After Jimmy Carter, now Mandela is a supporter of Naga cause NSCN (IM) meets Nelson Mandela in South Africa (Page News Service)
After Jimmy Carter, now Mandela is a supporter of Naga cause
NSCN (IM) meets Nelson Mandela in South Africa (Page News Service)
Kohima, May 7: It was way back in 1947, a Naga delegation led by A Z Phizo met Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and expressed Nagas desire to live as a separate nation, and today after nearly eight decades the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) had called on the Mahatma Gandhi of Africa, Nelson Mandela, to seek his support and intervention to resolve the vexed Naga political impasse, acceptable to both Nagas and India.
What transpired during the meeting with the South African leader could not be known, but NSCN leaders here said former kilo kilonser and now secretary of steering committee (the highest policy making body), R H Raising led the Naga delegation and met Mandela and leaders drawn from African political parties and non-governmental organizations. Among other NSCN members Angneikham, member of steering committee, was also part of the delegation. Date of meeting with African icon could not be confirmed but NSCN sources here said Naga leader had flown to Africa from Switzerland.
World leaders must be briefed about the Naga issue properly. We visited Nelson Mandela and he has assured his support, NSCN sources said.
Kilo Kilonser (home minister) of GPRN, Kedutsu Chakhesang also said NSCN leaders had met South African leaders and discussed the Naga issue. Some of our colleagues went to South Africa, Chakhesang said. But he did not want to disclose details about the meeting with the South Africans. He said some NSCN leaders also met policymakers and leaders from civil societies from United States of America. "We were invited by them," he added.
Chakhesang also confirmed of NSCN leaders meeting leaders from cross section of society from Africa, Europe, Asia and America
The Naga group has so far roped in world-renowned politicians like Nelson Mandela, former US president, Jimmy Carter, influential US politician and democrat senator, Barbara Boxer.
Carter has urged both Nagas and New Delhi for peaceful settlement of Naga problem.
The group has also gained support of dozens of international organizations from across the world, which included, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO).
The overseas trip of NSCN leaders is also against the backdrop of Naga consultative meeting with Naga diasporas on March 7-9 on Naga political issue. Overseas Nagas were in consensus for non-violence campaign to settle Naga problem. NSCN leaders also attended the consultative meeting.
NSCN led by Swu and Muivah have also ruled out armed struggle to gain self-rule for Naga homeland, but at the same time warned that if they were forced upon there would be no alternative but to resist it.
Apart from NSCN leaders, leaders drawn from various Naga organizations have been meeting different sections of world community over the last couple of years. Most importantly in 2006, Naga NGOs leaders led by top NSCN leader Angelus Shimreh also met the leaders of Autonomous Region of Bougainville, which is still part of Papua New Guinea to work out their model of conflict resolution.
Bougainville Island is the main island of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, part of Papua New Guinea (PNG). This region is also known as Bougainville Province or the North Solomons. After many years of bloody armed struggle with Papua New Guinea authorities this region has been finally granted maximum autonomy for some years.
NSCN leaders here said they would continue to lobby to garner support for the Naga cause vis-à-vis early solution to the nearly 70 years old Naga political problem with the centre.
Nagas on Mission South Africa - NSCN-IM leaders meet Nelson Mandela to garner support H. CHISHI The Telegraph
Kohima, May 8: Naga leaders booked tickets from Switzerland to South Africa just ahead of the IPL season, but not for cricket. They were on a mission to meet Nelson Mandela in the hope that the African leader would support their cause like Mahatma Gandhi did 62 years ago. The delegation of leaders from the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), led by R.H. Raising, called on the former South African president and African National Congress leader and sought his intervention in taking the Naga peace process forward.
An NSCN (I-M) leader in Nagaland revealed this today and drew parallels with Naga National Council leader A.Z. Phizo’s rendezvous with Mahatma Gandhi at Bhangi colony ashram in 1947. During that meeting, Gandhi had reportedly told the Naga leaders that for him the Nagas were part of the Indian family, but if they (Nagas) thought otherwise, they had every right to be free.
A senior leader of the NSCN (I-M)’s ministry of information and publicity said the meeting with Mandela was part of their ongoing effort to garner support from world leaders for their cause. He described the meeting with the South African leader as “fruitful and encouraging,” but refused to divulge any further details.
The leaders of the militant outfit are currently meeting a cross-section of leaders and policy-makers in America, Europe, South Africa and Asia. The outfit has been engaged in peace talks with the Centre since 1997, but the issue has remained unresolved despite several rounds of meetings.
“World leaders need to be properly briefed about the Naga issue. As part of this briefing process, a delegation from our organisation met Mandela and had a very fruitful and encouraging meeting with him,” the official said.
For the “historic” meeting, the NSCN (I-M) leaders flew to South Africa from Switzerland last month. Apart from Mandela, the Naga leaders met other senior South African leaders.
The NSCN (I-M)’s latest drive to secure international support for settling the over six-decade-old Naga problem was preceded by a series of consultative meetings organised by Naga civil societies in Thailand and Nagaland to chart out the future course of action.
Meetings with Mandela assume significance as the Naga diaspora has been insisting on a non-violent movement. The NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, too, have said they will not resume the “armed struggle” unless they are “forced” to do so by the Centre.
Lobbying Cannot Save NSCN (IM) PUBLICITY CELL, GPRN/NSCN
Since the last decade the phrase, “Lobbying in foreign lands” has become a good joke not only for IM gang but also among educated Nagas who goes for interviews with thick resumes but fails in the end. IM Gang lobbying abroad is akin to haphazard doctors seeking medicines abroad without diagnosing the ailment of the patients at home.
A thousand Naga National Workers abandoned IM in late 2007, for the very reason which the Naga people now clearly understand: Pursuing the right of the Nagas without consulting the Nagas. If reports are to be believed, Th. Muivah has a lot of answering to do in Ukhrul district first before anything else. A section of his own people has vowed to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur. Whose fault is it? Nobody in his/her right frame of mind can blame the Naga brothers of Manipur for taking such a step. It is because the rest of the Naga communities in Manipur are being crushed by Th. Muivah and his pandemic politics. In chasing his rigid dreams, the ailment of the Nagas has gotten chronic. To forge a common platform for all Nagas irrespective of groups, factions, regions and tribes was the crying need in the 1990’s and in the new millennium. Unity of the Nagas was only a handshake away and he completely missed the opportunity. God alone knows it was Th. Muivah who offered hundreds of invalid reasons and rejected all efforts of the Naga frontal organizations and the civil societies to commit to Naga reconciliation and Unification. Now every Anti-Naga trick is being employed by IM to blackmail the Nagas. Lobbying in foreign lands? For whom? GPRN/NSCN directs the so-called MIP of IM gang to convey to Th. Muivah that Nagas have risen from their slumber and are ready to defend the Naga people against destructive politics of IM.
It is also to be noted that since more than a thousand National workers who chose to unite all Nagas in 2007, are the witnesses, there was and is, nobody called Hukato Naga in the rank of lieutenant in the IM. This is a Sumi name invented purely to sow seeds of discord among the Sumi people in particular and Nagas in general. This so called Lt. Hukato Naga who indulges in occasional blabberins bereft of any political upbringing is, in truth, a Pseudonym used by the so called MIP of IM gang. Perhaps the idea stems from the fact that only a Sumi name would save its embarrassment, or what good reason could there be for IM to invent a Lieutenant Hukato Naga? A Captain’s rank is long overdue for such an officer even without a face!
No let off to war of words morungexpress
Dimapur, May 8 (MExN): Congress MLA and spokesperson of the INC SI Jamir while responding to the statements of the NPF has questioned the fairness of the just concluded elections to the Lok Sabha and by-elections to the state assembly held on April 16 last. Jamir asserted that as far as the last election is concerned, all ‘the sensible people’ of Nagaland know that everything was not normal, but regretted that “only the self-righteous” DAN refused to see and admit this reality.
SI Jamir claimed that there were both “armed coups and civil coups” on April 16 polling day. Armed coup were carried out by “some members of the underground groups”, who Jamir said have conveniently become “the armed gang” of DAN.
“Who does not know the incidents in Kutur, Sotukur and Hakchang villages under 54 Tuensang Sadar II A/C, Purana Bazar and Dhansiripar under 3 Dimapur III A/C, Chobama and Porba villages under 17 Chizami A/C and at Athibung under 7 Tenning A/C?” Jamir further accused DAN of using “its armed gang” to coup polling booths in “interior Naga villages”.
