held on March 13 this year at the headquarters of IG AR(S) at Mantripukhri, the statement quoting AR sources said. Following the stand of Hussein, the CJM of Chandel today issued an order that he be sent to the Assam Rifles camp. Md Sanahal has already been through the initial screening process as per the Surrender cum Rehabilitation policy of the Govt.
“It is clear that the father of the said surrenderee was probably instigated by some with vested interest to file a writ petition with baseless allegation to tarnish the image of the AR”, it said.

Burma’s probability: Wooing China and India By Nehginpao Kipgen Editorial Sangai Express
As Burma strategists and political planners are pooling in the ballroom, varying thoughts and approaches are excogitated. Noting that multifarious engagements can help evolve a durable solution, there is an urgency of the critical importance of the two Asian giants – China and India – intrinsically demanding and inseparable to the impetus of a realistic democratization process in Burma. However, this emphasis does not convey that the pivotal roles of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), European Union (EU), United States (US), and the United Nations (UN) are underrated. Analyzing the precarious politics of Burma, the writer is reflecting strategies that are probable to engendering amicable solutions.
In line with their esteem for democratic values, the ideals and principles of democracy are seen embedded inherently in the politics of the United States of America and the United Kingdom Governments among others. Conversely, People’s Republic of China (PRC) is emphatically projecting its communism to be efficacious governance than other administrative systems. This is a question that often raises the eyebrows of some observers and politicians: “if communism does better than democracy.” Let us inject a comparative study to suffice the dilemmatic spectrum of the two.
China’s communism is neither a replica of Burma’s military junta nor the democracy of its traditional rival India. Nonetheless, the shadow of a single party dominated communism is not ulterior to the standing image of Burma’s military dictatorial regime. Administration is convenient and decision-making is easier in a communist Government. Though marred by human rights abuses and religious persecution similar to Burma, China proves to be thriving economically and militarily than India. On the other hand, India, which is the world’s largest democracy, is basically a country of public opinions. Checks and balances at the three branches of Government – legislative, executive and judiciary squarely matter in all administrative units. Although legislative changes and constitutional amendments may be seldom, if happens, they are representatives’ mandate, which is an essential practice in a democratic institution.
China toward Burma
The steady emergence of PRC economically and militarily has immensely effected changes both regionally and globally. While the western world is propagating for the spread and burgeoning of democracy around the world, China is exuding its result-oriented communist ethos. There is no doubt about the implications of China on other countries with its myriad imports and exports. Burma’s markets and households are overwhelmed with cheap but impressive Chinese products ranging from essential commodities to bulky merchandized goods. China has succeeded in ingraining its cultural and financial influences on Burma. Many of the well-to-do families and businesses have rested on the shoulders of the Chinese community. In other words, China has proven itself to be one of the biggest Burma’s trading beneficiaries and partners thereby entailing to be one of its strategic ally.
Sanctions from western countries, particularly the EU and US on Burma, are yet another incremental mileage for China. While Burma is largely seen cornered and isolated by the international community, China extends its soft hands to the hierarchy of the regime by offering variant incentives. This cemented diplomatic cordiality serves as one hardest substance to penetrate the periphery of the ruling regime. The hardening of this rigidity is augmented by the renewed Burma-Russia relationship. Both China and Russia status as permanent members at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is even a greater challenge when it comes to dealing with Burma.
India toward Burma
Had China not been aggressively advancing in the region, India might have taken a different road map toward the perplexed Burma. While seeing China as a traditional rival and potential threat to its territorial integrity, India cold-shoulders to the hue and cry for a democratic change in Burma. Economic interest is another important factor. The world’s biggest institutions of communism and democracy are on hot pursuit for regional influence and international presence. This is one of the reasons why Indian politicians and decision makers seemingly have contradicting statements when they are in the opposition camp and once ascended to power. The bottom line here is that national interests and security matters most for individual countries.
Moreover, the racial diversity of India also has a tremendous weight in shaping its foreign policies. Majority of the people in the eight sister states of the northeast India are racially of mongoloid stock of people, different from majority of the Indian population. A sense of being foreign to Indian mainland and an alleged step-motherly treatment from the Indian Government to people of these States have resonated with insurgency campaigns ranging from statehood demand to secession. Curbing the activities of these insurgents, many have bases in the soil of Burma, necessitates their cooperation. In reciprocation, India needs to extend a goodwill gesture to appease the Burmese military leaders. This may also pertains to the launching of India’s “Look East” policy.
Despite the low ebb enthusiasm, India appears to be more considerate and concerned over the Burmese democratic struggle than China. Thousands of both registered and unregistered refugees from Burma are allowed to settle in the country through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ New Delhi office and some local Non-Governmental Organizations. Privileges and opportunities given to the Burmese community in India by the Government is by and large less significant than those of the Tibetans, yet this is one evident example construed to be India’s discreet solidarity to the Burmese democratic struggle. In the calculations of many world political analysts, these actions are apparently too little to help resolve the decades’ old Burmese political problems.
Probable solutions
Different political strategists may conceptualize on how to bring forth a genuine democracy in different perspectives. Here, “genuine democracy” connotes a type of democracy that can mutually be acceptable to all sections of the peoples of Burma. Probable solutions to the ongoing political imbroglio in Burma, according to the writer, may be achieved primarily in two different ways – Intervention and Popular Uprising.
Intervention
In resolving any political conflict involving two opposite groups, the intervention of a third party is one of the most viable solutions. Noticing the different levels of interventions such as diplomatic intervention, economic sanctions, and military intervention, let us study if these interventions are probable solutions for Burma. Diplomatic intervention and economic sanctions have been unevenly used in the past 10 plus years by the international community, particularly by the EU, US and the UN. — to be contd

ULFA out of US terror list From Kalyan Barooah Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, May 3 – In a reflection of the changing insurgency scenario in the North-East, particularly Asom, the US State Department has taken the ULFA off the list of Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO). The latest Country Report on Terrorism 2005 and Patterns of Global Terrorism released last week by the State Department makes no mention of ULFA, which was declared as an FTO last year. The same Report last year had described ULFA as North-East India’s most prominent ethnic secessionist insurgent group.

“The ULFA’s kidnappings, killings and extortion led New Delhi to ban the group and start a military offensive against it in 1990, which forced it to go underground. ULFA began to lose popularity in the late 1990s after it increasingly targeted civilians, including a prominent NGO activist. It lost further support for its anti-Indian stand during the 1999 Kargil War. ULFA trains, finances and equips cadres for a “liberation struggle” while extortion helps finance military training and weapons purchases,” the US State Department had commented.

The Report had created sensation last year with the ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa writing to the US President pleading their case. The US act had landed the outfit into grave difficulties more so because an Interpol Red Corner Alert notice was already out against the chairman and commander-in-chief, Paresh Baruah among others. Listing of ULFA in the FTO had also put Bangladesh in a tight spot as most of the leadership are operating out of the country.

The US action last year came after the outfit went on a killing spree, the most gruesome of which was the Dhemaji blast in a school that left over six children dead and 21 others seriously wounded on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations. It has been learnt that ULFA’s bid to engage the Government of India in talks through the Peoples Consultative Group (PCG), besides stepping down of violence have prompted the US to take it off the list of FTO.

The Report this year added the aliases Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JUD) and Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq (IKK) to the Specially Designated Global Terrorist Designation (SDGT) of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). The action under Executive Order 13224 blocks all property, and interests in property, of JUD and IKK that are in the United States, or come within the United States, or the under the control of US persons.

US law requires the Secretary of State to provide Congress, by April 30 of each year, a full and complete report on terrorism. This annual report titled ‘Country Reports on Terrorism’ was previously called Patterns of Global Terrorism. The report covers developments in countries in which acts of terrorism occurred, countries that are state sponsors of terrorism. It also provides information on terrorist groups responsible for the death, kidnapping, or injury of Americans, and reports on all terrorist organisations on the FTO list. Meanwhile, in its Report this year, the US had had very little to say about the violence in the North-East, though the Home Ministry’s annual report said that violence level in the Region has gone up. “The most prominent terrorists groups are violent extremists separatists operating in J-K, Maoists in the ‘Naxalite belt’ in eastern India, and ethno-linguistic nationalists in India’s north-eastern States,” the Report said.

However, the Report came down hard on India on other fronts. India’s counter terrorism efforts are hampered by its outdated and overburdened law enforcement and legal systems. The Indian court system is slow, laborious and prone to corruption; terrorism trials can take years to complete. Many of India’s local police forces are poorly staffed, trained and equipped to combat terrorism effectively. Despite these India scored major successes including numerous arrests and seizure of hundreds of kilos of explosives. The Indian Government has an excellent record of protecting its nuclear assets from terrorists and is taking steps to improve further the security of its strategic systems. But perhaps the most-hard hit by the Report was Bangladesh. The country witnessed the emergence of a dangerous terrorist group. Jamaat-ul-Mujhedin Bangladesh (JMB) launched coordinated nationwide attacks on ‘un-Islamic’ persons and facilities in pursuit of its goal of a fundamentalist Islamic society. Bangladesh has limited success in countering JMB’s escalating acts of terrorism, underscoring the government’s serious institutional resources and political constraints. Porous borders, and endemic corruption continued to undermine the government’s broader counter terrorism posture. Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia regularly condemned terrorism at domestic and international forums. The government has renewed bans on JMB, Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh and Harkatul Jihad-I-Islami – Bangladesh as terrorist organisations. The Report also noted there was good cooperation between law enforcement agencies on several cases relating to domestic terrorism.

Centre asked to initiate NDFB peace talks By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 3 – The pressure is building up on the Centre to initiate talks with the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB). After the All Boro Peace Forum (ABPF) made public its decision to hold Statewide demonstrations on Friday in a bid to pressurise the Centre to start formal talks with the outfit immediately, Rajya Sabha member Urkhao Gwra Brahma has written to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to start the talks without delay. The NDFB is presently in a ceasefire agreement with the Centre. The one-year agreement is set to expire on May 31. Since the ceasefire began, however, there has been little progress in starting formal talks with the outfit. It has led to concern that the outfit may go back to its violent ways if nothing is done soon. The outfit, in the aftermath of violence during its recent Asom bandh, had accused the government of violating the ceasefire agreement by arresting its cadres. The arrest of eight of its men in Guwahati was the reason behind the bandh call.
In his letter to the Home Minister, Brahma pointed out that the inordinate delay in formal peace talks between the Centre and the NDFB is causing a “disturbing situation” in the state, particularly the Bodoland area. The outfit has entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India a year back and since then the official talk on the issues raised by them is being demanded by various political and social organisations of the state, he said.

“The peace process will remain as unfinished task in the state and Bodo area in particular unless the NDFB issue reaches its logical conclusion,” Brahma stated. The government’s steps to settle the problem and its present move of entering into a truce with the outfit had brought some “ray of hope” about establishing permanent peace, he said. “But the present growing resentment within the NDFB against the government’s apathy in initiating official talk, which is still a non-starter, have again created apprehension in people’s mind that whether much awaited peace talk of the government and the NDFB will really be initiated,” the former student leader said.

“Under the above circumstances, I strongly urge upon your honour to start the formal dialogue with the NDFB without any pre-condition.” Brahma also urged the government and appealed to the militant outfit to stop any kind of hostility towards each other and to build a cordial atmosphere so that the peace process is not disturbed in future. Brahma’s letter to Patil comes in the backdrop of the NDFB itself starting to complain about the delay in beginning the talks. It is reportedly circulating leaflets in the Bodo dominated areas to drum up support for its cause and pointing out the Centre’s lack of initiative to start the talks. The State Government, it may be mentioned, is also keen that the talk process be started soon.

