Nagalim.NL News

Tuesday, May 31st

Nagaland meet on ownership of oil & gas Times of India



Nagaland meet on ownership of oil & gas Times of India

DIMAPUR: The state cabinet, in a meeting held on Thursday, discussed ownership of natural oil & gas resources among other issues.
The cabinet took note of the reply given by the minister of state in the ministry of petroleum & natural gas to a question asked by Mahesh Joshi in the Lok Sabha whereby the Centre accepted the state government's stand and that the term "land and its resources" as inserted in Article 371 (A) of the Constitution relating to Nagaland would include mineral oil and gas resources. Therefore the state of Nagaland would have the power to frame its own laws regarding ownership and transfer of such Land and Resources under Article 371 (A).
The cabinet also decided that this reply of the Centre should be communicated to the geology and mining department and the cabinet sub-committee on land and its resources for necessary action. Tnn
NPF unit a tool to advance IM's agenda : UNLF Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2011: The proscribed UNLF has categorically stated that Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's visit to Senapati and the opening of the NPF unit in Manipur was only a ploy to advance NSCN-IM's agenda of disintegrating Manipur.

After Muivah's attempt to enter Manipur was thwarted, the NSCN-IM leader was using the Nagaland Chief Minister in pursuit of his hidden agenda, alleged the outfit.

Opening NPF unit in Manipur was a ploy to consolidate NSCN-IM's position, asserted the UNLF in a press release issued by its Senior Publicity Officer Ksh Yoiheiba.

It was a part of Muivah's plan to create a political space for himself once the ongoing peace talk (between NSCN-IM and the Government of India) is wrapped up.

To get complete autonomy for Nagaland out of the current peace process, people of Nagaland cannot do away with Th Muivah at the moment.

But when Nagaland gets autonomy after striking an agreement with the Government of India, people of Nagaland would not find any purpose to go with Muivah and he would not be given any foothold in Nagaland, UNLF predicted.

Th Muivah is aware of this fact. That is why, he is determined to create a political space for himself.

For that reason, Muivah has been scheming to take control of one or some districts of Manipur. The objective of his plan is to integrate at least one district of Manipur with Nagaland or create South Nagaland out of Naga dominated districts of Manipur, the UNLF asserted.

To realise his goal, he has been employing several NGOs and now he is using the Chief Minister of Nagaland.
People of Manipur need to check such hidden agenda of Th Muivah and Neiphiu Rio.

The UNLF also hailed the decision of the people, political parities and the incumbent Government to oppose Neiphiu Rio's plan as justified.

The MPA would stand firm against any one opposing the decision to bar entry of Neiphiu Rio to Manipur, it conveyed.

The people should fight collectively against conspiracies hatched by any individual or group under influence of Th Muivah to create conflicts or spark violence in Manipur.

Alleging that the situation where the fraternal indigenous communities do not share trust and brotherhood is a creation of the alien rule, the UNLF called upon the people of both Nagaland and Manipur to struggle for establishment of a united sovereign State.

Stating that the time-tested fraternal bond among the 34 different indigenous communities can never be snapped, the outfit called upon all to work for a new Manipur.

Accusing the NSCN-IM of killing hundreds of innocent Kukis in pursuit of their dream to build a Naga exclusive nation, the UNLF asserted that the effects of Th Muivah's ethno-centric policy was felt by not only Nagas and Manipuris but also by many other smaller groups.

This also led to internecine killings among the Naga Army and between innocent Naga civilians.

After the peace talk was initiated, NSCN-IM became an implementing agency of the Government of India's alleged policy to derail the liberation movement of Manipur and neighbouring communities and also to disintegrate Manipur and sow seeds of conflict among different communities.

Now NSCN-IM has roped in Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in the same sinister game-plan, UNLF added.
Chief Minister clarifies on NPF launching issue Kanglaonline
IMPHAL: Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, has today inaugurated the NPF`™s office unit at Senapati this morning after the cabinet acceded to the request of the Nagaland Chief Minister.
Breifing media persons in this regard at his official bungalow, Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh, clarified that the state cabinet had to meet again today considering the insistence of the Chief Minister of Nagaland to visit Senapati to launch the NPF office who assured that his visit would be peaceful and a democratic one.
The meet acceded to Rio`™s request considering the assurance given and also considering the high office of the Chief Minister of a state and protocol associated with it as also to maintain a friendly and cordial relationship with the neighboring states, said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister further pointed out that the Nagaland Chief Minister yesterday evening had faxed a letter making a personnel request citing that all the arrangement had already been made and to consider the expenditure incurred in arranging the launching of the function. The letter further maintained that at the same time many dignitaries and party representatives have already started their journey, and as such he is unable to defer his visit, the Manipur Chief Minister stated.
O Ibobi further stated that keeping aside the issue of any hidden agenda, it would not be a civilized move to bar the visit of an elected representative of a democratic country who will be launching a political party recognized by the election commission of India and furhter clarified that the controversial article X (A) (1) of the NPF constitution has already been amended in 2009.
While responding to queries on the proposed talk with the United Naga Council (UNC), the Chief Minister stated that the Manipur Government will not entertain talks with the UNC on the agenda of `alternative arrangement`ť or concede to its demand of declaring the ADC election Null and Void.
He further disclosed that the Home department has today in a statement requested Shambu Singh, Joint secretary (NE), Ministry of Home affairs, Government of India to defer the proposed talk between the state Government and the UNC citing that the delicate law and order situation in Senapati may not be conducive to hold talks.
Moreover, despite the intimation of the MHA to the UNC to communicate with the state government, of which the UNC apparently is not willing to, it has failed to furnish its agenda for the talk, said Chief Minister O Ibobi.
The MHA has also been intimated for asking the UNC to clearly spell out their demands at least one week in advance to enable a meaningful discussion and also to advise the UNC to communicate directly with the state government, further added the Chief Minister.
In his response to queries raised during the meet on the circumstances to hold talks with leaders of the UNC who have been tagged wanted by the state Government, Chief Minister clarified that the wanted tagged can be reconsidered if the UNC put forward its atonement and give concrete assurance to avoid working against the people.
But he asserted that necessary actions will be taken against them if they remain adamant.
In the meantime, the Chief Minister appeals medias in the state to avoid publishing intimidation, threats etc that threaten the national security and its people for the home department has issued an order to taking serious note of such frequent publication and likely to take actions against it.
Rio gets a taste of SPF hospitality Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2011: It was practically an anti-climax to the tough stand announced by the Ibobi Singh Government on May 26 and 27 .

Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio crossed the Mao Gate at the head of a large number of Nagaland police who escorted him at around 9.10 am today without any restrictions while an even larger number of State Police forces that were deployed there to prevent his entry stood silently watching the spectacle.

Following an order from the State Government issued early morning today to ADGP V Zathang, who was in command of the State Police forces deployed at Mao Gate, ostensibly to prevent entry of Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio, the latter crossed the Mao Gate without any problem.

Prior to his arrival, a large number of NPF members and supporters gathered at Mao Gate waiting to welcome Nephiu Rio.

Just before his arrival at the Mao Gate, a special team of Nagaland police landed near Mao Gate on the Nagaland side of the border and waited for Nephiu Rio.

As soon as Nephiu Rio stepped inside the territory of Manipur and crossed the Mao Gate at around 9.10 am, a large gathering of people who were waiting for him there accorded a warm welcome and soon after they climbed up in their respective vehicles to follow the convoy of the Nagaland Chief Minister till Senapati.

All along the way from Mao to Senapati, Maram villagers also stood on the roadside waving at Nephiu Rio.

As this spectacle unfolded, State police forces including IRB personnel and Police Commandos, who have been stationed there since yesterday to prevent his entry, stood watching, reduced to mere spectators.

After the Nagaland Chief Minister reached Senapati and the function for launching of the Manipur State Unit NPF commenced, State security forces too started dispersing one after another silently.


NSCN-IM leaders Th. Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu. File picture
Paradox called Nagaland PATRICIA MUKHIM
Nagaland is a paradox. There appears to be a distinct mental and intellectual gap between one generation and the next. While those over 50 continue to harbour hopes that something will emerge out of the ongoing peace exercise with the Centre, the younger generation is doubtful about it.
Many feel that this peace process has reached a stalemate with no light at the end of the tunnel. Naga people are now beginning to express their views more openly about the futility of the peace process itself.
For those at the forefront of the Naga National Movement, currently led by the NSCN (I-M) which is the only group sitting at the high table with representatives of the Centre to work out a peace formula, the entire exercise has become a matter of Naga honour. If they are unable to show they have wrested something from the Centre, it would be seen as a futile mission with a very high cost.
But the manner in which things are moving seem to suggest that the Centre cannot set a precedence which might balkanise not only the northeastern region with so many ethnic groups laying similar claims to a past sovereignty, but also other troubled parts of India. The Naga claims would have to be seen from so many different perspectives and not just the Naga viewpoint. That, to my mind, is the crux of the matter.
Since many other armed groups in Assam like Ulfa and the NDFB are also waiting in the queue to talk of settlements with the Centre, it becomes even more crucial for the government to appear to be doing the right thing.
Future worry
Deals signed with any group have to be equitable, or else the Centre would be sowing seeds of future dissension in the region. It is learnt that Muivah and other leaders of the NSCN (I-M) are currently consulting some of the best international minds, from Australia and the US among others, on setting out a template for negotiations with Delhi.
When this issue was broached with some Naga intellectuals and those intensely engaged in the peace processes in Nagaland, they expressed surprise that such things are going on in New Delhi. Many felt that if such international scholars are helping to put together a framework of negotiations then they should have come to Nagaland and meet the people here to better understand the internal dynamism of Naga society.
Hiring international consultants with tried and tested skills and the calibre for putting together a workable, mutually acceptable formula for a Nagaland with a different political arrangement is expensive business. But the NSCN (I-M) is willing to put its money where its mouth is.
After negotiating with the Centre based on its own indigenous wisdom and getting nowhere near a solution, perhaps the outfit feels it should now use all resources at its command. However, as a lay person with limited understanding of sophisticated peace formulas and complicated political procedures, I wonder if there can ever be a future for Nagaland that leaves the Meiteis out in the cold with only a fraction of their land.
There are those who follow the rule of thumb in negotiation processes and propose this formula, “In a negotiation you have to state your case implicitly and explicitly without being apologetic about how your case will affect others. It is the business of the principal respondent, (in this case the Centre) to work out the nuts and bolts and convince the other party to accept the settlement.”
The leaders of the NSCN (I-M) have been following this trajectory for over a decade. It has left a trail of bad blood and mutual distrust which has hardened the stances of the Meiteis and the government of Manipur which is increasingly playing out its role as the protector of Meitei cultural and political articulation, if not chauvinism. This is perhaps the most difficult obstacle and it is here that things refuse to progress beyond a point.
Road map
There are other forums in Nagaland such as the Peace Committee of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council which are also struggling to make sense out of the 64-year-old struggle and to see how the present can be extricated from the complicated past with its vicious stances of revenge and the slow transition to reconciliation.
I am not so sure that this platform has the wherewithal to negotiate the rough and tumble of the Naga political conundrum. Often, prayer alone is not enough to solve humanly created jigsaw puzzles. You need political acumen, an astute sense of the present and its implication on the future and, of course, a fair degree of pragmatism. Does the NBPC have this? What pool of experience is it drawing from? Are church leaders alone able to provide a road map for political negotiations? And, are they aware of the latest developments in the peace process? Or do they only wait to be briefed by Muivah when he deigns to visit Camp Hebron? Are they able to express their independent views to the NSCN (I-M)? Or, do they have to weigh every word they say for fear of retribution?
There are several other civil society groups in Nagaland other than those ordained by the NSCN (I-M). Are they able to articulate their positions and points of view as they see them now, as opposed to what happened in the past? There is a huge generation gap in Naga society. The present generation speaks a different language than its elders. It speaks the language of development and progress, of secure livelihoods, of a more stable environment (the current engagement on the future of the Intanki forest, the lifeline and oxygen cylinder of Nagaland) and of food security, among others. The Naga youth are unwilling to be passive witnesses to political and bureaucratic corruption. The recent byelection to Ungmah constituency to fill the void left by late Nongshilemba Jamir, apparently cut a neat hole in the pockets of the contenders, of which the senior patriarch S.C. Jamir was one.
Clean polls
Last week there was an animated discussion on clean elections in Nagaland. The target is the 2013 Assembly election. Nagas want to curtail election expenditure so that the more capable young people with no money to splash around can also contest, win and serve the electorate. So far, politicians just throw money around to get elected and spend the next five years recovering it with profit.
There is a genuine desire to put an end to this vicious cycle. Some resource persons from Mizoram were brought in to share their experiences since that state is a model for the most thriftily conducted elections.
So there is at once a sense of hope in the future of democracy in Nagaland but also a sense of futility each time the agenda of the peace process is flagged. People are living and walking two difficult and apparently mutually exclusive paths. Which one wins the day remains to be seen. But there is one thing you cannot accuse the Nagas of. They are never contented with the status quo. They continue to be restive about the future even while seeming to have fit in very well with the modern ideas of Indian democracy. Nagaland is indeed a paradox! But an interesting one, if not for the fratricidal clashes and the rising extortion from armed outfits. Extortion is killing the entrepreneurial spirit of the average Naga youth who wishes to follow the honourable way forward.
(The writer can be contacted at patricia17@rediffmail.com">patricia17@rediffmail.com)
'No entry' growl to 'personal request' squeak ! Quixotic decisions The Sangai Express Editorial
It was definitely a bucket of cold water after a hot shower and it is hard to say which side was left more bemused-those rolling out the red carpet at Senapati district headquarters or those who had imposed a dawn to dusk general strike in Imphal.

Word smiths we are, but the temptation to flip through the dictionary or an encyclopaedia of the English language and its usage to see what adjective can be used to add that extra zing to the term anti-climax is overwhelming.

In the span of 48 hours Chief Minister O Ibobi convened four meetings in the face of the knock on the door of Manipur from our southern neighbour. With the Lim advocates increasing the volume of the NPF drum beat in anticipation of Mr Nephiu Rio's visit to Senapati district headquarters on May 28, Mr Okram Ibobi appeared to suddenly find his bearings and he wasted no time in convening a meeting of his Cabinet on May 26 to discuss the 'crucial issue.'

After the Cabinet meeting, the same day, the Chief Minister convened an All Political Party meeting wherein it was decided that the State Government would bar the entry of Mr Rio and some of his Cabinet colleagues to Manipur to set up the Manipur unit of the Naga Peoples' Front, the party which is heading the DAN coalition Government in Nagaland.

This decision was endorsed by the Cabinet in yet another meeting held on May 27, just a day ahead of the proposed visit of Mr Rio. It looked really impressive.

In line with the decision of the All Political Party meeting, which was endorsed by no less than the SPF Cabinet, our smart police commandos, decked out in their finely starched Khakis and wielding Kalashnikov rifles, suited and booted 'to kill,' were despatched to Senapati district in the morning of May 27.

Fittingly the additional force was led by senior IPS officer and ADGP V Zathang and DIG Range I L Kailun, who is also holding additional charge of SSP, Imphal West and our cops really looked impressive, with the permanent scowl on their faces and massive Raybans to shield the Sun.

A sense of deja vu' was palpable, for it was just a little more than a year ago that a similar drill was put in place, that time to prevent the entry of NSCN (IM) leader Thuingaleng Muivah to Manipur. The compelling reason was the same, though the actors had changed.

From Muivah and his men to Rio and his Cabinet colleagues, the actors changed but the script remained unchanged-Greater Nagalim. What followed on May 28, 2011 was something that must have left those rolling out the red carpet at Mao Gate and Senapati district headquarters as well as those who had called a general strike on the same day, May 28, totally flummoxed.

The flip flop stand of the SPF Government was something which would have left even the most notorious party hopper red faced with emba- rassment and so from a "growling no'" Mr Ibobi changed to a "personal request" squeak. Perhaps the guys from Nokphade can take a leaf or two from the conduct of the Chief Minister or maybe Mr Ibobi does not have to worry about a job if he is ousted in the next election, as he can always double up as a stand up comic.

The reality however paints a very dismal picture. It was at best a desperate attempt at damage control, when Chief Minister O Ibobi convened a press conference in the morning of May 28 to announce to the people that his Government had decided to give the green signal to Mr Rio and his Cabinet to enter the territory of Manipur and launch the State unit of the Naga Peoples' Front.

Just as the Nagaland Peoples' Front mutated to the Naga Peoples' Front, the "communal party" turned into a seemingly harmless political party, which is recognised by the Election Commission of India within the span of less than 48 hours, if we go by the version of Mr Ibobi.

There is no law to stop Mr Rio from launching the State unit of the NPF in Manipur, was the explanation that the Chief Minister took pains to elaborate to the media, conveniently forgetting that he deemed it perfectly legal to stop Mr Rio just 24 hours earlier !

In a sense we may say that we are fortunate to have Mr Ibobi as the Chief Minister for none can fault him on not being a gentleman, who is ever willing to acknowledge a "personal request," this time from his Nagaland counter-part. Certainly our Chief Minister is not a Mayawati or a Bal Thackeray who do believe in such lofty principles !

It is another thing, that the DAN Cabinet had decided not to buckle down and go ahead with the proposed visit despite the Government of Manipur making it clear on May 26 and 27 that the door of Manipur would be shut on Mr Rio and his men on May 28.