SI Jamir responds to NPF
“The DAN and its armed gangs were able to coup in interior Naga villages but they exposed their cowardice in the border village of Latigan under Tamlu A/C,” Jamir stated.
Accusing the village councils of being party to the civil coup of NPF led DAN; Jamir also expressed displeasure over family voting pattern and under age voting.
“Civil coups occurred in many villages wherein the village councils became the agents of the NPF-led DAN. They captured the polling booths. The fundamental right on adult franchise was hijacked by family-head and under-age voting trend since DAN assumed power.”
In the past, Jamir asserted, village councils adopting election resolutions to support one particular candidate was unheard of. But today, “Rio and his sycophants have set a dirty precedence”. Jamir accused the NPF and its allies of destroying ‘the democratic village polity’.
Jamir also questioned the “abnormal” high percentage voter turn out of more than 90% (the highest in the country) saying that this “is proof that something was wrong”.
Jamir also queried the authenticity of the “so called” Political Affairs Committee (PAC) which Jamir alleged was a DAN committee “exclusive of the Congress”. “When the Congress was not consulted at the time of constituting the committee and none of its leaders included as member(s) the question of attending PAC meetings does not arise. The PAC meetings were for members only and the Congress has no compulsion to attend DAN sponsored meetings as invitee.”
Jamir accused the NPF of double speak with regard to DAN’s stand in any event of an “interim agreement” on the Naga political issue. Apong from the NPF had earlier clarified that chief minister Rio had at no point of time talked of an ‘interim agreement’. Jamir expressed surprise that Apong had in the same clarification gone on to mention “in the event of any interim agreement…”.Jamir asserted that this double-talk “nakedly exposed” that the NPF-led DAN was “playing its active facilitator’s role” with the negotiating parties to bring about an interim agreement.
Questioning the flip flop statements of DAN, Jamir said that ‘Neiphiu Rio and his NPF-led DAN should stop weakening the Naga political issue with flip-flop statements on Naga political issue’. Jamir asked Rio to stop holding the Nagas to ransom.
On the other hand Jamir asserted that only the Congress has a clear vision by allowing the Nagas to ‘speak in one voice for meaningful dialogue’ with the GOI. “It will certainly present its charter of proposals to the people of Nagaland representing all sections (both underground and over-ground) and the GOI in its own good time.”
On the issue of the bedrock of Naga society, Jamir said it is clearly a “closed chapter” and he xepressed surprise as to why the NPF was trying to “revive and keep alive the dead document”. The Naga people had rejected the booklet and the Congress had accepted the peoples’ verdict and declared the chapter closed both in front of the people of Nagaland and on the floor of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Jamir asserted. However, for giving so much of undeserved importance to it after its burial, the NPF will now, be responsible for any negative fall out from this booklet, Jamir cautioned.
Further Jamir stated: “If the NPF think Congress has no moral right to talk about Naga political issue, the NPF with its continued veiled attack on 16 point agreement has no moral right to participate in the State general elections and parliamentary elections. They should feel ashamed of themselves and step down.”
Naga cause not detrimental to Manipur's cause: Ngouba Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, "The naga cause cannot be said to be detrimental to Manipur's cause," said the Vice President of the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) and also Chief of Army Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Mahoharmayum Ngouba during a press conference held on the morning of May 5 at the PLA's Training Command Head Quarter located somewhere near Indo-Myanmar border in Ukhrul district.
Ngouba said, "There had been times when Naga cause turned out to be quite helpful to Manipur's cause and it's believed that it will be helpful in future as well.
Because Nagaland is not a few thousand kilometers away from Manipur, it is an immediate neighbouring country".
"Therefore a neighbouring country is always associated with our history and will be associated in the ages to come. What we must see is desirable to keep a little away from the country or the views of an organisation.
Because it is believed that to take part together in a long lasting and better worldly journey will evolve from a condition in which communities of both sides enjoy a mutual understanding, like-mindedness and sharing in all spheres," Ngouba affirmed.
He said, "It will be wrong to think of all Naga people as anti-Manipuris and it will also be wrong to take all Manipuris as anti-Nagas. As such the present situation of division and differences of opinions will depend on the policies of certain Naga bodies".
The Vice President was replying to a question raised by a journalist on the alleged link between the RPF/PLA and the NSCN-IM. He said, "It is not only the RPF that has relations with the NSCN. Other revolutionary organisations operating in Manipur and other surrounding countries too have relations with the NSCN".
"Both groups of the NSCN are having ceasefire agreement with the Government of India.
One is in the so-called peace process while the other one has been trying for a long time to take part in it. There is no question of both the groups withdrawing from the process either". He said, "Now the parties do not seem to be all that close to the NSCN as in the past. The stand taken by the NSCN has become a hindrance to the rest of the revolutionary groups".
On another question placed by this newspaper on the tangible involvement of the NSCN-IM in the elections held under the Constitution of India by fielding candidates who would lobby in the parliamentary fora for the Naga cause while the RPF has been boycotting all elections held under the Constitution and banning anyone who is a former cadre of the outfit from contesting in the elections as a candidate, Vice President Ngouba said, "The political and social reality of the Nagas is a little different from the political and social reality of Manipur which would have been seen by the people".
"That too, the political and social reality that existed in the eighties and the political and social reality of the nineties are greatly different from that of the present.
Even in our own experience, the Naga people used to stand solidly behind the Naga movement and the representing organisation that fought against India. But today all that had been negated by the policies of the NSCN," he pointed out. He asserted that "it is questionable if the NSCN's objective under the Constitution of India has been achieved so far by putting up candidates in the elections".
On another question from a journalist on India's influence over the UN and other countries regarding not extending support to the insurgent groups of Manipur, the PLA's CAS replied, "it's not always true that only the rich and powerful countries can influence the relationship among the nations and change the prevailing order".
He further said, "It's quite natural for India to try to do the same. India will do anything to protect its interest. For us too, we, as a nation�big or small�shall do what ought to be done. We are carrying on with our liberation movement with the conviction that it's not the rich and powerful countries alone that shape the international relations".
Ngouba further pointed out, "The parties involved in the war seem to forget that there are two sides in the job. It's not a war that's played on the script of a drama.
There are two opposing sides in a war. It's the people that either of the two sides tries to bring to its side. People are kind of a trophy�a prize of war".He said, "Since people are the decisive factor in the principles of a revolutionary war, it's the side on which the people stand that unfailingly wins. Its significance is known to all concerned.
However, the means to translate this significance into reality seems somewhat difficult on the side of the revolutionary groups.
But it doesn't happen to be all that difficult on the part of the enemy since, apart from having one point something billion people, its economy is included in the one to ten ranks in the world. Moreover it's a country rising in military and technology".
"Therefore, the enemy has advantages in bringing the situation prevailing in today's theatre of war to the direction of its liking," the CAS of PLA admitted.
"However if they are asked, does this make them believe that they will win the fight, they say no," Ngouba said and made reference to reports published in the newspapers in which Army Commanders and Generals had said that the military can't solve the issue.
The RPF leader also admitted that the insurgent groups lacked means and resources for taking forward and working harder on the situation, not only in terms of materials but also in moral and other issues.
"Yet it's a relative matter. There will be no question of the enemy winning as it has larger number of population and is bigger or we will be defeated since ours is a small nation with lesser population. It's just that they are taking a little more advantages," Ngouba said. Regarding the mass mobilisation by the RPF/PLA for its movement, the Chief of PLA said that all the (revolutionary) parties feel the necessity of mass participation in the liberation movement. "However, the parties seem to have different views and strategies on how to embrace the people in the movement.
"To the RPF, mass participation in the liberation movement should be based on systematised phases," he said. He further said, "When we come back to the reality, after forgetting ourselves for a while, we find that what we believed ourselves to be contradicts the reality and that disappoints".
NSCNs spat over lobbying reports DIMAPUR, MAY 9 (NPN):
The two factions of the NSCN drew attention to recent media reports about top NSCN(I-M) leaders lobbying for the Naga cause abroad. While the GPRN/NSCN attacked the NSCN(I-M), the latter has expressed ignorance of any such move.