Border trade paralysed in North East From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
SHILLONG, May 3 – Border trade relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar came to a standstill today following the indefinite suspension of border trade called by the Central Customs and Excise Employees Welfare Association (CCEWA). The CCEWA decided to suspend trade at all the 32 Land Customs Stations in the region in protest against the abduction of Ghasuapara Land Customs Superintendent and Inspector, Dharani Bora and Mrinal Sharma.

Bora and Sharma were abducted by a group of armed United A’chik National Front (UANF) militias on April 26 from Baburambeel in South Garo Hills district. The two officials are said to be taken to UANF hide-out in Haulaghat area under Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Police officials on condition of anonimity told this correspondent here that the UANF chairman Nemosh Marak has demanded a ransom amount of Rs. 1.50 crore for their release.
“The Association has decided to open all the Land Customs Stations in the region only after the UANF militants released Bora and Sharma”, said the president of CCEWA, Lily Shangpliang. Commissioner (Customs), North Eastern region, Ringzing S Negi told newsmen here today that the sudden indefinite closure of Land Customs Stations in North East has paralysed border trade in the region. Negi said that New Delhi had aprised Dhaka about the presence of the two Customs officials in its territory and has urged the Bangladesh Government to rescue the two UANF hostages. He said the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has also sought a detailed report from the Meghalaya Governmnent on the abduction of the Customs officials.

Frans on 05.04.06 @ 07:16 PM CST [link]


Wednesday, May 3rd

50 Indian military trucks cross into Burma


50 Indian military trucks cross into Burma Ngunte Mizzima News

About 50 Indian military trucks believed to be carrying weapons crossed the border into Burma last Thursday, according to eyewitnesses. “Five trucks full of soldiers followed the 50 trucks,” a resident in Moreh said. The backs of the trucks were reportedly covered with plastic sheets. The Burmese embassy in India refused to comment on what the trucks were carrying. Security was tightened in Moreh, an Indo-Burma border town, from April 24 to 26 in the lead up to a border-trade meeting in Dimapur, Nagaland on April 26.
6 additional battalions sanctioned for NE The Morung Express
Agartala, May 2 (AGENCIES): The central government has sanctioned six new India Reserve (IR) Battalions for the north-eastern states for counter-insurgency operations and to effectively maintain internal security in the region, an official said Tuesday.
“The states have been asked to raise these IR battalions with cent percent central financial assistance, as per the scheme to progressively reduce their dependence on the Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) for tackling insurgency and internal security problems,” a senior union home ministry official said on conditions of anonymity.
These six battalions, which would amount to around 6000 soldiers, are in addition to the existing 32 presently deployed in the eight northeastern states.
New Delhi has also offered support to further train the personnel of the existing 32 IR battalions under expert instructors drawn from the army and other security agencies.
With the six new battalions, the total number of IR battalions in Assam and Tripura will be eight each, followed by six in Manipur, five in Nagaland, four in Mizoram, three each in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, and one in Sikkim.
“The concept of IR battalions was mooted by the Ministry of Home Affairs following increasing problems of insurgency, law and order, and the emerging internal security scenario in the country, which put considerable pressure on the CPMFs,” informed the official.
The eight states have been asked to arrange specialised commando training to the new IR battalions, whose personnel are recruited locally and therefore better suited to tackle the militancy problem. The central government also utilises the services of the IR battalions in other parts of the country as and when required.
NPF gets foot-hold in Congress bastion The Morung Express
Here’s to the warriors from the Conquering Warrior Chief: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, replete in Naga warrior regalia, salutes the people of Mokokchung on his visit to the district on the occasion of the Moatsü festival celebrations May 2. (MExPix) Morung Express News Mokokchung | May 2
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today charged the Congress Party for the failure of regional political parties during the past state assembly elections while crediting the common people for recognizing the NPF party’s capability and supporting through out the present term of reign in office. He was speaking as the chief guest during the inauguration of the newly acquired NPF Mokokchung Division office building here today at Sangtemla Ward Mokokchung.
Citing an example of one lady candidate Chubala who was allegedly threatened by the Congress for contesting the last state general election, Neiphiu condemned the rival party for not operating on democratic principles. Citing on this, the Chief Minister called upon party supporters as well as concerned citizens to work in unity.
He also lauded the present members and all those responsible for contributing to the DAN ministry’s survival. “No regional party in the state has completed 5 year term of office due to selfishness” said the Minister while calling upon the NPF and allied party members to identify the mistakes committed by past members. “We should not be selective and self-interested in choosing the leaders rather we should invite every one to come to the platform and participate” said Rio while terming the present government as the “peoples’ party”.
The Chief Minister also challenged the present party members “Are we going to serve the common people or serve our-selves?” While reminding that the government is to help the down-trodden people, he also conveyed a message of solidarity to the people of Mokokchung in general and in particular to the Ao tribe. He appealed to be ever ready for service to the masses. He further congratulated the members of the division for being able to establish a permanent office and said that it would be the first of such kind for the state regional party. The Chief Minster was accompanied by Minister for Industries Khekiho Zhimomi Education Minister L Imkong Imchen, Minister for Forest Khetho and other dignitaries
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also graced the premier festival of the Ao Nagas, Moatsü, at Chuchuyimlang, around 30 kms from Mokokchung which is being declared as a tourist destination by the State Government. Extending greetings to a mammoth gathering of Moatsü revelers of Chuchuyimlang and neighboring villagers and a galaxy of VIPs, high officials and public leaders he expressed happiness for being able to attend the festival.
He said Moatsü and such festivals are able to be celebrated due to cooperation of the people adding that the Nagas celebrate with certain cultural relevance and. Likewise Nagas need to unite to bring about peace and prosperity to their land, he said and called on every Naga to unite for a common cause. “Moatsü is a reminder that our forefathers valued friendship with nearby villages” he reminded. Rio also said that Nagas should not celebrate festival with stolen, extorted or ill-gotten money but with hard earned-money and wealth. He took the opportunity to announce that the concerned Central authority in Delhi has approved the revival of the Tuli Paper Mill and has sanctioned Rs. 360 crores for the purpose and called upon the people of the area to ensure that peace and tranquility reigns to felicitate the success of the Mill. Cultural troupes from nearby Ao villages, Chang and Phom villages also performed a variety of songs and dances to a mammoth gathering of people.
NSCNs clash in Tamenglong The Morung Express

Imphal, May 2 (NNN): Factional clashes between the NSCN-K and the NSCN-IM is resurfacing in Tamenglong district with today’s gun-battle between the two factions at a Zeliangrong village.
Reports said that a gun battle occurred early this morning at Aling Saan (Khundong village).However there have been contradictory reports pouring in from both the NSCN factions with regard to today’s clash. The NSCN-K, Zeliangrong Region claimed that three NSCN-IM cadres have been killed and many other injured in the clash, the NSCN-IM maintained that there could be some causalities in the rival camp in today’s clash at Aling Saan.
MK Winning of the NSCN-IM informed Newmai News Network that no casualty had been reported from his faction side. Winning charged that a combined force of UNLF, KNF and NSCN-K came to attack the NSCN-IM at Aling Saan village this morning.
NSCN-IM mourn Yangkongnganshi demise The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, MAY 2 (MExN): The GPRN (NSCN-IM) has mourned the demise of Lt. Yangkongnganshi Longchar, who passed away on April 24 last at his residence in London.
In a condolence message, Johny Dilbung, MIP Kilonser, said that the Nagas have lost a veteran noble leader who selflessly sacrificed and committed his all for the emancipation of the Naga people, its land and rights from the yoke of suppression.
Though, he is no more, prominence of his undaunted sacrifices will remain engraved down the history of Naga freedom struggle through all times to come, said the condolence message. It also said that the vacuum created by the death of Lt. Yangkongnganshi will be hard to fill and remain a great loss to the Naga people.
The GPRN, while extending its condolences to the bereaved family, prayed Almighty God to grand solace in their loss, and rest the departed soul in peace.
Take to agriculture: Datta Staff Reporter Nagaland Post
Nokpu, May 3 (NPN): Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta on Wednesday called upon the Nagas to take to agriculture for overall development of State's economy.
Extending his Moatsu greetings to people at a function here, the Governor said Nagaland has enormous resources in the agricultural sector but the need of the hour was to have an organized effort from the State government, villagers and neighbouring states, mainly Assam, for the right connectivity so that the produce could reach markets outside the State.
He appreciated the methodology adopted by the Nagas in cultivation and encouraged people to take interest in agriculture for the growth of State's economy. The Governor also expressed plaudits to a group of youths, who had enacted a drama - Moina - based on Ahom king Langki Godapani's marriage with Sentishila of Nokpu village. The drama underscored the need for good neighbourly relationship between the Ahoms and the Nagas for mutual benefits and peaceful co-existence. He said there was an urgent need for building a good relationship between the people of Assam and Nagaland for the prosperity of the two States. On upgradation of Nokpu to a sub-division, a plea made by the villagers through a representation, Datta said the upgradation was not viable at the moment as it involves a lot of money. However, he promised financial assistance, if required, for renovation of the Dr. T. Ao Memorial Indoor Stadium. The Governor was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Ishani Datta, BJP legislator Tiameren Aier and his wife. Tiameren represents Nokpu in the Assembly. It was for the first time that a Governor of the State visited Nokpu. The highlights of the celebration included folk songs, a cultural dance, tug of war and sharpness of Nokpu dao competition.
The function was also attended by Leader of the Opposition, I Imkong, Congress legislators Taka Masa Ao and Nungsangyabang, IGP, O. Alem, DC Mokokchung Abhishek Singh and several senior civil and police officials. Earlier during a brief halt at Tsutaphela police check post, the Governor visited the police barrack and expressed dismay over lack of basic amenities for the personnel. At the same time, he expressed displeasure over mismanagement of the barrack.
Further, Datta assured construction of a tube well at the check post after he was apprised of the problem of potable water.
Factions fracture Naga dream of freedom from India By Simon Denyer (Reuters)

KOHIMA, May 2: Shoukrie says his customers’ complain when he has to hike the prices in his small general store in Kohima. But, he explains, he has no choice. Rebel "taxes" are simply too high. And if it was not bad enough, there are three factions who each come demanding money.

"We cannot survive like this," says Shoukrie, who like many in Nagaland goes by one name. "Yes, we still believe in independence, but that hope is too far away now."
"The situation of Nagaland is becoming a joke. As long as there are so many factions there is no hope of independence or sovereignty."

Here in the remote northeast of India, rebels from the Christian hill tribes of Nagaland fought a fierce insurgency against Indian rule for five decades, until a cease-fire in 1997. But the Indian government and the Nagas, who are the most powerful of the dozens of rebel groups in the northeast, appear no closer to a resolution of the conflict, which security experts say could open the door to peace in the entire region.
Within the Nagas, power struggles and personal rivalries have split the movement. All three factions are observing the cease-fire with the government, but not always with each other.
Rebels themselves admit fellow cadres have not always behaved well, throwing their weight around, behaving as if their guns made them something special.

"FIGHTING FOR MONEY"

It all reinforces the impression many rebel cadres "are not fighting for the cause of the Nagas, they are fighting for money", in the words of Lhulie Mayse, a farmer in the small hill-top village of Khonoma. Today, only the main faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland is taking part in peace talks with the Indian government -- so far with little to show for it.
Their patience is wearing thin, and they extended the cease-fire on July 31 for just six months, instead of a year. Ordinary Nagas worry the whole process is meaningless without unity, or could even be dangerous.