As things unfolded, the additional State police personnel who were rushed to Mao Gate and Senapati district headquarters to thwart any attempt from the Nagaland Chief Minister to enter Manipur were reduced to mere spectators, when the huge cavalcade of Mr Rio arrived and zoomed past Mao Gate.

There was something tragically comical about the way in which our tough, smart, Kalashnikov wielding police commandos, were made to hide their tails, courtesy Mr Ibobi.

There was something vaguely disturbing to see life paralysed in the four valley districts on May 28, courtesy the general strike called by UCM and the energy and life that reverberated at the meeting venue at Senapati district on the same day.

Mr Ibobi definitely needs better and more mature political counsel and it is time he realises that the Yes Sir men around him are there to massage his ego only.

This can lead to embarassing situations for such a "coterie culture" is bound to make him appear like a born loser in public.
NPF unit not a matter of concern, says AMUCO The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30 2011: AMUCO has not changed its earlier perspective and stance with regard to the campaign of Naga expansionism aimed at consolidating different communities who speak different languages and are partially different in culture under the nomenclature 'Naga' .

AMUCO would fight all challenges and threats to the integrity of Manipur resulting from activities of any community working for their own aggrandisement.

"As for the recent visit of Nagaland Chief Minister and the opening of the Manipur State unit of the Naga People's Front (NPF), it was neither a matter of concern nor worry", AMUCO stated in a press release.

It was only a ploy to create certain situations where different communities can be pushed into conflict in the backdrop of the peace talk between the Government of India and a faction of the NSCN.

The Government of India's game-plan hinges on the ploy of fulfilling the aspirations of some people and at the same time threatening the integrity of the Meiteis and other non-Naga communities, AMUCO remarked.

Regarding the territorial boundary of Nagas, the boundary between Naga Hills and Manipur State was demarcated as an international boundary in the 19th century.

As such, there is no point of dispute about the boundary but the Government of India has been deliberately putting Nagalim as an agenda.

By doing so, the Government of India has been using NSCN and their projected larger territory as an effective tool of suppressing the insurgency movements in the North Eastern region.

After Nagaland State was formed from Naga Hills in 1963, the boundary of Nagaland was modified several times and now there is no area for any dispute.

But since the NSCN-IM and the Government of India started political dialogue, the need for a larger territory arose.

The imaginary map being drawn by the Government of India and those demanding greater Nagaland is a totally new concept not understood by any of the boundary commissions existing in the world.

Yet, the Government of India has been supporting the illegal Nagalim territorial expansionist movement as a movement acceptable to the Indian constitution.

The fact that the people of Manipur have been closely watching the movement so that it does not result in ugly incidents is clearly testified by the past events, AMUCO asserted.

On the other hand, the Government of Manipur seems to have no in-depth knowledge of the issue.

The recent issue of Senapati and the decision taken by the SPF Government and some political parties and their statements were not representing the people of Manipur.

The decision of the Government was seen as a decision taken by someone with myopic vision who could not understand the issue thoroughly.

That was why the SPF Government faced an embarrassing situation.

This misplaced decision of the Government humiliated Manipur in front of other North Eastern States .

Moreover the ADGP of Manipur Police and the State security forces who were sent to Mao gate were grossly abused by the Chief Minister who is also in charge of the Home Department.

It would have been very noble if the Manipur Government remained silent in the recent NPF issue.

If the SPF Government was opposed to opening NPF unit in Manipur, then why they did not raise any voice when an NPF office was opened at Dewlahland, Imphal on March 31 this year.

It is questionable why the Government first decided to oppose the move before it was reversed after a few hours.

Though the Government might have pressed for indefinite deferment of the tripartite talk to avoid any possible mass movement but the issues were not very much related.

It appears that the SPF Government is confused about what is head and what is tail of the issue, AMUCO alleged.

It is only natural for a party like NPF to abet Naga integration.

It is acceptable to the Indian laws for a UG group under cease fire with the Govt of India and a political party set up under the Indian constitution to go together, AMUCO noted.

If the Government of Manipur is determined to challenge this move politically, politicians of the State should have the capability to take on the challenge constitutionally and through Parliament just as the Government of West Bengal did.

AMUCO further called upon the politicians to make political moves after studying thoroughly the past, present and future of Manipuri nation.



Frans on 05.31.11 @ 11:40 PM CST [link]


Friday, May 27th

PRESS STATEMENT Oking: dated 26th May, 2011.



PRESS STATEMENT

Oking: dated 26th May, 2011.

The Indo-Naga political dialogue will be completing its 14th year and the initiatives to find lasting peace through an honourable negotiated political settlement that is acceptable to both is still on top of the agenda to both the entities in the political negotiation. Solution through mutual respect for each other’s rights is unquestionable and the only right approach. The assurance of Dr. Manmohan Singh the hon’ble Prime Minister of India for a solution “outside the box” indicates a great amount of seriousness. The recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas was basically one of the most
realistic steps towards seeking a realistic political solution.

At this point of time the National Socialist Council of Nagalim believes that the right time has come again to receive counsel and advice from internationally renowned experts in the field of human rights, conflict resolutions, constitutional and legal matters, peace
negotiations et cetera. And in view of that the NSCN invited the committed professionals to facilitate and enlighten the Nagas in initiating / developing principles that will help resolve the political conflict between the GoI and the NSCN.

The consultative meeting with the advisers that began on 21st May continued till the 25th of May, 2011. Lt. Gen (Rtd.) VS. Atem who moderated the welcome meeting stated that the NSCN had left no stone unturned to find peaceful solution to the Indo-Naga conflict and that they are still committed towards that end. The NSCN Chairman, Isak Chishi Swu noted that the completion of 13 years negotiation indicates the seriousness of both the organization and the Naga people in the process of the political negotiation with the GoI.

Th. Muivah, General Secretary of the NSCN stated that the Nagas were extremely fortunate to have all the committed and gifted international experts who had made themselves available to help in the peace process. He stated that there can be no mistakes, both for the GoI and the Nagas, hence, the advice and suggestion of the experts through
consultation had become indispensable. He also pointed out that, for the GoI and the NSCN, an ample space exists to explore each other’s position and the Nagas are committed to successfully negotiate a pragmatic political solution through a special type of relationship that will be acceptable to both. He told the facilitators and the experts that he and the members of his organization were greatly enlightened by their balanced counsel and that the Nagas will continue to count on them for the political peace process that will facilitate both the negotiating parties.

The facilitators and experts also deeply appreciated the fact that both the GoI and the NSCN were dedicated towards arriving at an honourable political settlement. They also believe that the environment conducive for peace was not very far away.

MIP,
NSCN / GPRN
Ibobi takes guard for May 30 talks OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Imphal, May 26: Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today held a series of meetings with his council of ministers and top police and civil officials ahead of the third round of tripartite talks on the Naga demand for an alternative administrative arrangement in Naga-dominated areas and the proposed visit by Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio to Senapati.
The Union home ministry has fixed May 30 as the date for the third round of tripartite talks, to be held at Senapati, the headquarters of the Naga-dominated Senapati district.
The first round of talks was held in Delhi between Union home minister P. Chidambaram, a delegation of the United Naga Council (UNC) and Manipur’s resident commissioner, Delhi, Rakesh Ranjan, on September 21, 2010, and the second round was held at Senapati on December 3.
The UNC and Committee for Alternative Arrangement raised the demand for an alternative administrative arrangement for Nagas in Manipur last year after the Ibobi Singh government prevented NSCN (I-M) leader Th. Muivah from entering Manipur on May 6, 2010, which led to the death of two students in a police crackdown on Muivah’s supporters at Mao Gate in Senapati district that day.
“Ibobi Singh today reviewed the law and order situation with chief secretary D.S. Poonia and director-general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh. He also met members of his council of ministers to review the situation,” an official source said.
“We reviewed the situation, which is volatile in view of the Nagaland chief minister’s plan to visit Manipur and also the Senapati talks,” government spokesperson and irrigation and flood control minister N. Biren Singh told The Telegraph.
He said the state government was consulting New Delhi to come up with a plan to deal with the situation that is likely to arise after the two events, as it feels that the visit by Rio and the talks could create problems in the state capital.
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio will visit Senapati two days ahead of the proposed talks to open the Manipur unit of Nagaland’s political party — the Naga People’s Front (NPF).
Nagaland’s Lok Sabha MP C.M. Chang will also be among the VIPs taking part in the launch of the NPF unit on May 28.
Leaders of Naga civil society bodies and political leaders have also been invited to the launch by the general secretary of the unit, S. Kho John.
Sources said Ibobi Singh also discussed measures to be taken if protests against the tripartite talks are organised in the valley.
Various citizens’ bodies like by United Committee Manipur and All Manipur United Clubs Organisation are strongly opposed to any move to divide Manipur.
Naga minister slams Centre for talks delay TNN |
DIMAPUR: The Centre, which is facing a lot of criticism from the NSCN (I-M) for delay in finding an honourable solution to the vexed Naga problem, is now facing censure from Nagaland home minister Imkong L Imchen.

Imchen, who was recently in news for his comments on the Naga political issue, came down heavily on the Centre on Tuesday for inordinate delay on the issue despite several rounds of talks with the militant group. "We are not satisfied with statehood only," he said during a function of the Naga Peoples' Front (NPF), organized to felicitate the newly elected NPF MLA from Aonglenden constituency.

Imchen criticized the Centre for "ignoring" the issue for 50 years. He recalled that some people signed a 16-point agreement, granting statehood and creating the 16th state of the Indian Union, without taking the consent of Naga militants. The home minister wondered how the Naga plebiscite was conducted by the Naga National Council in 1951 where 99.9% people voted for "sovereignty" and subsequently rejected the 1952 general elections.

He questioned as to why NNC leader A Z Phizo was not invited for talks with the Centre for negotiation. He added that the Centre, instead, had dialogue with the Naga People's Convention (NPC) from August 1947, ending up with the 16-point agreement giving special status to Nagas under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution, which is "much lower than the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir."

On the current parleys between the Centre and the NSCN (IM), the home minister said, "It is not a peace process, but political talks with the government."
Tirade on Statehood morungexpress
Going by the recent spate of statements dished out on the Naga political issue, Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L Imchen is certainly on a high after the ruling NPF’s astounding victory in the Aonglenden bye-polls where the NPF candidate defeated the former Chief Minister SC Jamir. Since the Home Minister was given charge of the poll campaign there and the subsequent win against the heavyweight and that too from the Congress stronghold of Aonglenden, in this moment of victory, the former must be under the impression that he can do no wrong even to the extent of questioning his own allegiance as a State Home Minister under oath of the Indian constitution. Although the role of his government as pronounced by the Chief Minister is that of a facilitator, breaking from this, Imchen is now censuring the Government of India for the problems and delay in the dialogue process. The Home Minister has even gone to the extent of stating that “we are not satisfied with statehood only”. If this is so, the right thing for the Minister is to resign from the present State government and become an active participant in the dialogue so that he can push for a better deal, which though is best left to the Naga political groups to pursue. Our politicians must be well aware that Statehood is not an end in itself. Every right thinking Naga knows this. Even the Government of India including the present Congress led UPA government is well aware about the deficiency of Statehood status for the Nagas. The State Home Minister should not think that he alone can champion the cause of Naga nationhood. Many have sacrificed blood, sweat and tears.
The stated position of successive State governments (including Congress regime under SC Jamir) has always been that it will give way for any new dispensation once a political settlement is reached. Until that time, no matter how inadequate it may be even for the likes of our Home Minister, the State government will continue to function and perform its “role of active facilitator”, to borrow the term and policy of the present Neiphiu Rio government. Whether the Chief Minister subscribes to the views of his Home Minister, the latter has been criticizing the signing of the 16-point agreement and subsequent granting of statehood. Though unfortunate as it may be, this is past history. The point is that let us now focus on what needs to be done now in the present by today’s leaders so that a political solution, which has eluded the Naga people for so long, becomes a reality in our lifetime. It would be immature on the part of politicians to harp too much on the past especially when it comes to the Naga political issue. Most present politicians in Nagaland have in some way being part of the political process which evolved through various events and institutions. Imkong Imchen himself had been President of DCC Mokokchung for three terms and was Vice-President of NPCC for close to two terms before contesting as an Independent in the 2003 election and as NPF candidate in the last poll edition. To be fair to all, whatever had been done on the 16-Point agreement and thereafter should not be made into a prestige issue now. After all the Naga political issue is greater than the 16-Point Agreement. The important point now is that a political dialogue is underway between two political entities the NSCN and the Government of India. And this would suggest that both are now negotiating for ‘another’ political settlement higher than the present status. As such the question of who is right and who is wrong should not be taken up at this juncture, especially by those who are enjoying State power. Rather the focus should be on doing things the right way and not repeating old mistakes.

Minister hits out at talks with Centre OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, May 24: Nagaland home minister Imkong L. Imchen today criticised the Centre for “ignoring the subject matter” pending between New Delhi and the Naga people for over 50 years.
“We are not satisfied with statehood,” he said at a programme organised to felicitate Naga People’s Front legislator Toshipokba Longkumer, who won the Aonglenden Assembly byelection recently, at the party headquarters here this afternoon.
The home minister recalled how some people, without the consent of A.Z. Phizo-led Naga National Council (NNC), had signed a 16-point memorandum “almost certainly under duress from agencies of government of India”. The memorandum became an agreement in 1960, under which Nagaland became the 16th state of the Union of India.
Imchen said in 1951, the NNC, under the leadership of Phizo, had conducted a Naga plebiscite whereby 99.9 per cent of the people had opted for sovereignty. The Nagas boycotted India’s general election in 1952. He said these two developments attracted huge international attention that gave impetus to the Naga movement. He said the international community and the Naga people were of the view that the Nagas as an ethnic community deserved liberty. It was, however, denied by the Centre, he alleged.
He said from the Naga demand for sovereignty emerged Article 371(A) of the Constitution but Phizo, the Naga rebel leader who was still harping on sovereignty, was not invited for the talks. “What was the problem in inviting A.Z. Phizo for negotiation?” he asked the Centre.
Imchen said rather than talking with the NNC, the Centre negotiated with the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) from August 1957, which eventually ended up in a 16-point agreement with two special status to Nagas under Article 371(A) which is much lower than the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir.
Under Article 371(A), the state’s land and resources belong to the people and no act of Parliament can infringe upon the customary practices and traditions of the Naga people. “Was it the ultimate demand and aspiration of the Nagas? Never, never,” Imchen said.
However, he said, the land and resources were infringed upon by the Petroleum and Gas Act, 1957 and the customary practices and traditions of the Nagas had also been diluted by the Centre. He demanded that the Centre deliver justice to the Naga people.
On the ongoing Naga peace process between the Centre and the Naga group, Imchen said it was not a peace process or peace talks but political talks with the government of India. “It is a political talk between the Naga people and the Government of India. Why should it be a peace talks? We have to differentiate between political talks and peace talks,” he insisted.
5 arrested cadres of NSCN/GPRN released Newmai News Network
Imphal: The five arrested cadres of National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isaac Muivah (NSCN/GPRN) have been set free in the wee hours of Saturday following mounting pressure from an enraged womenfolk who had gheraoed the convoy of the Assam Rifles in Senapati yesterday. According to the police, at around 2 pm Friday five cadres of NSCN/GPRN were arrested by personnel of 5 Assam Rifles from Senapati bazaar in Manipur. Even as the arrested cadres were being transferred from Senapati bazaar to Imphal, a group of local womenfolk gathered at Ningthoupham village along national highway 39 in Senapati district and gheraoed the convoy demanding their release.
News from the spot confirmed Saturday that the arrested cadres have been released by 5 Assam Rifles in the wee hours of Saturday under duress from the agitating womenfolk who demanded their release. However, on what condition the five arrested cadres have been released cannot be confirmed and their identities were not divulged by the police. The enraged womenfolk had Friday demanded for the release of the arrested cadres and they are not willing to let the convoy of the 5 Assam Rifles pass until their demand to release them was conceded to.