The Publicity cell of the GPRN/NSCN has said that the NSCN (I-M) lobbying in foreign lands has become a “good joke” and that it was akin to haphazard doctors seeking medicines abroad without diagnosing the ailment of the patients at home. It pointed out that a thousand Naga national workers abandoned NSCN (I-M) in late 2007 since the latter pursued the right of the Nagas without consulting them. The GPRN/NSCN said the ailment of the Nagas got “chronic” as Th. Muivah chased his “rigid dreams.” It pointed out that the crying need of all Nagas in the 1990s and in the new millennium was to forge a common platform. The GPRN/NSCN said the unity of the Nagas was only a handshake away but that Muivah completely missed the opportunity. It accused the NSCN (I-M) of employing every “anti-Naga trick” to blackmail the Nagas. GPRN/NSCN also directed the “so-called MIP” of NSCN (I-M) to convey to Th. Muivah that Nagas have risen from their slumber and were now ready to defend the Naga people against destructive their politics.(full text on page 4)
Reacting to reports on lobbying in the media, the NSCN (I-M) through its MIP said it was not aware of the recent press article of the its leaders going to elsewhere foreign countries to lobby for the Naga cause except for the purpose of attending meeting with the Indian government delegation on the ongoing peace process. The MIP said it was the “only authentic organ” of the NSCN (I-M) that disseminates information to the media.
CBI chargesheets MP, NSCN leaders: Newmai News Network
Kohima, May 08 2009: In a major corruption case which is also a major cuff to the Government of Nagaland the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has chargesheeted, high-profile Naga politician H Khekiho Zhimomi, Rajya Sabha member along with Naga militants in Nagaland Sugar Mill Scam.
But the document does not mention which faction of the Naga militants except the mentioning of the term 'members of NSCN'.
The CBI, earlier on November 14 last sought the prosecution sanctioned from the Chairman Rajya Sabha in respect of Zhimomi who was also former industries and commerce minister in the State cabinet. However, the prosecution of the Rajya Sabha MP is not pressed for at present. According to the Guahati High Court, CBI has completed all the field investigations including all the areas sought for by the Court, except obtaining prosecution sanction against K Hokishe Assumi, Deputy Director Industries and Commerce Department under Government of Nagaland.
The CBI has already filed the charge-sheet on March 6 this year in the court of special judge/district and sessions judge Nagaland, Dimapur without sanction order against accused Assumi and others and a copy furnished to the registrar of Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court of India on December 12, 2007.In the instant case request was made on November 14, 2008 to the Government of Nagaland as such the stipulated period has expired.
However the Government of Nagaland has neither gave the prosecution sanction nor informed of their refusal the court said. The CBI also questioned the state government as to whether they would issue prosecution sanction against accused Assumi so as to enable the CBI to take appropriate steps as per law. KL John is the Retainer counsel for CBI.
The first Writ Petition was filed by Ramjanam Choudhury and 29 others and the second Writ was filed by Umashankar Jadav and 20 others.
The petitioners maintained that during April 2004, a sum of Rs 1,23,03,580.00 was released by the Directorate of Industries and commerce, towards the payment of supplementary additional bill of seasonal staff retaining, return TA, bonus 95-06 to the ex-seasonal employees of Nagaland Sugar Mill company. The actual employees however did not receive the payment but in APR I was shown to have paid and received by the employees, the CBI said. The Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench had directed the Vigilance Commissioner, Nagaland for conducting an enquiry into the scam and the report was submitted on June 5, 2007 but was not satisfactory for the court and on November 11, the same year instructed the CBI to re-investigate the case on five points.
After completion of the investigation the charge-sheet has been filed against the following persons in the court K Hokishe Assumi, H.Khekiho Zhimomi, Azheto 'member of NSCN' and Visheto 'member of NSCN'.
However, the paper did not mention of which NSCN faction. CBI has sought further two months time from the Gauhati High Court be granted to receive the reply from the government of Nagaland on March 13, 2009, H C Nath SP, CBI, ACB, Guwahati said.
He said also prayed the court to issue notice to the Nagaland Government on the stand taken by them as to whether they would give sanction for prosecution or refuse against Hokishe Assumi. The CBI also called on chief secretary and other senior officers to expedite their decision regarding sanction of prosecution.
Khehoi anti-Naga camp Nagaland Page
Do you think that Government of India will establish a Naga revolutionary camp at Khehoi village? This is just a question of sagacity. Or does Azheto wanted to say that government of India has established a revolutionary camp at Khehoi, with a sole purpose to check consolidating Naga nationalism? This is a common question to the Naga people.
A camp established by the government of India and guarded by Assam Rifles and infamous Indian intelligence agencies cannot be called a revolutionary camp.
This Khehoi camp has become detrimental to the Naga people since it is a camp of coming together (unification) of handful of Sumi criminals and mafias who are taking Naga society for a ransom with the help of their master, government of India.
It is also simply a common sense for any Nagas to accept Indian protected camp like that of Khehoi as a Naga revolutionary camp or Naga army camp. I want Naga people to go and see for themselves the nerve centre of anti-social activities like extortion, abduction, ransom and killing, since Khehoi is only a short drive from Dimapur.
Moving around with Assam Rifles and Indian Army convoys and claiming to represent Naga people is also a farce.
And I would also like to remind our Naga brothers that Sumis will never betray Naga cause, comes what may. Only because of handful of misguided Sumis who are creating havoc in Naga society the whole Sumis should not be taken otherwise. We should not lose our nerves, but it is our collective responsibility to fight such anti-Naga elements and nip in the bud.
Lt. Hukato Yeptho, Naga Army, NSCN/GPRN
AR refutes allegations of NSCN(IM) Nagaland Page
1. Approx the news articles published regarding NSCN (IM) accusing AR of 4ecklessness/ highhandedness on 04May09.
2. It is informed that Assam Rifles is conducting CI/CT operation in all the area in a professional manner. Security check by mobile check posts/ permanent check post area carried out taking the security concerns in view. It is the duty of all citizens and populace to help security forces in carrying out security tasks so that unlawful activities including move of terrorist with weapons, explosive materials and banned items are checked. The officer and troops at Lambui Post have been carrying out this task correctly in a professional manner with full consideration towards security concerns of local populace.
3. Assam Rifles will continue to carryout its operational tasks as per the security requirements of the area in the interest of the populace to ensure peace and tranquility in the state of Manipur. False Propaganda to malign the image of the force is well understood by populace and hence will not deter conduct of operations based on security requirements.
Public Relation Officer IGAR(SOUTH)
Naga Hoho meet on social menace in Naga society
DIMAPUR, (EMN): Expressing deep concern over rape and murder, which has become a social menace in contemporary Naga society, the Naga Hoho has convened a consultative meeting, particularly with all women organisations and representatives of different Naga tribe leaders from all Naga areas on May 15 next at State Zonal Council Hall at 11 am at Kohima. Naga society which had no such oral narration with strong discipline then, have now been completely wrecked in this so-called modern Naga way of life which has become a great concern, a Naga Hoho communiqué stated, while voicing its strong commitment to eradicate all forms of social evils challenging the fabric of Naga customary usages and traditions and the serious desire to formulate strategies to curb such menace in the society. It is high time for the Government and the people from different walks of life and different groups of Naga nationalists to re-evaluate the root causes leading to various social tribulations and unrest in the state, the Naga Hoho said. While the consultative meeting is not being initiated with the intention to deliberate and make decisions on the spot, it said some frame-alignment is expected to occur on some issues of common concern. It also expects the meet to provide space and opportunity to cross fertilise various ideas, strategies and actions for further implementation with the help of various stakeholders in the state.In this regard, the Hoho has invited three representative each from the Nagaland Women Commission, Naga Mothers Association, All tribe women organisations, Nagaland Bar Association, All tribe Hohos, GBs & DBs, NSF, NPMHR , Nagaland Christian Forum, NBCC, CNBC, Naga Council Dimapur and Dimapur Women Hoho. Further, it has requested all organisations to send their representatives without hesitation in case the official intimation fails to reach in time.
Flush-out ops in FGN bastion Nagarealm.com
DIMAPUR, MAY09 [EMN] : With persistent unrest in the FGN bastion of Phek district, a joint team of District Executive Force (DEF), NAP and NAP (IR) on Saturday morning carried out a flush out operation near Tizu River wherein suspected FGN (Non-Accordist) were camping. Confirming this, Deputy Commissioner Phek N Hansingh informed that the joint team had carried out the operation in the proximity of the town. While no arrests have been made, taxation slips and other documents have been recovered, he added. It may be mentioned here that the latest conflict between the FGN breakaway non-accordist and the accordist resulted in injury of one student, Thenouselie, while he was accompanying a friend, Menguzo, on a fishing outing.