"It is no use having peace with just one group," said Mayse. "One group will smile, the other group will keep crying."

Before the British arrived in these thickly forested hills the Nagas were headhunters, divided into 32 constantly warring tribes who still speak different languages. Christianity brought by American Baptist missionaries gradually brought headhunting to an end -- although some villages still keep the skulls of their former enemies. The church today is a major factor forging a sense of Naga unity in a Hindu-dominated country. But those tribal fault lines have not disappeared, and find expression in the rebel factions. Some ordinary Nagas fear fratricidal conflict is not far away, especially if one group of tribes feels excluded from any peace accord.
"Reconciliation between Nagas is the only way to reduce this problem to a manageable size," said one Naga intellectual, who declined to be named because of rebel threats in the past. "The effort has to be born here."
Revolution in the Naga psyche - BOOK REVIEW
To paraphrase a line from one notable review of Monica Ali's Brick Lane, here is news from a relatively neglected region--at least as far as narratives in English is concerned.
It is a book of ten short stories by Temsula Ao, who teaches in the department of English at North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, and has published four collections of poetry and a book titled Ao-Naga Oral Tradition. She has also written on the oral traditon, folk songs, myths and cultural traditions of the Ao Nagas in various journals.


In her introduction titled 'Lest We Forget' the author says that two objectives impelled her to write and publish these stories. One is specific and historical: a depiction of how the brutal repression that was visited upon the Nagas by the Indian army during the abortive Naga war of independence that started "in the early fifties of the last century...re-structured or even 'revolutionized' the Naga psyche." The second objective is far more general and amorphous, and one which many a culture faces in this globalized age: An attempt to preserve on paper a now vanishing, "traditional Naga way of life, which, even for our own youngsters today, is increasingly becoming irrelevant in the face of 'progress' and 'development.'"

Therefore it comes as no surprise that the stories, unlike the current output from Bangladesh, depict rural life and are set in villages. With perhaps one major difference, these villages have a far more pronounced jungle setting. Unlike in vastly deforested Bangladesh, in these stories villages are always at the edge of forests, and the jungle shown in many ways to have a profound influence on the lives of the Naga folk. No doubt this age-old influence will die out over time, as the author laments, something which is increasingly evident in the changing ways of our own 'tribal' people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with whom there are many parallels in these stories.

All of the stories in this volume are successful in conveying the above dual aspects, and have been written with an enviable economy of expression. Also, despite the unremitting character of the violence portrayed in the stories, all of them have warmth and some of them, like the one reprinted above, even a goodly slice of humour. The village life, the Nagas, the violence visited upon them, the forest, the Indian army, all have been evoked vividly in a language whose simple tonalities--chosen deliberately and wisely--reflect the contents and themes of such an existence. To Bangladeshis, a society whose traditional village way of life is also disappearing under the onslaught of 'modernity,' who live across the border from the Nagas, who have fought their own war of independence and have had had to undergo brutalities of their own, and who then have also become silent witnesses to excesses in their own 'tribal' areas, these stories should have complex echoes.

There are proofing mistakes, but none too obtrusive to deter from a good read. The reviewer was surprised to note that none of the stories here are translations, but in fact were written originally in English. This fact alone goes a long way in dispelling the myth of 'tribal' backwardness and 'underdeveloped consciousness' that one finds in the subcontinent's metropoles. One wishes the author well, and certainly hopes that she continues to write. [Farhad Ahmed is a free-lance editor/translator]
ANSAM threatens stir against phone woes Sangai Express
IMPHAL, May 2 : The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur has threatened to launch a series of agitations if BSNL authority fails to issue SIM cards under the Students' Power Scheme and commissions WLL phones meant for Senapati district immediately.
All the required credentials and money for SPS have been deposited to BSNL in February this year but till date the BSNL authority has been delaying in issuing the SIM cards, contended the publicity secretary of the student body, Souni Ng Khopa today.
The BSNL authority has also not commissioned the WLL phone system in Senapati though equipment for the same have already reached the district, he said and added that WLL facilities have already been opened at the other districts. If the authority concerned fail to look into the woes of the people of Senapati then ANSAM will be constrained to launch a series of agitation and the BSNL should be responsible for any untoward incident, he added.


Frans on 05.03.06 @ 11:44 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, May 2nd

Rio faces heat of rebel clashes


Rio faces heat of rebel clashes OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, May 1: Tension is simmering in Nagaland’s Phek district following skirmishes between various armed outfits. The Neiphiu Rio government has faced a great deal of flak from citizens’ groups over the factional feuds. At least three rebels have been killed over the past month in the district. Not only is the peace being disturbed, farmers cannot go to their fields. The local populace is annoyed by the obduracy of the rebel groups and the lip service being paid by the state government and paramilitary forces in the area to the cause of peace. Both factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the Federal Government of Nagaland (NNC-Adinno) have strongholds in Phek. Over the weeks, there have been skirmishes and face-offs are frequent, disrupting normal life in rural areas and small towns.
Activists of the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) penetrated the district last month and clashed with the rival FGN in Porba as well as the NSCN (Khaplang) in the Chozuba area. Clashes have occurred in Porba, Yoruba and Wazeho areas between the NSCN (I-M) and the FGN or the NSCN (K). The Khaplang and Adinno Phizo groups do not fight each other. The Chakhesang Mothers’ Association has officially complained against the factions, asking them not to slug it out against each other nor disturb life in general.
Despite such appeals, however, face-offs continue and a clash occurred last week near Jessami between the NSCN (I-M) and the FGN. “Movements of rebel factions continue and we don’t know what the fallout will be,” said a police official. “Unless the state government has the guts to ask the groups to abide by the ceasefire ground rules, this will go on. The state has to act as an upholder of law and order,” asserted K. Therie, former finance minister in Rio’s government and legislator from Pfutsero in Phek district.
According to the state government, its consultative committee for peace has asked the factions to reconcile. Therie countered the government claim, arguing that if the government was really willing, then the factions would certainly reconcile. However, he added that the solution cannot be specific to Phek but must apply to the entire state.
‘16-point agreement no final solution to Naga political issue’ The Morung Express
Mokokchung, May 1 (DIPR): Minister for School Education, Imkong L. Imchen reitereated that the 16-point agreement was not the final solution to the Naga political issue. He was speaking as the chief guest of the Moatsu celebrations at Mokokchung.
The Minister said that the 16- point agreement is not the final solution to the Naga political issue and it is therefore very important to support the present on going peace talks for a lasting peaceful solution. He also stated that the State has prospered during the past three years of DAN Government due to various schemes and programmes initiated by the govt. He further enlightened the villagers that the government has declared the year 2006 as the ‘Year of Farmers’ to benefit the farmers under Agri and Allied sectors. DC. Mokokchung and President NPF Mokokchung, Lanukaba also spoke on the occasion. Presentations of cultural songs and dances were the other highlights of the celebration.
AZSU meet wraps up in Cachar Odidkumar Laishram Kangla Express
BINAKANDI, Cachar (Assam), Apr 30: The 19th general conference of the All Zeliangrong Students Union, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland held over three days here at Binakandi in Cachar district of Assam wound up today. The theme of the general conference, attended by over a thousand delegates from three states of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland was `history for justice and peace.`

The inaugural function, held on April 28 was attended by Mani Charenami, MP Lok Sabha as chief guest, while N Disnang Hau, ex-president, All Zeliangrong Students Union, presided over the function. The DC, Tamenglong, T Pamei acted as guest of honour and representatives of the AMSU and DESAM were also present at the inaugural function.
Speaking at the inaugural function, chief guest Mani Charenamei observed that the Naga people is one of the biggest tribal groups in north east India and said they should come together and shift together and resolve problems in a civilised manner. This is the only way we can bring peace for the Naga people, he said. Reiterating the need to bring together the Nagas under one administration, he said the Nagas should sit together and discuss about their unity. We should not hesitate to unfold any facts of the past as we ought to be mature enough to accept the worst for better co-existence, he stated. The chief guest also unveiled a memorial stone erected on the occasion of the 19th general conference of the AZSU.
In his address, the functional president observed that history is the soul of the past and its uniqueness should never be distorted. Stating that Zeliangrongs as an ethno-cultural entity is a valid concept, he noted that Zeliangrong people are the descendants of a common ancestor while the Nagas as a whole share the same origins belonging to Mongolian stock.

Recalling the Ahom invasion of 1228 and British intrusion in 1832, he said Nagas have never recognised surrender to any alien conquering, but were ready for friendly terms. He lamented that the Zeliangrong people and their lands are left fragmented in three states and elsewhere by the alien powers. One rich culture has been submerged in the sea of alien culture, he said.