NSCN/GPRN flays Assam Rifles raid morungexpress
Dimapur, (MExN): The NSCN/GPRN denounces the “current activities” of the Assam Rifles and says that the Government of India must not “provoke us to expose all the evils of India before the world.” A note from the group’s ‘MIP’ today also listed some incidents alleging “crimes” by the Indian military forces on the Naga underground functionaries.
The MIP said, “If the Assam Riffles are so active and brave” in an “island of peace” like Nagaland, they should be sent to the Chinese and Pakistan borders or Afghanistan and Iraq to prove their worth.
“The Government of India vociferously call for early amicable solution of the vexed Indo-Naga political problem on one side and unleash a reign of terror on the Naga, particularly the NSCN cadres on the other,” the ‘MIP’ stated. The “sincerity” of the NSCN towards peace between the two entities should not be taken as a weakness and the government of India must not “provoke us to expose all the evils of India before the world.”
According to the NSCN/GPRN, “we never do or create any troubles in the areas of other people. We are only defending our own homeland and will continue to defend it till the last drop of Naga blood.” The note said that on May 19, 2011, the 16th Assam Riffles raided the private residence of “deputy kilonser” KK Angami at Chedema village and “stolen away” some documents, ammunitions and about Rs.5 lakhs while two innocent youths were also arrested.
On May 20, 2011, the note said the 5th Assam Riffles raided the houses of “some NSCN functionaries” at Senapati of Manipur and “stolen” documents, Rs. 1 lakh cash, computer and a laptop, the MIP said. Five NSCN cadres were arrested but the public did not allow the Assam Riffles to take away the cadres to Imphal, the note said. The AR also took away two AK Series gun, one Carbine and 2 9mm Pistols along with magazines and live bullets from “Maram thangal” region office.
Likewise, the MIP stated, the 41 Assam Riffles are “creating troubles and giving harassments” to the NSCN cadres in Wokha ‘every now and then’. “Besides, in the most of the Naga areas the Indian armed forces, specially the Assam Riffles are continuously doing provocative acts and causing loss of lives and properties to the NSCN cadres which are banned by the ceasefire between the GoI and the NSCN.”
The MIP explained it this way – “If the Assam Riffles are so active and brave, then what are they doing in the island of peace like Nagalim? Send them to Chinese and Pakistan borders or send them to Afghanistan or Iraq and let them prove their worth.”
Questioning whether the Government of India and its armed forces realize and respect their commitments in the ceasefire agreement, the MIP note said, “Ceasefire is ceasefire”. “Don’t make any excuse or pretext.”
Claiming Nagaland to be “an Island of peace in the entire Asia continent” the NSCN/GPRN queried whether the Government of India and its armed forces think that the “Nagas take the fourteen years of ceasefire and thirteen years of political dialogue too lightly.” Saying that the NSCN takes it “too seriously”, the MIP note said “our determination and commitment to find an honorable and peaceful settlement of the political issue we are maintaining sustained patient in spite of all kinds of provocations from the Indian side.” The government is told to restrain the armed forces specially the Assam Rifles.

Rein in Assam Rifles: NSCN OUR CORRESPONDENT The telegraph
Kohima, May 22: The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim today said security forces were testing its nerves by raiding its hideouts.
The outfit said security personnel, particularly the Assam Rifles, were going overboard provoking it by raiding and arresting NSCN (I-M) cadres from different parts of Naga-inhabited areas.
It asked the Centre not to provoke them stating that security forces were vitiating the peaceful situation in the state.
“The Government of India vociferously calls for early amicable solution of the vexed Indo-Naga political problem and then unleashes a reign of terror on the Nagas, particularly the NSCN (I-M) cadres,” a note from the ministry of information and publicity of the outfit said.
It said the sincerity of the NSCN (I-M) towards peace between the “two entities” should not be taken as a weakness and the Centre must not provoke it to expose all the “evils of India” before the world.
The note said the outfit never creates any troubles in the areas inhabited by “other” people but was only defending its homeland and would continue to do so till the last drop of Naga blood. It said on May 19, jawans of the 16 Assam Rifles raided the private residence of deputy kilonser of the outfit, K.K. Angami, at Chedema village near Kohima and “stole” some documents, ammunition and around Rs 5 lakh cash. The outfit said two “innocent” youths were also arrested during the raid.
According to the NSCN (I-M), on May 20, Assam Rifles jawans raided the houses of some NSCN (I-M) functionaries in Manipur’s Senapati district and stole documents, Rs 1 lakh cash, computers and a laptop. Five NSCN (I-M) cadres were also arrested but the residents did not allow the Assam Rifles jawans to take them away to Imphal, the statement said.
The Assam Rifles also allegedly took away two AK-series guns, one carbine and two 9mm pistols along with magazines and live bullets from the outfit’s Maram Thangal regional office.
The note said jawans of the 41 Assam Rifles were creating trouble and harassing its cadres in Wokha. “In most of the Naga-inhabited areas, the Indian armed forces, especially the Assam Rifles, are continuously committing provocative acts and causing damage to lives and property of the cadres. These actions are banned by the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN,” the statement said.
Questioning whether the Centre and the armed forces realise and respect their commitments in the ceasefire ag-reement, the statement said, “Ceasefire is ceasefire. Don’t make any excuse or pretext.”
The NSCN (I-M) note said the determination and commitment to find a peaceful settlement of the political issue was helping to sustain patience in spite of all kinds of provocation from the Indian side.
It asked the Centre to restrain the armed forces.
Several Naga organisations have condemned the actions of the security forces and asked the government to restrain its forces from provoking the NSCN (I-M).
Minister hits out at talks with Centre OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, May 24: Nagaland home minister Imkong L. Imchen today criticised the Centre for “ignoring the subject matter” pending between New Delhi and the Naga people for over 50 years.
“We are not satisfied with statehood,” he said at a programme organised to felicitate Naga People’s Front legislator Toshipokba Longkumer, who won the Aonglenden Assembly byelection recently, at the party headquarters here this afternoon.
The home minister recalled how some people, without the consent of A.Z. Phizo-led Naga National Council (NNC), had signed a 16-point memorandum “almost certainly under duress from agencies of government of India”. The memorandum became an agreement in 1960, under which Nagaland became the 16th state of the Union of India.
Imchen said in 1951, the NNC, under the leadership of Phizo, had conducted a Naga plebiscite whereby 99.9 per cent of the people had opted for sovereignty. The Nagas boycotted India’s general election in 1952. He said these two developments attracted huge international attention that gave impetus to the Naga movement. He said the international community and the Naga people were of the view that the Nagas as an ethnic community deserved liberty. It was, however, denied by the Centre, he alleged.
He said from the Naga demand for sovereignty emerged Article 371(A) of the Constitution but Phizo, the Naga rebel leader who was still harping on sovereignty, was not invited for the talks. “What was the problem in inviting A.Z. Phizo for negotiation?” he asked the Centre.
Imchen said rather than talking with the NNC, the Centre negotiated with the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) from August 1957, which eventually ended up in a 16-point agreement with two special status to Nagas under Article 371(A) which is much lower than the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir.
Under Article 371(A), the state’s land and resources belong to the people and no act of Parliament can infringe upon the customary practices and traditions of the Naga people. “Was it the ultimate demand and aspiration of the Nagas? Never, never,” Imchen said.
However, he said, the land and resources were infringed upon by the Petroleum and Gas Act, 1957 and the customary practices and traditions of the Nagas had also been diluted by the Centre. He demanded that the Centre deliver justice to the Naga people.
On the ongoing Naga peace process between the Centre and the Naga group, Imchen said it was not a peace process or peace talks but political talks with the government of India. “It is a political talk between the Naga people and the Government of India. Why should it be a peace talks? We have to differentiate between political talks and peace talks,” he insisted.
SSA ‘South’, SSA ‘North’ declare ‘We are one’
Monday, 23 May 2011 12:44 Hseng Khio Fah News - Shan Herald Agency for News
E-mail | Print | PDF
Lt-Gen Yawd Serk, leader of anti-Naypyitaw Shan State Army (SSA)’s political wing, Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), has officially declared that his group RCSS/SSA and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) better known as SSA ‘North, have united to fight against “the same enemy” at the 53rd anniversary of the Shan State People’s Resistance Day which fell on 21st May.
“There is only one Shan State Army now. SSA ‘South’ and SSA ‘North’ exist any longer. That is the good news what I would like to share with you on this auspicious day”,” Gen Yawd Serk said at the ceremony held at its Loi Taileng Headquarters, which was attended by over 2,000 participants including local and foreign news agencies. Representatives of the SSA ‘North’ who appeared at the ceremony were led by Colonel Sai Htoo, SSPP’s Assistant Secretary General#2.

Lt-Gen Yawd Serk, SSA South, and Col Sai Htoo, SSA North, at the press conference in Loi Taileng, 21 May 2011
“It is clear that we have the same enemy and fighting for the same ideal. We just need to work out the details,” said Yawd Serk.
Colonel Sai Htoo from SSPP shared the same view that they will keep fighting until they achieve justice, self-determination and equality.
“Before, we believed that we could solve the problems with the Burma Army by political means and we concluded ceasefire with them. But their actions didn’t match their words. This is why we decided to return to the struggle,” Sai Htoo said.
The groups say they are in deep discussion for their future strategy. Both sides have reportedly been helping each other in fighting since the Burma Army started the offensive on the SSPP/SSA on 13 March, after it refused to accept the Border Guard Force (BGF) program.
“We have been helping and supporting the SSPP since it was attacked, thought we operate separately,” Yawd Serk added.
For instance, the SSA ‘South’ attacked Tonglao in Mongkeung Township, Shan State South, while SSA North attacked Namlan in Hsipaw township of Shan State North simultaneously on 20 May 2011.Further details of the clashes remain undisclosed.
21 May marks the day when Sao Noi Saw Yanda with 30 other patriots swore the sacred oath to struggle for self-determination and equality in 1958.
Manipur parties opposed to NPF Newmai News Network |MExN

Imphal The meeting of political parties in Manipur has opposed the opening of Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Manipur. The meeting held at the chief minister’s secretariat in Imphal was attended by chief minister O Ibobi Singh (Congress), Th. Debendra Singh (Congress), Gaikhangam (Congress), P Parijat Singh (CPI), Sarat Salam (CPI-M), Yumnam Ratan Singh (CPI-M), Radhabinod Koijam (NCP), Ch Ajang Khongsai (NPP) and O Joy (MPP). In a press communiqué signed by chief minister O Ibobi Singh said the
meeting studied the aims and objects of the NPF enumerated on its constitution and pointed out the article II(2)(c) which states, “To work for unity and integrity of the people by integrating all contiguous Naga inhabited areas under one administrative roof and also
to provide protection to all the ethnic groups who are indigenous inhabitants of the State.”
Reacting to this particular article, the political parties’ meeting said that this provision challenges the territorial integrity of neighbouring north east states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. “On this count, opening of the NPF unit in Manipur State at Senapati is strongly opposed by the meeting as it would lead to instability of Manipur State and spread disharmony among different communities therein.” The meeting then pointed out the NPF article X(A)(1) which states, “Any citizen of Nagaland who subscribes to the principles of the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) shall be eligible for primary membership of the party.”
Again, reacting to this article, the meeting today said, “It is thus clear that membership of NPF will extend only to the citizens of Nagaland and to no others. In the circumstances the proposed launching of the NPF unit at Senapati will tantamount to extension of the
territory of Nagaland into Manipur and other northeastern states to further the demand for creation of the Greater Nagaland.”
The chief minister’s communiqué said the meeting also opposed to the opening of a communal political party in Manipur as it would violate the peaceful co-existence of various communities in the State. The meeting also decided to send a copy each of the resolution to the Prime Minister, the AICC chief, the Union home minister, the Election
Commission of India and to all the chief ministers of the north eastern states.

Manipur govt. tells Rio to defer Senapati visit

Dimapur, May 26 (MExN): The Government of Manipur today asked Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio to defer his May 28 visit to Manipur’s Senapati district, considering the “sensitive and highly volatile” situation in Manipur, “particularly in Senapati district.” Chief Secretary of Manipur DS Poonia wrote an official letter addressed to OSD to Chief Minister of Nagaland Varghese Mammen over Rio’s scheduled visit to Senapati to attend a Naga People’s Front function.
The issue has been considered by the Manipur state Cabinet today, the letter said. “The Cabinet noted the sensitive and highly volatile law and order situation currently prevailing in Manipur particularly in Senapati district. The four-month long blockade of NH-39 and 53 during 2010 which had disrupted supply of essential commodities to Manipur and caused immense hardship to the people of Manipur is still fresh in
the minds of the government and people of Manipur.”
On advice of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, talks with the United Naga Council are scheduled to be held at Senapati on May 30, the letter said. “It has been assessed that any disturbance at Senapati HQ on May 28 when NPF holds its function will impact adversely on the talks with UNC. Senior officers from MHA will be
participating in talks with UNC,” the Manipur government said. Considering this “highly volatile law and order situation” in Manipur “particularly Senapati district”, the letter said, the Cabinet has decided that the state government of Nagaland be requested to defer
the proposed visit of the chief minister of Nagaland and other VIPs “for the time being”. The Manipur Cabinet also decided to apprise and seek the intervention of Government of India, the letter said.

NPF to go ahead with Manipur trip

Dimapur, May 26 (MExN): Another cold-shoulder from the Government of Manipur notwithstanding, the Naga People’s Front (NPC) today assured that the party this time, led by Chief minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio will go ahead with its schedule to be in Senapati, Manipur on May 28 for an NPF function. Exasperated NPF leaders today vented their displeasure at the Manipur government’s asking the Nagaland government to defer the scheduled visit of the chief minister of Nagaland.
The NPF leaders questioned the constant ‘antagonism’ of the Manipur government and why it is ‘always like this’ and ‘always doing these things.’ In February this year, there were condemnations in the media that a team of Nagaland government leaders led by Planning Minister TR Zeliang was not even offered governmental courtesy by the Manipur government when Zeliang was in Manipur. Even State-to-State Protocols
such as security were denied to the Nagaland team, according to mediareports.
General Secretary of the NPF K Kenye and Media Secretary to the NPF, Abu Metha informed late in the evening that the party would be going ahead with the program. The NPF leaders said the response of the Manipur government is of no surprise. However, they informed, in spite of the ‘antagonism’ again from Okram Ibobi’s government, the NPF is going ahead this time.
The NPF leaders has been expecting something of this nature from the government of Manipur, the former MLA informed further. ‘Such attitudes of the Manipur government, considering this is not the first time, are unbecoming,’ senior NPF leader K Kenye told The Morung Express Thursday, May 26 evening. ‘He recalled the trip of TR Zeliang
to Manipur earlier. He was not even given the protocol of state-to-state government courtesy every state in the country gives to government leaders of other states.
Kenye said India is a democratic country and strongly implied that the NPF being a government-recognized political party has every right to undertake activities associated with the normal motions of a political party. ‘We are not going there to dislodge the Manipur or anything. Such (attitude or action of the Manipur government) is no surprise. We were expecting it,” the NPF leader said. Queried whether the NPF would be meeting to discuss the matter, Kenye said meeting to discuss the matter, if at all convened, would only be tomorrow. However, he assured that the NPF would go ahead.
The NPF’s media secretary Abu Metha said every citizen has the constitutional right to visit any place and the party is simply working on engagements as any political party would, in one state or any other as with the myriad of political parties across India.
Later on, after the interaction, the NPF leader called back to inform this daily that the party has decided to go ahead with the program as scheduled. ‘We will go ahead, our people, brothers and sisters are waiting for us there and we cannot disappoint them,’ he informed over phone. Queried if this is the decision of the NPF party (the communiqué from the Manipur Government was received only in the evening today), Metha responded in the affirmative. Attempts were made to contact NPF President Dr. Shurhozelie but he was unavailable at the time of filing this news report.
http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/66292.html

Nagaland CM’s visit in Manipur likely to be prevented By Hueiyen News Service
State to seek PM, HM intervention to deter CM Rio’s visit to Manipur
Imphal, An emergency cabinet meeting of the SPF government convened Thursday decided to seek the intervention of the Prime Minister and Home Minister to deter Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio from visiting Manipur’s Senapati on May 28.

The cabinet meeting held under the chair of the chief minister, O Ibobi Singh discussed the pros and cons of the law and order situation of the state, particularly in Senapati district where the Nagaland Chief Minister and leaders of the Naga People’s Front are scheduled to visit to formally launch the Manipur unit of the Naga People's Front (NPF).

The cabinet decided to entrust Manipur Chief Minister to urge the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to advise the Nagaland Chief Minister to put off his proposed visit to Senapati considering the fragile law and order situation of the state, an official source
quoting the decision passed in the cabinet meeting held from 10 am till 1 pm said.

The cabinet discussed the possible law and order situation that could arise out of the proposed visit of the Nagaland Chief Minister which comes at a time when the state government is preparing for hosting the third round of tripartite talks with the UNC. The cabinet noted that the proposed visit of the Nagaland Chief Minister will further
deteriorate the law and order of the state, the source maintained.