Terming the conflict as a turf war between the warring FGN groups, the DC said the district administration is taking all measures to ensure public safety. “Maintenance of ceasefire ground rules is being strictly monitored,” he said.
The district administration had summoned a District Level Coordination Committee in the wake of the deteriorating situation on May 6 last. According to the DC, the situation is now under control and police personnel are maintaining round the clock duty. The injured student is stated to be out of danger. Meanwhile, SP Phek PF Zeliang has clarified that miscreants attempted to shoot Menguzo on Friday but said he escaped unhurt. Police information yesterday had reported the targeted Menguzo killed and the student injured
‘We the Nagas’ should be our slogan
Pondering over the bleak future of the Nagas due to the serious divisions among Naga factions, GEN (RETD) THINUOSELIE KEYHO considers reconciliation and unity among the warring factions a must to achieve the aspirations of the Nagas. The 78-year old veteran, a staunch Naga freedom fighter during the Naga National Council rising, has retired from active national service but has been tracking the movement since his college days. The present crisis, according to him, has been caused by a combination of love for materialism and lack of platform to come together and reason together. In a Face to Face conversation with Ngathingkhui Jagoi, the retired general shares his thoughts on how the division in Naga society deeply disturbs him and how he feels the future of the Nagas as a people can be moulded. EXCERPTS:
EASTERN MIRROR: Would you like to share some of your past experiences with the Naga Movement?
GEN. THINUOSELIE KEYHO: Actually, I didn’t know much about Naga politics at first. But I was very unhappy with the Indian Army atrocities on the Naga people - burning houses, granaries, raping our women and all that. What hurt me most was the killing of two GBs. They were executed in this North Police Station in the most brutal manner. Seeing this, I joined the Naga revolutionary government, NNC.
Only after joining the Naga movement I learnt properly about the rights of the Naga people. Earlier, I only used to attend meetings and carry messages for them. Once I was taken to Delhi Army Cantonment and interrogated. They asked me who had instigated me to join Naga movement. I said ‘nobody’. I told them I saw the Indian Government committing so many atrocities on the Naga people. I was in Indian jails for 5 years - 4 years in Tihar jail and 1 year in Shillong jail. When I was in jail, the Shillong Accord was made. We were not informed about it. I came to know about it only through newspapers
EM: As a veteran Naga national worker, what pains you most in the present scenario?
TK: In our times, we had no worries for food or money. The love of the Naga people sufficed for our needs. In our times, it was actually a mass movement; it was people’s movement. Now you see so many groups, both overground and underground, coming up and there is division everywhere – church, among GBs, Naga people saying you are from this tribe or from that place. This is something which disturbs me most now.
EM: What steps would you suggest or rather advice to bring an end to all these divisions cropping up in the Naga society?
TK: The only way we can come together is reasoning together. Unless we understand each other, there can be no unity. And unless we talk to each other freely and frankly, there cannot be understanding among us. So the first step should be - how do we meet and reason together. If we can meet and talk to reason together, a unified stand is not difficult. We can come together on the basis of political and historical rights.
EM: Don’t you think that there will arise another leadership and protocol crisis as we come to unity among the factions?
TK: No, that can be avoided as long as reason dictates the togetherness.
EM: What about federalism of Naga areas? Say for example, if we let the Nagas of Arunachal, Assam, Manipur, Myanmar or Nagaland to handle their own state of affairs by having their own leadership. Do you think it would minimise the problem?
TK: People talk about interim settlement. But I don’t see solution until and unless Nagas are united. So I again stress that we need to come and reason together. The rest, like accommodation of leaders, can be adjusted in the manner what would be best for the people.
Why can’t the factions come together? It is, in a way, the weakness of the people. They want peace but they don’t want to take the risk. They cannot speak the truth. They may quarrel or not quarrel over the chair of leadership, but one thing that we should do is bring them together to reason together at least. This is what Naga people must do at this juncture. And I think this is what God wants Nagas to do. There are only two things that Nagas can receive from God – one is blessing and the other is curse. If we choose what God wants us to do, we will be blessed but if go against His will, we can’t escape from the curse.
EM: Given a chance to lead the Nagas, are you prepared to lead again?
TK: No, no. I am old. Though I don’t know my exact age, I am almost 80 years now. We have done our part; it for the younger generation to pursue the dreams of the Nagas. I give them the chance (Laughs).
EM: What is your concept of Naga integration?
TK: There are two Nagalands; one is created by God and the Naga people, the other by India. When people say Nagaland, sometimes I don’t understand which Nagaland they mean. I don’t know whether they mean the Naga political state or the Indian made Nagaland. People are confused. They think that it is the Indian made Nagaland state. Some people think that those Nagas living outside Nagaland state are not Nagas. So there is a lot of confusion here. Again there is another name ‘Nagalim’ being used now.
EM: What would you prefer to use- Nagaland or Nagalim?
TK: According to history, it is Nagaland. Nagalim was only invented by NSCN-IM in the year 1998.
Now coming to Naga integration, it was already there since 1956 during the NNC period. Nagas were and are one. Why are we talking about integration now? The present talk about integration is only state politics.
EM: You said Nagas are one, but emotionally?
TK: If we are not one how have all Nagas joined the Nagas movement? Naga people form Manipur side, Arunachal, Assam, Myanmar and the present Nagaland state have joined together and are fighting for Naga independence. For us, there is no question of integration. We were one and we are already integrated. That is why we feel that the present generation cannot undo what we have done.
EM: Should the present political dialogue between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM not materialise, where, according to your observation, would Nagas be in 10 years time?
TK: We are only one nation but when it comes to Independence Day or Republic Day celebrations, three four Naga presidential addresses come out. What a shame for us. That indicates we don’t have a national government, national leaders. We have only factional government and factional leaders. People are confused and even NSCNs are more confused. Why? Instead of saying ‘We the Nagas’ they are saying ‘We the NSCNs’. That means they are not saying on behalf of the people. Even in the present political talks between the NSCN-IM and the GoI, those who have not joined or supported the talks are excluded. Not only the Naga people are confused but Indians are more confused because of this.
Mr Muivah is my best friend, he is a capable leader. But unless he accommodates people’s wishes, he will not be able to solve the problem of the Nagas. The strength of the Nagas lies in unity only. I don’t want Mr Isak and Mr Muivah to be factional leaders; I want them to be national leaders.
EM: Nagas should first come together before any solution. Is that right?
TK: Yes, that is true. Unless we are united, I feel whatever sacrifices we make or whatever we do will go in vain.
IS IT TIME TO DROP THE CRY OF FREEDOM? NorthEastern Herald
The past 60 years has been a very trying and emotional period for Nagas in our quest for sovereignty. Ten of thousands if not lakhs of lives have been lost due to the protracted Indo- Naga conflict. No less painful is the emotional rift and divisions in our civil society directly as a result of this conflict. But the most painful has been the slow degradation of our values under the impact of this Movement.
Every nation invariably goes through a life changing epoch affecting the lives of its peoples, for better or for worse. For Eastern blocs it was the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989, for India it was the liberalization of 1991 and for America it was 9/11. Paradoxically, for Nagas it was the ceasefire of 1997 between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India. This ceasefire has been the single most important milestone in Nagas long painful history. The Govt. of India finally recognized Nagas ‘unique history’ and this automatically implied that Nagas were different and that the Naga question would be negotiated at the highest level. Despite the initial euphoria of its historical importance, the peace talks have now lost its soul, atleast for the general people. The peace talks instead of ushering peace and an honourable political solution has become a millstone around our neck.
The ceasefire of 1997 is directly responsible for the sea change in our Way of life. This is not to say that pre 1997 years were periods of peace and prosperity or that Nagas were epitome of morality then. No, but definitely the relative peace of post 1997 years ushered certain elements into our midst which have proved most detrimental to our society. The issue of Naga nationalism is a fat cow which every strata of Naga society is taking advantage of and sucking dry. Is it time to discard the cry of freedom?