In the closing function today, Dinesh Prasad Gaola, minister for PHE, law and legislative affairs, government of Assam acted as chief guest, and donated a sum of Rs. 26,000 to the organisers. On the occasion, the AZSU submitted memoranda to MPs Mani Charenamei and TR Zeliang, Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, as well as to Dinesh Prasad Gaola.
The memoranda in particular highlighted the problems faced by the Zeliangrong Naga people in Cachar and Hailakandi districts in terms of political, economic and development disadvantages, and urged to provide equal rights and facilities with other tribes of Assam.
Hills set to jive to a new beat: Howey Rap - First indigenous music fest in Nagaland promises new genre, artistes and melodies NISHIT DHOLABHAI The Telegraph
Dimapur, May 1: Come Wednesday and the Northeast will give the world of music a new genre, Howey Rap. New music, new artistes and even a new instrument will be brought to the fore when the first indigenous music festival of the Northeast — Echoing Hills — gets under way at the Imli Yanger Memorial Centre in Dimapur. The daylong festival is being organised by Abiogenesis, a Nagaland-based band, the art and culture department of the state and the Northeast Zonal Cultural Centre. Moa Subong, a veteran musician and a member of Abiogenesis, said: “Howey is the key sound of Nagaland’s music and it can be identified by all music lovers of the region”.
Perong J, a young rapper from Nagaland, will present rap the indigenous way. “Instead of the western yo, it will be ho,” the long-haired rapper said. From Assam, a young group called Melting Point will present indigenous Assamese music as well as fusion while Naga singer Reuben Mashangva will present Naga folk fusion. Artistes from Manipur will also perform at the festival. Another attraction of the festival will be bamhum, a new instrument devised by Subong. “Bamhum is a bamboo pipe with ‘rattlers’ inside. One has to hum into it to produce vibrations and sound akin to the snake charmer’s flute,” the musician said, adding: “It is the easiest instrument in the world.”
The bamhum was unveiled last year at the international bamboo festival, Bamfest, held in Shillong. Subong was inspired to design a new instrument as none other could produce the right rhythm for indigenous Naga music. Subong and his wife Arenla, who was appointed “guru” at the Northeast Zonal Cultural Centre to teach indigenous folk music, have decided to promote indigenous music on a bigger scale. They plan to participate in the annual event of the Northeast next year. Abiogenesis members will present six compositions to the accompaniment of the bamhum. “Saramati tears...”, one of the compositions, is a moving piece sung to gentle strums of the guitar and the bamhum. It will be the band’s first big performance in years after Magnasound cut their album Rapture way back in 1979.
The festival promises to be a big leap forward for indigenous music. Abiogenesis guitarist Alem, who has a solo album to his credit, feels indigenous music could be a saviour for those who wish to take up music as a profession. “We (Nagas) are not good with Hindi so I think the alternative is to work hard in this area.”
Church role in conflict Northeast Echoes PATRICIA MUKHIM The Thegraph
In the northeastern frontier, and more so in the predominantly tribal states like Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya, the Church has played a key role in shaping the world view of its adherents. Tribes have abandoned many of their primordial values to adapt and assimilate what they have been told is a more progressive faith, divorced from superstitions and the worship of nature and of deities. In their enthusiasm to imbibe the values of Christianity, the tribes have somehow jettisoned their priceless value systems which are based on a deep respect for truth, justice and an attitude of mutual helpfulness. Also left behind in the dustbin of human history is the respect for human life and all that it symbolises. There is an unceasing desire to possess all the good things of life. The negatives are what have created a muddle in our present societies. They have caused a spiritual vacuum even as the race towards materialism and creature comforts is assuming a frenetic pace. Since the human person is not just all flesh but encompasses the spiritual and mental as well, he is very often unwillingly drawn into periods of introspection. This reflection causes a kind of spiritual spasm that twitches at the soul and the conscience. An inner conflict like a raging storm begins to torment our souls. If we have time to listen to our conscience and unravel the mysterious, muddled thoughts, the result would be a better human being. Sadly many of us are afraid of silence. Nor are we ready to disentangle the spiritual knots for fear that we might have to face up to some of the harsh realities of our negative actions. As a result, we shut up that voice before it becomes too jarring.
The inner voice
Moral science lessons we learnt as youngsters say the still small voice is our conscience telling us to shun the path of cruelty and criminality and to do what is right. It guides us on the path of reason and humanity. That voice is not the exclusive brand equity of Christians alone. Every human being possesses it. But whether every person listens to that voice is another matter. The pursuit of wealth and “happiness” (almost as if wealth is equal to happiness) somehow detracts us from daily introspection, which is integral to our holistic development as wholesome human beings.
Mahatma Gandhi had a schedule of evening devotion where he would reflect on his daily actions. Perhaps that is what gave the Mahatma the strength to shun political ambition and to reflect instead on social liberties such as the emancipation of dalits and others who were at the lower rung of the social ladder. Iconoclasts, and there are many in this new age, would pooh-pooh such ideas. But the fact is that all new-age gurus, including those with a huge following like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, have always stressed meditation as an antidote to the poison that we accumulate in our daily interface with the world
NSCN leaders Isak Chisi Swu (left) and Thuingaleng Muivah in front of their parliament house after a Christmas prayer meet at Hebron in Nagaland. Picture by UB Photos around us and the conflict within our inner selves.
Introspection involves not just a recognition of our sinful nature but also of making reparation for the wrongs we have committed.
‘Silent’ response
A thought that often comes to mind is whether Christians have enough time for introspection or whether church services have become noisy, verbose affairs that do not convict the sinner but are palliatives to the troubled conscience. How else does one explain the fratricidal killing among the Nagas when every militant camp has a regular ritual of prayers, Bible reading and exhortation? Christians are often very condescending towards people who follow other religions. Non-believers are called gentiles. The more supercilious rightists would even label non-Christians as “idol worshippers” who are doomed to hell.
With that kind of argument, you would think that Bible-thumping preachers would be shaken at the number of murders that are committed in Nagaland on a daily basis. You would expect the Church to be indignant and to protest and consider some kind of positive action against this tendency. But the Church seems to have lost its voice of prophecy. Are church leaders also afraid of reprisals from one or other militant camp? Or is the Church indirectly aligned with one militant group and therefore acquiesces with what that group does for fear of offending it? If that is the case, can the Church still call itself the united body of Christ? Most of the wrongdoings such as factional killings and extortion, which are grievous acts of criminality even by common state law, seem to have been condoned by the Church. Otherwise, why should the Church not speak up and exhort people to resist extortion and rise against the gun culture.
Naga exodus
Despite the ceasefire, militants are roaming around with weapons in many districts of Nagaland and Manipur in a manner that is meant to intimidate and to extract compliance from businessmen or government officials who are targets of extortion.
Is this the kind of climate that the Naga people want indefinitely? Do they want their young to leave their hearths and homes and seek mental peace elsewhere because the atmosphere is too dense with gunpowder? Almost every commercial establishment in Delhi today has one or two Naga girls as shop assistants. Although this is not a bad thing to happen and Nagas are integrating very well into the “Indian” milieu, the question is whether they do so out of choice or because of economic and other compulsions. Is it fear that is driving them away to safer environs?
Free platform
Every Naga youth is of course eagerly awaiting the day when the ongoing peace process ceases to be merely a process but becomes a reality. But no one is really sure if that day will come soon. In fact, no one really knows what is actually transpiring between the NSCN (I-M) and Union government. Does every Naga know what the NSCN (I-M) leadership aspires for? Does that aspiration include the dream of every Naga right down to the last man in the hamlet of Mon or Tuensang districts?
With the Naga Hoho having become almost defunct and its various wings totally co-opted by the NSCN (I-M), it is time for the Church to raise its prophetic voice now or never. Hopefully the Church, one hopes, is not co-opted by any of the factions and therefore free from all encumbrances and obligations. The Church must provide the platform for the faithful to speak up and say what they want. This free platform for liberal ideas has never been raised in the past. People do not say what they feel in their hearts for fear of getting a bullet. In this climate of tension and intimidation, how can people breathe peacefully leave alone hope for peace now or in the future? The Church has a role in disarming all those who stand in the way of true peace, which frankly speaking, does not hinge on the NSCN(I-M)-Centre talks.
True peace comes from within the heart and it reigns only when guns are silenced and people learn to appreciate and give space to dialogue and dissent. At the moment, the Church seems to be the only body that can bring sanity and peace in the long run. It can do that not by silencing believers into acquiescence but by empowering them to speak the truth that is in their hearts.