The cabinet directed the state Chief Secretary to contact the OSD of the Nagaland CM and pass the cabinet decision of the SPF government for necessary action. The Chief Secretary was further asked to contact the PMO and Union Home Minister’s office for intimation about the developing law and order situation in the state. The cabinet further
agreed to meet again tomorrow at 9.30 am. The cabinet meeting was followed by an all political party meeting.
http://hueiyenlanpao.com/news.php?newsid=6924

All political party meeting reasons out against state unit launched of Naga People’s Front in Senapati HQ
IMPHAL, The all political party meeting which was convened under the chairmanship of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh this evening has further reaffirmed the decision of the state cabinet regarding the proposed launching of the Naga People’s Front in the district
headquarter of Senapati district in Manipur with a formal function on May 28. According to a source, the meeting was held this evening to discuss the issue after the state cabinet had met in the morning on the issue. The meeting discussed upon the issue of the Nagaland CM’s proposed visit to Senapati district to launched the state unit of NFPF and it’s possible effect on the state. The all party meeting further analysed a copy of the invite of the launching ceremony of the NPF Manipur state unit on May 28 and further opposed it in the strongest terms. The meeting after a deliberate study of the NPF’s aims and
objective opposed that the Article II (2) (c) of its constitution states that “to work for unity and integrity of the people by integrating all contiguous Naga inhabited areas under one administrative roof and also to provide protection to all the ethnic groups who are indigenous inhabitants of the state”. The meeting further opposed that this provision challenges the territorial integrity of neighbouring North Eastern states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. "On this count, opening of the NPF
http://ifp.co.in/imphal-free-press-full-story.php?newsid=17209

State cabinet calls all party meeting; decides against formation of
state unit of NPF

IMPHAL, The state cabinet in a special meeting held this morning chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh at his official cabinet chamber has decided against the plans of a Nagaland ministerial team led by the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, to enter Senapati district for launching of a new extension office of the Naga People’s Front, NPF at the district headquarter on May 28. According to a source, the state cabinet has decided to stop the launching ceremony considering the delicate nature of the issue which could even led to a communal disturbance in the state and interference of the political leaders from the neighbouring state to the internal matters of the state. The cabinet meeting which was held this morning taking into consideration the seriousness of the issue was attended by almost all cabinet ministers of the state and deliberated on the issue. The meeting further decided that the Chief Minister will request for intervention from the Prime Minister of India and the union home minister to advise his counterpart from the neighbouring Nagaland state to differ with his plans to open up his political party the Naga People’s Front in the state. The source further stated that after intimation to the Prime Minister, the state cabinet has further instructed the state Chief Secretary to convey the same cabinet decisions to the OSD of Nagaland Chief Minister at the earliest. Meanwhile, another official source has confirmed the intimation of the cabinet decision to the Nagaland OSD through the state chief secretary late this evening explaining all the decisions of the state cabinet regarding the issue and to disallow the proposed visit of the Nagaland ministerial team into the state to launched the state unit of the political party NPF at Senapati district. Further considering the political factor of the issue and the challenged imposed by the proposed visit to the state, the state cabinet has decided to an all political party meeting under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister O Ibobi to chalk out a possible and amicable political strategy to face the issue.
http://ifp.co.in/imphal-free-press-full-story.php?newsid=17208
NPF launch hits Manipur roadblock (NPN):
KOHIMA/IMPHAL Plans for expansion of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Manipur with the proposed launch by Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and NPF Working President Dr Shürhozelie at Senapati has come up against a road block with the Manipur cabinet having decided to advise the Nagaland chief minister and his team against visiting Senapati on May 28.
It was learnt that the Manipur cabinet has faxed the message to the state chief minister through the state cabinet secretary, advising the state chief minister Neiphiu Rio to either not attend or even postpone the scheduled launch of the NPF Manipur unit at Senapati.
Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L.Imchen Thursday confirmed the receipt of the fax to this correspondent.
Mr Imkong Imchen was however determined that the NPF was not going to go by the advice of the Manipur cabinet and that chief minister Neiphiu Rio was firm that he and NPF functionaries were going to attend the scheduled launch of the NPF Manipur state unit. “It is a party affair and nobody can stop any political party from launching their party anywhere in the country” Imkong shot back. He went on to cite the example of the INC and BJP which have their respective headquarters in New Delhi but are spread across the country.
Imkong sought the views and opinions from the Nagas in Manipur and the United Naga Council (UNC) regarding the advice of the Manipur state cabinet to the chief minister of Nagaland. On the other hand, there are apprehensions that the simmering tension between the two states could even lead to a serious law and order situation if both sides did not resolve the issue. This was seen in the light of how the fragile law and order situation took the form of a conflict between the two communities- Nagas and Meities- during the May 2010 incidents at Mao gate. It was feared there could be a situation if the Manipur government resorted to any force to prevent the chief minister of Nagaland from visiting Senapati and the latter equally determined to visit Senapati to launch the NPF Manipur unit.

Manipur seek PM, HM intervention
Against the backdrop of the decision to launch the Naga People’s Front Manipur unit in Senapati, an emergency meeting of the Manipur SPF cabinet was convened Thursday where it was decided to seek intervention of the Prime Minister and Union home minister in deferring Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio’s visit to Senapati on May 28.
The cabinet meeting was followed by an all-party meeting. The cabinet meeting chaired by Manipur chief minister, O Ibobi Singh discussed the pros and cons of the law and order situation of the state, particularly in Senapati district where the launch of the NPF
Manipur unit was scheduled. Members of the cabinet pointed out that the proposed visit of Rio to launch NPF Manipur unit, coincided with the preparations for hosting the third round of tripartite talks with the United Naga Council (UNC). The cabinet expressed apprehension that the visit by Nagaland chief minister and NPF entourage would have an adverse affect resulting in deterioration of law and order of in the state. According to an official source quoting the minutes of the cabinet meeting, it was decided to entrust Manipur chief minister O.Ibobi to seek the interventions of the Prime Minister and home minister to advise the Nagaland chief minister to defer his proposed visit to Senapati considering the fragile law and order situation in the state. The cabinet also directed Manipur chief secretary to contact OSD to Nagaland chief minister to relay the decision of the SPF government cabinet for necessary action. The chief secretary was also asked to contact the PMO and Union home minister’s office on the developing law and order situation in the state. The cabinet further agreed to meet again on Friday at 9.30 a.m. Mention may be made, that the BJP Manipur unit had earlier cautioned against the proposed visit of the Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio if there was any hidden agenda behind the proposed launching of Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Manipur. “We welcome the opening of its (NPF) unit in Manipur as a political party, but if it is to be opened with a hidden agenda of disintegrating Manipur, we would not remain silent,” BJP vice
president Prof Tikendrajit cautioned. Briefing reporters here Thursday, Tikendrajit stressed on the need for checking the activities of the NPF if it opened its unit in the state,
by hinting that “they would have certain hidden agenda other than political activities”.
On March 31, the Nagaland chief minister formally declared formation of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh units with the appointment of adhoc office bearers. On the occasion Neiphiu Rio had said the party after a thorough deliberation, decided to form NPF units in states of the north east inhabited by Nagas particularly in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Rio had asserted the main intention to expand beyond Nagaland should not be misunderstood as it was only to create harmony with other regional political parties, while taking interest of the Naga political issue.
http://nagalandpost.com/ShowStory.aspx?npoststoryiden=UzEwNDA5NDY%3d-OpsYsKbvgz4%3d

Frans on 05.27.11 @ 08:16 PM CST [link]


Saturday, May 21st

AR arrest 5 NSCN/GPRN cadres; womenfolk protest Newmai News Network



AR arrest 5 NSCN/GPRN cadres; womenfolk protest Newmai News Network

Imphal: Wayfarers and road users along National Highway 39 in Senapati district had a harrowing time when a convoy of 5 Assam Rifles transporting five arrested cadres of National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isaac Muivah was gheraoed by enraged womenfolk. According to the police, today at around 2 pm, five cadres of NSCN/GPRN were arrested by personnel of 5 Assam Rifles from Senapati bazaar in Manipur. Even as the arrested NSCN/GPRN cadres were being transferred from Senapati bazaar to Imphal, a group of womenfolk gathered at Ningthoupham village along National Highway 39 in Senapati district and gheraoed the convoy demanding the release of the cadres. The enraged womenfolk have demanded for the release of the arrested cadres and they are not willing to let the 5 Assam Rifles pass until their demand to release the NSCN/GPRN cadres was conceded to, added the police.
Continued on page 5
As the agitating womenfolk held sway, the highway almost came to a standstill with the womenfolk regulating the passage of vehicles and highway users, after checking them to let pass the logjam site.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that the state police force has sent reinforcement to Ningthoupham village to break the embargo. The identities of the arrested NSCN/GPRN cadres are yet to be ascertained and till the filing of this report the standoff between the womenfolk demanding the release of the cadres and the security forces continued.

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information and Publicity

PRESS RELEASE
21st May 2011

Sincerity is not a weakness

The current activities of the Government of India and its arm forces, mainly through the ever notorious Assam Riffles in Naga areas serious scrutiny. The Government of India vociferously call for early amicable solution of the vexed Indo-Naga political problem on one side and unleash a reign of terror on the Naga, particularly the NSCN cadres on the other. The sincerity or trustworthiness of the NSCN towards peace agreement between the two entities should not be taken as a weakness. Please do not stab the NSCN which represents the Nagas in the peace process from the back. Please for the sake of humanity and the Nagas do not provoke us to expose all the evils of India before the World. From all points of considerations, Nagas are not terrorists. We never do or create any troubles in the areas of other people. We are only defending our own homeland and will continue to defend it till the last drop of Naga blood. Please don’t, don’t and don’t provoke us.

Do the Government of India and its armed forces realize and respect their commitments in the cease-fire agreement with the NSCN?? Cease-fire is cease- fire. Don’t make any excuse or pretext. At present, Nagalim is an Island of peace in the entire Asia continent. Do not vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in our land. Do the Government of India and its armed forces think that Nagas take the fourteen years of Cease – fire and thirteen years of political dialogue too lightly?? No, no, no, the NSCN takes it too seriously. But in our determination and commitment to find an honorable and peaceful settlement of the political issue we are maintaining sustained patient in spite of all kinds of provocations from the Indian side. Honor your commitment and restraint your armed forces specially the Assam Riffles, the a vowed enemy of the hill people.

On 19th May 2011, 16th Assam Riffles raided the private resident of Deputy Kilonser, K.K. Angami of NSCN at Chedema Village Nagaland during his absence and stolen away some Official documents, some ammunitions and about Rs.5 lacs of money. Two innocent youths who were around were also arrested.
On 20th May, 2011 5th Assam Riffles raided the houses of some NSCN functionaries at Senapati of Manipur and stolen documents, Rs. 1 lac cash money, one set of Computer and one labtop. Besides, 5 (five) NSCN cadres were arrested, but the public specially the womenfolk did not allow the Assam Riffles to take away the cadres to Imphal. The AR also took away two AK Series gun, one Carbine and 2 9mm Pistols along with magazines and live bullets from Shepoumaramth Region Office.

In Wokha District the 41 Assam Riffles are creating troubles and giving harassments to the NSCN cadres working there every now and then. Besides, in the most of the Naga areas the Indian armed forces, specially the Assam Riffles are continuously doing provocative acts and causing “loss of lives and properties” to the NSCN cadres which are banned by the Cease-fire between the GoI and the NSCN. The Indian armed agencies are doing all these crimes with the help of the Naga reactionary forces. Stop all these hostilities and provocation acts. If the Assam Riffles are so active and brave, then what are they doing in the Island of peace like Nagalim?? Send them to Chinese and Pakistan borders or send them to Afghanistan or Iraq and let them prove their worth.

Issued by MIP.
Inclusive Peace Process morungexpress
Unlike the discrepancy in the statement of Union Home Secretary GK Pillai, on the status and progress of the Naga political dialogue, at least the Government of India’s interlocutor RS Pandey, a former Chief Secretary of Nagaland, appears to be more consistent with his assessment of the Naga situation. Those who are shouldering the responsibility of pursuing peace objectives, like with the Naga people, should know the ground realities and also feel the mood of the populace. Pandey having served in Nagaland as a career IAS officer will be in a much better position to push and guide the negotiation process. Here, it is obviously clear that there is a gap in the assessment between the Union Home Secretary and the Interlocutor and this is a matter of concern for the political process. An interlocutor is expected to go into the heart of the process and therefore that person will be in a much better position to assess a particular situation. But then it is the establishment, here represented by people like the Union Home Secretary, who will have the discretion to accept or reject without actually knowing the real picture. This is unfortunate. The Naga political talks’ going on for the last decade or so obviously has dragged on for whatever reasons. Mr Pandey is the third Interlocutor to have been asked to pursue talks with the NSCN/GPRN. Former Home Secretary Padmanabhaiah served the longest talking to the Naga group in an attempt to find a solution. But then nothing concrete has materialized. It becomes obvious that the role and function of an interlocutor needs to be enhanced so that his views and suggestions can find greater space in the overall decision making process. Otherwise there is no point of merit in having such people in the first place unless they are allowed to have a greater say.
Coming to the recent interview given by both Mr Pillai and Mr Pandey to the Northeast Press Service (NEPS) the former has given a time frame for a final solution while the latter has refused to give any time frame only expressing the hope that solution would be sooner than later. In other words it is still premature to spell out when the talks will end successfully that is. This is a discrepancy in the thinking between the two, which needs to be corrected. However for the Naga public, the State government, political parties and the national groups, the one clear unanimous message given out by both Mr Pillai and Mr Pandey is this: Doing our homework. Both have categorically stated that the Naga people should also do a lot of homework so that the peace process would expedite and move forward. For over ten years both sides have been putting out statements that they are sincere and talks are going on in the right direction or that both sides are committed to find a solution. If this is so then how come the process has been dragged on endlessly? We do not expect ‘full transparency’ to take place because in peace negotiation some amount of secrecy is required. However after more than fourteen years, the time has come to ‘democratize’ the dialogue process. Problems and difficulties must be shared so that the Naga public can also help in any ways possible. Although unclear and ambiguous, now that both the Union Home Secretary and Interlocutor have mentioned about ‘home work’, the Naga public can also respond and take the necessary initiative. Similarly the Interlocutor has stated about current position of the peace process by explaining the journey from Dimapur to Kohima (the final destination). Mr Pandey makes prominent mention of roadblocks standing in the way. To help in the process, he should clearly state what these roadblocks are so that the Naga public can also contribute their collective wisdom to help remove them. It is time to make the Naga peace process truly inclusive.

Was it a replay of the old rabbit and turtle in race? KK Jagoi Morung


Barely 50 year old child in Naga Politics entered to into race with the eighty year old strong man of Naga Politics-
When SC Jamir comes to the foray, it would be a straight question for the Nagas. Wither Jamir or Rio. The defeat of NPF candidate would have been a warning bell for Rio to face the music anytime. Perhaps, Jamir in the Assembly would have ousted the DAN government at any point of time, the pity scene would have been Rio and his second lieutenant TR Zeliang walking out of the Assembly wiping their foreheads.