Thousands of undergrounds suddenly found themselves out of job, post 1997. After the rigours of jungle life, many found life in civil society exhilarating and they never hesitated in using their guns to enrich themselves. Because of their ceasefire accords with the Govt. of India, the two NSCNs were free to ruthlessly start a turf war costing many precious Naga lives including hundreds of innocent civilians. From a turf war, this meaningless fight of annihilation and hatred engulfed civil society so much so that Naga society is divided on tribal lines along with the two NSCNs. For example, the Sumis and Konyaks in general are sympathetic to the NSCN (K) whereas Tangkhuls and Tenyimis in general support NSCN (IM). This is a war where there will be no winner but only death. Practically everyone or every tribe is inclined towards one or the other group. In short there is so much emotional rift in our society perpetuated by factional killings, fight for lands ( example Intangki) and tribal supremacy that healing or reconciliation is humanly impossible. Virtually every criminal activity in Nagaland is run by UGs. There is so much proliferation of guns and loose cadres that rape, murder, dacoity, loot, extortion have become almost a daily phenomena. Who has forgotten Dr. Moangwati shootout case or the March 25th incident to name a few?
In almost all these cases, the accused are never arrested as they take refuge in their camps (designated so by the govt. of India) and invoke the immunity of ceasefire. There is so much money extorted from businessmen, govt. servants, govt. deptts., contractors, suppliers etc that the ‘budgets’ of the NSCNs runs into hundreds of crores. According to street talks, no one is allowed to hold the portfolio of Finance in the NSCNs for long! In the name of nationalism they haven’t even spared our young, enterprising local boys and girls from ‘tax’, thus destroying their livelihood. Thus, the NSCNs have spawned a whole generation of Naga youths who feels that it is okay not to work because you can always extort, okay to rape because you can get away with it, okay to snatch someone else’s hard earned money, okay to settle issues with guns, okay to loot, maim and kill. In short, the NSCNs have been utterly destructive and wrong role models for our society. Criminalization of our society is complete.
Many a politicians careers have been built or destroyed on the altar of Naga nationalism. For far too long we have allowed this highly emotive issue to blind us, allowing some leaders to hijack nationalism to propagate their interests. Many self-interested Naga politicians profess themselves to be staunch Naga nationalist first and then Indians but gleefully function under the Indian constitution. 2003 was the year democracy was murdered in Nagaland. The NSCN (IM) engineered a campaign of threat, intimidation and booth capturing and put DAN govt. to power by destroying Congress at the polls. The NPF party in return promised to solve the Naga issue. It’s been 6 years. Yes, its all about power and money. The chief minister Neiphiu Rio almost in every platform, most recently during the NSF conference is never tired of repeating that he wants the Naga issue to be solved. At least former CM SC Jamir was never a hypocrite in this matter. It is evident that the DAN govt. and the NSCN (IM) follow the philosophy of ‘I scratch your back, you scratch my back’. The rebel group in turn is given a free hand in its various areas of interests. Naga nationalism has become an industry. Freedom be damned.
All our neighbours; the Kukis, the Assamese, the Meiteis, the Dimasas, the Khasis and the Arunachalis hate the NSCNs and to an extent, us. Thanks to the NSCNs we have managed to make enemies of everyone. It all started in the early 1990’s when NSCN (IM) started ethnic cleansing the Kukis. Then we managed to ruffle the feathers of Meiteis on Greater Nagaland issue. Suddenly Khasis started disliking Naga students in Shillong because NSCN elements in Meghalaya started promoting local ruffians masquerading as rebels with a cause. Assam has become very suspicious and wary of our intentions and their police forces are continually provoking us through cross-border incursions. Dimasas vs. Zeme Naga battle is raging in the NC Hills. Where did it all go wrong and when will it all end?
One of the great tragedies of our nationalism is, ironically, our identity confusion. Are we Nagas or Indians? Or both? Somehow in our effort to find a place for ourselves in the history of nations we have lost our identity. Maybe India is too big a nation. Maybe we are less versatile and less receptive to change. Thousands of our youths are growing up in confusion, without a sense of purpose and identity; if we are Christians, then why so many killings amongst us; if our dream is one people, one destiny, then why so much division in our society including the Movement. If we are Nagas and not Indians, then why do we eagerly participate in Indian Constitutional elections- both lay people and Undergrounds alike? It is amusing to know that the most popular career option in Nagaland is still politics! We are a nation of hypocrites. The young teenager, donning a Korean style hairdo is not simply making a fashion statement but is largely a part of our ongoing identity confusion.
Nagas are prisoners of our own past. We do not have any role models in our society. We do not have outstanding personalities like religious leaders, scientists, writers, actors, directors, singers, or achievers whom we can look up to. A politician as a role model is out of question. So where do we look for our heros? We unconsciously go to our past and admire our headhunter forefathers. This is the reason why there is so much death and destruction in our society today. We always had this romanticized notion that our forefathers were strong, powerful and chivalrous. Yes, they were the progenitors and guardians of our Way of life i.e. being independent- minded, sincere and hard working. We take pride in their free-spiritedness and subconsciously we have taken the burden of maintaining this legacy. Our Movement was initially a continuation of this legacy. But our forefathers were anything but chivalrous. They were also cunning, sly, deceitful and preyed on the weak. Wars and battles were but as last resorts and they were always on the lookout to attack women, children and the aged. So also the Movement is anything but ideal.
Our churches, intellectuals, various Naga organizations, leaders etc has so far refused to acknowledge the reality of our land. For many of us the Naga freedom movement is but a higher calling, a part of our heritage. For the older generation and thousands of die-hards, the Movement is a holy cow and any criticism of it is unpardonable. It is so mired in our deepest emotions that to think otherwise is sacrilege. But is it really a Movement now? In the 1950’s and 60’s, arguably it was because all Nagas were united in their opposition to India and we lived by certain ideals. But much water has flowed down the bridge during the years. Now in the name of nationalism our society is being destroyed. Our values are being eroded. Our children are growing up in a culture of fear, violence, destruction, intolerance, hatred and tribalism. When Isak and Muivah landed in Delhi for the first time in decades, there were tears of joy all over the land. With great fanfare, invoking the name of the almighty, Hebron was inaugurated and Naga people had great expectations from them. Well, that goodwill is now gone. For many of us, the NSCNs can be equated to a mafia organization. Since it is so, it’s only a matter of time before they go the LTTE way; destroyed.
We need to break with our past. It’s time to bring harmony into our land. It’s time to bring healing in our land. I think its time to think beyond physical boundaries and harness the boundless creativity so rich in us. Let’s develop our state. Let there be role models from within our contemporary society. Let’s not invoke the legacy of our head hunter fathers anymore.
Joel Nillo Kath
NC Hills burn as village attacked morungexpress
Dimapur, May 8 (MExN): Sources from troubled North Cachar Hills in Assam today said some 12-odd armed miscreants entered a Dimasa village Friday morning and opened indiscriminate fire at the villagers, who fled to nearby jungles for safety. After the firing in which one villager was reportedly injured, the miscreants also set ablaze about ten houses. Police arrived at the scene several hours after the incident due to the hilly and rough terrain, sources added.
Although the motive behind the attack is yet to be ascertained, sources disclosed that the attack is another fall-out of the simmering tension between the Dimasas on one hand and other “indigenous” communities of NC Hills on the other , over the demand of “Dima Hasao Raji” (‘Hill kingdom of the Dimasas’) by the Dimasa insurgent group Dima Halam Daogah (DHD-J).
Another source claimed that the attack was the handiwork of the “Indigenous Peoples Rights Volunteers” comprising of non-Dimasa communities like Zemes, Kukis, Hmar and Nepalis. In another report, it was said that some 13 houses were razed. No causalities were reported. According to official sources, unidentified gunmen swooped down on Jorai village, about nine kilometers from district headquarters Haflong, early Friday morning and opened indiscriminate fire. Later, after the villagers fled their homes, the gunmen set the village on fire. Thirteen of the total 15 houses in the village were gutted in the incident.
A villager sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital at Haflong. On receiving reports of the incident, police and security personnel rushed to the spot but by then the gunmen had fled. The personnel launched a massive combing operation but the hostile terrains and poor road communications said to have made their task doubly difficult. The villagers told police that most of the gunmen were garbed in army fatigues and black outfits. It was not immediately known which group was involved in the incident.