Self-sufficiency in food production required: Azo Chizokho Vero May 1 The Morung Express
Kohima (MExN): Nagaland’s Agriculture Minister Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu asserted that he wanted to see Nagaland turning into a self sufficient producing state rather than a consuming state in view of the declaration of the year 2006 as the “Year of Farmers.”
Since 85 per cent of the people in the state engage in agriculture, the government was of the idea that our farmers should be trained up and to create awareness so that our state can become self sufficient, the Minister told The Morung Express.
He, however, regretted that the State is yet to net surplus in any agricultural produce where all money is going to others as a result of this dependency.
Nienu maintained that the government had received well-deserving response from the farmers relating to the “Year of Farmers.
“So far, the participation of the farmers is extremely good”, Nienu added.
Justifying that the “Year of farmers” has been designed to enhance the agriculture production as well as boosting the economy of the people, Nienu asserted that the Government was serious and will implement the same in letter and spirit.
Urging the farmers to be sincere and avail the opportunity, Nienu said “Without the full participation of the farmers, the programme will be a failure.”
The Minister also revealed that the state government was planning to open more wayside marketing places across the state. This will certainly encourage the farmers to sell their products, he said.
Reiterating that the government will continue to carry out the ‘buy back policy’, the minister assured to make the Agricultural Product Marketing Committee (APMC) even stronger as well as formation of Village Marketing Committee (VMC) to help the farmers in selling their products.
A salute to uncle Yongkong The Morung Express Kaka D.Iralu
As it was in the case of my grand uncle A.Z.Phizo; so also in the case of my uncle Yongkong; though I have lived fifty years in this world, and though his village is just a few kilometres from my own village, I never ever saw this grand Naga gentleman anytime in my life. The simple reason for this non-acquaintance was because of the Indian invasion of our sacred lands. Uncle Yongkong joined the Naga national movement in the same year that I was born (1956). And that means, he was faithful to that cause for the entire duration of half a century.
Now, on his death, what shall I say to his living relatives, fellow villagers and the Ao community to which he belongs? I am at a loss for words. But this much at least, I wish to say, “Uncle Yongkong. I salute you with the 18,250 days of my life for being faithful to the cause of my future freedom on earth.” I also hope that all Angamis join me in this salute, because the Ao community also gave the highest honour to our grand uncle A.Z.Phizo when he expired on April 30, 1990. In this salute, I also wish to add that though Uncle Yongkong might not have been as prominent as A.Z.Phizo; yet in terms of sacrifices - physical, mental, social and otherwise - his sacrifice was not in any way inferior or lesser to that of A.Z.Phizo’s. He too, like A.Z.Phizo gave his all and his best for our national cause. Here, giving one’s best, I believe is what counts in the sight of God.
To my generation of Nagas, I wish to say this: As Nagas, someday, when we are finally free, it will be our bounden national duty to bring back the bones or even the ashes of these national heroes and bury them in our beloved lands. At least, that much we owe them, because they all gave their “Best yesterday” for our “Better tomorrow.”
Let us never ever forget that many of their bones still lie even unburied in many foreign countries like the jungles of Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, etc. Yes, it is our bounden duty to bring back their remains and bury them in our lands with full Naga military and national honours.
But here, we must also remember that we cannot just monumentalise their sacrifices and our history by just erecting huge stones to their memories. No, the battle for our freedom is still not over.
After all, so long as the foreign Indian and Burmese national flags flies in our lands; and so long as Indian and Burmese soldiers roam our highways, streets and footpaths- and so long as our own Naga brothers have to die in foreign Chattisgarhs and Kargils fighting for somebody else’s security - that long we are still not free and independent. And so long as we are not INDEPENDENT, that long we are still DEPENDENT and subject to foreign whims and orders that can exploits our lands and even send us to our deaths.
In the light of these dark and oppressive realities, may the silenced heart of uncle Yongkong re-awaken the hearts of the living Nagas to the unfinished task ahead. May his death - and the sacrificial deaths of many others like him - never ever be in vain. KUKNALIM.
Spirit of Naga: Penalty of ignorance The Morung Express H. Lolly Bashu
Ignorance is bliss. A person who does not know anything has nothing to worry; and a person without an aim is sure to hit the target. Ignorance may be a blessing in the divine natural setting of things, but it is a virtual crime in the world of politics. Indian Reserve Battalion is under the dictate of the Government of India (GoI), Ministry of Home Affairs even as the Indian state of Nagaland is under the direct control of the Central Government of India. Nagaland state and its government cannot say no to any directive issued by the Indian Central Government, according to the constitutional provisions of the Indian Union. If any state government in India dares, it can, by giving-up power first to disobey the directive. It’s sad that the state of Nagaland which we pride in is actually a disgrace to the spirit of Naga as it accepts the lordship of India, to be under their rule.
India thinks the rights of the people of Nagas as law and order problem or as a developmental issue for which the Indian armies are entrusted as the best deliverer. Thus frequent recruitment rally for is conducted for employment opportunity and as the solution for maintenance of law and order and thereby to develop the poor innocent Naga parents with the meager salary that their son gets at the risk of life in the army. Then our boys are trained to defend to fulfill another country’s partition policy over the Nagas. As a matter of fact, in India, army as a profession is the least preferred job among most of the job-seekers. On the contrary, in Nagaland, campaigning and advertisement is an everyday headline in the media, portraying the Indian armies as one of the most sought after and respectable jobs.
Perhaps, with huge deployment of soldiers; cease-fire in place with the NSCNs and protests over repealing of AFPSA voiced from all corners, their purpose is found wanting, thereby as a face saving mission developmental appeasement policy is practiced by the India army. Yet it’s negligible as elected state government is there to take care of that obligation. Few years back, passengers were cruelly checked all along the highways after ordering innocent bus passengers to stand in queue. Decades back, its history. Today, traffic along the highways with army vehicle will suffice to prove how much the Indian arn1ies care for our lives and how much we envy them.
Nagas are looked down upon by the Indian civil society as race of people under their rule. And whether we like it or not, for that fact, we can never be a dignified human until such time of self-rule. A large country as India is, she has her own pressing needs to address and what can we expect India to develop the Nagas when her civil society take advantage in ruling our people and our land resources. After all, democratic India will act rationally according to mindset of her civil society. Even in the bureaucratic ranks and files of the Indian administration, Nagas or for that matter North-easterners are ill respected as inferiors!
Indian civil societies are what the GOI think Nagas are. The only positive gesture the GoI has shown in the spirit of Nagas is the recognition of our unique history by then P.M of India, Mr. Vajpayee. In right earnest response, history of the Nagas is officially integrated in the school text book by Nagaland Board of School Education by Neiphiu Rio government. Of course on that basis of positive gesture, peace talks have been prolonged. The outcome is yet to be seen.
However indications are that, the GOI is changing its stand towards peace and development and maintenance of law and order as the end because it serves their partition policy to divide and rule the Nagas rather than keeping up her commitment to find a political solution.
Padmanabhaiah, when asked about the progress of Naga-Indo peace talk was quitc complacent as a negotiator. According to him with the onset of cease-fire, peace ushered in and development is taking place in Nagaland. He has nothing to worry because he is ignorant of the rights and history of the Nagas. Yet, he retorted not to be argumentative when asked about the peace and development of Nagas living outside Nagaland state over the span of eight and half years of cease-fire with the NSCN. This clearly points to the change of direction as to where the peace talk is heading. ‘A person without an aim is sure to hit the target’. To perpetuate their ruling on our divided land and people and thereby to weaken our national spirit is the accepted policy of the GoI. That’s the sure target to hit for a man like him who pretends ignorant of our rights.
The partition of the Nagas is the result of our ignorance and weakness. Our ignorance and weaknesses are effectively monitored by the agents of GoI to handicap our National Movement. Infightings among our Naga brethren is chiefly due to the partition of Nagas into different states under the rule of Indian constitution. And that’s what I call ignorance as a virtual crime in the world of politics in the Naga context. Though we fought as headhunters in the past, the root cause of our present situation is due to the interference and imposition of the Indian minds on our people.
For Nagas, we cannot rejoice when dead body arrives from Chhattisgarh. We cannot rejoice when recruitment rally into Indian army is conducted almost every month to serve a foreign land by our boys. We cannot when our simplicity is maneuvered to serve the enemies faithfully out of our ignorance. We cannot rejoice when our young talents are accredited to another nation. We cannot rejoice when some of our Naga brethren are neglected and marginalized to suffer due to the division of our land by a greater force- the India army. We cannot rejoice until we come to realize that we have our own Naga Nation to defend.
Each of us has to be a Naga army not necessarily by joining the NNC or the NSCNs but be a Patriot and a Nationalist at heart. A Patriot will not compromise on his/her right to be free from foreign yoke. A Nationalist can never bear to see deaths of his/her countrymen due to ignorance.
The penalty of ignorance- we had been paying it with precious lives for too long. Let us be aware of GoI policies and game plan being implemented to divide the Naga family forever. Because eight and half years cannot still convince the GoI that Nagas have the right to live together and determine our own future. Nagas wish to live together, to restore normalcy and peace politically is not a violation of their constitution, after all. I wonder and question the sincerity of the GoI at the call of various groups to give up arms and come to the negotiating table when Nagas and GoI have been negotiating for that long and still solution far from reach.
Though the out come of talk is not certain, let us be certain that we will never compromise on our rights to be free. Let us never tolerate deaths caused out of our own ignorance, due to the pre-paid plan of the enemy in order to defeat the spirit of Naga Nationalism.
ULFA using Delhi sex workers for extortion By Syed Zarir Hussain, Indo-Asian News Service Guwahati, May 2 (IANS) The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has been using call girls from Delhi as baits to extort and kidnap businessmen in Assam to raise funds, police here said Tuesday. A police spokesman claimed they foiled such an attempt in Assam's main city of Guwahati by arresting a top ULFA leader along with two New Delhi-based sex workers over the weekend.
'This is the latest modus operandi of the ULFA - luring businessmen with the help of call girls and then extorting money from them,' Rajen Singh, additional police chief of Guwahati, told IANS. The ULFA is a frontline rebel army fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979. A local court remanded the three arrested people to 10 days' police custody. 'Interrogations of the arrested trio have revealed plans being hatched by them to kidnap some businessmen from Guwahati for ransom,' Singh said. 'This is the first time we have come across such tactics by the ULFA for extorting money although they failed due to our timely intervention.'
The arrested ULFA rebel, Ajit Das, is believed to be an explosives expert and was allegedly involved in a number of extortion cases. 'The two women, arrested along with the ULFA leader, are New Delhi-based sisters involved in some sleazy activities,' Singh said. There were no immediate comments available from the ULFA. An official investigating the case said the two sisters were being especially flown in from New Delhi by the ULFA for carrying out extortions in Guwahati. 'The two sisters would first become friendly with the businessman and then the ULFA militants would use them as tools to extort money. There were plans to kidnap at least seven to nine businessmen who refused to pay the extortion amount,' the official who wished not to be identified said. Intelligence officials said the cash-strapped ULFA was looking for ingenious methods to extort money following stepped up vigil and anti-insurgency operations by the security forces in Assam.
'We have been able to choke their fund flow and hence the outfit was trying to resort to some clever ploy to trap unsuspecting people using call girls,' the intelligence official said. Police in the neighbouring state of Tripura had last year unravelled a racket where tribal separatists made pornographic films using their women cadres for raising funds. Police in Tripura said the shocking revelations were made by some surrendered rebels of the outlawed National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), a rebel group fighting for an independent tribal homeland in the state bordering Bangladesh. Several CDs featuring tribal women from Tripura in the films with explicit sex scenes were seized by police. The films were then sold in various parts of India and other adjoining South Asian countries with the rebels making a huge profit. The money was used for running an armed guerrilla campaign against Indian security forces.
The northeastern region is home to some 30 odd rebel groups with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy with the various insurgent movements claiming an estimated
Parties skipped sovereignty issue: ULFA By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, May 1 – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today said that the electoral politics of India overlooked the main political issue of Asom and none of the political parties raised the issue of India-Asom conflict. In its monthly mouthpiece Swadhinata, the ULFA said that the political parties and their candidates failed to raise the issue of sovereignty of Asom and even in the conditions put forward by the political parties to support each other to form the next government, the resolution of the Asom-India conflict is not a key issue. The militant outfit said that in the 1996 polls, most of the candidates of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) promised to raise the issue of the right to self-determination, but after being elected to power, they totally forgot about the same.

The ULFA reiterated its allegation that the Prafulla Kumar Mahanta Government in the State were directly involved in secret killings and alleged that a police official identified the family members of the ULFA publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, who were the victims of the secret killers. A journalist, who identified the family as a target, was later given the post of publicity secretary of the AGP and he is now working in an Assamese daily, the ULFA said.

The militant outfit said that Mahanta did not kill the family members of the ULFA members himself, but it is a well-established fact that the killings took place at the directive of his Government. The outfit alleged that AGP leaders like Bhadreswar Buragohain, Chandra Arandhara, Chandra Patowary, Pradeep Hazarika, Padma Hazarika, Hitendra Nath Goswami, Utpal Dutta, Phani Bhushan Choudhury, Dilip Saikia etc did not take any positive step to stop the secret killings. The outfit said that the brother of Sasha Choudhury could not have been killed without the support of Patowary, while, Pradeep Hazarika went a step further to form a force to resist the ULFA.

DoNER preparing report on trade potential of NE From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
SHILLONG, MAY 1 – A report on the NE State Trade and Investment Creation Initiative is expected to be finalised within June 2006, after consultations with the North Eastern states, the NEC, the Planning Commission and the concerned Central Ministries, by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region(DoNER).

The technical assistance from the ADB seeks to develop a trade and investment framework that will enable North Eastern India to better position itself to participate in global and regional markets and to reap the considerable gains from specialisation, agglomeration of economies and globalisation.

The project seeks to build on the locational advantage of the NER which borders five countries viz. Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Bhutan and Nepal. The products in which the NER has a comparative advantage and the trading points through which trade can be promoted will be identified. The project also seeks to identify policies, legal and constitutional constraints hampering trade and develop an export facility.
UNLF demands surrender of ‘recruiting agents’ Sentinel
IMPHAL, May 1(Agencies): The proscribed United National Liberation Front, UNLF has asked three individuals, who lured some innocent youths to take part in the controversial ‘fake surrender’ ceremony of the Assam Rifles recently to make clarification to the people regarding their activities and surrender to the outfit. On failing to do so, the outfit will term all of them as anti-people and arrive at the extreme step of awarding capital punishment, UNLF’s senior publicity officer Ksh Yoiheiba said in a statement, and also termed the three individuals as collaborators of the security forces acting as ‘recruiting agents’ of the Indian Army.
The names of the individuals said to have lured some youths to taking part in the ‘surrender drama’ organized by the Assam Rifles on the occasion of the second anniversary celebration of the IGAR (S) at Manatripukhri on March 13, 2006 were Yengkhom Samananda of Laimanai Makha Leikai, Ranjit hailing from Luwangsangbam and one Hemba. Clarifying that no entries could be found in the UNLF’s enrolment register in the names of Thokchom Nanao alias Nganba, Moirang and Ravikumar son of Selong, Kwakeithel Konjeng, who took part in the fake surrender ceremony, the UNLF statement also maintained that the names were fictitious and such individuals were never ever lived in the localities mentioned. The fictitious names were given to Heikrujam Govind and Heikrujam Ingo, both hailing from Laimanai, Waikhong. The outfit also said that the surrender drama unfolded and came to the knowledge of the public as families of the five youths who took part in the fake surrender ceremony filed a petition to the Gauhati High Court seeking release of the youths. Showing their treacherous design, the Assam Rifles even went to the extent of threatening the families to withdraw the PIL filed in the court. Finding no alternatives, the AR finally produced the youths before the law court, in which two have been released on PR bond, Yoiheiba said. However, out of three youths produced before the law court, one posing as PREPAK militant with the name Thangjam Mantri son of Chaoba was again detained in the custody of Assam Rifles, Yoiheiba’s statement said. Despite launching major offensive with their large numerical strength, the security forces are unable to tackle freedom movement launched by various underground groups in Manipur, Yoiheiba said and asserted that the ‘Surrender Drama’ was being played to cover up failure that the IOF incurred during the course of their offensive. It also said that GOC of the 3 Corps Lt Gen ZU Shah was the producer of the new drama. The outfit however maintained that it was not surprised over the security forces’s new drama as numerous such mischiefs had been done in the past purportedly to mislead the people and to save their image.
Public meet endorses plebiscite proposal Sentinel
IMPHAL, May 1 (Agencies): In two separate public meetings held yesterday at Laipharok Maring village, and at Yaiskul in Imphal, the public have endorsed the proposal for a plebiscite to bring an end to the armed conflict existing in Manipur.
The plebiscite meeting held at Laipharok Maring Village, Ngarian, was organized jointly by the All Manipur Progressive Farmers Association, the Laipharok Maring village authority and local clubs and organizations K Angrung Maring, Laipharok Maring Village authority member and his colleague, S Marou Maring, acted as chief guest and functional president respectively. Social workers Joy Nongmaithem and Basanta Kumar acted as resource persons.
The meeting adopted resolutions to the effect that people of the hills and valley both were in favour of holding a plebiscite to resolve conflict with the Centre, and also to urge the United Nations Organization to bring pressure on India to conduct a plebisite in Manipur.
The meeting, attended by around 400 people, also resolved that the village will extend all cooperation on the plebiscite issue. Another public meeting, held at Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai yesterday evening also resolved that the people of Manipur should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights to decide their own future in the form of a plebiscite. The resolutions adopted in this connection are to be sent to the Indian Government and world bodies.
Kh Tombi and columnist Elabanta formed the presidium for the meet while Khoirom Loyalakha, editor, Naharolgi Thoudang, Y Devadutta, president, United People’s Front, and social activist Th Mangi acted as resource persons. Devadutta, in his address, observed that the talks between the Government of India and the NSCN(IM) had made little headway over the past several years, and contended that the underground groups of Manipur should wait until there was a definite outcome in the Government-NSCN talks before coming forward for negotiations.