Nothing can down size SC Jamir.
Was it political mistake of SC Jamir to contest an Assembly by election? One of the high ranking official of the Indian National Congress, as a Congress working committee member, former Governor of a big state of Maharashtra, it was too mean for the state unit of the party to field SC Jamir in a by poll, sending a strong signal to the ruling side. SC Jamir, so far a fear complex to many in the state politics, was pitted in a contest ‘in a do or die attempt’ to revive the state Congress. Or else should be the failure of the state unit to find a charismatic figure to combat Rio in the past eight years.
Now the question is - who in Congress wants SC Jamir back? As an eye wash all the state leaders may talk with due respect and regard. His return would have deposed all the present front ranking leaders of the party of their hopes for leading the government of the state. It would have been holidaying for stalwarts especially KL Chishi and I Imkong. Fear that SC Jamir would have made a cosy ladder for his pet son to be his successor. The storm in the tea cup has not subsided. A section of the Congress will have to silently admit that, at the least a stable government is in place and the number game does not give any scope for a turn around.
The veteran Congress leader once he steps into the assembly, will sent shock waves across the Naga society. PV Narasimha Rao was bold enough to take a U turn in the Congress dynamics in the Naga Movement, while taking a stern step to enter into a dialogue process and rolling back the partisan attitudes in the state and silence all the big guns. It required a change in the guard of the state. SC Jamir was given the governorship and kept him out of the state politics. Yet his frequent visits to the state was a headache to both Congress and ruling NPF. Yet the last game in the state legislature and the Presidents Rule turned to be a disaster for the Congress.
Now, there cannot be a change in the equations of the centre with that of the state. Rio, emerged as a the most powerful Chief Minister of the region. The story on corruptions is not a sellable commodity in the state. Law and order situations also do not suffice the agenda of the Congress. It has to look into new avenues to fight out. The baggage is left dry and empty. Whereas for Rio, it is another testing time. Rio cannot be ruled out of Naga Politics. From 1963, no political leader could empower the right of the Nagas as per the Article 371A. He first followed the suit of SC Jamir and made a silent revolution in the state. Rio rightly chooses TR Zeliang to head the Cabinet subcommittee and TR in his interim report recommended for a resolution in adopting Article 371 A. A history was made and the state is empowered to take Policy decisions and central acts can no more be enforced. SC Jamir government had always succumbed to the central acts and deprived the Nagas of their constitutional safeguards. His return would have been disastrous for the Nagas, the entire effort of Rio government in empowering the Naga rights would have been turtled.
Nagaland political situation is different. People have been deprived for years. People need money and development. Every minister and legislature is burdened with the unending demands to meet the needs of commoners- from school admissions, medical care, higher education for children, marriage and the list goes on. This situation cannot change who ever rules the state till a proper economic frame work evolves. Simultaneously development also needed. Such a societal situation circumvents the political system and no one can close the doors and turn their back against the ground reality. Success of Rio is mainly due to the balanced way in which he and his comrades have been managing the public interest without much damage to the state’s development initiatives. Centre also seemingly understands this jeopardy and never stamped it as a corruption. This goes well with the realisation that the state will have trust in the statutory democratic system, only if the immediate needs of the public are met by their leaders. It is a tough management of the government. Can the opposition close their eyes and blame the ruling front. Their campaign of corruption turned out to be a good piece of music to listen to, at the same time, invites hostility of the commoners, especially women and the upcoming youth. Today’s youth had a horrifying childhood in an environment of uncertainties. Rio could effectively give a healing touch, held their hands and made an effort to bring them to the forefront.
SC Jamir, the wonder man, who rose to be the parliamentary secretary to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, despite the fact that he represented one of the least populated states, is never to be forgotten and is a countable force despite the failure. He will certainly write a new equation behind the curtains, hopefully not an open invitation the people to the corruption free ivory towers. Yet he is spell bound to read the message his clansmen have slapped on him - Rio is to stay and they need their rights to be enforced as the law of the land.
AFSPA Must Go – The draconian law completes 53 years By Mahtab Alam, Two Circles Net
On 4th of March 2009, when it was touching noon, (around 11:50 am), Mohd Azad Khan was reading a newspaper in the courtyard of his house along with one of his neighbouring friends, in Phoubakachao Makha Leikai Yumnan village of West Imphal district, Manipur. Azad, a barely 12 year old boy and a student of class seventh at the local high school, was sitting with his friend Kiyam Anad Singh (14 years), when some personnel of the Manipur Police Commandos rushed in to his house. One of the personnel dragged Azad by both of his hands and started beating him severly. Meanwhile, the commandos asked Kiyam the reason for keeping company with Azad. “Don’t you know, Azad was an activist of an underground organisation,” they asked. The commandos showed him a gun saying that it belonged to Azad and slapped him on his face. Subsequently, Azad was dragged out some 70 metres towards the north.
While Azad was being dragged out of the courtyard, the commandos fired some rounds in the air and at the same time other commandos prevented his mother and other family members from following them, pointing guns and forcing them to go inside their house. After dragging Azad, he was pinned down on the paddy field and shot dead. Almost immediately, the commandos threw a pistol near the dead body. The whole incident was witnessed by his family members as well as neighbouring villagers, as all of this happened in broad daylight. After the killing, the dead body was taken away by the raiding commandos in their vehicles. The villagers tried to follow the police commandos but were stopped.
Azad is not alone
Believe me, this is not the script of a horror/action film but a real life story. What is most disturbing is that the case of Azad is only one amongst the hundreds killed in cold blood. Over the years, cold blooded murder, or ‘encounter’, as they call it, has become a routine of Manipur. Like Azad, you would be reading the newspaper today and be a news item in tomorrow’s newspaper, which too would be limited to those published in Manipur and neighbouring areas. In the same year, on 23rd July, Chongkham Sanjit (27 years old), was killed in cold blood in broad daylight, barely 500 metres from the state assembly. But it was only when the news weekly Tehelka, published the photographs of the episode by an anonymous photographer, that news of Sanjit’s cold blooded murder reached us.
Cold blooded killings, and, in particular, fake encounters by the Manipur Police Commandos (MPC) have become a day-to-day affair in the life of Manipuris. In 2008, there were 27 recorded cases of torture and killings by the MPC. In several cases, ordinary civilians carrying money and valuables have been robbed and sometimes killed. In few of the cases, official ‘action’ has been taken but for the most part, their extra-judicial activities go scot free. In fact, it happens the other way around.
Take the case of Azad. Her mother Garamjan Bibi deposed before an Independent People’s Tribunal headed by Justice (retired) K Kusha of Kerala High Court, during 11-13 December 2009. “When I tried to bring out the truth, filing a case with police, the police commandos warned me to withdraw the case if I wanted to save my life.” It must be mentioned, in all of the cases, Commandos repeatedly threatened the petitioners to withdraw the cases. What is more glaring is that it is not just happening in Manipur only, but different parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Kashmir as well.
The root cause
Why is it happening so? What makes these forces so powerful, or rather, so brutal? The answer is, Arms Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)-1958, a draconian law in the name of maintaining law and order in the so-called disturbed areas. According to the Act, in an area that is declared as ‘disturbed’, even a non-commissioned officer of the armed forces has powers to: "Fire upon or otherwise use force, even to the extent of causing death, against any person who is acting in contravention of any law", against "assembly of five or more persons" or possession of deadly weapons. To arrest without a warrant and with the use of "necessary" force on anyone who has committed certain offenses or is suspected of having done so and to enter and search any premise at any time in order to make such arrests. It gives army officers legal protection for their actions. There can be no prosecution, suit or any other legal proceeding against anyone acting under the law.
The act is not only problematic because of violation of rights that occur in ‘disturbed areas’. But it is also problematic because once the AFSPA is in force – as it is in all Northeast Indian states – the government through a simple notification can declare any area, the entire state, or parts of the state, as ‘disturbed’ without any public debate. The deployment of the armed forces, the suspension of fundamental freedoms and the ‘special powers’ of the armed forces can immediately come into force. An area can remain ‘disturbed’ for years with no end. The act legitimizes a localized form of indefinite emergency rule in the areas. Ironically, the Act is nothing but a replica of the 1942 Ordinance framed by the colonial powers to control the wave of Indian freedom struggle.
AFSPA must go
It has been 53 years since the act came into being. And over the years, it has become an established fact that due to the draconian law, hundreds of ordinary citizens of the so-called disturbed states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Kashmir have lost their lives. Extra-judicial killings, illegal detention, rape, torture has become a routine affair for the people—men, women, old and child all alike, of these ‘disturbed areas’. The act has become a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and high handedness by the one who is supposed to protect their life, liberty and dignity. Even the Justice Reddy Committee, appointed by Government to study the issue during UPA-I admits it, "the Act, for whatever reason, has become a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and high handedness."
And without an iota of doubt, the impacts of the draconian laws like AFSPA are far reaching and disastrous. These are tools of the Indian government, through which it is alienating and pushing towards the wall its ‘own-people’. Government after government, no matter which party is at the helm of affairs, is not worried about these people, nor ready to scrap this tool of oppression.
This 22nd May, when the draconian law is completing its 53th year of enactment and going to enter the 54th, it is the duty of us, the people from the so-called mainland India to stand up by the side of (or with) the oppressed and demand to scrap the AFSPA. After all, injustice anywhere is everywhere. It is time to join Irom Chanu Sharmila, who is on her fast unto death, now going to enter in 11th year, with the firm resolution to see the Act meet its end and an end to the injustice (mostly unaccounted) by the armed forces on the innocent civilians. Today when hundreds and thousands of people from Kashmir to Manipur are demanding to scrap the AFSPA, let us come together and join hands, stand in solidarity with the people of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Kashmir and say: AFSPA must go now and by now. Enough is enough.
(Mahtab Alam is a Civil Rights Activist and an independent Journalist. He can be contacted at activist.journalist@gmail.com">journalist@gmail.com)
Rio expounds on Naga tribal, political and social concerns Morungexpress
Kohima | May 20 : Chief Minister Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio said Angamis hold a very high status in the Naga society and said “If we are strong, the position of the Nagas will also be strong and it is up to us to uphold it”. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest during the general conference of Angami Public Organization (APO) here at APO hall the chief minister said that during his eight years in office, there has been immense significant development in the Naga Society as a whole and he expressed hope that Angamis too have progressed in many ways, “everything has been possible because of the support rendered by the people in general”. As the present APO term ends, Rio said they have worked cohesively for the Nagas in general and expressed hope that the new team will also work sincerely. He assured that his government will work together with the APO for the upliftment of the Angamis and Nagas in general.
Expressing concern over Naga Political issue, Rio said Naga political issue has been a concern for all the Nagas and unless a final solution is brought about, Nagas in general cannot make much progress and urged to work together towards finding an early solution as Nagas have too long been engaged with Naga political issue, fighting for independence but considering the present situation it is not moving on the right path as it has been taken over by individualism, partyism, tribalism etc, he added.
Rio urged the gathering to give up all such isms and come to the level of Nagaism in order to work for a final solution of Naga political problem. “There is no Naga leader in general except for tribal, party and factional leaders, so Angamis will have to try and show the way for Nagaism”, said Rio. Asserting that Civil societies are conscience keepers of the society, Rio expressed his happiness that Angamis are holding key post in the Naga society like Naga Hoho, NSF, TPO, “this shows Nagas has high hope upon the Angamis and we should be able to uphold it, Lets us not be in the comfort zone but move forward and do better for the Naga society, Let us sacrifice and work for Nagas”, he added.
Touching on the Road Show and Tribal Festivals, Rio said state government is funding tribal Hohos to organize the festivals and also to showcase their respective cultural heritage so that one’s identity can be upheld and also urged to maintain the patenting of Naga dishes and traditional wears and also commercialization of it. The Chief Minister suggested that the youth to improvise and evolve new designs of our traditional dresses so as to attain standards for commercial value and exports. He reminded that the government of Nagaland has declared 2010- 11 and 2011-12 as the Year of Entrepreneur and is providing financial assistant to 1000 youth.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the State government presented its Annual Budget for 2011-12 with a 10% step up over last year’s Budget but the Planning Commission awarded a step up of 20% indicating its supports for developmental activities which could make Nagaland economically self dependent from totally dependent and consumer State. He also emphasised that in our endeavours to entrepreneurships we should not chase away non-Nagas, instead should collaborate and learn the trades with them.
He also propounded that the present Election system should be replaced with a traditional selection system. He was of the opinion that the root cause of the corruption is election and urged that the Angamis as a tribe make contribution to evolve a selection system and solve the problem. The Chief Minister also commented on the popular Angami slogan “Keviu uya”, and said that it is perhaps more appropriate to be saying “Keviu vierhe”.
Expressing concern on the poor sanitation in the state capital, Rio said ‘Kohima is the Mirror of Nagaland – Classic Club’, but people comment the untidy of the town and urged APO, AWO, District Administration and KMC to work together in order to beautify Kohima and also impart sanitary and cleanliness habits among the general public and also said the need for collecting tax from every household for such activities in order to pay to those working for cleanliness drive and to set example to others.

Rio also pointed on the issue of water scarcity, stating that if water supply does not reach people, capital may not always stay with Angamis, despite having many sources, “we can’t bring water for the people is a big issue” and urged those villages who have sufficient waters to come forward in giving water for the citizens of Kohima. He also lauded the successful completion of Census 2011 and thanked ‘all’ for giving accurate figures.
Earlier invocation was pronounced by Rev. Lhouzoviu Shüya while Presidential addressed was delivered by Kekhreingulie Linyü. Reports were given by Treasurer, Vithepfulie Kehie and General Secretary, Keneigunyü Sekhose. Reading the Constitution of APO by Kevino Chasie followed by house approval and released by Chief Guest. The programme was attended by dignitaries like Speaker Nagaland, Kiyanilie Peseyie, Dr Shürhozelie Minister for Higher Education & Urban Development, Vikho-o Yhosü MLA, K.V. Pusa, Congress Legislator, L. Kire, Commissioner & Secretary to Chief Minister and government officers and public leaders.

(With inputs from DIPR)


Frans on 05.21.11 @ 08:51 PM CST [link]


Monday, May 16th

India urged to endorse Kashmiri, Sikh, Naga rights The nation By: Asif Mehmood



India urged to endorse Kashmiri, Sikh, Naga rights The nation By: Asif Mehmood

LONDON - India’s current temporary UN Security Council seat should serve as an opportunity for the international community to force it to comply with its human rights obligations. That was the call from a major conference hosted by ‘Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination’ (PNSD) which also endorsed the right of Sikh, Kashmiri and Naga self-determination in their homelands, as well as calls for UN criminal courts to punish those who have directed or carried out gross rights violations by the state in those conflict zones.
Chairing the event, Member House of Lords Nazir Ahmed castigated India for its formal ‘Reservation’ lodged at the UN under which it purports to deny that the right of self-determination applies to the nations living in Indian controlled territory.
The UN’s own Human Rights Committee has demanded India withdraws its infamous ‘Reservation’ against Article 1 of the 1966 Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which grants “all peoples the right to self-determination”; it goes on to provide that “by virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development”.
Nazir said the recent cases of East Timor and South Sudan were ample evidence that the international community had accepted the application of this right as a means to end conflict; yet India seems intent on continuing the blood letting in Kashmir, Punjab, Nagalim and elsewhere, where it has opted instead for massive human rights violations as a means of crushing legitimate movements for freedom.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Chairman of the All Party Hurriet Conference participated in the event via telephone link from occupied Kashmir and detailed India’s breach of its commitment to the UN and to Kashmiris, made over 65 years ago, to allow the people of the region to decide their own destiny. He condemned India as a state drunk with military power, whose armed forces are accountable to no one in accordance with shameful black laws such as the so-called Public Safety Act, which Amnesty International has recently branded “Unlawful Law”. The Hurriet leader said there was no point to the current Indo-Pak dialogue as it omits the voice of the Kashmiri people; it was a process aimed only at diverting world opinion from the core issue of Kashmiri self-determination and deserved to fail. He demanded India withdraw its armed forces from Kashmir, involve Kashmiris in the dialogue and allow the UN to supervise a plebiscite so the people themselves can shape the outcome in a peaceful manner.
Kanwarpal Singh, spokesman for Dal Khalsa in Punjab also contributed by phone link, called for Nuremburg-type trials to punish Indian officials guilty of war crimes and genocide in Punjab, Kashmir and India’s troubled North East. He demanded a UN sponsored plebiscite in the Sikh homeland to allow the Sikhs to demonstrate, freely and fairly, their backing for the Declaration of Khalistan 25 years ago. He pledged to work with “co-travellers on the path of freedom” to promote, by peaceful and democratic means, the implementation of self-determination wherever India’s imperialism had sought to crush the birth right of freedom.
Special messages were received from several MPs. Fabian Hamiliton MP, Chair of the All Party Group for UK Sikhs, opined that “whether it is in the Punjab, in Kashmir or in the Middle East, the rights of peoples in these regions to self-determination should be strongly supported by the international community”.
Khaled Mahmood MP pointed out that, whilst self-determination as a collective human right has been long established by international law, “India, somehow, officially denies it applies to the peoples and nations in the territory controlled by it”; he said that was no way for the Indians to build a case for a permanent UN SC seat.
A titan falls & a new face enters Aonglenden politics Morungexpress Longrangty Longchar
Mokokchung | May 14 : It is the fall of a titan. The defeat of Dr SC Jamir - one of the senior most and seasoned politicians in Nagaland - in the 26th Aonglenden Assembly Constituency by the youthful NPF candidate Toshipokba Longkumer by a whopping 1320 votes comes as a great moral booster for the ruling Naga Peoples’ Front and a great humiliation to the Opposition Congress party in the state.
This by-election was by no means a simple one. There has been much hype over the whole election, and the people’s imagination was revved up when Jamir declared his candidature on April 8, 2011 at Ungma village. It was a political comeback of a veteran Congress leader who ruled the state as a chief minister for five times, and was even the Governor of Goa and Maharashtra. Toshipokba Longkumer, as compared to Jamir in his political stature, is a new face who had lost to a Congress candidate Late Nungshizenba Longkumer in 2008 election.
The battle was seemingly uneven – Jamir the Goliath and Toshipokba a little David – be it in experience or in wealth. However, the tables were turned as the election campaign took heat. For Jamir, Congress leaders from the mainland, one even a Union Minister of State, campaigned for him at different places. Toshipokba Longkumer had the full DAN MLAs and the NPF party rallying behind him.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while campaigning for Longkumer at Mokokchung declared that this is a fight between the ‘Government versus Opposition’ and declared that the NPF would do its best to win the election. He kept his words, and today, the prestigious 26th Aonglenden Assembly Constituency has a regional party representative after nearly thirty years of being represented by a Congress MLA and being considered as a Congress bastion.
The winning of Toshipokba Longkumer has not come as a surprise for many citizens here. Rough personal assessment by citizens here has already concluded that Toshipokba would win. The general assessment was that NPF would be winning by a huge margin to the tune of 2000 votes. They were right in one way; NPF did win by a huge margin. However, some stubborn Jamir supporters, till last night, still harbored some hope of winning, taking into account some sympathy votes from the NPF voters in favour of Jamir. It cannot be ruled out whether Jamir had gained some sympathy votes, it has been quite a talk among Congress workers.
For now, it is sadness for one party and jubilation for another. Some NPF supporters moved around the town even bursting one or two fire-crackers in the middle of the town. Dr Jamir is said to be in Dimapur, resting after a heavy election campaign.
What next?
It is not known what the next plan of Jamir might be, but giving his words ‘there is no retirement in politics’, there are chances that he might contest again. Somehow Congress workers are not deterred. A Congress worker asserted that in the next general election, the DAN ministers and MLAs will be fighting in their own constituencies, and would not be able to give time for Aonglenden A/C.
But then, when it comes to the just concluded by-election, it is a fact that the NPF party deserves to win this election given the effort that they have put in from almost all the DAN Ministers and legislators. Some though allege open involvement by underground cadres in the election. Popular social networking site facebook is rave with members posting something about the election.
Interestingly, in Ao tradition there is a saying that there is a wind of change after every one ‘putu’ (one putu equals to thirty years, and this was the twenty-ninth year of Congress dominance in Aonglenden, and now the NPF has coincidently came to power in a Congress bastion). Call it superstition or coincidence, NPF party workers love that Ao folk saying; even NPF Mokokchung division president Aolepden once asserted that the Congress dominance will lose in Aonglenden, since ‘a putu is changing’. Young educated people do not believe in such saying, but for now, it is celebration for NPF and frustration for Congress. While NPF is asserting that the people’s mindset have changed towards the regional party, Congress workers still maintain their cool and say that the 2013 state assembly election would be different and Congress will definitely come back to power. Well, elections are hard to predict, but surely a giant has fallen for now, and time will bring whether he will rise again.
NPF hails Longkumer's success over SC Jamir Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, May 15 2011: The Manipur unit of Naga Peoples' Front (NPF), a regional political party has said the victory of NPF candidate Toshipokba Longkumer over SC Jamir in the just concluded Nagaland by-poll was in the interest of the Naga people.