This is the second incident of arson in the district within a fortnight. In the last week of April, cadres of a militant outfit burnt down 40 houses in a Dimasa village in the district. The outfit resorted to this action suspecting the villagers to have provided shelter to cadres of the “Black Widow” faction.
But later, on ‘realizing its mistake’ the group sought ‘forgiveness’ from the villagers.
Director General of Assam Police, GM Srivastava said additional forces had been rushed to the restive district with a senior officer of STF overseeing the situation. “The war (against the militants) is on and it’ll take sometime before we can go all-out against them,” the DGP said.
Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Baudi (Nagaland) has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating situation in NC Hills. When contacted, Zeliangrong Baudi (Nagaland) vice president Raitu Elu told the Morung Express that whatever the differences between the various communities, no group should target innocent villagers. Elu further said that the Zeme Council’s (Assam) president, on being contacted, had expressed apprehension that some elements are taking advantage of the situation to drive a wedge between the Dimasas and Zeme Nagas.
With inputs from Newmai News Network
‘Zeliangrong served with quit notice’ morungexpress
Dimapur, May 9 (MExN): In a related development of the ongoing violence in Assam’s NC Hills, the All Zeliangrong Students’ Union said the Zeliangrong community has been told to leave by May 16, by the pro-talk Dilip faction of the militant DHD. In a press note received here today from the AZSU (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) president and assistant general secretary, the union said a DHD (Dilip) “town commander” of Halflong served a notice to the Zeliangrong community to leave the district. Also, mention of an “economic blockade” on the Zeliangrong community was made. No further elaborations on the threats were mentioned in the press note. The AZSU condemned the “threatening served to the Zeliangrong community to leave North Cachar Hills before May 16, 2009 by Monraj Dimasa, town commander of Halflong DHD (Dilip) group.
The AZSU strongly condemned the ongoing clashes and prevailing situation in the NC where innocent lives and properties have been lost. “Creating havoc and confusion between the good relationship of Zeliangrong and Dimasa be certain groups or militants with sinister design to create disharmony and communal clash,” the union said.
The union has appealed to both the communities to maintain “utmost restraint to maintain harmony and live peacefully”. The government of India is appealed to, to immediately intervene into the ongoing conflict in the NC Hills and bring the situation to normalcy.
DHD (pro-talk) chief denies quit notice
Dimapur, May 9 (MExN): The chairman of the pro-talk faction of the militant Dima Haolam Daogah, Dilip Nunisa today strongly denied that his group has served the Zeliangrong community to vacate Assam’s North Cachar Hills. Stating to be trying to contact Zeme leaders for peace talks, he condemned the reported eviction notice served to the Zemes purportedly by his faction.
Speaking to The Morung Express this evening, Dilip Nunisa – who heads the DHD pro- talk faction – completely denied serving any eviction notice to the Zemes in NC Hills. He maintained that the Zemes are also his brothers and sisters. He termed the eviction notice to the Zemes as “baseless” and strongly condemned it. Expressing sadness over the volatile situation in NC Hills, the DHD chairman informed that he is trying to contact the Zeme leaders for peace talks. Nonetheless, the All Zeliangrong Students’ Union (Assam, Manipur Nagaland) strongly alleged that the DHD (Dilip) faction had directed the Zemes in NC Hills to vacate the area by May 16. The students’ union condemned the eviction notice.
The DHD (Dilip) leader maintained that it might be the work of some conspirators. “Behind every violence there are conspirators and a politician…who knows it might be the work of the conspirators or politicians with vested interest,” the DHD (Dilip) faction leader said.
NSCN (I-M) refutes DIMAPUR, MAY 9 (NPN):
“NSCN does not spend time on such shadowy issue,” the NSCN (I-M) said on Saturday while reacting to the newly formed Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) which had said it would work for territorial integrity of Manipur.
The MIP/GPRN in a statement said the NSCN (I-M) was fully aware of the brain behind the Front and described the development as “all signs of their desperation.” The NSCN (I-M) said it was immaterial to them to give attention to every “blabbering” of those seeking media attention. The NSCN (I-M) however admitted that it was often disturbing to the ears but that to dig the past, even the recent past would be shameful to few and unpalatable to swallow for many.
During the course of more than 60 years of Naga political struggle, the MIP said that adversaries appeared in different forms to alienate the true revolutionaries from the people, to divert attention from the core issue and to create dissension among the national workers.
The MIP said that the Nagas and the true patriots however withstood all those and were now no more in confusion. “It is only the parent that knows better how difficult it is to deal with a spoil brat,” the MIP added.
Repeal of AFSPA 1958: Is it in public interest? Jagdamba Mall Kangla
There was a time when Mizoram and Nagaland were much in news for insurgency. Laldenga was leading the Mizo insurgency under the aegis of Mizo National front (MNF). Because of fruitful dialogue between MNF and Government of Bharatvansh, Mizoram is one of the most peaceful and progressive states today. Nagaland was also besieged with insurgency and the militant cadres were armed with sophisticated lethal weapons and firearms. The public voice was choked. The truth was suppressed. The dissenting voices were never allowed to be heard. The dissention was a punishable act in the eye of insurgent leaders. The insurgent organizations had created terror in their respective areas of operation. The civil liberties and freedom of speech were hijacked by militant organizations. The agriculture, trade, industry and overall economy suffered beyond repair. The murder in factional clashes, the killing of innocent people, ambushes on the convoys of army and killing of security personnel had become order of the day. The looting of banks and government treasuries were often reported. The torture and murder of businessmen and Govt. Officers were increasing more and more. The rape and abduction of ladies and college going girls unknown to the Naga society till only 25-30 years ago in whole of the Northeast region particularly the janjati communities, has become a regular news items in local and regional media. These rape cases are reportedly sometimes by security personnels, sometimes by defiant cadres of different militant organizations and sometimes by the erring members of the same society with criminal instinct. The guilty security personnels are punished heavily, sometimes terminated as per the findings of departmental enquiries constituted under Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules. In addition to this, the Military Conduct Rule tougher than CCS (Conduct) Rules are applied. But Army do not leak out this information in public and media, obviously to protect their prestige and credibility in the eye of masses and also not to humiliate the guilty jawan in the public. In Imphal, several jawans were tried in civil court and punished. Army jawans and army officers are also liable to be tried in civil court if charges of serious misconduct are framed. Nobody is above the law of the land. I know a case in which a senior military officer was court-martialed and he was stripped off his medals and rank symbols in Kohima few years back when he was found defying the military rules while on duty in Dimapur. He was jailed for five years term. It was when social commotion was unbearable and law and order was almost collapsed in the year 2000 and there after. The state government had requested the army to assist the law enforcing agencies to maintain the rule of law when the militants were openly waving weapons on the roads of Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung and elsewhere after signing the Ceasefire Agreement on 1.8.2007.
After Ceasefire Agreement on 1st August’ 1997, the Army had gone into their barracks. Lt. Gen. K.M. Seth had pronounced “Ten Commandments” for army jawans in the media. Ceasefire Ground Rules were cautiously framed and published in media. Lt. Gen. R.V. Kulkarni manned the post of Chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Cell (CFMC). People took a sigh of relief. But by the advent of the year 2000 and the after, the Army was again called for assisting the state administration to maintain the law and order because the militants had come out with arms in open from their jungle hide-out and they were engaged in strength building mechanism torturing, extorting money and killing the innocent people. The army operation was opposed by the underground leaders but state government did not ask army to return to their barracks because the peace and harmony had became a thing of past. Hundreds of people were killed in factional clashes, ambushes, extortion, robbery, rape and rivalry. The anti-social elements took up the chance and added fuel to the fire. Many armed cadres also became defiant who, when caught, were punished heavily, sometimes killed by their respective group leaders. Such incidents brought bad name to respective underground organizations. The Nagaland Post reported in its editorial “ Neither east or west” dated 19.01.2009 quoting South Asian Intelligence –“ 201 people were killed in various incidents due to factional violence in Nagaland. The statistics would indicate that on an average around one person was killed in two days during last year (2008). There were 244 insurgency related incidents during the year 2008 in which 130 activists of different underground cadres were killed while three law enforcement agency personnel and thirty civilians were also killed during the same period.” The Nagaland Post reported further, “People want that the turf of war between factions must stop so also rampant extortion and abduction, all for money. People want peace to prevail and this means that those responsible for the maintenance of law and order should ensure that no one is allowed to circumvent the law”. “Because of this”, writes The Nagaland Post, “many businessmen have left Dimapur due to the problems they face and unfortunately “compromise” formula means only a brief respite or a brittle truce which could be abrogated anytime by those who write their own law”. This was the reason that NSCN (K) camp in Mokokchung town was attacked by the people of the town and armed cadres were chased. An underground cadre was beaten to death in the packed court in Tuensang by enraged mob few years before. Only in very recent past in April 2006, the Phek Area Public Organization (PAPO) asked the both factions NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) to leave the vicinity of Pfutsero Town because of their anti-people activities. There have been a frequent “Peace” and “Reconciliation” meeting organized mostly by the Church and sometimes by Naga Hoho joined by other civic organizations but the peace and tranquility are nowhere to be seen. This has shattered the work culture, righteousness, economy, trade, industry, even educational institutions etc. The educated promising Nagas are settling elsewhere outside Nagaland. Almost all wealthy and worthy parents are sending their children of primary level onwards in the schools/colleges outside the state. There is unrestricted brain drain from Nagaland. The skilled persons and tourists are scared of visiting Nagaland.