Frans on 05.02.06 @ 01:52 PM CST [link]


Monday, May 1st

Friends of 80plus bring Kohima elders closer


Friends of 80plus bring Kohima elders closer Chizokho Vero The Morung Express THE OLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Naga elders seated during the launching of the 'Friends of 80plus' at Kohima. (MExPix)
Kohima: 76 year old Neilao Suohu likes farming. He goes to work in the paddy field daily.
“Farming is my favourite hobby,” Suohu said adding that he feels something is amiss if he does not involve himself in farming activities. Also very fond of farming, Sao Suokhrie said that farming is also a part of exercise and is responsible for keeping him healthy.
Energetic looking Suokhrie, 76, is a GB of L. Khel, Kohima Village.
Over 80 years old- Visau Suokhrie expressed her inability to engage in any household works after she met leg injury eight years ago. Now, she prefers to keep herself warm by staying near a fire at home. These are amongst the many elders who turned up during the launching ceremony of the Friends of 80plus here today. After a gap of many years, (even more than 50 years or more) it was an ample opportunity for them to sit together, smile together, drink and eat together and not forgetting exchanging views. Friends of 80plus is a network and fellowship of likeminded people who wish to revive and uphold this Naga traditional practice of placing highest value and respect to elders- the older the person becomes, the more valued he/she is, said Neidonuo Angami.
Friends of 80plus is a non-profit, an entirely voluntary and benevolent fellowship. Members contribute in kind or cash at their own capacity. They commit to give at least one day a month to the activities of the organisation. They have a common interest to befriend the 80plus and serve them in whatever possible way. The goal of 80plus is to revive the culture of listening to, and be guided by the wisdom of the elders. Friends of 80plus is all set to make a monthly home visit to all the 80plus citizens of the village, documenting their stories and experiences, attend to their medical and other physical festive seasons, accompany them to significant occasions/events and organize special programmes for them once a year.
Keduotuolie Mepfuo, chairman Kohima Village Council lauded Neidonuo Angami for initiating Friends of 80plus and hoped that the group will help the elders in many respects.
Mepfuo also exuded confidence that the newly formed body would bring the elders closer, better understanding, friendship and help strengthen their welfare activities. Earlier, Keneingunyu Sekhose chaired the function. Special song was presents by Meguo-o Mechulho while Rev. Viwelie Khezhie, Senior Pastor, Khedi Baptist Church said invocation prayer.
Weeping soul: Story of a Naga-Hao damsel By: Lemyao Shimray
‘Do you notice you have been sitting still for long, what are you thinking?’
‘I am thinking about what you told me. Please tell me again.’
‘This is the third time and I think that’s enough! Let’s go inside it’s getting hot.’
‘No I don’t want to. I love the anger of the sun that scorches down always.’
‘I am feeling bored….I am going’
‘No please don’t go! I don’t want to be alone, just this one and I promise we will go’
‘All right….tell me from where to begin because if I tell all it will be too late to play’
‘Ummm from the ceremony!’
‘Which one?’
‘The dress code and my ugliness’
‘No! That will be too long…you are not ugly! Father doesn’t think so and I too find you are beautiful both inside and out.’
‘Really ummm…then, what about my ear piercing ceremony?’
‘I was not there that time, I heard about it from father’
‘It does not matter’
That’s how the story began about a girl named Sharmahor who once was born in Tangkhul Naga community before Christianity came in. The Tangkhul Naga and the rest of the Nagas are known as Hao. Hao means people who inhabit the hill stations in the northwest of Burma and the northeast of India who are indigenous and independent since time immemorial. Sharmahor was the first child of a couple, hailed from the same village known as Somdal Village. As per the customary law couples who hailed from the same village should offer wine and a rooster to their king during their first born child whether the baby was a male or a female. Everything went well—from the style of presentation to the taste of satisfaction. King’s lip watered after tasting the wine. Except that part of the rooster sacrifice Harkho khayang ; where it has to be killed by squeezing the rooster’s neck to block the windpipe air flow (it has to be at least a year old), then they all watch the movement of the dying rooster from the flapping of the wings to the kicking of its legs. When the last moment came even the stool of the rooster have to be considered, the behaviour of the rooster was so strange that even Sharwo (High Priest) was clueless of what to make out of the omens and what future the child carries.

No one knows the reasons yet, but everyone assumed that she was an uncanny and animated girl when she wants enough to talk and mingle with the villagers. Some argue that she lost her insanity when her father gave her the Lupakhao which she still now carries everywhere along with an extra stitch of chamthei (precious beads). Other whispered that it’s because of the Mayong-pasi incident. But what no one knows was that she was born with an extra soul to accompany her through the walks of her life. She must have been very special to ameowa (super natural spirit whom at that time they considered their god).
Every child who completes their journey of a year in this world must pierce their ears according to the Nagas’ culture. The Nagas, who are Hao in both India and Burma, are the original inhabitants of Nagalim and Sharmahor’s soul as a true gentle Naga was not happy with the idea of the ceremony at all. Firstly, she thought it involves lots of people, norms and conditions and she hates all. Secondly, the ceremony should take place only after Thisham (Festival of Dead) ceremony after full moon which means after biding farewell to those who died and the soul hated to be the centre of attraction while she still had a touch of gloom! Thirdly, one more animal will be killed in her name and the animal’s skull which must be of buffalo’s and will be hung high up with many as a collection and decoration. Tears welled up her tiny eyes thinking of the animal screaming ‘Please don’t kill me master! I am still strong enough to serve you for more years’ and the way it will curse before dying ‘you ungrateful human being…so much for serving you so hard!’ But as every soul has to accept their fate, Sharmahor and the buffalo never ask ‘why’ not because nature did not endowed them with a means to communicate but because they felt wiser taking refuge in thinking ‘how’.
When Sharmahor was twelve years old, as usual one fine afternoon during the harvest season she was exploring the nearby forest when she heard some merry making male voices. She loves crowd and laughter, and that makes her to commit a serious mistake by appearing in front of those people. Hiding behind the walnut tree just near the fire she shouted “Kekuuuuuu!” and all the guys jump up. She went and inspects what at this hour the folks were cooking in the middle of the forest. They were brewing red colour for their Mayong- pasi (headgear) and her presence spoils it all. They were talking about which maiden to pick for the evening dance, everyone was talking all at once dreaming away to glory about the romance they will have and she killed it. According to the custom colours to be brewed which is orange and red for the men’s headgear should be concoct without the presence of women. It was considered impure and they have to go far and brew in order to avoid women folks. And now all the efforts of brewing and dreaming turns unlucky because of this nuisance little pest whose eyes is so small that it looks like a tiny dot made with pointed ink pen on a white sheet and mouth so protruding that it looks like she has a mouthful of marbles inside.

Dusk was falling when her father came searching for her, she was found hung upside down from the walnut tree. Exhausted, frightened and nauseated she surrendered herself in her fathers arms when he finally cuts the vine that had been tiredly bind around her cracked little dirty leg. Her father traces the youths who harm his daughter and allow the women folks to whip him with their kashan (sarong) and urinate on him. It was a part of Hao custom that whoever raises hands on women should be fined heavily or hand over to women folks and they can urinate on him and whip him. The most disgraceful punishment considered for a male to face among the Hao community.
‘What about the women? What punishment were given to them for urinating over him’
‘No there was no such punishment so far as I know in Hao.’
‘Why did they hung me upside down? Is it because I was ugly?’
‘No, just because you made them angry and spoiled their evening’
‘What happen after that?’
‘Don’t you remember?’
‘Of course I do!’
‘I don’t believe you. Tell me what happen then?’
‘Err! I don’t want to. So, let’s skip that part’
‘Can we go inside and play now’
‘No! First tell me about the spoon’
‘The spoon carved from bone for your baby brother?’
‘Yes’
‘We hide the spoon in machum (granary store) when it was time for your baby brother’s meal.’
‘Silly! Why do we ever do that?’
‘Because mother won’t let you peep inside her lupakhao (money pouch)’
‘Yes…I remember now! The machum full of grains and lots of smoked pork hung up.’
‘Yes, I set fire to that granary’
‘You what? You set fire to father’s granary?’
‘You agreed when I ask for your permission!’
‘No I said no such thing. Why should I bring harm to my father?’
‘But you nod your head’
‘Ok! Anyway it would have been better if you burn mother’s hair instead’
‘But you burnt mother’s hair after I burnt the granary’