Congratulating Longkumer, NPF Manipur unit general secretary S Kho John said the people of Aonglenden A/C have upheld the party leadership vision which is laudable by every Naga.

S Kho John also expressed his deep appreciation on behalf of the Manipur unit of NPF to Naga chief minister Neiphiu Rio and NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu and all their collegues for the progress of the NPF.

the Naga Peoples' Front (NPF) has been active in Manipur since March 31 as one of the regional political parties, according to its general secretary (Manipur unit) S.Kho John.

Mentionably, NPF led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government is in its second term in Nagaland under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio, the chief minister of Nagaland.

Meanwhile, S.Kho John informed NNN today that any political party, group or individual in Manipur are welcome in the fold of the NPF.

The party general secretary said that enrolment of names in the party is underway and that further information can be had from its temporary office at Deulahland, Imphal.
Cong gives Rio, Imchen hard questions morungexpress
Dimapur, May 14(MExN): The Congress today hit out at the chief minister and Home minister for being ‘hypocritical’ and attempting to divert attention from issues raised by the Nagaland Congress party recently. The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) reminded both Neiphiu Rio and Imkong Imchen that they were Congress leaders, nurtured by the Congress before usurping their mentors for power.
NPCC chief SI Jamir issued a statement today questioning recent statements of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Home Minister Imkong Imchen contextualizing the recent by-polls held in Aonglenden constituency in Mokokchung. The Congress noted Rio’s remark that the “contest was not against the Congress but against the policies and programs of the political party contesting the by-poll. Likewise, the NPCC noted another one of Imkong Imchen’s uncomfortable remarks, this time that the NPF “won the by-election because of the Naga issue.” The NPCC also reminded the Rio-led government that it has to ‘come up with one or other explanation’ to the questions of the Chief Election Commission of India for the State’s deployment of Central paramilitary forces in places away from the place of the by-polls.
The statement of Neiphiu Rio that the “contest was not against the Congress but against the policies and programs of the political party contesting the by-poll” is like trying to separate the soul from the body, the NPCC remarked. The CM should spell out clearly what those policies and programs of the Congress were. “He should also tell the people of Nagaland as to what made him remain in Congress for so long if he thought the policies and programs of the Congress were antithesis to him. Public memory is not very short as to forget that the number two Cabinet minister in the erstwhile Congress regime had usurped his mentor and deserted the party that had groomed him on the eve of 2003 general election only because he coveted the chief minister’s chair,” the NPCC reminded Rio.
‘Safe passage given to one group’
Back to the statement of Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, a self-professed ‘foot in the mouth syndrome’ sufferer, the NPCC noted his claim that the NPF “won the by-election because of the Naga issue.” Imchen has made a mockery of the Naga political issue, the Congress said.
“What is the difference between the NPF and other political parties on Naga political party? He should spell out clearly in what ways the Congress has been always against the Naga political issue. Did he mean that the other Nagas affiliated to the Congress party had not contributed anything to the Naga cause? He should not forget that there are many Nagas who had joined the Congress party after many years of national service because of political compulsion and there are also other Congressmen whose fathers and brothers had fought and died for the Naga cause.”
The NPCC challenged the minister to say, “How many from his bloodline were in the national service during the turbulent times? Which Naga political party and leaders are not concerned with the problem that has remained unresolved till today? Did he mean Naga political issue is minus the members of Congress party? Then, what was the need for the Joint Legislators Forum on Naga political issue?”
Imchen “should stop or at least the chief minister should stop him from double-talk,” the Congress advised the Home minister.
On the allegation of the chief minister that the Congress did not trust the State’s own forces, the opposition said the statement was simply an alibi to cover nefarious designs. “The State government had to come up with one or other explanation to the Chief Election Commission (ECI) which had questioned the illogical deployment of central paramilitary forces in those places. What had the Intangki forest got to do with the by-election?” the Congress asked the DAN government.
The Congress termed “farce” other companies of CRPF were deployed in neighboring districts to prevent so-stated “infiltration of underground elements”. It was a farce when safe passage was already given to one group, the Congress said. “On being directed by ECI, the CRPF companies from Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto and Peren were brought to Mokokchung on the morning of 6th May only,” the NPCC reiterated.
“The Chief Minister and the Home Minister were Congressmen for many years and in Congress they groomed their leaderships. Now, they are talking as if the Congress is untouchable. Such hypocrisy has no place in the eyes of the intellectual Naga public. It looks like the winning syndrome has confused the NPF leaders,” the NPCC remarked.

‘Cong should not blame NPF for defeat’

Dimapur, May 14 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) today mocked the Congress party in Nagaland for ‘championing the political morality of the Nagas’ only to lose out in the Aonglenden elections. The NPF sniped at the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) and the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) saying whether they should take responsibility for the defeat.
“From day one, since the approval of the Congress candidate by their party high command which was duly recommended by the NPCC, the Congress party in Nagaland has been trying to champion the political morality of the Nagas. The NPF observed that their recent struggle to be politically relevant was just an attempt of publicity stunt,” the NPF’s media cell stated in a note today.
The Congress party’s “trademark exercise to blame their political adversaries in all fronts has been spectacularly incompetent”, according to the NPF. In the recent Aonglenden by-election episode, the cell added, whether the NPCC president and the CLP leader should shoulder the responsibility of the defeat of their party candidate or throw the blame only to the NPF. “It is perhaps their decision for the heads to roll,” the NPF media note added.



Frans on 05.16.11 @ 11:41 PM CST [link]


Friday, May 13th

End of road for Jamir? Rahul Karmakar/HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times



End of road for Jamir? Rahul Karmakar/HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times
Guwahati, Once the face of Congress resilience in the Northeast, former Nagaland chief minister SC Jamir, 79, losing his pet Aonglenden assembly seat to the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidate Toshikopba Longkumer by 1,325 votes. By-poll for Aonglenden in Mokokchung district was necessitated by the dea
th of Congress legislator Nungshizenba Longkumer earlier this year. The by-election held on May 7 saw a high 88% turnout.
Jamir, Nagaland’s longest serving chief minister, had never lost Aonglenden before. He had stayed away from electoral politics to be the governor of Goa and Maharashtra. This election was his bid to stage a comeback.
“This could be the end of the road for Jamir,” said a senior Nagaland PCC leader. “The Congress needs to move out of his shadow to be the force it was in Nagaland.”

The rebel National Socialist Council of Nagaland, on truce mode since July 1997, is said to have worked overtime to ensure Jamir’s defeat. Jamir has been the staunchest critic of the outfit and had been attacked several times in the past.
Ex-Nagaland CM Jamir loses Aonglenden by-poll Press Trust Of India IBN
Kohima: Former Nagaland chief minister and senior Congress leader SC Jamir on Friday lost the Aonglenden Assembly by-poll to ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) candidate Toshikopba Longkumer by over 1,300 votes.
Jamir, the longest serving chief minister of Nagaland, had won from the Aonglenden seat in Mokokchong district a number of times in the past.
He was staying away from the state for nearly a decade due to gubernatorial assignments in Goa and Maharashtra.
By-poll for the Aonglenden seat was held on May 7 which saw a high voter turnout of about 88 per cent.
The by-poll was necessitated following the death of Congress MLA Nungshizenba Longkumer in 2011.
Chidambaram reviews law and order in Manipur Iboyaima Laithangbam
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram arrived here on Tuesday for a two-day visit. Soon after his arrival, he was closeted with Manipur Governor Gurubachan Jagat, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, and senior Army and intelligence officers to take stock of the law and order situation.
His visit comes in the backdrop of attempts to bring all the insurgent outfits to the negotiating table. Valley-based outfits, including the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), have been distancing themselves from peace efforts.
On Wednesday, Mr. Chidambaram will visit Ukhrul district to inaugurate a mini secretariat and a guest house. This will be the first time a Union Minister is visiting the border district after the ambush of the independent MLA, W. Keishing, and his entourage in April, in which six Manipur Rifles troopers and two civilians were killed.
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah), which has been holding peace talks for 10 years, says that Mr. Keishing has been acting against the interests of the people.
It may be recalled that Mr. Keishing has been advocating the upgradation of the Phungyar sub-division to a full-fledged district. Some Naga organisations had objected to it.
Nagalim: Leaders Meet Union Minister of Home Affairs UNPO

Leaders of the United Naga Council (UNC) met Indian Union Minister of Home Affairs Palaniappan Chidambaram to discuss their proposal for an alternative administrative arrangement in Nagalim The Times of India:
Leaders of United Naga Council (UNC) on Wednesday [11 May 2011] met Union home minister P Chidambaram at Ukhrul to voice their demand for an alternative administrative arrangement in the Naga areas of Manipur without bringing the state government into the picture. UNC president Samson Remei was among those who met Chidambaram.
UNC, which is a conglomerate of several Naga civil bodies of Manipur, submitted a memorandum to the home minister urging him to expedite tripartite talks on their demand. The first round of tripartite talks involving representatives of the Centre, state and UNC was held at Senapati on December 3 last year [2010].
The memorandum submitted to the home minister urged Chidambaram to urgently put into place an alternative arrangement for Nagas in Manipur, for which immediate resumption of tripartite talks is imperative. "We are making this submission to reiterate that Nagas in Manipur will accept nothing short of an alternative arrangement outside the state of Manipur," it said. "We further strongly urge your good self to expedite the process for putting the same in place, so that the principles of democracy and justice are assured to the Nagas."
UNC said its leaders met the home minister for 20 minutes, during which he assured the delegation that the tripartite talks are important, and added he was keenly observing the progress of the discussion. Chidambaram further said that dialogue should continue at a sustained level and with regularity, said the UNC statement.
The meeting concluded with the mutual agreement that the next round of talks would take place this month in Senapati district.
Besides holding the meeting with the Naga leaders, Chidambaram also inaugurated a mini-secretariat and a guest house in the Tangkhul-dominated district bordering Myanmar. Though chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh accompanied the home minister to Ukhrul, he did not join the meeting with the UNC leaders.
Chidambaram had on Tuesday attended a meeting with governor Gurbachan Jagat and the CM to review the measures taken to combat the law and order problem in Manipur.
Five-time Nagaland chief minister loses by-poll News One
Mokokchung (Nagaland), May 13 (IANS) Veteran Congress leader and former Nagaland chief minister S.C. Jamir Friday lost an assembly by-poll to the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidate Toshikopba Longkumer.
‘Longkumer defeated Jamir by 1,320 votes,’ L.G. Chishi, returning officer of Mokokchung, told IANS.
Jamir, a five-time chief minister and former governor of Maharashtra and Goa, managed to get 4,945 votes, while Longkumer bagged 6,265 votes.
The by-election was necessitated following the death of Congress legislator Nungshizenba Longkumer in 2011.
Jamir, who had never lost an election in his political career, said: ‘It’s a contest and someone must win and lose and I am not losing anything.’
However, Congress termed Jamir’s defeat as a ‘major embarrassment’ for the party, which is plagued with internal bickering over the leadership issue.
‘The party will soon sit and review the cause of our failure,’ said K.L. Chishi, a senior Congress legislator.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated the people of Aonglenden constituency ‘for voting for a change, for believing in youth and for expressing faith in the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland’ government.
With Friday’s victory, the ruling NPF has increased its strength to 35 in the 60-member assembly, while the opposition Congress is reduced to 17.
Naga men assaulted by Assam Police morungexpress
The victim with bruise marks
Dimapur, May 12 (MExN): In another incident that could strain the already fragile relation between the states of Nagaland and Assam, two Naga men were assaulted by Assam Police Wednesday afternoon while on their way to Niuland. The men identified as Qhehovi of P. Vihoto village and Asheto of K. Hetoi village were on their way from P. Vihtoto village to Niuland via Bokajan subdivision in Assam.
Relaying the incident, the victims told The Morung Express that on Wednesday around 3:30 pm while travelling to Niuland in a Maruti van, they were stopped by Assam Police who were tailing behind them in a gypsy. The Assam police suddenly blocked their way by overtaking them and one policeman (an officer) got down from his vehicle and came towards them. Then suddenly without rhyme or reason, the policeman began to slap the man in the driver’s seat. The Naga men were taken by surprise and therefore, questioned the policeman why he was beating them. Then suddenly all the policemen, numbering six, also jumped out of the vehicle and together started thrashing the two of them.
According to the victims, they were kicked and beaten by huge logs all over their bodies. Both the victims’ have sustained severe injuries and one of them has fractured his right hand. Their bodies are all bruised and swollen. The vehicle the two Naga men were traveling in was also damaged completely. The men are reportedly piggery owners.
An FIR was lodged in Dimapur East Police Station today, which was later referred to Niuland Outpost. According to information received here, the Border Magistrates from both sides and the Commandant of the CRPF posted along the Assam-Nagaland border, met today to discuss the issue which could very well escalate into a major one. Authorities of both the Sumi villages under Nuiland sub-division have vehemently condemned the incident. They have taken the matter seriously and have appealed to the Border Magistrate to take appropriate action against the perpetrators.

Westminster Conference Endorses Sikh, Kashmiri and Naga Self-Determination

Westminster, London, 12 May 2011: India’s current temporary UN Security Council seat should serve as an opportunity for the international community to force it to comply with its human rights obligations. That was the call from a major Conference hosted by ‘Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination’ (PNSD) which also endorsed the right of Sikh, Kashmiri and Naga self-determination in their homelands, as well as calls for UN criminal courts to punish those who have directed or carried out gross rights violations by the state in those conflict zones.
Chairing the event, Lord Ahmed castigated India for its formal ‘Reservation’ lodged at the UN under which it purports to deny that the right of self-determination applies to the nations living in Indian controlled territory. The UN’s own Human Rights Committee has demanded India withdraws its infamous ‘Reservation’ against Article 1 of the 1966 Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which grants “all peoples the right to self-determination”; it goes on to provide that “by virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development”. He said the recent cases of East Timor and South Sudan were ample evidence that the international community had accepted the application of this right as a means to end conflict; yet India seems intent on continuing the blood letting in Kashmir, Punjab, Nagalim and elsewhere, where it has opted instead for massive human rights violations as a means of crushing legitimate movements for freedom.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Chair of the All Party Hurriet Conference participated in the event via telephone link from occupied Kashmir and detailed India’s breach of its commitment to the UN and to Kashmiris, made over 65 years ago, to allow the people of the region to decide their own destiny. He condemned India as a state drunk with military power, whose armed forces are accountable to no one in accordance with shameful black laws such as the so-called Public Safety Act, which Amnesty International has recently branded “Unlawful Law”. The Hurriet leader said there was no point to the current Indo-Pak dialogue as it omits the voice of the Kashmiri people; it was a process aimed only at diverting world opinion from the core issue of Kashmiri self-determination and deserved to fail. He demanded India withdraw its armed forces from Kashmir, involve Kashmiris in the dialogue and allow the UN to supervise a plebiscite so the people themselves can shape the outcome in a peaceful manner.
Kanwarpal Singh, spokesman for Dal Khalsa in Punjab also contributed by phone link, called for Nuremburg-type trials to punish Indian officials guilty of war crimes and genocide in Punjab, Kashmir and India’s troubled North East. He demanded a UN sponsored plebiscite in the Sikh homeland to allow the Sikhs to demonstrate, freely and fairly, their backing for the Declaration of Khalistan 25 years ago. He pledged to work with “co-travellers on the path of freedom” to promote, by peaceful and democratic means, the implementation of self-determination wherever India’s imperialism had sought to crush the birth right of freedom.
Special messages were received from several MPs. Fabian Hamiliton MP, Chair of the All Party Group for UK Sikhs, opined that “whether it is in the Punjab, in Kashmir or in the Middle East, the rights of peoples in these regions to self-determination should be strongly supported by the international community”. Khaled Mahmood MP pointed out that, whilst self-determination as a collective human right has been long established by international law, “India, somehow, officially denies it applies to the peoples and nations in the territory controlled by it”; he said that was no way for the Indians to build a case for a permanent UN SC seat. He also called for the human rights violations by India to be addressed: “The rule of law is a pre-requisite to peace and the UN should itself administer justice if the Indian state cannot, or will not, do so”. Marsha Singh MP asked why the Sikhs, as nation, should not be allowed self-determination if they desired freedom and justice in their homeland. He described Kashmir as a time-bomb and said “we need to defuse this time bomb and that self-determination, by peaceful means, is the only viable option”. If 1947 was India’s “tryst with destiny” then it now needs a “tryst with justice” and the international community should bring that about.
Ranjit Singh, of the Council of Khalistan, hailed the historic decision of the Sikh nation in 1986 when its leadership declared the establishment of Khalistan, in the face of an onslaught by the full might of the Indian army; some 200,000 Sikhs have been killed since the genocide began in 1984 with no resolution to the conflict in sight. In the words of Human Rights Watch’s report entitled ‘The Legacy of Abuses in Punjab’, “the deliberate use of torture and execution as counterinsurgency tactics was not merely tolerated but actively encouraged by senior government officials”. India has repeated the pattern in Kashmir. It should now be put in the dock for genocide by the UN itself, after making obvious its policy of granting immunity to the perpetrators of massive state terrorism.
Professor Nazir Shawl of the Kashmir Centre in London recalled how he had been in India in November 1994 when Sikhs were being butchered in their thousands by Government sponsored mobs. The killing machine has since extended its operations to Kashmir and yet the world stands by ; he asked why the aspirations of the people of the Middle East are more important than the aspirations of the Sikhs, Kashmiris and others like the Nagas? Calling for a more principled approach by the international community, he identified the cessation of violent suppression and the holding of UN supervised plebiscites as the only way to restore enduring peace to these shattered regions. The UN SC’s own resolutions on Kashmir were being flouted by a member of that body, which was untenable and repugnant to any right minded person.
Peter Davis of the Naga Support Group in the UK delivered a message from the Foreign Minister of the Government of Nagalim, which has been in negotiation with the Indian government for some 14 years to resolve the Naga struggle for self-determination. The message extended support to the other nations represented within PNSD and lamented that despite 70 rounds of talks “India is yet to demonstrate its real sincerity and preparedness” for a honourable and mutually acceptable solution”.
Manmohan Singh of Dal Khalsa spoke of the need to end India’s murderous treatment of nations and minorities under its control. Muslims (Gujarat in 2002), Christians (Orissa in 2009) and Sikhs (Delhi in 1984) had been subjected to mass violence by mobs unleashed by the state, with thousands being mercilessly killed whilst security forces looked on. In 2010, the US Congressional Committee on Religious Freedoms put India on its watch list of states that permit religious violence and grant immunity to the guilty. He said the Sikhs will pursue their struggle for freedom and were today , more than ever before, inspired by their leaders who bravely declared independence in 1986.
Ms Rana Nazir of the Kashmir Women’s Forum attacked India’s appalling record of extra judicial killings, disappearances, torture and illegal detention which she said was shocking on any analysis. She urged all the nations being targeted by these wanton abuses to work together in solidarity and expose the inhumanity of a failed state. Gurjeet Singh of the Sikh Federation, UK affirmed that the Sikh nation’s historic decision in 1986 to establish Khalistan was irreversible, despite the Indian government’s use of unbridled force in trying to reverse it. He called for the well documented systematic abuses by Indian security forces to be acted on by the UN, specifically for it to establish an ad hoc criminal tribunal to give exemplary punishment to those responsible for the carnage of Sikhs since 1984.
Khawaja Sulehman of the Kashmir Information Centre saw India’s forcible denial of the right of self-determination as an unforgivable policy which was, in any event, doomed to fail. The USSR and Yugoslavia were not able to stifle the nations trapped within their artificial borders and neither will India in the long run. It was time for India to reformulate its approach, accept the just demands of the people it oppresses and implement what international law demands.
Santokh Singh Saran of the Akali Dal (Amritsar) ridiculed India’s so-called secular fabric by highlighting the murderous oppression of religious minorities and the attempt to re-write history by state educational programmes which defame them. He singled out the absurd Article 25 of the Indian Constitution which declares – in the very provision that is supposed to protect freedom of religion – “the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jain or Buddhist religion”. The Sikhs are a religion and a nation, but India refuses to recognise them as anything other than an appendage of Hinduism. This would never be tolerated by any Sikh and independence is the only plausible way forward for the Sikhs if they want to secure their homeland, freedom and dignity.
Irshad Malik called for a strategy to isolate India at the UN, as its record and policies are inconsistent with the declared principles of the world body. Muhammad Ghalib, President of Tehreek-e- Kashmir, welcomed the sincere display of solidarity at the Conference between nations who were seeking nothing other than their lawful rights being denied by a common aggressor. Amrik Singh Sahota, OBE (President, Council of Khalistan) urged Sikhs, Kashmiris and Nagas to redouble their efforts to secure freedom as this was a prize that would not be handed to them by such a committed foe which has ruthlessly dismissed universally cherished humanitarian values.
Resolutions passed on the occasion called for India to withdraw its ‘Reservation’ against Article 1 of the 1966 Covenants, or in default, to be subjected to UN sanctions. Linked with this was a call for UN supervised plebiscites in Punjab, Kashmir and Nagalim. In addition, the UN was called on to set up criminal tribunals to investigate and punish those guilty of massive abuses by the state, including genocide. John Hemming MP endorsed all three Resolutions, reaffirming his support for the event.