The situation in Manipur has become worse than Nagaland. In Nagaland, there are four underground organizations- NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) NSCN (U) and NNC. But in Manipur, there are reportedly 28 undergrounds organizations of Nagas, Kukis and Meiteis. Frequent killings, ethnic clashes and robbery, National Highway blockade and bundhs have worsened Manipur more than Nagaland. The majority people are engulfed with poverty. In fact, the poverty and armed militants of different rebel organizations have pushed farmers to drug cultivation in Manipur and other insurgency-infested zones of Northeast region. To fill the coffers, the militants are smuggling explosives like RDX, narcotic drugs from notorious Golden Triangle and lethal weapons and fire-arms from Cox-Bazar of Bangladesh Until State and Central Government, so also the civic society decide to address these issues, this unseemingly unbreakable cycle of drugs, poverty, terror and HIV/AIDS will continue to wreak havoc with the life of Manipuris.
Not that people do not raise their voice against these excesses by militants. For this, they had to pay heavy price. Several of opponents are murdered. The people of Heirok are remembered throughout the northeast for their heroic deed of opposing militants. The media men who supported the helpless public were also killed.
Now, the traders from other states are targeted. Only on 23rd March one Deepak Gupta 40, a resident of Haryana was gunned down by miscreants in Imphal.
The condition in Asom is no better. As reported in Guwahati based media, at least 10,000 criminals wanted in connection with different criminal cases are moving freely in and around Guwahati city alone. The preoccupation with militancy related matters is cited as a reason behind the ineffective role of police in checking city crimes. Because of this preoccupation coupled with political patronage of criminals and militants, there is, though warranted, no matching response from the morally down police. The helpless people, then, look towards army for reprive from militants and professional criminals. Here also, those who stand for innocent masses are targeted. The executive editor of a vernacular daily, Aiji, Anil Majumdar was gunned down on 24th March by unidentified gunmen. The Northeast Frontier Railway withdrew train services from Lumding – Silchar section after an unsuccessful attempt by militants to blow up tracks in North Cachar Hills on March 23. This has raised fears of more attacks on railway staff and property. DHD (J) is allegedly involved in it. The order of withdrawal of railway, according to the railway sources, was to be in force indefinitely. The DHD (J) has demanded that construction of BG line, Mahasadak and running of trains between Lumding and Silchar be stopped till its demand is fulfilled. The militant of Dima Halam Daoga (Jewel) and Dima Halam Daoga (Dilip) have allegedly killed over two hundred innocent people in N.C. Hills district of Assam from January 2008 till March 2009. On March 19, Rajdhani Express narrowly missed a blast on the tracks in Karbi Anglong. The Karbi Longri National Liberation Front (KLNLF) was suspected to have triggered the explosion. These are the tip of the iceberg. The bomb explosions in Guwahati, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh have taken the toll of several hundred innocent lives. Over two dozen militant organizations including ULFA and ISI are allegedly masterminding the attacks and social upheavals. The Changlong and Tirap districts of Arunachal Pradesh is worst victim of factional fight between NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) who are attacking each other in quest of gaining dominance over each other. In the process, the people of the area are torn asunder.
The militancy related social upheavals have their reflections on the states of Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram also. The whole of Northeast region is connected with main land by 30 kms wide Siliguri-neck. Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and other foreign countries hostile to Bharatvarsh are active in this region to slit from this narrow-neck.
Here, Army has dual role to play. As the first and foremost duty, the Army and other wings of defence including paramilitary forces have to guard our International border which they are doing well. Secondly, they have to assist the respective state governments in maintaining law and order to ensure peace and prosperity of the people. Thirdly, the army is asked to render philanthropic services to local people in Nagaland, Manipur, Asom and other disturbed states of this reasons, obviously, to give a message that army personnel are not the enemy but the member of the one and the same society. With this view in mind, Army has to perform their duties assigned to them i.e. to control the militancy and restore the law and order. This is certainly unpleasant to underground organizations because they want unrestricted movement for causing chaos in whole of the Northeast reason and invite the enemy across the international border.
In fact, Army is meant to kill invader enemy and defend the international borders. When they kill the enemy while defending the sovereignty of the country, they are rewarded. Truly speaking, they are trained to kill. That is why, they are not supposed to be posted in civilian areas. Even the movement of Army personnel outside the marked boundary of military station is restricted. But in northeast region, the situation is quite abnormal because of secessionist movements. Here, they are asked by none other than the respective state governments manned mostly by none other than local people, to patrol and nab the anti social elements belonging to their own communities. It is, therefore but natural for aberrations to occur in patrolling army jawans because they are also human being and they are trained to kill unless otherwise ordered
But their mode of training to kill the enemy and win the awards cannot be an excuse to forgive the defiant army personnel. The erring jawan is also liable to prosecution under military court of law. But to deal with abnormal situation i.e. to contain militancy spearheaded by Bharatiya people, Bharatiya citizens, our own people and our own brothers, the abnormal rules and regulations are required. Here comes the need of Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958 as Prevention of Terrorist Acts (POTA) is felt necessary to contain the terrorism throughout the country.
Let us analyze why this Act is applicable only in NE Region and Kashmir. Why is not there in other parts of the country? The answer is very simple. Because, there is no such insurgency or secessionist movement. In fact, army also does not want to kill their own people and get killed in the ambushes followed by sever condemnation and major punishments when found guilty while patrolling. Because it is a thankless job. After killing a militant, the Army also do not rejoice the unfortunate incidents. The answer is straight-why should Bharatiya Sena kill another Bharatiya. I also feel that such draconian law should no more prevail but if situation remain volatile and explosive and innocent people continue to be killed by anti-social elements, who will be able to help in this regard? Army can be controlled easily but who will control the armed militants? Let us, then, work for sustainable peace and prosperity so that Army and paramilitary forces are not at all required to operate in civilian areas.
In that case, there will be double benefit. One, the society will lead a tension free life and rapid development will occur. The armed cadres will also lead a peaceful life. And secondly, there will not be any fear from Army. The army will also be happy and will be relieved of “thankless” duty incurring wrath of local people in return instead of their sympathy for bringing peace and harmony by restricting the movement of militants. The militant cadres can also live a family life peacefully with parents, wife and children.
Dimasa village burnt down in Mahur Correspondent Assam Tribune
HAFLONG, May 9 – Unidentified gunmen burnt down at least thirty-seven houses belonging to Dimasa people at Phaiding village under Mahur Police Station and killed three persons and injured as many of the same village around 6.15 am today. The attackers also burnt down five rice mills. Those killed were identified as Thangjen Dibragede (37), Niprojoy Dibragede (20) and Hotolal Dibragede (40). Hotolal succumbed to his injuries at Maibang Rural Hospital.
According to the villagers, a group of 20/25 armed men fired indiscriminately around 6.15 am, forcing the villagers to escape to the nearby jungle to save their lives. The attackers then set fire to all the thirty-seven houses in the village. All the belongings of the villagers were reduced to ashes. As the village is situated in a remote area, and due to absence of communication, the latest situation could not be ascertained till filing of this report. It has been learnt that the newly-floated organisation named ‘Citizen Rights Protection Volunteer’, has claimed responsibility for today’s and yesterday’s incidents of burning down of houses at Jorai and Phaiding villages.