Because of the fire people think Sharmahor was crazy and will be crazy enough even to burn the neighbours hair and granary if they upset her. And she was ignored by all the folks most of the time. What they did not know was that she was upset and confused, just mad at the people for not understanding her friend whom they never believe to exist, the buffalo, the fear of being hung upside down again in the forest. Later father gave her a beautiful red pouch made from hand woven wool along with some annas. Till now she has the pouch tied in her waist and often talk about it. Looking at the petite figure of his daughter in the middle of July sun giggling alone and whispering as usual to her imaginary self, Sharmahor’s father silently weep again. Glancing around the kitchen he sits, he rest his eyes on the skull of the buffalo with the shiniest black horns he posses. His pride swells remembering the old golden moments he shared with his daughter and her ear piercing ceremony. For others she may be uncanny, rude, and funny or an animated gypsy to entertain them when they feel bored but for him, she will be always his beloved daughter whom Ameowa gifted him. And on the nearby forest the brewing business goes on every season without anymore keku (Hide and seek) from behind the walnut tree.
Custom coded from documentation ‘Tuimalan Hao custom’ by Lt. N.R.Shimray.
Nagaland in 2nd spot on AIDS map From Our Correspondent Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, April 30 – Web news portals reporting on latest National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) estimates say Nagaland has jumped to second place in terms of HVI/AIDS prevalence rate in the country. The prevalence rate in Nagaland has touched 1.63 per cent from 1.43 per cent 2004 and becomes one of the six Indian states with highest prevalence rates, the reports said. However Nagaland State AIDS Control Society official Vizole said the latest prevalence rate might be in ‘aggregate.’
The latest figures on the number of new HIV infections reported in India estimates a total of over 5.2 million HIV cases. Andhra Pradesh leads the six states with the highest prevalence rate with 2 per cent among the general population - the figure has fallen from 2.25 per cent in 2004. Nagaland is second –the HIV prevalence rate here has increased to 1.63 per cent from 1.43 per cent in 2004. Karnataka with 1.25 per cent Maharashtra 1.25 per cent, Manipur 1.25 per cent and Goa 1.13 per cent have crossed the 1 per cent high-prevalence mark. Manipur has shown a decrease in prevalence from 1.50 per cent in 2004 to 1.25 per cent.
Reports further said the problem seems to be with high-risk groups attending clinics for sexually-transmitted diseases in Andhra Pradesh. The figure for those testing HIV-positive has increased from 16.40 per cent in 2004 to 22.80 per cent in 2005.
Special focus on Tirap: Byaling Assam Tribune
KHONSA, April 30 – RWD & RD Minister, Tanga Byaling who was on a 2-day official visit to Tirap from April 26 said state government was paying special attention to Tirap district adding that sanctioning of Rs 55 crore to the district under PMGSY, the highest in the whole state, was a testimony of its commitment.
Speaking at a meeting of officers and public leaders, the minister asked the people to extend their fullest cooperation to the govt agencies for timely and effective implementation of the schemes. Byaling also said that the state govt was alive to the problems of the govt departments and added that efforts were on to streamline the functioning of the govt departments to accelerate the pace of developments. He appealed to the officers to discharge their duties sincerely. Earlier the Deputy Commissioner Talem Tapok gave a brief account of the district and problems associated with it. The officers and pubic leaders also apprised the minister about the pressing problems face by them including shortage of vehicle under DRDA which was hampering the field work.The public of Khonsa submitted a memorandum to the minister in which problems of contractors and other development works in the absence of Panchayati Raj in the district were raised. Thajam Aboh, MLA was also present in the meeting. On 27 April, the minister inspected the ongoing work of the Tupi-Noksa village link road constructed under PMGSY. He was accompanied by DC, officers and public leaders. Earlier on April 18, MLA Wanglin Lowangdong laid the foundation stone for Longo-Chasa road to be construcgted under PMGSY amid a huge gathering
UNLF assertions baseless, say SF The Morung Express
IMPHAL, April 30 (AGENCIES): Reacting strongly to the statement issued by United National Liberation Front, UNLF in connection with the `fake` surrenderee issue, the defence authorities have asserted that it was baseless, and intended not only to tarnish the images of the security forces but also to intimidate the good Samaritans who are involved in encouraging misguided youth to opt for the mainstream in Manipuri society.
Regarding the release, and subsequent statements given by Heikrujam Ingo and Heikrujam Lemba at Hotel Excellancy, defence authorities said in a statement issued through the PIB (defence wing) that since the identity of the said cadres were revealed, it was safer for them to make a volte-face rather than face the wrath of their leaders.
In the case of Mantri Singh, the efforts of vested parties of producing a fake father in court have fallen flat, the statement said. The individual concerned refused to identify the writ petitioner, Nilachandra Singh as his father since his real father had died long back, it reminded. Pointing out that the identification given by the individual before the CJM, Chandel, matches that mentioned as fictitious name in the writ petition filed by Nilachandra, the statement maintained that there was no doubt that he was the same person whose release was sought in the writ petition, and who had surrendered voluntarily before the Assam Rifles.
It also noted that the UNLF had taken inordinately long to realize that some of the surrendered cadres did not belong to their organization. Disowning their own comrades at difficult times has become a common practice with the outfit, it said.
Reiterating that there has been no foul play on the part of the Assam Rifles in the entire process, the statement stressed that it has always been the endeavour of the security forces to encourage those misguided and subverted youth who wish to surrender before government agencies. The security forces have been meticulous in strictly following existing policies and guidelines regarding surrender, and have accepted the surrenderees only with weapons and ammunition produced by them. Initial screening of all surrenderees has been completed as per government policy, it said. The statement further said that surrender of their cadres delives a severe blow to the UG outfits, prompting them to resort to such false propaganda.
Assam’s OIL blockade called off The Morung Express
Guwahati, April. 30 (PTI): The 72-hour ‘Oil India Limited (OIL) Operations Blockade’ called by three student organisations of Assam in support of their demands was called off on the second day today. The blockade was called off by the students following discussions with OIL authorities on their charter of demands, OIL’s Senior Advisor for Strategic Planning Nripen Bharali told PTI. The three student organisations-- All Tai Ahom Students Union, All Assam Moran Students Union and All Assam Matak Chatra Sanmilan--also decided to suspend their agitation till May 15, Bharali said. OIL authorities will hold a second round of talks with the students organisations and the Deputy Commissioners of Assam’s Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts to discuss their demands. The student organisations of the three communities had called the 72-hour blockade to protest against the “betrayal of the OIL in providing employment to the local youth from the three communities which compromise more than 80 per cent of the total population in the area”. They also protested the “poor response” of the OIL in uplift of the local area. The students demanded that the OIL restore its now halted practice of hiring vehicles from the local youth. Meanwhile, OIL’s drilling operations and crude oil supply, which was partially affected since yesterday, resumed functioning after the blockade was called off.
Politics of Ethnic Conflict MAY 1 Today's Editorial The Morung Express
In contemporary politics, the State has ensured that it monopolizes ‘war’ and thus enjoys the prerogative of defining what amounts to ‘war.’ The problems and challenges arising out of these wars have emphasized the ‘centralizing’ and ‘nationalizing’ character of the ‘modern state.’ The unwillingness of ‘states’ to confront and address legitimate aspirations of people have enhanced a spiral of political violence on the ground. Further, most governments have chosen to categorize indigenous peoples struggle as ‘ethnic conflicts’ or ‘tribal wars.’ It is tragic that history has reached a time where social movements and political struggles for basic rights are being referred as ‘ethnic conflict.’
For those closely following liberation struggles would have noted that it is the oppressor who determines the nature of conflict and not the oppressed. Often in order to maintain their security and cohesiveness, mobilization for safety and protection takes place along lines of ‘identity and ethnicity.’ However, it would not be fair to define these acts of mobilization as ‘ethnic.’ The notion that a political conflict is ‘ethic’ grows when there is failure to recognize the underlying political issues that have caused the acrimony.
It is common practice for States to draw boundaries based on ethnic and culture, thus feeding and surviving upon divisive policies. These state boundaries often ignore the historical and traditional relationships shared between different communities. The objective is to enforce a state identity and to instill fear, insecurity and division over resources and territory between communities.
Further divisions are created when electoral policies are drawn on ethnic lines. These deliberate policies divert attention and focus of indigenous people away from challenging the legitimacy of the state. While in essence the claim of a people to exist with dignity is in direct confrontation with the State, the State with great sophistication and guile diverts the State-People conflict into a People-People conflict through the policy of divide and rule which is pursued and implemented with catastrophic affect.
The ploy in creating an image of the ‘other’ is a dehumanizing process that personalizes the identity and nature of the ‘other.’ In time, those who are not like you, or those who do not share the same values and lifestyles are perceived as being a potential threat to ones existence. This form of psychological warfare makes people insecure while increasing their need to constantly reaffirm and manifest their identity for their survival. As a result time collapses and identity is frozen in time. The space for negotiating is reduced because it is in the nature of a state to ensure assimilation into the dominant mainstream, threatening the very core of people’s identity. Identity, when perceived as a source of conflict has frightening consequences. Furthermore, resources of resolution to such conflicts are reduced extensively because the real political issues have been sidelined by the State and there are no clear lines between armed combatants and non-armed civilians. The way the ‘powers that be’ are determining world affairs and conceptualizing world systems, the possibilities for a clash of civilization may not be too far off!
Lucrative rehab schemes attract ‘fake militants’ kuknalim.com
Imphal: Lucrative rehabilitation schemes offered bythe Central Government for the surrendered militants besides a job in the Government is attracting not only the 'hardcore militants' but unfortunately some unemployed youth who posed as militants and surrendered to authorities.

The incident came into limelight after the Assam Rifles handed over two of the five youths who allegedly surrendered to the Assam Rifles to the Heingang police station on Tuesday. The Force on Thursday produced two more youths before the court while the fifth is still kept in the Assam Rifles camp. The Assam Rifles produced the youths after their parents filed separate habeas corpus petitions with the Imphal Bench of the High Court on Monday claiming that the youths are innocent and they did not surrender but were taken away by a "recruiting agent" of the Assam Rifles. The parents also accused the Assam Rifles of staging the surrender.

Following the High Court's interim directive the 4th Assam Rifles handed over Heikrujam Govin Singh and Sagolsem Govind Singh to the Heingang police station late on Tuesday night. The Assam Rifles also handed over one carbine and one nine mm pistol with ammunition, saying the two surrendered the weapons. Police produced the two before the court of judicial magistrate first class of Imphal East on Wednesday with the prayer of police remand of the two. The court sent the two to police custody till May 2 claiming that the two youths confessed to procuring the weapons from three persons with the intention of surrendering to the Assam Rifles by posing as militants so that they could be recruited in the Assam Rifles under the surrender scheme of the Government. Police said further interrogations are required. A has been registered a case against the two under the Arms Act. The Assam Rifles also produced two more youths identified as Heikrujam Ingo Singh and Heikrujam Lemba before the Chandel Chief Judicial Magistrate on Thursday. The Assam Rifles brought to the court after the Chandel police refused to accept the youths, sources said. The court released the two youths after getting a bond signed and the parents took them away.

The Assam Rifles is yet to produce another youth identified as Heikrujam Momocha Singh, who is now in the custody of an Assam Rifles post at Leikun of Chandel district. Maj Gen BS Ghotra, the Assam Rifles IG (South), however, claimed that the five youths were militants and they surrendered to the Assam Rifles in February. He said that the Assam Rifles would fight the case legally. Meanwhile, a Joint Action Committee in connection with the villagers of Laimainai of Thoubal district, the youths' locality on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh demanding immediate release of all the five youths without any condition. A delegation of the JAC met Ibobi Singh in the afternoon, but agreement could be arrived at during the meeting. The Chief Minister turned down the demand.The Chief Minister, however, reportedly assured the delegation that if the youths are found to be innocent as claimed by the JAC, they would be handed over to the parents. He said an inquiry would be ordered. (NNN)

No end in sight to NH-53 stir
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Apr 30: Even as the transporters' agitation of suspending service along the Imphal-Jiribam stretch of the National Highway 53 to protest the extortion demand from underground outfits has completed five days, members of Imphal-Silchar Road Transporters’ Welfare Society staged a Wakat Meepham at Jiribam parking today.
Talking to media-persons while the demons- tration was underway, the Society secretary observed that the condition of the road has improved following the public outcry for development of the road.
However though the road condition has improved it is really unfortunate that transporters who are in the service of ferrying passengers regardless of the weather condition are being harassed with monetary demands.
The agitating transporters would stay away from doing their service along the said route until and unless an amicable solution is brought about, the secretary said, while appealing to all the organisations to extend their co-operation in settling the issue.
The Wakat Meepham was held from 6 am to 3 pm. Placards and banners with slogans highlighting the plight of the transporters were used during the demonstration.
The Society has also strongly condemned the assault on driver Sandham Ranjit (25) s/o Yaima of Sekmaijin Thongam Leikai by some miscreants on April 27 for allegedly not stopping the bus somewhere in between Tupul and Noney.
One more succumbs : The death toll in the tragic Singjamei Bazar Naidu building disaster which crumpled down while being demolished illegally on April 22 has reached seven with one succumbing at Shija Hospital here today.
The deceased has been identified l as Jahangir Sheikh (28) of West Bengal, but staying at Minuthong Hatta.
The body has been deposited at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital. In all six persons had been crushed to death when the building which had been already acquired by the State Government crumbled down while being demolished by some hired labourers and scrap dealers.