PNSD Conference, Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London on 12 May 2011




Frans on 05.13.11 @ 10:44 PM CST [link]


Tuesday, May 10th

Nagaland bypoll peaceful The telegraph



Nagaland bypoll peaceful The telegraph

- 90% polling despite two gelatine stick explosions OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, May 7: Barring a few incidents, the byelection to the Aonglenden Assembly constituency in Nagland passed off peacefully today with a over 90 per cent voter turnout.
There were two gelatine stick explosions at Arkong ward in Mokokchung town in the morning but this could not deter the enthusiastic voters.
Stone-pelting between supporters of former chief minister S.C. Jamir and Naga People’s Front candidate Toshipokba Longkumer was also recorded in the ward. One person was injured in the stone-pelting but was released after initial first aid, police said.
Sources said the NPF candidate was ahead of Jamir, a veteran Naga politician, in Ungma village, the ancestral homes of both the candidates.
Senior leaders, ministers, parliamentary secretaries and legislators of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) as well as leaders of the Congress, which is in Opposition in the state, are still in Mokokchung.
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio has been in Mokokchung for the past week.
Sources said both the parties have allegedly spent huge amounts of money, beyond the Rs 8 lakh upto which candidates can spend, violating the election code of conduct.
The counting of votes will take place on May 13.
Giving details of the security arrangements for the bypoll, Mokokchung superintendent of police Liremo Lotha said besides the district executive force of Mokokchung, additional five companies of IRB, including one of IRB (Mahila), and 10 companies of CRPF had been pressed into service to maintain law and order.
In addition to this, Assam Rifles provided environmental security on the periphery of the constituency.
Lotha said all the 14 polling stations in the constituency had been classified as “critical” and the security forces were well prepared to curb unwanted activities during polling.
There were reports of the presence of a good number of NSCN cadres in the area during polling.
The Congress has alleged intimidation, threat and kidnapping of party workers by the NSCN cadres.
Cong, too, asks NSCN to stay away from poll OUR CORRESPONDENT E Pao
Kohima, The Congress has asked cadres of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) to stay away from the byelection to the Aonglenden Assembly constituency in Mokokchung district slated for tomorrow.
The party said it had specific information of involvement of NSCN (I-M) cadres in the election through intimidation and threat to its workers.
It said active party functionaries were forced to sign documents not to support former chief minister S.C. Jamir, who is contesting against Naga People’s Front candidate Toshipokba Longumer.
Former minister K. Therie said they have received concrete information about the involvement of NSCN (I-M) cadres in the poll and asked them to stay away from the “constitutional state election”.
He said the involvement of militants would not make any difference in this election, because the people cannot be manipulated this time as in the past.
Like Jamir, K. Therie, the former Congress minister, was not in the good books of the NSCN (I-M) for his alleged inclination towards the Naga National Council (NNC), which had accepted the Constitution unconditionally through the Shillong Accord of 1975.
Cadres of the NNC still function from Shillong Accord camps.
“We appeal to Naga national workers to refrain from getting involved in the constitutional state elections. Going against the Congress in the state and negotiating with the Congress in the Centre may not go well as we are all human beings,” Therie said.
He said patience and tolerance would bear fruit in finding solution and not confrontation. The former minister said phone calls were made to Congress workers and they have been called to certain locations and once they reached the place, the cadres made them sign an agreement.
He said this time, the involvement of NSCN (I-M) cadres would not make any difference because the people are aware of their rights.
On the other hand, the NSCN (I-M) has accused the Congress of using the Khaplang group of the NSCN to intimidate and threaten public.
To prove its claim, the outfit apprehended Wapangtemjen of the Khaplang faction, from Chungtia village under Mokokchung district, who along with his comrades were deputed to Mokokchung to support Jamir.
According to the NSCN (I-M), on being interrogated, Wapangtemjen had confessed that he and his group have been deputed from Kehoi Camp, the designated camp of Khaplang cadres, to interfere into the election process.
He allegedly said Jamir had supplied all the arms that he and his friends were carrying
On Naga political issues, Therie said, “The Congress has always believed that the Nagaland political problem to be a human one and it needs to resolved through human approach.”
“Neither the Congress nor individuals have obstructed settlement in all these 14-year-long negotiation. We have rather urged the Centre to settle the problem early,” he said.
“The policy of the Congress is to secure a consensus to find an honourable and acceptable solution. The solution has to be inclusive and not exclusive. Exclusive solutions are not solutions, they are divisive forces,” Therie added.
NSCN presence sparks tension at Mokokchung - The Telegraph -
Kohima, Tension is simmering in Mokokchung because of the presence of a large number of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) cadres in the town ahead of the May 7 byelection to the Aonglenden Assembly constituency. Intelligence sources told The Telegraph that around 80 cadres of the outfit are currently camping in town.

Security agencies, however, said the flush-out was merely an eyewash. They added that the NSCN had deployed around 80 heavily armed cadres in Mokokchung from its battalion camp at Chungtia village, about 30km away, who were camping in different colonies in the town, including the high security area where residences of the deputy commissioner and other top district administration officers were located.

The associate press secretary of Naga People’s Front (NPF), the main constituent of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), Shilumar Ao, said the government would provide foolproof security to ensure free and fair poll. “People should not be afraid of threats and intimidation,” he said.

Former chief minister S.C. Jamir is contesting the byelection against NPF candidate Toshipokba Longkumer. The NSCN (I-M) had vehemently criticised Jamir for contesting the election, stating that he would try to sabotage the ongoing Naga peace process with the Centre.

Chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who is campaigning in Mokokchung for the past four days, has urged the cadres to stay away from the polls or face the wrath of the security forces. “They should never get involved in the elections. This is not their game,” Rio said.
Nagaland by Jonathan Glancey: review
Jonathan Glancey's book about this forgotten corner of India is informative, but doesn't quite deliver, writes Basharat Peer.
Most of the recent writing about India deal with its economic success, social change and vigorous, colourful electoral politics.

Nagaland by Jonathan Glancey
For years, I struggled to find books on the conflict in Kashmir, where I grew up. Eventually journalists from the region, including myself, wrote accounts of our war, our home. I have shared that feeling of being compelled to tell a story with various Naga friends I made in New Delhi.
While Naga writers are still reporting on or imagining their homeland on India’s north-eastern border with China, the Guardian journalist Jonathan Glancey has produced a historically informed account of his journeys through Nagaland.
Although Kashmir and Nagaland have different histories and legal arrangements with the Indian state, both share a desire for independence, a history of insurgency, ruthless military campaigns and little hope of a peaceful future.
I set about reading Glancey’s Nagaland with great expectation, delighted he had taken time to tell this much-ignored story. It turned out to be slightly different. Glancey’s father and uncle had lived in India and during his childhood he heard stories of their colonial adventures. What actually sets Glancey out on his journey is the search for his own Shangri-La.
The first part is a tiring justification of his search, summaries of the attempts of colonial Shangri-La seekers, stories of Sir Wilfred Thesiger and TE Lawrence. I was ready to give up at the point he writes: “There is in many of us a desire to both live a civilised life and experience, if only temporarily, a wilder, less controlled world.”
His account improves with his discussion of American missionaries, their conversion of the Nagas to Christianity, and the spread of education. He writes with feeling about the Battle of Kohima, where Naga warriors and British forces fought valiantly against the Japanese.
A mission-educated Naga insurance salesman, AZ Phizo was among those who hoped a Japanese victory would end the British Raj and help to create an independent Nagaland. After 1947, Phizo led calls for independence, heading the Naga National Council before moving to England and spending his life lobbying for the Naga cause. In the Sixties, India carved out the state of Nagaland and tried to pacify the region. A long, brutal war continued between Indian forces and rebels led by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah). Around 200,000 people have died in the struggle. India’s counter-insurgency efforts have been marred by human rights abuses, from burning villages to rape and torture. Naga insurgents, too, have been accused of extortion and murder.
It is the last third of this book, where Glancey writes about the Naga battles with independent India, that is quite rewarding. He has empathy for the Naga people and explains the politics well. The rebel group NSCN (I-M) declared a ceasefire in 1997. Peace talks have moved slowly, but violence has reduced.
A new generation of Nagas is now seeking non-violent ways to find a better future. The first novel from Nagaland, A Naga Village Remembered, by Easterine Kire Iralu, was published in 2003. As Iralu explains to Glancey, “it is only by understanding Nagaland that one might begin to unravel its politics and to address its future”.
Nagaland: a Journey to India’s Forgotten Frontier by Jonathan Glancey


Frans on 05.10.11 @ 12:02 AM CST [link]


Thursday, May 5th

NSCN lashes out at Jamir OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph



NSCN lashes out at Jamir OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph

Kohima, May 4: The NSCN (Isak-Muivah) has warned former chief minister S.C. Jamir and his brother Sungit Jamir, the president of Nagaland PCC, about concocting stories about the group’s purported plan to assassinate S.C. Jamir. In a statement issued this evening, the NSCN (I-M) said it had taken a “serious view” of the brothers’ failure to respond to its call for confessional statements “with reference to their devious role in mechanising rumour of purported assassination plan on the life of S.C. Jamir by the NSCN”.
The statement said the “concocted story” by the NPCC president had sounded a false alarm in Delhi, which had subsequently issued a directive — vide F No. 9/28/97-T, dated April 15, 2011 and issued by the director of North East Cell under the Union home ministry, M.C. Mehanathan — to Nagaland to provide full security cover to S.C. Jamir.
The outfit alleged that Union minister of state for planning and parliamentary affairs, science and technology, Ashwani Kumar, who was recently here to campaign for Jamir, had left Nagaland with a heavy bag of gratitude gift for denouncing its ongoing peace process with the Centre. It condemned Kumar’s statement that a Naga solution could not be found outside the Constitution. Jamir is contesting the May 7 byelection to Aonglenden Assembly as a Congress candidate.
“This is calculated to make the simpletons believe that no solution will come out of the talks and that Jamir is the only and the best option for the Nagas,” the statement stated. It alleged that Jamir was performing such “cheap acts deplorable from all aspects” to boost his sagging position in the byelections. The statement exhorted the people not to “make such a person a leader”, saying that Jamir had a long track record of being opposed to the “Naga national” struggle for recognition of their rights. It said this was evident ever since the outfit signed its first ceasefire in 1964 and when the second ceasefire and the peace process took off in 1997.
The statement said during the chief ministers’ conference in Delhi in 2004, Jamir had stated that the NSCN must accept the Indian Constitution and if they refused, they must be declared a terrorist organisation and should be crushed and had told asked Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh in 2010 to oppose Naga integration.
NSCN/GPRN says Jamir is “opposed to the Naga national struggle” MIP GPRN
The failure of S.C. Jamir and Sungit Jamir to positively respond to the earlier call for confessional statements with reference to their devious role in mechanizing rumour of purported assassination plan on the life of S.C. Jamir by NSCN, has been seriously viewed.
The concocted story that sounded false alarm to Delhi by the NPCC President resulted to issuing a directive vide F No 9/28/97-T dated 15th April 2011 by one Dr. M.C. Mehanathan, Director, North East Cell, under the Indian Home Ministry, to Nagaland state to provide full security cover to Jamir. Further, it is learnt from reliable source that Ashwani Kumar left Nagaland with a heavy bag of gratitude gift for denouncing the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process. This is calculated to make the simpletons believe that no solution will come out of the talks and that Jamir is the only and the best option for the Nagas. And therefore to boost his otherwise sagging position in the 26 Aonglenden by-elections such treacherous and cheap acts deplorable from all aspect were performed by him. S.C. Jamir has a long record track of being deadly opposed to the Naga national struggle for recognition of our rights. During the 1st Indo-Naga cease-fire, in his letter to Shilu Ao, the then Chief Minister of Nagaland, Jamir expressed strongly against any kind of solution for the better future of the Nagas. He has his foot prints in the entire major crisis Nagas went through the years. S.C. Jamir was instrumental in both 1978 Military coup staged by Lt. Col. Supong and the 1988 Khaplang’s abortive coup. His so-called “Peace Offensive” of 1996 saw hundreds of innocent civilians butchered. When the 2nd Indo-Naga cease-fire and the peace process took off in 1997, Jamir was tooth and nail opposed to it and gradually instigated the peaceful neighbouring states with his infamous statement in 2001, “as for me it is ok but it is for the neighbouring states to react”. And the hell bent loose! During the Chief Ministers’ conference in Delhi in 2004, S.C. Jamir stated that NSCN must accept Indian constitution and if they refused, they must be declared terrorist organization and should be crushed. In the early part of 2010, Jamir went to Manipur and told Ibobi Singh and Rishang Keishing to totally oppose the Naga Integration. Beloved countrymen, a raven will always be a raven. It can never become a dove. So also, S.C. Jamir will never change his color. Such false teacher can never be a true leader of the people but rather people are used as his ladder to climb up to his seat to serve his own purpose. Therefore it will be folly on the part of the people to make such a person a leader.