Mention may be made here that the people of N C Hills have been demanding re-establishment of border observatory posts in the border areas of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam since long, but the government allegedly has not shown any interest in the matter. Several organisations of the district have strongly condemned the incidents.
Prohibitory orders: Meanwhile, in a bid to stop ethnic clashes, riots and arson, the Additional District Magistrate of N C Hills S N Singh has promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC, prohibiting assembly of five or more persons at any place, movement of any person from 8 pm to 5 am without any justified reason, organising any meeting, rally, procession etc., without prior permission, carrying of lethal weapons etc., wearing olive-green uniforms by any unauthorised person, spreading of rumour of provocative nature and extortion by intimidation, force or threats etc., in the entire N C Hills district.
The N C Hills district administration has also taken all steps for providing food, shelter and health care facilities to the villagers rendered homeless, and opened relief camps at Laisong KM LP School (921 inmates), Hajaichak Guest House (108 inmates), Tungje Community Hall (99 inmates), DIET centre at Kalachand (220 inmates) and at Samsadpur ( for the homeless persons of Phaiding village).
In the meantime, interacting with mediapersons at Haflong Circuit House today, in-charge Deputy Commissioner of N C Hills S N Singh has urged all the communities to respond to the necessity of building up mutual trust and peace among themselves for an atmosphere congenial for peaceful co-existence, harmony and brotherhood in the ethnic strife-hit N C Hills district.
Another Dimasa village torched, three killed: Nunisa worried over Government’s silence From our Staff Reporter Sentinel
SILCHAR, May 9: Unidentified miscreants burnt down another Dimasa village this morning in the trouble-torn NC Hills killing at least three people. The miscreants set afire Faiding Basti under Mahur police station at around 6 am today. At least 88 houses were reduced to ashes.
Three killed have been identified as Thangien Dibragede (37), Niprunjoy Dibragede (20) and Hokolal Dibragede (40). Sources said that 238 families were residing in the village which had five rice mills. Apprehending attacks by miscreants, local Dimasa youths were guarding the village.
The miscreants snatched away at least 11 licenced guns from the Dimasa youths, sources said. A Dimasa village named Jurai near Halflong town was burnt by a group claiming themselves as Citizens Right Protection Volunteers yesterday. These incidents virtually signalled a communal clash between the Dimasas and some other tribes.
Dilip Nunisa, chairman of pro-talk DHD faction told The Sentinel over telephone that these were the handiwork of Zemi Naga, backed by NSCN (I-M) and Christian missionaries. Nunisa said one Makhan Zeleng, a Zemi Naga from Manipur, is leading the attacks on the Dimasa village. The DHD chief expressed anguish over the silence of the State Government as well as organizations like the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the Axom Xahitya Xabha (AXX). He said: “Their silence implies that they don’t bother about NC Hills.” Nunisa further said till now the Dimasas have not retaliated, but their patience should not be misunderstood as cowardice.
Meanwhile, another source quoting a CRPV activist said that DHD had asked the local traders not to sell rice to non-Dimasa people. Nunisa rejected the allegation outright claiming that it was he who had first raised the demand for resumption of train services so that essential commodities could reach to the common people.
Meanwhile, an intelligence source said the NSCN (K) has also joined hands with its one-time arch-rival NSCN (I-M) with the sole motive of establishing greater Nagalim comprising a part of the NC Hills. CRPV was actually an outfit formed by Naga groups and backed by Christian missionaries. A closed-door meeting was held at Lodi Basti near Haflong between the two factions of NSCN where the formation of CRPV was mooted, sources said. Since then Zemi Nagas were seen deserting their concerned villages and concentrated in a particular village with the motive of launching serial attacks on the Dimasa villages.
Assam Rifles into contract killing business: UNLF The Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, May 9: The underground UNLF in a press release today charged that the Assam Rifles is selectively killing Meiteis in collaboration with a handful of wayward Kuki elements. The release said the trend has been for the AR to pick up their Meitei victims from Imphal and shoot them after transporting them to Moreh and its surrounding area. Citing two examples, the release said the news that appeared in local dailies that the dead body of Oinam Kabichandra alias Muthi is a case in point. It said the said man is an ex-PMA and is the son of O Nilachandra of Pishum Oinam Leikai.
It said he once held MPA No. 0894and belonged to the BMT Batch 15 of the organisation but had retired from service because of some personal problem and had been living a civilian life for many years, with a wife and daughter.
The man was picked up from his home by the 31 Assam Rifles and then shot dead near Moreh at New Shizang. After killing him the AR placed a weapon near his body to make it appear like he died in an encounter.
In another case, on March 8, the news report that the 31 Assam Rifles killed one Thangjam Iboyaima alias Paikhomba, son of Th Chandrasing of Nongpok Keithelmanbi bears the same pattern. Iboyaima, the release said was also an ex-MPA No. 0109 and for ten years he had retired from the organisation and was leading a normal civil life.
He was arrested from Wangkhei and then shot Lokchao on the way to Moreh. In all likelihood, he was killed by the AR at the behest of his partner in contract business, the release said. The AR is now into the business of contract killing, the release charged.
Because he had retired from the UNLF in a controversial manner, the party did not clarify this point earlier, the release said, but now that there is a definite method in the Assam Rifle’s madness in collaboration with some Kuki elements, the UNLF is constrained to issue a clarification, the release further said.
The other news of Khwairakpa Megha 34 son of Kh Pishak, of Liwa Naorem Leikai,who was arrested by a gang of police commandos on May 6 from Khagempalli in Imphal, has since surfaced in Moreh on May 8 in the hands of the 31 Assam Rifles.
This is a demonstration of the game plan of the Assam Rifles and certain Kuki elements to ensure Meiteis are thrown out of the Moreh, Saikul and Churachandpur areas, the release said. However, the UNLF is also working with like minded Kuki organisations to defeat their purpose, the release further said.
British MPs urge UN to invoke R2P in Burma by Mungpi Mizzima
New Delhi - Over 60 British Members of Parliament have called on the United Nations to form a commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity committed by Burma’s ruling junta and to invoke the principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) in relation to the crisis in Burma.
The MPs including the Former Foreign Office Ministers, Ian McCartney and Keith Vaz have signed an Early Day Motion (EDM), which was tabled by MP John Bercow, Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Democracy in Burma, expressing concern at the deteriorating human rights situation in Burma.
The MPs, in the EDM, urged the UN to invoke the principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) in relation to the Burmese junta’s appalling human rights records particularly a military campaign against its ethnic nationalities.
The EMD “urges Her Majesty's Government, along with other governments, to propose the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma; and urges the UN to invoke the principle of Responsibility to Protect in relation to the crisis in Burma.”
Rights groups and activists accused Burma’s military government of using policies to terrorize its citizens, more severely in remote areas of the country, where ethnic minorities live, in order to maintain its stranglehold on power.The Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a campaign group that has been lobbying for democratic change in Burma, in a statement on Thursday said the Burmese junta’s policies include the widespread use of rape as a weapon of war, forced labour, the use of human minesweepers, and child soldiers. The junta’s army has also destroyed over 3,300 villages in eastern Burma since 1996, and launched attacks on civilians resulting in displacement of about a million people, the group said. John Bercow, who had visited the Thailand-Burma border and the India-Burma border, where Burmese ethnics live in precarious states, said he had heard horrific stories from victims of human rights violations.
“I have sat face to face with victims of unspeakable torture, including women and children who have seen their loved ones murdered. They have looked me in the eye and pleaded for the world to hear their cry,” Bercow said in the statement.
“It is time their cries were answered and the junta's crimes investigated. The people of Burma urgently need the freedom and justice they have been denied for so long," he added. The Early Day Motions are formal motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons in the British Parliament. While very few EDMs are actually debated, they highlight the extent of parliamentary support for a particular cause or view point.
Alexa Papadouris, CSW's Advocacy Director said their group calls on “the British Government and other Governments to take this call seriously and to initiate a commission of inquiry into the junta's crimes against humanity.”
The concept of R2P was adopted in 2005 World Summit, where governments and world leaders agreed that they have a responsibility to protect when a government is unable or unwilling to protect its civilians from genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing. In implementing R2P, first peaceful measures can be adopted through the use of economic, political, diplomatic, and legal tools but if this fails the International community can use collective force through the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, only as a last resort.
Frans on 05.11.09 @ 12:14 PM CST [link]