Human rights in armed conflict areasStandard setting and binding obligations By Prof Noarem Sanajaoba Sangai Express Contd....
Even the defence forces can not be brought to the jurisdiction of the NHRC of India thereby legitimizing their immunity and impunity at the institutional level. Too little done, vast undone.
Policy on collective rights of man By taking a thread from the principle of fair and good governance based on fair and proportional re-presentation in multiracial and, multi-national India, the objective social reality as found is that a mere 1 or 2 percent of the Indian defence forces is drawn from amongst the Muslims which constitute 20 percent of the population and also that the Northern- Southern racial axis in the last half a century denied a Naga to be the President and a Manipuri to be Prime Minister of India, by just taking a leaf from the racialist brand of power-sharing in the republic. There is no suitable explanation except the justification of racism in disguise. It would be better to stop this discrimination. The subject people rise against the new Moghuls. The false justification for denial and deprivation is as good as lawyer's paradise. The regime is simply pro-Nazi, which is perceived as a perpetual terror to the national minorities. The rest is political gimmick. The universally established right to development and the right to the legitimate people to self-determination, among others, have not been justifiably and properly addressed to, thereby facilitating a mere prairie fire in Naga hill, sparked off by the AFSPA 1958 to spread the insurgency wildfire across the NE region. The message is as simple as the panic of AFSPA dragon running berserk in the NE civil society. The damage done to the texture and fabric has nearly become irreversible inspite of periodic economic packages announced for the region and distribution of a bundle of tamapatra to willing subjects.
Policy dimensions Dissemination
The national institutions, human rights ma-chineries and the multi-media, and the NGOs can play important roles in dissemination of anti-racism, anti-casteism, anti-minori-tysm to the power elites, policy makers, opinion-makers and grassroots social workers. The Nazi brand of institutional hatred of minorities and tribes has to be wiped out from the majoritarian mind-set and politics. The mind-set of the power elite has been infected deeply by the psychic HIV and AIDS mind-set for the last several centuries. The issues about the right to development and right to the people of the NE region to self-determination have not been properly and in time, addressed to by the powers that be. The institutional aberrations from the human rights standard, followed and adopted universally call for corrections. The apex court, the legislature, the executive and the defence forces have to correct the intentional or unintentional deviations from the universal human rights standard. Accountability has to be fixed and penal actions or otherwise may be found necessary for booking the wilful human rights violators by taking a leaf out of the ICC paradigm.
National commitments:
The governments and the national institutions have to fully and ade-quately comply with the binding human rights treaties to which India has been a party. The governmental neglect is obvious in several compulsory-reporting obligations. A glaring example is cited herein. The Government of India has failed deliberately to furnish the Fourth India Report due by 2000 even today, to the UN Human Rights Committee. Nobody in the country whosoever, including the activist NGOs could find time to raise the blatant failure and take up actions.
Black law:
On the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission of India, the Govt of India had the opportunity to repeal the AFSPA, 1958 long before the benign POTA has been repealed. The necessity of the Prime Minister to constitute a panel to review the black law in 2005 following the June 18 volcanic eruption in Manipur has been nearly redundant after considering the primacy of the National Human Rights Commission over an adhoc panel.
Everyone knows that the 1958 black law is Lord Lingthgow's dirty colonial law to smash the Indians down to the roots. The promulgation of repressive colonial law lead to no other conclusion than that colonialism exists in the NE region. If colonialism exists, liberation movements logically follow. any other alternative conclusion is difficult to rediscover like the chicken and hen story.
Task ahead:
Unlike other rogue states of the world, which rise unfairly above universal laws and principles, India has been and continues to be a role model and an inspiration of the one time Non-aligned movement, and leader of the newly emerging developing countries. There is a difference between the USA signing or not signing the ICC Rome Treaty, 1998, and Gandhian India provoking the international community as American clone is being apathetic to the Rome Treaty, 1998 by inventing unacceptable false arguments of one kind or another.
The Union Govt should be urged upon to sign and ratify the ICC Rome Treaty, 1998. It has to repeal forthwith the AFSPA 1958, which is basically a colonial, repressive law aimed at perpetuating British colonialism in the country. The Govt of India also bears profound moral responsibility to sign and ratify basic humanitarian laws like the additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions 1977. Time has come to re-educate the bureaucracy, the Ministry, the media and the defence personnel with the universal human rights standard and ramifications of human rights violations. The State human rights commission have to be recharged and reactivated.
Ansatz
The Government of India has the primary responsibility to comply with its earlier national commitments and human rights obligations. It has to fully endorse the universally accepted human rights treaties by signing and ratifying the other significant conventions. The human rights policy should be holistic and mul-tilaterial, urge upon accountability, transparency and follow-up actions of the national institutions and officials. Concluded
Manipur: The State Abdicates Bibhu Prasad Routray Research Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management There is little semblance of governmental authority in Manipur, and, on April 23, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh confirmed in public what had, in the past, largely remained a matter of private discussion. At a public meeting in Thoubal district, Singh confessed, “All development projects have been stalled for interference by militant outfits (sic). The construction of a flyover in Imphal (the State capital) is delayed because the militant outfits are demanding a certain percentage of the project fund. The construction of the Assembly complex has also been similarly stalled.” The Chief Minister stated further: “Militants are extorting money from each and every one, including barbers, small-time traders and low-ranking Government employees. This has become unbearable for the people. Militant groups have sprung up as cooperative societies in Manipur.”
Ibobi Singh’s statement, apart from reflecting the state’s impotence, is only a part of the narrative on militancy in the State, which accounts for just 0.23 per cent of the country's population, and 0.68 per cent of its total geographical area. Violence by 15 active outfits, with a total cadre strength of about 10,000, ensured that, in 2005, Manipur remained the most violent State in India’s Northeast, and the second most violent in the country, behind Jammu & Kashmir. According to the Annual Report 2005-06 of the Ministry of Home Affairs, 410 fatalities were recorded in 2005 in militancy related activities in Manipur, a huge leap over the corresponding figure of 258 in 2004. While a number of other States in the Northeast have or are been reclaimed from protracted insurgencies, Manipur’s rendezvous with militancy appears to be an unending affair. According to Institute for Conflict Management data, sustained terrorist violence in 2006 had already claimed 118 lives in the State by April 30. Although terrorists constituted a little over 50 per cent of the total fatalities, figures for civilians (38) and security force personnel (19) remained high. Unabated extortion and its impact on ordinary lives, as well as those of people at the helm of affairs is symptomatic of the complete administrative breakdown in the State.
Militant excesses and extortion affects everyone, from humble school teacher to the Chief Minister of the State. A sampling of recent incidents reflects the pervasive reality of terror:
• On April 1, 2006 four staff members of a private recording studio belonging to the Hmar community are abducted by Kuki National Front (KNF) cadres belonging to its Zougam faction from Tuibong for their refusal to pay extortion amount of Rupees 200,000.
• On March 23,2006 a school head master, Thokchom MR alias Ibungochouba Meetei, who had been served an extortion notice amounting to Rupees 3000, is dragged away from his residence and subsequently shot dead by unidentified militants at Tera Sayang Kuraou Makhong under Lamphel police station in the Imphal West district.
• In December 2005, Army Chief J.J. Singh accused Chief Minister Ibobi Singh, of contributing a sum of INR 15 million to two militant organisations, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and People’s Liberation Army (PLA), operating in the State.
The breakdown of administration in Manipur has long been noted with a number of groups undermining the very possibility of governance. The militant KYKL, with an avowed agenda ridding the State of endemic corruption in the education sector, decreed, on April 24, 2006, that it would henceforth no longer ‘kneecap’ the ‘corrupt officials’ in the education department, but would summarily inflict capital punishment. Langamba Mangang, the group’s ‘publicity and research secretary’, warned, “Corruption in the education department will not be tolerated anymore. Based on the gravity of the crime, death penalty will be given without any warning to officials found guilty of corruption.” KYKL cadres had, in fact, shot the Director of Education, Dr. Ch Jayenta on April 4, 2006, leaving him critically injured. In a statement issued on April 23, the outfit declared that it had prescribed the death penalty for him on account of his involvement in ‘countless acts of corruption’. In another dramatic development, on April 16, 2006, the City Meitei faction of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) detained editors of six newspapers published from Imphal overnight on the grounds that the newspapers had failed to publish a statement issued by the outfit on the occasion of its ‘raising day’. The editors were set free only after these newspapers published the statement verbatim. A two-year ban was also imposed by the outfit on the Imphal Free Press, one of the prominent English language dailies published from the State capital. The ban was revoked only after newspapers in Imphal went off the stands on April 19 in protest against such interference. In the context of a completely ‘hands off’ approach on the part of the Administration, such rare demonstrations of solidarity among the victims have been a source of a modicum of order in the State.
In a particularly appalling action, on January 16, 2006, United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and KCP militants went on rampage in the Lungthulien and Parbung villages of Churachandpur District, raping 21 women of the Hmar tribe. The incident was reported only in the first week of March, as the victims had chosen to remain silent fearing reprisals from the militants. After prolonged demonstrations the State Government constituted the Justice S.P. Rajkhowa Commission to inquire into the incident. Irrespective of the findings of the Commission, however, bringing the militants to justice remains outside the current capacities of the Government. Continuing militant excesses underline this point, and reports on April 28 indicated that atrocities by UNLF militants had forced about 200 Hmar tribals from villages like Damdiai to flee into bordering Mizoram. Similar incidents of militant atrocities have also been reported in the past from Lungthulien, Parbung, Taithu and Tualbung villages. Further, an unidentified militant outfit forced people out of three villages in Kangpokpi sub-division of Senapati District following a factional clash on April 23. Armed militants astride motorcycles effected large-scale displacement from the Sipichang, Saitu and Songlung villages, located barely 70 kilometres away from the State capital, Imphal. A portion of National Highway 39, connecting Imphal to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, has been taken over by militants, who have declared a ‘curfew’ in the area. A number of high profile attacks have been executed periodically by the militants, and the current year already accounts for the following:
• April 11: Militants of the Zomi Revolutionary National Front (ZRNF) attack the Imphal residence of Member of Parliament, Mani Charenamai.
• March 15: Militants opened fire at the house of Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh, at Thoubal Athokpam in the Imphal city.
• February 8: A senior journalist and General Secretary of the All Manipur Working Journalist Union, Ratan Luwangcha, was shot at and wounded by three unidentified militants at his residence in the Imphal West District.
The State’s paralysis is inexplicable from a purely security perspective. Apart from high level deployment of the Army and Para-military Forces, Manipur actually boasts of a dramatically higher police-population ratio, at 531 per 100,000 population, than the national average at 123. Apart from a comparatively top heavy structure – the ratio of Police officials from Director General to Assistant Sub-Inspector level to that of Head constables and constables is 1.9 compared to the national average of 1.7 – the Police remain peripheral to the counter-insurgency effort, largely confined to the role of passive spectator. Thus, despite the grossly exaggerated police-population ratio, Central forces account for a bulk of terrorist fatalities in the State. According to the Annual Report of the Manipur Police, its personnel were responsible for the death of 55 terrorists in 2005. A total of 202 militants were killed in that year, according to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. At the meeting in Thoubal on April 23, where Chief Minister Singh confessed his predicament, the State’s Governor S.S. Sidhu spoke of “our disgruntled brothers” and mildly suggested that the path they were following was “not the right one.” This tentative and morally ambiguous position is precisely what has undermined the authority of the state and of law in Manipur for years now. There is an acute disinclination to take strong action against the mounting excesses of “our brothers”, and as long as such attitudes persist, Manipur will remain a living hell for a majority of its people.


Frans on 05.01.06 @ 02:42 PM CST [link]




News: Main Page
News: Archives
Nagalim: Home

Powered By Greymatter