Ministry of Information & Publicity
Government of People’s Republic of Nagalim
Working towards a state of peace Cathnews




An army of 5,000 messengers is fanning out all over Nagaland to set up a “culture of peace”.
The messengers - school and college students, teachers and civil society leaders - are part of the ‘Peace Channel’ pioneered by Father C. P. Anto.
“The Peace Channel is a new attempt to educate young people in peace and human rights,” says Father Mathew Thuniampral, who directs Kohima diocese’s Education Commission.
Kohima is the capital of Nagaland state, which borders Myanmar and where insurgent groups have unleashed a reign of terror.
Church people say kidnappings, robbery and drug-related problems are common in the area, as is the scourge of HIV/AIDS. The state’s 16 principal tribes have different linguistic and dialectical variations, a major reason for internecine conflicts.
Father Anto, who also directs the Peace Channel, claims the movement has succeeded in uniting various tribal and religious communities to work for peace and development in the region.
The movement, which started in 2005, now has over 5,000 members, including around 100 teachers and more than 500 civil society leaders, who work in tandem to create positive changes in society, the priest said.
It all began, 14 years ago, when Father Anto came to the aid of the principal of Loyola School, where he was teaching as a seminarian. Six armed young men came to the school demanding money. Father Anto pleaded with the robbers not to shoot the principal when one of the youths took aim at him.
A few days later some of the robbers were killed.
“The news hit me hard. They were young men lost to violence. I decided to do something to create peace in this trouble-torn region. So I began the Peace Channel.”
It was launched on September 21, 2005, at an interfaith meeting where more than 2,000 youths came forward to try and make a difference in society by making a pledge for peace, Father Anto recalled.
The movement conducts interfaith meetings, ecumenical gatherings and inter-cultural exchange programs, as well as running its People’s Forum for Peace.
“We have succeeded a great deal in reducing the differences among religions and cultures,” Father Anto claimed. Yomakumba, a student and Peace Channel member in Dimapur agrees.
“I am a completely transformed person after joining. I never pictured myself as being so confident and bold. But here I am doing all the things I thought were impossible,” he said. The main reason for this, he says, he now has “so many friends from different tribes, religions and regions.”
Angela Pao, a tenth grader, says her friends have helped bring positive changes in people she meets. “My club visits hospitals to pray for patients and show them our care and concern.” Robert Myingthungo, another member, says they have also found jobs for some school dropouts. Source: ucanews.com
Need to ponder on Nagaland P.H John, Kohima Morungexpress
However hilly Nagaland might be, It stands upright with its own uniqueness as other nations. From the very inception of the political movement the Naga people had committed to shun violence with a view for an honorable life but no nation on earth at the cost of historical or political rights. And this fundamental- universal truth cannot be misconstructed altogether. This important right is necessarily required to be recognized by the civilized nations through their versatile administrators.
Against this background, our Naga intellectuals and leaders need retrospection and introspection vis-ŕ-vis our pending political issue in order to draw and bring a logical inference once and for all. At times, it is also important to keep in mind that it may not be very proper for any Naga to oppose any matter which is right and acceptable to our society as a whole. Unity and integrity of our minds, soul and hearts is very much required to this effect in achieving the aspirations of our people, the greate4r interest of the Nagas as a whole should be placed above our own respective interests. I am not as intelligent a person to understand the minds of the Naga leaders but as a Naga I know the hearts of the Naga people by and large.
It will not be wise on our part to prolong or take time to understand the common necessity together. Because we shall be accountable for what will happen either good or bad in future to be judged by our posterity as the history goes down from generation to generation.
It is also very natural that people all over the world wish to support the right person and not the force of the person or group because they respect the person inwardly out of love and not out of fear or obligation whatever. In other words, people respect the truthfulness of the person more than the person with position or status whichever.
For good purposes, regardless of who we are or what they do, everything is possible if we live with love which is also from God. There is no problem which cannot be solved if we really want to solve it from the core of our hearts.
As such, today, as reconciliation has become an every-day word among the Nagas for better-life chances in future, everything will be possible through love- the quality of the soul which does not recollect the past mistakes but justifies for larger life in the spirit of brotherhood and Nagaism which will certainly restore our national legitimacy as a nation through which trustworthiness will flourish as truthful we shall be to ourselves and to god. To quote William Cowper, an English poet, “England, with all thy false I love thee still”.
In conclusion, the Naga people wish to see Nagaland, a Nagaland of our own where we can feel free with love and dignity. This Nagaland is possible only through converting the difficulties into opportunities. This inevitable dream unlike other dreams, we believe, will certainly come true with the intervention of our eternal-heavenly unmoved mover in his own time so as to reveal the glorious things of heaven to his mankind. And this may be possible if we really want to see by listening to the call of the FNR (Forum for Naga Reconciliation).
In conversation with Makiko Kimura By Anjuman Ara Begum, TwoCircles.net,
Makiko Kimura is a well-known Japanese scholar among the academicians in India. She has worked as Research Associate, the International Peace Research Institute, Meiji Gakuin University, Tokyo. She arrived in India on a research visa as a research scholar in the JNU in 2000 and that’s the beginning and no stopping. As a sociologist, Makiko worked on crucial issues in north east India particularly in Assam on the Nellie massacre, internal displacement and land issues. Makiko spoke her mind to Anjuman Ara Begum of TwoCircles.net and shared her interests and works in north east India.

Makiko Kimura
When was the first time you heard about north east India?
In 1997-98, when I started my research in Japan I wanted to study about the indigenous movement in India. I did lots of internet research and came to know about the Naga movement for independence. The first document I read about Nagaland was regarding some memorandum submitted to the United Nations’ working Group on Indigenous issues. I read in different journals about the struggles and the movement in 1950s and it was so much fascinating for me. My father was posted in Delhi when he was working in the aviation sector. I came to Delhi, went to different book stores and came to know about the Naga issues. I was wondering why these people didn’t get their demands met. They have even done referendums. So that became my topic for MA dissertation in Kiyo University.
Did you get enough material on the topic in a place like Delhi?
There are some books mostly from Indian academics, mainly by politicians and bureaucrats who were dealing with the issue. Reading those books gave me a clear idea of the sequence of events happening till the Shillong Accord of 1975. But I couldn’t get a clear idea of what happened after 1975. Also after 1980s, the Naga groups were operating from jungle. And also it was the time when organizations like NPMHR started using UN mechanisms. Indigenous People Declaration also came into being during that period. So I took it as an issue of further research and did my dissertation for MA in Japan.
What took you to India, particularly north east India?
I wanted to do my research on Nagaland and I am a sociologist. For a sociologist, field work is very important and people told me that being a foreigner, I cannot enter Nagaland. Getting restricted area permit to travel to Nagaland would be very difficult for me. So that was the time I switched to Assam. It was 1999 when I decided it and the AASU (All Assam Students Union) movement was peaceful and I thought it would not be a problem. I could do field work in Assam. I applied in the JNU and got fellowship. So that was the beginning.
Then what got you to Nellie?
I started studying how AASU started the mobilization process. I heard about Nellie and decided to visit the place. I had no previous idea that it was such a huge massacre. All I knew is that there was some attack.
What was your first impression about Nellie?
It was 2001. I stayed there for two months. My first impression is that it looked very cool and peaceful. I lived with a Tiwa family. They were very hospitable and always ready to help. On the other hand, I found the Muslims very reluctant to talk. If I asked something, they were hesitant and I would go here and there and wonder why. In the beginning, Muslim people found it difficult to talk about the incident. It was easy for the attackers to talk about the happenings but not the victims.
What do you think is the reason?
Well, it could be frustration. Also I had a Tiwa interpreter with me. So may be people were reluctant. Later I took a Muslim interpreter and that time people were easier to talk to me. But this kept troubling me to think why non-Muslims were easy to talk about it and Muslims reluctant. It’s also fear. I focused more why the Tiwa were so enthusiastic to talk about it. Tiwas informed me that after the movement they stopped calling themselves Assamese. Tiwa people told me that they did a lot of sacrifices for the movement.
What was the 2004 incident in which you were not allowed to deliver a talk in Guwahati?
I was supposed to deliver a talk at the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development in 2004 on the Nellie massacre and Prof. Sanjib Barua invited me. But just half an hour before the scheduled talk, we got a fax from the Home Department asking to stop it as it may hamper the peace and tranquility in the state. It was stopped immediately.
What is the topic of your Ph.D.?
My Ph.D. is on the Assam movement and I did a chapter on Nellie on how people remember the massacre. I focused on how people narrate the incident after so many years. I completed my Ph.D. in 2004 from JNU.
Does it include media representation of the Nellie massacre? If yes, what is your view about the representation in the media about Nellie massacre and what people narrated before you? Do you find a difference?
Yes. I covered the Assamese and Bengali media reporting on the Nellie massacre as well as the pan Indian media. What happened and what was reported in the media were quite different. At that time too many incidents were happening. The Assamese media didn’t get hold of all the incidents happening. They were also not clear about what was happening where. Nellie was first reported in the pan Indian media partly because a journalist from the national media happened to be the eye witness of the whole massacre. Some massacres that took place in remote areas were not reported. Nellie was more or less accessible. The Times of India reported on Nellie.
Besides the Nellie research, what are the other issues you have studied on North east India?
After doing research I was interested to study land issues as lots of problems erupted from it. So I did my post doctorate on land issues in Assam. I did field work in Jonia, Nagoan district. I also studied about the encroachment of forest in Balipara of Sonitpur district.
What is your current focus? I want to study on the displacement in BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Administered Districts) areas of Assam. I would like to write a book on it.
Government willing to promote ecotourism morungexpress
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio visits community fishing on the bank of River Tizu near Meluri on April 30. (DIPR Photo)

Meluri, May 2 (DIPR): Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio laid the foundation stone of an Integrated Tourist Destination and Eco-adventure at Tizu River, Meluri, on April 30. The programme was held at the bank of Tizu River, which is a few kilometer away from Meluri town.
Planning to start a runway short service for touristsAddressing the gathering, Rio stated that the present government is giving a special emphasis for developing backward areas of the state. He said that the area under Meluri sub-division is very rich in minerals and natural resources and if it is properly developed than it could be a source of tourist attraction and the mineral can be exported to neighbouring Myanmar to uplift the economy. He added that the government is willing to give their full support to promote ecotourism and the place could be developed to make it a popular tourist destination; however the success depended on the co-operation and active participation of the people. The public should preserve and protect the natural environment, he maintained. Hunting and fishing are in our blood and we Nagas have a habit of killing/destroying whatever we can hold on, but from now on we have to learn to preserve and nurture them in order to make the area a tourist hot spot, he said. Rio also encouraged the youth to take up professional courses such as, hotel management and catering hospitability courses in order to attract tourist when they visit the area. He stressed on the importance of maintaining ecological balance and called for active support from the public for preservation and protection of the natural environment.
The programme also included community fishing where hundreds of river fishes were displayed to the visiting dignitaries. Rio called on the gathering to organize an annual traditional fishing festival to attract tourist to the area. He also encouraged them to preserve the forest around the tourist destination and eco adventure site and assured them to give financial assistance equal to the value of the area preserved. He disclosed that the state government is planning to start a runway short service for tourists visiting Nagaland. The air service would cater for ferrying tourist in the state, he added.
The Chief Minister and his entourage also visited community fishing site. The programme was chaired by Director Tourism, K.Yanpanthang Kikon, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Riepetho Nyuwi. Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Law & Justice, Yitachu, gave a welcome address, while the invocation was led by Pastor, MVBC Rev. T. Kachusie and benediction was pronounced by Deacon, MVBC, Pesatho Kajiri. The function was also attended by Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Kuzholuzo Nienu, Minister for Agriculture, Dr.Chumben Murry, Chairman NKVIB Dr. Nicky Kire, Deputy Commissioner Phek, SP Phek and other government officials and public.

FNR work cut bloodshed, not DAN govt, says NPCC morungexpress


Dimapur, May 1 (MExN): The Nagaland Congress today strongly reminded the Naga People’s Front (NPF) not to claim the due credit of pacifists and civil organizations led by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) whose endeavor resulted in the drastic decrease in violence and deaths in Nagaland due to “UG activities.” The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee admitted today that the credit should go to the FNR and Naga civil organizations while the “credit of more extortion” belongs to the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland Government.
“To be honest, the Congress feels that the credit of present situation of less factional clashes and killing should go to FNR and the credit of more extortion to DAN Govt. The new addition of extortion industry of DAN is Municipal Committees and Town Councils,” the media cell of the NPCC today
The Congress also termed the NPF ‘figures’ to be the result of “selective amnesia” as the figures they furnished were incomplete. “The comparison of the periods by furnishing such figures is irrelevant as DAN government has come to power after Ceasefires were signed between GoI and both NSCNs. Since they forgot to mention the figures for the first tenure, NPCC will table the figures for public consumption,” the note stated.
In response, the NPCC also listed aggressions allegedly committed by NPF workers during elections after the announcement of 26 Aolengden A/c by-elections. According to the Congress, NPF supporters attacked one Akang a retired Assistant Director of Industries and his son one Alem, an architect engineer at Antsuok kong Sector in Ungma at around 5.30 Pm on April 8. “Ungma village Council took up the case and two of the culprits (NPF supporters) were fined one Pig each,” the NPCC informed.
In addition, the Intelligence also detected illegal arms by NPF supporters, the NPCC stated. “This was justified through the incident on 17/04/11 late night (2.00 O clock) where Mr. Lanusowa Longkumer (an ardent supporter of Mr Toshipokba NPF candidate) was shot on the head by his co-worker with an illegal and unlicensed Arm. He was taken immediately to Jorhat but died of the injury after ten hours at Jorhat. This case was taken up by the Village Council Ungma on 29/04/11 and the culprit was fined a pig and a cultivable land on which could be sowed 30 tins of paddy seeds belonging to the accused was given to the victim’s family as compensation for the death as per the customary law. Further the seized arm was forwarded to the nearest police station.”
Further, on April 26, the NPCC stated, NPF supporters blocked

Nagaland is at the crossroad a road at Mekumpong sector and attacked Congress workers. 3 persons were injured out of which two person one Temjenpokba, 50 years old and one Takotemjen 30 years old years old, were taken outside the state for further medical investigation, the Congress said.
The NPF gave many more of such instances where the NPF allegedly resorted to violence. “The people can judge for themselves the manner in which the NPF is behaving in the bye elections. The NPCC appeals to the people of Nagaland and particularly the people, administration and security forces to ensure free and fair election,” the NPCC added.

K. Therie Morungexpress
Politically Nagaland people are at the crossroad and economically not only bankrupt but under debt trap. 35 years of Shillong Accord without negotiation, 14 years of negotiation without solution, 10 years of Ceasefire Agreement between GPRN/NSCN without negotiation; and DAN Government claims that the political peace process is in the right direction.
We cannot continue to stand at the crossroad. We have lived in dreamland for too long. We must wake up to reality. We need new direction. We in Congress believe in consensus to resolve the political problem. We believe in truth and reality. “Ye shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32.
On the other hand we must realize that Nagaland is on the verge of disintegration because of ignoring the will of people for Unity then Solution; unrelenting economic exploitation in all the backward districts and discrimination in jobs due to nepotism and ill will.
There is a general feeling of insecurity to life and property. There is a feeling of insecurity towards the future of our economic growth. There is a feeling of insecurity amongst the young generations who are increasingly looking for their futures outside the state. Unemployment and lack of opportunity is driving our youths to extortion industry. The few Naga Youths that venture in the state continue to face harassment and extortion by multi-self styled govts.
Nagaland Govt is a helpless Govt. They have remained mute to illegal activities in the state. They know things are wrong but they want to loot money to buy votes for the next election. They know things are wrong but want the support of wrong doers to win. NPF party has never admitted it’s wrong and corrected. NPF shamelessly defend red handed corruption and criminals. They are in the river of return of corruption.
Financially Nagaland is under serious debt trap of over 6,000crs. Had the UPA not given additional Financial Assistance of Rs. 936crores (Rs.712crs and Add Plan Assistance of Rs.226crs) during 2010-11, the state would have landed into financial embargo and could have attracted Presidential Rule under Art.360. The state debt is alarmingly to the tune of Rs.2, 337crores during 2011-12 (Deficit of 602crs + Civil Deposit of 635crs + pension and GPF dues of 400crs and + debt serving about 700crs annually). Today, the state depends for 96% of funds from the Government of India to run the State. State’s own resources hardly constitute 4% from business tax and royalties. DAN has failed to generate state’s own revenue in any form.
Moreover, the state’s Govt employees are treated as bull workers and thrown out onto the streets. Their pensions and GPF are their hard earned genuine dues. There is no reason why they should not be paid. The dictatorial behavior of DAN Govt upon Govt employees is unacceptable to the Congress. Perhaps, DAN will devise a new way to unceremoniously dismiss another few thousand employees in the future.
There is no need to introduce Dr.SC Jamir, but it will be beneficial for the people of Nagaland to keep in mind that he is Member of the Central Working Committee which is the highest policy making Committee of the nation today. Such opportunity is rare for Nagas.
There is no good enough reason to reject Dr.SC Jamir in the present situation; if not bribe. Taking bribe is nothing less than prostitution. Allowing bribers to decide the future of Nagaland is leading the state to its dead end.
I appeal to Nagaland people to honestly pray and particularly Aonglenden voters to show wise decision to Nagaland and refrain from sinful temptations. I also appeal that the citizens refrain from making decisions under the influence of liquor. We need change and it will be change for good for Nagaland.

K. Therie
Former Finance Minister


Frans on 05.05.11 @ 09:56 PM CST [link]




News: Main Page
News: Archives
Nagalim: Home

Powered By Greymatter